Category: Rochester

Jack White 2018 Tour Hitting Three Upstate NY Venues

Jack White is building enthusiasm for his 2018 tour by releasing a track from his upcoming third solo album Boarding House Reach, which comes out in March.

“Corporation” will be available for fans to download digitally worldwide on Friday, Jan. 26 at midnight. Tour tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. Friday.

White is giving away a physical CD copy of the new album with every ticket purchased online for the North American shows. Fans will have the option to upgrade the CD to the standard black vinyl LP.

Jack White’s Facebook page released a 25 second preview of the track, check it out below.

https://www.facebook.com/jackwhite/videos/1828260743873817/

Boarding House Reach is the first all-new album in nearly four years, according to a press release. The album will be released Friday, March 23. Fans can pre-order the standard vinyl LP, CD and digital format beginning Friday, Jan. 26. Fans who purchase the digital album pre-order will also receive downloads of three songs – “Corporation,” “Connected by Love” and “Respect Commander.”

White’s tour travels across North America and Europe for 42 shows from April 19 to Aug. 23.

The tour includes several music festivals that Jack White will headline. North American festivals include: Atlanta’s Shaky Knees; Boston Calling 2018; New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival; and The Governors Ball in New York City. Jack White will also headline some festivals in Europe: Rock Werchter in Belgium; Mad Cool Festival in Spain; NOS Alive in Portugal; and the Ilosaarirock Festival in Finland.

White released the third single “Corporation” from Boarding House Reach via YouTube Friday morning. You can view that here.

Check out Jack White’s website for more information.

Jack White 2018 Tour

April 19 – Little Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI
April 20 – Eagles Ballroom – Milwaukee, WI
April 21 – 20 Monroe – Grand Rapids, MI
April 23 – Baxter Arena – Omaha, NE
April 24 – Providence Medical Center Amphitheater – Bonner Springs, KS
April 25 – Chaifetz Arena – St. Louis, MO
April 27 – Bomb Factory – Dallas, TX
April 29 – Bomb Factory – Dallas, TX
April 30 – Revention Music Center – Houston, TX
May 1 – Revention Music Center – Houston, TX
May 2 – Austin360 Amphitheater – Austin, TX
May 4 – 6 – Shaky Knees Music Festival – Atlanta, GA *
May 6 – New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – New Orleans, LA *
May 26 – Boston Calling Music Festival – Boston, MA *
May 27 – Brewery Ommegang – Cooperstown, NY
May 29 – The Anthem – Washington, DC
June 1 – Governors Ball Music Festival – New York, NY *
June 4 – Express Live! Outdoor Amphitheater – Columbus, OH
June 6 – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica – Cleveland, OH
June 7 – Dome Arena – Rochester, NY
June 8 – Artpark Mainstage Theater – Lewiston, NY
June 9 – Budweiser Stage – Toronto, ON
June 27 – Hammersmith Apollo – London, UK
June 28 – Hammersmith Apollo – London, UK
July 2 – AFAS Live – Amsterdam, Netherlands
July 3 – L’Olympia – Paris, France
July 4 – L’Olympia – Paris, France
July 7 – Rock Werchter – Werchter, Belgium *
July 12 – 13 – Mad Cool – Madrid, Spain *
July 14 – NOS Alive – Lisbon, Portugal *
July 15 – Ilosaaririock Festival – Joensuu, Finland *
Aug. 6 – The Armory – Minneapolis, MN
Aug. 8 – 1st Bank Center – Broomfield, CO
Aug. 9 – SaltAir – Salt Lake City, UT
Aug. 11 – Veterans Memorial Coliseum – Portland, OR
Aug. 12 – Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC
Aug. 13 – WAMU Theatre – Seattle, WA
Aug. 15 – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA
Aug. 19 – Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA
Aug. 21 – Viejas Arena – San Diego, CA
Aug. 22 – Comerica Theatre – Phoenix, AZ
Aug. 23 – The Chelsea @ The Cosmopolitan – Las Vegas, NV

* Denotes festival

January 26, 2018

Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight Upcoming Performances Announced

The Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight returns this month for its fifth season. The exciting lineup of talented independent musicians slated to appear include The Honey Smugglers, Hanna PK, Juicy Connotation, and Jimmy Highsmith, Jr. The season makes debut on Jan. 27 with a performance by jazz pianist Laura Dubin.

On Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight, producer/host Dan Gross conducts interviews with musical guests, then invites them to perform. All shows are filmed at Bop Shop Records at 1460 Monroe Avenue, and are free and open to the public.

While the show is free to enjoy, it does cost money to produce. Among the sponsors making this season possible are Bop Shop Records, Rowe Photographic Video and Audio, Bernunzio Uptown Music, Sound Source, Joe Bean Coffee Roasters, Three Heads Brewing, and viewers (through an indiegogo campaign).

The lineup through the end of March has been announced, with April updates to be unveiled soon. Follow Dan Gross: Music & Journalism on Facebook to view dozens of episodes from seasons one through four and get updates on season five. Check out the NYS Music profile on Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight for more about the series.

Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight Schedule of Upcoming Events:

Saturday, January 27th – Laura Dubin
– Laura Dubin is an excellent jazz pianist and superb composer, and she recently released a two-disc album from her performance at the 2016 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival. She will be joined by her husband on drums, Antonio H. Guerrero.Friday, February 2nd – Small Signals
– Stephen Roessner is an incredibly talented and well-respected musician and recording engineer in the Rochester area. He’s doing this solo project releasing music that set to the words of “Missed Connections” post on Craigslist.Wednesday, February 7th – Juicy Connotation
– Juicy Connotation is a smart, fun, fusion band that’s on the rise in the growing contemporary instrumental scene in Rochester. They’re gigging a lot, but you’ll never see them in this intimate setting again!Sunday, February 18th – The Honey Smugglers
– We’re already counting down the days to this one. The Honey Smugglers are beloved, respected, and one the best bands – folk or otherwise – around. Come celebrate this with us with beer tastings from Three Heads Brewing!

Wednesday, February 28th – Hanna PK
– Hanna PK is a growing part of Rochester’s blues scene. Her authenticity and personality shine through in every song. She is often joined by a number of great #blues musicians. Come watch our first #blues episode ever!

Friday, March 9th – Vanishing Sun
– Vanishing Sun is one of grooviest and most polished #contemporarysoul bands in Rochester right now. Perfectly balanced, exceptionally exciting. Led by Zahyia Rolle with an all-star cast, this is one you can’t miss.

Saturday, March 20th – Grand Canyon Rescue Episode
– GRCE is a mainstay in the folk rock WNY echelon. With a sound that’s equally at home at ROC’s many festivals, or tasteful enough for a small record store, you’ll dance your socks off for these cats.

Friday, March 16th – Seth Faergolzia
– Seth is a revered member of the psychedelic anti-folk movement with Dufus. Now he’s in Rochester, performing with Seth Faergolzia’s Multibird, Seth Faergolzia & the 23 Psaegz, and his loop painting projects. Don’t miss what he has in store for us!

Saturday, March 31st – Jimmie Highsmith Jr.
– #Smoothjazz legend. Grammy-nominated #saxophonist. Supporter of the arts and the community. Don’t miss Jimmie Highsmith Jr. take over the Spotlight in an incredible show.

January 22, 2018

Photo Gallery: An Adult Prom in Winter at Funk ‘n Waffles

Hilarity ensued as concertgoers strapped on their swanky vintage prom attire to attend “Prom Night” by Pumpkin Patch Presents at Funk ‘n Waffles Music Hall in Rochester, NY.

Pumpkin Patch Presents, the newest event promotion company to launching out of Rochester, NY, catapulted into the scene by hosting regional favorite Folkfaces, with very special guest The Big Jazz Small Band for this adult-themed prom. As attendees, NYS Music saw matching outfits, vintage ties, prom dresses, shined shoes, high heels, dancing, drinks, and even a prom photo booth. To document the soiree, check out this photo gallery, courtesy of Meg Borruso Photography.

