Syracuse’s Amphitheater on Lake Onondaga will have a new name, starting today: Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview.
Naming rights have been held by St. Joseph’s Health since 2018, and before that, the venue was simply called Lakeview Amphitheater since opening in September 2015.
Announced on Friday morning, the Syracuse-based Empower FCU said the following in a statement:
Empower FCU was born and raised in the Salt City, and now is among the largest credit unions in New York, with over 250,000 members, over 600 employees and more than $3.2 billion in assets. The Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview reflects a commitment to our Central New York roots by creating unique experiences for our members and the local community we serve.
St. Joseph’s Health said in a statement they were thankful for the partnership and will continue the “fast lane” program for nurses going to the venue: “Music is a healing art, and as we stated when we took on this sponsorship in 2018, we firmly believe it is an important part of the culture of our diverse community and our healing ministry.”
The 17,500-seat venue also announced this morning that country music star Lainey Wilson will bring her “Country’s Cool Again” tour to Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview on June 24, 2024 with special guests Ian Munsick and Zach Top.
Disco Biscuits have a long history of music festivals in New York State, their own Camp Bisco, as well as numerous performances at festivals of all sizes around the state. For the first time since 2013, a new, intentionally more intimate festival, BISCOLand, was conceived and held in Lafayette at Wonderland Forest over October 6-7.
photo by Tara Gracer
Joining Disco Biscuits were a pair of bands that appeared on earlier Camp Bisco lineups – Lotus and Emancipator, and newcomers to the Bisco fold – Opiou, The Floozies, Eggy and Space Bacon. With classic Camp Bisco lineups featuring up and coming artists as well as staples of the EDM/jamtronica community, the vibe of a stripped down but still well dressed music festival, perfect for an autumn weekend in Central New York.
As for the Disco Biscuits, the jamtronica pioneers took the opportunity to break new ground with some unique musical pairings over the weekend. Biscuits fan Shimmy noted this was the first time the band segued “Confrontation” into “Orch Theme” and followed that up with “And The Ladies Were the Rest of the Night,” the other being December 29, 2014.
Even more notably, the band took the encore on Saturday, October 7 to perform the first ever inverted “Kitchen Mitts,” playing the ending of song first, then the first part. Add to that this inverted “Mitts” appeared inside of a fitting encore appearance of “Home Again” made for an apt coda on the weekend.
Disco Biscuits – BISCOLAND at Wonderland Forest – LaFayette, New York – October 6, 2023
Set 1: Wet, Munchkin Invasion > The Wormhole > Space Train > Cyclone > Nughuffer1 Set 2: Nughuffer 1 > Shocked > To Be Continued > Reactor 2 > M1 > To Be Continued
1 dyslexic 2 inverted
Disco Biscuits – BISCOLAND at Wonderland Forest – LaFayette, New York – October 7, 2023
Set 1: Jam 1 > Bombs > The Deal > Voices Insane 2 > I-Man Set 2: Mindless Dribble 3 > Confrontation 4 > Orch Theme 5 > And the Ladies Were the Rest of the Night 4 > Spacebirdmatingcall Encore: Home Again > Kitchen Mitts 6 7 4 > Home Again
1 w/ ‘Could U Be Loved’ (Bob Marley) teases 2 unfinished 3 w/ Wormhole quotes 4 inverted 5 w/ Crickets tease 6 LTP 2/4/2023 (53 shows) 7 first time inverted
Sydney Irving, hailing from the lively city of Syracuse, has released her newest album Unfashioned Creatures today, October 10, with 10 tracks that showcase her adaptability as a singer and songwriter.
Sydney Iriving, born and raised in the heart of the Empire State, began her musical journey drawing inspiration from legends such as Taylor Swift and Tom Petty, inspired by their story-telling abilities and the weaving in of their heart-felt personal experiences.
At the early age of 14, she released her debut album, Hello Stranger. This youthful album was followed by The Halfmoon Sessionsin 2018, which clearly showcases her growth as an artist and songwriter.
The following year, 2019, marked a pivotal year for Sydney as she released two EPs, The Greene EP which was recorded in a log cabin in Upstate New York, and The Ronan EP, recorded with her band Sydney Irving & The Mojo.
In 2020, she released her fifth album, Relax With Friends, which solidified her newfound position in the music scene. Singles like “You Can’t Forget About Me” and “Seasons Change” soared to the top of the Music Mafia Radio Top 30 Countdown. The same year, she was honored as the 2020 Young Adult Artist of the Year by the International Singer Songwriters Association, as well as Best Pop Artist at the 2023 Mississippi Music Awards. She also claimed the title Best New Artist at the prestigious Syracuse Area Music Awards in 2022. Her most recent single released this year, “I Don’t Wanna Fight You,” has already received airplay along the East Coast.
