Category: Genres

Whole Lotta Love for Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening in Port Chester

Just days before Thanksgiving on November 21, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening touched down at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, to fill the 97-year-old theater with the sweet sounds of the mighty Led Zeppelin. Bonham has a string of dates left for the rest of the year with the next show being Wednesday, November 22, in Syracuse and the final show being December 3, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Bonham is the son of the original drummer for Led Zeppelin, John Bonham who drummed for the Led Zeppelin until his passing in 1980. In addition to Jason Bonham, the JBLZE consists of “Mr. Jimmy” Sakurai on guitar, Dorian Heartsong on bass, Alex Howland on keyboards and guitar with James Dylan on lead vocals.

A little past 8pm, the house lights dimmed and the band, under the cover of darkness jumped on stage and blasted into “Immigrant Song” from Led Zeppelin’s 1970 album, Led Zeppelin III. With a thunderous cheer, the fans jumped to their feet with the help of Sakurai’s Les Paul guitar and took in the closet version of the original Led Zeppelin.

With only a backdrop of the Houses of the Holy album cover and a few stage lights, the band didn’t need anything fancy as the music did all the talking. Sakurai imitated Jimmy Page the best he could while the band was on par and played Zeppelin’s recordings and live songs note for note. Whether it was a song or an extended solo, the band was tight as they jammed away for the two hours they graced the stage.

Fans who closed their eyes during the show might have originally thought that they were listening to Zeppelin’s The Song Remains the Same or How the West Was Won live albums, or better than that, listening to Led Zeppelin at one of their famous Madison Square Garden shows. From the sound of their instruments to Dylan’s vocals was spot on. The sheer energy from Bonham’s drums that matched Dylan’s shrieking voice put big smiles on the audience’s faces. In addition, some fans were left in awe as Sakurai looks somewhat similar to an older version of Page which adds to the overall experience.

Bonham during the show went on to explain that this project started 14 years ago as a one-off tour and now has since grown into yearly touring due to the fan’s love for Led Zeppelin’s music. This is true due to all the generations of fans that attended. As the clock began to tick towards show time, the hall was somewhat empty until with a few minutes left, all the fans rushed to their seats to bear witness to the band that belted out some of their favorite tunes.

During the set, JBLZE delivered tons of fan-favorite songs like “Ramble On,” “The Ocean,” and “Kashmir.” As fans were still finding their seats, they couldn’t contain themselves as they were fist-pumping, singing along, and conducting their best version of Page on their air guitars as they were walking down the aisles.

Throughout the night, Bonham took time in between songs to talk to the audience and tell stories about his childhood and growing up as the son of the famous “Bonzo.” At one point towards the end of the show, Bonham led the audience in a rendition of the classic John Denver song, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” which had the entire audience on their feet, singing along.

As fans exited the Capitol Theatre to the rain that waited for them outside, some might have initially thought of Zeppelin’s “Rain Song,” as they shared smiles with the people that they came with knowing that even though it isn’t the original version of the band they once loved, they went home knowing that a close version of the mighty Zeppelin has taken off once again.

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester – Tuesday, November 21

Setlist: Immigrant Song, Good Times Bad Times, The Wanton Song, Over the Hills and Far Away, Ramble on, What Is and What Should Never Be, When the Levee Breaks, Thank You, Since I’ve Been Loving You, How Many More Times, The Ocean, Misty Mountain Hop, Kashmir, Stairway to Heaven, Whole Lotta Love, Rock and Roll

November 24, 2023
Hip Hop Supergroup Czarface Release New Album ‘Czartificial Intelligence’

Hip hop purists can rejoice as Czarface, one the genre’s most creative outfits, returns with Czartifical Intelligence. This hip hop supergroup, consisting of Wu Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck and Boston underground hip hop acts Esoteric and 7L, bring fans along on an abstract journey where cosmic hip hop, boom bap and comic book culture all intersect. Since their debut in 2013, the like-minded outfit has seen their “Czarface” centered music-verse expand beyond their wildest dreams.

Czarface. From left to right (Esoteric, 7L, Inpectah Deck). Photo by Billy X.

