Bluegrass/Country Archives - Page 11 of 12

Hoot = Love at Winter Hoot 2023

The 2023 Winter Hoot was held February 3-5, 2023, at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge. N.Y. This year marks the Hoot’s 10th anniversary, started as a collaboration by Mike Merenda and Ruthy Ungar in conjunction with the Ashokan Center and those in the surrounding area.

Friday night started with a community dinner followed by the showing and discussion of the documentary film “Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective.,” by filmmaker Costa Boutsikaris. A jam session followed to close out the evening. Sunday activities included yoga, guided hikes around the center and a community sing. Saturday proved to be the meat of this down-home, down-to-earth gathering.

The Hoot is set up as a family fun time. This was obvious from all those who brought their children with them. Saturday featured a kid’s zone of craft making, learning to blacksmith, and an ice sculping exhibition by Thomas Brown.

But music is the star of this semi-annual event. In the main lobby of the Esopus Lodge, you encountered a one-of-a-kind instrument petting zoo. An area encouraging people to pick up an instrument and join in with real musicians to make their own music. Farther into the Ashokan campus, the Pewter house offered small intimate musical performances. The ambiance of the room set the mood of entertainment in earlier times.

In the lodge’s performance hall, you got the feeling of attending a large family gathering on a cold winter day. Those in the Winter Hoot audience were treated to some of the Hudson Valley’s finest musicians. People were encouraged to sing along and when the song was right, dancing would break out in front of the stage. Featured performers included Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, Jude Roberts, Rachael Yamagata, and The Mammals.

This three-day gathering went off without a hitch. Whether you participated in activities or were just there for the music, you came away with the felling of what the Hoot is about. It is love. Love for community, nature, and music.

February 9, 2023

My First Billy Strings First Show : 1st Bank Center In Broomfield, CO

Sometimes you need to head west in the winter to find some heat, and at 1st Bank Center on Saturday, February 4, that’s just what was found. Amid bitter cold back east, I flew out to Denver for a short weekend and experienced my first Billy Strings show.

This is not to say I’ve never seen Billy Strings perform – I first saw him at WinterWonderGrass in Stratton, VT in December 2018, after years of hearing the buzz about this Michigan bluegrass musician. It took until last summer to catch him a second time, during Outlaw Music Fest when it came to Saratoga Performing Arts Center. But I had never seen him in a regular show setting, and festival sets always give you a different experience than seeing the band for an evening with. Thus, this would be my first Billy Strings show, on the last night of his sold out three-night run in Broomfield, CO, and what a show it was.

Cutting to the chase here, Billy Strings, featuring Mr. Strings (guitar), Billy Failing (banjo), Royal Masat (bass), Jarrod Walker (mandolin), and Alex Hargreaves (fiddle), puts on one hell of a show. There wasn’t a dull moment, an unengaged fan or any feeling I was arriving to the show as an outsider – the crowd was welcoming, one that assured me afterwards that I got a heater at my first Billy show.

With a half an hour before show time (given the 815pm start time the previous two nights), our crew found ourselves on the floor about a third of the way from the front, stage right. With 15 minutes, 10 minutes and 5 minutes before showtime, a brief announcement came on the screens with the voice of god saying “X minutes until Fuzzy Rainbows” – a unique way to get the crowd prepared for the show at the same time the band is getting ready and heading to the stage. With all the shows I’d listened to of Billy Strings’, this was a brand new concept and one of those welcome surprises that did not disappoint.

Kicking off with two substance-tinged tunes, the ever popular “Dust in a Baggie” and “Heartbeat of America,” eyes were drawn to the video screens on either side of the stage. These made Billy and the band seem larger than life (by design), with the band-wide shot above the stage giving a horizontal frame to the band. For those way back in the audience, this was helpful as the five musicians side by side appeared so tiny after looking at the video screens of Giant Billy looking down on the crowd.

The hour long first set had an array of covers, with traditional tunes from Roy Acuff and Larry Sparks complemented by covers from The Moody Blues and John Hartford. Billy Strings’ blending of his own originals and covers that go back through the history of bluegrass, as well as non-bluegrass tunes is a great part of the appeal that makes the music so accessible to so many.

Alongside the video screens were the lights, which were another thing that could not translate to the audio-only experience, let alone festival sets. The lights were on par with the 20th Century Fox intro spotlights, continually shining all around, rotating and occassionally connecting with the disco ball way up in the rafters off stage left. This unexpected element to a bluegrass show gave a never-ending intertwining of lights, something you’d only see at a Greensky Bluegrass show.

