NYS Music 20​18

Category: Rochester

  • NYS Music Presents: Live Shows to Fill Your July

    There’s nothing like a great concert to brighten summer days even more.  Here to make it all the more easy for you, NYS Music is bringing you our run down of all the can’t-miss action throughout New York State’s music scene throughout July.

    Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

     July 6th – You will not want to miss Andy Frasco’s “party blues with a touch of barefoot boogie,” style as him and his band bring feel good music to Funk ‘N Waffles with The UN.  Click the link for more event and ticket details. Event link.

    July 7th – The night following their Syracuse show, Victor Wainwright and The Train will be bringing another show sure to make you smile to Rochester. Event link.

    July 10th – Syracuse native, Funk ‘N Waffles house band, Pearly Baker’s Best, will be moving over to Rochester for the night to perform their tribute to the Grateful Dead with David Gans. Event link.

    July 12 – Adam Ezra Group, a personal favorite of mine, will be bringing their roots rock to Rochester and it is sure to be a show you do not want to miss! Event link.

    July 13th – The Gerry Jarcia String Band will be making a stop on their summer Powerwagon Tour and is bringing along some “post nuclear music” courtesy of the dynamic group, Electric Kif. Event link.

    July 18th – Reggae artist Alika will be playing at the Music Hall with M.A.K.U Soundsystem to celebrate of self discovery through music and, as always, bring the party with their punk, funk and rock sound. Event link.

    July 19th – Indie rock and R&B infused band, Little Bird, will be stopping by on their summer tour with the funk fusion quartet, The Phryg.  Event link.

    July 21st – It’s Cosmic Brownie’s 1 year anniversary and they want Rochester to join in on the celebration! To commemorate the occasion, the alternative hip-hop duo will be playing with electronic drummer and producer, Hybrid Beats, as well as Level 7. Event link.

    July 25th – Calliope Musicals will be making the long and treacherous trek from space (or Austin, Texas) with special guests Stationary Escape Pod for an energetic and alluring night of music. Event link.

    July 31st – Amoramora guarantees that every show is sure to, “blast you off into a cosmic dance party,” so don’t miss this golden opportunity to witness their rock ‘n’ roll with special guest Walrus Junction.  Event link.

    Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

    July 6th – The award-winning blues, soul and rock songwriter, Victor Wainwright, will be stopping in Syracuse on the album release tour of his band Victor Wainwright and The Train accompanied by Doug Woolverton on Trumpet.  Event link.

    July 9th – Dead Nights are the best nights, especially when they are brought to you by Pearly Baker’s Best. Event link.

    July 11th – Before the always-traveling group hits Rochester, Adam Ezra Group will be performing with New York native group, The Sea the Sea.  This powerhouse pairing is sure to make for an incredible night of music you can’t miss. Event link.

    July 14th – Upstate New York has the privilege of being graced with another stop on Gerry Jarcia’s Powerwagon Tour.  Once again, the string band will be joined by Electric Kif. Event link.

    July 18th – The night before their Rochester show, Little Bird will be playing Funk ‘N Waffles with lively afro-beat and reggae group Akuma Roots.  Event link.

    July 19th – Chris Eves and the New Normal, rock, funk, blues and jam band, will be performing with special guest, The Melting Nomads, who will be supplying dirty funky fusion. Event link.

    July 21st – It’s sure to be a jam-packed night full of electrifying performances as the Barroom Philosophers, Ponder, General B and The Wiz take on Funk ‘N Waffles for the night.  Event link.

    July 26th – For all alternative music fans, Calliope Musicals with Philadelphia-native band, Pet Cheetah, is sure to be a show to remember. Event link.

    July 27th – Andy Frasco & The UN will be kicking off a vibrant month of music at Funk ‘N Waffles in Rochester and will be closing it out at Syracuse. Make sure to come out for the good vibes and great music. Event link.

    Lake George

    July 13th – A lot of exciting things are happening with one of our favorite Upstate New York-local bands, Formula 5, and included on this list is the fact that they will be hosting the second annual Rock the Dock Festival in Lake George.  The festival will be held on the dock of the Lake George Steamboat Company and will host a multitude of other great acts including Soule Monde, Strange Machines and Let’s Be Leonard.  On your way to the event, make sure you grab a Formula 5 flavored shake at Ben & Jerry’s! Event link.

    Saranac Lake – The Waterhole

    The historic Waterhole in Saranac Lake welcomes West End Blend for ‘The Blender’ – a two night affair with Bella’s Bartok as special guest on Friday, July 13, and a tribute to Prince with WEB on Saturday, July 14. Two day passes cost $24, or $15 each day at the door. On Saturday afternoon enjoy a FREE show with “Blender on the Patio” will go from 5pm to 10pm featuring Jiggawaltz, Adrian Aardvark and Arthur Buezo.

    Buffalo – Nietzsche’s 

    The Jazz Happy Hour that got you through every Monday in June is continuing on through July at Nietzche’s in Buffalo with another incredible lineup of artists.

    July 2nd – Frontstreet Men will be bringing a high energy set full of covers of some classics as well as their own bluesy, funky originals.  Event link.

    July 9th – No strangers to jazz at Nietzche’s, Jared Tinkham Trio will be taking over happy hour on the 9th.  Event link.

    July 16th – Buffalo-based and renowned jazz improvisation artist, Donny Frauenhofer, will be performing on the 16th. Event link.

