Category: Central NY

Disco Biscuits Announce 2019 Winter Tour, Forthcoming Album

The Disco Biscuits are back. The Philly-based trance-fusion band has announced an extensive 23-date winter tour with several multi-day runs, including SI Hall at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on November 22 and 23, 2019.

The tour kicks off with two dates in McKees Rocks, PA at the Roxian Theatre on Nov. 14 and 15. The tour also includes the previously announced four-day run at the Playstation Theater for New Year’s Eve. The run marks the band’s 40th and final time performing there as the venue announced it will be closing at the end of December.

Photo: Stephen Olker, NYS Music

Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday, Sept. 6 at 10:00 a.m. local time. Ticketing information can be found on the band’s website here. See the full list of dates below.

The band issued a statement regarding the tour and timeline for their upcoming album:

“We’ve been teasing this for some time now, it feels so good to finally be able to share it with you. We are back…and back in a big way. New tours. New music. New Jams. 2019 and 2020 are going to be our best years yet and all of you are at the heart of it. Expect to see us a lot, expect the unexpected.

The first thing we’ve got for you is our winter tour starting in just a few weeks. We’re coming back to a few places we haven’t been to in a while, and others that we’ve seen a lot through the years. All will be sweat dripping off the ceiling, Bisco fire fueled nights.

The second is a new album…we’re already burning the midnight oil on this, and can’t wait for you to hear it. We plan on teasing some of these soon, and dropping them individually in early 2020, then a full album next summer. ‘Til then, we’ll be seeing you all quite a bit and spending every waking hour making sure this is the best of the Biscuits for all of us.”

Disco Biscuits Winter 2019-2020 Tour Dates:
Oct. 5 – Breckenridge Brewery Hootenanny – Littleton, CO
Nov. 14 – Roxian Theatre – McKees Rocks, PA
Nov. 15 – Roxian Theatre – McKees Rocks, PA
Nov. 16 – The National – Richmond, VA
Nov. 17 – The National – Richmond, VA
Nov. 20 – Higher Ground – Burlington, VT
Nov. 21 – Higher Ground – Burlington, VT
Nov. 22 – SI Hall – Syracuse, NY
Nov. 23 – SI Hall – Syracuse, NY
Dec. 11 – House of Blues – Orlando, FL
Dec. 12 – Jannus Landing – St. Petersburg, FL
Dec. 13 – Revolution – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Dec. 14 – Revolution – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Dec. 27 – PlayStation Theater – New York City
Dec. 28 – PlayStation Theater – New York City
Dec. 30 – PlayStation Theater – New York City
Dec. 31 – PlayStation Theater – New York City
Jan. 2 – Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL
Jan. 3 – Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL
Jan. 4 – Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL
Jan. 15 – The Ritz – Raleigh, NC
Jan. 16 – The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC
Jan. 17 – The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD
Jan. 18 – The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD

September 5, 2019
In Focus: Breaking Benjamin Brings Mini Rock Festival to Lakeview Amphitheater

Five bands on the same bill in one night makes for one long, but rocking evening. With so many bands playing it really felt like Breaking Benjamin brought a mini rock festival to the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, NY on Saturday August 24.

There was a great mixture of new and well known faces on the stage performing that night. Opening the evening was one rad rocker-chick named Diamante. Her blue hair and Joan Jett inspired style added to her incredible stage presence.

Next up was another amazingly talented rad rocker chick named Dorothy. Dorothy’s fashion and singing style was completely different, but equally as rocktastic as Diamante. It was great seeing two stylish and talented women opening up this tour. Dorothy has an old school rock sound mixed within with her sound. Diamante may have looked like Joan Jett, but Dorothy sounded more like a Joan Jett vibe/sound.

Three Days Grace is one of those bands that you don’t realize how many hits they have on the radio until you see them perform live. They have come a long ways with their lead vocalist change up back in 2013, but their new singer knows how to bring the energy and connect with the crowd.

