NYS Music 20​18

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  • Great American Irish Festival Bids Fond Farewell to Their Favorite Elders

    Held the final weekend each and every year, the Great American Irish Festival (GAIF) is one of Central New York’s favorite July events. Mixing it up this year by reducing the numbers of days of the festival to two may have welcomed a few grumbles, but for the most part was a highly successful decision as crowds were full and constant at all of the activities underway.  Adding a few choice events this year like Sean Finnerty and Colum Tyrrell, two very funny Irish Comedians from NYC, and a Sip and Paint gave festival goers additional options for fun and frolicking.

    Great American Irish Festival

    With a full lineup of Who’s Who in Celtic Music, Friday night kicked off the fun with The American Rogues, Enter The Haggis, We Banjo 3, and The Elders on the Contemporary Stage, while fan favorites The Moxie Strings, The Gothard Sisters, Arise and Go, and Searson played on the Traditional Stage.

    Great American Irish Festival

    You find at this festival there are two types of attendees: the ones that pick a stage and watch from beginning to end and the stage jumpers, such as myself, who try to capture every moment of every artist on all stages.  This can become a bit daunting at times, trying to be in two places at once.  However, if you were hopping back and forth between stages throughout the weekend you were pleasantly pleased to see that you were able to catch a major portion of each set without missing any of your favorites.  The scheduling was meticulously organized so that everyone could enjoy every band.  Well done GAIF band schedulers, well done.

    Great American Irish Festival

    Over on the Contemporary Stage Friday night (and Saturday as well), The American Rogues solidified themselves as festival favorites as their high energy ensemble of percussionists ramped up the crowd and laid down the beat that catapulted the weekend into one of the most successful yet. This ever-changing group has more than 17 members that alternate shows throughout the year, hailing from all across the US and Canada.  These musicians come together to give fans an electrically charged set of Celtic music at its finest. Meandering around the festival grounds throughout the weekend, there was constant chatter about their new favorites at the festival, The American Rouges.

    Under the Traditional Stage’s pavilion, Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn of the Moxie Strings got the party started.  These two electrify every crowd they play for with their unique sound of electric cello and fiddle.  Their blend of Celtic and classical sounds, blend beautifully to entrance all those that hear them.  Joined this evening by special guest David Howley of the band We Banjo 3, and Kian Byrne on Saturday, they set the tone for all those looking forward to a traditional Celtic experience.

    Following the Moxie Strings were a trio of sisters, Greta, Willow, and Solana Gothard. The Gothard Sisters have perfected their harmonious style of Celtic renditions over the years growing up in a musical environment together. With oldest sister Greta on guitar, violin, octave mandolin, and vocals; middle sister Willow on violin, mandolin, octave mandolin, bodhran, and vocals; and youngest Solana on violin, bodhran, djembe, whistle, percussion and vocals too, these talented sisters each add their own secret ingredient into the blend that make them a winning recipe.  Add in a dash of Irish dancing and these sisters clearly have found the magic to captivate their audience with their melodic playing and angelic tunes.

    Arise and Go has become another festival favorite with their upbeat original compositions of traditional Irish music with touches of the Scottish and Canadian influences they’ve acquired through their years of training.  Hailing from Ithaca, these three musicians, Ellie Goud, Michael Roddy, and Tim Ball, have blended their unique sounds to create their own sound of Celtic music and beguiled those who had the privilege of catching their set Friday night.

