NYS Music 2023

Tag: Rochester

  • Rochester’s Fivebyfive Unveils Its 2023-24 Slate Of Programming

    Rochester’s acclaimed music chamber ensemble fivebyfive recently unveiled its 2023-2024 season. The theme for this year’s round of programming is “Dichotomies” and is aimed at pushing artistic boundaries. As part of “Dichotomies” the ensemble will be releasing an album, holding collaborative concerts, hosting discussions, and much more. 

    Created in 2015, fivebyfive has earned a reputation for its ambitious performances and creative programming. The outfit is devoted to commissioning, developing, and performing the works of living artists. Boasting an incredible roster of musicians, fivebyfive takes pride in trying to highlight underrepresented and overlooked creators in the field. “Dichotomy” serves as another impressive artistic challenge for the ensemble. In honor of the theme, the group has curated an extraordinary lineup of visual and auditory experiences based on juxtaposition and contrast. 

    Fivebyfive is comprised of world-class artists, including Laura Lentz (Artistic Director & flute), Marcy Bacon (clarinet), Ken Luk (electric guitar), Eric Polenik (bass), Haeyeun Jeun (piano) and Marc Webster (Executive Director & audio/video engineer). 

    The upcoming season is designed to captivate and engage audiences through a range of complex feelings from primordial expression to celestial wonderment. We cannot wait to share these transformative musical experiences with the world.

    Laura Lentz
    Laura Lentz

    Release of fivebyfive’s Third Album

    “breath & fire” 

    Release date: Oct. 15, 2023

    The project is inspired by the explosive and intense nature of fire balanced with the steady and tranquil essence of breath. Pieces on the album strongly invoke stillness or motion, and the recording process of matching spaces to the mood or pace in the music seeks to further draw out these energies as you listen.  

    1. Dreadlocked: Marc Mellits (6:58)

    2. Öldurót: Ólafur Arnalds (4:40)

    3. Pale as Centuries: Sarah Kirkland Snider (6:14)

    4. Lead Me Home: Brittany J. Green (5:56)

    5. Heavy: Evan Williams (9:42)

    6. Dreams of Glass and Water: Kari Telstad Sundet (6:56)

    7. …of breath and fire: Amy Nam (10:57)

    8. Tamboreño: Miguel del Aguila (7:10)

     Concerts with Pegasus Early Music/NYSBaroque

    “Old & New: Reflections of Sephardic Music”

    Oct. 21, 2023 (Syracuse) and Oct. 22, 2023 (Rochester).

    Musicians from Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque and fivebyfive will perform back-to-back concerts in Syracuse and Rochester. The concerts will feature both traditional and newly arranged versions of Sephardic music. Based in Jewish culture from medieval Spain and Portugal, the traditional performance will include instruments such as the lute, recorder, duduk, shawm, harp, and percussion. The new renditions will be performed in chamber style by fivebyfive featuring flute, clarinet, bass, piano and electric guitar. Additionally, artist Lynne Feldman will display several tapestries depicting Jewish life and discuss Judaic art.

    Concert Featuring Medieval and Renaissance-Inspired Music

    “Reflections: Music of Then & Now”  

     Nov. 15, 2023.

    As part of a Jewish Music Series, fivebyfive will travel to Buffalo to present a program that reflects back in time to explore medieval and renaissance-inspired music. The performances will also incorporate other pieces that connect us to this present moment. This concert will feature Sephardic music, pieces from the Of and Between album, and Pale as Centuries, composed by Sarah Kirkland Snider.    

    Meet the Composer: Special Public Discussion with Roberto Sierra

    Zoom presentation: Nov. 19, 2023

    Grammy-nominated and Latin Grammy winning composer Roberto Sierra will be part of an online Zoom discussion. Through a grant provided by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), fivebyfive commissioned Sierra to create a new work for the ensemble. In Sonidos de Tlön, Sierra explores the dichotomy of fantasy vs. reality using inspiration from 20th-century Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges. During the 2024-2025 season, fivebyfive will showcase his piece in a concert of music and poetry from Latin America.