    July 23rd – Head out on the 23rd to enjoy some smooth sounds from the Brendan Lonighan Octet. Event link.

    July 30th – To close out yet another month of the happiest hours in Upstate New York, Buffalo Infringement Festival Presents Curtis Lovell. Event link.

  • JAZZ IS PHSH founder Adam Chase discusses band, shows in Upstate this month

    JAZZ IS PHSH is in the middle of their Northeast tour across New York, with stops in New Hampshire and Boston, bringing with them an incredible lineup of musicians who explore the music of Phish with a focus on improvisation of the group’s many compositions.  Adam Chase, co-founder of the JAZZ IS PHSH ensemble, is introducing broader audiences to not only the music of Phish from musicians who did not come up in the jam world, but to also introduce Phish fans to musicians that may or may not have been on their radar.

    The current tour includes familiar faces in the jam scene such as Rob Compa of Dopapod, a Berklee School of Music graduate who has been performing recently with Mike Gantzer of Aqueous, where you can hear Compa’s jazz influences come out from a smooth sounding acoustic duo. A trio of horns features trombonist Alicia Aubin of Big Mean Sound Machine and Ithaca College alumni who has performed across the country with the high-energy funk band, and as far away as China and Russia. Rounding out the horns section are Carl “Geerz” Gerhard and Dave “The Truth” Grippo of Phish’s Giant Country horns, the latter two of which performed with Phish numerous times in the early 90’s. Grippo continues to perform with Grippo Funk Band in the Burlington area and has toured with Trey Anastasio Band on numerous occasions.

    JAZZ IS PHSH

    Familiarity with these players will make jam fans feel at home, while Felix Pastorius and Domi Degalle will add in fresh jazz takes on the music of Phish. Son of Jaco, Felix Pastorius walks in his father’s footsteps as a bass guitarist, who at the age of 19 was recommended by Victor Wooten to fill the bass chair in Jeff Coffin’s Mu’tet. He won a Grammy with jazz mainstay The Yellowjackets, and now based in New York City, has started his own projects, including an incredible jazz fusion group The Hipster Assassins. Domi is a teenage musical prodigy and was brought up in a musical family in France and began playing music at age 2, entered Conservatory at age 5 to study classical and jazz. She is now studying on a full scholarship at Berklee College of Music and has performed with the likes of Thundercat, David Gilmour, Ghost-Note, MonoNeon, Louis Cole & More. Both musicians are well known in jazz circles and join the band for a different angle on the music of Phish, a twist on your everyday troupe.

    The group will perform this month in Albany at The Egg on June 27, at Buffalo Iron Works on June 28, and ANTHOLOGY in Rochester on June 29. They recently stopped at Brooklyn Bowl to perform with Strange Machines on June 16. Check out a photo gallery over at Relix. Adam Chase, who also plays drums in JAZZ IS PHSH spoke to NYS Music about the upcoming shows and how their interpretations of Phish’s music stands apart from others.

    Pete Mason: How did you assemble this tour’s lineup for Jazz is Phish?

    Adam Chase: I really like combining musicians from a variety of backgrounds on each show, whether it’s older and younger musicians, male and female, black and white, etc. And for this project the musical backgrounds being diverse is very important, regardless of gender or ethnicity.

    Having a combination of musicians that are familiar with the music and musicians that never listened to Phish before I introduced them to it is the best recipe for really doing justice to the compositions while pushing the boundaries of what the tunes can sound like.

    For this run I am particularly excited about having the teenage piano prodigy, DOMi, on the road with us. Having grown up in France and having her exposure to music in America be through jazz and classical professors at Berklee School of Music and through her collaborations with Thunder Cat, Knower, and Ghost Note, her lack of knowledge of Phish has been really fun for me. She is so talented that she can take the sheet music I give her and not only play the complex compositions with ease, but is also able to expand the ideas and improvise in a way that I’ve never heard within the framework of a Phish song.

    Being able to pair her talents with Felix Pastorius is very exciting for me as well. As many people know, Felix is the son of Jaco Pastorius, which carries a fair amount of weight for the level of talent one would expect, but what a lot of people don’t know is that Felix himself is one of the best bassists around and he has his own voice on his instrument. His knowledge of music and his approach to playing bass is mind bending and he is one of my favorite musicians to play with.

    In addition we have Rob Compa of Dopapod who is great guitarist and amazing human being, Alicia Aubin from Big Mean Sound Machine who will be making her debut with us and Dave Grippo of The Giant Country Horns. It’s always fun for me to play music with guys like Carl Gerhard and Dave Grippo, because growing up in the 90s as a Phish head, I had a ton of cassette tapes of those guys playing with Phish. They are quintessential figures in the Phish experience.

    PM: What makes the interpretations of Phish’s music done by JAZZ IS PHSH different from those of other Phish tributes?

    AC: There are lots of Phish cover bands. I don’t consider this to be a Phish cover band, though it is absolutely a Phish tribute. I may be splitting hair with terminology, but when I think of a Phish cover band, I think of a band trying to play Phish songs like Phish did in attempt to recreate the experience of seeing Phish (or as close to that as they can get). With Jazz Is Phsh our goal is to create a unique experience, where the music is a vehicle for incredible musicians to put their own identity into the music. Not just from an improvisational perspective but also from a compositional perspective.

