NYS Music 20​18

Category: Buffalo

  • Aqueous Discuss Tour, New Album and More at Cobblestone Live Music Festival

    On day two of the second annual Cobblestone Live music festival, three-fourths of Buffalo’s own groove-rock powerhouse, Aqueous, joined me amidst the celebration of music and art. Dave Loss (guitar/vox), Evan McPhaden (Bass), and Rob Houk (Drums) sat down to discuss their incredibly busy summer thus far, coming home to Buffalo, their new studio album, Color Wheel, and their upcoming, and most extensive fall tour yet.

    aqueous cobblestone

    Andy Hogan: Cobblestone Live is obviously a homecoming for you guys, but you’ve had quite the summer away from Buffalo, so far. Between Summer Camp, Mountain Music Festival, Disc Jam, Electric Forest and Peach, what have been some major takeaways from the tour?

    DL: One of the bigger highlights I think was being able to sell out The Bluebird Theater.

    RH: That was a huge highlight of the summer. I think a good rule of thumb is never expect to sell out, and when you’re not in a hometown scenario, you never know what’s going to happen.

    AH: But in Denver, that’s kind of just the scene, right? People just get out and go to see music.

    RH: I feel like it’s become a second home to us. The response to music out there is just something you don’t see…like, every night there is just a banging show.

    AH: And you see those weird kind of pockets even locally, right? Ithaca, for example, has tons of people getting out to see music on a Friday or Saturday night. Where else do you guys see that?

    DL: Burlington, VT for sure.

    RH: Omaha!

    DL: Yeah! Omaha, Nebraska we’ve had three really good experiences. Once with Papadosio, and twice at the Reverb Lounge.

    RH: People go nuts in Omaha…they throw down.

    AH: Coming back to Buffalo for Cobblestone must be a special occasion. Particularly for you, Dave and Evan, having grown up here. To see this area transform, could you have imagined this would be happening even a few years ago?

    DL: No. Even the whole city in general from ten years ago has seen such growth in a positive way. Like you said, this whole area was not a thing, the whole Canalside area was not a thing, so it’s really nice to see all of this happening.

    aqueous cobblestone

    AH: From what I read online, your first time ever playing down here was not too long after Iron Works opened in 2014…is it safe to say Iron Works is your favorite spot around town?

    DL: It was definitely a huge place for us to continue to grow in the city. Josh [Holtzman] obviously runs it, and he’s our homie so it’s been really nice. Even more than that, it’s helped bring a lot of great music into the city…a lot of other acts that hadn’t really been coming to Buffalo prior to it being open.

    RH: It’s a good spot for a mid-level band…they treat you like a king. It’s not just a great spot to play, they also understand what it’s like to be on the road. At the end of the day, when you treat your musicians well, they’re going to play better, your patrons are going to be happier…it works all around.

    EM: It’s definitely a music venue for musicians. Josh actually used to manage us and would come on the road with us. So he’s seen all the venues we’ve been to and knows exactly what he wants for Iron Works.

    AH: Now, there’s something new in your live set that I noticed last night. I saw that both you (Dave) and Mike [Gantzer] are now using PRS (Paul Reed Smith) guitars. How does this affect you sonically?

    DL: Haha, he’s finally seen the light! I love those guitars. What’s cool about his, and mine does it too, but you can coil tap. So there are two humbuckers on the outside that can go between single and humbucker, then there is a single coil in the middle. Plus it’s a bolt on neck, all that adds that like Fender Stratocaster snap that you can get. So he can still get that single coil, fatty-strat kind of sound with that guitar, but he can still get the rippin’ leads with the humbuckers.

    Shortly after this interview, Aqueous announced both Mike and Dave are now officially endorsed by PRS guitars.

    aqueous cobblestone

    AH: Evan, while we’re on the topic of gear, what can you tell me about your bass?

    EM: It’s made by a Polish company called Mayones. Our friend Ryan has one, and I got to play it for a weekend and I fell in love with it. It’s deep, but still bright at the same time. I run it through a TC Electronic Blacksmith…I think it’s 1600 watts, which is, a lot. I also have a 6×10 Ampeg Cabinet.

