NYS Music 2023

Category: Folk/Americana

  • An Evening with Natalie Merchant and The Knights – Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center

    On the heels of releasing her eighth solo studio album on April 14, Keep Your Courage (Nonesuch Records), Natalie Merchant played the Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center for two consecutive sold-out shows this on the evenings of Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3.

    A huge fan of hers since the heyday of the 10,000 Maniacs in the late-1980s and early-1990s, I was “blessed and lucky” enough to be in attendance for the night two performance on June 3.

    natalie merchant and the knights

    At the midway point of a 45 date tour that shares the same name as her new album, the Jamestown, NY native brought her trademark, unmistakable alto chops to the Adrienne Arsht Stage, within the warm, wood veneer confines of the Starr Theater. In celebration of her first new material since 2017, Merchant has been performing several shows on the tour while backed by an orchestra. And Friday and Saturday’s concerts were no different as The Knights, a symphonic orchestral collective based in New York City and led by Associate Conductor Michael P. Atkinson, accompanied Natalie Merchant onstage for lush arrangements of career-spanning tunes.

    natalie merchant and the knights

    On an atypically chilly evening for late-spring on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, patrons began to congregate in Alice Tully Hall’s foyer one hour before showtime to relax with a drink from the bar and to check out the ‘merch’ table, which included signed vinyl copies of Keep Your Courage selling for $50. At 7:30 pm, doors to the 1,086-capacity theater renovated in 2006 and known for its exceptional acoustics officially opened. Walking into the theater alongside other attendees to take our respective seat in the orchestra section or balcony, we were immediately taken aback by the theater’s grandeur, particularly the venue’s centerpiece, a cathedral-sized, 19-ton, Swiss-made pipe organ built in 1974.

    natalie merchant and the knights

    Running slightly behind schedule, the house lights suddenly dimmed at 8:10 pm and the moment we all had been waiting for was finally upon us! Entering stage right in the first of two elegant, long skirt and blouse ensembles Merchant would be rocking tonight, the epic 23-song show comprised of two sets (separated by a 20-minute intermission) and an encore was officially underway with “Lulu,” from her self-titled studio album released in 2014. At the song’s conclusion, Merchant explained that she wrote the song about Louise Brooks, the American film actress and Jazz Age icon of the 1920s and 1930s who of all things, popularized the bob hairstyle.

    With a setlist mimicking Friday night’s selections and order (despite Merchant and The Knights reportedly sound checking “Seven Years” and “My Skin” at rehearsals earlier in the day), Merchant’s voice was in top form, like a fine wine, as she gracefully danced, twirled and flowed from one end of the stage to the other, frequently interacting with her beaming audience.

    Speaking of superb vocals, Merchant was joined onstage by two back-up vocalists for several songs, including “Lady Bird,” “Break Your Heart,” “Big Girls,” “Come On, Aphrodite,” “Kind & Generous” and “Tower of Babel.” One of the vocalists who teamed with Merchant during both Lincoln Center performances was Abena Koomson-Davis, a renowned performer and the musical director of the Resistance Revival Chorus, who also sings two duets on 2023’s Keep Your Courage.

    As The Knights continued to compliment Merchant’s repertoire of current and past array of heartfelt melodies Saturday night, her innocent charm was palpable. Having matured into a beautifully refined artist over the course of nearly four decades, her songs have the ability to touch the inner soul of her listeners. Tonight, during “Beloved Wife” (Tigerlily, 1995) and “Sister Tilly” (an homage to powerful women from Keep Your Courage), she pulled on her own heartstrings as she was brought to tears during each of these emotional song deliveries. Poking fun at herself as she continued to wipe away the tears, the 2 hour, 30 minute display of live solo material was unfortunately nearing its climax.

