NYS Music 20​18

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  • Cousin Earth Says Goodbye to Tara Lawton

    Cousin Earth said an emotional goodbye to singer, percussionist and keyboardist Tara Lawton last Thursday at the Mercury Lounge. The band filled the room with high energy jams, to the audiences’ delight. Lawton jumped around on stage as she took in her final performance, while delivering vibrant vocals and funky keyboard riffs. At the end of the set, the band members took turns embracing with Lawton.

    Formula 5 followed this memorable performance with a delicious set of flawless jam rock. From the first song, the Capital Region band dove into a groove, and did not stop. Guitarist Joe Davis and Keyboardist Matt Richards were often jamming together, creating electric and cohesive improvisation.

  • Blaine Holcomb Rocks a Standing Room Only Crowd in Erieville

    Nestled along Tuscarora Lake between the Madison County college towns of Cazenovia and Morrisville, the Blue Canoe is a charming Adirondack style family restaurant. On Friday, November 30, this off-the-beaten-path venue was packed as it hosted Blaine Holcomb, a Nashville singer-songwriter born and raised in Hamilton and a graduate of St. Lawrence University.

    Blaine Holcomb

    Holcomb was in the area for a hometown-ish show, celebrating the release of his self-titled debut CD and did not disappoint. Holcomb is a young artist with a flair for modern country, yet has a truly high classic country IQ. His reverence for country royalty — George Jones, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, George Strait — is evident in his writing and he makes it well-known that these people are his music idols.

    Blaine Holcomb

    Holcomb entertained the standing room only crowd at the Blue Canoe with an almost three-hour set; his only breaks taking place between songs when he signed CDs for the many in attendance. If there’s one thing Holcomb is, it’s appreciative. He has spent the better part of the past few years in residency at Nashville’s famed Tootsies Orchid Lounge, and in that time, has learned the skill of entertaining. He’s not above taking requests but makes sure he sprinkles classics into his set to let everyone know his roots.

    His set reflected the modern country charts, with covers from Eric Church, Keith Urban and Chris Stapleton, but also paid tribute to the legends, covering his idols, George Jones and Merle Haggard. Holcomb’s take on Jones’s “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and Haggard’s “Mama Tried” had the crowd engaged and would have done the original artists proud.

    Speaking of Holcomb’s roots, his visit to Erieville on Friday was a testament to that. He holds his family and friends close and makes sure to fit in a local show whenever he is in town, whether it’s at the Blue Canoe or Ray Brothers BBQ in nearby Bouckville. His maternal grandmother sat at a table stage left the majority of his set while his mother worked the crowd selling CDs. Many fellow St. Lawrence alums and former bandmates were also in attendance.

    A highlight of the night was a ballad Blaine Holcomb wrote in honor of his grandfather, who he spent much time fishing with in his youth. The song, “Keep Your Line in the Water” is an emotional ode to an influential man that Holcomb held close and brought tears to the eyes of many in attendance.

    Holcomb paid tribute to friend Daryle Singletary, who he’d met in Nashville, describing the affable nature of the man as he introduced his cover of Singletary’s song “Spilled Whiskey” that is included on Holcomb’s album.  Singletary died earlier this year at the age of 46.

    He tried ending his set several times throughout the night, but bowing to the crowd kept extending the set for “one more” song. One more song wound up being five more songs ending the night with rousing covers of Garth Brooks’s “Friends in Low Places” and Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” with his fans singing along and begging for more.

    Blaine Holcomb is a unique presence in this new world of country music. An old soul housed in a young body who isn’t afraid to mix the classics with the new. You can pick up his new album at his website here or at his shows. He returns to Nashville this week to continue his Tootsies residency. You can catch him live there or through the Tootsies Live Cam here.

