The Tea Party, a Canadian rock band formed in 1996 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada started their fall 2023 tour in Buffalo on Oct 13, to a sold-out crowd at the famous Town Ballroom.
The evening began with an intimate VIP acoustic set from the band to a crowd of steadfast fans on the Oxford Pennant stage of the Town Ballroom. This smaller stage worked well for this intimate VIP crowd of around seventy people. A handful of stories from the road along with the songs played made the moment quite special.
The opening act, Human Kebab, a Canadian DJ from Stouffville, Ontario, Canada began the night in the main ballroom in support of The Tea Party by spinning and mixing many genres of high-energy music, including, but not limited to Hip-Hop, Rock, Alternative, Electronic and more.
For the main event, fans of The Tea Party lined up early for night one of this two-night run at the Ballroom as to make sure to get a great spot as close to the stage as possible for what would be an evening they would not soon forget.
As the house lights went down and the walk-on music started, the sold-out crowd erupted with cheers and applause. The energy was high from the beginning all the way to the end of the show with everyone in attendance hanging on to every word sung, and every note played throughout the night.
Setlist: The River, the Bazaar, Psychopomp, Fire in the Head, The Messenger, Black River, Heaven, Save Me, Release, Temptation Encore: Sister Awake
Junior Jerry Jam, a Western New York non-profit committed to raising money and awareness to support local non-profits and community organizations through family friendly live music events, will host a fundraiser for Hospice of Buffalo with Sam Grisman Project performing live at Buffalo Iron Works. This special event begins at 11am on Saturday, October 21, with doors opening at 1030am.
Sam Grisman Project is an exciting and innovative musical venture from Sam Grisman, along with bandmates Ric Robertson, Aaron Lipp, and Chris J. English, all paying tribute to the legacy of Sam’s father “Dawg” and his collaboration with Jerry Garcia. This afternoon, the group will be recreating the amazing soundtrack of the 1993 album Not for Kids Only.
With the belief that Buffalo is truly the City of Good Neighbors, Junior Jerry Jam will donate all proceeds from the show to Hospice of Buffalo, a distinguished organization committed to providing compassionate end-of-life care.
This show allows families and fans of Grisman and Garcia, to indulge in the musical talents of the Sam Grisman Project, as well as contribute to the invaluable work of Hospice of Buffalo, supporting those in need during their most vulnerable moments. This incredible musical experience will make a meaningful impact on the Buffalo commurtnity.
Tickets for Sam Grisman Project will be available at the door at Buffalo Iron Works, or reserve your place by email via juniorjerryjam.org.
You may know Kat Wright from her big bombastic soul band, which numbered seven to nine members. But in a carryover from the pandemic, when she and a couple of bandmates took to playing in a smaller and “safer” format, they have been playing out as just a trio. Wright, joined by bassist Josh Weinstein and guitarist Bob Wagner, blew through from Vermont to Rochester to play an Honest Folk show at Good Luck on October 8.
A native of Penfield, Kat Wright was coming home again after attending, and playing at, her brother’s wedding just a few weeks prior. But this was her first headlining show in her hometown since before the pandemic, only returning for opening spots for the Wood Brothers just before the world shut down and for Ryan Montbleau Band this past summer.
On a cold and rainy Sunday, the crowd packed into the intimate space at Good Luck. Settled on the stage set between two brick walls that acted as a hearth, the band was like a glimmering flame, keeping the room cozy and warm.
The kindling was sparked with a beautiful cover of CSN’s “You Don’t Have to Cry” that allowed the band to immediately showcase its wonderful three-part harmonies. Then it was on to the original “You Have Problems,” a swinging number about that special someone who bugs you. They stoked the fire, keeping the flames alive and burning, with a mix of old tunes, new tunes from a forthcoming album, and a solid bundle of covers.
The originals rarely carried vestiges from any possible big band arrangement, sounding comfortable wearing the clothing of a three-piece folk band. When given the opportunity, Wagner’s guitar worked in some brilliant lines, while Weinstein held steady and eternally interesting grooves. Wright’s powerful voice could easily carry the music on its own, but when joined by her band mates sparks really flew. One of the new ones, “Mind Games” was described as their version of “Jolene.”
