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NY Dates Bookend the Unfortunate Return of “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour

Almost four years after his first foray into unfamiliar concert territory with his highly-acclaimed Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour, “Weird Al” Yankovic will return to the road for an extensive cross-country tour, kicking off with two dates in New York.

Weird Al Yankovic in New York, May 17, 2016. Accustomed to a career mix of recognition and indifference, the musical comedian says he’s eager to give IFC’s “Comedy Bang! Bang!”, his first steady television gig in nearly 20 years, a whirl. (Todd Heisler/The New York Times)

Starting April 23 at Bardavon in Poughkeepsie, and heading through Albany the next night at The Egg, “Weird Al” will perform 131 shows over the next six months, with the final show in New York City at Carnegie Hall on October 29.

The tour marks Weird Al’s long-anticipated return to the concert stage after his hugely successful Strings Attached Tour in 2019 where he performed each night alongside a full symphony orchestra at world-renowned venues such as New York’s Forest Hills Stadium, Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Washington D.C.’s Wolf Trap.

Once again drawing from his back catalogue of 14 studio albums, Weird Al promises to deliver a different setlist every night, with no two shows the same. As before, rather than focusing on the hits from his career, the show will feature Yankovic’s non-parody material – the somewhat more obscure pastiches and original songs that have largely escaped the pop culture radar but are adored by his long-time fans.

Like the last Vanity Tour, “Weird Al” will be playing smaller, more intimate venues, leaving behind the high-octane theatrics that he’s known for and going bare-bones – no costumes, no props, no video screens… just Al and his band of almost four decades hanging out on stage, playing music.

Reflecting on his decision to bring back the stripped-down concerts, Al said:

I’ve loved doing every single incarnation of my live show, but honestly the Vanity tour is the most fun I’ve ever had on stage… so I’ve been dying to get back out there and torture everybody with it once again!
“Weird Al” on the return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour

Opening the show each night will be returning fan favorite and Al’s long-time friend (and UHF cast member), the legendary comedian Emo Philips.

“Weird Al” Yankovic first found fame via the Dr. Demento radio show in the late 1970s, before launching a career that would lead to 14 albums, creative and hilarious music videos, and built a following of fans across the globe.

Tickets are on sale Friday, December 10 at 10am local time for all shows. Check Weird Al’s website for more details. Tickets for the “Weird Al” VIP Meet & Greet Experience are available only thru www.ticketmaster.com

