Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from W.Y. Huang, Sara Devoe, and Luminous Crush.
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Singaporean singer-songwriter W. Y. Huang has released the new song “Life Just Lately.” The New York-based musician captivates audiences with his groovy instrumentals and irresistible vocals.
Sara Devoe is a singer/songwriter from Albany. She takes most of her inspiration from artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Haley Heynderickx, Field Medic, and Grimes. Her catchy song “am i pretty in the light?” will be played on EQXposure on Sunday.
New York alternative punk band Bad Mary announced the re-release of their track “Forget About It” from their Better Days album. The album has been remixed and remastered as the Better(er) Days EP. Along with the rerelease, comes the band’s latest music video for the track.
“Forget About It” is a song that Bad Mary has been playing in their sets for years. Now with the re-release of the track on their latest EP, its only appropriate they finally crafted a creative new video to complement it. The band hails from Long Island and NYC, and have played various venues like The Highline Ballroom, The Knitting Factory, and Bowery Electric.
Bad Mary is powerhouse lead vocalist Amanda Mac, her husband Mike on bass, her dad Bill on drums, and her professor David on guitar. The band weaves rhythmic power and brain worm riffs as if it were 1979 all over again. They draw much influence from bands like Green Day, Blondie and The Ramones.
The new music video shows an all-white background with Amanda in a pop art style. The song is loud and punchy much like what the music video portrays with its bold art style and pop-up lyrics. The video and music together serve to convey flashiness and power. The punky, poppy music behind the video really carry the theme till the end.
“Forget About Itâ is a song we’ve been playing in our sets for years. It’s probably the song that we have played the most as a band. An important part of every set, it’s been a crowd favorite forever. With Better(er) Days we really wanted to capture the live energy and the chaos of a song with less than two chords, one line of lyrics, and a one-note guitar solo”.
Bassist Mike Staub
To learn more about Bad Mary and their up-and-coming music visit their website or click here.
It was a night of celebration and honor in the Eastwood neighborhood of Syracuse on Friday, March 8, as the 2024 SAMMY Awards took place at the Palace Theater. It was the 31st year of the event, with this year’s rendition awarding winners in 13 different musical categories. The night also honored individuals in four specialty categories, as well as four People’s Choice categories.
The Critics Choice receive the Founder’s Award at the 2024 SAMMYS
Hosted by Syracuse news anchor and devoted local music supporter Tim Fox, the evening kicked off on a somber note. Fox asked the audience to take a moment of silence to honor former SAMMYS Board Member Jordan Davies. Davies, who lost his life last month, played integral piece in the planning of the event and in the preparation of the run-of-show.
Sydney Irving performs at the 2024 SAMMYS
Following the tribute, Fox turned the audience’s attention to the first musical performance of the evening, Sydney Irving & the Mojo. Irving greeted attendees with a stunning rendition of “All I Need is You,” which saw Irving perform acoustic with George Newton on pedal steel. Her bandmates would join the party and finish the remainder of the set. Additional performers this evening included 2024 Hall of Fame inductee Jeffrey Pepper Rogers, Shawn Seals & SMX, Steven Cali, and the Rollin’ Rust Band.
Tyjhier receives the Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist at the 2024 SAMMYS
Along with the diverse musical performances, awards were handed out in thirteen musical categories. The big winner on this evening was 24 year-old R&B and Neo-Soul star, Tyjhier. Tyjhier, who was awarded the trophy for Best R&B, also won the Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist, a prize that includes a free recording session at Subcat Studios.
Steven Cali performs at the 2024 SAMMYS
The evening not only celebrated the recent accomplishments of those on the Syracuse music scene, but also honored many of those who have played a key role in the area’s rich music history. Frank Malfitano awarded the Founder’s Award to jazz group The Critics Choice. Lori Newcomb received the Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the SAMMYS award for her many years chronicling the music scene through her photography. News anchor Carrie Lazarus received the Community Spirit Award. The evening concluded with the awarding of several “People’s Choice” awards.
Nate Gross receives the award for Best Blues at the 2024 SAMMYS
2024 SAMMY Award Recipients
Best Jazz – Bob Holz
Best Americana – Mike Powell and the Echosound
Best Jam Band – Count Blastula
Best Other Style – Ama Kutin
Best Pop – Sydney Irving
Best Rock – The Flashcubes
Best Hardrock – From Ruins
Best R&B – Tyjhier
Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist – Tyjhier
Best Hip Hop – A Kid Called Danger
Best Blues – Nate Gross
Best Alternative – Vagabonds
Best Country – Christian Parker featuring Earl Poole Ball
Best Single – Al Papers
The Founder’s Award – The Critics Choice
Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the SAMMYS – Lori Newcomb
Best Venue – 7 Hamlets Brewing
Best Music Series – Beak and Skiff Summer Concert Series
Best Academic or Musical Organization – Perform 4 Purpose
Best Artist – Shawn Smith
Hall of Fame Inductees – Steve Schad, Jon Liebing, Sepp Herbert, Westcott Street Cultural Fair, Jeffrey Pepper Rogers, Sean O’Loughlin
Sammy Rae & The Friends wrapped up their ‘CAMP’ world tour at a newly established venue, Electric City, in Buffalo on Sunday, March 10.