    The second set consummated with the entire house rising to their collective feet for a rousing rendition of “Kind & Generous” (Ophelia, 1998), followed by thunderous applause which lasted for minutes until Merchant appeased her adoring fans for a three song encore consisting of “Tower of Babel” (Keep Your Courage), fan-favorite “Carnival” (Tigerlily) and “These are Days” (Our Time in Eden, 1992), the lone 10,000 Maniacs number of the night. Before commencing the encore, Merchant quipped, “You are [all] gluttons! A three hour show, that’s what you all get, like Bruce Springsteen!”

    Well past 11:00 pm, Natalie Anne Merchant fans of all ages, including a generous sampling of teenagers with their Gen X parents, gleefully filed out of the concert hall and into the Gotham night. Despite all of us going our separate way, we unanimously agreed on one thing – that it’s true, we are all “blessed and lucky” to have witnessed firsthand an emotionally-captivating performance by an artist that oozed both life and passion.

    The North American leg of Merchant’s Keep Your Courage Tour will resume in St. Louis, Missouri on June 22. And in case you missed either of her Lincoln Center shows in the Big Apple, or you just need another dose of ‘90s nostalgia, Merchant will be back in the tri-state area to perform with a full orchestra again at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, New Jersey on June 25. The thirty-sixth and final show in the lower 48 will occur on September 30 in Los Angeles, California.

    Following a much-needed respite during October, Merchant will then continue her tour abroad with nine more shows, including five across the pond in the United Kingdom, as well as stopovers in Dublin and Amsterdam, with the tour finale scheduled for November 14 in Brussels, Belgium.

    Setlist

    Set 1: Lulu > Maggie and Milly and Molly and May > The Feast of St. Valentine > The Worst Thing > Frozen Charlotte > Ladybird > Giving Up Everything > The Letter > Narcissus > Break Your Heart > Big Girls

    Set 2: River > Ophelia > Guardian Angel > Beloved Wife > Sister Tilly > Wonder > Come On, Aphrodite > Life Is Sweet > Kind & Generous

    Encore: Tower of Babel > Carnival > These Are Days (10,000 Maniacs song)

  • 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.

  • Upstate Boogie features Schleigho, Herbal Tonic, GRUB and more at Hemlock Fairground June 9-11

    Historic Hemlock Fairground located in the town of Hemlock, just 40 minutes south of Rochester, will host the annual Upstate Boogie Festival over June 9-11, 2023. The three day and night live music and art festival includes camping, regional and local live bands on two stages, plus vendors from the Finger Lakes and beyond.

    upstate boogie

    Livingston Country’s Hemlock Fairground is a national historic district and fairground, a notable landmark thanks to the racetrack and covered grandstand constructed in 1870. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. Hemlock Fair has been held for over 150 years.

    Tent and car camping available to Upstate Boogie ticket-holders, and for family camping, LITTLEVILLE will provide plenty of room for kids to play, right in the center of it all. Re-entry is available for those who are local and purchase a non-camping weekend pass. RV Camping is available at limited electric sites, for an extra charge. Indoor bathrooms are open 24 hours throughout the event with showers open dawn to dusk

    Local Artisans & Craftsmen will be selling their wares in the Vending Village, with a Food Court featuring fair and festival favorites.

    Upstate Boogie Live Music schedule

    FRIDAY JUNE 9
    DIGGIN’ ROOTS BAND (7pm)
    HIGH PINES (9pm)
    HERBAL TONIC (11pm)
    NICK LEDUC (12:30am)

    SATURDAY JUNE 10
    THE MIDNIGHT SCONCE (1pm)
    ADAM BROOKS BAND (3pm)
    ST. VITH (5pm)
    DRUM CIRCLE (7pm)
    GRUB (8pm)
    SCHLEIGHO (10pm)
    NIGEL FELONY (12:30am)

    SUNDAY JUNE 11
    ​JUDAH (11am)
    THE KIND BROTHERS BAND (1pm)

    Tickets are on sale now. A 3-day weekend pass is $60 in advance, and $80 at the gate, with children 18 & under are FREE with parents also attending. Single day tickets are $50 for Friday, $60 for Saturday, and $10 for Sunday. Cash only is accepted at the gate. Parking costs $20 for the weekend and $10 for a day pass.

