Author: Pete Mason

  • Aqueous Announce Hiatus Following Spring Shows

    After a light 2022, Aqueous announced this past week that they would be going on hiatus, with only 7 performances remaining for the time being.

    aqueous hiatus

    Earlier last summer, guitarist David Loss took time off the road from Aqueous, as he had just become a father and wanted to dedicate time to his family. At the time, Loss said: “When my son is born it’s going to be such a life changing experience that I want to fully be there for all of it. I don’t want to miss a thing! A lot of first time things and time you just can’t get back later.”

    On Friday, January 13th, Aqueous shared the following message with fans:

    An important message from Dave concerning the band’s future ♥️ tickets to the remaining shows before we go on hiatus are on-sale now  ♥️

    ‘These past 16 years with the band have been nothing short of incredible. It has been a journey that has shaped my life in more ways than I even know. I’ve traveled to so many amazing places and met so many incredible people along the way. Making friends that will last a lifetime and meeting musical heroes that I can now call peers. The 18 year old me wouldn’t believe some of things Aqueous was able to do. And not to mention, doing all this with your best friends?! Pretty damn cool if you ask me.

    Music and this band have been the priority in my life for a very long time, but with the birth of my son that started to change. My wife and I love our son more than anything in this world and want nothing but to be the best parents possible. I want to be there for as much as I can and I don’t want to miss a thing. That being said, touring and being away from my family is just not something I can do right now.

    I have decided that it is time for me to step away from the band to be home with my family. Although it was a very difficult decision, I know it is the right one for me. There will still be some music for me to play going forward, but the full-time touring musician gig is just not one that fits my life at the moment.

    I would also just like to say that Aqueous has always had the most amazing and passionate fans. It seems like every other day I’m learning about someone else being a huge AQ fan. It fills my heart with such joy to know that our music has meant (and continues to mean) so much to so many people. That has been the greatest part of this experience hands down. So thank you, thank you to all of you for being here supporting us, and sending us friendly messages letting us know what our music means to you.

    The band will be playing a handful of shows in 2023 that are listed here, but after that we will go on hiatus. It makes me sad to say it, but I do find comfort in knowing we are certainly not closing the door on Aqueous, but rather just taking some time away. We’re not entirely sure were the future will take us, but wherever that is we know there will be music.

    Love you all more than you know. Let’s make these last few shows ones to remember!

    Bandmate Mike Gantzer offered support for Loss, saying “Life can be unpredictable and beautiful, challenging and rewarding, and so many other wonderfully contrasting things, but I’m genuinely happy and excited for all of us on our current/respective paths in life. Embracing change has been one of the great lessons of my life (that i’m still learning) and I look forward to everything to come as I reflect on everything that has been with gratitude and love ♥️ ♥️♥️ thank you to everyone who has contributed to making our literal dreams come true, and know that every step I take in music moving forward seeks to honor that “

    Aqueous got their start in 2009 in Buffalo and quickly rose to prominence in Western New York, gaining a fanbase well into the Midwest. As this era of Aqueous comes to a close, be sure to catch one of the final seven shows, with the first weekend of March the last chance to catch Aqueous in Albany and Syracuse, before hiatus.

    2/03/23 Tuscon, AZ Gem & Jam Festival
    3/03/23 Albany, NY The Hollow (with Litz)
    3/04/23 Syracuse, NY Westcott Theater (with Litz)
    3/11/23 Erie, PA King’s Rook Club
    4/07/23 Baltimore, MD 8×10
    4/08/23 Philadelphia, PA Ardmore Music Hall
    5/27/23 Chillicothe, IL Summer Camp Music Festival

  • Saranac Lake 2023 Winter Carnival Schedule of Events

    Saranac Lake 2023 Winter Carnival is around the corner, held February 3-12, with the schedule of events and button design by Garry Trudeau having been revealed. Get ready for the North Country’s premiere winter entertainment event, going strong for 126 years!

    saranac lake winter carnival 2023 fireworks over ice castle
    photo via ILoveNY.com

    In addition to an all-star lineup of music at The Waterhole during Saranac Lake 2023 Winter Carnival, the week long Adirondack event features the signature ice palace (built entirely by volunteers from solid blocks of ice pulled from Lake Flower), as well as fireworks, ski and snowshoe races, art shows, book sales, concerts, variety shows, and much more. The finale features a unique gala parade on Sunday, February 13.

