Category: Regions

Known to the World as “Mr. Misunderstood,” McKinley James is Playing the Guitar and Making a Name for Himself

McKinley James, the 16-year-old, self-proclaimed “rock and roller,” was featured in Eric Church’s 2014 release Mr. Misunderstood of which he also appeared on the cover and the corresponding video.

James has since been making himself more understood by those listening to him play the blues and good, old-fashioned rock and roll with his guitar. He just recently dropped a live EP, McKinley James Live in Nashville, and is currently on tour. He’ll come rolling into town this week to play at The Ale House in Troy on Sunday, Jan. 14, at 8 p.m. For tickets and information, go to brownpapertickets.com.

We were able to exchange a few emails back and forth to find out what’s going in James’ life, and what people ought to know about Mr. Understood.

Michael Hallisey: You’re a teenager in Nashville. You as a music lover, that’s got to be a wonderful place to live.

McKinley James: Moving to Nashville was a really exciting move, there is great live music happening everywhere. Also moving here has inspired me to practice much more, everywhere you turn is an amazing guitar player.

MH: You’re originally from Webster, NY — when did you move to Tennessee? What was that like for you?

MJ: We moved about a year and a half ago, it was exciting. We had visited Nashville many times before we moved so my parents could figure things out like where we should live, so when we were there my dad would take me out to clubs so I could see as much live music as I could.

MH: Your taste in music is not “normal,” and you are aware of how far-reaching your curiosity and tastes lead you. How did your appreciation in the blues develop?

MJ: I grew up with listening to all my dad’s (Jason Smay of The Los Straitjackets) records and he’s a big fan of blues music, plus he played in lots of blues bands so I was always around it.

MH: How much did your father play a role in your love for music?

MJ: A lot! My younger brothers know a lot about music, too, because it’s always on at the house.

MH: Blues music is more than just a genre — can you share with me how you feel while you listen and when you play?

MJ: Well, that’s a tricky question. Blues music to me is the base for all the styles of music I love and play. I consider myself more of a rock and roller. I try to play what feels good, not necessarily a certain genre. In my live shows we play rock ’n’ roll and soul music, too.

MH: Please break down for me how you wound up associated with Eric Church for “Mr. Misunderstood”?

MJ: That’s a really long story! But, short version is, we were visiting Nashville staying with Mr. John Peets who is Mr. Church’s manager. How we got to stay there is another story, but Mr. Peets met my brothers and me while we were there, and I guess he noticed me wandering around all day in the house, outside playing my guitar, and that I was a greaser and only 13. Fast forward a few months and Mr. Church delivered his new record to Mr. Peets, and the title track “Mr. Misunderstood.” Mr. Peets said it hit him that I was that kid! Didn’t care about anything but what I was into, which is music, and for me going the opposite direction than the crowd never bothered me.

MH: How was that experience for you, and what did you learn?

MJ: The experience was awesome. Mr. Peet’s is one of the coolest guys I’ve met. His love for music is awesome, and he treated my family and me like we were his family. Getting to meet Mr. Church was great. He is a super nice guy, too. As is his awesome band. I’ve actually become good friends with Jeff Cease, lead guitar player in Mr. Church’s band. I learned that in the music business opportunity can happen anywhere and at anytime.

MH: You are in the midst of a tour, do you have a record release in the works?

MJ: We are starting to put demos together for a session later this spring.

MH: With the old stereotype of blues being something for older men and women, what kind of reception do you get on stage?

MJ: I think that with all music if you are true to what’s in your heart and enjoy performing, people can connect young or old. it’s the feeling that gets people, not necessarily the genre. I love some Dr. Dre songs and get as excited as when I hear Bobby Blue Bland.

This article was originally published by The Spot 518

January 12, 2018
Space Carnival release video for “Queen of Cups”

Space Carnival has released the video for “Queen of Cups,” the result of the band’s 2017 songwriting that means new material in 2018. With pop aspects and a progressive vibe, “Queen of Cups” is the result of the band’s growth and focus and an infectious tune, and was recorded at SubCat Studios in Syracuse.