Weird Al Yankovic 2022 North American Tour

04/26 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ Bardavon Opera House
04/27 – Albany, NY@ The Egg Center for the Performing Arts
04/29 – New Bedford, MA @ Zeiterion Performing Arts Center
04/30 – Orono, ME @ Collins Center for the Performing Arts
05/01 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
05/03 – Portland, ME @ Merrill Auditorium
05/04 – New London, CT @ Garde Arts Center
05/06 – Medford, MA @ Chevalier Theatre
05/07 – Medford, MA @ Chevalier Theatre
05/08 – Burlington, VT @ The Flynn
05/10 – Ridgefield, CT @ The Ridgefield Playhouse
05/11 – Rochester, NY @ Kodak Center
05/14 – Wilkes-Barre, PA @ The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
05/15 – Erie, PA @ Warner Theatre
05/17 – Canton, OH @ Canton Palace Theatre
05/18 – Saginaw, MI @ The Temple Theatre
05/20 – Detroit, MI @ Fisher Theatre
05/21 – Nashville, IN @ Brown County Music Center
05/22 – Springfield, IL @ Sangamon Auditorium
05/24 – Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
05/25 – Evansville, IN @ Victory Theatre
05/27 – Pelham, TN @ The Caverns
05/28 – Pelham, TN @ The Caverns
05/29 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
05/31 – Little Rock, AR @ Robinson Performance Hall
06/01 – Tulsa, OK @ Tulsa Theater
06/03 – Denver, CO @ Ellie Caulkins Opera House
06/04 – Denver, CO @ Ellie Caulkins Opera House
06/05 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Capitol Theatre
06/06 – Boise, ID @ Morrison Center for the Performing Arts
06/08 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Venetian Theatre
06/10 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Venetian Theatre
06/11 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Venetian Theatre
06/12 – Reno, NV @ Silver Legacy Resort & Casino – Reno Ballroom
06/15 – San Francisco, CA @ Golden Gate Theatre
06/16 – San Francisco, CA @ Golden Gate Theatre
06/17 – Los Angeles, CA @ TBA
06/18 – Los Angeles, CA @ TBA
06/20 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Granada Theatre
06/21 – Bakersfield, CA @ Fox Theatre
06/24 – Spokane, WA @ Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox
06/25 – Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater
06/26 – Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
06/28 – Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre
06/29 – Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre
06/30 – Eugene, OR @ Hult Center for the Performing Arts – Silva Concert Hall
07/02 – Vancouver, BC @ The Centre
07/04 – Edmonton, AB @ Winspear Centre
07/05 – Calgary, AB @ Jack Singer Concert Hall
07/06 – Calgary, AB @ Jack Singer Concert Hall
07/08 – Regina, SK @ Conexus Arts Centre
07/09 – Saskatoon, SK @ TCU Place
07/10 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts
07/11 – Duluth, MN @ Symphony Hall
07/14 – Madison, WI @ Overture Center for the Arts – Overture Hall
07/15 – Chicago, IL @ Symphony Center – Orchestra Hall
07/16 – Chicago, IL @ Symphony Center – Orchestra Hall
07/19 – Cedar Rapids, IA @ Paramount Theatre
07/20 – Columbia, MO @ Missouri Theatre
07/22 – Lincoln, NE @ Lied Center
07/23 – Mankato, MN @ Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
07/24 – Minneapolis, MN @ State Theatre
07/26 – Elkhart, IN @ The Lerner Theatre
07/29 – Lewiston, NY @ Artpark Mainstage Theater
07/30 – Ottawa, ON @ National Arts Centre – Southam Hall
08/01 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
08/02 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
08/03 – Williamsport, PA @ Community Arts Center – Martin Theatre
08/05 – Northampton, MA @ Calvin Theatre
08/06 – Lancaster, PA @ American Music Theatre
08/07 – Lancaster, PA @ American Music Theatre
08/09 – Newport News, VA @ Ferguson Center for the Arts
08/10 – Richmond, VA @ Dominion Energy Center – Carpenter Theatre
08/12 – Wilmington, NC @ Wilson Center
08/13 – Charlotte, NC @ Blumenthal Performing Arts Center – Belk
08/14 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Gaillard Center
08/17 – Knoxville, TN @ Tennessee Theatre
08/18 – Greenville, SC @ Peace Center
08/19 – Huntsville, AL @ Von Braun Center – Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
08/20 – Birmingham, AL @ Alabama Theatre
08/22 – Ashland, KY @ Paramount Arts Center
08/23 – Dayton, OH @ Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center
08/25 – Grand Rapids, MI @ GLC Live at 20 Monroe
08/26 – Benton Harbor, MI @ The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College
08/28 – Chesterfield, MO @ Chesterfield Amphitheater
08/30 – Springfield, MO @ Gillioz Theatre
08/31 – Topeka, KS @ Topeka Performing Arts Center
09/01 – Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion
09/02 – Kansas City, MO @ Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
09/04 – Midwest City, OK @ Hudiburg Chevrolet Center at Rose State College
09/06 – Colorado Springs, CO @ Pikes Peak Center
09/07 – Grand Junction, CO @ Avalon Theatre
09/09 – Greeley, CO @ Union Colony Civic Center
09/10 – Santa Fe, NM @ The Santa Fe Opera – The Crosby Theatre
09/11 – Chandler, AZ @ Chandler Center for the Arts
09/13 – Riverside, CA @ Fox Performing Arts Center
09/15 – Paso Robles, CA @ Vina Robles Amphitheatre
09/16 – Temecula, CA @ Pechanga Theater
09/18 – Thousand Oaks, CA @ Bank of America Performing Arts Center
09/21 – Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery
09/24 – Davis, CA @ Robert & Margaret Mondavi Center for Performing Arts
09/25 – San Diego, CA @ Balboa Theatre
09/26 – San Diego, CA @ Balboa Theatre
09/27 – Tucson, AZ @ Fox Tucson Theatre
09/29 – Lubbock, TX @ Helen Devitt Jones Theater
09/30 – Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre
10/01 – Houston, TX @ Cullen Performance Hall
10/02 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater
10/04 – San Antonio, TX @ Majestic Theatre
10/06 – Memphis, TN @ Graceland Soundstage
10/07 – Shreveport, LA @ The Strand Theatre
10/08 – Lafayette, LA @ Heymann Performing Arts Center
10/09 – Pensacola, FL @ Saenger Theatre
10/11 – Melbourne, FL @ King Center for the Performing Arts
10/12 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Parker Playhouse
10/13 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Parker Playhouse
10/15 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
10/16 – Orlando, FL @ Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – Walt Disney Theatre
10/17 – Orange Park, FL @ Thrasher-Horne Center
10/19 – Washington, DC @ The Kennedy Center – Concert Hall
10/21 – Atlanta, GA @ Symphony Hall
10/22 – Atlanta, GA @ Symphony Hall
10/23 – Raleigh, NC @ Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts
10/25 – Roanoke, CA @ Berglund Performing Arts Center
10/26 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Carnegie Music Hall – Rose and Gilt Theatre
10/28 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kimmel Cultural Campus
10/29 – New York, NY @ Carnegie Hall – Stern Auditorium

