Will Smith, the world-famous actor, musician, and producer, stopped by Kings Theatre in Brooklyn on November 9th for his book tour to promote his self-titled memoir “Will”. Moderated by legendary film director Spike Lee, Smith elaborated on parts of his unusual path to super-stardom for a sold-out audience. What makes Will Smith such a compelling actor and public figure was on full display that night.
Will Smith & Spike Lee at Kings Theatre, 11/09/21. Photo by Kunal Khunger
Will Smith is a legendary figure in Hollywood, having been only actor to have starred in eight consecutive films which grossed over $100 million in the United States box office. He’s a blockbuster legend and a huge cultural figure for a wide variety of age groups. The sold-out crowd was filled with people from various ages and backgrounds, just showing how wide of a reach Will Smith’s films have had on all of us, which doesn’t even include his big break, the hugely popular 90’s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Will Smith & Spike Lee at Kings Theatre, 11/09/21. Photo by Kunal Khunger
Accompanied by a massive visual board, Will and Spike walked through some of his biggest moments, ranging from Will’s impromptu audition for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air for producer Quincy Jones to the recent death of his father. Will’s father, Will Smith Sr., casts a shadow over the whole book and the conversations he had on stage. Will has referred to his father in the book as “his biggest ally and his biggest enemy”, which only sheds a little light on how complex their relationship was. While Will spoke about how grateful he was for the lessons his father bestowed on him about hard work, there was still intense resentment due to Will Smith Sr. having been an alcoholic abuser for most of Will’s childhood. Watching the famously guarded Will Smith work through his traumatic experiences on stage was fascinating.
Will Smith & Spike Lee at Kings Theatre, 11/09/21. Photo by Kunal Khunger
In spite of the dark subject matter, Will really showed why he is who he is. I’ve rarely ever seen anybody so charming and naturally humorous. Even as an audience member, his charisma was too bright to ignore. You couldn’t help but fall under his spell, which is a testament to Will Smith’s ability as both a showman and a storyteller.
After having spoken to the audience about his life, Will unveiled a surprise and brought out DJ Jazzy Jeff, his old partner during his rapper days, to perform some of the old hits they were both famous for. They ran through classics like “Summertime,” “Switch,” and even the famous “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme song. I would not have guessed that in 2021 I’d see Will Smith perform these hits live, which was quite the experience.
Will Smith & Spike Lee at Kings Theatre, 11/09/21. Photo by Kunal Khunger
Will Smith has one last stop of his book tour in London on Thursday, November 18th. You can see more details here. Be sure to check out the full photo gallery below!
Lettuceblazed back to Buffalo during their Fall run of their 2021 Bring Back The Love Tour. This past July they crushedLake George and Western New York’s Art Park. The group played the fully renovated historic Buffalo Town Ballroom on Main Street. The three floor club is an infamous hometown venue to funk artists Rick James and Soulive.
Lettuce founding member Sam Kininger joined for one just gig this summer at the Lake George Adirondack stage. This fall, he has been on tour with Lettuce for every club date and has helped fill out a three-piece brass section with Benny Bloom and Ryan Zoidis. Like Drummer Adam Deitch told NYS music, “Sam’s the godfather of Lettuce”
The November 11 performance went from 8:15 till 10:15 with Lettuce crushing all the way through without leaving the stage for the encore. The current Lettuce hybrid batch is also made up of Erick “Jesus” Coombs on bass, Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff on guitar and Nigel Hall on keyboards and vocals.
They treated the Buffalo audience to “Break Out” from their infamous 2004 Live in Tokyo Album. Legendary artist Steve Gadd told NYS music the secret to any live gig. “When you get it musically to a level where everyone on the bandstand is having fun and can hear each other and you can trust the audience is hearing it the way you are, it gets to a spiritual level. In Japan or wherever you are. That’s the goal.”
The spirit of Buffalo legend Rick James could be felt in the house on Wednesday. To pay homage to the city of Buffalo’s funk artist, Lettuce burnt “Mary Jane” from his debut album Come Get It. Like Buffalo native Alan Evans told NYS Music about James’ music, “Its hard to choose…Bustin out of L Seven on vinyl, you kinda can’t go wrong with. That’s a dope record.”
