NYS Music 202​2

Category: Media

  • Midnight Scramble: Eggy Welcome Members of Goose and Rusted Root in Woodstock Debut

    Charismatic Connecticut improv rockers Eggy made a memorable debut in Woodstock on Friday, August 5th.  Billed as the first ever ‘Midnight Scramble’ at the legendary Levon Helm Studios, the intimate and acoustically ideal venue provided the perfect space to serve up a verified barn burner. Featuring both an acoustic set and an electric set and surrounded by relatives and longtime friends, the entire evening had a true family affair feel and surprises no one saw coming.

    Eggy kicked off their inaugural ‘Midnight Scramble’ with an acoustic set at Levon Helm Studios (8/5/22)

    Eggy, comprised of guitarist and vocalist Jake Brownstein, keyboardist Dani Battat, bassist Michael Goodman and drummer Alex Bailey, take their name in loving memory of their late friend, Edward “Eggy” Torrence. Always in their thoughts, the emotional evening in Woodstock took place the same weekend as the five year anniversary of his passing. The significance not lost on the band, prior to the show members of Eggy let it be known via social media just how much playing the historic venue means to them.  ‘The Midnight Scramble’ of course, is their way of paying homage to the legendary ‘Midnight Ramble” events that have taken place on the same property since even before Levon Helm‘s passing in 2012. Widely considered sacred musical ground, Brownstein revealed his first road trip after getting his driver’s license was to “The Barn” and the opportunity to grace the same stage was undoubtedly a milestone for the band.

    Eggy’s Jake Brownstein and Alex Bailey sing their hearts out at The Barn (8/5/22)

    Opting to play the show using Levon’s beautiful red drum kit, the acoustic portion of the evening began with “All The Way Down (Shadow Pt. 2)” and the momentum would continue to build through “Zugzwang” before entering the centerpiece of the set; “Finding and Losing.”  From there fans were treated to the first cover of the night, the Jackson Browne penned “These Days,” which flowed directly into the song “Fragments.”

    Keeping with the sentimental vibe, “Island Afterlife” was played next before keyboardist Dani Battat candidly addressed the audience.  Showing his genuine appreciation for everyone who came out to the first ever ‘Scramble, Battat acknowledged the significance of this venue, the weekend as a whole and the somber anniversary of Edward “Eggy” Torrance’s passing. A heartfelt rendition of “Watercolor Days” was then played in his honor and brought the potent opening set to a proper close.  

    Scramble on: A surprise sit-in from Rusted Root’s Michael Glabicki and Ben Atkind of Goose was the highlight of the night (8/5/22)

    After a brief intermission, Battat would do his part to wrangle in the stragglers still socializing outside with an extended keyboard solo dubbed “The Genetic Method” which segued beautifully into the intro of our second cover of the night, The Band’s “Chest Fever” which would also be teased throughout the rest of the set. Just down the road from Bearsville, a newer Americana-tinged tune called “Backyard Bear” came next and was followed by a spirited version of the song “Shadow.” 

    From there came the biggest surprise of the night when Eggy invited a few friends to join them; Michael Glabicki  (guitar/vocals) of Rusted Root and Ben Atkind (drums) of Goose. Launching into a cover of Rusted Root’s 1994 smash hit “Send Me On My Way,” the excitement in the room was palpable.  The look on each member of Eggy’s face radiating with pure joy, contagious and exhilarating to everyone on stage and in the crowd, if this musical moment didn’t give you chills you may need to consult a doctor. 

    Striking while the audience was hot, Eggy then rolled out their hardest rocking song of the night, a rare bowling themed tune called “12 Pounds of Pain.”  With its infectious and easily identifiable riffage, the band not only took it for a funked-out walk, but also managed to weave in reprise teases of “Chest Fever” and “Send Me On My Way” to bring the exhilarating electric set full circle and leave the audience howling for encore.  Happy to scramble on a little longer Eggy invited members of the opening act, the sensational Brad Goodall Trio, along with Goose drummer Ben Atkind, back out for an absolutely joyous cover-of-a-cover of “Don’t Do It.”  Originally performed by Marvin Gaye and later made famous by Levon and The Band, the song served as both a fitting tribute and a perfect way to bring the inaugural “Midnight Scramble” to a close.

