NYS Music 2023

Category: Folk/Americana

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

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

    December 1:  Sugar Hill Gang at Middle Ages Beer Hall

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

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

    December 2:  Brand New Sin at The Westcott Theater

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

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

    December 8:  Mikaela Davis at Funk ’n Waffles

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

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

    December 8:  Mountain Goats at Homer Center for the Arts

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

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

    December 13:  Lindsey Stirling at Landmark Theater

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

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

  • Saratoga Group The Zorbas Trio Releases Debut Single, “Still I Breathe”

    Sibling group The Zorbas Trio released their debut single, “Still I Breathe,” ahead of their Hudson Falls show at the Strand Theater on December 4. Composed of siblings Callista, Demetra, and John Zorbas, the group plays original folk rock tunes, as well as covers ranging across genres.

    Zorbas Trio

    The group’s first single, “Still I Breathe,” is a dark folk-rock track with strong vocals, as well as evident piano and guitar skills. The sibling trio shows strong collaborative skill, which will prove to be important in their upcoming album.

    Zorbas Trio

    The Zorbas Trio is currently based out of Saratoga, as Upstate NY natives. Pianist and composer John Zorbas is the youngest of the three, specializing in classical and jazz. Demetra, the second oldest of the Trio, brings lead vocals and bass, and is also an actor, fine artist, and trap shooter. Finally, Callista, the eldest sibling, also lends lead vocals as well as her guitar skills. She is also an actor, writer, and fine artist, in addition to her musical skills.

    The Zorbas Trio will play a show at The Strand Theater in Hudson Falls on December 4 at 7PM. The event is free. More information is available here.

    Listen to “Still I Breathe” from Zorbas Trio below.

  • Screaming Orphans to Perform Christmas Concert at The Roslyn Cellar on December 3

    This upcoming Sunday, December 3, sister band the Screaming Orphans will perform their first ever Christmas concert at The Roslyn Cellar located at 1221 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn, New York as part of their Mini Christmas Tour.

    The Screaming Orphans’ Mini Christmas Tour promo. Courtesy of the Screaming Orphans’s Facebook Page.

    Their performance begins at 3:00 pm on Long Island. Even though it’s a matinee, be prepared to experience the same level of craic as a weekend night show. The Screaming Orphans promise to curate a party atmosphere that rivals a vigorous session. So you can count on dancing and singing (or if you’re tone-deaf like me, the closest you can to singing) along to various Christmas tunes. 

    Expect to hear songs like “Jingle Bells” and “Christmas Time Is Here” but with a Screaming Orphans’ twist. The Screaming Orphans’ signature sound, which consists of melodic old-school pop with heavy folk influences, can be heard on these classics, transforming these staple songs into the Screaming Orphans’ own. But what truly makes these songs their own is their transcendental harmonies. Their haunting harmonies rise out of the extraordinary sibling bond that binds the band together. 

    “When your siblings, you instinctively know what the other person is going to do…

    It’s like we’re telepathic at times.”

    Gráinne Diver, guitarist and vocalist of Screaming Orphans

    The four sisters (Angela Diver on bass, violin and vocals; Joan Diver on drums and vocals; Marie Thérèse Diver on keys, accordion, and vocals, and Gráinne Diver on guitar and vocals) possess a powerful sibling bond that’s heard not only in their enchanting harmonies but also in their lively performances.

    Drummer Joan noticed the sisters tend to ramble off and converse between themselves during shows. “We’re terrible chatters,” guitarist Gráinne stated. At times the sisters won’t even finish their sentences. But that doesn’t matter. They understand what the other is saying in a way only siblings can understand. 

    “When your siblings, you instinctively know what the other person is going to do,” Gráinne stated. It’s this deep sibling connection that allows the band to easily improv during performances. “We don’t play our songs like we record them. It’s not like we sit down and learn all these parts. We tend to play things differently live,” Gráinne stated. “As a family, we sort of know if somebody goes off on a different musical tangent, so we follow them. We might glare at them though,” Gráinne laughed. “It’s like we’re telepathic at times.”

    The Screaming Orphans featuring sisters Gráinne, Marie Thérèse, Joan, and Angela Driver.

    The Screaming Orphans aim to recreate this familiar bond with their audience during their shows. “For a lot of our shows, we want people to feel like they’re in our sitting room. Or we’re in the house or kitchen and just having a sing-song,” Gráinne stated. “Everything is very much like, we’re all friends. We’re all sitting ‘round having a bit of fun.” 