After a not too long setbreak, set 2 came out swinging with an Oak Ridge Boys tune, a mellow and delightful “Watch It Fall” and the traditional “Cumberland Reel.” From there, the set picked up speed and never let up, dropping in with the dark as hell “Psycho” that segued smooth as silk into J.J. Cale’s “Ride Me High.” The Bad Livers’ tune “Pretty Daughter” – covered often by Yonder Mountain String Band – jumped up late in the set, with Billy moving from side to side on the stage, hamming it up a bit and watching his bandmates take solos. The closing “Turmoil & Tinfoil” rounded things out with a punch, with an all too brief encore of “Tennessee,” noted as the band’s destination for some recording, and not a sit-in with Phil Lesh and Friends the next day in Denver.

And with that, I checked my first Billy Strings show off the list, with assurance from the show and crowd that this would not be the last.

Billy Strings – 1st Bank Center, Broomfield, CO – Saturday, February 4, 2023

Set 1: Dust In A Baggie, Heartbeat of America, Along The Road (Dan Fogelberg), Streamlined Cannonball (Roy Acuff), The Fire On My Tounge > Know It All, John Deere Tractor (Larry Sparks), The Preacher & The Bear (Arthur Francis Collins), Wargasm, Nights In White Satin (The Moody Blues), This Old World, Bronzeback, All Fall Down (John Hartford), These Old Blues (Traditional)

Set 2: Dig A Little Deeper In The Well (The Oak Ridge Boys), Ice Bridges, Watch It Fall, Slow Train, Cumberland Reel (traditional), Psycho (Eddie Noack) > Ride Me High (J.J. Cale) The Train That Carried My Girl From Town (Doc Watson) > Black Mountain Rag, Love Like Me, Whisper Your Name (New Grass Revival), Pretty Daughter (Bad Livers), Nothing’s Working, Turmoil & TInfoil

Encore: Tennessee (Jimmy Martin)

February 9, 2023

Fifth Class of the Capital Region Music Hall of Fame Announced

The newest class of the Capital Region Music Hall of Fame has been announced, with an induction ceremony to take place Monday, March 27th.

Eight individuals will be inducted into the fifth class of the Capital Region Music Hall Of Fame at Universal Preservation Hall. The group includes two members of a pioneering late 1960s and early 70s alt-country band; a nun who helped launch the careers of hundreds of music industry professionals around the globe; one of the region’s most active and best-known bluegrass musicians over the past eight decades; a woman who has promoted bluegrass music through the local airwaves for over 40 years; a legendary rock music photographer; and two guitarist virtuosos who forged careers that have generated international recognition.

“It is inspiring to think about the accomplishments of these men and women and what they represent. Weaved together, their stories represent an amassing cross-section of the American music scene. And collectively they reflect an amazing, vital music scene in the Capital Region.”
Jim Murphy, founder and producer of the Eddies Music Hall of Fame

The class will be inducted with musical performances, short videos about their careers, speeches and more in a public celebration at UPH. The evening kicks off 6 p.m. with a social gathering; the Capital Region Music Hall Of Fame induction ceremony begins 7 p.m. All inductees are represented with plaques at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs, as well as brief videos highlighting their careers.

Eddies Music Hall of Fame Class of 2023

If an artist is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, chances are better than even that Martin Benjamin has photographed them at some point in their career. His first published photo was of Bruce Springsteen at the Palace Theatre in Albany in 1979. Since then, the Union College visual arts professor’s lenses have captured everyone from AC/DC to Frank Zappa, and his work has been exhibited across the U.S. and in Europe and Asia, as well as published as part of 18 TV productions and in The New York Times, The Mirror, People, Rolling Stone, American Photographer and elsewhere.

Albany native Mike Campese has released 11 solo albums featuring his fusion guitar mastery and is a former member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He has been featured in Guitar One, Guitar World and Guitar Player, among other magazines, and is a columnist for several publications. A graduate of the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, he has also taught throughout his career. When not on the road, Campese splits his time between the Capital Region and California.

Felicia Collins grew up in Albany’s Arbor Hill, acquiring her first guitar at the age of 12 from a pawn shop and teaching herself to play. She is best known for her role as guitarist and vocalist in Paul Schaffer’s celebrated “Late Night with David Letterman” band for the show’s entire run (1993-2015) on CBS. She has toured and recorded with artists such as George Clinton, Aretha Franklin, Cindy Lauper, Madonna and the Thompson Twins, among many others. And she has led her own bands and recorded three solo albums.