    AH: Rob, I don’t know anything about drums, but I am curious what kind of kit you play; what are your preferences?

    RH: My kit is a Gretsch Renown Maple with a Pork Pie Lil’ Squealer Snare, which is also kind of weird because I play a 12” snare as my primary. Cymbals, I break them so often that I just try to find something that sounds good, usually used.

    AH: It’s funny, most drummers will tell you they prefer used cymbals. Like in the Phish documentary, Bittersweet Motel, Jon Fishman has a room just filled with old, somewhat beat up cymbals.

    DL: I randomly watched that clip the other day for some odd reason!

    RH: Yeah, some of that stuff really builds character. Like having dirt, and just the grit and oil that gets on them. Some drummers like to clean them until their just shiny all the time…I don’t know, I think that might do them a disservice — that metal is there to develop, it’s part of your sound, part of your tone

    AH: Now the new album [Color Wheel] will be your first studio album since the Best in Show EP. You guys recorded at GCR again, right?

    DL: Yep, with Justin Rose.

    AH: When I had Mike on the podcast, he had said that you guys studied a lot of musicians and artists, not only their music, but also the way they actually recorded. Who were some of those artists?

    DL: Steely Dan was always a huge influence.

    RH: I think we were also looking at some late 90s hard rock albums…some Incubus type stuff.

    EM: Even pop material, as well. I feel like in albums in the past, the way we mixed background vocals were kind of loud. I feel like on this one we had more of a lead singer kind of sound. The Beatles, for example, do a lot of very full harmonies that are always upfront.

    DL: Yes! I always love listening to The Beatles before we go into recording…there’s so many interesting mix choices, tones, ect.

    AH: Well in addition to the new album, your fall tour is coming in quick. Is this the biggest headlining tour to date?

    DL: Yes — we’re really excited. We have a lot of great support on it too; Mungion, Heavy Pets, Goose, and Elm.

    AH: Super exciting. I saw that September 7th you guys will be back at the Utica Brewery with moe. What an honor to play with them, and all these bands you get to play with.

    DL: Yeah doin’ another one with them and getting to play with Umphrey’s again in October.

    EM: I think the last couple of years, we’ve been very lucky to be put where we have been…and we’re very grateful.

    Aqueous kicks off their fall tour Friday, September 7th in Utica, NY with moe. at the Saranac Brewery. For tickets, all of Aqueous’ fall dates, and to pre-order their new upcoming studio album, Color Wheel, visit aqueousband.com.

  • Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Flock To Buffalo

    The last Friday of August saw jam-funk favorites Pigeons Playing Ping Pong stop in Buffalo. After previously selling out venues in town such as Nietzsche’s and Iron Works and now graduating to the larger Town Ballroom, the excitement was tangible with the sold out crowd and the band’s high-energy funk quickly turned the proceedings into an all out dance party. A lengthy fall tour will be taking the band coast to coast, however, this is the last NY show scheduled until January 26 when they play the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

    Photography by Matt Shotwell / Strawberry Island Dweller

  • Premiere: Carpool releases new single ‘Idaho’

    Western New York alternative punk band Carpool has released their debut single “Idaho.” The track is from the band’s upcoming EP I Think Everyone’s A Cop, which is scheduled for release on Sept. 13. Drawing influence from elements of shoegaze and emo, Carpool crafts songs characterized by catchy hooks, insightful lyrics, mathy guitar riffs, and a plethora of pedal effects. Singer/guitarist Chris Colasanto has the following to say about this song:

    ‘Idaho’ is a song about a place I’ve never been. This past year has really been a turning point in my life and has made me realize how slow moving and pathetic I was… Everyone around me was steadily growing up and moving on. It made me really wish I could just get up and go to somewhere unknown. But like everything else in life the grass is never greener on the other side.

    It’s about issues with your self image and self worth. It’s about wanting so badly to relapse into your old toxic self, but knowing that if you let it happen it’ll ruin you and possibly kill you. It’s about giving up on yourself and being who you need to be.

    Digital copies of I Think Everyone’s A Cop will be available Sept. 13. Physical copies will be available in October via Syracuse label Nothing Feels Good Records.

