NYS Music 202​0

Category: Rock

  • The Lawn Boys Celebrate Phish With Sweet Jams at Sera Phi

    The Lawn Boys celebrated Phish at Sera Phi in Greenpoint on Saturday night, and said goodbye to local artist Alex Anastas with a dream set list of Phish songs crafted by Anastas himself. The band consists of Darren Rodney (guitar), Andrew Mega (drums), Bruce Raskin (bass), and David Kaufman (keyboards), and primarily plays Phish covers.

    Sera Phi is also known as the Sera Phi Social Club, which lived up to its name as the crowd was exceptionally friendly. The row of couches in the back created a great ambiance and the vibrating floor echoed the crowd’s enjoyment through movement. The walls were filled with projections of partially inverted images of Phish throughout the evening, courtesy of videographer Aylon Ben-Ami.

    Alex Anastas

    The show began on a high note, with the band announcing the departure of Anastas to Australia, and stating that the proceeds from the event would benefit those impacted by the Australian bush fires. The first set contained many heavy hitters. “Bathtub Gin” included notable jam solos by Rodney, who was firing on all cylinders. Also, “Maze” > “David Bowie” felt like the real thing, as this band effectively channeled Phish. Anastas took the stage and sang during “Dirt” and “Waste.”

    After a delicious DJ set that included re-mixes of Pink Floyd, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead and the Talking Heads, the boys returned for another monster set. “Down With Disease” was the prevalent theme, as the band jammed into and out of this song several times. During “Glide,” the lyrics were changed to “We’re glad glad glad that Al’s alive.” The encore was equally exciting and well executed, with versions of “Harry Hood” and “Chalkdust Torture” that made the crowd long for the real thing.

    Overall, the Lawn Boys’ skills were quite impressive, and paired well with the social crowd at Sera Phi. They are a talented cover band who portrays Phish with vigor and delighted the crowd throughout the night.

    Setlist:

    Set One: Curtain With > AC / DC Bag, Bathtub Gin -> Ghost* > (funk jam) > Tweezer > Maze , Dirt, Waste^, Bouncing Around the Room,  David Bowie > Highway to Hell 

    Set Two: Down With Disease > Crosseyed and Painless > Down With Disease, Glide, Heavy Things, YEM, Tube > Tweezer Reprise

    Encore: Chalkdust Torture, Harry Hood

    Notes: *DWD teases; ^Darren acoustic, Al on vocals

  • The 2020 Rock and Roll Playhouse Includes Multiple Shows in New York

    The Rock and Roll Playhouse has expanded to include even more dates across the United States, including many in New York City. The performances will also make their way to Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, Cubby Bear in Chicago, The Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, and Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, CA. 

    The Rock and Roll Playhouse is a family-minded live event series that tries to find new ways to inspire creativity and particularly foster a relationship between children and music. It’s a national concert series that gives back to local communities. The program has donated to the Can’d Aid Foundation’s Tunes Programs, VH-1 Save the Music Foundation, and Keep the Music Alive, as well as ticket donations to local school fundraisers and auctions.

    The event series will make stops at Brooklyn Bowl New York, Garcia’s at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, Industry City in Brooklyn and Rockefeller Center in New York City. For more information and to purchase tickets visit The Rock and Roll Playhouse official site. 

    The Rock and Roll Playhouse 2020 Winter/Spring Tour Dates:

    Ardmore Music Hall – Philadelphia, PA 

    2/8 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids with Johnny Shortcake

    3/29 – The Music of Phish for Kids ft. Bathtub Gin 

    Brooklyn Bowl New York – Brooklyn, NY 

    2/9 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids

    2/16 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids

    2/23 – Mardi Gras Celebration for Kids ft. Black Tie Brass 

    3/1 – The Music of Fleetwood Mac for Kids

    3/8 – The Music of Phish for Kids ft. Uncle Ebenezer – Purim Celebration with Because Jewish

    3/15 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids // Family-friendly Tribute to Phil Lesh Celebrating his 80th Birthday

    3/22 – Broadway Rock for Kids ft. Musicians and Singers Direct from Broadway  

    3/29 – The Music of Dave Matthews Band for Kids ft. Rhyme and Reason 

    Brooklyn Bowl Nashville – Nashville, TN

    3/29 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids ft. Los Colognes 

    4/19 – The Music of Queen for Kids

    5/10 – Music of The Beatles for Kids // Mother’s Day Celebration 

    Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV

    2/22 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids! 

