NYS Music 20​19

Author: Stephanie Bartik

  • Degenerates Crowd for A Day To Remember in Syracuse

    Fans braved frigid temperatures and snow at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena in Syracuse, NY on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 for A Day to Remember.

    A Day to Remember is headlining The Degenerates Tour, which began its
    2-month tour on September 6, 2019, spanning until November 23, 2019.
    The show had three opening acts. Can’t Swim, based out of Keansburg, NJ, Beartooth, hailing from Columbus, OH, leading up to I Prevail, from Southfield, MI, who all seemed to be eligible headliners on their own.

    Jeremy McKinnon – lead vocals- A Day To Remember

    The band is touring to support their new single “Degenerates” while preparing for the release of their seventh studio album; You’re Welcome,  on November 15, 2019. The album is their follow-up to their 2016 release of, Bad Vibrations.

    The show was non-stop energy from the moment Can’t Swim took the stage.
    Can’t Swim is: Chris LoPorto (lead vocals), Mike Sanchez (guitar), Danny Rico (guitar), Greg McDevitt (bass), Michael Sichel (drums). They are an EMO / Post-Punk group hailing from Keansburg, New Jersey. They certainly set the pace for the remaining show.

    Chris LoPorto-lead vocals-Can’t Swim

    When Can’t Swim left the stage, they were quickly replaced by Beartooth. The crowd started to expand, they shouted and jumped with intensity as Beartooth ripped the stage in true metalcore/punk rock style with heavy beats and strong riffs.

    The band was named after the Bear Tooth Court, where their original bassist Nick Reed grew up. Shomo has stated that Beartooth was supposed to be a mere distraction while he was still a member of Attack Attack! having no intentions to record or play live music; however, after his departure, he focused on Beartooth, which has surpassed his wildest expectations. He recruited guitarist Taylor Lumley, bassist Nick Reed, and drummer Brandon Mullins for live performances.

    Caleb Shomo -lead vocals- Beartooth

    After a long break to set up the stage for I-Prevail, the crowd had really loosened up. The security unit in front of the stage was heavily present, as the crowd surfing, mosh pit and wall of death activities began. At one point, someone dressed as a shark, crowd surfed into the guards.

    I-Prevail was strong enough to be the headliner. The band—Brian Burkheiser, Eric Vanlerberghe, Steve Menoian, and Dylan Bowman — easily toss and turn between heavy metal, alternative, hip-hop, and electronic moods without warning, boundaries, or rules. They were hard-driving and loud, and the fans took in every note with electricity.

    Brian Burkheiser -lead vocals- I Prevail

    Finally, after a long night of hard-hitting music, A Day To Remeber took the stage. The crowd got silent, as the curtain rose to reveal the headliners. Formed in 2003 and known for their fusion of pop-punk and metalcore, the band provided the soundtrack for millennial teen angst with their fourth album, Homesick, about a decade ago. Their fans — now adults —arrived to relive their emo days.

    The music got into your chest and became the heartbeat within you, pulsating through every nerve. The five-man band showcased some new material and pulled out all the stops to do so. Beach balls bounced off the stage and into the mosh pit below during the performance of “Rescue Me,”  A t-shirt gun fired into the audience while the band presented their newly released single “Degenerates,” which is the first single off their upcoming album You’re Welcome, released on November 15, 2019

    Setlists:

    Beartooth: The Lines, Hated, Aggressive, You Never Know, Bad Listener, Disease, In Between.

    I Prevail: Bow Down, Gasoline, Rise Above, Scars, Paranoid, Hurricane, Breaking Down, Deadweight, Come and Get It.

    A Day To Remember (ADTR): The Downfall of us All, All I want, Mr. Highway’s Thinking About the End, Paranoid, Sticks & Bricks, My Own Worst Enemy (Lit Cover), Better Off Ths Way, Right Back at it Again, Rescue Me, Have Faith in Me, Degenerates, Bullfight, Sometimes You;re the Hammer, Sometimes, You’re the Nail, End of Me, 2nd Sucks, I’m Made of Wax, What are You Made of?


    ADTR Encore: If It Means A Lot To you, All Signs Point to Lauderdale, The Plot to Bomb, the Panhandle.

  • In Focus: Marshall Tucker Band Keeps Southern Rock Alive At The Skyloft

    The Marshall Tucker Band was ‘born’ in Spartanburg, S.C. when Doug Gray teamed up with Tommy and Toy Caldwell, Paul T. Riddle, George McCorkle, and Jerry Eubanks. The name “Marshall Tucker” came from a piano tuner whose name was found on a key ring in their old rehearsal space. In 1973 Marshall Tucker Band opened for The Allman Brothers Band, and the following year, they began to headline their own shows.

