RootsCollider, the ever-popular EDM dance-rock group from Rochester, have announced their 5th annual Rave Against The Machine, this year sporting the Glitch Hop Edition.
The event will take place on November 24 at Rochester’s Photo City Music Hall with rotating music performances from 7PM until late into the night.
The event hosts six performing groups: Sophistafunk, RootsCollider, Subsoil, Éclat Vibes, Junkyard Theory, and Ampbition, in addition to numerous special guests. Appearances will be made by Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Gunpoets, Mosaic Foundation, Personal Blend, The Buddhahood, Helium Bubble and more throughout the night.
The six performing groups will rotate on two stages throughout the night, playing multiple sets each. Headlined by Sophistafunk and RootsCollider, the night will feature all flavors of EDM, hip-hop, fusion rock, and more.
RootsCollider
The Rave night is themed and inspired by the recent Barbie movie, so attendees are encouraged to wear all pink, or dress up at their favorite characters from the hit movie.
Rave Against The Machine is an 18+ event. Tickets are general admission and are available here. The event will take place at Photo City Music Hall in Rochester, NY on November 24 at 7PM.
Ian McCuen’s sixth album and the longest by far, What It Means To Be Young, Sad, and Alone is a melancholy, transcendent record. It opens with the repeated line, “Funny how it feels like an art, the way things always fall apart. But eventually, so it goes, we all die alone.” With this air of self-aware critique, McCuen crafts a soothing, yet gut-wrenching depiction of truly what it means to be young, sad, and alone.
Based in Buffalo, Ian McCuen’s first album came in 2017, with three volumes of Songs of Fleeting Permanence over the next few years. They operate relatively solo, writing, composing, and arranging all their own tracks across a wide range of instruments. What It Means To Be Young, Sad, and Alone includes over nine unique instruments, including a harmonica, saxophone, mandolin, banjo, and the ever-present electric guitar.
The full record, boasting an impressive 20 tracks and amassing 80 minutes, follows a distinct style both musically and lyrically. McCuen creates an ethereal soundscape, with delicate vocals that are whispering and soothing.
The first track on the record, “A Reprise For The Lonely,” acts as an introductory point, both sonically and lyrically, for the rest of the record. However, it creates a strong introduction. The organ-like keyboard commands attention, and the backing vocals and whisper-like spoken word are sad, yet hypnotising.
Another song to pay attention to, “Checkerboard Purgatory,” comes as the 11th track on the record. Halfway through the massive tracklist, it easily gets lost among the masses, but it distinguishes itself with a catchy guitar track.
The 19th track on the record, “Vicissitude (So It Goes),” is an impressive 8 and a half minutes. Its vocals are subtle, whispering, and generally mellow, but the melody takes a minor shift halfway through.
Overall, What It Means To Be Young, Sad, and Alone is truly overwhelmingly sad. However, as a self-described “purveyor of sorrow,” this is exactly what McCuen aims to produce. For those that can indulge in the intense emotional experience of their monumental album, it’s a soothing display of poetry and ambient musicianship.
On Sunday, November 5 at The L in Horseheads, social media sensation and country singer Alexandra Kay took the stage and just like her song ‘She Stayed,’ she left a lasting impression. The atmosphere was energetic as fans from New York, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas gathered to witness a rising star in the world of country music.
Hailing from Illinois, Alexandra’s journey to stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Her passion for music was evident when she auditioned for American Idol back in 2011, showcasing her remarkable talent and captivating voice to a nationwide audience. Since then, she has continued to chase her dreams, captivating audiences with her heartfelt songwriting.
Alexandra Kay’s soulful vocals and compelling stage presence took the audience on a journey through the heart of country. Her songs and collabs have been streamed millions of times on social media. From heartfelt ballads that tugged at heartstrings to lively, boot-stomping anthems, her versatility as an artist was on full display. Each note held raw emotion, and her storytelling ability was nothing short of remarkable.
Kay’s new album, All I’ve Ever Known was just released in October while she is in the middle of her massive headlining tour across the states. All I’ve Ever Known debuted at #1 on both ITunes Country Album and All Genre Charts.
