NYS Music 20​18

Tag: buffalo

  • Best Of NYS 2018: Might Never Leave

    New York Only. That’s right – this all access pass explores the thriving music sub-cultures of New York State. We are submerged in, arguably, the most musically-rich and booming areas. It would only be appropriate to cap the Best Of series with a full fledged anthem – waving our NYS-Flag, with immense pride. These highlights hardly encompass our staff’s passion for all things music, because like our readers, we too are musicians and music-junkies, through and through. Strap-in for this wild Trip-acid-visor tour of our states thriving music towns and venues – along with the bands who invigorate them with sound.

    Keep rocking out, exploring music and loving one-another this holiday season. Make sure to catch up with all of the Best Of series – and from our family to yours, thank you for supporting New York State Music.

    BUFFALO

    From Eminem’s “Without Me,” (two Buffalo gals go round the outside) to the longest-serving music venue, Nietzsche’s. Buffalo is home to a plethora of venues including hot-spots; Sportsmen’s Tavern, Town Ballroom, Colored Musicians Club, various boutique concert-series and Buffalo Musicians Hall Of Fame. The city is packed with music – from classical to jazz and, of course, our free-wheeling mashup jam-bands featured on this series. Buffalo is thriving.

    In 2018, Buffalo has seen anyone from John Medeski’s Mad Skillet, Tauk and Turkuaz to Everyone Orchestra and Funktional Flow. Buffalo hosts the boutique Cobblestone Live Festival isolated to bars and venues neighbouring Illinois and Columbia street, which was seen on our Best Of Festivals edition, yesterday.

    Buffalo Iron Works

    One vote shy from winning the best of crown for New York State’s favorite music venue, Buffalo Iron Works is a must visit. If you stumble upon it for a quite lunch or attack the stage for a weekend of live music, you will not be disappointed.  The venue was voted ‘Best in Buffalo’ last year by Buffalo Spree Awards. Iron Works is closing out the year with future dates featuring Canada’s After Funk – for a hyped James Brown Tribute, Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra, Kung Fu and Doyle (ex-Misfits guitarist). The Venue is walking distance from the Key Bank Center, Lockhouse Distillery, Canalside and the metro station.

    ALBANY

    Albany packs a powerful punch. The state’s capitol is blooming with rich culture, which means, a vibrant music community. Music is the power to manipulate and supersede time, but with greater feeling. As one of the original thirteen colonies there is no telling the vast musical exchange throughout the centuries. Each moment is captured by sound and song, which our contemporary world must pay homage to. Just look at all of the great bands pouring out of Albany. The Low Beat, Jupiter Hall, The Hallow Bar + Kitchen and The Egg are just some of the spectacular venues that twine music throughout the city.

    The Palace Theatre

     The Palace Theatre was voted Best Music Venue in all of New York State for 2018 by NYS staff. As the name implies, the Palace meets and exceeds all of your expectations. The 1930’s built venue was originally a movie theatre and is now run by the city as a non-profit for music, plays, educational events and more. It is the beating heart. Plus, you can’t help but drool when you see your favorite band up in lights, spread across the breathtaking marquee. From Umphrey’s McGee to The Disco Biscuits, the Palace Theatre transforms the concert phenomenon. It blends popular music with the vast architecture and warm arms of the city.

    The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester

    Despite Port Chester having few votes for best music town, it’s evident the ones whom cast, placed their ballots for one reason: Capitol Theatre. Wedged between the southern tip of New York, Long Island, Connecticut and Northern Jersey, it is a jam-band magnet. The thriving seaport transforms when doors open and dead-heads roll into Garcia’s for a pre-celebratory drink. Shall we go? The Capitol Theatre is your gateway.

    If you live within an hour of The Cap, consider yourself spoiled. Built in 1926, the Capitol Theatre began hosting Vaudeville shows and movies – long preceding its reputation as one of the best music venues. Since, music’s biggest names have paved way for the Capitol’s concrete-esteem: Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, BB King, The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd and Phil Lesh, among others. True legends – exceeding expectations and musicianship.

    There was no common-weight for Best Shows Across The State  – lets be honest, you’re lying if you have only one best show. It’s impossible. The list had only one thing in common, New York State. The year has surpassed our expectations, but at least we now know where to find them in 2019. Buffalo, Buffalo Iron Works, Albany,  Palace Theatre and the Capitol Theatre are at the backbone of the best music around.

  • Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers Come to Buffalo

    Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers are currently out on the road bringing their unique blend of funk, soul and pop to audiences far and wide. The party came to Buffalo Iron Works on Sunday, November 18. Check out the pictures below to see what went down.

  • Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Flock To Buffalo

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

    Photography by Matt Shotwell / Strawberry Island Dweller

  • Cobblestone Live Host Successful Second-Year Festival

    This past weekend in Buffalo, NY the second annual Cobblestone Live was put on by the famous venue Buffalo Iron Works. The weather remained sunny for a majority of the weekend, besides a little drizzling for 15 minutes during Saturday afternoon. There were four stages spread across the Cobblestone District, one set up on both Illinois and Columbia St.’s, one inside Iron Works, and one inside Lockhouse Distillery. Some of the food highlights of the weekend were the Lloyd taco truck, Barely Edible crepe truck, and the free tacos from Breezy Burrito Company, although those were VIP-only.

    The festival featured both local bands and national bands alike, such as Cold Lazarus, Space Junk, and the ever-growing groove rockers Aqueous for the former, and Andy Frasco & The U.N., Turkuaz, and Los Angeles natives Chicano Batman. The lineup also showcased some international bands, bringing Broken Social Scene and The Sheepdogs down from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. One of the first impressive sets of the weekend came from Madaila, the Burlington-based psych pop group that all were all dressed in the same turquoise t-shirts with an “M” insignia on the front. The band brought their “A” game playing song after song of their upbeat, synth-driven pop. The much talked about Chicano Batman took to the Illinois St. stage next, impressing many festivalgoers with their genre-bending soul music and frequent instrument swaps between band members. It was very clear that frontman Bando Martinez was putting his heart and soul into this performance, leaving a lasting impression on the members of the audience.

    Cobblestone Live

    Next up were local favorites Aqueous with their first set of the weekend on the Columbia St. stage. The groove rockers busted out covers of both parts of “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” by famous psychedelic rockers The Flaming Lips, as well as the debut of an original tune, “Say It Again,” which was a highlight in the near-perfect set. Lead guitarist Mike Gantzer also debuted his new Paul Reed Smith guitar at this set, seemingly enjoying the new but familiar sounds he was drawing out of the instrument. Following Aqueous, Brooklyn-based funk group Turkuaz took to Illinois St. with their always-astounding tunes. The band opened with their classic “Chatte Lunatique,” immediately raising the moods of the audience up while telling their bodies to get down. The group also played some of their bigger hits such as “Percy Thrills, The Moon Dog” and “Nightswimming,” which were featured on their recent live release 040717. To close out the first night of the fest, Nashville-based jazz funk band Dynamo took to the stage inside Iron Works and laid down some fiery versions of their original tunes. They had the whole venue packed and grooving, energizing the late night attendees with their funky yet soulful grooves and positive stage presences, especially the captivating Emoni Wilkins on vocals.

    Cobblestone Live

    Local intellifunk jam group Cold Lazarus kicked off Saturday with a remarkable set on Illinois St., waking up the Cobblestone District with their groovy, reggae infused music. The band started rather recently, just at the beginning of 2017, when guitarist Adam Gould, bassist Gavin Patierni, and drummer Marc Scapelitte came together for a new project, only to find they had instant musical chemistry, later adding keyboardist/saxophonist Drew Minton to the mix. Another local group known as Space Junk took to the Iron Works stage a little later in the afternoon, bringing their jamtronica-esque jams and progressive sound to the venue. Guitarist Matt Fantini and keyboardist Cary Meehan were melodically locked in, while the rhythm section of bassist Will Thompson and drummer Kevin Rogers kept the grooves tight and funky throughout the set. Their set was definitely one of the highlights of the weekend. Down on Columbia St., madman Andy Frasco and his band The U.N. brought their soulful blues rock and bottle of Jameson to Cobblestone, putting on one hell of a show. Frasco made sure to incorporate the audience into the show as much as possible, getting down into the crowd several times throughout the set to have the crowd play a game similar to “follow the leader” a few times, help him crowd surf to his bottle of Jameson, and lift him up in a chair Bar Mitzvah style, dancing around him in a circle. The group brought out Mike Gantzer of Aqueous for an original tune and a brief version of AC/DC’s classic “Thunderstruck,” as well as performing a few instrument swaps that led to a spectacular guitar solo from drummer Andrew Avila.

