Tag: buffalo

NYS Music Presents: Live Shows to Occupy Your April

April is finally here, and as Upstate New York finally begins to thaw, the live music scene across the state is certainly heating up. If you are looking for live music to keep you entertained throughout the entire upcoming month, look no further. Just like every other month, NYS is here to give you a run-down on every can’t-miss show in New York State.

Syracuse – Funk N’ Waffles

April 5th – For Americana sounds that will transport you to a scorching hot desert while sitting in the always so sunny Syracuse, come experience Steel Guapo. Complementing their performance will be the bluegrass and newgrass sound of the Dirty Grass Players. Event link.

April 7th – Freekbass’s funky sound grew from his pure love for artists like Zapp, Midnight Star, Sly Stone, and Stevie Wonder that he had while growing up in Cincinnati. Make sure you catch him on his Funky Winter Tour as he stops in Syracuse with special guest and fusion rock band, Haewa. Event link.

April 14th – Come see what the growing buzz about The Blind Spots is all about as they play Funk ‘N Waffles with Kurt Riley. The five piece rock, pop and indie band has a killer rhythm section, mesmerizing guitar stylings and an incredibly strong vocal delivery from front woman Maddy Walsh to tie it all together that is sure to leave you wanting more.  Event link.

April 18th – It’s exactly what it sounds like – Perpetual Groove will be sure to have you rocking and rolling all night with their “anthemic arena rock” filled sets. If you can’t make it out to this show, no need to worry. They will be hitting Rochester and Saratoga Springs the night before and after this show. Keep reading for more details on those shows and click the link to secure your ticket for this stop on the tour. Event link.

April 19th – With just a guitar, drums, and a B-3 organ, the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio will wow you with their 60’s-inspired jazz and R&B style. The chemistry within this band has manifested itself in the best of ways and the trio wants you to feel it at this show. They will be performing with special guest Tanksley. Event link.

April 20th – Starting at 10 PM, Syracuse-native and local favorite group Skunk City will be performing with Vanishing Suns. Catch their funky rock and pop music before they head out play more shows in the Northeast. Event link.

April 21st – There’s nothing like a strong horn section to really start your Saturday night off with a bang. Starting at 10 PM, six-piece soul and jazz group, Gretchen & The Pickpockets, will be making that their mission, as they always do in their shows. Joined by JJ Murphy Trio, it is sure to be a high energy and quality show. Event link.

April 26th – Award-winning and highly-acclaimed bluegrass band, Kitchen Dwellers, will be treating Syracuse to one of their unforgettable performances. They will be joined by a truly treasured favorite of folk music lovers, Dirty Blanket.  Event link.

April 27th – As Mike Powell makes his way around New York State for shows this month, he will be stopping in at Funk ‘N Waffles with The Black River. His soulful folk songwriting will be sure to make you want to follow him around the state for the rest of his tour. Event link.

Rochester – Funk N’ Waffles

April 5th – Prior to their Syracuse show on the 7th, Freekbass along with Haewa will be bringing funk and fusion to Rochester. Do not miss out on this golden opportunity to see these artists who are known for oozing talent.  Event link.

April 6th – Another band who will be playing Syracuse as well, is Dirty Grass Players and Steel Guapo. Following their show in Syracuse on the 5th, it is a fact that you will want more. Here are the details on how to see them again. Event link.

April 12th – The trio that makes up The Last Revel has somehow found the magic combination that produces natural and delicate folk music but still delivers rocking “bombastic” performances. Special guest Max & Richie from Dirty Blanket, the Finger Lakes native bluegrass band, will be opening for them. Event link.

April 13th – At the Music Hall at Funk ‘N Waffles, Martin Sexton will be doing a special performance sure to draw emotions from the crowd with the use of his tenor voice or flawless displays of his falsetto, as well as an energetic response through his raspy and blues-inspired vocalization. He will be joined by Joan Osborne who will be treating the crowd to a selection of her favorite Bob Dylan songs as her latest album, “Songs of Bob Dylan”, was released in September. Event link.

