Tim Reynolds brought his rock trio TR3 to the historic Strand Theater in Hudson Falls in December. The merry crowd was treated to a blend of acoustic-rock and jazz-fusion instrumentals, with a couple of classic covers thrown in for good measure. TR3 really loves the Strand Theater and it is obvious both in their banter and in the way they play. You can see the pleasure in their faces as they showcase their talented chops. Peter Harris writes this about their visit in January 2022 at The Strand Theater: “[Tim] has a special knack for tailoring moods, creating ambience, and shredding tastefully.”
Tim Reynolds at The Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.
For those that don’t know, the Strand Theater has a historic past. It began as a movie theatre in the early 1920s. The transformations it had include being a warehouse and eventually a county court house. It was a “white, stale municipal building” as Director Jonathan Newell says to the Times Union. This theater is anything but that now. Gorgeous inside and out! A perfect place to jam for TR3 with Tim Reynolds leading the way.
TR3 at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.
TR3 featuring Tim Reynolds wraps up their December tour this weekend on Friday and Saturday in Concord, NH and Fall River, MA, respectively. Catch them if you can, and Tim’s trio will have your feet tapping along. Just the way Tim likes it! Be sure to check out the photos below to see this beautiful theater and the trio in action.
Tim Reynolds – Strand Theater, Hudson Falls, NY – December 13, 2022
Setlist: Dirty Feet, All By Design, Everything Could Be OK, So Am I, Watch It!, Radar Contact, On This Mountain, Sweet Spot, Mutant Swarm, Sun is Still There, U Can U Have U Will, Wanna Get With You, Going Places, Bone to Pick, Kabbalah, Riders on the Storm, Bowie Encore: Chicago
Tim Reynolds at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.Dan Martier at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.Mick Vaughn at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.TR3 at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.Tim Reynolds at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.Mick Vaughn at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.Dan Martier at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.Tim Reynolds’ guitars at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.Mick Vaughn’s bass guitar at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.Dan Martier’s drums at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.Mick Vaughn at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.The Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.Mick Vaughn at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.Dan Martier at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.TR3 at the Strand Theater. Photo by Derek Java.
The hit Latin band, Bacilos, featuring Jorge Villamizar and André Lopes, have announced their first tour in the United States since 2004. Produced by Live Nation, the nine-city — Back in the USA ‘23 — tour kicks-off on April 27, 2023 at North Beach Bandshell in Miami, FL, and will make stops in Orlando, Atlanta, Houston, Boston and New York‘s own Irving Plaza on May 12, before wrapping up in Chicago, IL at House of Blues on May 14.
Bacilos’ first tour in the U.S. in 19 years will make a stop at Irving Plaza in New York City on Friday, May 12, 2023.
When curating their set the duo decided to give an exciting spin to their classic records while bringing sensational new material into their performance. In addition to Villamizar and Lopes, Bacilos will be accompanied by their high-caliber band. Moreover, having performed across Latin America to huge crowds with immense success, Bacilos’ show is representative of their vibrancy and impact-fulness as critical trendsetters in modern Latin Pop music.
This past year, Bacilos released new classic songs and collaborations with Latin America’s most outstanding young artists. Their music has reached around 22 million people around the globe, reaching up to 180 countries. In addition, with more than 1 million creations, Caraluna — the tittle of their Latin Grammy winning album and single — became a Worldwide trend when the community accomplished a very successful TikTok movement with new choreography.
BACILOS BACK IN THE USA ‘23 TOUR DATES:
Thursday, April 27, 2023 – Miami – Miami Beach Bandshell
Friday, April 28, 2023 – Orlando — House of Blues
Sunday, April 30, 2023 – Atlanta – Buckhead Theatre
Thursday, May 4, 2023 – Houston – House of Blues
Saturday, May 6, 2023 – Austin – Emo’s
Sunday, May 7, 2023 – Dallas – The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 – Boston – Paradise Rock Club
Friday, May 12, 2023 – New York – Irving Plaza
Sunday, May 14, 2023 – Chicago – House of Blues
Tickets for Bacilos go on sale starting on Friday, December 9 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.
Today the lineup was announced for the Peach Music Festival, a four-day event coming to Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA from June 29 to July 2.
The Peach Music Festival was created in 2012 as the first-ever Allman Brothers Band-inspired festival in the Northeast and has quickly evolved into one of the most highly-anticipated summer musical events loved by music enthusiasts from across the nation. It is a one-of-a-kind festival, as it features food and craft vendors on the grounds and access to the scenic Montage Mountain Ski Resort’s large water park.
