Just as cargo shorts, hair dye and flannel are making a comeback in the ’20s, a classic jam band from the ’90s is also making a triumphant return. The Slip, having just reunited at LOCKN’ in August, will hit the road for six shows this November, with three shows in New York.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMRHbayESZQ
The Slip – drummer Andrew Barr, guitarist Brad Barr and bassist Marc Friedman – had released eight albums over 10 years, starting in 1997, and while they have reunited here and there over the years, this run of shows marks their first tour in more than a decade.
After starting the tour in Burlington at Higher Ground, they’ll make two more stops in New England at Fete Music Hall and The Sinclair before heading to Brooklyn Bowl for two nights, followed by an intimate performance at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock. Tickets go on sale this Friday, September 17 at 10 a.m. ET at each venue’s website below.
The Black Crowes, led by founding brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, played the first of three shows in New York State amid their ‘Shake Your Money Maker’ 30th anniversary tour, at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Tuesday, September 14
Back in November 2019, the pair appeared on The Howard Stern Show to deliver incredible news: “We’re announcing that the Black Crowes are together and that we’re going on tour next summer.” That was planned for 2020, with a tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their quintuple platinum debut album Shake Your Money Maker and will feature the band playing the entirety of the record every single night. Chris Robinson reflected humbly on the upcoming experience:
The real reward is knowing our music has played a vital role in many people’s lives as well as getting to see their albums on shelves alongside some of the other greats. “I always thought, ‘I’m in the same record store as Thelonious Monk? … Like, what? How did that ever happen?’
Chris Robinson
The brothers were special guests and closed a set at the Beacon Theater for the Love Rocks NYC Benefit on March 12, 2020. Just three songs were all that was played before the full 30th anniversary tour was postponed. This marked the Black Crowes last Empire State show before heading up the Hudson River to Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Tuesday, September 14 to keep their rock and roll promise.
Supporting the tour has been the band “Dirty Honey,” featuring Niskayuna native Marc LaBelle on lead vocals, with the group playing material from their new LP, including the single “The Wire.” They immediately got the crowd’s attention with a rock like vibe reminiscent of the Crowes infamous tour with Jimmy Page in 2000. Marc Lebelle’s hometown crowd led to him reflecting on his first show at SPAC as a fan, for an Aerosmith performance in 1990. To help come full circle, the band covered “Last Child” as an homage to Boston rock legends.
Prior to the Crowes start the stage was set like a western saloon with a full bar on site. Lead singer Chris Robinson came out head to toe, dressed with an umbrella in hand.
The Elmore James composition “Shake your Money Maker” opened the show appropriately for the album and tour it is named after. The Crowes had the same approach in the 1990s to the blues hero’s sound, much like The Rolling Stones did in the 1960s. However, the Robinson brothers from Georgia hit home a little bit closer to the mud like Gregg and Duane Allman. With a jukebox behind them onstage, they played the 1990 LP in full for the Saratoga Springs crowd. All 10 tracks hit the crowd with full indulgence, making those at home realize they were jealous again.
Fans who remembered seeing the The Black Crowes with Levon Helm In Central Park in September 2009 were hoping for songs off “Before the Frost…Until the Freeze,” recorded at Levon’s Barn in Woodstock. Instead the Crowes played to the desert saloon stage up for a complete hair raising version of their classic “Wiser Time.” Guitarist Isaiah Mitchell’s twang and Rich Robinson’s tone blended with Chris’s vocals: “No time left now for shame, horizon behind me, no more pain, windswept stars blink and smile, another song, another mile.” The band gave the crowd the remedy they all needed to close the show.
For the encore, the Crowes channeled that energy for Led Zeppelin’s “Hey Hey What Can I Do?,” with Robert Plant’s lyrics fitting for the overall vibe. “I guess there’s just one thing a-left for me to do. Going to pack my bags and move on my way … going to leave her where the guitars play.”
The Black Crowes play next in New York at Jones Beach on September 17 and Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center on September 25.
