NYS Music 20​19

Category: Central NY

  • Kat Wright and The Old Main Take on Clinton

    The Kirkland Art Center in Clinton was recently the scene for Kat Wright‘s return to her upstate roots. The Rochester-born chanteuse and her band performed a soulful, sometimes funky, 22-song set to a sold out audience at this small venue in Central New York.

    NPR once described Wright as a mix of Amy Winehouse and Bonnie Raitt. It’s easy to note tones of Susan Tedeschi in her delivery as well. This served Wright well later in the set when she and guitarist, Bob Wagner, teamed for a stirring duet of Tedeschi Trucks Band’s “Shelter.”

    Kat Wright 

    Wright’s band is one of the tightest around, making due without the presence of keyboardist, Shane Hardiman, who was missing due to health issues. Wright made note of the spaciousness to her right and wished Hardiman well in his recovery.

    Wright commands your attention with her presence and her voice. As soon as she opens her mouth, the notes pour out effortlessly. She possesses that rare quality of projecting deep soulful notes with what may seem to the onlooker as pure ease.

    Their set opened with an instrumental jam sans Wright, where the band: Bob Wagner (guitar), Josh Weinstein (bass), Colin Jalbert (drums), Jake Whitesell (tenor sax), and Phil Rodriguez (trumpet), displayed their chops right out of the gate.

    Wright joined the fellas for a sultry, soulful performance of “All About You” to get things rolling. The standing room only audience was rapt with the voice coming from the stage while the band provided a jazzy backdrop.

    Throughout the course of the night, Wright wowed with her voice while the band did the same. There were points during the show where the band seemed like they were ready to let rip but were holding back just a bit, to allow Wright to shine. These moments were sparse and when they let loose; they really let loose.

    This is a well-educated outfit, as shown in covers of blues classics from Howlin’ Wolf and Junior Wells and their jaw-dropping version of the Tedeschi Trucks Band’s “Shelter.” This is a band that wears its influences on their sleeves. If you want funk, they can funk you up with the best of them. If you want soulful ballads, you got it. Blues? Indeed. Kat Wright is one to check out.

    The night’s opener was the Utica-based Americana band, The Old Main. Their brand of music is rife with foot-stompers and tender ballads with the ability to flat-out rock. They’re a band on the rise around New York State, but knew their role on this night as the opening act. Humble and funny, they quickly won the audience over with witty, self-deprecating banter between songs and a solid set of original material spanning their two studio albums, as well as a new, as-yet-unnamed song.

    The Old Main

    The band, consisting of stand-up bassist Nash Robb, guitarist Seth Becker, drummer Mitch Eckler, and banjoist Dusty Elmer, rolled through a solid eight song set, incorporating an enthusiastic jam session that had Eckler using Robb’s bass as an adjunct to his drum kit during “Tuesday.” Robb and Owen offer some of the best harmonizing in Americana today with Eckler providing additional harmonies to add an extra punch. Elmer’s picking is effortless. The Old Main did exactly what they set out to do for this show — provide solid opening band material while winning over new fans.

    Kat Wright will be performing at the moe.down Festival in Turin Fourth of July Weekend. The Old Main will be performing at Woods Fest 2 in Westernville on August 10. Both bands are well worth checking out.

     

  • The Big Takeover Announces New Single, Tour Dates

    By Maddi Annunziata, Contributing Writer

    New York seven-piece band, The Big Takeover, perfectly fuses big band Motown with Jamaican pop roots, making it nearly impossible not to dance along. In their new single “Shy.” they offer an upbeat, retro tune that stays with you,  keeping you bopping around all day. This is the first single released from the band’s upcoming fourth album, and it’s filled with powerful horns, a foot-stomping beat, and soulful vocals.


    Despite its cheery, optimistic sound, the single has a rather somber story. Powerhouse singer/songwriter, Nee Nee Rushie, tells us about a love triangle, and everyone involved is too shy to communicate with each other and see their own truth. “I was trying to tell a very specific story, because I’ve written many stories that are left up to interpretation,” she elaborates, “feeling shy is an inexplicable and intriguing human behavior that most humans should be able to relate to.” “Shy” has an incredibly rich, boppy, and sweet sound that flows through you in a way that you can’t help but dance across the room. Listen to the single below or check it out through your favorite streaming platform here.

