NYS Music 202​2

Tag: Paramount Hudson Valley

  • In Focus: Queensrÿche Bring Heavy Metal Back to Peekskill’s Paramount Hudson Valley

    Heavy metal rockers Queensrÿche brought an extended show to Paramount Hudson Valley on April 3 in a one-off headlining set in between shows supporting Judas Priest’s North American tour. The night was packed full with opening sets from Black Dawn and Hittman.

    Black Dawn

    Formed in 1996 on Long Island, Black Dawn kicked off the night with songs from their five-album discography. NYC’s Hittman has an even longer history in the NY Metro area metal scene dating back to the mid 1980s. Their fast-paced set echoed some of the core sounds of their NYC scene neighbors Dream Theater, just without the higher degree of progressive metal elements.

    Hittman

    Queensrÿche landed on the Paramount’s stage with an off-night between supporting shows for Judas Priest in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The extended time afforded by their own headlining show allowed them to dust off some songs they weren’t able to fit in their supporting shows such as one of their latest songs “Man the Machine” (from The Verdict, 2019) and other steadfast favorites from the band’s four decade history.

    With a long history Queensrÿche has had a few lineup changes over the years; most notably the departure of original singer Geoff Tate in 2012 whose vocals helped shape the band’s sound. The replacement by Todd La Torre has proven to drive the band forward with continuity in their sound and presence.

    Queensrÿche Setlist: Queen of the Reich, Warning, En Force, NM 156, Breaking the Silence, I Don’t Believe in Love, Man the Machine, Walk in the Shadows, The Whisper, Silent Lucidity, Jet City Woman, Operation: Mindcrime, The Needle Lies, Eyes of a Stranger

    Encore: Take Hold of the Flame, Screaming in Digital, Empire

    Black Dawn
    Hittman

  • Honoring the Blues: Professor Louie’s Century of The Blues

    On Saturday March 26, 2022, the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater presented Professor Louie’s Century of The Blues, a special evening to honor the great blues artists in history and thank them for their contributions throughout the years. The night was augmented by photographer Joseph A. Rosen’s photos from “A Photographic Journey, Keeping The Blues Alive” projected behind the artists during the evening.

    The Professor Louie’s Century of The Blues bill included Professor Louie along with his compatriots in music, The Crowmatix.  Hudson Valley based Professor Louie & The Crowmatix are known for working with The Band and other notable Woodstock performers.  The night also featured multiple Grammy nominated Guy Davis. Davis is affectionally known as “An Ambassador of the Blues.” Guy has traveled the world bringing his style of the blues to all.  Completing the triad of performers was Joe Louis Walker.  Walker is also a Grammy nominee in additional to being a four-time Blues Music Awards winner, Blues Hall of Fame inductee, and recipient of the prestigious W.C. Handy award.

    Professor Louie’s Century of The Blues, background photo by Joseph A. Rosen
    Professor Louie & The Crowmatix, background photo by Joseph A. Rosen

    Each act performed a set, sharing its take on the blues. The five-piece Professor Louie & The Crowmatix opened the night sharing songs that influenced and inspired the band through its long tenure. Professor Louie and fellow band mate Miss Marie traded lead vocals, with Louie stepping out from the behind keyboards to play accordion on a few songs.

    Professor Louie’s Century of The Blues, performer Guy Davis
    Guy Davis

    The middle slot belonged to Guy Davis.  Sitting center stage with his acoustic guitar, Davis shed light on the origins of this classic genre with his playing style.  Drawing from Lead Belly and other blues notables, Guy’s set merged classics with originals, most strikingly his “Kokomo Kidd.”   To close out, Davis had the audience backing him on vocals as he sang a cappella accompanied by his harmonica.

    Professor Louie’s Century of The Blues, performer Joe Louis Walker
    Joe Louis Walker

    After a brief intermission, Joe Louis Walker and band took the stage.  Walker, originally from San Francisco and now a Hudson Valley resident, lit up the stage with his guitar prowess.  His playing let everyone know that the blues are here to stay.  With a powerful rhythm section supporting Walker, the band took the blues to the next level.  Joe interspersed his own compositions in the set as he and keyboard player Scott Milici traded leads throughout their time on stage. To finish off the journey through the blues, the house brought Joe and crew back for an encore to close out the night.

    Professor Louie & The Crowmatix

    Professor Louie’s Century of The Blues
    Professor Louie’s Century of The Blues

    Guy Davis

    Professor Louie’s Century of The Blues
    Professor Louie’s Century of The Blues
    Professor Louie’s Century of The Blues
    Professor Louie’s Century of The Blues

    Joe Louis Walker