December 4, 2021
Late Night Thoughts Release Their Most Honest EP To Date, “Bridges & Tunnels”

Brooklyn-based folk-pop duo, Late Night Thoughts’ new EP Bridges & Tunnels, including their hit single “Sacrifice,” released earlier last month. The duo like to describe their unique sound as “home-grown pop” evolving from just two classmates in a songwriting course in college, to blessing us with their third EP.

Embodying a singer-songwriter feel, each song is undeniably earnest, opening an intimate dialogue between both artists and their audience. Warm, thick vocal harmonies consistently present themselves across the record, mixed with groovy acoustic guitar strumming and sincere messages. This time we hear a more polished, mature sound from the two artists, now with the utmost potential after amassing over 3 million streams for their first two EPs.

Every facet of our being has taken a giant leap forward, from the clothes we wear to the videos we make and the music itself. This EP will take you on a journey through what life has been like for us as young adults trying to live out our dreams while struggling with our fears and holding on to love
Late Night Thoughts

An all new sound has debuted on Bridges & Tunnels especially listening to “Faith” where Late Nights Thoughts’ transition to a ballad format execute their message in a more fitting form. The sheer rawness of their lyrics with minimal instrumentation somehow tugs on our heart strings just a little harder. Brian Rauch’s ability to encapsulate the struggles of a long distance relationship makes us think that he may have just read our mind.

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

The piano power ballad “analyzes the struggle of a long distance relationship,” according to the band. “It was influenced by a time in one of our relationships when long distance seemed like it was an impossible hurdle to climb, despite the love being so strong.” Rauch’s silky voice over Harlow’s piano makes you feel like it’s just you and the artists.

Mifflin Street Music produced the confidence boosting “Get Back Up” encouraging us to preserve through dark times through a catchy hook releasing a powerhouse chorus of “Push me down I’ll get back up, I always do/My motivation is strengthened by every bruise.” You can find the perfect blend of upbeat classic foot-tapping classics to more somber tracks with serious notes, the EP as a whole is meant to encapsulate a journey.

Brian Rauch serenades us enunciating the countless uphill battles that a relationship may take you on like “Love Ain’t Cheap”. Michael Harlow gives us his signature syncopated groove on guitar and we can’t help be be engrossed in dance. A type of song that will make you uncontrollably break out with some embarrassing dance moves hoping nobody will watch you.

Late Night Thoughts true secret sauce lies in their vulnerable songwriting. Yes, their songs will make you burst out in dance and sing your heart out, but when taking a closer listen one might be amazed in what and how LNT is able to describe the many journeys we take in life. “Inches” is a good representation of their ability to illustrate crucial memories through lyric and song: “It’s giving and taking/ I’ll make it my mission for more than an instant/ For minute by minute/ We take it by inches.“

These 5 tracks present LNT as comfortable with their audience and happy to share their introspective ideas. Listeners may take an enduring walk through the EP to discover something new about themselves, but should not be afraid because you can always confide with Late Night Thoughts.

Key Tracks: Faith, Get Back Up

December 3, 2021
Hiss Golden Messenger Awakens Albany’s Americana Spirit, Covers Grateful Dead During Surprise Sit In
Authentic Americana spirit was alive and well in Albany on Wednesday evening at The Egg, as critically acclaimed singer/songwriter M.C Taylor and his band, Hiss Golden Messenger, unhatched an inspired, genre defying, career spanning stellar performance that fans fortunate to be in attendance won’t soon forget.

Bolstered by a surprise sit-in from Amy Helm (Levon’s daughter) on a barn-burning cover of the Grateful Dead classic “Bertha,” the intimate evening with arguably one of ‘this generation’s most relatable lyricists” was the kind of thing that left you feeling human again. A special kind of show you walked away from thinking perhaps you just had a rare brush with true musical greatness.