    Cobblestone Live

    Aqueous performed their second set of the weekend on the Illinois St. stage on Saturday afternoon, jam-packing the hour and a half with jammed out versions of some heavy hitters, especially their classic “Skyway.” The set also featured a spot on cover of Paul McCartney’s James Bond theme song  “Live and Let Die,” which had the crowd rocking out in the warm weather. Following Aqueous were the Canadian The Sheepdogs and Broken Social Scene, on the Columbia and Illinois St. stages respectively. The Sheepdogs featured a classic rock and roll sound, while bringing a bit of Canadian flavor to the music. Their set was comprised of mostly originals, but was closed by a song by “the greatest American rock and roll band,” (their words), “Ramblin’ Man” by the Allman Brothers Band. Broken Social Scene had an indie rock sound and surprised a lot of festivalgoers, rocking out as a collective group of musicians on the Illinois St. stage. Closing out the fest was Michelangelo Carubba’s Birthday Super Jam, which was comprised of Carubba, Mike Gantzer and Dave Loss of Aqueous, Craig Brodhead of Turkuaz, and Freekbass, the internet sensation that has mastered the art of playing bass. The supergroup also featured Shira Elias of Turkuaz and Ernie Chang of Andy Frasco & The U.N. for several songs. The set featured mainly covers, most importantly stellar versions of “Life in the Fast Lane” by The Eagles, “Vultures” by John Mayer, which Carubba surprisingly sang on, prompting Mike Gantzer to complement his voice, and a Freekbass-led version of “Fame” by David Bowie, which was the highlight of the set.

    Cobblestone Live

    Cobblestone Live was a huge success that featured lots of fantastic local, national, and international bands, as well as an alpaca farm that had attendees raving. Hopefully the festival will return in 2019, bringing more music and great food to the residents of Buffalo. Check out the photo gallery below for a taste of what happened over the weekend.

  • Aqueous Announces Most Extensive Headlining Tour to Date

    Aqueous just announced their most extensive headlining tour to date. The tour starts this September, ends in December, and will hit 27 cities.

    Photo courtesy of Aqueous’s press release.

    Aqueous is a Buffalo-based groove-rock quartet and has three studio albums under their belt. They have a reputation for their improvisational skills and are considered one of the most promising improvisational rock acts in the country.

    During their tour Aqueous will be receiving support from the likes of Mungion, ELM, The Heavy Pets, EGI and Goose. They will be stopping in five New York cities: Buffalo, Sherman, Utica, Albany, and Brooklyn. The Buffalo, Sherman, and Utica stops are technically before the tour starts but are part of Aqueous’ already existing shows.

    The band is made up of guitarist Mike Gantzer, guitarist/keyboardist David Loss, bassist Evan McPhaden, and drummer Rob Houk. Tickets are on sale this coming Friday, July 20th at 10 AM ET.

    To purchase tickets or for more information on specific dates, please head to the band’s website.

    Tour date listed bellow:

    July 21 – The Peach Music Festival – Scranton, PA
    July 27 & 28 – Cobblestone Live – Buffalo, NY
    Aug. 23 – Night Lights Music Festival – Sherman, NY
    Sept. 7 – Saranac Brewery – Utica, NY **
    Sept. 20 – Resonance Music and Arts Festival – Thornville, OH
    Sept. 21 – Rex Theater – Pittsburgh, PA *
    Oct. 24 – Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT ^
    Oct. 25 – Higher Ground Showcase Lounge – South Burlington, VT ^
    Oct. 26 – The Sinclair – Cambridge, MA ^
    Oct. 27 – The Hollow – Albany, NY ^
    Oct. 31 – Knitting Factory – Brooklyn, NY ^
    Nov. 1 – Wionder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ ^
    Nov. 2 – Union Stage – Washington D.C.^
    Nov. 3 – The Foundry at the Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA ^
    Nov. 4 – The Broadberry – Richmond, VA #
    Nov. 6 – The Pour House Music Hall – Raleigh, NC #
    Nov. 7 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC #
    Nov. 8 – The Social – Orlando, FL #
    Nov. 9 – Jack Rabbits – Jacksonville, FL #
    Nov. 10 – The Crowbar – Tampa, FL #
    Nov. 14 – Zydeco – Birmingham, AL #
    Nov. 15 – Aisle 5 – Atlanta, GA #
    Nov. 16 – Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC #
    Nov. 17 – Exit In – Nashville, TN #
    Nov. 28 – Blind Pig – Ann Arbor, MI +
    Nov. 29 – Chop Shop – Chicago, IL
    Nov. 30 – The Miramar Theatre – Milwaukee, WI +
    Dec. 5 – Hodi’s Halfnote – Ft. Collins, CO ^
    Dec. 7 – Old Town Pub – Steamboat Springs, CO ^
    Dec. 8 – Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO ^
    Dec. 11 – The Waiting Room – Omaha, NE $
    Dec. 12 – The Bootleg at Atomic Cowboy – St. Louis, MO $
    Dec. 13 – The Hi-Fi – Indianapolis, IN $