  • Khruangbin Gets Funky North of the Border

    The Texas trio Khruangbin brought their unique blend of Thai influenced funky psychedelic music to Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall for a sold out show on Thursday, November 29. As the venue was filling up,  Ginger Root opened the show with their self-described aggressive elevator soul. After a short pause, Khruangbin calmly took the stage to an enthusiastic audience weaving elements of hip-hop, soul, and surf-rock into their unique mostly instrumental sound that made for a most memorable evening.

  • The Strand Center Theater: From Vaudeville to Rock and Roll

    Located in the center of downtown Plattsburgh, The Strand Theater is a historical landmark that has been the cultural heartbeat in the North Country for almost a century. Opened on December 29, 1924, as a Vaudeville theater featuring stunning architecture and interior design. The Strand Theater provided the community with theatrical and musical productions of all types and was considered the “Pride of Northern New York.”

    The Strand went through some changes over the years. In the 70’s the theater was renovated in such a way that it became a two-room movie theater, and eventually a four-room theater. The changes covered the original interior design. The beautiful and ornate features were no longer visible, and the theater took on a different feel. The theater struggled financially and went on to change hands several times until in 2004 when the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts purchased the building. This was the beginning of a ten year, four-million-dollar restoration project.

    The Strand Center Theater

    Years of hard work, public and private grants, donations, and the dedication of the community has paid off. Now known as The Strand Center Theater, the venue is flaunting the ornamental design meant from its inception in 1924. Two highlights from the restoration include the replica of the original chandelier, donated by Swavorski Lighting, and a 1924 Wurlitzer organ. The Wurlitzer was donated by Leonard and Louise Johnson of Hingham, MA, owners of the Colney Theater in Philadelphia. A group of volunteers refurbished the 1924 instrument and it is now fully functional and an astonishing sight.

    The Strand Center Theater

    Not only has the theater completed its restoration and is sporting its fancy facelift, but The Strand Center Theater also has a new Executive Director creating quite a buzz in Plattsburgh. Mr. Bob Garcia relocated from New York City to Plattsburgh and is the first permanent director for The Strand in three years. Mr. Garcia has an impressive background in theater and production. He worked at Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden in finance positions for many years. Mr. Garcia has much enthusiasm about the future of The Strand and has great ideas about ways to make the theater more and more successful with each event.

    The Strand Center Theater

    Recently Mr. Garcia brought Dave Mason, Traffic co-founder, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee to The Strand. Dave Mason is a rock legend, having an artist of this caliber grace the stage in Plattsburgh was a huge honor. Between his unsurpassed guitar playing, storytelling and great sense of humor, Mason gave the audience one of the best shows to date. Receiving several standing ovations throughout the night Dave Mason’s performance brought an undeniable, tangible energy to the theater. The seated crowd ended the evening on their feet and dancing in the aisles.

    The following weekend The Strand Center Theater welcomed another world-class musician. Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters brought their classic soulful blues to Plattsburgh, and it was a show the audience won’t forget. Earl is known for his old-school style, mesmerizing fans since he started playing in the 1970’s. B.B. King has stated, “…he is one of the most serious blues guitarists you can find today. He makes me proud!” Another top-notch performance for The Strand, with many more to come.

    The Strand Center Theater

    The Strand Center Theater is excited to announce that The Allman Betts Band set to perform on March 30, 2019 and Lonesome Traveler, a concert version of the acclaimed off-Broadway musical with special guest star and Folk Legend Peter Yarrow, the only living member of Peter, Paul & Mary. The musical tells the story of Americana music over the years. More event listings including comedy shows, ballet, theater, art and orchestra events can be found at the venue’s website.

    The future of this historical theater in the North Country is bright. With Mr. Garcia at the helm, continued passion and support of the community, this venue is bringing back the heartbeat in downtown Plattsburgh.

  • Fritz’s Polka Band announces 19th album

    Celebrating 40 years of performing, the Verona-based Fritz’s Polka Band will release its 19th album, Hey! on Friday.

