Longtime Lilac Festival promoter Jeff Springut has announced he has withdrawn from producing the event, something he has done since 2013.
Lilac Festival (News 8 WROC photo/Matt Driffill).
The Lilac Festival brings in over 500,000 people a year from across Western and Upstate NY, the tri-state area, and Canada to Highland Park to see great music and look at the beautiful lilacs that grow in the park, as well as eat and drink amazing food.
Organizer of the spring festival for more than a decade, Springut said to the Rochester Beacon that his event-production company, the Springut Group Inc., still plans to produce Party in the Park and other events, but is done with the Lilac Festival. He cited no specific reasons for deciding to withdraw.
“I’ve done the Lilac Festival for 12 years. We’ve had a great run, but now it’s time to move on,” Springut said to the organization. County officials confirmed that this news will not affect the 2024 Lilac Festival. “We are currently working with two seasoned professionals with long histories with the festival. We are in good hands moving forward in coordination with the City of Rochester and Lilac Festival Inc.,” said Gary Walker, a spokesperson with Monroe County, as reported by Rochester First.
In 2019, Springut withdrew as the promoter of the Park Avenue Festival, which has since not been able to be revived due to it being called off during the pandemic and lack of promoters willing to take it on. County Legislator Rachel Barnhart spoke with Rochester Baron, saying “I don’t believe the county will let the Lilac Festival fail.” She says one of the reasons the Park Avenue Festival was unable to continue was because Springut did not share his plans and methods.
Springut says he has not passed on plans, contracts with vendors or performers, or other information about the Lilac Festival to the county. Nevertheless, he maintains, the county has “a good handle on it. I’m sure it will be fine. The lilacs will bloom.”
A spokesperson for the county says moving forward, they’ll be working with two seasoned professionals with long histories in the festival, and are in good hands to coordinate.
Rochester surf-rock outfit Harmonica Lewinski released their newest album, SUPER HOT, on November 24. Recorded in analog style on a Tascam reel-to-reel machine, the album showcases 12 tracks with a fun groove and creative tone.
Harmonica Lewinski formed in 2012 in Rochester. The group cites a distinct blend of surf-rock, disco, and punk that inspires their new EP. Since their first release, Good Vibes/Bad Vibes released in 2012, the five-piece band has dropped eight full-length releases, with SUPER HOT marking their first since their 2021 EP Lost Weekend.
Largely focused on instrumentals, SUPER HOT marks an investigation of funky, groovy disco-rock beats. The album was recorded on a Tascam reel-to-reel machine, an analog tape recorder that dates back to the 1980s.
A key track on the record, “Burgundy Bandit” is a groovy, methodical track to open the album. Led by the commanding bass line and meandering guitar melodies, the track introduces Harmonica Lewinski’s style and strongly holds listeners’ attention for its four and a half minute instrumental run.
“Shadow Sequence,” the fifth track on SUPER HOT, diverts slightly from the groovy, meandering tone that the majority of the record follows. Beginning with an alternative, syncopated rhythm, the vocals are reminiscent of an excitable Orville Peck. The track is relatively short with only two minutes and change, but is certainly a strong point in the EP.
Finally, “Cakewalk” is introduced by a solo bass line supported by a steady, rhythmic drum kick and vocals. Again, this track is only about two minutes, but after a few listens the guitar melody will get caught in your head.
SUPER HOT is a proficient review of funky, bass-driven surf rock. Though many of the tracks get lost in each other due to similarity in overall sound, this doesn’t detract from the clear skill and fun listening experience from the whole album. SUPER HOT is available on all streaming services and Harmonica Lewinski on BandCamp.
Queer DJ and rapper Wreckno made a stop in Rochester on November 10 for their Takeout Tour. This growing producer is known for creating safe and fun LGBTQ+ spaces at their shows. That night at Photo City was evidence of that.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Rochester doesn’t have a ton of popular gay spaces so this night served as a reminder to locals of the positive environment they can create. The LGBTQ+ vibes were overflowing from the outfits, to the flow arts, and obviously the upbeat dancing.