    Doonesbury cartoonist Garry Trudeau, a native of Saranac Lake, has also released his button design for the 2023 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. The theme for this year – ‘Roman Around Carnival’ – depicts an illustration of Doonesbury character Zonker as a Roman Emperor, on the shape of an ancient coin with the year 2023 displayed in roman numerals. Trudeau has created the Winter Carnival button design since 1981 to benefit the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival.

    According to Adirondack Daily Enterprise, buttons are available at a multitude of Saranac Lake businesses, starting later this week.

    Saranac Lake 2023 Winter Carnival Schedule of Events

    Thursday, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 

    11:00 am – 12:30 pm AND 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Drop off times for the Winter Carnival Sun Catcher Contest  at the NYS Boat Lauch to the right of the Ice Palace, Display and voting throughout Carnival, See the How to Make an Ice Sun Catcher Video 

    5:30 pm *22nd Annual Past Royalty Mixer and Dinner – Open to Past Royalty Only ($, Red Fox Restaurant, 5034 Route 3, contact Marilyn Bigelow at 518-891-1286)

    Friday, FEBRUARY 3, 2023

    1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace) 

    6:00 pm – 9:00 pm *Live Music–Blessid Dirt at the Campfire Adirondack Bar & Grill (Hotel Saranac, 100 Main St)

    7:30 pm *Women’s Civic Chamber Coronation of Winter Carnival Royalty  (Harrietstown Town Hall, 39 Main St)

    Post Coronation *Winter Carnival Royalty Reception (Elks Lodge #1508, 30 Broadway Ave)

    8:30 pm *Live Music–Annie in the Water wsg The Reflexions, doors open 7:30 ($, The Waterhole, 48 Main St)

    Saturday, FEBRUARY 4, 2023

    10:00 am – 6:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

    10:00 am NBT Bank Ice Palace Fun Run – 4 miles (Ice Palace, State Boat Launch)

    10:00 am – 3:00 pm Edward Jones Arctic Golf Build-an-Obstacle Contest (Prescott Park next to the State Boat Launch)

    10:00 am – 4:00 pm *Paul Smith’s Booster Club Chocolate Festival (Romano’s Saranac Bowling Lanes, 11 Bloomingdale Ave)

    11:00 am Long Run Wealth Advisors Curling Exhibition (Lake Flower near the Ice Palace)

    11:00 am *Paul Smiths College Woodsmen Exhibition (Riverside Park)

    12:00 pm Heat Keepers Icicle Contest — prizes for longest natural icicle (Riverside Park, icicle check-in at 11:30 am)

    12:00 pm Lake Placid Curling Club “Hit the Button” Curling Competition — Open to all ($, Lake Flower near the Ice Palace)

    12:30 pm Saranac Teachers Association Little Ladies Fry Pan Toss — For Girls 6-17 (Riverside Park, Registration 11:00-12:00)

    1:00 pm *Women’s Civic Second Corn-a-ment Cornhole Tournament (On the ice in front of Saranac Waterfront Lodge, $40 registration fee per 2-player team. Contact Deb Reilly at debreilly6@gmail.com for information. Register at https://linktr.ee/wintercarnivalcornament)

    1:00 pm Taylor Rental Ladies Fry Pan Toss — For Ladies 18 and Up (Riverside Park, Registration 11:00-12:30)

    5:00 pm – 7:00 pm *Spaghetti Dinner at St Bernard’s School Cafeteria presented by Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court 787 and Knights of Columbus Council 599, Take Out available ($, St. Bernard’s School, 63 River St, Orders taken 4:30 to 6:30 at 518-354-0825)