    Every song that we have done arrangements for have happened in a group setting with musicians that range from Chris Bullock of Snarky Puppy and Kofi Burbridge of Tedeschi Trucks Band, but also Michael Ray of Sun Ra Arkestra and Anthony Wellington of Victor Wooten Band. With each arrangement, we have not only reharmonizes the vocal melodies to fit into a horn section but for many songs we have composed original parts, reworked existing parts and even mashed up Phish songs with jazz songs and in some cases even jazz influenced hip hop.

    A recent mashup we did took the popular Phish cover “Yamar” (which is actually an old calypso song) and mashed it up with the Q Tip song “ManWomanBoogie”. What makes this mashup so cool is that the Q Tip song was a variation of a sample of a Wayne Shorter jazz piece. What makes this so relevant to me is that jazz is often trapped in a box and held to just being swing music or a sound associated with the legends of the origins of jazz. But jazz is much more than that. Just follow the career of Herbie Hancock and you will see how jazz has evolved into funk, hip hop and so much more. The idea of jam music to me is the intersection of jazz and rock and roll. So to be able to explore the brilliant music of Phish in this way is what jazz is all about.

    PM: Is there an era of Phish that lines up with the sound of Jazz is Phish more than any other?

    AC: I think what we are doing is very unique and different so it would be hard to say if it lines up with any particular era of Phish. I do however enjoy turning on musicians to some of the early compositions of Phish as the complexity of the arrangements are very “Zappa-esque” and provide a challenge and in some cases an explanation of what a musician would find so charming about Phish’s music. But really there are Phish songs throughout their career that lend themselves so well to a horn driven, instrumental, funky jazzy setting.

    PM: This is your first time in Albany, and you’re playing in The Swyer Theater at The Egg – what can fans expect from a show in this intimate venue?

    AC: We are particularly excited to play this beautiful room. It’s always special when playing this type of music, to be in a room with great sound and a great feel. It really opens up the dynamics of the music and the creativity the musicians feel. I find that shows in rooms like this, feel like they have room to breathe, which is very exciting. I am looking forward to really giving each musician an opportunity to showcase their talents while also exploring the music collectively in a way that will really connect everyone in the audience with everyone on stage. When everyone on stage and the audience are all listening wholeheartedly and in the moment, magic can be made.

    JAZZ IS PHSH Tour Dates
    June 27 at The Egg Performing Arts Center, Albany NY
    June 28 at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo NY
    June 29 at Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival at ANTHOLOGY, Rochester, NY
    July 5 at Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley, CA
    July 7 at High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy, CA
    July 8 at High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy, CA

  • Haewa joins Empire State Music Podcast for Episode 6

    Join host Andy Hogan and special guest Haewa for Episode 6 of Empire State Music Podcast, now available on Simplecast or Soundcloud.

  • The NYS Music Guide to the 2018 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival

    During the seemingly unending winter, Rochesterians yearn for a glimpse of the warming sun. As soon as the summer hits however, a large number of them start ducking in and out of dark halls, churches theaters and clubs, now yearning for a glimpse of some of the greatest musical talent the world over. From June 22 through 30, 2018 Rochester Jazz Fest will once again become one of the hottest destinations for live jazz, and music in general. The 17th edition of the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Fest is bringing 1500 artists from 20 countries to play over 300 shows in 20 different venues. 214 club pass shows, 97 free shows and 5 headliner shows all happening over a 9-day stretch inside 1 square mile. That’s a lot of numbers to crunch, and you just want to see some music. Thankfully we’re here to do the math, calculating the perfect slate for any music lover. Whatever you’re pleasure, there’s a number that fits. Check out our picks below, and don’t forget to also read our tips for the best way to enjoy your time at the fest.

    1 Voice

    These are the singers we’ll have our eyes on:

    https://youtu.be/JJYzPOYHOao

    Songs of Freedom
    Drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. originally put together this show for a special gig at Lincoln Center. It features not just one, but three amazing voices singing songs from not just one but three iconic singers. The show explores the 1960s through through the music of Nina Simone, Joni Mitchell and Abbey Lincoln and will feature the singers Theo Bleckmann, Alicia Olatuja and Joanna Majoko.

    June 27, Kilbourn Hall, 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $35 or Club Pass

    Zara McFarlane
    An award-winning singer from the UK with roots in the Caribbean, McFarlane’s sound adds reggae and soul to a jazz base, but it doesn’t stop there in breaking down new barriers in music. She’s in the thick of a new and young British jazz renaissance and is joined on her latest release by XRIJF alums Moses Boyd, Binker Goldings and Shabaka Hutchings. This won’t be your typical jazz vocal set.

    June 25, Christ Church, 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    The Suffers
    We could easily throw this Houston band into the next category because they’ll certainly get you moving with their big band Gulf Coast soul music, but it all comes back to Kam Franklin and her big time pipes. They’ve wowed at many a festival all around the world, but now it’s Rochester’s turn.

    June 28, Harro East, 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also check out:

    Liz Vice
    June 27, Montage Music Hall, 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Deva Mahal
    June 30, Harro East, 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    2 Feet

    In the mood to dance? Here are some artists that will get your body moving:

    St. Germain
    An innovator of house music, St. Germain is the stage name of Frenchman Ludovic Navarre. He combines jazz, blues and African music with electronic music. Even if you’ve never heard of him, you’ve likely heard him, his songs like “Alabama Blues” and “Rose Rouge” were widespread hits. Even his music that is now decades old sounds fresh and new today.