    Searson has been a festival favorite for years. Sisters Erin and Colleen Searson were joined by Frazier Gauthier on bass and Dave MacDougall on percussion, and together they brought their Ottawa Valley Celtic traditions to Central New York.  Playing on both the Traditional and Contemporary Stages throughout the weekend, it’s not surprising their fans followed them wherever they were as their fiddle playing and step dancing lures you in and gets you moving.  Searson has become part of the GAIF family and their live show is one to not miss

    As the night progressed back over on the Contemporary Stage, Central New Yorkers welcomed back Enter the Haggis. In past years, Enter the Haggis would typically play a Saranac Thursday then only play the opening night at the GAIF. However, this year would see that tradition end. Focusing their full attention on GAIF this year, festival goers were pleased to welcome them for the entire weekend. Their musical ability to tell a story in the most melodic manner has won over their fans, lovingly referred to as Haggis Heads, time and time again.  Their high energy performance ramps up every crowd I’ve ever seen them play for. Singing along to each and every song, this band could step away from the mics if they wanted as the crowd knows each and every word and happily participated throughout the entire weekend. If you haven’t seen Enter the Haggis live, check them out this November as they return to The Wescott Theater for their annual fall show.

    This year, festival goers were extremely excited for newcomers We Banjo 3.  Making their first appearance at the festival ever, we were honored to welcome them and celebrate the release of their new album Haven the very same night.

    I had a chance to speak to the lads before their set about the new album, recording, their history, and although Fergal was jokingly a little put out with his question, fans truly wanted to know the history of the red pants Fergal, I promise.  The lads were friendly, silly, and their personalities on camera match their charismatic personalities on stage and they immediately won over the crowd and left them wanting more than just the one evening they were here for. This is one band that festival goers want more from so stay tuned for upcoming shows in the area. You will be happily surprised as dates are announced.

    Completing the Friday night lineup,The Elders took the stage. The weather advisory for a massive downpour wouldn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, because their favorite musicians from Kansas City were in town.  This group has become family to GAIF over the 11 years of playing here in Central NY and they poured out their souls to those who could stuff underneath the massive circus tent of the Contemporary Stage as the rain poured down outside.  Joined by friends from Searson,The Moxie Strings, We Banjo 3,and Enter the Haggis throughout the night on stage, it was like a family reunion of sorts.  The love and respect they have for one another together with the love from the fans out front of the stage made for a magical evening of music.

    Saturdays’ activities began bright and early for the annual 5K Ranger Run and Highland Games.  As gates opened, crowds poured in and tents and stages filled up quickly with those vying for the best seats in the house for their favorite bands.

    On the schedule for Saturday was local favorites, Blarney Rebel Band, Rochester’s 1916, a return from the American Rogues, festival favorites Barleyjuice, Enter the Haggis, and capping off the night was the final performance of The Elders on the Contemporary Stage.  Over to the Traditional Stage, attendees welcomed back locals Craobh Dugan, Triskele, Stoutmen, Donal O’Shaughnessy, House of Hamill, Moxie Strings, The Gothard Sisters, Hair of the Dog, and last but certainly not least, Searson.

    House of Hamill, featuring Brian Buchanan from Enter the Haggis and his wife Rose Baldino, formerly from Burning Bridget Cleary, made their first appearance at the festival together. These two have a magical musical chemistry on stage. Between the two of them, they have more than 25 years of writing and performing under their belt and their collaborations on stage clearly reflect this.  As they lovingly bantered and played around on stage, they clearly won over their audience and left them wanting more.

     

    1916 has performed at GAIF before, but this year’s performance may be the first time several concert goers were able to take in their set (such as myself).  As I was walking in to the festival I met up with Jon Kane, one of the band members, and I asked him to describe their sound.  He described them to a “T” for me.  He said it’s a mix of ‘Celtic rock meets Johnny Cash’.  Spot on, Jon.  It was exactly that and I loved them. In the middle of the afternoon their jumping around and thumping on stage got everyone up out of their seats, making this afternoon performance one of the most energized sets all weekend. If you haven’t had the chance to check them out, do so. They hail from Rochester, NY and central  New Yorkers can get a peek as they play all over the state. You can thank me later.

    Barleyjuice has become another of the Great American Irish Festival’s regular performers.  Each year, attendees clamor to get up front for their “in your face” and gritty renditions of Celtic rock music.  This band never ceases to please a crowd and once again left it all on stage for those who had the chance to see their set.