Today, Sydney has released her newest album, Unfashioned Creatures. Each track feels a little different, and you can hear the Taylor Swift inspiration in every song. Some of these songs feel more somber, while others more country-based, and even a few that likely had indie/alternative inspiration.
This album is a great choice for people who miss The Old Taylor, or for people looking to find a local musician that has great music and performing abilities. All the songs in the album are good, but “Wish That I Knew,” “Seasons Change,” and “Something Better” are particularly strong and perfect for vibing in the car with your friends.
“Wish That I Knew” opens with a beautiful acoustic guitar rift, and it oddly reminds me of “Mama’s Broken Heart” by Miranda Lambert due to the storytelling country-vibe, and raw feminine energy. This song showcases Sydney’s vocal range so well, and creatively depicts feminine rage.
Her fourth track, “Seasons Change,” has been around for a while, but to neglect talking about the complexity of this song would be such a waste. She switches up tone a little bit with even more great storytelling and showcases her range by adding more of a pop feel, shifting away from the country/rock vibe previously mentioned. Inspiration from Taylor Swift’s older songs really show up in this one.
“Something Better,” switches up again with a more relaxed and somber tone. It feels like a conversation between the listener and Sydney. She’s clearly put in the work for this album and for her writing skills– it shows up in every single track. This is one of those songs where it showcases a sadder subject, but with the contrasting happy musicality– you forget the somber topic.
This album really showcases Sydney’s growth as a singer and songwriter. Every album she writes is better than the last, so it will be exciting to see where she goes from here.
Upcoming Performance Dates
Fri Oct 13 – Theresa, NY – 3C Bowling
Fri Oct 20 – Canton, NY – SUNY Canton
Sat Oct 21 – Utica, NY – Utica Zoo
Sat Oct 21 – Marcellus, NY – The Village Tavern
Sun Oct 22 – Vernon, NY – Three Bastards Brewing
Sat Oct 28 – Oneida, NY – Frogs
Fri Nov 3 – Elizabethtown, PA – Elizabethtown College
Sat Nov 4 – Verona, NY – Motif
Fri Nov 10 – Theresa, NY – 3C Bowling
Sat Nov 11 – Liverpool, NY – Diva Nova
Wed Nov 22 – Oneida, NY – Frogs
Fri Nov 24 – Cazenovia, NY – McCarthy’s
Sat Nov 25 – Verona, NY – TS Steakhouse
Sun Dec 3 – Westmoreland, NY – Station 233
Fri Dec 8 – Chittenango, NY – YBR
Sun Dec 10 – Port Crane, NY – Beer Tree Farm
Sat Dec 23 – Liverpool, NY – Maplewood Bar
Fri Dec 29 – Verona, NY – Motif
For more information on her live performances, click here.
To listen to her newest album, Unfashioned Creatures, click here.
While things have certainly cooled off outside around Central New York lately, there is no shortage of indoor concerts to warm your spirit. Here are five can’t-miss shows in Syracuse for the month of October.
Central New York star Sydney Irving returns to Syracuse with a performance at the Maplewood Inn on October 12. The concert should be quite the celebration, as the show serves as the album release party for Irving’s newest album, Unfashioned Creatures, which will be available on all streaming services on October 10. The 20 year-old singer songwriter has been turning heads all across New York State for several years. She recently opened for Gavin Degraw at this year’s Spiedie Fest in Binghamton. Irving will again be joined by her backing band, “The Mojo” for the release party. You won’t want to miss this special performance.
An impressive lineup of female musicians take the stage October 15, as F.I.R.E. Festival once again returns to the Oswego Music Hall. F.I.R.E., which stands for Females Inspire Rock Empower, showcases not only music, but also female led businesses and art. The event, which was curated by Jess Novak, was designed to serve as an alternative to the many male dominated music festivals. The day of music will feature area talents such as Jess Novak, Amanda Rogers, Stress Dolls, Starting Off Red and many more. See the full line up of music and vendors here.
Tickets are $10 at the door and music starts at 1pm.
The sounds of Frank Zappa will once again ring about Westcott Street, as renowned Zappa tribute band The Furious Bongos return to the Westcott Theater on October 22. The band played before a passionate audience of Zappa fans in March of this year. The band will be joined on this tour by Chad Wackerman, a legend in his own right, whose resume includes drumming for Frank Zappa himself, as well as James Taylor and Stevie Vai.
