NYS Music 2023

Author: daniel bocchino

  • In Focus: Mikaela Davis and Southern Star at Funk ‘n Waffles in Syracuse

    The sounds of Mikaela Davis’ harp once again danced through Armory Square in Syracuse, as Davis and her band, Southern Star returned to Funk ’n Waffles for a performance on Friday, December 8.  The band last played Syracuse in May, with a stunning three-show residency.  Rochester natives Maybird opened the show. 

    2023 has been quite kind for Davis, the classically trained harpist from Rochester. Davis and her band released their first full length album as a unit, And Southern Star in June. They have played multiple show residencies in various cities through out New York State, which have often seen the shows sell out well in advance. The band recently wrapped up a west-coast tour which saw them opening for indie favorites, The Mountain Goats. They have come together for one final run through Upstate New York before the year closes.

    Friday night opened with a set by Rochester natives Maybird. The psychedelic rockers delighted early arrivers to the club, with a forty minute set filled with spacey guitar riffs.  Fans packed their way to the front and were quickly engrossed in the band’s psychedelic sounds.  

    After a brief stage change over, which saw Davis herself drag and tune her harp at center stage, Southern Star joined and the set was under way.  Fans were immediately met with the hypnotic harp intro of “Cinderella”, the opening track on the band’s recent release. Slowly the remainder of the band would add their sounds to the mix. The band would follow with the appropriately named “In My Groove”, which had fans dancing and swaying in front of the stage.

    While Mikaela Davis and her harp talents may be the primary draw for listeners, Southern Star proved to be anything but a backing band.  Through out the set each band member would lay their musical finger prints on the tracks, transforming them from their studio form to live masterpieces.  The band would regularly go on extended musical jam sessions during songs, paying homage to their musical inspirations such as Grateful Dead.  Tracks like “Leave It” took on new life when paired with Kurt Johnson’s pedal steel, Cian McCarthy’s saxophone, while Shane McCarthy (bass guitar) and Alex Cote (percussion) kept pace.  The song, after an extended jam would then flow seamlessly into the rocking “Promise”. It was just one of many moments during the set that showcased the band’s refreshing musical talents.  

    After a ninety minute set and a brief encore, the band would return to the stage with opener Maybird for an energetic rendition of “Other Lover”. The song would see band members taking turns on various pieces of percussion, including a colander.  It was a fun way to wrap up the evening, but still showcase the many musical talents that graced the stage on this evening.  

  • In Focus: Mike Powell and the Echosound Bring Sonic Experience to Middle Ages in Syracuse

    On a day where shoppers flocked to stores and malls in search of holiday deals, music fans made their way to the Middle Ages Beer Hall to see Mike Powell and the Echosound. The Echosound, a jam-rock band from Syracuse is the latest musical incarnation of singer-songwriter Mike Powell.

    Mike Powell and the Echosound

    Opener Neil Minet got things rolling on Friday evening, with a blistering sixty minute set.  Minet and his band have been turning heads over the last year in Syracuse, has included a notable performance at the 2023 NYS Blues Fest.  The Neil Minet Band blends blues, funk and R&B sounds, resulting in a set that had the entire room swaying and dancing.

    Mike Powell and the Echosound

    As Mike Powell and his bandmates took to the stage, Powell stepped towards the mic and offered a smile and the following words; “Let’s have some fun.”  With that, the house lights dimmed and the band was underway.  Opening with a cryptic musical jam, guitarist John Hanus was given the opportunity to step in to the spotlight early, and he did not disappoint.  Hanus would deliver a guitar solo that was both beautiful and powerful, while backed by the strong musicianship of the remaining members of the Echosound.  As the solo ended, Mike Powell quickly launched in to the raucous and upbeat “Submarine Gin.”   The set was fully underway and the packed beer hall crowd pushed their way closer to the stage.  

    It was evident early and often that Mike Powell and the Echosound carried with them a loyal and devoted following, as fans danced, swayed, and sang back Powell’s catchy choruses, with the concert hall filled elbow to elbow with fans.   While the band performed many of the dynamic tracks off their recent release Plastic Spoon Honeymoon, they dipped their toes into Mike Powell’s diverse solo catalog as well. 

