Category: Rochester

  • Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Will Open Fall Tour in Port Chester

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, the Baltimore-based funk quartet, just announced their Fall 2021 tour. There are fourteen stops planned, the first two of which are at the historic Capitol Theater in Port Chester, NY. From there, they will travel to various cities across the country to leave fans in awe of their funky sound.

    The band cannot wait to get back on stage: “I think one of the silver linings of this pandemic is all of our renewed appreciation for live music,” says singer/guitarist “Scrambled Greg” Ormont. “The bands, the fans, the venues, we’re all rejuvenated and ready to unleash this energy. Honestly, as fired up as I am to get back on stage, I’m almost more excited to see how the crowd reacts to being back in our collective element. It’s going to be a tour for the ages.”

    After kicking off the tour in Port Chester on October 14th and 15th, P4 will continue on to the mid-atlantic region with an exciting trio of Halloween themed shows. They will then perform in Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. After stopping in Des Moines, they will end the tour in Denver on November 13th. Supporting acts include Sunsquabi (October 29th to the 31st) and Neighbor (October 16th). Magic Beans will join Pigeons for the remaining tour dates.

    Fall tour tickets will be available via Artist Presale running Wednesday June 16th at 10am through Thursday June 17th at 10pm local time using the password FLOCK. General onsale will begin Friday June 18th at 10am local time, with the exception of Denver’s Mission Ballroom which will go on sale Friday at 12pm MT.

    For more information, click here.

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Fall 2021 Tour:

    10/15 Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre

    10/16 Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre

    10/29 Washington, DC – The Anthem

    10/30 Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE

    10/31 Columbus, OH – Express Live

    11/3 Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre

    11/4 Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room

    11/5 St. Louis, MO – The Pageant

    11/6 Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater

    11/7 Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater

    11/9 Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s

    11/10 Kansas City, MO – The Truman

    11/12 Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre

    11/13 Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom

  • Joe Bonamassa Announces Fall 2021 Tour

    Acclaimed Utica-based guitarist and songwriter Joe Bonamassa has announced an extensive 33 tour dates for fall 2021. Bonamassa’s latest project, a live album entitled Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman, comes out Friday, June 11.

    Joe Bonamassa Fall 2021
    Photo by Robert Sutton

    Bonamassa will stop in New York twice on his fall tour. He is set to play the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on November 22 and the Rochester Auditorium Theatre in Rochester on November 24. The full list of tour dates is listed below.

    Bonamassa is one of the biggest modern names in blues-rock and was even named “the world’s biggest blues guitarist” by Guitar World Magazine. He, like other live musicians, is marking his return to the stage in over a year. The fall tour kicks off October 8 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, where Bonamassa recorded his latest live album.

    Throughout the pandemic and during the pause of live music, Bonamassa focused on raising money for his non-profit Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation through the Fueling Musicians Program. The nonprofit centers on providing financial assistance to touring musicians who had their income streams cut off in this tumultuous time.

    Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman comes out Friday and tickets for the fall tour will be available on the same day. Links for purchase can be found here.

    TOUR DATES

    October 8-9: Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium

    October 11: Little Rock, AR – Robinson Performance Hall

    October 13: Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

    October 15: San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre

    October 16: Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre

    October 17: Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre

    October 19: Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center

    October 21: Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater

    October 22: Memphis, TN – Cannon Center for the Performing Arts

    October 23: Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace

    October 25: Evansville, IN – Old National Events Center

    October 27: Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre

    October 29: Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre

    October 30: St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre

    October 31: Cincinatti, OH – Taft Theatre

    November 19: Springfield, MA – Symphony Hall

    November 20: Providence, RI – Providence Performing Arts Center

    November 22: Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre

    November 24: Rochester, NY – Rochester Auditorium Theatre

    November 26: Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre

    November 27: Youngstown, OH – Covelli Centre

    November 28: Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre

    November 30: Easton, PA – State Theatre

    December 1: Reading, PA – Santander Performing Arts Center

    December 3: Roanoke, VA – Berglund Performing Arts Theatre

    December 4: Baltimore, MD – The Lyric

    December 5: Richmond, VA – Dominion Energy Center

    December 7: Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theater

    December 8: Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

    December 10: St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Ampitheatre

    December 11: Estero, FL – Hertz Arena

    December 12: Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live

  • Pride 2021: Where to Celebrate Throughout New York State

    Wondering where and how you can get your 2021 Pride on throughout New York this summer? With COVID-19 ever looming in the background, NYS Music has you covered. Between in person events and virtual celebrations, celebrating Pride with live music in 2021 will be a highlight of the summer across the State of New York.