Wanda Fischer has hosted WAMC-FM/Northeast Public Radio’s weekly “The Hudson River Sampler” show – dedicated to folk music, bluegrass, and blues music – since 1982. Prior to joining WAMC, Fischer hosted a similar show in Worcester, Mass. for four years. She was inducted into the Folk Alliance International’s Folk DJ Hall of Fame in 2019. This Tennessee native, also a singer/songwriter, relocated to Schenectady in 1979.

According to The New York Times, George Frayne, “as the frontman for the band Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen melded Western swing, jump blues, rockabilly and boogie-woogie with a freewheeling 1960s ethos to pave the way for generations of roots-rock, Americana and alt-country musicians.” The band scored one Top 10 hit and a live album was ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the top 100 albums of all time. Frayne, Idaho born, moved to Saratoga Springs in the 1990s, where he was active as a musician and visual artist and lived until his death in 2021.

Smokey Greene remained active in the country and bluegrass music scene for nearly eight decades as a banjo, guitar, mandolin and fiddle player, as well as a vocalist. He owned his own music club in Thompson, N.Y., toured with his band the Green Mountain Boys in the 1970s, worked as a country radio DJ for two decades in Glens Falls and founded a bluegrass festival in Corinth which enjoyed a 16-year run. Born into a musical family in Tinmouth, Vt., Greene often played late in his career with sons Arlin and Scott.

Sister Mary Anne Nelson, CSJ, founded and led The College of St. Rose’s Music Industry program for 49 years, retiring in 2021. She was responsible for steering the program towards a greater focus on popular music. During her tenure, music students ran their own record label, worked on live music television productions, studied music law and entrepreneurship, and ran lights and sound and performed at a bar-like venue on campus. Her vision put Saint Rose on the map as one of the top U.S. music industry programs as recognized multiple times by Billboard magazine.

Guitarist and vocalist John Tichy is an original member of Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, formed in 1967 in Ann Arbor, Mich. After playing for two years in local bars, the core members migrated to Berkeley, Calif. The group disbanded in 1976 after five studio and two live albums, and one Top 10 hit, “Hot Rod Lincoln.” Tichy, born in St. Louis, who previously earned a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, soon joined the faculty of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, where he became head of the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering.

The Eddies Music Hall of Fame ceremony will be followed by the Eddies Music Award Show at Proctors on Sunday, April 30. About 200 nominees will be acknowledged in roughly 35 categories. More information is available at theeddiesawards.com.

Tickets are on sale at universalpreservationhall.org

February 6, 2023

Luke Bryan to Kick Off Summer Tour in Syracuse with Stops at Jones Beach and Darien Lake

Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan has announced his 2023 tour plans today with the launch of the 36-city “Country On Tour” kicking off in Syracuse on June 15.

Luke Bryan’s “Country On Tour” will also make stops at Darien Lake Amphitheater and Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh.

Special guests throughout the tour include many of country music’s up and coming artists – Chayce Beckham, Tyler Braden, Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Jon Langston, Conner Smith, Alana Springsteen, Hailey Whitters, and DJ Rock.

“Artists get into the business to make music and perform it for the fans,” shared Luke. “Leaving it all out on that stage is what it’s all about for me. I’m excited to support and have so many talented new artists along for the ride this year. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of our job”.

Ticket presale for Luke Bryan fan club members begins Tuesday, Jan 31 at 8 a.m. through Thursday, February 2 at 5 p.m. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Wednesday, Feb 1 at 10 a.m. until Thursday, Feb 2 at 10 p.m. through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

The tour is aptly named after Luke Bryans 30th #1 single, “Country On,” which hit the top spot on the country singles charts just before Christmas 2022 and helped him amass a career tally of 56 total weeks at #1.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, Feb 3 at 10 a.m. at Lukebryan.com.

