Category: Bluegrass/Country

Parker McCollum To Close Summer 2023 Tour in Buffalo and Syracuse

On Monday, Nov. 21, country’s beloved Parker McCollum announced the extension of his 2023 tour. Dates revealed for the second leg of his upcoming tour for this summer, which includes a performance at the ArtPark in Buffalo on August 17 and St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheatre at Lakeview in Syracuse on August 19.

Parker McCollum (Photo Credit: Chris Kleinmeier)

The second part of the Texas native’s tour is to be co-produced through the collaboration of Live Nation and Emporium Presents and will feature support from rising country artists including Larry Fleet, Jackson Dean and the Randy Rogers Band. McCollum is scheduled to close off his tour in New York on August 19 in Syracuse.

Parker McCollum 2023 Tour Dates

May 18 2023 – Toledo, OH -Toledo Zoo Amphitheater *with Larry Fleet

June 3 2023 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion *with Jackson Dean

June 9 2023 – Midland, TX – La Hacienda Event Center *with Larry Fleet

June 10 2023 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion *with Larry Fleet

June 24 2023 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheatre at White River State Park *support TBD

June 29 2023 – Saint Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre *with Larry Fleet

July 14 2023 – Huntsville AL – The Orion Amphitheatre *with Flatland Cavalry

July 29 2023 – Nampa ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater *with Jackson Dean

August 10 2023 – Morrison CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre *with Randy Rogers Band

August 17 2023 – Buffalo NY – ARTPARK *with Larry Fleet

August 19 2023 – Syracuse NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheatre at Lakeview *with Larry Fleet

Tickets can be bought here.

November 28, 2022
Alyssa Trahan treats Hometown to a Country Show at Iron Smoke Distillery

Born and raised in Rochester, Alyssa has taken the country music scene by storm. Returning home from Nashville, she treated hometown fans to quite the mix of original tunes and covers at Iron Smoke Distillery in nearby Fairport.

Alyssa Trahan @Iron Smoke

Prior to making the move to the country music capital, Alyssa was writing and performing her own work locally, all while learning to play a dozen instruments along way. Quite the Jill of all trades, as she has been often called.

In 2020, during the COVID shutdown, Alyssa never slowed, as she wrote, produced, and played nearly all the instruments on a new album. Released in early 2021, it debuted in the top 10 on iTunes Country Music Album Charts with over 300k downloads. Pretty remarkable for an independently produced album! In addition to writing and producing, Alyssa has managed to be able to share a stage with young and old talents alike, including Lee Greenwood, Maddie & Tae, Sara Evans, and Molly Hatchet. Again, for a budding country artist, this is remarkable.

If you like Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, and Lee Ann Womack, or any combination of these artists, you need to check out Alyssa Trahan as she is quite the blend of them and then some. Trahan’s new album Baby Blues & Stilettos is out now

November 26, 2022
In Focus: Kameron Marlowe in Horseheads at The L

Kameron Marlowe’s first headlining tour, “We Were Cowboys” rolled into Horseheads, NY on Sunday, November 13th. The North Carolina native performed his second of three stops in NY on the tour. Opening the show was the Southern Tier’s very own Brian Hughes and Nashville singer/songwriter Wyatt McCubbin.

Kameron Marlowe, photo by Allison Marie.

Marlowes’ career kicked off in 2018 – a contestant on season 15 of The Voice. After being eliminated, he moved to Nashville where he independently released his first, now certified Gold single in 2019, Giving You Up, which surpassed 15 million streams in less than a year. He is signed with Columbia Nashville. Kameron’s debut single from Columbia was Burn Em All which is still climbing the country charts. His debut album, We Were Cowboys is available now.

Horsehead’s local rocker Brian Hughes opened the show and set the tone by performing some classic covers and originals. The singer/songwriter and talented musician also performs with the band Rust. Hughes recently released a solo album, I Surrender which can be found on all streaming platforms. His website can be found here.

Wyatt McCubbin, photo by Allison Marie

Southern Ohio/Nashville singer/songwriter Wyatt McCubbin was the second opening act which makes perfect sense as McCubbin co-wrote a handful of songs on Marlowe’s debut album, We Were Cowboys, such as “This Old Town,” “We Were Cowboys,” and “Does It Have To Be Over.” Writing hits for artists like Riley Green, Dustin Lynch, Cody Johnson, Tracey Lawrence and others, McCubbin is the next artist to follow!

