NYS Music 202​2

Category: Saratoga Springs

  • Spa City Guitar Festival Takes Over Universal Preservation Hall this March

    The first Spa City Guitar Festival will be held Friday, March 18 to Sunday, March 20 at Universal Preservation Hall. This debut will become an annual event in Saratoga Springs and will provide audiences with a three day guitar extravaganza full of concerts, masterclasses, workshops, guitar displays and vendors. 

    Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been cancelled.

    Spa City Guitar Festival

    The Performers

    Badi Assad

    The first in line to perform is none other than Brazilian guitarist Badi Assad, whose specialty is to mix her culture’s music with ethnic sounds from across the world. Therefore, she defies the idea of sticking to one genre of music. Her singing is known to be vibrant, while as a guitarist she is known to be innovative, inspiring, and breathtaking. Assad has moved the masses not only with her unique voice, but her fingers as well. She will perform at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 18.

    Germán López

    Next up on the itinerary is Germán López, who is known internationally as one of the most notable and outstanding guitarists. He adheres to Canary folk music traditions, Spanish Flamenco, West African rhythms, the flourishing spirit of jazz, as well as his own original approach to “island music.” Having performed nearly 100 times while on tours globally, the Spa City Guitar Festival will only elevate his career. He will take part in a Spanish folk performance featuring Antonio Toledo at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 19.

    Mark Lettieri

    The festivals third performance is by Grammy-nominated guitarist Mark Lettieri. He has experience not only professionally playing the guitar, but as a composer, producer, and instructor as well. Unlike many, Lettieri does not stick to one style of music, but rather a multitude of them, whether he works with an independent or a major label artist. As a composer and producer, he creates original music of his own. Additionally, he is highly known to play in Snarky Puppy since 2008, a music group that combines jazz, rock, world and funk. His work with the group has resulted in four Grammy Awards. Lettieri will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 19.

    Gary Hoey

    Last but not least, is 21 album and chart-topping guitarist Gary Hoey, who will perform at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 20. With his hit for hit catalog, Hoey secured himself a spot as one of the top 100 guitarists of all time. He is known for his fiery vibe and amazing connection with his audience. Hoey was first discovered by Ozzy Osbourne in 1987 and has excelled ever since. He is known to perform thrilling solos that are comparable to Clapton or Stevie Ray at their peak.

    Passes available consists of the $35 single day pass, $45 single day pass and masterclass, $75 festival pass, and the $150 VIP Pass. For more information about the passes, as well as to purchase them visit the Universal Preservation Hall website.

  • Prince/Bowie Tribute Band Announces Tour Dates

    Songs from famous artists Prince and David Bowie are joined together to create the Prince/Bowie tribute fusion band that brings their music together, generating high energy live shows. The tribute band will perform in Saratoga Springs next month at Putnam Place.

    The Catskill Chill Music Festival, Wanee (Pink Talking Fu Kuaz), Adirondack Independence Music
    Festival, and at a Phish After Party at Putnam Place have previously featured the Prince/Bowie concept and it has since turned into a band on the scene.

    The frontman of the band is led by Eric Gould, founder/bassist of Pink Talking Fish. Eric Gould will be accompanied at every show with Cal Kehoe from Pink Talking Fish and The Horn Section with Josh Schwartz, Greg Sanderson, and Chris Brouwers formerly of Turkuaz.

    Full list of tour dates and lineups:
    3/13: Denver CO at So Many Roads Brewery and Museum
    Bass: Eric Gould – PTF
    Guitar: Cal Kehoe – PTFDrums: Zack Burwick – PTF
    Keys: Richard James – PTF
    Percussion: Chuck Morris – Lotus
    The Horn Section

    3/17: Saratoga Springs NY at Putnam Place
    Bass: Eric Gould – PTF
    Guitar: Cal Kehoe – PTF
    Drums: Adrian Tamontano – Kung Fu/The Breakfast/Marble Eyes
    Keys: Richard James – PTF
    Sax: Matt Wayne – Bobby Deitch Band
    The Horn Section

    4/29: Norwalk CT at The Wall Street Theater
    Bass: Eric Gould – PTF
    Guitar: Cal Kehoe – PTF
    Drums: Mikey Carubba – Death Kings (formerly of Turkuaz)
    Keys: AC Carter – TAUK
    Sax: Matt Wayne – Bobby Deitch Band
    The Horn Section

