The Catskill Mountain Jubilee was a blast this past weekend, held from August 10 to August 12 at Upstate New York’s Blackthorne Resort in East Durham. Friday night featured two sets from The Disco Biscuits, Dogs in A Pile, Space Bacon, a solo set by Mihali from Twiddle, and Legion of Melvin with Karl Denson, amongst a slew of other talented artists. Blackthorne Resort offered an ideal setting for the festival, with cabins, a public pool, and many comfortable amenities.
Friday proved to be sunny and hot at first. Bands at the main stage like Beg, Steal, or Borrow and Melvin Seals had to play in direct sunlight, yet still managed to deliver rocking sets. Space Bacon and Dogs In a Pile were at the Hangar Stage which proved to be more shaded, but also more dusty.
Mihali played some interesting originals, a take on “Best Feeling” by Keller Williams, and even a “Free Bird” cover. Dogs in a Pile played an energetic set full of originals, a “Hell in a Bucket” cover, and even a Led Zeppelin cover as their encore. Catskill Mountain Jubilee raged late into the night with two thumping Disco Biscuits sets followed by a variety of late night music.
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall will unveil a brand new event, Kaleidescape: A Sonic Journey, on October 14. The event will feature over 15 artists and is set to be a musical experience unlike anything the venue has ever hosted before. The venue has commissioned seven artists to create an original piece of work that will debut at Kaleidescape.
Originally part of a historic bank, the Music Hall has become an artistic staple in Troy and the surrounding area. The Music Hall will serve as the central artistic inspiration for the new pieces of music . The mission of Kaleidescape is to celebrate the local musicians and fans who have helped to support Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
Curated by Organ Colossal, Kaleidoscope will feature performances from Buggy Jive, Sara Ayers, Ohzhe, Zan and the Winter Folk, Sam Torres, and composer Patrick Burke. The event will also include multiple special guests like Julia Alsarraf and Girl Blue.
Kaleidescape will continue the venue’s mission of keeping music open and accessible. To ensure that cost is not a barrier, the organization has announced that there will be a limited number of free tickets. The Troy Redevelopment Foundation is sponsoring the Community Ticket Bank. To inquire or reserve these tickets contact Troy Savings Bank Music Hall by email, by phone at (518) 273-0038, or by visiting the box office.
Click here for a full list of performers, and visit here for paid tickets and more information.
The Dirty Pennies have just released their newest single titled “Head Open” for all to hear and enjoy. Alongside the fresh release comes exciting news of the Rochester band’s upcoming performances on New York stages including multiple appearances at the Bug Jar!
The rock band, originally formed back in 2012 by Ryan Klem and Lucas Howe, has evolved exponentially from a blues-rock duo into a garage rock band with the help of former bassist Joe Mungo. Today, especially taking into consideration their new release, The Dirty Pennies continue to take a step closer to exploring the realm of psychedelia with the help of recent additions: bassist Sean Doohan and keyboardist Doug Kelley.
From the beginning of “Head Open,” with its looping guitar melody and the heavy use of a synth, it is evident that the band has not simply crossed the line into the open space of psychedelia but has jumped right into a new sound. The voices layered throughout the single support this energy as the echoed vocals seem far away yet everywhere all at once as they repeat, “Head open wide, empty space.” After the lead stanzas of introspection, the voices are cut out, giving way to an epic concoction of complicated instrumentals.
To support their new single, The Dirty Pennies are set to perform at Rochester’s infamous Bug Jar on Aug. 25, a venue that is special to their hearts as it won’t be their first time rocking the stage. “Head Open” is now available to rock out to on Spotify, YouTube, and various other streaming services.
Upcoming Performances
August 25 – Bug Jar w/ Ace of Wands & Bad Bloom
September 9 – Cafe Nine w/ Pinkhouse / The Problem with Kids today / VVBES
September 16 – West Almond Stomp Festival
Upcoming Tour Dates
October 19 – The Song and Dance w/ Trauma Cat & Dead Wolf
Colin Barkell and his band King Vaudeville are set to perform two concerts at the Little York Pavilion in Preble on Sept. 6 and 14. Todd Meredith and special guest Kyle Lacy are also scheduled to appear. The shows are part of Cortland Repertory Theatre’s (CRT) 51st summer of programming at the venue.
Since appearing at CRT in 2019, Colin Barkell has gone on to make his Broadway debut and form the group King Vaudeville. His performance will feature impassioned covers of classic Johnny Cash, Elvis, and Chuck Berry tunes. Barkell will also mix in some of his original music, which reflects his upbeat personality.