Direct support for this tour was Chevelle. Chevelle is a three piece and always has played as a three piece live with no additional guitarist or tracks. They pride themselves on playing truly live and they don’t disappoint. Chevelle is a band that is all about the music and their performance reflects that. Chevelle is much like Three Days Grace where you just don’t realize how many of their songs have been on the radio over the years.

Headliners Breaking Benjamin started out strong with “Red Cold River” while lead vocalist Benjamin Burnley walked out giving the crowd a heart sign then began to sing. Breaking Benjamin had a cool stage set up along with pyros.

Breaking Benjamin are known for their song mash-ups during their sets and they brought it to Syracuse. This time their mash up consisted of “The Imperial March,” “Cowboys From Hell,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Enter Sandman,” “Bulls On Parade,” and they finished with a drum solo from Burnley. Burnley turned the mic over to band members guitarist Keith Wallen and bassist Aaron Bruch to sing a few songs.

Breaking Benjamin:

Chevelle:

Three Days Grace:

Dorothy:

Diamante:

September 3, 2019
In Focus: Lindsey Stirling ‘Shatters’ Syracuse

It really takes a special talent to bring a performance to life, like the way Lindsey Stirling does. Her show at the great New York State Fair on Friday, August 23 was inspiring. Lindsey can play the violin flawlessly while dancing choreographed parts of her songs with dancers, and alone. It was a beautiful mix of dance, ballet and music. Lindsey performed many of her hits including “The Upside,” “Crystallize” and “Shatter Me.”

September 2, 2019
Ice Cube Brings the Party to Chevy Court at the New York State Fair

20,000 fans showed up to party with Ice Cube to see the legendary rap icon, movie star and Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer packed Chevy Court at the New York State Fair. Decked out in his trademark black bandana, tucked under a ball cap and dark sunglasses, Ice Cube got the party kicked off with the body moving track, “The New Funkadelic.”

Ice Cube and hype man Dub C “WC” delivered a slew of bass heavy, pumping dance songs spanning Ice Cube’s 30-year career from his beginnings in NWA to his most current release Everythang’s Corrupt.

Ice Cube paused and addressed the crowd shouting, “There ain’t nothing like rockin’ a house on Friday night.” He was quickly corrected by Dub C who pointed out that it was still only the middle of the week. “Whenever you see Ice Cube, it’s a goddamn Friday,” the rapper said as he gave Dub C the stare down.

Ice Cube kept the crowd bumping with notables such as “Check Yo Self,” “Straight Outta Compton” (tease) bridging into “Gansta Gansta,” followed by “No Vaseline.” The set felt short, 60-minutes, but no one in the crowd could complain about the closing number, “It was a Good Day,” one of his greatest tracks ever. So, for all of you who had their doubts, who didn’t think Cube could get on stage and still rock the mic, I say, “You better check yo’ Self before you wreck yo’ self.”

Setlist: That New Funkadelic, Now I Gotta Wet’cha, You Know How We Do It, Bop Gun (One Nation), Check Yo’ Self, Friday, Roll All Day, We Be Clubbin’, Straight Outta Compton (N.W.A.), No Vaseline, Natural Born Killaz, $100 Dollar Bill Y’all, I Ain’t Got No Haters, You Can Do It, Go to Church, It Was a Good Day.

September 1, 2019
The Mavericks Chase Away Rain On Day Eight at Great NY State Fair

As the skies opened up on day eight of the Great New York State Fair, it didn’t deter anyone from taking a seat at Chevy Court awaiting the two-o’clock show that would feature one of the areas favorite bands, The Mavericks. People put on their ponchos, opened their umbrellas and patiently awaited the sunshine they knew was on its way from Miami. It had been three years since they last played the Syracuse Jazz Festival, and the impression it had left on the crowd was evident; they could care less that it was pouring rain. In fact, nor did I. With an umbrella in one hand, and my camera tucked neatly underneath protected from the elements, I too awaited this charismatic band to take the stage.

Celebrating 30 years together, the two original members Raul Malo and Paul Deakin, and long time members Jerry Dale McFadden and Eddie Perez were joined on stage by a full ensemble immediately kicking it into gear with favorite, “Back In Your Arms Again.” From the moment they took the stage, their eclectic mix of country, latin and rock and roll produced a signature sound that stops you in your tracks and demands your attention.

