Category: Rock

Summerland Tour 2021 feat. Everclear, Living Colour, Hoobastank, stops at Orange County Fair Speedway
With COVID-19 restrictions abating and live music emerging from the shadows, Summerland Tour 2021 is out in full force. It’s a rock ’n roll road show merging alternative acts in a festival atmosphere. The annual tour, conceived in 2012 by Art Alexakis, front man for Everclear, varies the lineup year to year.

Everclear

The Summerland Tour 2021 assemblage consists of Living Colour, Hoobastank & Wheatus and headliners Everclear. Prior to this year’s excursion, Alexakis shared, “After personally fighting Covid—19 for two months and managing the lingering symptoms, I’m so grateful that the numbers are going down, the vaccines are going up, and that we’re getting the chance to tour the U.S. again. I couldn’t be more proud of this year’s lineup of legendary alternative bands.”

Wickham Falls

Opening at the Orange County Fair Speedway stop was Wickham Falls. A local Warwick N.Y. four-piece who shared songs from their debut album To Pluto. With the night’s appetizer served, Alexakis came out, welcomed everyone, and shared praise for the acts on this year’s tour.

Art Alexakis, Everclear

Stepping into Summerland 2021, Wheatus took over. Opening with “Break it Don’t Buy It,” the band flowed through a seven-song set this night. Featured was an AC/DC cover ( “Rock ‘n Roll Damnation”), and they closed with the HBO, Netflix and film -featured tune “Teenage Dirtbag.”

Wheatus

As the day transitioned from afternoon into evening, a storm started looming on the horizon. With no regard for the inevitable, Hoobastank kept things moving, performing tunes from their Hoobastank, The Reason, and Every Nan for Himself albums.

Hoobastank

Three acts in, the musical heat was being turned up. But the dark clouds in the west had other plans. As Corey Glover, Vernon Reid, Will Calhoun, and Doug Wimbish were stepping on stage, it started to rain. Without hesitation, the band tore into “Type.” Nature, not to be outdone, then engulfed the speedway in a deluge. As if meteorologically energized, Living Colour didn’t look back and played through, finishing up with “Cult of Personality.” Having left it all out there, both the band and the storm exited the stage.

Living Colour

The house quickly jumped into action to pump out, dry off and prep for headliner Everclear. With the band and crew plugging in for the start of their set, Alexakis took center stage and called out everyone: the audience, crews and house support teams, for their stoicism during the torrent of rain and shared how great it was to be playing out once again. Starting with the apropos “Summerland,” Everclear took the slightly waterlogged but enthusiastic crowd through a thirteen-song set that included “Heroin Girl” and “Father of Mine.”

Summerland Tour 2021 is scheduled through September. So if you can’t get to a festival this year, no worries, let the festival come to you.

Everclear
Living Colour
Hoobastank
Wheatus
Wickham Falls
July 15, 2021
Wild Yaks Share “Strawberry Wolf” (Live at Rippers) Official Video

Brooklyn-based band Wild Yaks have shared a blistering live rendition of the fan-favorite track “Strawberry Wolf” from the upcoming Live At Rippers, their fifth LP and first live album, due July 16. Wild Yaks play an ecstatic fusion of punk rock and big-city folk reinforced with passionate vocals (often delivered in unison by the full membership).

Fittingly for a band that played the last show at Rippers before last year’s pandemic-related shutdown (at which this album was recorded), Wild Yaks are proud to be the first band back at the venue in 2021, setting a performance there for July 17th. In addition to this sure-to-be-wild night, the band has announced a record release party at Ridgewood, NY venue TV Eye on July 23rd.

The band was formed in the fall of 2007 in Brooklyn by singer/guitarist Rob Bryn and drummer/vocalist Martin Cartagena. While many players have made their way through the Yaks’ over the years, today’s lineup is Jose Aybar (bass), Patsy Carroll (guitar), Giovanni Kincade (Farfisa), Matt Walsh (guitar), plus Cartagena and Bryn.

The Yaks’ discography also includes the EP 10 Ships (Don’t die yet, 2009), and full-length albums Million Years (2012), Rejoice! God Loves Wild Yaks (2015), and Great Admirer (2019). The band’s music has been featured in numerous television shows and films, most notably their live performance in an episode of Law and Order SVU. They are hard at work writing new songs in Rockaway Beach and preparing for a summer of charged performances and communal magic.

July 14, 2021
TAUK Hitting the Road on Chaos Companion Tour

After a successful return to the stage at Peach Music Festival, TAUK is set to hit the road and headline their own shows for the Chaos Companion Tour, as the world starts to open up again. Starting with the Resonance Fest, and Borderland Fest in September, fans can listen to the band’s new and old releases, including their newest single “Moon Dub,” out now.