The L provided the perfect backdrop for this memorable evening, with its intimate setting and top-notch sound quality. As the music filled the venue, it was impossible not to get lost in the magic of the moment. Kay shared personal stories, interacted with the crowd, and made everyone feel like they were apart of something bigger while witnessing her performance.
For those who were fortunate enough to be in the crowd, it was a night they won’t soon forget, and for those who missed it, Alexandra Kay’s star is one to watch in the world of country music.
Alexandra Kay – The L, Horseheads, NY – Sunday, November 5, 2023
Setlist: Painted Him Perfect, Backroad Therapy, Tall Boiz, All I’ve Ever Known, She Stayed, I Hate Airplanes, Happy Once, I Kinda Don’t, More Than You, Everleave, How Do We Go, I Can Do Anything Encore: Best Worst Ex, That’s What Love Is, Skip This Part
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, many take a moment to reflect and give thanks for their family and friends. Many will also give thanks to the music community that graces their town. Here are five shows you won’t want to miss in Syracuse this November to help ring in the holiday season.
A star-studded line up of female Central New York musicians share the stage at the Maplewood Inn on Saturday, November 11. Headlined by area favorite Jess Novak, the night will include performances by Sheela Tucker, CNY Songbirds, Liz Fiddle, Sydney Irving, Heather Kubacki, Diana Jacobs, Lisa Romano and many more. See the full line up of musical talent here.
Indie-rockers Deer Tick make their much anticipated return to Homer’s Center for the Arts on Sunday, November 12. Known for their high energy live performances, the folk quartet last played the theater in July 2022. Currently touring in support of their latest release, Emotional Contracts (2023), the band is sure to mix in many favorites from their extensive catalog. Abby Hamilton opens the show.
Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm for this sold out performance.
A unique listening experience will greet concert-goers on Wednesday November 15, as the Rock Orchestra by Candlelight will take stage in Syracuse. Featuring a 14 piece band of classically trained musicians dressed in skeletal costumes, the musicians will perform an assortment of rock and heavy-metal tracks while lanterns and puppets adorn the stage. This musical spectacle is surely one you won’t want to miss.
Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Limited tickets remain available for $88.
It’ll be a homecoming celebration Thanksgiving Eve, as Syracuse indie rock favorite All Poets & Heroes return to the stage in Syracuse. The band relocated to Nashville in early 2023, leading to limited performances in Syracuse. The band, who have drawn sonic comparisons to Radiohead, were winners of the 2023 Syracuse Area Music Award for Best New Single, for their track “Give It To Me Straight”. Syracuse’s The Dirty Doves Band open the show.
Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Tickets start at $13.
New York City soul-pop band Lawrence bring their sounds to the Westcott Theater on November 28. Described as “High-energy, keyboard driven sound, featuring tight, energetic horns, and explosive lead vocals,” the band have been turning heads since a performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2022. Telula opens the performance.
Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Tickets are $30.
Brooklyn pop-rock sensation Razor Braids has released their latest single, “She,” a femme-focused, upbeat pop track that captures the excitement and spontaneity of Sapphic love. Accompanied by a carefree music video portraying a lively party scene, Razor Braids invites us into the vibrant world of queer hookup culture.
“She” isn’t just a song; it’s an anthem for being unapologetically yourself and seizing the opportunity for love. With vocal timbres reminiscent of Carly Rae Jepsen and The Cranberries, “She” offers a fresh take on pop. However, production-wise, the track introduces a rougher edge, echoing the spirit of punk-rock legends such as The Clash and Bikini Kill.
In discussing the themes of “She,” Razor Braids shared, “Letting yourself be present during moments of change or uncertainty is a common thread across our upcoming releases. ‘She’ is such a fun encapsulation of that theme: embracing the unknown and jumping into something that feels good and joyful, and allowing yourself to accept that joy even when fear is also present in that moment.”
Regarding their distinctive sound, Razor Braids explained, “We all grew up in different places and with different musical influences. We’ve learned how to embrace and utilize that within our songwriting. We all bring so many different inspirations to the table: country, folk rock, garage, indie rock, and punk. By tapping into the elements of these genres that we each connect with most, we’ve shaped our music. Connection—connecting with each other and with our audience—is an integral part of our live performance.