    Check out pro-shot video of Eggy performing “Send Me On My Way” with Rusted Root’s Michael Glabicki and Goose’s Ben Atkind

    Feeling inspired and riding the wave momentum, the band plans to enter a recording studio later this week. Along with major festivals like Resonance and Hulaween on their horizon, Eggy have also announced their first ever full headlining tour this Fall.   With dates that include stops in Brooklyn, Albany, Syracuse and Buffalo, New Yorkers will soon have plenty of chances to see why this Connecticut quartet is rapidly becoming one of improv music’s most impressive and talked about acts. 

    For a full list of upcoming Eggy tour dates, see below. For ticketing details, head to the band’s website.

    Eggy – “The Midnight Scramble” – Levon Helm Studios — Woodstock – August 5th, 2022

    Set 1: All The Way Down (Shadow Pt. 2), Zugzwang, Finding and Losing, These Days[1]   > Fragments, Island Afterlife, Watercolor Days[2] 

    Set 2: The Genetic Method[3]  -> Chest Fever[4]   > Backyard Bear, Shadow[5]  , Send Me On My Way[6]  , 12 Pounds of Pain[7]  -> Send Me On My Way[8]  -> 12 Pounds of Pain

    Encore: Don’t Do It[9]

        [1]   Jackson Browne cover
        [2]   Dedicated to Edward “Eggy” Torrence
        [3]   FTP, The Band, Dani only. The rest of the band joined after for Chest Fever.
        [4]   FTP, The Band cover
        [5]   With Chest Fever (The Band) teases
        [6]   FTP, Rusted Root cover, with Michael Glabicki on guitar and lead vocals, and Ben Atkind on percussion
        [7]   With Finding and Losing teases
        [8]   Rusted Root cover, With Chest Fever (The Band) teases
        [9]   With Brad Goodall on piano, Rodney Elkins on drums and lead vocals, Craig Burletic on vocals, and Ben Atkind on cowbell. Alex on tambourine and vocals

    For more photos from Eggy’s inaugural Midnight Scramble, check out the gallery below courtesy of NYS Music Photographer Zak Radick.

  • Phish Strikes It Big In Atlantic City Once Again

    After three successful shows here last year, Phish and its summer tour returned to Atlantic City over the weekend of August 5-7. Night one of the three-show run went off without a hitch, with a setlist full of classic tunes mixed with newer jam vehicles. With the stage set up right between the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk and the ocean itself, each set, and even the encore, had some decidedly shore-like vibes.

    The night began with the venerable “Chalkdust Torture” in the opening spot, with its customary high-energy thrust to get things started. A sudden shift to “Wilson” followed, eliciting cries of the same from beach folk throughout. Things then got decidedly funky with the next clean segue into the all-too-appropriate “Sand,” with Mike Gordon leading the rhythmic charge on bass. The opening set also featured a moody “Theme From The Bottom” with its aquatic undertones only adding to an already picturesque setting.

    The first set’s closing sequence was one to behold, starting with a “Sigma Oasis” that yielded a mesmerizing jam that saw the song get stretched out further than it ever has before. Eventually, the familiar opening chords to “Cities” took form and Phish launched into this always welcome cover song. The set then came to a close with a brief but euphoric “More.”

    The second set saw the jam button still very much in the “on” position, with stalwarts like “Soul Planet,” with its ocean-filled lyrics, and “Down With Disease” prominently involved. And nestled in between the start and finish of “Disease” was the aptly-titled “Ruby Waves.” This newer addition to the Phish catalog, pulled from guitarist’s Trey Anastasio’s ever-expanding solo material, continues to explore new roads and push boundaries of live improvisation.

