PhanArt shows are back and in person, with the first installment coming to Caesar’s Atlantic City on Saturday, August 14. The event showcases more than two dozen artists, featuring posters, clothing, ceramics, photography, fine art and much more–all with a Phish inspired flair.
The last in-person PhanArt show was held on December 30, 2019 in NYC. After this long hiatus due to the pandemic, organizers and vendors are eager to enjoy another great event. Much like the last show, the Atlantic City event will present morning yoga sessions, live music by (this time by Sweeping Views), and “phan philm” screenings. This is the first new PhanArt show, with others planned for Lake Tahoe and Denver in September.
This year’s “phan philm” screenings include “We’ve Got it Simple“, a documentary exploring the wonderful world of Phish fans, and “Cirque du Cambodia“, which tells the story of two Cambodian teenagers with dreams of joining the Cirque du Soleil company.
As always, admission is free. The show will run from 12-5 PM at Caesar’s. The art show, yoga and film screenings are all located on the 3rd floor of the Centurion Tower, above the Palladium Ballroom, in Empire A & B. Check out the video below to get hyped up!
Few bands have a relationship with the state of New York like the Grateful Dead. Outside of California, the Grateful Dead have performed more shows in New York than any other state.
With 309 unique shows performed across the Empire State in a 28 year span, beginning at Tompkins Square Park on June 1, 1967, the Grateful Dead made New York a home away from home, with venues of all sizes welcoming them during their career.
Over the past few years, NYS Music has looked back on some of these shows, whether they be archival releases, or an iconic show worthy of a closer look. In 2020, we began to look intently at the history of the Grateful Dead in the Empire State, and in doing so, discovered some overlooked diamonds in the rough.
While performances at Madison Square Garden, The Knickerbocker Arena and Barton Hall garner the glory, there are shows that are equally compelling which we took a second look at. Whether the performance was in The Bronx, Alfred State, Oswego, Glens Falls, Lake Placid or Watkins Glen, each show gets a thorough analysis, with first-hand accounts and memorabilia, as well as audio and/or video of each performance.
We’ve taken all these articles that examine the long history of the Grateful Dead in New York State, as well as Jerry Garcia’s solo and JGB performances, and created an interactive Google Map that allows you to observe the history of the Grateful Dead in New York – So MaNY Roads. You can find info on each of these shows (were you there?), and dive into shows you may or may not have known about.
With more than 300 shows to include in this series, we so far have looked at more than 50 of these shows, all searchable in the map below. More will be added each month as we continue looking at the Grateful Dead and their history in NY.
We welcome Section 119 as a sponsor for So MaNY Roads, our Grateful Dead in New York series. Section 119 takes you from beachfront to stage front with the highest quality merchandise celebrating the Grateful Dead. Shop for a variety of officially licensed clothing and accessories including board shorts, polos, button-down shirts and more at Section119.com.
Nestled deep in the hills of Virginia, Floyd Fest 2021 kept true to its theme ‘Odyssey” when it provided a dreamy, cantina-like oasis for curious seekers and seasoned travelers alike. Artists including Goose and Andy Frasco & The U.N. blended into the crowd for Billy Strings and waited patiently for Leftover Salmon between their own sets in order to bask in the familiar and the favorites.
Fire ritual spoiler alert
But what really happened that weekend? Why were there mystical creatures? What was that thing that happened with the full moon and the fire ritual performed by Goose on Friday?
The Quest
Most that have traveled that far from home for a beach with tented structures that barely qualify as “chair”. Beverages served inside the protective outer layer of a large fruit elevate one’s lounging experience.
Attendees resorted to extreme measures by day 3 of hiking the hill from camp to the main stage.
Others have always felt the magnetic pull of the electrical currents flowing through consoles responsible for light and sound. The wise were beckoning.
Lockn’ The Wise looks prepared for Fred the Festival
Nestled down in a small valley of rolling hills, tents lit like little huts in a shire. Moon, red like a western sun, rising through the faraway wildfire’s haze. After hours upon hours of travel, it seemed like a mirage, or a figment of imagination.