Even the openers were representative of the queer community and all its love. Rochester’s local DJ Brian Buttlett kicked off this night and was followed by the producer Eyezic. Then Baby Weight took the stage with their house music tunes steeped in emotional integrity.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Later on Wreckno finally took over the stage with an undeniable presence and ability to bring energy into a crowd almost instantaneously. Dressed in their cheerleader uniform and use of heavy bass, the riveting producer had their fans raging.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Wreckno has popped off just in this last year or so due to their effortlessly catchy songs. Their production skills is without a doubt top tier considering the amount of singles that have charted. Which of course made them obvious songs that fans had to hear live. Some of which includes, “Baseline,” “Medusa,” and “Bounce.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Wreckno adds another signifier in their music that makes them stand out from the rest which is their rapping. They create fun, sexy, and confident lyrics that make them perfect songs for a love filled room of LGBTQ+ people who just want to have a good time. And that is exactly what happened inside Photo City.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Aside from their own singles, Wreckno also creates countless remixes to popular songs. One of which they performed was a remix from Kim Petras and Alex Chapman’s song “Horsey.” However, nothing got the crowd more hyped up until Wreckno teased some unreleased material with the producer Of the Trees.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
That night in Rochesher was a must see for anyone and everyone. The inclusivity, high energy, and overall positive vibes is often hard to find in the concert space these days. Although, Wreckno is one who has always been about changing the scene and leaving it better than you found it.
In case you missed a fun night at Photo City, there’s a lot more shows coming to the Rochester area. G-Space is coming on November 25 and Jimkata performs December 2. Get your tickets here.
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.
In a mind-blowing spectacle that filled the hallowed Blue Cross Arena in Rochester with an eager crowd of 10,400 fans, the mighty progressive rock maestros Tool proved once again that they can pack any venue in the heart of Western New York. Their popularity in this region is nothing short of legendary, with sold-out shows being the norm.
The Tool faithful are a zealous bunch who ardently believe in the gospel of Maynard James Keenan, Adam Jones, Danny Carey, and Justin Chancellor. They’ll gladly regale you with countless reasons why Tool reigns supreme and why your existence remains incomplete until you’ve bathed in the band’s unparalleled glory. Opening the night was Steel Beans from Everett, WA.
While Tool devotees can be a tad vexing at times, it’s hard to fault their passion. They speak the truth when they beseech others to witness this sonic juggernaut live in all its grandeur. The band’s musical prowess alone warrants pages upon pages of discussion, but if you’re a neophyte to the world of Tool, or simply curious about the enigmatic quartet, here’s a taste of what transpired at their mesmerizing Monday November 6 performance.
The atmosphere within the arena was nothing short of transcendental, much like a religious congregation, albeit one with a penchant for intricate time signatures and cryptic lyrics. Despite Tool’s audience not being a sea of saccharine girls in pink dresses and glitter, the sense of unity was palpable. “Lotta dudes here” a friend texted during intermission, and indeed, the crowd comprised primarily of prog-rock Gen Xers, all donning knowing smiles and exchanging high-fives. However, in stark contrast to other male-dominated events, there was a conspicuous absence of lewd remarks or reckless antics. Beer flowed without incident, and by the end of the evening, the floor was mercifully unmarred by spilled brews.
The absence of cell phones was instrumental in preserving this immersive experience. In a world where every fleeting moment demands digital documentation, Tool remains steadfast in its commitment to a strict no-cell phone policy. After all, who needs grainy concert footage on their phone that will likely languish unwatched in the depths of their gallery? Tool’s discerning guardians diligently enforced the rule, ejecting over three dozen misguided souls during the show. A few lucky souls escaped with warnings after proving their contrition by deleting their videos or images. But for the stubborn second-time offenders, there were no second chances. After the notes of “Invincible” reverberated, Maynard James Keenan, in a rare act of benevolence, granted the audience permission to whip out their phones to capture the ephemeral moment.
Tool may shun technology like cell phones, but they fully embrace cutting-edge light effects. The band’s unwavering commitment to privacy and mystique extends to the live experience as well; they avoid interviews and public appearances to ensure that all eyes remain on the music. Mark “Junior” Jacobson, Tool’s lighting virtuoso, orchestrates a symphony of lights, lasers, and screen images that synchronize seamlessly with every note change. This visual spectacle draws the audience even deeper into Tool’s sonic realm, amplifying the emotional resonance of the music and its profound messages.
The imagery displayed on the screens is nothing short of mind-bending. Volcanoes spew molten lava before transforming into the all-seeing Eye of Sauron, which seamlessly transitions into new, surreal landscapes. Fractal heads pour forth from other heads, while an eyeball twitches its iris over the captivated audience. Tongues spill forth from gaping mouths in an intoxicating loop, and alien-like forms twist and turn in eerie dance. It’s as though the most spine-tingling horror movie has met the soundtrack of your wildest dreams.
