NYS Music 20​19

Category: Regions

  • Celebrate 10 Years of Phish’s Seven Below->Ghost

    Over November 27 and 28 2009, Phish performed two nights at Albany’s Times Union Center, the latter of which produced one of the band’s ultimate jams from their ‘3.0’ era. Opening set two with “Seven Below” and segueing seamlessly into “Ghost,” the band put forth 45+ minutes of Type II jamming (improvising beyond the song’s composition and structure) that still serve as one of their best from the last 10 years.

    seven below ghost

    Listen via LivePhish.com, Phishtracks.com, stream the full show, or just the 45 minutes of “Seven Below” -> “Ghost” below.

    November 28, 2009 setlist via Phish.net

    Set 1: Party Time, Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan, Uncle Pen, Sanity, Foam, Walk Away > NICU, Alaska, Split Open and Melt, Joy, Vultures, Backwards Down the Number Line

    Set 2: Seven Below > Ghost, Cool It Down > Gotta Jibboo, Let Me Lie, Wolfman’s Brother > Julius

    Encore: You Enjoy Myself

    This show featured the first Uncle Pen since July 11, 2000 (129 shows). Ghost contained a tease of Seven Below.

  • They Might Be Giants Add New ‘Flood’ Shows

    Brooklyn’s “Ambassadors of Love,” They Might Be Giants,  due to popular demand, have added new shows to their 2020 tour. New stops will include  Boston, New Haven, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis and many more. They also have added additional shows in Chicago, Detroit and New York City at the Bowery Ballroom, all of which are now sold out. New Yorkers can still catch TMBG at the State Theater in Ithaca (May 5) and Buffalo at the Town Ballroom (May 6). 

    The 2020 tour is in celebration of the 30th anniversary of their third album, Flood, which catapulted them into international stardom upon its release. Dubbed as an “evening with” show, fans can expect for TMBG to play Flood in its entirety along with favorites and some brand new tracks thrown into the lineup. Find a full list of the shows below and visit the band’s website for ticketing.

    They Might Be Giants 2020 Tour Dates

    Jan.10 – Daryl’s House Club – Pawling, NY

    Jan.11 – Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY

    Feb.6 – College Street Music Hall – New Haven, CT

    Feb.7 – Columbus Theatre – Providence, RI

    Feb.8 – Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY

    Mar.5 – Pabst Theater – Milwaukee, WI

    Mar.6 – Vic Theatre – Chicago, IL

    Mar.7 – Geek Bowl XIV – Chicago, IL

    Mar.8-9  – The Majestic – Detroit,MI

    Mar.13 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA

    Mar.14 – Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY

    Apr.8-9  – Lincoln Theatre – Washington, DC

    Apr.10 – 930 Club – Washington, DC

    Apr.11 – Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY

    Apr.30 – May 1 – Royale – Boston, MA

    May 2 – Higher Ground – South Burlington, VT

    May 3 – Academy of Music Theatre – Northampton, MA

    May 5 – State Theater – Ithaca, NY

    May 6 – Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY

    May 7-8 – Mr. Smalls Theatre – Millvale, PA

    May 9 – Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY

    May 12-13 – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern – Cleveland, OH

    May 14 – Vic Theatre- Chicago, IL

    May 15 – First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN

    May 16 – Fitzgerald Theater – St.Paul, MN

    May 17 – The Pageant – St.Louis, MO

  • Gramatik Formulates Electronic Wizardry in Brooklyn

    Electronic wizard and free music advocate Gramatik made people dance into the early morning hours with his digital weave of urban and funky beats at the premiere EDM venue in Brooklyn, Avant Gardner. He was supported by incredibly talented colleagues Opiou and Balkan Bump for a night of organic, hip-hop-infused electronica.

    Balkan Bump is an electronic artist who mixes live instruments, world music and digital production. Trumpeter, producer and enthomusicoligist Will Magid is the brain child behind this band. A tapestry of funky beats, stellar trumpeting and dance hall vibes was cleverly woven throughout the set. At one point, Magid announced that he was playing a one word song, and everyone should sing along. That song was “Tequilla” by The Champs, and it was a huge hit with the crowd.

    Opiou, a producer and artist from New Zealand, was up next, and brought his Kiwi electronic heat. Also known as Oscar Davey-Wraight, this DJ is known for funky beats and deep bass grooves, as well as a penchant for keeping the dance floor alive well into the late night. Will Magid joined Opiou during the middle of his set on trumpet, creating a refreshing organic synergy. His signature buildups and drops continued throughout the set, framed with an engaging LED light display and plenty of fog.