    3/28 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids 

    Bluebird Theater – Denver, CO

    2/8 – The Music of Phish for Kids ft. Kings of Prussia 

    Garcia’s at the Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY 

    2/15 – The Music of Queen for Kids

    2/29 – Music of The Beatles for Kids

    3/15 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids // Family-friendly Tribute to Phil Lesh Celebrating his 80th Birthday

    3/21 – Jazz for Kids 

    Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC

    2/8 – The Music of Phish for Kids w/ Runaway Gin 

    3/14 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids // Family-friendly Tribute to Phil Lesh Celebrating his 80th Birthday

    Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR 

    2/9 – The Music of Talking Heads for Kids

    3/15 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids // Family-friendly Tribute to Phil Lesh Celebrating his 80th Birthday

    Fairfield Theatre Company – Fairfield, CT  

    2/9 – The Music of Phish for Kids ft. Uncle Ebenezer 

    3/1 – One Love ft. Music of Bob Marley for Kids and More! 

    Funky Biscuit – Boca Raton, FL

    2/9 – Music of The Beatles for Kids

    Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC 

    2/23 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids

    Higher Ground – Burlington, VT

    2/9 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids

    3/8 – The Music of Phish for Kids

    Industry City – Brooklyn, NY

    2/8 – One Love ft. Music of Bob Marley for Kids and More w/ David Langlois and the Brooklyners – Bob Marley’s 75th Birthday Celebration  

    2/15 – Music of The Beatles for Kids  

    2/22 – Mardi Gras Celebration for Kids ft. Black Tie Brass

    2/29 – Broadway Rock for Kids ft. Musicians and Singers Direct From Broadway

    3/14 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids // Family-friendly Tribute to Phil Lesh Celebrating his 80th Birthday 

    Mohawk- Austin, TX

    2/9 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids 

    Port City Music Hall – Portland, ME 

    2/9 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids 

    3/1 – The Music of Phish for Kids 

    Rockefeller Center – New York, NY

    2/9 – Reggae for Kids ft. David Langlois and the Brooklyners  

    Saturn – Birmingham, AL 

    2/9 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids

    The Sinclair – Boston, MA 

    2/9 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids 

    3/8 – The Music of Phish for Kids

    The Stone Pony – Asbury, NJ

    2/9 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids 

    Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley, CA

    2/8 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids! 

    3/22 – The Music of Talking Heads for Kids 

    Terminal West – Atlanta, GA

    2/9 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids! 

    3/22 – The Music of Phish for Kids

    Terrapin Crossroads – San Rafael, CA

    3/14 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids // Family-friendly Tribute to Phil Lesh Celebrating his 80th Birthday

    Thalia Hall – Chicago, IL 

    2/9 – Music of The Beatles for Kids (AM Show // SOLD OUT)

    2/9 – Music of The Beatles for Kids (PM Show) 

    3/1 – The Music of Phish for Kids 

    3/29 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids

    UC Theatre – Berkeley, CA 

    2/2 – Music of The Beatles for Kids

    Varsity Theater – Minneapolis, MN 

    2/22 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids 

  • Barenaked Ladies Officially Postpone North American Tour

    Grammy-nominated rock quartet Barenaked Ladies, have postponed the sixth edition of their “Last Summer on Earth” tour. The two-month expedition would have seen the Juno award-winning outfit perform in some of the world’s most renowned locations, including Los Angeles’, Greek Theatre and New York City’s Central Park SummerStage. “Last Summer on Tour,” a named derived from the Mayans predictions of the world end in 2012, will still see Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket join them as opening acts, just a little later than originally planned.

