NYS Music 202​0

Category: Regions

  • In Focus: Terrapin Family Band Shines at Brooklyn Bowl

    There’s something amazing about the music of the Grateful Dead; it is a catalog of songs that has spoken to music fans for generations. It’s a collection of music that, since the 2015 Fare Thee Well shows in Chicago, has exploded, ushering in a new generation of musicians that are carrying the torch of the Grateful Dead Family. These songs are the only collection of music in the world that has a whole scene based around it. One that is growing around the next generation of musicians covering, experimenting and paying tribute to this amazing catalog. Since its formation, The Terrapin Family Band is one of the top bands doing this and has brought a new and fun sound to this music that has new and old Deadheads alike excited for whats new and what’s next.

    Thursday night this remarkably talented group of musicians brought their take on The Dead catalog to the intimate Brooklyn Bowl. The band, led by Grahame Lesh, also includes Ross James, Alex Koford, Jason Crosby, Elliot Peck, and Nathan Grahame, treated Deadheads to two sets of classics like “Bertha,” “New Minglewood Blues,” “Sugar Magnolia,” and “The Other One.” But It was the addition of the TAB horns of James Casey and Natalie Cressman on songs like “Dancing in the Street” and “Brokedown Palace” that show why this music is thriving again – it’s moments like this when the next generation of musicians are taking these classic songs and throwing their vision and musical style into the mix. It’s moments like this that show the magic of the Grateful Dead and why the Terrapin Family Band is so much more than a cover band, they are the leaders in this movement that’s reminding all music fans that family is what the Grateful Dead community is all about.

    Keep an eye out for more upcoming dates, and hopefully some festival appearances from the band this summer. And don’t be surprised if most of this band will be at The Capitol Theatre next weekend joining in the celebration at Phil Lesh’s 80th Birthday Party.

  • In Focus: Sunsquabi lights up the crowd at Town Ballroom

    Town Ballroom may want to look into a new room after The Floozies, Sunsquabi and Late Night Radio blew the lid off the Buffalo venue on Sunday, March 1.

    Sunsquabi showed up with a production that would have made any fan assume they, not The Floozies, were the headliner. No punches were pulled as the 3-piece band created an experience greater than the sum of their individual tracks. A high energy and seemingly nonstop dancing frenzy was on tap all night, with each jam and each mind-melting riff flowing seamlessly into the next.

    The set included fan favorite bangers including “Just a Little” and “Deluxe.” However, one would not have needed to be familiar with the band’s discography to get down to their elaborate, funky blend of electronic and jam music. The Sunsquabi love at the Town Ballroom that evening was real, and contagious. Never miss a Sunday show.

    review by Philip B. Right

    Setlist: Just a Little, Bacon and Cheese, Torque, Chrysalis, Night Moth, Deluxe, Sticky, Wizard, Steamcat

  • Hearing Aide: Timothy Alice and the Dead Star Band ‘SpaceStation AM500’

    SpaceStation AM500 is the debut album from Timothy Alice & the Dead Star Band, a trio hailing from Buffalo, NY. Timothy Alice (stage name for Timothy Patrick Henderson) displays an astonishing number of influences in both his writing and singing styles throughout this record. With the help of Matt DiStasio on bass and Bub Crumlish on drums, Alice’s lyrics paint incredible pictures of an America we can all recognize today. You could be on the Great Lakes, in a sprawling metropolis, or the last bar on the highway between this state and that; each of these locations share a tale that Timothy Alice invokes with each track.

    The opening track, “2 Am,” paints a picture that many may find familiar. The promise and elation of this song invokes the feeling of many 2 am’s we’ve all felt while bar-hopping around New York State – still full of energy and grit, while openly wondering where the night is going to take you. “It’s 2 AM and this place is jumping. I’m just trying not to lose my head again.”  The song feels like a packed bar with 2 hours left before last call, full of vigor and hope.

    SpaceStation AM500 mixes soul, blues, R&B and folk roots into a delightful set of songs with so much heart and movement in them. The band excels at feeling like you’re on the road with signs flying by in the darkness during “Just Take My Hand.” “Shadow on My Tail,” the longest track on the album, really showcases the soul in Timothy’s voice and also features a ripping solo from guest guitarist Andrew Kothen. The album also features a love song to the Windy City. The soul in Timothy’s voice while singing “Oh, Chicago” makes me long for a city I’ve only ever been to twice.

