NYS Music 2023

Author: daniel bocchino

  • Goo Goo Dolls Bring Big Night Out Tour to Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse

    It was a big night for rock fans in Syracuse on Wednesday, August 16th, as The Goo Goo Dolls brought their Big Night Out Tour to Lakeview Amphitheater. O.A.R. opened the show. 

    It’s been a long road for The Goo Goo Dolls.  The Buffalo natives formed in 1986 and have maintained their core two members, John Rzeznik (vocals, guitar) and Robby Takac (vocals, bass guitar) since day one.  They are now joined by Craig Macintyre, who took over drumming duty in 2014.  Along the way, the band have released 14 studio albums and have an impressive 19 top-ten singles.  The band saw their popularity explode in 1997 with the release of “Iris,” which was included on the City of Angels soundtrack.  The song spent an impressive 18 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 airplay charts.  

    The evening kicked off with a set by Maryland rockers, O.A.R.  The amphitheater was already well on its way towards full when O.A.R. took the stage at 7:15pm.  The band launched in to “Love and Memories,” off their 2005 release Stories of a Stranger, which brought those in attendance quickly to their feet.  It was clear early on that many in attendance were passionate followers of the band, as many made their way to the front of the amphitheater to sing and dance along.  The band wasted no time playing their familiar hit “Shattered” early on in the set.   The band would close out their set with the ever popular “Crazy Game of Poker” which saw the front pit section jump up and down and throw playing cards in the air.

    After a lengthy stage change over, the Goo Goo Dolls took to the stage at 9:10.  The band took no time breaking out the hits, opening with the high energy “Broadway” off 1998’s Dizzy Up the Girl.  It was the perfect upbeat opener, and quickly it was clear the band was excited to be there.  Rzeznik and Takac bounced from one end of the stage to the other, with smiles fixated across their faces.

    Early in the set, Rzeznik paused to thank the fans of his band who have been there since day one, as well as to pay homage to legendary Syracuse rock club, The Lost Horizon.  “I remember coming here in 1986 and playing at the Lost Horizon, and just being amazed that anyone actually came to see us.”  

    The remainder of the 25 song set saw the Goo Goo Dolls perform their various classics and fan favorites, like “Slide,” “Here is Gone,” “Black Balloon” (which saw fans toss black balloons in the air) along side newer hits like 2023’s “Run All Night” and “Yeah, I Like You.”  Along the way Rzeznik took multiple opportunities to thank the crowd and convey his appreciation, proclaiming “I can’t believe I still get to do this, and I want to thank you guys…” before performing one of the band’s earliest hits, “Name.” As the evening neared a close Rzeznik introduced the second to last track as “One you all will know” before playing a cover of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” a track the Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R. recently teamed up to record in the studio. The band would then close the evening with their 1997 smash hit, “Iris”, much to the crowd’s appreciation. It truly was a big night out for rock fans.

    Of A Revolution

    The Goo Goo Dolls

  • In Focus: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Bring Classic Rock Sounds to Artpark

    Rock’s finest were on display on Aug. 5 at Artpark in Lewiston, as Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit took the stage, with S.G. Goodman opening. The band was touring in support of their recent release, Weathervanes.  

    It has been quite the journey for Jason Isbell. The former Drive By Truckers guitarist left the band in 2007 to pursue a solo career. He writes often about his sobriety journey that he started in 2012 in hopes of serving as an inspiration for others. He is often lauded as one of this generation’s best songwriters.   While performing with the 400 Unit, he is backed by Sadler Vaden (guitars), Derry DeBorja (keyboards, accordion), Chad Gamble (drums) and Will Johnson (guitar, percussion). Longtime 400 Unit bass-player Jimbo Hart sat this tour out due to personal reasons.

    Jason Isbell performs at the Artpark in Lewiston.

