Daughtry brought their “Adrenaline Gone Ballistic Tour” to Del Lago Resort & Casino in Waterloo on Saturday, December 14, bringing a mix of nostalgia, adrenaline, and excitement to the stage.
Daughtry opened the night with “The Reckoning”, a newly written song on their EP Shock To The System (Part One). The packed venue rose to their feet as head singer and North Carolina native Chris Daughtry entered the stage.
The thrilled Del Lago crowd wanted more from Daughtry, shouting requests in between songs. Chris interrupted the setlist to fulfill the crowd’s request, playing a heartfelt rendition of his acoustic song “September”, written in 2009. The fans didn’t just come for a show, they came for an exciting interaction.
The alternative rock band was formed in 2006 after Chris Daughtry made it to the finals in the fifth season of American Idol. His vocals and newly formed recognition earned him a record deal with RCA Records, and the band’s self- titled debut album would go on to sell more than a million copies after just five weeks of release, becoming the fastest selling debut rock album in Soundscan history.
As Daughtry waved the crowd goodbye and thanked the Waterloo fans for having him, the crowd stuck around as they cheered for an Encore, wanting more. With the eager fans on their feet, Daughtry rushed back out on stage to close out the show with their song “Artificial”, the first single to reach the number one spot on the Mainstream Rock chart. The band will gear up for upcoming shows in Nebraska and Minnesota, concluding their 2024 tour in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Legendary singer/songwriter James Taylor has announced his 2025 summer tour with his All-Star Band, covering 24 shows across the US and Canada.
The show’s penultimate performance will take place at Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center, colloquially known as CMAC.
The tour will see Taylor & His All-Star Band perform at a number of iconic venues and will kick off on May 5th in Phoenix, AZ and will conclude on July 1st in Gilford, NH.
As a recording and touring artist, James Taylor has touched people with his warm baritone voice and distinctive style of guitar-playing for more than 50 years, while setting a precedent to which countless young musicians have aspired. Over the course of his celebrated songwriting and performing career, Taylor has sold more than 100 million albums, earning gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards since the release of his self-titled debut album in 1968. In 2015, Taylor released Before This World, the first-ever #1 album of his illustrious career.
photo by James Sullivan, SPAC August 2021
Taylor has won multiple GRAMMY Awards, has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll and the prestigious Songwriters Halls of Fame and in February 2006, The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences selected him its MUSICARES Person of the Year. Taylor was also awarded the distinguished Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government and the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in 2012.
In November of 2015, Taylor was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor and in December of 2016 he received the Kennedy Center Honors, which are presented annually to individuals who have enriched American culture by distinguished achievement in the performing arts. In early 2020 Taylor released Break Shot, a deeply personal and authentic audio-only memoir detailing his first 21 years. He also released his newest album, American Standard, his 19th studio album, which earned Taylor the 2021 GRAMMY Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and gave him the honor of being the first artist to have a Billboard Top 10 album in each of the past six decades.
photo by James Sullivan – SPAC August, 2021
Supporting Taylor will be Tiny Habits, a Boston-bred band that has been praised by the likes of NPR and The New Yorker. Last year, the group opened for Gracie Abrams on her North American and Australian tour dates, and also opened for Noah Kahan on his European tour. They have performed with Lizzy McAlpine on her Tiny Desk appearance, harmonized with Kacey Musgraves and Laufey among many others. The Habits released their debut album All For Something via Mom+Pop records in May of 2024. The band hit the road supporting Vance Joy and Lake Street Dive while finishing 2024 with a headline tour of Australia. Their latest single, ‘For Sale Sign’ with Lizzy McAlpine is out now.
Tickets for the 2025 summer tour dates go on sale to the public on Friday, December 13th at 10AM local time. For all upcoming routing, please see dates listed below and visit https://tour.jamestaylor.com/ for more information.