    7:00 p.m. (roads closing at 6:15 pm) Lighting of the Ice Palace and Hotel Saranac Opening Fireworks Display (Ice Palace, State Boat Launch)

    8:30 pm *Live Music–Underground System wsg TBA, doors open 7:30 ($, The Waterhole, 48 Main St)

    Sunday, FEBRUARY 5, 2023

    10:00 am – 6:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

    10:00 am – 3:00 pm Edward Jones Arctic Golf (Prescott Park next to the State Boat Launch)

    10:00 am – 4:00 pm *–BACK THIS YEAR– Skate Lake Colby sponsored by Adirondack Health — Demos, Free Skate, Straight Line Drag Races for Ice Skates and Kick Sleds 2 pm to 3 pm. (Beach at Lake Colby)

    10:00 am *White Stag Downhill Ski Races (Mt. Pisgah Ski Center, 92 Mt. Pisgah Lane, $)

    11:00 am – 2:30 pm *Arctic Bar-B-Que — Friends of Mt. Pisgah (Mt. Pisgah Ski Center, Mt. Pisgah Lane, $)

    1:00 pm –NEW– The Blue Buns Wheel-a-Palooza, a bathing suit-clad round-the-town bike ride (Ice Palace, State Boat Launch)

    1:00 pm LifePower Chiropractic Ultimate Frisbee Games (Saranac Lake High School Football Field, 79 Canaras Ave, Call 518-637-3238 for details)

    2:30 pm Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters FlowerBall (Lake Flower near the Ice Palace)

    Monday, February 6, 2023

    1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023

    1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

    3:30 pm *Scavenger Hunt for Middle School Students (Saranac Lake Youth Center, 29 Woodruff St)

    5:00 pm Winter Carnival Grand Marshall Reception ($, Hotel Saranac, 100 Main Street)

    6:00 pm Winter Carnival Royalty Dinner ($, Hotel Saranac, 100 Main Street)

    7:00 pm *Main Street Exchange presents “Roman Around Carnival” Fashion Show, Three rounds of Roman fashion: Ancient attire based off of Social Class, Gods and Goddesses, Ancient Roman attire in modern times. Contact Main Street Exchange to purchase tickets. ($, The Graragery, behind Grizzle-T’s on Dorsey Street)

    8:00 pm *Live Music–Ryan Montbleau (Solo) wsg Hayley Jane, doors open 7:00 ($, The Waterhole, 48 Main St)

    Wednesday, February 8, 2023

    1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

    5:00 pm – 7:00 pm NEW– Family Night at the Ice Palace sponsored by Hudson Headwaters Health Network (Ice Palace, State Boat Launch)

    6:00 pm Curtis Lumber Snowshoe Races — All Ages (Dewey Mountain, Route 3, call 518-891-2697, Children’s Event Fees paid for by Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club)

    6:00 pm *Bacchanalia Feast at the Hotel Saranac (Hotel Saranac, 100 Main St)

    7:30 pm *Music–Beat Authority Dance Party, doors open 7:00 ($, Half of ticket sales donated to NCPR The Waterhole, 48 Main St)

    Thursday, February 9, 2023

    1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

    6:00 pm American Management Association Torchlight Skiing and Fireworks (Mt. Pisgah Ski Center, 92 Mt. Pisgah Lane)

    8:30 pm *Live Music–The Frank White Experience: Tribute to Notorious B.I.G. wsg TBA, doors open 7:30 ($, The Waterhole, 48 Main St)

    Friday, February 10, 2023

    10:00 am Adirondack Bank Innertube Races (Mt. Pisgah Ski Center, 92 Mt. Pisgah Lane, Children’s Event Fees paid for by Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club)

    12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Coakley Home and Hardware Children’s Skating Races (Saranac Lake Civic Center, 213 Ampersand Ave, Children’s Event Fees paid for by Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club)