The Black Crowes, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Saratoga Springs, NY – Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Setlist: Shake Your Moneymaker, Twice as Hard, Jealous Again, Sister Luck, Could I’ve Been So Blind, Seeing Things, Hard to Handle, Thick N’ Thin, She Talks to Angels, Struttin’ Blues, Stare It Cold, Sting Me, Hotel Illness, Oh Josephine, Wiser Time, Thorn in My Pride, Remedy Encore: Hey Hey What Can I Do
On December 8, 2017, Devon Allman invited a couple dozen of his closest musical compadres onto the hallowed stage of The Fillmore in San Francisco to perform a three-hour, multi-set concert in tribute to Allman’s late father, Gregg, on what would have been his 70th birthday. The loss of his father, and his mother a few months prior, made music Devon’s medicine, and gave birth to The Allman Family Revival.
Now in its fifth year, The Allman Family Revival has evolved into a full-fledged, coast-to-coast tour. As curator, host, and performer, Allman remains true to the painstaking mission of providing an epic event worthy of its inspiration.
I want to make sure there’s some ‘sonic ginger,’ to cleanse the palette amidst all those guitars. I really enjoy working with the guests individually on setlists to make each show a very special night. It’s a daunting task, for sure, but a labor of love every time.
Devon Allman
Now an annual tradition, Allman Family Revival has grown from an annual celebration in San Francisco to a full fledged coast to coast tour. Based on the format of “The Last Waltz” concert with The Allman Betts Band as the house band, and featuring up to a dozen marquee names in music
This year the touring lineup will include The Allman Betts Band, Robert Randolph, Donavon Frankenreiter, Lilly Hiatt, Cody and Luther Dickinson, Eric Gales, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Jimmy Hall, Lamar Williams Jr. plus many more to be announced.
The Allman Family Revival will also feature Kenny Wayne Shepherd, G. Love, Samantha Fish, Alex Orbison, and Kenny Aronoff in select markets.
Public on-sale begins 9/17. For tickets and all up to date information, visit allmanfamilyrevival.com.
2021 Allman Family RevivalTour dates
11/27 @ The Factory | St. Louis, MO
11/29 @ Majestic Theater | Dallas, TX
12/1 @ Saenger Theater | New Orleans, LA
11/30 @ ACL Live at The Moody Theater | Austin, TX
Kicking off Hispanic Heritage month, The UAlbany Performing Arts Center will be presenting two programs the weekend of Friday, October 1.
On October 1, an Evening of Flamenco Music and Film featuring a solo set from Flamenco guitarist Maria Zemantauski will be followed by a screening of Flamenco Vivo’s 6Hilos (6Threads) focusing on the Golden Age of flamenco. Several artists will perform live alongside Flamenco Vivo. Saturday, October 2 will feature a presentation of Tablao Flamenco, with both performances starting at 7:30pm
Founded in 1983, Flamenco Vivo uses flamenco as a power to build bridges between people all over the world. With bases in New York City and Durham, NC it is one of America’s premier flamenco companies. While performing high quality dance works for Hispanic Heritage Month, Flamenco Vivo also provides arts education promoting the next generations of Spanish dance artists and educators.
Guitarist and composer Maria Zemantauski is based in Upstate New York where she is a teacher, lecturer and performer, and performs across Europe and the continental U.S. Zematauski is on the faculty in the Department of Fine Arts, Theater Arts & Digital Media at Hudson Valley Community College where she has also been the Coordinator of Cultural Affairs since 2004.
6Hilos (6 Threads) recently premiered in New York City three months ago to show city goers how artists are forced to persevere during this pandemic. Flamenco Vivo’s work pays homage to singers of the “Golden Generation” who have left a legacy of more than 50 years and marked the golden age of flamenco.
Tablao Flamenco pays homage to Spain’s flamenco cafes. Tablaos are popular places to see flamenco. These performances involve lots of improvisation, the call and response dance offers a neat look into the intersection of music and dancing.Admission to An Evening of Flamenco Music and Film is free. However tickets to the Flamenco Vivo’s performance are $15. Find more information about tickets here.
New York jam/groove trio Organ Fairchild today release their debut album Brewed In Buffalo. The trio consists of Joe Bellanti on keys, Corey Kertzie on drums and Dave Ruch on guitar. The three lifelong musicians have played together in cover band Wild Knights since 1983, but only began writing and performing originals in 2019.