    ** w/ moe.
    * w/ ELM
    ^ w/ Mungion
    # w/ The Heavy Pets
    + w/ EGI
    $ w/ Goose

  • Folkfaces Fried Chicken Dreams Tour

    Folkfaces started their Fried Chicken Dreams tour’s second leg on July 1. The tour will span over 14 states and two countries through July and August.

    Photo courtesy of Press Release.

    The Buffalo-based quartet specializes in “Rowdy Jazz & Bluesy Roots.” Folkfaces has an irresistibly danceable energy and a unique versatility, being able to engage a crowd. They are able to engage their audience no matter what from busking on the street, to playing in a small barroom, or putting on a full electric show at a large music venue. The band draws influence from a multitude of genres, including folk, jazz, blues, punk, Americana, jug band, and bluegrass.

    Folkfaces Fried Chicken Dreams Tour includes 27 dates and will host series of special guests, including General B and the Whiz (Montreal, ON); Swimmer and Kendall Street Company (Burlington, VT); Jared Hamilton (Lexington, KY); The Ithaca Bottom Boys (Ithaca, NY).

    For more information on Forkface visit their Website.

  • NYS Music Presents: Live Music All June Long

    Albany

    June 1st – On the release date of their new album, From The Light, the Upstate New York local band, The Sea the Sea, will be playing at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen.  Kick off your month the best way possible with a live performance of the album that you are sure to be listening to the whole month long. Event link.

    June 14th – Making Moves has received praise from big publications such as Rolling Stone and NPR for their politically charged anthems that stay true to their Latin American roots by incorporating traditional instruments and forms of dance.  The group will be performing their highly acclaimed music on June 14th at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen along with The Eastern Highs. Event link.

    June 23rd – Come experience the Bee Gees in a way you never have before.  For fans of metal and disco, this is everything you could have asked for and more.  Do not miss Tragedy as they tear it up at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen with opener Hot Cousin. Event link.

    June 29th – Commonly referred to as “genre rebels,” The Mallett Brothers Band has mastered their unique style and, “musical melting pot.”  They have something for fans of genres ranging from country, to alternative, jam, Americana, and hard rock.  Come find out why their fan base grows with every show on the 29th at The Hollow with The North & South Dakotas. And keep an eye out for their sixth album, Vive l’Acadie!, scheduled for release on June 15th! Event link.

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    Cohoes

    June 2nd – For the Talking Heads tribute experience of a lifetime, don’t miss Start Making Sense as they take over The Cohoes Music Hall on the second of the month.  Presented by Guthrie Bell Productions, this show is sure to transport you back to the 80s and you’ll be dancing along to all your favorites from the new-wave punk band’s career. Event link.

    Buffalo – Nietzche’s

    Nietzche’s will be hosting Jazz Happy Hour from 5:30-7:30 PM every Monday, to start your weeks off right all summer long.

    June 4th – Andrew Nixon Trio will be returning to Nietzche’s to kick off the summer full of jazz-loving Mondays. Event link.

    June 11th – The Buffalo-native act, Saranaide Duo, will be bringing an eclectic mix of all their musical influences including soul, R&B, reggae, folk, and of course, jazz. Event link.

    June 18th – To keep the good times and jazz music going, Ohlson Jackson Campbell Trio will be at Nietzche’s on the 18th. Event link.

    June 25th – To wrap up the month of June, John Bacon Trio will be taking over happy hour. Event link.

    Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

    June 2nd – A returning favorite, Dirty Blanket will be bringing their bluegrass/newgrass sound to Funk ‘N Waffles, joined by Rochester-native band, A Girl Named Genny. Event link.

    June 8th – Jonathon Scales Fourcestra will be coming all the way from North Carolina to deliver artistic and complex jazz fusion music. Event link.

