The sounds of Frank Zappa were in the air on Sunday, March 26, as The Furious Bongos took the stage at The Westcott Theater, in Syracuse.
Based out of Wisconsin, The Furious Bongos are a nine-piece progressive rock band who focus on delivering quality renditions of Frank Zappa songs. The band consists of Lo Marie (vocals, rhythm guitar, Conrad St. Clair (bass guitar, music director), Chris Huntington (lead guitar), Flip Fjellstrom (drums), Zachary Bowers (percussion), Scott Fischer (vocals, keyboard), Jonathan Sindelman (keyboards), Willow Dougherty (vocals), and Vince Szynborski (saxophones).
At promptly 8pm the house lights dimmed and the band took the stage. The theater was quickly filled with the groovy bass notes of the opening number, Chunga’s Revenge. The song built layer upon layer of sound, with each band member joining along until the theater was filled with a symphony of sound.
Through out the evening, the band would perform various songs from the Frank Zappa catalog. Lo Marie, Willow Dougherty and Scott Fischer would delight the crowd with their vocal deliveries, while each band member traded turns putting their musical talents on display. The band’s stage manager, Mike Stehr, would join in the fun, taking lead vocal duties during the Zappa classic, Cosmik Debris. Through out the evening, the audience sang and danced along, even earning muffins from the band to reward their participation.
Through out the two and a half hour set, the band put on display the qualities which made Frank Zappa a legend; complex and diverse musical arrangements along with comical, satirical, and at times racy song lyrics. The band delivered on these concepts with the precision and the eccentric delivery which made Zappa famous. They are a must band see for any music fan.
The Furious Bongos – The Westcott Theater, Syracuse – March 26, 2023
Set 1: Chunga’s Revenge > Zoot Allures > Zomby Woof > Uncle Remus > Let’s Move To Cleveland > Find Her Finer > Heavenly Bank Account > Andy > Inca Roads > Cosmik Debris
Set 2: Dirty Love > Doreen > What’s New In Baltimore > Peaches En Regalia > Montana > Village of the Sun > We Are Not Alone > Advance Romance > Sam with the Showing Scalp Flat Top > Black Page #2 > Hot Plate Crew Slut Heaven > City of Tiny Lites
Encore: The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing > Willie the Pimp
Following up on her successful Dead of Winter Residency singer-songwriter and classically trained harpist Mikaela Davis will be playing a Here Comes Sunshine Residency in May at Upstate locations like Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse, and more.
Mikaela Davis, photo by Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage.
Mikaela Davis is a native of Rochester, navigating folk, rock, and chamber pop in her music. She emerged in the early 2010s showcasing her harp skills with solo covers of indie singer/songwriters, producing her debut album Delivery in 2018. At age eight she began studying classical harp at the Crane School of Music, writing her own songs after that, and touring whenever she wasn’t in school. Since her debut, she has released several singles, including August’s release of “Left Hand Path,” and has shared the stage with Bob Weir, Christian McBride, Bon Iver, and more. She also performs with her band Southern Star, recently recording at the Relix Studio in New York City, releasing an exclusive Relix Studios vinyl.
Davis recently announced she will be playing a Here Comes Sunshine Residency in May in multiple Upstate cities like Ithaca, Buffalo, Albany, and Syracuse, with additional one-off shows in Burlington, VT, and the Rochester Lilac Festival. All residency shows will feature two sets, a mixture of original & Grateful Dead songs. Along with the announcement of these shows, Davis says a brand new album is in the works, to be announced at a later date.
For more information about Mikaela Davis and to buy tickets to her Here Comes Sunshine Residency, visit here.
Mikaela Davis Residency Shows
5/2 – Buffalo NY – 9th Ward at Babeville [Residency Show] 5/3 – Albany NY – Parish Public House [Residency Show] 5/4 – Syracuse NY – Funk n Waffles [Residency Show] 5/5 – Burlington VT – Burlington, VT [Residency Show] 5/7 – Ithaca NY [Residency Show] 5/8 – Ithaca NY [Residency Show] 5/9 – Buffalo NY – 9th Ward at Babeville [Residency Show] 5/10 – Albany NY – Parish Public House [Residency Show] 5/11 – Syracuse NY – Funk n Waffles [Residency Show] 5/15 – Rochester NY – Lilac Festival 5/16 – Buffalo NY – 9th Ward at Babeville [Residency Show] 5/18 – Syracuse NY – Funk n Waffles [Residency Show] 5/19 – Albany NY – Parish Public House [Residency Show]
Ellen Pieroni, a Buffalo based saxophone player, multi-instrumentalist, music educator + promoter, will release her debut album, The Encyclopedia of Soul, Vol. I, on Friday, March 31st at Sportsmens Tavern. The record presents a refreshing brand of smooth-infused soul jazz, for fans of Grover Washington Jr., Freddie Hubbard, King Curtis, and the Crusaders.