    June 29, City of Rochester East Ave and Chestnut St Stage, 9:00 p.m.; Free

    Tower of Power
    Going further back, Tower of Power have been blasting their tunes for 50 years and are celebrating as such all year. As appropriate a name in a band as you will find, this horn-based funk and R&B band is truly a towering power, with charting hits like “You’re Still a Young Man”, “So Very Hard to Go”, “What Is Hip?”, and “Don’t Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream)”.

    June 30, City of Rochester East Ave and Chestnut St Stage, 9:00 p.m.; Free

    Moon Hooch
    Moon Hooch resides somewhere in between St. Germain and Tower of Power, the up-and-coming three piece combines bombastic saxophones with eclectic drumming to arrive in an electronic music space via a more organic path. It’s unique and will make your mind spin, but it’ll also get your feet moving.

    June 24, Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass
    June 25, Montage Music Hall    , 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also check out:

    Ghost-Note with Mononeon
    June 27, Harro East, 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass
    June 28, Squeezers Stage at Anthology, 7:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Mwenso and the Shakes
    June 23, Xerox Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    6 Strings

    Here are some musicians that will be lighting fires with axes:

    Scott Sharrard
    You may have caught Sharrard a couple of years ago as a part of the late Greg Allman’s band when he headlined at the Eastman Theatre. Sharrard was a long-time member and musical director of Allman’s band, but he also has a long solo career of his own. Now he’s fronting his Brickyard Band, playing raw and vital blues rock. They’ll be bringing material from their forthcoming album, Saving Grace.

    June 22, City of Rochester East Ave and Chestnut St Stage, 9:00 p.m.; Free
    June 23, City of Rochester Jazz St Stage, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Free

    Stephane Wrembel
    The mantra of the festival might be “It’s not who you know, it’s who you don’t know,” though after 17 years it’s tough not to have return visits. Wrembel is coming back for the 5th time, and has been a fan favorite every year. He returns almost yearly for non-festival shows and even recorded a live album in town at the Lovin’ Cup a few years ago. We probably don’t need to tell you, but you won’t want to miss his set this year either.

    June 29, Max of Eastman Place, 6:15 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Ron Artis II and the Truth
    If you’re looking for a fresh-faced axe slinger to blow you away, look no further than Ron Artis. This Hawaiian band oozes soul and backs it with exhilarating instrumentation. They’ll bring material from their recently released debut album, Soul Street, and will leave town with a whole bunch of new fans.

    June 22, Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass
    June 23, Montage Music Hall    , 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also check out:

    Jack Broadbent
    June 23, Harro East, 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass
    June 24, Xerox Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Torben Waldorff
    June 27, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    50 Stars, 13 Stripes

    That’s the flag we’re referencing there, and these are acts steeped in Americana:

    Pokey Lafarge
    Another returnee, Pokey Lafarge is coming back to the festival after six years away. In our review of his Lilac Festival set a few years back, we noted “his music does pull from many early music influences like Western swing, ragtime, old-time country and jazz, it manages to rise above a simple throwback.”

    June 29, City of Rochester Stage at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 9:00 p.m.; Free

    Alison Krauss
    Grammy-winning bluegrass, folk and country singer Alison Krauss comes to the festival behind  her critically-acclaimed new album Windy City, her first without Union Station in a decade. Her smooth-as-silk voice will be even more front and center than usual and the show will be as captivating as you’ve come to expect.

    June 27, Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 8:00 p.m.;$115/$105/$85/$70 or Club Pass

    Dustbowl Revival
    One of our favorite finds from last year’s fest, Dustbowl Revival, “a string band with a horn section, used each of its eight pieces to their advantage, moving from swing to ska to folk to blues to funk to rock and everything in between.” Anyone who caught them last year will certainly be on their way to see them again.

    June 24, Harro East, 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also check out:

    Junior Brown
    June 26, Squeezers Stage at Anthology, 7:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    VickiKristinaBarcelona Sings the Music of Tom Waits
    June 26, Montage Music Hall, 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    88 Keys

    As always there’s plenty of piano talent to go around, these are the ones we’re most excited to check out:

    The Bad Plus
    Genre-bending trio The Bad Plus premiered material from a forthcoming album featuring singer Wendy Lewis at the festival in 2008. It was quite the surprise at the time. Ten years later they finally return, and again have a lineup change. Pianist Ethan Iverson left the band at the end of last year, and was replaced by Orrin Evans. The band promptly released a new album, Never Stop II, and we’ll get a peek at some of that material and a lot more.

    June 23, Temple Building, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Pilc Moutin Hoenig
    Heavily improvised and inventive, this trio out of New York featuring Jean-Michel Pilc, Francoise Moutin and Ari Hoenig. Each brings their individual instrumental prowess together to form something wholly unique. For the full experience, you can also catch Pilc perform solo piano at the Hatch Hall on the next night (at 5:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.).

    June 28, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Gogo Penguin
    They played their first ever North American gig in Rochester when they nearly topped our list of the 10 best sets of the 2015 festival. They’ve expanded their reach and have been winning fans the world over. “The music is thoroughly melodic, not veering into traditional solos, and taking cues from both classical and pop music for a unique sound that isn’t immediately identifiable as jazz.” Our most anticipated returning artist is a toss-up between Gogo Penguin and The Bad Plus. We wouldn’t miss either!