The Village
Floyd traveler familiar with the midday sun and opts for shade and to see Chupacabra’s set.
Uncertainty and overwhelm upon arrival. The seeker arrived to a new town, hustling and bustling as it has for many years. Floyd Fest attendees in 2001 seem more like townsfolk in a small village nestled far away from any industrious city. Everyone goes about their business. No questions. Each and every person appears to have a job, a home, and a role within the community.
This staff security member has been collaboratively painting with the same group for over 10 years.
There might have been plans to have a meeting of the minds and spirits, but the lack of cell service created a mentality of embracing what was, not what could have been. Any plans to meet friends were let go at which point, the true experience began.
Moon is tight
The Celebration
Off in the distance, there was music. Light began seeping onto the edges of the forest. Following blindly on the trail, the hero contorted their way through campsites, following weaving trails until a light began to show.
As the path opened up, a mass of people gathered in the shape of a bowl became illuminated by a flood of beautiful shapes and colors. Attendees entered the area with joy and music. It felt like a dream, looked like a dream, and had the soundtrack of Billy Strings. Everyone was there.
Certain supernatural laws seemed to morph when moving through the dimensional force field that was the gate of Floyd Fest 2021, Friends seemed to appear, exactly at the perfect time, by sheer luck and with a dash of synchronicity. It was often in those moments that we would miraculously have our friends cross paths right in front of us.
Roger Gant composing ideal combinations of shapes and colors for the moment.
It was great to run into friends that I have no seen since shutdown. Usually we get to see each other when I stop in their city for tour. I was not expecting so many reunions.
Roger Gant, lighting director, Billy Strings
A patient Goose (member) Jeff Arevalo waiting for Leftover Salmon to begin.
This was more than just a little town, it was a place for many woodsfolk, elvish types and wizards to gather and celebrate the diversity that has successfully coexisted.
Billy Strings’ bassist Royal Masat
It was a place for young warriors to display the fruits of their training and for elders to inspire support within and between communities.
Goose Connections
One wiser, more experienced female traveler easily recognized the look of wonder and amazement on a young couple’s face. She approached the two after Billy’s encore and asked “Is this your first time?” The two cautiously nodded, unsure of why this was being asked. The elder was elated and welcomed the couple. She had spotted the newcomers early in the night and just had to know if her gut instinct was correct, then promptly welcomed the two. She shared that she had been attending Floyd Fest for more than a decade and it felt just as good in 2021 as it did her first year.
This long time fan of the Grateful Dead was blown away by the kindness of Goose Fans at her first show.
The beautiful thing about gathering for Floyd Fest 2021 is that the travelers and the seekers were able to share Goose through one of the highest energy ultra marathon birthday celebrations to date. Many Floyd regulars had only studied Goose through youtube and live streams, but Friday night, they were able to experience a proper southern Goose Flodown. Feet stomped. Crowd pulsed. Andrew Goedde’s smoke with white lights during “Arcadia” awakened the spirit of Tennessee Ted for the first time since Pelham. It could not only be seen, but also heard thanks to the masterful sound engineering by Sam Bardini.
Bathing in light thrown by Andrew Goedde. It would not have been the moment it was without these lights.
After two and a half hours of anthem after anthem, the young couple ran into the elder as one would in that fantasy fiction we seemed to be living in at Floyd and they were able to ask knowingly, “first time?”
Peter Anspach giving a warm and friendly greeting.
Convergence and Birth
On the eve of the full moon, there was a ritual burning of candles for one chosen bassist. This converged with a chemical reaction from energy between musical newcomers with the wise seasoned ones. The next breakout band emerged from the garden stage around the same time Turkuaz performed their Talking Heads set.
An Empress of Organos
Melt
Melt from NYC had a full and engaged crowd despite fierce competitors at the main stage. Empresses Veronica (vocals) and Marlo (guitar) seranaded the garden stage with dynamic melodies.