    One traditional that never changes at the Great American Irish Festival is the Mass Pipe Band March on Saturday evening.  Competing all weekend, the participating bands group and march throughout the festival to the field in which winners in each category are announced.  Once there, they play and perform together brining chills to all that witness – another “must see” event.

    As the night wore on, the time came that everyone had dreaded, the final performance of their favorite band, The Elders.  How could it be that the band that won their hearts would no longer be coming back?  For many, it’s why they came to the festival each and every year.  Last year’s void was felt and this year’s goodbye was bittersweet for both band members and festival attendees.

    Tears were had by many as songs they knew they would never hear again, were sung one final time.  As the night wore on, friends from other bands joined them for one final collaboration.  It was an energetic, wistfully sad night.  They won the hearts of all many years ago, and left their hearts on stage with their fans.  As they end touring, they took the time to share their final thoughts with those here in Central New York.  Take a peek below at a message they sent to each and every one of you.

    As Sunday morning came, and breaking with the tradition, mass was held in Utica at St. Patrick’s/St. Joseph’s Church.  Across from the newly built Irish Cultural Center, the congregation was serenaded with traditional bagpipes and music. In time, as the Center is completed, mass will be held within for all to enjoy.

    Change is never easy.  Whether it’s change in the number of days of a the festival, the addition of new things or the elimination of favorite things, it never gets easier.  But change can be good.  Change should be embraced as with change comes new opportunities. The Great American Irish Festival is an amazing event.  It’s run entirely on volunteerism.  Volunteers are what makes this festival great, and what makes it run smoothly.  There have been changes throughout the years, some good, some not so good.  But I urge each of you to embrace these changes and give this festival your support.  Like any great team, it’s a winning formula that makes it click.  Fans of sports teams don’t jump ship when they loose, they stand with them until they get the right mix.  So I urge all that may have stopped going, or no longer volunteer, or stopped being a part of this event to give it another chance.  Take a peek at the Great American Irish Festival site and give some feedback to how you think it can improve.  The team wants to make things perfect for all that attend and your feedback is critical to making the right changes.  For all those who have never given up, thank you.  Thank you for believing in the Great American Irish Festival, because after talking to so many from all over the world, it truly is considered by those who perform and attend to be The Great American Irish Festival.

  • 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

  • Shinedown Lights Up Darien Lake

    Where does one find all the old school rockers who are just reaching ages where they are getting married and having kids? At a Godsmack and Shinedown show of course. Possibly the one at Darien Lake Amphiteater on July 24. You didn’t find too many young kids at this show, if you saw them chances are they were with their parents.

    Like a storm hit the stage and did they live up to their name. Frontman Chris Brooks got the crowd engaged and on their feet. Even if you didn’t know their songs you couldn’t help but bang your head to it. The band was energetic, and they certainly fit in with the genre for the evening.

    A classic staple in the poppy version of rock came to the stage. Shinedown, from previous shows you`d expect nothing less than perfectionism, and that’s exactly what they brought. Brent Smith and the guys gave us some classics such as “Sound of Madness” and “I`ll Follow You.” They treated us to the new stuff off their latest album ATTENTION ATTENTION such as “Black Soul.” These guys have their stage performance down to a science. Brent took the time to shake the photographer’s hands and also reached out to nearby audiences. He and Zach Meyers have a inseparable chemistry on stage and you almost get excited anytime they are near each other because you can expect some little eye-catching movements or stunts. The stunt they pulled that evening was popping up on a platform towards the lawn section of the audience. Zach and Brent did an acoustic version of “Simple Man.” While not their own song it seems to be a favorite.

    Godsmack, oh what to say about these guys. While being heavy hitters in the older rock scene they can still bring it. Though, I have seen better from them. The sound, under no control of their own, was muddy and what seemed to be sometimes muffled. Sully while having great pipes does not bring an appealing stage performance. Get the man a chair he’s not moving from his mic stand anytime soon. They played some staples such as “Keep Away” and “I Stand Alone.” The audience was pleased with their performance and people left on a high happy note, the real rock stars of the night were Shinedown.