April 17th – Before they take on Syracuse, Perpetual Groove and special guest Ocular Panther will be at Rochester’s Funk ‘N Waffles. Perpetual Groove is known for putting on performances that are highly polished but uniquely different from all their other shows, so this is definitely one act you are going to want to see more than once. Click the link for information on just how to do so. Event link.

April 20th – It is sure to be a fully packed night of entertainment at The Music Hall. The “communal music force” and inspiring force is bringing their “life music” to the lucky city of Rochester. As a collective, Arrested Development has won two Grammy awards and are a four time platinum selling hip-hop group that has also mastered the genres of R&B, funk and folk just to name a few. Joining them on this night will be Sophistafunk, Level 7 Experience, and DJ Whiz. Event link.

April 21st – Bringing you another jam-packed night at Funk ‘N Waffles, there will be sets happening at both The Music Hall, as well as the club side. Electronic rock artist, Max Creek, will be in The Music Hall, playing two sets while funky jazz band, The English Project, as well as Old Deer Ensemble will be playing sets on the club side. There is sure to be amazing music everywhere you turn on the 21st in Funk ‘N Waffles. Event link.

April 27th – From the platinum selling and Grammy award winning group Living Colour, Corey Glover is coming to deliver a healthy mix of hard rock and soul. Along with him will be the soulful, reggae hip-hop group the Alchemystics, alternative folk and rock group, the Dave Diprimo Band and finally alternative rock artist, Ponder. Event link.

April 28th – If you missed them in Syracuse, or more likely, just cannot get enough of them, Kitchen Dwellers will be in Rochester on the 28th with special guest The Ditch Diggers. The show starts at 9:30 PM. Click the link for more details and ticket information. Event link.

Saratoga – Putnam Place

April 13th – Critically-acclaimed and leading Celtic Rock band, Enter the Haggis, will be giving an unforgettable performance along with the lyrical stylings of Jon and Matt Wagar, better know as The Wagar Brothers who with the help of the rest of their band, always leave the crowd wanting more of their Americana Folk sound.  Event link.

April 19th – The highly original sound of Perpetual Groove is something you do not want to miss. Coming all the way from Georgia, the group bends genres with their sound that mixes jazz-rock, neo-psychedlia, R&B, electronica, and progressive rock among others. They want to show you just how good their critically acclaimed sound is with the help of JoyFunk band CBDB. Find details about tickets and more in the link.  Event link.

April 20th – Guthrie Bell Productions is bringing Greenwich, NY natives, Eastbound Jesus, and their Northern Rock, Bluegrass and Americana style sound to Saratoga with the Mallett Brothers featuring Jon Fishman, the drummer from Phish. Don’t miss this one of a kind show. Event link.

April 21st – For a night full of covers from everyone’s favorite three bands – Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads, and Phish – come out to Pink Talking Fish as they bring yet another unforgettable performance to Putnam Place. The opener is TBD – stay tuned on updates and find out more about the show by clicking the link. Event link.

Buffalo – Nietzche’s

April 8th – For a movingly beautiful performance, do not miss singer/songwriter Christopher Paul Stelling and his virtuoso guitar-picking at Nietzche’s at 4 PM. Critically acclaimed and timelessly enjoyable, his performance is sure to be an evening to remember. Event link.

April 18th – Nathan Kalish and The Lastcallers have been touring for the majority of the last decade and are bringing their knee-slapping, country-Americana sound with a healthy dose of psychedelic funk, to Buffalo. Coming along with them is American folk group The Brothers Blue with their acoustic and old-time folk sound.  Event link.

April 28th – Witty Tarbox, will be releasing their EP The Adventures of Schmitty Issue #1 v RARE and celebrating the occasion at this “night of wild circus shenanigans” with special guests and fellow Buffalo natives, Handsome Jack and Mosswalk. The first 25 people through the door get a hard copy of the band’s first EP, and copies will be on sale at the show.  Event link.