    The second set came to a close with a pairing of Phish heavy hitters. “Story Of The Ghost” featured its traditional roundhouse punch of rock, this time with some serious “No Quarter” teases thrown in for good measure. “Harry Hood” then tied a bow on the set, with a brilliant jam that patiently built to an especially joyous peak. A “Sleeping Monkey” that certainly “took it on down the shore” served as a more than fitting encore selection before a surprising, but explosive, “Free” served as one last final jam to whet the collective appetite for what’s sure to be another two nights of incredible music.

    Setlists via Phish.net

    Phish Atlantic City Beach – Atlantic City, NJ 8/5/22

    Set 1: Chalkdust Torture->Wilson > Sand > Plasma, Theme From The Bottom > Back On The Train, Sigma Oasis->Cities > More

    Set 2: Axilla (Part II) > Soul Planet >Down With Disease > Ruby Waves > Down With Disease> Ghost> Harry Hood

    Encore: Sleeping Monkey > Free

    Soul Planet contained a tease of Dave’s Energy Guide from Trey and a tease of Dog Log from Mike. Trey teased Midnight Rider in the first Down with Disease and No Quarter in Ghost. Shipwreck was quoted in Sleeping Monkey. Mike teased Dave’s Energy Guide in Free.

    Saturday night’s show in Atlantic City may not have had as many aquatic themes as its predecessor, but the jams continued to be rich and plentiful. The opening set began in fairly tame fashion with a straightforward “46 Days” that steered right into “The Moma Dance” in its familiar two-spot in the lineup. “Olivia’s Pool,” aka “Shafty” before “Shafty,” then made another rare appearance, only the third one since being revived at Alpine Valley in 2019 after a near 22-year shelving.

    A first set “Bathtub Gin” finally offered some of the first real intensive jams of the evening, with Page McConnell throwing down vigorously on both the baby grand and electric pianos. Fittingly, Phish then dusted off another number, this time it was Page’s “Heavy Rotation” from his self-titled 2007 album. It was the first one performed in more than seven years and only the second one ever. And instead of ending the first set in typical fashion, Phish tacked on a rip roaring cover of David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream,” with Trey Anastasio unleashing a bevvy of musical peaks with his soloing efforts.

    Saturday’s second set started with some Atlantic City fireworks in the background and maintained that explosive demeanor throughout, starting with a set opening “No Men In No Man’s Land.” The ensuing jam then progressed into a “Tweezer” that almost felt expected at that point, with the second set staple offering another ample platform for improv. Another second set favorite in “Simple” was played to perfection and later transitioned into a “Backwards Down The Number Line” that had the entire beach kicking up sand in various directions.

    The set then closed with another pairing of Phish classics. “Golgi Apparatus” featured a stretched out and somewhat different ending, showing the band continue to rework songs that have long been established. “Slave To The Traffic Light” then brought another complete second set to an end before an encore of “A Life Beyond The Dream” > “Tweezer Reprise,” ironically the same exact encore of last year’s middle night, sent everyone on their way along the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

    Phish Atlantic City Beach – Atlantic City, NJ 8/6/22

    Set 1: 46 Days > The Moma Dance, Olivia’s Pool > My Soul, 555 > NICU > Bathtub Gin, Heavy Rotation > Character Zero, Moonage Daydream

    Set 2: No Men In No Man’s Land > Tweezer, Set Your Soul Free > Simple > Backwards Down The Number Line > Golgi Apparatus > Slave To The Traffic Light

    Encore: A Life Beyond The Dream, Tweezer Reprise

    Trey teased Norwegian Wood in 555. Heavy Rotation was performed for the first time since July 22, 2015 (253 shows). Trey teased Under Pressure in Simple. During the soundcheck, Beth was briefly sung by Trey and Knuckle Bone Broth Avenue contained Shipwreck quotes as well as If I Only Had A Brain teases from Trey and Mike.

