The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Youth Orchestra (CCOYO) will hold its opening concert of the 2023-24 season on Saturday, January 13, 2024, under the baton of Music Director, Kirsten Marshall.
This exciting concert opens with Chaminade’s Callirhoë Ballet Suite, Mascagni and Leoncavallo’s dramatic Intermezzos, and Grieg’s thrilling Concerto in A minor with pianist and concerto competition winner, Nathaniel Shuhan.
As a playful twist in this concert’s repertoire, winners from the Top Toy Tournament Fundraiser will also be featured in Haydn’s Toy Symphony. The afternoon will conclude with Tchaikovsky’s timeless Romeo & Juliet, promising a symphony of emotions.
Now in its seventh season, the CCO Youth Orchestra is embarking on its first overseas concert tour to Italy in April, 2024. Musicians will perform free concerts in major venues in Florence and Venice, including a side-by-side concert with an Italian youth orchestra. In addition to performing, students will visit museums and historic sites, study drawing, and attend an operatic performance.
To raise funds for the trip, the CCOYO have been hosting fundraisers throughout the fall semester, including a chamber concert, coffee fundraiser, leak raking fundraiser, and more. Among these efforts is the , where the most donated nominee winners will perform one of the seven, coveted solo parts in Haydn’s Toy Symphony.
The mission of the CCO Youth Orchestra is to offer a high-quality symphony orchestra experience for youth in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. Now in its seventh successful season, we are thrilled to have a robust student membership of 67 players from all around Tompkins County. Our season typically includes two full-length symphonic concerts plus two run-out concerts to rural schools.
We will also be touring Italy in the Spring for our first overseas trip! Part of our mission is to bring our music to surrounding communities that might not otherwise experience live classical music and to educate and engage our students in being ambassadors of music. CCOYO students have experienced a side-by-side performance with the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra as well as individual sectional coaching with CCO members.
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Youth Orchestra’s Winter Concert be held on Saturday, January 13 at 4:00pm at Ford Hall, Ithaca College. This concert has free admission and donations are gratefully accepted.
On December 16, 2023, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra performed its annual holiday concert, “Winter Wonderland,” to a packed house at the Broome County Forum Theatre.
A glittering celebration of the season, Winter Wonderland featured Christmas hits both old and new by Tchaikovsky, Johann Strauss, John Williams, and young American composer Quinn Mason; carol singalongs led by soloists from Tri-Cities Opera; and a screening of the British animated classic “The Snowman” with live orchestral accompaniment.
There was something for everyone in the lively concert. Mason showed a distinctly American voice in his lyrical, atmospheric “Christmas Eve Festivities,” which is becoming a new classic. Local newscaster Jim Ehmke was the narrator for Bill Holcombe’s charming “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” a musical setting of the beloved poem by Clement C. Moore. The guest conductor for Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” was local businessman Jonny Norton, who had won the spot in a fundraising auction, and Norton clearly enjoyed himself heartily, along with the orchestra and audience. Young treble soloist Eva Dixon, a 13-year-old soprano from New York City, sang the haunting solo, “Walking in the Air,” in “The Snowman” with delicacy and aplomb.
The orchestra played with uplifting energy and precision, led by the confident conducting of Maestro Daniel Hege, who managed to infuse even the most familiar carols with a spirit of wintry revelry. Maestro Hege engaged the audience with his trademark lighthearted banter, and the audience responded with exuberant singing, hand-clapping, and a standing ovation at the end. For the enthusiastic and festively-dressed concertgoers, including many children, “Winter Wonderland” was a truly magical experience, and a not-to-be-missed event of the holiday season in New York’s Southern Tier.
To close out a tremendous year of touring, Billy Strings arrived in the Salt City of Syracuse on Saturday, December 16, for a performance at Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial.
Having just returned from a European tour in November, Billy Strings embarked on a brief, 10 day tour worked its way up the East Coast from Greensboro, NC, stopping in Maryland and Pennsylvania before arriving in Syracuse.
photo by Allison Marie
A usual preshow crowd was found throughout bars and restaurants in downtown Syracuse, with a small lot scene taking shape on this temperate late fall night in Syracuse. Only a trio of shows in New Orleans over New Years Eve remain, following a year touring that was began and ended with shows in minor-league hockey arenas.