    The evening would open with a set by S.G. Goodman. Promptly at 8 pm Goodman’s bandmates took to the stage and jumped right in to the groovy “Work Until I Die.”  After a lengthy instrumental introduction, Goodman took to the stage and the song’s indie garage-rock sound took off.  Goodman, from Hickman, Kentucky, joked with the crowd between songs. “I’m sure by the sound of my voice, you can tell I’m not from around here,” she said with a laugh and a heavy southern accent. Goodman’s songwriting really shined, as she performed tracks like “Space and Time,” a song recently covered by Tyler Childers. As the set came to a close, Goodman paid tribute to Waylon Jennings, with a cover of “Waymore’s Blues.”

    S.G. Goodman performs at the Artpark in Lewiston.

    At promptly 9:10 the house lights dimmed and Isbell’s familiar anchor-dove logo illuminated above the stage. Moments later Isbell and his bandmates took the stage and immediately launched into the crunchy guitar riff of “When We Were Close,” a track chronicling Isbell’s friendship with the late Justin Townes Earle. The crowd quickly stood to their feet and their energy began to build like a pot of water coming to a boil, coming to a complete boil by the third song, “King of Oklahoma.” The powerful, anthemic song saw the audience sing back the song’s chorus in near deafening fashion.  

    Jason Isbell performs at the Artpark in Lewiston.

    As the evening moved on, Isbell’s strength as a song writer became more and more apparent. He has the ability to place the listener directly into the scene of the song, while singing songs dealing with not only his own personal struggles, but issues plaguing society as a whole. The song “Save the World” touches on the need for gun law reform, while “King of Oklahoma” tells the tale of the protagonist struggling with a painkiller addiction. Then, there are more personal songs to Isbell like “Cover Me Up” which addresses coming to sobriety, and Isbell grappling with his own mortality in “If We Were Vampires.”

    Sadler Vaden performs at the Artpark in Lewiston

    Isbell and his bandmates shined musically through out the evening as well, with Isbell and Vaden often trading guitar solos. Derry DeBorja added unique layers of sound with his keyboard and accordion playing. Perhaps the pinnacle moment of the evening was the band’s performance of “Miles.” The song, reminiscent of a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young track, saw layers of sound build upon each other and featured dual percussion, with Gamble and Johnson both taking seats behind a kit. This only further drove the song’s intensity, which peaked with the crash of a gong.

    Jason Isbell performs at the Artpark in Lewiston

    Like all good things, this evening had to come to a close. The band closed with “This Ain’t It,” which saw Isbell and Vaden partaking in one last guitar solo dual, much to the crowd’s delight. It was a fitting way to close an evening of classic rock sounds.

    S.G. Goodman

    Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

  • In Focus: Sydney Irving Shines Bright at Binghamton’s Spiedie Fest

    Rising Central New York star Sydney Irving took to the stage at Spiedie Fest in Binghamton on Sunday Aug. 6, providing direct support to headliner Gavin DeGraw. It was the last day of the annual three-day festival, which showcased great food (including spiedies, of course), hot air balloons, arts & crafts, as well as musical performances from acts such as John Waite, Tommy DeCarlo, Scotty McCreery, and Cooper Greer.

    At just twenty years old, Sydney Irving has already proven that no stage is too big. The 2022 Syracuse Area Music Award winner for best new artist has already performed on the main stage at Spiedie Fest on two other occasions; in 2019, opening for Starship feat. Mickie Thomas and again in 2021, opening for Martina McBride. On Sunday she was joined by her band, The Mojo, feauring Luke Hart (guitar), Evan Tennant (drums), Randy Tennant (bass guitar), and Carl Stokking (guitars, vocals). They have quickly become a mainstay on Syracuse’s Locals Only radio, with the recent release of their single “I Don’t Wanna Fight You.”

    Concert goers on Sunday could not have been greeted with more perfect summer weather, as warm temperatures and sunshine greeted fans as they arrived. Fans filled the concert area long before the advertised start time and a quick scan of the audience along the stage barrier showed a mixture of Gavin DeGraw and Sydney Irving t-shirts.