    Gramatik took the stage to a packed crowd that was ready to dance. And dance they did. Denis Jašarević is Gramatik, hailing from Slovenia, and is known for his mind numbing hip-hop beats and fresh remixes. He played with guitarist Adam Stehr, adding an organic feel to his live performance. His stage setup included several LED panels that displayed colorful graphics, a healthy dose of fog, and a stacked lighting rig that fostered an elevated visual experience.

    This evening’s stellar performance included samplings of “No Sleep Til Brooklyn” by NYC’s own Beastie Boys and “Can’t Get Enough” by Gramatik’s frequent cohort Griz. Will Magid joined the party on trumpet for a tune, and the crowd was loving every second of this vibrant collaboration. Gramatik noted that this was his last show of 2019 and he sure went out with a bang.

  • Governors Ball Institutes New Age Policy for 2020

    The Governors Ball Music Festival, held annually on Randall’s Island in New York, is instituting an 18 and over age policy for festival attendees beginning in 2020. The 10th edition of the festival will be held June 5-7.

    The Yeah Yeah Yeahs perform at the 2018 GovBall

    Festival attendees 17 and younger must have a valid photo ID and be accompanied by someone 21 or older in order to gain entry to the 2020 festival. According to the new policy, “All persons aged 17 and under MUST attend with an adult who is 21 or older. Each adult must have a valid form of ID and may accompany up to TWO ticket holders aged 17 or younger. All individuals must arrive together, via the same entrance, and all individuals must have valid wristbands/tickets.”

    Festival co-founders Tom Russell and Jordan Wolowitz stated, “The changes we are implementing this year come directly from fan feedback and conversation. We are always listening, always evolving, and always trying to give our fans and our City the best festival they could ask for.”

    In addition to the new age policy, the festival also announced new VIP perks. The VIP Experience allows access to all VIP viewing ages at all four stages, specialty food vendors, shade tents, cell phone charging stations and comfortable seating options. New to the 2020 festival is a separate lane for transportation pick up points, private Wi-Fi, free water and air-conditioned bathrooms. VIP areas will be 21 and over.

    This year’s GovBall was fraught with weather issues. Organizers were forced to cancel the entire final day of the festival due to severe thunderstorms. The cancelation nixed performances by The Strokes and Nas along with 25 other acts.

    The 2020 lineup should be rolled out after the first of the year. For more information, follow the festival’s Twitter feed here or the website here.

  • Kamaal Williams Showcases His Modern Jazz on Two Floors at Elsewhere

    UK-based modern jazz artist Kamaal Williams brought his band to Brooklyn this past Saturday for a headlining show at Bushwick’s Elsewhere. Also known as Henry Wu, Williams has been putting out hip-hop-infused jazz music since 2012. With a musical foundation as a drummer, Williams has brought a percussionist mentality to his music, developing deep layers and rhythms on the keys.

    Kamaal Williams at Elsewere, Brooklyn – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    In 2018, Williams founded his own record label, Black Focus Records, and released his debut as Kamaal Williams, The Return. The album is a true representation of the modern jazz scene, with influences from hip-hop, UK garage and funk melding with the jazz foundation in a unique way. All of these influences feature heavily on William’s NTS Radio residency as Henry Wu.

    Kamaal Williams at Elsewere, Brooklyn – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    The show relied heavily on The Return, but throughout the night the band ventured in and out of unidentifiable musical passages and jams. The connection between Williams and the drummer was obvious as they cued off each other constantly, all while keeping in sync. Along with Williams’ large keyboard setup, the band consisted of drums, bass and tenor saxophone, but the depth of their sound made them seem much larger.

    Kamaal Williams at Elsewere, Brooklyn – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    Shifting back to his roots as Henry Wu, Williams also released the 70th edition of the legendary series DJ Kicks this earlier this month. Still with jazz influences throughout, this release focuses more on the eclectic history of UK beat and garage music with Williams’ jazz style layered in. After the show at Elsewhere, Williams moved up to the second floor loft to DJ a late night party celebrating this release.

    Kamaal Williams at Elsewere, Brooklyn – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    The band continues a tour of North America through December. It will be very interesting to hear how Williams follows up The Return in 2020.