    As the night grows longer and we get further into the album, “Honeypie” provides a tale of distorted love, building up to a cacophony that would be exception to see live. “4 Am,” the final track on the album, really highlights the difference two hours can make in a night. It tells a somber and sobering tale that we’ve all experienced in our lives, regardless of what time the clock is showing. With the help of an amazing band, Timothy Alice’s lyrics paint pictures of an America we can all recognize today. Whether he’s a in a league of his own or the product of a new generation of storyteller, he shows us all that we have a lot of great music and art coming our way in this next decade.

    Key Tracks: 2 Am, Just Take My Hand, Honeypie

    https://timothyalice.bandcamp.com/album/spacestation-am500

  • Juelz Santana Releases ‘#FREESANTANA’

    It seems like not even jail cells can keep Juelz Santana away from what has been his life’s true passion. On March 3, the veteran emcee released the 9thfull-length project of his career, #FREESANTANA. Santana – born LaRon Louis James – was arrested in March 2018 after he fled the scene when TSA found a gun in his bag at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Seemingly counting down the days until his rumored summer 2020 release, the rapper’s Twitter page recently posted on behalf of the incarcerated artist, acknowledging the one year anniversary of his incarceration.

    The surprisingly cohesive mixtape is packed with star power, featuring the likes of Lil Wayne, 2Chainz, Jeremih, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Dipset cohort Jim Jones, and younger Harlem native Dave East, along with samples of Drake’s number 1 record, “God’s Plan.” 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9QlboQlOhK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Juelz Santana uses the 36-minute project to touch on a myriad of topics. On records like “23 & 1,” “Do You Believe” and “In My Life,” he raps introspectively about past friendships and relationships, while reflecting on his incarceration. On “Pink Eagle” and “Ez Work,” he spends time reminding listeners that he’s a respected hustler, with plenty of street tales. The project’s outro record is a sample of Jay – Z’s classic record “Dead Presidents.” Titled “The Get Back,” with a feature from A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Santana reflects with a mixture of street tales, lessons and hope for his future post-release. 

  • Mipso Announces Spring Tour

    The progressive quartet Mipso has released dates for a 2020 spring tour shortly after ending a very successful Living Room Tour this past January. Canadian folk artist Taylor Ashton is set to join the group on select dates to support his debut album The Romantic that was released just last week.

    Out of the 14 stops across North America, Mipso is set to perform three nights in New York. First, with back to back shows at the Rockwood in New York City on April 13 and 14 where they will be joined both nights by special guests Taylor Ashton, Steph Coleman and Alec Spiegleman. Then they will continue the journey northwest to Ithaca were they are slated to play at The Haunt on April 18.

    Hailing from North Carolina, Mipso is said to be the new rising force in Americana music, combining historic roots with a new music edge. In addition to touring, Mipso announced they will be releasing a remixed follow up album to their 2018 release Edges Run. The album had put the group at the top of the bluegrass charts when released with the single “People Change,” receiving over 45 million streams on Spotify. Currently in the works is a new full length LP which will be released later in 2020 under Rounder Records.

    Tickets for all shows are now on sale and can be purchased here. Below is a list shows with additional spring/summer dates still to be announced.

    Mipso 2020 Tour

    Apr. 10 – Roy’s Hall – Blairstown, NJ*

    Apr. 11 – Arden Gild Hall – Arden, DE*

    Apr. 13&14 – Rockwood – New York, NY +

    Apr. 15 – The Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center – Old Saybrook, CT

    Apr. 16 – Shea Theatre Arts Center – Turner Falls, MA

    Apr. 17 – UVM – Burlington, VT

    Apr. 18 – The Haunt – Ithaca, NY

    Apr. 19 – Hopewell Theatre – Hopewell, NJ

    *with Taylor Ashton

    + with Taylor Ashton and guest Steph Coleman and Alec Spiegleman

  • Thin Lear Releases Single ‘Maniacs’ and Announces New Album

    Indie singer-songwriter Matt Longo, known as Thin Lear, has announced a new album queued for release on April 24. The full-length album Wooden Cave will be released under Egghunt Records and is primed to be a wonderful addition to Thin Lear’s already stellar collection of songs. He has yet to release a full-length album, but has been releasing singles and an EP that solidify the singer as a whimsical and thoughtful songwriter as well. Prior to the album release, Thin Lear put out a new single, “Maniacs.” Drawing from influences that range from Leonard Cohen, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, to Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman and Sam Cooke, to the leaders of the ’70s like John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan, Longo creates a vibrant and exciting track that sits perfectly in the pocket and allows the melody to develop.

