NYS Music 20​18

Tag: Putnam Place

  • Lespecial: A Power-Rock Trio, Where They’ve Been, and What’s Coming Next

    About three quarters through the Fall/Winter 2018 tour, power-rock trio lespecial brought their unique style of genre bending jams to Putnam Place and joined me for a conversation about who they are, where they’ve been, and what’s coming up next.

    The show at Putnam Place was a much-anticipated stop for the region since their set at Adirondack Independence Festival this past summer where lespecial played a high energy set that enraptured the audience and grew the regional fan base significantly. The heavy grooving trio is composed of Luke Bemand (Bass/Synth/Percussion/Vocals), Jonathan Grusauskas (Guitar/Synth/Sampler/Percussion/Vocals), and Rory Dolan (Drums/Sampler/Percussion/Vocals.) The three childhood friends, who grew up in Connecticut and are now based in New York and Boston, have a lifetime of experiences to draw on in their creative process. Individually they are musical powerhouses, and together they won’t be stopped.

    Emily VanderWiel: This fall/winter tour has been quite extensive so far and you’ve covered a lot of ground since September. What have been some highlights of the tour so far?

    Luke Bemand: The Lespectacle show we do every year is usually a highlight for us, it’s our Halloween show, we collaborate with our friends at The Reliquarium and do an interactive art space. This year we did it at their space in Rhode Island where we had two stages.  Some of our favorite producers and bands were there; Freddy Todd, Bella’s Bartok, we collaborated with our friends Supersillyus and that for us is our big yearly event. It’s the eighth year we’ve done it… so that’s always fun. It’s stressful and insane but it’s fun and we’ve done it in Brooklyn the last five years so being closer to Boston, Rhode Island and Connecticut is cool for us.

    EV: I saw some video from Lespectacle, there were a lot of nice pro shot videos.

    LB: Yeah! That was all this guy!! (pointing to his brother and lespecial road warrior Sean Bemand)

    LB: Another fun one was Jacksonville with Moon Hooch, and we just announced a show in Burlington, VT with them on December 29 at Higher Ground. Looking forward to that, those guys are really cool, with our friend Honeycomb too.

    LB: Honeycomb is a beatboxer from Northampton and we’ve collaborated with him for a couple years, playing festivals in the Northeast but we hope to collab a lot more.

    EV: There’s been a lot of new material popping up at shows, do you guys have a new album in the works?

    LB: We have a ton of new material, we have enough for a new EP or a new album. We’ve been putting out a lot of live clips of our newer stuff. We have a new track with Zion I that we’ve been working on and playing out at shows. We have a lot of different things in the works, but the focus has been on touring and with playing out so much it’s hard to get in the studio, but we’ve been rehearsing, together a lot more and writing a lot. The easiest place for people to hear our new stuff is to come out to a show. Definitely within the next year we’d like to put out a new EP or a full-length album.

    EV: The tour has been covering a lot of ground, so there is certainly a lot of opportunity for fans to get out and see the new material at shows… it looks like you guys are busy straight through New Year’s?

    LB: Yeah! Next week we are in Baltimore with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, at Rams Head Live… that’ll be cool and then we are back up to Hartford for more of a hometown show in Connecticut at Arch Street Tavern and then our New Year’s run is going to be Pacific Standard Tavern in New Haven, The Snow Barn in West Dover, VT…which is an awesome place, we did it last year, played two sets and it was a lot of fun, and then Aqueous on New Year’s Eve in Buffalo. Now with Moon Hooch show in Burlington added, it will be four shows in a row.

    EV: You guys will probably be ready for a break after that?

    LB: (Laughs) There’s no breaks!

    EV: What a great way to ring in a New Year though, that many exciting shows back to back…

    LB: Totally, those are really exciting. It’s fun because it’s a couple headlining shows and then a couple supporting shows for bands that we like and that we enjoy playing with. Then January we are going to be headed out to Colorado and we are going to be announcing a whole bunch of other January dates, so there’s no real breaks. People will say “how was the tour?” and it’s like, wait? It’s not over yet! It’s just never stopping, which is both good and bad. We don’t do a full on two-month tour but we will play for a couple weeks and be off for a week and play for a couple weeks so it’s cycles that kinda keep going. It keeps the wheels going, we keep writing on the road.