The 2023 edition of the festival sees Goose, Tedeschi Trucks Band, My Morning Jacket, and Ween headlining. For the past few years, Goose and the Tedeschi Trucks Band have been performing, as they are popular acts people love to go see. My Morning Jacket released their self-titled album last year, and have been touring all year. Ween has yet to play at the Peach Music Festival, and their alternative rock style will be a great addition to the diverse range of artists on the bill.
Other great artists will be performing at the unique festival, including Duane Betts, Andy Frasco & The U.N., TAUK ft. Kanika Moore, Magic City Hippies, Dogs In A Pile, and more. There will also be features, like founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, Jaimoe, performing as Jaimoe and Friends, duo Brother and Sister, and a special appearance by Trouble No More, featuring Brandon “Taz” Niederaurer (Guitar, Vocals), Daniel Donato (Guitar, Vocals), Dylan Niederaurer (Bass Guitar), Jack Ryan (Drums), Lamar Williams Jr. (Vocals), Nikki Glaspie (Drums), Peter Levin (Keys) and Roosevelt Collier (Pedal Steel Guitar), performing the Allman Brothers Band album Brothers & Sisters.
Also appearing at The Peach Music Festival 2023 are Lawrence, Thumpasaurus, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Karina Rykman, Ghost Light, Tapers Choice, Son Little, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Mihali, Raq, TAZ Plays Hendrix, Circles Around The Sun, Melt, Mo Lowda & The Humble, Oh He Dead, Cris Jacobs Band, Friends of the Brothers, Couch, Psycodelics, Yam Yam, Hans Williams, Ally Venable, Parrotfish, Will Evans, Wax Owls, Brown Eyed Woman, Veronica Lewis, Baked Shrimp, Quinn Sullivan, Kanika Moore Presents The Broadband, The Sweet Lillies, JB Strauss, Kendall Street Company, One Time Weekend, Proper Tea, RoastJohn, and more.
Tickets for the 2023 Peach Music Festival are on sale now, and new this year will be a GA+ ticket allowing fans with a General Admission ticket access under the pavilion for headliner sets (in the 200-level seating area) for $149.
It was a splendid evening for mid-week melodies, hump-day harmonies and independent live music in Glens Falls Wednesday, December 7th as fans of all ages filled the Park Theater for a captivating performance by The Ballroom Thieves and Griffin Sherry of The Ghost of Paul Revere. A beautiful and underutilized venue that dates all way back to 1911, the intimate room was the perfect setting for these modern-day master songwriters to pour their hearts out.
The Ballroom Thieves performing at Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY 12/7/2022.
Playing his first run of shows since the demise of The Ghost of Paul Revere, Portland, Maine’s Griffin William Sherry surprised both fans and even the venue when he arrived in town with a full backing band of musicians that also included former GOPR drummer Chuck Gage. Sherry joked from the stage how this was more people and more gear than he ever took on the road with his former band while also reassuring the crowd that it is ok to get a little rowdy. “I’m particularly looking at you ladies” he said, while pointing out a table full of much older women. “It’s so good to see you again!” chimed an excited fan from the other side of the room.
Perhaps still grieving the loss of GOPR who played their final show in September, fans were delighted to hear new renditions of some old favorites with “One of These Days” being a clear highlight. Known primarily as an acoustic guitar player, the surprises from Sherry didn’t end there. Using his new solo platform to try new things, longtime fans gasped when he suddenly strapped on a beautiful hollow body guitar and launched into a cover of the classic Pink Floyd song “Fearless.” The ‘electric’ Sherry would also try out several new songs, including “Stephentown” and the hard rocking set closer “Ain’t It Amazing.”
Griffin William Sherry performing at Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY 12/7/2022.
Following a quick pause in the action the lights went dim as the Ballroom Thieves then took their places on stage. Back on the road for the first time in years, the acclaimed neo-americana folk act from Boston were in complete command from the very moment they played their first note. Building up the tension with the hypnotic intro of “Canary,” the Thieves wasted no time in living up to their reputation as one of the most dynamic, energetic and melodic live bands on the independent circuit. Consisting of husband-and-wife duo Martin Earley on guitar and vocals and Calin Peters on electric cello, bass and vocals, the current incarnation is rounded out by John Henry Nolan on guitar and keyboards and drummer Kevin O’Connell (from Rome, NY) who somehow was able to play the show despite suffering a torn meniscus.
