Three bands are set to perform in local parks around the town of Geddes in Onondaga County over the next few weeks as the town continues with its 2021 Summer Concerts in the Park series.
Join the parks of Geddes as the community comes together to celebrate live summer music continuing through early August. Bring out those lawn chairs, blankets, evening snacks, and good spirits to enjoy the musical festivities every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm until August 12. So far, three bands have debuted during this series, including the Mario DeSantis Orchestra, The Cobblerockers, and the Flyin’ Column.
Be sure sure to catch the final three performers – The Lisa Lee Band, The Horn Dogs, and Little Queen – these few upcoming weeks! View the Geddes announcement flyer at the end of this page.
Lakeland Park, Lakeland
Both The Lisa Lee Band and The Horn Dogs will be performing live evening shows at Lakeland Park, Lakeland on July 29 and August 5, respectively. For the final concert of the series, Little Queen will close out with a performance from Woods Road Park, Solvay on Thursday, August 12.
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.
Creative Concerts is excited to help bring live music back to Baldwinsville this summer, presenting Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime on Friday, August 13th at Paper Mill Island.
Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime – The phenomenon known as Sublime, arguably the most energetic, original and uniquely eclectic band to emerge from any scene, anywhere, ended with the untimely death of lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Brad Nowell in May of 1996. But encompassing the sense of place and purpose long associated with Sublime’s music, Badfish, a Tribute to Sublime continues to channel the spirit of Sublime with a fury not felt for some time.
What separates Badfish from other tribute bands is that they have replicated Sublime’s essence, developing a scene and dedicated following most commonly reserved for label- driven, mainstream acts. Badfish make their mark on the audience by playing with the spirit of Sublime. They perform not as Sublime would have, or did, but as Badfish does! Doors open at 6pm with music starting at 7pm. This is a rain or shine event.
While there is no public parking on Paper Mill Island, there is plenty of parking within walking distance. Public parking is available near the intersection of Oswego Street and E Genesee Street. Once you are parked the venue is a quick walk across the bridge.
This is a general admission show and all ages are welcome. Tickets for Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime at Paper Mill Island are on sale now at CCTix.com, at $20 in advance and $25 day of show.
Thursday, June 8 was a special day for Syracuse. Not only was this the very first show of the much anticipated “Proud To Be Right Here” Luke Bryan US Tour, it was also the opening night for St. Josephâs Health Amphitheater at Lakeview. This was the first large concert to happen in CNY since COVID had taken it’s toll on the country. With Gov. Cuomo recently lifting restrictions for the entire state, this concert was the light at the end of the tunnel that was so needed.
One thing that was certainly on everyone’s mind going to this show was the rain. It had been raining all day, very hard at times and many were hopeful that it would stop prior to the show beginning. Fortunately enough, the rain stopped just prior to Caylee Hammack taking the stage.
The event was packed with 10,000+ in attendance and fans were showing how they too have missed live music. People laughing, hugging, and toasting drinks were a sight I didn’t I would see for quite awhile.
Opening the night was Caylee Hammack out of Nashville. She came out strong with a good mix of southern rock and Country. Hammack had the crowd singing along to a cover of Dolly Parton “9 to 5” Her set was energetic, fun, and very easy to get into. Dressed in a leopard printed dress and blue jacket, she was definitely having a good time on stage.
Following Caylee Hammack was Dylan Scott, the country pop singer out of Louisiana. His stage presence was very engaging and he sucked the crowd right in with his songs “My Girl” and “Nobody”. His interactions with the audience was a highlight of Scott’s performance. Joking with a couple fans, he asks who could chug a beer faster. This turns into a contest with Dylan grabbing a couple beers and having the fans race each other drinking, which then he leads into his song “Beer Buddies.”
Luke Bryan was set to take the stage next, with the sun setting just after 9pm the atmosphere and intensity of the amphitheater was building. The crowd of people were screaming and singing along to classic rock hits provided by DJ Rock. Finally the lights go dark and the amphitheater erupts as Luke Bryan takes to the stage with “That’s My Kind of Night”. Luke Bryan came right out down the walkway the stage had and wasted no time singing to the fans. Following the opening, Luke Bryan played “Rain is a good thing” which was well accepted considering how much it had been raining that day.
