The Moho Collective trio will once again return to Lovin’ Cup on October 11, 2019 to celebrate the release of their new EP Akra. Ben Proctor of The Crooked North is set to provide a solo act to open the show. The Moho Collective will then be joined by a seven-piece ensemble that will include members from The Mighty High and Dry, The Eastman Jazz Ensemble and The Saplings, as attendees will enjoy hearing Akra performed in its entirety.
Lovin’ Cup is a venue located in Rochester, NY and has hosted the band’s release parties since their first in 2010. This includes the EP Soma that was released just last year. Though The Moho Collective previously spent much of their early career touring the North-East, they decided to go in a different direction and take time off to record tracks with the Temperamental Recordings label out of Geneseo, NY. Soma and Akra are both the result of this studio time, with more releases to come in the future.
Even with the trio deviating from their usual form of practicing new music live until it is perfect, staying true to form Akra is anything but stagnant. The crowd at Lovin’ Cup can expect more musical experimentation and the trio’s first ever vocal performance. Not only is Akra just as unique as the rest of their recordings but listeners will also hear guest performances from Dana Colley of Morphine and Mike Brown, owner of Temperamental Recordings.
Doors open at 7 PM with the show starting at 8 PM. Tickets are available ONLINE or at Lovin’ Cup, which includes a copy of the EP.
Central New York songwriters Mike Powell and Chris Merkley will celebrate the connection between craft beer and music this October with their first mini-tour of local breweries, fittingly in their home region, which at one time produced 90% of the hops in the U.S.
Since the passing of the Craft New York Act in 2014, more than 400 licensed breweries have opened across the state. Not only did this act create many new places to sample craft-brewed beers, but it also created almost as many new performance spaces for musicians. Powell and Merkley have chosen four of these breweries for their 4-pack micro tour, dubbed Original Gravity.
In brewing terms, original gravity refers to the specific gravity of the wort prior to fermentation, which is the process that produces the beer. The name of this mini-tour fits perfectly within that theme. The two friends are embarking on the first of what they hope will be a continuing series of brewery stops. This tour will measure the original gravity of this type of endeavor.
They’ll be exploring different perspectives on the idea of craftsmanship, taking a closer look at the similarities between songwriters and brewers while documenting their travels as part of a collaboration with NYSMusic. The folk, blues and Americana-inspired songwriters will make stops in Rome, Penn Yan, Warners, and Pompey between October 10 – 13.
Mike Powell and John Hanus of the Black River provided by press contact person for Woods Fest Music Festival.
Singer-songwriters spend countless years honing their craft and exploring the endless possibilities and nuances of pairing lyrics to music. When these songs finally make it to the microphone, they impact listeners with a wide range of thoughts, feelings, and emotions. In similar ways, a craft brewer can enter into the tradition of brewing beer and spend as many countless years refining their recipes and process to create just the right balance of flavors and notes for that first sip.
The first stop of the tour takes Powell and Merkley to Copper City Brewing Company in Rome for a Thursday, Oct. 10 show. Established in 2016, Copper City is Rome’s first brewery since the 1940s. With 11 beers on tap and a selection of hard ciders and wines hand-selected from the region, Copper City has dedicated itself to bringing brewing back to the community and is proud to be the first local microbrewery in over seven decades. Music starts at 7 p.m. and admission is free.
Mike Powell
The second show of Original Gravity takes the songwriters west to Abandon Brewing in Penn Yan on Friday, Oct. 11. Perched atop the Finger Lakes, Abandon Brewing Company is a geothermal-powered craft brewery located in a reused farmhouse overlooking Keuka Lake. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the taproom, a pint in their beer hall or out on the deck overlooking the grapes, apples and hops of Abandon Acres. Music starts at 8 p.m. and tickets to the show are now available through the Facebook event and through Eventbrite.
For the third show of the tour, Merkley and Powell travel to a brand new brewery in Pompey called Heritage Hill Brewhouse. With farm-to-table dining options and an expansive property that features multiple playgrounds and patios, a pumpkin patch, and numerous gardens, Heritage Hill offers views as far as the Carrier Dome and across nine counties on a clear day. Powell and Merkley are scheduled to perform on their outdoor stage at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. In the event of inclement weather, music will move indoors in Heritage Hill’s event barn.
