NYS Music 20​19

Category: North Country

  • 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

  • Allman Betts at the Strand

    The Allman Betts Band took to the Strand Center, for their fourth ever show, in Plattsburgh last Saturday.  The newly grouped is fronted by Devon Allman and Duane Betts, the sons of Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers Band.

    Allman Betts Strand

    The night was kicked off by Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root who showed off his impressive vocal range before ending with the Rusted Root classic “Send Me On My Way”.

    The Allman Betts Band began their show with “Gonna Fly Now” (the Theme from Rocky) playing, and just as the song hit its climax, the band kicked in and transitioned into “All Night,” a song off their upcoming debut album. The talent in the room was never hidden, both Allman and Betts showcased their pure skill that can only be compared to that of their parents throughout the night. The band covered some Allman Brothers Band songs during their set and they also played an astonishing rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain.”

    Allman Betts Strand

    The influence that Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts had on Devon and Duane was shown the whole night, while they certainly have their own sound (especially with their originals), they were both able to play their guitars as only their fathers could.

  • Warm up at the Waterhole during Saranac Lake Winter Carnival

    The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is a legendary two-week party in the middle of winter, in the most northern part of New York State. This year’s edition, the 122nd, takes place from Feb. 1 – 10. The sometimes blustery elements of this idyllic mountain town take a backseat to celebrate the warmth of music, friends,food and fireworks. The Waterhole Music Lounge is Northern New York’s central hub for the best in live music. The venue historically has played host to a dynamic range of bands, across several genres over ten days. This year’s line up carries that tradition onward.

    waterhole

    Over the past decade or so some of the best in hip hop, rock, and jam have played huge sets to rowdy crowds coming in off the streets after a day of parades. Some notable names include: The Ominous Seapods, Rubblebucket, Donna the Buffalo, Sophistafunk, Twiddle, Hot Day at the Zoo and so many more. This year’s lineup offers the return of Plattsburgh powerhouse and long standing Winter Carnival performers Lucid. Buffalo’s own and NYS Music 87/90 artist, Folkfaces open up the night on Feb. 2.

    The Waterhole in Saranac Lake has been a big part of what makes the music scene in Upstate New York amazing, a slice of rock and roll history nestled up the mountains. The venue is a three floor experience that has seen some big time names play the stage. Del McCoury, Colonel Bruce Hampton, Gov’t Mule, Bela Fleck, moe., Leftover Salmon, Soulive, and Turkauz have all performed memorable sets here. In continuing with the tradition of bringing quality acts, this year’s line up promises to offer up those “wish I were there” sets from the artists both established and on the rise.

    Other bands making the trip to grace the stage are West End Blend, Barika, Lady Moon and the Eclipse, The Gibson Brothers, The Melting Nomads, The Swampkids, Annie in the Water, Driftwood and Swampcandy. Look forward to special performances in the Downstairs bar of The Waterhole from Kevin Sabourin, Nina’s Brew and Dirty Blanket. There will be plenty of opportunities for entertainment after a day of snowshoe ultimate, skating or skiing. Grab a convenient week long pass for $65 for a discounted way to catch all the music. For more information about live music at The Waterhole check out their website.

    Check out the full schedule below:

    Feb. 1 – Driftwood w/s/g Swampcandy- 8:00 p.m. doors, 9:00 p.m. show; $10.00 advance / $12.00 door 

    Feb. 2 – Lucid wsg. Folkfaces – 8:00 p.m. doors, 9:00 p.m. show; $17.00 advance / $20.00 door  

    Feb. 3 – Kevin Sabourin (Of Lucid) – 2:00 p.m. Downstairs – free show

    Feb. 5 – Nina’s Brew – 9:00 p.m. Downstairs – free show

    Feb. 6 – Annie in the Water – 8 p.m. doors, 9:00 p.m. show – $10.00 

    Feb. 7 – The Gibson Brothers w/s/g Old Sky – 7:30 p.m. doors, 8:30 p.m. show; $18.00 advance / $22.00 door

    February 8th – Lady Moon & The Eclipse, Melting Nomads & Swamp Kids (Feat Members of Big Mean Sound Machine & Chris English) – 8:00 p.m. doors, 9:00 p.m. show; $10.00

    Feb. 9 – Post-Parade Party with The Big Takeover – 2:00 p.m. – Free Show

    Feb.9 – West End Blend w/s/g Barika – 8:00 p.m. doors, 9:00 p.m. show – $10.00 

    Feb. 10 – Dirty Blanket – 2:00 p.m. Downstairs – Free Show

    waterhole

    written by Derick Borst

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