You’re locked in a trance. Your feet begin to move, your shoulders sway and your head begins to bob along with the beat Paul is laying down. Before you know it, Raul Malo’s sultry sound has you in his spell and you can’t help but dance along with Jerry as he plays his keyboards, or Eddie as he sways with his guitar. It’s inevitable. You can’t fight it.

Playing favorites such as “All Night Long” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” The Mavericks mixed up the set with covers of Bruce Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart” and their newest release of John Anderson’s “Swingin.” Before you knew it, the set was over and all the rain had been chased away by these southern gentlemen. Perhaps it was the mash-up of “All Night Long” and “Let the Sun Shine In” that chased away the clouds. Or perhaps it’s just the sunshine they bring to Syracuse each time they play. Whatever their magic is, Syracuse couldn’t get enough and they once again brightened our day.

Setlist: Back In Your Arms Again, All Night Long / Let the Sun Shine In, Summertime (When I’m With You), Pretend, Easy As It Seems, Dance In The Moonlight, Loving You, Hungry Heart (Bruce Springsteen), As Long As There’s Loving Tonight.

Encore: Swingin’ (John Anderson), Come Unto Me, All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.

August 31, 2019
In Focus: Five Finger Death Punch and In This Moment Rock Binghamton

There aren’t many rock shows that roll through Binghamton, so when Five Finger Death Punch and In This Moment filled the near sold-out Broome County Arena on July 24, 2019, things got heated to say the least.

In This Moment brought their unique stage set and put on such an amazing performance. ITM puts on more than a show, it is truly a mesmerizing performance that leaves you wanting to see more. They ended their set strong with “Whore.” Their dancers came out dressed in Handmades Tale costumes, which was such a great nod to the series and leaves you wondering why thier song hasn’t been used in the series.

Headlining the show was Five Finger Death Punch. The tour was a mini break from their new album recording. It is amazing seeing how far this band has come. The band has had its ups and downs, but this show they gave everything they had to make it a great experience for Binghamton fans. You can tell singer Ivan Moody has found his happiness again on stage and that he loves connecting with their fans.

Five Finger Death Punch will be going out on another Headlining tour this Fall starting in November and this was a great warm up mini tour.

August 30, 2019
In Focus: KISS and the End Of The Road Tour in Syracuse

KISS brought their End Of The Road Tour to Syracuse, NY at the St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater last night. Fans of the iconic rock stars were treated to loud heavy guitars, theatrics, explosions, silly gimmicks, lots of fire, fast paced music, and even more explosions. Even if you’re not a big fan of their music, it’s hard to not have a great time at a KISS concert. With all the production, rivaled by very few others in the music industry, KISS is just a great time.

As the name suggests, this claims to be their last and final tour ever. With Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley both near 70 years old, it would be good timing to retire the band that has been performing since 1973. If this truly is the final KISS tour, it is going out with a bang with one of the most pyrotechnic, flame-throwing concert sets you’ll ever experience .

August 28, 2019
Dropkick Murphys Return to Court at the New York State Fair

The boys were back in town at the New York State Fair. In 2018, Dropkick Murphys was a last minute Chevy Court fill-in for Dickey Betts, who suffered a mild stroke and was unable to perform. Singer Ken Casey announced at the 2018 performance that it was the band’s first state fair appearance. The Boston-based Celtic punk rock band drew a crowd of 13,000 in 2018. This year, they more than doubled that with an estimated 30,200 in attendance. Casey joked that, “We played here last year as a last-minute addition. They invited us back this year. I can tell you, we don’t get invited back too many places.”

Singers Al Barr and Ken Casey traded vocals throughout the evening as they ran back and forth across the stage, getting the crowd amped up. They brought along their traditional entourage of back-up sounds that included an accordion, banjo, keyboard and of course the bagpipes. All punk music should have bagpipes! The Dropkicks played a nice mix of fan favorites and rebel rousing tunes including, “The Boys Are Back,” “The State of Massachusetts,” “Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya,” “First Class Loser” and their spin on the traditional Irish song “Black Velvet Band.”