    Vocalist/guitarist Ed Robertson shares, “We were really hoping we’d be able to pull it off this summer, but for the safety of our fans, all the venue staff, bands and crew, we need to listen to best advice and postpone until next summer. We’ll be back with the same lineup in almost all the same venues in 2021. We hope to see each and every one of you then. Be safe. Continue to Rock, and don’t forget to Roll.”

    Tickets purchased for 2020 will still valid for 2021 however, shows in  Houston, San Diego, St Louis and Pittsburgh were not able to be rescheduled. Refunds will be handled by original ticket providers. To thank fans for their support, an exclusive #SelfieCamJam along with a message from the band will be sent to ticket buyers via their ticket provider.

    All information on the “Last Summer on Earth” 2021 tour can be found at the Barenaked Ladies website, while dates can be found below.  

    https://youtu.be/y2xlsDjO77M

    2021 LAST SUMMER ON EARTH TOUR DATES
    June 4th – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park – Atlanta, GA
    June 5th – St. Augustine Amphitheatre – St Augustine, FL
    June 8th – Toyota Music Factory – Irving, TX
    June 10th – Arizona Federal Theatre – Phoenix, AZ
    June 11th – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
    June 12th – Vina Robles Amphitheatre – Paso Robles, CA
    June 17th – Marymoor Park Amphitheatre – Redmond, WA
    June 18th – Edgefield  – Troutdale, OR
    June 19th – Northern Quest Resort & Casino – Airway Heights, WA
    June 22nd – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
    June 25th – Stir Cove at Hurrah’s Council Bluffs – Council Bluffs, IA
    June 26th – Mystic Lake Casino – Prior Lake, MN
    Jun 28th – Chicago Theatre – Chicago, IL
    Jun 30th – Starlight Theatre – Kansas City, MO
    July 2nd – Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park – Indianapolis, IN
    July 3rd – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica – Cleveland, OH
    July 4th – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Clarkston, MI
    July 6th – Artpark – Lewiston, NY
    July 7th – New York, NY *Venue to be announced soon 
    July 9th – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion – Gilford, NH
    July 10th – Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
    July 11th – Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion – Boston, MA
    July 13th – The Met – Philadelphia, PA
    July 14th – Wolf Trap – Vienna, VA
    July 16th – North Charleston Coliseum – Charleston, SC  *Venue change
    July 17th – Red Hat Amphitheatre – Raleigh, NC
    July 18th – MECU Pavilion – Baltimore, MD
    July 20th – PNC Music Pavilion  – Cincinnati, OH
    July 21st – Budweiser Stage – Toronto, ON  *Kim Mitchell will be joining this show

  • Dave Matthews Band Making Their way to New York

    Dave Matthews Band announced a new summer tour that will see the Grammy-winning rock group make several stops in the New York tri-state area. The tour – set to begin on June 16 and end on September 22 – will begin in the Northeast, and travel throughout the Southwest, Southeast, and the Midwest.

    Dave Matthews Band New York
    Photo by Steve Malinski @ Madison Square Garden.

    Additionally, DMB will be making a return to St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview, where they last performed in 2018 to a near full-house, and in 2016 to a sold-out venue. A performance from DMB will be one of many live shows at St. Joseph’s Amphitheater, which will see its fair share of concerts this year, with Live Nation announcing 20-25 slated performances to be held at the Syracuse arena.

    Tickets to see DMB live will be on sale through Live Nation and Ticketmaster on February 21. A list of Dave Matthews Band, as well as St. Joseph’s Amphitheater concert dates can be found below.

    Dave Matthews Band Summer Tour Dates

    June 16 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena

    June17 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena

    July 8 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

    July 10 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    July 11 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    July 21 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

    July 22 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview

    St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview has a stout 2020 lineup starting May 31, with Zach Brown Band, and continuing with: Sugarland, Thomas Rhett, Steeley Dan, The Doobie Brothers, Matchbox Twenty, Nickelback with Stone Temple Pilots, Hall & Oates, Foreigner, Brad Paisley and Jason Aldean. To see a full schedule, please see their WEBSITE.