    June 9th – Come out to see the Grammy Award winning jazz, funk, and hip-hop duo, Ghost Note, joined by the funky jazz fusion group, Chiggin, who are sure to rustle your feathers. It is sure to be a high energy and high quality night. Event link.

    June 12th – She is the winner of the Contemporary Blues Female Artist Award at the 39th Annual Blues Music Awards and she is coming to Syracuse to show you why. Come out for the highly-acclaimed, incredible sounds of Samantha Fish. Event link.

    June 13th – Praised for his unique and easily recognizable sound, JP Soars has finely tailored his blues sound from his extensive musical experience. He is bringing his group, JP Soars & The Red Hots, to Syracuse for a show you don’t want to miss.  Event link.

    June 16th – The metapop mastermind, Kurt Riley will be performing with folk rock group, View Finder, and progressive roots group all the way from Florida, The Ellameno Beat.  There is sure to be something for everyone in this genre-diverse lineup. Event link.

    June 17th – Skunk City Presents Funky Knuckles.  This jazz and funk group embodies the soundscapes of Dallas and takes them to a whole new level.  Event link.

    June 20th – It is a reggae kind of night on the 20th as the Syracuse-native group, Root Shock, performs with special guest Buddha Council. Event link.

    June 21st – After Dark Presents is bringing singer/songwriter Mike Love for a night full of roots, rock and reggae sounds.  Reggae, jamrock group Annie in the Water will be opening along with Clam the Great. Event link.

    June 24th – Skunk City Presents the award winning singer/songwriter, Quincy Mumford, and his live band, The Reason Why, who are sure to bring a feel-good attitude to Syracuse with their music. Event link.

    June 27th – Grass is Dead will be bringing their bluegrass takes on Grateful Dead classics with special guest Charley & Epic from another favorite and local Grateful Dead tribute band, Pearly Baker’s Best. Event link.

    June 30th – Jazz is Phish is a Phish tribute band that features an all star cast of band members, and they will be bringing an extra special group on the 30th, featuring Felix Pastorius, Doni Degalle of Ghost Note, Alicia Aubin of Big Mean Sound Machine, and Dave Grippo of Giant Country Horns, just to name a few.  Do not miss out on this one of a kind performance. Event link.

    Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

    June 1st – Everyone Orchestra will be bringing a new rotation of incredible musicians from different bands to the Music Hall on June 1st. As always, conducted by Matt Butler, this performance will feature musicians such as Mike Gantzer and David Loss of Aqueous, Mikey Carubba and Josh Schwartz of Turkuaz, Ben Carrey of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and many more! Event link.

    June 4th – After completing the European leg of his “The Lone Wolf and Cub Tour,” R.A. Rugged Man will be performing in Rochester with special guest A-F-R-O+Mooney Faugh of the psychedelic hip-hop band, Subsoil.  Event link.

    June 7th – Before Jonathan Scales Fourcestra hits Syracuse, come out to see them joined by the funky jam band, Baker Street, in Rochester. Event link.

    June 10th – The End Men, a group who is no stranger to the stage, having toured everywhere, “from Bushwick to Berlin,” and captivating audiences with their heavy blues and rock sound, will be stopping by Funk ‘N Waffles with Moho Collective. Event link.

    June 13th – The OXtet always is a fan favorite due to their energetic deliveries of rhythmic complexities, funky stylings, and obvious display of technique throughout their performances.  Do not miss this opportunity to see them live with Sam Nitsch. Event link.

    June 20th – Singer/songwriter Max Muscato will be showcasing his rock ‘n roll stage delivery with the folks/roots group, The Forest Dwellers and Stocklyn.  Event link.

    June 21st – Another opportunity to catch this reggae powerhouse pairing of two musical groups! After Root Shock and Buddha Council hit Syracuse, they will be headed to Rochester for this performance. Event link.

    June 23rd – Ponder, formerly known as Ponder the Giraffe and Buffalo-native band, is a can’t miss for fans of alternative rock music.  They will be joined by Mother Funkin’ Planets, as well as Southern rock and funk group, The Freeway Revival Event link.

    June 24th – Roots and folk musician, Trevor Hall, will be performing with the one-man acoustic act, Mihali, at the Music Hall. Event link.

    June 28th – Wild Adriatic, the psychedelic soul band known for their explosive, high-energy shows, will be rocking Rochester along with another spectacular psychedelic act, Haewa. Event link.