Tickets are $20. Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm.
Fresh off a blistering performance at the 2023 New York State Blues Festival, Brandon Santini brings his soulful blues sounds to the 443 Social Club & Lounge on October 27. Santini turned many heads at this years Blues Fest, as he displayed his tremendous talent on the harmonica. This intimate performance at the 443 Social Club & Lounge is certainly one you won’t want to miss.
Central New York’s college talent will be on full display on October 29 at Funk ‘n Waffles, as The Accountant & All Thumbs perform. The Syracuse University funk/hip-hop group are sure to have the club bouncing when they take the stage. The four piece band has quickly become known for their high energy sets which blend elements of funk, hip-hop, and rock. They will be joined by singer-songwriter Nancy Dunkle as well as Le Moyne College’s own Champagne Blondes.
Two Rochester based ensembles, showcasing Sephardic music will perform back to back performances of “Sephardic Reflections,” taking place in Syracuse on October 21 and at Rochester’s Temple Beth El Synagogue on October 22.
The production ‘Old & New: Sephardic Reflections’ brings a taste of medieval flute and electric guitar, offering a contrast of contemporary music with versions of old and new songs. This medieval mix is interpreted by members of fivebyfive and Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque. The clash of ensembles explore the sounds of flute and electric guitar to present a new experience for the audience.
Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque
Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque will perform using recorders, lute, duduk, shawm, harp and percussion which stay true to the early music of Sephardic traditions in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Members of the chamber music ensemble will us flute, clarinet, bass, piano and electric guitar which heavily influence the new tradition.
This is an exciting journey for both ensembles, to focus on music from a certain period but in our own styles. All of our musicians are world-class artists, experts in their chosen instruments, and we look forward to collaborating on this kaleidoscopic musical event.
Pegasus/NYS Baroque Director Deborah Fox.
“We are thrilled by the variety of sounds that will be shared in this concert,” said Artistic Director, Laura Lantz of fivebyfive.
fivebyfive
Tickets can be purchased online at pegasusearlymusic.org and fivebyfivemusic.com or purchased at the door. Upstate New York looks forward to see what they have in store for the double ensemble collaboration “Old & New: Sephardic Reflections”.
Noah Kahan triumphantly returned to Central New York on Friday for a sold-out performance at Lakeview Amphitheater. It was Kahan’s second sell-out concert in Syracuse this summer, having previously played Beak and Skiff in June. Ruston Kelly opened the show.
Noah Kahan performs at Lakeview Amphitheater
Few in the music industry have seen the rise to success quite like Noah Kahan. The 26 year-old singer-songwriter has seen his popularity explode in recent months, selling out nearly every venue in his path. His successes are never more evident than in Central New York. Less than two years ago, Kahan performed at The Westcott Theater in Syracuse. Three months ago, he performed a sold-out concert at Beak and Skiff, and now, he has again returned with a sold-out performance at the much larger Lakeview Amphitheater.
Noah Kahan performs at Lakeview Amphitheater
As 8pm hit, opening act Ruston Kelly took the stage with his bandmates. The Nashville based singer-songwriter kicked his set off with “Cover My Tracks,” the opening number on his 2018 release Dying Star. The song was a good preview of what was to come during the 45 minute set. Kelly delivered a stream of well-written moderate tempo Americana style tracks, with Kelly showing that he excelled at telling a story while delivering his heart-felt lyrics.
Kelly showcased his ability to hype the crowd as well, performing two well-placed covers during his set. Early on, Kelly led the crowd in his rendition of Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag” which had fans young and old singing along to the familiar chorus. Later in his set, Kelly delivered the Taylor Swift cover “All Too Well,” which had nearly everyone in attendance on their feet and singing along. Kelly would close out his set with “The Weakness,” the opening track on his latest release of the same name. The slow moving track would build in intensity until reaching an impressive crescendo.
Ruston Kelly performs at Lakeview Amphitheater
As the final stage preparations wrapped up between sets, anticipation through out the concert grounds kept building, with palpable anticipation for Noah Kahan’s arrival. Finally, just after 9:20, the house lights went dark and the four members of Kahan’s band took the stage. After a brief instrumental introduction, Kahan strutted to the front of the stage. With a wave and a smile, and a deafening roar from the crowd, the band launched into the high energy “Northern Attitude,” the lead track on Kahan’s 2022 release Stick Season. The opening song served as a preview for what was to transpire over the next 95 minutes. Nearly everyone in attendance sang along, in deafening fashion, to nearly every word. Kahan kept the energy flowing early, moving into “She Calls Me Back,” and “New Perspectives.”