Catch Space Carnival this winter throughout New York

January 20th: 7th Annual Wintercourse, The Knitting Factory, Brooklyn (with Cousin Earth, Bella’s Bartok and Space Carnival)
February 2nd: Olive Ridley’s, Plattsburgh (with Formula 5)
February 3rd: The Range, Ithaca (with Formula 5)
February 10th: The Spinning Room, Tannersville
February 15th: Garcia’s at The Cap, Port Chester
February 23rd: The Hollow, Albany (moe. afterparty with Floodwood)
April 14th: The Westcott Theatre, Syracuse (with Infected Mushroom)

January 12, 2018
YACHT Does The Great Scott on January 15

On Monday, January 15, Los Angeles based dance-pop trio YACHT will be hitting The Great Scott in Allston, MA with their rhythmic and focused tunes. The concert is an 18+ event, tickets are $15 at Great Scott Boston and the doors open at 8:30 pm. The group is kicking off 2018 with as twelve-date tour in support of their most recent EP, Strawberry Moon.

YACHT began as the solo project of Jona Bechtolt, a musician and multimedia artist who dropped out of high school in the 90s to play drums in a touring punk band. In the early 2000s, he brought his DIY sensibility to laptop production, partnering with vocalist Khaela Maricich to release two albums with The Blow, a wonky pop group that gained a loyal following after 2006’s breakout Paper Television.

YACHT transformed from a solo project to a duo with the addition of writer Claire L. Evans, who was on board for their critically-acclaimed album See Mystery Lights, named “Best New Music” by Pitchfork and a “Critic’s Choice” by the New York Times in 2009. The pair have collaborated closely since, forming the nucleus of a nervy and experimental live band which has expanded and contracted on tours with LCD Soundsystem, Hot Chip, Vampire Weekend, M83 and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

You can check out their music here and follow them on their journey via Twitter. If you do not get the chance to see them in Boston, check out one of these other shows:

YACHT 2018 TOUR DATES

01-12 Chicago, IL – Schuba’s
01-13 Toronto, ON – The Garrison
01-15 Boston, MA – Great Scott
01-16 New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
01-18 Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s
01-19 Washington, DC – Rock & Roll Hotel
02-03 Seattle, WA – Baboza
02-05 Vancouver, BC – Fox Cabaret
02-06 Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
02-07 San Francisco, CA – The Independent
02-09 Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room
02-10 Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom

January 11, 2018
Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight Heading Into Fifth and Most Exciting Season Yet

Imagine a cross between the shows Off Camera with Sam Jones and NPR’s Tiny Desk. Picture the best musicians in the local scene performing and being interviewed at neighborhood venues. And then envision yourself being part of a live audience. For music lovers in Rochester, this is a reality. Music journalist Dan Gross has devoted the past year and a half to bringing this vision to life. Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight highlights the best of the rich and diverse music scene in Rochester, which was recently voted best music town by staff in the Best of NYS Music poll.

With an exciting lineup of guests and the support of sponsors, Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight’s “Season5” promises to be exciting. “We want to make this the biggest season yet,” Gross told NYS Music. During the off season, he lined up a slew of talented performers. To support the expansion of the program to sixteen episodes, new and returning sponsors are pledging support. One of the new partnerships has led to the creation of a spin-off series. To top it all off, a fundraising campaign this month may make it possible to to air the series on television, in addition to the web.

Rochester’s Premiere Music Interview and Performance Series

“Season 5” will showcase sixteen musical acts representing a variety of genres. Among the guests slated to appear are Grammy-nominated jazz saxophonist Jimmie Highsmith Jr., beloved folk band The Honey Smugglers, blues singer/pianist Hanna PK, and comedic songs by Small Signals from their Missed Connections album. This season concludes with the series’ landmark fiftieth episode.