    Get to know the artists of Upstate Boogies

    Schleigho has been a nationally touring jazz-fusion band since the early 1990’s and have released 5 CD’s, playing regularly at clubs and theaters up and down the east-coast, mid- west and west coast over the mid ’90’s and early 2000’s. Instrumental, energetic, raw and at times down-right sinister. Down from roughly 200 shows a year at the turn of the millennium, don’t miss Schleigho if they are in your neck of the woods. This is one of their few scheduled dates so far for their 30th anniversary in 2023.

    Herbal Tonic is a WNY feel good jam band, infused with island reggae, blues, and funk, and will surely have you out on the dancefloor craving for more!

    St. Vith is a Finger Lakes eclectic indie rock band whose sound is a mural of psychedelic jam, art rock and time honored American styles.

    Grub is a Psych Rock group based out of Niagara Falls. This multi-genre trio is capable of delivering funk-driven madness, improvisational bliss, and shoe-gazing glitch-o-matic electronic soundscapes. ​A live Grub performance showcases their original tunes as well as their improvisational chops, while captivating the crowd by teasing dancable and nostalgic covers from past decades.

    High Pines is a union of smooth grooves, contemporary funk, and neo-psychedelic explorations that evolve with each performance. A fusion of jazz appreciation and rock spirit, complimented by enchanting harmonies, creates music for your mind, body and soul.

    Diggin Roots Band plays an eclectic mix of music inspired by the various forms of American Roots Music including Blues, Funk, Rock n Roll, Soul, R&B, Bluegrass, and Gospel. Some songs may blend multiple genres together into a coherent sound while others might hang on firmly to a specific style.

    Nick LeDuc is an original artist hailing from Ogdensburg NY, playing a unique style of Refined Rock-groove to tantalize your ears and tickle your fancy. Combining classic guitar styles and intoxicating rhthyms, accented by his unique vocal style, Nick is one of the freshest sounds heard on the music scene in a very long time. From funk to blues, and rock to folk there’s a little something in between all of it that comes to make up the sound Nick LeDuc projects live or in studio.

    Judah is a four piece rock band from Rochester that has turned heads since their outset as high schoolers a few years back. Blending a soulful mix of rock and blues, Judah has expanded their touring around WNY and the Finger Lakes.

    The Midnight Sconce are Rochester’s next jamband that you will soon hear more about. These guys catch the groove and delivery, expect high energy jams and plenty of fun!

    For more info email, contact hemlockevents@gmail.com

  • Rock City Junction Release Americana/Folk Single “Morning Sun” 

    Hudson Valley natives Rock City Junction have just released their newest single titled “Morning Sun,” the third single they have ever released. To support the upcoming release, the band will be touring throughout the Hudson Valley in early June. 

    Rock City Junction Release Third Single “Morning Sun” 

    Rock City Junction meets in the middle with soulful original songs and luscious instrumentation. Their latest releases such as “Corn Song” and “Souls Byond the Road” are uniquely beautiful, having aspects of a light summer day within the Hudson Valley itself.  

    Rock City Junction Release Third Single “Morning Sun” 

    This eclectic, harmony driven, Roots/Americana band is quickly becoming one of the premiere folk bands within the Hudson Valley. The band features three singer/songwriter/ instrumentalists such as David Chapman, Denise Parent, and Laura Leigh. Each artist plays a special part in combining to create the unique sound that Rock City Junction has to offer.

    Rock City Junction Release Third Single “Morning Sun” 

    Denise Parent has been a supreme artist, drummer, and singer in the north east jam band scene since 1993, and is currently touring the U.S in the only all-female Grateful Dead cover band, Brown Eyed Women. Denise released her debut album of her original songs in 2021 titled The Songs in my Heart. 

    David Chapman is an engineer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, renaissance-man who has held a commanding presence in the Hudson Valley Rock scene since the early 90’s, leading many bands such as Cold Flavor Repair, Rivergrass, The Working Dogs, and more.  