Pieroni has been playing the saxophone since she was 8 years old, and has been a sidewoman in a multitude of bands for about a decade, including Folkfaces and Intrepid Travelers, to name a few.
The Encyclopedia of Soul, Vol. I boasts 6 original compositions by Pieroni, as well as two “soul standards”. The sound is driven by earworm melodies and thoughtful improvisation from all members over deep pocket grooves. After a solid year of hitting the pavement as an ensemble, there is an undeniable musical chemistry between the musicians.
“Catch The End” is the debut single from the new album is available now on all streaming platforms, and the digital album pre-order is available for purchase on Bandcamp.
The Encyclopedia of Soul, Vol. I features Adam Bronstein (guitar), James Benders (bass), Tyler James (piano, Fender Rhodes, organ), Isaiah Gethers (drums, auxiliary percussion), as well as Pieroni on saxophone and flute. The album was recorded at GCR Audio in Buffalo and engineered/mixed/mastered by Brad Lauchert.
The album release party will take place on Friday, March 31st at Sportsmens Tavern, presented by Lavender Haze Collective. The band that evening features all of the musicians from the album’s session, better known as the Encyclopedia of Soul or EoS. The show kicks off a mini-tour for EoS, as they will play shows in Syracuse, Rochester, and NYC in the following week.
CDs and vinyl pre-orders of the album will be available for purchase at the show.
Tickets are $10 and are available here and at the door.
What’s the deal with Jerry Seinfeld’s 7 p.m. stand-up comedy show on April 8? Well, this evening will be Seinfeld’s 100th show at The Beacon Theatre in Manhattan. The comic already holds the record for most comedy shows at the theater, thanks to the residency he began in 2016.
Though he is most known for the success of his show “Seinfeld,” Jerry Seinfeld recently released his third book, “Is This Anything?” His new book is a compilation of every bit he wrote and performed since 1975, interspersed by scenes, memories and analysis of each era of his comedy career. Seinfeld’s comedy draws from common mundane activities and finds the absurdity in each, making it widely relatable and light-hearted.
The Beacon feels like home at this point. This is the place for comedy in NYC, and to do 100 shows here as part of this residency is an honor and a testament to the incredible fans who have been selling this place out since we started in 2016.
Jerry Seinfeld
As is clearly seen in “Seinfeld,” Jerry Seinfeld is a native New Yorker and the city has often acted as his muse — prompting jokes and entire plot lines inspired by events he witnessed participating in daily life in NYC. Seinfeld has become an institution in New York, making this historical achievement at an even older and more established New York institution, The Beacon Theatre, fitting.
Since the final episode of Seinfeld aired in 1998, Seinfeld himself has continued to have a successful and prolific career in comedy. In addition to his many solo comedy specials and stand-up shows on both national and international stages, Seinfeld started his web series “Comedians in Cars getting Coffee” in 2012. The show went on to host such high profile guests as President Barack Obama, and it was nominated for numerous Emmy awards and was picked up by Netflix in 2017.
Limited tickets remain for Seinfeld’s 100th show and tickets start at $115. Fans of Seinfeld or Seinfeld can buy them here.
Papadosio just wrapped up a four day tour in the Northeast, stopping in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, New York City, and Bridgeport, CT. For the NYC show, they played at Sony Hall on Saturday, March 25 with 5 A.M Trio as the opener.
5 A.M Trio got the crowd dancing and grooving. The band consists of Sam Andrus, Aaron Harel, and Keith Wadsworth.
Papadosio opened up with “Cubensis.” They displayed their talents through intricate, danceable jams as they weave in and out of grooves. Their captivating visuals greatly accompany their unique sound and leave the audience in a trance like dance for most of the show.
Speaking with some of the members of the band, it seems like their sights are set on sustainability and maintaining healthy family lives.
The Stig Anderson Music Award Foundation has announced its 2023 Polar Music Prize Winners, including a Beninese singer, the founder of a UK record label and a remarkable composer.