“Country On Tour” Schedule

06/15/2023 Syracuse, NY St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview

06/16/2023 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Amphitheater

06/17/2023 Toronto, ON Budweiser Stage

06/23/2023 Camden, NJ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

06/24/2023 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center

07/06/2023 Wantagh, NY Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

07/07/2023 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion

07/13/2023 Hershey, PA Hersheypark Stadium

07/20/2023 Portland, OR RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

07/21/2023 Wheatland, CA Toyota Amphitheatre

07/22/2023 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre

07/27/2023 Lubbock, TX United Supermarkets Arena

07/28/2023 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater

07/29/2023 Denver, CO Ball Arena

08/04/2023 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre

08/05/2023 Boise, ID Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater

08/10/2023 Rogers, AR Walmart AMP

08/12/2023 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena

08/13/2023 Brandon, MS Brandon Amphitheater

08/17/2023 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center

08/18/2023 Indianapolis, IN Ruoff Music Center

08/19/2023 Pittsburgh, PA The Pavilion at Star Lake

08/25/2023 Evansville, IN Ford Center

08/26/2023 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

09/28/2023 Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion

09/29/2023 Ft Worth, TX Dickies Arena

09/30/2023 Tulsa, OK BOK Center

10/05/2023 Orlando, FL Amway Center

10/06/2023 Savannah, GA Enmarket Arena

10/07/2023 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion

10/12/2023 Sioux Falls, SD Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

10/13/2023 Green Bay, WI Resch Center

10/14/2023 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center

10/26/2023 Raleigh, NC Coastal Credit Union Music Park

10/27/2023 Charlottesville, VA John Paul Jones Arena

10/28/2023 Charleston, SC Credit One Stadium

February 2, 2023

The Gibson Brothers Inspire with Darkest Hour

“I feel your pain” was a catch-phrase made popular by former President Bill Clinton, in an attempt to convey empathy. Brothers Leigh and Eric Gibson have a new album, Darkest Hour , set for release on January 27th, might be the best example on how music can draw empathy out of us. This is especially true in the track, “I Feel The Same Way As You”.

The Gibson Brothers have had wonderful success in the world of bluegrass, and there’s no stopping them now. Superb songwriting on “Darkest Hour” they deliver 12 tracks produced by Jerry Douglas. The album holds dear to the standard bluegrass and a few of the tracks have lap steel, percussion, and electric guitar masterfully blended together by Jerry Douglas.

Connecting through Conversation

You know Gibson makes some really fine guitars. There’s nothing like the Gibson brothers! I had an extended converation on The Long Island Sound podcast, as we took a deep dive into their back story and the pending release of their new album, Darkest Hour.

I’m so interested in families, wives and husbands and brothers who play music together. The musical journey of the brothers on a dairy farm in northern New York, about two miles from the Canadian border. Their dad would alway keep instruments around the house, he’d order a banjo or pick up a fiddle at an auction or order a guitar, but nobody played. Little did their father know that his was laying the foundations for his son’s future musical career.

The Gibson Brothers Eric and Leigh

Instrumental Influences

Eric O’Hara, who still plays in the band these days, was instrumental (pun intended), in helping the brothers Gibson woodshed and hone their craft. They began getting serious about playing music when they were eleven and tweleve years old. The influence of Country and Bluegrass music stayed steady as they listened to Merle Haggard and Earl Scruggs. Living so close to the Canadian border, the fiddle played a big part in Canadian Country music.

Early in their career, the Gibson Brothers did not have the opportunity to travel South, so they looked North. The CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Company), was a was an influence. The Tommy Hunter show had country music every Friday night, and they’d have American country people come up, but also really good Canadian country, artists were on the show. they would see people like Gordon Lightfoot, on CBC, and so many great songwriters from Canada, like Stan Rogers.

And that song started coming and I came through the kitchen door and my wife started talking to me said I gotta go, I gotta go upstairs ,I gotta write I gotta get this down.
Eric Gibson

Success by a Thousand Trys

Wondering if they could recall their one big break into the music industry, Leigh Gibson said “it was such a slow climb, we were prepared for when things don’t always go your way in your career, which will happen. It’s Ups and Downs, you know, but sometimes we’re glad that we weren’t that act that just jumped on the scene.”

Things sometimes go by so fast that it is hard to appreciate what just happened. The boys recounted an experience meeting a future celebrity early in their career in Nashville.

Erik: “Well, I mean, it was early on, we’re playing, playing the station and stuff. And one of the guys is hanging around was the guy named Dirk Bentley just happened to be working on a deal, you know, and nice guy. Just don’t know who you’re gonna run into.”

In Nashville, the Gibsons were meeting and rubbing elbows with their heroes. They met Dave Ferguson, before he hit the big time, and recorded their first album. Ferguson is a ‘s a legend now, but when they met he was second engineer, now he’s one of the hottest producers in Nashville and, and eighteen years later, he remembered the Gibsons and wanted to do a record. And then when they did the record in 2018, it was supposed to be with Dave Ferguson, and then they get a call from their manager who said, Dan Arbok of the Black Keys wants to be involved. Circumstances came together and as they say, “The rest is history”.

