Cannastock, the largest consumption-friendly cannabis festival in New York, will be returning to the Capital Region at Milton near Poughkeepsie on Oct. 7 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Live music will be headlined by Andy Frasco & the U.N., with additional performances by the reggae group SunDub. Over 100 exhibitors will be present on the fields outside the Hudson Valley Sportsdome.
Guests will interact with the industry pioneers bringing recreational cannabis to the Hudson Valley, including cannabis brands, growers, and manufacturers. In addition to cannabis products available at the new Green Market, festival-goers will be able to enjoy games, gourmet food trucks, and a craft beer and wine garden.
This year will also feature the announcement of the winners for the Excelsior Cup, a competition for the best cannabis products in NYS.
After two sold out Cannastock festivals, we are excited to produce the biggest and best one ever; this time in a spacious grassland with the Catskill Mountains as our backdrop. There will be more exhibitors, games, and chill out areas, along with a larger variety of food trucks and craft beers and wine. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and enjoy live reggae music all day followed by a performance by our favorite party band, Andy Frasco & The U.N.
Cannastock Co-Founder Gary Chetkof
Andy Frasco & The U.N., a blues and rock band, are loved for their kaleidoscopic musical fusion and one-of-a-kind onstage audacity. They will soon release their new album, L’Optimist, their sixth studio album. The new album charts a path of self-exploration and personal discovery through introspective lyrics and music.
SunDub released their debut album, Burden of Love in 2019 to millions of views. The reggae group rallies around the idea that people are the strongest when they work together with those from different backgrounds to create positive change. The core quintet of the group includes guitarist Finn Singer; bassist Josh T Carter; vocalist and keyboardist Eric “The General” Toussaint; and the brother-sister team of Joanna Teters as lead vocalist and Ben Teters as a vocalist and drummer.
An after-show party will be held at the Falcon in Marlboro, NY, featuring Cool Cool Cool.
Tickets will increase in price as it grows closer to the Cannastock Festival. For more information and for tickets, visit here.
If you are someone who is closer to 50 than you are to 25, chances are really good that you have listened to Foreigner, either on your own accord or thanks to friends or maybe parents. Were you riding around in your friend’s Trans-Am with your Aqua-Net glazed hair standing pat as “Juke Box Hero” filled the summer air? Maybe you were driving your 5.0 Mustang around with the cheerleading captain in the passenger seat, singing along to “I Wanna Know What Love Is.” Regardless, you have the memories, and you need not be embarrassed.
Originally formed in 1977, Foreigner has had their time in the limelight. Now 46 years later, the band had decided to Rev on The Red Line for one more time, as they brought their Farewell Tour to Darien Lake Amphitheater on July 28.
While the band has seen its share of members come and go, including founding members, Mick Jones has stood the test of time as the lone original member. Along with Rochester native Lou Gramm, Jones formed Foreigner with Ian McDonald (of King Crimson), Al Greenwood, Dennis Elliot, and Ed Gagliardi. The band’s name was decided based on citizenship. With three Brits and three Americans, at least half of the band would be foreigners no matter where they were playing.
in 1977, Foreigner’s self-titled album was released and would be the first of 4 consecutive releases to go 5x platinum. “Feels Like First Time” and “Cold as Ice” would help make Mick Jones and crew a household name for years to come. The following year Double Vision peaked at number three on the charts and gave us “Hot Blooded” the title track, which became a number two hit.
Into the 80s, Foreigner continued to have huge success with hits like “Urgent,” “Juke Box Hero,” and the powerful ballads “Waiting For a Girl Like You” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Songs that have stood the test of time, just as 78-year-old Mick Jones has.
Opening up for Foreigner are Canadian rockers, Loverboy. With hits like “Turn Me Loose” and “Working For The Weekend,” Loverboy is no slouch in the arena rock business and are members of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
With nine studio albums to their credit, Mike Reno and the rest of Loverboy have been on and off for the past 30 years, touring with REO Speedwagon, Styx, Journey, Night Ranger, and Pat Benatar/Neil Giraldo over this time.