    The Big Takeover has been making a name for itself recently, sharing the stage with major acts such as The Wailers, Sister Sparrow, Jefferson Starship, and Pete Seeger. In 2018 they completed a 12-state tour and performed at Omaha’s Jazz on the Green festival.

    In addition to writing their new album, which is set to release later this year, The Big Takeover is set to appear at a number of notable music festivals this summer, including  Strangecreek in Greenfield, MA this weekend, Mountain Jam, and Musikfest. Check out the dates below to see when they’re playing near you.

    The Big Takeover Tour Dates:

    May 24 – Strangecreek Festival –  Greenfield, MA

    May 25 – Cisco Brewers – Portsmouth, NH

    May 30 – Lukin’s – Utica, NY

    May 31 – Red Square – Burlington, VT

    June 1 – Newburyport Brewing Co. – Newburyport, MA

    June 2 – Strawberry Jam – Turin, NY

    June 7 – Waterhole – Saranac Lake, NY

    June 8 – Burlington Discover Jazz – Burlington, VT

    June 9 – Earth Sky Time – Bennington, VT

    June 14 – Mountain Jam – Bethel, NY

    June 15 – Clearwater Festival – Croton On Hudson, NY  

    June 23 – Unifier Festival – Tolland, MA

    June 30 – Cisco Brewers – Nantucket, MA

    July 3 – The Promenade at Sagemore – Marlton, NJ

    July 5 – First Fee Friday Eve – Shelburne, VT

    July 6 – Dockside Park – Cold Spring, NY

    Aug. 1 – CFCU Summer Concert Series – Ithaca, NY

    Aug. 3 – Reggae Festival – Woodstock, NY

    Aug. 8 – Musikfest – Bethlehem, PA

    Sept. 7 – Drum Boogie Festival – Woodstock, NY

    Sept. 14 – Gloucester, MA @ Gloucester Harvest Fest

    Sept. 21 – B-Side Ballroom – Oneonta, NY

    Sept 28 – Canjam Festival – Pottstown, PA

  • Hearing Aide: The Magnetic Pull

    The Magnetic Pull, a post-rock quintet out of Syracuse, put out their second LP in April. There are no vocals over the course of the 40 minute self-titled set, though the visuals are dense and the narratives vivid. Each track plays out like the soundtrack to a short film. Live, they have been know to pull-off an original live score to the 1922 silent film, Nosferatu, so this comes as no surprise.

    They leave the stories up to the listener; titles like “Pacipede” and “Know Seas” leave a lot to the imagination. The tracks flow fairly smoothly into each other providing a singular listening experience with multiple movements, perhaps different chapters to a single story. At times each instrument: guitars, keys, drums, bass, various electronics and samples, take on the roles of separate characters. At other times the instruments mesh in a show of force, pushing and pulling the energy as one combined sound.

    From heavy-shredding guitar swells and calming melodic piano breaks to reggae infused grooves, this journey has it all. Whichever way you imagine it in your head, it is sure to be a thrill ride of a listen.

    For the record collectors, The Magnetic Pull is being offered in limited release on 180 gram, coke-bottle green vinyl, packaged with a download-code sticker and eight-page anaglyph 3D booklet with 3D glasses. Otherwise, you can find it for download or streaming wherever you consume digital music.

    The Magnetic Pull will also be showcasing their new music at the Flyday Music Festival in East Durham, NY today, Friday.

    Key tracks: Pacipede, KGBFF, Townhouse Township

  • 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.

  • Syracuse Radio Station ‘The Rebel’ Takes to Streaming

    Syracuse classic rock radio station 105.9 The Rebel (WXTL) recently had it’s frequency bought by the non-profit Educational Media Foundation, which operates the Christian music networks Air1 and KLOVE.

    In February, Cumulus Media sold six of its stations, including The Rebel, to EMF in a $103.5M deal. And while Cumulus is losing the 105.9 frequency on the FM dial, the station will live on through streaming.

    Master of Ceremonies, Dave Frisina

    Long time Syracuse DJ Dave Frisina announced on his Facebook page this morning that The Rebel will become a 24 hour streaming station at their website, through their phone app, and on smart speaker devices such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home.

    Frisina has two long-running programs on the channel, the free-form Soulshine, which runs on Sundays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Soundcheck, a local music showcase that runs on Sunday nights at 10 p.m. These shows will continue as live programming on the new platform as will the inclusion of local music every hour throughout the day, something Frisina recently began incorporating into the station’s format.