    Plattsburgh

    June 16th – The name says it all. Be sure to come out for the Guitar Extravaganza presented by Plattsburgh Blues & Jazz at the Retro Live, featuring JP Sours and the Red Hots and Duke Robillard.  Grab your tickets online and come ready at 7 PM for a night full of spectacular music. Event link.

  • ponder Starting Eight City Tour in June

    Ponder, known for spelling their name with a lower-case “p” and as one of Buffalo’s up-and-coming alt-rock/jam groups, is hitting the road on June 23 in Rochester for their eight city tour across New York and for the first time ever, Vermont.

    Courtesy of ponder’s website.

    Ponder was formed in 2015 as a solo project of songwriter Gabriel Birkby, but quickly morphed into a band and has become a Buffalo fan favorite. This is their first time hitting the road since 2017 when they visited spots stretching from Buffalo, clear through New York City. They’ve undergone some major line-up changes within the last six months and the group is now somewhat of an amorphous funk/rock powerhouse and are known for constantly having their friends in music hop-up on stage.

    The band’s lineup setting out for the summer tour consists of Gabe Birkby on vocals/lead guitar, Andy Hogan on bass, Paul Sottnik on keys, and Rochester’s Marcus Peters on drums.

    Tour dates:
    June 23 – Funk n’ Waffles – Rochester, NY (w/ Mother Funkin’ Planets & Freeway Revival)
    June 27 – Radio Bean – Burlington, VT (w/ The Schroons)
    June 29 – Parish Public House – Albany, NY (w/ Vicious Jimmy)
    June 30 – Lot 10 – Ithaca, NY (w/ Amongst the Monks & Lucky Old Sun)
    July 6 – Thin Man Brewery – Buffalo, NY (w/ Amateur Hockey Club)
    July 13 – Mojo’s – Jamestown, NY (w/ Cold Lazarus)
    July 21 – Funk n’ Waffles – Syracuse, NY (w/ Barroom Philosophers)
    July 27 – Cobblestone Music Festival – Buffalo, NY

    For more information visit their website or their Facebook  or Instagram. Their music can be found on Spotify and iTunes.

  • NYS Music Presents: Live Music to Fill Your Month of May

    Time flies when you’re having fun, especially when you are having fun at the live shows that fill up every night in New York State.  To ensure that your month of May will be filled up with as much live music as possible, as always, NYS Music is here to make sure you do not miss out on a single opportunity.

    Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

    May 3rd – Will be a beautiful night to join Damn Truth as they blend reggae, rock, soul, funk, and blues with special guest Spring Street Family. Event link.

    May 5th –  Another serving of reggae rock will be brought to you by Barroom Philosophers with alternative rock band Sir Cadian Rhythm supporting. Event link.

    May 6th – FREE SHOW!! The Clock Reads will be hitting Syracuse on their Inner Peaks Tour to show off some of their jazz rock sounds.  Event link.

    May 8th – Brutal By Design presents Marbin, the progressive jazz rock band all the way from Chicago with Syracuse-native funk rock band with a sprinkle of reggae, Spring Street Family Event link.

    May 10th – Chris Trapper has been commended for his “classic pop perfection” and how he makes every performance intimate, where you feel like you’re the person he’s singing about.  He will be joined by Mary Scholz at Funk ‘N Waffles to fill your night will great music. Event link.

    May 12th – A commonly occurring name within this article – don’t miss all your chances to catch Deadgrass in New York this month! Here is the last one on their three day marathon in the state so make sure to make it out for some Grateful Dead. Event link.

    May 17th – West End Blend’s sound draws from a wide array of inspiration, including but not limited to funk, jazz, soul, hip-hop, and afrobeat, all beautifully combined into epic performance.  They’ll be bringing the energy with Mosaic Foundation at Funk ‘N Waffles and you will want to be part of the action. Event link.

    May 18th – Come find out why Funktional Flow is often referred to as the “multi-genre monster” at their show with experimental rock fusion band, Swimmer Ticket link.

    May 19th – Bellas Bartok specializes in delivering incredible live performances and circus punk.  We know you’re curious, so come to find out more about their unique genre and leave the newest circus punk fan.  They will be joined by Cousin Earth Event link.

    May 24th – The Americana blues duo Swampcandy bring enough sound, rhythm and passionate vocals to make the audience feel as though they have just experienced a whole festival rather than one live show – pretty good bang for your buck. They will be coming to Syracuse with special guests The Vollmer’s. Event link.