    Marcus James Henderson – Multi-instrumentalist

    The SkyLoft in Albany, NY Crossgates Mall, was almost at full capacity on Saturday night, November 2, 2019. The crowd cheered as Doug Gray, the only original member of The Marshall Tucker Band, took center stage.
    At 71, and fronting the band since 1972, he still held his own.

    Gray almost took on the part of an orchestra conductor, when he wasn’t belting out a crowd favorite. He would share the moments with the highly talented band members, who proved their musical chops, which included a 13-minute version of the bands’ well-received hit, “Can’t You See.”

    “This is one song that’s played eight million times on the radio,” Gray told the crowd. “I want you to sing it with us.” And they did. Gray handed the microphone to two fans in the front row, and they sang a few bars. He then tossed his tambourine into the audience, and the crowd cheered again. You can see the appreciation in Gray’s eyes. The moment, it seemed, to say thank you for all the support over so many years. Truly, this must be what it is all about.

    With many southern rock bands, such as The Allman Brothers not performing any longer, and Lynyrd Skynyrd on their last tour, The Marshall Tucker Band kept the genre going. Today, the band members have all changed, with the exception of Gray. B.B. Borden is on drums, Tony Black, bass and vocals, Marcus James Henderson, commands keyboard, saxophone, flute, and vocals. Chris Hicks and Rick Willis shred the guitar and vocals.

    Fans become part of the show as Gray hands over the mic

    Similar to many of the crooners still touring of his generation, Gray did not sing on every song, he stuck to the classics and let the younger crew take charge, and take charge they did. Each band member had at least one showcase of their talent, with Henderson and his multi-instrumentals taking much of the spotlight. Chris Hicks wailed on guitar and vocals, sounding strong. After “Take The Highway,” Borden did an amazingly-energetic drum solo, which caused standing fans to inch closer into the magic. Recent American Idol finalist, Madison VanDenburg, made a brief visit to take the stage, and tambourine. The generation gap was evident, as she didn’t know the song as Gray tried to prompt her.

    If you are able to see this show, you owe it to yourself to do so. One can only hope the hard work and extended tour will help keep this genre alive for many more generations.

    Chris Hicks

    One of the few bands of this generation still doing an extended tour. You can find many upcoming shows on the band’s website

    Setlist: “Running like the Wind”, This Old Cowboy”, “Hillbilly Band”, “Take the Highway”, “Blue Ridge”, “Fire on the Mountain”, “24 Hours”, “Midnight Promises”, ” I’ll Be Loving You”, “Can’t you See”.

  • Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule Dazzle Albany

    Gov’t Mule and Warren Haynes made a stop on their Bring On The Music fall tour on September 19 with a performance at Albany’s Palace Theatre. The name of the tour is a play on the band’s new concert film and corresponding live album, Bring On The Music – Live From The Capitol Theatre, which came out in June on CD, vinyl, DVD, and BluRay.

    To see the Southern rock jam band Gov’t Mule live at this beautiful and historic Albany landmark was an amazing experience. The lighting was nothing short of perfection, which added greatly to the experience.

    Photo by Stephanie J Bartik 

    Gov’t Mule is comprised of guitarist Warren Haynes, drummer Matt Abts, multi-instrumentalist Danny Louis, and bassist Jorgen Carlsson. Haynes took the stage and commanded the crowd’s attention with his soulful vocals and guitar chops while wowing the eager fans with the first song, “Traveling Tune.” His talent is known throughout the music world and he is the inspiration of many guitar players. He was the guitarist for The Allman Brothers Band and put together Gov’t Mule with the late Allen Woody (bass) in 1994 as a side project.

    There is a connection between Haynes and bass player Carlsson and Abts on drums that can be easily observed. Each band member became completely immersed in not just their individual instruments, but the songs themselves. With Haynes’ soulful voice and virtuosic solos with expansive guitar tones, Carlsson’s expert bass playing, Abts locking it in with insane drumming, and Danny Louis dazzling the crowd on keys, each tune was performed to perfection

    Jorgen Carlsson on bass

    With rock at its core, Gov’t Mule integrated a full range of musical styles including blues, jazz, soul and some funky rhythms. No one left the room disappointed. If given the chance to see this band first hand, you owe it to yourself to do so.

     Check out the Gov’t Mules website for a full list of the band’s upcoming tour dates, ticketing, and more information.