The fourth and final show of the micro tour brings the songwriting duo to Warners for a performance at Local 315 Brewing Company. Growing their own hops at Fawn Crossing Hops Farm, and supplementing other ingredients from as many New York State products as possible, Local 315 Brewing has made it a mission to keep it local in the 315. Music starts at 3 p.m. on the 12th and will take place on the outdoor stage weather permitting.
With a vintage voice and a chest full of hauntingly heartfelt songs, prolific storyteller Mike Powell is the underground messenger of blue-collar soul. Each night the lights go up, this pioneering poet lets his guard down and allows the fervently fearless stories to come to life. His comfort behind a microphone and unique brand of atomic folk creates a vibe that warms the room like a long-ago fire burning hot inside a cabin in the woods.
Armed with a pair of homemade wooden boxes, resonator guitar, and a suitcase full of harmonicas, Chris Merkley has performed over a thousand shows from the streets of Paris to venues throughout Europe and across the United States. He has released nine albums with a variety of groups which include the songwriting duo Merkley & Morgan, his high-octane country/blues belting band of globetrotters called The Crooners, and the swampy blues rock trio Digger Jones. In addition to an extensive career of recording and touring, Merkley has composed and produced catalogs of original music for Cinemax and HBO and has had his songs featured in numerous independent films and television broadcasts.
Throughout the duration of Original Gravity, there will be regular updates at NYSMusic featuring blog-style entries to document tales of their tour. Accounts of the shows as well as perspectives on the unique characteristics of each brewery, and their approach to brewing will be covered along with stories from the road. More information on the music of Powell and Merkley can be found on Facebook or by visiting their websites at MikePowell.co and ChrisMerkley.com.
This November and December, guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady will take to the road to close 2019 as Hot Tuna and wrap up their 50th year with acoustic shows with electric holiday performances as well.
Town Hall in New York City will host the tour kick off with two nights of electric Hot Tuna on Nov. 29 and 30, with special guest Steve Kimock. The Jefferson Airplane alums will then team up with Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams for 11 shows around the Northeast and Midwest, including stops in Troy, Poughkeepsie and Buffalo. Hot Tuna will then close out 2019 in Florida with shows on Dec. 28 in Clearwater and Dec. 31 in Ft. Lauderdale with an electric performance. Full tour dates can be found below.
Hot Tuna Fall Tour Dates
Nov. 29-30 – The Town Hall – New York, NY* Dec. 2 – Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center – Bethlehem, PA^ Dec.3 – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall – Troy, NY^ Dec.5 – Bardavon 1869 Opera House – Poughkeepsie, NY^ Dec. 6 – The Colonial Theatre – Keene, NH^ Dec. 7 – Garde Arts Center – New London, CT^ Dec. 9 – Asbury Hall – Buffalo, NY^ Dec. 10 – The Palace Theatre – Greensburg, PA^ Dec. 11 – Kent Stage – Kent, OH^ Dec. 13 – Park West – Chicago, IL^ Dec. 14 – Fitzgerald – St. Paul, MN^ Dec. 15 – Turner Hall Balroom – Milwaukee, WI^ Dec. 28 – Bilheimer Capitol Theatre – Clearwater, FL Dec. 31 – Parker Playhouse – Fort Lauderdale, FL+
* w/ Steve Kimock ^ w/ Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams
The Furious Bongos are extending the season of Halloween shenanigans and observing the unofficial holiday of Frank Zappa! They’re returning to some of their favorite venues and expanding into new territory as things are rapidly growing for this fiery band. They’ll kick off tour at The Chance in Poughkeepsie on November 1, then make stops in Albany and Buffalo. Bring your ponchos…or your best Zomby Woof costume!
When bassist/arranger Conrad St. Clair decided to tackle this project, knowing Zappa drew on influences ranging from Stravinsky to Leadbelly, he felt it was important to assemble musicians with backgrounds as farflung as Zappa’s influences. As a result, the band has a heavyweight and eclectic resume, including work with artists like Yo Yo Ma, India Arie, Mick Fleetwood, and Les Paul. This tour will also feature amazing violinist Randal Harrison and master mallet player Matt Peters, as well as Grammy-winning Jay Frigoletto on keyboards for the first half of the tour.