January 18, 2018
Exclusive Video Premiere: The Crooked North “Unquiet Grave”

The Crooked North presents the latest in a series of music videos recorded live in studio. This one features the title track from their 2017 EP Unquiet Grave. The song is a reinterpretation of a traditional folk ballad. They use lyrics recorded in a songbook by Appalachian folk singer Jean Ritchie. Jon Itkin, guitarist and vocalist for the band and nationally known songwriter, told NYS Music about the differences between the classic and their adaptation:

(Richie’s) version of the song is an a cappella ballad, in three quarter time. It’s ghostly and very beautiful. Ours takes the mournful sadness of the lyric and channels it into a throbbing beat, with a lot of energy and a much more detailed musical arrangement.”

The Crooked North at Temperamental Studios Photo: Stephen S. Reardon

The video was recorded in the quaint and picturesque space at Temperamental Recordings. Located in Geneseo, this former church was converted into a recording studio by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Mike Brown. Unquiet Grave was produced and mixed by Brown, and mastered by Grammy-winning musician/sound engineer Stephen Roessner. The recording sessions were captured on film by Clay O’Dell and his team at 33U Productions; Stephen S. Reardon shot the still photography. Costume and styling credits go to Beth Roberts, owner of Jane Vintage, a shop in Rochester’s South Wedge which specializes in period pieces. The resulting music video gives fans an intimate behind-the-scenes look at The Crooked North’s time in the studio.

The Crooked North carries on the traditions of bluegrass and folk music, refashioning them with progressive elements while retaining their fundamental roots. Pairing lush harmonies with toe-tapping melodies, they’ve been winning over the hearts of music lovers in their hometown of Rochester and beyond. The band features Ben Proctor (banjo, dobro, vocals), Jon Itkin (guitar, vocals), Rita Proctor (vocals, rhythm mandolin), and Jordan Kleiman (bass). Tahlia Cott plays fiddle for the band.

January 17, 2018
Rob Compa announces side-project Oval Sandwich, shows in Syracuse and Rochester

Dopapod may be taking 2018 off, but guitarist Rob Compa is keeping busy, unveiling a new side project, Oval Sandwich, which will debut on February 22 at Flour City Station in Rochester, with a follow up show on the 23rd at Funk n Waffles in Syracuse.

Oval Sandwich includes Compa on guitar, Paul McCardle (guitar – Doja, English Project), Will O’Riley (keys- The Niche, Swooners), Tristan Greene (drums – Doja, Ocular Panther) and Justin Rister (bass – Moho Collective). With some originals and covers on tap, the history these musicians have from years of performing and writing music in Rochester will come together for two can’t miss shows. Rob spoke to NYS Music about the band name, how the lineup came together and how Dopapod’s New Years show went.

Pete Mason: So why is the band called Oval Sandwich?

Rob Compa: Ok, good story. When I was going to MCC (Mohawk Community College) around 2005-06, I used to go see Willy’s band The Niche in Rochester all the time. I probably saw them fifty times. After a show one night, I went to Jay Schreiber’s (Niche drummer) house with Willy. I knocked back a few of beers with them, and had never really drank at all. Much to my chagrin, I got, well….drunk, for lack of a better word. We called The Niche’s bassist Todd (Nestor). I told him I’d been drinking and he asked how I felt. I told him I was hungry, and he asked what I would want to eat if I could eat anything in the world. In a slightly slurred, not-so-sober manner, I told him I wanted “one of those oval shaped chicken sandwiches from Burger King (you know the ones I’m talking about). They all cracked up at that, and 15 minutes later Todd showed up, burger king bag in hand. So when we started booking shows, I couldn’t think of a name and asked if anyone had anything in mind, and that was the first idea Willy had.