They also sprinkled in plenty of tunes that weren’t just referential to others’ music, but actual covers. Though on the whole, their covers were more like interpretations, throwing their own spin on the material. Recognizing a subtle hint of the Everly Brothers’ “Cathy’s Clown” in Harry Nillson’s “Walk Right Back,” they more overtly mashed the two together, including an ever so slight nod also to Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon,” resulting in what they referred to as a musical turducken.
The second set started up with their take on Big Brother and the Holding Company’s “Piece of My Heart,” reworking it so it sounded more like a Paul Simon song. In the encore they took another instantly recognizable song, Pink Floyd’s “Breathe” and again simmered it down to bare bones folk song, keeping the crow completely rapt. Sometimes a crowd is engaged by singing along at the top of their lungs. Here, though most everyone knew all of the words, the audience sat agape and silent. As the last echoes of sound lifted, the flame of a Sunday night fire turned to smoke and memories.
Wren Cove, a Rochester area-based duo, is set to hold a residency at Rochester’s Red White and Brew. A fusion of cello and acoustic guitar musicianship, Wren Cove is a unique collaboration with upcoming new music next year.
Wren Cove cites serendipity as the basis of their musical collaboration. Founding members Melissa Davies and Andrew Cloninger met in the studio, and began their musical journey, writing music and playing shows in the Rochester area.
The group’s first EP, Trees, released in August 2022 alongside Basement Factory Music. Wren Cove will enter the studio in January to begin work on their sophomore release, a full length LP entitled Movement, slotted for release in 2024.
In addition to his musical ventures, Wren Cove guitarist Andrew Cloninger recently released a narrative poetry collection titled C5-C6, following and describing his experience becoming disabled from a spinal injury. The book released on October 6 with Atmosphere Press. Through the collection, he explores self-discovery and definition within the context of disability and personal growth. C5-C6 is available on Amazon.
Wren Cove will play at Red White and Brew in Rochester every second Friday of the month, including October 13, November 10, and December 8. A full list of upcoming dates is available below and at wrencovemusic.com.
October 13 – Rochester, NY – Red, White & Brew
November 4 – Ithaca, NY – The Downstairs
November 11 – Rochester, NY – Red, White & Brew
December 8 – Rochester, NY – Red, White & Brew
December 29 – Honeoye, NY – Birdhouse Brewing Company
Well before the doors to Essex opened on Friday night, a line rounded the corner and the energy was palpable. Not only would Rochester be gaining its first glimpse of a much-anticipated brand-new live music venue, Essex, but the lucky ones with tickets would also bear witness the return to a local stage to their now internationally revered darling Danielle Ponder. It was the first night of a sold-out two-night stand for the blooming soul-singing star.
As for Essex itself, entry was easy and efficient. The main area is nearly square, with four load-bearing posts defining an ideal center viewing area. This middle area was fairly packed up until about three-quarters back, with plenty of room to be found on the outer edges. Two easily-accessible bars resided in the back corners, selling a variety of beer, wine and liquor. The walls were painted black brick, with black curtains lining the back wall. Subtle downlighting surrounded the posts and walls, keeping the area well enough lit without distracting from the stage. The stage was intimately low but high enough to see from the back, and was well-lit with a variety of LEDs behind and in front. Two large TVs flanked the stage about a quarter way back. With private individual bathrooms, no one of any sexual orientation will be waiting more than any other.
Ponder took the stage solo, sitting with an acoustic guitar, just as she did twenty years ago when she was first giving the solo musician thing a whirl down the road at Java’s Cafe. Harking back to her very beginnings, she sang one of the tunes she sang then, “The Passion” by Lauryn Hill. Contrasting that immediately, she gave the crowd a glimpse of the future, and a glimpse of her songwriting process, playing “Thoughts,” a song dedicated to those struggling with self doubt, for the first time live, raw and unfiltered.
From there, her band entered, and it was back to the material the world has been falling in love with, “Some of Us Are Brave,” “The Only Way Out,” “So Long,” and more from her breakout hit album, and others from further back like “Be Gentle,” and “Holding Me Down.”