    Just after 4:30 pm Irving and her bandmates took to the stage and immediately launched into their track “Seasons Change.” The catchy and upbeat pop-rock track released by the band in 2021 set the stage for what was to come on this afternoon. Irving quickly grabbed a captive hold of the audience, a feat often difficult to achieve by most performers at larger festivals. She worked the stage with the charisma and stage presence like she was a 20-year veteran, engaging the crowd in sing a longs, dances, and synchronized claps. The band took the party atmosphere to another level by kicking oversized beach balls into the crowd.

    Through out the band’s sixty minute set, they intertwined cover songs with their own original music, with the band paying homage to the musicians they attribute to their own songwriting style. They got the crowd up and dancing on Taylor Swift’s “You Belong To Me,” and Irving and her bandmates put their own spin on the Dolly Parton classic, “Jolene.” Guitarist Luke Hart also put his talents on display with a blistering guitar solo during Tom Petty’s “Running Down a Dream.” However it was the band’s original tracks that were the true highlights on this afternoon. Songs like “Don’t Want to Fight You” and “You Can’t Forget About Me” showcased Irving’s talents as a songwriter and fit in the setlist flawlessly, alongside the cover tracks.

    As the set wound to a close, Irving and her band mates performed the Ramones classic “Blitzkrieg Bop.” The high energy track had the crowd singing and clapping along, and left those in attendance highly energized as they awaited the evening’s headliner.

    If you missed Sydney Irving & the Mojo’s set at Spiedie Fest, don’t fret. The band have a slew of performances scheduled, including on Aug. 19 at the Dreamland Theater Music & Arts Festival in Utica. See the band’s full sleight of shows here.

  • In Focus: Legends Rise As Godsmack and Staind Rock Lakeview Amphitheater

    It was a reunion of sorts on Thursday at the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, as hard rockers Godsmack and Staind joined forces for an impressive twin bill. The pair of Massachusetts-based bands have toured extensively together since 1998.

    The tour was designed in part to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Godsmack. The band, who released Lighting Up the Sky (2023) earlier this year, has announced that this will be their last studio release, however, lead singer Sully Erna has gone on record to state the band will continue touring. Boasting an impressive resume of eight studio albums with over twenty million albums sold, the band has maintained the same four members throughout the twenty-five years of existence. Frontman Sully Erna (vocals, guitar, percussion) is joined by Tony Rombola (guitar), Robbie Merrill (bass guitar), and Shannon Larkin (drums).  

    The evening’s festivities kicked off with a thirty-minute set by Mix Master Mike. Known for his years as the turntablist with the Beastie Boys, Mix Master Mike was able to fill the amphitheater with early energy and excitement, as he played a mixture of Beastie Boys tracks along with other hit tracks primarily from the 1990s.  

    After a brief set changeover, the back side of the stage was illuminated to show various screens and projection monitors. As Staind took to the stage the screens would display cinematic-style scenes and images tying in to the songs being played. Staind launched into their new single “Lowest In Me” from their forthcoming release Confessions of the Fallen. Aaron Lewis (vocals, guitar) quickly put his signature vocals on display, showcasing one of the more familiar voices in rock music. His bandmates proved to be no slouches either, as Mike Mushok (guitars) jumped, thrashed, and head-banged throughout the set. 

    The band would perform for 75 minutes with a set that included several hit tracks from the early 2000s, such as “Outside,” “It’s Been Awhile,” “Fade,” and “Epiphany.”  As the set neared a close, the amphitheater filled with the familiar bass guitar rumble of the song “Mudshovel,” the band’s breakthrough track in 1999. This brought the crowd to their feet, singing and screaming along with Lewis, as he strutted about the stage.  

    After the set a white sheet would drape over the stage, hiding the set up behind. As it came time for Godsmack to take the stage, Mike Master Mike was projected across the screen.  Several arena rock anthem tracks were played to further build excitement. Eventually, the sheet would drop to reveal a black sheet with the familiar Godsmack sun logo. A few seconds later, and with a burst of fireworks, the headliners would take to the stage. Godsmack immediately launched into the high-energy title track of their 2018 release When Legends Rise.  