Luke delivered a powerful 20 song set, performing fan favorites “What She Wants Tonight”, the sing along “One Margarita,” and “Country Girl(Shake it for Me). This was a much needed night for everyone in attendance. Not only the fans, but all the artists performing seemed so happy to be back, the employees at the amphitheater were also very friendly and looking glad to be back as well. Overall it was a great experience and great concert that set the bar high for the rest of the concert season.
Luke Bryan Setlist: That’s My Kind of Night, Rain Is A Good Thing, What Makes You Country, Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day, Knockin’ Boots, Kick the Dust Up, Waves, Down To One, What She Wants, One Margarita, All My Friends Say, Crash My Party, Roller Coaster, Strip It Down, Drink A Beer, Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset, Move, Play It Again, Country Girl(Shake It for Me), I Don’t Want This Night To End
Jess Novak, winner of Best Pop Artist at the 2021 SAMMY Awards, is out on the road this summer across Central New York. But first, she has “The Joke” to share with you.
With Joker inspired song lyrics and an accompanying music video where Novak channels Harley Quinn, “The Joke” creates Novak’s own version of the super villain – sweet, yet angry, with a custom jacket by Adirondack Ink – allowing the singer to step outside herself as she got into character.
Written and recorded by Jess Novak and The Jess Novak Band at Hobin Studios in 2020 and filmed by DripNetwork and Lights on Fayette in 2021, “The Joke” captures her love of music videos and the inspiration drawn from the film.
A huge music video nut when I was a kid, I had wanted to make music videos for a living. I love the idea of telling a whole story in five minutes using a song. It’s always thrilled me. In the past we’ve made really fun videos, but this is the first that really tells a story and I couldn’t be happier about it.
Jess Novak
Setting out to make a video that goes deeper, and teaches people about the world and themselves, “The Joke” was shot at Lights on Fayette in their new warehouse on West Fayette Street in Syracuse, where they plan to hold more photo and video shoots, record music and hold live performances.
The concept came directly from the lyrics and was something Novak had in her head since she wrote the song. Moved by the origin of the classic supervillain, she had begun writing lyrics for the song before she left her second screening of the film.
My mom always said when I was growing up that the villains were her favorite part of Disney movies because they had more depth, more story – and it took a long time for me to understand that. Joker really proved it.
I appreciated that movie because it not only provided an alternate perspective, but it made me root for the bad guy, which I found fascinating. It also touched on the subject of mental health, which I feel is often skirted around in mainstream entertainment. Artists talk about it, but they don’t dive so deeply into it because it’s scary and almost taboo. But Joker took it head-on.
Jess Novak
The lyric “I hope that my death, it makes more sense from my life” is a direct draw from the movie, one that connected with Novak.
I really hoped the movie would make people see that people who are “bad” or do “bad things” are really just a product of their environment, which is what this song is saying, too. We place too much blame, or in reverse, pride, on people when really, they are just formations of their upbringing and situation.”
Jess Novak
For the music video, Novak’s concept has drawn out a storyboard and then the team took it from there, altering it to make the video more like a movie, with action scenes and a short plot. Starting with Novak as the villain, her boyfriend splits and leaves her to deal with the cops. Betrayed, she chooses to stand up, get out of the handcuffs and wreak havoc. This theme is explored on the album Standing Now, that “The Joke” is featured on.
Novak is already talking about the next video with the same team for a song they are currently recording, “Devil’s Walk”, a follow-up to her 2016 song “Counting on Love.” Look for this video and more this fall from Jess Novak.
The Jess Novak Band members featured in “The Joke” video include Novak, Byron Cage, Anthony Saturno, Nick Fields, Gavin George and Jabare Mckinstry. “The Joke” was directed by Mac Cushing and edited by Bryan Wolcik.
The latest album from Jess Novak Band, Standing Now is available here and you can watch “The Joke” below. Pre-order her new album A Thousand Liveshere.
For the summer, you can catch her solo, duo or full band performances across Central New York.