An Echo of A Rose, Marlo
Keys and horns dances perfectly with bass and drums. Respect for one’s bandmates for melt looked like laying down during a member’s solo. This band enchanted anyone within earshot.
Melt showing respect for their bandmates
The traveler returned home with tales of strings and salmon as well as intel on Melt for ‘heard them first’ stock brokers everywhere.
Cody the Wise
At the end of the day, Floyd Fest was summed up best by traveler Cody Wimer when he shared his thoughts on Floyd:
Home festival. Best place. Hot days. Cold nights. Music fire.
The life of Jerry Garcia will be celebrated on August 8 at Westville Music Bowl with “Daze Between,” presented by Rex Foundation.
Musicians including Warren Haynes and Grace Potter (alone and together), Lettuce (celebrating JGB) and Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass have all been announced as part of the music event, with more special guests yet to be announced.
August 1-9 is known among Grateful Dead fans as “The Days Between,” named for the Dead song of the same name. On August 1, 1942, Jerry Garcia was born, and on August 9, 1995, he passed away peacefully in his sleep. These days mark hallowed time for Deadheads of all ages, with music celebrations continually in order to celebrate the life of the influential musician and icon, Jerry Garcia.
For tickets and more info about Daze Between click here.
The Rex Foundation’s schedule for Daze Between 2021
Thursday, July 29th – Jerry Day at Fenway Park in Boston, MA: Boston Red Sox vs Toronto BlueJays; Lureto – Everywhere: The Dead Sessions EP Release Party at the Charleston Pour House in Charleston, SC (live show) Friday, July 30th – Melvin Seals & JGB with Roots of Creation at The Range in Mason, NH (live show), The Garcia Project at The Narrows in Fall River, MA; Terrapin Flyer at Headliners in Louisville, KY (live show) Saturday, July 31th – Melvin Seals & JGB with Roots of Creation at The Range in Mason, NH (live show); The Garcia Project at FTC in Fairfield, CT; Sunday, August 1st – Jerry Birthday Celebration ft. Peter Rowan, Bill Nershi, Ross James, and more at Cervantes in Denver, Colorado (live show); Songwriter Showcase w/ Vince Herman, Matt Warren, and Channing Wilson at New Standard in Winter Park, FL (live show); The Garcia Project – Jerry Birthday celebration at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, MA; Daze Between virtual auction begins – dozens of high-ticket music and Grateful Dead memorabilia with proceeds to benefit Rex Foundation Monday, August 2nd – Mikaela Davis and Southern Star Play Grateful Dead (livestream); Jerry Day at Great American Ball Park: Cincinnati Reds vs Minnesota Twins; Crazy Fingers at New Standard in Winter Park, FL (live show) Tuesday, August 3rd – Melvin Seals & JGB at The Hamilton in Washington, DC (live show) Thursday, August 5th – “The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame presents: An Odd Little Place: The Digital Work of Jerry Garcia” in Cleveland, OH (private gallery opening); The Garcia Project at the Chance Theatre in Poughkeepsie, NY (live show); Friday, August 6th – The Days Between Festival ft. Dark Star Orchestra in Laytonville, CA (live show); Everyone’s Dead ft. Matt Butler, Steve Kimock, Marc Brownstein, and more at Ardmore Music Hall in Philadelphia, PA (live show); Splintered Sunlight at the Hamilton in Washington, DC (live show); The Garcia Project at the Recher Theatre in Towson, MD (live show); An Evening with Dead Floyd live at the Mishawaka Amphitheater in Bellvue, CO (live show); Walking In The Sky (Papa Mali, Matt Hubbard, Reed Mathis, and Wally Ingram) at New Standard in Winter Park, FL (live show); Pure Jerry at Milo in Philadelphia, PA (live show)”The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame presents: An Odd Little Place: The Digital Works of Jerry Garcia” in Cleveland, OH opens to the public Saturday, August 7th – Cris Jacobs and Larry Keel Experience at BChord Brewing in Round Hill, VA (live show); Jerry Garcia 79th Birthday Celebration ft. members of Los Colognes, Futurebirds, and more at the Basement East in Nashville, TN (live show); The Garcia Project at the Hamilton in Washington, DC (live show) Sunday, August 8th – Daze Between ft. Warren Haynes, Grace Potter, Lettuce, Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass and more at the Westville Bowl in New Haven, CT (live show); Cris Jacobs and Larry Keel Experience at BChord Brewing in Round Hill, VA (live show); Melvin Seals & JGB at the Caverns in Pelham, TN (live show) Monday, August 9th – Rex Foundation Grand Finale (livestream); The Garcia Project at the Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls, NY (live show) Tuesday August 10th – MLB Jerry Day – San Francisco Giants vs. Diamondbacks
Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music fromthe Grandstand Jockeys, Timbre Coup and many more!