  • Goose Continues Sold Out NYC Run in Brooklyn; Covers Radiohead and Moody Blues

    Fresh off a sold out show at Manhattan’s Bowery Ballroom, Goose completed a multi-night, multi-venue, multi-borough NYC run last night in Brooklyn at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. While the hype surrounding Goose has been a topic all its own, last night’s show was an exclamation point, an emphatic declaration that Goose is real and they’re here to stay. Having seen a whopping three Goose shows now, which makes me either a wiley veteran or highly unqualified to make this statement (depends who you ask), last night will go down as one of the special ones. So let’s make no further comparisons about who this Connecticut quartet sounds like or reminds you of … This. Is. Goose. 

    goose brooklyn

    With soaring improvisational solos, irresistible hooks, and infinite peaks, Goose absolutely crushed another packed room, this one already vibing hard thanks to the seductive beats of DJ Doey Joey. Taking the stage to Notorious B.I.G.’s “Where Brooklyn At,” Goose opened with the slap-bass funk intro of “Yeti,” a statement song if ever there was one, and Trevor Weekz (bass) kicked the three-hour party off in high gear. Peter Anspach was first out of the box with face-melting guitar solos, with Rick Mitaronda not far behind before they joined forces with two part harmonies in “Time to Flee,” a jam that culminated in the white light reflections of the centrally located disco ball. “Western Sun” rang in with a Southern twang and a country-ish rock tone that served to highlight Goose’s impressive range. “All I Need” was another peak-after-peak-after-peak neverending jam that has become synonymous with Goose’s signature sound. How do you follow that? Well, If a Radiohead cover is in your wheelhouse, then you bust out “Weird Fishes,” just because you can. WOW. A “Doc Brown” dedication to Peter’s eight year old nephew preceded the thunderous set-closer, “So Ready.” BOOM!

    Check out fan video of “Weird Fishes”

    DJ Doey Joey kept the beats going through the setbreak as the crowd never stopped grooving – yours truly included! Riding the first set high and Joey’s infectious vibe, the crowd was primed for a raging second set and Goose delivered one for the record books. “Arrow” brought the party back, complete with the first of what would be sporadic confetti cannons that seemed to amuse the Goose as much as the Gaggle. A first ever cover of the Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin” emerged from the “Arrow” jam, more evidence of both Goose’s dynamic range and the fun they have on stage. Trevor Weekz brought the funk back for “Creatures,” before a 2001 pop cover of Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Outta My Head.” Talk about not taking yourself too seriously; Goose’s fun quotient is unparalleled right now.

    goose brooklyn

    “Hot Tea,” with perhaps the most compelling and addictive hook in their growing catalog, and my favorite song, taboot, was white hot. Brooklyn came to party and this hands up, arms waving, confetti blasting, disco ball doing its ‘disco ball thing’ jam was a peak moment (okay, maybe more like 15). A “Jive I” > “Jive Lee” combo closed the set, with heavy effects from guitarist Mitaronda, and “Turned Clouds” in the encore slot wrapped it all up a few moments before 1:00 am. 

    goose brooklyn

    Goose heads west, touring with Pigeons Playing Ping, for their next show February 5 in Phoenix, AZ.

    Locally, Rick, Peter, and Trevor will be playing as Birds of a Feather with Alex Petropolous and Jeremy Schon (PPPP) on March 21 at Brooklyn Comes Alive. Goose will also open for Pigeons on Friday April 24 at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY.