In fact, collaborations with other colorful and imaginative MC’s the likes of MF Doom, Ghostface Killah, Roc Marciano, Conway the Machine, Mayhem Lauren, Method Man, Action Bronson, Vinnie Paz, Frankie Pulitzer and GZA have earned the group and series a cult-following. Chiefly, through intricate verses and captivating production, Czar and their guests — who accompany Czarface on missions and side-quests — have created a fruitful series of tapes with hundreds of merch drops including limited edition comics, apparel, action figures, art, shoes, and more featuring artwork illustrated by Lamour Supreme. Additionally, the group contributed the songs “Good Guys, Bad Guys” and “Today’s Special” to the soundtrack for the Marvel movie, Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

The album cover for Czarface’s latest project “Czartificial Intelligence”

Czartificial Intelligence

The new album comes equipped with chaos, order and everything in between. It’s like a swirling vortex of cosmic carnage, but we bring it down to earth in places. We are, after all, in a new era. I hope what we made resonates with the people.
– Esoteric

The new album consists of 10- track and continues Czarface’s exploration of various themes along with similarly cutting-edge and technically proficient bars. Czartificial Intelligence features Logic, Kool Keith, Nems, Frankie Pulitzer and is set for release on December 1.

November 24, 2023
BOOGIE T.RIO Sell Out Buffalo Ironworks

Funk and electric group BOOGIE T.RIO made a stop at in Buffalo November 17. The band packed in Buffalo Ironworks for a sold out crowd on their Manic Daze and Boogie Nights tour.

BOOGIE T.RIO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Opener Marvel Years showed his fusion early on in the night with his blend of electronic beats and soulful guitar. The producer also known as Cory Wythe looks to create a hybrid of EDM fusing glitch, retro-funk, classic rock, soul, and jazz.

Marvel Years, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

The electronic project Manic Focus followed with a live band. This multidimensional artist has a rowdy style that also spans across numerous genres. The band he brought out on stage in Buffalo isn’t always with him so locals were in for a treat that mixed heavy bass with soulful blues. The Denver-based producer used a Numark Orbit on stage which is a wireless midi controller mapped to various one-shot effects. It was entertaining to watch this artist utilize all his various musical partners and tools to build a new-era hip-hop vibe.

Manic Focus, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Finally, anticipating fans got the performance they’ve been waiting for as BOOGIE T.RIO took to the stage. This three man group consists of Brock Thornton (guitar/vocals), Andriu Yanovski (keys), and Frank Castro (drums). The band didn’t always use to be the dynamic trio it is now. Brock began in the music scene behind the decks producing heavy beats and funky wubz. He has gained significant popularity in the bass music world and has performed countless festivals under his DJ name Boogie T.

BOOGIE T.RIO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Boogie T to BOOGIE T.RIO

As Brock has built a huge fandom for his dubstep music, it still has always been a dream of his to tour with live musicians. And with the success that Boogie T has brung calls upon the next phase in his evolution: BOOGIE T.RIO. This group is more than your average jam band and their performance in Buffalo proved just that.

BOOGIE T.RIO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

The boys played numerous hits off of their EP’s including “Get What You Give” and “Disco Moses.” They allow for old jam roots to carry the grooves through their tunes and mix it with new school funk. The guitar shredding solos and organic keytar melodies constantly left everyone impressed.

BOOGIE T.RIO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Longtime Boogie T Fans enjoyed his performances of “Dear Weedman” which brought layered instrumentals to a heavy song. This part of the night Brock invited everyone to smoke up and get jiggy with it. Couldn’t think of a more perfect way to end the night than the trio playing “Flava.” They kept the heavy electronic beats and mashed them with guitar riffs that had the crowd in awe.

You might have missed this past weeks sold out show at Ironworks but you don’t have to miss the next one! Workingman’s Dead perform November 24 and Bumpin Uglies will be there December 1. Get your tickets here.

BOOGIE T.RIO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

BOOGIE T.RIO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

BOOGIE T.RIO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

November 23, 2023
Crandell Theatre in Chatham to Show Classic Holiday Films Starting Thanksgiving Weekend for $5 a Show

The historic Crandell Theatre on Main Street in Chatham will celebrate the holiday season with screenings of classic holiday films for just $5 a ticket.

Beginning Friday, November 24, after Thanksgiving, the lineup includes The Polar Express, Gremlins, The Nutcracker: The Motion Picture, Elf, The Grinch (2018), An American Tail and It’s a Wonderful Life.

The Crandell Theatre in Chatham, NY, is one of a few community-based, nonprofit theaters in the United States devoted to film and one of fewer than one hundred single-screen movie theaters nationally. Since 2010, Crandell Theatre, Inc., has raised more than $1 million to purchase the historic theater and make needed repairs. The current Crandell board is engaged in a multi-million-dollar campaign to renovate and restore the area’s oldest, largest, single-screen theater and enhance the moviegoing experience for generations to come.

