Tops of Trees takes the stage at Funk ‘n Waffles in Syracuse on September 21, and joining them for this high-energy event is local favorite, Spent Grain.
Tops of Trees are an original nine-piece rock & soul ensemble hailing from Saratoga Springs. They have quickly made a name for themselves in Upstate NY and beyond, known for their genre-blending sound and dynamic live performances, they are set to deliver an unforgettable show that highlights their tight rhythm section with blistering vocals and an unshakeable horn section.
In the short time they have been together they have created a buzz by thrilling audiences with their high-energy performances. The group’s modern interpretation of soulful music steeped in early R&B, funk and blues propelled them to notoriety in upstate NY culture.
Sharing the stage with Tops of Trees is Spent Grain, a Syracuse-based band renowned for their unique fusion of blues, rock, and a touch of Americana. Spent Grain’s heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies have earned them a loyal local following. Their performance is expected to set the perfect tone for the evening.
Doors to the show open at 7:00 PM, and the music kicks off at 8:00 PM. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see the debut of Tops of Trees to Syracuse with Spent Grain.
For more information and to purchase tickets to the event, visit Funk ‘n Waffles website by clicking here. To learn more about Tops of Trees and to stay up to date on their shows, click here.
The Headhunters kicked off their fall tour in Washington, DC at The Hamilton Live on Wednesday, September 11, with a few classics from seminal Herbie Hancock albums, as well as new originals off their latest album, The Stunt Man.
They last played The Hamilton for a monthly residency from January through September 2019, and are now back on tour for a few more dates in the US, followed by a two-week European tour.
Spear-headed by the fiery chops of drummer, Mike Clark, founding percussionist Bill Summers added his remarkable rhythmic skills, with Big Chief Donald Harrison on alto sax, Kyle Roussel on keyboards from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Chris Severin on 6-string bass from the Neville Brothers. The Headhunters band was created in 1973 to thrust Hancock’s explosion into jazz fusion. They continue to carve new paths in musical exploration. Bill Summers reminded fans, “We’re not musicians, we are physicians; we heal people.” Donald Harrison showcased his sax brilliance on “Butterfly”, and throughout the night.
A charming moment occurred when Bill Summers demonstrated how he uses a beer bottle as a sort of flute on “Watermelon Man,” which originally recorded back on Hancock’s debut 1962 album, Takin’ Off. The song was re-arranged on Head Hunters in 1973, with the beer bottle iconically reimagined as a percussion instrument.Â
Summers announced at the start of “Chameleon” that it was their 50th anniversary (since The Headhunters re-recorded it in 1973), then quipped, “we only had one rehearsal, but it’s going to be alright.” After Chameleon, Summers introduced their two guest musicians, Morgan State University students Shawn McNeil and Brian Moten on sax and trumpet, respectively.
One of the most accomplished drummers of all times, New York resident Mike Clark has played on at least 50 to 60 albums, and thousands of live shows across the world for over 6 decades. He’s played or toured with Albert King, Wayne Shorter, John Scofield, Gil Evans, and dozens of other musical legends and pioneers. Few drummers are as influential or experienced, or as musical. Bill Summers is also a living legend, having played with Hancock, and other musical pioneers, such as Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones, George Benson, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and Sting, on roughly a hundred albums, and TV soundtracks.
The Headhunters roll up the coast to play an outdoor show at Times Square on Sep 12, and will be playing the Nola X North Fork Festival in Cutchogue, NY on Sep. 13. After a few more tour dates in Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, they will return back east for Hampton Roads, Virginia, on Sep. 28, followed by a European tour, kicking off in Norway on Oct 8 and ending in Warsaw, Poland on Oct. 19th.
Headhunters – 2024 Fall Tour Dates
Sep 13 – Nola X North Fork Festival – Cutchogue, NY Sep 17 & 18 – Jazz Alley – Seattle, WA Sep 19 – The Get Down Music Festival – Portland, OR Sep 21 – The Jazz Station – Eugene, OR Sep 28 – The Phoebus Jazz Festival – Hampton Roads, VA Oct 8 – Cosmopolite Scene – Oslo, Norway Oct 9 – On the Rocks – Helsinki, Finland Oct 10 – Loppen – Kobenhavn K, Denmark Oct 12 – Stockholm Jazz Festival – Stockholm, Sweden Oct 14 – Gretchen – Berlin, Germany Oct 15 – Blue Note – Milano, Italy Oct 16, 17 – Muxiekclub N9 – Eeklo, Belgium Oct 18 – New Morning – Paris, France Oct 19 – Jassmine – Warszawa, Poland
The Queens United International Party (QUIP) presents the seventh annual World Music Festival, taking place in Sunnyside Gardens Park on Saturday, September 21.