    With one night left to play, Phish treated Atlantic City to a customarily thorough and enjoyable Sunday show. “Wolfman’s Brother” kicked things off, the first time its done so for a show since 2016, and the band instantly got locked back in with another groove-centric jam. This carried right over in the “Tube” that followed and wasted no time finding a path all its own courtesy of a jam that changed both keys and moods. An opening set “Fluffhead” was well received as Phish navigated their way through this vintage tune with relative ease. “Gumbo” found a nice home towards the end of the set which came to a rousing finish thanks to “Carini” and another breakneck jam created in its wake.

    The band found no reason to stray far from the classics in the second set, made evident with a traditional “Mike’s Groove” sequence that got everything started. A breath of “new” air was inserted with “A Wave Of New Hope” with this addition continuing to impress by producing one monstrous jam after another. A flawless “You Enjoy Myself” then followed, with yet another “second” jam following the vocal one, another sign of Phish continuing to tinker with the classics. An encore pairing of “Wading In the Velvet Sea” and “First Tube,” replete with Anastasio guitar theatrics, then closed out the second, and hopefully not the last, run for Phish on the beach of Atlantic City.

    Phish Atlantic City Beach – Atlantic City, NJ 8/7/22

    Set 1: Wolfman’s Brother, Tube, Mountains In The Mist, Ocelot > Fluffhead, Mecury > Gumbo > Carini

    Set 2: Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove, A Wave Of New Hope > You Enjoy Myself > Suzy Greenbeg

    Encore: Wading In the Velvet Sea, First Tube

    Trey teased Mr. P.C. in YEM.

    photo gallery by Filip Zalewski

  • In Focus: Phish Return to Blossom Music Center

    Phish played the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio on August 2, following a night off after a fantastic run in Maryland. The Blossom Music Center is a special place, a beautiful wooden, wedge-like structure nestled in the forests of Ohio. If you are from New York, I would highly recommend you make the trip if you have not yet, it’s certainly up there with the best sheds around. This was my first time there, but it certainly won’t be my last.

    The band started the night off with a nice acapella version of “Strawberry Fields Forever,” which they played for only the second time. “Crowd Control” was up next, and then a mid-set “Punch You In The Eye.” After this was a short “46 Days” before delighting the crowd with a “You Enjoy Myself.” They did a short vocal jam before dropping back into another second “YEM” jam, which the crowd ate up. Keeping the funk going, was a short “Tube” before slowing things down with a “Shade.” A gorgeous “Reba” was a perfect soundtrack to the color leaking from the sunset sky. They wrapped the set up with the staple set closer of “Cavern.”

    Phish has really been feeling “Free” this summer, and they opened up the second set with a monster 25-minute version. “Esther” was next, which they unfortunately struggled through due to Trey’s guitar being out of tune. “Blaze On” followed, the jam was on the shorter side, and then Trey started off “Scents and Subtle Sounds.” As they worked their way through the composition, the sound twice completely cut out for a few seconds. The band played through it and either didn’t notice or they tried to make it up with what was probably the jam of the night. This version was heavy on the dark funk, with a gorgeous ambient outro. Maybe it was a nod to the night being the 19th anniversary of the IT music festival from 2003, which was the band at their peak in ambient jamming, but probably not. A short but sweet “2001” got the whole place dancing, before a wild and beautifully cacophonous “Split Open and Melt” had some in the crowd staring at the stage in awe.

    It was amusing to see the confusion and then elation as the Page started up “Bathtub Gin” for the encore. Even though the band was a little bit short on time, they were able to cut out the fat and immediately get right to the good stuff as the jam matured into a some very opulent themes and textures before wrapping up the night.

    Phish Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls , OH 8/2/22

    setlist via Phish.net

    Soundcheck: Funky Bitch, My Soul, Crowd Control (this soundcheck is possibly incomplete)

    Set 1: Strawberry Fields Forever, Crowd Control, Punch You in the Eye > 46 Days > You Enjoy Myself, Tube > Shade, Reba, Cavern

    Set 2: Free > Esther > Blaze On > Scents and Subtle Sounds > Also Sprach Zarathustra > Split Open and Melt

    Encore: Bathtub Gin

    Strawberry Fields Forever was performed for the first time since July 22, 2017 (168 shows). Fish quoted Strawberry Fields Forever in the YEM vocal jam and in the jam that followed. Trey teased Also Sprach Zarathustra at the end of Gin.