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
The Grandstand Jockeys
The Grandstand Jockeys’ debut EP, Win, arrives on June 18. Its first single, “Better Days,” is a nostalgic call to long-past good times, holding out hope for their eventual return. The song is especially timely in the wake of many COVID-19 restrictions being lifted: “Time to begin, the time is now / Get yourself off the ground.” The Grandstand Jockeys’ Facebook page describes their sound as a mix of Tom Petty, Nirvana and QOTSA, but “Better Days” has the former written all over it.
Timbre Coup
Timbre Coup’s latest single, “Running Always,” is an indie rock piece that occasionally delves into prog and funk. The song’s scarce lyrics contrast its vast, sometimes trippy soundscape, replete with a sweeping electric guitar that wouldn’t sound out of place on OK Computer. The four-piece band from Albany will release their fourth studio album, Sudden Urge, on June 25.
Ciarra Fragale
Indie-pop singer-songwriter Ciarra Fragale’s self-titled EP is out on July 2. Described by Fragale as “a love letter to my anxiety (and yours),” single “It’s Only Raining” isn’t concerned with the weather so much as the stressful hypothetical situations our brains create for us. Fragale’s vocals are effortless yet passionate, and the staccatoed keys will stay with you long after listening.
On Thursday, July 15, Eggy demonstrated precision and class on the precipice of a new era for live music at Levitt Pavilion in Westport, CT, continuing to carry momentum outside the pandemic incubator.
Eggy Levitt Pavilion Westport, CT
Beauty in venue, music, fashion, and love between the tight community of attendees had fans feeling the warmth of hope; regardless of the viewer’s GPS coordinates. Most importantly, Eggy has acted as path leaders for many to forget the beast we might have been and focus on all that we are capable of with dedication and practice.
Goose fans enjoyed playing a game of “Where’s Ted?” for each drone shot
The nugs.net stream and drone footage made a case for Levitt Pavilion as one of the most beautiful venues of any northeastern live stream to date.Nugs.net held it down with visually enticing imagery of the stunning venue. The live stream experience could arguably be preferred by some. It provides a solution for those that do not want to be physically taxed by consuming live music. For those who like to consume their music without the distraction of chatty neighboring fans, the stream had excellent audio quality as well. Endless playback allows for this to be revisited any time. For those that love the social aspect, but need to wake up early, there was an active chat going through the whole stream.
Friends supporting friends
Despite technology and all of its improvements, there was an absolute magic to attendance. To feel the love between attendees towards each other and the band was the stuff we have been dreaming about since shutdown. The sunset and the venue evoked a feeling of dreaminess and provided cheerful, yet soothing for all we have been through.
Dani Batatt
Eggy keyboard/vocalist Dani Batatt introduced a song called “BeyondThese Walls.” Written during the throws of shutdown about imagining what “after” might look like while simultaneously appreciating the gift of time spent with loved ones.
After sharing space during shutdown, Dani and Jake share keyboards.
During shutdown, many of us were forced to push ahead without the input of our usual critiques and cheerleaders. Not having it clearly created access to new pathways of thinking with complete authenticity for Eggy.