    EV: As far as the song writing goes, do you all write? How does your creative process work?

    LB: It’s definitely a collaborative process, one of us could come up with an idea for a song, like maybe Jon will have a riff for a song or something like that and we take it to practice and then we kinda add our parts. There’s never anybody that says here’s a song and this is your part, and this is your part, etc. The whole writing process is very much that somebody can bring an idea to the table and then everyone… it’s the ideas that build. So there’s that give and pull when there’s no band leader and we write our music as a trio.

    EV: The show you guys have booked for tomorrow night is a cool concept. Can you tell me a little about that?

    LB: So, it’s at the Brighton Music Hall and it also happens to be Jon’s birthday. What’s cool about it is that we are doing one set of originals and one special 90’s “Headbangers Ball” set. Balkun Brothers are playing with us and doing a Nirvana set… pretty excited about this show because we all grew up listening to this music.

    EV: You’re finishing the year out strong, ending one hell of a tour with a show with Aqueous in Buffalo!

    LB: Yes, we are for sure looking forward to that, love those guys. It should be a good time! It’s not the end of the tour though, we will be announcing some dates out west soon so people should definitely keep an eye out for that.

    EV: Thanks for chatting with me guys and I know I will be catching a few of these shows along the way and I will definitely see you at The Town Ballroom! Have a great show tonight!

    Lespecial is one of the hardest working bands out there right now and there is so much opportunity to get out and see what they can do. Next up is a special show for Luke Bemand’s Birthday at Pacific Standard Tavern, followed by The Snow Barn in West Dover, VT, Higher Ground with Moon Hooch & Honeycomb, and ending the year with Aqueous at The Town Ballroom.   2019 tour info is available on their Facebook page.

    Check out this MKDevo recording of “The Vessel” from the Brighton Music Hall in Boston, MA on 11/17/18.

  • Mihali Sells Out Putnam Place, Discusses Creative Process, Inspiration and Gratitude

    Mihali Savoulidis, the lead singer and guitarist from Vermont jam-band Twiddle made a stop on his solo tour at Putnam Place earlier this month.  Playing to a sold out crowd, the energy in the room was abuzz with excitement and positivity.  Playing a combination of covers, solo originals and Twiddle songs, Mihali shared his usual charisma with the audience and this spirit and animation carried over into our conversation after the show.   We discussed collaboration, inspiration and gratitude.

    Emily VanderWiel:  A new song with Nahko and Trevor Hall just released, “Fading State.”   Can you tell me about what the creative process is like when working with them?

    Mihali:   I wrote the tune and I had them in mind, so when I recorded I literally left those places blank and hoped that they would say yes, they are both some of my very good friends.   I met Nahko first, feels like many years ago, probably 6 or 7 years ago and I met Trevor a few summers ago and it was one of those things where both times we jammed, hung out and played.  We are all born in 86, we are kind of cut from the same cloth.  A blessing for me, truly though mainly because I was a huge fan of their music before I met both.  I knew their catalogue and their writing style, and I felt connected before I knew them, and it just flowed from there.

    EV:  You are a role model for so many of your fans, both musically and personally.  How do you feel about the idea of role models, and do you have someone that you look up to?

    MS:  I don’t think so, I’ve realized that all the people I have looked up to over the years, and just in general human beings are flawed, sensitive people and no one is really, truly a role model.  Nobody is perfect, no one is the end all, be all the best person there is.

    EV: How about musically?

    MS: Well, both questions go hand in hand because I have to say when I met Trey at LOCK’n two summers ago or something, I walked up to him and said, “Hey I’m Mihali from Twiddle, and thank you for showing me that recovery is possible and that music after recovery is possible.”  Trey is just always busy, trying new things, making music and I love that about him.