    Multimedia Presentation with Eclipse-Inspired Music and Immersive Video

    “Light & Dark: Eclipse Music”

    Jan. 20, 2024 & Jan. 21, 2024.

    To celebrate the 2024 total solar eclipse, fivebyfive has created a multi-media concert experience with original music by five composers. Jessica Meyer, Marc Mellits, Glenn McClure, Julie Herndon, and Kamala Sankaram were all invited to create work for the celebration. The Strasenburgh Planetarium at the Rochester Museum and Science Center will also present an immersive to go along with the event. The program combines art, science, music, and audience engagement activities to mark this unforgettable event.     

    Fivebyfive visits Minnesota’s Carleton College in 3-day Residency

    In February of 2024, fivebyfive will travel to Carleton College in Minnesota for a three-day residency. The ensemble will present a concert, lead a reading session of student works, and participate in several workshops.. Composition professor and frequent fivebyfive collaborator, Andrea Mazzariello has previously produced works for fivebyfive including Of and Between which was featured on Performance Today several times.    

  • Sparta Celebrates 20 Years of ‘Wiretap Scars’ in Rochester

    Released in 2002, Wiretap Scars was the first full-length album for El Paso, Texas punk rock band, Sparta. After a few EPs and side projects, Jim Ward and company went all in to produce this album. While it was not met with the highest praise, the album and its members were applauded for getting this one out after a rough demise of a previous project.

    Members have come and gone, passion has come and gone, and then returned again. Two constants have remained with Sparta: lead vocalist Jim Ward and his partner in crime Matt Miller (although not from day one, he has been around long enough). When Wiretap Scars was conjured up, all band members contributed to writing, making it a complete group effort, which is something Ward really wanted.

    With the tour coming to an end, Miller and drummer Neil Hennessy made a stop in Rochester on Aug. 5, playing the rustic basement-styled Montage Music Hall. Off the beaten path, Montage seems like a dive bar as you walk by, but once you enter, you are taken into a special place, not like Narnia, but special in its own right. Posters of artists of yesteryear adorn the walls, stickers are plastered on board near the “ticket counter” that promote smaller bands, radio, stations, etc. This little gem of a venue hosts small acts, big acts, loud acts, and quieter ones. It is also a venue used during Rochester International Jazz Festival. A smaller elevated stage, with simpler lighting, this was a perfect landing spot for Sparta.

    In fashion, Ward, Miller, and Hennessy played Wiretap Scars in its entirety, without interruption. Being new to the band, I was intrigued by it all. The vocals, Hennessy on drums, and the intimate setting were all perfect and the overall sounds were reminiscent of the late 90s alternative flavors. While they identify as punk rock, there is nothing stopping the alternative feels.

    With the high energy “Cut Your Ribbon” starting the show-off, the 150 or so fans were immediately sucked into the time warp of the album and were not slowed any as the songs kept coming. When the final track was completed about 45 minutes later, fans were left wanting more. Young fans and those presumably in their mid-40s cheered on Ward as he talked about tearing up Rochester after the show. With Sunday off, they have some time to see what the city has to offer.

    Continuing for another half hour or so, Sparta kept the energy alive, playing tracks from more recent albums including the self-titled album, Trust The River (2020), and Threes (2006). Unlike many other bands, Ward and Sparta do not do encores. He said it in part due to him being lazy, but mainly “just play the whole fucking set.” No need to get dolled up and splash on fresh cologne or chug half of a beer. Alas, there is no encore on this night.

    In a recent interview, Ward talked about how he likes that the band, either past or present, isn’t a one-man show. Ideas are bounced off each other, and he trusts the musicians with their feedback. During the pandemic, which sadly coincided with the new album release, Ward would create some music and send it off to Miller and ask him to make some music to go with it as a guitarist. For him, it was easier to do that, because the body language of either party could not be read. He felt that element led to a lot of compromise.

    I learned a long time ago to not say never.

    Jim Ward, on working with a band together in a studio again

    Twenty years later, Sparta has given itself new life. Wiretap Scars is one of those albums that may have gotten lost on you, but lucky for all of us, we have 24/7 access to their music with streaming services. Give them a listen for the first time or pick up where you left off and keep on rocking.