Jess Novak Summer 2021 Tour Dates
June 29 – Great Northern Mall Food Truck Fest – Clay, NY – 6 p.m. – DUO June 30 – The Taste Smokers – Bethlehem, PA – 8 p.m. – SOLO July 1 – Tiki Island – Baldwinsville, NY – 6 p.m. – SOLO July 2 – Homer Hops – Homer, NY – 6 p.m. – DUO July 3 – Middle Ages – Syracuse, NY – 4 p.m. – JNB July 4 – Steamers – Oswego, NY – 3 p.m. – DUO July 8 – Heritage Hill – Pompey, NY – 6 p.m. – JNB July 9 – Rome Summer Concert Series – Rome, NY – 7 p.m. – DUO July 12 – Northside Bar and Grille – Surf City, NY – 6 p.m. – TBD July 18 – Willie’s Chop Shop – Sylvan Beach, NY – PIRATE’S WEEKEND – 2 p.m. – DUO July 22 – Meier’s Creek – Cazenovia, NY – 6 p.m. – SOLO July 23 – Gibby’s – Oswego, NY – 7 p.m. – SOLO July 24 – Skaneateles Brewery – Skaneateles, NY – 3 p.m. – DUO July 25 – Concerts on the Waterfront – Sackets Harbor, NY – 3 p.m. – JNB July 28 – Alex’s on the Water – Oswego, NY – 6 p.m. – SOLO August 4 – Perseverance Park – Syracuse, NY – 12 p.m. – NOVAK/SATURNO August 5 – La Parrilla – Oswego, NY – 6 p.m. – NOVAK August 7 – McConnellsville Golf Club – Blossvale, NY – 7:30 p.m. – NOVAK August 7 – Lukins – Utica, NY – 10 p.m. – LAST CALL KINGS August 8 – The Nest – Tully, NY – 5 p.m. – DUO August 10 – Farmers Market – Clinton Square, Syracuse, NY – 11:30 a.m. – NOVAK August 12 – Heritage Hill – Pompey, NY – 5 p.m. – NOVAK August 13 – Stinger’s – Manlius, NY – 6 p.m. – NOVAK August 14 – Private Event – SAFE WORD BAND August 15 – Willie’s Chop Shop – Sylvan Beach, NY – 2 p.m. – NOVAK August 16 – Levitt AMP Music Series – Utica, NY – 6 p.m. – JNB August 18 – The Preserve at 405 – Syracuse, NY – 6 p.m. – DUO August 19 – Duskees – Phoenix, NY – 6 p.m. – NOVAK August 20 – Canale’s – Oswego, NY – 7 p.m. – DUO August 21 – Private Event – DUO August 22 – Steamers – Oswego, NY – 3 p.m. – JNB August 24 – New York State Fair Experience Stage – Syracuse, NY – 2 p.m. – JNB August 25 – Alex’s on the Water – Oswego, NY – 6 p.m. – NOVAK August 26 – Hops Spot – Clayton, NY – 6 p.m. – NOVAK August 27 – Bellevue Country Club – Syracuse, NY – 6 p.m. – NOVAK August 28 – Clinton Music and Arts Festival – Clinton, NY – 3 p.m. – NOVAK August 28 – Tiki Island – Baldwinsville, NY – 7 p.m. – JNB August 29 – Panther Pub – Allamuchy, NJ – 5 p.m. – NOVAK
The 2021 New York State Blues Fest, a free concert at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse over Thursday June 24 till Saturday June 26 in Chevy Court. Downtown Syracuse’s Clinton Square hosted Dumpstaphunk at the last Blues Fest held in June 2019.
Artists included Larkin Poe, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Carolyn Wonderland, Vanessa Collier, Ghost Town Blues Band, Ray Fuller & The Bluesrockers The Gabe Stillman Band, The Ripcords, Miller & The Other Sinners, Diana Jacobs Blues Band Jane Zell & The Zelltones Colin Aberdeen & Max Eyle Hot Dogs & Gin Chris Merkley, Mark Nanni and Ryan Holweger.
County Executive Ryan McMahon helped kick things off on Thursday for one of the Northeast’s largest free festivals. Southern Pennsylvania power trio Gabe Stillman Band and Robert Randolph and the Family Band opened the first sounds at Chevy Court in over a year, with Stillman Band performing a great cover of Bill Withers “Friend of Mine.”
Robert Randolph and The Family Band helped bring the State Fair experience to all in attendance. The family band has Lenesha Randolph on vocals, Ray Ray Holloman on guitar Stevie Ray Ladson On Bass, and Rochester native Levi Bennett on drums.