Come catch Lettuce bust out more funk on the road in America with dates leading up to a New Years Eve show at Miami’s North Beach Band Shell. The first week of the new year Lettuce Drummer Adam Deitch will join DJ Logic & a world-class line-up of Friends including Karl Denson on saxophone and MonoNeon on bass at New York’s Blue Note. Lettuce kicks off 2022 with a European tour starting 2/22 for two months.
Lettuce – Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY, November 11, 2021
Setlist: Purple Highness, Dump, Breakout, Suppit, Mary Jane, Sly>Silence is Golden-> Mr Yancey, Central Nyack, Pep n Step, Move on Up, Don’t Change for Me
Prior to the tour closing performance of Dave Matthews Band at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 13, frontman Dave Matthews introduced Dumpstaphunk, who would open the evening’s festivities. Sharing with the sold out New York City audience that he was so damn lucky,
I got to listen to sound check yesterday with Dumpstaphunk and then I got to listen to them last night, then at sound check again today. So you guys only got two, by the end of this set I’ll have four. This is one of my favorite bands in the world. This band also saved my life but that’s a different story anyway have a good time with my friends Dumpstaphunk
Photo by Joseph Buscarello
Matthews’ story was referring to his sold out Labor Day weekend shows at The Gorge where Tony Hall of Dumpstaphunk and company helped sit in to perform three nights of Dave’s music on the spot. DMB keyboardist Buddy Strong sat behind the drums and Tony Hall held the low end down on bass & backing vocals. It was as an alternate format to help the shows go on without Carter Beauford and Stefan Lessard’s rhythm section for the first time in thirty years.
A similar situation of musical chairs unfolded at Madison Square Garden as saxophonist Jeff Coffin was forced to sit out the two-night run. Rashawn Ross opened Leroi Moore’s original brass section to Ben Golder-Novick, Alex Wasily and Ashlin Parker to the 7th Avenue stage. The Dumpstaphunk horns sat in on “Cornbread” and a “Jimi Thing” that led to a cover of Sly Stone’s “I Want To Take You Higher.”
Ben Golder-Novick, who was only a guest at New York’s Irving Plaza for a Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds acoustic set in January of 2018, was on saxophone for every song. Dave kept the big door open by calling him a day before the weekend shows to send the invite.
Photo by Joseph Buscarello
Tim Reynolds sat in during Dumpstaphunk’s MSG debut set for their cover of Buddy Miles “United Nations Stomp” on Friday night. The song has been considered for the 2022 Best American Roots Performance Grammy. Saturday night’s set included a special guest spot by Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds for Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On.” Tony and Dave traded howls on Robert Plant’s words…I gotta keep on searching for my baby.
It marked the first time Tim, Dave, and Tony played the Empire State together since they encored with Led Zeppelin’s “Fool in the Rain” at Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena for the Dave Matthews and Friends Some Devil Tour in December 2003. It was reminiscent of Dave sitting in with the Funky Meters in Albany in 2000 as well. Tony Hall told NYS music, “What’s so bad ass about Dave is that he sounds like nobody but himself, it’s like no other shit.”
Dave Matthews Band celebrated their 25th anniversary at Madison Square Garden this November. It was the last stop of their 2021 tour that included shows in Syracuse and Saratoga Springs. They performed 23 songs each night, filled with originals, covers, and tour debuts.
Friday night’s show that was broadcast live on Sirius XM channel 30 included the debut of “Mad Man’s Eyes” which Dave simply said is about a crazy man. “So Damn Lucky,” off Dave’s 2003 Some Devil record, resonated so right for all those who’ve had close calls in the crowd. The crowd replied singing in unison to Sly Stone’s “Thank You Falletinme Be Mice Elf Again.”
Tony Hall told NYS Music about his recording experience on Some Devil. “I had a lot of fun with that record. some of my favorite songs were So Damn Lucky and the end jam on Too High is killing”
Photo by Joseph Buscarello
Dave goes to the city with the car horns, corners and the gritty during “Proudest Monkey.” Buddy Strong and Tim Reynolds stretched out great jams during “Typical Situation” and “Lie in Our Graves.” Friday night’s encore included a “Two Step” left unfinished by the band as they launched into a chilling version of “Halloween.” It turned back the clocks, buried the past, and sent the crowd trick or treating into the Manhattan night.
