Junior Jerry Jam, a Western New York non-profit committed to raising money and awareness to support local non-profits and community organizations through family friendly live music events, will host a fundraiser for Hospice of Buffalo with Sam Grisman Project performing live at Buffalo Iron Works. This special event begins at 11am on Saturday, October 21, with doors opening at 1030am.
Sam Grisman Project is an exciting and innovative musical venture from Sam Grisman, along with bandmates Ric Robertson, Aaron Lipp, and Chris J. English, all paying tribute to the legacy of Sam’s father “Dawg” and his collaboration with Jerry Garcia. This afternoon, the group will be recreating the amazing soundtrack of the 1993 album Not for Kids Only.
With the belief that Buffalo is truly the City of Good Neighbors, Junior Jerry Jam will donate all proceeds from the show to Hospice of Buffalo, a distinguished organization committed to providing compassionate end-of-life care.
This show allows families and fans of Grisman and Garcia, to indulge in the musical talents of the Sam Grisman Project, as well as contribute to the invaluable work of Hospice of Buffalo, supporting those in need during their most vulnerable moments. This incredible musical experience will make a meaningful impact on the Buffalo commurtnity.
Tickets for Sam Grisman Project will be available at the door at Buffalo Iron Works, or reserve your place by email via juniorjerryjam.org.
Kingston-based filmmaker Hanna Bass will join forces with Spaghetti Eastern Music, the solo project of guitarist Sal Cataldi, on “Fragments of Light,” her newest film, showcasing it at Avant-Garde-Arama Lands at Lace Mill in Kingston.
Avant-Garde-Arama Lands at Lace Mill is the latest edition of the popular festival of short performance artworks co-founded by Charles Dennis and musician/visual artist Jeffrey Isaac at the legendary East Village venue Performance Space 122 (P.S. 122) in 1980. In 2019 Dennis moved to Hurley, NY, and has since curated and produced three Avant-Garde-Arama events at Woodstock’s Mountain View Studio and The Lace Mill in Kingston. The event, which will include short works by nine artists in total, will take place October 20 and 21 at 6 p.m. at Lace Mill, a popular artists’ residence and performance space in Kingston.
“Fragments of Light” serves as a vivid chronicle of Bass’s cinematic journey, which took flight following her career as a professional ballerina, touring with the renowned American Ballet Theater. Her transition from the world of ballet to the realm of cinema has given birth to films that radiate a dreamlike quality, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of filmmakers such as Maya Deren, Barbara Hammer, and Shirley Clarke. Bass’s films are infused with the grace and artistry derived from her background as a dancer and choreographer. They dance between dimensions and radiate a captivating blend of authenticity and mysterious allure.
Hanna Bass.
Beyond her work as a filmmaker, Hanna Bass has cultivated a diverse portfolio as a cinematographer and creative director, crafting visual identities for a multitude of entities. Defined by herself as a multi-media creatrix, she explores the convergence of creative direction, choreography, film, and music.
Spaghetti Eastern Music is the genre-leaping solo project of Hudson Valley and NYC-based guitarist/keyboardist Sal Cataldi. Spaghetti Eastern Music combines acid jazz-fueled guitar instrumentals with ambient soundscapes and acoustic ballads straight out of the Nick Drake school. He debuted the project with the critically acclaimed 2016 album Sketches of Spam which has been followed with a number of EPs and singles.
The New York Times says Cataldi “has a beat unmistakably his own” while Time Out New York praises his “delicate guitar work and the hauntingly moody atmosphere he conjures.” He has been compared to Ravi Shankar and Sergio Leone, and his exploratory solo guitar score for the dance piece has been described as “cool, melodic, inspired and transcendent, a wave of sonic warmth and light” by Chronogram Magazine. Cataldi says this work is very much in line with what he is creating to accompany Bass’ film. “2x2x4” and his other music can be found on Spotify.
The October 20 – 21 event will present nine pieces including Dennis’s solo dance-talk work “Dreaming Out Loud,” Nancy Ostrovsky’s live painting with music by Meghan Gugliotta, a multimedia of dance, sound, and costumer by Lina Azalea Dahbour. Full details can be found at the Eventbrite link here.
