Category: Jam/Progressive

  • God Street Wine Announce Benefit Concerts in NYC and Woodstock

    Early jam band group God Street Wine announced they will perform two benefit concerts, supporting MS4MS (Mission Stadiums for Multiple Sclerosis). The shows take place Sept. 30 at Cutting Room in NYC, and Oct. 1 at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock.

    God Street Wine

    Formed in 1988, by Lo Faber, Aaron Maxwell, Dan Pifer, Jon Bevo, and Tom Osander, God Street Wine played a prominent role in the early jam band scene alongside fellow New Yorkers Blues Traveler and Spin Doctors. They released five albums and performed more than 1,000 shows across the United States in their first decade together. The band performed alongside The Allman Brothers, Bruce Hornsby, The Black Crowes, and more.

    In 1999 the band split up after playing a three-night farewell engagement at the Wetlands Preserve in NYC. Selected performances from these final shows were compiled into the posthumous live album Good To the Last Drop. A decade later they reunited and performed four concerts in NYC benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Spread across the globe, the group collaborated to release their 2019 album This Fine Town. Now the original fivesome will reunite yet again with two shows to benefit MS4MS (Mission Stadiums for Multiple Sclerosis).

    Michael Weiss, God Street Wine’s long-time man of many hats, poker buddy, and friend, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2004 and is a patient ambassador and advisory board member with MS4MS. Mission Stadiums for Multiple Sclerosis (MS4MS) is a sports and entertainment-focused non-profit
    organization whose mission is to raise awareness of MS at events and venues, while raising funds directly for families impacted and for the advancement of research at the Johns Hopkins MS Research Center in hopes of finding a cure.

    To purchase tickets for the Sept. 30 show at Cutting Edge, visit here, and to purchase tickets for the Oct. 1 show at Levon Helm Studios, visit here.

  • Disco Biscuits Fall Tour Announced, Halloween Shows at Capitol Theatre

    Straight out of a pair of shows at Mulcahey’s on Long Island, the Disco Biscuits have their sights set on Fall Tour, with shows in Texas and the Midwest culminating with a five-show run in the Northeast. Over October 27+28, they’ll be celebrating Halloween weekend at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

    disco biscuits fall tour

    Joining Disco Biscuits this fall will be TAUK Moore (featuring Kanika Moore of Doom Flamingo) and SunSquabi on select dates.

    Tickets are available via an Artist Pre-Sale on Wednesday, June 21 at 10am Local time, Venue Pre-Sale(s) on Thursday, June 22 at 10am Local time, and a general On-Sale on Friday, June 23 at 10am Local time.

    VIP Packages are available, and will include early entry to each venue + early access to merch, pre-show soundcheck, a group photo with the band, limited edition show poster, and a commemorative laminate & lanyard.

    Disco Biscuits Summer and Fall Tour Dates
    July 6 – Rexford, MT – Abayance Bay
    July 7 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge
    July 8 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge
    July 9 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge
    July 11 – Boise, ID – Revolution Concert House
    July 12 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
    July 13 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
    July 14 – Bend, OR – Midtown Ballroom
    July 15 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
    July 18 – Blue Lake, CA – Blue Lake Casino
    July 19 – Stateline, NV – Harrah’s South Lake Tahoe
    July 20 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
    July 21 – Los Angeles, CA – The Roxy Theatre
    July 22 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern [SOLD OUT]
    August 10 – East Hampton, NY – The Clubhouse
    August 10-12 – East Durham, NY – Catskill Mountain Jubilee
    August 13 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle and Cork
    September 15 – Austin, TX – Far Out Lounge and Stage * w/ TAUK Moore (TAUK ft. Kanika Moore)
    September 16 – Austin, TX – Far Out Lounge and Stage ^w/ Sunsquabi
    September 20 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
    September 21 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre ^w/ Sunsquabi
    September 22 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater
    September 23 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue Theatre
    September 24 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
    October 24 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
    October 25 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Hall
    October 26 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
    October 27 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
    October 28 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre

  • Space Carnival Releases 2017 Brooklyn Bowl Archive Recording

    On October 24, 2017, Space Carnival performed their one and only show at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg, packing the house with fans from across the Northeast. Opening the night were two little known bands at the time, Goose and The Southern Belles.

    space carnival brooklyn bowl
    photo by Tom Fucillo

    Earlier in 2017, Space Carnival went on their first Midwest tour, linking up with bands across the country for memorable shows and performances. Returning to the Northeast for their first Brooklyn Bowl show. Guitarist Jeremy Kraus recalls the evening:

    Being a Tuesday in October, we weren’t sure what to expect as it was our first Brooklyn Bowl show, headlining nonetheless. But we packed the room and had fans travel from all over the Northeast!

    Jeremy Kraus

    Tom Petty had passed away a few weeks prior, leading Space Carnival to give a nod to the fallen Wilbury with “American Girl.” Following this was two newer tunes, “Pleasure in Sin” and had then-Goose percussionist Aaron Hagele join us for “Queen of Cups.” (Watch below)

    After a two song jam-fest, the vibe shifted with a heavier pair of songs, “Mooshbah” -> “Sirius Rising,” and went into a classic pairing of “Rango” -> “Regal Krad”, with an appropriate “All Night Long” encore to celebrate the successful show.

    space carnival
    Photo by Amanda Sanwich Photography

    Space Carnival took a break in late 2018, parting ways amicably after a strong five year run as a band. The Oneonta group made waves with their disco-funk and prog rock sound and energetic live shows. Prior to this, the group (Jeremy Kraus on Guitar, Cameron Fitch on Keys and Vocals, Chris Meier on Bass, and Nick Tassinari on drums) performed across the Northeast and Midwest at clubs, concert series and music festivals. Listen to the recording here.

    space carnival brooklyn bowl

    If you’re in Albany on July 6, don’t miss Space Carnival as they reunite for their first show in New York in nearly five years, with a show at Lark Hall. Get more info and tickets here.

    Space Carnival – Brooklyn Bowl, Williamsburg, NY – October 24, 2017

    Setlist: American Girl, Pleasure in Sin-> Queen of Cups, Mooshbah-> Sirius Rising, Yish, Rango->Regal Krad
    Encore: All Night Long

  • Late-Night in Albany with Tractorbear: A Tribute to the Disco Biscuits – July 7 at Parish Public House

    Attention Disco Biscuits fans! The jamtronica pioneers may not be back in New York until mid-August, but you can catch a rare performance by Tractorbear: A Tribute to the Disco Biscuits, on Friday, July 7 at Parish Public House in Albany.

    tractorbear

    Tractorbear, a tribute to the pioneers of Jamtronica/trancefusion, the Disco Biscuits, will perform two sets of Disco Biscuits tunes – both classic songs from the early years, as well as tunes from the recent Shocked album that was released in April.

    Opening the night is Sweeping Views, starting at 10pm.

    This is a very special late show, with doors at 9pm and Sweeping Views opening the night at 10pm that you won’t want to miss. Don’t sleep on this party Albany! #SIYD

    Tractorbear takes the stage at 11pm for two full sets. Get tickets here and check out past Tractorbear shows below.

  • Dead & Company Get Sentimental in Saratoga Farewell

    The long strange trip is allegedly coming to an end, but not before one more Saturday night in Saratoga Springs. Kicking off Father’s Day weekend on a high note, the spirit of Jerry Garcia was alive and well as Dead & Company rolled into town for a pair of sold out shows at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on June 17th and 18th.

    dead and company saratoga

    Billed as “The Final Tour,” concert goers from all over turned out in huge numbers, creating both a circus-like atmosphere, a bit of an over-crowded cluster, and oh yeah, one heck of a good time! While the weekend also marked the 40th anniversary of the Grateful Dead’s first-time playing in Saratoga, many fans were also quick to point out the last time Dead & Company were in town, the show never actually happened, as it was abruptly called off due to a family emergency within the band. It was never rescheduled, although this year, a second Dead & Company show was added for the first, and last time ever.