    MS:   You know, the least favorite question I ever get asked is “what’s this song about.” It’s never what its “supposed to be about.”  It could be totally different than what the singer wrote it about but if it means something to that fan in their world,  I’m not going to bust their bubble and tell them that’s not what the song is about.  It’s all totally subjective.   My question is to the fan, what do you think it’s about?  Then I agree.

    EV:   I have a fan question for you.  What was the inspiration for the song Juggernaut when you wrote it and how do you feel about the fan reaction to it?

    MS:  At this time in age, and where we are right now I know the political climate is gnarly and we (Twiddle) have always stepped away from that because nobody wants to get involved with politics in music.   But when I think about my wife and my daughter and all the females in my life and the people around me that I love, and respect aren’t getting their dues, and they are not getting respected then it feels like I have to say something.  For the first time ever, well, I have always been the one in the band that’s been like No, no, no, let’s not get involved in politics.   So, I wrote it as a joke. In the studio I said “Let’s do a grunge song, Nirvana or something.  I’ll just write some chords and we will go record it.”  And Kyle, our guitar tech, he had told me a story about when he was in third grade, some kid came up while they were playing king of the kill on a sandcastle and kicked him in the face and said, “You’ll never be king of the hill!”  It was a big deal to him in third grade, and so when I was recording that first vocal “You want to kick me in the face cuz I’m different, yeah you think you’re king of the hill.”  I had recorded that verse as a joke, and we sat home for months with the demos for the album and as the political climate started changing and we started seeing what was going on, I thought that hey now that really fits.  The verses then came after that.  What can I talk about that is going on in the world?  What is bothering me, so that’s where that song came from.

    Mihali’s solo tour has been very successful and is wrapping up Dec 15 at Gateway City Arts in Holyoke, MA.  Also just announced, Mihali will be joining Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Saturday January 26 at The Capitol Theater in Port Chester, NY.

  • Twiddle’s Mihali makes solo debut with ‘Fading State’

    Twiddle frontman Mihali recently released politically charged single “Fading State” for his upcoming album. The album is yet to be titled and fans are eagerly anticipating a release date. The new single features vocals from Nahko (Nahko and Medicine for the People) and Trevor Hall who support Mihali in this advocacy-driven single. Produced by Johnny Cosmic of Stick Figure, Mihali’s reggae single focuses on protecting the environment and putting aside political agendas for the greater good.

    The issue is continuously met with opposition motivated by greed. It’s up to all of us as individuals to do what we can…to do our part to make a positive change in the world. With our current political climate, I think now is the perfect time for this single to be released.

    Mihali refers to “Fading State” as the spark that influenced most of his newest musical creations. While the debut album is yet to be announced, glimpses of the anticipated album will show up throughout the course of Mihali’s solo December tour of the Northeast. There are four New York shows lined up in the rapid fire schedule below.

    Mihali Tour Schedule:

    Dec. 5 – Mercury Lounge –  New York, NY 
    Dec. 6 – Spcae Ballroom – Hamden, CT
    Dec. 7 – Putnam Place – Saratoga Springs, NY
    Dec. 8 – Funk ‘n Waffles – Syracuse, NY
    Dec. 9 – Portland House of Music – Portland, ME
    Dec. 11 – Wonder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ
    Dec. 12 – 8 x 10 – Baltimore, MD
    Dec. 13 – BSP-3 – Kingston, NY
    Dec. 14 – Jewel – Manchester, NH
    Dec. 15 – Gateway City Arts – Holyoke, MA

    Watch Mihali’s “Fading State” music video down below and get a feel for what to expect on his premier solo album.

    Editor’s Note: This article was edited to correct the title of the song. 

  • Let’s Be Leonard tour will spread the holiday cheer throughout New York

    With fall holiday vibes steadily taking over New York all November, Let’s be Leonard will be kicking it off by spreading their extremely versatile and energetic jazzy music all month. The high spirited jam band has announced several shows even including a free night at Putnam Place for Thanksgiving Eve.

