Foreigner @ SPAC July 2nd 2015
Foreigner @ SPAC July 2nd 2015
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Foreigner @ SPAC July 2nd 2015
Foreigner @ SPAC July 2nd 2015
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95X and Scott Dixon presented the 2nd annual “Locals Only Fest” on August 8 at Kegs Canal Side in Jordan. Paying tribute to the talent that comes out of the 315 area code, 95X showcased thirteen of the top rock bands to come out of Central New York. This is the annual by-product of Dixon’s “Locals Only” radio show, which airs on 95X every Thursday night at 11pm and features music from around the area. It was an all-day event that featured the long awaited reunion of the legendary Dracula Jones who were THE rock band in Syracuse back in the 90’s.
An observation before I begin. I think every single band on the bill that day (except for Dracula Jones, sadly) played a song from their “forthcoming album.” I just want to point out how far we have come in this digital age that any band can easily produce and release music without getting the backing of some huge money machine. We are spoiled as music listeners these days. Twenty years ago it was incredibly expensive to produce even a simple 4 song demo cassette tape! Rant over.
The day’s festivities began with a set from Mountains and Valleys. This band is a collective of musicians who explore the endless possibilities of collaboration. These guys could easily cross promote into the hippie scene. Next up was a rockin’ set from Shawn Fleming that began with “Skyscrapers,” as heard on “Locals Only” radio. Then came a pleasant surprise when I heard Damon Lars. They are a power trio from Syracuse that belt out some fun rock that reminds me of the same vibe you get from live Jackyl. You may recognize them as those guys you saw rolling around on the floor of the Lost Horizon, acting like brothers do when they drink a couple few. Their set included “Overdose” and “7 Foot Creature.” Amerikan Primitive played their radio hit “Next Summer” as well as “Hang Around,” the new single from their forthcoming CD. Amerikan Primitive rock hard and feature a female lead guitarist who shreds a Les Paul and possesses a killer Zak Wylde stance!
And that brings us to the Afro Nips. Supporting their latest release on Aux records, entitled Get High, this was my “Holy f***ing shit Batman!” moment of the day. Not only do the guys get my vote for coolest band name of the day, but they get my vote for most unexpected great impression of the day. After being impressed by the power trio earlier in the day, I was blown to smithereens by this power duo, yep I said duo. Why don’t we call them a Superpower Duo, maybe even the Wonder Twins? Definitely something of superhero caliber with the amount of sound that only a bass player and drummer can put out. You get FULL band sound out of 2 guys. They should be on everyone’s “Must See” list.
Only the Chosen was next. Their single “Asylum” has been featured on “Locals Only” radio. Member Mike Curtis helped Dixon with a clothing drive that collected over 500 coats for the needy this year. If you like System of a Down, you’d like this group! They get into their show and really enjoy performing. Murder In Rue Morgue were at the half-way point of the show. Dixon proclaimed them one of the hardest working bands in music as of late. Recently opening for bands like Mushroomhead and Flotsam and Jetsam, these guys brought the speed and the thrash. Spire also brings the speed and heaviness, but they are multifaceted and bring more to the table than just that. They have this heavy edge. They can be fast and then break things down to a slow and heavy groove that allows for proper headbanging. I was impressed with these guys. Singer growls and screams true metal from behind a keyboard, which you don’t often see in a metal band. Real good guitar work. Shredding guitar. I would call these guys a sophisticated metal band.
Phantom Chemistry was the second metal band to bring a keyboard. They played “Wreck” off of their album, Whiskey Slur. Toward the end of their set, the guitarist and keyboardist switched spots and busted out some quality funk rock from that point forward. They even threw in a killer cover of Nirvana’s “Territorial Pissings” to close their set.
Jeremiah’s Razor is a good solid rock band whose set included “Remember Me” and “The Perfect Storm.” Feeding Affliction put on a great performance. It is great to see their singer perform metal music holding an old classic microphone like the type Elvis used to use.
Crow’s Cage was the final act before the headliner. These guys have been relentlessly working hard at building a following and playing as much as possible. I hear these guys being talked about often. What more can be said? They have the look. Their sound is as professional as any huge metal band of today. Why Turning Stone Casino would book Under the Gun and not these guys is beyond me! They played their single, “Chemicals” off of their new album that is being released October 3.
Then, finally the reunion everyone was waiting for. Dracula Jones had the time machine perfectly calibrated for this rare occasion. It was a perfect scene. Everyone drew in tighter to a stage that was thick with smoke and blue light. The band opened with “Crucified” just like they did back in the day. A classic Dracula Jones show starter, the music slowly builds to a peak and then barrels over into a rock and roll steamroller. Immediately, we were all catapulted decades back into an open air Lost Horizon. My nostalgia meter was beyond pegged. It melted! I was a Drac Jones kid back in their heyday and this reunion show had all of the key elements of classic Dracula Jones at their peak, 20 years ago, all the way down to Scott Sterling running the soundboard! The only reminder of what year it is was the current hair fashions of both Dez and Jeff, which differ greatly from their hairstyles of two decades ago. After the steamroller start, they went into the classic, “Girl.” Ah hell, each Dracula Jones tune is a classic. I will stop using that word. They touched upon most of their library, including “Falling,” “Rainmaker,” “Real World,” “Oblivion.” They kicked the time machine up a notch and went all the way back to “Wildflower Sea.” This is the first song off of Heavy Pop, their very first release from 1992. They closed their performance with “Speak.”