Saturday night’s tour closing show at the world’s most famous arena was a celebration with DMB family, friends, and their legendary crew. Dave made sure to thank all of his on road family that made this crazy year’s tour possible each night. “After this year to be in New York City and Madison Square Garden is overwhelming. Its like damn how did I get here?”
Dave Matthews Tour Bus
They wasted no time encouraging all at the Garden party to eat, drink, and be merry with a “Tripping Billies” opener. Matthews played his deepest cut “Stay or Leave,” off the Some Devil album as well. The rare “Water in to Wine” made its way round and round again for the first time in 2021.
Tim Reynolds told NYS Music about an experience he had at Madison Square Garden during a Sting & Peter Gabriel performance. “When Peter did The Rhythm of the Heat with both bands I screamed like a woman and I only have one vocal chord.” Tim was able to feed in the rhythm from the stage at MSG with Dave Matthews treating the New York crowd to a killing version of Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer.”
The band welcomed the Dumpstaphunk horns to the world’s most famous stage for “Cornbread.” During the improvisational classic “Jimi Thing,” the brass section helped launch Dave to sing on Sly Stone’s classic “ I Want To Take You Higher.” It helped solidify the funk vibe that was in the air both nights.
During Saturday night’s encore Matthews performed his moving “Christmas Song” that helped flicker some holiday lighting inside the Garden. Before these crowded streets of DMB’s 43-city tour came “The Last Stop.” This fitting jam during the final encore was left unfinished as it segued into Carter Beauford’s iconic snare drum hit to kick into “Ants Marching” to end the performance.
Dumpstaphunk and Dave Matthews Band made this another two-night run of legendary entertainment history at the World’s Most Famous Arena. The custom basketball jerseys helped count it in.
New Yorker Carrie Band-Leshin told NYS music at MSG, “I’ve been seeing him since he played the Wetlands club in Tribeca until now, its like the same shirt on a different day though. I’ve never seen him play any song the same way twice this whole time.” Dave Matthews told the Garden, “I remember coming here when I was a little kid for the Barnum and Bailey three ring Circus. Just to tell you how old I am.”
Dumpstaphunk Setlists
November 12, 2021 – Dancin to the Truth, I Wish You Would, Let’s Get At It, Where Do We Go, Justice, United Nation Stomp*
*Buddy Miles cover with Tim Reynolds
November 13, 2021 – Meanwhile…., Do You, Make it After All, Street Parade, Ramble On**
**Led Zeppelin cover with Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
Dave Matthews Band Setlists
November 12, 2021 – That Girl is You, Best of whats Around, Crush, Sweet, Funny the Way it is, Don’t Drink the Water, Again & Again, So Damn Lucky, Why I Am, Proudest Monkey, Satellite, Madmans Eyes, What Would You Say?, Lie in Our Graves, So Much to Say, Too Much, Everyday, Grey Street Encore: Two Step >Halloween
November 13, 2021 – Tripping Billies, Dancing Nancies, Warehouse, Stay or Leave, You Might Die Trying, Lying in the Hands of God, You & Me, She. Grace is Gone, Song That (bridget) Jane Likes-> Water in to Wine, Pantala Naga Pampa->Rapunzel, Sledgehammer*, #41, Cornbread**, Jimi Thing**, Where are You Going?, What You Are, Stay Encore: Christmas Song, The Last Stop >Ants Marching
*Peter Gabriel Cover ** Ashlin Parker & Alex Wasily trombone & trumpet
Like many of us, Kate Gratson used the pandemic to channel her inner-self. Consequently, her latest album, The Girl You Knew, does most of her speaking for her. Gratson’s process of self-reflection is something that her fans are all too familiar with and on this latest project, she found a way to perfectly encapture all the intimate feelings we’re afraid to share out loud. A veteran of writing on self-actualization and acceptance, it’s apparent that the she has developed an even deeper understanding of herself and lets it all out in her music.
While growing as a person and artist, Gratson has gotten a hold creatively as well, revealing a new sense of control.
