Category: Southern Tier

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
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.

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.

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!!

August 4, 2022
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

August 2, 2022
iMatter Festival Returns to Horseheads Following Two Year Hiatus

After having a two year hiatus, shows and festivals of all sizes are coming back and coming back strong. One such festival that has been a staple for many years which brought people from all over the state and out, this festival, is iMatter. If you ever been to Warped Tour, you may get a similar vibe, with multiple vendors, bands with merch tents, two stages(way less than Warped Tour).

IMatter’s home is located in Horseheads at The L, and while not big in comparison to the other cities like Rochester or Buffalo, many flock to this area every year for it. One thing that shocks many, is the fact that this festival is free, which seems impossible and has been since the start. There is a lot more to talk about but who better to explain than the current organizer Adam Bunce.

Joe Booth: So, how would you describe iMatter Festival to someone who’s never been?

Adam Bunce: The iMatter Festival is a free annual festival featuring hard rock, metal, and alternative bands from local to national acts. The festival counter suicide, self-harm and self-doubt by promoting unearthed value, unveiled purpose and defiant hope to this generation.

JB: What was your inspiration for the festival and the name?

AB: The iMatter Festival is a free concert hosted by the iMatter Foundation promoting life, hope and value to our communities. Its message is simple: every life matters. The festival began in 2007 because the founder, Scott Lowmaster, wanted to give everyone in attendance something for free, and ask nothing in return from them for attending.

JB: What makes iMatter special for you?

AB: iMatter is special to me because it’s truly something unique and one of a kind. A festival like this would normally run upwards of $50-$500 to attend, yet we have found a way to make it free for those that choose to join us each year.

JB: What has been your favorite iMatter or memory?

AB: For me personally it was probably the year that Underoath headlined the festival. Underoath has always been one of the most influential bands for me over the last 20 years. It was always a dream of mine to book them and we had that opportunity in 2018.

JB: After being on hiatus for two years, were there any challenges to bringing back the festival?

AB: We’ve had a lot of issues this year, issues are always a thing when it comes to booking a festival. Unfortunately, we weren’t granted our mass gathering permit from the county. This is the main reason we had to move the location of the festival to The L. The L is an iMatter run venue that we opened up in September of 2021. As much as the festival is what helped us birth the venue, the venue just isn’t large enough to give iMatter the “feel” that an open field provides. We hope that in 2023 we’ll be able to get this all back up and running as an outdoor festival, it was either move to The L in 2022 or not run for a 3rd straight summer.

JB: I’m sure with the festival almost here, you still have lots of planning going on but do you have any goals for next year and beyond?

AB: Yes, we are always trying to make sure that we are offering something unique to those who attend. Its always our mission to keep the festival free, and we will continue to follow that model. But we love what some of the VIP packages have allowed us to offer those that are willing to pay for an enhanced experience on the day of the festival.

JB: Thank you for your time, would like to add any final thoughts?

AB: We are just ecstatic that we can bring iMatter Festival back after having a 2 year hiatus. Even if it’s just a smaller version of what iMatter has been historically, it’s a step towards what it was originally intended to be.

In case you haven’t seen it, this is the lineup for this year and even though this is a free event, the capacity is limited and all free tickets have been claimed but there’s still plenty of VIP packages you can buy. We will see you July 30th at The L for iMatter Festival Reset.

Take a look back at iMatter Festival in 2018 and 2019.

July 18, 2022
In Focus: As I Lay Dying Return from Hiatus to The L in Horseheads

On June 26, As I Lay Dying brought their Two Decades of Destruction Tour to a brand new venue in Horseheads, The L, which has been on a roll with shows since it opened.

This was a show to get to early as it nearly sold out and you had a bit of a walk from the parking lot. Brand Of Sacrifice opened up and came out swinging, the heavy metal band from Canada taking command of the stage.

Next up was Shadow Of Intent, hailing from Connecticut, who kept the energy going. Originally the band began as a two piece and started off with Halo-themed music, then transitioned to the deathcore sound they have now.

Shadow Of Intent

Rolling up after them was Whitechapel, a band that is a staple in the deathcore community and probably could be considered the heaviest on the tour. Finally, to close out the night was As I Lay Dying, who had been on hiatus since 2014, having formed in 2000 in San Diego, California.

There was a bit of a hiccup before the tour as a few band members stepped down but the show went on and the place was filled, with Ryan Neff from Miss May I stepping in; he’ll be back at The L in September with another stacked lineup.

There have been many great shows at this venue but this one was definitely one for the books and with no signs of slowing down with the lineups that have already been announced, The L is making itself well known in the Northeast music scene.

Brand Of Sacrifice

Shadow Of Intent

Whitechapel

As I Lay Dying

July 12, 2022
Hearing Aide: The Wrecks ‘Sonder’

If you’re searching for the eternal sound of summer, the alternative indie punk-pop outfit the Wrecks might be just the thing you need to remember the season is here. The Wellsville, NY band’s sophomore full-length album Sonder drops on June 10 across all streaming platforms via Big Noise Music Group.