  • Two Hour Live ‘I’m Listening’ Broadcast to Feature Pearl Jam, Jared Leto, Mike Shinoda, and More

    In an incredible effort to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention, American media, and entertainment company Entercom announced a two-hour live commercial-free broadcast “I’m Listening” led by dozens of artists/celebrities that will highlight their own personal stories. Several of the personalities participating in this event include: Celebrated Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, actor and lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars, Jared Leto, Linkin Park, Charlie Puth, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, and many more. The broadcast will take place nationwide on Sunday, Sept. 9th 7:00 a.m.

    The event, while exciting as it may be, serves the purpose of enlightening the public that mental health issues are universal and a rising problem seen in the world today. A problem that while many seemed ashamed of, impacts people of all races and financial status and can be beaten with the right kind of help. Entercom has dedicated themselves to this cause with their own campaign called “I’m Listening” which Pat Paxton, President of Programming at Entercom, has described as: “one of our signature productions meant to save lives, while simultaneously creating awareness for this truly lethal silent threat.” Musicians hold this topic dearly to them as the industry has seen countless talented people lose their lives in their own battles with depression.

    Just this year, Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington shockingly committed suicide and left the world stunned but at the same time allowed the public to reflect on the condition of this individual. Someone so loved by millions of fans but still not immune from the burdens of unstable mental health. Shortly after this painful loss, bandmate Mike Shinoda opened up to fans on his solo album, “Post Traumatic” that Shinoda explained to be: “a journey out of grief and darkness – an album about healing…In most parts of the world, suicide claims more lives than war, murder and natural disasters combined. I hope that sharing my personal story, in music and conversation, helps open up the door to new discussions and awareness about mental health.” This beautiful event is yet again another example of musicians and celebrities alike understanding that as humans we all face the same challenges and that through uniting in the face of adversity, we will emerge resilient as ever.

  • The Silver Linings of Curveball

    It’s been just over a week since Curveball was cancelled. Rarely does a festival get cancelled so close to showtime, and this one came down to the wire, with the plug pulled just as Phish was about to start Soundcheck at 4:00 pm on August 16. Thousands were already on site, and tens of thousands en route to the southern tip of Seneca Lake for Phish’s semi-annual music festival, held for the third, and perhaps the final time, at Watkins Glen International. Sadly, due to circumstances beyond the band’s control, Curveball was cancelled. Despite the shock, sadness & disappointment that flooded the festival grounds, what came next was a very humbling and incredible experience.

    Silver Linings Curveball

    The pre-show excitement that built while preparing for a Phish festival has the joy of feeling like a kid at Christmastime, with surprises in store for all. Ahead of Curveball, fans counted down the days, dreamt up setlists, and stayed on top of the tour leading up to the climatic festival, hoping to get something on their wishlist, if not everything.

    When the news broke, fans stood around just stunned. Those who made it into the venue wandered back to their campsites, a point at which the comradery that is felt among Phish fans came into focus. Deciding to make the best of the circumstances, Curveball’s temporary inhabitants banded together and sought out group therapy as they dove into the Kübler-Ross stages of grief, or postponed them, if not for a single night. New friends were made as they always are, Phish memories were discussed and fans commiserated about “what could have been.”Silver Linings Curveball

    Fans still wanted to boogie and Kenneth Horgan, Production Manager for The Loop Tent, onsite working for Phish Inc. and JEMP records, made that possible. Horgan used his equipment to set up a live stream of the Joe Russo’s Almost Dead show from Red Rocks, where JRAD paid homage to Phish by weaving teases of “Wilson” into “Slipknot” during the second set. While JRAD was streaming from The Loop Tent, next door, The Skinny Pancake turned into a hotspot for hangouts. A mini wiffle ball game took shape, impromptu acoustic music was played, and there was an invasion of dancing mimes.