    Laura Leigh is the new darling of the Albany music scene. Laura released her first album of original music in 2021 which features evocative stories of small-town USA and echoes Appalachian, old-timey traditions and sounds.  

    UPCOMING SHOWS:  

    June 8th @ The Parish. New Paltz NY. 7pm 

    June 9th @ Unihog Hoosick Falls NY. 8pm 

    June 10th @ Argyle Brewing Company (The Depot). Cambridge NY. 6pm 

    Listen to Rock City Junction by clicking the link here. 

  • Cracker Summer Tour hits City Winery New York

    Cracker has been described as a lot of things over the years: alt-rock, Americana, insurgent-country, and have even had the terms punk and classic-rock thrown at them. But more than anything Cracker are survivors. Now on the road now for their 2023 Summer Tour, Cracker stopped at City Winery New York, on Saturday, June 3, featured two shows, the first of which was also livestreamed.

    The tour features many hits, fan favorites, and deep cuts from Cracker’s 31-year recording career, including material from their last acclaimed double album, Berkeley To Bakersfield  – their ode to both northern California’s edgier-rock scene and the country-western music that emanated from further down state.

    Cracker City Winery New York 06/03/23

    Co-founders David Lowery and Johnny Hickman have been at it for over three decades – amassing nine studio albums, multiple gold records, thousands of live performances, hit songs that are still in current radio rotation around the globe – “Low,” “Teen Angst (What The World Needs Now),” “Euro-Trash Girl” and “Get Off This,” to name just a few – and a worldwide fan base that despite the major sea-changes within the music industry continues to grow each year.

    Setlist (early show): Disneyland Jail, 1977, Been Around the World, Seven Days, The Good Life, Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now), 100 Flower Power Maximum, Someday, Hey Bret (You Know What Time It Is), El Cerrito, Get Off This, Dr. Bernice, Loser, Low, Another Song About the Rain, Euro-Trash Girl

    Setlist (late show): Poor Life Choices, Get on Down the Road, Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now), Show Me How This Thing Works, The World Is Mine, Time Machine, Sweet Thistle Pie, California Country Boy, Get Off This, Pictures of Matchstick Men, Ambiguity Song, Take the Skinheads Bowling, Take Me Down to the Infirmary, Low, Wedding Day, One Fine Day

    Watch exclusive video of “Low” from the livestream below.

    CRACKER SUMMER TOUR

    Sunday, June 4 – The World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA

    Friday, June 9 – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC

    Saturday, June 10 – Harborfest Norfolk VA

    Thursday, June 15 – Space, Evanston IL [Sold Out] 

    Friday, June 16 – Space, Evanston IL [Sold Out] 

    Saturday, June 17 – The Acorn Festival, Three Oaks, MI 

    Sunday, June 18 David Lowery Solo Acoustic – Bur Oak, Madison WI *

    Wednesday, June 21 David Lowery Solo Acoustic – Heavy Metal Shop, Salt Lake City, UT *

    Friday, June 23 – Live Oak Music Festival San Luis Obispo CA

    Saturday, June 24 – Hopmonk Cookout Concert Series, Novato, CA

    Sunday, June 25 – Hopmonk Cookout Concert Series, Novato, CA

    Thursday, June 29 – David Lowery Solo Acoustic – Lodge Room, Los Angeles, CA *

    Friday, June 30 – The Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach CA

    Saturday, July 1 – Pappy and Harriets, Pioneertown, CA

    Monday, July 3 Toad the Wet Sprocket and Cracker – Arvada Center, Arvada, CO

    Tuesday, July 4 – The Orpheum, Flagstaff, AZ

    Thursday, July 6 – TBA, New Mexico

    Wednesday, July 12 Spin Doctors and Cracker – Empire State Plaza at Capitol, Albany NY

    Thursday, July 13 – Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River MA 

    Friday, July 14 – Double E Performance Center, Essex Junction, VT 

    Saturday, July 15 – City Winery – Boston, MA

    Friday, July 21 – Riverfront Live Cincinnati, OH

    Saturday, July 22 – The Shed Concert Series 2023 at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, Maryville, TN