    In his Facebook post, Frisina explains that the format for the new streaming Rebel will be similar to the classic rock format of the over-the-air station but with the opportunity to play more deep cuts from the classic rock artists typically found in the format. He also stated that there will be only two minutes of commercial breaks each hour.

    On continuing The Rebel in this new format, Frisina says:


    All of this is possible because of the incredible response and support of the community who have demonstrated through emails,messages, and calls that you wanted to keep the Rebel brand alive. The music will continue to be familiar but a bit more adventurous and Local music will remain in every hour. 

    Dave Frisina, The Rebel Rocks

    While there is no date set for the change over, it is expected to happen within a month. Frisina is looking forward to the opportunity of continuing the Rebel brand and his live Sunday shows, which he will continue to broadcast from the Cumulus studio in Syracuse.

  • Levitt AMP Concert Series Announced in Utica

    The City of Utica has been awarded a Levitt AMP concert series for the fourth consecutive year. The ten week free concert series will take place in Kopernik Park in Oneida Square on Monday nights beginning June 24 and continuing through Aug. 26.

    levitt amp

    The Levitt Foundation awards matching $25,000 grants to non-profits in select small to mid-size cities across the U.S. each year, creating a network of live music in underused spaces across the country. Eighteen cities have been selected to host the Levitt AMP series. This year, the Community Foundation provided a $25,000 match to help fund the series in Utica.

    This year’s Utica Monday Night shows include a wide range of artists; from young Hendrix-influenced guitar phenom Brandon “Taz” Niederauer to the Grammy winning Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans. Other artists include Paa Kow, a native of Ghana who combines the rhythms of West Africa with jazz to provide listeners a unique percussive sound, and La Misa Negra, a seven piece Afro-Latin collective from Oakland, CA that incorporates elements of hip-hop, metal, Caribbean and African poly rhythms.


    Brandon “Taz” Niederauer

    Each show will feature a local opening artist beginning at 6 p.m. See the complete schedule below. For more information about the artists performing, visit the Levitt AMP Utica website here.

    June 24 – The Claudettes with the Fabulous Mojos

    July 1 – Paa Kow with Annie in the Water

    July 8 – Sons of Mystro with Nick & Jay

    July 15 – Adam Ezra Group with Poor Tim Band

    July 22 – Boulevards with Lillie Ruth

    July 29 – Brandon “Taz” Niederauer with Merseyside 5

    Aug. 5 – Rebirth Brass Band with D’Funk’D

    Aug. 12 – Kaleta & Super Yamba Band with Ladies of Soul and Their Gentlemen

    Aug. 19 – Angela Myer with Grit & Grace

    Aug. 26 – La Misa Negra with Grupo Pagan

    La Misa Negra
    Paa Kow

  • Western Swing and Waltzes: Colter Wall at the Haunt

    Colter Wall travelled from Saskatchewan in southwestern Canada to grace the stage of The Haunt in Ithaca on Saturday night. Though he had no problems connecting with the sold out crowd. Songs centering around cattle branding, ranching and rodeos were cut with more universal themes like love, friendship, trains, cars and motorcycles.

    He arrived to the stage alone with his guitar and his cowboy hat, appropriately opening the set with the old cowboy song, “Old Paint.” He continued with a more modern tale of his own making, “John Beyers.” His voice, a resonant baritone, is rich like a finely aged whiskey (aged just 23 years in this case) and had a strong presence that echoed throughout the room. Though, possibly, the echo was from the audience, who exuberantly sang along, to each other, to the stage or to themselves.

    A few songs in, Wall’s band joined him on stage. Together a quintet, pedal and lap steels, harmonicas, drums, and bass joined him and his guitar. Each brought their own character to the mix. There was an entire arsenal of harmonicas, and even a jaw harp, to match the mood of every tune. The pedal steel’s howls and whirls intermingled beautifully with the harps in an unexpected and somewhat unusual combination. The steady bopping red and gold paisley covered bass and swinging and tasteful drums held it all together perfectly.