Crafting a subpar setlist is an impossibility for Tool, given their extensive catalog of exceptional, heavy songs accompanied by ethereal vocals. The journey began with the iconic “Fear Inoculum,” setting the stage for a mesmerizing odyssey. Favorites like “Jambi,” “Stinkfist,” and “The Pot” enraptured the crowd, intermingling with tracks from newer albums, such as “Culling Voices” and “Pneuma.” But the pièce de résistance came early on when Maynard declared that the band would resurrect a long-dormant song. The ensuing performance of “Rosetta Stoned” was a jaw-dropping revelation – a song not performed with live vocals since 2009, and it sent shockwaves through the enraptured crowd.
In the end, Tool’s concert is more than just a musical performance; it’s a transformative experience. With their strict rules, awe-inspiring visuals, and an undeniably majestic setlist, Tool is not just a band; they’re an otherworldly force of nature that sweeps you into a realm of unparalleled sonic and visual artistry. Tool fans may be a vocal bunch, but when it comes to experiencing their live show, words alone can’t do justice to the transcendental journey they offer.
Tool – Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, NY – Monday, November 6, 2023
Setlist: Third Eye Intro, Fear Inoculum, Jambi, The Pot, Rosetta Stoned, Pneuma, Descending, The Grudge, Intermission, Chocolate Chip Trip, Culling Voices, Invincible, (Ions excerpt) Encore: Stinkfist
Upcoming tour dates:
November 10 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena November 13 – Manchester, NH – SNHU Arena November 15 – Boston, MA – TD Garden November 16 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center November 19 – Montreal, QC – Bell Center November 20 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena November 21 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Bop Shop Records, an independently-owned record store in Rochester, has announced their upcoming lineup of shows for this fall. The run starts with a trio of jazz legends, Joseph Daley’s Tuba Trio, consisting of Warren Smith, Scott Robinson, and Joseph Daley.
Bop Shop Records opened in the Cobbs Hill neighborhood of Rochester in 1982 with owner Tom Kohn, who spent the 70s working for MXR and Rounder Records, where he collected music from all kinds of genres. The venue hosts jazz, folk, and blues artists at the store, and boasts a collection of over 200,000 records available.
This fall’s lineup will feature Joseph Daley’s Tuba Trio, Preston Reed, Charlie Parr, and Brooklyn’s own Ember Trio. Ember is a collaborative music group that is based in exploration, improvisation, and creativity. The jazz group includes Caleb Wheeler Curtis on alto saxophone, Noah Garabedian on bass, and Vinnie Sperrazza on drums. The group will make their stop at Bop Shop Records on December 16.
Bop Shop Records is excited to welcome Joseph Daley’s Tuba Trio on October 3. The group explores improvisational concepts of Sam Rivers, the famed jazz composer and multi-instrumentalist who accompanied the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis. Daley dedicated his newest record, The Tuba Trio Chronicles, to the memory of Rivers, his good friend and mentor.
More information and tickets are available at bopshop.com/events. Tickets are currently available now for all shows. To attend a show, register at BopShop.com. Concertgoers may pay in advance or at the door. Tickets and information are also available at (585) 271-3354.
Bop Shop Fall Events
10/3 – Joseph Daley’s Tuba Trio 10/8 – Preston Reed 10/10 – Soft Machine 10/13 – The Mat Maneri Quartet 10/19 – Eric Vloeimans & Will Holshouser 11/4 – New Origin Trio 11/8 – Charlie Parr 11/18 – Joel Harrison 12/4 – Bill Kirchen’s Honky Tonk Holiday Show 12/16 – Ember Trio
Alex Northrup, a Rochester composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, has released his newest single “What Did I Miss” as part of his bigger album, Turning Point, set for release this January.
You may recognize Alex Northrup from other Rochester-based groups in the past such as Northern Spies, Brindamor, Jon Lewis Band, and the Demos. More recently, he has been touring the keyboardist for Kill Rock Stars artist Sean Barna.
Locally, he has made appearances in the bands of Katie Morey and Overhand Sam. Recently, he’s been performing around Rochester both solo and with his latest backing group of the Darlingtones– anchored by Ryan Yarmrel on bass and Sam Hirsh on drums, with a revolving cast of guests.