The Polar Express

2004. Rated G. 100 min.

Friday, November 24 at 10 am

In this beloved animated family classic, an 8-year-old boy, doubting whether Santa Claus exists, is swept up on a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Tom Hanks, in multiple roles, stars. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas to this special morning screening.

Gremlins

1986. Rated PG. 106 min.

Friday, November 24 at 1 pm

Called a “wacky, satirical spectacle of chaos” (Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian), this sci-fi-comedy-horror-fantasy was written by a young Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, the first two Harry Potter films) and produced by Steven Spielberg. Spielberg polished Columbus’s script, after successive drafts, into the classic tale of a cuddly, seemingly innocuous gift named Gizmo and the multiplying pack of destructive loonies he unleashes. Even if you are familiar with Mogwai ways, you haven’t truly experienced these magical creatures until you’ve seen them on the Crandell’s 26-foot screen.

The Nutcracker: The Motion Picture

1986. Rated G. 89 min.

Saturday, November 25 at 12:30 pm

The colorful holiday classic comes to the big screen in a close adaptation of the original story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Designed by famed children’s author and artist Maurice Sendak and based on the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s original production, it is a magical and heart-warming celebration of dance, music, art and fantasy.

Elf

2003. Rated PG. 97 min.

Saturday, December 2 at 1 pm

Raised as an elf but clearly cut from a different cloth, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn’t know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit. Bring the whole family to re-experience the hilarious delights of New York City during the holidays as only Will Ferrell’s relentlessly optimistic oversized elf can.

The Grinch

2018. Rated PG. 85 min.

FREE

Saturday, December 9 at 1 pm

The Grinch (the animated version by Illumination Entertainment) is part of the theater’s popular series Crandell Kid Flicks. Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite, silliest or ugliest holiday sweater to the show. This special free screening, happening during Chatham’s all-day, village-wide WinterFest, is sponsored by Chatham Area Businesses and Arts (CABA). Several very special guests will also stop by and join the fun!

An American Tail

1986. Rated G. 80 min.
December screening times TBA.

Animator Don Bluth directed this animated tale of Fievel Mousekewitz and his family, who emigrate from Russia to the United States to escape the cats in their homeland. When Fievel gets lost, he must find a way to reunite with his family. Steven Spielberg produced this charming animated parable about immigration, new beginnings, family and home.

It’s a Wonderful Life

1946. Rated PG. 130 min.

Saturday, December 23 and Sunday, December 24 at 1 pm.

Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed star in Frank Capra’s penultimate family classic about a small-town man, ready to throw in the towel, who meets an angel named Clarence summoned to give him another chance. Clarence treats George Bailey to a masterclass in perspective, showing him what life would have been like had he never existed. Many critics say this is among a handful of classics that deserves annual viewing, especially if you’re lucky enough to see it on the big screen.

All tickets are available on the Crandell Theatre website, crandelltheatre.org.

November 23, 2023
The Klezmatics To Play Hanukkah Show In Schenectady This December

8th Step & Proctors Passport Series have announced an appearance from The Klezmatics at The GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady, performing their holiday show, The Klezmatics: Happy Joyous Hanukkah, on December 5th.

In the first show on the group’s nationwide tour, the Klezmatics will sing Woody Guthrie’s uncovered Hanukkah songs, alongside accompaniments from celebrated violinists.

The Klezmatics

The Klezmatics formed in New York in 1986, and are now one of the world’s most renowned klezmer artists, performing traditional klezmer music for audiences around the world. Klezmer originated in Eastern Europe in Ashkenazi communities, and includes instruments such as violin, clarinet, trumpet, percussion, and more.

The Klezmatics will perform songs originally by Woody Guthrie that have been newly uncovered in recent years. Guthrie himself was not Jewish, but married into a Jewish family in 1945 through his second wife, Marjorie Greenblatt. During their marriage, he wrote tunes such as “Hanuka’s Flame,” “Hanuka Gelt,” “Spin Dreydl Spin,” and “(Do the) Latke Flip-Flip.” The Klezmatics will perform these songs, and more from Guthrie’s expansive catalog.

GE Theater at Proctors

The Klezmatics are Lorin Sklamberg (lead vocals, accordion, guitar, piano), Frank London (trumpet, keyboards, vocals) and Paul Morrissett (bass, tsimbl, vocals), Matt Darriau (kaval, clarinet, saxophone, vocals), Lisa Gutkin (violin, vocals), and Richie Barshay (drums, vocals).