    1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

    2:00 pm – 4:00 pm  Coakley Home and Hardware Family Open Skate with Free Hot Chocolate (Saranac Lake Civic Center, 213 Ampersand Ave)

    4:00 pm – 7:00 pm *Live Music–Big Boss (Bitters & Bones, 65 Broadway) 

    7:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Tentatively)  Firefighter’s Broom Ball (Saranac Lake Civic Center, 213 Ampersand Ave)

    7:00 pm *–BACK THIS YEAR– Rotary Club Variety Show, Tickets available at Chamber of Commerce, Ampersound, NBT Bank ($, Harrietstown Town Hall, 39 Main St)

    7:00 pm – 10:00 pm *Live Music–Moment’s Notice in the Great Hall (Hotel Saranac, 100 Main St)

    8:00 pm – 11:00 pm *Live Music–John Warchol (Bitters & Bones, 65 Broadway)

    8:30 pm *Live Music–The Mallett Brothers Band wsg Saints and Liars, doors open 7:30 ($, The Waterhole, 48 Main St)

    Saturday, February 11, 2023

    8:30 am *Mason’s Pancake Breakfast with the Carnival Characters ($, Location TBD)

    10:00 am – 6:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

    10:00 am *CanAm Snow Rugby (Saranac Lake High School Track Field, 79 Canaras Ave, Call 518-524-5841)

    11:00 am *Paul Smiths Woodsmen Exhibition (Riverside Park)

    12:00 pm Gala Parade Line-Up (Register at Nice N Easy Mobil, 196 Broadway Ave)

    1:00 pm Gala Parade presented by Casella Waste and North Country Community College (From the firehouse on Broadway to LaPan Highway)

    2:00 pm – 6:00 pm *Live Music–Rose & the Bros at the Post Parade Party (Free Show, The Waterhole, 48 Main St)

    2:00 pm – 6:00 pm *Live Music–After-Parade Toga Party w/ Darkside Skinny Dippers (Free, The Rusty Nail, 83 Broadway Ave) 

    4:00 pm – 7:00 pm *Live Music–Big Boss (Bitters & Bones, 65 Broadway)

    6:00 pm – 10:00 pm –NEW NIGHT–  Saranac Waterfront Lodge Snow Ball ($, Saranac Waterfront Lodge, 250 Lake Flower Ave, Tickets are available at Waterfront Lodge)

    9:00 pm – Midnight *Live Music–Sonic Boom (Bitters & Bones, 65 Broadway)

    9:00 pm *Live Music–West End Blend wsg Chestnut Grove, doors open 8:00 ($, The Waterhole, 48 Main St)

    Sunday, February 12, 2023 — last day

    10:00 am – 4:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

    10:00 am Community Bank Adult Cross-country Ski Races (Dewey Mountain, Route 3, Call 518-891-2697)

    11:00 am Bionique Testing Labs Snowflake Volleyball Tournament (Saranac Lake Civic Center, Rotary Field, 213 Ampersand Ave)

    11:00 am Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters FlowerBall (Lake Flower near the Ice Palace)

    12:00 pm Adirondack Health Youth Cross-country Ski Races (Dewey Mountain, Route 3, Call 518-891-2697, Children’s Event Fees paid for by Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club)

    12:00 pm – 3:00 pm *Live Music–Jae Dani (Bitters & Bones, 65 Broadway)

    1:00 pm Casella Waste Systems Kiddie Parade from the Hotel Saranac to Harrietstown Town Hall (Meet at the Hotel Saranac, 100 Main St)

    2:00 pm – 6:00 pm *Live Music–The Ditrani Brothers at Bloody Mary Sunday (Free, The Waterhole, 48 Main St)

    4:00 pm – 7:00 pm *Live Music–Michael Lashomb (Bitters & Bones, 65 Broadway)

    7:30 pm Guide Boat Realty Winter Carnival Slide Show (Ice Palace, State Boat Launch)

    8:00 pm Guide Boat Realty “Storming the Ice Palace” Closing Fireworks Display (Ice Palace, State Boat Launch)  

    The 2024 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival will be held February 2-11. Mark your calendars now!