    NYS Music PRIDE

    New York City and Long Island

    New York City Pride will be kicking off with 50 events across the 30 days of June, known as Pride month throughout the LGBTQ+ community. Between the NYC Pride march, Pridefest, and Pride Island. The NYC Pride March broadcast special will return for its fifth consecutive year.

    Featuring live performances, on-air interviews, and exciting street-side marching activity, the broadcast will air on ABC-7 from 12PM to 3PM EST on Sunday, June 27 as well on ABC7NY.com and ABC7 New York’s Connected TV Apps on streaming platforms Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku. All in-person elements will be produced in accordance with the most current guidelines for public events in the city.  DJ Lina Bradford will be performing at the online virtual Pride Island party. Details on the event can be found on their website. Musical performances across NYC Pride are waiting to be announced.

    Long Island Pride is taking place on June 13, 2021 at Eisenhower Park’s landmark Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre from 12PM-4PM. The festivities will take place in person and will follow New York State Department of Health and CDC guidance, all attendees will be required to present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, or 72-hour negative PCR test. This year’s Long Island Pride is a pre-ticketed event only and there will be no same day entry.  The event may sell out quickly with sponsorships, VIP tickets and a limited number of general admission tickets now on sale due to COVID-19.  Almost Queen, The Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps, and DJ Disco 2 House will all be performing.  Details on the event can be found on their website.

    Capital District

    In Albany the Pride activities will span out across the month with plenty of events. People can catch local artists performing on the Virtual Alive at 5 event. It can be found on Albany Events on YouTube and the Pride Center of the Capital region YouTube. Join the online party for the Virtual Pride Alive at 5 on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at 11AM  to 12PM. Details on the event can be found on their website.

    Schenectady Pride will be hosting a ‘Day of Visibility’ event at the Gateway Plaza. The event will host DJ RVMBA at 3PM, Community Stage (special guests including SLOC Musical group, Planned Parenthood at 4PM, and Drag Spectacular starring the Legends of Drag at 5pm on Saturday, June 5, 2021. Details on the event can be found on their website.

    Buffalo

    Buffalo won’t be having an official live pride event this year due to COVID-19 but is promoting different events throughout Buffalo in celebration of Pride. The R&B and Hip-Hop Pride Event is taking place on June 5 from 9PM to 1AM at 522 Elmwood Ave Buffalo. The event is $7 and focuses on Recording Artists of the LGBTIAQ+ Community that dwell in the genres of R&B and Hip-Hop music. Hosted by an Actress/R&B and Hip-Hop Artist named Aqueira Oshun. Loncé thee Starr, Disprettymofo, Incense, Paris Glenn, Charlie Bae, C4W2, and Jay Aquarious will all be performing. The music for the show will be spun by a DJ named Trav1sTw1n. The maximum capacity is 40 people and please be asked to wear a mask at the event. Details on the event can be found on their website.

    Rochester

    Rochester Pride isn’t taking place until September 25, 2021 at Mayo Park from 12-5 PM and hasn’t released information yet. 

    CNY

    Central New York Pride will be taking place on June 26, 2021 for CNY Pride’s “Virtual Edition” Pride Festival, presented by Equitable. The festival will be featuring performances by Deviant Dance Tribe, Jason Ngo, Felipe Panama, Kitschy Scoflow, Koy Adams, Frita Lay, Sparkle Royale, Rea Listic, Tayler Mayde, and Natalie Taylor, and hosted live by the fabulous Samantha Vega, this digital festival will be streaming online June 26 and will be free and open to the public. Details on the event can be found on  their Facebook page.