The Klezmatics will perform their show Happy Joyous Hanukkah at the 8th Step at Proctors (GE Theatre) on December 5 at 7:30PM. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door, and $65 Gold Circle (Includes priority seating and meet & greet with The Klezmatics onstage). Tickets are available through the Proctors Box Office at (518) 346-6204, or at proctors.org and 8thstep.org.

November 23, 2023
In Focus: John Scofield Trio featuring Vicente Archer & Bill Stewart Residency at The Blue Note

The John Scofield Trio, featuring Vicente Archer & Bill Stewart, began their residency at The Blue Note in NYC on Tuesday, November 21.

A three-time Grammy winner, Scofield has recently released Uncle John’s Band (ECM), featuring Vicente Archer and Bill Stewart tackling material from Dylan’s “Mr Tambourine Man” to Neil Young’s “Old Man”, Leonard Bernstein’s “Somewhere” and Miles Davis classic “Budo.”

While there has been a John Scofield Trio at play since the late 70’s, remaining his undisputed favorite format for live performance, this newest incarnation has Scofield on guitar, bassist Vicente Archer, and drummer Bill Stewart, sailing through tightly knit sets that typify the musical diversity that has colored Scofield’s long career.

There are two shows a night during this current John Scofield Trio residency at The Blue Note NYC, through November 26. Tickets and more info can be found here.

November 22, 2023
LaMP Announce NYE Show At The Warehouse In Fairfield

LaMP featuring Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger and Ray Paczkowski have announced they will ring in 2024 with a headline performance at The Warehouse in Fairfield, CT on December 31.

The improvisational groove trio who formed in 2018 have ramped up their touring schedule this year, as well as, re-releasing their 2020 debut self-titled album. Guitarist Scott Metzger, described by The Village Voice as “an ace guitarist of a thousand styles,” also performs as a member of the beloved Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD), while drummer Russ Lawton and organist Ray Paczkowski forged their decades-strong synergy playing together as part of the Trey Anastasio Band (TAB) and their duo project Soule Monde. As the three members busy schedules have allowed, LaMP has been prioritized, performing shows up and down the East Coast with plans already in the works for venturing further next year.

In addition to their New Year’s Eve performance, LaMP has four remaining shows this December on their previously scheduled Fall tour, including stops at The Atlantis in Washington, DC, The Jefferson in Charlottesville, The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ and The Drake in Amherst, MA.

Tickets for LaMP at The Warehouse are on-sale now HERE.

LaMP 2023 Tour Dates

12/6 – Washington DC – The Atlantis
12/7 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theatre
12/8 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Wonder Bar
12/9 – Amherst, MA – The Drake
12/31 – Fairfield, CT – The Warehouse

November 22, 2023
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Hits High Notes with “Faces of Joy”

On Saturday, November 18, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra continued its 2023-2024 Symphonic Series with “Faces of Joy,” an exhilarating program of music spanning two centuries. The evening began with a short piece for strings and celesta, “Five Faces of Joy,” by the living Chinese-American composer Wang Jie.

The composer calls her work a portrait of “five comic ways of smiling,” including “the smile of a dancing Godzilla,” and Maestro Daniel Hege and the ensemble brought out the wit and whimsy of Wang’s music, providing a fitting introduction to a concert whose theme was joy.

Pianist Andrew Russo performing at Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Faces of Joy”

Also on the program was Sergei Prokofiev’s delightful Symphony No. 1, known as the “Classical” Symphony. Writing in 1917, the young Prokofiev sought to imitate the musical style of Mozart and Haydn, and this piece is full of delicacy, dynamic contrasts, and devilish speed. The principal woodwinds of the Philharmonic gave a collective star turn in the dizzying fourth movement.

The highlight of the concert, though, was the second half of the program, with guest soloist Andrew Russo playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, the “Emperor.” Russo, Maestro Hege, and the orchestra seemed to become an organic whole, breathing together as Russo pushed the piano to the utmost extremes of emotional expression. Russo’s virtuosic playing and Hege’s sensitive conducting created a spellbinding atmosphere of joy, which the audience acknowledged by leaping to its feet with loud cheers at the conclusion.

As always, it was uplifting to see many children and teens in the concert hall. One young boy told this reviewer that he particularly loved Andrew Russo’s performance, saying, “He reminds me of Beethoven!” It was pure joy to hear Beethoven and his colleagues brought to life so skillfully by the Binghamton Philharmonic.