This years recipients are Angélique Kidjo, five-time Grammy Award winning Beninese artist and songwriter; Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, one of the UK’s greatest independent record labels, and Estonian Arvo Pärt, the world’s most performed living composer.
Since the inaugural ceremony in 1992, the Polar Music Prize has been renowned as music’s most prestigious honour. The Polar Music Prize (often called the Nobel Prize of Music) is a Swedish international award founded in 1989 by Stig Anderson, best known as the manager of the Swedish band ABBA, with a donation to the Royal Swedish Academy Of Music.
The prize will be presented in Stockholm on May 23rd in the presence of the Swedish Royal Family.
“We are delighted to honor these three Laureates who have all made such a global impact with their music.”
Marie Ledin, Polar Music Prize Director
Previous recipients of the Polar Music Prize include Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Chuck Berry, Ennio Morricone, Led Zeppelin, Patti Smith, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kronos Quartet, Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Metallica, Iggy Pop, Ravi Shankar, Renée Fleming, Miriam Makeba, Wayne Shorter, Sofia Gubaidulina and many more.
Angélique Kidjo
Angélique Kidjo is a five-time Grammy Award winner, a creative force with 16 albums to her name, and was named “Africa’s premier diva” by Time Magazine. Furthermore, the BBC included Kidjo in its list of ‘The Continent’s 50 Most Iconic Figures’. She was included in The Guardian’s ‘Top 100 Most Inspiring Women in the World’, and was the first woman on Forbes’ list of ‘The Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa’.
Angélique travels the world advocating on behalf of children in her capacity as a UNICEF and OXFAM goodwill Ambassador. She has created her own charitable foundation, Batonga, dedicated to supporting the education of young girls in Africa.
Chris Blackwell
Chris Blackwell founded Island Records – the wildly innovative, legendary music label now regarded among the most admired of all time. Island Records is also known for finding exquisite talent from around the world. Chris introduced the most daring and definitive music of our era, with acts like Cat Stevens, Roxy Music, Steve Winwood, Robert Palmer, Nick Drake, Melissa Etheridge, Tom Waits, Grace Jones and Marianne Faithful.
Arvo Pärt
Arvo Pärt’s creative output has played a significant role in the soundscapes of contemporary music since the 1960s. With his unique compositional technique, tintinnabuli, which Pärt invented in 1976, he has deeply affected the course of music over several decades. His works have reached a vast number of listeners, not only via concerts and recordings but also through films and theatrical productions.
You can watch the live broadcast globally via the Polar Music Prize YouTube, from 6pm (CET) on May 23rd.
Brooklyn was the last stop on the band’s debut North American tour before it was shuttered in early 2020, only performing twice. Since then, they have played all across Europe and the UK, finally making their way back overseas this month, hot off the release of their self-released (on Human Season Records) second album, Gigi’s Recovery, this past January.
Much like the album, the show brought a fully realized, introspective post-punk set with dynamic energy that elevated the record for the 650-capacity venue.
The show started with For Everything, the brooding opener off their debut album, When I Have Fears, which released in 2019.
They continued on at a monstrous pace, invoking a few raucous mosh pits, making it to a newer track, Return My Head and onto More Is Less.
There were moments of Radiohead imbued with Bauhaus, sharing a great polyphonic relationship between both guitars and bass, with the drums driving the rhythm amidst every harsh snare hit, most notably in the 2-part song, Slowdance I+II. Frontman James McGovern’s poetic lyricism gracefully complemented every movement, switching between thunderous bellows and spoken pieces.
The North American Gigi’s Recovery Tour continues through April, where the band will make a surely momentous visit to California’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, followed by a few other international festival appearances throughout the rest of the Summer.
The Murder Capital | Music Hall of Williamsburg | Brooklyn, NY | March 28, 2023
Setlist: For Everything, Return My Head, More Is Less, The Stars Will Leave Their Stage, Green & Blue, Crying, A Thousand Lives, Gigi’s Recovery, Slowdance I, Slowdance II, We Had to Disappear, Feeling Fades, Only Good Things, Don’t Cling to Life, Ethel
The Jazz Foundation of America will host their annual “A Great Night in Harlem” benefit gala and concert at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 30 to raise funds for the JFA’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund.
Danny Glover, Ann Curry, Jeffrey Wright and Mario Cantone will emcee the event, held at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. “A Great Night in Harlem” will honor musicians considered to have helped define jazz and who have left a meaningful cultural impact through their work in jazz, blues, R&B and soul. In addition to the honorees, musical director Steve Jordan will lead a concert featuring artists such as John Batiste and Betty LaVette.