The majority of episodes are filmed at Bop Shop Records, an independent record shop that carries a wide array of music and specializes in fine condition vinyl. Serving the community since 1982, the shop was originally in Village Gate and is now located at 1460 Monroe Ave. It was the first sponsor of the Spotlight, a partner since the second season in mid-2016. Gross is grateful for the the shop’s owner, Tom Kohn, as the use of venue space allowed the show to expand from a straight interview program to a mixed interview and concert format.

“To say that Bop Shop Records is the reason this show is happening is an exceptional understatement,” Gross said. “This place – a space dedicated to kindness, building a community and helping people, and great music and records regardless of genre – are the same values that the Spotlight lives by.”

Over the previous four seasons, the show has featured some of the best of the pool of talented independent musicians with roots in Rochester. Spotlight alumni include Ben Morey & The Eyes, Lost Wax Collective, The Crooked North, Daniel Bennett Group, Talking Under Water, The Mighty High And Dry, and Tart Vandelay.

“We really enjoyed being able to perform at Bop Shop,” said Marty LoFaso of Tart Vandelay. “The show is a great, one-of-a-kind aspect of our music scene.”

Filling a Niche

The longevity of Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight can be credited to both the quality of programming and the high standards established by Gross. After graduating college with a double major in Broadcasting and Music, he has found many outlets for his talents. He has bylines as a writer for the Democrat and Chronicle and Eastman School of Music. He’s on the crew of the local web show My Hometown. You can also find Gross hosting and producing the music interview podcast “Extended Harmony” for jazz record label Outside In Music and hosting a show on Jazz 90.1 on Mondays from 6-8pm.

Gross started Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight because he wanted to find a way to combine his broadcast journalism skills with his deep appreciation for the Rochester music scene.

“The philosophy of the show has always been to try to come at it with a journalistic approach,” said Gross. “I believe one of the reasons the show is successful is that it’s not gimmicky… The show doesn’t substitute a gimmick for meaningful material.”

The overarching goal is to become a benchmark for musicians, providing them with not only exposure to a wider audience and a shareable video, but to be able to become a stepping stone in their career. “I want my show to get to the point where if you’ve come on, that’s a stepping point for you,” Gross said. “I want to give people that ‘Spotlight boost.’”

“If you’re not doing it to help someone out, what’s the point?” Gross went on to explain. “That’s the difference between content and something that’s meaningful, is that it’s about people. Content is about views. But I’m trying to help people. There are people who live here who don’t understand how much live music is here, or how important Rochester is as an arts community.”

Growing The Local Scene

The show has grown from humble DIY beginnings with Gross conducting interviews and friend Stacey Baran on camera. Gross has operated the program on a shoestring budget, learning how to do a multitude of technical tasks himself, including audio mixing and color correcting video. He still tries to do as much as he can to contain costs. He’s deeply thankful to everyone who has helped the program to grow. From videographers Jason Thibault (producer of My Hometown) and Dallas Greene to a growing number of musicians, viewers, and sponsors.

“This show is not possible without other people,” said Gross. In addition to connecting musicians with an audience, the show promotes local independent businesses and venues which promote the local music scene. Bernunzio Uptown Music, a shop renowned for its quality vintage instruments, has hosted some of the Spotlight shows. Rowe Photo, Video and Audio, a place where Gross has bought some of the equipment he uses to record the sessions, was also an early supporter of the Spotlight.

Gross has been announcing new sponsors who will also be backing the program this year, including restaurant and roastery Joe Bean Coffee Roasters which features live jazz weekly and instrument sales/rental/repair shop Sound Source. There’s also a new partnership with Three Heads Brewing which launched a monthly series The Rochester Residency. The “Spotlight Spinoff” videos will highlight featured artist of the month.

