NYS Music 20​19

Category: Rock

  • The String Cheese Incident Delivers Heady Queso at 25th Anniversary Run

    Colorado’s The String Cheese Incident graced the tri-state area with a 3-night run at the storied Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY to celebrate twenty-five years as a band. This run featured numerous rare covers, the spirit of Jerry Garcia, NOLA style marching into the crowd, and special guests. The band includes Michael Kang (electric mandolin/fiddle), Michael Travis (drums), Kyle Hollingsworth (Keyboards/Synth), Billy Nershi (electric/acoustic guitar), Keith Moseley (bass) and Jason Hann (percussion).

    Night one started out with a bang, despite the band and crew travelling through the night from Del Fest and arriving at 8 a.m. that morning. The set started with “Believe,” from their 2017 album with the same name. The boys brought a piece of Del Fest to the Capitol Theatre with bluegrass tunes “So Far From Home” > “Cedar Laurels” and energized the crowd with an incredible segue. “Laurels” was last played at Red Rocks in July 2018. “Gone Crooked” is a new tune by Moseley, written with Raymond Baxter, and had a nice old timey feel. Rounding out the set was “BollyMunster” and the psychedelic “Peace of Mine” > “Let’s Go Outside.”

    Michael Kang on the fiddle

    Set 2 began with a SCI classic, “Smile,” played for Nershi’s wife Jillian who was celebrating her birthday that night. Nershi announced that the song was originally written for her. Fan favorite “Desert Dawn” segued into two tunes from The Beatles’ Abbey Road, “Polythene Pam” and “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window.” “Pam” was last played 15 years ago, on 04/04/2004, with six total live appearances in all. While not as rare, “Bathroom Window” was last played two years ago on 08/13/2017.

    These rarities continued the high energy segue chain into the traditional bluegrass tune turned jam monster, “Rivertrance.” A rocking drum segment followed, with only Travis and Hann on stage. The new Dead-influenced Hollingsworth song “Big Reveal” > “All We Got” closed the set, but the show was far from over. SCI encored with their latin classic “San Jose” and then finished “Desert Dawn.”

    Keith Mosely and Michael Kang jam together

    Night two picked up where night one left off. Set one started with “Vertigo” and the segue sandwich of “Black and White” > “Can’t Wait Another Day” > “Midnight Moonlight,” the latter being a cover of Peter Rowan for the Jerry Garcia side project, Old and in the Way. The party then went into high gear as the band dove into “Valley of the Jig,” a SCI dancehall beast that is a reworked version of the traditional bluegrass tune, “Red Haired Boy.” The set closed out with Untying the Not’s “Sirens” > the quintessential “Restless Wind.”

    SCI covers The Talking Head’s “Burning Down The House”

    Set two continued with jam vehicles “Just One Story” > “Rosie.” “Song In My Head” then proceeded, from the album of the same name, followed by their debut of the Jerry Garcia Band cover, “Tore Up Over You.” “45th of November,” from the album One Step Closer, started a funk and psychedelic sequence that reminded the Northeast who SCI is. This began with a segue into the Talking Head’s “Burning Down the House.” The walls of the Capitol Theatre were filled with projections of fire. This cover was last played on 10/29/16 at Hulaween. The jazz-jam monster by The Weather Report “Birdland” > “Wheel Hoss” > “Birdland” > “Just One Story” closed out set two. Apparently, the band was also supposed to play “Jellyfish,” but scrapped the song based on time constraints. Capitol Theatre owner and jamband promoter Pete Shapiro was in the crowd tonight and addressed the audience before the boys returned for the encore. Nershi’s timeless bluegrass tune about rekindling lost love, “Bar Stool,” ended the show.

    Pete Shapiro, owner of the Capitol Theatre, addresses the audience

    Night three began with the band announcing, “Never miss a Monday night show.” The venue was half full, and those in attendance were in for a cheesy treat. The show started on a high note with “You’ve Got The World” and Believe’s “Sweet Spot.” The perennial fan favorite plus bluegrass tune “Little Hands” included a tight jam and segue into “Don’t It Make You Wanna Dance,” a Jerry Jeff Walker cover. Kang’s “Beautiful,” also from Believe, led into the introduction of their friend, guitarist Scott Sharad. He joined the band on stage for a rocking version of “Outside And Inside” > “Hot’ Lanta.”