  • Goose Release Radio City Music Hall Short Film

    On Aug. 3, Connecticut-based rock band Goose released the ninth episode in their short film series, Day of Show. The newest episode focuses on the band’s debut show at NYC’s iconic Radio City Music Hall on June 24-25.

    Goose Live at Radio City Music Hall. (L-R): Trevor Weekz (bass), Ben Atkind (drums), Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar), Jeff Arevalo (vocals, percussion) Peter Anspach (vocals, guitar, keys). Photo: Adam Berta

    The jam band Goose consists of Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar), Peter Anspach (vocals, keys, guitar), Trevor Weekz (bass), Ben Atkind (drums), and Jeff Arevalo (vocals, percussion, drums). Their sound fuses multiple genres and their most recent release, Dripfield, combines pop and psychedelic elements into one. Goose recorded the full album in Woodstock with production by D. James Goodwin at The Isokon. 

    The new Day of Show, episode highlights the band’s first show at Radio City Music Hall as they celebrate the release of their critically acclaimed album. Directed by Bryan Murphy, viewers can watch Goose in intimate behind-the-scenes footage during their sold-out shows at the venue. Featuring the band, crew, close friends and family, and fans watching the band perform some of their best work, the just over 20-minute video is a must-see. 

    Goose’s performances at Radio City Music Hall included one acoustic and two electric sets, with sit-ins from Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, Father John Misty, Stuart Bogie, Dave Nelson, and Dripfield’s producer D. James Goodwin. The video gives all a chance to take in the legendary Radio City Music Hall during one of the band’s most exciting moments.

    Trey Anastasio (R ) and Rick Mitartonda (L) – Photo: Michael Nuchereno

    With previous performances at landmark festivals such as Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, Peach Music Festival, and Newport Folk Festival, the band is currently having a career-defining season. Fans of Goose’s music, and short film, can catch the group at more performances this summer. To see the upcoming tour dates, and the full short film release, see below. Tickets can be found at Goose’s website.

    DRIPFIELD FALL TOUR 2022:

    8/12 – Columbia, MD – The Chrysalis Amphitheater

    8/13 – Columbia, MD – The Chrysalis Amphitheater

    8/16 – Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater (SOLD OUT)

    8/17 – Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater (SOLD OUT)

    8/18 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

    8/20 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl

    8/21 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre

    8/23 – Stateline, NV – South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe (SOLD OUT)

    8/25 – Portland, OR – The Square

    9/29 – Richmond, VA – The National (SOLD OUT)

    9/30 – Richmond, VA – The National  (SOLD OUT)

    10/1 – Atlanta, GA – Pullman Yards

    10/2 – Atlanta, GA – Pullman Yards

    10/4 – St Louis, MO – The Pageant

    10/6 – New Orleans, LA – Joy Theater

    10/7 – New Orleans, LA – Joy Theater

    10/7-10/9 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits

    10/11 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre

    10/13 – Fayetteville, AR – JJ’s Live

    10/14 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion

    10/15 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom

    10/14-10/16 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits

  • This Week’s EQXposure On WEQX Features Wes Aldrich and Merci Van

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists.

    Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Wes Aldrich and Merci Van on EQXposure.

    EQXposure

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    Wes Aldrich- “Petty Kind,” “Door Beneath the Water” “Ina field with Goats”

    Wes Aldrich writes from the heart with haunting melodies to upbeat pop rhythms. He is the lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter for his bands Hug the Dog and Ballroom Sofa. Three songs from his album Balance will be played on Sunday.

    Merci Van- “Awkward Conversation” and “Red Riding Hood”

    Merci Van is from Saratoga Springs and makes synth post-folk music. Members are Alicia Macier Van Scoy, Ed Cormac, and Katlyn Celentano. The new songs are off their Demos EP.