Stevie Ray Ladson, Lenesha Randolph, Robert Randolph
The group periodically changed instruments during their soul set performance. Lenesha Randolph was quoted “It was great to be out in the land of the living. Such a great time, thank you guys for welcoming us.”
Local Solvay saxophone player Dunham Hall got the call at 5:30 to join Randolph’s set at 7PM. He showed up and laid down saxophone for an extended cover of Sly and The Family’s Stones “Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf) Again”.
Levi Bennett Ray Ray HollomonnRobert Randolph Lenesha Randolph
Robert Randolph spoke with NYS Music at the Jus Sum Jazz lounge following his show:
Matthew Romano: It’s good to have you guys back in New York State performing live. What memories come to mind when you play Upstate?
Robert Randolph: It’s crazy how many iconic shows have happened up here. One of the first shows I played with The Word was at a small club in Syracuse in 2000. The Word is playing at Tipitina’s at Jazz fest in New Orleans this year. It’s a vibe.
MR: This jazz club has a New Orleans vibe to it.
RR: Yea I like it. It’s reminds me of a modern day juke joint.
MR: What shows have you attended in New York State that made an impact?
RR: The first Phish show I saw was at Madison Square Garden. I remember it was a blast but it also humbles you. It’s one of these things where It all becomes special. I go to the Dicks shows in Colorado too.
MR: What shows of your own are on the horizon in New York State In 2021?
RR: I’m playing with The Word at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock. That’s gonna be special, def come check that out.
Robert will be performing at the Gorge Amphitheater with Dumpstaphunk and Dave Matthews Band Labor Day weekend when live music continues at the Fairgrounds.
Vanessa Collier from Dallas took on a James Brown-like stage presence on Friday night at the Fairgrounds. She was out front counting on the one in between playing funky arrangements on lead saxophone.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds from Austin TX helped keep that legendary blues smoke going to close the night. Attendees in the crowd reflected on Stevie Ray Vaughn’s New York State Fair performance in 1986. The Austin, TX guitarist played “The Sky is Crying” while the rain came down upon the old grandstands. Vaughn and Double Trouble walked a tightrope at Miller Court in 1989 as well.
Saturday afternoon’s set by The Ghost Town Blues Band from Memphis was definitely channeling older spirits. Gregg Allman’s chilling composition “Whipping Post” was taken on by the ensemble. Matt Isbel’s whiskey gravel soaked vocals helped resurrect Allman’s sound. Trombonist Suavo Jones traded notes off Cedric Taylor’s howling B3 Hammond to boot.
Perhaps this was a nod to the 50th anniversary of the Allman Brothers Band closing the Fillmore East. Their final performance on June 27, 1971 found the Allmans playing until 8AM. 2016 NYS Blues Fest artist Butch Trucks reflected “I remember Duane (Allman) walking in front of dragging his guitar while i was sitting there completely burned and he said “Damn its just like leaving church”
Suavo Jones
Rebecca and Megan Lovell from Georgia performed as part of Larkin Poe to close the weekends music. They are descendants of tortured artist and genius Edgar Allan Poe. The duo and their band treated the crowd to songs off their 2020 album’s “Self Made Man” and “Kindred Spirits.”
The title tracks lyrics resonated on the blues soaked audience “I was down and out, now I’m up again When I roll the dice, everybody wins Like a cannonball, moving down the track, Baby’s on her way, she ain’t coming back”
New York Blues Fest has made its way back across the land helping ease everybody’s same old blues on a different day.
Foreigner has announced their return to the road tour with a 121 date, year-long tour. Covering across sixteen countries, The US Tour is set to kick off June 24th, in Iowa.
Foreigner, one of the world’s best selling bands of all time includes timeless anthems, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Cold As Ice,” and “Waiting For A Girl Like You.” With more than 80 million records sold, ten multi-platinum albums and 16 US Billboard Top 30 songs, Foreigner is hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world.
Equipped with a musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, Foreigner now brings these hits back to concert stages across the world with the announcement of a 121-date concert tour across sixteen countries, with two concerts in New York.
The US leg of Foreigner’s world tour takes the band to 71 cities in 42 states. Concerts in New York include Syracuse, and Port Chester. The 2022 leg will be announced in November.