An annual celebration of all 120 countries and 135 languages represented in Queens, the QUIP World Music Festival brings the entire borough and beyond together to enjoy the music, art, culture, and food of the community, for the community, by the community.
This yearâs QUIP offers a full roster of events for all ages- music, arts and crafts, dance contests, a wide array of food vendors spanning from arepas to momos, and all that the historical community park has to offer.
Musical performances will occur on two alternating stages from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM with a lineup that is sure to stun, including but not limited to the renowned kora player Yacouba Sissoko, dancer and educator Malini Srinivasan, all-women, trans, and nonbinary Brazilian Samba Reggae drum line Fogo Azul, and the ever-entertaining Pinkie Special.
Tickets are $15 at the door, and kids under 12 years old are free. For further information, please visit here.
The twelfth Summer Hoot was held at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY over the course of three days, August 23 – 26, offering an eclectic mix of people spanning generations came together to celebrate their love for music.
Tucked away in the Catskill Mountains, the Ashokan Center offers 385 acres of pristine forestry accentuated by the Esopus Creek, which rolls through it. Augmenting this paradise, a wide array of musical talents performed at the Hoot. This harmony of nature and music created the ideal environment for co-founder Mike Merenda to declare Summer Hoot 12 as Zen.
Summer Hoot 2024 at The Ashokan Center
In the span of three days, more than twenty musical acts showcased their creative talents. The diverse lineup included folk, indie rock, jazz, and singer-songwriters, as well as Mexican, Argentinean, Creole, and Jamaican stylings.
Friday night began with Hoot founders Mike & Ruthy welcoming the early arrivals. Entertainment followed with performances by Tuba Skinny, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys and others setting the tone for the weekend.
Ashokan Center Board of Director Kale Kaposhilin described the Hoot and the center as “a chosen family of loving intention.” This spirit was evident as people of all ages laughed, sang, and danced throughout the Hoot.
An Instrument Petting Zoo with guitars, bongos, violins, tambourines, and banjos was set up to offer the young (and young at heart) the opportunity to try out instruments and embark on their creative journey.
Summer Hoot Instrument Petting Zoo
Saturday and Sunday featured three stages from which to choose. The music began mid-morning and continued late into the night, including a “singers in the round” session at midnight. For those interested in making their own music, the Jubilee Jam tent in the Magical Musical Campground was open 24/7.
Dotted throughout the Ashokan Center grounds are a series of small buildings, one of which is The Pewter House. Stepping into this room feels like entering the 19th century, with its wood beams and wood burning stove. The intimacy of this space allowed for a deep connection with the performers.
The Pewter House
A select few performed in this unique setting. Naiika Sings, a Brooklyn-based chanteuse, gave a standout performance. Naiika, who began her career performing on NYC subway platforms and trains, elevated The Pewter House to a space of spiritual revelation with her performance.
Performers on the Pete Seeger and Toshi Seeger stages came from around the globe. Highlights included Bridget Kearney, founding member of Lake Street Dive; Steve Poltz, a Canadian folk singer; Carolina Mama, an Argentinean singer-songwriter; and Laurel Massé & Vinnie Martucci, a jazz and swing ensemble.
The Mammals
Local talent from the Hudson Valley was also well-represented. The Big Takeover, David & Jacob Bernz, and Jay Ungar & Molly Mason performed. No Hoot would be complete without Mike Merenda & Ruthy Unger Merenda and their band, The Mammals. Mike & Ruthy and band closed out the Toshi Seeger stage on Saturday night.
The heart of the Hoot is music and nature. The heart of the Ashokan Center is the appreciation of the natural world. Hoot + Ashokan = Zen.
Summer Hoot Performers
The City StompersThe MammalsJordan Hamilton & Seth BernardThe Gaslight TinkersDavid & Jacob Berns joined by Josiah Longo & Tink LoydSteve PoltzBridget KearneyNaiika SingsBrendan Daniel
Miami-based indie soul artist JOSCH, also known as Josh Schwartz, just released his highly anticipated fourth single, “Detta,” with a music video to follow next week. Inspired by the cult-classic Dark Tower fantasy series from Stephen King, the song explores themes of abuse, vengeance, redemption, and escape.