Noah Kahan performs at Lakeview Amphitheater
Early in the set, it was clear Kahan could not contain his excitement. He urged the stage workers to turn on the house lights, so he could catch a glimpse of the crowd in front of him. “This is the largest show we’ve ever played, thank you all so much,” Kahan proclaimed, giddy with excitement. He took turns dancing with his band mates early in the set, skipping across the stage and jumping from the drum riser.
Noah Kahan performs at Lakeview Amphitheater
Through out the evening Kahan’s energy would give way to more serious subject matter. The singer-songwriter spoke of loneliness and isolation at times, and urged those in attendance to seek help when needed. He sang of his journey through therapy on “Growing Sideways,” and sang of a close friend’s similar struggles on “Call Your Mom,” a track Kahan himself said is often too emotional for him to perform live. Through the heavy subject matter, Kahan would lead his listeners back to more up-tempo sing-along tracks, at times urging their participation, to which the crowd feverishly obliged. After a brief encore break, Kahan and his bandmates would close out the evening with three more songs, including perhaps his biggest hit to date, “Stick Season.” It provided those in attendance one final opportunity to showcase their voices, and they too did not disappoint.
Pink Talking Fish has mapped out the rest of 2023 with an extensive December tour, that brings the band from the east coast, with shows in Port Chester and Buffalo, before heading west with a New Years run in Denver. A pair of shows in December will also feature the legendary Giant Country Horns for a pair of shows with Pink Talking Fish.
After a run of shows in September and October, Pink Talking Fish will kick off December by bringing Phish’s horn section “The Giant Country Horns” out for 2 shows in Burlington VT and Keene NH. The Keene show is at The Colonial Theatre which is home to one of the more famous performances during the 1991 Phish Tour with The Giant Country Horns and became a Live Phish release.
A Midwest run starts in Buffalo at Buffalo Iron Works on December 13, and will then move through Ohio and end in Chicago IL, and following a holiday break, Pink Talking Fish will close out the year with a two-show run in Denver, CO on 12/30 and 12/31.
Pink Talking Fish Fall Tour
9/08: Syracuse NY at The Westcott Theater
9/09: Bedminster NJ at Fiddlefest
9/10: Weatogue CT at Talcott Mountain Collective
9/16: Morrisville VT at Oxbow Riverfront Park – Keep On Growing
9/22: Plymouth NH at The Flying Monkey – Dark Side Of The Moon 50th Anniversary Celebration
9/23: Boston MA at The Paradise – 10-Year Anniversary Celebration
10/04: Washington DC at Pearl Street Warehouse
10/05: Waynesboro VA at The Foundry
10/06: Raleigh NC at Bowstring Brewyard
10/07: Charleston SC at The Pour House
10/08: Asheville NC at Salvage Station
10/14: Port Chester NY at The Capitol Theatre – This Must Be The Cirque
10/21: Ardmore PA at Ardmore Music Hall
10/27: East Greenwich RI at The Greenwich Odeum
10/28: Port Washington NY at Landmark On Main
Pink Talking Fish December Tour
12/01: Burlington VT at Higher Ground – w/ The Giant Country Horns
12/02: Keene NH at The Colonial Theatre – w/ The Giant Country Horns
12/09: Portland ME at The State Theatre
12/13: Buffalo NY at Buffalo Iron Works
12/14: Columbus OH at Woodlands Tavern
12/15: Covington KY at The Madison Theater
12/16: Chicago IL at Park West
12/30: Denver CO at So Many Roads Museum & Brewery
12/31: Denver CO at So Many Roads Museum & Brewery
Well, summer has come and it has gone. The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are getting cooler, but rest assured, the music scene in Syracuse is only beginning to heat up. Here are five can’t-miss shows in Syracuse in September.
Buffalo native Chelsea O’Donnell takes the stage at Funk ’n Waffles under her touring moniker Stress Dolls on Saturday, September 2. The alt/pop/rock artist has drawn comparisons to artists such as Lzzy Hale, Courtney Love, Fiona Apple, with one reviewer describing her sound as “Joni Mitchell meets Nirvana.. Avril Lavigne and Foo Fighters in a blender.” O’Donnell has recently released the single “Body,” which is available on all streaming music platforms.