The Ballroom Thieves performing at Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY 12/7/2022.
Fresh off the release of their latest studio album, 2022’s Clouds, the band has gone through some tough times these last few years and many of their new songs address that head on. A chronicle of desire and despair, trust and betrayal and the importance of mental health, The Thieves would play the albums opening track “Worldender” next, followed by “In the Morning. “ Trading stunning and lush vocal harmonies, the cozy atmosphere almost made you feel like you were getting your own private show.
Switching back and forth between electric cello and bass guitar, Peter’s voice was both beautiful and haunting. Songs like “Almost Love” and “Do Something” put her squarely in the spotlight and it was easy to see she was reveling in it. Smiling, dancing and leaping about the stage, you couldn’t help but be charmed by her performance. Contradicting upbeat melodies with some darker lyrical content provided a powerful juxtaposition that wasn’t lost on the audience. A great example of this was the Earley sung rendition of “Shadow” which would then go into the brilliantly bluesy number “Anybody Else” from the bands 2017 album Deadeye.
Despite serious lyrics, Calin Peters was all smiles on 12/7/2022.
“Most of the time, we’re usually all about love and understanding, but not on this next one, “Peters’ said. “Picture in your mind someone you hate and when we play this song, we want you to think about them. That is, of course, unless they are in this room right now. If they are, sorry, you can’t play this game with us.” And with that thought in mind, Peter’s then crooned out perhaps the most hauntingly beautiful song of the night called “Woman.”
I was your woman And you left me standing Alone in a world that had not heard me use my voice yet You’re just tired of my noise, I guess Hey, we all make our choices and break our own horses Are you hearing me say all this? This is the last one For you
– “Woman”
Following that up with two more older, tender songs “Pendulum and “Bees,” Martin Early would soak in the moment and candidly address the audience by saying “It’s been a tough couple of years, but we never stopped writing songs and you being here to hear them means more than you’ll ever know. This next one is about coming to terms with a crippling depression.” Providing perhaps the emotional highpoint of the evening, “I Lose” hit you like a ten ton hammer.
The Ballroom Thieves performing at Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY 12/7/2022.
Showcasing their flexibility, both musically and physically, the chemistry between the Ballroom Thieves was undeniable. Interacting like a tight-knit family, even during the “sad” songs each member of the band was clearly engaged, invested, enjoying themselves. At the peak of all Peters and Earley would lock eyes, meet each in the middle of the stage and get so lost in the music that they’d both end with their backs on the floor. Perhaps the loudest cheer of the evening came during their most rocking song, “Fistfight,” rocking duel-guitar attack of the bands hit single “Fistfight.” After wishing guitarist John Henry Nolan’s Aunt Emma a happy birthday, The Ballroom Thieves would close the set with a powerful rendition of “Wolf.”
The Ballroom Thieves laid it all on the line in Glens Falls on 12/7/2022.
These days you almost expect an encore at every show, but in perhaps the best fake out ever, you could hear the collective letdown when the house music came up. Just then as fans starting getting ready to leave, the music and lights suddenly went back down. Returning to the stage with huge smiles and to a huge ovation, The Ballroom Thieves then treated fans to one more surprise by closing the show with a cover of the Donna Lewis song “I Love You Always and Forever.”
A captivating performance from start to finish. From hushed whispers to cathartic screams to synchronized dance moves, the intimate and thought-provoking show felt truly special. Anyone who wasn’t sure about this band going into it walked out of the Park Theater a full fledged believer. Up next, the Ballroom Thieves will take a little time off for the holidays before Early and Peters return to the road for a brief duo tour this winter.
The Ballroom Thieves | December 7, 2022 | Park Theater | Glens Falls, NY Setlist: Canary, Worldender, In The Morning, Almost Love, Do Something, Shadow, Anybody Else, Woman, Pendulum, Bees, I Loose, Fistfight, Wolf Encore: I Love You Always Forever (Donna Lewis cover)
Griffin William Sherry | December 7, 2022 | Park Theater | Glens Falls, NY One of These Days, Stephentown, Me and My Shadow, Fearless (Pink Floyd cover), Ain’t it Amazing
All-American southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd and their Texan counterpart, ZZ Top have announced their first co-headlining tour, aptly titled “The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour.” The two will hit 22 cities in North America over 2023 summer.
