Category: News Desk

And the Winner of NYS Music’s 2021 March Madness is…

Buffalo’s Organ Fairchild is NYS Music’s March Madness 2021 Winner – a musical party that won’t quit. Take your old-school organ trio (organ, guitar and drums), add dance-heavy grooves and adventurous jamming, and shake vigorously. Enjoy all night long as this well-crafted jam-band cocktail has perked our musical taste buds.

When they spoke on their new single “Seepin,” the band said It’s been a LONG time coming… way back in January, having no idea it would lead to a March Madness crown.

We truly enjoyed being part of this series and are grateful to NYS Music for reaching out to us about it. We’re now hip to a whole bunch of new-to-us bands from around the state, which is kind of the whole point. As for being in the finals against Baked Shrimp, they had a whole lot of support and we definitely got a chance to check out their music, too. In fact, the two bands are now talking about collaborating on a few concert dates this summer/fall!
So kudos to NYS Music for all the good things you do to support the region’s musicians. You guys are true advocates for the music scene and we appreciate you.
Dave Ruch – Guitar

Congratulations Organ Fairchild – NYS’ March Madness Winner

Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness bracket delving into the musical harbors of our great state. As fans and musicians ourselves, we spotlight the great talent across New York in friendly competition and discovery. Its fury never loses sight of the underdog, a headliner’s humble beginnings, new musical discovery and rolling with the punches in our ever-changing industry.

March Madness 2021 Lark Hall Region: Albany’s mid-size music venue.

Organ Fairchild – Buffalo, New York.

Organ Fairchild – NYS Music’s March Madness Winner is:

Joe Bellanti – organ, keys – Corey Kertzie – drums – Dave Ruch – guitar

“Jan. 2021 marks the release of single, “Seepin’,” from long-time Buffalo jam band veterans Organ Fairchild. Members have a history on the jam scene dating back 40 years.”

LISTEN to Organ Fairchild’s debut single below, from the forthcoming May 2021 album release! Mastered by Alan Evans of Soulive.
&lt;a href=”https://organfairchild.bandcamp.com/track/seepin”&gt;Seepin&amp;#39; by Organ Fairchild&lt;/a&gt;
Chuck DeFilippo: How did Organ Fairchild come to be? What is the name origin?

Joe Bellanti: Dave called me and pitched the idea of an organ trio – I thought it was dumb – which – since we have known each other for so long – means it was a really good idea since I am always wrong about that stuff and Dave has a really good sense for projects that will work. It would be hard to characterize the amount of fun we have been having – just fantastic to be a part of this

Dave Ruch: I really wanted to name the band Organ Freeman (after Morgan Freeman), but it turns out that name was already taken! So Organ Fairchild was the next best choice….I think many of us had let’s say an affinity for Morgan F when we were young.

Check out more Jamcast on NYS Music

JamCast is a streaming platform that provides a unique experience using live, pre-recorded, archived audio & video performances, podcasting, vlogs, blogs, and more. JamCast has been centered around creating a digital network for musicians, promoters, and venues. It was designed to serve as a resource for all facets of the music industry. By offering weekly series, digital events, festivals, podcasts, archives, and more. An online resource and database for all music industry professionals.

CD: What was your first crossroads with music; how did it seep into your life?

JB: My dad was really into music and there were always records and cassettes playing. I was told I would start taking piano lessons when I was 8 – loved it for the first month until I figured out how hard it was going to be and promptly lost interest – until I was 13 – My mom would not let me quit and my 8th grade music teacher found out I could play the piano and made me play in front of the class – I was not happy about it – but – when I stopped, everyone started clapping and cheering – and here I am in the NYS finals. Thanks mom!

DR: I guess my first crossroads was the trombone in 4^th grade – I was too little to carry it home from school so that didn’t last long. Second crossroads was guitar at age 12 – I was learning the wrong music and it didn’t stick. Luckily I tried it again at age 15 and I haven’t put it down since! At age 27, I quit my white collar job and made music my full-time living, so definitely a happy ending!