Don’t miss the next event from the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, Soprano Robin Johannsen & Pianist Tomoko Kanamaru on December 3. Both internationally acclaimed artists, the duo will perform a program of art songs by women composers from the nineteenth through the twenty-first centuries, including works by Clara Schumann, Florence Price, and Yui Kitamura.

Tickets are $25. For more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic Box Office at 607-723-3931 or visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org.

November 22, 2023
Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes Announces “Holiday Traditions Together”

The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (OSFL) has announced its upcoming holiday concert, “Holiday Traditions Together,” set to charm the community in early December at the Clemens Center in Elmira. As the region’s premier holiday event, this concert is not just a performance but a vibrant celebration of community spirit and festive joy.

Featuring a dynamic collaboration with the Honors Chorus from the Alternative School for Math & Sciences, soprano Rachel Schutz from the faculty at Ithaca College, and skilled dancers from Rafael Grigorian Ballet, “Holiday Traditions Together” on December 9 promises an afternoon of enchanting music and dance. The concert will include a special singalong segment, inviting the audience to participate in the holiday cheer.

“Dancing to the vibrant strains of a live orchestra is a rare and exhilarating opportunity for these young dancers…This concert embodies the spirit of togetherness and celebrates the rich tapestry of talent we have right here in our community.”
Toshiyuki Shimada, Music Director of the OSFL

The OSFL offers four regular season full orchestra concerts, including a side-by-side Youth Orchestra and professional musician collaboration, a Musicians’ Choice Chamber Music Series, concerts by the Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes, concerts by the Youth Orchestra, and educational concerts for children. Under the guidance of Music Director and Conductor, Toshiyuki Shimada, the OSFL is a strong supporter of highlighting the musical achievements of young musicians with its own youth ensembles and the Hertzog Concerto & Aria Competition for young artists in grades 9 through

The OSFL collaborates with regional cultural partners, artists, and like-minded organizations to advance mutual artistic growth in the greater Elmira-Corning area. Support for the OSFL comes from the Corning Incorporated Foundation, the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Hilliard Foundation, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the governor and the New York State Legislature.

“We are proud to offer this musical gift to the community. With tickets starting at just $25 and free admission for children under 18, we are making the joy of live music accessible to all. This is our way of saying thank you to the community that supports us year-round.”
Karen Dusek, OSFL’s Managing Director

Tickets start at $25 and college students pay $15 if they show their student ID. Entry is free for all youth under 18.

Tickets for “Holiday Traditions Together” on December 9, 2023 at 3:00pm can be purchased online at their website, by calling (800) 724-0159, or in-person at the Clemens Center Box Office.

November 22, 2023
The Bacon Brothers Cook at The Egg

On a Friday evening in Albany, The Egg was cooking with bacon inside. Not your typical menu item, but when Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael came to The Egg, things definitely got cooked up during an all-too-brief concert.

photo by Karen Squires

The duo – one, an actor (Kevin), the other an Associate Professor at CUNY Lehman College (Michael) – share a deep love for American roots music, as well as DNA. For a quarter-century the pair have performed around the country playing what they call “Forosoco,” or a blend of folk, rock, soul, and country influences.

The show was short – 80 minutes including the encore – but worth it. Fans seemed content settling in for the show, which didn’t feel scripted, but definitely felt like the same show you’d catch anywhere else this tour. Kevin couldn’t resist making a comment about “a couple of Bacons in The Egg,” joining years of Egg jokes on stage that have even led to live album releases.

Michael and Kevin Bacon

Kevin took turns playing on a conga drum, tambourine and guitar, while Michael played guitar, cello, and autoharp at different points of the evening.

Highlights from the set include the moving “Tom Petty T-shirt,” the countrified rock of “Erato,” an angsty “Take off this Tattoo,” a cover of The Lovin Spoonful‘s “Do You Believe in Magic?,” “Ukulele Lady” with all on ukulele, making this stripped down song was the most soulful of the evening, and “She-Zee-Zee (Easy On My Eyes)”

For the encore, a cheesy “Hands Up” audience interaction song started things off. (Bands, take note: always get the audience involving songs going earlier in the set so they’re engaged early!) And just when you thought it was over, and maybe thought they weren’t gonna play it, the opening notes to “Footloose” began, and the front rows of the audience were up out of their seats grooving along, feet from the actor who made the song famous (apologies to Kenny Loggins). The fans and the band were dancing around, footloose as could be, transported back to 1984, for a moment, if not the evening.

And while the venue staff was a bit overzealous this evening with limiting any video recording (a first at The Egg), here’s a video from The Bacon Brothers at Daryl’s House a few years back.

November 21, 2023