    Songs like “Josephine” took on dramatic new life when paired with the talents of the Echosound. The song, which would stretch over nine minutes long, would build to yet another epic solo by Hanus, while bandmates Zak Masoud (bass guitar), Adam Manion (percussion) and Jeff Alderman (keyboards) kept pace, each taking their turn to shine. The song would eventually break down into a brief cover of “Come Together”, fusing both songs into one seamless piece. It was perhaps the standout moment on an evening filled with highlights, and one that will be sure to keep music fans coming back to see the band.

  • Five Can’t-Miss Shows In Syracuse This December

    The holiday season is here, and there may be no greater gift to give your friends and family this season than tickets to a stunning concert. Here are five can’t-miss shows in Syracuse this December that you may want to consider.

    December 1:  Sugar Hill Gang at Middle Ages Beer Hall

    New Jersey hip-hop pioneers Sugar Hill Gang will kick off the month with a performance at Syracuse’s newest music venue, the Middle Ages Beer Hall.  Known for their smash hit “Rapper’s Delight” which was the first rap single to become a top 40 hit (1979), the band has served as the inspiration to countless acts over the last four decades.  In 2019, the group reunited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the track, and have continued to tour intermittently since.  

    Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Tickets are $35.

    December 2:  Brand New Sin at The Westcott Theater

    Central New York hard-rock fans won’t want to miss the reunion of Syracuse’s Brand New Sin on December 2 at The Westcott Theater.  The rockers, led by Joe Altier, last performed a reunion show in 2019.  Active from 2002-2012, the band performed at the 2007 Krockathon, and have opened for bands such as Black Label Society, Slash, Chris Cornell, Godsmack, and Type O Negative. The band saw commercial success in 2002 with the release of the single “My World” which was featured on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball.

    Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Tickets are $30.

    December 8:  Mikaela Davis at Funk ’n Waffles

    Rochester native and New York State favorite Mikaela Davis returns to Funk ’n Waffles for a show on December 8.  Davis will again be joined by her band, Southern Star.  The group recently wrapped up a successful tour in support of their album, And Southern Star, which saw the band open several shows for The Mountain Goats.  Davis, a classically trained harpist, weaves beautiful melodies which intertwine with her band’s Grateful Dead inspired roots.  A recent three-show residency in Syracuse saw the band play two sets each night; one set of Southern Star originals, and one set of Grateful Dead favorites.   The band continues to rise in popularity, and this is surely one you won’t want to miss. Maybird opens the show.

    Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Tickets are $22.

    December 8:  Mountain Goats at Homer Center for the Arts

    Coincidentally on the same night, Davis’ recent tour partners and indie-folk rockers The Mountain Goats perform an intimate concert at the Center for the Arts in Homer.  Originally the creation of singer-songwriter John Darnielle, he will be accompanied by a full band for this performance.  Known for high intensity live concerts which feature Darnielle’s clever and witty lyrics, the band frequently sells out whatever venue is in their path.  This performance at the Center for the Arts is no exception.  

    Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Tickets are sold out.

    December 13:  Lindsey Stirling at Landmark Theater

    Those looking to get in to the holiday spirt won’t want to miss this one, as Lindsey Stirling returns to Central New York as part of her annual Snow Waltz Tour.   The violinist/dancer, whose performances are known for stunning choreography and theatrics, is embarking on what is now becoming an annual holiday celebration, which will see the violinist perform a wide variety of holiday favorites as well as tracks from her own Snow Waltz album.

    Music starts at 8pm with tickets starting at $79.

  • In Focus: Bush Bring Greatest Hits Tour To Landmark Theater in Syracuse

    The sounds of rock nostalgia echoed through out the historic Landmark Theater in Syracuse on Sunday, as Bush brought their “No Where To Go But Everywhere” tour to the historic theater. Bad Wolves and Eva Under Fire opened the concert.  

    It can be hard to fathom that Bush have been staples in the music industry for nearly 30 years.  Led by frontman and heart throb Gavin Rossdale, the multiplatinum selling rockers recently released Loaded; The Greatest Hits 1994-2023, a retrospective chronicle of the band’s discography.  Though many of the faces in the band have changed since 1994, they are still led by Gavin Rossdale (vocals, guitar). The remainder of the band consists of Chris Traynor (guitars), Corey Britz (bass guitar), and Nik Hughes (percussion).