Musically and lyrically, “Watch and Wonder,” is all about tension and release, and my main goal was to highlight this when creating the music video. “Watch and Wonder” is my second music video with Isaac Rosenthal on cinematography, and Grant Sorth on editing, but it is the first time I had a distinct, artistic vision in mind
Kate Granson
When listening to Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter, producer and cellist, it isn’t always apparent that she has a firm foundation in both jazz and classical techniques. Her knowledge of both genres almost silently seeps into her music layered with R&B, folk/indie and electronic elements. Combining both contemporary and aged sounds, she often find herself almost painting a picture of timelessness. Her various identities, paired with the layering of samples, mixed with velvety vocals, gritty drums and melodic synths are surely to catapult her career.
Following her formal music education, Gratson would go on to receive a BM in music composition and vocal performance from the State University of New York at Fredonia. It was during this time that her sound and voice as an artist began to take shape. She then returned to New York City to focus on refining her distinctly eclectic feel, attempting to harness the layers that made up her voice. Later returning to her initial mentors, as she began to write and hone her craft, while steadily releasing singles.
At last, she released her debut album, The Girl You Knew. With a growing fanbase and unique sound, it might not be long before Kate Gratson once again becomes the girl we once knew.
On November 6th, Sharkeys Bar and Grill in Liverpool hosted Gemini Syndrome on their tour with support from Otvtlier and Pushing Veronica, there was supposed to be another band called Them Damn Kings but unfortunately they had to back out. If you’ve never been to Sharkey’s, it’s a unique venue as the stage is separate from the bar and restaurant, which thrives in the summertime but the owner has adapted it to be used year round.
The opening act, Pushing Veronica started off the night with lots of energy and got the crowd moving. Ovtlier was the next band up and took the show up a notch with their performance, and stage presence; they are a truly unique band with a hybrid sound, also, a couple of the members are native to the state.
gemini syndromeOvtlier
After having thrilling performances from the other acts, it was time for Gemini Syndrome to take the stage. Gemini Syndrome was formed back in 2010 in Los Angeles, California and has toured with Fiver Finger Death Punch, In This Moment, Avatar, and many more. Just like the other bands, Gemini Syndrome has a unique sound. After the show, they stuck around greeting fans and signing things.
Even though the night was cold, you didn’t feel it between the heat from the heaters, and heat that the bands brought. Would definitely would check out Sharkeys Bar and Grill to see their upcoming lineup of shows.
If you dig the lush cinematic pop of Lana Del Ray but wish it came with more heartbreaking lyricism and some heavy R&B vocal chops to deliver it all, you should check out the music of 22-year-old Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Cate Hamilton.
Photo by Justin Truglio
The St. Louis native has two soulful EPs to under her belt, Angel Baby (2017) and Five Shots in the Chamber (2019), as well as a new single – the dreamy, throaty, trip hop-flavored ballad, “Traces.” Cate also has a new all-girl backing band which she unveiled in a tight, six-song set November 11th at East Berlin on Avenue A, her first live foray since the COVID-19 quarantine commenced.
Cate’s sound is dense, sensual, soulful, jazzy and even little electronically experimental. It is inspired by a host of classic R&B icons and their modern descendants like Iranian/Swedish singer-songwriter Snoh Aalegra, a Hamilton favorite. In her studio offerings, Cate’s rich lead vocals are front and center, often complemented by her stacked, spiraling and sophisticated harmonies.
Photo by Justin Truglio
Hamilton’s new three-girl band did a wonderful job recreating the symphonic grooves and vocal harmonies Cate marshals in the studio. The band included Mia Madden on keys and vocals, Chloe Seltzer on drum pads and vocals and Bettinacakes on bass. Hamilton handled the lead vocals, on-stage cheerleading/banter and rhythm guitar.
Cate Hamilton and band kicked off the evening with two strong singles from her discography, “Traces” and “Universe.” The latter is a bouncy offering from her debut EP, with a killer chorus and a cool acapella outro. The highlight of the evening was “12 Bar Blues.” This is a new and as of yet unrecorded bluesy lyrical bitchfest propelled by a walking bass and gorgeous three-part harmony. Cate and crew ended their set with two smart covers: Snoh Aalegra’s “Fool for You” and Canadian electronic/jazz hip-hoppers’ BADBADNOTGOOD’s “In Your Eyes.”