    May 26th – Tony Trischka’s Early Roman Kings presents a show with the addition of a special acoustic set after dedicated to and entitled The Music of Bob Dylan.  Come out at 2 PM for a nice afternoon show to start your night off right. Event link.

    May 31st – From his hometown of Buffalo, Tommy Z, the “blues treasure”, will be bringing his contemporary blues with funk with the addition of some jazz and pop elements. Event link.

    Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

    May 3rd – It’s the Salt City Shakedown featuring the always memorable and jammin’ Sophistafunk.  They will be joined by the dancehall reggae blend band Root Shock as well as the Syracuse-local funk rock act, Skunk City. Event link.

    May 4th – A name Central New York loves to see – Steel Guapo, the Americana expert, will be doing a show with Darb Jansen who is sure to keep you dancing. Event link.

    May 11th – A night full of Grateful Dead tributes -for those seeking double the covers, make it out to see Sonic Garden and Deadgrass at Rochester’s Funk ‘N Waffles. Event link.

    May 12th – Vanishing Sun featuring Skunk City and The Elementals will be the face-melting, funk event of the season. Rochester local, Vanishing Sun and The Elementals, joined by Syracuse’s Skunk City is a powerhouse trio of a lineup that is sure to bring the house down. Event link.

    May 17th – Shemekia Copeland covers so many genres and sounds like no one else.  Her shows are always an excellent testament to her immense talent, do not miss this opportunity to see her with Dirty Bourbon Blues Band. Event link.

    May 18th – If you want to hear the circus punk sounds of Bellas Bartok  before they hit Syracuse, come out to their show with Cousin Earth in Rochester the night before. Event link.

    May 19th – Funktional Flow will be following up their Syracuse show with a night in Rochester, but this time they will be joined by reggae-infused band, Cold Lazarus. Event link.

    May 23rd – Swampcandy and Vollmer’s will be swinging through Rochester before they hit Syracuse this month. Event link.

    May 27th – Andrew Collins Trio will be having their album release party at Funk ‘N Waffles with special guest Bitter Bells.  Don’t miss this celebration and showcase of the band’s newest music. Event link.

    May 30th – A blissful performance of JJ Grey & Mofro’s blues and Southern Rock sound with R&B inspiration is just what you need for your night.  Freddy & Francine and will be supporting. Event link.

    Saratoga Springs – Putnam Place

    May 3rd – Everyone Orchestra specializes in “conducted improvisation”, bringing a unique but always enjoyable performance each time.  This time they will joined by members of String Cheese and Moe mentioned in the graphic below. Event link.

    May 4th – NYS Music Presents a healthy mix of genres featuring blues and jamrock provided by Lucid, New Orleans style funk by the Funky Dawgz Brass Band and some psychedelic grunge folk from Adrian Aardvark.  There is sure to be music for everyone at the show so don’t miss out! Event link.

    May 5th – Wild Adriatic is playing their 1,000th show and for this momentous milestone, they will sharing the experience with the lucky attendees in Saratoga Springs.  To celebrate the special occasion, they will be adding a “Space-theme” second set that will showcase Putnam Place’s LED video wall.  They will be joined by After Funk and you won’t want to miss this journey to space aboard their rock ‘n roll spaceship. Event link.

    May 12th – BRYAC Funk All-Stars will be at Putnam Place and it’s exactly what it sounds like – a funk show you cannot miss.  They will be joined with Cousin Earth and the show is set to begin at 9 PM. Event link.

    May 18th – For the past 14 years, this powerful partnership of Terrapin Flyer and Melvin Seals has been touring to celebrate the music of The Grateful Dead. Come out and see what these seasoned and widely renowned performers have in store for the night. Event link.

    Tuesdays in May – Beer + Yoga.  The newest and best power couple of 2018. That’s all we have to say, we know we’ll see you there. Event link.

    Albany

    May 5th – The Heavy Pets, otherwise known as a “living, breathing force of nature,” will be joined by folk-funk band Goose for one of their unforgettable powerhouse performances at the Hollow Bar + Kitchen presented by Guthrie Bell Productions. Event link.

    May 10th – Deadgrass, the five piece band made up of seasoned, award-winning musicians, use all their unmatched talent to cover and celebrate the music of Jerry Garcia.  They will be joined by special guest the Deadbeats Duo at Parish Public House. Event link.