NYC’s celebrated folk singer-songwriter Dan Rauchwerk has released his brand new single, “Only January Knows.” After a decade as part of the folk duo The Lords of Liechtenstein, Rauchwerk has made a name for himself as a solo artist since 2018.
“Only January Knows” is a meditative ballad to the winter months, with Rauchwerk diving deeper into his introspective realms. With skillful guitar picking and his emotive voice, Rauchwerk injects hope into the seeming dreariness of winter in the city.
I live on the Upper West Side near Central Park, so I spend a lot of time in nature. I use my daily runs and walks in the park as a way to recharge my body and mind. It’s so easy to get completely cut off from the natural world in New York City and to get stuck in the “always on” mindset, so it’s helpful for me to see the seasons change in the park and acknowledge and appreciate the passing of time.
“Only January Knows” speaks to the significance of seasonal change and the unexpected joy I find on wintry walks in the park on snowy days when very few people are around.
Dan Rauchwerk
Dan Rauchwerk takes great inspiration from the nature found in the beloved Central Park, which serves as a sanctuary for New Yorkers looking for a quiet moment. His new track both addresses that in vocals, and with it’s slow, swaying tempo which creates that meditative moment itself. “Only January Knows” follows his signature style of strong, clear vocals, and a heartwarmingly familiar folk tune.
Rauchwerk’s new single comes as a follow up to his 2018 debut solo album, We Are More Than What We Leave Behind.
“Only January Knows” is available on all streaming services on October 13.
You may know Kat Wright from her big bombastic soul band, which numbered seven to nine members. But in a carryover from the pandemic, when she and a couple of bandmates took to playing in a smaller and “safer” format, they have been playing out as just a trio. Wright, joined by bassist Josh Weinstein and guitarist Bob Wagner, blew through from Vermont to Rochester to play an Honest Folk show at Good Luck on October 8.
A native of Penfield, Kat Wright was coming home again after attending, and playing at, her brother’s wedding just a few weeks prior. But this was her first headlining show in her hometown since before the pandemic, only returning for opening spots for the Wood Brothers just before the world shut down and for Ryan Montbleau Band this past summer.
On a cold and rainy Sunday, the crowd packed into the intimate space at Good Luck. Settled on the stage set between two brick walls that acted as a hearth, the band was like a glimmering flame, keeping the room cozy and warm.
The kindling was sparked with a beautiful cover of CSN’s “You Don’t Have to Cry” that allowed the band to immediately showcase its wonderful three-part harmonies. Then it was on to the original “You Have Problems,” a swinging number about that special someone who bugs you. They stoked the fire, keeping the flames alive and burning, with a mix of old tunes, new tunes from a forthcoming album, and a solid bundle of covers.
The originals rarely carried vestiges from any possible big band arrangement, sounding comfortable wearing the clothing of a three-piece folk band. When given the opportunity, Wagner’s guitar worked in some brilliant lines, while Weinstein held steady and eternally interesting grooves. Wright’s powerful voice could easily carry the music on its own, but when joined by her band mates sparks really flew. One of the new ones, “Mind Games” was described as their version of “Jolene.”
They also sprinkled in plenty of tunes that weren’t just referential to others’ music, but actual covers. Though on the whole, their covers were more like interpretations, throwing their own spin on the material. Recognizing a subtle hint of the Everly Brothers’ “Cathy’s Clown” in Harry Nillson’s “Walk Right Back,” they more overtly mashed the two together, including an ever so slight nod also to Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon,” resulting in what they referred to as a musical turducken.
The second set started up with their take on Big Brother and the Holding Company’s “Piece of My Heart,” reworking it so it sounded more like a Paul Simon song. In the encore they took another instantly recognizable song, Pink Floyd’s “Breathe” and again simmered it down to bare bones folk song, keeping the crow completely rapt. Sometimes a crowd is engaged by singing along at the top of their lungs. Here, though most everyone knew all of the words, the audience sat agape and silent. As the last echoes of sound lifted, the flame of a Sunday night fire turned to smoke and memories.
Wren Cove, a Rochester area-based duo, is set to hold a residency at Rochester’s Red White and Brew. A fusion of cello and acoustic guitar musicianship, Wren Cove is a unique collaboration with upcoming new music next year.