Tonight, though, Loverboy and Foreigner blew the tent of Darien Lake Amphitheater like it was 1985 all over again. Starting around 7:30 to an already packed house, Mike Reno and crew played exactly what the crowd came for. Hit after hit resonated with the crowd of fans that most likely owned cassette tapes of both bands and donned denim jackets 24/7.
Starting with 1987’s “Notorious,” Reno hit the ground running hard and continued for nine more songs, finishing up with “Turn Me Loose” and “Everybody’s Working For The Weekend.” While they never had a number-one song or album, Loverboy made their mark on the music world and songs continue to be played and enjoyed by younger generations, as well as original fans.
Loverboy setlist: Notorious, Lucky Ones, Queen of the Broken Hearts, Take Me to the Top, The Kid is Hot Tonight, Heaven in Your Eyes, Lovin’ Every Minute of It, Hot Girls in Love, Turn Me Loose, Working for the Weekend.
Rocking the stage at 9 p.m., Foreigner took the stage without Mick Jones. They were fired up, though, and ready to go as they opened up with “Double Vision,” “Head Games,” and “Cold as Ice.” Sadly, while this is the Farewell Tour, Mick Jones will be a game-time decision for most stops on the tour, as he battles health issues that have limited his stage time since 2012.
Even without the only remaining member, Kelly Hansen and the rest of the band kick some serious ass as it “Feels Like The First Time” with every show. Hard guitar riffs, solid drums, and vocals that bring a smile to Lou Gramm’s face are all part of what makes Foreigner the recognizable band they are.
After the band finishes “Girl on The Moon,” Hansen addresses the modern issue of AI as it pertains to ‘art’ and associated topics. Clearly annoyed by so many who utilize computer-generated pieces of AI, he makes sure the fans know that this show is 100% live, with no use of AI whatsoever. Vocals are actually sung, and all the backing sounds are made right before our eyes. Just like the old days, we all remember.
Going back to the memories mentioned before, this Hansen touches on that as they finish up a three song acoustic set. Mentions that while there are a handful of fans under the age of 40, the fans over 40 have the memories to last a lifetime. Music without AI, enjoying a full show without phones, and the joy of cassette tapes. “How many of those under 40 remember rolling up a cassette tape with a pencil?” Those are memories that the under-40 crowd won’t get or appreciate, and this feels like the first time they are hearing the song, like the song they released 46 years prior, “Feels Like the First Time.”
As the night goes on, the crowd is getting more and more active, with fans dancing through the aisles and spilling their $18 can of beer, singing along with every word. As “Juke Box Hero” begins, the beer spiller is escorted to the exit, and the fans go nuts as they await the “standing in the rain…” opening lyric. On stage, however, there is no Kelly Hansen. Spotlights direct fans to the soundboard area, about halfway to the lawn seats. There stands Hansen strapped to a rising pedestal and about 30 feet above the crowd. Someone put a quarter in the jukebox, and Kelly Hansen is now the hero they wanted.
For 46 years, Foreigner has stood the test of time. They have sold countless albums, download after download, and thousands of cassettes rolled up with number two pencils. They have been a recognizable voice for a generation that drank water from the hose and lived to talk about it. They get played at thousands of weddings and proms every year, and yet they are not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. For 46 years, the band that brought Lou Gramm and Mick Jones together is saying goodbye on this Farewell Tour and blowing the roofs off venues one last time. Do you have your tickets yet? Polish the Trans-Am, put on the leather pants one more time, pop side A of Double Vision in the cassette deck, and cruise on down to your local Ticketmaster outlet to get your tickets. Better yet, here is a shortcut.
Setlist: Double Vision, Head Game, Cold as Ice, Waiting For a Girl Like You, Dirty White Boy, When it Comes to Love (acoustic), Girl on the Moon (acoustic), Say You Will (acoustic), Feels Like the First Time, Urgent, Keyboard solo, Drum Solo, Juke Box Hero, I Want to Know What Love Is, Hot Blooded
Seven great bands will perform for free from Aug. 3-5 at Shepard Park in Lake George for the Rockin For Ronald Benefit Concert supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The benefit shows will help Krantz Cottage, the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat location. It is for families whose children are experiencing serious illnesses and can house up to two families at a time for stays as long as five days.