    The evening kicked off with a high octane set by Eva Under Fire. Led by vocalist Eva Marie, the Detroit natives took the early arriving crowd on a fast paced musical journey. Vocalist Eva Marie took immediate command of the crowd’s attention as she strutted along the platforms that adorned the front of the stage. Midway through their set, the band embraced their role as the opening act, delivering a clever take on Journey’s “Separate Ways.” Eva Marie engaged with the audience at every opportunity, at one point taking the cellphone of a fan (who was attempting to take a mid-set selfie) and sand into the phone as she danced about the stage.

    Up next were hard rockers, Bad Wolves. Singer Daniel Laskiewicz crept through the shadows of the stage while performing tracks form the bands four album discography. They would close their set with a cover of the Cranberries hit “Zombie” which saw those in attendance rise to their feet and sing along.

    After a dramatic introduction which saw strobe lights dance about the stage in perfect synchrony to drum beats, Gavin Rossdale and his bandmates took to the stage.  They wasted no time getting the greatest hits party started, kicking off the evening with their 1994 breakthrough hit, “Everything Zen”.  From the familiar opening guitar riff, fans pushed to the front of the stage to catch a closer glimpse of the stars.  The band kept the momentum going early, with the intense rocker “Machine Head” and their 1997 hit “Greedy Fly”.  

    In between songs, Rossdale spoke about the experiences that led him to writing the songs, and encouraged the fans in attendance to reflect back on what the songs meant to them; on the memories of where they were and who they were with when they first heard them. Perhaps the most heartfelt story told by Rossdale was before performing the band’s 2000 hit “Letting the Cables Sleep”, a song written about when Rossdale learned a close friend of his had HIV.  

    Through out the evening, Rossdale and his bandmates wove through the many eras of the band’s music, with newer tracks like “Flowers On A Grave” and “More Than Machines” proving to be just as strong as the band’s earlier hits.   The band would close out the evening with two of their more familiar tracks, a solo rendition of “Glycerine” followed by “Come Down”. Both songs had fans bellowing out the familiar choruses in the theater and as they their way into the streets following the concert.

  • Five Can’t-Miss Shows in Syracuse In November

    With the holiday season rapidly approaching, many take a moment to reflect and give thanks for their family and friends. Many will also give thanks to the music community that graces their town. Here are five shows you won’t want to miss in Syracuse this November to help ring in the holiday season.

    syracuse city skyline
    Photo by Tony Shi

    November 11: Diva Nova at Maplewood Inn

    A star-studded line up of female Central New York musicians share the stage at the Maplewood Inn on Saturday, November 11.  Headlined by area favorite Jess Novak, the night will include performances by Sheela Tucker, CNY Songbirds, Liz Fiddle, Sydney Irving, Heather Kubacki, Diana Jacobs, Lisa Romano and many more.   See the full line up of musical talent here.

    Tickets start at $23 with music starting at 7pm. 

    November 12:  Deer Tick at Homer Center for the Arts

    Indie-rockers Deer Tick make their much anticipated return to Homer’s Center for the Arts on Sunday, November 12.    Known for their high energy live performances, the folk quartet last played the theater in July 2022.  Currently touring in support of their latest release, Emotional Contracts (2023), the band is sure to mix in many favorites from their extensive catalog.  Abby Hamilton opens the show.

    Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm for this sold out performance.

    November 15:  The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight at the Crouse Hinds Theater

    A unique listening experience will greet concert-goers on Wednesday November 15, as the Rock Orchestra by Candlelight will take stage in Syracuse.  Featuring a 14 piece band of classically trained musicians dressed in skeletal costumes, the musicians will perform an assortment of rock and heavy-metal tracks while lanterns and puppets adorn the stage.  This musical spectacle is surely one you won’t want to miss.

    Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm.  Limited tickets remain available for $88.

    November 22:  All Poets & Heroes at Funk ’n Waffles.

    It’ll be a homecoming celebration Thanksgiving Eve, as Syracuse indie rock favorite All Poets & Heroes return to the stage in Syracuse.  The band relocated to Nashville in early 2023, leading to limited performances in Syracuse. The band, who have drawn sonic comparisons to Radiohead, were winners of the 2023 Syracuse Area Music Award for Best New Single, for their track “Give It To Me Straight”.   Syracuse’s The Dirty Doves Band open the show.

    Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Tickets start at $13.