    Billy Nershi

    SCI seemed determined to top each setlist, and the last set was no exception. All six members started the second set by marching into the floor NOLA style, and played an acoustic version of “Dark Hollow.” This song was last played almost 13 years ago at the Tweeter Center on 07/15/2006. “Into The Blue” preceded the always inspiring “Joyful Sound” > “Rumble” and got the crowd moving again. The Keller Williams cover “Best Feeling” launched into a dark reggae jam and segued into The Police’s “Walking On The Moon.” This is the third time they have played this unique cover. “Moon” went back into “Feeling” and then transitioned into Song in my Head’s “Colliding.” Another quintessential String Cheese Incident classic and jam beast, “Texas,” closed out this sensational set. Peter Gabriel’s “Shaking The Tree,” last played 03/18/2017, ended the run and sent the hard core fans home happy. The Northeast awaits the return of this gouda band.

    Setlists courtesy of friendsofcheese.com

    Saturday, May 25, 2019

    Set One: Believe, So Far From Home > Cedar Laurels, Gone Crooked, BollyMunster, Piece Of Mine > Let’s Go Outside

    Set Two: Smile, Desert Dawn > Polythene Pam > She Came In Through The Bathroom Window > Rivertrance > Drums, The Big Reveal > All We Got

    Encore: San Jose > Desert Dawn

    Sunday, May 26, 2019

    Set One: Vertigo, Black and White > Can’t Wait Another Day > Midnight Moonlight, Valley Of The Jig, Sirens > Restless Wind

    Set Two: Just One Story > Rosie, Song In My Head, Tore Up Over You, 45th of November > Burning Down The House, Birdland > Wheel Hoss > Birdland > Just One Story

    Encore: Barstool

    Monday, May 27, 2019

    Set One: You’ve Got The World, Sweet Spot, Little Hands > Don’t It Make You Wanna Dance, Beautiful, Outside And Inside1 > Hot ‘Lanta1

    Set Two: Dark Hollow2, Into The Blue, Joyful Sound > Rumble, Best Feeling > Walking On The Moon > Best Feeling > Colliding, Texas

    Encore: Shakin’ The Tree

    Notes 1 with Scott Sharrard on electic guitar, 2 Unplugged, Acoustic

  • Into the Mystic brings music of Van Morrison to Skyloft

    Into the Mystic – six musicians from the Burlington, Vermont area plus a ringer guitarist from neighboring New Hampshire – paid tribute to the artistry of Van Morrison at Skyloft in Crossgates Mall on Saturday May 18.

    For nearly two hours the septet ranged through the early years of Morrison’s catalog, focusing mostly on his heralded seventies period. With Avery Cooper contributing on sax (plus some lovely flute on “Tupelo Honey”) and Gordon Clark on trombone, Into the Mystic resembles a stripped-down version of Morrison’s 1973 Caledonia Soul Orchestra.

    The Caledonia ensemble featured a string section as well as horns, but Into the Mystic was content to embellish every song (except “Bulbs”) with peppy horn arrangements. They certainly did justice to such early hits as “Wild Night,” “Domino” and “Caravan,” but the charts were even more intriguing when ITM explored less familiar eighties compositions, such as “Dweller on the Threshold,” “Cleaning Windows” and “Tore Down a la Rimbaud.”

    Justin Panigutti, on vocals and rhythm guitar, had perhaps the toughest job of anyone in the septet, emulating Morrison’s gruff vocals, his penchant for wordless exclamations and exhortations, and even occasionally Van’s patented leg kick and arm thrust.

    Into the Mystic
    The Alchemystics

    Panigutti’s love for Van’s music was evident – in fact, it was clear that the entire band enjoyed their work. Guitarist Daniel Rahilly didn’t have much room to show off, but on “Kingdom Hall” he unleashed a pithy stinging solo with a studied nonchalance that evoked Robbie Robertson.