If you’ve never heard of Hiss Golden Messenger before, there’s plenty of back catalog to sink your teeth into. Now with 12 studio albums to their credit, it would be inappropriate to merely label HGM as “Indie Folk,” as they so often are. There’s just so much more to it than what that implies. Anchored by smart, deeply personal and vulnerable, thought-provoking lyrics mixed with elements of Southern Rock, Blues, and even some psychedelic Jazz- fueled Funk, M.C Taylor was largely influenced by his friend and mentor, the late great Neal Casal. The two had planned on doing an album together before the tragic news of Neal’s passing in 2019. That same year, Hiss Golden Messenger would earn scores of new fans when Terms of Surrender earned a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album, but ultimately losing out to Keb’ Mo’s Oklahoma; no shame in that.

Riding a solid wave of momentum, things suddenly came to a screeching halt in 2020. When the scary and deeply fraught reality of the pandemic hit, everything changed and everyone handled ‘the unknown’ a little different. Forced into solitude for the foreseeable future, the ever-prolific and creative Taylor managed to make the most of it. By Looking deep within and somehow turning complex feelings into songs that are highly relatable to “the everyman,” Hiss Golden Messenger ended up writing and recording a wealth of new material, releasing 3 news albums in 2021 alone; Quietly Blowing It, the timely O Come All Ye Faithful and it’s companion album, The Sounding Joy, of which Taylor describes as “a record about community, celebration, faith and grief. It’s a holiday record. And it isn’t. Sinking myself into this music helped me a lot during some hard times.”

With live concerts now back in full effect, Hiss Golden Messenger is finally able to take those songs on the road and play for real people again and for fans looking for a musical elixir to help get over the Humpday blues, The Egg was the perfect place to be Wednesday night. Taking part in the American Roots & Branches series, the evening kicked off with a lovely opening performance by Philadelphia-based female duo Rosali and Emily Robb, before the members of Hiss Golden Messenger would casually take the Swyer stage around 8:30pm. All tuned up and ready to go, the show began with “Rock Holy,” the opening track from 2018’s Virgo Fool. then promptly turned a bit funkier with “Mighty Dollar.” All warmed up now, “My Wing” and “Mahogany Dread” came next before a slight guitar strap snafu resulted in a bit of humorous story time banter.

You see years ago, back with M.C. Taylor was just breaking in, he briefly played in a group called American Music Club, who still has a bit of a cult fowling. During his very first show with them, in an alleged fit of drunken on stage rage, front man Mark Eitzel fired the entire band in the middle of the show. Taylor, who chuckles about it now, remarked, “Seeing your hero have meltdown. I kinda miss those days” before the band launched into the next song, the upbeat “Jenny of the Roses” from 2017’s Hallelujah Anyhow album.

After the next tune “Biloxi,” Taylor addressed the audience once again, saying “He woke up today and was thinking about Levon Helm,” the legendary drummer/vocalist for The Band. “So I decided to call up my good friend Amy who I know lives nearby and see if she wanted to come to the show. She says ‘Where at?’ A place called The Egg. She says, no way, I’m playing at the Egg too!” Indeed she was, as Amy’s Midnight Ramble Band was opening for Hot Tuna across the hall simultaneously at the The Egg’s larger Hart Theatre. By sheer coincidence or not, the undisputed highlight of the evening came next when Amy was called up to the stage to lend her vocal talents to a pair of songs, first was “Sanctuary” and uplifting song about hope and moving on which also contains lyrical references the late John Prine {“Handsome Johnny had to go, child…”).

As incredible as that was, it was Amy’s contribution to the next song that really made the room light up, as the band then launched into the classic Grateful Dead staple, “Bertha.” Keeping the funk-folk vibe alive, HGM would really find their groove on the next number, “Like a Mirror Loves a Hammer” from 2016’s Heart Like a Levee. Afterwards, Taylor would joke how prior to the pandemic, none of them knew how the play a guitar, but it’s amazing what you can learn during a lockdown if you really put your mind to it.

Taking it down a notch, “Passing Clouds” and “I’ve got a Name for the Newborn Child” were up next, followed by “Cat’s Eye Blue,” a stellar version of Bright Direction (You’re a Dark Star Now) before “Southern Grammar” would bring the show to a close.