    November 28:  Lawrence at The Westcott Theater

    New York City soul-pop band Lawrence bring their sounds to the Westcott Theater on November 28.  Described as “High-energy, keyboard driven sound, featuring tight, energetic horns, and explosive lead vocals,” the band have been turning heads since a performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2022.   Telula opens the performance.

    Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Tickets are $30.

  • In Focus: My Morning Jacket Makes Long-Awaited Return To Albany

    There was a palpable buzz across the Arbor Hill neighborhood in North Albany on Wednesday, as rockers My Morning Jacket made their long-awaited return to the area with a performance at the Palace Theatre. The band last played in the city in 2006. Madi Diaz opened the performance.

    Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, My Morning Jacket has amassed quite the resume over its twenty-five years. Fronted by Jim James (vocals, guitar), the band also features Carl Broemel (guitars), Tom Blankenship (bass guitar), Bo Koster (keyboards), and Patrick Hallahan (percussion). The band has released nine studio albums, along with several EPs and live albums. Their current tour is in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the release of It Still Moves, and has seen the band perform the album in its entirety at certain shows.  

    Those arriving early on this evening were treated to an opening performance by singer-songwriter Madi Diaz. A lone spotlight illuminated the stage, as Diaz took opened the performance, just herself and a guitar. Diaz would take those in attendance on an emotional journey, performing songs like “Crying In Public” and “Same Risk.” Her powerful vocals, reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers, filled the theater and captivated those in attendance.

    As the clock struck 9:15, the stage went dark and the band’s familiar orchestral walk-on music played over the house speakers. The band members took to the stage to a thunderous roar from the audience.  The familiar chord strums of “Circuital” would open the show and immediately all in attendance were on their feet. As the song slowly built in energy, fans made their way to the front of the stage, filling the side wings to dance about as the song kicked into full gear. The band kept the momentum going early, playing fan favorites such as “It Beats 4 U,” “I’m Amazed,” and “Mahgeetah” early in the set. 

    Jim James would bring Madi Diaz back to the stage early in the performance, to offer a beautiful rendition of the band’s classic ballad “I Will Be There When You Die.” The song would see Diaz harmonizing with James, with the two trading lyrics during the second verse, which even included Diaz adding a line to call out her hometown in Pennsylvania.

    In all, the performance would feature all the familiar staples of a My Morning Jacket concert. Jim James’ signature vocals danced about the beautiful Palace Theatre. The band consistently elevated songs from their studio form, with jams and improvisations making each song unique to this night, with several tracks stretching into extended jam sessions. A prolific light show mesmerized those in attendance, with a giant disco ball dropping from the ceiling during “Wordless Chorus.”  

    After a nearly two-hour, career-spanning main set, the band would return to the stage for four more songs, opening the encore opening the encore with the hypnotizing “Feel You.” The band broke out older classics “The Dark” and “Anytime” before ending with the high-energy “One Big Holiday.” After such a brilliant set, fans poured into the streets, hopeful the wait for a return performance wouldn’t be nearly as long next time.

    My Morning Jacket – Palace Theatre, Albany – Wednesday, October 25, 2023

    Setlist: Circuital, It Beats 4 U, Love Love Love, I’m Amazed, Mahgeetah, Spinning My Wheels, I Will Be There When You Die (with Madi Diaz), Spring (Among the Living), Off the Record, Lay Low, Old Sept. Blues, I Will Sing You Songs, Phone Went West, Victory Dance, Holdin On to Black Metal, Lucky to Be Alive, Wordless Chorus

    Encore: Feel You, The Dark, Anytime, One Big Holiday

  • Five Can’t-Miss Shows in Syracuse In October

    While things have certainly cooled off outside around Central New York lately, there is no shortage of indoor concerts to warm your spirit. Here are five can’t-miss shows in Syracuse for the month of October.

    October 12: Sydney Irving at Maplewood Inn

    Central New York star Sydney Irving returns to Syracuse with a performance at the Maplewood Inn on October 12.  The concert should be quite the celebration, as the show serves as the album release party for Irving’s newest album, Unfashioned Creatures, which will be available on all streaming services on October 10.  The 20 year-old singer songwriter has been turning heads all across New York State for several years. She recently opened for Gavin Degraw at this year’s Spiedie Fest in Binghamton.  Irving will again be joined by her backing band, “The Mojo” for the release party.  You won’t want to miss this special performance.  