    Regarding the album as a whole, Longo says, “Disillusioned people getting lost in self-destructive or just generally dangerous thinking is a major theme of this album…the narrator in ‘Maniacs’ is pitching a cult-like community to an alienated, uncherished internet dweller. And you just know it’s going to be a rapid descent for this person, that they’ll soon be indoctrinated. That relentlessly chugging beat and the quick, dynamic changes in the song reflect a desperation and rapidly changing attitude. I wanted the song to feel like one breathless, spiraling fall from the very start, with that mellotron-laden opening. And I knew I needed a wild, unhinged sax solo at the end. It was really the only choice for the conclusion of the track.” And a wild sax solo indeed takes the song out on a more manic note, capping off a great first peek into what’s to come this April.

    Listeners can find the new single on streaming platforms, and can pre-order the upcoming album on the Egghunt Records Bandcamp page. Thin Lear will also be playing at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC on April 16, just prior to the album’s release. Until then, explore and enjoy delving into the deft songwriting Thin Lear is certain to become known for.

  • Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival Announces 2020 Lineup

    Buffalo New York’s fourth annual Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival announced its 2020 lineup which will include 15 different artists across five stages. The festival will take place July 31 and August 1, and will benefit the Child Advocacy Center for the third year in a row.

    This year’s lineup includes Smash Mouth, Spin, Doctors, Aqueous, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Magic Beans, Hayley Jane, Root Shock, Funktional Flow, Witty Tarbox, Workingman’s Dead, Critt’s Juke Joint, PA Line, Grub, Cypher, and Grosh. The festival will be made up of two main outdoor stages located on Illinois and Columbia Streets, an existing stage inside Buffalo Iron Works, another inside Lockhouse Distillery & Bar, and a stage on Mississippi Street.

    There are three tiers of tickets that can be purchased. Tier one tickets with the current lineup consist of either two-day general admission tickets for $40 or two-day VIP tickets for $150. Tier two tickets are available after July 30 with the final lineup announcements and consist of either general admission for $20 on Friday, July 31, general admission for $35 for Saturday, August 1, a two-day pass for general admission for $50, or two-day VIP tickets for $150. Tier Three tickets are day-of show pricing with Friday’s general admission being $30, Saturday’s admission for $45, and a two-day VIP ticket still for $150. VIP tickets include exclusive VIP-only tented areas, preferred viewing areas of each outdoor stage, a premium bar with craft beverages, lounge area under the VIP tent, complimentary meals, private bathroom access, a commemorative laminate, and more to be announced.

    For more information and to purchase tickets visit Cobblestone Live’s website.

  • Jessica Lynn to Present Benefit Concert For Women Veterans

    Westchester’s Jessica Lynn is asking you to take a stand with her behind our women veterans at a benefit concert at The Winery at Saint George in Mohegan Lake on March 11.

    Prior to her upcoming five month European/UK/USA tour, Jessica Lynn returns to the beautiful and historic Winery at Saint George where she filmed her first Public Television Special to raise funds for a good cause.

    Currently seen nationwide across America in her three full length PBS television specials, and with two Top 50 Country Radio singles under her belt along with years of international touring, Jessica has performed with some of the most recognizable names in country music such as Loretta Lynn, Keith Urban, Jo Dee Messina, and ZZ Top among others. Amidst all of her success, she has continually returned home to benefit her local community. A constant driving force behind charitable efforts for children, our military, and the arts at local schools, hospitals, and major venues, it’s important to Jessica to always stay true and close to her roots. Jessica is partnering with the incredible Barbara Giordano Foundation for this event whose mission is committed to the personal and professional growth of women veterans.

    Women who served in the US Military have unique needs for healthcare, housing, employment and childcare in addition to needs shared with their male colleagues. The foundation exists as a holistic resource bringing together business, education, wellness and military community members to provide women who serve with opportunities for long term economic independence and personal empowerment. Ticket Sales as well as all pre-show fundraising initiatives will go towards the cause. Prior to the concert at 8:00 p.m., The Winery will open its doors at 6:00 p.m. for silent auctions, raffles, wine grabs, and a special VIP option that includes a pre-show meet and greet in Jessica’s dressing room around 7:00 p.m., a free autographed CD from Jessica, front row seats, and a complimentary glass of wine.