    June 28, Xerox Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also check out:

    Django Bates Beloved
    June 23, Christ Church, 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez
    June 22, Xerox Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    ∞ Possibilities

    The skies the limit with these artists who push the boundaries of music:

    House of Waters
    It’s your one chance to see the hammered dulcimer at the festival, so thankfully it’s a player, Max ZT who NPR calls the “Jimi Hendrix of hammered dulcimer.” Forget everything you know about the instrument as ZT has all but reinvented the sound. With jazz bassist Moto Fukushima and South American drummer Ignacius Rivas Bixio, House of Waters creates a musical blend unlike any you’ve ever heard.

    June 26, Max of Eastman Place, 6:15 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Matt Wilson’s Honey and Salt Band
    Wilson’s latest project, the Honey and Salt Band, plays music inspired by, and including the words of the poetry of Carl Sandburg. It is off-beat and quirky, funny and fun and will have you smiling ear to ear for the duration of their set. You kind of just need to go see it.

    June 30, Kilbourn Hall, 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $35 or Club Pass

    Beats and Pieces Big Band
    A big band for the next generation, bandleader Ben Cottrell conducts this 14-piece outfit out of Manchester, England. Their music is equal parts rocking, jazzy and ethereal. The band’s lineup hasn’t changed much in ten years making for a supremely tight group that has incredible agility for a band of this size. Expect the unexpected.

    June 24, Christ Church, 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also check out:

    Trail of Souls
    June 25, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Shake Stew
    June 27, Xerox Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Be sure and check out the full schedule and download the app at rochesterjazz.com to construct your own nightly schedule.

  • Ecstatic Dance Rochester Takes Flight in the Flower City

    Nestled near the west bank of the Genesee River, Kaleidoscope Collective invites you to step into your new favorite dance venue, Ecstatic Dance Rochester. Trying something new is never out of season, and whether you’re new to ecstatic dance or well versed in the art of spontaneous movement, all are welcome to join us in our cozy dance studio and allow the music to take you wherever you want to go.

    At an ecstatic dance event, you set the mood for your own dance experience. The soundtrack of the evening is curated by either a DJ or live musical act. It begins with tranquil tones to ease you in, each song building the intensity up to a musical climax of heavy bass to get your heart pumping- feel free to twerk it out if you feel so inclined. The music will come full circle as the soundtrack gradually descends back to a calming state, creating a dynamic, fulfilling experience that offers opportunities to play with whatever type of movement the music inspires you to explore.

    Dance alone, dance with your friends, or dance with someone new. If you want to explore movement with someone new, be respectful and ask for consent. Not sure how? A fun and non-invasive way to dance with someone is to mirror their movements. If you want to make contact, try reaching a hand out. If it’s not reciprocated, that’s okay. Not everyone wants a dance partner. Remember- no talking! Part of ecstatic dance is learning to navigate the realm of nonverbal communication.

    As our collaborator Arthur Gold eloquently phrased it, “This is a no booze, no shoes/inside shoes event so wear your fanciest of socks and pack your swankiest water bottle.” That being said, if you need shoes for comfort and/or medical reasons, that is perfectly okay. If you want to take a break from dancing or chat with a friend, relax on a comfy couch in the lounge attached to the studio. If you fancy a cup of tea, an eclectic selection of teas will be available for purchase to soothe your senses courtesy of Stick Joint Teahouse.

    Join us Tuesday, June 26 at 7pm for the first Ecstatic Dance Rochester event! We will facilitate some quick introductions to get acquainted before dancing begins at 7:30pm. We’ll groove until 8:45, and round out the evening with a quick debrief to reflect on the experience and get feedback for future events. Ecstatic Dance Rochester will meet monthly with future events scheduled for July 17, August 7 and September 25.

    This event is $15 at the door, with sliding scale donations accepted. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Don’t miss out on this exciting new movement happening in Rochester. Join our community.

  • An Unscripted Evening of Unique Jamming

    Mike Gantzer and David Loss of Aqueous, Mike Carubba and Josh Schwartz of Turkuaz, Ben Carrey of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Matt Jalbert of Tauk and Hayley Jane all walked into a bar for a night of Unique Jamming… and took the stage at Funk ‘n Waffles Music Hall in Rochester with no set list and no songs, not even covers. But it actually isn’t a joke. They were brought together by the mastermind behind Everyone Orchestra, Matt Butler. He would be their conductor on this mad science experiment in improvisational music.

    Decked out in a glittery purple conductor’s jacket and top hat, Butler, with hand motions, vocal cues, a white board and an iPad, directed the musicians through completely made-on-the-spot compositions across two sets for over 2 hours Friday night. The only time this music will ever get played was on that night and the only people to hear it were present then and there.

    Some of the jams got started with a written note from Butler. Some of these were made available to the crowd. “A2 D2, indie rock” was scrawled out on one for example; others remained for the band’s eyes only. Other jams were prompted by one of the musicians, as requested by Butler. Loss started one with a crunchy organ groove, the rest of the band joined in, and a theme was established and another jam had begun. It was a game and Butler was the game master.

    As jams tend to do, these pieces changed in character the deeper they got. But with a conductor, they didn’t veer out of control either. Solos were kept in check with a nod or point, or were egged on further with emphatic arm and hand motions. In one thrilling moment, the guitarists battled to a raging tangle as Butler essentially live-edited the two competing sounds into a perfect jarring climax.