  • Crumb ‘Jinx Tour’ Stops at Music Hall of Williamsburg

    Crumb played some of their classic songs and sold out the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Friday. The show opened with sets from the groups of Shormey and Divino Niño. Both had a similar wavy, indie sound similar to Crumb. Divino Niño delivered a spectacle of a performance with an excess of dancing and tossing roses; their showmanship rivaled that of the headliner.

    Crumb

    Crumb donned the stage to “Sweet Escape” and kicked off the show with “Cracking,” the opening song to their full length album Jinx. Lila Ramani delivered her signature sweet vocals and dreamy guitar licks. At some point, she brought balloons to the front of the stage and emptied a water bottle on the crowd. For their encore, Crumb played one of their most popular hits, “So Tired.” When the song picked up, everyone from the opening acts burst on stage to play and dance together.

  • Turkuaz to ditch colors as they kick off December tour at FTC Warehouse

    Brooklyn-based funk band Turkuaz, who recently dropped their roygbiv colors as well as their new EP Kuadrochrome in November, will perform at FTC Warehouse in Fairfield, CT on Thursday, December 5. The show (with special guest Great Time) marks the first of 9 shows in December, which finds the band travel from the Northeast to Colorado, where they’ll perform in Boulder on New Years Eve.

    turkuaz colors

    Dave Brandwein, one of the founding members of Turkuaz, produced the tracks that were recorded at Galaxy Smith Studios. Available for download on all major services, the 4-song EP is also set to be released in limited-edition vinyl LP that will include special instrumental versions of the tracks.

    Alluding to a more cohesive sound while sticking true to the band’s fusion of funk with elements of R&B, psychedelic pop, gospel, Afro-pop, New Wave, and classic rock, Kuadrochrome is designed to get people dancing. This is evident in the visualizer video released last week for the studio rendition of “Heat Drop.” As many fans are already aware, the “colors” era is forever encapsulated in the band’s feature concert film, None’s a Ton, slated for wide release sometime this winter. 

    “We’re stripping back to our basics a bit with this release,” explains Brandwein. “We’re revisiting some of the old school elements of funk and soul that we’ve veered away from in recent years. It’s fun to change it up every once in a while and we feel it’s important for us, as well as our fans to keep things fresh. Although we’re playing some different material and sporting a new look — it’s still the same Turkuaz energy, with plenty of material from our whole catalogue. This is just the beginning. Kuadrochrome is the first of many steps into a new and exciting future in the world of Turkuaz.”

    To celebrate a new era for Turkuaz they will kick off a short winter tour on December 5 at FTC Warehouse in Fairfield, CT. Touring across the United States they will also be joined by several other bands. Philadelphia native funk/alternative band Great Time will be on stage in Fairfield, CT and Philadelphia, PA at the beginning of the tour. Starting in Kalamazoo, MI, Brooklyn duo Paris Monster is set to rock the stage for three nights. Hailing from Portland, OR, Swatkins and The Positive Agenda will be sure to bring a good time during the middle of the tour before Chicago native Neil Francis and his evolutionary soul-funk sounds from a bygone era finish up the last nine of the tour’s stops.

    Find a full list of upcoming dates below and head over to the band’s website for tickets.

    Turkuaz Tour Dates:
    Dec. 5 – Warehouse – Fairfield, CT *
    Dec. 6- Theatre of The Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA *
    Dec. 12 – Bells Brewery – Kalamazoo, MI ^
    Dec. 13 – The Vogue Theater – Indianapolis, IN ^
    Dec. 14 – Exit/IN – Nashville, TN ^
    Dec. 27 – Aggie Theatre – Fort Collins, CO #
    Dec. 28-29 – 10 Mile Music Hall – Frisco, CO #
    Dec. 31 – Boulder Theater – Boulder, CO #
    Jan. 7-12 – Jam Cruise – Miami, FL 
    Jan. 15 – Saturn – Birmingham, AL ~
    Jan. 16 – Victory, North – Savannah, GA ~
    Jan. 17 – Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC ~
    Jan. 18 – Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA ~
    Jan. 23- Songbirds  – Chattanooga, TN ~
    Jan. 24 – Madison Theater – Covington, KY ~
    Jan. 25 – Jefferson Theatre – Charlottesville, VA  ~
    Jan. 30 – High Noon Saloon – Madison, WI  ~
    Jan. 31 – Park West – Chicago, IL 
    Feb. 1 – Fine Line Music Cafe – Minneapolis, MN ~

    * w/ Great Time
    ^ w/ Paris Monster
    # w/ Swaktins & The Positive Agenda
    ~ w/ Neal Francis

  • Tanglewood Reveals Summer Lineup – Trey Anastasio to Team up with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops

    The Tanglewood 2020 season has been announced with a range of festival favorites and brand new faces. The 12 programs start on June 19 and run through the entire summer, wrapping up on Aug. 30.