    Keep checking back for more updates on when and where to get your Pride and dance moves on in 2021 throughout New York State.

  • Cory and The Wongnotes Announce Live Tour

    Guitarist and producer Cory Wong will head out on the road this summer with his new band, Cory and The Wongnotes. This will be their first live tour as a band.

    cory wong and the wongnotes
    Corey Wong

    On stage, Wong will be accompanied by an 11-piece band that includes members from Hornheads, Stay Human, and featured vocalist Antwaun Stanley. This tour will be a follow-up from a YouTube series on Cory Wong’s YouTube called Cory and The Wongnotes.

    The eight episode Youtube series is a fun mix of a talk show, comedy sketches, and of course live music from their album Cory and The Wongnotes. They also have played live on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert alongside Eddie Barbash performing “Bluebird” from their new album.

    This will be a national tour and they will be playing in Brooklyn February 4, 2022 at Brooklyn Steel. For more details and tickets, check out www.corywongmusic.com/tour

    Cory Wong and the Wongnotes 2021-2022 Tour Dates:

    NOVEMBER 2021

    3 – Kansas City, MO

    5 – Denver, CO

    6 – Salt Lake City, UT

    8 – Vancouver, BC

    9 – Portland, OR

    10 – Seattle, WA

    12 – San Francisco, CA

    13 – Los Angeles, CA

    14 – San Diego, Ca

    16 – Phoenix, AZ

    19 – Dallas, TX

    20 – Austin, TX

    JANUARY 2022

    26 – Columbus, OH

    27 – Detroit, MI

    28 – Toronto, ON

    29 – Pittsburgh, PA

    30 – Rochester, NY

    FEBRUARY 2022

    1 – Burlington, VT

    2 – Boston, MA

    3 – Philadelphia, PA

    4 – New York, NY

    5 – Washington, DC

    7 – Charlottesville, VA

    8 – Raleigh, NC

    10 – Asheville, NC

    11 – Atlanta, GA

    12 – Nashville, TN

    13 – Indianapolis, IN

    15 – St. Louis, MO

    16 – Des Moines, IA

    17 – Madison, WI

    18 – Chicago, IL

    19 -Minneapolis, MN

  • Dead and Company 2021 Summer Tour includes 4 stops across NYS

    It’s true, the Music Never Stopped, as Dead and Company will head out on the road this summer, their first shows since Playin in the Sand in January 2020. Dead and Company will embark on a 2021 Summer Tour, making four stops in New York State. Citi Field, Bethel Woods, Darien Lake and SPAC will all find multiple generations of Deadheads traversing the state this summer on a mission to get down.

    dead and company 2021 summer

    The most recent New York appearance for Dead and Company was their Halloween run at Madison Square Garden in 2019. The Empire State will have an “Easy Wind” blowing across it later this summer, as Dead and Company comes to Citi Field on Friday, August 20, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Monday, August 23, Darien Lake Amphitheater on Wednesday, August 25, and Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Friday, August 27.

    Dead and Company 2021 summer

    The Capital Region served as the foundation for Dead and Company’s start with their first performance at Times Union Center in Albany on October 29, 2015. John Mayer and Oteil Burbridge joined the band beyond description for “Playing in the Band” as the first tune to start their journey.

    To ensure fans get tickets in their hands directly, Fan Registration is now available here until Sunday, May 16 at 10PM PDT, through Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan program. The Verified Fan Presale begins Wednesday, May 19th at 10 AM local through Thursday, May 20 at 10 PM local venue time. Supplies are limited.  

    Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, May 21 at Noon local venue time through Ticketmaster.

    Dead and Company 2021 summer
    A rainbow over SPAC, June 2019

    Dead & Company will continue their work with longtime sustainability partner REVERB. This summer the band has committed to a comprehensive carbon offset program via Reverb’s unCHANGEit Climate Campaign, covering all projected emissions from this year’s tour – including fan travel to and from shows. These Dead & Company tour offsets will immediately fund important projects around the world and here at home that directly fight climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

    Dead and Company Summer 2021 Tour will offer a variety of enhanced experience packages that range in amenities from Loose Lucy’s Lounge access and early venue entry to branded lawn chairs and limited-edition screen-printed posters, paired with premium concert tickets. Travel Packages that bundle concert tickets with local accommodations will also be available. All enhanced offerings and travel packages go on sale May 19 at 10AM local venue time. For full details, visit here.