    Setlist: (from Wiretap Scars) Cut Your Ribbon, Air, Mye, Collapse, Sans Cosm, Light Burns Clear, Cataract, Red Alibi, Rx Coup, Glasshouse Tarot, Echodyne Harmonic, Assemble the Empire

    Breaking the Broken, While Oceana Sleeps, Empty House, Miracle, Atlas

  • Rochester Chamber Ensemble Receives Grant from Farash Foundation

    Rochester Chamber Ensemble fivebyfive, known for its involvement in the community, experienced musicianship, and love for the genre will now receive a 2023 Creative Arts Support Grant from the Farash Charitable Foundation.

    The Farash Charitable Foundation started in Rochester to support and boost creative arts groups in Monroe and Ontario counties, particularly ones that provide accessible, community-centered programs.

    With that being said, 2023 now marks the sixth straight year fivebyfive has received a grant, as they have become a staple to the Rochester population, spreading their love for chamber music to people of all ages.

    Forming in 2015, the ensemble began with the mission to engage audiences in the spirit and creativity of today’s chamber music, introducing to Rochester everything this style of music has to offer. In order to accomplish this, fivebyfive develops and performs the works of living artists, building off of some more of the genre’s masterpieces.

    Made up of Marc Webster (executive director and audio/video engineer), Laura Lentz (flute), Marcy Bacon (clarinet), Ken Luk (electric guitar), Eric Polenik (bass), and Haeyeun Jeun (piano), the group will begin their 2023-2024 season in October.

    In collaboration with Pegasus Early Music, the two groups will play Sephardic music, new pieces, and modern instrumentation usage from the two ensembles to kick off the season. Additionally, the Fall kickoff will feature new compositions from Grammy-Award nominated composer Clarice Assad and Eastman grad Keane Southard.

    On top of an already jam-packed schedule and grant from the Frarash Foundation, fivebyfive also plans to release its third album Breath & Fire in mid-October, and will celebrate across the 2023-2024 season.

    For more news and information surrounding fivebyfive’s upcoming season, visit here.

  • Rochester Canalside Summer Concert Series Returns With Eagles Tribute Band And Local Artists

    The Dawn Lipson Canalside outdoor Concert Series at the Rochester Jewish Community Center recently released its summer lineup. Acts include everything from legendary tribute shows to original music by local acts.

    Originally born out of the Covid pandemic, the concert series is in its third season of music and events. The covered tent venue holds hundreds of visitors with the option to expand for larger performances. 

    Something new coming to the venue is the “Music Mondays” series which features two local Rochester musicians at every event. The series also begins with an open mic segment to start each evening.  

    More events are expected to be announced soon. The full concert series can be found here.

    Summer Schedule

    June 3- Chris Wilson & Bryan Ayers: A Tribute to Simon & Garfunkel 

    Upstate New York singers Chris Wilson and Brian Ayers celebrate the music of legendary duo Simon and Garfunkel. 

    June 10- Bad Sneakers: The Music of Steely Dan and Donald Fagen 

    Bad Sneakers is a Rochester based band that includes current and past members of Hard Logic, Prime Time Funk, Goodness, The Klick, The Bill Tiberio Band, and The Earthtones. The infectious groove they lay down, along with their precise and dedicated approach to the music will have diehard, as well as new, Steely Dan fans smiling from the first note.

    June 15- Thank You For The Music: ABBA’s Greatest Hits 

    Packed with your favorite tunes and featuring a crew of amazing singers and musicians, this tribute to the internationally beloved Swedish supergroup was created exclusively for the JCC Concert Series by Jessica Ann Best. 

    June 17- Philadelphia Freedom: The Ultimate Elton John Tribute

    Philadelphia Freedom prides itself on being the most realistic Elton John tribute currently touring. Doug Delescavage is Elton John as he was in his 20s, full of joy and unlimited energy,  his top notch band through all the hits of Elton’s career. 