    The BSO’s $25 tickets for attendees under 40 will be available during the 2020 Tanglewood season for select performances; these tickets are available starting at the end of May on a first-come, first-served basis through www.tanglewood.org 

    Each program is made up of multiple acts that take place over multiple days. Some of the incredible acts to catch at Tanglewood summer of 2020 include Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band,  Boston Symphony Orchestra, Judy Collins, Arlo Guthrie, Brian Wilson performing Pet Sounds, Trey Anastasio with the Boston Pops and other Tanglewood favorites like Emanuel Ax, Susan Graham, and Yo-Yo Ma. 

    Tanglewood is nestled in the hills of the Berkshires of Lenox and Stockbridge, MA and has been the home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1937. The festival was founded and created by Serge Koussevitzky (BSO Music Director 1924-1949) and is not only a place for music but for a variety of performances and multidisciplinary activities from dance troupes to trivia nights. It’s got a little bit of everything. 

     Year-round Berkshire County residents of Massachusetts may purchase a Berkshire Resident Season Lawn Pass priced at $100. Local residents must show a valid Massachusetts license which is required to obtain a photo ID pass.

    There is also an array of choruses and orchestras to catch of course playing everything from classical to pop culture recreations. With acts like Andris Nelsons-led program with Augustin Hadelich performing Beethoven’s Romance No. 1 and Dutilleux’s L’Arbre des songs to Two Boston Pops concerts led by Keith Lockhart: a film presentation of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, with the orchestra performing the score on August 21st Tanglewood covers all the orchestra bases.

    There is also ‘Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!’ NPR’s weekly news quiz hosted by Peter Sagal with judge and scorekeeper, Bill Kurtis, and the annual John Williams’ Film Night is coming back hosted by Mr. William’s himself. There’s definitely a little something for every music lover out there even if it’s not just music.

    Tickets go on sale Sunday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m and regular-season ticket prices range from $12-$132 on average. For tickets and more information visit Tanglewood’s website or call 888-266-1200.

  • In Focus: Disco Biscuits wrap up first part of Fall Tour at State Fairgrounds in Syracuse

    The Disco Biscuits returned to Syracuse for two nights, their first run in the Salt City since Halloween 2015. The masters of live electronica and improvisation performed four flawless sets to enthusiastic crowds at SI Hall at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on November 22 and 23.

    On Friday, following an energetic “M.E.M.P.H.I.S.” opener, guitarist Jon “The Barber” Gutwillig stretched the intro to “Run Like Hell” out for an extended period before a triumphant burst into the Pink Floyd cover, then took the long route into an inverted “Aquatic Ape.” A full “Hot Air Balloon” closed the five song set, one of the few this tour to feature no new material that the band has been breaking out.

    disco biscuits syracuse
    photo by Josh Davis

    Set 2 opened with a pair of ‘global’ tunes, “Jigsaw Earth” and “Story of the World,” the latter of which sandwiched the remained of the set. “Anthem” and “Rocket Science,” two new originals debuted this tour, filled the sandwich, with an “Orch Theme” meshed in between. With the clock ticking, Men Without Hats’ “Safety Dance” served as an encore, with the show ending right at 11pm. A sweaty and smiling crowd rejoiced at one of the finest nights of the tour thus far.

    Disco Biscuits, Syracuse, NY – Friday, November 22 setlist via PhantasyTour:

    Set 1: M.E.M.P.H.I.S. > Run Like Hell1 > Aquatic Ape2 > Svenghali3, Hot Air Balloon
    Set 2: Jigsaw Earth, Story Of The World > Anthem > Orch Theme > Rocket Science > Story Of The World
    Encore: The Safety Dance

    1. unfinished
    2. inverted version
    3. ending only

    The Biscuits’ Saturday performance featured a pair of new songs, a Tractorbeam jam, and one of the best sets from the eight fall shows thus far. Two songs, “Mulberry’s Dream” and “Crickets,” were each interpolated with “Catalyst” and recent debut “4th of July,” respectively. In between these two combos found another new tune, “Electric Slinky,” part of a potential series of ‘Slinky’ songs, including “Freebis Slinky.”