The first installment of the “Spotlight Spinoff” with this month’s resident Fran Broderick was released last week. In the debut episode, Gross and Broderick chat at the brewery about Fran’s musical background. Broderick also gives viewers insight into the plans for his sets every Thursday in January: a week doing an acoustic set, another week with his band Friday in America, the third week playing Warren Zevron’s Excitable Boy with a handful of musical guests, and releasing his new album on the final week. The interview is book-ended with some clips of Broderick playing his original songs on acoustic guitar.

In addition to local business owners, viewers can also become patrons of the show. Donors to the Spotlight’s first crowd sourcing campaign are entitled to a variety of perks at various levels, including t-shirts, coupons or swag bags from sponsors, and being recognized in show credits.

If the indiegogo fundraiser reaches its target of $3,500, it will enable Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight to make the leap to television. Airing on television as well as being posted to the internet will help the show reach a wider audience. “If everyone who has ever “liked” the Facebook page gave $5, we’d reach our goal,” said Gross.

During the countdown leading up the highly anticipated “Season5,” Gross is replaying some of the episodes from the first four seasons. You can find them on Facebook at Dan Gross: Music & Journalism . Hit the follow button to get the scoop on upcoming events and new episodes.

January 11, 2018
Black Label Society and Corrosion of Conformity roll into Clifton Park

Black Label Society along with Corrosion of Conformity and EyeHateGod performed at the Upstate Concert Hall Sunday, January 7. With the venue near full capacity, Zakk Wylde and his band of brothers played a high energy show pleasing fans old and new.

Black Label Society opened the show with the fast paced “Genocide Junkies,” following up with “Funeral Bell.” Zakk Wylde made no hesitation to melt the crowd’s faces off from the beginning all the way through the whole setlist including crowd favorites “Suicide Messiah” and “Fire it Up.” Later this month, Black Label Society’s new album “Grimmest Hits” debuts. Do not get confused. This is not a greatest hits album.

Black Label Society brought along Corrosion of Conformity for the tour. Fans in the area were happy to see Pepper Keenan and Corrosion of Conformity back in Clifton Park. From crowd favorites to new songs, Corrosion of Conformity had a song for everyone. They have a new album coming out January 12th called No Cross No Crown. Corrosion of Conformity got the crowd singing with “Albatross,” followed that with an introduction of the rest of the band, before ending the show with “Clean My Wounds.”

Black Label Society Setlist: Genocide Junkies, Funeral Bell, Suffering Overdue, Bleed for Me, Heart of Darkness, Suicide Messiah, All That Once Shined, Room of Nightmares, Low Down, Bridge to Cross, In This River, The Blessed Hellride, Fire it Up, Concrete Jungle, Stillborn

Corrosion Of Conformity Setlist: Bottom Feeder (El que come abajo), The Luddite, Seven Days, Vote With a Bullet, Long Whip/Big America, Who’s Got the Fire, 13 Angels, Broken Man, Albatross, Clean My Wounds.

January 11, 2018
Druse Signs to Ohio Label Head2Wall Records

Rochester post-hardcore phenoms Druse announced that they have signed with Head2Wall Records. They’re heading into the studio to record a full-length album under the Ohio-based label. The release date is projected for this summer. Before they start recording, they’re playing one more hometown gig with their friends in California Cousins, Dais, Chrmr, and Derelict Vessel at the Bug Jar this Saturday, Jan. 13.

Druse. Photo by Spencer Chamberlain

Head2Wall released a statement, which reads in part:

With their unique take on the style of heavy, emotive, technical post-hardcore fleshed out in late ’90s by bands like Botch and Frodus, Druse has spent the last three years carving out a place of their own in today’s fickle and ever-evolving heavy music community. With a handful of powerful and infectious EPs, and an indefatigable work ethic, Druse has proven themselves a force to be reckoned with.”

While waiting for the new album, fans can order a 12” vinyl containing their last two EP’s from the Head2Wall webstore.