    Discover Grateful Dead shows from over the years across New York State with our interactive map below

    In typical Dead fashion, just getting inside the venue was an adventure in itself. Between massive traffic jams, Shakedown Street shenanigans and huge lines at the turnstiles, before the show even started the lawn overflow had spilled well into the food court area. The place was absolutely packed and the buzz in the air was tangible, friendly, and electric. Strangers were literally stopping strangers just to shake their hand. As Dead & Company took the stage to a rousing ovation, things would kick off with a well-received cover of Sam Cooke’s classic “Let the Good Times Roll,” a sure sign that both the band and the fans were on the same page.

    dead and company saratoga

    Anchored by original Grateful Dead members Bob Weir (guitar/vocals) and Mickey Hart (drums), this incarnation of the group features cross-over pop superstar John Mayer on lead guitar and vocals, Oteil Burbridge (bass/vocals), Jeff Chimenti (keyboards/vocals), and Jay Lane (drums). Noodling their way into the familiar sounds of “Scarlet Begonias,” the 14 minute dance party would pick up even more steam as the band segued into the time tested sing-along of “Deal.” Weir would croon “Black-Throated Wind” for us next, before handing over vocal duties to Mayer for the always appreciated “Dire Wolf.”

    dead and company saratoga

    The centerpiece of the set, and perhaps the whole night, came next in the form of “Bird Song.” As people slowly realized what it was, you could almost feel the collective sense of joy. The delicate and lush harmonies transporting you to a place of peace and tranquility, despite having the controlled chaos of some thirty thousand people all around you, all clamoring for a better view of the stage. John Mayer’s melodic guitar work played particularly well off Chimenti’s tasteful keyboards here, yielding the longest piece of improvisation of the night, clocking in at just under 19 minutes. A silky smooth transition into “Going Down the Road Feeling Bad” had the entire place feeling groovy and singing along once again with huge smiles on their faces as the opening set came to close.

    After a brief break in the action, an up-tempo “70’s era” version of “They Love Each Other” kicked things back into gear to start the second half of the show. The popularity of Mayer was very noticeable here. Anytime he would sing a verse, a wave of female cheers would cascade through the audience, though Mayer, wearing noise canceling headphones, would never hear them. Instead focusing on interplay with Weir and settling into a fiery groove that would eventually lead the train to “Terrapin Station,” the captivated crowed swayed to the music in pure delight as the lengthy, complex composition was executed beautifully. Oteil Burbridge, who will headline the Rye Bread Music Festival not far from Saratoga next month, was particularly charismatic as “Terrapin” reached it’s final peak.

    Like I told you, what I said / Steal your face right off your head

    – “He’s Gone”

    After that, there was nothin’ left to do, but smile, smile, smile as the song that gave birth to one of the most recognizable logos of all time, “He’s Gone,” gave the audience both a chance to sing and to reflect. The slow and bluesy groove would gradually build on itself, adding subtle layers of momentum until coming around again and finally revealing itself as “The Other One.”

    About 13 minutes into it, things would get a little weird as Mickey Hart and Jay Lane would tag team on “Drums/Space,” which took on a decidedly darker, droning-type vibe that had at least one person near me slightly concerned for their apparent heart condition. Eventually the rest of Dead & Company would return to the stage and seamlessly pick up right where they left off, continuing with the second half of “The Other One.”

    Next, Bobby would lead the band though the emotional high point of the evening with a heartfelt rendition of “Days Between,” a tribute to the enduring legacy of Jerry Garcia and a sentiment that resonated deeply with everyone in the audience. Picking up the pace now, the band would get everyone back on their feet and dancing once again for a set closing “Turn On Your Love Light.” With the audience still hollering for more, everyone knew exactly what was coming for the encore. And while fans were treated to a smokin’ yet obligatory “One More Saturday Night,” you couldn’t help but feel skeptical at the shows bittersweet ending.