The night started with a one-hour set from the Montreal-native band FLEECE. They brought an infectious and vibrant energy to the stage, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.
During their set, Sammy Rae & The Friends joined FLEECE on stage to perform a song together, ‘Do You Wanna Party‘. Sammy Rae & the Friends continued the energetic vibe that FLEECE started and carried it throughout their set.
The night was filled with joy and love, with each song resonating with the audience. Sammy’s lyrics are soulful and emotionally charged, leaving a lasting impact on listeners.
The group showcased a new song from their upcoming full-length album, David, as well as their previously released singles, ‘Thieves’ and ‘Coming Home Song.’
From FLEECE to Sammy Rae & The Friends, the night felt like a warm campfire. For three hours, the audience could leave their stress at the door and forget about their worries. The atmosphere was safe and welcoming, allowing everyone to be themselves and have a good time.
Sammy Rae 2024 Tour Dates
Oct 30, 2024 Rialto Theatre -Montreal, QC
Nov 1, 2024 Flynn Center for the Performing Arts – Burlington, VT
Nov 2, 2024 State Theatre – Portland, ME
Nov 3, 2024 Landmark Theatre -Syracuse, NY
Nov 6, 2024 The Stone Pony – Asbury Park, NJ
Nov 8, 2024 Terminal 5 -New York, NY
Nov 9, 2024 Terminal 5 -New York, NY
Nov 11, 2024 Ulster Performing Arts Center -Kingston, NY
Circles Around the Sun returned to Albany for a sold out show at Lark Hall on Saturday, March 9, with Mikaela Davis and Southern Star opening the night. With five disco balls on stage for the two bands, the audience was presented to an incredible evening of Discofied Grateful Dead-inspired dance music.
“Home in the Country” from her 2023 release And Southern Star led to a bit of improv, then shifted to “The Pearl,” which had a subtle Grateful Dead-esque intro. Towards the end of “Leave it Alone,” Davis encouraged the crowd to engage in ‘wooing’ – to which they eagerly participated – before smoothly moving into Alice Coltrane‘s “Journey in Satchidananda.” Davis then gave a shout out to her and the band’s collective Upstate roots, hailing from the Catskills, Syracuse and Rochester, before wrapping up her set with “Other Lover.”
Setlist: Cinderella> In My Groove, Home in the Country, The Pearl, Get Gone, Leave It Alone > Journey in Satchidananda> Promise, Other Lover
Circles Around the Sun took the stage for what would be a nearly two-hour performance, with John Lee Shannon (guitars), Adam MacDougall (keys), Dan Horne (bass), and Mark Levy (drums) channeling the spirit – but not the songs outright – of the Grateful Dead. What transpired was the full crowd grooving along, dancing outright but never standing still as Circles went full Disco on the Dead.
Whether it was the “Language“-adjacent “Away Team,” the slow funk disco of “Landline Memories,” or mellow 1970s mall music churning into a nightclub fever pitch in “Immoveable Object,” the performance led the crowd jive relentlessly.
Early Circles songs – “Babyman” and “One for Chuck” – put the focus on bassist Dan Horne, who held the beat all night, and effortlessly drove the tempo towards a swinging disco of “Money’s No Option.” A standing encore brought Mikaela Davis and her harp back out to the stage for a trio of songs – “After Sunrise” (originally a Sergio Mendes and Brazil 77 song, reworked by the artists), Gloaming Away (a late 70’s synth strut) and the hypnotic grooves of “Language.” The encore alone could have extended another hour and none of the sell out crowd would have complained.
Circles Around the Sun – Lark Hall, Albany – Saturday, March 9, 2024
Celebrating the 35th anniversary of one of the most impactful debut Hip-Hop albums of all-time, De La Soul performed “Eye Know” live on Thursday, March 7 on Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Mixing it up with two pots in place of turntables, Maseo (Vincent “Maseo” Mason), Kelvin “Posdnuos” Mercer (Plug One) were joined by producer of 3 Feet High and Rising, Prince Paul, in place of the late David “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur.
The trio proceeded to cook up a 35-year-old dish, introduced as the iconic “Eye Know” off 1989’s 3 Feet High and Rising.