“We want everyone to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves when they see us live. That really shines through in the music and lyrics and also with how wild and fun we get on stage.”
The Park Theater in Glens Falls has compiled an exciting November 2023 lineup for the region’s music-goers, as well as announced the second installment of their education initiative, involving local schools to expand music and technology education programs.
November 10 will see the TAKE3 trio at The Park Theater, combining rock and classical music. The group brings their rigorous classical music background, combined with an energetic rock show to music fans.
The Park Theater Foundation will present the Live & Local series, a run of intimate performances by some of the Capital Region’s most beloved singer-songwriters. The Theater will host The North & South Dakotas, an alternative bluegrass band, on November 9, and folk-acoustic Troy group Hold On Honeys on November 30.
In addition, the Park Theater will host the Rochmon Record Club in a series of listening parties. On November 29, the club will focus on Bruce Springsteen’s 1978 record, Darkness on the Edge of Town.
The Third Thursday Jazz series will continue with the Matt Niedbalski Trio on November 16, featuring Matt Niedbalski, Matt Knoegel, and Steven Kirsty playing some of the region’s best jazz programs.
Finally, the Park Theater will welcome Katie Boyle, a NYC-based Irish comedian as part of the Comedy After Dark series. She is the host of The Shift Podcast, and will present her new show, “Terapy,” on her upcoming tour.
In addition to their upcoming shows, the Park Theater Foundation is launching the second installment of their involvement with the Lake George Central School District, beginning on November 7. The program will complement Lake George High School’s existing music program, and bring comprehensive instruction, demonstration, and teaching of audio technology and instruments. The program will involve local musicians, including Matt Niedbalski, Tyler Giroux, Dylan Perillo, and Chris Reed Jr.
For more information and tickets to the upcoming performances, visit parktheatergf.com.
Resilient and powerful are just two words one could use to describe the Cortland-based artist Cloey Tierno. For the past few years she has been battling a rare cancer, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, spending the summer in treatment facilities. Despite these setbacks, she is powering through, holding that same fiery passion for music.
Recently, she has asked for support, launching a Kickstarter to create her sophomore album.
At just 18 years of age, Cloey Tierno has been singing and creating music for as long as she can remember, singing and coming up with lyrics inside countless notebooks. Recording professionally for the first time at the age of 15 with the talented Chris Merkley and Gabe Cummins, her first record i fell in love with the rain brings 14 pop-oriented songs to the table, all written in her bedroom on an acoustic guitar. About the album, Cloey Tierno says “Those songs quickly developed into a fuller potential, musically, than I could’ve given them on my own, and yet simultaneously preserved the organic elements that they possessed when I first wrote them.”
She was nominated for a SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music Award) the following year for Best Pop Recording of 2023, winning at the end of the night. “It gave me such validation for what I’d created and encouragement to continue finding success in what I loved doing more than anything else,” she said. Finding inspiration in arts like Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, and Maisie Peters, Cloey Tierno says that these artists integrate writing, the foundations of it, production, and vocal delivery in a beautiful manner, a manner that she finds herself repeatedly connecting with.
The music I write is just a poetically honest reflection of where my head or my heart is at as I’m writing it, or sometimes it’s just me trying to more deeply understand an experience that, at the time, I couldn’t fully grasp. It’s also important to me to create a final product that exudes relatability and something raw and authentic. Ultimately, I strive to share lyrics and storytelling that I put a piece of myself into and am truly proud of, and that somebody listening to those results also happens to find a piece of themselves in it, too.
Cloey Tierno.
Dealing with chemotherapy treatments hasn’t been easy, but she has concluded the majority of the treatments. About the diagnosis, she said, “What I can tell you is that when I chose to navigate it with intention and openness, it grew to be one of the loudest voices in my songwriting and a guiding factor to both my attitude and my creativity. That integration between the world of art and the world of spirituality is something that I believe has strengthened all the music I have created since and will continue to create, for the better.”
Looking to the future, she is running a Kickstarter campaign to be able to financially support the making of her second studio album. It’s an all-or-nothing approach, meaning she must make the full amount she is pledging or else she won’t be able to produce the album. She wants to demonstrate how she has grown as both a human and as an artist since her first album release and has more important things to say.