    Set One: Traveling Tune (part 1), Mule, Pressure Under Fire, Time To Confess, Lay Your Burden Down, Inside Outside Woman Blues, Unring The Bell, Endless Parade, Revolution Come, Revolution Go

    Set Two: Wandering Child, What is Hip?, (with Jerry Marotta, without Matt Abts), Freeway Jam, Child Of The Earth, Lively Up Yourself, Fool’s Moon, Thorazine Shuffle, Traveling Tune (part 2)

    Encore: Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground

  • The Who Knock It Out Of The Park At Fenway

    A full 48-piece orchestra filled the Fenway Park stage on September 13 to back up and showcase a long list of Who tunes, many of which were from the band’s two great blockbuster albums –  Quadrophenia and Tommy. The latter helped coin the term “rock opera.” The Who celebrated its 50th anniversary in May of this year. This evening, they paid tribute to Eddie Money who died that day at age 70 after he had been diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer. The show was dedicated to Eddie

    One can only imagine this show must be the vision that Townshend had for these albums over four decades ago as the pieces that would push The Who beyond its previous pop-rock limitations and into an area far more radical, which features the 74-year-old artist windmill-strumming his six-string surrounded by violins, french horns, bassoon, and timpani.

    This huge 31-date tour has been labeled the “Moving On!” tour and promotes the band’s eponymous new album that has a release date in November of this year simply titled Who, its first since 2006. But this two-hour set was a celebration of the band’s past penchant for an over the top  performance, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for enduring fans to witness the songs performed as they were meant to be showcased. Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey deserve much respect for constantly finding new ways to extend this final tour, allowing fans to continue to want to see them and not see the same old show.

    The thought of a full symphony orchestra and a rock band duking it out to be heard would be tough at even the most acoustically perfect venues. And Fenway Park is not known for the best acoustics, however, congratulations to the sound team on this one. The rock band was sharp and crystal clear, and conductor Keith Levenson’s orchestra cut through with precision rarely heard in situations like this.

    Jon Button, Zak Starkey, Roger Daltrey, and Pete Townshend of the Who performs at Fenway Park in Boston on Friday, September 13, 2019

    As with a standard symphonic piece, the concert was sectioned into three movements: first, a Tommy-centered medley with the orchestra at full strength; then a cluster of early-career odds and ends without the symphonic outfit; and finally a Quadrophenia-focused segment that concluded as most Who shows have in recent memory, with the grandiose “Baba O’Riley.”The Tommy block ran through seven of the albums 24 tracks, from the elaborate “Overture” to “Sparks,” which allowed Townshend to shred with a blur of arms and fingers, proving at 74 that he is still one of rock’s most virtuosic guitar men. The favorites “Who Are You” and “Eminence Front” were also placed in this section and boomed raucously.

    Pete Townshend

    The orchestra left the stage after almost an hour of music and the core band — now merely a seven-piece — ran through a handful of “golden oldies, just like we are,” as Daltrey put it.
    Here fans heard an animated “I Can See For Miles” —the band’s only Top 10 single in the U.S. — and a folksy rendition of “Won’t Get Fooled Again” featuring only the duo of Daltrey and Townshend.

    A cellist and a violinist soon returned to the stage to add background to “Behind Blue Eyes,” a song whose exceeding vocal demands Daltrey continues to manage. At 75, Daltrey is among the most seasoned singers left performing at the arena level, and considering he underwent throat surgery earlier this decade his vocal abilities have held up amazingly well. He was unbeatable during the third act’s larger-than-life rendition of “Love, Reign O’er Me,” which began with a piano interlude and reached its peak during Daltrey’s wails. While the rest of the performance was exciting and bright, these moments brought on the emotions and made the fans feel goosebumps.

    Daltrey has suggested this tour could feasibly be the band’s last. “I’m just being realistic about going through the 75th year of my life,” he told Rolling Stone in January. If that were to happen, and The Who never get to showcase whatever new material is coming, this would be a fantastic send-off: tracks from its most respected projects, revamped by a magnificent orchestra and unleashed in a way that showcases one of the greatest bands to ever rock.September 13, 2019, Fenway Park, MassachusettsWith orchestra: “Overture”, “1921”, “Amazing Journey”, “Sparks”, “Pinball Wizard”, “We’re Not Gonna Take It”, “Who Are You”, “Eminence Front”, “Imagine a Man”, “Hero Ground Zero”
    Without Orchestra: “Substitute”, “I Can See For Miles”, “You Better You Bet”, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”(acoustic), “Behind Blue Eyes” (with orchestra string section accompaniment)
    With orchestra: “Ball and Chain”, “The Real Me”, “I’m One”, “5:15”, “The Rock”, “Love, Reign O’er Me”, Baba O’Riley

     

  • A Shot of Poison – The Perfect Antidote for Boring Music

    There was nothing but a good time at Orange County Chopper Cafe in Newburgh, NY on Saturday, July 13. The crowd was on their feet dancing and singing along as if it was 1990. Before Shot of Poison took the stage, The Beacon River Dogs warmed up the crowd with a mix of originals and covers.

