NYS Music 202​1

Tag: syracuse

  • Dave Matthews Band Rains Groove on Onondaga Lake

    Dave Matthews Band performed in Syracuse, NY at the St Joseph’s Amphitheater on Wednesday, August 18 on the shores of Onondaga Lake. This marks the band’s third show at the Amp. Dave Matthews Band performed at the old Sky Chief Stadium in 2009 that included special guest Sam Kininger. Dave Matthews performed solo for the Dalai Lama at the Carrier Dome in 2012.

    dave matthews band
    photo by Josh Davis

    The rain-soaked masses came out for all occasions to the shores of Onondaga Lake to celebrate live music. It comes as fast as it passes through, so why fear the rain? The band responded with a 23-song set list mixed with old and new material from their catalog.

    dave matthews band
    photo by Josh Davis

    “Come and relax now leave your troubles down no need to bear the weight of your worries here let them all fall away.” For the first time in thirteen years, they opened the show with “Pantala Naga Pampa” -> “Rapunzel” that also appropriately starts the Before These Crowded Streets record. Thirteen years from this August 19 also marks the day Leroi Moore gave up his ghost as founding member on saxophone for the band.

    The heavy rains commanded the band’s attention on stage. The crowd, as well, who started a “JTR” chant that helped changed the set list to oblige the rain dance request. The lyrics resonated off the stage through the sky, Rain, rain, Rain down on me Again And again, Rain down on me... Some thunder did come off the bandstand from Carter Beauford’s floor Tom drums during the JTR jam.

    dave matthews band
    photo by Josh Davis

    Do You Remember all of the Summer Tours this band has consistently put on with last year being its only break? Tim Reynolds was eager to play his electric guitar this tour. He shines during “Crush” and “You Might Die Trying.” His notes are both fueling off the horn section for full crescendo endings.



    Dave Matthews debuts a song played for just the second time named “The Only Thing.” The jam includes Buddy and Tim jiving back and forth on funk. The new lyrics hit home in the crowd. I just want some kind of love I know cause I feel it, It’s a lonely world you’re living in. I just want love. more love. Lord knows I need it. It’s the only thing…

    dave matthews band
    photo by Josh Davis

    For those in the crowd battling a love they can’t break free from the band drops a raucous “Can’t Stop” The song started on Summer tour of 2006 and has grown to their most recent studio album. Dave’s words on this track clearly show the yearning that hopefully fades So hungry, you make me, I surrender… I’m hurting like a junkie for you. The outro chorus screams Free the Beast inside of me.

    “You and Me,” a song written in Lake George, NY was played for the 375th time. The band also busted out “Captain” for the first time since Madison Square Garden In 2018.The “Jimi Thing” mash up jam featured covers by Huey Lewis and the News’ “I Want a New Drug” and Prince’s “Sexy Motherfucker.” Keyboardist Buddy Strong really stepped out vocally with Rashawn Ross on this while howling on that B3 Hammond organ. Its a damn shame to lose your way running wild. The band then went heavy with “Louisiana Bayou” and “Grey Street” to end the performance.

    dave matthews band
    photo by Josh Davis

    During the encore, two riders were approaching and the wind began to howl. The band played off the rainy night’s elements again for their finale. Stefan Lessard’s chilling bass intro to DMB’s take on Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” was beyond appropriate to end the night. This version also features a tribute to Led Zeppelin during the finale as Dave belts out the infamous final verse to “Stairway to Heaven” before ending ”Watchtower.” No reason to get excited…

    Dave Matthews performed solo at a Stephen Talkhouse in the Hampton’s on Thursday evening. The band visits New York for shows in Saratoga Springs and Jones Beach in September. In November they return to the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden.

    Dave Matthews Band – St Joseph’s Amphitheater, Syracuse NY – August 18, 2021

    Setlist: Pantala Naga Pampa->Rapunzel, Funny the Way It Is, JTR, So Much to Say->Too Much, Squirm, Do You Remember, Crush, The Only Thing, You Might Die Trying, You and Me, Can’t Stop, Dancing Nancies, Warehouse, Captain, Jimi Thing I Want a New Drug (Huey Lewis & The News cover) Sexy M.F. (Prince cover) Louisiana Bayou, Grey Street

    Encore: All Along the Watchtower (Bob Dylan cover with Led Zeppelin Verse)

  • Geddes Hosts Three Upcoming Live Concerts For Its 2021 Summer Concerts in the Park Series

    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.

    Town of Geddes

    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.

    Live at Lakeland Park
    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.

    To learn more about the Town of Geddes Summer Concert Series and its co-sponsors, visit the Town of Geddes‘ website. Also, be sure to stay updated with their Facebook page for future concerts and exciting events.

    Woods Road Park
    Woods Road Park, Solvay
    No photo description available.

  • Sydney Irving Announces Summer Shows Across Upstate New York

    Sydney Irving has announced summer shows sprawling across upstate New York. Between solo shows and upcoming shows with her band the Mojo, Irving will be busy bringing music back to upstate New York after the lull of live music caused by COVID-19. 

    The Syracuse native is only 17 but already making big splashes early in her career debuting her first album titled “Hello Stranger” at the age of 14 and opening for big names like Matt Rogers, Drew Baldridge, and Mikele Buck. She has been nominated for best singer/songwriter at the Syracuse Area Music Awards four times, has been writing songs since she was twelve years old with her guitar.