Central New York promoters Creative Concerts bring fans together in the final four

CD: What does New York State Music mean to you? (Not our site, but rather the music community in the state or your specific regions )

JB: NYS Music – the Buffalo scene in particular – means the world to me – some of my greatest moments have come from being a part of it – certainly my very best friends. Too many incredible moments to even try to pick out one or 2 of the best.

DR: Interesting question, as one of the other “hats” I wear as a full-time musician and performer is researching and performing old 19^th-century traditional music from New York State! So NYS Music means a lot of different things to me, but in terms of the current music community, we are very fortunate here in Buffalo to have a rabid fan base of live music lovers who always come out to support our shows. The level of musicianship here if off the charts as well, and pretty much everyone involved in the local music scene is really supportive of each other. It’s a great place to be.

CD: What are the short and long term goals for the band?

JB: Short term – finish out first CD and get back to playing live shows as soon as we can. Long term – see if we can make it work long term – there is nothing I would rather do than play our own music with Corey and Dave.

CD: Any bands or new listening discovered from NYS Music’s March Madness series?

JB: Absolutely – bands and artists I never would have been exposed to without the competition – Girl Blue in particular – I listened to a bunch of her recordings during our first round match up and really thought we had no chance – really original songs and arrangements and a great voice

DR: I really enjoyed watching a bunch of these bands’ videos on the NYS Music website.

CD: Do you have a favorite COVID activity, since you have all this free time not gigging?

JB: I have practiced more in the last year than ever and started teaching online via zoom and also building a teaching web site. Also we have been writing new material, rehearsing when practical and recording our first CD

DR: Yes, practicing a lot, writing tunes, cooking, and recording.

CD: Anything in the works for the band?

JB: Two CDs in 2021 and hopefully a summer and fall of outdoor shows. Also – we will probably hit Denny’s at some point – I’m pretty sure we are the only band in the competition where all the members would qualify for the senior discount

DR: Is Denny’s still even a thing?!

March Madness 2021 Balbert Marketing Region:

March Madness would not be possible without our sponsors:

Central New York promoters Creative Concerts bring together fans at venues, stretching from Albany to Rochester and Syracuse to Utica. Lark Hall is the soon to open mid-sized venue in Albany that will host bands of all sizes, events and more. If you need to market your show, event, band or brand, Rochester’s Balbert Marketing has you covered. Need merchandise?

Homegrown Eastern New York’s 518 Prints makes quality goods for local, regional and national bands or tours. High Peaks Event Production is a team with years of experience, aiding in all your stage, lighting and sound demands. JamCast proves high quality streams for bands, podcasts and much more. Between these companies, bands will find a great deal of what they need, and support businesses from across New York and the Northeast.

NYS Music’s March Madness Round One

March Madness Round Two

Round Three: The Sweet 16

Round 4: The Elite 8

Round 5: The Final Four

Round 6: The Finals – Baked Shrimp Vs. Organ Fairchild

Congratulations Organ Fairchild, NYS Music’s 2021 March Madness Winner!

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING NYS MUSIC AS YOUR #1 MUSIC SOURCE.

March 31, 2021
Annie Scherer Releases Introspective Debut Album ‘Garden Bed’

On March 26th, Voorheesville-local Annie Scherer dropped her debut indie-pop album, an introspective collection of songs titled Garden Bed.

Photo credit: Sherry Kocienski

In the album, Scherer dives deep into her emotions, with each song tackling a different point in Annie’s life where she had to overcome hardship and ultimately grow as a person.

On each track, Annie takes the listener on an emotional journey, inviting them along on sonically exhilarating ride that expands as the album progresses.

We spoke with Annie and asked her a few questions about Garden Bed:

Aaron Ginsburg: The themes of your album have a lot to do with being introspective. Has COVID-19 given you time to be more introspective, and in what ways has it affected your creative process?

Annie Scherer: I’ve had a lot of time with my thoughts, which was mostly a good thing. I was finally able to relax and take a step back, which I never allow myself to do. At the beginning of quarantine, I had a hard time finding inspiration and seeking out creativity. But I also used the time I was given to find my sound and record my album.