    July 9- The Eaglez: Western New York’s Eagles’ Tribute Band 

    The Eaglez are Western New York’s own Eagles’ tribute band. The group pays particular attention to the rich harmony vocals that the legendary Eagles are famous for. An Eaglez concert features not only the Eagles’ biggest hits, but also solo songs written and recorded by Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey, and Don Henley.

    July 22- Public Water Supply

    Public Water Supply is an Alt. Country/Indie Rock act out of Rochester. PWS consists of five university-trained musicians, blending distinctive songwriting, spectacular vocals, and incredible instrumentalists. The members include: Iggy Marino, frontman; Adrianna Noone, lead singer; Karis Gregory, Jr., lead guitar; Alex Brophy, team captain and bass; and Spencer Kornrich, bus driver and drums. PWS dropped their debut self-titled album earlier this year. 

    July 23- Ronstadt Revue

    Linda Ronstadt, an 11-time Grammy winner who has sold over 100 million albums in country, rock, Latin, Motown, and even Broadway music, is no longer performing publicly. Fortunately, her musical legacy now lives on through Gesenia and her Ronstadt Revue. Every Ronstadt Revue show features performances in both English and Spanish, and covers every musical genre of Ms. Ronstadt’s 40+ year career. Two of Ronstadt’s own band members are currently co-producing and featured on the upcoming Ronstadt Revue album. 

    July 30- The Joint is Jumpin’: Songs of the Harlem Renaissance 

    Music historian Michael Lasser, singers Connie Fredericks Malone, and Reuben J. Tapp, and accompanist Scott Bradley celebrate the centennial of The Harlem Renaissance. Rediscover this historic time period by listening to the songs of Duke Ellington and Thomas “Fats” Waller.

    August 17- Both Sides Now: The Music of Joni Mitchell

    Singer and songwriter Kelly Shapiro is joined by musicians Mike Shapiro and Siena Facciolo for a deep dive into the songbook of the legendary Joni Mitchell.

    Music Mondays

    June 5- Marshay Dominique and Miriam Morelli 

    June 12- Sarah DeValliere and Emily Champion

    July 10- Kelly Izzo Shapiro and Levi Gangi 

    July 24- Cami Enaharo and Chris Wilson 

    August 7- Kara Fink and Bret Levick

    August 21- Brian McCormick, Jerry Falzone, and Lou Sweigman 

  • Shayfer James delivers Shipwreck to Photo City Music Hall in Rochester

    Indie artist, composer, and New York native Shayfer James brought his Shipwreck tour to Rochester’s Photo City Music Hall on April 2. Opening the show for the mostly under 30 crowd was Rochester based Bellwether Breaks and Atlanta’s Sarah and The Safe Word.

    Bellwether Breaks opened the show right about 7pm and immediately got the crowd into it. Lead singer, Elyse Coughlin was donning a 70s style wardrobe, and had some vocals reminiscent of the era. Her range and smooth sounds were similar to Amy Winehouse, with some early cabaret hints being tossed around. Playing a 9 song set, including newly released The Oracle, the band consists of: drummer Dave Goebel, guitarist Peter Goebel, vocalist Elyse Coughlin, keyboardist Chris Coon, and bassist Eugene Bisdikian. Chris Coon also plays a mean sax, as displayed at this show.

    Having only been around for a few years, BB has developed a great following and in 2022 both Elyse and Chris received nominations for local “best of…” competition and the band was nominated for best rock band as well. Pretty damn good for this newly formed quintet.

    Setlist: Say it Like it’s True; Headed Home; Peaches; About a Girl; Perfect Universe; The Oracle; I Put a Spell on You; The Prime Directive; Blow the Roof Off.

    Following Bellwether Breaks was Sarah and The Safe Word. While not normally the music I gravitate to, this group from Atlanta left it all on the stage, with the crowd looking for more. Sara Rose is the leader and made their presence known. Smooth, clean vocals with a story behind every song, the band had the crowd moving all over the place.

    Not normally politically charged performers, the band is strong advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and promotes support groups on their website. While they don’t necessarily put it on the forefront of the show, they are not afraid to slip in the well-placed political jab between songs, which also work as segways for next song.