    Setlist: Wavelength, Kingdom Hall, And It Stoned Me, Warm Love, Dweller on the Threshold, Glad Tidings, Wild Night, Domino, Cleaning Windows, I’ve Been Working, Tupelo Honey, Sweet Thing, Tore Down a la Rimbaud, Satisfied, Bulbs, Into the Mystic, St. Dominic’s Preview, Caravan

  • In Focus: Eric Krasno closes out Blue Note Residency

    On Sunday, May 19, Eric Krasno closed out his residency at the famous Blue Note Jazz Club with an amazing night of music and special guests. The eight-show residency concluded with two sets with the house band: keyboardist/vocalist Nigel Hall, drummer Louis Cato, and bassist Chris Loftlin

    Krasno welcomed previously announced guest bassist MonoNeon, as well as surprised guest saxophonist James Casey and lap-steel god Robert Randolph to close out this special run. This amazing group of musicians was such a treat and really seemed to be a close-knit group of friends, a quality that shines through in the music.  

  • In Focus: Jackie Greene Serenades City Winery

    On Friday, May 17, Americana singer/guitarist Jackie Greene treated an intimate City Winery crowd to an acoustic evening filled with rare catalog classics and his take on many classic rock hits. His second of a two-set evening, accompanied by Nathan Dale on guitar and vocals and special guest Leslie Mendleson on vocals and piano, showcased why he is one of the top musicians around today.

    This was a special, intimate setting for the musician who is usually flanking some of the biggest names in music with his soulful electric guitar. On this evening in a small venue like City Winery, donning only an acoustic guitar, Jackie told a different story using his amazingly rich voice and soulful lyrics. Known for his ties to the Grateful Dead family, he treated fans to stellar renditions of “Brokedown Palace” and “Peggy O.” But it was the stripped down version of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice it’s Alright” that made this evening a special one.  

    Setlist: Don’t Let the Devil Take Your Mind, Brokedown Emotion, Slip Slidin’ Away, Gone Wanderin’, Honey I Been Thinking About You, Never Satisfied, Mexican Girl, Animal, Don’t Think Twice It’s All Right, Shaken, Breakdown, Trust Somebody, Don’t Let Me Down, Scarlet Begonias, That’s What Love Will Make You Do, Brokedown Palace, Ball and Chain, Peggy O

  • In Focus: Tom Morello Unleashes Atlas Underground

    Tom Morello brought Atlas Underground Live to the infamous Irving Plaza, treating a packed house of young and old fans to his most ambitious project in years, on Wednesday, May 14 . “The Atlas Underground Tour is one-part Marshall-stack guitar-madness and one part bass-drop meltdown. The show will be an intense sonic and visual ‘less talk, more rock’ experience that’s somewhere between a crazy mosh pit, an illegal rave, a subversive art installation, and a prison riot.,” said the guitar god and social justice vanguard.

    The virtuoso has taken different genres of music and blended them like never before. A new mix of EDM and his powerful tone and attitude make Tom Morello one of the top guitar players in the style. Each song was carefully selected, paired with a powerful video message depicting giant problems going on in our society.

    The show touched all genres and aspects of Morello’s long illustrious career. With plenty of Rage Against the Machine Material, the set journeyed along with nods to a deep connection with his Audioslave band mate and friend, Chris Cornell, and an inspiring cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Ghost of Tom Joad.” During the final song Morello invited as many fans as could fit on stage with him; he blew the roof off the New York City venue with the Rage classic “Killing In The Name Of.” It was proof: the song’s lyrics are just as relevant now as when the song was originally released 18 years ago.

  • Trey Anastasio to perform two solo acoustic shows at Carnegie Hall

    Trey Anastasio announced today that he will perform two solo acoustic shows at New York City’s legendary Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, May 17 at 10am ET.

    The last time Trey performed at Carnegie Hall, he was joined by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Watch an orchestral version of Phish’s “You Enjoy Myself.” Read reviews of the 2019 shows here.

  • Capitol Region Teen Makes American Idol Finals

    Capitol Region Teen Madison VanDenburg had made it to the final three contestants on Season 17 of American Idol. The high school student from Cohoes tried out for the show last fall in Buffalo. At last Sunday’s Hero Tribute, VanDenburg performed Pink’s “What About Us,” Elton John’s “Your Song,” and Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love.”