Marlowes’ career is just taking off and with a show like at The L, he is sure to keep fans excited for more!

Kameron Marlowe, by Allison Marie

Setlist: Sober, This Old Town, Over Now, Steady Heart, Folsom, Tequila Talking, We Were Cowboys, Raise One Up, Save a Horse, Leaving To Me, Aint Enough Whiskey, Stay Here and Drink, Saying Goodbye, Money Aint Shit, Country Boys Prayer, Im Over You, Running Out on You, In Color, Fool Me Again, Trouble, Does It Have To Be Over, Girl On Fire, Giving You Up
Encore: Burn Em All

For tour dates and more on Kameron Marlowe, visit his website here.

November 22, 2022
The Gibson Brothers Announce New Album and North Country Christmas Performances

The Gibson Brothers, hailing from Plattsburgh and calling Nashville home, will perform two North Country Christmas concerts in mid-December, one in Schenectady at Proctors, and another in Ellenburg Depot. The pair will release a new album on January 27th, 2023, Darkest Hour, produced by Jerry Douglas and includes guest musicians Justin Moses, Guthrie Trapp, and Alison Krauss.

Darkest Hour spans from trad-grass to country-soul and back again, utilizing classically bluegrass instruments as well as electric guitars and drums to craft a sound fit for the songs it surrounds. Kicking off with a flurry of traditional bluegrass excellence, The Gibson Brothers’ new single “Dust” is more than a just statement of musicianship, it’s the whole package, with world-class picking, clear and refined vocals, and rock-solid songwriting. An ode to leaning into down-and-out—“Left in the dust” by ex-lover—“Dust” puts a clever, positive spin on being left behind. “Me and dust, we do fine.”

Every song written feels like a little victory to its writer. Sure, some are better than others, and from time to time—if you’re lucky—you write something special. But every one counts. They all add up to something, whether they are keepers or not, and the writer is in constant pursuit of topping what he or she has done before. The fact that our longtime musical hero Jerry Douglas likes what we do and encouraged us to send him all originals is a real feather in our caps. Making this record of songs Jerry deemed as keepers with him is a dream come true. The songs reflect where we came from, where we are, and where we go from here.
Eric Gibson

The songs recorded in the first recording period featured Mike Barber (bass), Justin Moses (mandolin), Eamon McGloughlin (fiddle), and of course, Jerry Douglas (dobro), adding in John Gardner (drums), Guthrie Trapp (electric guitar), Todd Parks (bass), and Alison Krauss (vocals) for the final tracks, Darkest Hour showcases just how easily Eric and Leigh move from what Dan Auerbach dubbed “country soul” (“I Go Driving”) to high octane bluegrass (“What a Difference A Day Makes” and “Dust”) with Douglas always keeping the spotlight on the songs themselves.

Fans can purchase or stream “Dust” today at and pre-order or pre-save Darkest Hour ahead of its January release right here.

The Gibson Brothers will close out 2022 with two shows in New York. Their annual Gibson Brothers North Country Christmas show will be held at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady on Friday, December 16 (ticket link) and Ellenburg Depot at the NACS High School Auditorium on December 17th (ticket link).

November 16, 2022
Listen to Syracuse Singer-Songwriter Stephen Mullane’s Folksy Single ‘Without A Me”

When you listen to “Without A Me,” you are brought into an intimate space: a belfry filled with fluttering bats, a cluttered room, the side of a highway where people hold signs and implore honks and kool-aid condenses in its paper cup, an attic — evoking those bats again — all imaginary, all in the mind of Syracuse singer-songwriter Stephen Mullane. Except of course, that the song was recorded in Mullane’s own self-contained world as well: the song is his first to be written, performed, recorded and produced entirely in Mullane’s home studio, a space he fashioned by himself for himself.

“Without A Me” is Stephen Mullane’s newest single; it follows two albums he released in 2021, recorded at More Sound Recording Studio in Syracuse. Mullane is an independent — it’s just him, his voice, his guitar. His lyrics are the highlight, they’re ripe with imagery, wit, ad-libs and inconsistent rhyme schemes that all seem to work out in the end. Called to mind are Elliot Smith’s slowly unfolding “King’s Crossing,” Pavement trading incomprehensible verse in “… And Carrot Rope,” or Bob Dylan’s self-critical look at current affairs in “It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)”.

Mullane thrives in this folksy, rambling space of sound because his lyrics hold enough interest and nuance to be stark against the minimal acoustic background. The stream of consciousness is overwhelming, but the consistent rhythm and vocals hold strong against the current.