Wren Cove cites serendipity as the basis of their musical collaboration. Founding members Melissa Davies and Andrew Cloninger met in the studio, and began their musical journey, writing music and playing shows in the Rochester area.
The group’s first EP, Trees, released in August 2022 alongside Basement Factory Music. Wren Cove will enter the studio in January to begin work on their sophomore release, a full length LP entitled Movement, slotted for release in 2024.
In addition to his musical ventures, Wren Cove guitarist Andrew Cloninger recently released a narrative poetry collection titled C5-C6, following and describing his experience becoming disabled from a spinal injury. The book released on October 6 with Atmosphere Press. Through the collection, he explores self-discovery and definition within the context of disability and personal growth. C5-C6 is available on Amazon.
Wren Cove will play at Red White and Brew in Rochester every second Friday of the month, including October 13, November 10, and December 8. A full list of upcoming dates is available below and at wrencovemusic.com.
October 13 – Rochester, NY – Red, White & Brew
November 4 – Ithaca, NY – The Downstairs
November 11 – Rochester, NY – Red, White & Brew
December 8 – Rochester, NY – Red, White & Brew
December 29 – Honeoye, NY – Birdhouse Brewing Company
On Monday, October 2, I had the pleasure of seeing Joy Oladokun finally headline her own show at New York City’s Irving Plaza on her Living Proof Tour.
I’ve followed her for a few years now, seeing a live performance of “I See America” that hooked me to her. Oddly enough, the crowd consists of both younger fans and quite a few older fans such as myself. The walk-on music, Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way,” had the entire crowd singing along to.
Joy came out very humble and down to earth, stating “I look and dress like a truck driver.” Honest and true, Oladokun connected immediately with the crowd and went right into what she does and loves best, playing guitar; lucky for her, the crowd loves watching her do just that.
A strong set featured a highlight, a song called “Sunday” that she dedicated to a gay friend who had passed away. She credited him with having the power to come out herself, the transition of the song’s ending moving into “One Of Us” creating a moment burned into memory.
The Wildwoods, a folk-americana trio from Nebraska, have announced an upcoming show at Conkling Hall in Rensselaerville, NY. The group’s newest full length record, Foxfield Saint John, released in February 2023, cultivates a unique and captivating sound to their musicianship.
The Wildwoods is Noah Gose (guitar), Chloe Gose (violin), and Andrew Vaggalis (bass). Hailing from Lincoln, Nebraska, and draw inspiration from artistss such as The Decemberists, Peter, Paul, & Mary, Joni Mitchell, and Gregory Alan Isakov. The group was nominated by the Omaha Arts and Entertainment Awards for Top Americana/Folk Artist in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022, and named as the Lincoln Journal Star’s “Best Band” award in 2022.
The band released their debut album, Sweet Nostalgia, as well as an EP, Birdie & Goose, in 2017, and quickly established a niche in their local music scene. The group’s newest record, Foxfield Saint John, was followed by “Footprints on the Floor,” a new track released in July.
The Wildwoods will play Conkling Hall in Rensselaerville, NY, Sunday October 29th at 7:30PM. Tickets are available at www.thewildwoodsband.com.
An annual tradition, the Beacon Sloop Club’s Annual Pumpkin Festival will be held on Sunday, Oct. 15th, from 12-5pm at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park in Beacon. Located on the Riverside of the Metro North Beacon Station), this rain or shine event is a fun, family friendly event along the shores of the Hudson River. Admission as always is free and the public is welcome to attend.
Featured at the Pumpkin Festival are Hudson Valley pumpkins of all sizes and shapes, fresh-baked pumpkin pie served with homemade whipped cream, hot pumpkin soup, hot and cold apple cider and many more culinary delights available for purchase.
With two solar powered music stages – including one dedicated for children – live music will be provided throughout the day from performers including Betty and the Baby Boomers, Lost Ryders of the Waywayonda, Lydia Adams Davis, Bindlestick Bill, Rick & Donna Nestler, Sarah Underhill and The Stockport Middleground, The Storycrafters, The Judith Tulloch Band, Sharleen Leahey and more.