AG: What artists have had the biggest influence on you, and can we hear any of their influence in your album Garden Bed?

AS: Artists who use a lot of visuals in their songs are always among my favorites, as are those who write tangible lyrics and catchy melodies. I really enjoy alternative artists, such as Lana Del Rey and Lorde, whose influence can be heard in my instrumentation. I also love the memorable melodies of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

AG: As a musician during the pandemic, it must be difficult to get the same
quality of outside feedback on your work due to the fact that you can’t play live and can’t gather in large groups. Has that been a problem for you?

AS: The pandemic has forced us to rely on social media, which is not a great way to get feedback. I never know if people are sick of seeing my promotional posts, but I don’t really have a choice nor do I let that stop me. Live music is nice because you’re surrounded by people who support you. It becomes a symbiotic experience.

AG: What do you want your listeners to feel when listening to your album Garden Bed?

AS: I want listeners to feel a mix of emotions when they hear my music. “Skyline” should arouse feelings of sentimentality, while I hope they feel inspired when they hear “Phases Grow.” All my songs were written to create an emotional response.

AG: What do you have in store for us next? Do you have a musical direction you are aiming to go to?

AS: I already have a vision for my next album. Garden Bed mostly consists of a brighter tonality, and lots of it is acoustic and light. The next one is likely to have darker and more minor elements. The contrast and change in theme will enrich the musical experience for my listeners.

“Andy Warhol,” a single from Garden Bed.

The tracks on Garden Bed were primarily written and produced by Annie in collaboration with David Finch, Aidan Sloppy, Kyle Robinson, Ryan Davis, Maggie Roberts, Ben Grant, Tom Evans, Brenden Beaver, Ali Genevich, Rosemary Michaud and Elizabeth Miller.

Over a period of three months, Annie recorded her vocals and digital instruments in her mother’s home. She hopes the music will
resonate with listeners and inspire them to persevere through their own hardships.

You can listen to Garden Bed, as well as other work by Annie Scherer, on all streaming platforms and on her website.

March 31, 2021
Steve Miller Band Releases 1977 Archive Concert Recording

Guitarist, multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and Songwriters Hall of Fame electee Steve Miller has dug deep into his archives, now releasing the recording on both music formats such as vinyl and CD as well as a full-length video available on Amazon Prime Video.

The original liner notes by music journalist David Fricke read:

Breaking Ground captures the Steve Miller Band on stage in one of their biggest years, 1977. They were at a perfect crossroads of psychedelic zeal and progressive, popcraft while staying true to Miller’s first love, the blues.

The year 1977 was a top year for the Steve Miller Band, playing theaters, arenas, and stadiums. It was recorded at the Capital Centre in Landover, MD on multi-track tape and newly mixed and mastered by Miller and his veteran audio engineer Kent Hertz.

Pre-order the album here. For more information about the Steve Miller Band, visit stevemillerband.com. The new archive concert Breaking Ground: August 3, 1977 arrives on Friiday, May 14, 2021.

March 31, 2021
‘Jerry Garcia, Artist’ Documentary Announced

Jerry Garcia, Artist, a new documentary project from Jerry Garcia Music Arts and Malcolm Leo Productions, has just been announced. The film centers around a 1987 interview with Garcia, and also includes “never-before-seen footage of the private thoughts and reflections of Jerry Garcia,” according to a statement.

The documentary captures the Grateful Dead frontman at a peak moment, where he eloquently reflects on the life he lived and the music he loved to make. Garcia goes so far as to offer “nothing off limits” in the interview, providing a journey into Garcia’s private world. Included in the documentary are his personal musings, drawings and insights, as well as unpublished diary entries, rare family photos, home movies and newly discovered performances.

The 1987 interview was directed by Leo and filmed by Oscar-winning cinematographer Russell Carpenter at Front Street Studios in San Rafael, CA

Garcia’s family serves as co-producing for the documentary and contributed visual art and music to the project. The documentary includes a charitable component that will benefit the Jerry Garcia Foundation as well as a charity of the co-producer’s choice.