Jake Brownstein’s debut with this new addition to the Eggy Family
Far from single note show, the tightened up band showed enough comfort to switch instruments, and play styles of music ranging from Crosby, Stills and Nash all the way to deep grooves peppered with what streamer Gleb described as, “some serious stank on [that] jam.” It kept the whole show filled with engagement.
Bassist Mike Goodman glistening in the cinematic golden hour… heat.
Eggy has grown as a band from a place of abundance, In the words of bassist/vocalist Mike Goodman’s mom, “We were so worried, but look at them now. They shot right out of the box.”
Preferred is the discussion.
This show and stream felt like a real glimmer of hope for musicians after they have endured so much. What a relief for the many months of secret admirers to finally attend an Eggy show and for the band to see how much they are loved.
Green Eggs and Fam.
The shutdown incubator yielded an opportunity for the band to practice more than just their music. They clearly have worked on themselves as individuals and as a team to create a vision that is sophisticated in its technicality and product, but never too serious.
Breaking out of the egg?
Eggy – Levitt Pavilion, Westport, CT – July 15, 2001 Setlist: 12 Pounds Of Pain, Between You And Me, Time Loves A Hero (Little Feet), Finding And Losing, Broken Bluff, Beyond These Walls, Beauty And The Beast (Alan Menken), Teach Your Children (Crosby Stills, Nash & Young), Moments Passed, Interior People (King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
Live music has taken over Rochester‘s Public Market once again. The annual “Bands on the Bricks” concert series has made a comeback with a lineup of popular tribute bands and local groups, beginning July 16.
The Rochester Public Market, located on 280 North Union Street, has hosted community events since 1905. “Bands on the Bricks” is one of their most popular summer events, bringing crowds from all over the area. All shows are 6-10 p.m. every Friday night until August 13.
On Friday, July 16 the Zac Brown Tribute Band rocked the market, delivering the “true Zac Brown Band experience” for Rochester locals. Check out a live stream recording of their set from the ZBTB Facebook.
ZBTB
There are five free city-owned Market parking lots available for use. Railroad Street, Union Street, a large lot across Union Street from Market grounds (accessible from Trinidad or Scio Streets), and two small lots at the corners of Pennsylvania/First, as well as Pennsylvania/Union. Public street parking and paid private lot parking are also available in the surrounding Market District.
A market trolley circulates around the grounds and to/from parking lots from May through October, and a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Union Street is available to and from the Trinidad/Scio Street lot. Carpooling, walking, or bicycling is encouraged, but bikes are not permitted beyond the market gates. Download a parking map pdf here.
Gates open 5:30 p.m., shows start at 6 p.m., all shows are free of charge. Attendees are permitted one sealed bottle of water per person, no other food or beverages is allowed. Seating is limited so personal folding chairs and blankets are suggested. More information can be found on the City of Rochester website.
“Bands on the Bricks” Upcoming Shows:
July 23: Into the Now (Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones, the Doors tribute band), Dinner and a Movie (Phish Tribute Band)
July 30: The Taint (local cover band), Appetite for Voltage (Guns N Roses, AC/DC tribute band)
August 6: Latino Night (annual partnership with Puerto Rican Festival featuring an array of local Latin music groups)
August 13: M 80’s (80s tribute band), Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute band)
Elektric Voodoo, the Afrobeat-inspired psych dance-rock ensemble, just released the music video for their title track “Telescope” and tour dates for their album. Scott Tournet, frontman for Elektric Voodoo, is also a founding member of Grace Potter & The Nocturnals (2003-2014), Blues & Lasers, a solo artist, and producer. They will be making a stop on August 21st at Water Street Music Hall in Rochester.
The music video filmed by Michael Cacciabaudo perfectly captures the intimate recording session and vibe. “Telescope” is the second single from Elektric Voodoo’s upcoming album of the same name, due out August 20th. The band has also announced their first tour dates in support of the album kicking off August 7th. Full tour dates below.