During “Someone Like You,” another Rochester legend, Grammy-winning saxophonist Jimmy Highsmith Jr. came out to add some of his signature horn work. She didn’t let him leave the stage without letting everyone know how instrumental Highsmith was in nurturing her career. As a young artist she attended one of his shows and asked for his advice. He sat with her and her band for over an hour encouraging them and giving them hope that people from Rochester could definitely “make it.”
She closed with her show-stopping rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep.” Thom Yorke may have abandoned it, but Ponder can now claim ownership with what must certainly be the best version of the song out there. She explained that she premiered the song years ago at the tiny UUU Art Gallery on State Street.
From Highsmith’s inspiration, to Java’s, to UUU Art Gallery, and now to Essex, Ponder connected the dots of her career and Rochester’s instrumental part in it. She explained that whenever she plays she always opens with, “I am Danielle Ponder from Rochester New York!” And after every show, no matter where she is, someone will invariably approach her to tell her that their friend from Rochester told them to see her.
Years from now, when the long-standing institution Essex is celebrating it’s own 50th anniversary, here’s a bit of trivia: the first artist to grace the stage was actually Chi the Realist, who opened the show. A local budding rap talent, he and his band also delved into history, celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop with his own unique take on the form, amply warming up the stage for Ponder and providing a proper kick-off for the newest hot spot on the block.
Here’s what’s happening in Essex’s immediate future:
10/27 – Essex Halloween Pop Off with DJ Pepi
10/28 – Mothership (The Led Zeppelin Experience)
11/9 – Lucero, with Jason Boland and the Stragglers
People may not always remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel. With only 24 hours in a day – achieving greatness may prove difficult. Anything worthwhile takes time and nobody showcases the rollercoaster ride of life better than Elcamino from Buffalo, a man who believed in himself way before he reached the space he inhabits today.
How did he achieve these magnificent feats? Consistency, dedication to craft and learning from the great individuals that surround him.
Elcamino expresses his artistic license with artwork for, “They Spit on Jesus.”
Biblical Beginnings
Foundationally, his musical prowess stems from a religious background. During one week, he might have attended ten different types of rehearsals since his mother was the choir director. His ability to play bass guitar and the drums correlates mightily within his catalog. Subsequently, he meticulously places parts of a beat exactly where he wants them. Therefore, every song comes out with that type of sound that resonates and creates playback value.
We had a chance to sit down with Elcamino ahead of his Black Soprano Family Records debut album, They Spit on Jesus. Here are a few excerpts from the conversation which took place via Zoom.
Ian Romaker: If anyone listens to Elcamino’s music – they can hear the heart. They could hear the soul in it. No man should have to endure the things that Elcamino has had to endure but yet look at where he is – on the verge of a Black Soprano Family Records album debut.
Elcamino: It’s so crazy too. The album is ridiculous. This some of the best shit ever made by man.
IR: The album is titled, They Spit on Jesus. That’s a wild title in and of itself.
Elcamino: Yeah man it’s definitely wild. You know what’s crazy? You know where I got that name from? My barber gave me that album name while giving me an edge-up.
IR: Oh really?
Elcamino: I said something to him and he was like, “Well hey, they spit on Jesus.”
IR: It’s crazy to think that this is the debut. What goes into making this the debut? For me – a true listener – Don’t Eat the Fruitwas the debut and that thing charted at #13 on iTunes as the first tape you put out.
Elcamino: It did. You know what’s crazy? A lot of people don’t know that. It did. That’s fire that you know that.
IR: Many people have great aspirations. Many people also believe that things are just supposed to happen because they want them. Nothing just falls in your lap – you have to work.
Elcamino: You always wanna stay ambitious, man. Look inside. You have this shit already. Even if you gotta fight through. Find a way. Start a business. Get yourself something to do. If you just sittin’ around with free time – that’s time you could put toward a business or your craft. You always have to use all your time – take advantage of it. Because it’s somebody out there that is moving forward. I tell people all the time – I wake up early as hell. I feel like it’s somebody out there getting money before me. I like to get money first. All this shit – you got to learn from somebody. Unless you’re one of those people that just know it all. You can’t just be perfect and not willing to learn.
IR: You could never stop learning.