We envision an uplifting, immersive experience focused on my father’s art and music. The story is authentic. My father narrates the film in his own words, directly to the audience.
Keelin Garcia, Jerry Garcia’s daughter, coproducer, and president of Jerry Garcia Music Arts

Malcolm Leo, a producer, director, and writer has overseen a wide range of projects from “This is Elvis,” “Heroes of Rock n Roll,” “Beach Boys: an American Band,” as well as the Emmy-nominated “LIFE Goes to the Movies.”

This project is a labor of love for all involved and it is the fulfillment of a promise I made to Jerry long ago to do something special with the footage. The film will honor one of the country’s most beloved musical heroes and cultural icons.
Malcolm Leo

There is no date set for the release of Jerry Garcia, Artist. For more information on the film, click here.

March 30, 2021
David Byrne Premiers SOCIAL!, The Social Distance Dance Club

Legendary Talking Heads front-man David Byrne has unveiled his lasted project, SOCIAL! This social distance dance club takes place in Park Avenue Armory as a part of the Social Distance Hall.

Park Avenue Armory

SOCIAL! is part of the Armory’s Social Distance Hall commissioning initiative, which provides artists with the space and resources to create and present to in-person audiences new works designed specifically for the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Armory, with its immense, 55,000-square-foot Wade Thompson Drill Hall and multiple airy rooms and entrances, featuring an air volume comparable to being outdoor. This hall is shaping up to be the shining example of how to re-open performing arts in New York and beyond.

SOCIAL! invites 100 participants, 10% of the Drill Hall’s normal capacity, to the Armory’s Drill Hall for a socially distanced dance club, where each member will have a six-foot diameter circle in which to dance and move, spaced out from surrounding circles to provide proper social distancing at
all times.

The curated playlist will include a recoding of dance directions narrated by Byrne. All participants are welcome to move freely or choose to follow David Byrne’s magical suggestions. A video of Byrne teaching choreography for a song on the playlist will be sent in advance to all participants can prepare their dance moves. Ultimately, the goal of this program is to provide a powerful healing moment that can be experienced individually and communally.

SOCIAL! will begin previews in the Drill Hall on April 9 and open April 13, running through April 22. Show times during the week will be at 7pm and at 12pm, 4pm, and 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets can be purchased here.

March 29, 2021
Broadway Workers Eligible for Vaccination in Hopes of Broadway Fall Season

Broadway workers will be able to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in hopes of opening Broadway by Fall for in-person performances, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio. There will be mobile vaccination sights set up specifically for Broadway theater workers.

Photo by Kate Glicksberg

Broadway is a staple of New York City and has been unfortunately shut down since mid-March 2020. Mayor Bill de Blasio “We have to get the theater community ready for the fall,” de Blasio said. “By the time we get there, the world will be better.”

Current guidelines allow theaters to be technically allowed to be open at 33% capacity, with a maximum of 150 people who’ve tested negative for COVID-19 before the performance. The mayor plans to set up testing sites near the theaters to help facilitate and promote the testing. They will also set more detailed guidelines for handling crowds before and after performances.

According to the Office of the New York State Comptroller back in 2019, “New York City’s arts, entertainment and recreation sector employed 93,500 people in 6,250 establishments. These jobs had an average salary of $79,300 and generated $7.4 billion in total wages.” This type of revenue hasn’t been present in the last year due to the closers of the entertainment industry in the wake of COVID. Broadway reopening would bring back part of this revenue.

Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Employment by Subsector graph.

Mary McColl, executive director of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), spoke on this new development supporting theaters by vaccinating it’s workers in a press conference saying, “Mayor de Blasio clearly understands that we cannot socially distance in our work, making the availability of vaccines and testing critical for maintaining a safe workplace.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybIzM_XKos4

Reopening Broadway is still in the planning stages but the access to vaccines for Broadway works would start the ball rolling. The reopening process would involve rehearsals but also costume fittings, marketing campaigns, ticket promotions, and so on that in reality aren’t possible without vaccinations being available to Broadways workers.

For more articles on Broadway during COVID-19 by NYS Music click here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGMt7H6e164

March 29, 2021
Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival shifts focus to 2022

Trumansburg’s Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival has made the decision to postpone the planned 30th annual event until 2022.