New Jersey hardcore rockers Thursday make their long awaited return to Central New York with a performance at Song & Dance on September 7. The band have close ties to Central New York, having performed at the area’s famous Hellfest music festival in 2001 and 2003. The band are touring in celebration of the 20th anniversary of their album War All the Time. Gel, Pinkshift, and Vinnie Caruana open the show.
Rochester born singer-songwriter Kat Wright returns to Syracuse with a set at the intimate 443 Social Club on September 10. Wright, with her dynamic vocal range powerful stage presence, which she blends between styles of soul and rock ’n roll, has drawn comparisons to performers such as Amy Winehouse and Bonnie Raitt. She boasts an impressive touring resume, proving previous support to acts such as Grace Potter, Kacey Musgrave, and the Wood Brothers, and has also preformed at the Syracuse Jazz Festival, and the Peach Music Festival (Scranton, PA).
Take a short drive down Interstate 81 to Lafayette and you will find the enchanted concert grounds of Wonderland Forest. These picturesque grounds will be the home of jam-rock band Twiddle and their two day music festival, Tumble Down. The line up boasts an impressive undercard, with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frisco + the U.N., Dopapod, Mihali, The Breakfast, Baked Shrimp, and Mike Powell also performing. Twiddle will perform four sets over the two nights.
Weekend tickets start at $150 with camping and VIP packages available
Celtic punk rockers Dropkick Murphys return to Syracuse for a set at the Oncenter War Memorial on September 30. Known for their high energy live performances, the band have amassed a large and passionate following. They have an impressive 12 studio albums, and are currently touring in support of their 2023 release Okemah Rising. The Interrupters and Jesse Ahern open the show.
In a blazing whirlwind of country charisma, Lainey Wilson swept onto the stage at the New York State Fair‘s grand opening with an energy that ignited the night. The anticipation leading up to her performance was palpable, fueled by recent news of her meteoric rise in the music industry. Fresh off the heels of her breakthrough year, the Yellowstone Actress and Country Music Artist showed us exactly why she’s become a household name.
The New York State Fair, known for its rich history and large-scale celebrations, was the perfect setting for Wilson’s record-breaking concert attendance. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the massive crowd came to life, ready to experience a musical journey led by the the artist who has brought flare to the country music world by storm.
This past year has been a whirlwind of success for Lainey Wilson. From her chart-topping singles to her captivating performances, she has effortlessly woven her way into the hearts of country music enthusiasts worldwide. Her resume speaks volumes about the authenticity and artistry she brings to her craft. Standing among the roaring crowd at the NYS Fair, it was clear that Wilson’s star was still on the rise, burning brighter than ever before.
As the night unfolded, Wilson seamlessly navigated between her hits, old and new. Her dynamic stage presence and charisma kept the audience engaged from the first note to the last. The setlist was a blend of foot-stomping anthems like “Roadrunner” and soul-stirring ballads, showcasing the depth and versatility of her musical prowess. Whether she was belting out the infectious “Things a Man Oughta Know” or tugging at heartstrings with “Watermelon Moonshine,” Wilson’s emotional connection with her lyrics was palpable.
Lainey Wilson’s recently was the most nominated female artist getting 7 nominations for the People’s Choice Country Awards. Partnering up with Wrangler for a fashion collection also further underscored her influence in the world of music. Her ability to bridge the gap between traditional country roots and a contemporary sound has struck a chord with fans of all generations. This was evident as the crowd, spanning various age groups, sang along to every lyric, proving that Wilson’s music transcends boundaries.
In the end, as the final notes reverberated through the night air, it was clear that Lainey Wilson had left an indelible mark on the New York State Fair and its attendees. Her record-breaking concert attendance (53,200 fans) is a testament to her soaring popularity and the connection she has forged with her listeners. As we left the grandstand, the echoes of her performance lingered, a reminder of the power of music to unite and uplift.
In a world where music can be a guiding light, Lainey Wilson’s NYS Fair performance was a shining example of the magic that happens when an exceptional artist connects with their audience.
Brooklyn-based group PEAK announced their first round of Fall 2023 tour dates, playing new locations as well as returning to old favorites. They’ll stop for a hometown show at the Brooklyn Bowl on October 5, as well as shows in Syracuse, Albany, and New Paltz.
The self-described psychedelic indie-funk group recently released large archives of live audio on their Bandcamp page, as well as select live performances on YouTube from recent shows in Burlington, VT, Bridgeport, CT, and more.
PEAK also announced that the group has begun recording their third studio album, set to release in early 2024.