January 11, 2018
The Ominous Seapods Reunite to wish Tom Pirozzi a Happy 50th Birthday

A Plattsburgh State undergrad once asked Max Verna to define an Ominous Seapod. “I don’t really know,” he said, providing no explanation behind the name of his band for the young reporter working on a feature for his student newspaper. “I do like the sound of it, though.”

The Ominous Seapods, one of the most popular jam bands here in upstate New York in the 1990s, is coming back out for a two-night engagement at the Cohoes Music Hall on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 12 and 13.

“They were a name I would always see on old show flyers amongst other names that are still big in the scene today,” said Kim Neaton, WEQX-FM radio personality. “I wasn’t familiar with them when they were active, but their name often pops up in conversation and I always would think, ‘Damn. I wish I got to catch a Seapods show!’”

While Phish and Dave Matthews Band led the charge in a jam band culture described in 2001 as a phenomenon by the New York Times, moe., the Disco Biscuits and the Ominous Seapods pulled up the rear. At the time, both the Seapods and Disco Biscuits were signed under Hydrophonics Records, a subsidiary of Megaforce Records which itself earned success years earlier by introducing Ministry and Metallica.

“These guys can rip,” wrote Dean Budnick, of the Seapods. The Relix Magazine editor named the group in a well-crafted Who’s Who directory of upcoming bands in his 1998 book “Jam Bands: North America’s Hottest Live Groups.” “The humor of the players often celebrates the absurd, resulting in some memorable, spontaneous interactions between each other and between band and audience. … Such as the time it hosted an eight-track release party.”

Verna, Dana Monteith, Tom Pirozzi, Brian Mangini and Ted Marotta toured the nation, playing 200-plus gigs a year, a reputation recognized by SPIN Magazine, and appreciated by an online fanbase supported by a website at Dartmouth University affectionately called the Podnet. “We have some really loyal fans on the Podnet who have taken it upon themselves to get the word out and to spread tapes,” Tom Pirozzi told Budnick. “So we’ve walked into a bar in Iowa City where the place is just packed full of people who have heard about us, know our music and are excited to have us there.”

At one point, the website boasted of having more than 300 subscribers, known as mutants. It was maintained by David Merrill, a Dartmouth technician nicknamed The Bourbon Cowboy. It was a place to find setlists, lyrics and pictures. In its heyday, fans could swap tapes from live shows. The internet was still in its infancy in the late ’90s. Social media and smartphones, absolute requirements for networking and navigating new landscapes, did not exist. So, most fans found out about shows by signing up to the band’s mailing list — postal, not email. (At the

band’s height, that list contained more than 10,000 names.) Fans could also call the band’s dedicated phone line connected to an answering machine that listed upcoming show dates. The Podnet is still online, but the ’90s design suggests it hasn’t been maintained for years. Some of the mutants, including Merrill, have since moved on to Facebook.

Pirozzi recently shared his amazement over the power of social media. He said he posted word of the Seapods upcoming Cohoes show on Facebook twice. Once on his page, and another on the Mutants’ page. A short time later, he said, the Saturday evening show was sold out.

“It sold out in five days,” said Pirozzi. “I was surprised, actually. I knew we’d do well, and thought maybe by the day of the show we’d sell out, or be close to sold out. I didn’t expect to sell out in advance. We were all shocked by that.”

The band opted to offer a second show on the preceding Friday, Pirozzi’s 50th birthday. (It, too, is close to selling out.) Pirozzi said he’s humbled by the response from fans, and looks forward to seeing faces he hasn’t seen in 20 years.

“I could see on Facebook, people coming in from Colorado, from North Carolina, California,” asid Pirozzi. “I think it’s just going to be a great reunion for people I haven’t seen in years. Obviously, people I haven’t seen in 20 years. I’m looking forward to that.”

The definition of an Ominous Seapod, initially sought by a Plattsburgh State undergrad, is less elusive today than it was nearly 30 years ago.