    Jerry Garcia’s words and music get to carry another Summer and Fall Tour across the country. This cast certainly knows how to honor his historic improvisational ability while expressing their own voices on it. They have been given the seal of approval from original crew members and fans a like. Six years later it remains the Dead’s biggest revival. Oteil Burbridge doesn’t feel like a stranger for another tour. “When Bill Walton says you’re good, you quit worrying.”

    Check deadandcompany.com for complete tour information. 

    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?  

    Dead & Company 2021 Tour

    Mon-Aug-16 Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park

    Wed-Aug-18 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

    Fri-Aug-20 – New York, NY – Citi Field

    Sat-Aug-21 Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park

    Mon-Aug-23 Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

    Wed-Aug-25 Darien, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater

    Fri-Aug-27 Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    Sat-Aug-28 Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium

    Thu-Sep-02 Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

    Fri-Sep-03 Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

    Sun-Sep-05 Hartford, CT – The Xfinity Theatre

    Tue-Sep-07 Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center

    Fri-Sep-10 Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre

    Sat-Sep-11 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

    Mon-Sep-13 Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre STL

    Wed-Sep-15 Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    Sep 17-18 Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field

    Wed-Oct-06 West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    Thu-Oct-07 Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Mon-Oct-11 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

    Tue-Oct-12 – Atlanta, GA – Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood

    Thu-Oct-14 Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

    Fri-Oct-15 Woodlands, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

    Mon-Oct-25 Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion

    Wed-Oct-27 San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Oct 29-31 Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl

  • Rochester’s Phil Naro Passes at Age 63

    The rock world lost a star this week. Rochester native Phil Naro succumbed to a battle with cancer on Sunday night. The rocker of international fame was best known as the vocalist for Talas, where he played alongside Billy Sheehan. On hearing of Naro’s passing, Sheehan shared the following on Twitter:

    Manager Bruce Pilato also shared a post on Facebook:

    “It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our son, father, friend and musician Phillip Sampognaro, known professionally as Phil Naro. Phil fought a valiant battle against cancer over the last few years but left this earth last night surrounded by his family and closest friends.”

    Naro got his start in music in his hometown of Rochester, but joining Buffalo-based Talas skyrocketed his professional career. He went on to launch a successful solo career and performed with top ’80s hard rock bands including, Yngwie Malmsteen, Anthrax, White Lion, Quiet Riot, and Iron Maiden.

    Phil Naro

    He partnered with other internationally-known artists to form supergroup The Platinum Rock All-Stars in 2016. After a reunion tour with Talas in 2019, he poured his energies into a solo album, A Life in Song, which is yet unreleased.

    In addition to his extensive body of recorded works, his legacy lives on through his sons, John and James, who have inherited his passion for music.

    With every song I sing, I want to touch people’s hearts— let them feel the passion  I have for music.

    – Phil Naro
  • Rochester’s Hollowell Discuss Their New Single “Don’t Care”

    Episode 118 of the Rochester Groovecast Podcast highlights the new single by Hollowell, “Don’t Care.”

    Hollowell, formerly Astraea, is an original female-fronted alternative rock band from Rochester, NY. Their inspirations draw from 90’s/early 2000s.

    Episode 118 of The Rochester Groovecast podcast is an intimate chat and “Don’t Care” listening party.

    hollowell

    Listen To The Podcast:

    Watch The Full Episode:

    At Rochester Groovecast, the mantra “We’re Fans First!” harnesses the belief that the best businesses are built by fans. The podcast is deeply dedicated to playing an active role in the culture of its local scene.

    The brainchild of Rochester native, Ben Albert, was created in 2016 to serve as a portfolio of the city, and nowadays, the entire region.