Albany

April 8th, 15th, and 22nd – Presented by Guthrie Bell Productions, Amy Helm will be doing her 2nd annual Woodshed Residency Tour and will be performing every Sunday, starting on the 8th, at the Hollow Bar + Kitchen. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to see some amazing Americana rock music.  Event link.April 12th – Another fantastic upcoming show presented by Guthrie Bell Productions is The Magic Beans with Let’s Be Leonard at the Hollow Bar + Kitchen. Colorado natives, but Saratoga-local favorites, The Magic Beans not only combine genres, but do an incredible job of blending their original songwriting with inspired improvisation, all tied together in one big dance party at each of their shows. Click the link for more details and prices for their Early Bird Special.  Event link.

Cohoes – Cohoes Music Hall

April 22nd – For the best Zappa tribute band live music has to offer, come see Project/Object on the 22nd at 8 PM. With the longest continuous touring record, as well as having been able to play with 20 members of Zappa’s band from multiple eras, this band is sure to bring an unforgettable show. This particular reunion tour will feature band members Napoleon Murphy Brock and Denny Walley and will bring setlists packed with classics from their time with Frank Zappa.  Event link.

Plattsburgh

April 13th – The Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz presents the two-time Grammy-nominated artist who is defining the sound of Chicago blues today, John Primer and the Real Deal Blues band will be treating Plattsburgh to a show at Olive Ridleys at 8 PM. Tickets are $18 in advance and will be $20 at the door. Click the link to grab tickets to see this legendary musician as he comes through New York State.  Event link.

Saranac Lake

April 14th – If you miss him at Olive Ridleys, here’s your second chance! Live at the BluSeed Studios in Saranac Lake, John Primer and the Real Deal Blues Band will be performing again. Doors will be at 7 PM with music starting at 7:30 PM.  Event link.

April 1, 2018
Shovels and Rope Get Intimate at Asbury Hall

Tuesday, March 20, Shovels and Rope tour found them in Asbury Hall, the former church turned concert hall in Buffalo. It was an intimate ‘evening with’ format so no opener needed as the duo took to the stage with just a single lamp as the only source of light as they played a tender ballad. As the evening wore on so did the intensity of the music and the lights. It remained a relaxed affair and plenty of tales from the road were shared with the audience in between songs that spanned the duo’s career.

March 24, 2018
That 1 Guy Makes Buffalo Weird Again

With thousands of artists releasing new music daily thanks to technological advances which allow musicians to record a song and share it with the world in the matter of minutes, performers must be more creative than ever to break through the clutter and establish a name for themselves. Some tour relentlessly to get their name out, a few incorporate jokes or magic into their act to entertain audiences on multiple levels, and others go out and slap a “Magic Pipe” until their fingers bleed. Mike Silverman, or That 1 Guy, happens to do all three, as well as much more. On Thursday, February 28, the one-man traveling circus graced the stage in Buffalo at Mohawk Place for an unforgettable night of music, laughs and wizardry.

Like most nights with live music at Mohawk Place, the crowd was split between people who had marked their calendars the day the performance was announced and causal music lovers seeking their Thursday night fix. Things were a bit different that night, however, as those who arrived with the intention of winding down after a long day of work to some relaxing tunes were exposed to far more than they bargained for. The imminent weirdness presented itself as soon you made your way to the stage and observed the large, Festivus-esqe, pole standing atop a raised grate in front of three jumbo screens. The large pole Silverman dubs the “Magic Pipe,” is a homemade, electronically rigged pair of machined aluminum pipes connected by adjustable phosphorus bronze joints, with each pipe hosting an orchestral bass string.

Waiting for the absolute last possible second to go on before the crowd exploded in anticipation, Silverman hopped on stage, pulled out a double-bass bow, and began playing a hauntingly beautiful melody on the smaller pipe. The instrument’s unique tone sounded like a combination of Vivaldi and Pink Floyd, as the screens behind displayed psychedelic images that morphed in unison with each note played. As he hit lower notes, the room trembled with the heavy bass, and audience members could feel spiritually cleansing vibrations run through their chests. The orchestral vibes would not last long, however, as Silverman’s bolstering creativity wouldn’t allow him to stick with one genre at any point in the night. The world-class street performer quickly shifted gears to an African tribal rhythm as he played around with his numerous foot pedals, combining the infectious rhythm with a top layer of EDM beats and deep, bluesy vocals.