    Goose – Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY – 1/25/20

    Set 1: Yeti, Time to Flee, A Western Sun, All I Need {1}, Weird Fishes {2}, Doc Brown {3}, So Ready

    Set 2: Arrow > Nights in White Satin {4} > Creatures > Can’t Get You Outta My Head {5} > Hot Tea, Jive I > Jive Lee

    Encore: Turned Clouds

    Coach’s Notes:
    {1} Slow & melodic version of All I Need
    {2} Radio Head
    {3} Wiz Kid dedicated the song to his nephew
    {4} Moody Blues, FTP
    {5} Kylie Minogue
    This was a sold out show
    Set 1 Start: 9:27pm – Set 1 End Time: 10:47pm
    Set 2 Start: 11:15pm Set 2 End: 12:52am
    Next Show: 2.5.20 • Phoenix, AZ • The Marquee Theater

  • New York Historical Society presents ‘Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution’ exhibit, opening February 14

    The New-York Historical Society presents the rock & roll world of Bill Graham (1931–1991),with an upcoming exhibit Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution, on view February 14 – August 23, 2020. Located at the Central Park West museum and library, the exhibit focuses on the legacy of one of the most influential concert promoters of all time. 

    Graham’s life and work as a legendary music impresario are on display alongside the biggest names in rock music whom he worked with, including the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Led Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones. Graham launched the careers of countless music luminaries at his famed Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco and the Fillmore East in New York City. 

    Organized by the Skirball Cultural Center, which debuted the exhibition in Los Angeles, this comprehensive retrospective of Graham’s life and career explores some of the 20th century’s momentous cultural transformations through the lens of rock & roll. Showcasing more than 300 objects—including rock memorabilia, photographs, and concert posters—the New-York Historical presentation, coordinated by Associate Curator of Exhibitions Cristian Petru Panaite, highlights Graham’s personal connections to New York. 

    Bill Graham
    American guitarist and singer Jimi Hendrix performs at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, February 1968.

    Admission to the exhibition will be via timed-entry tickets and begins with a site-specific installation of “The Joshua Light Show,” the trailblazing liquid light show conceived in 1967 by multimedia artist Joshua White that served as a psychedelic backdrop to Graham’s concert productions in New York.  

    Unique to New-York Historical is a special, immersive audio experience, providing a musical tour through the exhibition with songs by rock & roll superstars the Allman Brothers, Chuck Berry, Blondie, David Bowie, Cream, the Doors, Aretha Franklin, the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, KISS, Led Zeppelin, Madonna, Tom Petty, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Carlos Santana, the Rolling Stones, the Sex Pistols, and Neil Young, among others. Included in the four-hour soundtrack available to visitors are also mambo hits by Tito Puente that Graham loved in his early years in New York. The audio experience is generously sponsored by luxury audio brand Master & Dynamic. A playlist of featured songs is available on Spotify. 

    “Even though Bill Graham and the Fillmore East transformed the city’s music scene in the late 1960s, few know about Graham’s immigrant background and New York roots,” said Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of New-York Historical. “We are proud to collaborate with our colleagues at the Skirball Cultural Center to present this exhibition in New York—Graham’s first American hometown—and to highlight his local experience. His rock & roll life was a pop-culture version of the American dream come true.”

    “Master & Dynamic is proud to sponsor Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution in our hometown of New York City,” said Nathaniel Teichman, head of strategy & business development at Master & Dynamic. “We are committed to supporting the New York-Historical Society and to helping bring to life the story of Bill Graham, who transcended incredible odds after escaping the Nazis to become one of the most influential figures in rock history.”

    Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution begins with family snapshots of Graham’s experience as a Jewish emigrant from Nazi Germany and his journey to America. Born in Berlin as Wolfgang Grajonca, he arrived in New York at the age of 11 as part of a Red Cross effort to help Jewish children fleeing the Nazis. He lived with a foster family in the Bronx and spent his teenage years in New York City before being drafted into the U.S. Army to fight in the Korean War. Graham relocated to San Francisco in the early 1960s as the hippie movement was growing and took over the lease on the Fillmore Auditorium, where he produced groundbreaking shows throughout the decade, including sold-out concerts by the Grateful Dead, Cream, Big Brother and the Holding Company, and the Doors, among many others. 

    Bill Graham
    American blues musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist B.B King smokes a cigarette, San Francisco, CA, 1967.