    The set was filled with songs from last year’s release. Songs of the Plains, and 2017’s Colter Wall. The tried and true, the ones everyone knew, were tossed in with something new, like “Western Swing and Waltzes” and also some much older selections, like covers of Ramblin’ Jack Elliot’s “Railroad Bill” and Townes Van Zandt’s “White Freightliner Blues.” No matter their age, coming through the voice of Wall and with the skill of his backing band, it was all sounding great to the adoring crowd.

    Fellow Saskatchewans Kacy and Clayton warmed up the evening. The two cousins played a short set of lovely folk songs but were unfortunately competing with a rowdy crowd anxious to sing and dance to the main attraction. The subtle beauty of their voices and guitars was no match for the clanging of glasses and boisterous barroom conversations, but attentive ears were rewarded with another example of Canada’s increasing and ironic grip on the Americana genre.

  • Hearing Aide: Doom Boys ‘All I See Is Doom’

    Doom Boys are a new three piece band from Upstate New York with a brand new EP titled, All I See Is Doom. The five-song record was released April 19, and is available on CD and streaming services. The band consists of Zach Collins (Same Blood Folk, Son Bully) on lead vocals and guitar, Alex Lavon (Rabbit In The Rye, Byclops) on bass guitar and Blaze DiStefano on drums.

    Doom Boys formed after New York City studio musician, DiStefano, relocated Upstate and the trio began recording in his home studio. This EP delves deep into the human psyche and struggle of a cynical world, lyrically. Collin’s writing is very timely, and although dark, it has elements of hope in notion that we are all in this together. One can tell that over the two years the group has been playing together, they have become very tight. The title track, “All I See Is Doom,” is a raucous journey of heavy blues, straight rock-and-roll, and an element of intense garage fuzz. All three band members have been playing professionally for over a decade and the mix on this EP is exquisite. Each player clearly celebrates the talent of one another and it comes through in this superb recording.

    Blaze DiStefano, Zach Collins, Alex Lavon

    All I See Is Doom rips through each track with incredible lyrics and a synergy in the sound, that builds and crescendos in a wave of hits that will rock you down to your core. If you are a fan of The Black Keys, The White Stripes or old school blues musicians, this record will be right up your alley. The Doom Boys have produced an excellent first EP and have a bright future with this bold and loud new sound. Up until the surprise ending, as they take a shot at themselves, “All I See Is Doom” creates a unique and fresh identity, and then-some.

    Key Tracks: All I See Is Doom, All My Heroes, Teeth

  • Good Nature Farm Brewery Sunday Summer Concert Series Scheduled for Second Year

    Following a successful season last year, Good Nature Farm Brewery and Creative Concerts announced the 2nd annual series of Summer concerts in Hamilton, NY.

    The shows are set to take place outdoors in the Beer Garden; there is plenty of space for seating whether that be at one of the picnic tables that are provided or on a personal blanket or lawn chair. There is more seating inside at the Farm Brewery where two glass doors will be opened to view the performances as long as weather permits. In case of inclement weather, the series of concerts will take place indoors.

    In addition to the music, food and drinks will be for sale. Wood fired pizzas, veggie and beef burgers,hot dogs, seasonal sides, and ice cream will be available for purchase alongside Good Natured Brews, wine, cider, and select spirits.

    Non-alcoholic options and ice cream floats will also be available, as the shows are family friendly. Those under 21 will be admitted with a parent or guardian and children 12 and under do not need tickets. These Good Nature Farm Brewery and Creative Concerts event is even friendly for your furry family members- dogs are permitted as long as they are on a leash and well-behaved.

    Doors open at 4 and shows will begin at 5 p.m. with one or two starting acts followed up by the headlining performance. The nights are set to conclude around 9 p.m. and are scheduled as followed:

    June 2– Dark Hollow

    June 9– The Englishtown Project

    June 16– Max Creek

    June 23– Driftwood

    June 30– The Weight Band

    July 7– Ghost of Paul Revere

    July 14– Nate Gross Band

    July 21– The Lizards- Phish Tribute

    July 28– The Quebe Sisters

    August 4– The Restless Age

    August 11– Donna the Buffalo

    August 18– Soule Monde

    August 25– The Felice Brothers

    September 1– Dark Hollow

    September 8– The Blind Owl Band

    Tickets are currently for sale online and will be for sale at the farm brewery starting next week.

    good nature farm

  • Blackberry Smoke Bring Their “Break It Down” Acoustic Show To Ithaca, NY

    On Thursday April 4, 2019, the Atlanta, Georgia southern rock band Blackberry Smoke pulled into the historic State Theatre in the beautiful downtown Ithaca Commons area as a stop on their 2019 “Break It Down” spring acoustic tour.