    The podcast believes in the artistic brilliance abundant in Rochester, NY, and the surrounding regions. Ben seeks to play a pivotal role in our community by helping give Rochester a well-earned voice. He has seen first hand the abundance of talent, character, creativity, innovation, and beauty the Flower City has continuously offered.

    Rochester Groovecast is Powered By balbertmarketing.com

  • Live Music Returns Bistro-Style to Rochester Lilac Festival

    Music is being served up bistro-style at Rochester’s Lilac Festival this year. While it’s not feasible to host the large open-air concerts the festival has become known for, organizers have found a way to reintroduce music while maintaining safety guidelines. 

    Over the course of three weekends in May, they are dishing up sets from Big Blue House, Claudia Hoyser, JUMBOshrimp, acoustic-style Big Eyed Phish, and Mikaela Davis & Southern Star. A Lilac Blues & Soul review closes out the series, featuring Steve Grills and the Roadmasters alongside special guests Joe Beard, Cinnamon Jones, Debbie Kendrick, and Mike D’Aurizio.

    lilac festival

    The events take place under an open air tent, where patrons can purchase tables that seat four to six guests. Relax and nosh in a supper-club fashion – tickets include an appetizer to share. Pair it with a wine or bucket of beer, and additional nibbles from a range of local restaurants. The shows on Mother’s Day, May 9, are all ages, however the remainder are reserved for guests 21 and over (ID required). Tickets are for each event are available now.

    Sunday: May 9, 2021: Mother’s Day 

    Big Blue House Session: 11:30am 

    Big Blue House is a raucous trio of seasoned musicians with experience in a variety of  genres, merging styles into a unique gumbo of folk, rock, blues, jazz and reggae. Offering a  blend of voices, acoustic rhythm and lead guitar, stand-up bass, and occasional mandolin,  banjo and resonator guitar. We often add percussion and a random horn or harmonica to fill  up the house. Our songs run a broad scope of time and genres but keep a consistency of  musicality, lyricism, imagery and tastefulness. 

    Sunday: May 9, 2021: Mother’s Day 

    Claudia Hoyser Sessions: 2:45pm 

    American Country music artist, social media influencer, and hometown favorite Claudia  Hoyser is bringing it back to her roots at the 2021 Rochester Lilac Festival. Claudia has  blended her neo-traditional sound with social grace; her musical palette evokes

    feelings through the gift of modern story or can bring on some dusty edge with barnburner  flair. Just Announced: Claudia will be opening for Toby Keith and Clay Walker at The  California Rodeo in Salinas, CA in 2021. 

    On the heels of the success of her 4 chart singles, Claudia will be releasing her full-length  record this summer 2021. Be sure to tune in for her weekly video series “Hoyser Country  Monday” every Monday at 6 pm EST on Facebook. The series has rallied up over 120  million views! Claudia also has her own coffee, “Hoyser Country Blend,” which can be found  chain-wide in Tops Markets, Hegedorn’s, Herrema’s, Breen’s and in many local  establishments. 

    Friday: May 14, 2021 

    Jumbo ShrimpSessions: 4pm | 6:45pm 

    Founded in 2006, just two guys, ALL LIVE! Tom on Vocals & Guitar. Ian on the  Clamsteamer (a.k.a. Cocktail Drum Kit of his own creation) 

    A Rochester favorite, playing local bars, backyards and festivals for the past 15 years  strong. JUMBOshrimp is working hard to be the BIGGEST little band IN THE WORLD (or  Rochester, whichever comes first). While that’s a pretty serious goal, you should also know  that they’re very serious about not taking themselves very serious. 

    JUMBOshrimp plays mostly current music but also mashes in favorite classics, always  committed to engaging their audience, having FUN, making music & friends! 

    lilac festival

    Saturday: May 22, 2021 

    Big Eyed Phish’s: Dave and Tim Acoustic Show
    Sessions: 2:45pm | 6:00pm 

    Ben and Jon are the “Dave and Tim” of Big Eyed Phish – The Dave Matthews Tribute  Band. Together they perform acoustic versions of DMB songs that everyone knows and  loves. Dave and Tim have played together in many venues and put out the infamous “live  at Luther College” CD set! Ben and Jon do the acoustic duo justice just as they do for the  full band when playing with Big Eyed Phish! Don’t miss this awesome intimate acoustic  show! 