  • Americana Rootsenanny Coming to Tannery Pond Center in North Creek on Jan. 15

    Tannery Pond Center, located in the southern Adirondack town of North Creek, will host American Rootsenanny on Sunday, January 15, featuring three exciting American Newgrass bands: Ragged Company, Keanan Stark & Orion Stark, and Sugar & The Tree.

    americana rootsenanny

    Ragged Company is a Saratoga Springs based trio is a viola, and two guitar group with all three artists on vocals performing in a folk, rock and roots style music. Keanan Stark & Orion Kribs are an Adirondack duo have brought their blend of modern yet classically old-timey sounds to many appreciative audiences in the Northeast and beyond.

    Keanen Stark plays guitar, harmonica, and banjo and Orion Kribs plays mandolin and guitar. Each a capable lead vocalist, Stark and Kribs swap old-timey folk, blues, bluegrass, and classic americana tunes, and dabble at entertaining endless other influences and flights of fancy. Sugar & The Tree is a Roots, Americana duo featuring the songs of Heather Richards & Marc Clayton.  The duo will be joined by a 5-piece band.

    Underwritten by the Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation, “Dedicated to improving the quality of life for year-round residents of the Adirondack Park”.

    tannery pond center

    Tannery Pond Center features a full schedule of arts programming, including exhibits of original art, musical concerts and performances, as well as workshops and children’s programs. TPC is dedicated to enriching lives with quality arts programming and a welcoming community center, the result of dedicated benefactors, Elise and Woody Widlund, who purchased the property, erected the building and donated it to the care of the Town of Johnsburg with an official ribbon cutting and dedication in 2002.

    Tickets for Americana Rootsenanny are $15 in advance, $20 Day of Concert, and free for Youth 18 and younger. For advance price tickets, please visit the TPC box office, or call (518) 251-2505, or purchase online thru Eventbrite. Some “Day of Event” tickets are reserved for purchase at the box office.

    tannery pond center

    And don’t miss the Tannery Pond Center Winter Coffee House Series, starting January 29. For more info visit Tannery Pond.
    Sunday, Jan. 29 | 3 PM
    Sunday, Feb.| 3 PM
    Sunday, Feb. | 3 PM
    Sunday. March | 3PM
    Sunday March | 3 PM


    Tannery Pond Community Center is located at 228 Main Street, North Creek, NY. Previously this winter, Tannery Pond Center hosted The North Country Jazz Project.

    tannery pond center

    The North Country Jazz Project is an 18 piece big band that plays various types of music including jazz, standards, Latin and funk music is a unique way. The group consists of many Glens Falls and southern Adirondack musicians who have extensive musical backgrounds in teaching and performing on many stages throughout the country. Self-described as a “Big Band with a Purpose,” the group is ready to play music for the audience’s enjoyment and to promote the love of all forms of music through their unique renditions and style.

    With tunes ranging from holiday favorites to toe-tapping standards and high-energy jazz, you’ll enjoy a memorable evening of top-notch music. The night honors Glenn Pearsall for his generous donation to TPC.

  • A Comedy Triple Roast Battle Arrives at Funk n Waffles on January 15

    With comedy finding a regular home in Central New York at Funk n Waffles, comedian and host Brian Enck is bringing a twist on roasts to Syracuse on January 15.

    The Triple Roast Comedy Roast Battle is the first of its kind, with competing comedians not just roasting each other, but they’ll have three rounds to show the audience who the best of the night truly is.

    comedy roast

    The first round is a Roast battle where anything goes. Second round will be a celebrity Roast where we see what the comics have to say about notable individuals we all know and want to see burned. And finally, a volunteer audience member roast will welcome only the bravest of the night to come on stage, sit in the hot seat and take the abuse from of Syracuse’s best comedians. 