    Tune in to the Season Finale on Sunday, May 19 when VanDenburg faces off against Laine Hardy and Alejandro Aranda. The three-hour long event starts at 8 p.m. on ABC, and will include performances by legendary artists, as well as performances by the finalists.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PczTRD2NHng

  • When Worlds Collide: The Dee Brothers Invade Turning Stone

    Turning Stone, an award-winning, destination resort in Upstate New York, works tirelessly to bring best in music and entertainment weekly. Named as the “Best Countryside Hotel/Lodge” in 2015, their vast accommodations, casino and top tier restaurants clothe a hidden gem – Turning Stone as a music mecca. The renowned Casino not only bring us talent, they foster talent, such as The Dee Brothers.

    Turning Stone Casino and Resort offers a multitude of musical options from large national acts, to new and local talent. No matter how big or small, there is a venue to host it appropriately. The Event Center is the largest with a 5,000 seat capacity.  Here you’ll see large shows, sporting events, and conventions.  The Showroom, first to open its doors back in 2002 seats up to 700, bringing you shows, comics and theater productions. Back in 2013, we saw Exit 33 open offering a variety of nightlight and clubs for music of all types, playing off the venues location.  Whether it’s dancing at Lava, two stepping at The Tin Rooster, rocking out at The Gig, or just slow dancing at The Turquoise Tiger, there is a spot for all music lovers wishing for a great night out. Add in talent throughout many of their restaurants and atriums, and their’s music everywhere. 

    It’s here that Ryan and Joel Dee (The Dee Brothers) found their way from NYC. The two brothers moved to upstate New York to pursue their musical dreams and taking a job at The Gig. The brothers would bartend during the evenings, giving them time to pursue their creative aspirations during the day. Just like something out of a movie, it’s here that they found a spot to play their music. The Dee Brothers took a moment to speak to NYS Music and share a little of how their partnership with the Turning Stone has helped them out as musicians.

    The Dee Brothers

    Kathy Stockbridge: Originally from NYC, tell us how you came to the Central NY Region and Turning Stone.

    Joel and Ryan Dee: We were both itching for more elbow room, so when we heard about the opening of Exit 33, we packed our bags. It’s been the perfect fit, because we can now enjoy the relaxed vibe of Upstate New York, while also getting our fix of high energy at Turning Stone.

    KS: Having a following in your hometown area, did you find it difficult to get started here?

    JD and RD: Working at Exit 33 has really helped us make great local connections, and our flexible schedules allow us to pursue music during our off hours. Plus, working at a music venue continually propels our passion forward.


    KS: While working at Turning Stone, I understand you were given a break to play your music.  How did that transpire?

    JD and RD: Turning Stone is always spotlighting its employees, including through an Employee Talent Show, where we got the chance to play and have returned every year since. It’s been a great new stage that Turning Stone has provided us to showcase our music.

    KS: As an employee of Turning Stone, how supportive are they with your side gig?

    JD and RD: We couldn’t ask for a more supportive employer than Turning Stone. With their flexible shifts, we still have plenty of spare time to work on our music while still making a good living with great benefits.

    We both bartend at the rock and roll venue The Gig, which is awesome because it keeps music front and center in our lives, even at work.

    KS: You hear of musicians working at a venue just to catch a break… how has this helped get your music out there?

    JD and RD: We’re very lucky to work at a place where our passions and jobs collide. While bartending, we’re continually meeting fellow musicians, fans and making other great connections.

    JD: As a songwriter, working at The Gig inspires me because of the music, conversations and moments I experience at work every day. I get to talk music theory and exchange ideas while on the job, which is a huge benefit and provides a ton of inspiration for my songs. Turning Stone is always evolving and working on the next big project, so our advice would be to be ready for any opportunity that presents itself.

    KS: What are your aspirations and dreams for your band Andela? Any new music in the works?

    JD and RD: In five years, we would love to be playing regularly at Turning Stone. But I can also see us on tour, traveling the world with our music. Maybe one day, we’ll get the opportunity to come back and play at the Turning Stone Event Center and bring our story full circle.

    JD: We want to attract a wider audience, and we’ve really gravitated toward the new taste for songs that make you want to dance.

    RD:  This generation’s love for EDM has pushed us into an entirely new realm of music creation. We’re now finding our own sound that’s a balance of dance/club music mixed with a live rock feel.

    KS: What advice would you give other artists starting out or wanting to work with the Turning Stone?

    JD and RD: We’ve both grown tremendously working here and enjoy every day because there’s always something exciting happening that helps us grow and inspires us.