    October 15:  F.I.R.E. Festival at Oswego Music Hall

    An impressive lineup of female musicians take the stage October 15, as F.I.R.E. Festival once again returns to the Oswego Music Hall.  F.I.R.E., which stands for Females Inspire Rock Empower, showcases not only music, but also female led businesses and art.  The event, which was curated by Jess Novak, was designed to serve as an alternative to the many male dominated music festivals. The day of music will feature area talents such as Jess Novak, Amanda Rogers, Stress Dolls, Starting Off Red and many more.  See the full line up of music and vendors here.  

    Tickets are $10 at the door and music starts at 1pm.

    October 22:  The Furious Bongos at The Westcott Theater

    The sounds of Frank Zappa will once again ring about Westcott Street, as renowned Zappa tribute band The Furious Bongos return to the Westcott Theater on October 22.  The band played before a passionate audience of Zappa fans in March of this year. The band will be joined on this tour by Chad Wackerman, a legend in his own right, whose resume includes drumming for Frank Zappa himself, as well as James Taylor and Stevie Vai.  

    Tickets are $20. Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm.

    October 27:  Brandon Santini at 443 Social Club

    Fresh off a blistering performance at the 2023 New York State Blues Festival, Brandon Santini brings his soulful blues sounds to the 443 Social Club & Lounge on October 27.  Santini turned many heads at this years Blues Fest, as he displayed his tremendous talent on the harmonica.  This intimate performance at the 443 Social Club & Lounge is certainly one you won’t want to miss.  

    Tickets start at $23 and music starts at 7pm.

    October 29:  The Accountant & All Thumbs at Funk ’n Waffles

    Central New York’s college talent will be on full display on October 29 at Funk ‘n Waffles, as The Accountant & All Thumbs perform. The Syracuse University funk/hip-hop group are sure to have the club bouncing when they take the stage. The four piece band has quickly become known for their high energy sets which blend elements of funk, hip-hop, and rock. They will be joined by singer-songwriter Nancy Dunkle as well as Le Moyne College’s own Champagne Blondes.

    Tickets are $13 with doors opening at 8pm.

  • In Focus: Noah Kahan Leads Sing Along at Sold-Out Lakeview Amphitheater

    Noah Kahan triumphantly returned to Central New York on Friday for a sold-out performance at Lakeview Amphitheater.  It was Kahan’s second sell-out concert in Syracuse this summer, having previously played Beak and Skiff in June. Ruston Kelly opened the show.  

    Noah Kahan performs at Lakeview Amphitheater

    Few in the music industry have seen the rise to success quite like Noah Kahan.  The 26 year-old singer-songwriter has seen his popularity explode in recent months, selling out nearly every venue in his path.  His successes are never more evident than in Central New York.  Less than two years ago, Kahan performed at The Westcott Theater in Syracuse.  Three months ago, he performed a sold-out concert at Beak and Skiff, and now, he has again returned with a sold-out performance at the much larger Lakeview Amphitheater.  

    Noah Kahan performs at Lakeview Amphitheater

    As 8pm hit, opening act Ruston Kelly took the stage with his bandmates.  The Nashville based singer-songwriter kicked his set off with “Cover My Tracks,” the opening number on his 2018 release Dying Star.  The song was a good preview of what was to come during the 45 minute set.  Kelly delivered a stream of well-written moderate tempo Americana style tracks, with Kelly showing that he excelled at telling a story while delivering his heart-felt lyrics.  

    Kelly showcased his ability to hype the crowd as well, performing two well-placed covers during his set.  Early on, Kelly led the crowd in his rendition of Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag” which had fans young and old singing along to the familiar chorus.  Later in his set, Kelly delivered the Taylor Swift cover “All Too Well,” which had nearly everyone in attendance on their feet and singing along.  Kelly would close out his set with “The Weakness,” the opening track on his latest release of the same name. The slow moving track would build in intensity until reaching an impressive crescendo.

    Ruston Kelly performs at Lakeview Amphitheater

    As the final stage preparations wrapped up between sets, anticipation through out the concert grounds kept building, with palpable anticipation for Noah Kahan’s arrival.  Finally, just after 9:20, the house lights went dark and the four members of Kahan’s band took the stage.  After a brief instrumental introduction, Kahan strutted to the front of the stage.  With a wave and a smile, and a deafening roar from the crowd, the band launched into the high energy “Northern Attitude,” the lead track on Kahan’s 2022 release Stick Season.  The opening song served as a preview for what was to transpire over the next 95 minutes.  Nearly everyone in attendance sang along, in deafening fashion, to nearly every word.   Kahan kept the energy flowing early, moving into “She Calls Me Back,” and “New Perspectives.”