Todd Meredith is no stranger to CRT either, appearing in Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story back in 2013. The Albany artist also performed in Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash and Million Dollar Quartet. Meredith and guest guitarist Kyle Lacy will perform an acoustic mix of classic and contemporary pop songs. With both musicians being prolific songwriters, the show will also include some of their own work.
Todd Meredith
Dr. James Palmer, associate director of theatre at SUNY Cortland, opened the Cortland Repertory Theatre in 1972. Since then, the organization has only grown, expanding to downtown in 2010. Past CRT performers and volunteers include Academy Award-winner Holly Hunter, Tony-winning director Joe Mantello, and renowned actor Stephen Borgardis.
Tickets for both concerts are available here, at the CRT downtown Box office, or by calling 800-427-6160. Click here for more information about these and upcoming shows and events at CRT Downtown this fall.
As the sky transitioned from a vibrant blue to hues of pink and orange, the scene was set for The Chicks, formerly known as the Dixie Chicks. The trio, consisting of Natalie Maines, Emily Strayer, and Martie Maguire, had captured the hearts of audiences for decades with their harmonious blend of country, folk, and Americana music. This is the first tour under the bands new name.
The Chicks performing at CMAC on August 11, 2023
The mood was elevated as the show’s opener, the venerable Ben Harper, took to the stage. Known for his soulful blend of folk, rock, and blues, Harper’s performance was nothing short of electrifying. His masterful guitar skills and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with the audience, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Harper’s ability to effortlessly weave together messages of love, unity, and introspection with his dynamic musical talents showcased his status as a true artist.
As the night unfolded, one thing became abundantly clear: The Chicks were not only there to entertain but to connect. Each song was a chapter in a story, an invitation to experience life’s highs and lows, love and heartache, resilience and redemption. The beauty of their music lies in its universality, and that night, it felt like the crowd was singing their own stories through every lyric.
One remarkable aspect of the performance was the synchronization of visual elements with the music. As The Chicks’ harmonies soared, the backdrop came alive with breathtaking visuals that amplified the emotions of each song. From nostalgic montages to evocative animations, the visual journey was a mesmerizing accompaniment to their already stirring music.
The Chicks’ onstage chemistry was undeniable, a testament to the camaraderie they’ve cultivated over their illustrious career. The seamless blend of Natalie Maines’ commanding vocals, Emily Strayer’s masterful guitar work, and Martie Maguire’s virtuosic fiddling created a musical tapestry that captivated every corner of the venue.
In a world where music has the power to transcend, The Chicks’ performance at CMAC was a testament to the enduring magic of live music. Their harmonies echoed in the hearts of 14,000+ overjoyed fans as they danced under the stars, creating an evening of empowerment, connection, and artistry that will resonate for years to come.
Setlist: Gaslighter, Sin Wagon, Texas Man, Julianna Calm Down, Talking The Long Way, My Best Friend’s Weddings, Sleep At Night, Ready To Run, Top Of The World (Patty Griffin Cover), Wide Open Spaces, Tights On My Boat, Daddy Lessons/Long Time Gone, Cowboy Take Me Away, Landslide (Fleetwood Mac Cover), Rainbowland (Miley Cyrus Cover), Don’t Let Me Die In Florida, March March, For Her, Everybody Loves You, White Trash Wedding, Not Ready to Make Nice, Goodbye Earl.
Rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of metalheads as Pantera, accompanied by Lamb of God and Child Bite, electrified the St. Joseph Health Amphitheater. The weather may have been gloomy, but the atmosphere inside the amphitheater was ablaze with energy, thanks to the raw power of the bands and a few unexpected surprises.
Lamb of God.
Lamb of God’s electrifying set energized the crowd and set the stage for an unforgettable night. With a blistering start, the band launched into “Momento Mori,” a track that immediately established their intent to dominate the stage. Each note resonated with precision, a testament to Lamb of God’s seasoned prowess.
The intensity never wavered as the band seamlessly transitioned from one hit to another. “Ruin” ignited a frenzy in the audience, while the ever-popular “Walk With Me In Hell” united voices in a melodic roar. The setlist was meticulously crafted to showcase Lamb of God’s versatility, as evidenced by the seamless shift to “Now You’ve Got Something To Die For,” which delivered a fierce social commentary amidst the sonic onslaught.
“Omens” brought a modern edge to the performance, highlighting the band’s evolution without compromising on their core aggression. Lamb of God’s stage presence was captivating, with vocalist Randy Blythe’s raw energy feeding off the crowd’s enthusiasm.
Lamb of God.