The album offers a classic jam sound, begging to be heard at an outdoor venue with plenty of space to dance. The trio operates like a well-oiled machine, maintaining steady grooves while deferring to each other with communicative solos. On opening track “Amateur Night at the Apollo,” Bellanti’s organ and Ruch’s guitar quite literally feel in conversation with each other, steadied by Kertzie’s masterful rhythms. Although none of the tracks have lyrics, in its best moments, this album speaks.
What stands out most about Organ Fairchild is their fascination with building a melody from the ground up. Building melodies with this in mind creates an immersive experience; Organ Fairchild’s music is as easy to fall into as it is to snap out of. The thick, whirring hum of Bellanti’s organ is essential in building Organ Fairchild’s musical environment, and especially hypnotic on longer tracks.
The album mainly follows traditional jam/groove patterns, displaying the trio’s mastery of their craft. But tracks like album highlight “Bailar” step outside of the mold, proving Organ Fairchild best find their footing in experimentation. “Bailar,” anchored by a breathless Latin percussion line, is pure fun and movement.The beginning of the track boasts a guitar solo from Ruch that would drop Santana’s jaw; the climactic end brings the maniacal riffs of Funkadelic to mind. The extensive influences that come from the trio’s years of cover experience convalesce here into a beautiful crescendo. The song runs through your body like a shock.
Album closer “Dylan St. James” takes a lighter approach, employing the eye-on-the-sky warmth of Tom Petty’s music. Of all the tracks, Dylan St. James feels the most listenable in daily life; on a long car ride at sunset, or a particularly introspective moment where headphones drown out the rest. If the album speaks without words, this track represents a central mantra; keep moving, keep trying, keep finding joy in the little moments. Uplifting, mournful and downright fun in equal measures, Organ Fairchild leaves the listener with their head held high, looking onwards and upwards.
Organ Fairchild also won this year’s NYS Music March Madness, voted #1 out of 64 bands in the annual friendly competition.
Organ Fairchild will perform songs from Brewed In Buffalo live at upstate New York’s Borderlands Festival, to be held September 18th and 19th. Watch a live performance of album single “Get The Scotch Out” below:
All Access Fest, taking place on September 30 from 9 AM – 5 PM PST will offer young people (ages 16-24) the information, tools, access, and opportunity to follow their dreams of a career in the music industry, as well as spark discovery, and map pathways to success.
UK R&B/Pop sensation Sinéad Harnett and rapper/singer-songwriter/producer and founding member of N.W.A., Arabian Prince,will be headline speakers at this year’s All Access Fest.
I am excited to join Music Forward in transforming young lives and inspiring the next generation. Music is everything to me and I am thankful to do what I love and am honored to support young people in following their own passion for music.
Sinéad Harnett
The virtual career expo presented by Music Forward Foundation will allow youth from all 50 states and countries worldwide to participate in panel discussions, hands-on technical learning stations, experiential lounges, and artist and career feedback sessions. Participants will also gain direct access to industry professionals from major entertainment companies like Live Nation, Ticketmaster, Concord, Primary Wave, CD Baby, and engagement opportunities with local employers and representatives from colleges and universities.
All Access Fest will include over 30 unique panels and experiences throughout the day plus an Expo Hall, Hiring Booths, and other activations all hosted on the Hopin virtual conference platform. Panel and experience highlights include Music Marketing, Disrupting the Music Industry, A Day in the Life sessions featuring various industry pros, Spotify for Artists Masterclass, Label Careers with Concord, Festivals and More Festivals with the Coalition of Festivals, Neumann Home Studio Academy, Split Sheet Masterclass with The MLC and more.
Once registered, you will receive an email that includes information for special opportunities, navigating the platform as an educator, and much more. The event runs from From 12 PM – 8 PM EST on Thursday, September 30. Reserve your spot today.
Music Forward is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming young lives, inspiring careers and championing a more inclusive music industry. Music Forward next-gen programs help break the barriers of gender, poverty, and race to enter the music industry. Music Forward bridges our communities to the music industry, empowers ambition, and creates momentum to redefine what is possible for the youth and music industry.