It’s unclear if Hiss Golden Messenger intended on returning for an encore (though one was written out ahead of time on the setlist), but after a sustained ovation from Albany’s music loving faithful, Taylor and company finally returned to the stage, commenting how he “thinks the art of the encore has slowly been lost, but that’s a discussion for another tim.” and that he could tell our thirst for one more was “real.” With that, “Way Back in the Way Back” was chosen as the final song evening, closing the book on a fantastic, well rounded, poignant night of music filled with impassioned storytelling, top-tier musicianship, a memorable sit in and even a few lighthearted laughs too.

Hiss Golden Messenger – Lewis A. Swyer Theare at the Egg – Albany, NY – 12/1/2021

Setlist: Rock Holy, Mighty Dollar, My Wing, Mahogany Dread, Jenny of the Roses, Biloxi, Sanctuary*, Bertha,** Like a Mirror Loves a Hammer, Caledonia, My Love, Passing Clouds, I’ve Got a Name for the Newborn Child, Cat’s Eye Blue, Bright Direction (You’re a Dark Star Now), Southern Grammar

Encore: Way Back in the Way Back

*Featuring Amy Helm on Vocals
**Grateful Dead cover, Amy Helm on Vocals
December 3, 2021
Premiere: The dt’s ‘Need You (forever)’ In Newly Released Single

The Central Jersey rock duo known as the dt’s have officially released their third single called “Need You (Forever).” This multi-instrumental two-piece (Dave Cacciatore, Tom Losito) officially formed last year after years of playing together after first meeting at a local bar’s open mic night.

They each play an array of instruments that include guitar, bass, ukelele, drums, and piano and seamlessly shift from rock to blues to power pop while incorporating soaring harmonies.

https://soundcloud.com/daveandtommusic/need-you-forever/s-0jCdsErpsqC?si=fc0f5d22b5c24e978e4b6b3b15687e83

Dave Cacciatore wrote “Need You (Forever)” while in college by first coming up with the riff, which infuses elements of Oasis and The Beatles, and then adding lyrics afterwards. The song is a concoction of different life experiences, events, and feelings that he was going through at the time. Everything from school, work, and relationships were infused in the lyrics.

The song was recorded at the dt’s home studio while quarantining last year, starting first with just two acoustic guitars before adding layers of electric ones through vintage Fender, Peavey and and Vox amps. A Gibson Les Paul Custom SG and Tom’s dad’s 74’ Fender Strat were also heavily utilized in addition to experimenting with a plethora of vocal harmonies. Frank Letteri of The Paper Jets and Dust Of Days was brought on to record the drums and Joe Pomarico did the mixing and mastering over at Telegraph Hill Records.

The dt’s said one of the things they’re most proud of about their most recent single “are the peaks and valleys throughout the song, eventually crescendoing to a massive peak at the end.” It’s a song rich with vocals, guitars, drums and catchy melodies. Check out the band’s website for more of their music.

December 3, 2021
Olive’s in Nyack to Host Manic Kat Records’ “A Very Merry Punxmas iV” on December 18

Rockland County based Indie-punk label Manic Kat Records has announced the return of their annual holiday show, “A Very Merry Punxmas IV” at Olive’s Bar in Nyack.

Hosted for a second year by TikTok influencer, KiwiCvlt A Very Merry Punxmas iV takes place on December 18th with sets from New Age Affair, When Thieves are About, Cult Classic and Just Happy To Be Here, with more live music and festivities taking place over the course of the evening.

Formed in New York in 2009, independent label Manic Kat Records continues to flourish as a hot bed of punk, rock and metal talent from North America & internationally. Manic Kat has a roster including highly-touted emerging acts such as The Anchor, American Standards, Right On, Kid and Nautical Mile.

We run our label like a family; that being said, we only work with bands that we absolutely love as people and love as musicians.
Peter James, Manic Kat president

2021 has been a busy year for the label, with new albums from Borderline Natives, Lights on The Coast, Nautical Mile and Right On, Kid all wowing pop-punk and alternative rock fans. Check out these and more artists on the Manic Kat Records label.

Advance tickets are available for $7 here, with tickets available on the door for $10.

December 3, 2021
Brooklyn Bowls a Turkey with Three band line up of Peak, Jam the Radar and Zestrove

The smell of fried chicken in the air and the sounds of clanking bowling pins has been the setting for some of the finest musicians the world has to offer; a night at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg is always one full of joy and a lot of dancing, especially on November 30 with a three band bill of Peak, Jam the Radar and Zestrove.