    Friday, July 28 – Windjammer, Isle of Palms. SC

    Sunday, August 13 – 3rd & Lindsley, Nashville, TN

    Saturday, August 19 – Brown’s Island, Richmond VA

  • Noah Kahan Brings Stick Season to Artpark 

    Popular folk artist Noah Kahan began his Stick Season tour for a sold out crowd at Artpark on May 26. This tour is celebrating Noah’s third studio album Stick Season which was released at the end of 2022. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Opener Joy Oladokun kicked off the night with her mix of R&B, folk, and rock tunes. Her influences as a queer woman of color has given her powerful lyrics and connective albums a new meaning. Joy converted new fans that night as she spent her set connecting and singing with people about mental health. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Noah later took the stage with his whimsical visuals and groovy band members. The group first played the popular hit “All My Love” which immediately had fans hyped up. Despite this being the Stick Season tour he brought back his roots when playing classics off his old EP Cape Elizabeth. These included “Glue Myself Shut,” and “Maine.” 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Addressing Mental Health

    Noah is no stranger to mental health issues. In fact he not only writes about it in his songs but even discusses it on stage with countless people listening. That night at Artpark he talked with everyone how important therapy is and being okay with asking for help. Noah helps break the stigmatization around metal health issues and alcohol abuse. After his heavy hitting speech he sang “Growing Sideways” which examines the distraught feeling of being stuck.  

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The artist took a moment on stage to play some acoustic songs which brought an ease over the crowd. Fans really became excited though when Noah played several tracks off his unreleased deluxe edition of Stick Season including “No Complaints” and “Dial Drunk.”

    This night was special for Noah Kahan considering it was the first time he was playing certain songs live and the start of a tour that is about to sweep the nation. His music discography has already left a mark on the internet space but his live show is what will make people coming back for more. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Artpark’s Summer concert series is a must see for both the music and the environment. Make sure to check out upcoming shows here. Young The Giant is coming June 13 and Michael Franti & Spearhead perform June 21. 

    Setlist: All My Love, Everywhere Everything, She Calls Me Back, False Confidence, New Perspective, No Complaints, Glue Myself Shut, Growing Sideways, Maine, Northern Attitude, Dial Drunk, Carlo’s Song, You’re Gonna Go Far, Orange Juice, Homesick, The View Between Villages, Stick Season, Mess 

  • NBT Summer Concert Series in Norwich Releases Artists

    Thursdays in Norwich, New York’s East Park are a highlight of the summer season, and for good reason. Every Thursday in July and August, NBT Summer Concert Series shows attract an all-ages crowd of locals and out-of-towners alike, bringing people together to enjoy great music and great food.

    Sponsored by NBT Bank and local foundations, all shows are free, beginning on July 6th and ending on August 31st.

    This season will feature some artists appearing for the first time, along with returning favorites. Highlighting the new comers will be the Southern tock legends, The Outlaws. Known as “The Florida Guitar Army” by their fans, achieved worldwide acclaim through gold and platinum hits like “Green Grass and High Tides” and “There Goes Another Love Song.” After more than forty years, their live performances continue to burn hotter than ever.

    The Outlaws are not the only performance you won’t want to miss. Southern Avenue will kick off the summer series on July 6th. New to East Park, Southern Avenue wowed admirers at last year’s Chenango Blues Fest. Additionally, Canada’s own Bywater Call is a newcomer that might become your next favorite band. Another artist making their series debut is contractually bound to secrecy. Stay tuned for details!

    In addition to new artists, the return of some exceptional acts promises a great deal of exciting performances. The Travelin’ McCourys never fail to draw large crowds of bluegrass fans, but their music appeals to many through its roots in Americana music. Additionally, The Garcia Project is returning with their faithful recreation of classic Jerry Garcia Band performances. This year will also see the return of Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, whose performances nod to the two-step music of South Louisiana. Mr. Sipp will perform the unofficial kick-off of the 30th Chenango Blues Fest on August 17th. The series will conclude on August 31st with Shinyribs, one of the best performers touring today and a stalwart of the Austin music scene.