  • Brooklyn-based Artist Hannah Sumner Releases First Video in Monthly Plus One Series

    On July 26, Brooklyn-based alternative artist, producer, and performer, Hannah Sumner premiered the first video from her new monthly series, titled Plus One.

    hannah sumner plus one

    The series includes live in-studio duets with different instruments highlighted in each. The first video, “Moments,” features bassist Adam Neely. Neely contributes great sound which intertwines wonderfully with Sumner’s beautiful voice. The video, carefully shot by Studio 42 Productions, is simplistic in nature. Just featuring the two artists, a microphone, and bass with dim lighting, the video allows all the focus to be on the music and the talent behind it.

    Every month, Hannah Sumner will release more Plus One videos featuring various artists and instrumentation. Listeners can expect to hear harp from Jacqueline Kerrod, guitar from Shubh Saran, drums from Josh Bailey, cello from Justin Abrams, and piano from Christian Li alongside Sumner’s vocals.

    Earlier this past year, Sumner received a grant and residency from Nancy Manocherian’s The Cell Theatre. The Cell Theatre, founded in 2006, is a not-for-profit in Chelsea that helps artists from all career stages with creative works. The Plus One video series was born out of this experience and will be pressed to vinyl and available digitally. The Cell and Martin Finkle produced the series and Studio 42 recorded the shots.

    hannah sumner plus one

    Sumner has previously released works such as the single “Only You,” and two EPs: To The Almost and Guesthouse. The singer and songwriter has made quite the name for herself in the New York community, with performances at Barclays Center and National Sawdust.

    Fans of the “Moments” video with Adam Neely can expect more video releases in the next coming month with some amazing talent. Stay tuned for the release of the next Plus One video, and take a listen to the first one, available below.

  • Stryper invades the Southern Teir at The L in Horseheads

    Born in the 80’s, Christian heavy metal band Stryper is back and touring in full force. They recently made a stop in at The L in Horseheads on July 24 in support of their “Calling on you Tour 2022,” in front of a packed house.

    The current lineup consists of lead vocalist/guitar player and original founding member Michael Sweet, Oz Fox (guitar), Perry Richardson (bass) and Robert Sweet (drums.) Since their beginning the band has produced a amazing 14 albums and a strong following worldwide.

    Stryper

    Before the show, NYS Music had a chance to Interview lead singer and founding member Michael Sweet via phone as they made their way from the previous nights show in Pennsylvania to New York.

    Charlie Berch: So where did you guys play last night (Sat. July 23rd)?

    Michael Sweet: We played at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille in Warrendale, PA. It was a great night, great crowd. We last played their in 2019.

    CB: Doing some research on you guys we found a good article about how you struggle at times cause the Heavy Metal community doesnt really embrace you like they should and the religious side doesn’t embrace you like they should cause your just “too much”for them. How do you find balance between the two?

    MS: We don’t really try to balance it we just do what we do. It just comes natural, we’re not trying to fit into any “club”or “group” or anything we just kinda write and record, create and perform the music we love and everything falls into place, and obviously the lyrical content and the message is real too us. We all have a deep faith and its a very real thing for us. Thats why we’re not accepted by both sides, from the Christian side the mainstream side, you know cause we’re just different. I just think that they really dont know how to think about the way Stryper goes about things. And its been like that from the very beginning and its still like that. Things have gotten better in some ways and worse in other ways but it doesn’t stop us from us doing what we’re hear to do.

    Stryper

    CB: Do you guys ever run into situations where you try book shows with other bands but your so different that you have a hard time finding bands to play with?