The night started off with Zestrove and their Americana funk styled jams. Zestrove is a 5 piece band driven by heavy guitar riffs and funky breakdowns. A smile was brought to my face as the chords from the Doug theme song flowed seamlessly into their song, “Shuck and slide.”

Following Zestrove was Brooklyn’s Jam the Radar, offering a heavy improvisational segue from Zestrove. The name Jam thee Radar is very fitting for this band, because everywhere the radar searched, jams were found. They busted out “I Want You (She’s So Heavy),” by the Beatles, and closed the set out with their original tune “Cabin Fever.”

Peak closed the night out at Brooklyn Bowl with a pedal to the metal set full of jamtronica, funk and rock n roll. The backbone of this band is drummer Kito Bovenschlute, an absolute octopus on the drums with heavy Allen Aucion influence echoing with each drum pad strike. On bass is Josh Carter, formerly of Haley Jane and the Primates, keys is Johnny Young, and last but definitely not least on guitar is Jeremy Hilliard. Each one of these musicians is extremely talented, so keep an eye out for the growth of this band because they have definitely not hit their peak yet.

Setlists

Zestrove: Keep it Recording, Shuck and Slide*, Poi, Ideal Circumstances, Nothing Left to Say, In the Backyard, Lemonade (*Doug theme song Tease)

Jam Radar: Fragile Minds, Quicksand, Drop the Dice, Help is Not, She’s So Heavy, Cabin Fever

Peak: Starlight Child, Vanishing, Easy, What It Is, Missionary, In My Mind, Run Me Down, Level, When Night Comes

December 2, 2021
Ice Nine Kills bring Horrorwood to Rochester
Ice Nine Kills brought their highly anticipated second leg of the Silver Scream 2: Welcome To Horrorwood Tour to Rochester for a sold-out show. The tour included Fame on Fire, Currents, and Bad Omens which fans lined well over a block in downtown Rochester waiting to get into Anthology for the show.

Opening the night was Fame on Fire, who quickly brought a bunch of fans down into the standing area and in front of the stage. While only performing five songs, the band was an instant crowd pleaser with a cover of Linkin Parks “Numb” that had the audience singing along. Their set was high energy and engaging, while using their allotted timeframe to perform as much as possible. Closing out their set with a cover of XO TOUR Llif3 by Lil Uzi Vert, Fame on Fire opened the night in fine fashion.

Currents, based out of Connecticut was up next and anticipation in the crowd was certainly growing as they were waiting to take the stage. Currents has performed in CNY/WNY recently over the past several years, and each time drawing a bigger crowd. With the release of their latest album “This Is How It Ends”, much of their setlist was taken from here which was very welcoming to hear new material performed live. With a seven song setlist, the crowd was very receptive to favorites like “The Rope”, “A Flag To Wave”, and “Monsters”. Each time Currents performs they seem to just be getting better and more polished. Opening for Ice Nine Kills has been one of the bigger bands they have toured with recently, and they will hopefully continue to keep growing and be headlining their own US Tours in the near future.

Next up was Bad Omens, and people were really starting to fill the club in now. The energy in the atmosphere was building as the band walks onto the stage to their latest release “THE DEATH OF PIECE OF MIND”. Their eight-song set was nonstop energy and some of the best metalcore I have heard live recently. Flowing seamlessly through “Glass Houses” and “The Hell I Overcame”, Bad Omens had Anthology rocking. When “Mercy” began to play, fans started crowd surfing nonstop through the entirety of the song and into their final song “Dethrone”. This was the first time of the evening that a mosh pit had really opened up, and the band only fed off of that to close out their set with as much power and energy as possible. Bad Omens was a phenomenal choice as part of the tour package, and really set the bar for Ice Nine Kills to take the stage.

As the stage crew began working on the Ice Nine Kills set, the Michael Myers theme music plays over the PA system which creates an almost small level of anxiety mixed with anticipation. The stage featured a couple LED panels which began by playing the intro off their latest album “Opening Night”, which is a mini narration about the content of the album. Leading right into “Welcome To Horrorwood” Spencer Charnas, the vocalist takes to the stage with only a spotlight on him as he sings the soft intro to the song. Immediately going from zero to 100 as the song progresses, Spencer doesn’t stop moving for what it seems like the rest of the night.