    While the band is excited to have some more fun with their fans, Gráinne stated this tour is a bit more nerve wracking than their previous ones. Why? This is the Screaming Orphans’ first live Christmas performance. Their only other Christmas show was a live streamed concert back in 2020 during the midst of the pandemic. 

    Despite the nerves, Gráinne looks to the bright side. For starters, the band won’t need to worry about the internet going in-and-out like it did during their live streamed concert. Gráinne reminisced on it and jokingly said, “We were all just going, I hope the internet drops during a song we don’t know!” Keeping up with her good-natured spirit, Gráinne viewed the newness of this tour with excitement. “Sometimes it’s better craic when you’re not too sure of something.”

    One thing everyone can be sure of is there will be plenty of Christmas songs being sung at The Roslyn Cellar on December 3. The Screaming Orphans will be playing almost the entire discography of their 2021 album Happy Christmas Vol. 1 along with a couple extras not featured on the album.

    Speaking of Happy Christmas Vol. 1, fans can expect a new Christmas album by the Screaming Orphans to come out next December. The band is currently working on a new pop album and plan to work on their new Christmas album soon after. Covers, such as “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses, along with at least two original songs are said to make their way onto the album.

    For now, fans can enjoy the Screaming Orphans perform their songs off Happy Christmas Vol. 1 along with a number of joyful covers on December 3 at 3:00 pm at The Roslyn Cellar in Roslyn, New York. The Screaming Orphans will then continue their Mini Christmas Tour, performing with The Spain Brothers and The Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio on December 9 at The Rex Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire. For more information about their tour dates and to purchase tickets, click here. 

  • Saratoga Arts Announces “Tis The Season,” Featuring Cassandra Kubinski and More

    Saratoga Arts and local singer/songwriters have teamed up to present “Tis the Season”, a concert event featuring holiday classic songs, original songs, and a VIP reception in the Saratoga Arts gallery and atrium. 

    Saratoga Arts’ mission is to enrich the region by cultivating a vibrant arts community and ensuring the arts are accessible to all. It is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, relying on the support of members, friends, and community. In its 30+ years, Saratoga Arts has brought the arts to over one million people through its programs and provided performing and visual artists the opportunity to earn over $3,000,000 in art sales and performance fees.

    The concert features Billboard-charting artist Cassandra Kubinski, who recently released her piano-driven EP, The Saratoga Sessions, with a sold-out show at Caffe Lena. She was described as “very similar to the singer/songwriters of the late 70’s…proves that the genre (singer/songwriter) can still be transcendent,” by Billy Joel. Previous performances include opening slots for the Goo Goo Dolls, 10,000 Maniacs, Dickie Betts, Anna Nalick, and others. Expect song selections from the EP, as well as songs from her Billboard-charting holiday album Holiday Magic.

    “Tis The Season” also features Marcus Ruggiero. With his deep gravelly voice and insistent acoustic guitar playing, he writes thematic songs about love, tragedy, spirit, and redemption. Notable performances include Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie, opening for national bands in Albany, Caffé Lena, the famous Bluebird Café in Nashville, and more. He also has an award-winning song in the movie The New Weapon on Netflix and is currently the lead in The Johnny Cash Express.

    The final performers are Ria Curley with special guest Chuck Lamb, her talented music partner, and her cherished husband. Her music has been described as a “retro-hip mix of poignant, melodic rock and sultry, romantic R&B.” She has 22 of her original songs signed to publishing giant Warner Chappell Music, Int’l, released the critically acclaimed album Take Me, and has airplay in cities such as NYC, Albany, Denver, and LA. She also has appeared on multiple soap operas and taught the legendary actor Jimmy Stewart the finale dance routine for the Night of 100 Stars TV special at Radio City Music Hall.

    Chuck Lamb has been the pianist for the renowned Brubeck Brothers Quartet for two decades and has composed for and played with the Quartet all over the world, including at the Newport Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center, and more. Since 2017, he has been the artist-in-residence for the popular monthly “Jazz at Caffe Lena” series in Saratoga Springs, where he has hosted and performed with jazz greats such as Joe Locke, Chico Freeman, Dick Oatts, and many others.

    Ria Curley and Chuck Lamb.

    Tickets are $35 VIP and $25 General Admission, available here.

  • Listen to Frog’s Newest Single “New Ro”

    Frog, a band made up of musically-talented brothers Daniel and Steve Bateman, have released their folksy single “New Ro”– a bittersweet love letter to their hometown New Rochelle. 