    Curveball’s cancellation impacted many people, but the 14 surrounding counties that had been ravaged by heavy rains and flooding for almost a week leading up to the event left many people displaced from their homes and in need of supplies. Many vendors were onsite ready to supply food and drink to 60,000 people over the course of the weekend, and Silo Food Truck, Copper Horse Coffee and the Finger Lakes Cider House banded together to feed as many people as they could with their unused inventory, donating 50% of proceeds to the Lodi Flood Relief fund. With the added kick of Schuyler country losing millions in tax revenue, donation stations were set up in the surrounding counties and many Phish fans donated their unused food and supplies to help the flood victims in the area. Phish has announced that they will be selling Curveball merchandise online, including the Curveball Nalgene bottle that was intended for the WaterWheel/Reverb water program. Ticket holders get first dibs, and all proceeds for Curveball merchandise will go directly into relief funds.

    Silver Linings Curveball

    Curveball will go down in music history as the Phish festival that never was, but memories were made despite the unfortunate circumstances. The weekend was a check for fans, who by and large made the best of their weekends and spent time with friends, creating lasting memories, even if the soundtrack was not close to expectations.

    Fans can now look forward to the stream of Phish this weekend, with the code on the back of the Curveball wristband redeemable for the webcast of all three shows at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO beginning August 31, 2018. Couch Tour ticket time is 9:30pm EST.

  • The Nth Power Prevails

    Known for their enthralling fusion of soulful harmonies, gripping guitar and unpredictable drum patterns, The Nth Power played at Funk ‘n Waffles Rochester on Thursday, August 23 to a cold room devoid of the passionate crowd they deserved. The tiny crowd could have been a blessing in disguise since the uncomfortable volume may have been a discouragement to first time listeners seeking the band out in the future.

    Despite a harsh beginning to the show, moments of clarity during some of their jams showed the room what they can do. Their stage presence added to the spectacle, with Nick Cassarino (vocals/guitar), Nikki Glaspie (drums/vocals) and Nate Edgar (bass) all equally emotive with instruments in hand. Edgar is probably the most amusing to watch, balancing on one foot and bobbling his head, creating almost a bass player caricature.

    Cassarino took a moment during their performance to plug a charity the band wholeheartedly supports. The Harold Robinson Foundation helps the underprivileged youth in South LA connect with nature by sending them to a three-day outdoor camp. The foundation is highly rated for remaining transparent about their operations and is definitely worth checking out.

    The Nth Power soldiered on, displaying a fierce mashup of Earth Wind & Fire’s “Shining Star” and “Mighty Mighty” that lit up the room before delving into one of their most beloved tunes “Only Love” off their 2016 album Abundance. Overall it was a show worth seeing but hopefully the sound will be more on point next time to do justice to their playing.

  • Albany Latin Fest Celebrates Cultural Diversity in Upstate NY

    There’s nothing better in the world than good music, food, and dancing to make an event successful. The 23rd annual Albany Latin Fest had no problem delivering on those three markers and much more. The event was proudly presented by the Albany Latin Fest Association (ALFA) at Washington Park in Albany, NY. The event was a cultural mashup celebrating the best of the best of the Latin culture and influence in the world around us. Thousands of attendees from all backgrounds banded together to destroy barriers and appreciate the contributions made by Hispanics in an international scale. With live performances from Bachata Heightz, Don Sonero, Cuboricua, and local acts, the event was one of the largest turnouts the organization’s history.

  • Tedeschi Trucks Band and Chevy Court Crowd Agree: “I Want More”

    A crowd estimated at more than 16,000 people gathered at the New York State Fair’s Chevy Court in Syracuse on a beautiful moonlit evening to hear the unique sound of the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Susan Tedeschi’s powerful, emotion-soaked vocals are at the front of most of their songs. What makes the band unique is the addition of her husband, world class guitarist Derek Trucks, and a cast of fellow band mates that would be the envy of any guitar/vocal combo. Including the punch of double drums, the wallop of a horn section and extraordinarily gifted backup singers, and the sublime Kofi Burbridge contributing accents on flute and huge swaths of sweeping organ melodies, there is a multi-layered density to their music that simply doesn’t sound much like other bands.