One of the best things about a Billy Strings show happens before the music even begins – the band gives you a heads up that the show will be starting soon, something more bands could and should do (especially if ticket time is all but ignored). Flashing on the three screens that frame the stage, the audience is forewarned with bright and brief flashes of “15 Minutes until Fuzzy Rainbows”, then 10 minutes, and 5 minutes, giving an extra level of anticipation for the patient, sold out crowd.
Over the course of two sets, Billy Strings would play nearly 30 songs, more than half of them covers, mainly from relatively obscure bluegrass and early country artists, plus a choice Led Zepplin cover.
The night began with original “Home,” followed by “West Dakota Rose” by Chris Henry. After “Down Yonder,” Billy greeted the crowd, noting it had been a long time since the band had last played there – but this was indeed the first show, while also having played Rochester a year prior.
An excellent psychedelic trance formed in “Fire Line” and shifted into the traditional “Raleigh and Spencer,” full of vim and vigor with each repetition of “There ain’t no liquor in this town. No there ain’t no liquor in this town,” with Billy swirling his hair around as he broke the song down. Air Mail Special on the Fly, by Leon Rusk, was among the highlights of the numerous covers, all made unique and brought into a new generation of bluegrass lovers.
“Be Your Man” gave a reference to the Big Apple with the line “When I got to New York City I was looking for another side of life”, followed by only the fifth version of the new “Escanaba,” named for a city in Billy Strings’ home state of Michigan. The set would close with “Away From the Mire,” a fan favorite, highlighted by bassist Royal Masat and a sparkly background, capped by Strings stepping out to the front of stage and playing to each side of the audience, closing the set on a highest of notes.
Set 2 would open with “Know it All,” followed by another traditional song – one made popular by The Dillards, Doc Watson, Bill Monroe, Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, “Shady Grove.” Spotting Santa Claus in the audience, Billy Strings dedicated “Just Because” by Nelstone’s Hawaiians, referencing Santa a few times in this nearly 100 year old song.
From there, “Blue Mule” again put Royal Masat’s bass prowess on display, giving a smooth jazz club vibe in appearance, presence and sound as the band broke down “Doin’ Things Right,” which included a jam on Led Zeppelin’s “Moby Dick,” then giving way to an outright cover of “Four Sticks” off Led Zeppelin IV, a jaw-dropping version.
Two mellower songs would follow – “Libby Phillips Rag,” and Ralph Stanley’s “A Robin Built a Nest on Daddy’s Grave.” The soft respite was no match for the finale of the set, a pairing of “Psycho” (Eddie Noack) and “Thunder,” which got very spacey and nearly found a backdoor into “St. Stephen” before calling it a night, huge applause cascading from the audience to the stage.
An appropriate encore of Bill Monroe’s “Christmas Time’s A-Coming” was a reminder of the season that awaited all in a week, and with Billy Strings getting ready to head back home to Nashville, Jimmy Martin’s “Tennessee” closed the night.
Billy Strings – Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial, Syracuse – December 16, 2023
Set 1: Home, West Dakota Rose, Cabin Song > Down Yonder, Fire Line > Raleigh and Spencer, Ernest T. Grass > Air Mail Special on the Fly, Be Your Man, Escanaba, Away From the Mire Set 2: Know It All, Shady Grove, Along the Road, I’ll Be Gone a Long Time, Just Because, Long Forgotten Dream, Blue Mule, Doin’ Things Right, Four Sticks, Libby Phillips Rag, A Robin Built a Nest on Daddy’s Grave, Psycho > Thunder Encore: Christmas Time’s A-Coming, Tennessee
The sounds of Mikaela Davis’ harp once again danced through Armory Square in Syracuse, as Davis and her band, Southern Star returned to Funk ’n Waffles for a performance on Friday, December 8. The band last played Syracuse in May, with a stunning three-show residency. Rochester natives Maybird opened the show.
2023 has been quite kind for Davis, the classically trained harpist from Rochester. Davis and her band released their first full length album as a unit, And Southern Star in June. They have played multiple show residencies in various cities through out New York State, which have often seen the shows sell out well in advance. The band recently wrapped up a west-coast tour which saw them opening for indie favorites, The Mountain Goats. They have come together for one final run through Upstate New York before the year closes.