    Frog’s upcoming album, Grog, is an eclectic and creative LP showcasing both of the brothers’ musical talents, and how they’re even stronger together. Preceding their album is a series of singles, including their newest, “New Ro.”

    This single is another wild left turn from the unpredictable duo, following “Black on Black on Black” (sounding like a Jonathan Richman attempt at a Hall & Oates banger) and “Maybelline” (a song which was formed in a dream, as screamed by Bruce Springsteen), which was featured by Pitchfork, Stereogum and has reached #2 in the Hype Machine Popular Now chart. “New Ro” is a bittersweet love letter to the brothers’ hometown, New Rochelle, New York. 

    I don’t know if there’s relevant subtext for ‘New Ro,’ besides the obvious–Steve and I both grew up in New Rochelle, we went to New Rochelle High School, we recorded the entire album at our mom’s house in New Rochelle, we’re New Ro boys. The town’s got a lot of charm, if you know where to look. Some years ago they changed the tagline of the city from ‘Queen City of the Sound’, which ruled, to ‘Ideally Yours’, which…I’m not even sure what that is. There’s signs everywhere saying: ‘New Rochelle, Ideally Yours.’

    Daniel Bateman, Frog

    “New Ro” is a funky tune that is the embodiment of the good vibes of Kermit The Frog, which certainly works in their favor. It also has elements of “I Will Wait” by Mumford & Sons because of the fast, upbeat rhythm and acoustic backup. 

    The vocals are particularly striking, as a couple minutes into the track, they go into a very high register– and pull it off. 

    While a nostalgic song, the lyrics don’t hide anything: they delve into the good and bad of Frog’s home town, and that makes it all the more realistic and vivid. “…Take me home, north on the Anne Hutchinson // Through the Bronx, back to the place where we’re from // Where the girls they put out in a car // And the waitresses all got a scar // New Rochelle New York…” 

    New Rochelle should really consider changing their tagline from “Ideally Yours” to one lyric of Frog’s: “Take me home,” as it doesn’t sound like an ‘ideal’ home (does one really exist?), but it’s certainly their home nonetheless– and they love it regardless of whatever unideal aspects come with it. 

    Frog’s album launch of Grog will take place on the record’s release date (November 17) with a performance at YoFi Fest 11 in Yonkers, New York. This live show will be accompanied by a screening of their “Kings of Blah” UK tour documentary.

    For more information, follow Frog on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, and stream their music on Bandcamp or Spotify.

  • Deb Cavanaugh and Dandelion Wine Share New Single, “Come On Over”

    Singer-songwriter Deb Cavanaugh and her band, Dandelion Wine, released a new single on Friday, November 17, titled “Come On Over,” as a preview of their record slotted to come out next year. Recorded at Jive Hive Live, the accompanying music video offers a fun rendition of the brand new track.

    Deb Cavanaugh
    Photo Credit: Stephanie Bartik, nyROCKSTARphotographer

    Deb Cavanaugh, a singer-songwriter and longtime musician based in Upstate New York, has been focusing on folk music since the 90s. She now plays shows with Dandelion Wine, a rotating cast of musicians featuring Deb Cavanaugh, Anders Johansson, Jared Carrozza, and Andy DeBell, all of whom contributed to the new single and upcoming record.

    Inspiration for this song, like many others, came to me while driving down the road. I started thinking about relationships and how important it is to me to have a balance between partnership and independence.

    Deb Cavanaugh

    “Come On Over” was recorded at Jive Hive Live, a private Albany venue built for live recordings and livestream productions. Backup vocals, as well as the mixing, mastering, and producing were done at Mountaintop Studios in Petersburgh, NY. Backup vocals feature family with Tabitha Cavanaugh, as well as Brenda Fisher and Laura Johnson

    Photo Credit: Stephanie Bartik, nyROCKSTARphotographer

    Deb Cavanaugh and Dandelion Wine’s new record, Come On Over, will be released in 2024. The new single, of the same name, is available now with the brand new music video below.

  • Hearing Aide: The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, Stephen Clair

    Stephen Clair released his newest album, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, on November 17. A one-man recording production, the record showcases 11 songs with complete performances, meaning no edits or post-production re-dos. 

    Stephen Clair's The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life

    Stephen Clair began releasing music in 1997, but his musical career began long before. Citing Johnny Cash as a childhood influence, Clair recorded his newest record as a solo production, with the performances being only him and his guitar or piano. His tenth studio record, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is not one to miss.