For many bands it is a struggle to make it past a few years. However, when they do, it requires something special. To commemorate their 20th anniversary, Georgia’s Blackberry Smoke spun up the “Spirit of the South Tour: A Celebration of Southern Rock N Roll.”
To help support this momentous adventure, Blackberry Smoke brought along The Allman Betts Band and The Wild Feathers, as well as having special guests sit in at various stops along the way. As luck would have it in the year 2021, midway through the tour a member of Blackberry Smoke tested positive for Covid. With proper protocols in place, the band isolated for enough time to enabled them to finish out the run and reschedule dates where possible. NYSMUSIC caught one of the rebooked shows at The Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, N.J.
With a light breeze flowing in from the Atlantic Ocean, The Wild Feathers opened the late Sunday afternoon show. Fired up and raring to go, this five-piece from Nashville shared songs from their 2013 debut album, The Wild Feathers, and the soon to be released Alvarado. Per the band’s website, they “have been through the wringer” in the music biz, but you wouldn’t have known it as they strutted the stage, kicked up their heels, played their hearts out and found Ricky Young and Joel King climbing out on speakers to take in all the house had to offer.
The Wild Feathers
The Allman Betts Band faced logistic issues due to the rescheduled date and surprised the crowd with a three-piece acoustic version of ABB comprised of Devon Allman, Duane Betts, and R. Scott Bryon. Devon set the expectations for the afternoon calling it a BBQ backyard show, with the band writing the set list as they went along. Being in Jersey, the trio shared their take on Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire” to the delight of the Asbury crowd. Drew Smithers sat in mid set with his slide guitar prowess and later Jimmy Hall, founding member of Wet Willie, joined in contributing vocals and harmonica. In the spirit of paying homage to their musical forefathers, the collective finished with Sonny Boy Williamson’s “One Way Out.”
The Allman Betts Band
As the sun was setting, Blackberry Smoke launched into a 16-song set covering their multi-decade existence. Front man Charles Starr thanked those in attendance for their support over the years and attendance at the rescheduled show. The night featured songs from their latest, You Hear Georgia, in addition to “Good One Comin’ On”, “Medicate My Mind”, and “One Horse Town. The band closed with “Ain’t Much Left of Me.” BBS’s performance let everyone know they were not calling it quits at 20 years.
Blackberry Smoke
After these three acts finished, one could have gone home satisfied. But then the magic took over. After a short break, Blackberry Smoke hit the stage again bringing with them a variety of players to salute those who paved the musical way. Joined by The Wild Feathers, they started in with Charlie Daniel’s “Long Haired Country Boy” followed by Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Tuesday’s Gone.”
Larkin Poe guested on Marshall Tuckers “Can’t You See” and Jimmy Hall fronted the jam with Wet Willies “Country Side of Life.” Not to remain on the side of the stage, The Allman Betts Band led a special tribute to Charlie Watts with “Honky Tonk Woman.” Throwing in a few more southern classics for good measure, Blackberry Smoke brought it all together as everyone joined in on “Midnight Rider.”
The New Jersey shore, known for its boardwalk, games of chance, and salty air was transformed this night by Blackberry Smoke and friends into simply “Southern” Jersey.
Punk rock collective Gogol Bordello will perform two New York regional shows this week, at Empire Live in Albany on Tuesday, September 14 and Higher Ground in Burlington, Vermont on Wednesday, September 15 The Burlington show replaces a Montreal date, which was previously postponed due to new COVID-19 protocols.
Formed on the Lower East Side in 1999, Gogol Bordello’s boundary-breaking combination of punk-rock, cabaret and Romani musical traditions is truly unlike anything out there. Anchored by Ukranian frontman Eugene Hutz, members of the always-evolving collective hail from around the world. In a handwritten mission statement on their website, Hutz writes: “From where we stand, it is clear that world’s cultures contain material for endless art-possibilities, and new mind-stretching combinations, raw joy and survival energy.” This mission has led them to receive critical acclaim and fans across the world, with former Village Voice Chief Music Critic Robert Christgau calling them “The world’s most visionary band.”