    Enck is a nationally touring comedian who’s been in dozens of comedy fests, hosted award shows, podcasts and anything else you can think of. Now living in Syracuse, his new favorite show is the monthly at Funk & Waffles.

    Opening the night is Pat Tato, a traveling solo act. Pat is one of the most talented local musicians in New York State right now, with a fun folk pop indie variety that makes him a real fun act to see live.

    Comedians joining the roast include: 

    Ellen Doyle, an L.A. comedian with both TV and radio credits, an unapologetic comedian ready to show off at the Roast. 

    Josh Wilbert is a rising Central New York comic, with the energy of the jokester at the plant, with smart cuts and a laid back demeanor. 

    Josh “Heathan” Lafaver, the winner of the Clash of Comics at Syracuse Funny Bone, Heathan has earned his name and tittle. The most Roast ready of out the lineup, there will be zero apologies for the jabs and jokes he delivers Sunday night.

    Anthony Walker is the newest in the lineup, as this touring comic makes jokes and observations so far out of the box, it’s in a circle. He’s got chops and delivery that makes this rookie something to not sleep on.

    Tickets are $15, or $30 for the show, with dinner included. Get tickets and more info here.

  • Legendary Guitarist Jeff Beck dead following Brief Illness

    Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck, who played with the Yardbirds, was named one of the top 5 guitarists of all-time by Rolling Stone, and influenced generations of guitarists, has died at age 78.

    jeff beck
    Jeff Beck, performing at UPAC in October 2022. Photo by Mickey Deneher

    The news was shared on Instagram today in a statement from Beck’s family.

    On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing. After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.

    via Jeff Beck Instagram

    Beck was also the frontman for Jeff Beck Group, and Beck, Bogert & Appice, and was known as a ‘guitarist’s guitarist.’ The two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee – first with The Yardbirds in 1992 and later as a solo artist in 2009, had recently toured with Johnny Depp in Fall 2022, making a stop at UPAC in Kingston. Revisit his performance here.

  • Chuck Garvey to return to the road full-time with moe.

    Just two weeks after his very special appearance at moe.’s New Year’s Eve performance in Philadelphia, founding guitarist Chuck Garvey has announced that he will be returning to the road full-time for the band’s 21-date winter 2023 tour.

    moe chuck garvey walls capitol theatre
    Chuck Garvey projected onto the walls of The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY – photo by Filip Zalewski

    The tour will kick off on Long Island with the January 19th performance at The Paramount in Huntington, recently named the top club worldwide, by PollStar.

    Thank you for your well-wishes and your donations, without which my recovery would not have happened, This year has been a really long, difficult one for me, but a rewarding one, in that I learned what a person needs to do to achieve goals. Some are basic, everyday things like speech, and some are more about universal things that I noticed about family, friends, and community that keep us all afloat.

    Garvey in a letter home to fans, in November

    The long-awaited announcement comes 13 months after Garvey suffered a stroke, just after the band’s Halloween 2021 performance, which would not have happened without the support of the moe. community, according ot the band.

    Bassist Rob Derhak, who himself battled cancer and took time away from moe. in 2017, gave perspective to Chuck’s return to the band:

    This past year has been a trying time for moe., as a band. We were faced with an unthinkable decision of replacing our brother Chuck with another guitarist. Suke stepped in and stepped up. He brought his unique style, unparalleled talent, and hyper-focused work ethic into the group. Without his help, we wouldn’t have been able to survive the last year, and I think I speak for all of us when I say that we are eternally grateful. Thank You Suke Cerulo.