Noting that we are not yet at the end of the pandemic tunnel, and factoring in increasing vaccine distribution and decreasing COVID-19 rates, the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance will postponing the planned 30th Annual festival until July 21-24, 2022. The preceding fifth Annual Culture Camp will also be postponed, with new dates of July 17-20, 2022.

Admission and camping tickets for 2021 will be honored and automatically transferred to 2022. If a ticket holder cannot attend the 2022 event, they may fill out a Ticket Transfer Request to transfer their tickets to any future GrassRoots Festival in either the Trumansburg, New York or Shakori Hills, North Carolina locations at GrassRootsFest.org.

As a 501(c) not-for-profit organization, this first ever year of no GrassRoots festivals has been a challenge, but the organization is poised to make it through. Donations are always welcome and may be made at GrassRootsFest.org/donate.

Tickets for the 30th Annual Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance are on-sale now at GrassRootsFest.org/tickets.

A GrassRoots Call to Action:

In the year 1990, as we headed into the last decade of the 20th century, the world faced a new crisis: AIDS. Mysterious, unheard of and deadly; people were scared and dying! Donna the Buffalo and friends, The Horse Flies and Neon Baptist, responded with a sold out benefit show at the State Theatre raising over $10,000 for AIDS Work of Tompkins County. I remember so clearly the feeling of peeking out from the door of the dressing rooms beneath the stage and seeing the packed house of heroic Ithacans, also responding to the call to be there and support a community that a Government was appearing blind to, a joyful mob!

To create joy in the midst of crisis is a powerful thing and brings magic to the table. The wonderful event and its success led to the creation of GrassRoots and 25 years of raising consciousness and funds for organizations that support Arts, Education and the fight against AIDs, both locally and globally.

-Jordan Puryear

March 28, 2021
Live Performances Return to SPAC with Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is bringing back the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s residency making it the first series of live performances since 2020 for SPAC.

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is located in Saratoga Springs and has been around for over 50 years. Their first summer season hosted 21 shows over the span of four weeks. The center had performances from non-classical musicians over time including Harry Belafonte in 1967 and a record breaking performance from Grateful Dead in 1983. In 2014 the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center became SPAC’s third resident company.

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center developed when the president of the Lincoln Center at the time, William Schuman, wanted an organization dedicated to chamber music. It officially began in 1969 in the Alice Tully Hall. CMS started educational and developmental programs for young musicians. There are about 70 performances that take place outside of New York City and the country per season. They are a part of several residencies and even have their own record label.

The Chamber Music Society residency at SPAC comes back this year after the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19. This season is from June 13 until August 29 featuring compositions from Beethoven’s string quartets and Schumann’s Piano quartet in E-flat major. The U.S premiere of Twelve Blocks by pianist Michael Brown is also a part of the agenda. The co-Artistic directors David Finckel and Wu Han return along with the Calidore String Quartet’s SPAC debut.

The series takes place at Pitney Meadows Community Farm which has large outdoor space for events. It will have a maximum capacity of 200 per performance and each performance is 75 minutes without an intermission. Socially distanced pods for two are provided for ticket buyers from the price of $100-120. Tickets for subscriptions to all six shows will be available on April 1 for SPAC members and April 6 for the general public. Single performance tickets are available on April 12 for SPAC members and April 16 for the general public and won’t be available at the door. Tickets can be purchased on SPAC’s website along with additional information regarding COVID-19 protocols.

On your way to SPAC, don’t forget that Stewart’s Shops is your ice cream shop! With over 345 shops in 31 counties across New York and southern Vermont, the convenience store chain is known for their fresh &local dairy products. With dozens of choices at the cone counter, you’re bound to find something you love! Try a shake, sundae, or cone today, What’s Your Flavor?

March 28, 2021
The Orchestra Now (TŌN) to livestream Two Concerts

The Orchestra Now, aka TŌN, will be conducting two shows to livestream on April 10 and May 1. With 72 young musicians from 14 different countries, The Orchestra Now seeks to make symphonic music relevant today.