    MS: Well you know, sometimes it is. I mean we’re one of those bands that would love to go out and open for bands like Judas Priest or Iron Maiden, and I feel like we would fit right in but unfortunately I don’t think that’s recognized often because of what and who we sing about. I think we get written off alot because of that. They’d say things like “Oh, it’s those Christian guys again.” People assume we’re going to be one way but when you come see Stryper perform its a rock show. And it’s like going see Van Halen or Judas Priest or any other band like that. But again our lyrical content is just different from their’s but in the end we’re a band, a rock band, we put on a show, and its loud and aggressive and lot of fun. It’s not a weird experience and I think some people think it might be and its not. But we’d love to fit right in with those bands but we continue doing what we do and thats why we go out and headline on our own. Do tours and ground runs all the time and fly dates and get opening bands for us and its a different band every night. We used to tour back in the day with bands like White Lion, Hurricane, TNT, Loudness, so many different bands that we performed with that opened for us we’d always figure out a way to work it out and go out and tour in one way or another weather its on our own or weather its played festivals for other bands we’ve done it all and it works out.

    CB: The venue you’re headed to – The L in Horseheads – the other night had Lita Ford and we mentioned to one of their techs that you guys were coming and he said to be prepared for one of the best live shows we will ever see and that you guys will rock this place, so we just wanted to pass that nice compliment on.

    MS: Well thats amazing, ’cause you know thats interesting cause we hear that from time to time. People that have seen alot of bands but they came and saw us and they felt like that we was one of the best live shows they have seen. That’s what I mean, I think people have these expectations that they think its going to be one way you know like us coming in sitting on stools and pulling out Bibles preaching to people and they dont expect it to be a rock show, and thats what it is – a rock show!!

    Stryper
    Stryper
    Stryper
    Stryper

  • East goes West: Joey Bada$$ celebrates 10 years at House of Blues San Diego

    Celebrating 10 years since his first release Enter the Void in 2012, Joey Bada$$ performed at House of Blues San Diego on July 27. With a double decker venue, open house bar and mosh pit, House of Blues held a great environment for the show.

    Joey was born and raised in Brooklyn and a member of the hip hop collective, releasing 3 mixtapes along with various solos. With his debut album 1999, produced at age 17, Badas$$ finally got the recognition he deserved in June 2012.

    Joey’s opener Capella Grey set the tone for the crowd and left them begging for more prior to Joey Bada$$’s set. 

    It was a big night not only for Joey but for his fans and their excitement to the new album release 2000. The album set the bar and exceeded all expectations since the last release back in 2017. Including hits such as “Brand New 911” and “Written in the Stars” along with many others. 

    Joey noted it had been 5 years since his last release and performed some of his greatest hits “Devasted” and “Temptation” from ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$, released in 2017. During the show he stated “I had a kid, a babygirl,” and shared how his daughter Indigo Rain has become a huge part of his life outside of making music, and played a role in such a big comeback. 

    With 10 years under his belt and many more to come Joey continues to bring his own groove to rap and the hip hop community. 

    Joey Bada$$
    Joey Bada$$
    http://perrisage.com
    Joey Bada$$
    http://perrisage.com
    Joey Bada$$
    Joey Bada$$
    Joey Bada$$
    http://perrisage.com
    Joey Bada$$ – House of Blues, San Diego

  • In Focus: Lita Ford Live at The L in Horseheads

    Classic rock legend Lita Ford brought her heavy metal music from yesteryear to the “L”in Horseheads on Friday, July 22nd in front of a very excited crowd. Her line up consists of herself, Patrick Kennison (guitar), Bobby Rock (drums) and newly acquired bassist Martin Anderson.

    photo by Tammy Peer

    Since her early days with Joan Jett in the Runaways, Lita once again proved she hasn’t lost her touch at 64 years young, she can still take control of the venue and crowd. Getting away from the traditional structured tours Lita now plays as a ‘hired gun” playing for festivals, events and stand alone shows nationwide.

    The last time Lita was in the Southern Tier was opening up for Vince Neil at Tags in Big Flats in 2019. Tonight it was her show and her solid lineup that took no prisoners. Just coming in from a show in Iowa, the stop in the Southern Teir at the “L” was before heading off to South Butler, PA and all points west.

    photo by Charlie Berch

    The set was a mixture of her entire career with some of her top hits, “Kiss Me Deadly, “Hungry” and “Close my eyes forever” with guitarist Patrick Kennison singing the Ozzy Osbourne part of the lyrics and “Cherry Bomb” from her Runways days. Also a huge hit that night was her version of Elton John’s “Bitch is Back.” It does not look like the ‘Queen of Metal’ is ready to slow down anytime soon. To find other Lita Ford shows this year visit her website.