    The Beacon River Dogs have been howling their songs for the last five years in the Hudson Valley area of New York. The band consists of Robert Stell on vocals and lead rhythm guitar, Fred Czaszar on bass, and Vinnie Quattrocchi on drums. Rob plays many original songs. He is strongly influenced by KISS, but he remembers having a passion about music since he was a young child, stating he used to listen to AM radio and loved hearing Stevie Ray Vaughn, Aerosmith, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Paige, and Randy Rhodes. He started his first band when he was only 14 years old, playing the guitar his grandmother had given him.

    Robert Stell – vocals and rhythm guitar

    Grandma must have seen something in that kid. He has since opened for many artists, including Lou Reed, John Corobi, Government Mule with Warren Haynes, Rick Derringer, and tribute bands such as SATO Ozzy Band, the Alice Copper tribute band School’s Out, Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction, and on this night, for Shot of Poison, a Poison tribute band.

    The setlist for The Beacon River Dogs was quite extensive as they were asked to play a little longer by the promoter, Rockin Rob Jagusch. Songs included were “Riding Home,” “Angel Christine,” “Give Me Back My Gun,” “Billy the Kid,” “Little Cryer”, and “Let it Bleed.” Check out their Facebook page for upcoming shows.

    Bassist Fred “Z” also mentioned “Rock Out the Dope” The Opioid Prevention and Awareness Music Festival will be held on August 9-11 at the Blackthorne Resort located in East Durham, NY. This family friendly event will feature over 100 acts at 13 stages during the three-day event. Find out more here

    The Beacon River Dogs

    • Fred Czaszar
    • Fred Czaszar
    • Rob Stell
    • Fred Czaszar
    • Rob Stell
    • Vinnie Quattrocchi
    • Vinnie Quattrocchi
    • Rob Stell
    • Rob Stell

    Shot of Poison then came on stage to a roaring crowd and thrilled them with “Cry Tough”. It was a non-stop party after that. The band consists of Ken Gillman on drums, Adam Boc on Bass, Bruce Bennett on guitar, and vocals by Frank Pupillo.

    I asked Ken Gilman, the drummer for the band that originally started ten years ago, “”How did this all start?”  Although it was successful, it was short lived, only lasting about a year. But he didn’t give up. He envisioned something bigger, and better. It finally happened in November of 2017, with new band members and more lively artists. When you see how busy they are with the tour, you know how successful it is.

    Bruce Bennet, Frank Pupillo and Adam Boc of Shot of Poison

    When asked, “Why Poison?” each band member had their own input:
    KEN’s answer:  To me, Poison is the epitome of ’80s glam metal and Bret Michaels is to glam metal what Elvis Presley was to adult rock in the ’60s and ’70s. 
    ADAM’s answer:  I learned a lot from starting another tribute band five years earlier. I studied statistics and the market landscape, and saw a market gap for a top-quality Poison tribute. 
    Bruce similarly learned a lot from starting a tribute earlier. He always loved Poison, and he also saw the potential.  Frank enjoys the glam style, in general, and saw an opportunity to express his love for entertaining people. And boy, did he entertain.

    At first, you close your eyes and you hear Bret Michaels, but unlike some tribute bands, you open your eyes, and you also see “Bret Michaels.” Frank does an amazing job portraying the fun-loving Michaels, and he got the crowd involved throughout the night. From having the crowd sing along, to Bruce and Frank getting into the crowd and performing their rose ceremony, if you were there, you were a part of the show.
    They interacted with any willing fan. At one point, upon seeing the camera, they stopped what they were doing and posed. What a fun bunch.

    The set-list was non-stop as well and featured songs like “Cry Tough,” “I Want Action,” “I Won’t Forget You,” “Talk Dirty to Me,” “Love on the Rocks,” “Nothin’ But a Good Time,” “Back to the Rocking Horse,” “Tearin’ Down the Walls,” “Look But You Can’t Touch,” “Fallen Angel,” “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Unskinny Bop,” “Life Goes On,” “Ride the Wind,” “Something to Believe In,” “What I Like About You,” “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “We’re an American Band.”

    Check out the list of upcoming locations and make a plan to experience Shot of Poison first hand, you will be amazed.