Photo Credit: David DeNee

Conductor, educator, and music historian Leon Botstein founded TŌN in 2015. This graduate program at Bard College has grown exponentially and has undoubtedly begun to leave its mark. The concerts are free, with a suggested donation of $25-50.

On April 10, Leon Botstein leads TŌN in Mendelssohn’s “Scottish” Symphony and Berstein’s Serenade. This performance will feature violinist Zongheng Zhang also. The program additionally will have the work of Ácana from Tania León and Stravinsky’s Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments, performed alongside pianist Blair McMillen. RSVP here for a direct link to the livestream on the day of the concert.

On May 1, the show is dedicated to the memory of Stuart Strizler-Levine, a beloved Bard faculty member since 1964. Leon Botstein will conduct the Orchestra in the first of two concerts in the Beethoven tribute. This first program will present the composer’s 5th and 7th Symphonies in addition to his Triple Concerto for violin, cello, and piano. This start to the Belated Beethoven Birthday Celebration will feature violinist Adele Anthony, cellist Peter Wiley, and pianist Shai Wosner. RSVP here for a direct link to the Livestream on the day of the concert. This commemoration will continue on May 8.

Photo Credit: Matt Dine

Members of The Orchestra Now are hand-picked from the world’s leading conservatories. With The Orchestra Now offering onstage introductions and demonstrations, writing concert notes, and having one-on-one discussions with patrons, TŌN musicians can further share their unique visions.

March 27, 2021
NYS Music’s March Madness 2021: The Finals

What the f*ck is up Denny’s? The Finals are here. NYS Music’s March Madness is about to get rowdy. One on one with Baked Shrimp, Long Island against Organ Fairchild, Buffalo – These bands are ready, and hungry, for the NYS March Madness crown.

Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness bracket delving into the musical harbors of our great state. As fans and musicians ourselves, we spotlight the great talent across New York in friendly competition and discovery. Its fury never loses sight of the underdog, a headliner’s humble beginnings, new musical discovery and rolling with the punches in our ever-changing industry.

VOTE IN THE FINALS

BAKED SHRIMP vs. ORGAN FAIRCHILD

Check out more Jamcast on NYS Music after the final four

JamCast is a streaming platform that provides a unique experience using live, pre-recorded, archived audio & video performances, podcasting, vlogs, blogs, and more. JamCast has been centered around creating a digital network for musicians, promoters, and venues. It was designed to serve as a resource for all facets of the music industry. By offering weekly series, digital events, festivals, podcasts, archives, and more. An online resource and database for all music industry professionals.

March Madness 2021 Balbert Marketing Region:

Baked Shrimp – Long Island, New York.

Welcome to the Finals.

Jared Cowen – Guitar/Vox – Scott Reill – Bass/Vox – Jager Soss – Drums/Vox
<a href=”https://bakedshrimp.bandcamp.com/album/conscious”>Conscious by Baked Shrimp</a>
“An impressive musical and technical feat from start to finish. The opening track, “The Vision That I Can See,” is a jaw-dropping epic that really showcases the prowess of this band” – Baked Shrimp ‘Bubble Suit’

“Pig Hearts and Mechanical Parts” was released March 12, and is the single off of Baked Shrimp‘s second studio album Conscious, set for release on March 26th, 2021. The new single features Nick Rufolo on saxophone, trumpet, and keyboards. The track also features Jager Soss on percussion.

Chuck DeFilippo: What does New York State Music mean to you?

Baked Shrimp:

New York is home to us, always has been and always will be.

When we’re not playing Long Island we’re in Albany or Syracuse or New Paltz, and all around the state. We’ve met so many amazing musicians and people from all over this state that have a real passion for what they’re doing. Anytime we revisit a city in New York we always know we can count on seeing a bunch of familiar faces who we’ve met on the road and have become friends with over time. We’re lucky enough to be able to host our first multi night, multi-band outdoor music event in our home state this Summer (LonCon), and we just can’t wait to see so many of our close friends come from their individual parts of the state and meet in one central location. It’s going to be two incredible nights for the New York Music community.