    The band consists of: Sarah Rose (vocals), Kienan Dietrich (guitar, vocals), Susy Reyes (violin, vocals), Beth Ballinger (keys, vocals), Maddox Reksten (bass, vocals), and Carlos Gonzalez (percussion, vocals).

    As stated before, this is not normally the music I gravitate towards, but Susy Reyes absolutely blew me away. Jumping around on stage while playing violin, Lindsay Sterling-esque, Reyes stole the show for me. Amazing voice, with the occasional deep scream (think Jinjer), Reyes will leave you in awe every time.

    Shayfer James. If you aren’t familiar with him, you need to be. James has released 10 albums, including his newest, Shipwreck.

    James is known for his silky piano skills as well his thought out lyrics. Sometimes dark, sometimes sentimental, sometimes cliche. Regardless of how you hear them, James will leave you tapping your feet or bopping your head before you even realize what he is singing about.

    The crowd at Photo City Music Hall had dissipated by the time James took the stage, but those who were still there, crowded the front of the stage almost within arm’s reach of this talented composer. They were treated to an amazing, intimate performance, as James played songs from most of his albums, including Welcome Back, Misery; For the Departed; and Weight of the World.

    Follow Shayfer James and check out his music: Shayfer James

  • Mikaela Davis ‘Here Comes Sunshine’ Residency Coming to Upstate

    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]

  • Rochester DIY Scene: Expansive, Successful, and Diverse

    There is a sense of belonging within the community of the Rochester DIY Scene, with loyal fans showing up to gigs to see their favorite bands live, as well as accountability, those with bad behavior never get off with a slap on the wrist. There are ups and downs, as with any scene, but it holds itself together with the great talent booming out of the area.

    DIY Rochester
    Muck Duck Studio in Rochester.

    The Rochester DIY Scene is expansive, successful, and most importantly: diverse. Rochester has a population of a little more than 200,000, full of culture and diversity, hosting a variety of local and international musicians, and festivals like the International Jazz Festival, the Greek Festival, The Lilac Festival, East Ave Festival, Fringe Festival, the Irish Festival, the Ukrainian Festival, and more, pulling in thousands of people to the city each year. Sort of hidden in the shadows of big venues and festivals are those trying to make a name for themselves, playing to local fans right in their hometown of Rochester weekly.

    Jackson Cavalier was born and raised in Rochester, playing music around town in open mics and dive bars, starting ten years ago, going through the motions from a hobbyist musician to part-time to full-time. His bands include The Big Dead Waltz and the Anarchist Zen Collective, as well as just him solo. He plays a variety of Americana, including punk, rock, folk, bluegrass, and more, while also booking bands and musicians in the area for the past few years.

    He has advocated for good industry practices and has seen the issues that have arisen since becoming a musician, from bad venue owners to unethical practices and bands being paid close to nothing. He says that “the past couple of years I’ve spent time working with venues and bands to get everyone on the same page as to what a fair pay rate is for musicians and things that you should and should not tolerate as a musician just in hopes to make things positive and good for the community.”

    Jackson Cavalier

    Notable venues in the Rochester DIY scene include Muck Duck Studio, Bug Jar, Lux Lounge, and more. Muck Duck Studio is showing the most growth potential right now because it is an inclusive and diverse venue, hosting music, yoga, events for mental health, and more. Cavalier commented that the crowd is there to listen and, “it is almost kind of scary because you don’t get it anywhere else. During songs, people aren’t talking and after it is over, people clap and they’re equally silent, waiting for the next song. It is the most bizarre and beautiful thing.” It is a shining star of the DIY movement in Rochester right now for those reasons.

    Bug Jar and Lux Lounge have been cited as top places to attend by many because they allow musicians a space to perform. After COVID, Cavalier says, house shows have died down a bit, but the positive is that these spaces turned into outlets for those to come to. They also allow a wide variety of people to come play, from punk to grassroots, something you don’t see every day.