    I Think Everyone’s A Cop Track Listing:
    1. Cigarette Cough
    2. Another Song About Rachel
    3. Beauty School Dropout
    4. Local Joke
    5. Idaho
    6. Close Encounters
    7. I Think Me And Drake Would B Friends

  • Empire State Music Podcast speaks with Cobblestone Live founder Josh Holtzman

    Josh Holtzman is the co-founder of Cobblestone Live and General Manager at Buffalo Iron Works. For a complete review of Cobblestone Live 2018, see Jared Lindquist’s article, “Cobblestone Live Hosts Successful Second-Year Festival.” Visit the Empire State Music Podcast for all interviews, including an on-site discussion with Turkuaz’ drummer, MIchelangelo Carubba, at this year’s Cobblestone Live! festival.

    It’s Saturday, July 28, a breezy, sunny summer day in Buffalo, New York, where the second annual Cobblestone Live! Music Festival is well underway. Amidst the heavy foot traffic, intoxicating smell of a food truck’s grill, and overwhelming sound of music flowing through the air, a busy Josh Holtzman, co-founder of Cobblestone Live! dismounts his Trek bicycle and radios to his colleagues, “team, this is Josh, be advised I’ll be offline for a bit for a quick interview.” Holtzman joins me to discuss the history of the Cobblestone district, the origins of the festival, partnership with the Child Advocacy Center, and plans for the future of Cobblestone Live!

    Andy Hogan: Even five years ago, would you have imagined the Cobblestone District would one day host a major music festival?

    Josh Holtzman: Honestly, this area was really only known for the [Key Bank] arena. Most people only knew of it because they saw the Sabers play here. Now, it’s really starting to turn around. We have the Lockhouse Distillery, music venues, the comedy club…it’s fantastic down here.  Josh HoltzmanAH: What can you tell me about the history of the area?

    JH: The district itself is over 100 years old. Iron Works, the building, is 102 years old. Originally it was used for manufacturing; from steel works, machine works, iron works, etc… This was the industrial hub of Buffalo…even down the street a little bit, where the old first ward is, those were all factory and blue-collar workers that pretty much built everything we have today.

    AH: How did the music festival come together? What was the jumping off point?

    JH: it was early on last year. I’ve always wanted to throw a festival. Obviously, we have the venue, and we do 200+ shows a year, but we really wanted to throw a festival that was good for the community and is really something unique for Buffalo. Truth be told, I sent a quick text to Cory from Lockhouse and was like, “Hey dude, what do you think about closing down the streets and throwing a festival?” So, it went from something that sounds cool, to the actual reality of putting together a committee, we hand-picked our staff, and laid out the blueprints for what is Cobblestone Live.

    Josh Holtzman

    AH: Last year, in your first year as a festival, to have the line-up you did was really quite something. You guys had Moon Taxi, Aqueous, The Hip Abduction, and Real Estate to name a few. This year’s line-up is just as strong, if not stronger, with Aqueous returning, plus Turkuaz, Chicano Batman, The Sheepdogs, and Broken Social Scene. What else has changed aside from the line-up?

    JH: We added a lot of non-music programming, and festival experience. We also wanted to make sure that we did increase the line-up, and still get bigger bands. One of the main things we added was an additional stage, so now we have two outdoor stages, instead of one. I think that brings a really cool balance to the festival with people being able to go back-and-forth. As you’ve seen, we have alpacas down here, we have a dunk tank, we have some really cool vendors and graffiti artists. It’s just really a cool vibe right now.

    AH: There’s even superheroes walking around!

    JH: That’s right! Comic-Con is in the house.

    AH: In your mind, what does the process of crafting a festival line-up look like?

    JH: For me, it starts as a fan first. Any artist I book, I’m a fan of. I really like what they stand for, and their music. The other side is really building a vibe that will encompass everything we’re going for. You don’t want to put too many artists of different genres together so that it’s not going to flow, but, you can have fun with an eclectic line-up and really set it up so that it’s an exciting time for everyone. So, it’s a little bit of business and pleasure at the same time.

    Josh Holtzman

    AH: Moving forward, as I can imagine this will be a long standing tradition, what are some other goals you have for the festival in the future?