CD: Any bands or new listening discovered from NYS Music March Madness series?

Oh man well we have to give a shout out to all of our friends in Glass Pony, Specialists, Hilltop, and Ampevene, all who we’ve played with and wish all of them could have won the competition. Check each one of these out if you haven’t yet.

CD: Favorite COVID activity, hobby. Since you have all this free time not gigging?

Baked Shrimp actually had a busy COVID year. When things were really bad and locked down from March through June of last year, we recorded and released “Bubble Suit,” which was all done from our own individual bedrooms and cars. Self-recorded, produced, everything, so that was a huge undertaking. Then when were able to get back in the studio we finished up the Conscious sessions from Summer through Fall.

And mid-December through mid-January we did some intense practices 20+ hours per week just working on listening exercises, new material, vocal warmups, and also preparing for the Live for Lon stream, which was probably the biggest task as a band we ever took on by ourselves. So we found ways through all the mayhem going on to still play music together whether if it’s in the same room with masks on or sending files back and forth to one another over Google Drive.

March Madness 2021 Lark Hall Region: Albany’s mid-size music venue.

Organ Fairchild – Buffalo, New York.

Welcome to the Finals.

Joe Bellanti – organ, keys – Corey Kertzie – drums – Dave Ruch – guitar

Organ Fairchild is a musical party that won’t quit. Take your old-school organ trio (organ, guitar and drums), add dance-heavy grooves and adventurous jamming, and shake vigorously. Enjoy all night long.

“Jan. 2021 marks the release of single, “Seepin’,” from long-time Buffalo jam band veterans Organ Fairchild. Members have a history on the jam scene dating back 40 years.”

Chuck DeFilippo: What does New York State Music mean to you?

Joe Bellanti: NYS Music – the Buffalo scene in particular – means the world to me – some of my greatest moments have come from being a part of it – certainly my very best friends. Too many incredible moments to even try to pick out one or 2 of the best.

Interesting question, as one of the other “hats” I wear as a full-time musician and performer is researching and performing old 19^th-century traditional music from New York State! So NYS Music means a lot of different things to me, but in terms of the current music community, we are very fortunate here in Buffalo to have a rabid fan base of live music lovers who always come out to support our shows. The level of musicianship here if off the charts as well, and pretty much everyone involved in the local music scene is really supportive of each other. It’s a great place to be.
Dave Ruch – Guitar

LISTEN to Organ Fairchild’s debut single below, from the forthcoming May 2021 album release! Mastered by Alan Evans of Soulive.
<a href="https://organfairchild.bandcamp.com/track/seepin">Seepin' by Organ Fairchild</a>
CD: Anything in the works for the band?

Two CDs in 2021 and hopefully a summer and fall of outdoor shows
Also – we will probably hit Denny’s at some point – I’m pretty sure we are the only band in the competition where all the members would qualify for the senior discount
Joe Bellanti

DR: Is Denny’s still even a thing?!

Central New York promoters Creative Concerts bring fans together in the final four

March Madness would not be possible without our sponsors:

Central New York promoters Creative Concerts bring together fans at venues, stretching from Albany to Rochester and Syracuse to Utica. Lark Hall is the soon to open mid-sized venue in Albany that will host bands of all sizes, events and more. If you need to market your show, event, band or brand, Rochester’s Balbert Marketing has you covered. Need merchandise?

Homegrown Eastern New York’s 518 Prints makes quality goods for local, regional and national bands or tours. High Peaks Event Production is a team with years of experience, aiding in all your stage, lighting and sound demands. JamCast proves high quality streams for bands, podcasts and much more. Between these companies, bands will find a great deal of what they need, and support businesses from across New York and the Northeast.

Polls are now closed! Check back on Tuesday, March 30 to find out the winner of NYS Music’s 2021 March Madness!

NYS Music’s March Madness Round One

March Madness Round Two

Round Three: The Sweet 16

Round 4: The Elite 8

Round 5: The Final Four

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING NYS MUSIC AS YOUR #1 MUSIC SOURCE.

March 26, 2021