    Among the notable acts, besides Cavalier’s projects include Jimso Slim, fronted by Shane Joyce, with an almost Mac DeMarco vibe to his music, indie with the right touch of emotion. Brand new group Bellwether Breaks is taking the scene by storm with almost a 60s soul revival sound, and singer/songwriter Sally Louise, brings a modern Joni Mitchell touch to her music. One thing these acts have in common is that they all have ambitions, to put out music and play the hell out of it, something that is refreshing to see in a smaller city. Also, these acts showcase just a small part of the scene, showing that there is diversity present, with a little bit of something for everyone, and it is in the hands of the artists to make it go in the direction they want.

    Described as successful, the Rochester DIY scene has a lot of potential and room for growth, but the biggest issue plaguing the scene is that a lot of acts have hit the ceiling. Cavalier says that “we’re all making albums and we have a fan base and everyone is doing their own thing. We get to a point where it is impossible to grow further in Rochester because the major venues and stages that aren’t part of the DIY scene and who may not even know about it are booking only tribute or cover bands.” Venues are taking a cash-grab approach, regardless of what they are doing or thinking about how they represent the community and culture.

    Rochester is not the only scene where venues are showing less concern for patrons. It is hard to become a successful artist when the industry is filled with people who don’t know or appreciate these incredibly talented smaller artists, but would rather give their attention to those that already have their attention grabbed by dozens of others. It is up to the audience to decide where they want to go and who they want to see, and that might change this dynamic to bring lesser-known artists to the surface. The most important part of any scene is saying something if you see something. If a venue owner is being toxic, there are hundreds of other venues you can perform at to not give them any business.

    I just ask my associates to think and say ‘does my performance at this place do good things for the community, or bad things?’ The same thing goes for the audiences too…Make your dollar count because as long as you go to places that have allowed hateful things to happen, you’re telling them that it’s okay for that behavior to continue. It is very easy to boycott a place when there’s quite literally hundreds of places you can go and see muisc in the greater Rochester region.

    Jackson Cavalier

    Make your dollar count, the point that is hardest hit home. Everybody has a choice on where they want to go, and with a place that is so diverse like the Rochester scene, there’s a home for everybody from anywhere. From bluegrass to folk to punk to pop, there is a wide variety of genres and venues for people to check out, just keep in mind who you support and be mindful of others.

  • Reggae-Rock Band Personal Blend Share New EP “Inhale & Release” 

    Rochester’s 7-piece Reggae-Rock Band Personal Blend released their newest EP “Inhale & Release” on February 17th. With their pop driven melodies and ear catching hooks, the band is excited for this release along with some anticipated upcoming shows. 

    Personal Blend Reggae-Rock Band Debuts New EP “Inhale & Release” 

    Having just recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary, Personal Blend has just dropped its 4th release titled “Inhale & Release.” With new blood added to the band, Personal Blend is breaking boundaries and bringing the party to the masses. 

    Personal Blend Reggae-Rock Band Debuts New EP “Inhale & Release” 

    Personal Blend is a Rochester-based 7-piece reggae-rock band. PB’s first full-length album, Skin Deep, was released in 2016, following that, the EP Ride, and in 2019 released Heavy Currents. Each song is a unique blend of melodies that each member contributes to. Songs like “Hello Hello” and “Watch Your Step” highlight the characteristics the band has to offer through this album. 

    The Rochester Lilac Festival is the largest free festival of its kind in North America welcoming spring in Upstate NY. Likewise, the Estival Festival is a family-friendly music and arts festival held twice a year at Sugar Mountain. Thus, being a magical place full of great people, great music, and great times. Personal Blend will be headlining and performing at both festivals this year, you wont want to miss it. 

    The band has been making waves throughout Upstate NY playing both festivals and venues alike and continuing to push forward. They bring a feel-good, party-vibe that’s including of all people and age groups and the band always leaves you wanting more. 

    Personal Blend Reggae-Rock Band Debuts New EP “Inhale & Release” 

    Upcoming Shows: 

    Rochester, NY – Lilac festival May 12-21 

    Caneadea, NY – Estival Festival June 24 

    https://soundcloud.com/jhlska/sets/inhale-release/s-85MmS8OF77S?si=4e0f9b711e754cc78883c451919bd97a&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

    To listen to Personal Blend’s newest EP “Inhale & Release” by clicking the link here. 