    Recorded at SubCat Studios in Syracuse over the course of several weeks this fall, the album marks a bit of a departure for the band. Of the twelve original tracks included on what was originally planned to be a double album, half stick to the band’s namesake style.   The other half spans various styles lead singer/accordionist Fritz Sherz and his bandmates, Gabe Vaccaro (bass/vocals), Frank Nelson (guitar) and Mike Faraino (drums) have dipped into throughout the years while busting open the polka band stereotype.

    Several guests make appearances on the new album, including SubCat Studios owner Ron Keck and previous Fritz’s Polka Band collaborator, Rocko Dorsey. Those familiar with Guns ‘n Roses guitarist Slash’s solo outings will recognize the name Todd Kerns. Kerns is the bassist in Slash’s band, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators and a friend of Sherz. He contributed guitar tracks to the title song written by Sherz. The song eschews the typical polka format for more of a Flogging Molly-style Celtic vibe.

    (L-R) Mike Faraino, Todd Kerns and Fritz Sherz

    The new album hits this Friday, Nov. 30 on all major streaming services and will be available for purchase at all Fritz’s Polka Band gigs or through Sherz himself. For more information, follow Fritz’s Polka Band’s social media channels of visit their website here.

    Social Media: Twitter I Facebook I Instagram

  • Sonic Temple Begins Where Rock on the Range Left Off

    Sonic Temple, the new art and music festival that has replaced one of rock, and metal’s biggest annual festivals in Rock on the Range in 2019, has announced the weekend lineup for their inaugural event May 17-19, 2019 in Columbus, OH.

    Since it’s debut in 2007, Rock on the Range’s fan base grew bigger with each passing year, along with the star studded headliners and supporting bands that helped make the festival feel special and unique every year. Sonic Temple continues that trend.

    Foo Fighters, Disturbed, and System of a Down are the scheduled headliners for each night of the festival.

    Also included in the three day lineup are Bring Me the Horizon, The Prodigy, Ghost, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Chevelle, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Cult, In This Moment, Gojira, Meshuggah, Killswitch Engage, Parkway Drive, Black Label Society, Beartooth, Avatar, Pussy Riot, Bad Wolves, Fever 333, Badflower, the Glorious Sons, Issues, Yungblud, H09909, the Black Dahlia Murder, Don Broco, Wage War, Hands Like Houses, While She Sleeps, Palaye Royale and several more.

    Andrew Dice Clay, Henry Rollins, and Pauly Shore will headline the Sirius/XM Comedy and Spoken Word Tent.

    Rock on the Range co-founder, Danny Wimmer, and his promotion/production company Danny Wimmer Presents, have now turned their attention to Sonic Temple. Wimmer stated:

    I am so proud of what we accomplished with Rock on the Range, and with the debut of Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival, we’re excited to bring our devoted rock fans and the city of Columbus a one-of-a-kind, world-class event that expands on the festival experience. The idea behind Sonic Temple is walking into something bigger than yourself, where YOU belong, or where you were always meant to be. The crowd is unparalleled, and the energy is electrifying, like going to a place of worship. We want this festival to be a temple of rock n’ roll. We want this to be the ultimate rock experience for the true fans who love the genre as much as we do.

    Tickets go on sale to the general public Nov. 30. Packages include Weekend VIP: $379.50 plus fees, Pillar Premium VIP Package: $1,949.50 plus fees (accommodations for 2), Weekend Field General Admission: $199.50 plus fees, Weekend Stadium General Admission: $99.50 plus fees, and RV Camping: $250.

    Sonic Temple Online: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

  • It’s a Funk Night Ugly Christmas Sweater Party in Albany on December 13!

    On December 13, celebrate a Funk Night Christmas with an Ugly Sweater Party at Parish Public House in Albany! Join the band and sing some Christmas songs at this special holiday rendition of NYS Music’s Albany Funk Night! Take $5 off the cover charge when you bring a toy for our Jam for Tots drive.