Like their last album The Silver Scream, the Welcome To Horrorwood tracks are based off of various different horror movies throughout pop culture. With the massive success of the predecessor, it was exciting to see how their new material would be live. They definitely did not disappoint, and fans new every single word to every song they performed. The crowd participation at an Ice Nine Kills show is not like any others I have really seen. The amount of pure energy and excitement the audience has during every single song is not something you see at every show. There are certain parts throughout the night when Spencer would stop singing for a second and without missing a beat the audience is screaming the exact words or lyrics that are supposed to be said.

Ice Nine Kills is not just a concert you go and see, it’s a unique theatrical music experience that puts you right in the middle of some of the best horror movies that have been made. Each band member played the parts of many different characters throughout the night, with the default appearance being an American Psycho themed dapper look. This concert was one of the best metal shows I have seen since COVID began, and what a great feeling it was. Ice Nine Kills moved flawlessly through their 16 song set playing all the favorites off the new album, and some from the previous which just complement each other so well. The props used were fantastic as well, whether is a giant butcher knife and mask for “Stabbing In The Dark”, or a chainsaw, raincoats, and balloon for “It is the end”, Ice Nine Kills doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to the perfection of their craft. There’s a reason INK is selling out just about every show they play, and that’s just because it’s such a good and fun experience. If you haven’t seen them live yet, definitely take the time to do so and you’ll be wanting to come back for more.

Setlist: Opening Night > Welcome To Horrorwood > SAVAGES > A Rash Decision > Stabbing in the Dark > Hip To be Scared > Funeral Derangements > Communion of the Cursed > Ex-MÃ¸rtis > Assault & Batteries > Farewell II Flesh > The Shower Scene > Rainy Day > A Grave Mistake > Thank God It’s Friday > The American Nightmare > It Is the end

Ice Nine Kills
Bad Omens
Currents
Fame on Fire
December 2, 2021
Caffe Lena Announces December 2021 Events

Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs has announced their December 2021 lineup of shows. The venue will close out the year in style with tons of performances throughout the month starting on December 2, 2021.

caffe_lena_explore_saratoga_

Caffe Lena was opened in 1960 and became a staple of Saratoga Springs launching many of America’s best loved and well known songwriters, ranging from big names like Bob Dylan in 1961 to Sawyer Fredericks in 2014. After the passing of its founder Lena Nargi Spencer in 1989, Caffè Lena was converted to a non-profit institution supported by concert revenue, private and corporate donors, grants and bequests, and an ever-evolving team of volunteers. The venue recently went through renovations in 2016. It began a $2 million renovation of their 19th century building in Saratoga’s historic downtown. It wrapped up in 2017, guarantees a home for Lena’s celebrated programming for decades to come, creates 100% handicap-accessibility to our second floor performance space, and brings the listener and artist experience in line with the club’s international reputation.

The schedule will start with Scott Sharrard on Thursday, December 2nd at 7pm and Friday, December 3rd at 8pm. He is a lead guitarist and music director of the Gregg Allman Band from 2008 to 2017 and Guitarist/ Vocalist for Little Feat since 2019.

Scott Sharrard photo provided by Caffe Lena.

Planet Light will take place on Saturday, December 4th at 8pm featuring Jonathan Greene (woodwinds), Bobby Kendall (bass), Brian Melick (drums), Zorkie Nelson (drums), Mitsuko Suzuki (violin), Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius (piano), Garland Nelson (vocals) and Kelly Bird (vocals) for an evening of seasonal arrangements and original material.

Dirty Grass Players with Kendall Street Company will take place on Friday, December 10th at 8pm. These two bands redefine what it means to play bluegrass as they combine elements of psycadelic jam music with jazz, rock and more.

Street Corner Symphony on Saturday, December 11th at 8pm. Runners up in NBC’s all-vocal competition, The Sing-Off, this contemporary acapella group can bounce between all genres of music.

Street Corner Symphony photo provided by Caffe Lena.

Kimberly Hawkey’s: A New Noel will take place on Sunday, December 12th at 7pm.This concert will be a celebration of Hawkey’s newest record, A New Noel, an original holiday album that was created in collaboration with songwriters Justin K. Rivers and Lecco Morris.

Kohler and Kelly will take place on Thursday, December 16th at 7pm.Fiddler Gretchen Koehler and jazz pianist Daniel Kelly blend traditional dance fiddling with jazz.

Sirsy will take place on Friday, December 17th at 8pm. They are an indie pop-rock duo bring a special stripped-down acoustic storyteller set to the Lena stage.