    With quickly improvised lyrics and melodies, Jane, or occasionally Butler himself, was able to develop a familiarity to the pieces that the band could return to again and again, at times creating songs the crowd could even sing along to by the end. Early in the second set, the band gelled around the lyrics “Open your eyes to see / The truth will set you free,” in a jam that finished in a building and bright rock-ready progression that was certainly a highlight of the evening.

    Taking in the show as a whole, one aspect that must be marveled at is how, through it all, the music never settled into a familiar or well-worn groove. There were no covers, teases, or even any “sounds-likes” to be had. With a one-time band put together for a one-time concert, that is a rather incredible feat. Perhaps in the end, the only proper reaction is to laugh after all.

  • FOMO is a Mofro

    Before JJ Grey was ever seen on stage, the sound of his harmonica came humming across the PA. The man himself soon followed as he sauntered out in a slick black suit. The harp echoed throughout Funk ‘n Waffles Music Hall in Rochester. As the evening progressed, he shed the harmonica to rock out some guitar. Then lap steel, tambourine and keys followed. The instrument that was ever present was his soulful Southern croon belting out his dirty funky blues with swampy Florida roots.

    Despite the prowess across many instruments, Grey is not a one man band, of course. Mofro, all in nearly matching black suits, were there every step of the way. Their attire, it should be stated, was not apropos of the evening –  a hot and muggy one –  even for a band from Florida. Grey even switched up the lyrics in “Every Minute,” singing “so good to be hot… in this club.” The bass, guitar, keys and drums slugged out the blues and funk while a two-trumpet back line brought some bright New Orleans flavor to the mix. Each member brought their own character to the sound and each was featured multiple times throughout.

    Through his lyrics and his inter-song bantering, Grey brought to light some of his life philosophies. It’s clear he’s never been happier. He may have been an idiot before, but as he continues to improve, “next year he’ll be an idiot this year,” he says. At times, he sounded like a preacher, doling out the gospel of Mofro. “Lord I’ve changed!” “Glory Hallelujah!” Still at others, he was pining for his grandmother’s cornbread.

    The rabid crowd, almost entirely decked out in Mofro attire, were not just around to be entertained, but to get involved. Most of the songs turned into singalongs. Grey using that to his advantage, managing mic-in-the-crowd choruses on “A Woman” and “Brighter Days.” None was more moving than the encore of “Hey Jude.” The show closed with the crowd heartily singing the finish to the quintessential Beatles classic. If every day ended with a communal singing of “Hey Jude,” the world would certainly be a better place, and JJ Grey would be an even happier man.

    Freddy and Francine, a trio out of Nashville, opened the night with some quieter, but no less soulful tunes. It tested the exuberant crowd, but their gorgeous and powerful three-part harmonies won them over and played as a perfect setup for JJ Grey and Mofro.

    Setlist:
    How Junior Got His Head Put Out, A Woman, Every Minute, Brighter Days, Country Ghetto, Hide and Seek, ?, Seminole Wind (John Anderson), Lochloosa, Orange Blossoms, Lazy Fo Acre, Ho Cake, The Sun is Shining Down
    E: Hey Jude

  • Hearing Aide: Komrads ‘Resistor’

    Komrads 'Resistor'Before I start this review let me disclose that I am not well versed in electronic music, my expertise lies within metal so I will be reviewing this album from that perspective and will be comparing elements of songs to other groups in an attempt to best review the album.

    The first track “Resistor” is full of industrial glitchy instrumentals accompanied by drums in the back leading the beat. A little after halfway through vocals start chanting about the resistance. “Resistor” is definitely a great intro track while the second track “Midnight Sun” was an abrupt change from “Resistor”, with its slow paced and droning styled vocals and notes that echo.

    “Prom Dress” was one of my favorite tracks with vocals that are reminiscent of Marilyn Manson and Element A440 and has a rock sorta sound to match. Any fans of Manson style vocals should take a look.

    “Petra” felt like an experiment that was attempting the same thing as some doom metal projects with what sounds like a few bass strings and a deep bellowing whisper that is a departure from the rest of the tracks.

    “Sick Boy” instantly reminded me of “Plur Police” by Knife Party. It’s full of those edm sounds that I have no clue what they’re called and had humorous lyrics like “why you bring him to this office can’t you see he’s too big” and “can you do one thing for me?”  This track should definitely be a top contender for a single if Komrad decides to release any singles.

    “Lay Me Down”, “Pocket Full Of Knife” and “Midnight Sun” were completely out of my realm of music and I couldn’t find anything in them to personally latch onto.

    Overall this has more of a rock and roll sound than a metal sound but that’s not a bad thing- I enjoyed multiple tracks. I don’t know who to recommend this to me but my electronic music tastes are limited to Knife Party and Master Boot Record so if you are into either of them you might enjoy this album.

    Resistor was released online May 25. Head to their Bandcamp to purchase.

    Key Tracks: Petra, Sick Boy, Prom Dress

  • Interview: Jon Lewis discusses his band’s latest album and making a living as a full-time artist

    Rochester’s Jon Lewis Band is experiencing its fair share of notoriety on the heels of releasing their eighth album in four years, Get Wild Somewhere. In the month of May, lead singer Jon Lewis made the media rounds, appearing on WXXI’s Connections with Evan Dawson to talk about how streaming is impacting musicians, as well as on college radio stations WRUR and WBER, and the band opened the Rochester Lilac Festival.