Friday night opened with a set by Rochester natives Maybird. The psychedelic rockers delighted early arrivers to the club, with a forty minute set filled with spacey guitar riffs. Fans packed their way to the front and were quickly engrossed in the band’s psychedelic sounds.
After a brief stage change over, which saw Davis herself drag and tune her harp at center stage, Southern Star joined and the set was under way. Fans were immediately met with the hypnotic harp intro of “Cinderella”, the opening track on the band’s recent release. Slowly the remainder of the band would add their sounds to the mix. The band would follow with the appropriately named “In My Groove”, which had fans dancing and swaying in front of the stage.
While Mikaela Davis and her harp talents may be the primary draw for listeners, Southern Star proved to be anything but a backing band. Through out the set each band member would lay their musical finger prints on the tracks, transforming them from their studio form to live masterpieces. The band would regularly go on extended musical jam sessions during songs, paying homage to their musical inspirations such as Grateful Dead. Tracks like “Leave It” took on new life when paired with Kurt Johnson’s pedal steel, Cian McCarthy’s saxophone, while Shane McCarthy (bass guitar) and Alex Cote (percussion) kept pace. The song, after an extended jam would then flow seamlessly into the rocking “Promise”. It was just one of many moments during the set that showcased the band’s refreshing musical talents.
After a ninety minute set and a brief encore, the band would return to the stage with opener Maybird for an energetic rendition of “Other Lover”. The song would see band members taking turns on various pieces of percussion, including a colander. It was a fun way to wrap up the evening, but still showcase the many musical talents that graced the stage on this evening.
Rodrigo y Gabriela has announced a new run of dates in 2024, taking their thrilling live shows to cities in America that didn’t get a chance to see them on the first run. The tour will stop in Ithaca, Kingston, Tarrytown, and Buffalo.
Rodrigo y Gabriela recently kicked off the 49th season of the venerable television music series, Austin City Limits, as the premiere performers on episode one. The band was joined by an ensemble of over 30 musicians from the esteemed Austin Symphony Orchestra in an exhilarating hour; the unprecedented performance marked the first time ACL has collaborated with the world-class orchestra, one of Austin’s leading arts institutions.
In September, the duo shared their official music video for “In Between Thoughts…A New World,” featuring exclusive footage filmed earlier this summer on their North American tour. “In Between Thoughts…A New World” is the title track to Rodrigo y Gabriela’s latest album, In Between Thoughts…A New World, available now via ATO Records.
“The perfect demonstration of their abilities…Rodrigo y Gabriela create a surging sonic display of cinematic goodness, using their guitars to represent rising and falling action. Each song feels like a mini-movie, containing stirring riffs, mesmeric backing strumming, and glorious, soaring strings that add extra tension to every piece…The duo harness the impressive ability to tell intricate stories without saying a word, and these songs are sure to conjure up rich images in listeners’ minds.”
FarOut Magazine
Rodrigo y Gabriela’s eagerly awaited follow-up to 2019’s GRAMMY® Award-winning Mettavolution and first full-length collection in four years, In Between Thoughts…A New World was self-produced by Rodrigo y Gabriela at their studio in Ixtapa, Mexico, the album includes such singles as “The Eye That Catches The Dream,” “Egoland,” “True Nature,” and “Descending To Nowhere.”
A #1 Most Added hit at Non-Com Radio outlets nationwide, “Descending To Nowhere” had its world premiere with an in-depth and illuminating “Origins” feature via Consequence and was quickly named by Paste as one of “The 10 Best Songs of February 2023,” hailing it as “an irresistible groove that builds and ebbs as it showcases delicious electric licks and the promised orchestral swells.”
Rodrigo y Gabriela marked the arrival of In Between Thoughts…A New World with a very special live session for Seattle’s KEXP as well as electrifying live performances of “Descending To Nowhere” and “Egoland” on BBC Two’s venerable Later… with Jools Holland. In addition, “Descending To Nowhere | A Take Away Show,” a live performance video filmed earlier this year at an empty Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord in Paris, is streaming now exclusively via La Blogothèque.
RODRIGO Y GABRIELA’S IN BETWEEN THOUGHTS…A NEW WORLD 2024
APRIL
17- Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
18 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live
19 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Parker Playhouse
21 – Charlotte, NC – Knight Theater
23 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
25 – Tysons, VA – Capitol One Hall
26 – Charlottesville, VA – The Paramount Theater
27 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live!