With new music and new energy, the band can’t wait to return to live shows like never before. “We’ve been missing live music just like everybody else and are itching to get back on the road,” shares guitarist Matt Jalbert. “This whole experience gave us some time to step back and really gain a whole new perspective on just how lucky we are to do what we do and share it all with unreal fans.”

This first part of the country long tour kicks off with Resonance Music & Arts Festival in Masontown, WV over September 16th & 17th, followed by a performance at Borderland Music & Arts Festival in East Aurora on September 18th. TAUK will then hop along the east coast, hitting Pawtucket, RI, New Haven, CT, and Brooklyn, (the latter with Paris_Monster), before heading down south for plays in Asheville, NC, Atlanta, GA, Indianapolis, IN, Covington, KY and more. The band will then make their State Theatre debut on Halloween in Falls.

Don’t miss out on TAUK on tour. An all-instrumental combination of progressive rock, hip-hop and jazz offers a unique blend and sound to their listeners. Inspired by classic sci-fi like Blade Runner and Ex Machina, TAUK’s ability to combine melodic fusion with pop sounds is sonically adventurous, and emotional. A full list of dates can be found below. Keep up with the band on their official Facebook & Instagram, and listen now on Spotify & Apple Music.

Their most recent studio album Shapeshifter II: Outbreak, offered an interesting look at artificial intelligence and its potential to upend our world. Containing a sense of tension and cinematic mood, it proved to be an album that’s both thought provoking and soothing.

Longtime friends and TAUK members Charlie Dolan, Matt Jalbert, and A.C. Carter formed their first band in seventh grade. After playing together in various projects, the three added Issac Teel to the band, creating the final lineup. Since then, TAUK has appeared at festivals like Electric Forest and Bonnaroo, and earned acclaim from major outlets like the Washington Post, who praised TAUK for “creating a hard-charging, often melodic fusion that—thanks to a penchant for improv—offers limitless possibilities.”

TAUK Chaos Companion Tour Dates

Aug. 13 – Atlantic City, NJ – Sound Waves @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, featuring special guest Robert Randolph for a Beatles vs Hendrix set with BoomBox
Sept. 16 & Sept. 17 – Masontown, WV – Resonance Music & Arts Festival
Sept. 18 – East Aurora, NY – Borderland Music & Arts Festival
Sept. 30 – Pawtucket, RI – The Met
Oct. 1 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
Oct. 2 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl (with Paris_Monster)
Oct. 8 – Martinsville, VA – Rooster Walk Reunion Music Festival
Oct. 9 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
Oct. 12 – Oxford, MS – The Lyric Oxford
Oct. 13 – Little Rock, AR – Rev Room
Oct. 19 – Jackson, MS – Duling Hall
Oct. 20 – Huntsville, AL – Sidetracks Music Hall
Oct. 21 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn
Oct. 22 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Druid City Music Hall
Oct. 23 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
Oct. 26 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI
Oct. 27 – Covington, KY – Madison Theater
Oct. 28 – Memphis, TN – Railgarten
Oct. 29 – Nashville, TN – The Basement East
Oct. 30 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater
Oct. 31 – Falls Church, VA – The State Theatre

Tickets for their Fall 2021 tour are on sale now.

July 14, 2021
Slothrust Announced to Join Manchester Orchestra for Upcoming Tour

Slothrust, rising all-rock band, will join Manchester Orchestra for their upcoming tour, The Million Masks of God. Foxing will also come along for the journey. Slothrust will be performing their new album, Parallel Timeline, which will be released on September 10th.

Slothrust is absolutely stoked to make their return to live performing: “I have really missed the unique energetic exchange that happens when you perform in front of an audience,” shares front person Leah Wellbaum. “The lack of it has left a void in me and we couldn’t be more excited to hit the road again with our friends in Manchester Orchestra. In its own way, touring has always felt like home and we are stoked for this epic return.”

Parallel Timeline is a unique album that focuses on bandleader Leah Wellbaum’s experiences with feeling trapped inside of her own consciousness while also searching for meaningful connections to the universe. The band committed to risk-taking with their new album. They experimented with new production techniques, resulting in new sonic realms for each track. Wellbaum connected with her inner child when creating the album, which is illustrated by the album’s artwork and visuals. She feels that inverted colored rainbows and orbs became a gateway to exploring the illusory things we see and experience in everyday life.

Parallel Timeline, mixed and co-produced by industry legend Billy Bush and mastered by Heba Kadry is a masterclass in balancing tenderness with the fierce guitar work Wellbaum has become known for. With a distinct yet unified sound that blends progressive rock, acoustic and pop, Slothrust has never been more confident.