    JH: Looking down the road, we obviously want to keep raising awareness of the festival, and keep adding non-music programming. Down the line we’re looking to add more outdoor stages, too. I don’t want to say for sure that we’re going to go for three days, but eventually it may get to that point. You know, it’s just about having fun doing what were doing, and having the city catch on, to come on down and to have a great time.

    AH: The other thing I wanted to ask you about is your partnership with the Child Advocacy Center; what can you tell me about them, and their relationship with the festival?

    JH: It’s really important to everyone who is involved in this festival to give back, in one way or another. We’re not doing it for ourselves, we’re doing it for the community. What they do over at the CAC is very, very tireless work. They are helping to stop child abuse and it’s something we can all get on board with. Whether any of us were affected by it or not growing up, it still hits home and we’re going to do everything that we possibly can to raise money for them, while having a good time doing it. I think this is the first of many years we’ll be working with them, and honestly, we owe a lot to them. They provided all the volunteers for this entire event — nearly 100 people for two days, along with getting the sheriffs to donate their time to help us out.

    AH: I know you’re a busy guy, so I won’t keep you too much longer, but I’m curious, what’s the one thing about planning a festival that people may not think about, but you may be losing sleep over?

    JH: You know, it’s a lot, to say the least. I think one thing that people may forget is that the people who are doing this are doing it from their heart, they really care about it and it’s not just a money grab. I think that goes unsaid for a lot of things, but it’s a team that built all of this, and it’s really important that we’re doing it for Buffalo. We’re here having a great time, but we’re going to keep doing what we do for everybody out there.

    This interview with Josh Holtzman was originally intended to air on Empire State Music Podcast, though due to unfortunate audio/technical issues, the conversation was condensed into written word.

  • On The Cinder Plans Fall Foray Into Canada

    On The Cinder hits the road again this fall with stops as far as Canada. The run starts off Sept. 5 in Buffalo, where the trio formed the band in 2012. They head west to Detroit on Sept. 6, then have a run of five shows north of the border, including Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal before circling back to the states for a Sept.13.

    The fun-loving crew recently released a music video for their song “Soap Box,” in which drummer Tyler Rzemek gets fed up with being in the background and kidnaps bandmates Jason Wright and Mike Jacobs. Hilarity ensues as the antics and props grow more and more incredulous.

    On The Cinder Great Lakes, Eh? Tour

    Sept. 5 – Hotel Dalmatia – Buffalo, NY 
    Sept. 6 – The Sanctuary – Detroit, MI
    Sept. 7 – Probably House – London, ON
    Sept. 9 – Doors Pub – Hamilton, ON
    Sept. 10 – Bovine Sex Club – Toronto, ON
    Sept. 11 – Black Squirrel Books – Ottawa, ON
    Sept. 12 – L’Esco – Montreal, QC
    Sept. 13 – The Town Shop – Syracuse, NY

  • NYS Presents: Live Music For Your August

    As with every year, the beautiful summer months have flown by so far and here at New York State Music, we are determined to make sure you make the most out of the sunshine left.  If you are looking to pack the whole month of August with unforgettable live music performance at great venues throughout New York, look no further than this cheat-sheet of all the upcoming action.

    Buffalo – Nietzche’s

    Nietzche’s has been beating those Monday blues all summer long by making Happy Hour a lot more jazzy for Buffalo.  If you have not made your way to Jazz Happy Hour this summer, be sure to get there before August is over.

    August 6th – Well-rounded vocalist Kristen Smigielski will be treating the crowd at the first Happy Hour of the month to her true forte: jazz.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see one of Buffalo’s best. Event link.

    August 13th – No strangers to the New York State jazz scene, Dejesus and Warne Trio will be bringing their bluesy jazz style on the second Monday of the month.  Event link.

    August 20th – Buffalo-based songwriter and musician, Adam Bronstein, will be making his way back to Nietzche’s and taking over Jazz Happy Hour on the 20th. Event link.

    August 27th – To end a summer full of the happiest of Mondays ,The Duo+ will be providing food for the soul in the form of their powerful performances of classics and new takes on old jazz standards. Event link.

    Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles 

    August 2nd – All the way from Portland, Oregon, do not miss your opportunity to spend the night listening to the rock and roll stylings of singer/songwriter, Jerry Joseph, as he performs with special guest Charley Orlando.  Event link.