Since Zappa’s music was constantly evolving and adapted to the musicians he was playing with at a given time, doing a note-for-note rendition of ‘Song X‘ from ‘album Y‘ while staring at their shoes didn’t seem like the proper way to go about this project. The Furious Bongos tracked down hundreds of pages of transcriptions and quickly scribbled notes from former band members and other sources, painstakingly compared different versions of the songs, and even dug up copies of rare scores in Frank’s own hand (coffee stains included). The end result is arrangements that you won’t hear anywhere else.
The Furious Bongos understand that however people describe Zappa, safe or vanilla aren’t usually first in mind. And, they appreciate Frank’s role as an entertainer, not just as a composer It’s a show that pays respect to an iconic legacy but is still new and different and dangerous and FUN, with lots of eyebrows. Kinda like Frank.
Carpool has just announced a month-long East Coast tour. It kicks off with a hometown show at Bug Jar in Rochester on Oct. 11. They make their way down the coast on their way to play Fest on Nov. 2. After that, they wind their way through the Midwest, hitting Chicago and Detroit on their way back to the finale on Nov. 14, back at the Bug Jar. Follow them on social media for updates.
The four-piece emo/punk band includes Chris Colasanto (Guitar/Vocals), Tommy Eckerson (Guitar/Vocals), Milo Duhn (Bass/Vocals), and Alec Westover (Drums/Vocals). Carpool released their sophomore EP I Think Everyone’s A Cop a year ago. Check out the NYS Music interview about the band and making of ITEAChere.
On Saturday September 21, 2019 four veteran hard rock bands rolled into Tags Summer Stage in Big Flats, NY to close out the summer concert series with a bang. 80’s iconic rock bands RATT, Warrant, Firehouse and Kix shared the stage for a night of rock and roll, reminiscing with gritty guitars, thundering bass, pounding drums, classic hits and power ballads. The entire six hour concert was abounding with that quintessential big driving eighties sound, par can lights, iconic riffs, screaming guitar solos, and lots of hair (for those who still have it) – along with plentiful lipstick and leather and vintage concert T’s both onstage and throughout the crowd. For many, 30 years ago seemed like yesterday and we were transported back to 1989.
STEPHEN PEARCY ~ RATT
Kicking the night off were veteran rockers Kix. Hailing from Hagerstown, Maryland, Kix formed in late 1977 with Ronnie “10/10” Younkins, Brian “Damage” Forsythe on guitars and bassist Donnie Purnell, with drummer Jimmy Chalfant and frontman Steve Whiteman coming on board shortly after. Kix released their debut self titled album Kix in 1981, followed up by Cool Kids in 1983 and Midnite Dynamite in 1985. It was after their release of their platinum album, Blow My Fuse in 1988, when the band experienced major commercial success with the hits “Blow My Fuse,” “Cold Blood,” and the power ballad “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” which reached number 11 on Billboard 100.
Kix hit the stage at 5:30 pm and began figuratively blowing fuses with their jaw dropping performance. Never missing a beat, Kix hit the ground running and never slowed down a for second during their hour long set. Steve Whiteman’s vocals were as strong as ever and still hit those high notes effortlessly. Whiteman, who has been out front revving up the crowds for nearly four decades with his charismatic and highly energetic stage presence, ran out on stage wearing all blue, as the band kicked into their opening number “Midnite Dynamite.” Whiteman has avoided the fate of many rock frontmen of his generation and has withstood the test of time as he still has the pipes, stage presence and energy of performers half his age.
KIXROCKS TAGS SUMMER STAGE
Despite being the first band in this classic line-up, many fans felt that Kix stole the show with their no frills, in your face, straight up rock and roll. As stated previously, Whitemans’s vocals were spot on superb. Both guitarists Younkins and Forsythe, although not overly flashy, were highly impressive with their style of playing and musicianship. Each yielding exquisitely beautiful guitars, their tone was magnificent as they complimented each others unmistakable style. Rounding out the astounding musicians in Kix were drummer Chalfant and newest member (2003) bass player Mark Schenker. Talk about a rock and roll bottom end, these two had the air moving. I’m sure the fans in the lawn section could feel the power emanating from the subs as the bottom end exploded like thunder.