Since their debut over 50 years ago, Lynyrd Skynyrd has maintained its icon, proving the band has incredible staying power, capable of resonating with all generations. It’s the reason one can still hear “Sweet Home Alabama” at college parties, where the oldest person in the room just hit legal drinking age, as at family reunions, where “Free Bird” can be the only thing that can cut through the hazes of dementia. The band knows of their reach, and their primary mission in continued touring is to celebrate that legacy. The band’s current line-up features Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke, Mark “Sparky” Matejka, Michael Cartellone, Keith Christopher, Peter Keys, Carol Chase and Stacy Michelle, with select appearances from Gary Rossington, who still carries significant presence and creative influence within the band.
ZZ Top’s endurance in the scene is thanks to their mantra: “Tone, Taste and Tenacity.” The bluesy roots band made a name for themselves with their 1973 release Tres Hombres, and they made a name for the tour with their certified diamond track “Sharp Dressed Man.”
Tickets go on sale Friday, December 16 at 10 a.m. here. See tour dates below.
THE SHARP DRESSED SIMPLE MAN TOUR DATES:
July 21 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
July 23 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
July 28 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
July 29 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
July 30 – Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
August 7 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre*
August 10 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
August 11 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
August 13 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
August 17 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MO
August 19 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
August 20 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
August 25 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
August 26 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
August 27 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
September 1 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
September 2 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
September 3 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
September 8 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
September 9 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
September 10 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
September 15 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
September 17 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
From Paris to New York City, Lizzy Young emerged to the scene in 2020 with her debut CooCoo Banana, a visual album of 10 tracks confronting mortality. In celebration of the upcoming release of her song Not that Bad, Lizzy has just unveiled a new video for the track “Everything is Beautiful.”
Lizzy explains, “Everything is Beautiful reflects the intangible in life, the little things we overlook and the big things we take for granted.”
Lizzy’s second album is centered around the experiences of women; “This album is my love letter to everyone who identifies as a woman. I find it complicated to be a woman, even in 2022, and I need to talk about what I know best.”
Not That Bad is not only an empowering tribute to women, it is also an album that at times captures the heady pulse of a night out; “something that people would want to play in a sweaty club,” she says. “A little different from what I’ve been hearing the last couple of years. Something that fits the times: dark, groovy, slightly funny, and a little apocalyptic.”
Work on this album began back in 2020, but then Young ended up at a friend’s farm for 6 months. “I barely took anything with me and wasn’t able to record until getting back to Brooklyn,” she says. “I wanted this album to be a Brooklyn baby and after finishing the demos I looked for someone local to work with to make it spicier.”
The opener “Cigarettes are good for Pain,” Young marries wonky pop with a charging techno beat, while the following “Shit Never Stops” takes a turn with snapping trap beats and merges them with subtle melodies. Young’s inimitable vocals are slow, considered, breathy.
To Listen to “Everything Is Beautiful,” click the link here.
Alternative rock band American Authors will be back on the road for the new year. The band has just announced a full US headline tour this winter, titled the “Best Night Of My Life Tour” featuring Billy Raffoul. The month-long tour kicks off on February 10th in Fairfield, then makes a stop in New York City February 12th at the new venue in Chelsea, Racket.
Frontman Zac Barnett shares about the tour: “It’s been so long since we’ve done a proper tour, we’re pulling out all the stops on this one! Playing all your favorite American Authors songs from the past, new jams from our upcoming album, & who knows, maybe even some requests & cover songs. Oh ya, & there might be some special collaborations with our good friend Billy Rafoul who will be opening the shows every night too.”
Since releasing their debut album Oh, What a Life in 2014, pop-rock outfit American Authors have experienced milestones most bands only dream about. Their anthemic hit single “Best Day of My Life” has been featured in over 600 movie trailers, TV shows, commercials, and as a theme song for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite this, lead singer Zac Barnett states, “We just want to keep going. We can’t wait to continue this adventure.”
Earlier this year, the American Authors pushed their limits with six different versions of their new single “Blind For Love.” They even recently released a brand new music video for this track. They’ve also been getting into the holiday spirit with the festive “Christmas Karaoke” and “Sleigh Ride.”