Elcamino: You got a chance at being perfect if you’re willing to learn. Greatness comes from greatness.
TSOJ might be some of the highest quality work that Elcamino has put out to date. Feel free to take a listen here and make sure you stay tuned for when he goes on tour around New York State and the rest of the country.
How great it is to hear these words of wisdom from Elcamino – the most versatile artist on the planet. His vocal range makes him quite the X factor. Anyone under the Griselda umbrella will give you a tough verse – that’s a given. Elcamino will give you the toughest verse, the hardest hook and the smoothest sounds.
Wednesday, October 4th was an unseasonably warm fall evening in Niagara Falls, Ontario, at Fallsview Casino. Keanu Reeves with his band Dogstar staged an outstanding performance that left no one in doubt about the memories it created. There was only one opening act, the group Archer Oh who hailed from the state of California.
Archer Oh
Dogstar consists of Keanu Reeves on bass. Robert Jailhouse on drums and Bret Dormouse on guitar and lead vocals.
As the lights lowered and excitement rose in the crowds, the members of Dogstar made their way into the stage with a powerful force that attracted viewers at first instance. Not only a great actor, Reeves showed himself to be a talented musician. The chemistry in the band was unmistakably good as they shifted from song to another with ease exhibiting their musical talent. The line-up came just at the right time for die-hard fans, who were looking forward to hearing all Dogstar’s old numbers which prompted many to sing and dance along.
Tracks such as ‘Lust’ and ‘Sleep’ were exemplary of a fusion between alternative-rock and grunge elements in the band’s music. The evening was not dull even for a moment. Reeves bass tone was haunting enough to send shakes into the bones of every listener. He interacted with the audience and made it seem as if they were participating in a unique happening.
There was a strong link between the band and its followers, making it possible for a large number of people in the venue to have an intimate environment. When the night finally ended, Dogstar received thunderous applause and shouts of ‘one more’ as they departed the stage. The audience could hardly wait for the encore from the duo who made their way back to finish the night in grand style, giving the audience four more songs.
Dogstar 2023 Tour Dates 10/08 Atlantic City, NJ – Sound Waves at Hard Rock Hotel 10/10 Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre 10/11 New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place 11/30 Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour 12/03 San Francisco, CA – The Great American Music Hall 12/05 Sacramento, CA – Crest Theatre 12/07 Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall 12/08 Detroit, MI – The Majestic Theatre 12/09 Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace 12/11 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg 12/12 Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club 12/14 Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts 12/15 Washington, D.C. – The Howard Theatre 12/16 Norfolk, VA – The NorVa 12/18 Charlotte, NC – The Underground 12/19 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage 12/20 Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl 12/21 Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
In a thrilling collision of musical generations, New York’s own The Heroic Enthusiasts have teamed up with producer Stephen Hague to breathe new life into a timeless classic. Their latest single, ‘Tears Run Rings,’ is a reimagining of Marc Almond’s 1988 hit, and it’s nothing short of a musical revelation.
The Heroic Enthusiasts, a dynamic New Wave duo, take us on a mesmerizing journey into the past with their rendition of ‘Tears Run Rings.’ Guitarist Thomas Ferrara reveals the profound impact that Marc Almond and Soft Cell had on their musical upbringing. “It was a magical awakening—a whole fresh and beautiful world opened up for us in lyrics, instrumentation, and production,” Ferrara explained.
To bring their vision to life, The Heroic Enthusiasts enlisted the expertise of renowned producer Stephen Hague, known for his work with Pet Shop Boys, New Order, and Blur, among others. The result is a rich and textured soundscape featuring layered synth lines and pulsating drum beats.
Hague previously produced the duo’s two EPs, and their collaboration reached new heights with the reimagining of ‘It’s A Sin,’ a chart-topping hit originally produced by Hague for Pet Shop Boys in 1987. Speaking about their collaboration, Hague notes, “So much of what I’m sent these days is basically beats with hooks, but the Heroic’s stuff was a breath of fresh air—I was taken by their songcraft and musicality.”
With ‘Tears Run Rings,’ The Heroic Enthusiasts continue to deliver their emotionally charged brand of New Wave/synth-pop to a global audience. The song captures the essence of their unique musical identity while honoring the artists who inspired them.