    Friday: May 21, 2021 

    Mikaela Davis & Southern Star Sessions: 4:00pm | 6:45pm 

    Back this year is Lilac favorite, Mikaela Davis with a new sound! Mikaela Davis & Southern  Star are bringing a taste of the Grateful Dead to the Lilac Bistro. Recently, Mikaela has not  only been playing Grateful Dead tunes with Southern Star but with Bob Weir himself!  Mikaela will be playing a set of Dead inspired Americana Folk with her own original tunes.

    Sunday: May 23, 2021 

    Lilac Blues & Soul Review Sessions: 3:15pm | 6:30pm 

    On Sunday May 23, the Lilac Festival will conclude with a Blues and Soul extravaganza  featuring Steve Grills and the Roadmasters along with special guests blues artist Joe Beard, singers Cinnamon Jones and Debbie Kendrick and singer and harmonica player Big  Mike D’Aurizio. Singer guitarist Steve Grills is well know as Rochester’s formost Purveyor of  the Blues. Steve has played at the top blues venues and festivals across the country  including the Chicago Blues Festival. His CD release After Hours received tremendous  airplay leading it to chart at # 39 on the Top 100 Blues Albums of the year. 

    Bluesman Joe Beard is truly a Rochester legend. His music has taken him all across the US  and he has also performed at some of Europe’s most prestigious music festivals. He has  released numerous albums to great acclaim. Joe was inducted to the Rochester Music Hall  of Fame in 2017. He continues to thrill audiences with his powerful singing and intense and  fiery guitar work after more than 50 years. 

    lilac festival

    Singer Cinnamon Jones has built a tremendous reputation over the last few years through  her many spirited and soulful live performances. Once you see and here Cinnamon, you will  never forget her. Cinnamon toured extensively with the Campbell Brothers and has since  toured the US and internationally on her own. She began singing gospel in NYC where she  was born. Cinnamon later moved to the SF Bay area where her performing career grew,  leading her to be awarded Best Female Vocalist for consecutive years. 

    Singer Debbie Kendrick has a personality that warms her audiences like the sun breaking  through the clouds. She has led her own group in Rochester for well over 10 years and has  built a great reputation with her blend of soul and blues music. 

    Big Mike D’Aurizio is a singer and harp player who possesses a great command and  respect for traditional blues. Mike’s powerful electric harp playing and singing is sure to  blow your blues away. 

    Now in it’s 123rd year, the internationally-known festival held at historic Highland Park features lilacs and gardens, runs, beer and wine tasting, and a kid zone. For more information visit the Rochester Events website.

    To whet your appetite for the Lilac Fest bistro experience, here’s a clip of Mikaela Davis playing with Bob Weir on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series:

  • On April 20, 1991, Phish played Douglass Dining Hall at University of Rochester

    On Saturday April 20, 1991, when 4/20 was not the national holiday it has since morphed into, Phish performed at the University of Rochester, at Douglass Dining Hall. Presented by the UR Student Union, tickets were $6 for students and $10 for the public.

    Show poster, via Amy Baerenklau

    Phish’s third ever show on 4/20, the unique venue was named for abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and went through a complete makeover in 2015. UR alumnus Justin Miller described the show as “stale Froot Loops in the morning, then fresh Phish that night,” an apt take on an era when Phish was certainly nascent and making their footprint on college campuses, and would move on to playing sheds with Santana a year later.

    The all ages show hosted a reported two hundred people, who would be treated to Jesus Jones right there the following year on 4/20.

    phish 4/20 rochester
    photo by J. Adam Fenster

    The first set provides standard early 90s Phish fare, ending with the lost acapella song, “Setting Sail,” formally debuted at this show, borne from a “You Enjoy Myself” vocal jam.