You can support Cloey by donating to her Kickstarter, and streaming her music on Spotify or Apple Music.
The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 will take place on December 26 at The Middle Ages Brewing Beer Hall. With various performances from modern blues artists, the concert will also commemorate past artists that had a lasting effect on the entirety of the blues genre, including Savoy Brown, Kim Simmonds, Ann Peebles, and Skip James.
The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert is an annual event held the day after Christmas. A series of 10 GREAT Salt City BLUES Concerts will be presented. This is concert #7, and each concert has been performed in front of a full capacity audience.
Previously held at The Palace Theatre in Syracuse, The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 will be a held at one of the Salt City’s newest venues, The Middle Ages Brewing Beer Hall— a new 8,000 square-foot area reserved for music and events on the second floor of the Middle Ages Brewing Co.
Every one of The Great Salt City BLUES Concerts is unique and never to be repeated, with a changing line-up of performers featuring some of the area’s greatest musicians. Each concert is a thematic show honoring some of our greatest Blues Artists with participating musicians chosen specifically because they are best fitted for the show.
This year, the GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 will be paying a special tribute to Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown, the Blues/Rock institution formed in London, England in 1965 by band leader and guitarist, Kim Simmonds.
Savoy Brown was a big part of the British Blues boom of the 60‘s, along with Fleetwood Mac, Cream, John Mayall, and the Bluesbreakers, The Yardbirds and a host of other U.K. bands that brought the Blues back to popularity in both Europe and the United States.
Savoy Brown was a huge touring concert attraction in the States after breaking out in Detroit on their first U.S. tour in 1969. They stayed based in London until the late 70’s when Kim Simmonds moved to the States where Savoy Brown’s popularity was the greatest. The late 80’s found Kim moving to the Central New York area and finally settling down in Oswego after marrying Oswego native Debbie Lyons. Together, they resided in Oswego while raising a daughter, Eve Simmonds. Kim lived in Oswego until his untimely passing on December 13th, 2022.
Kim Simmonds was a big part of the Central New York music scene and often employed many local area musicians in the ever changing line-up of Savoy Brown. These included such local legends as former Kingsnake, Pete McMahon, vocalist extraordinaire Joe Whiting, the late drummer Dave Olsen of The Robert Cray Band fame, as well as bass player Pat DeSalvo and drummer Garnet Grimm, the latter two still being members of Savoy Brown at the time of his passing and the rhythm section of Savoy Brown the last two decades. Grimm and Whiting will also be taking part in the GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 paying tribute to their former band mate.
Savoy Brown’s legacy will continue to live on with a catalog of over 40 albums recorded, including two albums on Baldwinsville’s Blue Wave label, who also released three of Kim’s solo albums. With his hand print enshrined on Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame, Kim Simmonds will always be considered one of the greatest Blues/Rock guitarists of all-time.
The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 will also be paying tribute to Memphis Soul’s great Ann Peebles, who is best known for writing and singing the classic hit song, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” made most popular by Tina Turner in 1984. Ann Peebles retired from touring after suffering a stroke in 2012. Vocalists Marcia Hagan and Donna Colton will be handling the vocals on seven of Ann’s greatest songs at the GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7.
On the acoustic stage, The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 will pay tribute to the Delta Bluesman Skip James, a Blues Hall of Fame artist who recorded in the 1930’s and continued to record in the Blues revival of the 60’s after being rediscovered. Skip James passed in 1969, but his songs live on, including his often covered gems, “I‘m So Glad“ (covered most famously by Cream), “Devil Got My Woman,” and “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues.” Woodstock native and New York Blues Hall of Fame artist, Elly Wininger, will be performing four of Skip James’ classics at The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 .
The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 participating musicians are:
Tas Cru
Morris Tarbell
Mark Doyle
Joe Whiting
Mark Westers
Donna Colton
Marcia Hagan
Rolland Brunet
Dan Morison
Jeff Stockham
Rod Zajak
Garnet Grimm
Don Williams
Dave Schneider
Rob Hoston
Mira Grimm
Scott Ebner
Elly Wininger
Tickets available online at ticketweb.com. They are $30.00 advance / $40.00 at door (if available), and went on sale November 1.