    The record’s fifth track, “Days Passed,” shows off Clair’s proficiency in guitar picking and instrumentation. The vocals are a distinct, contrasting note, with a higher melody and Dylan-like tone and rhythm. It stands out as a more confident spot on the album.

    The eighth track on the album, “I Imagined I Was An Elevator,” stands out creatively, with an intriguing title and subject. The melody falters at points, but the vocal style brings flair to a simple singer-songwriter track, with just Clair and his guitar.

    The tenth track, and another one not to miss, “Bubble Bath,” begins with a hopeful chord progression and soothing guitar melodies. Not only is the music soothing, but the lyrics describe an oasis away from the world, with a cozy bubble bath for the listener.

    Stephen Clair Photo Credit: Hillary Clements
    Photo Credit: Hillary Clements

    The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is Stephen Clair’s tenth full length album, available everywhere on November 17.

    Stephen Clair upcoming shows in New York State

    November 17 – Beacon – Howland Cultural Center

    November 18 – Roscoe – Catskill Brewery

    December 20 – NYC – Rockwood Music Hall

    Tickets and more information are available here.

  • Valerie June, Rachel Davis, Yasmin Williams, and Thao Share Songs in Buffalo

    Buffalo was abuzz, the Bills were home for a big Monday night matchup against the visiting Denver Broncos. But there was another bill that held more sway for those gathered inside Asbury Hall. Valerie June, Rachel Davis, Yasmin Williams, and Thao combined forces examining the current and past state of folk through a female lens. It was Monday Night Folk-for-all.

    Valerie June, Rachel Davis, Yasmin Williams, and Thao Share Songs in Buffalo

    Not oblivious to the world around them, with a nod and a wink, the foursome arrived on stage to the sounds of “The Final Countdown.” It was a last minute audible that would have hit more on the nose had they been able to conjure up their intended walk out music: the Monday Night Football theme song. But it was clear from the get-go they were in a playful mood and having a great time. Coming from a day off in Cleveland, they were rested and raring to go.

    The group first got together for a special panel at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival. They enjoyed it so much that they put together this very special little tour which the folk-over-football Buffalonians were lucky enough to witness. Sitting in a row on the stage, they shared their songs in a Nashville-style round.

    Valerie June started the show off with her unique blend of soul and folk, with a flashy green dress and her signature head of dreads. She’s colorful through and through and lights up the room with just her presence, but her bright smile, wonderful voice and incredible songs certainly don’t hurt. Rachel Davis followed, flexing her own vocal range going a capella with Sally Rogers’ “Circle of the Sun.” Yasmin Williams went in the opposite direction, playing her instrumental “Cliff Walk” with stunning finger picked and tapped guitar. Thao concluded the first round with “Kindness Be Conceived,” a song from her indie-rock band, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down. She strapped on her electric guitar and was joined with some light percussion and hand claps form the others. Each woman brought their own perspective and sound. It was like four concerts in one. And around and around they went.

    As folks songs tend to do, their songs often told stories. But the format of the concert provided the artists to open up with some of the stories behind and around the songs and instruments they played. Davis’ was playing the banjo that her dad used to teach her which he also learned to play on. He ended up gifting it to her when she first left the shores of Lake Michigan for Boston, and the sound of it reminded her of home.

    Valerie June, Rachel Davis, Yasmin Williams, and Thao Share Songs in Buffalo

    Williams’ unique lap-style and finger tapping guitar style was something she developed from mastering Guitar Hero using a similar technique. The game inspired her to learn guitar for real, but she quickly bored of her lessons and taught herself instead. The results are her precise and uniquely-styled playing. Some of the stories only went back as far as the night before, and apparently Williams used her precision for some bowling hijinks on their night off in Cleveland. [details redacted]

    The audience was also regaled with stories of June’s childhood home, so far away from any neighbors that she had a habit of showering naked in the rain. So her “Rain Dance” is not just a song but a part of her childhood. Thao introduced “Temple” with the story behind the lyrics. She took her mother on a trip home to Vietnam and it brought out a side of her she had never seen. The song’s lyrics, written from her mother’s perspective, touched deeper with the backstory in hand.

    The group also joined forces to make music magic. In a unexpected twist, they played three minutes of improvisation, June and Davis humming, Williams on mbira, and Thao on her guitar. It was a bold choice that not only worked out brilliantly, but broke up the song-circle perfectly.

    The show closed with them once again playing together, more traditionally, on a cover of “Shady Grove,” each lady taking a verse. The audience of course wouldn’t let such a special concert end in regulation, so they cheered them on for a little overtime. Another brilliant cover ensued as they tackled “I Shall Be Released” before bringing back in a little more heartfelt humor with a quick victory lap of “Thank You For Being A Friend.” And the best part of all, for this bill, everyone was a winner.

  • Lost Radio Rounders present “Scoundrels!” at Voorheesville Library on November 16

    Lost Radio Rounders will present “Scoundrels!” at the Voorheesville Library on November 16th.

    “Bad behavior has brought us some very good folk songs,” states Tom Lindsay, vocalist/guitarist for Acoustic Americana trio Lost Radio Rounders. Lindsay, along with bandmates Michael Eck and Paul Jossman head to the Voorheesville Public Library on Thursday, November 16th for a program featuring songs about liars, cheats, thieves, and murderers.

    Lost Radio Rounders scoundrels

    Since their founding in 2009, Lost Radio Rounders have specialized in themed programs such as Cowboy
    Songs & Frontier Ballads, Lincoln & Liberty, and Songs America Voted By. Lindsay remarked that “These
    programs are especially well received at libraries and historical societies where audiences are keenly
    interested in what the songs may tell us about the place and time in which they were created.” Back in
    October the group performed Blue Collar Blues: Songs of American Workers at the Troy Savings Bank
    Music Hall.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3XVR20Ij-Y

    While Lindsay and Lost Radio Rounders co-founder Michael Eck have both amassed an almost
    encyclopedic knowledge of American folk music over the years, they never forget that they are
    entertainers first. “Even with a program like Scoundrels!” said Lindsay, “there will be humor, albeit
    somewhat dark- and plenty of chances to sing along!”

    Lost Radio Rounders present “Scoundrels! is free and begins at 6:30 p.m.

  • John Leventhal Teases Upcoming Album “Rumble Strip” With Two Lyrical Singles

    John Leventhal will explore his newfound solo career with his upcoming album Rumble Strip to be released on January 26. The six-time Grammy-winner’s debut album will showcase some of the most adventurous work of his career. 

    Born in New York City, Leventhal began his career in the late 1970’s playing guitar in dozens of NYC area bands including those led by Billy Vera, Steve Forbert and Levon Helm. His impulse to look for unexpected moments of beauty has served as a compass and survival tactic throughout his remarkable career. He’s produced albums for Rosanne Cash, Marc Cohn, Sarah Jarosz, Jim Lauderdale, William Bell, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Joan Osborne and many others. As a guitar player, he has recorded and performed with Jackson Browne, Bruce Hornsby, Willie Nelson, The Tedeschi Trucks Band, Ry Cooder, Elvis Costello, Donald Fagen, and recently, The National (Leventhal co-produced the song “Crumble” from Laugh Track).

    Leventhal has been a Grammy winner in five consecutive decades, including as a co-writer and producer on Shawn Colvin’s 1998’s Song of the Year “Sunny Came Home,” Cash’s moody The River and the Thread, and Stax legend William Bell’s sublime 2016 album This Is Where I Live. Presently, he’s collaborating with Cash on a musical version of Norma Rae. His unique approach hasn’t always aligned Leventhal with whatever is reaping the biggest commercial rewards, but he figures that’s probably the only way he could’ve done it– and it worked.

    Leventhal has shared two songs from Rumble Strip: “That’s All I Know About Arkansas,” featuring vocals and lyrics by Rosanne Cash, his wife and collaborator of 30 years. The other is the solo guitar piece, “JL’s Hymn No. 2,” written and recorded in the same evening.

    “I’ve always had a catalog of ideas that have never found a home,” Leventhal says. “In the back of my mind, I thought that one of these days I should try to harvest some of those ideas and confront the personal gauntlet of making a solo record.” The COVID-19 pandemic made it inevitable. 

    That willingness to confront his past work pays off handsomely on Rumble Strip, which combines Leventhal’s distinctive, lyrical guitar work, full-band productions with and without vocals, solo guitar pieces that draw on Leventhal’s love for classical music and Anglican hymns, and humid blasts of Southern soul, country twang, and improvisation. 

    Rumble Strip will be out January 26 on RumbleStrip Records, the label co-founded by Leventhal and Rosanne Cash (distributed by Thirty Tigers).

    To pre-save the album Rumble Strip, click here.

    Follow John Leventhal on Instagram and YouTube.