The bands dominating performance unequivocally stunned the large crowd at Tags Summer Stage with their dynamic show stopping 10-song set. Their set included the opening number “Midnite Dynamite” as well as favorites “Get It While It’s Hot,” “Cold Blood” and “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” For a veteran rock band with a career that spans over forty years, Kix is proving to generations of fans, new and old, that they are timeless and still in charge. With seven studio albums under their belt, there are an array of songs in their catalog from the classics to the lesser known that they can pull out any night leaving the crowd wanting for more.
C.J. SNARE GREETS THE CROWD AT TAGS
Next up was Firehouse led by original members vocalist C.J. Snare, guitarist Bill Leverty and drummer Michael Foster, along with newest member Allen Mckenzie who joined the band in 2004.
Firehouse wasted no time kicking things off in blazing style as they exploded into their opening powerhouse number, “Overnight Sensation,” from their 1990 double platinum self titled debut album. Next was “Crash” from their 2003 album Prime Time, followed by “Shake and Tumble” from their debut album. Although Firehouse has not released an album of new material, they are no strangers to touring as road seasoned and extremely talented musicians and showmen who continue to perform with the energy and presence they have been know for for the past thirty years.
Tonight was no different. Snare had the crowd engaged and on their feet from the minute he stepped on stage as he interacted openly, made jokes and even invited a couple onstage to celebrate a special occasion with a dance during “When I Look Into Your Eyes.” His stage presence and commanded rock and roll respect and his vocal range and power are still as strong and commanding as ever. Leverty’s guitar playing remains soulful and melodic, yet blistering and intricate as he takes his playing through the stratosphere with his custom C.R. Alsip guitar. As Leverty solos through all the iconic Firehouse songs, it is easy to hear why he still remains one of the most gifted and talented guitarists after all these years.
BILL LEVERTY ~ FIREHOUSE
Rounding out the accomplished veteran line-up are original drummer Foster and their newest member, bassist McKenzie. Together, this dynamic duo kept the pace and rhythm with booming finesse as the band continued playing hit after hit including “Oughta Be a Law,” “All She Wrote” and “Lover’s Lane.” Firehouse closed out their 11 song power packed set with “Reach For The Sky” and lastly, “Don’t Treat Me Bad.”
The crowd at Tag’s did not have any time to cool off before Warrant took control of the stage in dominating fashion. With original members guitarists Erik Turner and Joey Allen, bassist Jerry Dixon and drummer Steven Sweet along with ex-Lynch Mob vocalist Robert Mason, who joined the band in 2008, they took the stage around 8:30, ready to roll as they exploded into their opening number “32 Pennies.” This summer Warrant is hitting the road promoting their “Dirty 30” tour in celebration of the anniversary of their first album, Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich, which was released in 1989.
WARRANT
For the last thirty years Warrant has been tearing up the charts, recording and touring since the release of their double platinum debut album despite lineup changes on and off. Although Mason brings his unique style, energy and dynamic vocal performance to the band, he covers former original vocalist Jani Lane’s range effortlessly with tenacious vigor and rock and roll attitude.
Warrant exploded on stage with as much passion and attitude as they have for the last 30 years. It is obvious they want to give the fans what they have been coming to see after three decades of touring. Make no mistake, the performance, rock and roll attitude and energy are a big part of what makes Warrant as popular as they are with the fans, however the musicianship and dedication to their craft is what it is all about. Their powerful, unmistakable signature sound on all of their big hits such as “Down Boys,” “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” and “D.R.F.S.R.,” as well as their power ballads including “Sometime’s She Cries” and “Heaven” was evident Saturday at Tag’s.
ROBERT MASON ~ WARRANT
After much excitement and anticipation, headliners RATT took command of the stage at 9:45. If the eager crowd at Tag’s had not had their fill of incredible rock and roll yet, they were in for a full out assault as RATT invaded Big Flats, New York. With only two original members of RATT in this current line-up, RATT, with frontman vocalist extraordinaire Stephen Pearcy is going strong; they look and sound as good as ever.