    In 1968, Graham opened the Fillmore East on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, historically the heart of New York’s Jewish immigrant community, just as it was becoming a countercultural hub. During its three-year run, rock fans filled the 2,700-seat venue to hear the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and others. A highlight of the Fillmore East experience was “The Joshua Light Show,” a mesmerizing liquid light show, conceived by multimedia artist Joshua White, that played as the backdrop as bands performed; in this installation, specially created for the exhibition, a colorful explosion of choreographed artistic projections set to music greet visitors at the entrance of the exhibition.

    Timed-entry tickets for Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution went on sale on December 20. Visit nyhistory.org.

    A special family guide is available for young visitors to explore the exhibition, featuring activities like scavenger hunts, sketching prompts, and quizzes. During February School Vacation Week, kids create rock & roll-inspired crafts, and Sunday Story Time in the spring features music-themed books.

  • In Focus: Bella’s Bartok and West End Blend at The Hollow

    A packed Hollow Bar & Kitchen welcomed Bella’s Bartok and West End Blend back to the Capital Region for an intense night of dancing and revelry. The two bands, from western Mass and Connecticut, respectively, have built up sizable followings around the state and when converging together in Albany on Friday, a welcoming crowd got down with them from the first note to the last. West End Blend’s funk did more than warm up the crowd, and set the tone for the night with “Smile.” Bella’s Bartok followed shortly after with a set full of klezmer-infused, high energy numbers, with inflated eye balls bouncing around the crowd and a daring band member who crowd surfed to the bar (for a shot) and back to the stage with the support of their fans.  

    Following these two glorious sets of music to shake the week off, the bands spoke to NYS Music about why New York is such an important part of their careers and how they have grown as a result of touring across the state.

    Drummer Sam Horan of West End Blend: “I feel like playing around the New York scene, that’s not New York City, it’s just been really good to us, and we’ve seen a lot of progress and steady progression which keeps us fueled to come back. This show, specifically, was a surprise because our last show was, it was good, but tonight really felt like a turning point for the market. We have a really great audience in Saranac Lake, and we throw our festival ‘The Blender’ in Saranac Lake, and that’s its own thing, but for Albany tonight it really felt like a turning point for us, with an early opening set, and it was a full room. It was a really good, reassuring thing for us to see a full room, starting pretty early, so that’s kind of the thing the New York scene has just been really good to us, and that’s what keeps us coming back.”

    Bella's Bartok

    Likewise, Asher Putnam, lead singer of Bella’s Bartok shared: “We’ve been playing upstate New York and the Hudson River Valley since 2009-2010 when we were just a street band, and we’ve always enjoyed ourselves. We’re out of western Massachusetts, the Great Barrington area, so it’s a hop, skip, and a jump, and it’s really nice to see people coming up to the show who’ve been seeing us for 7-8 years, singing along to the old songs and hearing the new tunes. From Saranac Lake to Albany, and sometimes to NYC even, the Capital Region and Upstate is where we find our people.”

    Bella's Bartok

    Catch West End Blend on Saturday February 8 at The Waterhole in Saranac Lake, and Bella’s Bartok the night before at The Waterhole on Friday, February 7. Bella’s then returns to the state on Saturday, March 7 at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, and then again on Thursday, March 19 at Funk ‘n Waffles in Syracuse.

    Check out the photo gallery below!

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  • Capitol Theatre to host All-Star show “The Thrill Is Gone: A Tribute To B.B. King”

    The Capitol Theatre has announced a partnership with the B.B. King Estate, leading to two incredible nights of music that will celebrate the music of legendary blues guitarist B.B. King. The Thrill Is Gone: A Tribute To B.B. King will feature some of music’s greatest blues and rock legends, celebrating the King of Blues.

    King Blues the thrill is gone

    The Thrill Is Gone: A Tribute To B.B. King will feature two nights of music with performances by Anthony Hamilton, Bob Margolin, Bobby Rush, Buddy Guy, David Hidalgo, Derek Trucks, Ivan Neville, Jamey Johnson, Jimmie Vaughan, John Scofield, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Little Steven, Robert Cray, Robert Randolph, Shemekia Copeland, Southside Johnny, Steve Cropper, Susan Tedeschi, Tony TC Coleman, Warren Haynes, and William Bell. The lineups for each day will vary, and even more special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Grammy® Award-winning producer and legendary drummer, Steve Jordan, will serve as musical director.