    Upcoming dates/locations
    Fri, AUG 9 – Finnegan’s Irish Rock Club – Scranton, PA
    Sat, AUG 10 – Woodlawn Beach & Tiki Bar – Buffalo, NY
    Thu, AUG 15 – Maple Tree Place Summer Concert Series – Williston, VT
    Fri, AUG 16 – Sharkey’s Summer Stage – Liverpool, NY
    Sat, AUG 17 – New London Veterans Motorcycle Run – New London, OH
    Fri, AUG 23 – Mc Sober’s Saloon – Coldwater, OH
    Sat, AUG 24 – Goodstock Music Festival – Goodland, IN
    Sat, SEP 7 – Sterling Fair – Sterling, MA
    Fri, SEP 13 – Gusto’s – Barre, VT
    Sat, SEP 14 – Mixers Nightclub & Lounge – Sabattus, ME
    Sat, SEP 28 – Hairfest 2019 at Indian Ranch Amphitheater – Webster, MA
    Sat, OCT 12 – The Phoenix – Stonington, CT
    Thu, NOV 21 – Granite State Music Hall (with Mr. Speed) – Laconia, NH
    Fri, NOV 22 – Blue Ocean Music Hall (with Mr. Speed KISS tribute) – Salisbury, MA

    Bruce Bennett
    Frank Pupillo
    • Bruce Bennett
    • Adam Boc
    • Frank Pupillo




    • Ken Gillman













    • Bruce Bennett

     

  • RadioRadioX Celebrates One Year Anniversary

    Chrome Food and Spirits in Waterford, NY was the site of a recent anniversary party for the Capital Region’s newest online local radio station, RadioRadioX. Founded on July 10, 2018 by local musicians, Art Fredette and Ralph Renna, the fledgling station has marked its “X” on the spot in the Capital Region through its Waterford radio station headquarters along with its monthly magazine, The Xperience Monthly. Its mission since formation has been aimed towards playing great music and supporting the local scene through the arts and the ever-growing music scene that continues to serve the Capital Region.

    July 10 was the official one-year anniversary of the station. In celebration of both that and the magazine, the RadioRadioX team held a rocking birthday party held Sunday, July 14 at Chrome Food and Spirits. The party was full of fun shenanigans and great live entertainment all afternoon. It was a fun event for the community to be a part of this summer to celebrate the birth of a local radio station, its local original artists and cover groups, and the local artisans and businesses who make up our great scene.

    Art Fredette

    Before it became RadioRadioX, the radio station was known as “The X.” Music fans would tune into the station on public radio at 106.1 FM where it would receive airplay for nine months until its untimely demise last year when the radio station that was playing local and regional music not normally heard on popular radio was suddenly taken off the airwaves. Local musicians and fans of the popular station were in an uproar that the station, which was playing their music and supporting the local scene, had disappeared without a trace. Eventually, 106.1 FM became a popular Top 40 radio station and, later, became one of two stations for WEXT.

    Rising up from the ashes, members of “The X” jumped into action and decided that the only way to celebrate its demise was to have a funeral party for the station that was held on April 14, 2018 at The Hangar On the Hudson in Troy, properly called, “A Funeral For The X.” A who’s who of the Capital Region’s local scene, like The Ramblin’ Jug Stompers, Soul Sky, The Lawn Sausages, Buggy Jive, C.K. And The Rising Tide, to Acoustic Trauma, all came out to pay their respects to the radio station through live music. With death comes rebirth, and “The X” suddenly became RadioRadioX, much to the delight of the scene who was ready to see their radio station make a comeback with a splash.

    Since its rebirth, RadioRadioX has built a name for itself. The radio station was created by local musicians and serves the local scene on a whole new level. Since March 2019, RadioRadioX has held their own monthly concert series at their studio where patrons could check out the studio in person while sitting back and enjoying some live music from local solo acts and bands at their event, “Xperience Live.” An open house was held at the studio featuring music from the ’60s lounge cover group Off The Record, and the “Second Chance Prom,” held at Il Faro Restaurant and Bar, that the band also took part in for this exclusive RadioRadioX feature event. Along with the online station came a monthly magazine, The Xperience Monthly. The magazine features exclusive music interviews, show reviews, short fiction stories, and arts features written exclusively by local musicians and artisans who are dedicated to keeping our local creative scene alive.

    Live music for this event was held on two main stages. In between sets, as the larger acts set up their gear and did their sound checks, patrons went inside the bar to have a drink while watching great performances from solo performers like Brittany Robichaud and Will Foley, and a duo performance from Big Frank and The Bargain Bingers members Frank Novko and Johnny Hoffman. From Robichaud’s acoustic take of Alanis Morissette’s “Not the Doctor,” to The Bargain Binger’s unique take on a popular Rolling Stones cover, each act kept their audience entertained with their cover tunes.