“By all accounts the band and their fans know how to have a real great time,” said Neaton, who now associates herself with Guthrie Bell Productions. “And, if Greg Bell says a band knows how to party, I think the Cohoes Music Hall is perhaps in for a party unlike anything it’s seen before. It’s really cool to be part of a reunion that’s bringing so many people in from out of town to celebrate a band that meant a lot to the jam scene for so long, especially in a room as special as this.”

This article was originally published by The Spot 518 and is the property of Spotlight Newspapers in Albany, N.Y., and appears as a special to NYS Music. TheSpot518 and NYS Music work in partnership to provide readers with in-depth coverage on the local music scene in the Capital District and New York state, respectively. For more, visit TheSpot518.com.

January 11, 2018
Tommy Z Band brings the Blues to Funk n Waffles this Wednesday

Tommy Z, an award winning blues musician from Buffalo will bring his swinging, rocking blues band to Funk n Waffles in Syracuse on Wednesday, January 10.

Tommy Z is a Top 10 Billboard Blues artist and 2007 inductee into Buffalo’s Music Hall of Fame. He has toured extensively around the world, and has served as sideman to Grammy winner Pinetop Perkins, as well as numerous USO shows in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Europe, Asia and Micronesia. An award-winning guitarist, Tommy combines classic and contemporary blues with jazz, rock and funk influences. He has also composed music for the Red Hot Chili Peppers Biography on A&E, wrote the St. Louis Blues victory song in 2009, and is also the Sunday Blues host on Buffalo’s NPR affiliate WBFO 88.7 FM from 7pm-midnight.

January 8, 2018
Start Off Your New Year With Live Music, Presented by NYS Music

A very Happy New Year from NYS Music! If your New Year’s resolution is to see more memorable shows in 2018, NYS Music is bringing you the rundown of all the can’t-miss shows around you in New York this January. The featured cities this month include Buffalo, Syracuse and Rochester.

Buffalo – Nietzsche’s

January 6th – Come out to Nietzsche’s for some funk and soul music from the group Tiger Chung Lee, accompanied by Rhubarb. Hit the event link for more details! Event link.

January 13th – For a night full of dynamic funky music, come see the English Project take Nietzsche’s with their groovy improvisation with Mosswalk, the progressive rock group who brings an immersive live music experience, and 18 Wheels and a Crowbar.  Event link.

January 20th – The group LITZ blends together a multitude of genres to bring a new, exciting sound for listeners that has the power to transport audiences to another place, free from the stresses of life. To hear a variety of everything from soul, electronica, jam and funk, catch them at Nietszche’s with Cold Lazarus. Event link.

January 26th – Nietzsche’s is bringing you a day packed full of live music on the 26th. Start early with a free show at Happy Hour featuring The Fibs. Then come back for more at 10 PM to see Swimmer, Skyepilot and Haewa for a mix of experimental rock-fusion, genre-bending psychedelia, and rock ‘n’ roll. Event link.

Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

As per usual, Funk ‘N Waffles is providing Syracuse (and Rochester) with live music 7 days a week. All shows are 18+ unless advertised otherwise.

January 5th – The soul powerhouse group, West End Blend, will be at Funk ‘n Waffles with special guest Akuma Roots, the reggae, afro beat, and dance hall group. Event link.

January 6th – The Last Revel, the Americana trio will be showcasing their blend of folk, rockabilly, rock and old time string band sounds with hauntingly beautiful vocal harmonies with special guests the Slocan Ramblers Event link.

January 12th – Don’t miss the dream-like indie-rock sounds of Major Player with special guest Multi-Fonz. Event link.

January 16th – Nick Moss with special guest Jimmy Wolfe will be at Funk ‘n Waffles for a night of bluesy rock and roll. Event link.

January 17th – “Three dudes making one hell of a racket!” Don’t miss MonkeyJunk’s swamp roots rock on the 17th.  Event link.