Two songs and the audience had already time traveled around the world and back. The performance oozed with surrealism as Silverman continued his set featuring a duck sock-puppet on one song, a cowboy boot rigged to play like Congo drums on the next, and a whimsical song about a great whale race that took place just before our very eyes to complete the trio. In between each song the incredibly talented entertainer told jokes, performed magic tricks, and spoke to the crowd as if they were friends in his living room.

Those who had seen That 1 Guy before added another dimension to the performance as they called for specific songs and yelled out phrases that were obvious inside jokes between Silverman and his audience. Aside from his own kooky songs and singing quotes from passive-aggressive Airbnb reviews he received, the renaissance man performer mixed in popular songs from Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” to jazz standards, and kept the crowd on their toes with whatever classic rock riffs came to his mind. That1Guy is the kind of virtuoso musician you’d imagine would be playing the Lincoln Center today if the hippies won (or even fought) the war.

To cap off a wildly entertaining performance, Silverman finished the night with some jazz. He told the audience he saved the jazz songs for the end as an attempt to influence a younger generation to listen to the genre. Once he had everyone buttered up with EDM and rock and roll, he played jazz standards to subconsciously influence a generation of music listeners to seek out a genre that has mostly disappeared from popular music today. When it was all said and done, the set was nearly two hours long, despite it only feeling like a few minutes. From stunning visuals to bizarre compositions you cannot hear anywhere else on the planet, That1Guy is a show all music lovers should seek out immediately. Thankfully, that should not be too difficult as the one-man circus averages an astonishing 150-200 performances a year around North America in an effort to spread joy and weirdness around the continent.

March 6, 2018
Spafford Tears Apart Buffalo Iron Works

For the past couple of years, the Arizona native rock/jam band Spafford has been the talk of the town. With a seizure inducing light show, dual-set mind altering jams, and a cast of imaginative, highly-skilled musicians, it is no wonder why an old factory-converted music hall down by the canal was packed nearly to capacity on a chilly Thursday winter night at Buffalo Iron Works.

The up and coming funk-folk band Goose set the stage as they performed an opening set which undoubtedly expanded their fan base. The venue was slowly filling up as Goose started up, and they welcomed attendants with a light reggae groove which transformed the northern ice chest into a breezy paradise. Heads were bobbing, hips were swinging, and by the third song the venue was so packed there wasn’t enough space to wave down your friend at the bar.

Goose’s set ranged from reggae dance numbers to upbeat funk to intense, guitar-driven peaks. Their well-crafted songs and impressive vocals bode well for their future in this competitive jam scene. By the end of their set, the crowd was so enthralled they nearly forgot they were there to see Spafford. It was like having a delicious shrimp appetizer that filled you up and left you smiling, completely forgetting about the filet mignon you ordered. Thankfully once the meat comes out you always find room for more and savor every bite until there is nothing left, and that is exactly the way Spafford delivered.

By the time Spafford went on there was hardly any room to stand on the dance floor. Electricity surged through the air as newcomers awaited their first experience of the highly-anticipated musical experience, and veterans stood eager to re-enter their happy place. There is no doubt this small venue is not going to be large enough to hold them the next time they come back to Buffalo, especially if they come on a weekend night.

The crowd exploded as the band picked up their instruments and created an airy soundscape as guitar player Brian Moss weaved delicate jazz licks over the building sound. Drummer/percussionist Cameron Laforest began to speed things up as the band followed and pushed their way to an intense bliss peak. Just the first song in and it was obvious they were here to make a statement as the song “The Postman” transformed again into an alien-funk abduction. Keyboard player Andrew “Red” Johnson pushed the jam further and further as they built a detached groove with all members contributing, careful not to step on each other’s toes. Endlessly rising, the high energy jam reached a sensational zenith and on the turn of a dime, was brought back to the instrumental verse accompanied by a roar from the crowd.