JAMES TAYLOR SUMMER 2025 TOUR DATES
5/5/2025 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
5/7/2025 – Palm Desert, CA – Acrisure Arena
5/8/2025 – Highland, CA – Yaamava Theater
5/10/2025 – San Diego, CA – Rady Shell
5/11/2025 – San Diego, CA – Rady Shell
5/13/2025 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl
5/14/2025 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl
5/16/2025 – Stanford, CA – Frost Amphitheater
5/17/2025 – Lincoln, CA – The Venue at Thunder Valley
5/19/2025 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheatre
5/21/2025 – Nampa, ID – Ford Amphitheater
5/23/2025 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheatre
5/25/2025 – Seattle, WA – Chateau St. Michelle Winery
5/26/2025 – Seattle, WA – Chateau St. Michelle Winery
6/13/2025 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks
6/14/2025 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks
6/17/2025 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Center
6/19/2025 – Highland Park, IL – Ravinia
6/21/2025 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest*
6/23/2025 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
6/24/2025 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
With a rich community of local wineries, music venues, restaurants, performing arts centers, and outdoor hang-outs, the public spaces of Rochester and The Finger Lakes all have one thing in common- they cultivate a unique and vibrant live entertainment culture.
Photo: Andreas F. Borchert
From the most laidback of barside concerts to sold-out 15,000 person shows, there’s a venue and an event for everyone and every occasion. Here’s a list of a few of the creative cornerstones of the Rochester and Finger Lakes communities.
Born out of a rehabbed 19th century building in the heart of downtown Rochester, The Abilene Bar and Lounge has hosted local artists and all-star acts alike since 2008. With a beer menu accommodating their variety of live acts, the bar maintains an unpretentious, neighborhood bar feel regardless of how big or small the musical act of the evening.
The Finger Lakes’ premiere professional theater, Bristol Valley Theater puts on a stunning series of plays and musicals from June to August each year in addition to a full fall collection of concerts, theater, and family events. Founded in 1964, the Theater continues to entertain, educate, and enhance the Finger Lakes’ creative community to this day in their historic church-turned-theatrical space.
Host to live music and DJs seven days a week since 1991, Bug Jar is a cornerstone Rochester bar and live entertainment venue with a consistently action-packed lineup. With names like The Black Keys, Vampire Weekend, The White Stripes, Modest Mouse, and many more gracing their stage over the years, The Bug Jar is a tried-and-true must visit independent venue.
An outdoor dining venue with a bar on site, live music, and local eateries tucked in between historic buildings, The Central on Main offers free entry and plenty of seating for their intimate, casual live music performances. With a new permanent stage and cycle of regional artists, The Central on Main has taken a once barren blacktop parking lot and fostered a tight-knit local community of musicians and music-lovers alike.
Address: 15 South Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (Canandaigua)
Founded as the Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center in 1983, the Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center- or the CMAC- has been cultivating the Finger Lakes’ live arts and music community since day one. With a $13.5 million facility built in 2006 that boasts 5,000 covered seats, 54 VIP boxes, and lawn seating for up to 10,000 guests, the CMAC attracts folks from near and far.
In addition to its star-studded guest list and lengthy community history, CMAC has committed itself to a safe and healthy live entertainment environment, working with local recycling companies to divert waste in real-time at the end of each show, as well as offering multiple water-filling stations to reduce single-use plastic waste. They haven’t stopped there either- CMAC also donates all funds from volunteer-based concession tents to local nonprofits, raising over $50,000 thus far.
Address: 3355 Marvin Sands Dr Canandaigua, NY 14424
Host to the Eastman School of Music’s performances, the Eastman Theatre offers a variety of concert spaces including the historical and illustrious 2,326 seat Kodak Hall, Venetian Renaissance 444 seat Kilbourn Hall renowned for its pure acoustics, and one of the newest additions, the modern and state-of-the-art 222 seat Hatch Recital Hall.
Rooted in a refurbished fire truck, Engine 14 is the result of Rochester Fire Department retiree Greg Borden. Borden’s connection to the truck- having been decommissioned in the 60s from the same firehouse he worked in- and passion for home brewed craft beer resulted in a firehouse themed brewery, live music venue, and cornerstone for the community. Engine 14 Brewery hosts live entertainment almost every weekend featuring local acts and more.
Nestled between other Rochester live music venues and attractions, Flour City Station brings in folks from near and far with their local bites and sips, a friendly and social atmosphere, and a versatile venue that accommodates both local performers and nationally touring acts with their state-of-the-art sound system.
aqueous at Flour City Station, photo by Jake Silco
Fort Hill Performing Arts Center (Canandaigua)
Proud recipient of the Best of Canandaigua 2022 Award, the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center was formed as a concept years prior to its grand opening in January of 2020. Those years of development allowed the folks behind the FHPAC to hone in on their vision for the space- a center for the community to entertain and be entertained with a diverse set of programming that inspires patrons and artists alike.
Originally built as the Canandaigua Academy High School’s 1,100 seat auditorium in 1928 and left for ruin after the district moved to new facilities, the FHPAC raised six million dollars through fundraising to restore and refurbish the space into a performing arts center.
Address: 20 Fort Hill Avenue, Canandaigua NY, 14424
An almost unbelievably scenic 95 acres of public and private events alike, Lincoln Hill farms hosts everything from weddings to glamping to music festivals. Host to an outdoor stage and pavilion, the Farms offer live music and community events throughout the year Thursday through Sunday in addition to local craft beers, farm-to-table bites, and more.
Located in the heart of downtown Rochester’s East End, The Montage Music Hall hosts annual events such as The Rochester International Jazz Festival, The Rochester Fringe Festival, and The Rochester Entertainment Metal Festival and Music Marathon. In addition to keystone events, the 400 person venue hosts musical acts of all genres from near and far- local, regional, and national.
Address: 55 Chestnut & Lawn St Rochester, NY 14604
Providing the Rochester area with professional theatrical productions since 2005, OFC Creations Theatre Center is just that- a hub for creatives and lovers of all things creative to gather.
Staffed with current theatre professionals passionate about imparting their skills upon the next generation of performers, the OFC Creations Theatre Center offers a subscription based pro-season of shows rarely produced in the region, educational programs for students ages 4 to 18, and hosts out-of-town entertainers in their 260-seat venue.
Founded in 2016, Photo City Music Hall provides the space for an impressive variety of musical acts to bring folks from the area and beyond together, regardless of genre, subculture, and popularity. With events reaching from EDM and metal to silent discos and dance parties, Photo City Music Hall’s state of the art set up and inviting energy has something for every kind of live entertainment fan.
Boasting live theater, concerts of all genres, community events, and movies, The Smith Opera House tucked within the Smith Center for the Arts offers much more than just opera. Opened in 1894 and refurbished in the early 1990s, the stage acts as a local cornerstone in multiple ways.
With powerful acts such as Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen gracing the stage, cover bands and musicals and shadow-casts alike bringing iconic works to life, re-inventions and newly emerging children’s entertainment routinely taking the stage, and local high school students walking the venue as they graduate, it’s no wonder the Opera House draws people from Geneva and beyond in time and time again.
Born out of a noticeable lack of West Coast-style brews in the Rochester area, 3 Heads Brewing began as a brave submission to a local self-brewed beer competition and has since grown into a state-of-the-art brewery and beer garden in the heart of Rochester’s neighborhood of the arts. In addition, the space becomes a casual live music venue and versatile dance floor during their weekend live music sets with special events sprinkled across their calendar. A local venue made for locals featuring musical acts rooted in Rochester and beyond- it’s no question why customers return time and time again.
Family owned for over 30 years, Treleaven Wines has expanded from a generational farm to a one stop shop for all things wine, beer, food, live entertainment, and family fun. In addition to trivia, brunch & bingo, and football sundays, Treleaven is home to the Hangtime Main Stage for all high-energy musical needs and their Saturday acoustic series for a cozier listening experience.
A Finger Lakes top destination winery, Ventosa Vineyards hosts free, local, year-round live music every Wednesday with additional select performances sprinkled throughout. Weather permitting, performances occur on the Vineyard’s scenic terrace overlooking the vines below.
Located within the del Lago Resort and Casino, The Vine Showroom has been voted Gold as the best nightclub in the Finger Lakes, and it’s no wonder why. Boasting 2,400 seats, The Vine hosts a range of live events throughout the year that span cover and tribute bands, comedy sets, magic shows, and original musical acts across all genres.
Rochester’s largest and oldest concert venue, Water Street Music Hall was founded as a country bar in 1976, reopening in 1992 for a wider audience prior to the opening of its nightclub opening in 1999 that would push their genre capabilities even further and final rebranding into the recognizable Water Street Music Hall title the same year. With names like Phish, The Ramones, Skrillex, Sublime, and Pusha T gracing their halls, the Music Hall is perpetually history in the making.
The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (OSFL) celebrates Oktoberfest this autumn with a musical journey through the works of legendary German and Austrian composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, and the Strauss family—Josef, Johann Sr., and Johann Jr.
This special concert will take place on Saturday, October 12, at 7:00 PM, at Christ Episcopal Church in Corning, NY.
The evening’s highlight will be a performance of the Brahms Violin Concerto, featuring Jinyoung Yoon, an award-winning violinist from Seoul, South Korea, whose stunning artistry has earned her international recognition. She has been a soloist with prominent orchestras, including the Seoul Philharmonic and Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra as the first prize winner of the ECSO concerto competition. Jinyoung is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at the Curtis Institute of Music under the tutelage of Ida Kavafian and Erin Keefe. Yoon continues to impress audiences as a rising star in the classical music world.
The OSFL, under the baton of Maestro Toshiyuki Shimada, will perform a program filled with iconic works, capturing the lively spirit of Oktoberfest. The repertoire for the evening includes Beethoven’s Fidelio Overture and Brahms’ Violin Concerto on the first half of the concert. The second half brings together the prolific output of the talented Strauss family with polkas, waltzes and more:
The famous Blue Danube, Gypsy Baron Overture, Annen Polka, and Leichtes Blut “High Spirits” Polka composed by Johann Strauss, Jr.
Frauenherz Polka “A Woman’s Heart” by his brother Josef Strauss
Radetzky March by their father, Johann Strauss, Sr.
From Beethoven’s dramatic overture to the swirling waltzes and polkas of the Strauss family, “Oktoberfest at the Symphony” offers a perfect blend of elegance and festivity, reminiscent of Vienna’s golden age of music.
In an effort to make this cultural experience accessible to all, the OSFL is offering FREE tickets for children under 18 when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets are available at $29, $44, or $59, with a discounted rate of $15 for college students with a valid ID.
This concert is presented in cooperation with Corning Rotary’s Crystal City Oktoberfest, promising a festive atmosphere that celebrates the intersection of music and community.
A sneak peak of this concert will be presented to Corning Painted Post Middle School students, with support from the Bobbie and John G. Ullman Family Foundation.
Programs of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes are made possible in part with general support from the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, the Hilliard Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the governor and the New York State Legislature, and Corning Incorporated Community Impact & Investment. FREE Under 18 is provided by the Anderson Foundation.
For tickets, subscriptions, and more information, visit www.osfl.org or contact the OSFL office at (607) 936-2873.
For the first time ever, Western New York will get to experience the Finger Lakes Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival. From Sept 27 to the 29, balloons will fill the sky at the Castel Grisch Winery in Watkins Glen.
This year, which hot air balloon fans hope to be the first year of many, will be the inaugural Finger Lakes Hot Air Balloon Festival. For three days this fall, hot air balloons will rise into the air over Watkins Glen, and you can admire their beauty from the ground or the sky. You will have the opportunity to take a ride in one of these floating contraptions either tethered or untethered.
The first manned hot air balloons began to be tested in the air in 1783. Since then were mainly used as research devices for the first 150 years of their history. After the advent of the onboard heat source in 1950, Hot air balloons have mainly been used for recreational purposes.
If you are afraid of heights, the Finger Lakes Balloon and Music Festival will have plenty of entertainment safely on the ground. The festival will feature many food trucks, craft vendors, and samples from local wineries, breweries, and distilleries. But that’s not all, a classic car show will even be held on Sept 28.
As the balloons ripple across the sky, music will ripple over the grounds as 11 bands will entertain the masses throughout the days of the festival. Such acts as Jimmy Mowery, Clark Jackson, Jacob Gilpin, Alyssa Crosby, Major Bigtime, Nick G & The Neons, Tru Bleu, and many more.
In case you were curious, the world-famous RE/MAX Balloon will be there.
Finger Lakes GrassRoots festival has announced the return of the GrassRoots Unplugged concert. The second annual unplugged festival is held from September 7 to 8 at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts.
GrassRoots Unplugged is a two day, two stage, musical gathering featuring some of your favorite GrassRoots performers in an intimate setting. Conclude the perfect summer with Sim Redmond, Rose & the Bros, Kevin Kinsella and more at TCFA September 7-8.
This festival is one for the community. The mission of the Finger Lakes GrassRoots festival is to unify the community and to create a cultural hub for future generations to enjoy. At least ten acts prepare to perform at the unplugged festival.
Performances are held from 1:30 to 9:30 on both days. Tickets are $25 a day or $40 for both days. For children 12 and under, admission is free. Sunday will feature our fabulous dance floor including a Sunday Square Dance with caller Casey Carr and GrassRoots Unplugged musicians. The fest also includes a visual arts section, and a children’s fun area.
For more information on the GrassRoots Unplugged festival coming to Trumansburg, NY, click here. Click this link to purchase your daily tickets or tickets for the whole weekend.
The fifth annual Drumstock Music and Arts Festival will return to Geneva on Saturday, September 7th. The open-air festival will celebrate the region’s rich musical and artistic heritage with 14 hours of entertainment.
Since its start, Drumstock has been so much more than just a music festival. Its organizers are dedicated to crafting an inclusive environment through collaboration with local artists and activists. This year, Drumstock will begin at 12pm on Saturday, September 7th at Geneva’s Lake Drum Brewing. The festival will take place in the outdoors in an open-air space behind the brewery. The free festival will feature a day of live music and community partnerships.
The 2024 Drumstock Festival will feature 17 artists – both local and nationally renowned. At the top of the ticket is avant-garde funk group Soule Monde. Founded by Trey Anasastio Band members Ray Paczkowski and Russ Lawton, Soule Monde combines over 20 years of musical experience. Since their start, the band members have played with artists like Mike Gordon and Dave Matthews. With Lawton on Drums and Paczkowski on Hammond Organ, the duo crafts syncopated and highly improvisational tracks with ease. The band has previously appeared at Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, and Saturday Night Live.
Alongside Soule Monde, Drumstock will highlight diverse local talent with a number of New York bands. Among the featured bands are Finger Lakes’ natives St Vith. The indie rock group blends influences ranging from Wilco to Animal Collective. With synthesized electronics and acoustic instrumentation, St Vith crafts an eclectic brand of alternative.
The festival’s local talent spans countless genres, showcasing the region’s rich musical heritage. On top of St Vith’s indie rock, Kajuneji will perform, highlighting their mixing of jam, jazz and world music. This musical heritage will take festival-goers on a musical trip around the world. Geneva’s Zydecorp will bring audiences cajun-inspired accordion dance music and Colors Do Som will play their Brazilian-influenced stylings. Drumstock’s performances will begin at 12pm and last until 2am.
In addition to countless musical performances, the festival provides visitors other ways to engage with local arts and culture. Throughout the day, Drumstock will feature art exhibitions and performances from local Hobart & William Smith students. In addition to arts, local vendors will be present throughout the day, giving visitors the chance to buy local handicrafts and delicacies. This all reflects Drumstock’s core mission of strengthening the local community through its exhibition of arts.
Admission to this year’s Drumstock Festival is free thanks to local partnerships. Lake Drum Brewing, LDC, Geneva Community Projects, Red Jacket, Wayne Bank, Community Proud, and Dave & Wendy’s contributions have made the festival possible. For more information on the 2024 Drumstock Festival, visit their website here.
Drumstock Festival Lineup
Soule Monde (Featuring Ray Paczkowski and Russ Lawton of the Trey Anastasio Band)
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)
Grateful Dead pianist Tom Constanten has announced a farewell tour spanning September and October 2024. This tour alongside Live Dead & Brothers will give deadheads one last opportunity to see the legendary pianist live in concert. Among the tour dates are four performances across New York state.
Tom Constanten was born in Long Branch, New Jersey in 1944. Following enrollment at UC Berkeley, Constanten met future Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, becoming further involved in music. This musical career soon led Constanten to study across Europe, playing alongside legends of modern classical, like Karlheinz Stockhausen and Steve Reich. Constanten then followed up his studies with a brief stint in the US Air Force.
Following his return to the US, Constanten immediately joined the Grateful Dead on tour. His debut with the band was a November 23, 1968 performance at Athens, Ohio’s Memorial Auditorium. During his three-year career with the band, Constanten played keyboards on three Grateful Dead recordings: Anthem of the Sun, Aoxomoxoa, and Live/Dead. Constanten’s stint with the Grateful Dead ended with an April 28, 1971 performance at the Fillmore East in New York.
Following his departure from the Grateful Dead, Constnaten remained close to his bandmates while pursuing other artistic endeavors. Since 1971, he has recorded alongside the Incredible String Band, Jefferson Starship, and more. In 1994, Constanten was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the other members of the Grateful Dead.
Tom Constanten alongside Jerry Garcia
Now, after more than five decades of touring, Constanten will make a final farewell tour across the United States. Supergroup Live Dead & Brothers will join Constanten on stage throughout the tour. The band consists of Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers collaborators, dedicated to celebrating Constanten’s legacy. Among the musicians are the Allman Betts Band’s Berry Duane Oakley and Les Dudek. Also featured are Grateful Dead collaborators Mark Karan, Scott Guberman, and Pete Lavezzolli.
The tour will begin on September 6th in Irving, Texas, before making its way Northeast. Along the two month-long tour, Constanten will make four stops across New York State. The first stop comes in Buffalo’s Sportsman’s Tavern on September 26th. Following this performance is a September 27th show at Albany’s Empire Live. The 1000-person venue features state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment, and a large stage, making it one of Albany’s premier venues.
Constanten will return to New York on October 9th with a show at Canandaigua’s Fort Hill Performing Arts Center. The venue’s features a 387-person orchestral theater dating back to 1928. The venue’s impeccable sound makes it one of the top theaters in the Finger Lakes region. Constanten will close out his tour with an October 12th performance at Syracuse’s prolific Westcott Theatre.
Across these tour dates, Constanten and Live Dead & Brothers will perform an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, and blues. These shows will act as a testament to the legacy of the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers catalogs, featuring their trademark improvisational jams.
Tickets for Constanten’s farewell tour shows are currently on sale. For more information on tickets, visit the link here.
Tom Constanten Tour Dates
9/6 – Carpenter Hall – Irving, TX
9/7 – Cailloux Theater – Kerrville, TX
9/17 – Perot Theatre – Texarkana, TX
9/18 – Cullen Theatre – Houston, TX
9/19 – Greenville Municipal Auditorium – Greenville. TX
9/20 – Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts – Amarillo, TX
9/26 – Sportsman’s Tavern – Buffalo, NY
9/27 – Empire Live – Albany, NY
9/28 – Pat Garrett Amphitheater – Strausstown, PA
9/29 – The Hamilton – Washington, DC
10/1 – Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA
10/2 – Beacon Theatre – Hopewell, VA
10/5 – Rams Head on Stage – Annapolis, MD
10/8 – The Empire – Belleville, ON
10/9 – Fort Hill Performing Arts Center – Canandaigua, NY
10/10 – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille – Warrendale, PA
10/11 – Tussey Mountain Amphitheatre – Boalsburg, PA
Exploring the music scene in Western New York reveals a spectrum of venues that reflect the region’s cultural diversity. From venerable theaters with a storied past to more intimate establishments pulsating with contemporary sounds, the musical landscape in Western New York is both rich and varied.
Whether your musical taste gravitates towards soulful jazz, the energetic rhythms of rock, or the harmonious melodies of folk and blues, Western New York caters to a wide range of preferences. This list serves as a guide, offering insights into iconic theaters and lively pubs (RIP Broadway Joe’s) that collectively contribute to shaping the vibrant and diverse musical culture of Western New York.
Artpark, situated at 450 S 4th Street, Lewiston, is a seasonal concert venue offering indoor and outdoor options. From summer through early autumn, the Amphitheater and Main Stage showcase national acts across a diverse range of musical genres.
Since 1958, the African-American Cultural Center at 350 Masten Avenue, Buffalo, has been a vibrant hub for live music and cultural events. Renowned for organizing the annual Pine Grill Jazz Reunion at MLK Park, it is also the proud home of the Kakilambe Dance & Drum Company.
Babeville, located at 341 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, is a 19th-century church famously preserved and revitalized by folk-rock star Ani DiFranco. Within its walls, Asbury Hall, The Ninth Ward, and Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Centerâs cinema host a mix of national and local bands.
Formerly known as Darcy McGeeâs, The Banshee Irish Pub at 257 Franklin Street, Buffalo, is a cozy, traditional spot with a focus on Celtic music. Its stage features a full schedule of live, local bands during weekends.
A cozy venue with great seats and acts continually, Bears Den at Seneca Niagara Casino brings in local talent as well as national acts. Watch the series Inside the Bearâs Den for a look at past performances at the venue.
One of the oldest museums dedicated to modern art, Buffalo AKG Art Museum (formerly the Albright-Knox Art Gallery) is the sixth-oldest public art institution in the United States, founded in December 1862 as the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy. Now renovated, the museum hosts weekly Thursday Night Live performances, M&T First Fridays with live music, the Buffalo Chamber Players at AKG, and the seasonal outdoor concert Rockin’ at the Buffalo AKG.
Located at 49 Illinois Street, Buffalo Iron Works is a mid-sized music venue housed in a former factory. With a lively room, great sound, and vibrant atmosphere, it proudly features local and national bands, adhering to its motto: “Funk, Soul, Rock & Jam Spread Daily.”
At 59 Ganson Street, Buffalo Riverworks stands as a post-industrial marvel, boasting a big two-story barroom/restaurant, expansive patios, and a large stage for live music. It hosts the annual Music is Art festival, a multi-stage extravaganza produced by Robbie Takac and volunteers.
Situated on the campus of Buffalo State College, Buffalo State Performing Art Center features an exquisite and acoustically perfect auditorium. Primarily showcasing ensembles from the college, it also presents the ongoing Great Performers Series.
Each summer, Chautauqua Institution comes alive with a mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational activities, a true variety of the arts. For nine weeks, the more than century old institution welcomes more than 100,000 people who participate in programs, classes and community events designed for all ages, all at an historic lakeside village.
40 minutes east of Buffalo and 55 minutes from Rochester, one of the two summer shed amphitheaters in Western New York, Darien Lake Amphitheater, opened in 1993, replacing Lakeside Amphitheater. With a capacity of 21,600, this Live Nation venue welcomes national tours all summer long.
Duende, situated at 5 Silo City Row, is a captivating venue in the transformed Silo City. Offering three stages for live music, along with a restaurant and a popular outdoor seating area, Duende has become a safe space for art and music enthusiasts.
The former Tralf Music Hall, Electric City has been open since early 2024 with a capacity of 750, taking its name as an homage to Buffaloâs history in early electric lighting. Electric City is fully redesigned, with enhanced acoustics and improved sight lines, plus VIP experiences, spacious bars and enhanced concert enjoyment.
Set in the heart of Niagara Falls, Evening Star Concert Hall hosts a variety of musical performances and events for the local community, while providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents in a unique and intimate setting for music lovers.
The Heron Farm and Events Center hosts the annual Great Blue Heron Music Festival, as well as concerts, retreats, and other events. In addition you’ll find camping and lodging to relax and enjoy the surrounding and music found on this Chautauqua County this quintessential New York destination.
The home to the Buffalo Bills also serves as a venue for concerts. It hosts a handful of annual concerts, primarily featuring rock superstars like the The Rolling Stones.
Jack Rabbit on Buffaloâs Elmwood Strip, located at 1010 Elmwood Avenue, hosts a diverse array of live music, drag shows, and performances in its front room and upstairs piano lounge.
KeyBank Center, is the stage for major acts such as Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, and the Eagles. Known for its excellent sound, attendees are advised to wear earplugs for an enhanced sonic experience.
Designed by Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, Kleinhans Music Hall is an architectural masterpiece. Home to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, it is hailed as an acoustically perfect venue, hosting a variety of musical ensembles and the Buffalo Chamber Music Society.
Knox Farm is a 600+ acre State Park located in the Erie County village of East Aurora. The former country estate of the Knox Family of Buffalo, Knox Farm hosts Borderland Fest each fall, as well as a variety of other events.
Located at 745 Seneca Street, Larkin Square is the heart of the Larkinville neighborhood of Western New York. Along with hosting Food Truck Tuesdays and KeyBank Live at Larkin on Wednesdays, it presents free outdoor concerts during the season.
Located in the former Buffalo Grill and Ale House, Luna Lounge opened in 2023 as music venue, bar, and restaurant in Cheektowaga, with a variety of hip hop and EDM artists performing here.