    With stages scattered throughout Albany, Oswego, Plattsburgh, and Saratoga Springs, the acoustic vibes set for these evenings will be relaxing for any group. Audiences will experience the band’s talented line-up with Karl Bertrand (Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar), Matt Griffin (Lead Guitar), Connor Dunn (Saxophone), Chris Cronin (Bass Guitar) and Paul Gauy (Drums) also including a lively collaboration at their Albany show with the Leah Woods Band.

    Perhaps the most anticipated night scheduled is their annual “A Very Leonard Christmas” which as their last date in Saratoga, will be traditionally held at Caffe Lena. They are fresh off a series of nights at the Barrelhouse in Saratoga Springs and a post-Phish show at the City Beer Hall so they are more than familiar with these attractive venues.

    The passionate story of Let’s Be Leonard itself is what makes them thrive and reminds their loyal fanbase why their style is unique. All five band members quit their jobs, invested what money they had into equipment and a tour bus, and have been living together in a music-centric collective lifestyle since early 2015. This dedication has incited the support and admiration from local radio and also allowed them to have the courage to expand on their national tours. For those looking to enjoy the Leonard experience, see the dates below.  Tickets for Caffe Lena are already available.

    Upcoming dates:

    Nov. 9 – The City Beer Hall – Albany, NY w/ Leah Woods Band
    Nov. 16 – The Brick Bar – Oswego, NY
    Nov. 17 – The Monopole – Plattsburgh, NY
    Nov. 21 – Putnam Place – Saratoga Springs, NY (Thanksgiving Eve)
    Dec. 21 – Caffe Lena – Saratoga Springs, NY (A Very Leonard Christmas)

    Check out the latest single from the band’s sophomore release Static below and their bandcamp page here.

  • Turkuaz Put Putnam In Its Place

    It’s always going to be a fun night when a band sells out a show. It’s going to be even better when that band is Brooklyn’s own, Turkuaz as the funk power house came to Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, October 6. Butcher Brown opened the show with a very groovy set with lots of peaks and valleys. They’ll be starting off each night of Turkuaz’s tour this month. Make sure to get there early and check them out.

    This show was truly one for the fans. With a rare “Gremlins” opener, the band played a slew of incredible classics from their beginnings to start their extra long single set. The energy was peaking for what seemed like the entire show, and with a back to back “Everyone’s a Winner” and “Life in the City,” you could only hope the night would never end. The balance of all the instruments, all the harmonies, all the raw power came together to finish the night with an energetic “Monkey Fingers.”

    You can catch the band around the country for the next couple months. They are down south this week before coming back up to Northampton MA, Providence RI, and a finishing their northeast run with a huge show at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. They will also be sharing the stage with tons of amazing talent, such as Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles, Lettuce, and Rubblebucket.

  • NYS Music Presents: Music All October Long

    As Upstate New York has officially welcomed fall and we prepare ourselves for the cold months ahead, NYS Music is preparing to keep you occupied all month long as per usual with our run down of all the can’t-miss live music for October.

    Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

    As always, Funk ‘N Waffles will be the go-to place for music 7 days a week for Rochester and Syracuse.  The calendar above outlines what can be expected this month in Syracuse.  The schedule includes a healthy mix of weekly regulars, such as Pearly Baker’s Best’s Dead Nights every Monday, as well as tour performances from some of the best performers both within and outside New York State, album release parties, and of course, a Halloween celebration.   For more details, check out the list and links below.

    October 4th – The unique strand of Americana Them Coulee Boys has created includes music for every occasion ranging from excitement and dancing to quiet thought.  For a heartfelt and genuine performance, make sure to come out as they are joined by Boots ‘n Shorts.  Event link.

    October 6th – Gratefully Yours’ dream team of musicians and stellar setlists make their shows a can’t miss for all Grateful Dead fans.  If you need your fix, make sure to come out for their show on the 6th. Event link.

    October 10th – All the way from San Diego, the psychedelic rock and world beat group, Elektric Voodoo, will be playing along with special guest and soul musician Raquel Rodriquez. Event link.