“Live music is at the heart of what we do and I’m thrilled to be back on the road and visiting so many places over the next year. Looking forward to seeing you all out there,” Says founding member, lead guitarist and Foreigner songwriter Mick Jones.
Foreigner still rocks the charts more than 40 years after debuting, with massive airplay and continued Billboard Top 200 album success.
Audio and video streams of Foreigner hits are over 15 million per week. The band’s founder, Songwriter and Hall of Fame member Mick Jones, A visionary maestro whose stylistic songwriting, and multi-layered talents continue to escalate Foreigner’s influence and guide the band to new horizons. Tickets are available on www.foreigneronline.com.
Foreigner 2021 “Return to the Road” Tour Dates
Thursday, June 24 Ottumwa, IA – Bridge View Center Friday, June 25 Sioux Falls, SD – Washington Pavilion Saturday, June 26 Bismarck, ND – Bismarck Civic Center Tuesday, June 29 Casper, WY – Casper Events Center Wednesday, June 30 Billings, MT – MetraPark Arena Friday, July 2 Welch, MN – Treasure Island Great Lawn Sunday, July 4 Fort Bragg, NC – Pope Army Airfield Tuesday, July 27 Fresno, CA – Saroyan Theatre Wednesday, July 28 Prescott Valley, AZ – Findlay Toyota Center Friday, July 30 West Valley, UT – Maverick Center Saturday, July 31 Grand Junction, CO – Los Colonias Park Amphitheater Sunday, August 1 Rio Rancho, NM – Rio Rancho Events Center Wednesday, August 4 Lubbock, TX – Buddy Holly Hall Thursday, August 5 Enid, OK – Stride Bank Center Saturday, August 7 Park City, KS – Hartman Arena Sunday, August 8 North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena Tuesday, August 10 West Allis, WI – Wisconsin State Fair Wednesday, August 11 Cedar Rapids, IA – McGrath Amphitheatre Friday, August 13 Arcadia, WI – Ashley For The Arts Saturday, August 14 Interlochen, MI – Kresge Auditorium Sunday, August 15 Peoria, IL – Civic Center Arena Tuesday, August 17 Kettering, OH – Fraze Pavilion Wednesday, August 18 Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium Friday, August 20 Doswell, VA – AfterHours at Meadow Event Park Saturday, August 21 Selbyville, DE – The Freeman Stage at Bayside Monday, August 23 Syracuse, NY – New York State Fair Wednesday, August 25 Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheatre Thursday, August 26 Webster, MA – Indian Ranch Friday, August 27 Cohasset, MA – South Shore Music Circus Saturday, August 28 Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent Thursday, September 9 Grand Forks, ND – Alerus Center Friday, September 10 Rapid City, SD – Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Saturday, September 11 Butte, MT – Civic Center Tuesday, September 14 Everett, WA – Angel of the Winds Arena Wednesday, September 15 Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Event Center Thursday, September 16 Airway Heights, WA – Northern Quest Resort & Casino Saturday, September 18 Fort Hall, ID – Fort Hall Casino Tuesday, September 21 Bend, OR – Les Schwab Amphitheater Wednesday, September 22 Kennewick, WA – Toyota Center Sunday, September 26 Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort Wednesday, September 29 Saratoga, CA – Mountain Winery (orchestral) Friday, October 1 Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre (orchestral) Saturday, October 2 Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl (orchestral) Monday, October 11 Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre (orchestral) Tuesday, October 12 Youngstown, OH – Foundation Amphitheater (orchestral) Wednesday, October 13 Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena (orchestral) Friday, October 15 Johnson City, TN – Freedom Hall Civic Center Sunday, October 17 Knoxville, TN – Civic Auditorium Monday, October 18 Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre Tuesday, October 19 Charleston, WV – Municipal Auditorium Thursday, October 21 Reading, PA – Santander Performing Arts Center Friday, October 22 Wilkes Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center Saturday, October 23 Baltimore, MD – MECU Pavilion Monday, October 25 Providence, RI – Performing Arts Center Wednesday, October 27 Port Chester, NY – Capitol Theatre Thursday, October 28 Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom Friday, October 29 New Brunswick, NJ – State Theatre Saturday, October 30 Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Thursday, November 4 Corbin, KY – Corbin Arena Friday, November 5 Springfield, IL – UIS Sangamon Auditorium Saturday, November 6 Southaven, MS – Landers Center Monday, November 8 Savannah, GA – John Mercer Theatre Tuesday, November 9 Augusta, GA – Bell Auditorium Wednesday, November 10 Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena Friday, November 12 Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium Saturday, November 13 Tupelo, MS – Bancorp South Arena Sunday, November 14 Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater Tuesday, November 16 Huntsville, AL – Mark C. Smith Concert Hall Wednesday, November 17 Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall Friday, November 19 Biloxi, MS – IP Casino Resort & Spa Saturday, November 20 Pensacola, FL – Saenger Theater
May 12, 1982
On this day 39 years ago @RobertPlant & @JimmyPage join @ForeignerMusic on stage in Munich, Germany for a performance of the song "Lucille". This was their first performance since John Bonham had passed away 2 years prior.