“Backdoor Funk” followed the impressive opening number with a dirty, shadow-like aura as bass player Jordan Fairless took first swing at the vocals. The dark funk number saw Johnson layering vibrant chords while Moss bent his strings like he was breaking a chicken’s neck. The lights, controlled by lighting director Ben Factor, spun with the out of control jam and strapped the audience onto an out of control merry-go-round whirling through multiple dimensions. Eventually the ride stopped, and thankfully there were no casualties (though one girl did have to be taken out for an unrelated matter…), as the band fell back into the final verse.

A bubbly rendition of “The Remedy” came next and gave the crowd a chance to catch their breath as they floated down the smooth river of sound the band conceived. The frothy raft ride didn’t last long however, as the band brought the jam into pure chaos to finish the number. A familiar rendition of the Grateful Dead’s “Feel Like a Stranger” came next and featured the crowd singing along with the chorus. However, with Spafford nothing is truly without their own personal touch as though the solo was kept within the realm of song, the band created a distinct jungle of madness that would have made even Garcia nod his head with approval.

The rock-infused ska number “Diana” brought out the rowdiness of the crowd once again before the band went into their last number of the set, “People.” They took their time building the jam in “People” as all four members communicated well with each other. They built the jam to reach the sky, and within a matter of seconds dropped it to a pit of nothingness. One of the major strengths of the band is their control of tempo and dynamics, and they demonstrated that impeccably. As they worked their way down, every member of the band left the stage leaving Johnson alone to deliver an eloquent outro solo, thus leaving “People” unfinished at set break.

When the band came back for the second set, the crowd was even more unruly than before. They picked up right where they left off and began the second set at the solo of “People.” If there’s a better way to start a set then the middle of an intense bliss peak I’d like to hear it. “Plans” came next and displayed their diverse influences with a Latin-inspired groove. That did not last long, however, as “Plans” saw some of the most impressive jamming of the night. It jumped from high-speed guitar solo, with Moss’s fingers moving so fast it was as if he would have imploded had he stopped, to a slow, spacey crowd-teasing vamp, and eventually made its way to a tribal drum inspired, high tempo space freak-out which left everyone in their room both amused and disoriented.

The band played around with tempo once again as they continuously shifted the speed of the funky “Virtual Bean Dip.” The groove shifted from an passionate peak to a quiet lullaby, back up the roller coaster to a boiling hallucinogenic realm as multi-colored prison spotlights bounced around the stage. Out of the delirium came the chipper “Galisted Way,” which gave the crowd another chance to gain their bearings. They kept the positive vibes going with “Crazy,” a song that is reminiscent of being at a waterfall on a summer day. Light-hearted as it may be, the solo by Moss lead to a confetti-cannon explosion of sound before they ended the final verse on another high note.

The last song of the set, and second cover of the night, Tears for Fear’s “Mad World” featured some of the most exciting moments of the night. The song proper was a time capsule back to the eighties, complete with sweaty men with bad dance moves, until the fat bass line hooked up with the increasing robot noises spewing out of the guitar and worked their way into a more futuristic boogie. As the rattling guitar pulled away from the ‘80s dance number the band once again connected to build tension. The more they built it up the more it felt like they were filling a balloon, and everyone held their breath until it popped. After overfilling two times over, the band finally released, and the crowd was ecstatic. The set was over, but no one was quite ready to leave.

As the crowd cheered for more, the band left the stage for only a couple of seconds before ending the night on the high-energy, short singalong “Salamander Song.” The band thanked the crowd, but the yells and cheers made it obvious who was truly thankful after that performance.

Setlist:

I: The Postman, Backdoor Funk, The Remedy, Feel Like a Stranger[1], Diana, People[2]

II: People[3], Plans, Virtual Bean Dip > Galisteo Way, Crazy, Mad World[4]

E: Salamander Song

Notes:
[1] Grateful Dead cover
[2]Unfinished – Red Outro
[3] Ending Only
[4] Tears for Fears Cover

January 21, 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