For more information, visit their website or follow The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert on Facebook.
Indie punk band The Vigilance Committee has released their newest LP Coming Home– the band’s first LP since their historical concept record, Exit a Hero, released way back in April 2015.
The Vigilance Committee is what it is because of Peter J. Scoma (guitar/vox), Phil Corso (drums), Christian Cepeda (guitar), and Adam James Tomlinson (bass). Their latest releases since their other album, Exit a Hero, include their single “Reflections III” and the activism-driven EP “Join Us.”
Their newest release, Coming Home, features 10 emotionally charged songs that the band crafted during quarantine at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While all songs are impactful, with specially crafted lyrics and perfected blends of electrifying punk and indie, there are some songs that particularly stand out: “It Was Dawn,” “Beacon,” “Hive Mind,” “Oakfield,” “Unanchored,” and “My Body (Moved But My Mind Stayed There).”
Most of the album consists of upbeat punk, but some slow back down, letting The Vigilance Committee’s indie side shine through. One such example is “Hive Mind” which is slower than the other songs, and slightly more relaxed. This song in particular shows The Vigilance Committee’s versatility– but they hit you with a perfectly crafted electric guitar solo in the middle. The lyrics themselves are equally as powerful, and stay true to the title. The song is about questioning our everyday lives– the “hive mind” mentality. This song begs the question: are we making our life choices with intent, or are we just going through the motions?
Some of the most powerful, emotional lyrics are toward the end, showcasing the rage that many people in society face today due the decisions of those in control, such as government officials. “This is not the world that they sold us // Empty promises // A fire burns. // All we want is to be heard.”
Another powerful song is “My Body (Moved But My Mind Stayed There).” This song is more somber and relies on the instrumentals due to the few (but impactful) lyrics and angelic vocals.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra presents “Faces of Joy” this November, an exhilarating concert of joyful classical works, both old and new.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra is the Southern Tier’s largest and longest-serving symphony orchestra. Today, the Binghamton Philharmonic serves 10,000+ people annually through innovative, engaging, and affordable programming– connecting professional musicians with audiences to stimulate the economy, and expand music’s possibilities for a broad listenership– within and beyond the concert hall.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra will feature a guest piano soloist Andrew Russo, a musician known for his diverse interests from business to music.
A Syracuse native, Russo graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School and spent his early years studying with William Goodrum and Steven Heyman. He earned his bachelor and master degrees at The Juliard School, followed by post-graduate studies in Leipzig and Paris with pianist/alternative pedagogue Frederic Chiu. He has performed in many of the world’s cultural capitals including Paris, London, Moscow, Rome, Brussels, Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Buenos Aires.
His appearance as a finalist in the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition drew public attention when he became the first pianist to perform a significant work using alternative techniques requiring the inside and frame of the piano as well as the keys. He was featured in Peter Rosen’s internationally broadcast documentary “Playing on the Edge” not long after the competition and profiled in New York Times writer James Barron’s book, The Making of a Steinway Concert Grand.
With twelve commercial recordings to his credit, the highlight of Andrew’s recording career was a 2007 Grammy nomination for his Black Box Records release of music by John Corigliano. His video of Jacob TV’s “The Body of Your Dreams” has become a popular draw on YouTube and was broadcast on Dutch television. Andrew’s most recent recording on Naxos featured new works by Aaron Kernis, including Three Flavors for piano and orchestra, commissioned by Russo and premiered with David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony Orchestra.
Russo continues to perform as a recitalist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician, with several appearances each season. He lives in the scenic Skaneateles, NY with his wife Natalia and their children Andrei and Mila.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Faces of Joy” will take place Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 7:30pm. In addition, the orchestra will hold free community events in advance of “Faces of Joy,” including “Music as Play” (November 16 at 6:30pm) and “Ab ordine libertas (From Order Comes Freedom): How Composers Balance Restraint and Joy” (November 18 at 6:30pm).
Tickets to “Faces of Joy” will be $25 to $65 per person, available on their website or by calling (607)723-3931.