Two bands will perform on Thursday and Friday and three on Saturday. Admission to all shows is free, and vendors will be on hand with beverages and food for sale. Kicking off the event on Aug. 3 from 6-7:10 p.m. is Across the Pond, who has been performing the music of The Beatles in the Northeast since 2008. Also performing from 7:30-9:30 are The Accents, a high-energy dance band that has been a staple in the Capital Region for many years. Featuring three powerhouse vocalists, a dynamic rhythm section, and powerful horns, they cover all your favorite Motown, dance, pop, and classic rock songs. They are also one of the first groups to be inducted into the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame and to be nominated for top dance band. Following the music is a spectacular fireworks show.
The next day, Aug. 4, starts from 6-7:10 p.m. with The Newells, a family band that includes well-known keyboard/guitar player and vocalist Jonathan Newell, his wife Jennifer, their teenage sons Brandon and Evan, and a great rhythm section. They cover music from the 60s-80s, including music by Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Hornsby, and 10,000 Maniacs. Ending the night from 7:30-9:30 p.m. is Skeeter Creek, a five-piece Americana band blending their variants of country, folk, bluegrass, and rock, ranked among the best of the new and upcoming alternative artists. They have each toured with some of the biggest names in the industry and won several awards.
Skeeter Creek.
The final day, Aug. 5, has three acts, starting from 4-5:40 p.m. with The Schmooze. The band has been one of the region’s premier party bands for the past two decades, getting the party rocking with their versions of rock, pop, dance, and country hits that will have the crowd dancing and singing along. The Ultimates, a fairly new band from Saratoga, plays from 6-7:10 p.m., featuring members from Bad Cheaperones and Dealt the Blues.
Ending the Rockin For Ronald benefit concert is Classic Rock Legends Live in Concert from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Formed by Albany native Gary Weinlein, the performance includes him as the Doors’ Jim Morrison, as well as recreates the music, the look, and the energy of the British Invasion (Eric Clapton) and American rock legends (Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks and Ann Wilson of Heart).
Aqueous has announced they will perform their final shows as a band before their hiatus at The Great Flamingle II Festival on the grounds of the Great Blue Heron Festival in Sherman, NY on Aug. 11 and 12.
Aqueous is a Buffalo-based groove band with a loyal following who put on spectacular shows. The band is taking a hiatus from touring after the band’s guitarist and keyboardist, who also does vocals, David Loss, welcomed his child into the world. He wants to spend more time at home raising his child, making the difficult decision to step away from the group.
Before the band disbands, they will perform at The Great Flamingle II Festival. Featuring two nights of incredible music, camping, and art, host band Aqueous will perform five sets throughout the weekend (including a special day-time set Saturday), and are joined by a carefully curated lineup of some of their favorite national, regional, and local bands.
The lineup includes Dopapod, TAUK, Flamingosis, Mungion, a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater tribute set led by AQ’s Mike Gantzer, TAND (AQ drummer Rob Houk’s new band), Witty Tarbox, The Pickle Mafia, Damone Jackson’s Outcome and much more. On Aug. 11 and 12, these bands will grace the stage on the grounds of the Great Blue Heron Festival, which just celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier this month.
This year’s Flamingle is genuinely going to be epic, and I don’t use that term lightly! With the band opting to take a break from touring after the festival in favor of prioritizing Dave’s new role as a father, these shows will represent a joyful celebration of the band and our love for each other and our fans. We’re leaving everything we’ve got on that stage over these two nights, and we’re beyond stoked to expand the festival to two nights at a place so special to us, which gives us every opportunity to deliver on our vision for an amazing fan experience top to bottom. We’re also bringing in some of our closest BAND FRIENDS that we’ve toured with over the years to help us tie a beautiful bow on this chapter of AQ. We urge fans far and wide to come to be a part of what will surely go down as one of the most unforgettable experiences in AQ history…
Specialists and Space Carnival, two New York-based bands, will perform at Brooklyn Bowl on August 9. The show will also feature funk fusion group ShwizZ. Since 2017, the venue has not hosted Space Carnival, while Specialists are scheduled to make their Brooklyn Bowl debut.