    For more information on both Jessica Lynn and The Barbara Giordano Foundation, as well as to purchase tickets, please visit www.JessicaLynnMusic.org

  • Genesis to reunite later this year, but without Peter Gabriel

    Following an early report from The Sun on Tuesday, BBC Radio 2 is reporting this morning that Genesis will perform together again for the first time in 13 years but without Peter Gabriel. The trio of Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford confirmed the reunion on Zoe Ball’s BBC Radio 2 show. The trio will be joined by Collins’ 18-year-old son Nicholas, who will fill in for his father on drums, who had suffered nerve damage during Genesis’s 2007 tour and, like it or not, casted his future of drumming into limbo.

    genesis without peter gabriel

    “We all felt, ‘Why not?’” Collins told BBC News. “It sounds a bit of a lame reason – but we enjoy each other’s company, we enjoy playing together.”

    Instead of throwing it all away, Nicholas’ presence as drummer at Collins’ solo shows helped inspire the reunion, according to Banks. “He can sound like Phil and it gave us a whole idea of how we could do it, because we knew Phil couldn’t be the drummer on the road again,” said the keyboard player.

    Before this, it seemed as if there was never a time that the trio would reform to bring hits like “Invisible Touch,” “I Can’t Dance,” and “Land of Confusion” back around, but they’ll kick off their ‘Last Domino?’ tour in Dublin, Ireland on November 16. They’ll also play two nights at London’s O2 Arena, as well as dates in Liverpool and Glasgow. 

    “I’m looking forward to doing it,” said Rutherford. “I worked it out and we’ve only done two shows in the UK in the last 28 years, so we haven’t overworked it.”

    Founding member Peter Gabriel, who left the group in 1975, will not be taking part, and guitarist Steve Hackett will also miss the shows.

    “Peter left the band 45 years ago and he’s been trying to live it down ever since,” said Banks. “When they put his birthday in The Times, they always say, ‘Peter Gabriel – Genesis singer.’ And I think, ‘What’s the guy been doing since then, for God’s sake?’” Banks said it wouldn’t make sense to bring Gabriel back because “most of the songs people know” came after his departure, but added,”We love Peter.”

    The band, founded at Charterhouse School in Surrey in 1967, has gone on to have international success recording 15 studio albums and six live ones and selling at least 100 million worldwide. They have had 21 Top 40 hits and six number one albums. But they have not performed together since 2007, when they marked their 40th anniversary with the Turn It On Again Tour. Tickets will go on general sale at 9am on Friday, March 6.

    Genesis 2020 Tour Dates

    November 16, Dublin 3 Arena – buy here

    November 19, Belfast SSE Arena – buy here

    November 23, Liverpool M&S Bank Arena – buy here    

    November 26, Newcastle Utilita Arena – buy here

    November 29, London The O2 – buy here

    November 30, London The O2 – buy here

    December 2, Leeds First Direct Arena – buy here

    December 5, Birmingham Birmingham Arena – buy here

    December 8, Manchester Manchester Arena – buy here

    December 11, Glasgow SSE Arena- buy here 

  • Robert Plant’s Band Saving Grace Announces 2020 North American Tour, Including Stops in New York

    Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin’s lead singer, announced a 2020 North American tour with his band Saving Grace. The tour will include two stops in New York, one in New York City and the other in Port Chester.

    The tour will start on May 12 in Minneapolis, MN at the Pantages Theatre and ends in Washington, D.C. on May 23 at the Lincoln Theatre. It will stop in Port Chester, NY on May 19 at The Capitol Theatre and in New York, NY on May 20 at The Town Hall. The tour will consist of seven shows in all and will include Catfish Keith as their opener.

    Robert Plant and Saving Grace. Photo by Ian Burgess.

    Saving Grace is made up of  Suzi Dian on vocals; Oli Jefferson on percussion; Tony Kelsey on mandolin, baritone and acoustic guitars; Robert Plant on vocals; and Matt Worley on banjo, acoustic and baritone guitars.  The band made its debut back in early 2019 with a number of surprise gigs in small venues across England, Wales and Ireland, and later, a trio of UK dates supporting Fairport Convention. This tour will be its North American debut. 

    Most tickets will go on sale on Friday, March 6 at 10am. For more information and ticket availability, visit Robert Plant’s website: www.robertplant.com.

    Full Lineup for Saving Grace 2020 tour:

    May 12th – Minneapolis, MN – Pantages Theatre*

    May 13th – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall Ballroom*

    May 15th – Chicago, IL – Old Town School of Folk Music**

    May 17th – Charleston, WV – Mountain Stage at The Clay Center*

    May 19th – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre*

    May 20th – New York, NY – The Town Hall*

    May 23rd – Washington, DC – Lincoln Theatre*

    * Catfish Keith supporting

    ** General On Sale Monday, March 16