    The acts that were featured on the main stage included Albany’s Honey Slider, featuring Caity Gallagher (vocals/piano) and Alec Lewis (vocals/lead guitar), Acoustic Trauma, The Lawn Sausages (featuring Luke McNamee on saxophone), Soul Sky, The Chris Busone Band and headlining act, Murali Coryell’s Electric Band.Honey Slider’s originals were soft and sweet through their delicate piano melodies and swift guitar measures. Acoustic Trauma was blazing loud and energetic. Maceli’s swift violin play and the energy he has on stage along with his backline, was amazing. Soul Sky, featuring their three-guitar army of Mark Emanatian, Joe Mele, and Jeremy Walz, raised the roof to a whole new level through their guitar soloing as they fed off each other in their cover of Eric Clapton’s “Why Does Love Have to be So Sad?” Funny as always, The Lawn Sausages continue to entertain with their non-stop jokes in between songs and their funny song lyrics that they played from their new album, Appetite for Dysfunction, even at one point inviting two female dancing friends to join them on stage to be their backup dancers for a song.The blues remain alive and well as the final two bands, Chris Busone Band and Murali Coryell’s Electric Band, played some tasty tunes for the soul. Coryell’s set, although short, was amazing with the assistance of his bassist and drummer. He performed some tunes from his current album, Made in Texas, and left his audience wanting more. The blues is certainly in his blood and it is clear how much passion he has for it through his musical tribute to Muddy Waters and in his original tune, “Eyes Wide Open.” Lastly, the “Superstition” from the Chris Busone Band had the audience on their feet with their eyes agape in awe as they watched them perform solos with both passion and a slight angst.In addition to the music, a group of local businesses and artisans proudly displayed and sold their merchandise. RadioRadioX gave away some tickets to raffle winners who wished to attend the “Divine Vibes” event held at The Beer Diviner in Cherry Plain, NY. The businesses and artisans who took part at the event include Goldie’s Marketplace, ALM Fine Art And Photography (featuring music photography from Amy Modesti), Mary Kay consultant Angela “Diamond” Fowler, The American Red Cross, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention with music CDs for sale from Will Foley, Park Lane, and visual art, jewelry, and writings sold from Carol Bosselman. RadioRadioX not only supports the local music scene, but they support their community and the local businesses who come together to help bridge their creative community together in the Capital Region. This party helped build community among the local businesses, artisans, organizations, and the music scene in one fun afternoon.

    Happy Anniversary, RadioRadioX! Congratulations to the entire team for hosting and putting on this fantastic event at Chrome Food and Spirits. And “Cheers” to many more years in local online radio, newsprint, and helping to bridge together local artisans, musicians, and businesses into one great melting pot of creativity and collaboration. 

  • The BrokenHearted – Tom Petty Tribute gives us ‘The Best of Everything’

    The BrokenHearted – Tom Petty tribute band, has a goal to produce the “vibe” of a Tom Petty show.  Johnny insists he is not Tom Petty, but rather a really big fan who loves the music. I believe many will disagree when Johnny takes the stage. The best part is, the band members seem to be having a blast up there on stage. They seem to be the best of friends. As a band they want you to enjoy the performance. They are entertainers. They promise you a good time. If you’re a Petty fan, and who isn’t, you will enjoy the show.

    What do you do if you are a superfan, and you have talent? Well, you start a tribute band of course, which all began in 2007 when Johnny Clifford had an idea – something he was thinking about for a while. His friend, Philip Bacon, was in a Neil Young tribute band and mentioned The Hudson River Music Hall, was hosting other tribute bands. This suggestion planted the seed. Johnny didn’t believe he could get other musicians to be onboard, since a band starting from scratch, with no immediate financial gains is not the easiest sales pitch, but it worked and a mad adventure began.

    Johnny Clifford of The BrokenHearted

    Johnny Clifford has been a Tom Petty fan since the early ’80s. He loved the songs and appreciated Tom Petty’s brash confidence, stage presence and overall vibe. When Clifford was asked, Why Petty?, he responded: “The Heartbreakers are my kind of band. Mike Campbell has been his lead guitarist since the beginning. Mike has such a great tone and always plays just the right part for the song. (Mike Campbell is currently on tour with Fleetwood Mac). I hung on to The Heartbreakers like I was clinging to a life raft.”

    The BrokenHearted tom petty
    James Cappello The BrokenHearted – Bass/backing vocals

    Although none of the early bands Clifford played in were Petty tributes, the bands covered much of Petty’s early material. It wasn’t long before Johnny became known for singing and performing Petty tunes. So a tribute really does make sense for him.  He states he is not acting, but for the most part, he is just being Johnny.  After four decades he still loves the music and Heartbreakers are still his favorite.