January 18th – The Rochester-native 12 piece reggae and afro-beat band, The Medicinals, will be performing for the first time with Brooklyn Producer Double Tiger featuring Jay Sparker of JBB. Event link.

January 24th – Come out and see the pre-war blues and string band inspired sounds of the Ben Miller Band with special guest Tim Herron. Event link.

January 25th – For a unique bluegrass version of the Grateful Dead, come see the Grass is Dead with David Gans. Event link.

January 26th – Blue Rootz, the funk and soul band from Buffalo will be performing with Burlington-based indie group Barika. Event link.

January 27th – Brutal by Design Presents: Mushroom Cloud with Big Sexy and the Scrambled Eggs for a night of explosive rock music. Event link.

January 31th – Independent soul artist Joanna Teters will be at Funk ‘n Waffles with special guests Ramshki Alley and Doug Mason. Event link.

Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

January 5th – Before The Last Revel and Slocan Ramblers perform in Syracuse, catch them in Rochester for a bold blend of Americana inspired sound.  Event link.

January 12th – Milkgang Presents: Space Junk with SKYwalker. Come out for an always unique performance by these dynamic artists. Event link.

January 13th – Mumur a Tribute to R.E.M. will be bringing their dynamic and precise recreation of the sounds of R.E.M. to Rochester. Event link.

January 17th – Don’t miss the original Americana and roots sounds of the group Stay the Plow with Michael Jerling on the 17th.  Event link.

January 18th – MonkeyJunk will be moving onto Rochester following their Syracuse show. Event link.

January 19th – After the Medicinals with Double Tiger take Syracuse with Jay Sparker of JBB, they’ll be bringing Rochester another can’t-miss show. Event link.

January 24th – To remind the people of Rochester about the power of rock ‘n’ roll, River Lynch & The Spiritmakers will be performing with special guests The Mighty High and Dry as well as Dangerbyrd. Event link.

January 25th – Hosted by David Abdoch with headliner Mike Bova, the NY native, award winning comedian and inspirational speaker, and featuring Big Ern, The Big and Tall Comedy Tour is coming through Rochester and is sure to keep you laughing.  Event link.

January 26th – Jack Martini will be bringing his hip-hop/60’s rock-inspired and playfully humorous music accompanied by rock, ska, and jazz blended sound of The Saplings. Event link.

January 27th – If you miss Blue Rootz and Barika at Syracuse, make sure to catch them on the 27th for another night of incredible music. Event link.

January 8, 2018
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival 2018 Fast Approaching; Donna The Buffalo, Sophistafunk, and Lucid Among Headliners

The 121st Saranac Lake Winter Carnival starts February 2, 2018 and features 17 acts over eight days. Among the list of local and national bands slated to perform are regional favorites Donna The Buffalo, Sophistafunk, and Lucid. All performances take place at The Waterhole Music Lounge in Saranac Lake. For the first time ever, VIP passes are available, which entitle the purchaser to all shows during the carnival as well as special cocktail hours. Tickets are available at the Waterhole or online. The folks at The Waterhole also put together a Spotify playlist of all the featured artists:

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival 2018

February 2 – O’Death with Tigerman Woah & Arthur Buezo – 9pm $13 Adv $15 Door
February 3 – Kung Fu with The English Project – 9pm $17 Adv $20 Door
February 6 – Swampcandy – FREE SHOW 9pm Downstairs
February 7 – Sophistafunk with Jiggawaltz – 9pm $10 Adv $12 Door
February 8 – Donna the Buffalo with The Old Main – 8:30 pm $18 Adv $22 Door
February 9 – Lucid with Bella’s Bartok – 9pm $20
February 10 – Post Parade Party with Raisinhead – 2pm “After the Parade” FREE SHOW
February 10 – West End Blend with The Big Takeover – 9pm – $10
February 11 – The Plate Scrapers at Bloody Mary Sunday – FREE SHOW – 2pm Downstairs

January 8, 2018

Built in Breakdance