    Jon Lewis interviewJon Lewis recently spoke with NYSMusic about the process of making music with his best friends, eeking out a full-time career in music and art, and the largest pizza he’s ever seen.

    Amy Cavalier: What inspired this album? Why did you feel the need to fly out of Rochester to record this album?

    Jon Lewis: After we finished recording our previous EP “Baby Brother,” we were given an amazing opportunity to record in our friend’s newly built studio in Los Angeles. With that in mind, we began to write and practice songs that were all intentionally constructed to be played and recorded live. We didn’t want to do any overdubs or try to manipulate our sound too much. This made it possible to record in a shorter period of time and also enabled us to make something that showcases all of our individual strengths. All the songs were written for this album. A totally fresh brew of tunes.

    AC: Despite some major weather delays, you were able to record this in just a few days. What types of challenges arose and what did you learn from the process?

    JL: This experience was insane. We were supposed to have a solid three to four days in the studio, but because of nearly two full days of weather delays, we only had a day and a half to record the album. In the end, we had prepped for such a thing and ended up recording the entire band live in one day. We never wanted to take a long time, and it almost seemed like Mother Nature was challenging our convictions and everyone in Jon Lewis band rose to the challenge.

    We showed up ready to play, and everyone at the studio made it possible by prepping and being on-hand for the whole process. Plus, there was a brewery across the street, so we were well taken care of. We also ate the biggest pizza I had ever seen that had to be taken in through the loading dock door because it was too large to fit through the door.

    AC: What was the idea behind the creation of the video for “Cinnamon Only,” the sixth track on Get Wild Somewhere? How long did it take to create? Do you plan to make videos for more of your songs?

    JL: I animated the video entirely using colored paper and sketches I made. It took about a month from start to finish. I drew and cut out the characters, then photographed/animated them against a green screen. Then I put all the layers together to create something I like to call “Paper World.”

    I’ve done several of these projects and it’s truly a joy and passion of mine. This video was created as I went; I started drawing a face and then thought, “she should be riding a motorcycle” and then when I drew that I thought, “and she should be accompanied by a wolf spirit guide” and then just kept drawing and writing as I went. The plot and story completely unfolded as I continued to work, just letting the song dictate the imagery. I will definitely be making more videos, just as soon as I get some time.

    AC: How do you find the inspiration to keep coming up with new material on such a regular basis? What does the songwriting process look like for the JLB?

    JL: The songwriting for the band has been an ever-evolving creature. In the beginning, I did a majority of the song writing, taking songs from my acoustic catalog and then translating them into a full band format. As time has passed, Dave Drago and I have become more of a battery for song writing. This new album is an example of how far we’ve come.

    The inception of songs coming from Dave and myself, and then constructed and enlightened by everyone in the band. A true commutative effort. I still write quite a lot of songs specifically for my acoustic performances, as well as songs intentionally created for my alter-ego “Mr. Loops.” I am incredibly lucky to have different purposes for songs I write and that definitely helps the creative energy.

    AC: You put out a very fun social media presence….your band seems like the kind of guys you could really just hang out with. Have you put thought into the image your band emulates? Or is this organic?

    JL: Marketing and managing social media is a fun and yet also a very daunting task. I manage it all. Our band’s main purpose and function are that each member feels a no-stress and all-joy connection to the music. We are brothers and friends and family and without that feeling, we would not care to exist. It helps put out the right vibe and deep down that is because we feel it on a very real level.

    AC: Your fans helped fund the recording of this album. Why do you think your fans are so willing to support you and eager to see you succeed?

    JL: This album would not exist without the incredible love and support we got from our fans through our fundraiser. Once we decided to make the album in LA and to track it live, we knew this was the album to press on vinyl. We were successful after a few weeks time and that sent us to LA feeling so much positive energy, most certainly fueling our ability to overcome obstacles and make the music the best we could. I know our fans are invested in hearing what this journey has meant for our sound and how far we’ve come since our last release and I cannot wait to share it.

    AC: If you could describe each of your band mates to a stranger (as a person and a musician), how would you describe them? And if they could describe you, what would they say?

    JL: Dave (Drago, bass) is dad. He’s the reason any of the music exists as he has engineered/recorded and produced all of our albums in his studio 1809 Studios (link). He’s got vision, he’s upfront and he sees the infinite potential in a song and person unlike anyone I’ve ever met.

    Jake (Walsh, drums) is our heartbeat. Consistent, positive and present, he has maintained the beat of the band since the very beginning. One of the most talented and empathetic human beings you can ever wish to meet.

    Shawn (Brogan, lead guitar) is our hot sauce. His lead guitar licks and dissident sounds create the soul of our music. He’s technical and always creates a well-constructed lead lick. He’s “ride or die” and balances our sound and our group with energy and support.

    Alex (Northrup, keys) is our bed. When Alex joined the band we knew we were finally comfy and complete. One of the most talented musicians I have ever met, he can pick up literally any instrument and make it sing. He’s technically proficient and also carries an edge of insanity that fits in with us so well. He’s a compassionate and amazing human.

    Jon Lewis (lead vocals and rhythm guitar) I literally have no idea how the band would describe me but I would hope they would say something nice (or else).

    AC: You are currently making a full-time living with music and performance art. Was this always your intention? What does it take to be a successful full-time musician in a small pond such as Rochester? Are there advantages to doing this here vs. in a bigger city with more competition?