JOSCH, pronounced like “Josh,” draws from a wide pool of inspirations for his music. From funk, R&B, electronic, soul, pop and lyrically-based folk music, no single genre can claim JOSCH. Already an extremely accomplished musician, he spent the last few years of his career touring North America with Zac Brown Band on their 2022 “Out In The Middle” stadium tour and rock and roll legends Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew on their 2023-24 “Remain In Light” tour. The previous ten-plus years saw him touring internationally with indie funk band Turkuaz. As a baritone sax player and featured vocalist in these settings, he has been at home on the sidelines of the stage. Now, with the birth of his solo project, JOSCH is ready to take center stage and share with the world even more of his creative contributions.
“Detta” tells the poignant story of its titular character, a “diamond in a patch of dirt, born beneath a neon light” into a world of darkness and pain in the backwoods of Arkansas. Lines like “Mama was a goner with a taste for dope and Daddy didn’t like to talk, but she knew what he was thinking when he got to drinking and his fists flew like a hawk” detail the depths of the despair surrounding Detta in her early life. The song captures her journey from suffering to defiance as she fights back against her abuser, leading to a dramatic escape from her troubled past into an unknown future. After hitching her way to the California coast, the law catches up with her; “though she heard the sirens coming and she knew her running days were done, she thanked God for that perfect moment in the California sun.” It’s up to the listener to decide if she surrenders peacefully, goes out in a hail of bullets, or escapes across the border into Mexico. Whichever they decide, they may be surprised to learn the inspiration for this dark tale.
“I read the Dark Tower series from Stephen King years ago and absolutely fell in love with it. One of the main characters is Odetta, a lovely, well-off young woman with a split personality. Her alter ego is Detta, a cutthroat, streetwise rebel who does whatever she must to survive. I was really drawn to that dichotomy of light and dark existing in the same person,” JOSCH explained. He wanted to make the story of the song accessible to people who didn’t read the book series but with a subtle nod to the literary inspiration, hence the chorus lyrics, ‘Detta, Odetta.’ “It may sound like I’m singing ‘Detta, oh Detta” but if you read the lyrics and are a Dark Tower nerd like me, I’m hoping you’ll get a kick out of the little easter egg.”
As with JOSCH’s first three singles, “Detta” masterfully blends analog and digital sounds and textures to create a blend all its own. The track features a haunting blend of gritty Rhodes electric piano played by Steve Swatkins (Scary Pockets, Allen Stone) and drumming by Nashville’s Mike Blong. Rob O’Block, musical renaissance man of Nashville and co-producer of the track, brought the track to life with bass, synthesizers, percussion, drum programming, and soaring, ominous electric guitar riffs that perfectly complement JOSCH’s quick-flowing, swamp-bluesy vocals.
In conjunction with the single’s release, JOSCH will also unveil a visually striking music video on September 5. The video artfully depicts the chaos and beauty of Detta’s life and her tumultuous escape, combining vintage found footage with shots of Detta, played by jewelry designer and vintage clothing seller Lauren Hayes, to create a surreal and darkly humorous narrative that’s the perfect visual companion to the song.
Visit here to stream “Detta” on your preferred streaming platform, and stay tuned for the upcoming music video from JOSCH.
Women’s Day at the New York State Fair had a local flair this year, as Rochester native Danielle Ponder performed on the Chevy Court Stage. Ponder had been scheduled to perform at the fair last year, however illness forced a cancellation.
Few in the music industry have the inspirational story Danielle Ponder has. Formerly an attorney with the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office, Ponder quit her position one week sky of turning 40 years old to pursue a career in music, full time. The soul/R&B singer-songwriter has toured with George Clinton, Leon Bridges, and Marcus Mumford, performed on numerous late night television programs, and even performed at the historic Newport Folk Festival in 2023. She is currently touring in support of her 2023 release, Some Of Us Are Brave.
It was hard not to notice the grin on Danielle Ponder’s face as she took the stage at Chevy Court on Wednesday at the New York State Fair. Ponder was greeted with a roar from the crowd, many of whom had made the trek from nearby Rochester for the performance. Ponder launched into “Some Of Us Are Brave” and quickly showcased her talents to those unfamiliar with her music. Ponder’s vocals soared through out the fairgrounds, as she displayed her dynamic vocal range.
Between songs, Ponder joked with the audience regarding the serious nature of her music. “Here comes another break up song”, she joked. She told the tale of her inspirational journey to performing music full time, adding “Begin to walk and the path will appear”. And she paid homage to the local venues who supported her rise to stardum, including Funk & Waffles and The Westcott Theater.