28 – Princeton, NJ – McCarter Theatre Center
30 – Ithaca, NY – State Theater of Ithaca
MAY
1 – Kingston, NY – Ulster PAC
2 – Burlington, VT – Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
4 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
5 – Nashua, NH – Nashua Center for the Arts
7 – Beverly, MA – The Cabot
8 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall
9 – Tarrytown, NY – Tarrytown Music Hall
11 – Harrisburg, PA – Harrisburg University at XL Live
12 – Buffalo, NY – Asbury Hall at Babeville
14 – Cleveland, OH – TempleLive at Cleveland Masonic
15 – Columbus, OH – The Athenaeum Theatre
16 – Indianapolis, IN – The Egyptian Room
18 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
For more information on Rodrigo y Gabriela, visit their website.
The Allman Brothers Band has announced the release of Manley Field House, Syracuse University, April 7, 1972, an iconic and widely circulated fan-favorite radio broadcast bootleg, available on CD and digital on January 12, 2024.
Throughout the Allman Brothers Band’s 35-year existence, each live performance holds relevance, lighting up any stage. On April 7, 1972, the band was invited to perform at Manley Field House on the campus of Syracuse University. Coming shortly after the sudden passing of band leader Duane Allman in October 1971, this show captured a rare, brief, and emotionally charged “Five-Man Band” period when the lineup was composed of only five original members—Gregg Allman on vocals and keyboard, Dickey Betts on guitar, Berry Oakley on bass, and drummers Butch Trucks and Jaimoe.
The band’s performance at Manley Field House, the school’s indoor track and field facility, was recorded and simulcast on Syracuse University’s WAER college radio on the night of the show, and rebroadcasted by the station and some of its former staff members. The recording was made with the band’s cooperation and authorization using an auxiliary mixing board on the side of the stage with a feed from the Allman Brothers sound desk.
Jeff Chard, SU concert coordinator in 1971-72, spoke fondly on that night and offered his sentiments in the album package’s liner notes. “This was the Five Man Band, as Brother Duane had passed just over five months prior. The quintet had pushed on, playing some 41 shows in 22 weeks. This night saw Gregg singing and playing his heart out, while Dickey Betts is doing phenomenal double duty on guitar, switching seamlessly between the necessary slide parts and his own soaring leads. But the real revelation of the night is that Berry is the glue, and the second lead player as well. His thunderous bass holds the quintet together – you’ll hear it, and we could see it that night. Then there is the way Butch Trucks and Jaimoe lock in on the drums, the way the whole unit responds, five playing as one.”
The 11-track collection features set staples including show opener “Statesboro Blues,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” “Midnight Rider,” and “Whipping Post,” as well as “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” off their then newly released album Eat a Peach. “Syracuse Jam,” included here for the first time, is an example of the one-time melody jamming the band was famous for and is unique in that it does not appear in any other known recording.
It was a memorable but brief time for the band. Six months later, keyboardist Chuck Leavell was added to the group, making the ABB six players strong again, only to lose Berry in another motorcycle accident on November 11, 1972. Shortly thereafter, Lamar Williams took over bass duties, and the Allman Brothers Band started a new musical chapter. But for that one year, with the five original men still standing – and especially on that magical April night in Syracuse – we surely felt the spirit. Best damn band we’re ever gonna hear indeed! We were all believers, and this CD is a testament to those words.
Jeff Chard
In a live review of the show in the University’s student newspaper the Daily Orange, writer Bruce Apar noted: “The Allman Band itself was thoroughly remarkable, leaving proof in still another city that they have developed into a supreme group, by which lesser talents can be judged.”
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced a holiday show titled “Winter Wonderland,” happening at the Broome County Forum Theatre on Dec. 16.
Founded by Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg in 1955 at the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society and later merged with the B.C. Pops, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra presents an annual series of classical, pops, and chamber music concerts in Downtown Binghamton and throughout Broome County. The professional musicians of the Philharmonic hail from the Southern Tier, New York City, and surrounding states. Maestro Daniel Hege was appointed Music Director in 2018.
On Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 3 p.m., the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra presents “Winter Wonderland,” a holiday-themed concert of beloved Christmas classics. The program includes favorites from stage, film, and ballet, along with a traditional carol singalong and a visit from Santa. Artists from Tri-Cities Opera are featured, along with local news anchor Jim Ehmke as the narrator in “The Night Before Christmas.”The Philharmonic also continues its tradition of screening the classic animated short film The Snowman, with live orchestral accompaniment and treble soloist Eva Dixon. The concert will be preceded by a holiday-themed organ recital by Nancy Wildoner on the Robert-Morton Theatre Organ at 2:30 p.m.
Eva Dixon.
13-year-old treble soloist Eva Dixon attends Grace Church School in Manhattan, where she has been a member of the Grace Episcopal Church Choir for the past seven years. In seventh grade, she was Lead Chorister, and this year she was named Optima Chorister. She toured Ireland with the choir in the summer of 2022, and in the spring of 2023 sang the soprano solo in Mendelssohn’s O for the Wings of a Dove. Her theater roles include The Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda in Oz; Lucy in 13: The Musical, and DJ in Cyrano de Burger Shack.
Tickets are $25 to $65. Kids 17 and under attend free.
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra recently held auditions for section string positions and have announced seven winners, now members of the orchestra.
Distinguished by the designation of the “Official Orchestra of the City of Ithaca,” Cayuga Chamber Orchestra has been presenting exceptional live classical music to the region since 1976. The Orchestra was founded by Charles McCary when a group of local professional musicians debuted as the Finger Lakes Orchestra.
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra has a strong commitment to serving its community in a variety of ways. Through its professional excellence, vibrant performances, community education, and passion for transformation through music, Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is devoted to fostering artistic life in the Ithaca and Finger Lakes regions of New York State.
Wan-Chun Hu – violin – Bloomsfield, New Jersey
Originally from Taiwan, Wan-Chun Hu is a classically trained musician and music teacher. In 2020, Wan-Chun won the second prize at the American Protege International Competition and was chosen to perform in Carnegie Hall. Additionally, Wan-Chun has won several orchestra positions, including first violin with the Annapolis Symphony, second violin with the Binghamton Philharmonic, and substitute violin with the Buffalo Philharmonic and Allentown Symphony.
William Knuth – violin – Liverpool
William Knuth, violinist and Fulbright Scholar, has earned recognition for his artistry as a solo and chamber musician. He is Assistant Professor of Violin and string department coordinator at the Syracuse University Setnor School of Music with a private teaching studio in Syracuse, NY. As a member of Duo Sonidos with guitarist Adam Levin, Knuth has performed extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and South America.
Asher Wulfman – violin – Ithaca
Asher Wulfman, violinist, is a performer of solo, chamber, and orchestral works for violin currently based in Ithaca NY. He is a member of Symphoria and Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and performs regularly with Opera Ithaca and Cornell University’s Ensemble X. He is also a guest lecturer at Cornell University, and is on the faculty of Opus Ithaca School of Music, where he also coordinates and coaches chamber music.
Bryce Bunner – viola – Penfield
Bryce Bunner, violist currently serves as principal violist of the Erie Philharmonic, and performs as an extra musician with the Rochester Philharmonic & Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestras. He also performs in the DC area with the Post Classical Ensemble, Inscape Chamber Orchestra, and the Washington Concert Opera. He spent 21 years as a violist with the Air Force Strings/USAF Band in Washington, D.C., and taught and coached the DC Youth Orchestra program for many years.
Peter Dudek – viola – New York City
Peter Dudek, Violist, completed his Bachelor’s degree in The Juilliard School, where currently he is pursuing his Master’s degree under the tutelage of Molly Carr. He is an alumn of Itzhak Perlman’s Perlman Music Program as well as Pinchas Zukerman’s Young Artists Program. Peter is under agreement to perform for the final time as a member of the Verbier Festival Orchestra in Switzerland this upcoming summer.
Grace Ho – cello – New York City
Taiwanese-American cellist Grace Ho, praised by South Florida Classical Review “…the warmth and flexibility of Grace Ho’s cello solos were standouts”, is an active soloist and chamber musician in the United States and Asia. Ms. Ho has appeared as soloist with the Vienna Ensemble, Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra, Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, Ho Chi Minh City Symphony Orchestra, Evergreen Symphony Orchestra, and many more.