    The band would keep the energy going as they moved on to 1000hp, playing in front of a slew of flames and other pyrotechnics.  During the band’s hit track “Voodoo” the flames would again make a return, as fireballs would rise from the stage, almost as if they were dancing with the song’s cryptic rift.  As the set moved on, Larkin’s drum riser would to the front of the stage, and be joined by a second drum set. Erna would then take a seat behind the kit and the pair would then put on an impressive percussion battle on “Batalla de los Tambores.”  

    After a brief encore break, Erna would return to the stage and take a seat behind a piano. He talked about the importance of community and discussed the band’s charity, the Scars Foundation, a nonprofit organization designed to provide mental health services to local communities. Erna would then perform the beautiful track “Under Your Scars.” The song not only showcased Erna’s talent as a songwriter but also his diverse musical ability and his strength as a person. His bandmates would then return to the stage for the evening’s final two tracks, “Bulletproof” and “I Stand Alone.”  

  • Five Can’t Miss Shows In Syracuse In August

    August in Central New York is lauded by many in the area as “State Fair Season.” While the New York State Fair once again boasts an impressive musical lineup, there are plenty of other great performances to take in this month leading up to the fair.

    David Wax Museum.

    David Wax Museum – Aug. 3 at 443 Social Club and Lounge

    Described as “Mexo-Americana”, and known for blending folk and roots rock styles, the husband and wife duo bring their dynamic sounds to the 443 Social Club and Lounge on Aug. 3. The duo features David Wax (vocals, jarana) and Sue Slezak (fiddle, vocals, quijada). The band broke through in 2010 after a set at the infamous Newport Folk Fest and they have been turning heads ever since. They are currently touring in support of 2023’s release You Must Change Your Life. As an added bonus, the show takes place at the delightfully intimate 443 Social Club and Lounge, Syracuse’s favorite listening room.  

    Tickets start at $20 with music starting at 7:00 pm.

    Cooper Greer – August 4 at Tin Rooster, Turning Stone Casino

    Sweet country music sounds will echo throughout the Exit 33 music complex at Turning Stone Casino on Aug. 4, as rising country star Cooper Greer performs at the Tin Rooster. The North Carolina native has drawn comparisons to Johnny Cash, Dirks Bentley, and Chris Young. The band is currently embarking on a cross-country tour, which will also feature a stop at Binghamton’s famous Spiedie Fest on Aug. 5.  

    Music starts at 10:30 pm with a $10 cover charge.

    Frank White Experience – August 11 at Westcott Theater

    Regarded as the genre leader in hip-hop tribute bands, The Frank White Experience come to the Westcott Theater on Aug. 11. Drawing comparisons to other highly regarded tribute acts such as The Dark Star Orchestra and Badfish, the Syracuse band pays hip-hop tribute like no other, with complete live instrumentation. The set will deliver listeners a top-end tribute to 90s hip-hop pioneers such as Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, as well as many others.  The bill also features a slew of other Syracuse talent, including Seth Marcel, Jus One, DJ Tes One, and Ivan the Great.

    Music starts at 8:00 pm with tickets starting at $20.

    The SteelDrivers – August 17 at Center for the Arts of Homer

    Nashville-based bluegrass favorites The SteelDrivers return to Central New York for a performance at the Center for the Arts of Homer on Aug. 17. Once fronted by country music sensation, Chris Stapleton, the band has released an impressive musical catalog with 2015’s release The Muscle Shoals Collection earning the band the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album.

    Music starts at 8:00 pm and tickets are sold out.

    Danielle Ponder – August 30 at Chevy Court Stage, NYS Fair

    Rochester native and rising R&B star Danielle Ponder brings her soulful sounds to the New York State Fair for a free show on Wednesday, Aug. 30. Ponder, long known for her years as a social activist and for her work in the Rochester public defender’s office, has been turning heads musically since 2018 when she decided to devote herself full time to music. She is presently touring behind her latest release, Some of Us Are Brave, which was described by NPR as being “anthemic while compassionate; soulful, while bold and strong.” Ponder continues her ascent to stardom, having recently performed at the 2023 Newport Folk Festival, where she turned many heads. You won’t want to miss this one.