    October 11th – Orlando-native, blues and jazz-inspired rock band, The Groove Orient, will be taking the stage with local favorite and psychedelic band, Astro Collective.  Event link.

    October 13th – Brutal By Design Presents will be treating Syracuse to a very special tribute night. 2Pac vs. Biggie which will feature live bands playing their renditions of two of the biggest hip-hop/rap artists of all time.  Event link.

    October 17th – It is sure to an incredible night full of music from New York State as Syracuse-native, and guitarist and vocalist of Root Shock, Phil Grajko performs at Funk ‘N Waffles and will be bringing along Charley Orlando for a dose of Americana, folk, and organica groove sounds. Event link.

    October 18th – Enter the sonic earth of Late Earth through this performance of their indie rock and pop sound as they are joined by special guest Lucy.  Event link.

    October 20th – Soulful groove and reggae rock, Syracuse-native music collective, Sundrop Rise, will be having their EP release party at Funk ‘N Waffles.  Come join the group in celebrating their new music with what is sure to be an incredible performance.  Event link.

    October 25th – For jazz that will speak to your soul and put a smile on your face, come out to Sammy Miller & The Congregation as they take over Funk ‘N Waffles with Major Player.  Event link.

    October 26th – A Syracuse favorite and local group, Sophistafunk will be performing their funk and hip-hop sound at their 90’s Hip-Hop Halloween Party with special guest The Big Takeover. Event link.

    October 27th – It’s all about the psychedelic jam bands and funky sounds as Big Sexy & The Scrambled Eggs with The Phryg and Ampevene Event link.

    October 31th – It is sure to be an energized and entertaining celebration for Halloween as reggae/soul group, Root Shock, brings the Halloween Party on the 31st. Event link.

    Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

    Rochester’s Funk ‘N Waffles also will be hosting a wide variety of shows throughout October.  The calendar above maps out the month and our highlights are below:

    October 4th – Fresh off the release of their album “Shapeshifter II: Outbreak”, the heavy rock fusion band TAUK will be playing with psychedelic rock group, Flux Capacitor. Event link.

    October 5th – Before the Grateful Dead tribute band, Gratefully Yours, makes their way to Syracuse, they will be stopping in Rochester for all the Dead Heads in the area. Event link.

    October 9th – Another band that will be swinging through Rochester before they hit Syracuse will be Elektric Voodoo with Raquel Rodriquez on the 9th. Event link.

    October 19th – The tribute and revival of Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black, entitled back to BACK to BLACK, will feature an opening set of originals from Remember Jones, followed by a performance of one of Amy Winehouse’s most celebrated albums alongside a 12-piece orchestra.   Event link.

    October 26th – Following their performance in Syracuse, Sammy Miller & The Congregation will be moving onto Rochester joined by the Gospel, blues and jam band group, Campbell Brothers.  Event link.

    October 31st – Finally, the grand event for Halloween is sure to not disappoint.  The show will feature southern-powerhouse and funky-soul band, ROXY ROCA, as well as Swampcandy, and Shaba Duza. Event link.

    EVERY SUNDAY – Jazz Jam with Jon Seiger & The All-Stars starting at 3 PM for free!!

    Saratoga – Putnam Place

    October 4th – Putnam Place will be hosting the Enigma Festival Pre-Party at 10 PM on the 4th.  Entry is 18+ and the night will feature a multitude of DJs including Evac Protocol, Kill Rex, Leila, ValDee, MurMur, Send Help, and more.  Event link.

    October 6th – Power funk group, Turkuaz will be taking over Putnam Place with Butcher Brown at 9 PM.  Make sure to get your tickets ahead of time and secure your spot at this full of funk night. Event link.

    October 13th – Presented by Guthrie/Bell Productions, and always back by popular demand, come out for the Grateful Dead set of your dreams brought to you by Gratefully Yours. Event link.