Zachary Sweet – cello – Ithaca
Zachary Sweet, Cellist, is a registered Teacher Trainer with the Suzuki Association of the Americas. He is currently an instructor of cello at Nazareth College, Binghamton University, and on the faculties of Ithaca Talent Education and Music Together of Ithaca. Nationally, he is in demand as a clinician having lead workshops, masterclasses and institutes across the United States and Canada.
Auditions were held behind a screen and were evaluated by a panel of our musicians and Interim Music Director, Grant Cooper. Look for these new musicians onstage in the coming months.
The SAMMYS (Syracuse Area Music Awards) has announced the dates for the 2024 SAMMYS Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards Show. The dinner will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, Upstairs at Dinosaur BBQ and the Award Show on March 8, 2024, at the Palace Theatre in Syracuse.
Photo by Jack O Bocchino.
Syracuse Area Music Awards, more commonly known as the SAMMYS, is an awards show that celebrates the work created by people in the music industry from the Syracuse Area.
The 2024 SAMMYS Award Show will include musical performances by area artists/bands. Awards will be presented in 12 recording categories, in addition to the People’s Choice awards in four categories, Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist, Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the SAMMYS Award, and the Community Spirit Award.
The entry form is now open. Each artist must select one category they wish to be judged in. Only commercially released albums or EPs, released between January 1 – December 31, 2023, by artists in the Central NY area are eligible. All entries must be available on Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal. No physical recordings will be accepted. Categories are subject to change at the discretion of the judges. Entry form closes on January 5, 2024.
People’s Choice Submissions and Voting The 2024 SAMMYS People’s Choice online open submission phase begins January 1, 2024. The public is encouraged to nominate their favorite artist or band, event or music series, academic or musical organization, and favorite venue to see live music. For more information, to submit your nominations, or to vote for your favorites, visit here.
The 2024 SAMMYS sponsors include NYS Music, Bridge Street, SubCat Music Studios, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, KMASE Productions, Joshua Johnson Design, Skinner & Associates Realty, NewsChannel 9, 315 Music, CNY Alive!, 92.1 The WOLF, Soulshine Radio, 96.5 The Beat, and 94.1 The Dinosaur.
On a day where shoppers flocked to stores and malls in search of holiday deals, music fans made their way to the Middle Ages Beer Hall to see Mike Powell and the Echosound. The Echosound, a jam-rock band from Syracuse is the latest musical incarnation of singer-songwriter Mike Powell.
Opener Neil Minet got things rolling on Friday evening, with a blistering sixty minute set. Minet and his band have been turning heads over the last year in Syracuse, has included a notable performance at the 2023 NYS Blues Fest. The Neil Minet Band blends blues, funk and R&B sounds, resulting in a set that had the entire room swaying and dancing.
As Mike Powell and his bandmates took to the stage, Powell stepped towards the mic and offered a smile and the following words; “Let’s have some fun.” With that, the house lights dimmed and the band was underway. Opening with a cryptic musical jam, guitarist John Hanus was given the opportunity to step in to the spotlight early, and he did not disappoint. Hanus would deliver a guitar solo that was both beautiful and powerful, while backed by the strong musicianship of the remaining members of the Echosound. As the solo ended, Mike Powell quickly launched in to the raucous and upbeat “Submarine Gin.” The set was fully underway and the packed beer hall crowd pushed their way closer to the stage.
It was evident early and often that Mike Powell and the Echosound carried with them a loyal and devoted following, as fans danced, swayed, and sang back Powell’s catchy choruses, with the concert hall filled elbow to elbow with fans. While the band performed many of the dynamic tracks off their recent release Plastic Spoon Honeymoon, they dipped their toes into Mike Powell’s diverse solo catalog as well.
Songs like “Josephine” took on dramatic new life when paired with the talents of the Echosound. The song, which would stretch over nine minutes long, would build to yet another epic solo by Hanus, while bandmates Zak Masoud (bass guitar), Adam Manion (percussion) and Jeff Alderman (keyboards) kept pace, each taking their turn to shine. The song would eventually break down into a brief cover of “Come Together”, fusing both songs into one seamless piece. It was perhaps the standout moment on an evening filled with highlights, and one that will be sure to keep music fans coming back to see the band.