    Ponder takes the Chevy Court Stage at 1:00 pm and the set is included with your fair admission.

  • Fleet Foxes Bring Harmonious Sounds To Beak and Skiff

    One could not have asked for a more pristine summer evening, on Wednesday, July 12, when Fleet Foxes brought their sounds to the Beak and Skiff Orchard in Lafayette.  

    There is perhaps no other band more in touch with the various seasons these days than Fleet Foxes.  Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Fleet Foxes continue to tour in support of their latest release, 2020’s highly praised Shore. The album, which was released for public consumption precisely at the autumnal equinox, drew much praise from critics and fans alike. Known for creating acoustic folk-rock with exquisite harmonies and musicianship, they have released four studio albums, several EPs as well as 2021’s live offering A Very Lonely Solstice.  

    Nigerian-born singer/songwriter, Uwade opened the evening. She is well known to fans of Fleet Foxes, having sung extensively on their latest release. Taking the stage by herself and armed with only an acoustic guitar, Uwade quickly took a captive hold of the audience. She delivered a thirty-minute set of acoustic folk tracks, intimately and honestly. It seems often this type of permanence can get lost in a large venue such as Beak and Skiff, however, this was not the case on this evening. The area surrounding the stage was quiet enough to hear a pin drop, as Uwade performed tracks dealing with topics such as the illness of her father.   he was joined by Fleet Foxes members Christian Wargo and Christopher Icasiano to finish out her set.  

    After a brief intermission, the Fleet Foxes took to the stage. Boasting an impressive eight-piece band, and accompanied by opener Uwade, they immediately launched into “Sun Giant.” It was an appropriate opener to showcase what was to come, featuring a beautiful acapella track with layers of harmonies that floated about the concert field. The band followed with the mellow “Wading In Waist-High Water,” which saw Uwade again take lead vocals (as she did on the studio track) as layers of the band’s instrumentation built. The band then followed with the more upbeat “Can I Believe You,” which had the audience singing and dancing along.  

    As their set rolled on, the band would dig deeper into their catalog. Backed with a video board that showed nature scenes and other colorful visuals, the band churned out fan favorites such as “White Winter Hymnal,” “Montezuma,” and “Mykonos.”   In what is becoming a tradition at their concerts, the band pulled an audience member from the crowd to sing and play guitar on “White Winter Hymnal.” For the uninformed, one would not have known this fan was not a lifelong member of the band.

    In all the band would perform over 20 songs followed by a three-song encore. The band would close the evening with “Helplessness Blues,” a track about longing for a simpler life. Featuring the lyrics “If I had an orchard, I’d work ’til I’m raw,” it was a near-perfect ending to a brilliant evening of music.

  • In Focus: Counting Crows Bring Banshee Season Tour to Canandaigua

    It was a night to celebrate 90s rock music on Sunday, as Counting Crows brought their Banshee Season Tour to CMAC on Sunday, July 2nd. The concert featured direct support from Dashboard Confessional.  

    It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since Counting Crows burst onto the music scene, releasing their multi-platinum debut album August and Everything After in 1993.  The California natives have gone on to release seven more studio albums, along with numerous live albums. 

    Fronted by Adam Duritz (vocals), the band also features David Bryson (guitar), Charlie Gillingham (keyboards), Dan Vickery (guitar, pedal steel), David Immergluck (guitars), Jim Bogios (drugs) and Millard Powers (bass guitar).   The band is touring in support of their latest release, Butter Miracle Suite One (2021).

    Heavy showers swept across the concert facility minutes before gates opened on Sunday evening.  This did not deter a passionate fan base from arriving early to take in opener Dashboard Confessional.  Originally the solo-acoustic project of Chris Carrabba, it would morph into a full band in 2002, as Carrabba was asked to perform on MTV Unplugged. The added bandmates allowed Carrabba’s songwriting to take on new depths and sounds. 