    Trey welcomed Jon Fishman‘s parents and sister to the show prior to the start of Set 2, noting their recent show at Ithaca State Theater on February 14, 1991, where Dr. Fishman’s car was given away to a fan with fun pre-“Sloth” banter. The wide-ranging second set is chock full of songs, with a short and heavy “Tweezer” moving seamlessly into “The Oh Kee Pah Ceremony.”

    With graduation a few weeks away, Phish feted the seniors in the crowd with an encore of “Alumni Blues,” including “Letter to Jimmy Page” sandwiched inside, closing out one of their final dining hall performances.

    stub via Jay Bianchi

    Tune in on Relisten or PhishTracks. Check out Douglass Dining Hall food offerings here.

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Phish – 4/20/91 – Douglass Dining Hall, University of Rochester

    Set 1: Runaway Jim, Reba, Llama, Fluffhead > My Sweet One, The Landlady, Esther > Chalk Dust Torture, Bouncing Around the Room, You Enjoy Myself -> Setting Sail[1]

    Set 2: The Sloth, Ya Mar, Split Open and Melt, The Squirming Coil > Paul and Silas, Cavern > The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday > Avenu Malkenu > The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday > Tweezer > The Oh Kee Pa Ceremony > Suzy Greenberg, Sweet Adeline

    Encore: Horn > Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues

    [1] Debut.

    Trey teased Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas in Reba. Fish led the band in the debut of Setting Sail, which arose out of the vocal jam of YEM. Tweezer contained In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida teases from Page.

  • An Afternoon Cocktail with Amanda Ashley and Rochester Groovecast

    Episode 116 of the Rochester Groovecast Podcast is a re-stream of Rochester Groovecast founder, Ben Albert, featured on the Afternoon Cocktail Talk show, hosted by Amanda Ashley.

    Afternoon Cocktail Talk Show is a wellness-based show featuring live performances and candid interviews with National and International Singer-songwriters, entrepreneurs, and various noteworthy causes. Through a collection of perspectives, Afternoon Cocktail delivers inspirational, educational, and thought-provoking entertainment that encourages awareness, self-care, kindness, and mental wellness.

    Amanda Ashley

    In episode 56 of Afternoon Cocktail, “Facing The Music,” Afternoon Cocktail host, Amanda Ashley interviews Courtney Whitehead of Bison Bone, and Ben Albert of Rochester Groovecast.

    Bison Bone is an Americana Rock and Roll band from Denver, CO. The band is a little bit country, a little bit rock & roll, and fully led by the boisterous singer/songwriter Courtney Whitehead. The veneer of their “Americana Rock & Roll band” description doesn’t seem to phase the group, as is apparent in their newest album, Find Your Way Out. Whitehead has unabashedly embraced the spirit of the aforementioned term, almost to the point of mockery.

    The Denver-based band seems fully aware of the connotations surrounding surface level labels and uses it to their advantage by tricking listeners into thinking they are listening to something they are not. It would be easy to think Bison Bone is just another simplistic Americana band, but this is not the case. – Bandwagon Mag 2020

    Bison Bone amanda ashley

    Timestamp:

    00:00: Rochester Groovecast Episode Intro

    02:32: Afternoon Cocktail Episode Intro

    04:00: Amanda’s conversation with Bison Bone and Bison Bone Live Performance

    29:09:  Amanda’s conversation with Ben Albert of Rochester Groovecast

    48:09: One more live track by Bison Bone

    51:41: Episode Conclusion

    At Rochester Groovecast, the mantra “We’re Fans First!” harnesses the belief that the best businesses are built by fans. The podcast is deeply dedicated to playing an active role in the culture of its local scene.

    The brainchild of Rochester native, Ben Albert, was created in 2016 to serve as a portfolio of the city, and nowadays, the entire region.

    The podcast believes in the artistic brilliance abundant in Rochester and the surrounding regions. Ben seeks to play a pivotal role in our community by helping give Rochester a well-earned voice. He has seen first hand the abundance of talent, character, creativity, innovation, and beauty the Flower City has continuously offered.

    Watch Every Episode of Afternoon Cocktail here.

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