The event hosts eight honorees this year. The JFA wants to honor Benny Golson to recognize his solo career that followed his rise to prominence touring with Dizzy Gillepsie and Lionel Hampton’s big bands. The founding director and vice chairman of the JFA, Wendy Oxenhorn, will also be honored for her life’s work in offering humanitarian support to jazz musicians. Native New Yorker and 90-year-old Mike Stoller, will also be recognized for his invaluable contribution to mainstream rock and roll and R&B music through his songwriting prowess. And finally, The Titans of Jazz Bass, a group of jazz basists made up of Cecil McBee, Rufus Reid, Larry Ridley, Paul West, Buster Williams and Reggie Workman will be honored as iconic members of the jazz bass tradition.
Steve Jordan is to direct musical performances Jon Batiste, Bettye LaVette, Monty Alexander, Ray Parker Jr., Kenny Barron, Robert Cray and more.
The evening will also include a special tribute to the great composer and pianist Ramsey Lewis, who died in September of last year. Lewis founded the Ramsey Lewis Foundation and Ravinia’s Jazz Mentor Program, and he was on the board of trustees for various music and arts schools, leaving a legacy that will last into the next generation of jazz musicians.
Funds raised through the annual gala will support the Jazz Foundation of America’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund, which provides housing assistance, pro bono medical care, disaster relief and emergency financial support to musicians in need. Tickets for the gala range from $75 to $250, and tickets that include access to the JFA’s exclusive after party start at $500. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show is set to start at 8 p.m. Tickets can be found here.
It was a birthday party like no other on Saturday, March 25th, as members of the Trey Anastasio Band and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead joined forces as LaMP to light up Lark Hall in Albany. The memorable evening of stellar improvisation and infectious grooves was extra special for the venue’s owner, Jennifer Miller. That’s because many of her nearest and dearest friends helped pack the place to capacity in celebration of her turning 50 years young.
FUNGKSHUI kicked off the party at Lark Hall on Saturday, March 25, 2023
Kicking off the festivities with a high energy, fun-fueled set was Asbury Park, NJ young bloods FUNGKSHUI. Pronounced “funk-shway,” the exciting upstarts made the most of the opportunity to share the stage with a few of their musical heroes. Comprised of Jack Reed (guitar), Max Vitale (guitar), Jon Scheps (bass), and Kyle Donovan (drums), the psychedelic funk quartet had Lark Hall moving and grooving from the beginning.
FUNGKSHUI performing at Lark Hall in Albany, NY 3/25/23
With two powerhouse guitar players and an incredibly tight rhythm section, the young band showcased a musical maturity well beyond their years. With irresistible hooks, dynamic soloing, and plenty of room left for improvisation, songs like “Orange Cadillac,” “Sinkhole” and “Blue Rat Bastard” highlighted the set. Clearly grateful to be there, afterwards the band members stuck around to chat with new fans and hand out free stickers, while also managing to create quite a buzz about their upcoming appearance at the nearby Rye Bread Music Festival later this summer. With their debut album also on the way, we expect to hear a lot more from this talented group in the very near future.
Ray Paczkowski, Scott Metzger & Russ Lawton performing together as LaMP at Lark Hall on 3/25/23
After a rain-soaked intermission dampened many a spliff, the party reignited inside with a special performance from the recently revived trio known as LaMP. Made up of Soule Monde/TAB members Russ Lawton on drums and organist Ray “The Milkman” Paczkowski, the time-tested duo was joined by Joe Russo’s Almost Dead/WOLF! guitarist Scott Metzger. The band gets takes its name from the first letters of each members’ surname. Originally debuting in 2018 at Nectar’s in Burlington, Vermont, LaMP released their debut album in the summer of 2020 and to date has only played a handful of gigs together, making each appearance a bit of a novelty and a “can’t miss” affair.
Opening their set with a funky rendition of the title track from 2021’s Mimi Digs It, Metzger immediately fits right in with the guys from Soule Monde. Tastefully adding guitar textures and subtle melodies to the otherwise drum and organ instrumentals, The Milkman, as always, pulled double duty by supplying the bass lines on the lower deck of his vintage Hammond organ. All warmed up and full of smiles, LaMP then cooked up something fresh for the curious cats who still weren’t sure what the band was all about. Pro-shot footage of “Out of Curiosity” has been posted on the band’s Facebook page at the link below, courtesy of our friends at Mirth Films.