    disco biscuits syracuse
    photo by Josh Davis

    Set 2 was filled with pure heat from start to finish. The four song set featured three roughly-15 minute jams, and one monster jam that went past the half hour mark. Opening with “Clocks,” a debut from earlier this year, the band ventured into “Gangster” which was met with cheers and fist pumps from the audience. What came next was one of the longest jams of the tour (thus far) and the highlight of the weekend. A 30+ minute “Spacebirdmatingcall” featured a Tractorbeam jam on Crackazat’s “Fly Away,” which draws on Earth Wind & Fire’s “I’ve Had Enough” and seemed to never let up as the band dove deep and kept exploring what the jam had to offer. “Little Shimmy in a Conga Line” wrapped up the set nicely, and a pairing of “Frog Legs” and the ending section of “Run Like Hell” from the previous night’s version cemented the night as one of the best of the tour. Setbreak is indeed over.

    The Disco Biscuits head south to Florida for four shows in mid-December, then return to New York City where they will close out the year in Times Square at the Playstation Theater, which will close on December 31st following their performance.

    Disco Biscuits, Syracuse, NY – Saturday, November 23 setlist via PhantasyTour:

    Set 1: Mulberry’s Dream > Catalyst > Mulberry’s Dream, Electric Slinky, Crickets > 4th of July > Crickets
    Set 2: Clocks > Gangster > Spacebirdmatingcall > Tractorbeam Jam1 > Spacebirdmatingcall, Little Shimmy In A Conga Line
    Encore: Frog Legs > Run Like Hell2

    1. Fly Away (Crackazat)
    2. ending only; completes 11/22/19 version
    • photo by Josh Davis
    • photo by Josh Davis
    • disco biscuits syracuse
      photo by Josh Davis
    • photo by Josh Davis
    • disco biscuits syracuse
      photo by Josh Davis
    • disco biscuits syracuse
    • photo by Josh Davis
    • disco biscuits syracuse
      photo by Josh Davis
    • photo by Josh Davis
    • disco biscuits syracuse
      photo by Josh Davis
    • disco biscuits syracuse
      photo by Josh Davis
    • photo by Josh Davis

  • Mungion and the Magic Beans Drop Fall Tour Heat at the Knitting Factory

    Chicago’s Mungion, a funk/rock jam band, and the Magic Beans, another impressive jam band from Boulder, Co, delivered funky fall tour heat at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, NY. Both bands wrapped up an exciting fall tour on the East Coast together, alternating closing duties nightly. Mungion did the honors at the Knitting Factory. The Bushicks, a local Brooklyn band, opened the evening for these talented bands.

    John Adamski of the Busicks

    The Brooklyn native Bushicks are a power trio hailing around the tri-state region. The band consists of Jonny Patrizio (Vocals/Guitar), Jessica Bogwicz (Bass) and John Adamski (Drums/Vocals). The trio was joined by a saxophonist this evening for most of the set. They delivered their signature rock, including a sweet cover of “Axilla” by Phish.

    Casey Russell, Scott Hachey and Chris Duffy from the Magic Beans are feeling it.

    The Magic Beans wove their tasty funk/soul/rock sounds next. The Bean band members include Scott Hachey (guitar/vocals), Casey Russell (keyboards/vocals), Chris Duffy (bass/vocals), and Cody Wales (drums/vocals). The band began by immediately dropping into a deep jam, showcasing their exceptional improvisational skills, and never looked back. This band specializes in space jam funk, and did not disappoint.

    Mungion

    Mungion picked up the jam vehicle where the Magic Beans left off, and dove into a rocking jam of intricate riffs. This band is made up of Justin Reckamp (guitar), Joe Re (keys), Sean Carolan (bass), and Matt Kellen (drums). The exciting directions, stellar compositions and expressive improvisation were apparent from the first note.

    Scott Hachey of the Magic Beans

    Both the Magic Beans and Mungion are firing on all cylinders after their 2019 fall tour through the East Coast. Mungion is closing out 2019 by playing December 29-31 at Martyr’s in Chicago, Ill. The Magic Beans are playing one night at the Goat in Keystone, Co on December 28. They resume touring with Snowstalk, their own winter festival in Frisco, Co on January 24-25, 2020. The Colorado based lineup includes Kyle Hollingsworth from String Cheese Incident, as well as skiing at Copper Mountain, and is certain to be a special event.

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