Ponder would close the sixty minute set with a stunning rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep”. Ponder’s vocals soared through out the fairgrounds one last time, as she delivered her on take on the classic track.
The New York State Fair continues through Monday. See the remainder of the concert schedule here.
Buffalo saxophonist Ellen Pieroni will release her sophomore album, Soul Vacation, on August 30. An experienced musician, Pieroni has played with numerous bands, including Folkfaces and Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra.
Ellen Pieroni started playing the saxophone at 8 years old, and has perfected a blend of jazz and soul. Her inspiration comes from a variety of places, including Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi era, Frank Zappa, Todd Rundgren, The Meters, as well as classic saxophonists such as Grover Washington Jr. and Wilton Felder of The Crusaders.
Soul Vacation featured nine tracks, including two “soul standard” covers made famous by Stevie Wonder and the Jackson 5. The album offers an exciting lineup of special guests, including Tyler James (organ, Fender Rhodes), Sophistafunk’s Adam Gold (clavinet), Alex McArthur (vocals), Tim Clarke (trumpet), and Brendan Lanighan (trombone).
The album was recorded at GCR Audio in Buffalo, and was engineered, mixed, and mastered by Brad Lauchert. Celebrate the release at the release party on August 30 at Sportmens Tavern, at 326 Amherst Street in Buffalo. Vinyl and CDs will be available for purchase at the party, and admission is $20 at the door.
Soul Vacation will be available on all streaming platforms on August 30, and more information about Ellen Pieroni here. A live performance of “What Time Were You Born” is available below.
Coming to Lake George’s Shepard Park Amphitheater this weekend are the Captial region-based party band The Accents and The United States Navy Band “Cruisers.” Cruisers arrive at Lake George on Thursday, August 22, performing from 7:30-9:30 pm. The Navy band also opens Friday at the Lake on August 23, from 6:00-7:10 pm, followed by the headliners, The Accents, at 7:30.
With over 50 years of experience and 4,000 performances under their belt, The Accents prepare to bring their non-stop energy to Friday at the Lake. As one of the capital region’s most prolific party bands, The Accents encourage all guests to let loose, enjoy their time, and have one last party as the summer season comes to a close. On Friday, August 22, The Accents’ extensive nine-person lineup will have the entire Friday at the Lake crowd dancing and singing all night long.
The United States Navy Band “Cruisers” make their first appearance in Lake George this Thursday, August 22, as part of their nationwide tour that begins on August 19 in Washington, D.C. They are also opening for The Accents this Friday.
Cruiser’s stop at Lake George is just another on a long list of tour dates. As one of the 11 different Navy Bands, Cruisers make up a part of 6,000 performances across the United States and around the world throughout the year. With each performance, Navy bands come together with communities to honor and celebrate the service of veterans. This Thursday and Friday, Cruisers present their world-class musicianship with renditions of classic jazz standards, classic rock, and today’s biggest hits in all genres. A fireworks show will follow their Thursday night performance at 9:30 pm.
All shows at Shepard Park are free to the public. Food and beverage vendors are available on-site. For information on vendors, performances, and more, visit the Lake George town’s website. If you are interested in the rest of Cruisers’ tour, the remaining dates are available here.
It was the perfect summer night with just a little rain mixed in for Tedeschi Trucks Band to perform at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, August 16.
Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi of Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
The 12-piece powerhouse band took no time getting most of the crowd on their feet to set everyone up for a night of moving and grooving with their soulful, bluesy, rock and roll. The night featured a mix of the band’s original music with some cover songs thrown into the setlist. They relied heavily on songs from their most recent album I am the Moon, released in 2022. Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi are music superstars, and they surround themselves with superb musicians. With such a large band, everyone gets a chance to show off their skills throughout the night.
Tedeschi sings most of the vocals throughout most of the night and she has a powerful, incredible voice that demands attention. Mike Mattison also gets to share his voice on many of the songs and his passion comes through with so much soul on the songs he gets to sing.
The whole night was full of crescendos and deep, meaningful music. The band leads into many of the songs very softly, then just builds everything up to this massive explosion of music from everyone on stage. Many of the bandmembers get their time to shine with solos. The show got off moving and grooving with high energy with “Part Of Me” and continued through “Playing My Emotions” and then “Ain’t That Something,” with keyboardist Gabe Dixon taking the lead on vocals and trading off with Tedeschi.
Mattison got his first chance to show off his bluesy voice as the band covered Bessie Smith’s “Gin House Blues.”