Caffe Lena’s Annual Holiday Folk Show will take place on Saturday, December 18th at 4pm & 8pm. The show will feature Trish Miller, John Kirk, Sara Milonovich, David Kiputh and Addie and Olin return to the stage for two shows to celebrate the holiday season.

The Fretless will take place on Sunday, December 19th at 7pm. A Juno Award winning Canadian quartet that transforms fiddle tunes and folk melodies into intricate, high-energy arrangements.

A Very Leonard Christmas with Let’s Be Leonard will take place on Thursday, December 23rd at 7pm featuring a jazzy five-piece rock and roll jam band presenting their annual holiday show.

Let’s Be Leonard photo provided by Caffe Lena.

Amy Helm will take place on Wednesday, December 29th and Thursday, December 30th at 7pm.Amy Helm is the daughter of Levon Helm and former member of Olabelle, Amy Helm is blessed with a powerful voice and an uncanny songwriting skill rooted in American tradition

Both In-Person and Live Stream tickets will be available. To purchase tickets and collect more information visit Caffe Lena’s website.

December 2, 2021
Premiere: sautereau gets Nostalgic with Emotional “Conversation Hearts”

Today, New York-based singer-songwriter sautereau, previously known under the name Cee, releases the music video for her single, “Conversation Hearts.” With a glass-half-full perspective even after global struggles this past year, “Conversation Hearts” offers a lighthearted undertone of emotions reminiscent of 90s singers Lisa Loeb and Jewel.

Born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland, Chloé Sautereau picked up her first guitar at the age of 8 and quickly began writing songs. Starting her career under the name Cee, she released her debut EP As I Keep on Dreaming in 2019 at age 18. Swiss radio featured this early project focusing on human relationships and the small perplexities of life.

Now based in New York, the singer-songwriter now goes by her surname “sautereau,” creating a truer world for herself. With a bare-face pop sound that blurs the line between reality and what goes on in our heads, she writes intimate songs about her experiences with an authentic sound, showcasing her storytelling forte. With influences such as Finneas, Julia Michaels, and Jessie Reyez, sautereau’s unapologetically honest voice is accompanied by production that is modern and crisp.

“Conversation Hearts” brings up nostalgic feelings experienced while isolated during the pandemic. The elegant and emotional video shows vignettes of sautereau playing guitar and trying to focus on everyday tasks while falling into the repetition of her daily routine.

This song is about the bittersweet realization of how fast time slipped by, while also feeling like it suddenly stopped, It’s about the frustration of not being able to do what we should have been able to do, but hopefully still acknowledge the good memories made with the few special people we were lucky to have around.
sautereau

Listeners will connect with sautereau’s longing for interaction and wanting to spend time with the world, while dealing with the loneliness we have all experienced this past year. While time seems to blend together, sautereau reminds us that there’s beauty in the little everyday tasks, and spending time with yourself while listening to what your heart wants can be therapeutic. Written by sautereau, the song has elements of bass, synth, and drums, all performed by Toby May, while she plays the guitar.

I always had a passion for writing from poems to prose. Storytelling was always there, and I think that’s around the time I put those together and fell in love with it.
sautereau

The nostalgia and honest emotion conveyed through her songwriting allows sautereau to stand out as an artist. Follow sautereau on Instagram to keep up with her exciting journey ahead.

December 2, 2021
New York State Blues Festival Announces 2022 Dates, Celebrating 30 Years

The New York State Blues Festival will celebrate its 30th Anniversary over June 16-18, 2022 at Chevy Court inside the New York State Fairgrounds. Once again, the three-day event will be packed with local, regional, and national acts on stage, with plenty of room for dancing throughout the grounds. As always, admission is free.

The festival first began in mid-summer 1992 as the Central New York Blues Festival featuring talented local musicians in downtown Syracuse’s Armory Square, as well as live music inside the historic Hotel Syracuse. Looking ahead to 2022, this popular festival will acknowledge its history while looking ahead to future growth at its new location.

The New York State Blues Festival is one of the largest free blues events in the Northeast. This annual three-day musical celebration, showcases a collection of regional and national artists from multiple genres, all with roots steeped in tradition and vision, and arranges them for a continuous river of music.

The mission of the NYS Blues Festival is to preserve, protect and promote blues music and culture. The Syracuse festival entertains while educating on the role of the blues in the development of popular music in the US and around the world.

Visit the New York state Blues Festival’s website at nysbluesfest.com and stay tuned for updates!

December 2, 2021