Starting off with a whistle (“(Sittin on) the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding) and some beats (“Get Out of My Life, Woman” by Lee Dorsey, “Sing a Simple Song” by Sly Stone), Posnudos continued to cook, adding in some pegs (Steely Dan’s “Peg”), saxophone (from Kenny G), guitar and horns (from “Make This Young Lady Mine” by The Mad Lads), and finally, Donald Fagen (vocals on “Peg”).
Craftily taking a moment as Fagen sang “Smile for the camera” to take a group photo with the audience, Posnudos walked out in front of the table to rap the lyrics that put De La Soul at the forefront of late 80s Hip Hop, providing influence to more than a generation of aspiring musicians.
The performance, an instant classic for Late Show, was also a subtle nod to the legal issues that prevented much of De La Soul’s catalog from being released on streaming services. In detailing every sample that went into making “Eye Know,” the group made light of the struggle that was faced in today’s music industry, as well as a look behind the curtain as to how how a true classic was first formed.
Blues legend Taj Mahal and Gambian legend-in-the-making Sona Jobarteh graced the stage of the Hart Theater at The Egg on Thursday, March 7 for an immaculate night of globe-spanning music.
Taj Mahal – photo by Conor McMahon
Sona Jobarteh is the first female griot kora master, hailing from one of the five principal kora-playing families in West Africa. With a history spanning 1,000 years, Sona continues a legacy handed down for generations, for the first time to a woman who makes her presence known on the stage and in her home of The Gambia. Jobarteh’s humanitarian activism has led to her founding The Gambia Academy, an institution dedicated educational reform for Africans on the continent of Africa.
Pairing her virtuosity on the kora and the guitar with ethereal vocals, Sona and her band blended traditional West African music with blues and pop from the Mother Continent, and in doing so created an original sound that is at times hypnotic. Walking out one at a time – first the percussion and bass, then guitar and finally Jobarteh – the audience was led immediately to engage in a call and response song, “Jarabi,” with an outset intention to engage all for this very full evening of music.
For an hour, Jobarteh demonstrated with precision the kora while her band crafted beats unlike any other. Each song was given an introduction, with meaning and spirituality invoked throughout, making the connection to the music deeper as the performance progressed. Jobarteh is a beacon of light from West Africa, shining farther west than her ancestors could have ever imagined.
Sona Jobarteh and her band at The Egg – photo by Pete Mason
Harlem-born Taj Mahal took the stage a short while later, strutting out to center stage in his signature Panama hat, surrounded by at least seven guitars of varying sound and size. Opening with “Wild About My Lovin’,” his vocals were tinged with age and rasp, perfect for a gritty blues love song. “Fishing Blues” and the classic “Corrina” followed, after Taj Mahal noted that he had a lack of radio hits over his career.
“Queen Bee” was dedicated to the guys in the audience, with a suggestion that they play this song for their girl the next chance they get. A hint of the Caribbean could be heard in the steel drums of Robert Greenidge (formerly of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefers Band) throughout the evening, while the Hawaiian steel guitar of Bobby Ingano on a cover Santo and Johnny’s “Sleepwalk” creating a creole stew of blues from across the hemisphere.
Taj Mahal and his band with Sona Jobarteh and her band
For an encore, Sona Jobarteh and her band were welcomed back to the stage to perform, “Giant Step.” Watch the song below and photos by Conor McMahon.
Taj Mahal Setlist: Wild About My Lovin’, Fishing Blues, Corrina, Bettye and Dupree, Cakewalk into Town, Queen Bee, Slow Drag, Roscoe’s Mule, Lovin’ in my Baby’s Eye, Sleepwalk, Blackjack Davey, Giant Step (with Sona Jobarte and her band)
On a rainy Saturday evening, March 9, devoted fans defied the torrential downpour to see their favorite band from their younger years, Alkaline Trio at Knockdown Center in Queens. Despite the onslaught of intense rain and wind, the enthusiasm of the crowd was undeniable, and anticipation soared as opening acts Warriors and Drug Church warmed up the stage.
Originally hailing from Chicago, the band consists of founding member Matt Skiba on guitar and vocals, accompanied by long time collaborator Dan Andriano on Bass, and Atom Willard on drums. Attendance numbers remained unaffected by the inclement weather, with Knockdown Center nearly reaching full capacity. Alkaline Trio is midway through their tour promoting the long-awaited release of their new album, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs, adding another gem to their extensive, decade-spanning discography.
A gathering of longtime loyalists composed of groups of friends, couples, and diehard solo-goers flooded the venue. The audience roared as the lights dimmed and the band graced the stage at 9:45pm sharp. All 3 members, smiling ear to ear, struck the opening notes of “Hot For Preacher”, the first track off their latest album. Obvious highlights of the night included “Armageddon,” displaying shades of the albums’ post-apocalyptic themes, followed by the iconic “Fuck You Aurora”, evoking a wave of nostalgia for those who have cherished the band for decades. After each song, the band shared their gratitude for the audience with a hushed and humble “Thank you!”