    4/30: Beverly MA – The Cabot
    Bass: Eric Gould – PTF
    Guitar: Cal Kehoe – PTF
    Drums: Mikey Carubba – Death Kings (formerly of Turkuaz)
    Keys: AC Carter – TAUK
    Sax: Matt Wayne – Bobby Deitch Band
    The Horn Section

  • In Focus: Lespecial with Timbre Coup at Putnam Place

    On Friday, February 18th, Lespecial played their first headlining gig of the year at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs, and the whole thing kicked off with an extra special and rare treat — a set with special guests Timbre Coup.

    timbre coup lespecial

    Timbre Coup

    It’s truly a mystery why we don’t get to see more of the boys from Timbre Coup. Those four dudes absolutely blew the roof off the place from the first note they played. Hailing from Albany, NY, Timbre Coup has an album out right now called Sudden Urge and I definitely recommend that you pick up a copy as soon as possible.

    Setlist: Don’t Fly a Key, Urge, October, Loaftones, Z-Sharp, Arnold, Cowboys From Hell (Panterra)

    Lespecial

    On the way outside after last night’s performance, someone called Lespecial “a hippy band with mosh pits.” This group’s self-described “heavy future groove” sound is absolutely genre-less and almost defies explanation. There are only three guys up on the stage but it sounds like far more than that. And the music they create is engaging, fun, and utterly unique.

    timbre coup lespecial

    If you missed last night’s show, don’t fret. These boys are currently touring until early summer on their Homieverse Tour. You will certainly get a chance to check out this incredible band soon. And we highly recommend that you do so as soon as humanly possible.

    timbre coup lespecial

    Setlist: Snell’s Fleet, The Vessel > Homie, Gallows Hill, Repeater, Homieverse, DGH I, New Fish, Onlookers, Rays, FWD, Repriser, Fear the Djinn, My Name is Mud (Primus) > Jerry (Primus), > My Name is Mud, E. Tonberry, Lungs

  • In Focus: Tinsley Ellis Album Release Show at Caffe Lena

    Tinsley Ellis is on tour across America following his latest album release, Devil May Care, and he made a stop in Saratoga Springs on February 19th to play at Caffe Lena. The Atlanta-born front man released his first album, Cool on it, in 1986 and has been consistently putting out music ever since. Tinsley’s hard earned experience was evident from the moment he took the stage; with no words spoken, he jumped right into his upbeat blues with songs including: ‘One Less Reason,’ and ‘To the Devil for a Dime.’

    These opening songs set the tone for whole show. Tinsley impressed the crowd with his powerful vocals and even stronger guitar solos. For some, their instruments are an extension of their bodies, and this was certainly the case for Mr. Ellis. Tinsley’s road worn guitars showed their use, and he showed Caffe Lena just how well he can use them. His pedal board was minimal, and this left the control over Tinsley’s tone entirely in his own hands. After just these two songs, it was clear what the Saratoga crowd was in for a masterclass in blues guitar.

    Tinsley came out hot and stayed hot, counting off song after song with no pauses in between. He continued on with tracks from his 1994 album Storm Warning, including: ‘A Quitter Never Wins’ and ‘The Next Miss Wrong.’ Eventually, Tinsley would let the room simmer as he pulled up a stool, and grabbed his resonator to play some slide guitar for the Saratoga crowd. In the image above, you can see the reflection cast on the ceiling by the beautiful silver top of his guitar. Tinsley covered songs by both Muddy Waters, and Willie Dixon before playing one solo tune.

    When the band returned to the stage, the room’s energy shot back up during Tinsley’s high tempo track, ’28 Days,’ off the new album. Fans cheered along, and one fan in particular, with his cane raised high, shouted “YEAH TINS,” just as he had done all throughout the night. The tempo came back down again for another new song called ‘Slow Train to Hell,’ and the regular set closed out with ‘Pawnbroker.’ After a brief stage exit, Tinsley and co. returned to the stage for a crowd-welcomed encore that left Caffe Lena’s patrons standing for an ovation.

    Below you can check out a clip from Tinsley’s set on Caffe Lena’s YouTube channel. Skip to around minute 8 to see Tinsley take the stage.

    After this stop in Saratoga, Tinsley Ellis will be continuing on down the road to Nashville before hitting the rest of the U.S. For all of his upcoming tour dates you can visit Tinsley’s website. You can also listen to his new album on Spotify. And don’t forget to check out Tinsley’s YouTube channel and Instagram. For future shows at Caffe Lena, visit their website.