Eleven tracks nod to the quintessential pop/punk sound of the early 2000’s paying homage to the pioneers of the genre. But in Sonder, the Wrecks have developed their own unique 2020’s twist incorporating elements of current pop trends and new wave style synth to the mix.

Lyrics are relatable; the kind of lyrics you can apply to your life without knowing original context or origin story. “I’d say our lyrics have always been honest and vulnerable,” noted Wreck’s vocalist/producer Nick Anderson, “and not only was I able to depend on that narrative compass once again, but I found it taking me to a whole new place this time creatively.” Anderson’s vocals shine. There is a powerful delicate balance to his vocal performance, a beautiful dichotomy that fits the band’s musical vibe – soft and tepid to robust and commanding and back again with a natural ease.

The album’s lead single, “Sonder” is a musical punch. Musically, the tune is sharp and demands attention. The chorus’s unexpected hook warrants a “car windows down, singing at the top of your lungs like no one is next to you at the red light” type of moment. “Where Are You Now” showcases a different side to the band’s sound – acoustic guitar and ethereal vocals create an unexpected ballad early in the track listing. The album’s latest single “Lone Survivor”, a flashy earworm, closes the album with a dance heavy bass groove that justifies using the repeat button for a few listens.

The Wrecks are currently touring in support of Sonder with a 33-show tour this summer. New York stops include dates in Buffalo at the Rec Room (June 29), Albany at the Empire Underground (June 30) and Webster Hall in New York City (Jul 8). Full tour dates can be found here.

Key Tracks: Sonder, Where Are You Now, Lone Survivor, I Love This Part

June 9, 2022
Zac Brown Band Summer Tour Includes Stops at SPAC, Citi Field, and Endicott

Zac Brown Band has announced their “Out in the Middle Tour” for summer 2022, including stops at Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Citi Field in Queens and En-Joie Golf Course in Endicott.

The “Out in the Middle Tour” will showcase the band’s old-school country roots and southern-rock style, serving as an ode to their country pride and life’s simple pleasures. Joining the band once again will be Caroline Jones, who performed as a special guest during “The Comeback Tour.” Zac Brown Band also welcomes Robert Randolph Band as the opening act on select dates throughout the tour.

Performing in front of millions of fans around the world is one of the most electrifying and humbling feelings. We’re so excited to go back out on the road and keep the unbelievable momentum going from ‘The Comeback Tour.’ It’s been such an incredible year for the band, debuting some of the best music we’ve ever made, and we are thrilled to continue playing live for our amazing fans.
Zac Brown

ZBB will make three stops in the Empire State this summer, starting at SPAC in Saratoga Springs on Thursday, June 2, Citi Field in Queens on August 18, and at En-Joie Golf Course in Endicott, just west of Binghamton on the Susquehanna River.

Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, January 21 at 10 AM at ZacBrownBand.com. Zac Brown Band will offer VIP packages for each show that include premium tickets, access to the Uncaged Lounge with complimentary wine, beer & appetizers, an exclusive VIP gift item & more. Package contents vary based on offer selected. Fans can visit VIPNation.com for more information. The “Zamily” Fan Club pre-sale will begin on Tuesday, January 18 at 10AM, followed by the simultaneous Spotify and Live Nation Pre-Sales on Wednesday, January 19 at 10 AM. For tickets or more information please visit ZacBrownBand.com.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iNTErjy1Xk

Zac Brown Band “Out in the Middle Tour” 2022 Dates

Friday, April 22 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena+

Saturday, April 23 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium+

Friday, May 20 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center+

Sunday, May 22 – San Antonio, TX – Real Life Amphitheater

Thursday, June 2 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center+

Friday, June 3 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage+

Friday, June 17 – Atlanta, GA – Truist Park+

Friday, July 8 – Akron, OH – Dowed Field*

Saturday, July 9 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field+

Friday, July 15 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park^+

Thursday, July 28 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center

Friday, July 29 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

Saturday, July 30 – Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

Friday, August 12 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre+

Saturday, August 13 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center+

Sunday, August 14 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium+

Thursday, August 18 – New York, NY – Citi Field+

Friday, August 19 – Endicott, NY – En-Joie Golf Course*

Friday, August 26 – Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion+

Saturday, August 27 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live+

Friday, September 23 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater+

Saturday, September 24 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion+

Sunday, September 25 – Birmingham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre+

Friday, October 7 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place+

Saturday, October 8 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre+

Sunday, October 9 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre+

Thursday, October 20 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena+

Friday, October 21 – Vancouver, BC – Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena+

Saturday, October 22 – Portland, OR – Moda Center+

Friday, November 4 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl+

Sunday, November 6 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena+

Saturday, November 19 – Phoenix, AZ – Chase Field**

ADDITIONAL 2022 PERFORMANCE DATES:

May 21 – Frisco, TX – Soccer Hall of Fame Weekend*

Aug 25 – Put-in-Bay, OH – Bash on the Bay*

*Tickets on-sale now

**Ticket on-sale date to be announced

^Tickets go on-sale Thursday, January 20^th

+Special Guest Robert Randolph Band

January 16, 2022

Built in Breakdance