Specialists
Spanning 23,000 sq. ft. Brooklyn Bowl is one of the most unique and dynamic event spaces in New York. Boasting a bowling alley, music venue, conference space, and much more, the Williamsburg location offers something for everyone.
I saw my first show at the Bowl in 2014, when I was just 16… My 16 year old self cannot believe this.
Specialists’ guitarist Billy
Specialists are a Brooklyn outfit that expertly blend together elements of rock, dance, and funk to create a fun and playful sound. The group puts together high energy performances that showcase the band’s extraordinary songwriting and musicianship. Specialists have performed all over NYC, including shows at Brooklyn Made and Wonder Bar. The band’s style and groove is the perfect sonic addition to any summer day.
Space Carnival
Space Carnival is made up of Jeremy Kraus on guitar, Cameron Fitch on keys and vocals, Chris Meier on bass, and Josh West joining on drums. Originally created in 2013, the Oneonta band has amassed a following for its one-of-a-kind mixture of progressive rock, alternative rock, disco, and funk. 2023 has signaled the return of Space Carnival, as the group has plans to stop at festivals across the country as well as release new music.
Click here for tickets and information about the August 9 performances.
On Friday, July 21, Bret Michaels’ Parti-Gras Tour stopped at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA. The rainy weather that was scattered throughout the New England area did not keep fans from filling the Xfinity Center with anticipation for the show ahead.
Opening the evening was Jefferson Starship who kicked off the show around 7pm, followed by Night Rider who took the stage shortly before 8 pm. Fans are already having a great time with the opening bands and gearing up for more fun as the show continued.
Just after 9 pm Bret took the stage, fans rising to their feet ready to rock. The crowd danced, clapped, and sang along to the variety of well-known hits. Bret’s interaction with the crowd was seen from the moment he stepped on stage from the people down on the floor to the audience members in the back of the center. The high energy and excitement radiated through night. Michaels’ Parti-Gras Tour 2023 is a summer tour not to be missed.
Bret Michaels’ Parti-Gras Setlist
Bret Michaels: Talk Dirty to Me, Ride The Wind, Look What the Cat Dragged In Mark McGrath: Every Morning Bret Michaels: Your Mama Don’t Dance Steve Augeri: Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) Bret Michaels: Something to Believe In, Unskinny Bop Steve Augeri: Don’t Stop Believin’, Any Way You Want It Bret Michaels: Every Rose Has Its Thorn Mark McGrath: Fly Bret Michaels: Nothin’ but a Good Time All: Sweet Home Alabama
Bret Michaels will be heading to Central New York to perform at the Great New York State Fair on Tuesday, August 29. Check out all tour dates below.
A host of 80’s tribute bands will “Rock the Lake” in Lake George for two days beginning August 11. Visitors to Lake George can watch performances by a variety of cover bands during the Rock the Lake weekend.
Rock the Lake kicks off Friday, August 11 and continues throughout Saturday, August 12. Performances will take place all day long at the Festival Commons located in Charles R. Wood Park. The park can be found at the southern end of Lake George. The 12.5 acre park includes a 2.5 acre festival space where attendees can enjoy the live music.
While listening to the Rock the Lake performers, audiences will also have the opportunity to take in the beautiful landscape of the park. The Festival Commons website boasts, “With panoramic views of ‘The Queen of American Lakes,’ event-goers can also take advantage of all that Lake George has to offer in terms of activities and sight-seeing, all within a very short walk from the grounds.”
The performers for Rock the Lake include:
August 11
Broken Clover – 90’s Alt Rock
Broken Hearted – Tom Petty Tribute
Monsters of Rock – 80’s Hair Metal
Tommy V – Arena Rock
August 12
The Skynyrd Experience – Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute
LED Sabbath – Led Zeppelin/Black Sabbath Tribute
Run Rabbit Run – Pink Floyd Tribute
Ultimate Journey Experience – Journey by Legend
KISSTORY – Kiss Tribute
Back in Black – AC/DC Tribute
General admission and VIP tickets can be purchased here. Admission is free for children 12 and under.
The Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce began its Music On the Erie Concert Series in Newark, NY this month. Throughout the summer, performances will take place weekly from a variety of artists in the Wayne County village.
Chamber of Commerce History
The New York government established a Chamber of Commerce before the United States went to war against Great Britain. In 1765, the New York Chamber of Commerce was established in opposition to the Stamp Act enacted by the British Parliament. Early Chambers promoted trades and markets, but eventually evolved into community organizations where businesses prospered.
The website of the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce includes a mission statement, reading, “The purpose of the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce is to do all the things necessary through the public services to encourage and support the healthy growth of business and industry in the Greater Newark Community.”
Music on the Erie Concert Series
Performances for the Music on the Erie Concert Series take place every Friday until Aug. 25, rain or shine. Featured artists include classic rock and blues band Roll the Dice, cover artist, and singer-songwriter Xarika Suffredini, and classic rock cover band The Marbletones.
A late entry to their 2023 Summer Tour, Phish has announced two nights at the Broadview Stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on August 25 and 26, with both shows supporting flood recovery in Vermont and Upstate New York.
Catastrophic flooding has led to thousands of Vermonters and Upstate New Yorkers losing their homes and property, with flood waters wiping out bridges, train tressels, businesses, cars and disrupting lives. A ‘100-year storm’ follows a similarly malevolent storm that blew through the Northeast in 2011, Hurricane Irene, destroying 500 miles of road and 200 bridges.
100% of net proceeds from all concert and merchandise sales will be directed to The WaterWheel Foundation’s 2023 Flood Recovery Fund, which will support the many victims and their families, area businesses, and non-profits. The Recovery Fund will support both shorter-term needs and long-term recovery and resiliency projects.
On September 14, 2011, Phish would hold a benefit concert at Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, VT, raising money for Vermonters most in need. Phish formed at UVM in 1983 and has deep ties to Vermont, with Trey Anastasio’s The Barn recording studio located near Burlington, and Mike Gordon and Page McConnell calling the Burlington area home for many years.
A limited number of Foundation tickets will also be available that include a ticket to the show, a private pre-show performance with Phish’s Trey Anastasio and Page McConnell, access to the Foundation Lounge before and throughout the show, and special Foundation poster and merch, in addition to other amenities.
Created by Phish in 1997 to oversee the band’s various charitable activities, The Waterwheel Foundation has been harnessing the kindness of the Phish fan community to create positive change for over 25 years.
The Flood Benefit Recovery shows will be the 23rd and 24th overall performances for Phish at SPAC, who first played the summer shed in Saratoga Springs on July 27, 1992, opening up for Santana.
Northern Current is back for another year of live music on Labor Day weekend. The annual free festival takes place on Sept. 3 at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake. The celebration gets underway at Noon and runs until 9:30 PM.
Located at the base of Lake Flower, Riverside Park provides a picturesque setting for the event. The festival looks to celebrate the beauty and richness of Saranac Lake and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. Northern Current is focused on enriching the cultural and artistic diversity of the town by presenting a diverse set of performing artists. This year’s lineup features offerings of Rock, Blues, R&B, Afrobeat, Americana, Old Time Folk, Jazz, Country, and more.
www.northerncurrentadk.org
Headlining Northern Current is Canadian outfit Bywater Call. The group’s blend of rock, blues, and R&B results in a soulful and powerful sound. Standout vocalist Megan Parnell fits perfectly with the cascade of horns and noisy guitars that usually features in Bywater Call’s music. Together the group has carved out a lane somewhere between Southern Soul and modern blues-rock.
Local bands High on the Hog and Midnight Stargazers will open up the festival. Other New York acts include Afro-funk outfit Kaleta & Super Yamba Band and Americana pairing Richie & Rosie. The festival will also feature Huntress & the Holder of Hands, The Soggy Po Boys, Badenyah Drum & Dance, and DiTrani Brothers.
In addition to live music, Northern Current boasts a designated “kid zone,” merchandise, and local food vendors. The event is scheduled to take place rain or shine. Visit here for details and information about the event.