    Gratefully Yours

    October 19th – Melvin Seals & JGB’s will be bringing the most satisfying mix of style, soul and spontaneity with an onstage chemistry that will be sure to have you dancing to Saratoga for the night.  Click the link to find out more. Event link.Melvin Seals & JGB

    Buffalo – Nietzche’s

    October 10th – If you’re curious what happens when you mix gypsy jazz with folk and then throw in some ragtime, come let the Ditrani Brothers & The Hammer of Spring along with James Margolis show you exactly what magical sounds they make out of this unlikely combination.  Event link.

    October 24th – It wouldn’t be Rockabilly Night without Rockabilly Steve and BR3.  Make your way to Nietzche’s on the 24th so that they can fulfill all your Americana and blues needs. Event link.Image may contain: one or more people, people playing musical instruments and text

    Western New York / Buffalo

    October 11th-14th – Courtesy of the band Folkfaces, come by the Cherry Hill Campground for yoga, workshops, art and of course, stellar live performances from acts such as Dirty Blanket, Shine Delphi, Matthew O’Brian, Haewa and Folkfaces themselves.  Click the link for more details. Event link.

    Albany

    The Hollow Bar + Kitchen

    October 12th – The distinct sounding funk and soul group, West End Blend, will be showcasing their incredible blend of horns, guitar and vocals and sharing their infectious good vibes. Event link.

    West End Blend

    October 18th – Bumpin’ Uglies will be bringing their funk-heavy ska, reggae, punk and rock sound to Albany accompanied by Victory Soul Orchestra. Event link.

    Bumpin Uglies

    October 27th – The groovy and improvisation heavy, Buffalo-native band Aqueous will be bringing their technical skill and undeniably fun dynamics to Upstate New York at the end of October.  Event link.Aqueous

    The Egg

    October 21st – Music of Cream is a group that is sure to recreate the, “chemical explosion” of all your favorites from the legendary band. Event link.Music of Cream

    Cohoes – The Cohoes Music Hall

    October 23rd – In tribute to the incredible music of Bob Marley & The Wailers, The Wailers will be recreating the good music and great vibes for Cohoes. Event link.The Wailers

    October 24th – Sonny Landreth, the virtuoso and versatile guitarist, will be performing at Cohoes Music Hall, and the performance is sure to have a little something for everyone. Event link.Sonny Landreth

  • NYS Music Presents: Live Music of September

    Summer may be on its way out, but that doesn’t mean all the fun has to go with it.  NYS Music is here to ensure you start off the fall months with great live music and continue it all throughout the month of September.

    Salem 

    September 7th & 8th – The two day grassroots festival Eastbound Throwdown, presented by Eastbound Jesus, Guthrie Bell Productions and the Irwin Family will take place in Salem at the Irwin Farm on the 7th and 8th.  The event will feature activities for kids, local food and beverage vendors, and a stellar lineup including Kitchen Dwellers, Girl Blue, Saints & Liars, Grassroots Rebels and two nights of Eastbound Jesus. Event link.Eastbound Throwdown

    Saratoga – Putnam Place

    September 14th – To get your Phish fix, come out on the 14th to Putnam Place to see the Lizards recreate all of the classic songs of their iconic catalog.  Event link.

    The Lizards (Phish tribute)September 21st – Bringing another fantastic tribute to Saratoga, Start Making Sense will be recreating the full Talking Heads experience that is sure to have you strapping on your dancing shoes. Event link.

    Start Making Sense

    September 22nd – Singer-songwriter Ryan Montbleau will be bringing a very special full band performance to Saratoga featuring songs from his latest album I Was Just Leaving.  The performance is sure to be full of the emotive and raw energy the album has been highly acclaimed for. Event link.Ryan Montbleau

    September 28th – On their mission to make fusion music “cool” again, Kung Fu will be bringing their new-funk movement to Putnam Place with improvisational hip-hop, rock and jazz group, Lynch. Event link.No automatic alt text available.