PM: How did you bring this act of local Rochester musicians together?

RC: The project started with some phone calls between Paul McArdle and I. Without exaggeration, Paul is one of my favorite guitar players ever, and a huge influence for me, so I’ve always wanted to put something together with him. I’m excited to see what we come up with when we’re both playing together. We actually played a little gig at Temple a few weeks back together, and in between songs he said “Man, I can’t not play like you when I’m on stage with you,” and I just thought that was funny because as far as I’m concerned, a huge amount of my guitar personality is just stuff that I soaked up from listening to him for years. So he was really just playing like himself and I was the one playing like him if that makes sense hahaha.

Paul also suggested Justin as the bassist. I don’t know Justin at all, but he sent me some videos of him playing and had great things to say about him. I checked out some videos, and was sold right away. I love bass players who are focused on the pocket and holding the groove together, but can still take some liberties and play ear grabbing, exciting stuff when it’s appropriate. That’s my ideal kind of player, and I Justin had that in the stuff I watched.

Willy, who I also play with in our other group, Borg Party, was really just a no brainer. He’s one of my favorite musicians, keyboardists, and humans ever, and he’s also written some of my favorite music I’ve heard. I’ve never met anyone else who writes music as fluidly and as naturally as him. For these initial shows, we probably won’t have too much original stuff since it’s our first shows, but I’d love to write some stuff together in the future.

Finally, Tristan Greene was a drummer I was just so stoked to play with. Like Willy’s band, I used to see Tristan and Paul’s band Doja at Milestones (now Flour City Station) all the time when I was a teenager, and I was just in awe of those guys musicianship. I even had Tristan play drums for Dopapod at a really early Rochester show of ours in about 2008 that our drummer at the time (Michelangelo Carubba, who is now in Turkuaz and also plays with me in Borg Party) couldn’t make. I love his pocket, and how he doesn’t overplay.

This is really sort of a dream band of Rochester guys for me. If I could have picked anyone, it still would have been these guys.

PM: How was the final Dopapod New Years Eve before hiatus?

RC: It was great! We had been torn between whether or not to play two sets like we always do and have an opener that would help us draw more, or do three sets and not have anyone else on the bill. We went with the latter, and all four of us were so thankful for that. We really wanted to have it be our night, and be able to play for as long as we wanted since it’ll be awhile before we get to do it again. We even played our whole Redivider album, with the weird interludes and everything. It felt great. After the show, our friends backstage were all verklempt and telling us how much they loved us. Some of them were even a little teary eyed. And we were all just tired and pretty satisfied! I think after that much playing and months of knowing this break was coming, we were all just pretty nonchalant about the whole thing. We just had a blast.

PM: How do you see your 2018 panning out?

RC: Lots of teaching guitar lessons, and lots of gigs. I’ve never had to book my own shows until now, so that’s a pretty crazy learning experience. But as I’m moving forward, I think I’d rather have enough students to relax financially, and let gigs come to me rather than me put all of them together. I’m not really a managerial/leader type. I obviously want to play as much as possible and in as many settings as possible, but I like just being the guy who other people call to play guitar for them. I’ve also thought about going back to school to finish my music degree. A major long term goal of mine would be to teach guitar in a college setting someday. I love teaching and get a lot out of it, so I would love to teach in a kind of more advanced setting like that.

January 16, 2018
Photo City to Host Folk City: A Three Day Benefit for R.E.A.C.H

Event booking and promotions company Hey Dude After Hours has just announced the lineup to their three day folk festival, “Folk City” at Photo City Comedy and Improv in Rochester. The event will run on Friday Feb. 16, Saturday Feb. 17, and Sunday Feb. 18. Folk City festival will be raising money for REACH (Rochester Engaging in Action for the Chronically Homeless). As the acronym implies, REACH collaborates to create safe, financially sustainable, housing options to meet the needs of chronically homeless individuals by ensuring services needed and encouraging mutual care.