    Rob Derhak

    See Chuck Garvey on tour with moe this winter, which covers much of the Northeast and Southeast. Get tickets at moe.org.

    moe. 2023 Winter Tour Dates

    Thursday, January 19 – The Paramount – Huntington, NY
    Friday, January 20th – 9:30 Club – Washington, D.C.
    Saturday, January 21st – Wellmont Theater – Montclair, NJ
    Friday, February 17th – State Theatre – Portland, ME
    Saturday, February 18th – State Theatre – Portland, ME
    Friday, February 24th – Palace Theater – Albany, NY
    Saturday, February 25th – Palace Theater – Albany, NY

    Thursday, March 9th – Brooklyn Bowl – Nashville, TN
    Friday, March 10th – Mars Music Hall – Huntsville, AL
    Saturday, March 11th – Minglewood Hall – Memphis, TN
    Sunday, March 12th – Vinyl Music Hall – Pensacola, FL
    Wednesday, March 15th – Music Hall – Charleston, SC
    Thursday, March 16th – The Plaza Live – Orlando, FL
    Friday, March 17th – Culture Room – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    Saturday, March 18th – Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL
    Sunday, March 19th – PV Concert Hall – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
    Tuesday, March 21st – Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC
    Wednesday, March 22nd – Jefferson Theatre – Charlottesville, VA
    Thursday, March 23rd – The Orange Peel – Asheville, NC
    Friday, March 24th – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA
    Saturday, March 25th – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA

  • Ellicottville’s 2023 Winter Blues Weekend Coming up January 20-22

    In the Western New York town of Ellicottville, the village will heat up this winter during Winter Blues Weekend, held January 20-22 at various venues and establishments in town. These hot spots will feature live and local blues artists on Friday and Saturday night, with more events planned during the long weekend, all free and open to the public.

    Ellicottville blues weekend

    Located in the heart of the Chautauqua-Allegheny Region, Ellicottville is located less that an hour northeast of Jamestown and less than an hour south of Buffalo. Presented by the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, this high-energy, soulful celebration in the heart of the village will feature more than 15 regional acts. Ellicottville also offers eclectic shops, unique restaurants and two ski slopes all within walking distance.

    Winter Blues Weekend has always been a hit with both our locals and visitors. We’re looking forward to welcoming back some of the greatest Blues artists in our area, as well as some new acts. We hope you will give these musicians a warm welcome!

    Jessica Wallace, business development manager of the Ellicottville Chamber
    Ellicottville

    The music kicks off Friday evening and continues through Sunday afternoon, allowing you to kick back and listen to amazingly talented musicians, perhaps after a day of skiing the local slopes.

     “We want to make sure that everyone who comes to Ellicottville can enjoy these live performances at no cost,” said Wallace. “Many restaurants start their entertainment schedules in the afternoon, giving families with young children a chance to plan a fun, musically-inspired lunch or dinner out and take part in all the excitement.”

    Book your lodging now so you can look forward to enjoying a weekend of great music, fun dining, eclectic shopping and freshly groomed ski conditions. A complete schedule of live music for Winter Blues Weekend 2023 will be posted on ellicottvilleny.com.

  • moe. to join Umphrey’s McGee at Red Rocks in June

    In the midst of the band’s 25th year, Umphrey’s McGee will once again return to Colorado, performing two nights at the fabled Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and they’ll be bringing along longtime friends moe. for the shows.

    moe umphreys mcgee

    Umphrey’s McGee will start their Colorado run with one night at Dillon Amphitheater on June 15th, followed by two nights at Red Rocks on June 16th and 17th. moe. will be performing an extended set each night at Red Rocks, opening up for Umphrey’s.

    Umphrey’s McGee shared in a statement, “We are thrilled to be welcoming our long-time compadres moe. for an extended set both nights at Red Rocks! Dillon Amphitheater easily became one of our favorite venues following our debut last year. And if you have rocked the Rocks with us before, you know it is not-to-be-missed – if you have’t, make this your year.”

    umVIP will be offering enhanced experience packages for Dillon and Red Rocks to make the Colorado weekend smooth and seamless. Enjoy program perks including exclusive pit access in Dillon and a private set at Red Rocks, signed posters, merch and more. Read up on the works here.

    Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, January 10th, with general on sale beginning Friday, January 13th.