    A portion of proceeds from The Thrill Is Gone: A Tribute To B.B. King will benefit the Seva Foundation, a global nonprofit eye care organization that transforms lives and strengthens communities by restoring sight and preventing blindness. The SEVA Foundation was co-founded by Wavy Gravy, a close friend of B.B. King for over 40 years and whose moniker was given to him by King at the Texas International Pop Festival in 1969.

  • Goose Opens Winter Tour; Debuts New Song At Sold Out Bowery Ballroom

    Goose began their winter tour in earnest at New York’s Bowery Ballroom on January 24, 2020, their first U.S. show of 2020 since opening for Dead & Company at Playing in the Sand in Mexico earlier this week. Since their Halloween show at the Mercury Lounge this past year, Goose has been on a meteoric rise with no indication of a slowdown, anywhere in sight.

    As curious fans flock en masse to check out the buzz, El Goose keep adding to its gaggle — the jamband version of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, luring fans to sold out show after sold out show with their magical pipe. The buzz keeps getting louder. The rooms keep getting bigger. Goose keeps on truckin’, kicking ass and taking names along the way.

    Goose Bowery Ballroom
    Photo by Jamie Huenefeld

    Opening with “Drive,” dense crowded room got into an easy groove. Trevor Weeks (bass) getting deep and dirty as Rick Mitaronda (guitar, vocals) let some early solos fly. Though it’s hard to peel your gaze from guitarists Rick and Peter Anspach, the rhythm section of Trevor and Ben Atkind (drums) is what dictates the furious, addictive pace of this Connecticut-based quartet.

    The band explored some energetic Type II jams before segueing into a cover of Wes Montgomery’s “Switchin’.” Peter took the mic with a big smile for his first vocals of the night with “Lead the Way” before Rockabilly original “Elizabeth.” The crowd really got rocking with Bill Wither’s “Lovely Day,” a tasty slice of funk and soul that was easily the first set highlight as judged by the movement and sway of the room. Goose really shines brightest at this nexus of funk and jamband space, where Rick’s soaring solos are accentuated by the funk oozing from Peter’s keys and the groovy backbone of Trevor’s 5-string bass. “Honeybee” closed the set, but not before your grateful reviewer amassed 5,958 steps of dancing.

    Goose Bowery Ballroom
    Photo by Jamie Huenefeld

    After an exciting intermission fueled by the sounds of phenom DJ Chris Tart, the second set got shot out of cannon with “Into the Myst” > “Flowdown,” a very Phishy tune somewhere at the crossroads of Uncle Pen meets Sparkle, met with the roaring approval of a roomful of Goose’s newest fans.

    As step counts never lie (8,219), the slightly more energetic second set was off to the races, a shared sense of community and euphoria pervading the now sweaty room. “Bob O. John,” an original debut met with another of the night’s loudest roars, was sandwiched by “Echo of a Rose.” Considering that every song was new to most people in the sold out hall, that applause really spoke volumes about the quality of this debut song that opened with a reggae beat, before eventually finding its way to a signature Goosian-shred.

    “Slow Ready” won over any remaining doubters before “Tumble” took us all on a communal victory lap. “Shama Lama Ding Dong,” the encore cover of fictional band Otis Day & The Knights from National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978), wrapped up the raucous party in frat house style. 

    Goose Bowery Ballroom
    Photo by Jamie Huenefeld

    While Goose has a sound very much their own, it’s noteworthy to recognize the influence of, not only the different genres, but also their jamband predecessors whose sound is sprinkled within in their playing. It is these tip-of-your tongue moments of recognition that help to make the new feel immediately secure and comfortable, like your best old sweater, but suddenly fresh and updated. Comparisons overheard last night ran the gamut from Grateful Dead and Phish to My Morning Jacket, Wilco, and even STS9.