Fans can look forward to more new music soon, as the band gears up to release a new album in early 2023.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
12/29 – Bombay, India @ Mood Indigo
1/23-1/28 – Miami, FL @ Rock Boat XXII
2/10 – Fairfield, CT @ The Warehouse
2/15 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27
2/16 – Washington, DC @ Union Stage
2/17 – Philadelphia, PA @ World Café Live
2/18 – New York, NY @ Racket
2/19 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
2/21 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Thunderbird Music Hall
2/23 – Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre
2/24 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Café
2/25 – Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
2/26 – St. Louis, MO @ Old Rock House
2/28 – Denver, CO @ Gothic Theater
3/2 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall
3/3 – Las Vegas, NV @ Rocks Lounge
3/5 – Phoenix, AZ @ Last Exit Live
3/4 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues (Parish)
3/7 – Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up
3/8 – Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
3/9 – San Francisco, CA @ August Hall
3/11 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
3/12 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
For more information on upcoming news and events from the American Authors, click the link here.
On Saturday, December 10 at the Broome County Forum Theatre, Maestro Daniel Hege led the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra in “Winter Wonderland,” a holiday pops concert with a host of special guests.
Along with the big man himself (Santa Claus), the orchestra was joined by 11 year-old treble soloist Luca Thomas and a quartet of resident artists from Binghamton’s Tri-Cities Opera (Gina Moscato, soprano; Janine Dworin, mezzo-soprano; Felix Aguilar Tomlinson, tenor; Bernardo Medeiros, baritone). Nancy Wildoner’s charming pre-concert holiday bonbons, played on the Theatre’s 1922 Robert-Morton Pipe Organ, set the stage.
Winter Wonderland might have been a typical holiday pops concert, except that much of the program was focused on holiday film music. John Williams’ Home Alone II (with “Merry Christmas” sung by the opera guests), Alan Silvestri’s The Polar Express, and Danny Elfman’s Nightmare Before Christmas (a strange mashup of Klezmer music and Dies irae from the Requiem Mass) all led up to the afternoon’s highlight: Howard Blake’s The Snowman, complete with film screening and a stunning “Walking in the Air” by Luca Thomas.
The joyful concert concluded with some audience participation: a clapalong Radetzky March and a singalong set of Christmas carols.
The Binghamton Philharmonic’s season continues on January 28 with “Wallenberg Festival,” a concert celebrating Binghamton’s three orchestras: the Binghamton Youth Symphony, the Binghamton Community Orchestra, and the Binghamton Philharmonic. For more information, visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org.
Capital District drummer/composer Joe Barna hails from Troy and has become the face of the Collar City Jazz scene in the past few years. Having studied orchestral percussion performance/education at SCCC, then later SUNY Purchase’s Conservatory of Music in Westchester, Barna earned a BFA in Jazz Studies in 2004, with a focus on drumset performance & composition.
Since then, Barna has devoted himself to a life of composing and performing, bringing his talents around the globe, sharing the stage with many of the worlds top musicians/groups including The Celtic Tenors, Gary Smulyan, Peter Fisher, Ralph Lalama and jazz recording artists Joe Magnarelli, Ray Vega, Grant Stewart, Dick Oatts, Jim Rotondi, Jon Gordon, Jerry Weldon, Josh Evans, & Stacy Dillard.
Joe has performed with many of the Empire State’s regional greats, including Keith Pray, Brian Patneaude, John Menegon, Lee Shaw, David Gleason, Mark Kleinhaut, Michael Louis Smith, George Muscatello, Lee & Leo Russo, The Joey Thomas Band, The Big Soul Ensemble and his own original group Sketches Of Influence. Barna spoke with Rob Smittix of The Xperience Monthly.
Rob Smittix: Well, it’s nice to finally talk to the man behind the jazz scene.
Joe Barna: I would say I’m the man in front of the jazz scene.
RS: That’s a better way to put it, yeah.
JB: I think everybody knows, the cat’s out of the bag.
RS: It is and you are really bringing jazz to Troy in particular, how’s that going for you? What do you think the response has been?
JB: The response is overwhelming. I just did a what was originally a four-day but turned into a five-day jazz festival at 518 Craft in Troy. They basically wanted to honor me for all of the work that I’ve done for the jazz scene in Troy, so they gave me five nights in a row. They wanted me to have five different bands featuring five different styles of jazz. The first four nights were standing room only, it was packed in there. Every night was insane.
RS: That’s great. How did this all get started?
JB: I lived in NYC and went to SUNY Purchase. I was living in Manhattan and I was working a small jazz club. I was the front end manager of Mezzrow. Every night I was hanging out with the elites of the history of jazz. I was responsible for taking care of them when they were performing, making sure that they got paid correctly, making sure they got drinks, making sure the stages were set up for them, they had the backline they needed and made sure nobody was bothering them. So, I became friends with essentially the top jazz musicians in the world and I did this every night. Befriended them, got to play with a lot of them in jam sessions. It became a network and more about building relationships than the fact that we were musicians. It has allowed me an opportunity that very few people in the Capital Region or smaller areas have had. It’s because of the proximity to NYC, not because I’m special but because I know other guys are doing this but they live in Idaho or Nebraska or they live in Florida. They don’t have the access to these musicians where they can drive in their car last minute and come up two and a half hours to play.