Along with Pearcy, bassist Juan Croucier is the only other original member of this multi-platinum commercially successful rock band. Despite the absence of three original musicians, this version of the band currently consists of guitarists Jordan Ziff (2018) and Chris Sanders (2018) formerly of Brittany Fox, along with drummer Pete Holmes formerly of the band Black and Blue. This line-up is phenomenal with Ziff easily filling the shoes of original RATT guitarist, Warren DeMartini.
JORDAN ZIFF ~ RATT
RATT kicked of their supercharged 75-minute set with “In Your Direction” from their 1984 multiplatinum album Out of the Cellar, followed by “Wanted Man,” from Cellar and “Dangerous But Worth the Risk” from their 1985 follow up album, Invasion of Your Privacy.
RATT mesmerized the audience for over an hour with 14 songs from their catalog of hits including “Way Cool Jr.,” “Lay It Down” and “You’re in Love.” Ziff and Sanders shredded through the classic RATT songs with finesse and speed making even the most intricate guitar parts appear simple. Croucier appeared to have the intensity and vitality as he had during the early days of RATT with his dynamic stage presence and performance, flipping his bass guitar around and over his head. RATT closed out the show with “Back For More” and finally their biggest hit, and probably most well known song, “Round and Round.”
Despite the cooling temperatures on the last day of summer 2019, Kix, Firehouse, Warrant, and RATT easily had the crowd at Tags heated up and not wanting the night, or summer to end. However, for all that attended this awesome rock and roll show, the summer most definitely ended on a positive, memorable note.
Borderland Music + Arts Festival 2019 showcased some of the best roots and rock music of today on the beautiful grounds of Knox Farm State Park. In addition to the music spread out over three stages, there were art vendors, installations, ample food and beverage options, even alpacas and axe throwing. Headlining Saturday night was Warren Haynes’ Gov’t Mule. Sunday saw Greensky Bluegrass close out the festival.
Monte Vayo has reemerged with a brand new track, “Sunrise 98.” The Rochester-based electronic artist made his debut last winter with the atmospheric EP Count Me Out. While his body of work thus far has been minimalist in terms of lyrics, his latest endeavor “Sunrise 98” ventures into a purely sans-vocals soundscape.
This push to create more instrumental work comes as I’m taking time to study the emergence of abstract art from the turn of the 20th century. I see instrumental music without any direct language or lyrics as parallel to artwork created without any distinct or recognizable visual forms. There is still color, there is still texture, but in lieu of a direct, explicit representation comes an unavoidable sense of space. Much like standing in an empty theatre or cavern for the first time, there’s a natural captivation that comes with experiencing atmospheres both vast and intimate.
The 19th Annual Native American Music Awards will take place at Seneca Niagara Hotel and Casino in Niagara Falls on Nov. 2. Among this year’s nominees are four New York-based acts. Public voting is now open through the NAMA website.
Syracuse’s Irv Lyons, Jr., Joanne Shenandoah, and the Ripcords were each nominated as well as Buffalo’s Nick Lone. Lyons earned two nominations, one for Best Rock Recording for his Sisters and Brothers album and one for Song of the Year, “Looking for the Light” from that album.
Lyons recorded his latest album at SubCat Studios in Syracuse with an all-star cast of area musicians that included Joe Driscoll, Billy Harrison, Melissa Gardiner, Edgar Pagan, Melanie Krahmer, Richie Melito, and others. Lyons is a Oneida Nation native and also a member of the Ripcords, who have also been nominated this year. His band’s sounds are rooted in blues, Latin jazz and country. The lineup he put together for his latest album brings hip-hop, jazz, rock, Latin jazz performers, producing a truly eclectic album.
Irv Lyons, Jr.
Shenandoah is up for Best Indie Single of the Year for her song “We Will Rise Up.” She is a Grammy-winning and 14-time Nammy winning Oneida Nation Native that not only writes and performs but is also an internationally recognized humanitarian and peace advocate. She is a founding member of the Hiawatha Insitute for Indigenous Knowledge and has performed for the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela. The Associated Press has described her as “America’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed Native American musicians of her time.”