    In 2020 she was named Young Adult Artist of the Year by the International Singer Songwriters Association. Back in 2019 she received the direct support for Starship feat. Mickey Thomas at the 2019 Spiedie Fest. And in 2020 she was named Music Mafia Radio Female Artist Of The Year. She is currently a Breedlove Guitar endorsed artist. Her music is branded as being ideal for people who are fans of Taylor Swift, HAIM and Phoebe Bridgers. 

    Sydney Irving

    Irving has 21 dates booked both for her solo performances and an incredible 26 shows booked with her band, The Mojo which started back in May. The shows will run through August 25 for the solo shows and through September 5 for the entire band. Some of the big stops include the New York State Fair, Copper City Brewing, Shine on Westcott, The Wildcat, and many many more. 

    Sydney Irving

    For more information on Sydney Irving visit her website.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k76R3rWUN8E

  • 2021 New York State Blues Fest Kicks Off Thursday June 24

    The Northeast’s largest free blues festival, NYS Blues Fest, has announced its comeback with a new location and a lineup that will bring Central New York to its feet. This year’s New York State Blues Festival will be held at Chevy Court inside the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, and will run from June 24 through June 26.

    NYS Blues Fest

    The free three-day event kicks off on Thursday, June 24 at 5 p.m. on the ProAct Main Stage with the Gabe Stillman Band. Capping off the first night will be Robert Randolph & the Family Band, who is celebrating their Grammy nominated 2019 release, Brighter Days.

    On Friday, June 25, the headliner is musically-diverse The Fabulous Thunderbirds, known for their hits “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.“

    Larkin Poe closes out the 2021 NYS Blues Festival on Saturday, June 26. This talented sister act was the Thursday night headliner for the fest in 2018.

    Larkin Poe performing “Black Echo” at the 2018 NYS Blues Fest

    Moving the festival from Clinton Square to the NYS Fairgrounds allows for greater capacity with vaccinated and unvaccinated sections. A COVID-19 vaccination will not be required to attend this event, but proof of a vaccination must be shown upon entry to the festival grounds.

    Non-vaccinated attendees are required to register for a free ticket, available on EventBrite. Alongside the ticket, non-vaccinated attendees will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing as per New York State reopening guidelines.

    The NYS Blues Fest is offering a VIP package for vaccinated attendees. The package will include a boxed meal from one of the festival vendors, access to the VIP tent and preferred seating in front of the stage. VIP ticket prices can be found on the NYS Blues ticket portal.

    Parking will be available in the fairgrounds’ Brown Lot for $10 per vehicle and motorcycles can park in a designated area of the lot at $5 per bike. ADA parking will be available in the Emerald Lot for $10 as well.

    NYS Blues Fest

    Visit the New York State Blues Fest website for full artist bios and ticket information.

    Check out the full schedule below:

    Thursday, June 24  

    5 p.m. Gabe Stillman Band 

    7 p.m. – Robert Randolph & the Family Band

    Friday, June 25

    4 p.m. – Hot Dogs & Gin

    5 p.m. – Jane Zell and The Zelltones

    6 p.m. – Ray Fuller & the Bluesrockers

    7:10 p.m. – Chris Merkley 

    7:30 p.m. – Vanessa Collier Band

    8:40 p.m. – Chris Merkley

    9 p.m. – Fabulous Thunderbirds 

    Saturday, June 26 

    1:30 p.m. – Ryan Holweger

    2 p.m. – Diana Jacobs Blues Band 

    2:45 p.m. – Ryan Holweger

    3:05 p.m. – Miller and The Other Sinners 

    4:10 p.m. – Mark Nanni 

    4:30 p.m. – The Ripcords

    5:40 p.m. – Mark Nanni

    6 p.m. – Ghost Town Blues Band

    7:10 p.m. – Colin Aberdeen & Max Eyle

    7:30 p.m. – Carolyn Wonderland 

    8:40 p.m. – Colin Aberdeen & Max Eyle 

    9 p.m. – Larkin Poe

  • Baddnews and Benny The Butcher are only in it for ‘Good Vibes’

    Upstate New York join forces in the latest single by burgeoning rapper, Baddnews. The Syracuse native has recruited Griselda and Buffalo’s own, Benny The Butcher for this catchy, up-tempo record about pushing through the treacheries of the street life, in pursuit of more prosperous times. 

    After all, adversity is nothing new to the rising rap star, after facing a barrage of drug trafficking charges, the former Rhythm + Flow contestant has made a triumphant return to music with this latest release. His recruit? One of the faces of the Upstate New York rap scene responsible for bringing the city of Buffalo to prominence, along with his fellow Griselda cohorts.

    The duo shares similar backgrounds, growing up in rough, urban neighborhoods, mired in violence and drug use. Their attempts at financial prosperity landed them in trouble with the law, before deciding to hone their craft and use that as their golden ticket out. With Baddnews gaining traction as an artist, he can always look to his counterpart and know that there is a future beyond the streets. 

    Our visions weren’t equally aligned, to chase my dreams I had to leave the streets behind.

    Baddnews
    Baddnews
    Baddnews

    Known for his detailed recounts of his time in the streets, Benny The Butcher is the perfect opposite to Baddnews on this record. While the song sees the latter look towards a more promising future, the former spends his verse poignantly recounting the roads traveled that made him a successful rapper. 

    Drop elbows like Randy Savage to count up Andrew Jackson’s.

    Benny The Butcher 
    Baddnews
    Benny the Butcher

    “This record with Benny holds a different level of importance, because not only is he one of the hardest lyricists in the game right now, but he’s also from upstate NY just like me” Baddnews commented.  “This is just the beginning and I can’t wait to show the world what else I have in store this year.”