Ray Paczkowski, Scott Metzger & Russ Lawton performing together as LaMP at Lark Hall on 3/25/23
The avant-groove compositions continued on with “Hit Return,” “Ollie ‘ 88” and “Hey Francis.” Each song undeniably groovy and each with a different feel, every member had ample opportunity to shine and empty their bag of musical tricks. Following “Seven Days” came one of the biggest highlights of the set in the form of “Q Division.” It was here where guitarist Scott Metzger really let things rip, playing off Paczkowski’s funky Clavinet lines and launching into one of the biggest shreds of the evening. Afterwards, an excited Paczkowski would get on the mic and tell everyone how much he loves playing improvisational music with these guys and that it was for moments just like that. Lightning in a bottle.
Scott Metzger performing with LaMP at Lark Hall on 3/25/23
LaMP would continue socking it to the Lark Hall faithful with “Sock Full,” then an extra greasy rendition of “Bernard,” which saw drummer Russ Lawton in complete command behind the kit. Showcasing a wealth of styles and versatility while diving in-and-out of groove pockets with a cool confidence, Lawton would use every inch of his instrument, at one point even banging on the side walls of his kit, cross-sticking it to great effect yielding a huge pop from the crowd.
LaMP’s Russ Lawton got sound from every inch of the drum kit on 3/25/23
The bumping progression of “Elsie’s River” came next, followed by “Allah Uya,” which had the entire room moving and grooving to the world-beat. “Clipse Dog” would then bring the main portion of the show to a close and leave the audience hollering for more. Happy to oblige, the LaMP trio returned to the stage with some very kind words about the venue, its staff, and to wish it’s owner a very happy 50th birthday. “Tinyland” was chosen as the night’s only encore.
LaMP packed the house at Lark Hall on 3/25/23
Truly masters of the craft, the years of experience and chemistry between these three talented musicians is something rarely seen in a live setting. Seamlessly blending together a myriad of styles and creating a sound that simply couldn’t be replicated by anyone else, it was another special night of music at Lark Hall and a birthday party The Millers will never forget. Not only does Brick Tamland love LaMP, it’s safe to say Albany does too.
Up next, the guys will head downstate for a performance at Brooklyn Bowl on March 30th before returning to Burlington for a pair of sold out shows at Nectar’s this weekend. With each member of the group balancing extremely busy touring schedules with their “other” bands, there’s no telling when fans will get another chance to see LaMP light it up again. If you have the opportunity, I would highly suggest going to see this incredible act while you still can. For those unable to make the trip, free livestreams of both Nectar’s gigs will be available via Volume.com.
LaMP | March 25, 2023 | Albany, NY | Lark Hall
Setlist: Mimi Digs It, Out of Curiosity, Hit Return, Ollie ’88, Hey Francis, Seven Days, Q Division, Sock Full, Bernard, Elsie’s River*, Alla Uya**, Clipse Dog Encore: Tinyland
*Abdullah Ibrahim cover **Ali Farka Toure cover
FUNGKSHUI:
LaMP (Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger and Ray Paczkowski):
The Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY has announced its Main Stage of headliners, groups, and musicians who will appear throughout the two day festival in August 2023.
The festival is scheduled for Friday, August, 25th, and Saturday, August 26th. Visiting for the festival’s twenty-first year will be such jazz luminaries as Randy Brecker, Vincent Herring, James Carter, Benny Benack, III, and more. The festival will also include the tandem performance of vocalist Alex McArthur (JazzBuffalo winner for Jazz Female Vocalist of the Year) and saxophonist John Troy.
The Northwest Jazz Festival lineup, curated by Music Director Tony Zambito, will welcome a lineup of all-stars to the main stage, with two special projects highlighting each day. The festival’s main stage will open with the United States Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble, and close with Jazz supergroup SOMETHING ELSE! performing a powerhouse Soul Jazz Revue. The super group will celebrate and perform classic soul jazz and hard bop songs by Cannonball Adderley, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, and more by an all-star septet ensemble.
Continuing an initiative started in 2017, the Northwest Jazz Festival will once again provide a stage for local youth to shine with performances by Matt’s Vocal Performance Team on the Center Street Stage on Friday, August 25.
For more information on Northwest Jazz Festival 2023 and to purchase tickets, please visit the festival’s website.