    With the band currently sounding as tight as ever and clearly still with significant drawing power, are we really to believe this is the end of the road for Dead & Company, or is this perhaps just the start of an exciting new chapter? With scores of imitators and Dead cover bands already ensuing the music never stops, one thing is for certain: whether this band tours again or not, The Grateful Dead will never die. After a few days of rest, “The Final Tour” will resume at Citi Field in Queens, NY before heading to Fenway Park in Boston this weekend.

    Dead & Company | Saratoga Performing Arts Center | Saratoga Springs, NY | 6/17/23
    Set 1: Good Times , Scarlet Begonias > Deal, Black-Throated Wind, Dire Wolf, Bird Song > Going Down the Road Feeling Bad
    Set 2: They Love Each Other > Terrapin Station, He’s Gone > The Other One (verse 1) > Drums > Space > ‘The Other One (verse 2) > Days Between, Turn On Your Love Light
    Encore: One More Saturday Night

    Dead & Company | Saratoga Performing Arts Center | Saratoga Springs, NY | 6/18/23
    Set 1:
    Hell in a Bucket, Sugaree, Mississippi Half-Step > Mr. Charlie, Friend of the Devil > Lost Sailor > Saint of Circumstance > Big Railroad Blues
    Set 2: Samson and Delilah, Playing in the Band > Help on the Way > Slipknot! > Franklin’s Tower > Drums > Space > Death Don’t Have No Mercy, Throwing Stones, Sugar Magnolia
    Encore: Werewolves of London > Playing Reprise

  • In Focus: Mihali at Alive at 5

    The theme for the second installment of Albany’s Alive at 5 was Jam Night. On Thursday, June 15th, Mihali along with Side B played 2 non-stop jam sessions for the people of Albany.

    mihali albany
    Mihali at Alive at 5 – Photo by Jarron Childs

    Mihali is one of the co-founders of the jam band Twiddle. Out of Vermont, Mihali has been with Twiddle for the last 18 years. Late last year Twiddle, made the announcement that they were taking an “indefinite hiatus” following their Distance Makes the Heart tour.

    Mihali plans to join the band for a few of their shows, but really started to branch off from the band. He has his own shows that he’s doing along with the Twiddle tour. He also released a single, “Raise it,” last month along with his second solo album Effection last summer.

    Side B at Alive at 5 – Photo by Jarron Childs

    Side B from Albany played a solid hour set to open Jam Night. They are no stranger to Albany stages as they played a set during the Holiday Tree Lighting. The young alt-rock band played an electric and energetic set for their first Alive at 5. Guitarist A.J. Horton ran in to the crowd to get them on their feet. They really started to turn heads as they grew a bit on an audience towards the end of their set, especially with a cover of Presidents of the United States of America’s “Peaches.”

    Mihali played an almost non-stop one and a half hour set to a large crowd of Albany residents. The band really worked together well to take few breaks between songs and just really jam out. The saxophonist had a large presence on stage as they had many breakout solos alongside some of the other band members.

    There was not one bad vibe to be found as Mihali played a mixture of covers, old, and new music. Parents with their children might have had stories to tell about some of their favorite Twiddle songs from high school.

    As Mihali was leaving the stage, there was a reluctance from the crowd to just go home. No chants for an encore erupted, but instead a long applause. Nonetheless, Mihali came back saying that they still have 5 more minutes left of their set. He started of with the smooth a reggae beat from “Enemies” before switching to a more hard rock beat. It really felt that every strum of the guitar struck a cord on your inside.

    mihali albany
    Jam Night of Albany’s Alive at 5 – Photo by Jarron Childs

    To catch Mihali next, he will be playing at the Peach Music Festival at June 29th in Scranton, PA. Mihali plans to rejoin Twiddle on August 10th for the Catskill Montain Jubilee on July 14th. To catch Twiddle next, they will be playing in Buffalo at the Cobblestone Music and Arts Festival on July 14th.