Two standout studio tracks not performed that evening but deserving of some serious airplay and acclaim are the James Bond theme like “Sick and Tired” and “Exist.” The former can stand up nexty to Adele and Billie Eilish’s recent cinematic spy offerings, while the latter is a slow groove with minimalist accompaniment, one that really demonstrates this young singer’s superior vocal chops and range.
As New York Marathoners raced down Bedford Avenue, runners may have heard the buzz stirring at Brooklyn Bowl a few blocks away. Just days after shocking news that eight out of ten Turkuaz members departed the band, five of them took to the familiar stage in Williamsburg as Brother Maker.
Dodongo
Bowlers packed the edges of an excited crowd as NYC-based band Dodongo took to the stage. The six-piece funk/rock band launched into their five song, hour-long set with two debuts, including a twangy, “Change My Mind,” and a progressive-rock, “Sweet Biter.” Dodongo’s third song was a shoutout to the venue as guitarist Dean Hicks joked that the owners had forced the band (to their dismay) to perform the funk song, “Brooklyn Bowl Theme.” To finish out the set, Dodongo brought the funky crowd favorite, “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley,” sandwiched between high-energy jams in their song, “Chase Sequence.”
Dodongo Setlist: Change My Mind*, Sweet Biter*, Brooklyn Bowl Theme*, Chase Sequence -> Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley *% -> Chase Sequence
* debut % cover, Robert Palmer
Craig Brodhead of Brother Maker with special guest Brittany Beckett
Hailing from New Orleans, Deltaphonic’s return to Brooklyn Bowl two years since their first performance there marks a notable transformation for the group. During the pandemic, Deltaphonic grew from a three piece band to five piece with the addition of Elmo Price on bass and Logan Sellers, which has given the band a more versatile and classic sound, and allowed them to blend more genres and styles. Deltaphonic’s set at Brooklyn Bowl showcased a mix of some of their best new and old material with special focus on some of their newer, unreleased soul songs including, “Angels,” and, “Casablanca.” Deltaphonic hopes to return to NYC in the spring of 2022 to promote their upcoming full album.
Brother Maker, an amalgamation of now-former Turkuaz members, including Craig Brodhead (guitar), Michelangelo Carubba (drums), Chris Brouwers (trumpet, keys), Greg Sanderson (tenor sax), and Taylor Shell (bass), made their debut. As Brodhead noted, with Shell taking a break in San Francisco, West End Blend’s Paulie Phillipone (keyboards, synth bass) filled in for Taylor.
Brooklyn debut of Brother Maker this Sunday at @brooklynbowl joining Deltaphonic and Dodongo. Taylor Shell – our brother – is home in SF getting much needed rest. He IS the bass player of the band, but in the meantime, our homie Paulie Philippone from West End Blend is gonna party with us on stage at the bowl. We will also be featuring some other fantastic special guests. Never miss a Sunday show!
Craig Brodhead, Facebook post
Brother Maker hit the stage with a bluesy funk sound that had the crowd immediately dancing. They played a set full of jazzy funk and psychedelic interludes, playing an instrumental mix of originals and covers before inviting Brittany Beckett on stage to sing Black Sabbath’s, “Sweet Leaf.”
To close out the show, Brother Maker invited Sammi Garett (vocals, also formerly of Turkuaz) and Paul Provesty (guitar, Deltaphonic) on stage to rock the house with a cover of “Magic Man,” by Heart.
Electro-pop duo Sylvan Esso brought their “Shaking Out The Numb” tour to Burlington for two nights. They played two sold-out nights at Higher Ground on November 8th and 9th.
The brainchild of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, Sylvan Esso is “built on conversation.” The marriage between Meath’s charismatic, inflected vocals and Sanborn’s creative production is euphoric at its best. Crowd excitement was palpable as bodies pressed up eagerly against the barrier.
Sylvan Esso. Photo by Hattie Lindert.
Canadian-Colombian singer Lido Pimienta opened for Sylvan Esso. She won the Polaris Prize for her 2016 album “La Papessa,” and released her most recent project “Miss Colombia” in 2020, to widespread acclaim.