    For more about Personal Blend, click the link here. 

  • Rochester Lilac Festival 2023 Lineup Announced, Pigeons Play Ping Pong to Headline

    Rochester’s beloved Lilac Festival has announced the 2023 lineup for its 125th-anniversary celebration in Highland Park from May 12-21.

    Lilac Festival 2023
    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. “One of the highlights of the Rochester Lilac Festival for visitors is the robust lineup of national, regional, and local entertainers and musical acts,” said Don Jeffries, president & CEO, Visit Rochester. “As we look forward to the 125th anniversary of the festival, this lineup of performers is sure to keep the thousands of visitors to Rochester’s Highland Park this May entertained!”

    Kicking off the festival on May 12 at 4 p.m. is Personal Blend, a seven-piece reggae/ rock group out of Rochester. Get ready to feel good and dance to their new EP Inhale & Release. Following at 5:30 p.m. is Sneezy, a six-piece fusion rock band from Chicago that draws its innovative sound from Rock, Hip-Hop, and Soul influences.

    The special headliner for the evening is the jam/funk quartet Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at 7 p.m. The band includes singer/guitarist “Scrambled Greg” Ormont, guitarist Jeremy Schon, bassist Ben Carrey, and drummer Alex “Gator” Petropulos. The band, through their 1,000 enthusiastic shows, has built a mass following and an ever-expanding fanbase known as “The Flock,” and has been hailed as “musical explorers” by Rolling Stone. PPPP has independently released six studio albums, including their latest record, Perspective, in 2022. 

    The next day at 3 p.m. four-piece reggae act MoChester performs, consisting of Brandon Sheffer on lead vocals and guitar, Jonathan Sheffer on keys, guitar and backup vocals, Ben Overmyer on bass, and Jimmy Grillo on drums. At 4:30 p.m. the funky soul powerhouse group Shine takes the stage, playing a mix of funk, soul, and pop music, with contemporary hits by the likes of Bruno Mars and Adele, and also classic soul going back to Prince, Michael Jackson, and more. Finishing off the day at 6 p.m. is the Zac Brown Tribute Band, capturing the sound and creativity of the Zac Brown Band by playing hits like “Chicken Fried” to the recent sing-along anthem “Homegrown,” there’s a bit of everything for fans.

    Zac Brown Tribute Band

    The next day begins with Latin Jazz Quintet, Sofrito, formed in 2009 by flutist Tim Forster and Latin percussionist Tony Padilla at 1 p.m. At 2:30 classic rock and popular rock cover band BB Dang performs, and headliners The Iguanas play at 4. The group has been a fixture of the New Orleans music scene for over two decades, showcasing America’s musical heritage – Tejano and Conjunto sounds from the Texas/Mexico border region, as best exemplified by the accordion and bajo sexto. Closing out the night is Seven Wonders, seven world-class musicians paying homage to the music of Fleetwood Mac.

    May 15 features variety group Big Blue House at 4 pm., with Rochester’s premier psychedelic alternative country act Public Water Supply at 5:15. Finishing off the evening at 7 is Hudson-Valley-based musician Mikaela Davis, who 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. The following day begins with the four-piece rock cover group Digglers Bridge at 4 p.m., with the three-piece instrumental organ trio/funky jam band Organ Fairchild following at 5:30. Ending the night at 7 is the Sam Grisman Project, paying homage to his father David Grisman and his close friend, Jerry Garcia, music made in the early 90s.

    The next day begins at 4 p.m. with the definitive Classic Vinyl 60s band, Inside Out. Headliners include Syracuse-based reggae group Root Shock at 5:30 and Allman Brothers tribute band Blue Sky Brothers, featuring members of Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad, Mikaela Davis & Southern Star, The Moho Collective, and more. May 18 has the Led Zeppelin cover band Mothership at 4 p.m., Rochester-based variety cover band Stunt Double at 5:30, ending the night with Almost Queen at 7.