The Dropkicks ripped through 23 songs and kept the crowd on their feet and bouncing along to the music. A quick poll of the audience determined there were many first-time attendees. The band ended their main set with the inspirational union track “Worker’s Song” before coming back to finish off the night. For the encore, Ken Casey let the crowd sing along to the catchy hit “Rose Tattoo.” They rounded out the evening with “Until the Next Time” and ended with their biggest sing along hit, “I’m Shipping Up to Boston.” Singers Casey and Barr ran through the crowd high-fiving fans and inviting them to sing along. The band knows how to make their fans feel welcome and that is why the Dropkicks will keep getting invited back.

Review by: Kelly Besaw

Photos: Chris Besaw

August 27, 2019
Ray Brothers BBQ Fifth Annual Hop Harvest Smoke Out Festival Set For September 1

Ray Brothers BBQ in Bouckville, New York is getting ready for the fifth annual Hop Harvest Smoke Out, set to take place on September 1 at The Yard Amphitheater. The event that began as a small party behind the restaurant has turned into a daylong festival featuring vendors, multiple stages and well-known regional musicians. The Hop Harvest Smoke Out also offers hops and beer demonstrations from local farmers and much more.

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In celebration of the event’s fifth year, the first 50 people through the door will receive a commemorative pint glass and their first beer will be on the house. The RBQ food truck will be set up outside serving items from the menu, the inside bar will be open with beer, wine and spirits, and the outdoor bar will be open for canned and draft beer. In addition to food and drink, The Hamilton Hop Mission will be onsite sharing educational talks about their homegrown hops. Attendees will have the opportunity to add fresh hops to their draft beer. Craft and merchandise vendors include artisan jewelry by Courtney Elise Handmade and wood burned designs by Shady Grove Burns.

The musical guests for the fifth annual Hop Harvest Smoke Out include Root Shock, Sophistafunk, and Chris Eves and the New Normal, all hailing from Syracuse, and The Old Main from Utica. Root Shock is a high-energy roots, soul and reggae group with conscious, uplifting lyrics. Also with an energizing and uplifting vibe, Sophistafunk brings a unique combination of hip hop, funk and jam music to the stage. Chris Eves and the New Normal blurs the lines between rock, funk, blues and jam. Utica’s Old Main has been compared to The Avett Brothers, The Band and other greats in the Americana genre while making the sound all their own.

The event is all ages and kids 12 and under get in for free. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs and get comfortable. This event will happen rain or shine. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of. They can be purchased at the door or online. Doors are at 3 pm.

August 26, 2019
In Focus: Grace Potter debuts ‘Daylight’ single “Love is Love” at New York State Fair

Thursday morning, just hours before her show at the New York State Fair Grace Potter announced the release of her first new single in four years, the soul wrenching “Love is Love.” Fans in attendance at Chevy Court were the first to hear the song performed live according to Potter. The song is the first single from Grace Potter off her upcoming album, Daylight, set to be released October 25.

Potter told fans they were going to play a few new songs but, “had to get warmed up first.” The band kicked off the set with “Medicine” and played many dance-worthy tunes including “Loneliest Soul,” “Nothing But the Water,” “Alive Tonight,” “The Lion, The Beast, The Beat and the hip shaking hit, “Paris (Ooh La La).”

Potter proclaimed her excitement for “being back in Central New York where she belongs.” She attended college at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY and recalled visiting Syracuse while she was at school. “We used to go to Syracuse to go shopping and it was the big city.” She told the audience that she has a new appreciation for State Fairs now that she has a kid, “I used to spend the whole time avoiding the fried dough. But now I’m like, yeah I’m having the fried dough.”

Grace Potter and her backup band worked their way through a high energy 95-minute set leaving the estimated 8,700 in attendance dancing as she walked off the stage. Be on the lookout for her new album Daylight October 25 and available for pre-order now.

August 25, 2019

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