A follow-up to his album, Popular Songs That Will Live Forever, Alex Northrup’s Turning Point follows in the same home-made vein, with more guest appearances and a more soothing vibe. Popular Songs That Will Live Forever featured 10 songs, including the single “The Only Thought I Need,” released in June of 2020, with a quirky and whimsical tone via an upbeat tambourine from beginning to end.
“What Did I Miss” follows that same psychedelic rock genre, but with a more relaxing feeling from an upbeat guitar and soothing vocals. “What Did I Miss” is a single that reminds me of the COVID shut down, where everyone was encouraged to take breaks from social media when it became “too much.” I love the sound but I, as always, am drawn to the lyrics: “What did I miss? // Don’t tell me – I don’t want to know // What did I miss? // This absence was to help me grow // What did I miss?” It’s like when you take a break from social media, but part of you– the addicted part of you– wants to know what is going on despite knowing it’s for the best that you don’t.
“…I was distracted by things such as life and contributing to other people’s bands and recording projects. Actual songwriting was the furthest from my mind – I thought I had totally lost that part of me, and with the way things were going with the world, I wondered what the point even was. But after a couple years of that, the fog started to lift and the words started to come again. And soon enough, out of the mess of unfinished tracks and jams, a dozen actual songs emerged! Nearly half were written fresh at that point, and one 11 year old song that had never been properly recorded was revived. So now I’m back to writing and playing again (with my live band the Darlingtones) and there are definitely more songs that will be coming out! So Turning Point is hopefully the start of something bigger.”
Alex Northrup
Turning Point’s lead single “What Did I Miss” is available now to preview what’s to come from Northrup’s album set for release come January, which has been nearly three years in the making.
To find out where Alex will perform next, or for any other info, check out his Instagram.
For his single, “What Did I Miss,” click this link.
Two Rochester based ensembles, showcasing Sephardic music will perform back to back performances of “Sephardic Reflections,” taking place in Syracuse on October 21 and at Rochester’s Temple Beth El Synagogue on October 22.
The production ‘Old & New: Sephardic Reflections’ brings a taste of medieval flute and electric guitar, offering a contrast of contemporary music with versions of old and new songs. This medieval mix is interpreted by members of fivebyfive and Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque. The clash of ensembles explore the sounds of flute and electric guitar to present a new experience for the audience.
Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque
Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque will perform using recorders, lute, duduk, shawm, harp and percussion which stay true to the early music of Sephardic traditions in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Members of the chamber music ensemble will us flute, clarinet, bass, piano and electric guitar which heavily influence the new tradition.
This is an exciting journey for both ensembles, to focus on music from a certain period but in our own styles. All of our musicians are world-class artists, experts in their chosen instruments, and we look forward to collaborating on this kaleidoscopic musical event.
Pegasus/NYS Baroque Director Deborah Fox.
“We are thrilled by the variety of sounds that will be shared in this concert,” said Artistic Director, Laura Lantz of fivebyfive.
fivebyfive
Tickets can be purchased online at pegasusearlymusic.org and fivebyfivemusic.com or purchased at the door. Upstate New York looks forward to see what they have in store for the double ensemble collaboration “Old & New: Sephardic Reflections”.
Essex, a new music venue, is coming to Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts in the fall, already booking two acclaimed Rochester-based acts Joywave and Danielle Ponder.
Photo credit Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
Essex, a music hall and multi-events space, will open at 1048 University Ave. The venue said on its website that it aims to add vibrancy, culture, and life to the Rochester community.
The owners of Essex are Josh Miles, Zach Mikida, Mack Hartman, and Dave Drago. The first three deal with the hospitality side of the venue, while Drago handles the music. The venue features two bars and an industrial-looking outside, changing soon to be a little warmer and accommodating.
In an area that has very few venues, the music hall will be a nice addition to the area, and allow more bands to travel Upstate without going to such major cities as Buffalo or Niagara Falls. The main focus of the venue is to showcase various artists that come to the area, allowing people to enjoy good music and vibes.
Danielle Ponder announced shows for Friday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct. 7. Both shows will begin at 11 p.m. and tickets cost $30. Indie rock band Joywave announced shows for Thursday, Nov. 16, and Friday, Nov. 17. Both shows will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $35. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
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