    Almost Queen

    Coming up on May 19 is roots rock band Steve Grills & The Roadmasters at 3:45 p.m., with American blues and swing revival band The Founders of Roomful of Blues at 5:30. Ending the night at 7 is Grammy-nominated American rock band The Record Company, comprised of Chris Vos (guitar, lead vocals), Alex Stiff (bass, backing vocals), and Marc Cazorla (drums, backing vocals). May 20 starts early at 2 p.m. with 11 piece band The Medicinals. The group formed in Rochester and has performed with the likes of Julian Marley, The Wailers (4x), Turkuaz, Lettuce, and more. At 3:30 Hello City performs and at 5 headliner Shamarr Allen makes an appearance. Taking influence from the heart of New Orleans, he performs in jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk rhythms, blues, and country categories and is the lead vocalist and trumpeter of his band Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs. Ending the night at 7 is the only regionally touring full 7-piece Dave Matthews Tribute in the country: Big Eyed Phish.

    Ending the festival on May 21 is Head to the Roots at 1 p.m., a passionate music project, led by American singer-songwriter Anthony Siciliano, pulling at the roots of folk, blues, reggae, rockabilly, and jam music. At 2:30, the high-energy group Vintage Pistol performs, Judah performing right after at 4. Headlining at 5:30 is the Grateful Dead cover band Workingman’s Dead. Also headlining and ending the festival is Into the Now, performing whatever they feel like for the past thirty years.

    The Rochester Lilac Festival 2023 is a free event with no ticket required to enjoy the music. Those looking for an elevated experience can purchase MGM Associates of Rochester VIP High Spot Party Deck tickets, available here.

    2023 Headliners

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong – May 12
    Zac Brown Tribute Band – May 13
    The Iguanas, The Seven Wonders – May 14
    Mikaela Davis – May 15
    The Sam Grisman Project – May 16
    Blue Sky Brothers – May 17

    Almost Queen – May 18
    The FOUNDERS of Roomful of Blues,
    The Record Company – May 19
    Shamarr Allen, Big Eyed Phish – May 20
    Into the Now – May 21
    *Every headliner will have ASL Interpretation

    2023 Supporting Talent

    Sneezy, Personal Blend – May 12
    MoChester, Shine – May 13
    Sofrito, BB Dang – May 14
    Big Blue House, Public Water Supply – May 15
    Organ Fairchild, Digglers Bridge – May 16
    Inside Out, Root Shock – May 17

    Mothership, Stunt Double – May 18
    Steve Grills & The Roadmasters– May 19
    Hello City, The Medicinals – May 20
    Head to the Roots, Vintage Pistol, Judah,
    Workingman’s Dead – May 21

  • Rochester Artist Tony Gallicchio Drops New Single Featuring Yanick Allwood

    Rochester artist Tony Gallicchio just dropped his new single, “My Baby,” featuring vocals by Canada native Yanick Allwood. The track additionally features John Viviani on guitars, funk master Sean McLay on the bass, and Jimmy Grillo on drums and percussion.

    “My Baby” was recorded at The Green Room in Rochester, where Matt Ramerman helped to engineer, mix, and master the song.

    tony Gallicchio
    Tony Gallicchio. credit: twitter

    The soul-funk track is fun, upbeat, and energizing. It’s the perfect song to lift up your spirit after a long day of work, school, or if you’re simply coming out of a dark place and in need of inspiration. “My Baby” can be anyone in your life that inspires you and takes out of that dark place you’ve been in, whether it be a romantic partner or best friend.

    Rochester artist Gallicchio has been the keyboardist for the band Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad for the last 10 years, providing the keyboards for his most recent track. According to Gallicchio, Allwood “exceeded all expectations we had for this song.” Guitarist Vivani has played for bands like Filthy Funk and The Able Bodies. McLay provided the bass, giving the song a smooth feel and natural flow, and Jimmy Grillo was “so good, so solid and so graceful” on drums and precussion, according to Gallicchio.

    “My Baby” is now streaming on music platforms.

    Watch the “My Baby” music video below.