    August 3rd – Brooklyn-based Americana and alternative country band, Yarn, has brought crowds from far and wide to their shows and will be treating Syracuse to experience their music with special guest Old Dear Ensemble. Event link.

    August 8th – For a night full of smiles and good vibes, Kendall Street Company will be stopping by on their Summer Tour at Funk ‘N Waffles along with Vintage Pretty.  For fans of psychedelic, alternative and jam rock music and beyond, this show is sure to be a can’t miss event.  Event link.

    August 9th – Handmade Moments will be bringing their rich, musical flavor of alternative folk music, paired with the diversely beautiful, “no rules,” sounds of the up and coming duo, Dizzy Heart. Event link.

    August 10th – There is nothing quite like a good night full of good ole Americana music, especially when it is delivered from Upstate New York favorite group, The Old Main.  Did we mention it’s free?  Event link.

    August 11th – Brutal By Design presents a night full of hot hip hop featuring Diabolic, Reef The Lost Gauze, as well as Syracuse-based musician, Timothy J.  Event link.

    August 14th – The New Daze is reuniting for one night and one night only to revive their “organic psychedelic rage,’ for all those who have missed it so much.  Make sure to make it out for this electrified performance as they are joined by Kansas Wine. Event link.

    August 16th – Delivering the sounds of the South right to your friendly neighborhood Upstate New York venue is just what The Prestage Brothers Band will be doing on the 16th of August. Event link.

    August 23rd – It is bound to be a packed night of out of this world music as alternative blues group, Late Earth, performs accompanied by the experimental sounds of The U.S. Americans, as well as Cosmonaut Radio.Event link.

    August 25th – Brownskin Band and Joe Driscoll will be taking over Syracuse’s Funk ‘N Waffles for a night that honors American folk in the funkiest way possible. Event link.

    August 29th – Mungo’s List covers it all and is sure to have a sound that will please fans of every genre from jam, to jazz, to soul, to maybe more niche interests such as “spacey,” music as well as, “spooky,” music.   6-piece funk band, Butter, will also be coming along to ensure that the funk is spread as much as possible to attendees of this sure to be memorable show. Event link.

    August 30th – Pop-driven, but diversely inspired group Major Player will be returning to their roots in Syracuse to perform in the place where their stellar sounds were born. Event link.

    August 31st – To end out an incredible month at Funk ‘N Waffles, Danielle Ponder & The Tomorrow People will be performing music that is sure to make you think, feel, and most importantly, dance.  They will be joined by Candian funk, rock and soul group, After Funk.  End your month with a bang and come enjoy the sounds of these two powerhouse groups!  Event link.

    Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

    August 1st – Starting off month of August at Rochester’s Funk ‘N Waffles on a funky note will be groups Stig and Fakaui on the 1st. Event link.

    August 2nd – If you just cannot wait until Yarn and Old Deer Ensemble play Syracuse’s Funk ‘N Waffles on the 3rd or, better yet, just want to see them twice, come on out for their performance in Rochester the night before! Event link.

    August 3rd – Sonic Garden, Buffalo’s own authentic Grateful Dead tribute band, will be playing the DSO After Party.  Come out to celebrate the music of an incredible band as this talented group of musicians revive all your favorites. Event link.

    August 8th – Kris Lager Band will be bringing revivalist rock and heavy soul to Rochester with special guest and Rochester-native group Stationary Escape Pod, who will be performing their blend of Americana, progressive rock, blues and more. Event link.

    August 9th – After the Kendall Street Company shows off their psychedelic funk with special guest Vintage Pretty in Syracuse, the next stop of their tour will be Rochester on the 9th.  Don’t miss out on another opportunity to catch these two incredible acts!  Event link.

    August 11th – Rochester Black Pride is proud to be bringing you Summer Nights: Starring Trina at the Music Hall.  Trina is one of the most consistent and praised female rappers and will be performing her music that not only has been enjoyed by so many, but has done so much to change the world of hip hop.  Don’t miss this opportunity to see her live!  Event link.