    May 18th – Mihali has drawn crowds at notable venues such as Red Rocks, The Capitol Theatre as well as at festivals such as Bonnaroo.  He will be coming to deliver a more intimate set of his acoustic sound at the Hollow Bar + Kitchen with Girl Blue. Event link.

    May 24th – It’s the 10th anniversary of the annual Bob Dylan Birthday Bash at The Low Beat, so you know it’s going to be a good one. The event will feature 15 acts from the Capitol Regions, all to celebrate the big day.  Proceeds will benefit the Albany Victory Gardens and Eden Rose Foundation. Come out and sing some Happy Birthday along with some of Dylan’s classics. Event link.

    Cohoes

    May 11th – The truly unforgettable performer Alejandro Escovedo, will be joined by Kris Gruen for a show at Cohoes Music Hall that is sure to be special.  For fans of acoustic rock and exquisite songwriting, this show is a can’t miss.  Event link.

    Buffalo – Nietzche’s

    May 16th – For a night full of great indie and alternative acts, featuring the Buffalo-native band, THIS, as well as Great Lakes, Citizen Jane, and Church Girls come to Nietzche’s at 8PM on the 16th and see four amazing acts for only $5 – can’t beat it.  Event link.

    May 26th – Tiger Chung Lee and Starship Mantis will be bringing the funk to Buffalo at 10 PM.  For information, click the link and don’t miss one hell of a funk show. Event link.

  • Kung Fu at Buffalo Iron Works

    One of the best parts about living in Western New York is the guarantee that on any given weeknight you can catch mesmerizing performances by world class artists who dominate their niche. One night that might mean seeing the next up and coming jam band, and the next a jazz legend you never thought you’d see live. On Thursday, March 29, Buffalo was devoted to pure funk as Kung Fu turned Buffalo Iron Works into a contemporary groove factory.

    Before Kung Fu took the stage and serenaded the crowd with their jams, Maryland-based funk/psychedelic band LITZ got things going early in the night with a unique sound of their own. The four-piece opener thoroughly engaged the audience by incorporating different wind instruments, deep funk grooves and an animated front man who sang like a combination of Steve Winwood and Greg Allman. The band clearly did their homework and it showed, as the crowd went wild for their rendition of “Shout” with a full “Let’s Go, Buffalo” call and response section. By the time Kung Fu took the stage, the crowd felt a collective euphoric buzz and was eager keep dancing.

    Kung Fu got things going again with a grimy funk groove which picked up right where LITZ left off. Guitar player Tim Palmieri was quick to showcase his technical ability as he laid down a swirling, meditative solo which bounced sounds around the room like a ripple in a small pond. The murky green lights behind the band gave the impression that the crowd was being brought to Oz as the band made their way through the final verse.

    Without missing a beat, the band quickly teleported the audience from Oz to 42nd street in 1977 with a gripping funk instrumental led by saxophone player Rob Somerville that can only be described as “street music.” Percussionist Adrian Tramontano held down the low end and hypnotized the crowd with exotic fills while the rest of the band took turns with individual takes on the song’s main theme.

    As the set went deeper it was clear the band knew exactly what tricks to pull to have the crowd eating out of the palm of their hands. The veteran funk group seemed to do everything right as they strutted along as one cohesive entity, making impressive shifts in tempo, dynamics and key. They nailed composed sections to difficult newer songs as if they had been playing them for years, and could turn on their improvisational prowess on the turn of a dime. Bassist Chris DeAngelis was clearly responsible for many improvisational peaks of the night, as he dazzled everyone in attendance, both on and off stage, with his natural feel for the groove and prodigious knowledge of the instrument.

    The band only got tighter as the night continued, with keyboard player Beau Sasser keeping the rest of his bandmates on their toes by changing keys and tempos mid jam. It was clear that the band was constantly challenging both themselves and the audience throughout the show, giving the feeling that anything could happen at any point. While most of the night was rooted heavily in funk, it was obvious that the band was influenced by a wide variety of music from around the globe, creating an incredibly personal, indistinguishable sound. At one point, it felt like the band was leading an exploration of an Egyptian pyramid, and then suddenly without a warning they were in the middle of a Coltrane-esqe avant guard cyclone.

    By the time Kung Fu finished up their last song and said their goodbyes to the crowd at Buffalo Iron Works, no one in crowd was ready to leave. They received a cheering ovation and came out for one more high energy ‘victory lap’ song which sent attendants home smiling and wishing they were returning for one more night of funk.