The song is out now, listen below. To see Stephen Mullane live in Syracuse, his next gig is at Skaneateles Brewery on Sunday, November 27, his third show at the brewery.

November 15, 2022
Billy Strings Electrifies Rochester

Bursting onto the scene in 2017, Billy Strings has been selling out arenas big and small, bringing his bluegrass vibes to Rochester on November 9. Playing to a full house of denim, flannel, and tye-dye wearing fans, Strings and his ensemble gave the Blue Cross Arena a solid set of progressive roots-rock that went on for nearly three hours.

Billy Strings

Son of Terry Barber, a bluegrass musician himself, Strings was introduced to the genre at a young age and has been influenced along the way by some of the world’s greatest artists including Jimi Hendrix, Phish, and Black Sabbath.

Since bursting onto the music scene in 2019, Strings has collected some accolades and awards along the way including a Grammy in 2021 for Best Bluegrass Album (Home), 2022 Artist of Year from Americans Music Awards (also nominated previous two years), and 2019 International Bluegrass Music Awards for Best New Artist and Guitar Player of the Year. Assuming things keep going the way they are going, Billy will need a hall to house all his awards!

With the classic bluegrass sounds of the Dave and Deke Combo, Allison Krauss, Doc Watson, and Old Crow Medicine Show all still influential in their own rights, Billy Strings seems to have upped the ante for bluegrass/roots music. Although the classic dualling banjos will never get old, time have changed, and Billy Strings has set the tone.

Check out his website for upcoming tour dates.

Billy Strings – Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, NY – Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Set 1: Old Train; Turmoil & Tinfoil; Running the Route; Stone Walls and Steel Bars; Fire Line; Running; Ashland Breakdown; The Train That Carried My Girl From Town; Black Mountain Rag; Love and Regret; Bronzeback; Must be Seven; In The Morning Light; Everything’s the Same

Set 2: Heartbeat of America; Red Rocking Chair; Hollow Heart; While I’m Waiting Here; Pyramid Country; And Your Bird Can Sing; Been All Around This World; The Fire on My Tounge; Air Mail Special; Hellbender; John Deere Tractor; Tipper; Dust in a Baggie; Cold, Cold World

Encore: Roll on Buddy, Roll On, Gold Rush

Alex Hargreaves

November 11, 2022
The Dust Devil Band and CNY Musicians To Hold All-Star Benefit at Unity Hall in Barneveld

Unity Hall in Barneveld will host blues-rock Blueprints, roots and country-based The Dust Devil Band, and blues/psychedelic folk-rock Brian Mulkerne Band, plus special guests, at the CNY All-Star Benefit Concert on Sunday, November 20 from 3 to 6 p.m. The concert at the Oneida County venue is to support Nicole Deveny Gaines-Parker, who is battling cancer.

Full Auditorium at Dust Devil Band Show

Proceeds will be for the benefit of Nicole, Malcom and the rest of the Gaines-Parker family.

I am blessed to have made many great musical friends over the years, and many of them will be appearing at the show at historic Unity Hall. Most of the performers have known Nicole since she was a little girl. For them to come to play at this event is very special and meaningful to Nicole and Malcolm and to all our family. Unity Hall is my favorite concert venue – aesthetically beautiful, acoustically perfect, and thoroughly magical! This is going to be a very memorable show for all involved!
George Deveny, Dust Devil Band and NYS Blues Hall of Fame member

Having been formed in 1988, the Blueprints have debuted shows for prominent artists, such as the legendary blues and roots rock band, Nighthawks and the Red Hot Louisiana Band. The group is comprised of vocalist and guitarist George Deveny, vocalist and pianist Dave Liddy, drummer Oscar Crandall and bassist Ken McConnell Jr., who were all inducted in the NY Blues Hall of Fame. The other CNY-based bands also hold remarkable stances, as The Dust Devil Band emerged in popularity during the 1980s, while the Brian Mulkerne Band is known for bringing musical favorites in the Mohawk Valley music scene.

Blueprints Band

The Dust Devil Band consists of members, vocalist, guitarist and harmonicist Ed Rosenburg, pedal steel guitarist George Newton, drummer Darryl Mattison, bassist and vocalist Dane Porter and vocalist and guitarist George Deveny. Having been favored by music fans during the 1980’s, the band has re-established their presence in the Central New York music scene, bringing multiple sold-performances at Unity Hall.