Tour Dates:

10/5 – Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill

10/6 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall

10/8 – Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues

10/9 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution Live

10/10 – St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Live

10/12 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte10/13 – Richmond, VA @ The National

10/15 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore

10/16 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live!

10/18 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues

10/19 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre

10/21 – New York, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom

11/16 – Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom

11/17 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium

11/18 – Birmingham, AL @ Alabama Theatre

11/19 – Atlanta, GA @ Fox Theatre

Tickets for the tour can be found here! Get ready for an amazing night of unique rock and unimaginable fun!

July 13, 2021
Town Of Preble announces Summer Concert Series 2021

Preble, located just north of the border of Cortland County with venues such as the Cortland Repertory Theatre, have announced a set of concerts held in Dwyer Memorial Park, located on the north end of Little York Lake.

Cortland Repertory Theatre is one of New York State’s longest running professional theatres, producing shows along with events year round

The park is 55 acres wide, with the main Pavilion operated by the Cortland Repertory Theatre. There are also three smaller pavilions throughout the park that can be reserved for events including family reunions and large cookouts.

Preble was originally a part of Tully in Onondaga County. On April 8, 1808, it separated from Tully and became the northern border of newly formed Cortland County. The population of Preble in 1825 was 1327. Todays population in Preble is 1314. The town was named for Commodore Edward Preble, a naval hero of The Barbary Wars. Preble consists of 28 miles of land which were given to soldiers of the Revolution in lieu of money for service during the war. Preble has always been famous for its rich soil and dairy farming.

The first congregational church in Preble opened way back in 1804. The The Cortland Repertory theatre is located within the Dwyer Memorial Park.

There are many events located in the park, along with a series of summer events and concerts for families and people who love live music.

Steve Leslie, a Grammy Award-winning songwriter and recording artist

2021 Preble Concerts Located in Dwyer Memorial Park

Thursday, 15th July, 07:30 pm, The Honky Tonk Angels

Friday, 16th July, 10:00 am, Stories in the Park 2021 – “The Wizard of Oz”

Tuesday, Jul 20, 2021 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Drive-In Summer Concert Series feat. Asleep at the Wheel

Saturday, 24th July, 02:00 pm, The Adam Lee Decker Trio

Wednesday, July 28, The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged)

Thursday, August 5th, Goin’ to the Chapel by Valerie Fagan; Billboards hottest hits of the 50’s bubble over in this fun and funny teen-story, filled with the spirit of Happy Days and American Bandstand.

Saturday, August 14th, “How Sweet It Is” – Steve Leslie Sings the Music of James Taylor

Thursday, August 19th A Midsummer Night’s Dream; by William Shakespeare, adapted and directed by Bill Kincaid.

Saturday, August 21st, Broadway Brunch 11:00 am Join us on the last day of our outdoor season for our NEW FUNdraiser of mimosas, music and memories! Delicious brunch-style food, unique silent auction baskets, wine grab-bags and performances by our performing intern company.

The Adam Lee Decker Trio

For more information about Preble’s upcoming events and concerts visit here.

July 13, 2021
Live at MLK! in Rochester Returns With Trombone Shorty and Gov’t Mule

Live at MLK! is closing up their summer concert season in Rochester with big-name performances by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Gov’t Mule.

The show will be held on September 4 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square. Along with the killer performances, there will be a craft beer garden complete with IPAs, ciders, and seltzers, a “bubbly bar” with prosecco and mimosas, and a VIP Ultra Lounge. The extensive VIP perks include access to a private lounge area, preferred entry, full cash bar, private A/C restrooms, front stage access, chair massage, complimentary chips and salsa (and private food vendor access) courtesy of Bay Vista Tacqueria, and a commemorative lanyard.

Photo Courtesy of RochesterFirst

Trombone Shorty (born Troy Andrews) is an American musician, producer, actor and philanthropist from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is best known as a trombone and trumpet player but also plays drums, organ, and tuba. He has worked with some of the biggest names in rock, pop, jazz, funk, and hip hop. Andrews began playing trombone at age four, and since 2009 has toured with his own band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.

Trombone Shorty

Gov’t Mule is an American Southern rock jam band, formed in 1994 as a side project of The Allman Brothers Band by guitarist Warren Haynes and bassist Allen Woody. The band released their debut album, Gov’t Mule, in 1995, and have since released an additional nine studio albums, plus numerous EPs and live releases. Gov’t Mule has become a staple act at music festivals across North America, with both its members and frequent guests boasting members from other notable bands, adding various funk and blues rock elements to the band’s sound.