Tedeschi put down the guitar to sing “All The Love” and slowed things down a bit after this one as Trucks and other bandmembers left the stage with Tedeschi and drums, keys and bass. She performed the popular John Prine cover “Angel From Montgomery” that segued into Grateful Dead’s “Sugaree” and topped the sandwich off by going back into “Angel From Montgomery.”
Coming back from this slower, somber moment, the full band came back out and kicked it back into high gear for the big hit “Anyhow,” which had the crowd back on their feet and just has such an epic feel to it. Tedeschi then sang “Sweet & Low,” another song off 2013’s Made Up Mind and Elizabeth Lea had a big trombone solo.
Susan Tedeschi of Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
The band then played a couple covers with “Keep On Growing” by Derek and the Dominos, and Mattison took lead on Taj Mahal’s “Everybody’s Got to Change Sometime.” Then “Circles ‘Round The Sun” let Kebbi Williams loose on the saxophone. Tedeschi and other members then went off stage to let Trucks jam out on the long “Pasaquan” jam that also featured “Mountain Jam” sandwiched in the middle, a nod to Trucks’ past with The Allman Brothers Band. Trucks melted faces with his incredible guitar playing and the drummers Tyler Greenwell and Isaac Eady got to highlight their instruments with some sort of a duel.
The band then played “Just Won’t Burn,” a song from Tedeschi’s personal discography that came out more than 25 years ago. She really lets her bluesy voice do its thing on this one. The set eventually closed with “Show me a Woman,” a cover by Joe Tex, as the band left the stage in high spirits to get ready for an encore.
Only half of the band came out with Tedeschi and she invited opening act Margo Price to sing the George Jones song “Color of the Blues.” Then to really send everyone on their way, the full band came out along with all of Margo Price’s band as the 17 musicians on stage performed Leon Russell’s “Stranger in A Strange Land.”
Margo Price opens for Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
Margo Price’s opening set was a real treat for those who settled in early. The country singer-songwriter played a set fit for a headliner at CMAC. She really rocked the house with her good singing and her band really brought some power rock to the mix. Her sweet voice will sweep you off your feet, but that band will have you dancing really hard and almost headbanging.
Setlist: Part of Me, Playing With My Emotions, Ain’t That Something, All the Love, Gin House Blues (Bessie Smith cover), Angel from Montgomery *> Sugaree+>Angel from Montgomery* (*John Prine) (+Grateful Dead), Anyhow, Sweet & Low, Keep On Growing, Everybody’s Got To Change Sometime (Taj Mahal), Circles ‘Round the Sun, Pasaquan >Mountain Jam*> Pasaquan (*The Allman Brothers), Just Won’t Burn – (Susan Tedeschi), Show Me – (Joe Tex)
Encore: Color of the Blues w/Margo Price (George Jones), Stranger in a Strange Lane w/full Margo Price Band (Leon Russell)
Jam band extraordinaires, Tyler Adams Organ Trio, released their new jazz-funk E.P. The Color Red Sessions on August 9. Comprised of Tyler Adams and Caton Sollenberger of The Jauntee and Will Trask of The High Hawks, the trio effectively brings different experiences to this new collection of music.
The ensemble is a part of Color Red Music, out of Denver, CO. Tyler Adams is the keyboardist for the Boston-based band The Jauntee, along with trio member, guitarist, Caton Sollenberger. After years of experience in the east coast jam-band scene, they’re entering a different musical sphere out west. Similarly, drummer, Will Trask, also has extensive band experience with multiple collectives, notably The High Hawks.
This E.P. marks the debut of the Tyler Adams Organ Trio. Made up of individually established musicians, the trio’s first product showcases musical depth and well-versed collaboration. Produced by Tyler Adams, the collection was evidently created with much care and attention to detail throughout an extremely hands-on experience.
The Color Red Sessions, which features the prominent Hammond B3 organ, exemplifies the sound of many other musicians under Color Red Music. The refreshing layers of organ, guitar, and percussion instrumentation create a syncopated dynamic. The energy presented across all five tracks emulates that of a relaxed jam session. Hence the record’s title, it subsequently brings the recording atmosphere to life through the songs.
Though lyricless, each song presents it’s own character. The musicians simultaneously convey the song’s individual messages through their respective roles. The drums and guitar create melodic accents as they follow the organ’s lead producing, positive, high-energy songs, that also hold a relaxing beat. Overall, Adams, Sollenberger, and Trask produced a body of groovy, experimental music that creatively tells a story.
Key Tracks: Monday Morning, The Bend, Sunday Evening
Listen to The Color Red Sessions by Tyler Adams Trio on your preferred streaming service, here.