    • Tuesday, January 10th, 10:00 am MT: umVIP tickets go on-sale
    • Wednesday, January 11th, 10:00 am MT: Two-Day Umphrey’s Pre-Sale tickets for Red Rocks only
    • Thursday, January 12th, 10:00 am MT: Limited venue Pre-Sale for all three shows
    • Friday, January 13th, 10:00 am MT: General on-sale begins for all three shows
    • Tuesday, January 10th, 10:00 am MT: umVIP tickets go on-sale
    • Wednesday, January 11th, 10:00 am MT: Two-Day Umphrey’s Pre-Sale tickets for Red Rocks only
    • Thursday, January 12th, 10:00 am MT: Limited venue Pre-Sale for all three shows
    • Friday, January 13th, 10:00 am MT: General on-sale begins for all three shows
  • Joe Magnarelli Quartet to Visit Jazz Central in Syracuse

    Joe Magnarelli, a world-class jazz expatriate from the Salt City, always makes time for his hometown when on tour. Even with a busy road schedule, the prodigal son will have an upcoming stop at the Jazz Central theater on Saturday, January 21st at 7:30 pm.

    Joe Magnarelli

    Magnarelli, who made his bones with stints in Harry Connick’s band and the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, will front his current touring trio of luminaries, including organist Pat Bianchi, veteran of the Pat Martino and Lou Donaldson groups; Eastman School faculty Bob Sneider on guitar, and drummer Joe Strasser, former percussionist for artists as diverse as Harold Mabern, Jane Monheit, David Hazeltine, and Kyle Eastwood; all are leaders in their own right.

    We haven’t seen enough of Joe Mags of late, due to pesky conflicts like pandemics. Area fans have been waiting too long for his return, so we expect them to line up for this one as well. The red carpet will be fully rolled out.

    Larry Luttinger CNY Jazz founder

    Well known to local audiences, Joe has appeared many times at CNY Jazz festivals and concerts, to play with his group, as a guest soloist with other jazz legends, or with the Syracuse Symphony and Symphoria.

    Joe Magnarelli

    Magnarelli’s career output continues to grow as his heavy international schedule continues into its fourth decade, including past experience with leaders Buddy Rich, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Brother Jack McDuff, Maria Schneider, Ray Barretto, his wife, Akiko Tsuruga, and many groups of his own. He has recorded over 15 albums as leader and logged many, many more as a sideman.

    If you do attend, mask wearing is encouraged at the cozy downtown venue. Jazz Central is located at 441 E Washington St, Syracuse. Advance sale tickets are available now at cnyjazz.org/tickets

  • The Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls Centennial Season Begins on January 17

    In the Washington County town of Hudson Falls, a year of celebration is underway. The Strand Theatre, which opened its doors on January 17, 1923, will kick off a centennial year of celebration, with a series of films that call back to the silent film era, which the Strand Theatre was initially built for.

    strand theatre marquee
    October 2022

    Having reopened on October 7, 2016 through the nonprofit Hudson River Music Hall Productions, which came together in 2010 with the goal of helping to rehabilitate old buildings in Hudson Falls. Having a huge calendar each month (see below) with a wide variety of genres, shows and experiences, the Strand Theatre holds the distinction as the only major music venue in Washington and Warren Counties that is open year-round. Part of a chain of Strand Theatres built in the early 20th century, other venues under the name Strand can be found in Plattsburgh and Schroon Lake, as well as others that have closed over time.

    1923

    The Strand Theatre opening night in 1923 incldued two screenings of One Week in Love. Now in 2023, the Hudson Falls Strand Theatre, starting on January 17th, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the venue’s grand opening with the 1923 comedy classic Safety Last, starring silent-era film star Harold Lloyd. January 19th will feature The General, starring Buster Keaton, with Max Schreck’s Nosferatu the feature film on January 20th, and Fritz Lang’s NYC-inspired Metropolis on January 21.

    All movies will start at 7 pm, with admission and popcorn free.

    Stay tuned for NYS Music’s full history of The Strand Theatre and more info on the centennial year of this Northeast New York multi-purpose performing arts venue.