    Noah Kahan performs at Lakeview Amphitheater

    Early in the set, it was clear Kahan could not contain his excitement.  He urged the stage workers to turn on the house lights, so he could catch a glimpse of the crowd in front of him.  “This is the largest show we’ve ever played, thank you all so much,” Kahan proclaimed, giddy with excitement. He took turns dancing with his band mates early in the set, skipping across the stage and jumping from the drum riser.

    Noah Kahan performs at Lakeview Amphitheater

    Through out the evening Kahan’s energy would give way to more serious subject matter. The singer-songwriter spoke of loneliness and isolation at times, and urged those in attendance to seek help when needed. He sang of his journey through therapy on “Growing Sideways,” and sang of a close friend’s similar struggles on “Call Your Mom,” a track Kahan himself said is often too emotional for him to perform live. Through the heavy subject matter, Kahan would lead his listeners back to more up-tempo sing-along tracks, at times urging their participation, to which the crowd feverishly obliged. After a brief encore break, Kahan and his bandmates would close out the evening with three more songs, including perhaps his biggest hit to date, “Stick Season.” It provided those in attendance one final opportunity to showcase their voices, and they too did not disappoint.

    Noah Kahan

    Ruston Kelly

  • Five Can’t-Miss Shows in Syracuse In September

    Well, summer has come and it has gone. The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are getting cooler, but rest assured, the music scene in Syracuse is only beginning to heat up. Here are five can’t-miss shows in Syracuse in September.

    September 2, Stress Dolls at Funk ’n Waffles

    Buffalo native Chelsea O’Donnell takes the stage at Funk ’n Waffles under her touring moniker Stress Dolls on Saturday, September 2.  The alt/pop/rock artist has drawn comparisons to artists such as Lzzy Hale, Courtney Love, Fiona Apple, with one reviewer describing her sound as “Joni Mitchell meets Nirvana.. Avril Lavigne and Foo Fighters in a blender.”   O’Donnell has recently released the single “Body,” which is available on all streaming music platforms. 

    Doors open at 7pm and tickets are $10 at the door

    September 7, Thursday at Song & Dance

    New Jersey hardcore rockers Thursday make their long awaited return to Central New York with a performance at Song & Dance on September 7.  The band have close ties to Central New York, having performed at the area’s famous Hellfest music festival in 2001 and 2003.  The band are touring in celebration of the 20th anniversary of their album War All the Time. Gel, Pinkshift, and Vinnie Caruana open the show.  

    Doors open at 6:30pm and tickets start at $35.

    September 10, Kat Wright at 443 Social Club

    Rochester born singer-songwriter Kat Wright returns to Syracuse with a set at the intimate 443 Social Club on September 10.   Wright, with her dynamic vocal range powerful stage presence, which she blends between styles of soul and rock ’n roll, has drawn comparisons to performers such as Amy Winehouse and Bonnie Raitt.  She boasts an impressive touring resume, proving previous support to acts such as Grace Potter, Kacey Musgrave, and the Wood Brothers, and has also preformed at the Syracuse Jazz Festival, and the Peach Music Festival (Scranton, PA).  

    Music starts at 6pm with tickets starting at $23.

    September 22 – September 23, Tumble Down at Wonderland Forest

    Take a short drive down Interstate 81 to Lafayette and you will find the enchanted concert grounds of Wonderland Forest.  These picturesque grounds will be the home of jam-rock band Twiddle and their two day music festival, Tumble Down.  The line up boasts an impressive undercard, with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frisco + the U.N., Dopapod, Mihali, The Breakfast, Baked Shrimp, and Mike Powell also performing.  Twiddle will perform four sets over the two nights.

    Weekend tickets start at $150 with camping and VIP packages available

    September 30, Dropkick Murphys at Oncenter War Memorial

    Celtic punk rockers Dropkick Murphys return to Syracuse for a set at the Oncenter War Memorial on September 30.   Known for their high energy live performances, the band have amassed a large and passionate following.   They have an impressive 12 studio albums,  and are currently touring in support of their 2023 release Okemah Rising.   The Interrupters and Jesse Ahern open the show.