    JL: I am a full-time artist. I dropped out of college before I incurred any debt and went straight into the workforce. I worked sales for 10 years before building a foundation to quit and make art full-time.

    It’s not easy, and I have to find new and innovative ways of making a living outside of just performing and making music. I do documentary film making for local historical societies, I animate and create music videos, and I perform music for kids as “Mr. Loops” – this combination has created an ever spinning wheel of work for me that keeps the dream of not going back to “work” possible.

    If you want to chase a dream like this, you have to keep your eyes and doors open to different ways of being creative, and getting what you deserve for your creations. Rochester is certainly a more affordable place to live and play than larger cities, making this sort of crazy notion possible.

    AC: Do you have a bigger vision for the Jon Lewis Band…not just to dominate the local Rochester music scene, but to make yourself known to a wider audience?

    JL: I definitely keep an ever-expanding vision alive for my art and my music. I have very little expectations but I truly pour all of myself into every creation with the knowledge that there’s no way of knowing how long I will be lucky enough to be alive and make music. I would love to tour more, and still have many different adventures to take with performing.

    AC: You recently traveled back to LA to audition for Blue’s Clues…how did that come about? Although you did not get a call back, what did you take from that experience?

    JL: I sure did! After never being to LA as an adult I found myself there twice in a three month period. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to send my information and videos into Nickelodeon when I heard from a dear friend Malcolm Whitfield that they were looking for a new Blues Clues host.

    They did respond, inviting me out to audition in person and I jumped at the chance. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. More than just the insanely cool audition experience, I was able to spend some serious quality time with my long-time friend Johnny McHone and soak up the sun more than we had a chance to when we were recording Get Wild Somewhere. I learned that, especially in LA, if you bring a positive and giving attitude to the city (no matter if you “win or lose”) that the city and life will repay you tenfold.

    AC: How often do you perform as Mr. Loops? What other ways do you cobble together your living? Would you describe yourself as a starving artist? Or do you feel like you’re finally making headway?

    JL: I perform regularly as Mr. Loops but would like to perform even more. I love to play music for kids and it keeps me silly and having fun in a business that can certainly be hard to manage. I find that the “struggle” of being an artist full-time greatly outweighs the “comfort” of a less rewarding career. I feel truly connected and alive making music and making art.

  • The Black Dahlia Murder Kicks Off Tour

    Detroit’s melodic death metal band, The Black Dahlia Murder, have hit the road recently, and are set to visit over 40 cities across North America on their tour.

    The tour will take place in two parts, first seeing support from Homewrecker for the first twelve dates, starting in Minnesota and ending June 1 at Ground Zero in Traverse, MI. After a small break, the band will then head out with Whitechapel, Fleshgod, Apocalypse, Aversions Crown, and Shadow of Intent starting on June 8 in Chicago.

    The second portion of the tour will make two stops in New York, first on June 13, at Funk N’ Waffles in Rochester, and June 15, at Stage 48 in NYC.

    Formed in 2001, The Black Dahlia Murder has released eight studio albums, including 2017’s Nighbringers. The band’s last seven releases have charted on the Billboard 200, with the last five reaching inside the top 50 on the Billboard 200 chart.

    Dates with Homewrecker:

    May 19 – Red Carpet Nightclub – St. Cloud, MN
    May 20 – The Aquarium – Fargo, ND
    May 22 – Pub Station – Billings, MT
    May 23 – The Pin – Spokane, WA
    May 24 – Modified Ghost Fest – Vancouver, BC
    May 26 – Dicken’s – Calgary, AB
    May 27 – O’Brien’s – Saskatoon, SK
    May 28 – The Park Theater – Winnipeg, MB
    May 29 – Crocks – Thunder Bay, ON
    May 30 – The Working Class – Timmons, ON
    May 31 – Club 151 – North Bay, ON
    June 1 – Ground Zero – Traverse, MI

    Dates with Whitechapel, Fleshgod, Apocalypse, Aversions Crown, Shadow Of Intent:

    June 8 – House of Blues – Chicago, IL
    June 9 – Agora Theater – Cleveland, OH
    June 10 – St Andrews Hall – Detroit, MI
    June 12 – The Opera House – Toronto, ON
    June 13 – Funk N Waffles – Rochester, NY
    June 14 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA
    June 15 – Stage 48 – New York, NY
    June 16 – Trocadero Theatre – Philadelphia, PA
    June 17 – Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD
    June 19 – The NorVa Theatre – Norfolk, VA
    June 20 – Tarheel – Jacksonville, NC
    June 22 – Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL
    June 23 – Revolution Live – Fort Lauderdale, FL
    June 24 – Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
    June 26 – Basement East – Nashville, TN
    June 27 – Southport Music Hall – New Orleans, LA
    June 28 – White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX
    June 29 – Vibes Event Center – San Antonio, TX
    June 30 – Gas Monkey – Dallas, TX
    July 2 – El Rey Theater – Albuquerque, NM
    July 3 – The Pressroom – Phoenix, AZ
    July 5 – Strummer’s – Fresno, CA
    July 6 – House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA
    July 7 – The UC Theatre – Berkeley, CA
    July 8 – Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA
    July 10 – Ogden Theater – Denver, CO
    July 11 – The Truman – Kansas City, MO
    July 12 – Icon Lounge – Sioux Falls, SD
    July 13 – Cabooze – Minneapolis, MN
    July 14 – Rock USA – Oshkosh, WI *

    * The Black Dahlia Murder only

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