    August 23rd – Nth Power will be bringing a spiritual, powerful, soulful and goose bump worthy performance with Quintuple and it is sure to be an uplifting experience you do not want to miss. Event link.

    August 14th – She is Detroit’s Queen of the Blues and she is coming to Rochester to show Upstate New York just why. Make sure to come experience Thornetta Davis live for an unforgettable and funky performance. Event link.

    August 18th – It is never a bad time for a Chicago Blues kind of night, and that is just what Frank Bang and The Cook County Kings will be providing on the 18th.  Event link.

    August 22nd – Joe Marcinek All Star Super Jam is every last bit of fun that it sounds like it will be. As every one of their performances features different artists, this Rochester show will include Alan Evans of Soulive, Steve Molitz of Particle and members Freekbass. Event link.

    August 28th – To bring a healthy dose of reggae and blues for the month, Aaron Kamm and the One Drops will be performing with special guest Delilah Jones. Event link.

    August 29th – Continuing the reggae into the following night with a mix of R&B will be Mutlu, who will be coming through on his The Almost Famous Tour, with special guest and pop artist, Wes Williams. Event link.

    August 31st – The grand finale to such a grand month full of great performances will be brought to you by Kevin Kinsella.  Come out for the last night of August and enjoy his acoustic soul and reggae sounds. Event link.

  • Michelangelo Carubba sits down with Empire State Music Podcast

    Turkuaz drummer and Buffalo native, Michelangelo Carubba joins host Andy Hogan at Cobblestone Live to discuss growing up in Buffalo, time spent at Berklee School of Music, life on the road with Turkuaz, and the experiences that shaped his career in music. Tune in on Simplecast.

  • Cobblestone Live to Host Second Annual Buffalo-Centric Fest

    This weekend, the second annual Cobblestone Live will be taking place in Buffalo. Cobblestone is a fairly small festival, taking place in a single neighborhood and making use of the bars, restaurants, and venues that call it home. The festival’s stages are set up on the famous Illinois and Columbia Streets, as well as inside Lockhouse Distillery Buffalo Iron Works.

    The lineup features some big names, such as the soulful Andy Frasco & the U.N., known for Frasco’s wild stage antics and soulful blues music, Brooklyn-based funk band Turkuaz, Broken Social Scene, and Buffalo natives Aqueous, the groove rock quartet that has spent the last two years touring the country relentlessly. Some smaller, more local bands are also featured, namely Space Junk, Cold Lazarus, First Ward, and Grateful Dead tribute band, Workingman’s Dead. Michelangelo Carubba of Turkuaz will be hosting a “Super Jam” on Saturday, July 28, which should be interesting to see, as they’ve yet to mention who will be included in the jam.

    Cobblestone offers a wide variety of activities and vendors, including an alpaca farm on Saturday you should be sure to check out. Food vendors include Grateful Grind Coffee, Lloyd, Mazurek’s Bakery, Lugia’s, and Totally Edible. Lockhouse Distillery & Buffalo Iron Works will be providing festival drink menus. There will be several different vendors at the fest, including a tent for the Child Advocacy Center, an organization that provides treatment and support for kids in Erie County that have been physically or sexually abused. A portion of Cobblestone Live’s profits will be donated to the CAC.
    cobblestone live

    Cobblestone Live is looking like a grand time, full of delicious food, drinks, and good music! Take a look at the daily lineup above to better plan out your Cobblestone experience. Check back with NYS Music for photos and coverage of the fest.

  • Tedeschi Trucks Band Takes Fans on a Journey in Artpark

    As the first note was played during the Tedeschi Trucks Band Wheels of Soul show at Artpark on July 17, it became an international endeavor. Our Canadian neighbors across the Niagara river hopefully gained a taste for the southern rock sound if they weren’t already familiar.

    Although the amphitheater rests beside the bank of the river, the water is mostly hidden by trees that surround the venue, giving it a very lush sense of seclusion. The layout feels a bit jagged, as the GA lawn doesn’t directly face the stage, but is located on a slightly steep hill to the side. A large screen facing the lawn projecting the concert helps to remedy this, but it’s easy to feel slightly disconnected from the music.