Elektric Voodoo is comprised of an all-star ensemble with songwriter, guitarist, and bandleader Scott Tournet, Matt Bozzone (drums/percussion, vocals), Ty Kiernan (congas, timbales, percussion), Travis Klein (tenor sax, keyboards, guitar, percussion, vocals), Brad Nash (baritone sax, keyboards, percussion, vocals), and Luke Henning (bass, vocals, percussion). They first came together in 2016 around the time Tournet left the band he had built up for 12 years with Grace Potter and Nocturnals. Together they took a leap of faith to create something new.
Tour Dates
08/07 @ Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesaplooza – Mammoth Lakes, CA
08/13 @ Winston’s – San Diego, CA
08/15 @ Soundwell – Salt Lake City, UT
08/18 @ The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge – Minneapolis, MN
08/19 @ Ignition Music Garage – Goshen, IN
08/20 @ Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH
08/21 @ Water Street Music Hall – Rochester, NY
08/22 @ The Tupelo Music Hall – Derry, NH
08/27 @ Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Fest – Augusta, NJ
Vermont band Twiddle has announced the dates to their huge upcoming 2021 Fall Tour. Twiddle will travel across the country with a series of over 35 shows September through November. After kicking off tour at Anthology in Rochester on 9/2, the band will play a series of outdoor engagements, including Adirondack Independence Music Festival in Lake George.
Twiddle is a folksy jam quartet comprised of Mihali Savoulidis (guitar, vocals), Ryan Dempsey (keyboards, vocals), Zdenek Gubb (bass, vocals), and Brook Jordan (drums, percussion, vocals). The band formed back in 2004 when the members were all attending Castleton State College in Vermont.
Photo by Paul Citone
Along with their shows in Upstate NY, Twiddle will spend the first half of October traveling through the South before making their way to the West Coast.
After a Halloween play at Neumos in Seattle, the band will head east once again, making stops in Denver, Aspen, Chicago, Kansas City, and Minneapolis. The tour concludes in Grand Rapids, MI on 11/14, giving the band a two-week break before its previously announced Frendsgiving run at The Capitol Theatre, featuring support from Keller Williams (Night 1) and Eggy (Night 2).
In the meantime, Twiddle has exciting shows in store for this summer, recently announcing two nights of live music at Double Down music and art festival in Burlington, VT. They will take the stage August 6 and 7. Tickets are available for purchase now.
Fall tour ticket sales start Wednesday, July 14 at 10AM venue local time using the password LOVETOUR2021. General on-sale begins on Friday, July 16 at 10AM venue local time.
Intrepid Travelers are all about creating fun and eclectic musical journeys for audiences to enjoy. In exciting news, the Buffalo based sextet has announced new summer shows, including the fifth annual edition of IT Fest.
(L-R): Jon Fohl, Brian Calisto, Zak Beutel, Ellen Pieroni, Adam Bronstein, Donny Frauenhofer
As in previous years, IT Fest V will be held at The “G” Lodge in Hannibal, NY, near Oswego. Last year’s IT Fest was luckily able to proceed with a very limited audience due to COVID-19 restrictions. This year, the two day festival runs on August 6 and 7 and is sure to be a great time, complete with overnight camping and plenty of food options. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Throughout the pandemic, IT have been live streaming performances on Facebook for the first three Tuesdays of each month in a series called “Funnel Down Stream”. These streams have been a great way for the band to share new music and connect with fans, something they undeniably hold dear.
Treating each live show as a journey with the audience rather than a performance, Intrepid Travelers pride themselves on a form of focused, collective expression that showcases a medium where cerebral musicianship meets heartfelt, soulful songwriting.
Intrepid Travelers Bio
IT’s latest releases were two new singles, “You Gotta Work” and “Up To You”, both of which pair jazzy instrumentation with a jam band feel. They also shared a submission to the NPR Tiny Desk Contest last month.
The rest of the summer will certainly be busy for IT as they make several stops around New York. A full list of the band’s summer shows is below, including links to their respective Facebook event pages.