The three day event includes many of the region’s favorite folk acts, including headlining performances by Floodwood, Folkfaces, Milkweed, and the Neighbors (Members of Driftwood,) alongside Twenty Thousand Strongmen, PA Line, String Theory, Aaron Lipp, and Seth Faergolzia, with many more musicians ready to tickle your ears.

One-day passes will cost $15 pre-sale or $20 at the door. Two-day passes come at a pre-sale price of $25, and a full three-day pass is marked at $40 pre-sale and includes a free drink. Tickets can be purchased through cnytix.com.

The full event schedule is listed below.

Key: Front Room Back Room
Friday, Feb. 166 – 6:45 p.m. – Jungle Steve
6:45 – 7:45 p.m. – The Flood (duo)
7:45 – 8:30 p.m. – Tyler Westcott
8:30 – 9:15 p.m. – Twenty Thousand Strongmen
9:15 – 10 p.m. – Anson Stiles
10 – 11 p.m. – Folkfaces
11 – 11:45 p.m. – Collin Jones
11:45 – ? – Floodwood

Saturday, Feb.176 – 6:45 p.m. – Tim Braley
6:45 – 7:45 p.m. – Ruckus Juice Jug Stompers
7:45 – 8:30 p.m. – Jon Itkin & Rita Proctor (of The Crooked North)
8:30 – 9:15 p.m. – Jungle Steve & the Gypsophelias
9:15 – 10:15 p.m. – Mike Brown
10:15 – 11 p.m. – PA Line
11 – 12:15 p.m. – TBA
12:15 – ? – Electric Tie Dye

Sunday, Feb. 184 – 4:45 p.m. – Damdog (solo)
4:45 – 5:45 p.m. – Mighty High & Dry (trio)
5:45 – 6:30 p.m. – Nate Coffey
6:30 – 7:15 p.m. – String Theory
7:15 – 8 p.m. – Seth Faergolzia (homecoming)
8 – 8:45 p.m. – Milkweed
8:45 – 9:30 p.m. – Aaron Lipp
9:30 – ? – The Neighbors (w/ two members of Driftwood)

January 13, 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
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
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
Hearing Aide: Dave DiPrimo Band ‘Reflections’

One day photographer Michael Slattery found himself chasing elusive clouds with his camera, only to find the perfect shot in his passenger side mirror. Like the artwork memorialized on its cover, Reflections by Dave DiPrimo Band grasps for things in the past, just beyond reach. It’s an album rife with ruminations and dwellings.

At a time when many of their college-age peers are churning out angsty pop punk, Dave DiPrimo and his bandmates are composing alternative folk songs featuring soulful saxophone riffs. DiPrimo makes references to his maturity in the song “Fall Down,” with the lines “You can call me old fashioned/I prefer to be called an old soul.” Weaving in threads from influences as wide and varied as Otis Redding and The Front Bottoms, Reflections is a contemporary yet traditional tapestry of Americana.

The title track “Know You Best” sets the nostalgic tone for the poetic, introspective collection. It’s a song about unrequited love and longing for connection. It alternates between pleading verses and a bellowing chorus. “Now” is another contemplative track, rueful oozing with melancholy. “Every day it gets a little bit colder/ every day I get a little bit older,” sings DiPrimo. The slight distortion on guitar lends a distant, dreamy effect. The melody is set to the a rat-tat-tat drum beat laid down by Reid Hoffmeier and deep rhythms from Ian Benz on bass. The saxophone played by Karis Gregory is featured prominently on the bittersweet ballad “Caroline.” The indie rock anthem “Glory Days,” wraps up the album, ending on a slightly higher note with remembrances of happy times.

Dave DiPrimo Band recorded Reflections in a single day at The Green Room. The 9-song collection was mixed and produced by studio owner Matt Ramerman. CD’s are available at their live shows. The album can be found digitally on multiple music platforms, including Spotify and iTunes.

Key Tracks: Know You Best, Fall Down, Now, Caroline, Glory Days

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