The Heroic Enthusiasts’ reimagining of ‘Tears Run Rings’ is a nostalgic journey infused with new energy, showcasing their commitment to preserving the essence of classic hits while infusing them with their distinctive style. As they continue to redefine the New Wave genre, The Heroic Enthusiasts remind us that great music is both timeless and ever-evolving.
Renowned icon Stevie Nicks came to the KeyBank Center on Wednesday, October 4 to a packed crowd. She brought a mixture of sound from her own solo album, covers with signature artists, and of course hits from her Fleetwood Mac days.
Special guest CIL opened up the night with her pop and R&B tunes. At just 20 years old she has taken her music career to new heights. CIL uses her unashamedly songwriting abilities to share her most raw and vulnerable experiences. Her soulful vocals lifted up the crowd for a magical night.
Stevie Nicks is nothing short of a singer-songwriter legend spanning over a decade. She performs with a full stage of band members and mystical lighting. She began the night with “Outside the Rain” showing off that the passage of time has had no effect on her outstanding vocal range. She followed up with Fleetwood Mac’s hit “Dreams” which brought the crowd immediately back to the hippy dippy days.
This tour paid much homage to nostalgia. Stevie brought out her old outfits from decades ago and told countless stories about tour life. She stated that Buffalo has always had a special place in her heart because it’s where she bought her first ever signature top hat. It’s a city she always feels called to return to.
Stevie then played “Gypsy,” which she said was a song that took her back to 1975 when she first felt fame and was no longer poor. Tour life back then meant traveling in a beat up car that couldn’t reverse. After, she brought out her iconic Bella Donna Cape for her performance of “Bella Donna.”
The visuals throughout the show flipped through photos over the years. One montage had both the crowd and Stevie in tears when she closed with “Landslide.” She dedicated the song to Christine McVie who passed almost a year ago. Stevie shared how she always struggled when singing this song after her best friend died. The legendary artist shared with Buffalo “something my Mother would share to me, she always said Stevie when you hurt you always go to the stage. So I’m going to the stage.”
This was a special night in Buffalo that was full of love and remembrance. As Stevie and the band members bowed, people could not stop cheering. The Keybank Center has an exciting up and coming fall schedule. Katt Williams is on stage October 7 and Shania Twain performs October 20. Get your tickets here.
Setlist: Outside the Rain, Dreams, If Anyone Falls, Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around, Fall From Grace, For What It’s Worth, Gypsy, Wild Heart, Bella Donna, Stand Back, Soldier’s Angel, Gold Dust Woman, I Sing for the Things, Edge of Seventeen
The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes will begin their 2023-24 concert season on October 14 at the historic Park Church in Elmira. The opening show will feature a piece by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, titled Overture to L’Amant Anonyme (The Anonymous Lover).
Dubbed the “Black Mozart,” Bologne was a Frenchman of Creole descent whose work has been long overlooked, despite comparisons to many classical figureheads in European history. Bologne is the subject of the feature film, Chevalier, released in April 2023 by Searchlight Pictures.
Prior to the concert, the Park Church will host a screening of Chevalier as part of the Meaningful Movies series. The screening will be on October 12 at 7PM. Guests can RSVP at OSFL.org to save a spot.
In everything we perform this season, we are prioritizing music education for all. Listeners get the most out of live concerts by being informed before arriving at the concert hall. We are offering pre-concert lectures, educational activity packets for all ages, and now a popular option of holding a movie night.
Karen Dusek, Managing Director of the OSFL
The second piece of the concert is an instrumental adaptation of Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw’s “and the swallow.” Originally a choral work based on Psalm 84, the piece has been adapted for orchestra. Finally, Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 will close the show.
The night’s soloist will be OSFL’s principal trumpet, Frank Gabriel Campos, performing the Trumpet Concerto by Hummel. Campos authored the Trumpet Technique method book, used at colleges and universities worldwide, and recently retired from tenure at Ithaca College.
Season ticket packages are still available and include the October 14th concert. Packages also include 3 full-orchestra concerts and 5 concerts in the Musicians’ Choice Chamber Series. Contact the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes office at 607-936-2873 or order online at OSFL.org.