    Buffalo – Nietzche’s 

    September 8th – Donny Frauenhofer and NYS Music are bringing you the Psychedelic Disco Party featuring the original jazz-fusion supergroup themselves, Donny Frauenhofer Band, the funk-based and indie-inspired group Witty Tarbox, and the groovy stylings of Our Friends Band.  Event link.Image may contain: one or more people

    September 13th – For a performance that speaks to every intricacy of the human experience from the good to the bad, come out for the one of a kind sound of The Observers with special guests and bluegrass group, Dr. Hamilton’s Remedy. Event link. Image may contain: 5 people, people smiling, guitar and outdoor

    Cohoes – Cohoes Music Hall

    September 16th – Technically trained and highly acclaimed pianist Holly Bowling will be bringing her improvisational, jam-band inspired stylings to Cohoes Music Hall. Event link.

    Holly Bowling

    September 27th – Following her release of her album This Too Shall Light on September 21st, Amy Helm will be bringing a sentimental performance of her Americana, country, blues and gospel-inspired sound to Cohoes.  Event link.Amy Helm

    Albany – The Hollow Bar + Kitchen

    September 22nd – Promising to deliver the dream Grateful Dead setlist, Gratefully Yours will be doing what they do best at The Hollow on the 22nd. Event link.

    September 29th – One of New York’s favorite jam bands, Formula 5 will be bringing the funk and soul to Albany along with experimental rock-fusion quartet, Swimmer. Event link.Image may contain: one or more people, people on stage, people playing musical instruments, people standing and indoor

    Troy – Hangar on the Hudson

    September 30th – To celebrate their 30th anniversary, Supersuckers will be stopping by on The Big Show tour for a performance that is sure to, “rock the pants right off of you!”  Event link.Supersuckers

  • Wild Adriatic celebrate their 1000th show on May 5 at Putnam Place

    Wild Adriatic will boldly go where few bands have gone before, as they’ll play their 1000th show together! To celebrate this milestone, they’ll be using Putnam Place’s video wall to present “Wild Adriatic Goes to Space,” part of a 75 minute nonstop set of space themed covers and Wild Adriatic originals. Toronto’s After Funk will kick things off at 9pm.

    In determining that this would indeed be their 1000th show, Wild Adriatic drummer Mateo Vosganian looked over the band’s spreadsheet a few months ago and his reaction was a bit of a surprise, as Vosganian puts it, “Oh Shit, haha it’s our 1,000th show soon! So we threw some ideas around about how to make it special. We’ve always wanted to go to space, so what better time than now?”

    Starting in 2011, Wild Adriatic has toured across the country, performed at countless festivals including Bonnaroo, and even have two tours of Europe under their belt. “Some of our 2011-2012 shows were a bit hazy on when/where/how but luckily digging thru emails and a few old booking spreadsheets helped me put it together. Google Docs is my savior.”

    “It’s also funny because even though we’ve played 1,000 shows I feel like we’re just getting started. Like this year we just figured out how to write songs together in a really meaningful way to the three of us. It’s sort of like these 1,000 shows have been preparation for the next step. We have a ton of new material we’re going to start unveiling in the next year and have a stacked summer tour ahead, so it’s just a really exciting time. Super happy to be able to celebrate with our family and friends in Saratoga, especially before the summer gets insane.”

  • 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.

  • An all-star Everyone Orchestra lineup hits Putnam Place on May 3

    Everyone Orchestra is all-star pure improvisation. With conductor Matt Butler leading a rotating cast of big name musicians, these shows thrive on in-the-moment improvisations, twists and turns that can only be found among talented collaborators. On May 3, Butler brings together an all-star cast for the next Upstate New York installment of Everyone Orchestra.

    All-Star Everyone Orchestra

    Featuring John Kadlecik (Furthur), Michael Travis (The String Cheese Incident), Al Schnier (Moe.), Andrew Altman (Railroad Earth), Sam Brouse (Papadosio), Shannon Lynch (Conehead Buddha) and Shaun Bazylewicz (Conehead Buddha), you’ll be on your toes all night dancing and seeing what comes next out of this musical mashup of individual artists who know a thing or two about improv.

    Tickets are only $20 in advance and 25 day of show. The show is 18+ with a $5 surcharge for those under 21. More info on the show can be found here.

    Musicians Describe Everyone Orchestra from Peter Hwosch on Vimeo.