I Go Driving

“I go driving”, the sixth track on Darkest Hour, is one of the only songs Eric had written at night. He was feeling stir crazy, wanting to get out of the house, he went for a ride and drove on Backroads of his hometown, listening to Old Country music and just trying to pretend that things were going to be good again. Eric: “And that song started coming and I came through the kitchen door and my wife started talking to me said I gotta go, I gotta go upstairs ,I gotta write I gotta get this down.”

Energy exudes itself in Bluegrass music and the Gibsons Brothers sure know how to deliver.

Tour Dates

Eric and Leigh have begun their tour to promote the album.

Catch The Gibson Brothers On Tour

Jan. 27 – Fairfield, CT – StageOne

Jan. 28 – Shirley, MA – Bull Run

Jan. 29 – Newburyport, MA – Firehouse Center

Feb. 2 – Glens Falls, NY – The Park Theater

Feb. 3 – Clinton, NY – Kirkland Art Center

Feb. 4 – Norwood, NY – Norwood Central School

Feb. 9 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head

Feb. 10 – Richmond, VA – The Tin Pan

Feb. 11 – Rocky Mount, VA – Harvester Performance Center

Feb. 12 – Durham, NC – Motorco Music Hall

Feb. 16 – Newport, KY – The Southgate House Revival

Feb. 18 – Nashville, TN – Analog at Hutton Hotel

Feb. 19 – Asheville, NC – The Grey Eagle

January 28, 2023

The Gibson Brothers to Perform at Glens Falls Park Theatre in February

On February 2, The Gibson brothers will be performing in Glens Falls at the Park Theatre in support of their impending album Darkest Hour.

Darkest Hour, produced by Jerry Douglas varies from trad-grass to country-soul, electric guitars and drums. Eric and Leigh Gibson build a connection with their audience by taking universally known truths/ feelings and infusing them into impeccable bluegrass, country, and Americana songs. The album features Eric and Leigh Gibson vocals and guitar, along with Mike Barber on the bass, Justin Moses playing the mandolin, and Eamon McGloughlin on the fiddle. Additionally, John Gardner, who plays drums and Guthrie Trapp, who rocks an electric guitar, were later added on some tracks.

The Gibson brothers are exceptional artists that capture the soul of country music. There’s a reason why the phenomenal Ricky Skaggs offered the brothers to produce a country record two decades ago. Country Music Hall of Famer, Tom T. Hall has always been a loyal supporter through encouraging their writing, and predicting success.

The brothers built their status by winning an abundance of bluegrass awards, released albums on almost every premier Americana label including Sugar Hill and Rounder. Their songs have also been recorded by bluegrass legends such as Del McCoury. Despite their success, The Gibson Brothers are not yet household names. Although, their remarkable resume and latest album, Darkest Hour could change that. Tickets can be found here.

January 25, 2023

Eric Church Adds SPAC Date to Outsiders Revival Tour

With more than 10 dates selling out during the first day of public on sales, Eric Church has responded to the overwhelming demand by adding eight new shows to his eagerly-anticipated The Outsiders Revival Tour spanning the U.S. and Canada this summer. He will make a stop in Saratoga Springs at SPAC in August with Lainey Wilson and The Red Clay Strays.

Eric Church’s most recent critically acclaimed and chart-topping project, his Heart & Soul triple album, is the result of a marathon session during which he spent nearly a month writing and recording a song per day while sequestered in rural North Carolina. The album features his latest Gold-certified No. 1 “Hell of a View” and recent Top 5 hit “Heart On Fire” as well as his latest single, “Doing Life With Me.”

Joining “The Chief” across varying dates are Whiskey Myers, Cody Jinks, Jelly Roll, Ashley McBryde, Koe Wetzel, Lainey Wilson, Midland, Parker McCollum, Travis Tritt, Elle King and Paul Cauthen, plus Jackson Dean, Morgan Wade, Muscadine Bloodline, Shane Smith & The Saints, Hailey Whitters, Ray Wylie Hubbard and The Red Clay Strays.

Other newly added dates include Charleston, SC, Toronto, ON Rogers, AR, Orange Beach, AL, George, WA, Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC.