RS: That makes a lot of sense.
JB: The proximity to these people, the city and the five boroughs has opened up a floodgate of opportunities for me. I don’t think anybody outside of maybe Nick Brignola or a couple of his contemporaries. It’s given me an opportunity to do some special things.
RS: Speaking of special opportunities, tell us about what you have going on at Alias Coffee.
JB: Alias Coffee Company is at 219 4th Street in Troy. It’s this little tiny coffee shop, right? This gentleman, Hernan, moved up here from NYC is a master barista. He was serving coffee out of 518 Craft, where I play every Monday night. He wanted his own shop and space, so he left, and he started building up this spot. I went in one day to try the coffee and just say hi, it’s like the size of a closet. You’ve got this little counter, little shop with a couple of chairs and off to the left is this tiny little kitchen area. I got talking to him, I tried the coffee, which is amazing, it’s like velvet in your mouth. The guy is a genius.
RS: I’m drinking Stewart’s right now, but you’ve got my mouth watering.
JB: No man… you won’t go back after you’ve had Alias. So, in this little corridor it looks like there’s a maintenance closet where you would have mops and buckets and crap. I open up the door and it opens up into this enormous, industrial wide-open space. No posts, no poles, no obstructions and there’s two skylights. I walked in and I said, “oh, my God!” I’ve been looking for this space for 20 years. I asked Hernan, “is this yours?” He said “yeah, yeah I rent the whole building.” I said, “do you understand what you have here?” He replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said “Hernan this is a bonafide world-class level performance space. You’ve got the potential for one of the greatest performance spaces the Capital Region has ever had.” He said, “do you really believe that?” I said, “not only do I believe it, I will take on the task of doing it for you.” He said “well, if you’re willing to help me, I’m willing to do it. I was looking for something special to do with the space, but I just didn’t know what to do with it.” I said “look man, I will do it myself, I will help you clean it, I will organize the space for you, I will get a carpenter to build the stage and let’s get a grand piano in here. This will be the premiere music space in the Capital Region.” Mark my words.
RS: That’s encouraging.
JB: I’m not saying that other spaces aren’t fantastic but there’s something about this room that when you walk in, you don’t want to walk out. It’s bizarre. The exposed brick, the concrete floor, the two skylights with sunlight or moonlight coming in, it’s wide open and the sound is absolutely impeccable. I said, “please don’t do anything to the room, the sound right now is a performers dream come true. Don’t mess with it, it’s EQ’d perfectly. There’s very little high, there’s a lot of warm lows and some mids but the highs get sucked up by the wooden ceiling. This is going to be my project, let me do this for you.” I already did one show there, we had a soft opening last month. We only had about two weeks to advertise it and had about 54 people there. They all paid $20 to come in. I put out a buffet of food. People donated and my friends were helping subsidize it. We had Defazio’s Pizza, my mother made these really nice artisan cookies, and we had a fully stocked bar. You’re paying for the performance, $20 towards the band and then you get everything else for free! Food, drink or whatever you want is on the house.
RS: You cannot beat that.
JB: As long as you come and support the music, you can have everything else for free. It’s on us.
On Wednesday, December 14th, Legacy Dumbo hosted Bronx Rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie for a fan meet and greet. Fans were admitted into the event only after purchasing A Boogie’s new album Me VS Myself on CD and waiting in the line of over 600 fans. The wait was a small price to pay for meeting a 23-time platinum artist. During the event, A Boogie was singing along to the music, dancing, and posing for pictures with every fan that entered the room.
A Boogie has one more stop on his record store tour at DBS Sounds in Atlanta. In February, the Bronx Rapper will start his two-month world tour, where on March 4th, he will stop at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn to perform for his home city of New York.
Legacy Dumbo is no stranger to hosting top-tier celebrities like A Boogie. Just last week, they had producer Metro Boomin in the shop signing autographs for fans. Aside from being a celebrity hotspot, Legacy Records is a mellow place to shop for new and old records and, overall, have a great time. The store has multiple record players to test the product and a couch area to hang out and enjoy the music. It is always a good time at Legacy Dumbo.