    Frank Affinito – Drum/backing vocals

    Johnny Clifford’s voice is eerily similar to Petty. His on-stage presence is spot on. The Broken Hearted- Tom Petty Tribute band, will bring you back to the days when Tom was speaking (singing) for the Average Person. Expressing things in love, relationships, and life, that most of us find difficult to communicate. He touched our inner soul, he just had an easy way of telling stories. He somehow found the words to express the feelings within every one of us.

    Philip Bacon

    The setting was the beautifully renovated Strand, in Hudson Falls, NY on July 12, 2019. The crowd started to enter and were treated to a wonderful performance by Kelly and Son. Father, Shawn Kelly, and Son, Josh Kelly, are an acoustic/electric duo. Their wide range of songs and comedic interaction left the crowd mesmerized, not knowing what to expect. Shawns deep-toned voice, with a hint of Kris Kristofferson, crooned songs and mixed with a quick wit and laughs, blended well with Josh’s full-toned voice as they had an eclectic mix from The Beatles and Mumford and Sons to original songs.

    Kelly and Son’s Setlist: Ho Hey (Lumineers), Rocky Raccoon (The Beatles), Mad World (Tears for Fears), Breathe/Welcome to the Machine (Pink Floyd), No Vacancy (Original), Forever (Mumford and Sons), Scientist/Zombie (Coldplay/Cranberries), Dear Prudence/Awake my Soul (Mumford and Sons).

    Shawn Kelly
    Shawn and Josh Kelly of Kelly and Son

    Now, was time for the main event. The Show was originally going to be two full sets, however, no break was taken, and the band just forged on pounding one fantastic tune after another. At one point, Clifford reached into a trunk and pulled the famous Mad Hatter Hat out- the crowd loved it! The fans knew what to expect- They knew Clifford and the band would not disappoint. The first few strums and everyone knew the opening song, “I Need to Know,” where the upbeat selection set the stage for the remaining songs. Even though it was a long set, the crowd wanted more, and begged. The band obliged with a fantastic rendition of “Kings Highway”

    Setlist: I Need To Know, Don’t Do Me Like That, Mary Janes Last Dance, You Wreck Me, Learning to Fly, You and Me, Won’t Back Down, Breakdown, Listen to Her Heart, Walls, Don’t Come Around Here No More, Here Comes My Girl, Handle Me With Care, Rock & Roll Star, Feel a Whole Lot Better, Free Fallin’, The Waiting, Face in the Crowd, Yer So Bad, You Don’t Know How it Feels, Refugee, Runnin Down a Dream, American Girl.

    Encore: Kings Highway

    Clifford, Cappello, Affinito and Donnelly make a great team. True fans, enjoying what they are doing. After so many years, most bands would appear to just be going through the motions, you don’t get that feeling here. There is a comradery, band of brothers so-to-speak. These guys love what they do, and it shows throughout their performance.

    If you have not experienced this band yet, be sure to catch them at these upcoming shows:

    Sat. July 20 – Powers Park Concert Series – Troy, NY 6:00 PM
    Friday July 26 – Putnam Place – Saratoga Springs, NY 9:30 PM
    Sat. August 10 – The Eddies – Gloversville NY 2:40 PM

    Check out their Facebook page for updates



  • In Focus: A Taste of the Islands Land in Albany with Reggae’s Culture

    Culture is reggae’s most dominating harmony group. Born in the 70′s golden age of reggae, Culture gained acclaim for its long series of classic “roots” albums. Joseph Hill, singer and songwriter for the legendary Jamaican vocal trio, collapsed and died while on a 2006 tour of Europe. Kenyatta Hill’s career began the day his father’s ended. Kenyatta stepped onstage and delivered electrifying performances and was able to complete the tour. While pursuing an active solo career, Hill keeps the Culture legacy alive by thrilling old and new fans with the classic sounds of this legendary harmony group. Performing at Jennings Landing in Albany with reggae from Jojo Romero & NIghtshift, Thursday, July 11, which was no exception.

    Culture’s rendition of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song,” had chill fans swaying. When Kenyatta noted he was not political, but then began the first few notes of “Policeman,” a song with lyrics of mistreatment by police officers, the crowd roared in support of the band.

    It was a fantastic show, which kept a large demographic of fans happy. The tones of Kenyatta’s voice were smooth yet robust. If you are a fan of reggae or would like to hear what it’s all about, definitely look out for Culture.

    Albany reggae

  • RATT Rocks the Skyloft

    RATT’s In Your Direction Tour made its eighth stop of the 17-show tour at the dazzling new Skyloft in Albany, NY on Friday, July 5 and did not disappoint. Rumors were swirling, claiming the show might be canceled due to poor ticket sales, but there was no evidence of that. The Skyloft, the new venue at Crossgates Mall in Albany, NY was packed with cheering fans. The volume was loud, and the vibe was energetic.