    Setlist (Partial): One Less Reason, To the Devil for a Dime, A Quitter Never Wins, The Next Miss Wrong, Cut You Loose (Buddy Guy), Double Eyed Whammy, I Can’t Be Satisfied (Muddy Waters), Little Red Rooster (Willie Dixon), ‘Solo Acoustic Song,’ 28 Days, Slow Train to Hell, Pawnbroker

    Encore: ‘Elmore Slide Songs’

  • Chris Stapleton to Tour Through Three New York Venues

    The formidable singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton is set to tour through three New York venues this year. On the list is Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, Saratoga Performing Arts Center and CMAC in Canandaigua.

    The accomplished artist announces this tour in concurrence with his three Grammy nominations. Moreover, with already five wins already under his belt, Stapleton has the accolades to show his strength and talents.

    Chris Stapleton
    Chris Stapleton

    Expected to join the Chris Stapleton at CMAC are Elle King, famous for her hit viral song “Ex’s & Oh’s” and Madeline Edwards. At the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater and Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Elle King and Morgan Wade will perform. All three women are talented in their respective rights, and their performances will be spectacles to watch.

    Tickets go on sale Friday, February 25th at 10 AM local time.

    Chris Stapleton 2022 All-American Road Show Tour

    March 17—Houston, TX—Houston Rodeo

    March 18—Durant, OK—Choctaw Casino (SOLD OUT)

    March 19—Durant, OK—Choctaw Casino (SOLD OUT)

    April 8—Atlantic City, NJ—Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

    April 9—Atlantic City, NJ—Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

    April 20—Toledo, OH—Huntington Center* (SOLD OUT)

    April 21—Columbus, OH—Schottenstein Center*

    April 23—Lexington, KY—A Concert for Kentucky – Kroger Field† (SOLD OUT)

    April 28—London, ON—Budweiser Gardens‡

    April 29—Ottawa, ON—Canadian Tire Centre‡ (SOLD OUT)

    April 30—Montreal, QC—Centre Bell‡ (SOLD OUT)

    May 5—Regina, SK—Brandt Centre‡

    May 6—Saskatoon, SK—Sasktel Centre‡

    May 7—Winnipeg, MB—Canada Life Centre‡

    May 11—Edmonton, AB—Rogers Place‡ (SOLD OUT)

    May 12—Calgary, AB—Scotiabank Saddledome‡

    May 14—Vancouver, BC—Rogers Arena‡ (SOLD OUT)

    June 2—Nampa, ID—Ford Idaho Center Arena+

    June 3—Ridgefield, WA—Sunlight Supple Amphitheater+ (SOLD OUT)

    June 4—George, WA—Gorge Amphitheater+ (SOLD OUT)

    June 9—San Diego, CA—North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre#

    June 10—Los Angeles, CA—The Forum#

    June 11—San Bernardino, CA—Glen Helen Amphitheater#

    June 16—Bakersfield, CA—Mechanics Bank Arena+ (SOLD OUT)

    June 17—Sacramento, CA—Toyota Amphitheatre+ (SOLD OUT)

    June 18—Mountain View, CA—Shoreline Amphitheatre+ (SOLD OUT)

    June 23—West Valley City, UT—USANA Amphitheatre^ (SOLD OUT)

    June 24—Denver, CO—Ball Arena^

    June 25—Denver, CO—Ball Arena^ (SOLD OUT)

    July 7—Cleveland, OH—Blossom Music Center°

    July 8—Detroit, MI—Comerica Park§

    July 9—Charleston, WV—Charleston Coliseum°

    July 21—Mt. Pleasant, MI—Soaring Eagle Casino‡

    July 22—Noblesville, IN—Ruoff Music Center°

    July 23—Chicago, IL—Wrigley Field**

    July 28—Huntsville, AL—The Orion Amphitheater°

    July 29—Rogers, AR—Walmart AMP°

    July 30—Kansas City, MO—GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium††

    August 17—Canandaigua, NY—CMAC°

    August 19—Cincinnati, OH—Riverbend Music Center° (SOLD OUT)

    August 20—Columbia, MD—Merriweather Post Pavilion°

    August 25—Wantagh, NY—Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater‡‡

    August 26—Saratoga, NY—Saratoga Performing Arts Center‡‡

    August 27—Hershey, PA–Hersheypark Stadium‡‡

    September 2-4—Snowmass, CO—Jazz Aspen Snowmass

    October 6—Grand Forks, ND—Alerus Center‡‡

    October 7—Saint Paul, MN—Xcel Energy Center‡‡

    October 8—Milwaukee, WI—Fiserv Forum‡‡

    October 13—Jacksonville, FL—VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena‡‡