June 19 Setlist: Bad For You, Fortress, Porcupine, Penguins > Funkijam > Groove Is In The Heart > Steal The Shade*, Avalanche, Landing > Jam > Zydeko, Move Like That > Weightless > White Night, Doc, Fade Fast, Horizon > Fool In The Rain^ > Horizon
Encore: Water
* Original debut ^ w/ D’yer Mak’er tease 2.5 hr set, played through setbreak
Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers played as part of the Beak and Skiff Orchards 2021 concert series down Apple Valley Road in LaFayette, NY on June 16, 2021.
“I’ve got a daughter in law in LaFayette, Louisiana,” he told the crowd. The band’s performance was part of a brief Northeast run to start the year. Bruce brings that old summer tour magic back to life for all those in attendance, 30 years to the day he was part of an iconic set opening Eyes of the World with the Grateful Dead at Giants Stadium.
Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers at Beak and Skiff Orchards,NY
Bruce’s archives shows what a true artist he is. Hornsby is consistently reimagining his sound with the a band. Syracuse region basketball fans might like to know that he played Allen Iverson of Georgetown in a game of one-on-one when the Virginia natives used to cross paths in the 90’s.
Bruce’s on stage team this night consisted of J.V. Collier on bass, Chad Wright on drums, J.T. Thomas on keyboards, John Mailander on Violin/Mandolin, and Gibb Droll on guitar. The 17 song setlist was a full court press blend of rock, gospel, heartland rock, jazz, bluegrass and blues.
Certain lyrics resonated across New York’s four season changing landscape. Show opener “Absolute Zero” could have been a nod to the unusually cold night in LaFayette. “Hey, come on, let’s go down to two seventy-three below” Up next was the most chilling composition of the night for “Shit’s Crazy Out Here” with Bruce singing the title track amidst heavy deep jazz transports.
Bruce Hornsby in LaFayette, NY
Mid set, the iconic “That’s Just the Way It Is’ ‘ got people dancing under the setting sun, including an extended improvisational jam to keep the song fresh to the times. The iconic piano riff that was part of West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur’s remake (and on what would have been Shakur’s 50th birthday) was reciprocated with Bruce sampling Snoop Dogg’s “Drop it Like it’s Hot” over the house speakers.
The song appropriately named “Prairie Dog Town” had Bruce exit the piano to center stage on his dulcimer, leading vocals over the mix. Snoop Dogg’s beat segued into J.V. and Chad holding the bottom end down for a funky outro. Bruce scatted “Popping up, popping down, burrowing making their funny little sounds, guarding the ground and spotting all around watch your dry bones in the prairie dog town”
J.V. Collier, Bruce Hornsby, Chad Wright, Gibb Droll, John Mailander, JT Thomas
The highlight of the night was a true blend of California artists. The band’s opening chords to “Sunflower Cat” might have tricked you into thinking it was Grateful Dead’s “China Cat Sunflower” during Summer 1991. Bruce’s original lyrics over the Dead groove make it his own: “ In my dreams I can fly high, over fields and across the sky, then I’m awake and I’m back on the ground, if you could take me back up there, I’m down, I’m down with that’.”
Mid-song, J.V. Collier and Chad Wright locked in on Tupac’s “California Love” groove with on the spot reimagined lyrics to the surrounding landscape. J.V. sang “ New York State… knows how to party… In the city of… Lafayette, in the city of good old Utica…In the city…of Syracuse.. We keep it rockin… you keep it rockin.” The band then crushed the “New York Love” remix before a shift back into “Sunflower Cat” to close the show.