    Just after 7:30, Carrabba and his band mates took to the stage, and were met with a heavy cheer from the audience. The band launched into the upbeat “Don’t Wait”, which delivered a call and echo vocals, to with the audience enthusiastically obliged. From there the band would perform “The Sharp Hint of New Tears”, a song from Carrabba’s 2000 debut release (with lyrics that showcase the origin of the band’s name). Once known for writing acoustic emo rock, with themes centering around heartbeat and loss, Carrabba and his mates delivered a 60 minute set, spanning the band’s twenty year catalog and was filled with songs of hope and self-triumph. The band would close out their set with perhaps their biggest hit, the high energy “Hands Down”, which saw his band mates jumping and leaping around the stage.

    As the 9pm hour approached, a pedal steel guitar was wheeled to stage left. Moments later, the house lights would dim and Duritz and his bandmates took to the stage. A lone spotlight illuminated guitarist Dan Vickery as he began to pluck the hauntingly familiar guitar riff to “Round Here”, one of the band’s most well known songs. Additional lights would slowly illuminate the remaining members of the band as Duritz moved to the center of the stage to start delivering his poetic lyrics, at times acting out key moments in the song. As the song built on energy and emotion, the audience became engaged, belting out lyrics. The band continued to build on the energy and emotion, following up with the upbeat “Hard Candy” and then the familiar “Mr. Jones”.

    While the band’s set would lean heavily on music from their early years, Duritz didn’t hide his excitement when they would perform tracks of the band’s latest two releases. Tracks like “God of Ocean Tides” and “The Tall Grass” hit home with the audience as well as the band’s early hits. The later portion of the band’s set saw them perform their latest release Butter Miracle Suite One in entirety. They would conclude the main set with the familiar classic “Long December” which saw the grounds illuminate with cell phone lights and erupted into an audience sing along.

    Crowd pleas for an encore would be obliged by the band, as they would return to the stage and deliver a four song encore. Returning to the stage with “Time and Time Again,” a beautiful track of their debut release, Duritz’s voice proved to be strong as ever, as the chorus echoed through out the center. Chris Carrabba and his band would join the Counting Crows for the next piece of the encore, Dashboard Confessional’s 2006 hit “So Long, So Long” which saw Duritz provide a guest vocal appearance on the studio recording. Carrabba would return the vocal favor on the next song, trading lyrics with Duritz on the hit “Hangin’ Around”. Fans flocked to the aisles to sing and dance along, as Carrabba and Duritz bounced around the stage, singing and triumphantly trading high-fives with fans.

    Counting Crows ‘Banshee Season’ Tour – CMAC, Canandaigua, NY – July 2, 2023

    Setlist: Round Here, Hard Candy, Mr. Jones, Colorblind, Butterfly in Reverse, Omaha, Catapult, God of Ocean Tides, Friend of the Devil, Goodnight Elisabeth / Pale Blue Eyes, The Tall Grass, Elevator Boots, Angel of 14th Street, Bobby and the Rat-Kings, Rain King, A Long December

    Encore: Time & Time Again, So Long, so long, Hanginaround, Holiday in Spain

  • Five Can’t-Miss Shows In Syracuse In July

    It is safe to say that summer concert season is in full swing.  June has come and gone, with a flurry of outdoor music festivals to kick start the season. Don’t you worry, however. July has arrived with an equally impressive slate of music coming through Central New York.  Here are five shows you don’t want to miss in the greater Syracuse area in July.  

    syracuse july
    Setnor Music Hall Building

    July 8, Elvis Costello & the Imposters at Landmark Theater

    Singer-songwriter and musical legend Elvis Costello brings his “We’re All Going On A Summer Holiday” tour to the Landmark Theater on July 8.   The English native, known for his blending of folk rock and power punk musical styles, has been touring for over fifty years. He boasts an impressive resume, with over 30 album releases, 15 Grammy award nominations, and an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. He will be joined on this tour by backing band, The Imposters and special guest Charlie Sexton. Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets open the show. Music starts at 7:30.