    Plan to bring a lawn chair to enjoy wonderful performances every Thursday. For more information, visit the Chenango Blues Association website here.

  • Bobby Blue & George Sáenz Release “Por Un Amor/For A Love”

    NYC’s Costa Rican American singer songwriter Bobby Blue have released a duet with George Sáenz titled “Por Un Amor/For A Love,” on June 2nd. The combination is an ethereal trip of a very simple love song.

    Por Un Amor, which means “For A Love,” is a classic Ranchera written by Gilbert Parra Paz in 1940 about the worst break up a heart could handle. Using his elegant vocals, Bobby Blue collaborates with George’s baritone voice playing the Guitarron. 

    Bobbys mother came from a ranch in the central valley of Costa Rica, heavily influenced by spirit, music, and imagination. Growing older, Bobby Blues’ imagination and independence could make for a hard time. A teacher once threatened to beat out his sissiness with his fists, but music kept him going. From age four he always had the lead solo parts in choirs, and from ten years old he started composing songs for recitals. He eventually made enough money and moved to NYC. 

    Once Bobby Blue moved to NYC he immediately started performing at open mics, independent art galleries and late-night underground circuses. His charming stage presence and big voice made him known as a powerful performer.  

    Bobby was deemed “not All American / too gay” and that his voice was freakish. Fortunately, the stage kept calling and he kept writing. Bobbys first album, a folky-electro album provided his first releases.  

    International DJs discovered his originals and turned several of them into dance remixes. In A Song was discovered by Junior Vasquez and it climbed the Billboard Dance Chart for 15 weeks. 

    Although, while settling into NYC he dived into his mother’s Latin music and his father’s old Country music, as well as his original songs. Bobby had so much fun singing these lovely folk melodies that he felt this music was more fitting for his voice and his soul. On any given evening you can see Bobby slaying audiences at NYC clubs like Joes Pub, The Knitting Factory, on the porches of Brooklyn Victorian homes, the streets of the East Village, and at several festivals around the country. 

    Bobby Blue & George Sáenz Release “Por Un Amor/For A Love”

    Listen to ‘Por Un Amor” by clicking the link here. 

    For more music by Bobby Blue, click the link here. 

  • Boston Calling – Food, Fun & Lots of Music at Harvard On Memorial Day Weekend

    Beginning in the afternoon on Friday, May 26 through the late evening on Sunday, May 28, the 12th installment of the beloved Boston Calling music festival returned to its home at Harvard University in Boston (Allston), Massachusetts this past Memorial Day weekend.

    For three straight days, more than 40,000 fans of all ages passed through the gates into the Harvard Athletic Complex where they were welcomed daily to engaging activities such as a ride on a 100-foot Ferris wheel, delicious food served up by 29 local vendors, and of course, great music performed by 51 artists (17 each day) across four outdoor stages dubbed the Green Stage, the Happy Valley Red Stage, the Blue Stage and the Tivoli Audio Orange Stage, which championed acts with local ties to New England.

    Paramore | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Inaugurated in 2013, the acclaimed Boston Calling festival is produced by Boston Calling Events, owned in part by Boston-based Crash Line Productions, whose hallmark of bringing new sounds each and every year was on full display again. In step with the festival’s commitment to securing an iconic mix of musical performances, headlining the festival on Day 1 (Friday) were Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Foo Fighters. Having played in New Hampshire two days prior, this would only be their second official concert following drummer Taylor Hawkins’ tragic death in March 2022. The Lumineers, soulful alternative-folk rockers from Denver, Colorado, headlined Day 2 (Saturday) of the festival. Day 3 (Sunday) of the festival was headlined by indie rock darlings Paramore, formed in Franklin, Tennessee in 2004. Paramore, having already performed at the festival back in 2018, made their triumphant return on the heels of releasing their sixth studio album, This is Why.