When I approach touring, I’m always inspired by a new experience, a new way to gather, to express ourselves sonically and visually. Whether it’s solo, in the round, double down; being able to bring a different perspective has always brought out our best creatively. Well, we have never done an outdoor summer tour. Never headlined amphitheaters. Never brought a summer experience to your town that featured artists we want to share the summer with. Until now. See you in the season of sunshine with some fellow outsiders that shine brightest when the sun goes down.
Eric Church

For more information and to learn how to join the Church Choir, visit EricChurch.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram @ericchurchmusic.

Tickets to all originally announced dates are on sale now, with added dates on sale next Friday, Jan. 27 at 10 a.m. local time (Rogers, Ark. at 9 a.m. local time) via Ticketmaster.com and presale access available to Church Choir members starting Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. local time (Rogers, Ark. at 9 a.m. local time).

Eric Church 2023 Tour Dates

April 14*   Fort Lauderdale, Fla. / Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Tortuga Music Festival
June 16*    Central Point, Ore. / Jackson County Expo Rogue Music Festival
June 17*    Santa Rosa, Calif. / Sonoma County Fairgrounds Country Summer Music Festival
June 22     Milwaukee, Wisc. / American Family Insurance Amphitheater Elle King
June 23     Detroit, Mich. / Pine Knob Music Theatre Ashley McBryde, The Red Clay Strays
June 24     Cleveland, Ohio / Blossom Music Center Ashley McBryde, The Red Clay Strays
June 29     Charleston, S.C. / Credit One Stadium Ashley McBryde, The Red Clay Strays
June 30     Charleston, S.C. / Credit One Stadium   Parker McCollum, Morgan Wade
July 1        Virginia Beach, Va. / Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater  Parker McCollum, Morgan Wade
July 6       Toronto, Ontario / Budweiser Stage Koe Wetzel, Shane Smith & The Saints
July 7        Toronto, Ontario / Budweiser Stage   Koe Wetzel, Shane Smith & The Saints
July 8        Pittsburgh, Pa. / The Pavilion at Star Lake Koe Wetzel, Shane Smith & The Saints
July 14      Cincinnati, Ohio / Riverbend Music Center Travis Tritt, Muscadine Bloodline
July 15      St. Louis, Mo. / Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre                           Travis Tritt, Muscadine Bloodline
July 23*    Minot, N.D. / North Dakota State Fairgrounds North Dakota State Fair
July 27     Rogers, Ark. / Walmart AMP Midland, Ray Wylie Hubbard
July 28      Dallas, Texas / Dos Equis Pavilion Midland, Ray Wylie Hubbard
July 29      Austin, Texas / Germania Insurance Amphitheater Midland, Ray Wylie Hubbard
Aug. 4       Raleigh, N.C. / Coastal Credit Union Music Park                           Cody Jinks
Aug. 5       Bristow, Va. / Jiffy Lube Live Cody Jinks
Aug. 11     Indianapolis, Ind. / Ruoff Music Center   Cody Jinks
Aug. 12     Chicago, Ill. / Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre    Cody Jinks
Aug. 13*   Des Moines, Iowa / Iowa State Fairgrounds Iowa State Fair
Aug. 17     Orange Beach, Ala. / The Wharf Amphitheater                         Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean
Aug. 18     Orange Beach, Ala. / The Wharf Amphitheater Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean
Aug. 19     Orange Beach, Ala. / The Wharf Amphitheater Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean
Aug. 24     Saratoga Springs, N.Y. / Saratoga Performing Arts Center       Lainey Wilson, The Red Clay Strays
Aug. 25     Holmdel, N.J. / PNC Bank Arts Center Whiskey Myers
Aug. 26     Philadelphia, Pa. / Freedom Mortgage Pavilion Whiskey Myers
Sept. 8      Portland, Ore. / RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater Jelly Roll, Hailey Whitters
Sept. 9       George, Wash. / Gorge Amphitheatre   Jelly Roll, Hailey Whitters
Sept. 10    George, Wash. / Gorge Amphitheatre Jelly Roll, Hailey Whitters
Sept. 15     Albuquerque, N.M. / Isleta Amphitheater                                       Paul Cauthen, Hailey Whitters
Sept. 16     Phoenix, Ariz. / Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre     Jelly Roll, Paul Cauthen
Sept. 21    Atlanta, Ga. / Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Whiskey Myers
Sept. 22     Atlanta, Ga. / Ameris Bank Amphitheatre                                       Whiskey Myers
Sept. 23     Charlotte, N.C. / PNC Music Pavilion Whiskey Myers
Sept. 24    Charlotte, N.C. / PNC Music Pavilion Whiskey Myers
Sept. 29     West Palm Beach, Fla. / iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre           Whiskey Myers
Sept. 30     Tampa, Fla. / MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre    Whiskey Myers
Oct. 7*      Bristol, Tenn. / Bristol Motor Speedway Country Thunder Bristol
Oct. 15* Sacramento, Calif. / Discovery Park GoldenSky Festival