    October 14—Tampa, FL—MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amp‡‡

    October 15—Hollywood, FL—Hard Rock Live‡‡

    October 20—Little Rock, AR—Simmons Bank Arena‡‡

    October 21—Bossier City, LA—Brookshire Grocery Arena‡‡

    October 22—New Orleans, LA—Smoothie King Center‡‡ (on-sale March 11)

    October 27—Fort Worth, TX—Dickies Arena‡‡

    “ALL-AMERICAN ROAD SHOW” SPECIAL GUESTS

    *with special guests Margo Price and Yola

    †with special guests Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, and Yola

    ‡with special guest Elle King

    +with special guests Margo Price and Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

    #with special guests Dwight Yoakam and Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

    ^with special guests Elle King and Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

    °with special guests Elle King and Madeline Edwards

    §with special guests Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Marty Stuart and Madeline Edwards

    **with special guests The Highwomen, Mavis Staples and Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

    ††with George Strait

    ‡‡with special guests Elle King and Morgan Wade

    For more information visit https://www.chrisstapleton.com/

  • Andy Frasco & The U.N. Announce New LP ‘Wash, Rinse, Repeat’

    Andy Frasco & The U.N. has a lot of news to share. First and foremost, the band has announced that they will be releasing a new LP, set to release April 8. To celebrate the announcement, the band released the titular track of the album accompanied by a music video. Frasco speaks on the single: 

    [Wash, Rinse, Repeat] is about the PTSD of being in your house for too long. We forgot who we were before this pandemic. Now that we are slowly coming out of this, it’s time to follow our dreams again. Get outside, explore, maybe fall in love with someone or ourselves again. The Renaissance is around the corner.

    Andy Frasco
    Andy Frasco
    Andy Frasco

    The track itself brims with positivity, love, and excitement. Andy Frasco delivers intoxicating vocals which perfectly tip-toe the line between raspiness and mellifluousness. Moreover, Ernie Chang electrifies the song with a perfect brass touch, giving the single its infectious feel. Alongside a catchy hook and great instrumentation, the song has the potential to be a hit for the band.

    Andy Frasco and the U.N.
    Andy Frasco and the U.N.

    Alongside the album announcement and the release of Wash, Rinse, Repeat, Andy Frasco and the U.N. also announced a tour throughout the United States. On their run, the band is set to hit the Town Ballroom in Buffalo and Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs. Twiddle will join the band in Buffalo.

    ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N. LIVE

    + with Twiddle

    2/11 – Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO

    2/19 – Sweetwater Brewing Company – Atlanta, GA

    2/26 – Gasparilla Music Festival – Tampa, FL

    4/5 – State Theatre – State College, PA +

    4/6 – House of Blues – Cleveland, OH +

    4/7 – Town Ballroom Buffalo, NY +

    4/8 – The Bluestone – Columbus, OH +

    4/9 – The Majestic – Detroit, MI +

    4/10 – Bell’s Back Room – Kalamazoo, MI

    4/13 – Roxian Theatre – McKees Rocks, PA +

    4/14 – Soundstage – Baltimore, MD +

    4/15 – Putnam Place – Saratoga Springs, NY

    4/16 – Infinity Music Hall – Hartford, CT

    4/17 – The National – Richmond, VA +

    4/20 – Beer City – Oklahoma City, OK

    4/22 – TACAW – Basalt, CO

    4/24 – Hill Fest 2022 – Eden, UT

    5/5 – Tipitina’s – New Orleans, LA

    5/26 – 5/29 – Rooster Walk – Martinsville, VA

    5/27 – 5/30 – Arise Music Festival – Loveland, CO

    5/27 – 5/29 – Summer Camp Music Festival – Chillicothe, IL

    6/16 – 6/19 – Bonnaroo – Manchester, TN

    6/18 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre (supporting Umphrey’s McGee) – Morrison, CO

    7/7 – 7/9 – 4848 Festival – Snowshoe, WV

    For tickets and more information on Andy Frasco and the U.N., www.andyfrasco.com

  • 45th Annual Freihofer’s Jazz Festival Returns to SPAC June 25th and 26th with Wynton Marsalis, Booker T and many more

    June 25th and 26th will be two days of the 45th Annual Freihofer’s Jazz Festival at SPAC in Saratoga Springs. The weekend event will feature a plethora of legendary and Grammy award-winning musicians.

    Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival has been one of North America’s largest jazz festivals over the past 45 years. This year’s festival will mark the 25th anniversary of its partnership with Freihofer’s. The bakery committed a multi-year sponsorship to the festival. The Festival will have a weekend of entertaining music, and other amenities to enjoy as well. This includes an arts and crafts fair, artist CD signings, and food vendors.

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center will allow families to bring their own food, blankets, tents, and lawn umbrellas. A $20 student and child amphitheater pass will be offered for children ages 12 and under and students with school-issued ID at the time of entrance. Also, parking will be free.

    Jazz Festival

    The line-up is headlined by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, returning to the festival for the first time since 1998; soul music legend Booker T. Presents: A Stax Revue;
    powerhouse vocalist Ledisi for her festival debut; jazz/hip-hop crossover great Robert
    Glasper    ; and New Orleans funk and jazz collective Galactic featuring Anjelika Jelly
    Joseph     for its festival debut.

    Saturday, June 25

    Amphitheater :

    Booker T. Presents: A Stax Revue*

    Robert Glasper

    Galactic featuring Anjelika Jelly Joseph*

    Con Tumbao* featuring Issac Delgado, Robby Ameen, Oscar Hernandez, Conrad Herwig, Pedrito Martinez, Juan Munguia, Alain Pérez, Mike Rodriguez, Tony Succar & Miguel Zenon

    Ozmosys Band featuring Omar Hakim & Rachel Z

    Amina Figarova Sextet plus Strings*

    Hot Club of Saratoga

    Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage:

    Red Baraat*

    Matt Wilson’s Honey & Salt with Dawn Thomson, Nadje Noordhuis, Jeff Lederer & Martin Wind

    Craig Handy & 2nd Line Smith* 

    Connie Han Trio*

    Emmaline*

    Dan Wilson Trio*

    Sunday, June 26

    Amphitheater:

    Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

    Ledisi*

    SuperBlue: Kurt Elling featuring Charlie Hunter

    Eliane Elias

    Matthew Whitaker*

    Garland Nelson’s Joyful Noise

    Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage:

    Cha Wa

    Tiempo Libre*

    Carolyn Wonderland*

    Ryan Keberle & Catharsis*

    Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars celebrate George Wein* featuring Mike Rodriguez, Steve Davis, Jimmy Greene, Bill Cunliffe, Dave Stryker, Todd Coolman & Dennis Mackrel

    For more information on the Freihofer’s Jazz Festival, visit spac.org.

  • In Focus: Tom Rush and Matt Nakoa at Caffe Lena

    On Sunday, February 6, Tom Rush made his way down from Vermont to Saratoga Springs to perform at Caffe Lena with Matt Nakoa. The relatively warm weather brought out a packed crowd for the duo’s first of two shows on Sunday. Tom took the stage by himself to open the show with “Best of a Bad Situation’, and he set the tone for what was to come. The show was filled with masterful finger-picking on guitar, witty lyrics, and personal storytelling. And all of that was seamlessly accompanied by Matt Nakoa on the piano.

    tom rush matt nakoa

    Rush and Nakoa were operating at exactly the same wavelength all night long. Intricate finger-picking on guitar was combined with beautifully delicate runs on piano. Neither musician stepped on the other’s toes, instead their parts danced in perfect unison. This chemistry was nothing new though, as was pointed out by Tom when he told a story about one of their first shows together. In the story, Tom and Matt arrived at a venue much later than anticipated, and were left with no time to rehearse. Despite this, Matt took the stage and accompanied Tom as though he had been playing his songs for years.

    After a few songs, including covers of songs by Joni Mitchell and Sleepy John Estes, Tom left the stage while Matt took over for a few songs by himself. The lefty picked up a guitar and showcased his ability to play and sing beyond his role on piano. Nakoa, standing somewhere well above 6’3″, was exceptionally dexterous, fretting chords using all five fingers with total ease, a task which would cripple most guitarists.

    tom rush matt nakoa

    Shortly after leaving the stage, Tom returned and performed his “big hit on YouTube” as he put it: ‘Remember Song.’ As the set drew to a close, the energy rose while Tom and Matt lost themselves in the music. The duo would end the night with songs including ‘Train Song’ by Murray Mclauchlan and Rush’s ‘River Song.’ ‘River Song’ was played as a part of the show’s encore, an encore which was not preceded by a stage exit. Only when you have been performing over the span of seven decades like Tom Rush has, do you get to decide whether or not an encore break is necessary. As the encore drew to a close, and the musicians’ final notes rang out, the crowd rose to their feet to applaud in a standing ovation.

    tom rush matt nakoa

    Both Tom and Matt will be traveling the country and performing live in the coming months. You can find Tom’s upcoming shows, accompanied by Matt, on his website here. For Matt’s solo shows, you can find them listed on his own site. The two will be all over the Northeast mostly, with a two show trip out west to California. Be sure to check out their websites to stay up-to-date on all their happenings. And for future shows at Caffe Lena, check out the their website.