As the band exited the stage, chants for an encore could be heard instantly. After a few suspenseful moments, the band eagerly obliged. For a final hurrah, the trio went with the timeless classic “Radio”, and fans got their last crowd surfing in before the band bid their passionate audience farewell. Despite the chilling rain, fans departed with warm hearts. Their latest album, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs is available for streaming on all major music platforms.
Alkaline Trio – Knockdown Center, Queens – Saturday, March 9, 2024
Setlist: Hot For Preacher, We’ve Had Enough, Take Lots with Alcohol, Bad Time, Versions of You, Mr. Chainsaw, One Hundred Stories, Calling All Skeletons, Cringe, Break, Armageddon, Fuck You Aurora, Mercy Me, Warbrain, Crawl, Blood Hair and Eyeballs, Stupid Kid, Private Eye, Time to Waste Encore: Radio
New York cult group Frog announces the release of their first ever live performance film, “Unplugged and Unhinged” on March 8. The live film marks the band’s upcoming Northeast tour coming mid-March.
The video was recorded at a sold-out show at Manhattan’s famous Canary Club this past December. The performance captures the band playing acoustically for the first time ever. “Unplugged and Unhinged” also offers the first official recordings of their expanded lineup. The band is comprised of leader Daniel Bateman and his brother Steve Bateman.
They are joined by returning co-founder Tom White. Frog shares the video a week prior to their upcoming tour which follows the band’s latest album, Grog. The tour begins March 14 in Philadelphia and wraps up March 23 with a location to be announced. The band will stop in Brooklyn’s legendary club, Knitting Factory on March 15.
Frog’s performance showcases the band’s live abilities with their soulful, twangy, foot-tapping tunes. To watch the live performance, and to see more of Frog’s work, click here.
As the curtain falls on Porno for Pyros’ Horns, Thorns en Halos Farewell Tour, the iconic band graced the stage of the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester for one last explosive performance on March 7. Fans gathered to experience a night full of energy, memorable tunes, and a bittersweet goodbye to an era, creating a nostalgic and anticipatory atmosphere.
The current lineup of Porno for Pyros consists of the visionary Perry Farrell, the powerhouse drummer Stephen Perkins, the talented guitarist Peter Distefano, and the legendary bassist Mike Watt. While Martyn LeNoble left the band in 1995, Watt seamlessly stepped in, contributing to the band’s unique sound until their hiatus in 1998.
Contributing to the band’s rich musical blend were Etty Lau Ferrell, Perry’s wife, providing backing vocals, and Robin Hatch skillfully playing the keys. This dynamic ensemble left an enduring impact on audiences during their farewell tour, leaving an indelible mark in each city they graced with their performances.
Opening the night with an electrifying energy was Tigercub, a three-piece rock band hailing from Brighton, UK. The trio, comprised of Jamie Stephen Hall, James Allix, and Jimi Wheelwright, set the stage ablaze with a riveting set that included tracks like “Swoon,” “The Dark Below,” “Control,” and “Stop Beating on My Heart.”
As the anticipation reached its peak, Porno for Pyros took the stage to a thunderous applause. Launching into their set with classics like “Sadness,” “Meija,” and the eponymous “Porno For Pyros” from their 1993 album, the band immediately transported the audience back to the heyday of alternative rock.
The setlist highlighted the band’s growth, including their latest song, “Agua,” and a heartfelt rendition of Iggy and the Stooges’ “I Got a Right.” Each song underscored the band’s musical skill and the significant influence they’ve had on the alternative music scene.
As the night unfolded, Perry Farrell’s signature vocals echoed through the Capitol Theatre, creating an immersive experience for the audience. The climax of the evening came with the performance of Porno for Pyros’ two biggest hits, “Tahitian Moon” and “Pets,” bringing the audience to their feet in a wave of nostalgia and appreciation.
The Capitol Theatre, with its rich history, served as the perfect backdrop for Porno for Pyros to bid farewell to their dedicated fans. The intimate venue allowed for a genuine connection between the band and the audience, making the farewell tour a truly memorable experience for everyone in attendance.
As the final notes resonated through the Capitol Theatre, the crowd erupted into a chorus of cheers and applause, expressing gratitude for the decades of music and memories Porno for Pyros provided.
Setlist: Pets (Partial), Sadness, Meija, Porno for Pyros, Agua, Thick of It All, Cursed Female, Cursed Male, Good God’s://Urge!, Porpoise Head, Blood Rag, Little Me, Wishing Well, Orgasm, I Got a Right, Bad Shit, Tahitian Moon, Pets