    It’s so much fun to see and hear so many new fans take flight, as most of the room raised their hands and shouted when asked who was seeing their first Goose show. “That’s pretty good,” said Peter. The Pied Piper, indeed, but no magic pipe necessary. Just four dudes with a lot of talent and even more humility making really good music. 

    Goose Bowery Ballroom
    The band takes a selfie with the crowd to cap off a great performance
    Photo by Jamie Huenefeld

    The tour continues Saturday in Brooklyn at the Music Hall of Williamsburg before Goose heads west for an extended winter tour. 

    Goose Bowery Ballroom
    Photo by Jamie Huenefeld

    Goose, Bowery Ballroom, NYC – January 24, 2020

    Set One: Drive > Switchin’ {1}, Lead The Way, Elizabeth, Lovely Day {2}, Honeybee

    Set Two: Into The Myst > FloDown > Echo of a Rose > Bob O. John {3} > Echo of a Rose {4}, Slow Ready, Tumble 

    Encore: Shama Lama Ding Dong {5}

    Coach’s Notes: {1} Wes Montgomery. {2} Bill Withers. {3} FTP. – Original tune. {4} OG vocal ending. They sang “Echo of a Rose” for the outro. {5} Otis Day & The Knights. This was a sold out show. Set 1 Start: 9:18pm – Set 1 End: 10:28pm. Set 2 Start: 10:55pm – Set 2 End: 12:21am. Sound Check: Arrow, Lovely Day, Honey Bee. 14,177 steps danced.

    • Goose Bowery Ballroom

  • LOCKN’ 2020 Lineup Revealed

    The 8th annual LOCKN’ Festival lineup has been announced. Taking place (as usual) at Infinity Downs & Oak Ridge Farm in Arrington, VA. This year’s festivities will be in honor of Grateful Dead bassist, Phil Lesh’s 80th birthday, where he will perform alongside friends and legends alike, with plenty of special guests to boot.

    The three-day event, camping festival, will kick off on June 19. Day one will feature performances from: Phil Lesh Quintet ft. Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, Rob Barraco, John Molo, Brandi Carlile, Gov’t Mule, Goose, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, The Chain Gang ft. Devon Allman, Duane Betts, Cody Dickinson, Luther Dickinson, Samantha Fish, John Ginty, & Berry Oakley, Jr. play Fleetwood Mac’s, Rumours, Yola, Boombox ft. BackBeat Brass, and Grateful Shred.

    Saturday, June 20, will feature Phil Lesh Quintet ft. Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, Rob Barraco, John Molo with David Crosby, Oteil & Friends, David Crosby, Mike Gordon, Black Pumas, Garcia Peoples, Grateful Shred, and Kendall Street Company. In addition, an new headline act will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

    Festivities conclude Sunday, June 21, with performances from Phil Lesh with John Mayer and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Leon Bridges, Electric Hot Tuna,Railroad Earth, MEUTE, The War and Treaty, Midnight North, and Keller Williams’ Grateful Gospel.

    The first ever three-day LOCKN’ festival doesn’t end there. A special “Steal Your Thursday” add-on will be available for $30, allowing attendees to kick off their festival weekend on Thursday, June 18, while a Wednesday early-entry add-on will also be made available, giving guests a chance to enjoy the farm in preparation for the extravaganza that lies ahead.

    Along with all the great entertainment, attendees will get the chance to try-out various local food vendors and their always enticing cuisine, in addition to craft brewery, and other delectables.

    Three-day LOCKN’ passes are available for $259, with a payment plan that allows fans to pay a deposit of $19.99 (with fees) and make four payments over four months. There will also be VIP passes that offer fans perks such as, enhanced seating/ambience, intimate view of performances, exclusive merchandise and much more. Accommodations will also include; glamping tents, RVs, tour buses, and more and are available as an add-on to festival passes.

    For more information on LOCKN’ 2020 tickets, on-site lodging or special add-ons, click HERE.