    Mihali Setlist: All Day, Open House, Strongest of Our Kind, Terrestrial Tango, Carved Lines, Maplewood, Plush, Empty Overflow, Iron Lion Zion, Ballad of the Broken, Hypocrite, Find My Way, Breath and Let Go, Living is the Lesson, Enemies, Watchtower, Stairway

  • In Focus: Dan Deacon plays No Fun in Troy

    Dan Deacon brought his colorful glitch pop to No Fun in Troy on Thursday, June 8th. This is his first tour since the pandemic, he had a huge tour planned in support (he was scheduled to play Ithaca) of his studio album from 2020, Mystic Familar, and it was just about to kick off as everything shut down.

    During the downtime, Dan turned his energy towards writing numerous film scores, including the Academy Award-nominated documentary “Ascension”, and the Adam Sandler Netflix film “Hustle.” The Troy show was almost at end of a scattered tour that started in March, and even though he was pulling double duty (there was an early and a late show) the passion of his performance had not faltered or aged from years past, once the music started, he still had the charm of a mad man possessed.

    Joining Dan Deacon on the tour was drummer Jeremy Hyman. Hyman has played for Ponytail, Avey Tare’s Slasher Flicks and also toured with Animal Collective when Panda Bear decided to sit out on drums during the Painting With tour. You know that if Panda Bear turned over the drumsticks to Jeremy for a tour, that he is an absolute monster behind the drum kit.

    Starting out the night was Jeremy Hyman with a DJ set of some lovely ambient/house music that was the perfect appetizer for the night. His set entranced the crowd with some tripped out soundscapes, while occasionally locking into a deep house beat that would get the crowd moving. After his set he came back out with Dan to play drums, and since there were two shows and he played both sets, that made for an impressive 4 sets over the course of the night for Jeremy Hyman, a monster indeed.

    Seeing a Dan Deacon show isn’t an average electronic music dance party, it is that, but it’s also an interactive slumber party with some like-minded strangers. It’s like going to a concert and all of a sudden that day in gym class breaks out where you didn’t have to play sports, and you just got to play silly games with a parachute. There is a lot of focus on the crowd and their dancing, which makes everyone feel silly and goofy, which is perfect mood for the kind of insane pitched up, ADHD-riddled, electronic pop music providing the soundtrack to all of this. Dan Deacon has really built up a nice catalogue of tunes to play live, and when you really distill down all of those earcandy electronic pop songs into a single show it’s a very impressive concert, musically, along with everything else going on. With the tour wrapped up and all of those scores under his belt, I think it’s a safe bet that Dan will be returning to the studio at some point in the near future for his next full length album.

    Setlist: Become a Mountain, The Crystal Cat, Change Your Life (You Can Do It), Learning to Relax, Arp I: Wide Eyed, Arp II: Float Away, Arp III: Far From Shore, Arp IV: Any Moment, Wham City, Snookered, Sat By A Tree, Paddling Ghost, When I was Done Dying, Feel the Lightning

  • Space Carnival Reunites at Lark Hall on July 6

    Oneonta’s Space Carnival will perform their first show in New York State in nearly 5 years, with a special performance on Thursday, July 6 at Lark Hall in Albany.

    space carnival

    Space Carnival grew from the Mohawk Valley, playing music festivals and venues across New York State, before the band agreed to part ways, amicably. You may have even seen Chris Meier playing bass with Annie in the Water.

    Blending high-energy disco funk and progressive rock, Space Carnival features Jeremy Kraus on Guitar, Cameron Fitch on Keys and Vocals, Chris Meier on Bass, with Josh West (Annie in the Water, Lucid) joining on drums.

    Originating in Oneonta in Fall 2013, the group has honed their live sound while accumulating a solid following across the Northeast and as far as Colorado, with crowds drawn by shows full of fresh energy, working through a catalog of confident originals and rotating covers. The four piece returns in 2023, inviting fans to get down to their loose funk and slippery disco vibe.

    space carnival
    Space Carnival

    Opening the night will be Albany native, SM Ink.