    Foo Fighters | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Boston Calling also featured renowned co-headliners on each day, including The National and Boston natives Dropkick Murphys on Day 1, the latter who quickly stepped in for the art-punk trio Yeah Yeah Yeahs due to an undisclosed illness announced the day prior. The Celtic punk band’s frontman, Ken Casey, would announce to the crowd during their blistering set, “The Yeah Yeah Yeahs said ‘no no no,’ but we never say no!” Day 2 saw seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette take the Red Stage, playing her first show in Boston since 2012. Queens of the Stone Age, alternative metal rockers from Seattle, Washington, brought their hard-pounding musicianship to Day 3 of the festival. Having recently announced their long-awaited eighth studio album, In Times New Roman, they thrilled their die-hard fans with two new tracks from this forthcoming release (June 16), including “Emotion Sickness” and “Negative Space.”

    Dropkick Murphys | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
    Queens of the Stone Age | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Joining these headlining and co-headlining acts were well-established artists such as Noah Kahan, Bleachers, The Flaming Lips (who celebrated the release of Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots by performing the 2002 album in its entirety), King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (the psychedelic rock band from Australia who were forced to bow out of last year’s festival due to COVID-19), Mt. Joy, Maren Morris and many more.

    Bleachers | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
    Mt. Joy | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
    The Flaming Lips | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    The holiday weekend also offered its patrons plenty of performances from up-and-coming talent, including Razor Braids, The Beaches, The Aces and The Linda Lindas (an all-girl quartet ranging in age from 13 to 19 who easily won over the crowd after a personal introduction to their set by the Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu), to name just a few.

    The Beaches | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
    The Linda Lindas | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Although the temperature each day of the festival was not as hot as it could have been for this time of the year, the sun did take its toll on some of the audience members who were not adequately hydrated. I witnessed firsthand at least five people who appeared to faint due to heat stroke, all of whom required to be quickly pulled out of the crowd by security and whisked away for treatment by EMT personnel.

    The only critique that I have for this year’s festival is also the same as 2022’s festival, the merchandise tent line was long, exceedingly long. As I talked to fans who were proudly wearing their new t-shirt or hat, I learned that time spent in line (and away from the stages) was a minimum of two hours! Often, the sought after merch had already been sold-out. However, fans were at least able to complete an order form for the requested item to be shipped at a later date.

    Fans soaking in the action at the Red Stage (Day 2) | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    No festival experience is considered complete without first meeting and interacting with fellow fans. My own personal encounters included talking to Paul from Toronto, Canada in front of the Green Stage for most of Friday afternoon. I learned that he and his 16-year old son drove for eight hours Thursday night and into the wee morning hours to see the Foo Fighters for the first time. Paul emotionally shared with me that his son “will always remember this, so it was well worth it.” On Friday, I also met Kirby from Danbury, Connecticut, an avid fan of all music genres, as well as a talented drummer and guitarist. He revealed to me that he was dealing with painful plantar fasciitis in both feet, so when I saw him again on both Saturday and Sunday along the rail of the Red Stage, I was glad he was able to still see the artists he loves up close and personal. Being a graduate of the University of Connecticut (UCONN), it was also a pleasure to spend time speaking with Seth for a few hours, a UCONN professor for nearly 20 years and an amateur live music photographer.

    Shane Hawkins Joins Foo Fighters Onstage | Video Credit: Michael Dinger

    During a festival filled with three days and nights of highlights, it’s easy for me to pick out my favorite one. Throughout the Foo Fighters’ two hour set, Dave Grohl’s devastation by the loss of his friend and bandmate was palpable – on his face and in his speeches to the audience. So, when Grohl welcomed to the stage “one of [his] favorite drummers in the world,” 17-year old Shane Hawkins, it was truly a goosebumps moment. With Shane taking a couple of minutes at the drum kit to adjust the stool height left for him by the Foo Fighters newest member, Josh Freese, Grohl stalled for time. “Hello Boston, how’s it going over there? Earlier, I was in my dressing room and I heard the audience going absolutely fucking bonkers for someone. And I was like, who the fuck is playing that someone is going [this crazy]? It was Niall Horan [of One Direction fame], is that his name? How’s it going there Shane? Oh my God, there is a curfew Shane. This is an old song from our first record and when we play it . . .” Abruptly, in came Shane with a thunderous drum roll to launch “I’ll Stick Around.”

    Day 1 (Friday)

    RAZOR BRAIDS

    THE BEACHES

    DROPKICK MURPHYS

    FOO FIGHTERS

    Day 2 (Saturday)

    NEEMZ

    THE ACES

    MT. JOY

    THE FLAMING LIPS

    Day 3 (Sunday)

    JUICE

    THE LINDA LINDAS

    BLEACHERS

    QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE

    PARAMORE

    The Fans & The Grounds

  • Five Can’t-Miss Shows in Syracuse in June

    By now, Memorial Day has come and gone, the days are getting longer, the sun is shining, and summer concert season is officially underway.  As always, Syracuse has an impressive mix of individual concerts and multiple day festivals to look forward to over the summer months. Here are five can’t miss shows around Syracuse for the month of June.  

    June 9, Meshell Ndegeocello at Homer Center for the Arts

    Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello comes to the Homer Center for the Arts for a performance on Friday June 9th.  The singer-songwriter and bass guitarist is known for blending elements of rap, hip hop, funk and soul in her music.  She has been nominated for a Grammy Award 11 times, taking home the award for best R&B song in 2021.  

    The show starts at 8pm with tickets starting at $40.

    June 15-17,  New York State Blues Fest at NYS Fairgrounds

    The New York State Blues Festival returns to Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds for a three day affair.  The star studded line up features headliner and blues rock legend Buddy Guy, with direct support from Samantha Fish.   The remainder of the three day festival features an impressive line up of both NYS artists and national touring bands.  The daily schedule can be found here.  

    Daily admission is free, however VIP packages are available.

    June 21-25, Syracuse Jazz Fest

    The Syracuse Jazz Fest once again returns to Clinton Square and its surrounding areas for a five day celebration.  This will be the 37th incarnation of the event, which will be co-headlined this year by 14-time Grammy Award winning artist Herbie Hancock and 7-time Grammy Award Winner Gladys Knight.  Hancock will headline the Clinton Square Stage on Friday, June 23 at 9:15pm, with Knight taking the stage on Saturday, June 24 at 9:15pm.  Additional support will include Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, who bring their vintage sound to the Clinton Square Stage on Friday evening, at 7:30pm.  In addition, the five-day festival will feature over 26 additional performances at various clubs, bars, and restaurants, highlighting local artists and other performers with New York State ties. 

    All performances are free and open to the public.  A full schedule can be found here.

    June 25, 95x Locals Only Fest at The Finish Line Bar & Grill

    Curated by Syracuse music legend and local music connoisseur Scott Dixon, 95x is hosting the Locals Only Fest at The Finish Line Bar & Grill.  Headlined by Central New York sensation Sydney Irving and the Mojo, the one day festival will feature a talented line up Central New York musicians.  The line up includes Professional Victims, The Flashing Astonishers, Not Robots, Can’t, Mattydale Music Collective, Everneau, No Bush, and Cooled Jets.  The festival will also showcase an assortment of local artists with proceeds of each ticket sale benefiting the Syracuse Arts Project.  

    Music starts at 12:00pm with tickets starting at $15.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wgr4LZ9pE9c

    June 25,  Snarky Puppy at Sharkey’s Event Center

    Fresh off the heels of a spring tour which saw sold out performances in Buffalo and Ithaca, Snarky Puppy once again return to Upstate New York.  The multi-grammy award winning band, known for its blend of jazz-rock fusion boasts an impressive line up of talented musicians.  Led by founder Michael League, the instrumentalist band features a rotation upwards of twenty-five members, with nightly performances featuring eleven musicians. 

    Doors open at 5:00pm with tickets starting at $30.