    Learning about how Turning Stone has assisted the Dee brothers, and their dreams, by fostering a great working relationship and giving them a stage to perform – sharing their music that is unique. The Turning Stone happily happens to be holding a huge hiring event this coming Monday, May 13, from 10am to 8pm.

    Learn more: May 13 You’re Hired Event

    The Dee Brothers

    Those that may wish to find employment in fields of hospitality, culinary, gaming and many more should update their resumes and come dressed to impress. The event is titled “You’re Hired!” because qualified candidates could be given job offers on-the spot. Turning Stone recruiters and senior leaders from several departments including gaming, culinary, beverage operations, and hospitality will be on hand to answer questions and conduct interviews. 

    Looking for your foot-in-the-door opportunity may just be right around the corner, off of Exit 33.  If asked how you learned about the event, just tell them Kathy from New York State Music sent you.

  • Alice Frost Wows the Crowd in Hudson Falls

    In a sold out show, a blast to the past of the late ’60s – ’80s progressive rock era, the Alice Frost band had the crowd rocking in their seats to the music of YES! The core of the band started performing in the late ’70s and the friendships made then have endured to this day. The members of this ensemble, original and newly added, have developed a true love for the music and for playing together. The group is composed of experienced area musicians who enjoy the challenge of this complex and beautiful music. On guitars is John Eisenhart who has played in 805, out of Syracuse, Lake City, Blind Design and currently performs around upstate New York as a solo artist.


    John Eisenhart – Guitar

    John has a diverse background which includes a wide range of musical styles. From 17th century classical guitar to delta blues, as well as more popular music, John adds his own style and the audience loves it. Harold “Clutch” Reiser, on drums and percussion, is a founding member of The Maynard Brothers Band, and also played with The Sundowners, Blind Design and other bands. Matt Donnelly, keyboards, plays with The South Street Saints, The Music Box and hosts the Thursday night jam at the Lawrence Street Tavern.

    Matt Donnelly – Keyboardist

    Matt brings years of experience on the keyboards to the Alice Frost band. He currently is associated with many other bands in the upstate New York area. Once you hear his mastery of the keys, you can understand why so many bands want to be associated with him. Frank Esposito, the vocalist, played for Howard Stern’s show and works in the Vibratones. Carl DeSantis jr., on basses and a Berkeley graduate, plays in North Carolina in a number of ensembles. Steve Hymowech, the bassist for Dirt Cheap, assists Alice with extra guitar, vocals, percussion and inspiration. The show encompassed music from the Yes Album, Fragile, Close to the Edge, and Relayer.

    Playing at a high level of difficulty to bring this music to audiences makes the work enjoyable and rewarding, and it was be a show to remember. The May 3 date kicked off the 2019 season for Alice Frost, ending as the headliner to an outdoor prog music festival in the Syracuse area. They have a Facebook page with videos, pictures and more information. 

    Harold “Clutch” Reiser – Drums

    “Clutch” not only sets the beat for the songs, but he did a tympani set which drove the fans wild and onto their feet.


    Steven Hymowech – Acoustic Guitar
    Carl DeSantis Jr. – Bass
    Alice Frost hudson
    Alice Frost hudson

     

  • In Focus: Snow Patrol Wildness at Terminal 5

    On April 30, British Rockers, Snow Patrol, brought their 2019 Wildness tour to the beloved Terminal 5. A sold-out crowd was treated to an amazing high energy performance with the band, weaving in and out of their immense catalog. Highlights included: “Take Back the City,” a fan requested “You Could Be Happy,” “Chasing Cars,” and an encore that included “What if This is All The Love You Ever Get?” and “Just Say Yes.” Check out Snow Patrol’s latest album Wildness, it’s perfect for new and old fans alike – a timeless sound and lyrical mastery.

    Setlist: Take Back the City, Chocolate, Crack the Shutters, Empress, Don’t Give In, Open Your Eyes, Run, *(1) You Could Be Happy, Life on Earth, Make This Go On Forever, Shut Your Eyes, Called Out in the Dark, Heal Me, The Lighting Strike (What If This Storm Ends?), Chasing Cars, You’re all I Have.

    *(1) Fan Request

    Encore: What If This Is All the Love You Ever Get?, Just Say Yes.

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