    July 12, Fleet Foxes at Beak & Skiff

    Indie folk-rockers Fleet Foxes bring their harmonious sounds to the picturesque Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard on July 12 for a performance.  The Seattle natives are touring in support of their latest release, Shore.  The album, released in 2020, received much critical acclaim and earned the band their second Grammy nomination.  Nigerian born singer-songwriter Uwade opens the show.  Uwade is familiar to Fleet Foxes fans, as she sings the opening lyrics on the album Shore. This should lend to some unique and interesting collaborations through out the performance. Music starts at 7pm.

    July 27, Arleigh Rose of Sister Sparrow at 443 Social Club

    Soul singer and songwriter Arleigh Rose comes to the 443 Social Club in Syracuse for an intimate performance on July 27. Rose, known for her years as the front woman of the band Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, has taken on a more scaled back and intimate sound, following her return to touring after the Covid pandemic. Rose, once described by The Baltimore Sun as having “… one of the biggest voices in the business. Prepare to be blown away”, is now joined by her brother Jackson with the goal of offering more scaled back and intimate performances “that will leave audiences with a deeper understanding of who Sister Sparrow really is”.

    Doors open at 5:30pm with music starting at 7pm. The performance is currently sold out, however a wait list is available on the venue’s website.

    July 28, Vanessa Collier at the Cortland Main Street Music Series

    If you’re willing to take a short drive south on interstate 81, you’re in for a real treat.  Blues saxophonist and vocalist Vanessa Collier has scheduled a free performance on July 28 as part of the Cortland Main Street Music Series.  Since turning in back to back blistering performances at the NYS Blues Festival in 2021 and 2022, Collier has performed four sold-out concerts at 443 Social Club & Lounge in Syracuse.   Always the hot ticket in Central New York, Collier once again returns to the region, this time with a free outdoor performance at Courthouse Park in Cortland.

    Music starts at 6pm. See the entire summer line up of the Cortland Main Street Music Series here.

    July 28 & 29, Summer Jam 50 featuring Dark Star Orchestra at Wonderland Forest

    Deadheads will want to unite for this one, as a two day festival celebrating (and recreating) the infamous 1973 Summer Jam music festival comes to the Wonderland Forest in Lafayette. The original festival, which took place in Watkins Glen and hosted over 600,000 music fans, saw performances from The Grateful Dead, The Band, and The Allman Brothers. Surely this festival won’t see as many in attendance but it is certain to share a similar celebratory atmosphere. The Wonderland Forest incarnation will see two days of performances from Dark Star Orchestra (recreating the Grateful Dead performance), Daniel Donato’s Cosmic County featuring Peter Levin (celebrating the Allman Brothers Band) and The Weight Band (celebrating the music of The Band). Each band will perform both days.

    Music starts at 4pm on Friday and 1pm on Saturday.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alLKuE-BC8k

  • In Focus: New York State Blues Festival, Day 1

    The 31st edition of the New York State Blues Festival kicked off Thursday afternoon of June 15th at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, underneath beautiful blue skies.  The annual event, which has grown substantially over the last thirty years, is known for being one of the largest, free, multi-day blues festivals in the northeast, and features a mixture of local, regional, and national blues acts.

    Brandon Santini performs at the 2023 NYS Blues Festival

    The festivities kicked off Thursday afternoon with a high energy set by Syracuse’s own Fillmore Blues Band.  As the band took to the stage, the areas in front of the stage were already filled with early arriving blues fans, eager to get the party started.  Festival goers sang and danced as the Fillmore Blues Band weaved their way through a 75 minute set of covers and originals.  The set showcased a band known for their dynamic musical improvisation.  Led by Mike Petroff on harmonica and vocals, the performance did not disappoint those in attendance.  Petroff even took his harmonica into the crowd, playing stage-side on top of a table, giving passionate onlookers an up close view of the musician.