* festival dates
Sold out dates in italics

January 24, 2023

Brooks & Dunn Bring ‘Reboot Tour’ to KeyBank Center in May

Brooks & Dunn, the best-selling duo of all time, have announced their 2023 return to arenas with the 2023 REBOOT Tour stopping at 17 cities, including Buffalo at KeyBank Center on Saturday, May 13. The duo will be joined by opener Scott McCreery.

With 20 Number 1 hits stretching back to 1991, as well as two GRAMMY awards, dozens of ACM and CMA honors and a discography counting more album sales than any duo in any genre in history, Brooks & Dunn’s influence on today’s country has never been in question.

Hits like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “My Maria” and “Believe” have propelled the duo to more than 30 million albums sold, with the New York Times heralding “together they helped drive the power-country era of the early-to-mid 1990s and continued to benefit from the sea change in the genre they helped initiate right through their most recent albums.” Their original “Merle Haggard meets The Rolling Stones” vibe made them progressive stars in their own right. The duo’s recently released collaboration project REBOOT debuted at No. One on Billboard’s Top Country Albums. The impressive feat marks the first time the duo has topped the album charts since 2009 while simultaneously earning the duo their 10th Billboard 200 Top 10 album, the most of any country duo or group in the chart’s history.

In 2019 the duo was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Modern Era Artist” category. In 2021 Brooks & Dunn undertook their first nationwide tour in ten years with their anticipated The REBOOT 2021 TOUR, as well as wrapped their hugely successful and the longest-running country residency in Las Vegas, “REBA, BROOKS & DUNN: Together in Vegas.”

“Last year, you all reminded us just how much fun it is to walk out on that stage and share the night with ya! We love what we do, but we’re just surfing your wave …can’t wait!!” said Kix Brooks. “The Brooks and Dunn posse rides again,” said Ronnie Dunn. “More excited to hit the big stage as we ever have been! Unbelievable band of friends.…annnnnd YOU! Together, let’s rock the house!!”

After achieving five consecutive No. 1 hits during the last few years, Scotty McCreery is currently rising up the country charts with his single “It Matters to Her,” which he wrote with Rhett Akins and Lee Thomas Miller. The song can be found on his current project Same Truck: The Deluxe Album, which also features his three week No.1 hit “Damn Strait” as well as his No.1 hit “You Time” (both RIAA Gold-certified).

Opener Scott McCreery says “Having been a huge fan of their music all my life, going out on the road with Kix and Ronnie is a dream come true for me. I can’t wait for this tour to begin!”

Tickets On Sale Friday, January 27 at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.brooks-dunn.com.

REBOOT 2023 TOUR Official Dates

Thu May 04 – Kansas City, MO – T- Mobile Center

Fri May 05 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center

Sat May 06 – Ft. Worth, TX – Dickies Arena

Thu May 11 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena

Fri May 12 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena

Sat May 13 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center

Thu May 18 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at The BJCC

Fri May 19 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum

Sat May 20 – Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena

Thu Jun 01 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center

Fri Jun 02 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

Sat Jun 03 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

Thu Jun 08 – Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena+

Sat Jun 10 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center

Thu June 15 – Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

Fri Jun 16 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena

Sat Jun 17 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum

+On Sale Friday, February 3

January 23, 2023

Zach Bryan Announces North American Tour, 2 Stops in NY

2022 was a particularly prolific year for rising country star Zach Bryan and he’s set on riding that wave into the new year with his biggest tour yet. Bryan’s Burn Burn Burn North American Tour tour kicks off in April at the Two Step Inn Festival in Texas, and will include two shows in New York, in Albany at MVP Arena and Queens at Forest Hills Stadium.

Bryan released 2 full length albums and multiple EPs and singles, amounting to around 12 projects overall last year. His album American Heartbreak was the number one most streamed album on Spotify last year; it consists of a stunning 34 songs. But despite his impressive quantity, Zach Bryan has not abandoned quality. “From Austin” on American Heartbreak combines intense imagery and devastating lyricism. “Something In The Orange” went double platinum and scored Bryan a Grammy Award for Best Solo Country Performance.