“Watching her every night is so inspiring,” Sanborn said of Pimienta to the crowd.
Lido Pimienta. Photo by Hattie Lindert.
Bells were the first sounds heard in Pimienta’s set, ringing from percussionist Brandon Valdivia’s ankles as he walked onstage. The Nicaraguan-Canadian producer, and Pimienta’s partner, performs under the name Mas Aya. Her use of live percussion emphasized that rhythm is at the heart of Pimienta’s music and mission.
Pimienta dominated the stage with her mesmerizing blend of punk, electronic, and Colombian cumbia music. Chatting cheerily with the audience, often to the point of TMI, Pimienta’s warm stage presence stood out as much as her hypnotizing voice. Stomping, twerking, and prancing in a voluminous white cotton dress, Pimienta made herself impossible to look away from. A natural and candid storyteller, she discussed postpartum depression, lovers who fail you, and a woman’s choice– heavy topics she approaches with grace and humor.
Lido Pimienta. Photo by Hattie Lindert.
“That’s why I sing in Spanish,” she joked with the crowd.
Pimienta’s musical project hinges on combining indigenous tradition, political activism, and experimental music techniques from around the world. Pimienta frequently works with Canadian artist-activists Tanya Taqaq and the Halluci Nation. Employing Taqaq’s shocking throat-singing technique on Miss Colombia track “No Pude,” Pimienta sounded like a whole new artist. When she closed with the triumphant “Eso Que Tu Haces,” Pimienta’s stunning set felt all too short.
Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso. Photo by Hattie Lindert.
Before taking the stage, Sylvan Esso got a healthy cloud of smoke going, enveloping the venue. Entering to song “Runaway,” Meath in a dramatic fringed purple jacket, the crowd went wild from the barrier to the bar. Higher Ground felt more crowded than it has in a while.
Sylvan Esso performed a crowd-pleasing selection from their last few albums, focusing on hits. An intense strobe setup elevated each song, colors changing and bulbs flashing as Meath made the stage her own. After old fan favorite “Dress,” Meath shouted out fans who attended both nights, and a very special crowd member: Meath’s mom.
Sylvan Esso. Photo by Hattie Lindert.
Sylvan Esso proved at the show that their music is about far more than just a melody. Their attention to movement, light work, and crowd engagement made their performance an immersive, fun experience all about dancing. After a long year of isolation, Meath and Sanborn consistently reminded Higher Ground how much fun they were having. Though Meath mainly ran the crowd work while Sanborn’s focus remains locked on his setup, the bounce of his long hair betrays his fun. On the whipping, popping synth breakdown to Esso’s most recent single “Numb,” Sanborn was all but jumping up and down.
Closing with the classic hit “Radio,” Sylvan Esso left Burlington with a sweet, sparkling taste in their mouths. Watching waving hands illuminated by Esso’s lights, and people of all ages moving their bodies, brought on a wave of gratitude. After all, Esso chose to be with us as well. The duo shared they had added the two Burlington dates in place of scheduled days off. At least for the crowd, “shaking out the numb” together felt like the perfect relaxation activity.
Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso. Photo by Hattie Lindert.
Sylvan Esso will continue their East Coast tour this month, with upcoming dates at New York City’s Terminal 5 November 15th and 16th.
On Sunday, November 7, ONCO Fermentations in Tully, New York hosted a benefit of music and activities to celebrate the dedication of a new town road, “Hazel’s Way,” in support of Hazels Hope Foundation. This brand new town of Tully street located off Meetinghouse road across from ONCO was named “Hazel’s Way” in honor of thirteen year old Cazenovian Hazel Shaw, who passed in April from a rare ninth chromosome disorder.
The event raised over $3000 for Hazel’s Hope & families of children with special needs. A fashion with compassion idea that keeps on growing.
Hazel knew how to walk but wasn’t able to tell her body how to do it and she knew what she wanted to say but the words didn’t always come out. From her wheelchair and communication device Hazel’s love for art flourished during her days.
Her finger paintings inspired her Aunt Debby Martin to incorporate Hazel’s art work into scarves. Debbie Martin fashions added the Hazel & Friends line to her collection in 2014. It utilizes the designs of children with disabilities on scarves to raise funds to build playgrounds and support genetic research towards “Hazel’s Hope.”