    The Fillmore Blues Band kicked off the 2023 NYS Blues Festival

    Next up was Memphis based rocker and blues harmonicist, Brandon Santini.  Santini launched into his set with a harmonica solo which set the stage for his performance.  The set was high energy, and saw crunchy blues guitar riffs to back Santini’s deep vocals and harmonica playing.   Santini paid tribute blues harmonica legend Sonny Boy Williamson, with a phenomenal rendition of “Nine Below Zero”.  Santini, who played the festival in 2016, was easily an early favorite of the audience as many in attendance came donning his merchandise.  His set did not disappoint.

    Brandon Santini performs at the 2023 NYS Blues Festival

    Headlining the evening were the Blood Brothers ft Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia.  The duo of blues guitar heavy-weights were touring in support of their January 2023 full length album Blood Brothers.  Easily one of the most anticipated sets going into the weekend, the two did not let those in attendance down.  The long time friends, known for their immense musical chemistry on stage, showcased why Joe Bonamassa once stated “They finish each other’s sentences, musically.” Their set, which leaned heavily on tracks from their self titled release, saw the pair dual on many guitar solos.  Their passion for the music was visible from the audience, as the two routinely flashed smiles to each other as they tried to “out dual” the other. 

    Blood Brothers ft Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia perform at the 2023 NYS Blues Festival

    The festival continues through Saturday and features headliner and blues legend, Buddy Guy with direct support from Samantha Fish on Saturday night. Admission is free.

  • In Focus: Noah Kahan Dazzles Sold-Out Audience at Beak and Skiff

    A picturesque late spring afternoon yielded way to a beautiful evening of music at Beak and Skiff, in Lafayette on Saturday, as Noah Kahan brought his Stick Season tour to the apple orchard.  With the tour lauded as one of the summer’s hottest tickets, the event sold-out well in advance of the show.

    Kahan, a native of Strafford, Vermont, is known for his blending of folk-rock and pop music.  His first full length studio album, Busyhead, was released in 2019.  But it was during the Covid pandemic when Kahan’s popularity began to really soar.  He first released the Cape Elizabeth EP in April of 2020.  Following its release, and during the height of the pandemic, Kahan would retreat home to Vermont and write his most successful album to date, Northern Attitude (2022).  The album, which leans heavily on themes of mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, feeling homesick, and childhood nostalgia, has earned Kahan much critical acclaim and a devoted fan base all across the age spectrum.  

    The evening kicked off with a set by Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners.  The folk-rock band from Montana was joining Kahan for a special, one-off concert.  The four-piece band delighted early arriving concert goers with a forty five minute set of folk-rock jams.  

    During the stage change-over between sets, excitement in the concert field was at a high.  Fans packed the area in front of the stage, and shouted the singer’s name.  Each crew member received a small roar from the crowd as they made their way across the stage, placing set-lists and water bottles.  Finally the house lights dimmed, and the band took to the stage. After a brief instrumental piece, Noah Kahan took to the stage with a mandolin and launched into the crowd favorite “All My Love”.   The audience exploded with excitement, and sang along to every word.  Impressively, the singing did not stop after the first song.  The majority of the crowd sang along, every word, to every song.  Kahan kept the energy running for the first portion of the set, playing tracks “Everywhere, Everything,” and “She Calls Me Back”.

    As the setlist moved on, Kahan would touch on heavier subject matters.  Kahan, a staunch advocate of mental health awareness, would sing openly about his own struggles with mental illness on many songs.  He sang in loving memory for a friend who passed too soon, on “Carlo’s Song”.  During this song the concert field would glow in a sea of green (for mental health awareness) as fans held lights up from their cellphones.  Noah Kahan would sing of substance abuse and finding sobriety on the track “Orange Juice.”  Perhaps the most power full moment of the night would be when Kahan returned for an encore.  He would open the three song encore with “The View Between Villages”, a reflective and nostalgic track written about an emotional return to Kahan’s childhood home town many years later.  The song would build with emotion until its epic climax, and the audience did not miss a beat, singing along to every word.  Kahan would finish the night with crowd favorites “Stick Season” and “Mess”.

    If you missed out on this performance, you are in luck.  Kahan has already scheduled a return visit to Syracuse, at the Lakeview Amphitheater on September 1.