    The Funk Night Christmas lineup includes Hayley Jane, Beau Sasser (Kung Fu), Chris DeAngelis (Kung Fu), Justin Henricks (Wurliday), and Bryan Brundige and Phil Chow (The Chronicles). Tickets and more info are available here.

  • Continental Closing Its Doors

    East Village bar Continental is closing its doors on Dec. 15. In its heyday from 1991-2006, the bar featured live music and hosted some of the greatest icons of the era: Iggy Pop, Guns N’ Roses, and The Ramones. The historic midtown Manhattan building that has been home to the bar for 27 years is being torn down for redevelopment.

    It is with heavy heart that I have to inform everyone that Continental’s days are numbered. Sometime late this year, this entire corner will be knocked down and developed. It’s truly heartbreaking that we and so many Old Skool places are falling by the wayside… This Bar has been my life. First as a Rock Club and then as a Dive Bar and I’ve loved every minute of it (mostly speaking). – Trigger Smith, Owner

    The Continental webstore is stocked with memorabilia including a 15 Years of Rock and Roll T-shirt and Live At Continental compilation CD’s featuring The Ramones, Agnostic Front, and many more NYC-based bands.

    Continental

  • Lotus Plays Games With Playstation Theater

    Lotus has been on top of their game this year, bringing their heavy bass-line jams across the country and on Saturday, November 24, the quintet came to NYC and played to a packed show at the Playstation Theater in Times Square.

    Set I: 128, Hammerstrike, Inspector Norse > Cosmosis, Cain & Abel, Travel > Greet the Mind

    Set II: Slow Cookin > Wooly Mammoth, Faceblind, Through the Mirror > Sunrain, Spaghetti > Age of Inexperience

    E: Strawberry Letter 23

    You can catch the boys this winter at Dominican Holidaze and on their New Year’s Run. They play the Majestic Theater in Detroit and the Intersection in Grand Rapids before finishing with two nights at Park West on December 30 and 31.

  • Pop-Fest 518 Showcases Original Local Talent

    Pop-Fest 518 takes place at The Linda on Saturday, Dec 1 from 7-10 pm. Featured in this evening of eclectic musicians are Blockhouses, Sydney Worthley, Pop-Clique, Sarah Kohrs & Coyote, and Daniel Conley. While students can get a $10 ticket at the door with ID, all-ages $15 tickets can be purchased through The Linda’s Pop Fest 518 event page. This one-night show not only showcases original work by performers native to the 518 area, but admission goes towards the upstate arts community fostered by the Columbia Arts Team.

    Blockhouses

    The pop trio Blockhouses will groove the audience followed by festival-seasoned, 16 year old Sydney Worthley, who takes the stage to build on that energy with her country/rock infused lyrics. Expect a blast to the past as the internationally recognized Pop-Clique takes concert-goers back with a ’60s flavored vibe. A new face joins the stage with them as notorious singer/songwriter Liv Cummins makes her Pop-Clique debut on Dec. 1 at Pop-Fest 518.

    The mood changes yet again as Sarah Kohrs & Coyote deliver their take on blues and jazz; the influence of iconic female vocalists Joni Mitchell and Amy Winehouse comes through in Sara Kohrs’s performance. To cap of a great night of 518 artists, Daniel Conley has a large body of work to pull his Americana offerings from as he has launched two albums in the last year.

    The Columbia Arts Team is a non-profit performing arts company that promotes local arts efforts and has partnered with The Linda to make this performance possible. The Linda is committed to growing the arts in New York as it serves as the performing arts studio for Albany-based public broadcast radio station WAMC. There is growing community interest in the cultivation of original, local, musical talent. Pop-Fest 518 gives these unique voices a stage where they can truly shine.

    There aren’t a lot of options for purely original local artists to perform in a concert format…This is music that belongs in a ‘listening’ venue, not a bar. This is music that needs to be heard.

    – Andy Gregory, WEXT Radio’s Local 518 program host.