As the rain persisted, Lamb of God’s set reached its zenith with “Redneck.” The pit erupted into a tumultuous sea of movement, and the crowd’s interaction with the band reached its peak. The shared experience of relentless headbanging and cathartic release transformed the weather’s adversity into a unifying force.
Pantera, known for their ferocious live performances, took the stage by storm, proving once again why they are hailed as legends in the metal world. Despite the absence of original drummer Vinnie Paul and guitarist Dimebag Darrell, the lineup alterations did not detract from the band’s intensity. With Phil Anselmo’s commanding presence and the bass prowess of Rex Brown, the crowd was treated to a spectacular display of Pantera’s iconic sound.
The inclusion of guest guitarist Zakk Wylde, known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, and drummer Charlie Benante from Anthrax injected a fresh dynamic into the performance. Their chemistry with the band members was evident as they seamlessly integrated into Pantera’s lineup.
The setlist, spanning Pantera’s illustrious career, left no fan disappointed. Kicking off with a thunderous rendition of “A New Level,” the crowd was instantly captivated. The hits kept coming, with “I’m Broken” and “Walk” inciting frenzied mosh pits and headbanging that defied the rain. Phil Anselmo’s voice, as potent as ever, delivered the raw emotion that has defined Pantera’s music for decades.
Pantera.
The evening’s climax arrived with the finale. “Cowboys From Hell” resonated through the amphitheater, reminding everyone why this song is a metal anthem. The roaring crowd demanded more, leading to an unforgettable encore of “Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit.” The sheer energy of the band and the audience’s fervor forged a connection that transcended the weather’s challenges.
Pantera’s performance was a reminder of their enduring legacy, an echo of a bygone era of metal that still resonates powerfully with fans today. The band’s ability to unite the audience, even in the face of rain, showcased their unwavering impact on the metal community.
Lamb of God Setlist: Momento Mori, Walk With Me in Hell, Resurrection Man, Ditch, Now You’ve Got Something to Die For, Omens, Ruin, Contractor, Laid to Rest, Redneck
Pantera Setlist: A New Level, Mouth for War, Strength Beyond Strength, Becoming, I’m Broken, Suicide Note Pt. II, 5 Minutes Alone, This Love, Fucking Hostile, Cemetary Gates, Planet Caravan(Black Sabbath cover), Walk, Domination/Hallow, Cowboys From Hell, Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit
In what’s become a bit of a Saratoga summer tradition, it was another ‘boot scootin’ boogie’ of a good time when the Zac Brown Band brought their “From The Fire” tour to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Aug.13.
Playing two sets of crowd-pleasing favorites, the memorable performance also included guest sit-ins galore and a plethora of unexpected cover songs from artists like Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and The Band. Proving they are anything but your “typical” country rock superstars, the genre-defying crossover juggernaut led by Brown had something for everyone and cemented why they are considered one of today’s top live acts and party atmosphere you can count on.
The Zac Brown Band performing at SPAC on 8/13/2023. Photo by Zak Radick.
After getting the night started with stellar sets from a pair of kings, the up-and coming Nashville act King Calaway and Southern blues powerhouse rocker Marcus King, the highly prolific, Grammy Award winning Zac Brown Band took the Broadview Stage at SPAC shortly after 8 pm. Opening up the curtains to the show in dramatic fashion, “Make This Day” had the crowd on their feet and singing along to the very first note. Accompanied by a backing entourage of talented musicians Brown referred to as “the best in the business,” the collective sound of everyone playing together was massive inside the packed pavilion, overpowering the singing of the audience, both inside and on the lawn, who just seemed to be savoring every second of the show.
The Zac Brown Band performing at SPAC on 8/13/2023. Photo by Zak Radick.
Playing some of their most well-known material in the first set that included “Knee Deep,” “Keep Me In Mind,” “Where the Boat Leaves From” and a laidback version of “Free” that segued nicely into Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic,” ZBB would also show massive respect to the handpicked opening act King Calaway by covering one of their songs, “When I Get Home.” Following that up with another cover song about home, the Atlanta, GA-based group then unleashed a high-octane, foot stomping fiddle clinic with their take of the Charlie Daniels Band classic, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”
After working their way through “Tomorrow Never Comes” and “Same Boat,” one of the emotional high points of the night came next with a lovely tribute to Robbie Robertson of The Band who passed away just a few days earlier. Known for regularly working various songs from The Band’s storied catalog into their live shows, on this Sunday night in August, ZBB opted to go with a cover of “The Weight.” The clear influence of the Saugerties icons was on full display here and was palpable. Following an extended drum and percussion solo next, “Jump Right In” would have fans jumping for joy before heading to the concession stand for a short break in the music.
The Zac Brown Band performing at SPAC on 8/13/2023. Photo by Zak Radick.