    Blackberry Smoke is currently on tour promoting their newly released EP, The Southern Ground Sessions, during this spring 2019 tour. This is the band’s first ever acoustic run. Blackberry Smoke has been a staple in the rock and southern rock genre since the early 2000s, however, it has been quite difficult to accurately define their sound which has most definitely become their own, combining an eclectic mix of rock, blues, country and folk.

    Blackberry Smoke’s line up consists of Charlie Starr (lead vocals, guitar), Paul Jackson (guitar, vocals), Richard Turner (bass, vocals), Brit Turner (drums), Brandon Still (keyboards, piano). Joining the band on stage was first call touring guitarist, session player and producer Benji Shanks.

    Benji Shanks and Charlie Starr

    With six studio albums under their belt, including Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime (2004), Little Piece of Dixie (2009), The Whippoorwill (2012), Holding All the Roses (2015), Like an Arrow (2016) and Find a Light (2018), Blackberry Smoke has two Billboard chart-topping country albums and an enormous catalog of songs to choose from. Hailing from Atlanta, these Southern boys are no stranger to the road, touring and performing throughout the United States. Blackberry Smoke have headlined as well as opened for major artists such as Zac Brown Band, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Church and more. For nearly two decades they continue to tear up the charts and the road with mega hits and touring, playing on average, 250 shows a year. They have developed quite the eclectic fan base as well, ranging from the classic Southern rock, country, rock and roll, grassroots and jam band fans. They have been known to frequently break into long jams, throwing covers into the mix of their music and play all night long.

    After a mesmerizing opening set from Ida Mae, a talented husband and wife duo from the UK, Blackberry Smoke casually strolled onto the stage around 9 p.m. and played a two hour set, featuring nineteen songs which included three encores. The stage was intimately set with four stools in the front along with the small acoustic drum set stage right and the vintage looking keyboard stand stage left surrounded by table lamps set atop draped curtains and throws most likely covering amps. There were dozens of dimly lit amber electric candles throughout the stage as well making for a relaxing and comforting atmosphere. As lead singer/guitarist Charlie Starr was taking his seat before kicking off the set, he greeted the State Theatre audience by saying “welcome to our living room”

    From L-R – Richard Turner, Benji Shanks, Charlie Starr

    Blackberry Smoke kicked off their set with the 1927 Thomas Darby and Jimmie Tarlton classic “Columbia Stockade Blues,” followed by “Believe You Me” from their 2016 album Like an Arrow and “Too High” from the 2015 album Holding all the Roses. The band continued to play many of their well known hits as well as some lesser know songs from their immense catalog throughout the two hour performance. Nevertheless, all the songs lended favorably to the acoustic arrangements that these seasoned musicians performed for the exhilarated crowd at the State Theatre. The band kept their performance light and fun, interacting with the crowd and telling some interesting stories behind many of the songs or from their road escapades. At one point Charlie talked about touring the city of Ithaca, from visiting a vintage music store, yet forgoing a purchase during this trip, to visiting Cornell University’s Barton Hall and commenting about the diverse musical history at this famed field house. He commented that he learned that the Grateful Dead’s performance here in 1977 is considered one of the best shows of their career and that they were indeed in good company as fellow Georgian rap artist Ludacris too roamed the Big Red Campus at one point. Charlie and the rest of the band seemed to connect well with the crowd in Ithaca during this stripped down, personal feeling “Break It Down” acoustic show.

    Benji Shanks and Charlie Starr

    Blackberry Smoke Setlist – State Theatre Ithaca, NY 4/4/2019.

    1.Columbia Stockade Blues 2. Believe You Me 3. Too High 4. Sure Was Good 5. Crimson Moon 6. Old Shoes 7. Best Seat In The House 8. Medicate My Mind 9. Lay It All On Me 10. Ain’t Wastin’ Time 11. Run Away 12. Like An Arrow 13. Ain’t Gonna Wait 14. Free On The Wing 15. Ain’t Got The Blues 16. Up The Road . ENCORE: 17. Loser 18. One Horse Town 19. Ain’t Much Left

    Blackberry Smoke perform at the State Theatre in Ithaca, NY
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