  • Nora Brown, Rising Bluegrass Talent, To Play at Caffe Lena

    Nora Brown is not a regular teenager. The 16-year-old is quickly rising to stardom using her talent of one unorthodox instrument: the banjo. “It’s kind of a unique instrument compared to other stringed instruments,” she says in an interview with Brooklyn Magazine, “it has a very unique sound that I was drawn to.

    Nora Brown
    Nora Brown

    Unlike most teenagers her age, Brown finds musical enjoyment in traditional bluegrass music and her musicianship on the banjo pays homage to the greats before her. Moreover, the Brooklyn native was mentored by the late New York native and legendary Renaissance man John Cohen, and his mentorship shines through on the rising talent’s strings. 

    In her swift rise through the world of bluegrass, Brown has already collected a considerable amount of accolades. Her 2019 debut album, Cinnamon Tree, peaked at #7 on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts. Moreover, her second record, Sidetrack My Engine, was released last year and debuted at #6 on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts. Amazingly, the record was recorded in an underground brick arched cave under Brooklyn on an Ampex tape machine. The 16-year-old also has a Tiny Desk Concert on NPR Music, which is linked below.

    Nora Brown Caffe Lena

    The rising bluegrass talent has an exciting career ahead of her. She will be playing at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, Feb 12th from 8 PM to 10 PM. Tickets are available here.

  • Mike Block Trio February Tour to stop at Rockwood Hall, Caffe Lena

    The Mike Block Trio is back again for their first tour of 2022 and they plan to play at Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, on February 11th. This American Roots group recorded an album last month and have lots of new tunes to share.

    Mike Block Trio
    Mike Block Trio Press Photo

    The trio consists of Joe K. Walsh (mandolin/vocals), Zachariah Hickman (bass/vocals), and led by Mike Block (cello/vocals), they are a supergroup of unique and virtuosic players. Using their American roots music with contemporary and international influences, they bring a personal perspective to their acoustic music. For example, all members of the band are heavily experienced in music and have brought an equally professional perspective their songs. Their music is artfully compoed and pleasant to listen to.

    Mike Block Trio Press Photo
    Mike Block Trio Press Photos

    Mike Block is a pioneering cello player, singer, composer, and educator. He is committed to inspiring individuals and connecting with individuals across communities. Using his patented design, The Block Strap, Mike was the first standing cellist to perform at Carnegie Hall.  Touring extensively throughout the world, he has been featured in shows as a cellist and vocal soloist. Likewise, he has contributed arrangements and compositions, and even earned a Grammy Award in 2017 for the album, “Sing Me Home.” The NY Times characterized the performance as, “Breathless … Half dance, half dare.”

    Joe K. Walsh  is a Bluegrass mandolin player and singer known for his work with the legendary Gibson Brothers band. Furthermore, the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has named The Gibson Brothers Band winner of awards for Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, and Song of the Year. After being the first mandolinist to graduate from the Berklee College of Music on the mandolin, Joe returned to Berklee in 2011 as both a mandolin instructor and as a Managing Director of the “American Roots Music Program.”

    Mike Block Trio
    Mike Block Trio Press Photos

    Zachariah Hickman is a double bassist, singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer based out of Boston, MA. In addition, he received his formal training in jazz performance and composition from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Similarly, as a producer, Zachariah as made records with many talented singers including Rose Cousins (for which he won a Canadian JUNO award), Mark Erelli, Laura Cortese, Miss Tess, and his own bluegrass band Barnstar. He has even made Television appearances including five David Letterman appearances, Conan O’brien, Ellen Degeneres, and Late Night with Jools Holland for the BBC.

    The Mike Block Trio has also collaborated with musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, a popular American cellist. Mike is a member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble (SRE), having joined in 2005 while a student at The Juilliard School.

    Mike Block Trio are working alongside the finest venues to do everything they can to make sure it’s safe for their fans to go out to their upcoming shows. As a result of these safety precautions, all shows will require masks and proof of vaccination. Tour dates and more info can be found on their website. Tickets to the Caffe Lena show can be found here.