    At times, there are elements of funk, soul, roots rock, blues, jazz, free-form jams, and a kind of comfortable pulse or groove to all of it that propels the music further. While Tedeschi and Trucks have their names on the marquees, they allow plenty of latitude for every member of the band to shine and contribute. It’s the type of music that finds people that might be unfamiliar with the songs still smiling, tapping their feet, shuffling and swaying back and forth, and feeling their spirits uplifted as the music builds and soars.

    A couple of the evening’s highlights occurred back to back, in the form of Tedeschi’s breathtaking vocals on the gospel-like “Bound for Glory,” followed by Mike Mattison (who shares many songwriting credits in the band) taking the lead to sing a gritty, growling cover of Bob Dylan’s “Crash on the Levee (Down in the Flood)”. Those weren’t the end of the highlights, as a couple of tunes later, the band invited Central New York native Al Schnier from the band moe. to join them in a cover of “Tell the Truth.” This was a guitar fan’s dream, as Trucks, Schnier and Tedeschi stood side by side at center stage and traded riffs for nearly ten minutes. In an interesting twist, the first ever live performance and first ever recording of that song by Derek and the Dominoes included Dave Mason (of Traffic), who had played earlier in the afternoon on the same Chevy Court stage.

    The band finished their main set with a song that seemed to perfectly express the sentiments of the crowd, “I Want More.” After a brief exit, the band returned for encores. Derek Trucks and saxophonist Kebbi Williams teamed for an instrumental “Swamp Raga” intro to “Midnight in Harlem.” The band closed the show with an exuberant take of Joe Cocker’s “Space Captain.”

    Tedeschi Trucks Band Chevy Court Setlist: Don’t Let Me Slide, Laugh About It, High & Mighty, Get What You Deserve, Lord Protect My Child @, Bound For Glory, Made Up Mind, Crash On The Levee (Down In The Flood) @, Part Of Me, Tell The Truth #, More And More, How Blue Can You Get %, I Want More, Encores: Midnight In Harlem (Swamp Raga intro), Space Captain $

    @ – Bob Dylan cover, # – Derek and the Dominoes cover, % – BB King arrangement cover of Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers song, $ – Joe Cocker cover

  • Photo Gallery: Halestorm

    The Albany Capital center hosted a triple-bill of heavy metal music on Friday, Aug. 3 — Halestorm, In This Moment and New Years Day — all of which featured a female lead singer. Halestorm, the Grammy Award-winning band out of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, may have been the headlining act, but it was a special night for Maria Brink of In This Moment. For Brink, the Capital District concert was a homecoming event for the Clifton Park native. She dedicated her band’s set to her family and friends in the audience.

    Check out our Halestorm photo gallery below.

  • Dickey Betts New York Shows Cancelled After Legendary Guitarist Suffers Mild Stroke

    In a recent and unfortunate announcement, Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts suffered what doctors believe is a mild stroke and will have to postpone several New York tour dates. These upcoming shows include the August 28th Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, NY; August 30th at the Toyota Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, CT; and August 31st at the Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, NH. This decision was made under strong advisement from his physicians and this time away will allow him to properly heal for the rest of the tour.

    This tour was something of a spontaneous decision for Betts who decided to come out of retirement and jump right back into the musical spotlight. When asked about his retirement in a 2017 interview, Betts humbly responded: “I’ve had a great life and I don’t have any complaints.” This answer would soon change as the veteran guitarist reversed his retirement decision for reasons that involved public demand, devotion to his still dedicated fans, and simple boredom. He went on to say that he’s been a bit rusty playing and transitioning back into the artist mentality but more importantly is beyond enthusiastic by the energy and love he’s received from his listeners. This medical issue, although disheartening, will be met with the proper treatment and should only be a temporary challenge as Betts will continue these highly anticipated shows in due time.

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