    From Jam Band to DJ, Albany native, SM Ink, has continued blazing his trail in the jam scene he has loved so dearly. Furthermore, SM has progressed into a must see artist at clubs and festivals.Taking his love for Bass lines and grooves, SM delivers high energy sets through a wide range of Funky, Minimal, Deep/tech house flavors, which are great for any time, day or night.

    Doors open on July 6 at 7pm for an evening of celebration at Lark Hall in Albany, with SM Ink starting shortly after and Space Carnival at 8pm.. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

  • Catskill Mountain Jubilee 2023 Announces Lineup Including The Disco Biscuits, Melvin of Seals, And More

    The Catskill Mountain Jubilee 2023 lineup has been announced, returning to Blackthorne Resort in East Durham from Aug. 10-12.

    Catskill Mountain Jubilee 2023

    The Catskill Mountain Jubilee 2023 features three nights of music, with two full performances from The Disco Biscuits, Melvin Seals with Karl Denson, and many more. Returning for the third year in a row, the event will take place from Aug. 10-12 at Blackthorne Resort in East Durham. In a recent announcement, new performers added to the lineup include two sets by Twiddle, BlueStar Radiation featuring Lotus’ Tim Palmieri with Rob Derhak, Nate Wilson and Vinnie Amico from moe., Mihali (solo), Sophistafunk, The Englishtown Project, Ben Silver & Allen Aucoin, Gratefully Yours and many more. Other performers include Dogs in a Pile, Desert Dwellers, Space Bacon, Beg Steal or Borrow, Rose Ganache, Eugene Tyler Band, The Laura Leigh Band, Hilltop, Newpy Hundo, Leila, SMInk, and more.

    Tickets and lodging packages for the Catskill Mountain Jubille 2023 edition are on sale through Tixr.com at CatskillMountainJubilee.com.

  • Celebrate 36 Years of Dopapod with Fall Tour #27

    Dopapod, approaches their 36th year together and has announced their highly anticipated Fall Tour #27.

    Nearing four decades together, Dopapod is gearing up to bring their fans a sensational 41st round of captivating performances.

    Fall tour will kick off on Sept. 13 in High Point, NC, heading to Atlanta and Nashville, where they have some surprises in store for audiences, with a special improvised performance during the soundcheck.

    Dopapod heads up the East Coast to Brooklyn Bowl on Sept. 20, with fans in Hartford, CT on Sept. 24 including an improvised set during soundcheck.

    Excitement is at a peak for this tour, with the quality of live Dopapod performances consistently deliver but also exclusive giveaways and opportunities available to fans. Dopapod is giving away signed Megagem/Emit Time/Dopapod test pressings, ensuring lucky winners receive a truly unique piece of their musical history. Additionally, one signed poster will be given away at each show. Merchandise discounts and other surprises are also in store for those who participate. To enter the giveaway, fans simply need to take a screenshot of their presale ticket and email it to streetteam@dopapod.com. Every fan who sends in an email will receive a special gift from the band, making sure that no one leaves empty-handed.

    dopapod fall tour

    Dopapod emphasizes that buying presale tickets greatly supports the band, and they deeply appreciate the continued backing of their fans. Tickets for the shows are now on sale. Learn more and find tickets to Dopapod’s fall tour at dopapod.com.

    Dopapod Fall Tour #27 Dates
    9.13- High Point, NC
    9.14- Asheville, NC
    9.15- Atlanta, GA**
    9.16- Nashville TN**
    9.19- Charlottesville, VA
    9.20- Washington, DC
    9.22- Brooklyn, NY
    9.23- TBA
    9.24- Hartford, CT**
    9.26- Burlington, VT
    9.27- Burlington, VT**
    9.28- Pembroke, MA
    9.29- Philadelphia, PA
    9.30- Mason, NH

    **Very Improvised Performance (at soundcheck)