Additionaly, numerous food and craft vendors will be on hand as well as environmental non-profits will feature displays of local Hudson River history and the environment including information about their organizations. The many free activities for children, in addition to the children’s stage, make this the perfect family event on the shores of the Hudson.
Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, located on the majestic Hudson River, gives access to the Beacon Sloop Club’s boat, the Woody Guthrie, which will be taking guests on free sails from the Beacon Harbor, weather permitting. The public may sign up for an afternoon sail to relax and experience the beauty, power and grandeur of the Hudson. Sign ups start at noon at the Beacon Sloop Club table.
Earlier this year, the Beacon Sloop Club’s Corn Festival raised money for the public sailing program on the Woody Guthrie and other environmental education programs. The Sloop Club meets the first Friday of each month at the clubhouse in Beacon for a potluck dinner, business meeting and live music. The clubhouse is located on the banks of the Hudson River near the Metro-North train station, and all are always welcome.
Finger Lakes musician Jeremy Button of Americana band Growl Bear, has penned a few tunes as of late that celebrate two distinct regions of New York State, the Delaware Valley and the Finger Lakes.
Among them are the comedic tune, with a dash of regional pride, “Fingerlakes Wine,” and the history-infused “The Ballad of Orrin & Squire.”
Growing up in Wayland, NY, Button attended SUNY Fredonia, and currently works for NYSDOT. A guitarist and songwriter in Americana band Growl Bear, Button has learned a variety of instruments, among them fiddle, mandolin, bagpipes, and banjo as well as writing music for both Growl Bear and his solo performances.
Speaking of “Fingerlakes Wine,” Button says, “I just wanted my area to have a song like this. I love Rochester and the Fingerlakes area and I like writing songs about where I live, we don’t have a lot of them and we need more, creating lore, making us feel more in touch with this place we call home.”
Button’s tune “Fingerlakes Wine” comes in both a classy (above, for all ages) and original versions, while “The Ballad of Orrin & Squire” is ripped from the history books and lyrics mention various stops in the Southern Catskills.
Button’s Great-great Grandfather and his brother fought in the Civil War for the Union Army, part of the NY 56th Regiment of Volunteers, also known as the 10th Legion. A tune that comes right out of Button’s family tree, the song tells of their travels from small towns near the New York-Pennslyvania border to New York City before heading south to fight. Button says of the song’s historical accuracy, “95% true. Not many songs about NY regiments going to go kick butt.”
Another tune from Button, “Goodbye Fredonia,” the reluctance that he found in moving onto the next stage of his life, post-college.
You can catch Jeremy Button performing solo and with Growl Bear this fall around the Finger Lakes. Growl Bear plays at Lovin Cup, near Rochester Institute of Technology at 8:30 on Friday, October 6 and the trio version of Growl Bear plays at the B-side in Fairport on October 25. For more info visit the band’s website.
New York-based artist The Bones of J.R. Jones released a new single, “Animals,” the final single from his upcoming album Slow Lightning. The release comes alongside his upcoming tour, featuring a show at NYC’s Mercury Lounge and Woodstock’s Levon Helm Studios.
“Animals” is an upbeat, soulful folk track, supporting the musician’s upcoming record, Slow Lightning, slotted for release on October 13. That day will feature a hometown show at NYC’s Mercury Lounge for a special album release show, followed by a full US and European tour this fall.
The new track follow the release of the musician’s previous single, “The Good Life,” which dropped last month alongside an official music video featuring actress Maggie McDowell. In addition, the first promotional single, “Heaven Help Me,” debuted to great success, and has now garnered over 250,000 streams.
Known off-stage as Jonathan Linaberry, The Bones of J.R. Jones is a one-man band, songwriter, storyteller, and visual artist.
Animals’ is about letting yourself go and giving into another version of yourself. Going out, getting into trouble, letting whatever may happen, happen and finding out you’re happier that way.
Jonathan Linaberry, The Bones of J.R. Jones
Tickets for The Bones of J.R. Jones’ upcoming tour are now on sale. More information and tickets are available here.
Tour Dates:
10/12 – Washington, DC – DC9
10/13 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
10/14 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios
10/16 – Richmond, VA – Camel
10/17 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern Cafe and Music Hall
10/18 – Raleigh, NC – The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop
