The team at Jazz Lives recently shared a throwback that caught our eye – Jazz at Charley O’s? The legendary Penn Station libation station for in between trains or before games at The Garden?
Well, close – this is the Charley O’s that was once located at 713 8th Avenue, and was not only a sports bar and grill but also a Jazz Bar and Comedy Club in the evening, as well as a popular spot to go before a night out on the town.
Jazz Lives shares the following recollection of one night at Charley O’s. Once upon a time, I lived in Great Neck, New York, a suburb forty minutes from midtown Manhattan. When in 2005 I found out that my hero Marty Grosz was appearing in the city, probably for a Saturday afternoon session, I checked the Long Island Railroad schedule, packed my cassette recorder, and went there. ”There” was not a jazz club but a hamburger / steak restaurant catering to tourists, where, wonderfully and atypically, hot jazz was on the menu. That place was Charley O’s.
MARTY GROSZ, guitar, vocal; JOHN BUCHER, cornet; JOHN BEAL, double bass, were the band, for the cavernous room. I had met Marty in September 2004 Jazz at Chautauqua, so I may have said a brief hello. I would come to know John Bucher from his appearances at the Cajun. I knew Beal only from recordings, but he was gracious. I asked for a table near the music but none were offered for a single mortal, so I went to the balcony, where I could see the band as well as hear them, admittedly from above and from a distance. (Now, I would know better and would have told the waiter that my three friends were arriving soon, thus earning a table closer to the music. I hope to be forgiven my falsehoods.)
I ordered food — something banal — then set up my recorder to capture the sounds, which were wonderful. I saved the cassette. (A year later, I would have purchased a video camera and a digital recorder, but in 2005 I was still living in a technological past. However,, it DID work.)
You’ll hear I DON’T WANT TO SET THE WORLD ON FIRE / WRAP YOUR TROUBLES IN DREAMS / THREE LITTLE WORDS / A HUNDRED YEARS FROM TODAY / Marty half-heartedly hawking CDs / SUNDAY (incomplete) //
I’ve left in the long intervals between songs because you can hear Marty providing the chordal roadmap for his two colleagues. Impatient listeners can scroll forward; imaginative listeners imagine themselves on the scene.
The room got much more noisy; perhaps my waiter, seeing my empty plate, hovered and said, “Will there be anything else?” and I took the check. On the way out, I thanked the trio and lamented the noise level.
There ends my saga of Charley O’s, sometime in 2005. But the music! Better than the hamburger deluxe and much fresher, even eighteen or so years later.
Photograph by Lynn Redmile
Charley O’s closed some time ago. John Bucher, that gentle man, has left us. Messrs. Beal and Grosz are still laying it down, although slightly less frequently.
Benny The Butcher continues to ramp things up for his debut Def Jam release. Following the success of the Stove God Cooks assisted “One Foot In” and “Big Dog” featuring Lil Wayne, Benny goes iso in the basketball-themed single and video aptly titled “Bron.”
Benny The Butcher
The grainy, flickering visuals finds Benny in a Hapeville, GA school gymnasium along with local basketball players working on their game. Moreover, as the track’s soulful keyboard loop wraps around the orchestral sounding beat, Benny muscles his way into the spotlight with his emphatic delivery, letting off his customary warning shot, “The Butcher coming!”
In essence, the music video conveys that the BSF head-honcho’s claim for hip hop supremacy is a result of him outworking his adversaries. After all, the Buffalo native claimed on X (formerly known as twitter) that he would have the best Def Jam release since DMX’s debut-album. While a strong take, he stands as one of the few street rappers breaking into the mainstream. Ultimately landing a gold single with the J. Cole assisted “Johnny P’s Caddy.”
On “Bron,” Benny leans into his confident, charismatic and clever cadence while maintaining his role as a street general. He affirms, “In my city, I’m King Kong,” and cleverly confides this the songs hook, “I’m Bron. After my chip I told my folks back home so long. I moved my family and my bricks somewhere it’s warm.”
Everybody Can’t Go is set for release on January 26.
The Big Loud Rock Heavy-hitter Hardy announced his ‘QUIT!!’ tour that will kick off in May with shows in Saratoga Springs and Darien Center this summer.
The Philadelphia-born singer HARDY will kick off his tour on May.30 which will make a stop at the Broadview Stage at SPAC on June 7, and the Darien Lake Amphitheater on June 8. The singer/songwriter’s upcoming tour will also feature Nashville-based Multi-Platinum country singer Kip Moore, Mercury Nashville recording artist Travis Denning, and a maverick country music based in Alabama, Ella Langley.
This will mark as a return for the artist as Hardy soared to new heights in 2023 with the release of critically acclaimed half-country, half-rock sophomore album the mockingbird & THE CROW, adding to nearly four billion career streams and a “the mockingbird & THE CROW” Tour that ended last year.
Tickets for the ‘Quit!!’ tour go on sale on Friday, January 19 at 10 a.m., with select fan pre-sales starting on Tuesday, January 16. Buy tickets here.
HARDY SUMMER 2024 ‘QUIT!!’ TOUR May 30 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP *◎ May 31 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre *◎ June 1 – Noblesville, IN. – Ruoff Music Center *◎ June 6 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage *◎ June 7 – Saratoga Springs, NY. – Broadview Stage at SPAC *◎ June 8 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater * June 14 – Charlotte, NC. – PNC Music Pavilion *✭ June 15 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park *✭ June 20 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center *✭ June 21 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center *✭ June 22 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion *✭ June 27 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion *✭ June 28 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live *✭ July 25 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center * July 27 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre * * Travis Denning ✭ Ella Langley ◎ Stephen Wilson Jr.
In the heart of the Capital Region, you’ll find more than just streets and buildings â you’ll discover a lively melody that reverberates through Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, and Troy. These cities collectively host a variety of venues, each adding its unique flavor to the local music scene.
From lively stages to cozy spots, every venue contributes to the dynamic soundtrack of the region stretching from Lake George to the tip of the Hudson Valley.
The Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College has a capacity of 600. Offering a highbrow lineup featuring classical and jazz artists, the center also occasionally hosts mainstream heavyweights. The venue, with upgraded facilities, provides a unique experience for both students and the wider community.
Address: 815 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Situated in the heart of historic Saratoga Springs in the Capital Region The Brook Tavern is a beloved neighborhood gathering spot at the crossroads of Union and Nelson Ave. Only a short walk from the Saratoga Race Course and within walking distance of Congress Park, it offers a convenient and welcoming locale for locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss the live music every Tuesday, adding a delightful rhythm to the vibrant atmosphere.
Address: 139 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Bye-i ⢠Brewing is dedicated to delivering the Capital Region the beer they deserve, prioritizing quality over profit. As they aspire to become a symbol of American culture, their commitment extends to community involvement and giving back to those who support their growth. The brewery also features live music as a focal point of its offerings.
Caffè Lena is the oldest continuously operating folk venue in the US. With a capacity of 110, it has hosted iconic artists like Bob Dylan and Emmylou Harris. The venue’s intimate setting underwent a $2 million renovation in 2016, offering a cozy space for folk enthusiasts to enjoy live performances.
Nestled in downtown Albany, Capital Repertory Theatre (theREP) stands as an acclaimed professional theater, recognized for its diverse range of productions. From contemporary and classic drama to off-Broadway musicals, cutting-edge comedy, and world premieres, theREP’s year-round season draws theater enthusiasts of all ages. Beyond providing opportunities for seasoned professionals and rising stars, theREP extends its impact by offering unique educational programs to students in the Capital Region.
Centre Street Public House and Beer Garden (Schenectady)
Centre Street Public House and Garden offers a distinctive and inviting atmosphere, featuring top-notch craft brews, a gastropub menu, and exquisite banquet facilities. Additionally, the venue hosts weekly live music, adding a vibrant and entertaining element to its appeal.
Opening in 1976, the Cock n Bull celebrates a near half-century of great food and more recently, Music in the Barn. As notes by the business, the custom of playing music in a barn has been a lively part of American rural life since the 19th century, with the acoustics of the Cock n Bull’s post-and-beam barn continuing this regional tradition.
Established in 1874, Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes is the fourth oldest operating music hall in the US. It hosts solo artists, theater troupes, jazz acts, and tribute bands. The venue actively supports up-and-coming acts, contributing to the local arts community.
A distinctive landmark in Albany’s skyline, The Egg offers two theaters with capacities of 982 and 450. Completed in 1978, it hosts a range of events, from jazz-rock acts to ballet performances. The Egg stands out not only for its unique architecture but also for its diverse programming, including roots, rock, jazz, and comedy.
Address: Agency Building 1, S Mall Arterial, Albany
ââOwned by Michell Ramsey, who also owns Jay St. Pub in Schenectady, The Electric Grinch derives its name from a Schenectady bar of the 1970s and 1980s. Situated at 116 Jay Street, the venue offers live music and a full bar, with operating hours on Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Empire Live in downtown Albany, a top music venue in the Capital Region, features two stages: Empire Live and Empire Underground. With a 1,000-person capacity, Empire Live offers a spacious setting and excellent stage views. In contrast, Empire Underground, located in the basement, provides a more intimate experience with a 350-person capacity.
The Step stands as America’s oldest continuously running non-profit coffeehouse and concert stage, showcasing the finest independent acoustic music in Upstate New York, Western Massachusetts, and lower Vermont. Featuring a diverse range of genres, including contemporary and traditional folk, blues, jazz, bluegrass, Celtic, and more, our five-decade performer roster reads like a folk Who’s Who. From Pete Seeger and Janette Carter to The Chicks and Jeff Daniels, The Step continues to bring exceptional acoustic performances to its audience.
The Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) is a multi-venue arts center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, opening in 2008. A variety of adventurous programming in music, performance, media, theater, and much more can be found at EMPAC, including a state-of the-art concert hall, leading the New York Times to call EMPAC a âtechnological pleasure dome for the mind.”
Since 1985, The Fuze Box has been a historically diverse live performance venue, consistently at the forefront of championing the next generation of alternative misfits and miscreants.
The Glove Theatre opened in 1914 and hosted movies, music, vaudeville, and civic events, and in 1920 it became the flagship theatre and home office of Schine Enterprises until 1965. In 1971 the venue officially closed, though it did have a few civic engagements during that decade, and reopened in Oct. of 1997 with the âThe Phantom of the Glove.â The Glove Theatre is a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing an accessible expression platform for the arts that engages, entertains, and educates the regional community, giving economic opportunities to the Southern Adirondack and Mohawk Valley regions.
The Hangar is a concert venue and event space showcasing both local and national acts, with most shows occurring on Friday through Sunday nights. Nestled by the Hudson River in Troy, it offers an intimate, roadhouse-style experience for music enthusiasts. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, The Hangar consistently features entertaining bands, providing a great setting for friends and fellow music fans. The attentive, friendly, and professional bar staff enhance the overall experience.
Established in 2013, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen stands as a celebrated and distinctive downtown Albany establishment. It holds the distinction of being the sole 4-star restaurant in the Capital Region. Under the guidance of Anna Weisheit, the 2016 Albany Chef’s Food & Wine Festival Rising Star Chef Winner, The Hollow offers a remarkable combination of a craft beer bar and a recognized live music venue, making it a unique and acclaimed destination.
The Inn at Saratoga (Saratoga Springs) The Inn, adorned with live music, becomes a haven for relaxation and entertainment.. The monthly-updated music calendar ensures a delightful experience for patrons seeking a harmonious blend of ambiance and talent.
In the evening, The Kings Inn hosts live music performances, enhancing its hospitality-driven atmosphere. The staff, known for their patience, plays a pivotal role in ensuring a welcoming environment. For those seeking prompt service, The Kings Inn stands out. Visitors have praised the bar for its exotic ambiance, making it a notable venue where bands regularly perform.
Lark Hall, a historic music venue was originally constructed in 1916 by the Daughters of the Eastern Star. Meticulously restored and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, it provides a unique and unmatched experience for both performers and audiences alike.
Situated in the heart of the Lark Street district, Lark Tavern, an iconic establishment in the Capital District since 1933, serves as a cherished watering hole and gathering spot for locals. With a rich tradition centered around food, drink, and entertainment, the revamped Lark Tavern adds a retro vintage flair to the Tavern experience, featuring live music for an added vibrancy.
The Linda â WAMCâs Performing Arts Studio (Albany)
Founded in 2002, The Linda â WAMCâs Performing Arts Studio, is a meticulously restored 1926 bank situated in the heart of Albany’s Central Avenues Business District. This versatile venue serves as a multi-purpose auditorium and recording studio, welcoming a diverse array of events such as concerts, debates, lectures, films, celebrations, and more, many of which are broadcasted across WAMC’s seven-state listening area and online at wamc.org.
The Arena hosts a variety of events including concerts, family shows, sporting contests and trade shows. Home to the AFL Albany Empire, and the Siena Saints MAAC basketball team, the MVP Arena is a regular host to premier NCAA events.
No Fun, presented by Pint Sized, serves as the primary hub for experimental music aficionados in the Capital Region. Recognized as a live music venue, it is celebrated for providing a platform for avant-garde and cutting-edge musical performances.
Opening its doors in 1931, it has hosted iconic acts like The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen. The Palace Theatre continues to feature Broadway plays, dance concerts, and movies, providing a stunning setting for diverse performances.
Originally a vaudeville venue, it has evolved into a multi-genre event space hosting Broadway musicals, dance concerts, and movies. Proctors continues to adapt its mission to the contemporary environment while maintaining its historical charm.
Formerly known as Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs, Putnam Place underwent a major transformation into a classy music venue, nightclub, and event space. With a capacity of 500, it has become a year-round destination, hosting diverse acts and contributing to Saratoga’s vibrant nightlife.
Renowned as Troy NY’s premier live music venue, The Rustic Barn Pub consistently delivers high-quality live entertainment, emphasizing the importance of exceptional performances. Committed to creating memorable experiences, they invite audiences to join them on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights for live music spanning a diverse range of genres.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (Saratoga Springs)
Located in Saratoga Springs, SPAC is a versatile venue with a capacity of 25,000. It hosts a diverse range of events, from performances by The Philadelphia Orchestra and New York City Ballet to Live Nation’s pop, country, hip-hop, and classic rock acts. Surrounded by natural beauty and historic architecture, SPAC provides a unique experience, attracting top artists across genres.
Address: 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs
Nestled in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs, NY, Saratoga City Tavern is a vibrant establishment offering a selection of over 110 draughts, delectable cuisine, and entertainment seven days a week. With five floors, this Saratoga, NY bar and tavern ensures there’s something to delight every visitor.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs, Spa City Tap & Barrel stands as the city’s newest hangout. With a rustic charm and a modern touch, this cozy pub offers 32 beers on tap, signature cocktails, and a pub-style menu perfect for pairing with any sporting event. Patrons can enjoy live music on weekends, along with game nights and themed events throughout the week, making Spa City Tap & Barrel a vibrant destination for entertainment. Open seven days a week, it’s the ideal spot to experience Saratoga’s lively atmosphere.
Built in 1875, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy is celebrated for its exceptional acoustics. With a capacity of 1,253, the venue attracts classical, folk, and Americana performers. The Music Hall preserves its 19th-century charm, providing an intimate connection between performers and the audience.
For over 50 years, the UAlbany Performing Arts Center has stood as a prominent cultural asset for the University at Albany and the wider Capital Region community. Hosting the Prime Performance Series annually, the center brings a diverse array of national and international artists in music, dance, and theatre. With five distinctive performance theatres, a dance studio, rehearsal spaces, and dedicated libraries, the UAlbany PAC serves as a vibrant hub for artistic endeavors.
Additionally, A Place for Jazz shares a few dozen or so venues in the Capital Region that offer Jazz occasionally, or regularly.
Just north of the Capital District are a few venues that may fall outside of the typical ‘Capital Region’ geographic definition, but are still under an hour drive to see great live music.
Charles R Wood Theater (Glens Falls)
The Charles R. Wood Theater is a year-round performing arts facility in downtown Glens Falls, offering cultural events and productions with three spaces in the building for events – a 300-seat theater, a 3,000 square foot rehearsal hall, and over 2,600 square feet of lobby space.
The Festival Commons at Charles R. Wood Park, located at the southern end of Lake George, is home to many events during the summer, most notably Memorial Meltdown and Adirondack Independence Festival, and much more in between. The grounds also include a skatepark and have public restrooms, all within walking distance of “The Queen of American Lakes,â Lake George.
Cool Insuring Arena is a multi-purpose sports and music arena located in downtown Glens Falls. When they are not home to the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL, the former Glens Falls Civic Center has hosted a great number of classic concerts – The Who’s first comeback show in 1989, Phish performing The White Album in its entirety (and playing past 3am), among many others – and has many great years left as the Glens Falls region sees a renaissance in their downtown over the past decade.
DJ’s Niteclub is a seasonal club in Lake George, New York that offers a view of the village strip. They offer a variety of music and night life in Lake George for locals and tourists alike.
The building structure of Fort Salem Theater dates back to 1774, and after fires and rebuildings, by 1882, a chapel made this future theatre and arts venue, complete. Improvements in the 1970s made Fort Salem the premiere summer stock theater in the Northeast, with family-oriented musicals, comedies and dramas. Renovations from 2006-7 brought Fort Salem into the 21st century, with seats donated from Broadwayâs Helen Hayes Theater. The theater is under new ownership and reopened in June 2021.
Since 1878, Hubbard Hall has developed, produced, and presented theater, music, opera, dance, and the visual arts and in recent years has become a world-class development center for new work. A non-profit since 1977, Hubbard Hall attracts artists, students, and audience members as a fertile training ground for both young and seasoned artists, Offering classes in dance, theater, music, movement, visual arts, puppetry, creative writing, martial arts, yoga, and even gardening, this multi-purpose venue gives students of all ages an opportunity to train, collaborate, and thrive.
Built in 1911, The Park Theater is the premier entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Glens Falls. The theater holds a rich history within the community and has been revitalized as a destination for performing arts, weddings, and events.
A former lakeside teaching studio of internationally renowned soprano Marcella Sembrich (1858-1935), The Sembrich has a distinguished operatic career and musical legacy, offering a variety of programs, articles, and multi-media presentations online and in person.
The Strand Theatre opened its doors on January 17, 1923, and after being closed for a period of time, was reopened on October 7, 2016 through the nonprofit Hudson River Music Hall Productions, which came together in 2010 with the goal of helping to rehabilitate old buildings in Hudson Falls. Having a huge calendar each month (see below) with a wide variety of genres, shows and experiences, the Strand Theatre holds the distinction as the only major music venue in Washington and Warren Counties that is open year-round. Part of a chain of Strand Theatres built in the early 20th century, other venues under the name Strand can be found in Plattsburgh and Schroon Lake, as well as others that have closed over time.
After 15 years of great live music, bringing people together and raising money for different charities each year, the team at Fox Fest has announced this will be the final year for the Syracuse-area festival, on August 3, 2024.
Located near the villages of Onondaga and Navarino, Fox Fest is held is organized by George Ryan and Doris Ryan, held on their property and sponsored by a large group of local businesses, residents and attendees. There’s a full professional production including staging, PA system, and lighting, while local food vendors provide food and refreshments at reasonable rates. A family-friendly event that allows camping, coolers full of whatever you choose, and the open space to enjoy yourselves, the event is fun but not restrictive.
The growth of the event is noteworthy – what began as a blending of three friends’ annual parties, took on a scale enviable by many regional festivals. Located in the pastoral hills south of Syracuse, Fox Fest is a non-profit event that annually donates its proceeds to honorable charities; this year’s proceeds will benefit the Zach Helfrich Memorial Fund.
Established in 2020 with the mission of raising suicide awareness, especially with parents, and also to fund effective, local mental health treatment programs. The Zach Helfrich Memorial Endowment at Upstate supports their Psychiatry High Risk Program which has been phenomenally successful treating high risk, multiple attempt patients 14 and older.
Taking place on Saturday, August 3 from 12pm to Midnight, ticket holders are allowed to arrive on Friday night and leave Sunday, camping for free on site, whether you have an RV, pop-up or tent. All sites are first come, first serve.
Tickets to Fox Fest 2024 can be purchased in the form of a Fox Fest T shirt, on pre-sale. Order forms are located at Franks Moon Dance on Route 20, and Limp Lizard BBQ on Onondaga Blvd. There will also be a link on the webpage to PayPal.
Two food vendors are on site to satisfy munchies. Proceeds from the food vendor will also be put towards the charity, so please support them when you are hungry. Open fires and grills are not permitted at Fox Fest for safety reasons. Fox Fest is BYOB, with coolers welcome, as there are no alcohol sales at Fox Fest. Fox Fest is also not pet friendly – please leave your dogs at home.
Tickets are $30 at the gate, along with t-shirts and much more at the merch tables at Fox Fest 2024.
Anyone looking to sponsors Fox Fest should reach out to George Ryan gryan@romanocars.com and anyone looking to volunteer should contact bruddyryan@hotmail.com.
Ithaca-based indie pop-rock artist Rose Alaimo has announced the release of her latest single “Power Lines” underlining how we, as humans, are all inter-connected to one other like never before. This is the second single from her third full-length album, A Place To Go When You Need To Hide.
Akin to the likes of The Cranberries, with the indie sensibilities of Radiohead, Rose Alaimo is a veterinarian and vegetable farmer in her day-to-day life. Her new record exposes a whole other side of Alaimo as she finds her way through the darkness to exercise her willpower, freedom of choice, and self-empowerment. Rose Alaimo writes, sings, performs, programs, records, and co-produces her music. In 2019, she released her more acoustic debut album The Importance of Centers followed by the gritty and anthemicGrowin 2021.
The song ‘Power Lines’ is about the connections that exist between us, whether we are aware of them or not. One thing that was highlighted during COVID-19 was how unbelievably interconnected we are. How fast the virus spread across the world was astounding, and in the middle of everyone debating mask and vaccination mandates and people becoming increasingly stressed and angry and there being more and more division between everyone, a tree was blown over on my property, taking the power lines down in front of my house. I walked outside and, after the shock of seeing this healthy tree ripped up by the roots by a strong wind, I noticed the lines that were down.
Rose Alaimo.
“Power Lines” is a powerful and emotional track, featuring loud and booming electric guitar riffs, percussions that won’t quit, and Alaimo’s iconic voice. The single follows the more grounding lead track “Stars,” which is about finding an unexpected moment of stillness amid a crazy world.
“I saw how they were connected to my house, and how the main lines also connected to my neighbor’s house, and how those same lines connected every single house on the street. I never stopped to notice how physically connected all of these houses were by these power lines and how what happened to my house affected everyone else around me. It struck me as an interesting analogy to how we as humans are also all more connected to each other and to the world around us than we might initially assume,” she continued.
A Place To Go When You Need To Hide is out now and available via fine music platforms, including Bandcamp, Spotify andApple Music.
Discover the spunky world of Turning Point, an imaginative album by Alex Northrup, released on January 13.
Alex Northrup is a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in the wonderful and friendly Rochester. Instead of creating songs on the guitar or piano from start to finish as he usually did, Alex decided to go on a spontaneous recording journey for Turning Point by aimlessly recording tracks. “My usual process is to write the song start to finish either on guitar or piano, with a complete lyric/melody/chord change, then work out the arrangement. This time, I was creating songs out of bits and pieces of recorded tracks. The arrangements and productions were coming before the actual songs!” added Alex.
Alex Northrup
Turning Point was created over the span of three years, creating songs out of bits and pieces of recorded tracks. To Alex, it was important to experiment with different sounds and colors. However, he discovered about a dozen of these “songs” that were largely finished and appeared to belong together. He spent a lot of time perfecting those, and the result was the album.
It’s definitely the most diverse sounding project I’ve done, but there are enough threads that tie the whole thing together – some chord changes, an old Univox drum machine, and a Mellotron that was at our house for a couple months. These songs would never have existed without that process – they’re just not things I would have thought up on an acoustic guitar.
Alex Northrup
Turning Point features members of Big Nobody, Overhand Sam & Bad Weapon, Pleistocene, Ginger Faye Bakers. The release party for Turning Point will be held at Three Heads Brewing in Rochester on Saturday, January 13. Expect to see exciting special guests such as The Bat Sisters (Katie Morey & Cammy Enaharo) and light show by Rainbow Full of Sound (Brian Blatt & Pat Doyle).
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 Josh Morris, Mike Grosshandler, and Shannon Tehya.
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.
Mike Grosshandler has been active in the Albany music scene since 1997. He is the singer/guitarist for the rock band The VeLMAs and has also performed with Above The Flood, The Hard Luck Souls, and Midnight Radio. About the single, Grosshandler says “About Time is a song about the struggle to find happiness and fulfillment in life. It’s a 90s-inspired alternative/grunge rock song with a dynamic range of sounds and emotions.”
Shannon Tehya-“Change”
Shannon Tehya writes her music from the heart, with each song acting like a portal from her soul to the worlds. With melodic and beautiful lyrics, her powerful prescence and deep compassion transcend into the hearts of others. Her new single “Change” is out now.
Hailing from NYC, Josh Morris has cultivated an identity all his own while taking inspiration from artists such as The 1975, Jeff Buckley, and Pearl Jam. Concealed underneath his playful lyrics are conversations we should all be engaging in. The music itself is consistently supported by thoughtfully executed production and laser-focused performances.
The Listen Up Awards, a peoples choice music award ceremony that celebrates local talent in the Capital Region, has released the slate of nominees for 2024.
photo by Frankie Cavone
Created by Mirth Films and Radio Radio X, the Listen Up Awards features multiple live performances, with the ceremony taking place on March 24th at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs, at 2pm.
With the nominations now released, the voting process has begun for the 2024 Listen Up Awards and the awards are entirely determined through online voting.
The nomination process wraps up February 29th at 11:59pm ET. Vote for your favorite Capital Region bands/artists by visiting this link.
2024 Listen Up Awards Nominees
Favorite Solo/Duo: Sirsy
James Mullen Matty D Acoustic Inc.
Favorite Solo/Duo Covers: Acoustic Inc. Gus Unplugged Jason Irwin Matty D and Ky McClinton
Favorite Party Band: Hit-N-Run Lucid Street Off The Record The Refrigerators
Favorite Country Artist: Kristian Montgomery Tame the Rooster Skeeter Creek Grit and Whiskey
Favorite Rock Cover Band: Harmony Rocks Hit-N-Run Lucid Street Out of Office
Favorite Americana Artist:
Kristian Montgomery Northern Borne Little Saints James Mullen and the Strangers
Favorite Pop Artist: IRod and the Auxiliary Phil Orsini Sydney Worthley Shannon Roy
Favorite Rock/Hard Rock: The William Deuel Band Same Old Rat The Broken View The Hard Luck Souls
Favorite Alt/Indie Artist: Nickopotamus No Such Things as Ghosts Galene Anacortez
Favorite Folk/Bluegrass: Northern Borne Shannon Tehya Jim Gaudet Carolyn Shapiro
Favorite Jazz Artist: Billy Buono Joe Barna Keith Pray Ian MacDonald
Favorite Punk Garage: Feral Meryl The Erotics The Hauntings VinTri Hill
Favorite Metal/Hardcore/Extreme: Gozer Frozen Sun Brick By Brick Alloy Reign
Favorite Jam Band:
Dead Man’s Waltz Glass Pony Hilltop Ampevene
Favorite Blues Artist: Dealt The Blues Matt Mirabile Soul Sky Berkstar
Favorite RB/Soul/Funk: Oobleck Donna Tritico Band Aplo The Nolanauts
Favorite Electronica/Experimental Artist:
Portyl UnRendered I’m Getting The Skeleton Comfort Frequency
Favorite Performing/Recording DJ: DJ Goodlyfe DJ HOLLYW8D DJ John Brown DJ Irod
Favorite Reggae/World Artist: Mixed Roots Embe Esti Dr Jah & The Love Prophets Jordan Taylor Hill
Favorite Irish Artist: Get Up Jack Kilashandra Triskele Hair of the Dog
The five-piece rock band KILLCODE has released a new single ‘RIDE’ accompanied by an intense music video directed by David Swajeski.
KILLCODE is a band that plays aggressive, exciting live shows and are known for their pleasant blend of alternative and punk-rock. They are constantly refining their sound and making new waves in the rock music scene. The band has also supported other artists like Brett Scallions on the Re Fueled East Coast tour.
Formed by their vocalist/frontman Tom Morrisey, and guitarist Chas, the NYC-based rock band has enjoyed their ever-growing fan base both nationally and internationally. The band has continued to headline and sell out at prominent venues like Gramercy Theater and Bowery Ballroom.
The music video features a man haunted by the opportunities he lost, facing one shot of redemption as he looks back to the scenes of his happier times. Still, he must continue to spin the roulette wheel because quitting is never an option. The intense music video completes the imposing raw, and vibrant song that explores the wild fixation and attachment of life’s twists and turns in a city that never sleeps.
The new single is off KILLCODE’s latest album “Life, Death, Rock N’ Roll” produced by Joey Zampella (Life of Agony, Stereo Mud, Carnivore).
‘RIDE’ music video is available to stream on all major digital retailers. The band will also release another song on Jan. 20 called ‘Life, Death, Rock-N-Roll” produced by Joey Z.