The Dust Devil Band

Brian Mulkerne Band, a prominent band in the music scene of Mohawk Valley, is made up of leading member behind the vocals and guitar, Brian Mulkerne, other vocalist and guitarist Tim Baldwin, drummer Oscar Crandall, bassist Ken McConnell Jr., and slide guitarist Deveny. They have garnered a reputation for delivering what is considered to be musical favorites by fans.

Brian Mulkerne Band

Special guests in the performance include Mal P Entertainment drummer and producer Malcolm Gaines-Parker, harmonicist Skip Murphy from SAMMY Hall of Fame, Out of the Blue and Merry Pranksters, vocalists Rebecca Miner of Rebecca Miner Trio and Fabulous Mojos, Sydney Pinto of Walrus and Paul Case Band, Sharon Allen of Merry Pranksters and Better Than Bowling, drummer Bob Holz of Bob Holz and a Vision Forward, drummer Carl Marucci of Clean Street, vocalist and guitarist John Savage along with producer George Deveny, bassist John Handzel of Drivin’ Sideways and Rebecca Miner Trio and bassist Ari Marucci of Lower Tolpa. Included at the show will be a silent auction and baked goods for sale at the concert.

Tickets to the benefit at Unity Hall in Barneveld are $30 each and can be purchased here.

The Dust Devil Band Performance at Unity Hall in 2020

November 5, 2022
Thomas Rhett 2023 Tour Announced with Stops in Buffalo, Albany and Belmont Park

Country music superstar Thomas Rhett has announced a 2023 North American tour with Cole Swindell and Nate Smith in 40 cities for his Home Team Tour.

Rhett, known for his modern country hits like “Die A Happy Man,” has won multiple Billboard, iHeartRadio and CMA Music awards. Last month, he released his first Christmas album, Merry Christmas, Y’all.

The country sensation will be playing at MVP Arena in Albany on June 8, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on July 6 and at UBS Arena in Belmont Park on July 22, see the rest of the dates below. The tour will culminate in the country center of the world, Nashville. Tickets can be found here, on Rhett’s website.

Tickets go on sale for Home Team Members and Citi cardmembers on November 8, and for the general public on November 11.

Thomas Rhett HOME TEAM TOUR 23 Dates

May 4, 2023 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena

May 5, 2023 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena

May 6, 2023 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse

May 18, 2023 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center

May 19, 2023 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center

May 20, 2023- St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center

June 8, 2023 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena

June 9, 2023 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena

June 10, 2023 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena

June 15, 2023 – Tupelo, MS – Cadence Bank Arena

June 16, 2023 – Lafayette, LA – CAJUNDOME

June 17, 2023 – Bossier City, LA – Brookshire Grocery Arena

June 22, 2023 -Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena

June 23, 2023 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum

July 6, 2023 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center

July 7, 2023 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena

July 8, 2023 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

July 13, 2023 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum

July 14, 2023 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena

July 15, 2023 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boling Arena

July 20, 2023 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum

July 21, 2023 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

July 22, 2023 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena

July 27, 2023 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

July 28, 2023 – Chicago, IL – United Center

July 29, 2023 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena

August 3, 2023 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

August 4, 2023 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

August 5, 2023 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

August 17, 2023 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center

August 18, 2023 – Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena

August 19, 2023 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

September 14, 2023 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena

September 15, 2023 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

September 16, 2023 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center

September 21, 2023 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena

September 22, 2023 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center

September 23, 2023 – Toledo, OH – Huntington Center

September 28, 2023 – Birmingham, AL – The Legacy Arena at The BJCC

September 29, 2023 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

November 4, 2022
Gregory Dwane: A Music Industry Veteran Worth Emulation

After interviewing dozens of music industry up-and-comers to bonafide professionals, there is certainly much to learn from Gregory Dwane who is a music industry veteran worth emulating. I was captivated by his song, “When You Say California”, which has a Tom Petty feel to it and was a great introductory track exposing me to want to dive deeper into his catalog. You can find Gregory Dwane on Spotify.

I had the pleasure to interview Mr. Dwane on The Long Island Sound podcast. This minstrel hails from a small town in North Carolina and ultimately settled into the New York City music scene in the 90’s.

He’s a sort of a utility man in the music industry where the road to success is littered with its own detours and off ramps, Gregory Dwane is a survivor whose skill was to not only be good at his craft, but through an honest demeanor, made the best of the opportunities set before him.

A Road Well Chosen

Touring the world with Alanis Morrisette, Gregory Dwane worked with David Navarro, Macy Gray, Jane’s Addiction and Joan Osborne. The serendipitous twists and turns, set him on a trajectory from alcohol abuse to sobriety.

“I went from thinking my world was over to touring the world”
Gregory Dwane

Dwane’s resume would detail skills in record engineering, producing, fine art, singer/songwriting, jingle writing, and Country music entertainment. Sojourning from New York to Nashville, and from L.A. to Connecticut, provided this multi-talented music industry professional with a multi-dimensional group of experiences. HIs keen ear manages to guide an artist through the wormhole of production frustration to a fully produced album ready to launch on the market.

Alternative Country, a place worth the visit

With a firm footing in the Alt-Country genre, Gregory Dwayne’s songwriting presents an artist weathered by life’s experiences moving from rebellion to redemption. After a short hiatus from the music business, it was his reinvention as a fine-art painter that would eventually lead him back to songwriting.

I want my MTV

When I read Gregory Dwane’s EPK, I thought I spied a misprint. How could this rural North Carolinian be inspired by a combination of MTV, and the movie Beat Street and then move to New York City in the 90’s, finally settling in as an Americana and Alt-Country Singer/Songwriter?

I believe what separates the creatives in our world from the rest of us, is that an artist acts on the muse and opportunities they find within reach. Gregory Dwane’s humility and good-nature seemed to open doors, as his cohorts recognized his honed craft, ultimately opening doors to further expose his art.

Gregory Dwane is unstoppable. While continuing to produce his own music, he has also applied his expertise as a producer for Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls as well as other artists.

During the interview, I found a skilled artist whose creativity could not be contained. Dwane mirrors the desire we have to find understanding and equilibrium in our lives. Enrich your playlists with his music, and you will not be disappointed.

November 3, 2022
Greensky Bluegrass Winter Tour Starts in Buffalo, Port Chester and Utica

Greensky Bluegrass have announced their Winter Tour 2023, featuring 16 dates with a kickoff on January 12 in Buffalo, followed by stops in Port Chester and Utica. The Michigan jamgrass band will make their debut performances at the Stanley Theater in Utica, as well as the historic Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ.

They’ll bring along with them support acts including Mikaela Davis, Neighbor, Mihali, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Railroad Earth and Holly Bowling.

Greensky Bluegrass are widely known for their thoughtful lyricism, edgy and genre-expansive sound, dazzling live performances and relentless touring schedule. Featuring Anders Beck [dobro], Michael Arlen Bont [banjo], Dave Bruzza [guitar], Mike Devol [upright bass], and Paul Hoffman [Mandolin], the five are connected through a deep bond, just as they are seasoned road warriors, they’re a band of brothers who have seen each other through decades of ups and downs, personal and collective highlights, and the moments when life turns it all upside down.

For the past century, bluegrass music has traditionally relayed real tales of American life, struggle, tragedy, and triumph. It gives a voice to the quiet, yet colorful stories woven into the fabric of the country itself. Greensky Bluegrass live these stories through their records and performances.

Greensky is and always has been very unique in our world. We put our love, energy, and focus into what we appreciate about our music. We come together as a band in a way that’s organic. We take a lot of pride in how we grow and challenge each other too. We’re maturing together. I think we get more Greensky all of the time.
Paul Hoffman

Tickets can be purchased at greenskybluegrass.com.

Greensky Bluegrass 2022 Winter Tour

1/12 @ Town Ballroom | Buffalo, NY*

1/13 @ Capitol Theatre | Port Chester, NY#

1/14 @ Capitol Theatre | Port Chester, NY<>

1/15 @ The Stanley | Utica, NY*

1/18 @ Count Basie Center For The Arts | Red Bank, NJ#

1/19 @ Flynn Theatre | Burlington, VT – An Evening With

1/20 @ MGM Music Hall at Genway | Boston, MA #

1/21 @ The Fillmore Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

1/25 @ The Agora Theatre | Cleveland, OH+

1/26 @ Stage AE | Pittsburgh, PA+

1/27 @ The Anthem | Washington DC=

1/28 @ The Anthem | Washington DC+

2/1 @ Kemba Live! | Columbus, OH!!

2/2 @ The Pageant | St. Louis, MO!!

2/3-4 @ The Vic Theatre | Chicago, IL!!

* Mikaela Davis
# Neighbor
<> Mihali
+ Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
= Railroad Earth
!! Holly Bowling

October 31, 2022