Mohawk Place features a delightful long wooden bar leading to a back room for rock and roll shows. The venue proudly displays decades of touring band flyers and photographs.
Located on the Daemen College campus, MusicalFare Theatre offers a season of musicals in its 136-seat main theater and cabaret concerts in the spacious, ninety-seven-seat lobby.
With a view from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino has 5,000 seats, has been ranked #1 in Canada and #10 in the world among similar sized rooms, featuring state of the art technology and outstanding acoustics.
As the only lakeside music venue in Western New York, Public House on the Lake at 914 Lake Shore Road in Hamburg features both indoor and outdoor stages.
The Rapids Theatre offers a prime concert venue within an ornate former 1920s-era movie house. It has hosted many national acts. (The venue has recently closed its doors.)
Originally opened in 1923 as the Palace Theatre in Jamestown, the venue hosted films, vaudeville acts, stage shows and the premiere of hometown legend Lucille Ball and husband Desi Arnaz’s film Forever Darling. By the 1980s, the venue fell into disrepair but thanks to philanthropists Reginald and Elizabeth Lenna, who provided a great deal of funding towards the renovations, the venue was renamed for them as the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. The venue, nicknamed “The Showplace of the Chautauqua Region,” has now been open consistently for the past decade, aside from the pandemic in 2020.
Situated on bustling Hertel Avenue, Revolution Gallery opened in 2016. It hosts art exhibitions, wine tastings, and a popular performance series featuring diverse acts, from electric Irish punk to “crime jazz.”
This is a brand new venue and private event space in Buffalo’s historic Black Rock neighborhood. Riff City was opened by partners from Jack Rabbit and is an event-driven music venue, with wood-fired pizzas during live music events and plans for a full menu and sit down dining on tap.
Built in the 1920s as a Vaudeville and movie house, the Riviera Theatre is a busy concert venue hosting touring artists performing original or tribute-focused music.
Kurt Johnson opened Shawbucks in 1995, naming it after his great uncle who had the nickname ‘Shawbuck’ while working as a logger. Johnson opened a second bar in the building next door, connecting the two buildings to have two bars in one location, starting in 1996, and moved into the Journal Press building where it is now located, serving food, drinks and hosting occasional shows.
Originally built in 1911 as a movie theater, the Showplace Theater experienced a revival in 2019. It serves as a vibrant music venue, bringing life back to its historic space.
Built in 1868, one of Jamestown’s oldest churches has since been repurposed as a center for the arts. The Spire hosts regular theatrical programming; serves as a home to entrepreneurs, artists, performers, groups, churches, and organizations; and hosts Chautauqua’s Got Talent competition, concerts, comedy, and more.
A haven for roots music, Sportsmenâs Tavern features Americana, blues, rock, and big band performances. It also owns and operates The Cave, providing a diverse musical experience.
Opened in spring 2024, Terminal B at Buffalo’s Outer Harbor was closed to the public since 1967, but after an infusion of resources, a permanent, $13 million amphitheater has been built right on the banks of the Outer Harbor. The 100,000 square foot open air event center has a canopied stage for concert performances, non-for-profit events, and cultural organizations that features a sloped lawn in a natural setting, plus an overlook deck facing Lake Erie. What was once contaminated land now has a deep concert schedule has been bringing folks back to the shores of the Outer Harbor. The venue officially opened with an announcement from Governor Hochul on April 8, the day of the most recent solar eclipse, serving as a viewing location on the site.
Built as The Town Casino in the 1940s, Town Ballroom was a lounge and cabaret hotspot. Today, it showcases the best contemporary talent across various musical genres.
With venues including the Mainstage Theatre, Drama Theatre, Black Box Theatre, and Screening Room, the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts hosts live music events, featuring national touring acts and other performances on campus.
The West Falls Center for the Arts is a charming space that hosts live music throughout the year. With a various shows per month, it showcases both local and national bands, spanning genres like blues, folk, acoustic, Americana, and gentler rock & roll, fostering an intimate vibe.
Listed as “temporarily closed” with no recent shows of note, The Willow Bay Theater, formerly know as The Crown Theatre, is a 500-seat venue located at the top of the Willow Bay Building on 3rd Street in downtown Jamestown.