Kicking off the second set with the opening track of 2015’s Jekyll + Hyde, the pop energy of “Beautiful Drug” instantly got the crowd moving again, before Southern blues guitarist and all-around ‘goodfella’ Marcus King would join in on the party by lending his incredible talents to a cover of Derek and the Dominos’ classic anthem “Layla.” The sweet sounds of “Sweet Annie,” was next, followed by “Whiskey’s Gone,” and “As She’s Walking Away,” before another standout of the night came in a version of “Colder Weather” that dipped its toes into Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” territory before going into the popular ZBB original tune “Toes.”
Keeping the “cover-heavy” theme of the night going strong, I don’t think anyone expected the pair of selections that came next. First reassuring anyone who might be experiencing their first Zac Brown Band show that they do, in fact, belong there was “Creep” from Radiohead’s legendary debut album Pablo Honey, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The next surprise was that of U2’s stadium-sized sing-along “With Or Without You” that saw the whole crowd doing their best Bono impressions. Following it up with a smash hit sing-along of their own, the Zac Brown Band original song “Homegrown” all but brought the packed SPAC house down, leaving fans hollering for more as the second set came to a close.
The Zac Brown Band performing at SPAC on 8/13/2023. Photo by Zak Radick.
Returning to the Broadview Stage with big smiles and time for a few more, Zac Brown Band went ‘around the horn’ so to speak, playing an impressive country-styled mashup of songs that gave each member of the band ample time to bask in the spotlight. Weaving in and out of songs like a well-oiled machine, the medley alligatored together through “Mountain Music”>”Chattahoochee”>”All My Ex’s Live In Texas”>”Fishing In The Dark”>”Callin’ Baton Rouge”>”Family Tradition”>”Boot Scootin’ Boogie”>”I Will Always Love You”>”Here’s a Quarter” and finally concluded with the crowd pleasing “Friends In Low Places.” Met with an absolutely rousing ovation, it was clear that fans not only wanted one more song from ZBB, they needed it. Happy to oblige and send everyone home happy, Zac Brown Band would conclude another year’s stop in Saratoga Springs with the song that started it all for them, “Chicken Fried.”
The Zac Brown Band performing at SPAC on 8/13/2023. Photo by Zak Radick.
After a few days of rest, the “From the Fire” tour picks back up on Aug. 19 with a highly anticipated performance at Boston’s Fenway Park, followed by a pair of already sold out shows in Gilford, NH. Fans in the New York/New Jersey area won’t need to wait long to get their next fix of ZBB though. They will play in Atlantic City on Sept. 1, followed by a pair of dates at the Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh.
Zac Brown Band
Set 1: Make This Day, Knee Deep, Keep Me In Mind, Where the Boat Leaves From, When I Get Home [1], The Devil Went Down to Georgia [2], Free > Into the Mystic [3], Tomorrow Never Comes, Same Boat, The Weight [4], Drums, Jump Right In.
Set 2: Beautiful Drug, Layla [5], Sweet Annie, Whiskey’s Gone, As She’s Walking Away, Colder Weather>Wish You Were Here [6], Toes, Creep [7], With Or Without You [8], Homegrown.
Encore: Mountain Music>Chattahoochee>All My Ex’s Live In Texas>Fishing In The Dark>Callin’ Baton Rouge>Family Tradition>Boot Scootin’ Boogie>I Will Always Love You>Here’s a Quarter>Friends In Low Places [9], Chicken Fried.
The Indigo Girls will perform at the “Raising the Bar Benefit Concert” at Capitol Theatre on Nov. 3. The Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC) hosts the event each October as it commemorates Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Amy Ray and Emily Saliers
Consisting of Emily Sailers and Amy Ray, the Indigo Girls are one of the most iconic acts in folk music. The pair has released 16 studio albums and sold over 15 million records. In 1990 the duo earned a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album with their self-titled project Indigo Girls. The opening track on the album, “Closer to Fine” has gone on to solidify itself as one of the most popular songs in folk music.
Along with their successful music career, the Indigo Girls are widely recognized for their social and political activism. Champions of LGBTQ+ rights and protecting the environment, the group has incorporated their advocacy into both their music and shows.
We are thrilled and honored to have the Indigo Girls perform for our benefit concert to raise awareness about domestic violence.
Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director for PWJC.
The Pace Women’s Justice Center is a non-profit legal center located at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law. The organization provides free legal services to over 3,500 victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. PWJC also hosts and participates in hundreds of training and outreach events.