Gov’t Mule

Organizers Rochester Events is thrilled to bring these beloved artists to the Live At MLK! series.

To get both of these groups on stage is going to be a night full of music magic. There is no better way to celebrate the return of live music than with rock legends and a jazz phenom!
Jeff Springut, CEO/Producer, Rochester Events

Presale starts 7/14 and tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday (7/16) at 12PM ET. Tickets must be purchased online in advance on RochesterEvents.com. Pricing is $99.50 for VIP, $59.50 for GA advance, and $66 day of show (if available, fees apply). Shows are rain or shine with no refunds.

Patrons may bring blankets and one sealed bottle of water into the park. Lawn chairs, bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates and pets will not be allowed in. Parking is available at nearby parking garages including the Midtown Parking Garage; 110 S. Clinton Avenue, Washington Square Garage, 111 Woodbury Blvd.; the Court Street Garage, 194 Court St. and at the East End Garage, 475 E. Main St. Parking will also be available at The Strong Museum, 1 Manhattan Square.

July 12, 2021
Timbre Coup Has ‘Sudden Urge’ To Release a New LP
Timbre Coup has long been an Albany band with a heavy following and an energetic fanbase. Ahead of their long awaited fourth studio album, Sudden Urge, the first in almost 10 years, Timbre Coup put on a release party at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs on Friday, June 25.

With a full night ahead of them, the band started strong weaving heavy guitar riffs with blasting bass lines. The first set was comprised mostly of their new album, playing it almost in its entirety.

The second set brought back a lot of fan favorites, bringing back a slew of tunes from their album, Knuckles and Valleys. An incredible cover of “Give It To Me Baby” ended an incredible night. Not known for playing covers, this was a real treat.

Set 1: Verbal Kint, Running Always, Mustache, Sudden Urge, Z#, Loaftones, Chupacabra, Snoop Tiger, Watching You

Set 2: Mother Nature, July, HTRAB, January, May, February, March, Give It To Me Baby
July 10, 2021
Rene Lopez Releases New Genre-Melding Single “Flamingo”

Singer-songwriter, guitarist and drummer Rene Lopez has just released his new single, “Flamingo”. A master of cross-genre work, Lopez’ single features Caribbean roots, rhythmic Jamaican ska drum loops, Cuban son montuno with cha-cha-chá influence. “Flamingo” stands as a direct reflection of Lopez’ multicultural upbringing in New York City, where he resides today.

Son of the famed Puerto Rican salsa musician and trumpet player René López, Rene embraces the traditional roots of his father while incorporating his own unique musical influences, including soul, jazz, funk, and rock.

An audience can audibly hear this melding of genres- with the fusion of Latin rhythms and instruments like timbales, congas, cowbell, flute, trumpet, Cuban tres and melodies similar to the pop musical soundscape today.

It just feels so right to incorporate my roots into my songs.
Rene Lopez

Dubbed “a one-man song factory” by Félix Contreras of NPR’s Alt.Latino, Lopez takes a personal approach to songwriting.

There is also a story that I tell in each song that is basically my own way of dealing with stuff going on in my life [and it] helps me face myself when I sing it out loud.
Rene Lopez

Lopez’ ability to write a autobiographical discography that melds Latin music, funk, rock, doo-wop, and soul is what keeps him hitting the mark with these catchy songs. Throughout the course of his work, Lopez’ music has only continued to become more Latinized, invoking a thematic otherness as an immigrant or being from a certain urban ethnic neighborhood. Keeping his songs close to home has reflected an authentic, nostalgic sound that shows listeners Lopez is “being completely honest with who I am, and a big part of that is my Latin roots,” as well as telling stories of personal relationships and experiences in an unflinching way.

Written as an ode to a “special woman” Lopez fell in love with after he got divorced, “Flamingo” bears Lopez’ vulnerability. He successfully transformed a situation he dubbed “extremely difficult and heartbreaking” into a beautiful tribute to the experience. Simultaneously graceful and outlandish, the flamingo serves as the perfect metaphor to quantify his unattainable love.

The title of the single then alludes to the doomed romance due to the lovers’ star-crossed circumstances. Beautiful and tragic, the song is a Latin lullaby of love and healing. The poetic lyrics serve as the perfect gateway into Lopez’ self and coupled with the personal roots of his past, “Flamingo” serves as a testament to Lopez’ past. And evidently, the song is yet another incredible hit to add to his collection of singles, keeping his growing audience waiting for the future.

The single is streaming on Soundcloud and does not disappoint!