Bruce Hornsby, J.V. Collier
The evening was encored with the “pod people” getting down in front of the stage for “Rainbows Cadillac.” Bruce called out to the crowd “Every night about a quarter to ten, from the middle of June till summer’s end. People would gather from miles around to see the mighty Rainbow knock ’em down, sending the audience into the night wide-eyed as part of New York’s live music return.
Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers – Beak and Skiff Orchards – Lafayette, NY – June 16, 2021
Setlist: Absolute Zero, Shit’s Crazy Out Here, The Rat King, My Resolve, Fields of Gray, The Way It Is, Walk in the Sun, Spider Fingers > Dreaded Spoon, Funhouse, Every Little Kiss*, Shadow Hand*, Prairie Dog Town*, Sunflower Cat > (California Love) > Sunflower Cat Encore: Rainbow’s Cadillac * Bruce on dulcimer
The rhythm section of the Noisemakers J.V. Collier (bass) and Chad Wright (drums) took some time to talk past, present, and future music experiences in New York State at the Hotel Syracuse the night before the show:
Matt Romano: It’s good to have you guys back in New York State to play live. What great memories come to mind playing here?
J.V. Collier: Over 27 years, every time coming to New York is memorable. I love City Winery in TriBeCa, The Blue Note and Carnegie Hall in Manhattan, We’d go to Woodstock to Levon Helm’s Studio at his barn in Hudson Valley for their Friday night jams. When Bruce and I started, we played at Woodstock ’94 with The Band and got to rehearse there. I was only supposed to play three songs and then Rick Danko was like “stay up here.” All these great horn players from the city, like Howard Johnson. But playing with The Band was an amazing thing. Woodstock ’94 we hung out all three nights. During Green Day’s set they cleared everybody off stage except Bruce and I for some reason. So it was great. I remember the park in New York City where Jaco (Pastorius) used to stay. I don’t know if you heard he used to sleep with his bass and basketball there towards the end. But I’d go to that spot and try to gain something from his spirit to play off.
MR: You guys were here virtually at the end of last year to help raise 500K plus for Upstate Hospital in Syracuse to benefit front line workers a block from here.
Chad Wright: We did it at the Teragram Ballroom in downtown L.A.. We prerecorded it and it was the first time we did anything last year since August of 2019.
MR: Does Bruce keep you guys on your toes with the variety of his catalog?
J.V.: The great thing about playing with Bruce is the surprise guests along the way. You never know. Chick Corea, Dave Garibaldi, Bonnie Raitt. His studio gig is like his live gig because what he wants it to be different all the time. He always pushes you to be better.
MR: How does composition compare to improvisation?
CW: When I got this gig, Bruce was great at explaining that there is no structure. But there’s a method to the madness…but it’s all subject to change to be fluid.
J.V.: Some nights are magic and you don’t want to let it go. You get to a space and it’s a thing. 2:45 to 3:00 hours used to be the normal set times. Bruce has the mentality of an athlete. He’s the point guard. He’s orchestrating what everyone’s gonna do up there. He’ll pass you the ball and wants you to do something with it before it comes back
Gov’t Mule and Allman Brothers Band guitarist Warren Haynes will venture into the Northeast for 5 solo acoustic shows, prior to his performance at Peach Music Festival on July 4.
Warren will make solo stops in Eatontown, NJ – a second show has been added on June 29 – and in Lake George. He’ll then head to East Swanzey, NH to perform at Northlands Live, and swing back to Central New York to perform at Apple Valley Park on July 3, before his July 4 performances at Peach Festival.
I can’t wait to get back on the road and play music in front of live audiences. Leading into Peach Fest, I’ve added 4 brand new shows in Eatontown, NJ, Lake George, NY, E. Swanzey, NH and Lafayette, NY. Each show will adhere to local regulations as pertains to seating, capacity and overall public health safety protocols. Please check out the links for each show below.
June 29&30 – Concerts On The Green – Eatontown, NJ July 1 – Lake George Festival Commons – Lake George, NY July 2 – Northlands Live – East Swanzey, NH July 3 – Apple Valley Park – Lafayette, NY