    Photos by Charlie Berch

  • Earth Wind and Fire bring soldout show to Artpark

    Earth Wind and Fire played in Lewiston at Artpark on Sunday July 31st. Earth, Wind & Fire is an American R&B band formed in Chicago, in 1969 and led by founder Maurice White. Also known as EWF, or the Elements of the Universe, the band has won seven Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards.

    They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.They have sold over 90 million albums worldwide earning them a place on the list of best-selling music artists where they are ranked as the seventh best selling American band of all time. Earth Wind and Fire are currently on tour with Santana and touring all over the states this summer.

    Sunset at Artpark.

    The show was a near sellout with a capacity at Artpark near 10,000 people. With that said, some fans had a good experience and others, not so much, but it really depends when you arrived at the show. Prior to the show, the venue posted online many times to arrive early and expect heavy traffic and they were 100% correct. Those fans that arrived early, just as the gates opened, found parking and got in the venue prior to showtime. But those that did not heed the advice of the venue were waiting at the entrance for awhile after the show started.

    The start of the show was delayed 15 minutes due to the amount of people still in line. There were various sections for fans to watch the show from. Front of stage area, marked seats by the soundboard, lower bowl and general admission seats. Fans were allowed to bring in lawn chairs to sit and watch the whole show. That helped a-lot as the average age in attendance seemed to be around 60 years old.

    Gates opened at 6pm and the opener went on at around 6:30pm. This was not a typical opening band. The Brass Machine wondered their way around the crowd instead of playing on the stage. Fans seemed to enjoy this as they could directly interact with the band. The Brass Machine (formerly the Buffalo Brass Machine) is the one of the premiere touring acts on the live music circuit today, laying down funky New Orleans-style street beats across the United States and Canada. Formed in 2014 at the University at Buffalo, The Brass Machine provides a unique blend of hip hop, funk, and R&B, all in an infectious and energetic package.

    Three original members of Earth Wind and Fire. photo credit- Mike Miller

    Earth Wind and Fire took the stage at 8:15pm and played for about an hour and 45 minutes. There are only three original members left in the band. Phillip Bailey on lead vocals, Verdine White on bas and Ralph Johnson on percussion and backup vocals. They have been making music since 1972, celebrating 50 years in 2022. The rest of the band is comprised of Myron McKinley on keyboard, John Paris on drums, Phillip Bailey Jr. doing backup vocals and percussion, Morris O’Connor on lead guitar, Serg Dimitrjevic on rhythm guitar and B. David Whitworth on percussion and backup vocals.

    photo credit- Mike Miller

    They played all of their hits and then some, including “Shining Star,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “Let’s Groove” and “September.” You could not ask for better weather for an outdoor concert. The sun setting over Artpark gave fans a great backdrop to the concert with the Niagara River and lower gorge behind the stage. Many fans of the band were seen outside of the venue sitting in their chairs along the road into the Village of Lewiston as the concert could be heard from that far away. Beside the normal heavy concert traffic for an event like this, many fans enjoyed the show.

    photo credit- Mike Miller

    Earth Wind and Fire – Artpark, Lewiston, NY – Sunday, July 31, 2022

    Setlist: Shining Star, Let Your Feelings Show, Mighty Mighty/Celebrate, Gataway, Saturday Night, Serpentine Fire, Sing a Song, Got to Get You Into My Life, Sing a Message to You, Keep Your Head to the Sky, Devotion, Reasons, That’s the Way of the World, After the Love Has Gone, Rock That, Fantasy, Boogie Wonderland, Let’s Groove, September, In the Stone

    Earth Wind and Fire
    Earth Wind and Fire
    Earth Wind and Fire
    Earth Wind and Fire
    Earth Wind and Fire
    Earth Wind and Fire