July 8, 2021
moe. and Twiddle to Headline 2021 ADK Music Festival, Daily Lineups Announced

This year’s ADK Independence Music Festival lineup has been announced and features two big names that Upstate New Yorkers are quite familiar with. The Lake George festival will take place on Labor Day Weekend, Sept 3-5 with headliners moe. and Twiddle stepping up to the plate for the 2021 edition.

moe. will return to their moe.down Labor Day roots as they play four sets over two nights with Twiddle performing two headlining sets of their own. All ADK Music Fest performances will be located at the Charles R. Wood Festival Commons in the heart of Lake George Village, across the street from the lake.

There will be a special tribute to Prince and David Bowie performed by Prince Bowie featuring members of Pink Talking Fish, Snarky Puppy, Kung Fu and much more. The lineup also features sets from Roots of Creation, Kung Fu, Lucid, Bella’s Bartok, Eggy, Neighbor, Dogs In A Pile, Annie in the Water, Baked Shrimp, and Hartley’s Encore.

The ADK Music Festival will have a selection of beer and wine, a full bar, food vendors, and merchandise for sale, all available for purchase after entry. As well a great view of the Lake George fireworks on Saturday evening.

Shows will begin at 2 pm on Friday and 12:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday and run until 11 pm each night. The event is open to attendees of all ages and children 12 and under are free. VIP tickets include admission to all 3 days of the festival, a meal each day, half priced adult beverages, $2 waters / soft drinks, a private viewing area (with private bars), and access to private bathrooms.

3-Day General Admission tickets and a limited number of VIP tickets are on sale now for the 2021 Adirondack Independence Music Festival. To learn more and get tickets, visit the ADK Music Fest official website.

July 7, 2021
Esquela Releases Fully Remote Produced New Album “A Sign From God”

Based in Bovina, NY, Esquela released their fifth studio album A Sign From God on June 25th. The album features 10 tracks, produced by Eric “Roscoe” Ambel, and was recorded entirely remotely throughout the COVID-19 pandemic which prevented members from getting together to record during the Spring and Summer of 2020.

Esquela, via bandsintown.com

Over the course of several months, Finn wrote all the songs on the record, except the final track, “Wait For Me” which utilized a poem by Konstantin Simonov and was arranged musically by Becca Frame and Brian Shafer. He then sent bits of songs to Roscoe, involving Keith Christopher on bass, Brian Shafer on guitar, Becca Frame on vocals and Matt Woodin on guitars and mandolin, and Mike Ricciardi on drums with the audio engineering accompaniment of Jeff Stachyra. Their individual parts were woven together by their brilliant engineer, spinning a 70’s style overdub in a completely remote 2020 world.

Once the reality of COVID 19 hit us, nobody knew what was going to happen and for how long our normal routines would be disrupted. Since I was homebound for the duration – I decided that I should get my home recording studio up and running again. After weeks of technical frustration– I was finally able to get my home setup cobbled together with a Universal Audio Apollo interface and my MacBook, using Protools recording software.
Bandleader John “Chico” Finn

Amidst a race war and global pandemic, the album captures the cultural conversation surrounding the time, including addressing sensitive topics that unfolded during the year like racism, sexual assault and climate change. The first track on the album, which premiered ahead of the others, addresses climate change and humanity’s impact on Earth. “Not In My Backyard” was inspired by a conversation that transpired between Finn and a friend about fracking in West Virginia. Between the rhythmic guitar riffs and pulsing drum beat, a larger message lies at the core of the song.

The bottom line is that energy is cheap right now…in order for the climate to improve will mean people will have to pay more for their energy source, and I am afraid it won’t happen anytime soon, sad to say.
John “Chico” Finn

Premiering as Esquela’s first album since 2017, the band chose to tackle pressing issues about the world, spreading a message while telling a narrative throughout each song. The last song, “Wait For Me,” has a more stripped sonic atmosphere with soft acoustic guitar and less processed vocals. The song tells the story of Konstantin Simonov and a poem he wrote as a homesick Russian soldier during World War II. Esquela uses the poem as a vessel to acknowledge racism in the deep South, much like the French village of Oradour Sur Glane destroyed by Nazis within the poem.

With Esquela, challenge brings creativity. The album is a true testament that challenge breeds creativity amidst the pandemic. Even prevented from taking a band photo all together for the cover art, they crafted a creative solution to replicate images of them in a fun illustration pictured below. While COVID-19 forced the members to send over the tracks individually, the cohesiveness of these tracks expands beyond Roscoe’s phenomenal work as a producer. These songs tell a narrative about what we need to change as a society in 2020 (and now, its roots have spread into 2021).

The album is now available on Bandcamp or Spotify, with a music video for “Not In My Backyard” on Youtube.

July 7, 2021