Last year, Bryan’s tour sold out in minutes. Zach Bryan, self-proclaimed enemy of Ticketmaster — his most recent live show recording is called All My Homies Hate Ticketmaster (Live From Red Rocks) — is using Fair AXS to sell tickets to avoid catastrophes like those that plagued Taylor Swift’s last tour. To purchase tickets, fans should register on the site beginning January 29. Registered fans will then be chosen at random starting on February 13 to access the tour site and purchase tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.

See the full tour schedule below and register to buy tickets here.

Zach Bryan 2023 Tour

*April 15 Georgetown, TX Two Step Inn Festival

May 10 Charlottesville, VA John Paul Jones Arena

May 12 Worcester, MA DCU Center

May 13 Wilkes-Barre, PA Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

May 15 Duluth, GA Gas South Arena

May 19 Houston, TX Toyota Center

May 20 New Orleans, LA Smoothie King Center

May 23 Jacksonville, FL VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

May 24 N Charleston, SC North Charleston Coliseum

May 26 Albany, NY MVP Arena

May 28 London, ON Budweiser Gardens

May 31 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center

June 02 Cleveland, OH Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse

*June 03 Lexington, KY Railbird Festival

June 23 New York, NY Forest Hills Stadium

June 26 Denver, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre

June 27 Denver, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre

*July 07 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest

*July 13 Chicago, IL Windy City Smokeout

*July 14-16 Whitefish, MT Under The Big Sky Festival

*July 20-July 22 Cullman, AL Rock The South

*August 05 St. Charles, IA Hinterland Music Festival

August 07 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena

August 09 Minneapolis, MN Target Center

August 11 Tulsa, OK BOK Center

August 14 Sioux Falls, SD Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

August 17 Nampa, ID Ford Idaho Center

August 19 Las Vegas, NV T-Mobile Arena

August 20 Bakersfield, CA Mechanics Bank Arena

August 21 Oakland, CA Oakland Arena

August 23 Los Angeles, CA Crypto.com Arena

August 25 Glendale, AZ Desert Diamond Arena

August 27 Wichita, KS INTRUST Bank Arena

August 29 Lincoln, NE Pinnacle Bank Arena

August 30 Kansas City, MO T-Mobile Center

* Indicates Festival Dates – on sale now

January 21, 2023

Historic Cohoes Music Hall Announces Three New Events

The historic Cohoes Music Hall announces three new shows to their calendar of upcoming events, featuring Hootenanny at the Hall, A Night of Joni Mitchell, and Stephen Pearcy’s “The Voice Of RATT.”

The Cohoes Music Hall opened its door in 1874 in Cohoes. It was restored in 1974 to become what it is today, a historic music hall with a great lineup of events. In late December, the venue was awarded $1.88 million in funding through New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation grants, transforming it into an energy-efficient building.

Their upcoming lineup of events features three new shows on the bill. On Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Steven Pearcy brings “The Voice of RATT” to the Cohoes Music Hall. He is the founder, lead singer, and songwriter of the metal rock band RATT, credited with having been a pioneer of the early 80’s Sunset Strip rock scene. RATT has nearly four decades of success, having released eight albums and played thousands of shows worldwide all the while selling over 20 million records. He will be performing all the hits, including “Round & Round,’“ “Wanted Man,” “Lay It Down,” “Lack Of Communication,” “Dance” and many more.

Other events added at the Cohoes Music Hall include A Night of Joni Mitchell with Zan & The Winter Folk, Girl Blue, Hold on Honeys, and Belle-Skinner on March 11. The evening will be celebrating the music of the legendary Joni Mitchell, with four of the Capital Region’s premier musical acts together. Finally, the second annual Hootenanny at the Hall will happen on March 25. The event focuses on celebrating Country, Bluegrass, and Blues in the Capital Region, featuring three incredible artists/bands, The Moon Shells, Caity & the Gallaghers, and Jacob Shipley.

There are more events happening at the venue that have already been announced, including Zach Nugent and Dead Set on Jan. 20, The British Legends of Rocks Show on Feb. 17, ACROBAT, The International U2 Tribute Show on Feb. 25, Haley Reinhart on March 24, and many more.

Information about the events announced at the Cohoes Music Hall and to purchase tickets, visit here.

January 11, 2023

Category: Bluegrass/Country