Joanne Shenandoah
Buffalo’s Nick Lone is nominated in the Best Rap/Hip Hop/R&B category for his song “Native Pride.”
The Ripcords are a Syracuse-based band influenced by the blues, roots rock, rock-a-billy, and the music of New Orleans. They’ve been on the Syracuse music scene since 2003 and have performed throughout the Northeast. The band has been nominated in the Best Blues and Best Live Video categories for this year’s Nammys for their album Live at SubCat Studios.
The full list of this year’s nominees is below.
19th Annual Native American Music Awards Nominees:
Artist of the Year
Bear Fox (Mohawk) – Life Blanket
Murphy Platero (Navajo) – Butterflies, Horses and Guitars
Shelley Morningsong (Northern Cheyenne) – Simple Truth
Tonemah (Lumbee) – Red Dirt Remark
Vince Redhouse (Navajo) – A Distant Star
Wade Fernandez (Menominee) – Journey of the Heart
Group or Duo of the Year
Crazy Flute (Cherokee) – We Belong To The Music
Cree Confederation (Cree/Various) – Medicine Horse
Larry Redhouse Quartet (Navajo) – Naomi’s Dance
Sihasin (Navajo) – Fight Like A Woman
The Cody Blackbird Band and Connor Chee (Dakota, Cherokee, Navajo) – Live From White Horse Black Mountain
Young Spirit (Plains Cree/Various) – Red Dress Special/Love, Life, Round Dance
New Artist or Debut Artist of the Year
Alex FireThunder (Lakota) – Makȟóčhe Kiŋ Theȟíla (Love For The Land)
D Johnson (Navajo) – K Town
David Lopez (Comanche/Tarahumara) – If I Won The Lottery
Hailing from Jamestown, NY, Cold Lazarus is a fusion four-piece that melds funk, psychedelic rock, reggae and soul with indie-style vocals and introspective lyrics. With three releases now in their discography, the band is established in their sound and aesthetic. Their albums all have a great flow, and in the past offered consistency with each song. While this is the case as a whole with the new release, Colors and Lights, there are a lot of new ideas presented that break the band away from their regular brand of psychedelic jam-rock. This new release brings a lot of composition and arrangement without compromising on the live feeling Cold Lazarus emulates so well. Cold Lazarus is unconventional in their songwriting, and unrelenting in their audacity to make something distinct.
The opening track on the album, “A Dream Serene” sends the listener straight into space with a multi-dimensional ambient piece with a heavy emphasis on vocals. The harmonies are tight and varied, and offer a real pallet cleaner to usher in the titular track “Colors and Lights.” The low-fi funk opening leaves room for the song to build, as the band expands the production and enters the realm of hi-fi. The composition is very unique to Cold Lazarus- as opposed to each member holding big chords, the group has each person playing one or two notes that create a moving chord progression more similar to classical funk, and even classical music at that. The drums are agile with fills, fresh and diversified between phrases. The keys and guitar find themselves in conversations atop a steady and arresting bass line.
There are some really fun tunes on this album. “Don’t Hide” is a great illustration of how the band can combine extended jams with compact choruses. While the song can meander into new spaces and ideas, there is always a return to home base. Something the band has that sets them in a league of their own are their longer jams that incorporate motifs and themes. The meat of the song is the organic performances in these live-feeling jams, but the potatoes are certainly the choruses. The characteristic harmonies that play off each other give these choruses more muscle and tension.
Between songs you will find interesting electronic-inspired breaks. “Trepidation” and “Dimension Ascension” highlight an entirely new aspect of the band’s abilities. Making use of 606’s and glitchy drum beats, these sketches add more variety to the album than past projects.
Cold Lazarus has certainly accomplished their goal in creating an adventurous psychedelic rock album that doesn’t place itself solely in the realm of one genre. The talent of the band absolutely shines through in different ways in each of the songs. While some of these songs last upwards of 10 minutes, they never become tedious. Interesting composition and tight production work together to construct something that keeps the listener engaged and excited to see what the next turn brings.
Key Tracks: Don’t Hide, Spiral Sea Unending, Colors and Lights