    Tickets start at $45 with music starting at 7pm.

  • In Focus: Amplified Echoes Tour with Jimmy Eat World and Manchester Orchestra Stops at Outer Harbor in Buffalo

    The sounds of rock echoed between the Buffalo Harbor and the Buffalo Skyway on Friday, as Jimmy Eat World and Manchester Orchestra teamed up to bring the Amplified Echoes Tour to the Outer Harbor.  The two bands are wrapping up a summer co-headlining tour which saw them swap headlining duties each night.  Indie rockers the Middle Kids opened the concert.  

    Grey skies and soggy grounds couldn’t dampen the concert spirit, as the early arriving crowd quickly filled the concert field.  The evening’s festivities kicked off with a set by the Middle Kids.  Making their way from Sydney, Australia, the indie rock group wasted no time getting the crowd engaged.  Opening with “Never Start” off their 2018 release Lost Friends, the upbeat track quickly had fans on their feet and moving.  It quickly became apparent to those in attendance the band were rising stars on the music scene.  This was never more evident than when the band would play their two newest tracks. 

    Early in their 30 minute set, the band performed their latest single, “Highlands,” a catchy and upbeat track that had heads bopping and is sure to have fans singing along in the near future.  As the set neared a close, the band performed their other release from 2023, “Bootleg Firecracker.”  The slower paced track was perhaps the highlight of this set, as singer Hannah Joy’s vocals danced and swirled in front of a layer of hypnotic sounds.  

    The Middle Kids perform at Outer Harbor in Buffalo

    With their familiar logo draped behind and a setting sun to stage left, Manchester Orchestra took the stage next.  The band wasted no time getting started, opening with the fan favorite “Pride.”  The slow building rocker saw singer Andy Hull’s familiar vocals build from a near whisper, to a growl as the song’s intensity built.  Fans jumped and threw fists in the air as the song exploded with a high energy finish.  The band kept the momentum going with the fast paced rockers “Keel Timing” and “Bed Head” next, both tracks of their 2021 release The Million Masks of God. 

    The band would dig deeper into their catalog as their 75 minute set moved along.  2006’s “I Can Barely Breathe” was a prime example of the band’s ability to build intensity through out a song, while tracks like “Simple Math” and “The Gold” showcased the familiar harmonies that have become associated with the band.  The band pulled off these harmonies in the concert setting with precision.

    Manchester Orchestra perform at Outer Harbor in Buffalo

    During the set singer Andy Hull would pause to honor a young fan in attendance who was attending her first concert.  “She asked me to play ‘I Can Feel A Hot One’ so I’m going to play a little bit of that… Dad we should probably talk about why is this her favorite song,” Hull said, which was met with much laugher from the crowd.  With their slot nearing a close, the band would end with “The Silence.” The track would start at a slow pace but build towards another climactic finish which saw fans passionately singing the song’s closing lyrics. As the song came to a close, Hull took the mic to the front of the stage, repeating the songs lyrics several times in front of layers of feed back as his band members laid their instruments down and left the stage.

    Manchester Orchestra performs at Outer Harbor in Buffalo

    Taking the headlining duties on this evening were indie-rockers Jimmy Eat World.  The band took the stage in near darkness, and began the slow burning and intense “Congratulations” off their latest album, Surviving (2019).  As the song’s intensity built, lights would flash to briefly illuminate the various members of the band, with front man Jim Adkins moving about the stage. By the end of the seven minute track, the song had built into a high intensity rocker. This served way for the bands’ second song, the high speed and ever popular “Bleed American.” Fans bopped and sang along to the anthemic track. The band kept the energy going as they segued into their 2001 smash hit “Sweetness” which had the audience calling back lyrics. The remainder of the bands 75 minute set served something like a running sprint, with the band firing off upbeat rocker after upbeat rocker, fitting in a total of 17 tracks during their set.

    Jimmy Eat World perform at Outer Harbor in Buffalo

    With their set nearing its close, the band would mellow the tempo a bit to perform the fan favorite “Hear You Me,” an emotional track about the loss of a loved one. They would waste no time ramping up the energy again, closing out the set with perhaps their biggest hit track, “The Middle.” It was a fitting way to close their set, allowing fans one last opportunity to sing and jump along to one of the band’s many hit tracks.

    Jimmy Eat World

    Manchester Orchestra

    The Middle Kids