Capitol Theatre
Each October, the nonprofit honors an individual who has dedicated themselves to supporting the PWJC mission and its clients with the Making a Difference Award. This year PWJC selected Daniel Seymour, President of Cannae Advisors LLC.
The Raising the Bar Benefit Concert is a nod to PWJC’s mission to increase access to justice and to provide free legal services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The funds raised will allow PWJC to continue helping their clients on their journeys toward empowerment and healing.Click here for information on individual tickets and sponsorships.
Federico Aubele has officially announced his seventh studio album Time Drips On My Bed which is set to be released to audiences on Oct. 13. Alongside the exciting announcement, the Brooklyn-based Argentine singer/songwriter has decided to give fans a sneak peek of the project by simultaneously dropping the first track on the album, “What We Lost” with an official music video.
To say Aubele is an experienced artist and individual would be an understatement as the singer, born and raised in Buenos Aires, has immersed himself in cultural hubs all over the world by residing in Berlin, Barcelona, and now Brooklyn. With each move and experience, the artist has taken musical and life lessons with him which have been instilled in his almost two-decade long career, fusing the sounds of each city and various genres including electronica, acoustic guitar, flamenco, and so much more.
Aubele’s upcoming album, coming out a little over a year after his sixth The Holographic Moon, will see the singer diving deeper into his past. After suffering the loss of his father in 2021, Aubele found himself reflecting on his home city of Buenos Aires and how it shaped who he is today. By tapping into his first album, Gran Hotel Buenos Aires, utilizing 2000s drum beats, melodica, Moog synth, and his unique baritone vocals, the album grew legs and began to run. It was this careful submersion into his grief and early life that ultimately served as the catalyst for his newfound creativity, allowing him to accept his past and build the foundation of his latest project.
“We’re constantly evolving and changing, which means analyzing, understanding and accepting aspects of our past,” Aubele shares. “If we don’t do that, what we need to process starts spilling into our present, preventing us from fully reaping its benefits and appreciating where we are.”
Perfectly expressing this theme, the first track on the album, “What We Lost” is available everywhere now along with an official music video directed by Federico Aubele himself. The song itself, backed by a looping drum beat, explores the love gained and lost in relationships of all kinds, and how when they live on in memories, they can enable one’s growth or hinder it. Although Aubele’s shaky and breathy vocals may be an acquired/specific taste for listeners, his message stays strong. The artist explains that the song is meant to express the shared phenomena of how humans are “inclined to recreate, consciously or subconsciously, those moments that moved, transformed and defined us.”
The video is dreamy in its own right as it is shot throughout Brooklyn and includes countless images meant to enhance the meaning of the song including the trees of Prospect Park and visuals that resemble a flashback reel.
The Brooklyn-based group salamander has made galant strides forward in their musical journey as they have recently released a new single, “xylem,” on top of announcing their debut LP. The LP titled, [container], is an eleven track project set to be released later this Fall on Oct. 18.
salamander is dynamic trio, originally formed by songwriters PJ Hunter and Leo Frampton in 2019, adding in drummer Ben Verde two years later. The band takes improvisation and raw emotion to form an interesting-sonic sound that struggles to be placed in the confines of any genre. In a similar style, their songwriting process is fluid and highly collaborative, with many arrangements, structured ideas, and lyrics coming from multiple members of the band. While some songs, such as “wildfire” and “xylem,” have lyrics and chords written mostly by one of the band members, other songs such as “ride” and “wave” were written in full collaboration.
“xylem” is the second track the band has released from [container] following their previously dropped track “ride.” The new song has a hypnotic and distilled pop beat and melody that blends into the moody vocals of the group. The lyrics themselves, coming mostly from band member Frampton, express haunting ideas surrounding the inevitability of death and trying to grapple and make peace with them saying, “I love this place, I want to be somewhere else/I love this place/We are going somewhere else.”
“This song sprouted from the way I have made peace with this fear, trying to see my own life and generation as part of a cycle bigger and smaller than myself,” Frampton explains. “I wrote the lyrics during springtime, which is the essence of the chords as well. I like the idea that people can interpret ‘place’ differently, zoomed in or out as far as they like.”
The writing process of “xylem” was completely unique with melodies being created by Frampton and Hunter, guitar tones and a resonating mood being brought by Cody Zusman, and production being put together by Carlos Hernandez, among various other hands and voices in the mix. The new song comes with an artistic video visualizer created by Linnea Nugent.
The single is now available on Spotify, YouTube, and all DSP’s.
[container] Track List
01. boomerang 02. xylem 03. unnamed thing 23 04. wildfire 05. unnamed thing 23.1 06. the label 07. instrumental believers 08. ride 09. images 10. wave 11. the 100th meridian