    The crowd was pumped when the first notes of the opening song “In Your Direction” rang out. Without a break, the band then went into and wailed on “Wanted Man.” The show came to a close with the wildly anticipated “Round and Round.” See the complete setlist below.

    Stephen Pearcy of RATT

    Perhaps the band is falling into place with the new members, now that they have played half of their tour. Things will only get better so check their website for upcoming shows and cities.

    https://www.therattpack.com/


    Setlist: In Your Direction, Wanted Man, Dangerous But Worth the Risk, You Think You’re Tough, Walkin’ the Dog, Way Cool Jr., I’m Insane, Lack of Communication, Lay it Down, You’re In Love, Lovin’ You’s a Dirty Job, Slip of the Lip, Nobody Rides for Free, Body Talk, Back for More, and closed out with the fans wildly anticipated Round and Round


    Ratt consists of lead vocalist Stephen Pearcy, bassist Juan Croucier and “new breed” members — drummer Pete Holmes (Black ‘N Blue), and guitarists Jordan Ziff (Razer) and Chris Sanders (Britny Fox, Knight Fury)

    Chris Sanders
    Jordan Ziff
    Stephen Pearcy

    Juan Croucier

    Pete Homes
    Pete Homes

  • In Focus: Kiss Jupiter Hall Goodbye With Revenge Tribute

    The final show at Jupiter Hall, Albany, NY

    On Friday night, June 14, Albany’s Jupiter Hall closed their stage for the last time; but before the darkness, the venue was alive with flashing lights, fans, great music – and snow!

    Another great show by Chaos Collective and Joe Von Schnizel, The Jupiter Hall venue went out with a bang! The feeling at the show was not one of despair, but rather a celebration. Four bands played, but they seemed to have the hearts of all the prior bands within them, and they gave it all to the appreciative fans.

    Revenge, a Kiss tribute band was the headliner, following an energetic lineup featuring: Frank Palangi band, The Hard Luck Souls, and Wasteland Junction.

    Frank Palangi

    Frank Palangi, an indie rock songwriter, opened the show with his band. His deep, full voice is reminiscent of Dave Gahan, the lead singer of Depeche Mode. His range was amazing, ccompanied by Greg Auffreduo on drums. You can catch some of his upcoming shows at Abrews in Dracut, MA on June 23 or The Schenectady Armory Center, June 29. For a list of other events, see his website.

    Setlist: Set Me Free, Live It Up, Intro, It’s All Right, Break These Chains, Metallica Mix, Turn It All Around, Purple Haze.

    Chris Itani

    Next up were The Hard Luck Souls, an original blues-influenced hard rock band from the Capital District. Chris’ cool bluesy rock voice, led the tight, well-rehearsed group featuring Chris Itani on vocals, Brian Gentile on guitar, Mark Schmidt on drums and Dave Smassanow on bass. The setlist was from their 2017 CD, Closer to the Flame, and included: “You’re Not a Saint,” “In My Head,” “Izzy’s Thunder,” “Believer,” “Fly Away,” “Get Back,” “Better Keep On Running,” and “I’m Not Ashamed.”

    You can catch The Hard Luck Souls at the Troy Farmers Market on June 29, 2019, Check their Facebook page for more times and locations. Check their Facebook page and sample the CD here.

    Bob Messick, Bassist for Wasteland Junction

    The show kept moving along with Wasteland Junction, a hard rock band from Schenectady, NY. The sounds of Wasteland Junction kept fans on their feet. Bob Messick held it down on Bass, R.J. Fowler on drums, Chris Fowler on rhythm guitar and Cy Romleski venturing on lead guitar completed the group. You can see them on August 2, at Chrome in Waterford, NY with Revenge (Kiss tribute band).

    Setlist: I Profit, Tooth in Nail, Ride the Lightning, Cold Sweat, Iron Fist, What Your Doin’, Stone Cold Crazy, Kill the King, Priest Medley.

    David Smith

    The night closed after Revenge, the Kiss Tribute band swept up the stage with a wild performance. The music was loud and rocking. How fitting to have “Rock and Roll All Night” as the last song. The venue has died, but the memories of the music and the bands will rock, and roll all night. Thank you to all the entertainers, the event coordinators, promoters, staff and especially, the fans. Let’s keep local music alive.

    Setlist: Detroit Rock City, Psycho Circus, Rise to It, Deuce, Lick it Up, A Million to One, War Machine, Hide Your Heart, Shock me, Love Gun, I was Made for Loving You, Black Diamond, and The last song of the set, the last song of the show, the last song played at Jupiter Hall, was Rock and Roll All Night!

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