Hazel & Friends scarf
Hazel enjoyed her life by spending time with her sisters Pearl & Mabel, enjoying dance parties, musicals, and fireworks. The seasonably sunny Sunday had all the elements Hazel loved. Her smiling spirit could be felt shining on all those enjoying the benefit. No fireworks but local Labrador Mountain hang gliders could be seen in the skies above ONCO throughout the day.
Syracuse musician Joe Altier performed a few moving songs for the ceremony on his piano. It helped launch the full crowd into the day’s festivities.
Central New York rockers Jess Novak and Cait Devin performed a special acoustic matinee set from 4 PM till 6 PM. Some tiny dancers in the crowd also helped on their tambourines. Jess Novak joined on violin during Cait Devins’ acoustic set for a jam on the Allman Brothers Band classic “Whipping Post,” Cait definitely helped put her own vibe on this legendary song.
Jess Novak tapped her foot tambourine along with the the tiny dancers in the crowd for a cover of Tedeschi Trucks Band soul refresher “Anyhow.” Jess put her own spin after looping the guitar rhythm for a Larry Campbell-like fiddle solo on the violin before ending the tune. The duo really channeled these southern artists’ sound and their own material in the Southern Tier on Sunday.
On Sunday, November 28, Jess Novak and her band will hop down Route 20 through the tier to Meires Creek in Cazenovia for their new Thousand Lives album release party. The Jess Novak Band continues the tour in support of the album as they return to ONCO Fermentations on December 4.
ONCO will also be bringing local talent Biggs & Young on Friday November 12 and a special Thanksgiving Eve party with The Shylocks. After the holiday, The Vectors are set to rock on November 26.
ONCO is one of Central New York’s best new music venues, offering live music weekly in its “cozy warehouse-style” tasting room or outside in the beer garden when seasonally allowed. A new 3400 square foot Back Space area is under construction for hosting larger groups and music acts. It currently serves as a raw but inviting overflow space and features indoor games such as cornhole and foosball while under construction.
ONCO offers a rotating taplist of 12 house brewed beers along with NYS wine and hard ciders. Starting November 4 and running all Fall and Winter ONCO is partnering with Spinner Culinary LLC and Naan Ya’ Business food truck to pair simple exciting food to your ONCO cold beverage tasting experience.
ONCO is just off I-81 twenty five minutes south of Syracuse and just 18 minutes north of Cortland. Arrive by car, bicycle, or snowmobile (ONCO is a Tully Trailblazer’s trail head). Just minutes from Song Mountain, Labrador Hollow, and other outdoor activities, ONCO is a welcome addition to Southern Onondaga County, offering a relaxed vibe to go with great music, food, and of course, beer. #Tullyrocks
It was a night full of incredible music at The Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls on November 9th as Daughtry, Sevendust, Tremonti and Travis Bracht rocked the stage for the Dearly Beloved tour.
Daughtry tearing it up at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
The first performance of the night was brought by Travis Bracht with a voice that could pierce right through your heart.
Following him was the band Tremonti. Their drummer was ill so the audience got to see a totally different side of the band as they performed a totally acoustic set for the first time ever.
Tremonti at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
The rock show took off with Sevendust, and who has been around since about ’94 and they are still amazing. Their fans knew every single word to every single song.
Daughtry, lead by American Idol Season 5 contestant Chris Daughtry, nailed their set. Daughtry’s voice is as smooth as ever, plus, his talent and charisma are tough to match, yet the rest of the band was right at his level.
It was a night filled with refreshing, post-grunge rock that was just what this crowd needed.
Daughtry Setlist: Desperation, World on Fire, Changes Are Coming, No Surprise, Dearly Beloved, Evil, Home, Waiting for Superman, Break Into My Heart, It’s Not Over, Heavy Is the Crown, The Victim, Lioness, September, Over you, Asylum
Chris Daughtry at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Daughtry at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Chris Daughtry at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Chris Daughtry at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Sevendust at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
John Connolly of Sevendust at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Clint Lowery and Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Mark Tremonti of Tremonti at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Tremonti at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Eric Friedman of Tremonti at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Travis Bracht at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Travis Bracht at The Rapids Theatre. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