    This disconnect was triggered before even setting foot in the venue, as finding parking became a scramble to get a spot before missing the opening band. The Artpark signs for additional parking seemed to be leading us farther and farther from the venue, so in a panic we parked in a side yard patrolled by a middle aged man who rolled up to our window on a BMX bike, and in exchange for $5 pointed at the grassy hills in front of us exclaiming, “walk ten minutes that way and you’ll see it.” With eager anticipation and only a smidge of skepticism we hightailed it through the hills, quickly being immersed in a sea of waving yellow grasses that surrounded the path in every direction. We were soon joined on the path by flocks of other concert goers en route to the show, which combined with the beautiful scenery helped put our frantic minds at ease. Although some venues provide VIP parking for media personnel, this parking adventure definitely made for a better story.

    We came through the upper entrance, where an immense flight of stairs beckoned us to descend toward the amphitheater where Marcus King Band had opened and Drive-By Truckers were now mid-set. The scene felt a little overwhelming between getting a lay of the land and navigating the throngs of humans scattered across the property. After nestling in a spot halfway up the grassy hill, it was time to go barefoot and settle in for the show.

    Tedeschi Trucks Band started their set with “Bound for Glory,” an easy going but powerful tune off their first album. TTB kicked things up a notch with “Made up Mind” from their second album followed by a feathery flute intro to the lovely and triumphant “All That I Need.” Derek Trucks peppered the song with some trademark guitar work before the band quieted way down to build it back up to a full throttle jam like they do so well.

    Susan Tedeschi put full force into her vocals for the ballad “Ball and Chain.” “Don’t Know What it Means” was once again concluded by a similar avant gard jam as the CMAC show, but the saxophone was definitely less abrasive this time. A powerful tidal wave guitar intro crashed into Tedeschi’s soft and sandy vocals for “Shame.” Tedeschi added a haunting echo effect to her mic that resonated through the park for a gripping end to the song. TTB brought Marcus King back to the stage for the bluesy Elmore James cover of “The Sky is Crying” where he wailed on guitar and vocals conjuring cheers from the crowd.

    TTB elicited more cheers as they played the opening notes to John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery.” More applause followed as they executed a flawless transition into Grateful Dead’s “Sugaree,” with another gorgeous solo from Trucks midway through. That familiar opening guitar riff on “Laugh About It” led the band into the uplifting and empowering song before closing out their set with “I Want More,” a bouncy tune with a lyrical backbone. The song broke down a little at the end as it devolved into a somewhat muddy jam that did not serve as a strong ending.

    Luckily TTB returned with a meditative intro into “Midnight in Harlem.” They closed out the night with Patterson Hood from Drive-By Truckers assisting on the Paul McCartney and Wings cover of “Let Me Roll It.” The TTB setlist overall provided a satisfying musical journey, dismantling and rebuilding the energy in a way that makes people fall in love with the band a little more every time they perform.

    Setlist: Bound for Glory, Made up Mind, All That I Need, Ball and Chain, Don’t Know What it Means, Shame, Going Down Slow, The Sky is Crying, Angel from Montgomery/Sugaree, Laugh About It, I Want More

    Encore: Midnight in Harlem, Let Me Roll It

  • Intrepid Travelers Follow Up Stellar Solstice Festival with Second Round of Summer Tour Dates

    Not ones to rest on their laurels, Intrepid Travelers are following up their successful Solstice Festival with the second leg of their summer tour. IT heads out to Ohio and Michigan next week, then double back to New York, hitting Jamestown, Geneva and Buffalo. Summer tour rounds out with performances at Night Lights Music Festival in Sherman on Aug. 23 and Beau Fleuve Music Festival in Buffalo on Aug. 26.

    Intrepid Travelers Summer Tour 2018 Leg II:

    July 25 – Woodlands Tavern – Columbus, OH **Ween Preparty & Afterparty
    July 26 – The Knickerbocker – Grand Rapids, MI
    July 28 – George’s – Canton, OH
    Aug. 3 – Mojo’s – Jamestown, NY
    Aug. 4 – FLX – Geneva, NY
    Aug. 7 – Larkin Square – Buffalo, NY
    Aug. 23 – Night Lights Music Festival – Sherman, NY
    Aug. 26 – Beau Fleuve Music Festival – Buffalo, NY