Gogol Bordello are known for their dramatic performances, which they describe as a mix of “music, theatre, chaos and sorcery.” Although they have not released a new album since 2017s Seekers and Finders, Gogol Bordello have remained a consistent touring act. The band averages 200+ shows a year, and has supported diverse bands from Flogging Molly to Cake. Their most recent single, an Adrian Sherwood remix of their song “Lifers,” dropped back in April. Sherwood offers clean, electronic production, grounding the maniacal rawness that has become Gogol Bordello’s hallmark. They are currently recording the album’s follow-up.
The new Burlington date will complete the Northeastern leg of Gogol Bordello’s Lifers 2021 tour. The band is no stranger to Higher Ground, where they most recently played in 2020, describing it as an “all time fav.” Attendees will have to provide proof of full vaccination, or a negative COVID test from the past 72 hours paired with a photo ID, aligning with Higher Ground’s policy. To purchase tickets, visit here.
With live music having returned to New York, Warsaw Brooklyn finally reopened its doors to fully vaccinated crowds for Andy Shauf’s sold-out two night run on September 9 and 10, 2021. Tomberlin opened both nights with lighthearted stage banter and mellow acoustic tunes, lending to the venue’s naturally intimate atmosphere.
Andy Shauf at Warsaw Brooklyn, photographed by David Reichmann
After closing its doors during 2020 for the pandemic, Warsaw Brooklyn finally brought back their famous pierogis and reopened their stage for the starting leg of Andy Shauf’s North American tour. Shauf’s latest album, The Neon Skyline, had only come out in January of 2020 when their scheduled tour had to be postponed due to the pandemic.
Tomberlin Opening for Andy Shauf, photographed by David Reichmann
Tomberlin opened for Shauf on both nights at Warsaw, playing some of her hits, including the sorrowful but sweet song, “Seventeen.” She also invited the crowd to sing along during her performance, which went over well as she smiled and sang along with her captive audience.
Andy Shauf at Warsaw Brooklyn, photographed by David Reichmann
Shauf’s latest album gained some extra attention when the title track of his latest album, The Neon Skyline, was featured in Barack Obama’s Summer 2020 Playlist. Shauf’s setlist included several tracks from The Neon Skyline as well as highlights from the preceding album, The Party.
Andy Shauf at Warsaw Brooklyn, photographed by David Reichmann
Andy Shauf’s North American Tour continues through the Fall, and you can check out his music here.
Keybank Rochester Fringe Festival is back in swing this year, with more than 400 in-person and online performances between September 14 and September 25. The 10th anniversary features the return of fan favorites such as the Silent Disco, Cirque Du Fringe, Fringe Street Beat dance off, and Pedestrian Drive-In.
For the first time, organizers have curated a mini music festival, called Smokestacks, to mark the finale. The free outdoor event takes place starting at 4pm on September 25 at Parcel 5 on Main Street, and features live performances by Cammy Enaharo, Mikaela Davis, Kopps, Spencer, Cannons, and Joywave.
For safety, COVID protocols are in place. All indoor events require masking and proof of vaccination. Attendees ages 12 and up who are unvaccinated must be masked at all times, even for outdoor events. Protocols may be subject to change. Prior to attending, check for updates online.
“After 18 months of closure that have devestated the performing arts, we’re thrilled to play our part in getting them back on their feet. Nearly 90% of our shows are live and in person, which wouldn’t be possible without our absolute commitment to keeping performers and attendees safe.”
– Erica Fee, Founding Festival Producer
A plethora of entertainment is available – from theater and dance to spoken word and comedy. And of course, music. Some Ska Band will heat things up with irresistible ska and reggae beats at the JCC canalside (outdoor) stage on opening night, September 14 at 7:30pm (get your tickets here). Gospel Sunday takes place on September 19 at 2pm, led by Reverend Rickey Harvey of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church at One Fringe Place (free). And the Taiko Japanese Drumming Performance makes a reprise at The Little on September 25 at 3:15pm (also free). And don’t forget about Smokestacks on September 25 at Parcel 5, where you can catch rising singer/songwriter Cammy Enaharo, the eclectic talent of Mikaela Davis, and of course Rochester’s own Joywave.
The complete lineup of events at Rochester Fringe is available online at RochesterFringe.com.