It was incredibly heartwarming to see some of the same old faces in the crowd, still donning the Doc Martens, remembering every word to every song, rocking hard with old friends, and having one crazy good time doing it! I even saw a few people let their nostalgia cup spill over when I saw a mini, pseudo mosh pit break out in tribute to the moment. Looking around the crowd, it is clear to me that Dracula Jones was such a powerful band of the time that they were an integral piece of our childhood and became a woven part of every Lost Horizon kids’ being (myself included!) Those who were there twenty years ago can identify with this statement. If you were there, you know what I mean. We will always remember what it was like to be a Drac Jones fan at their peak!
No part of this day would have been possible without Scott Dixon’s hard work and passion for the local music scene. That being said, I believe it is suitable to say both thank you congratulations to Scott! Everything was always better “back then.” No matter when that was, it is always better than “right now.” Scott allowed a group of old school Central New York rock fans to check out for a couples hours, forget about all the bullshit of everyday life, and get back to a more perfect time. You Sir, provided for us the “Great Escape.” I think it was all that we were hoping for and then some. However Mr. Dixon, our hope has shifted. The running joke for the night was singer Jeff Jones’ notion that we should do this every year and call it Jones Fest! While brought to the table as a funny, some things just shouldn’t be joked about. Soooooo, I’ll see you next year at Jones Fest 2016?!?!?
Dracula Jones Headline 95X’s Locals Only Fest 95X and Scott Dixon presented the 2nd annual “Locals Only Fest” on August 8 at Kegs Canal Side in Jordan.
Photo Gallery: 24th annual Great Blue Heron Festival - July 3rd-5th
Photo Gallery: 24th annual Great Blue Heron Festival – July 3rd-5th
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Photo Gallery: Boys of Zummer Tour with Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa - June 23rd at SPAC
Photo Gallery: Boys of Zummer Tour with Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa – June 23rd at SPAC
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On July 2-5, Sterling Stage Kampitheater passed the 20 year mark with a celebration of music with a lineup that was basically a Sterling Stage history lesson. While a good percentage of the music loving population descended upon Chicago to witness the end, and enjoy the last of something, Sterling Stage friends and family descended upon their wooded haven to put a 20 year stamp on the tradition that won’t be bidding farewell anytime soon! It was a perfect weekend – good weather and good vibes, no one interrupting your independence, happy faces and good music. Damn good music!
Thursday featured music in the Sinatra Lounge from Sterling alumni Hakeem Dodley, the Greener Grass Band, and headlined by Sterling favorites Tim Herron Corporation. Friday saw the 20th Anniversary into full swing with a day of music, start to finish. Reuniting after over fifteen years for this special celebration was Roach Powder. They were one of the two bands that played at Sterling Stage Kampitheater’s first event back in 1995. Roach Powder returned with 3 full sets stretched across the weekend. Lead guitarist Eric Brown also brought his soul project, The Eric Brown Band, for a Saturday afternoon set. The other band to play the very first Sterling Stage event back in 1995 was The Grand Overseers of Divinity, which included Eric McElveen of Tim Herron Corporation and Mike Bogan of the Mike Bogan Band. Both of these gentlemen are also featured in the Ameribeat Orchestra.
Saturday was another amazing day with a great opening set from The Linears, along with a hopping afternoon set from The George Wesley Band that included a great version of “Electric Avenue” with a “China Cat Sunflower” ending. Saturday afternoon also included something that has become a yearly tradition and a boat load of fun for all the participants. The Primate Fiasco led a second line parade around the festival grounds. In a street performance style, they would stop here and there to allow fans to gather around, eventually leading the crowd into the Sinatra Lounge for a rendition of Beck’s “Where It’s At.” They also played a total ripper of a late night set Saturday night / Sunday morning. I’m not sure if it was the ambiance of the Sinatra Lounge at late night, the excitement of the celebration at hand, or the sweet sound of Drake Descant’s shiny new accordion, but the crowd reaction to the Primate Fiasco’s late night set was similar to the feeding frenzy that ensues when meat falls into a school of piranha. I know it was not the case, but man the crowd acted as if they were famished for good jam music and this was the first helping they had come across all weekend. Maybe it was something in the water.
True to Sterling Stage history, Friday and Saturday nights were headlined by jam band pioneers, Max Creek. Making their nineteenth and twentieth appearance, Max Creek first performed at Sterling Stage back in August of 1996. These guys brought 4 sets of amazing original and cover material, culminating with an appropriate final set on Saturday night that consisted mostly of Grateful Dead songs. As a special twenty year treat to those who chose to spend their weekend at the 20th Anniversary Party, Sunday night was headlined by the Grateful Dead “Fare Thee Well” digital stream on a big screen for the crowd.
My observations of the weekend – Roach Powder gave an absolutely satisfying performance of “Blue Sky” -> “Bird Song” -> “Blue Sky” during their second set. I love listening to Jesse Collins. The George Wesley Band is great and bass player Lion Sanford does not play the bass – he makes sweet love to it! I was more than pleasantly surprised with my first experience with Jam Factor, which features Bill Rose and Tim Frazier who played in an early Sterling Stage group called The Rounders. I have decided that Jam Factor packs some serious WOW Factor and I need to see more of these guys when I can. I’ve seen their name around Syracuse playing at the Dinosaur BBQ and other places. Highly recommended! And of course, anything Primate Fiasco is always a highlight for me!
Even Sterling Doggies are Smiling!
The spirit was in the air all weekend. Even though we were in the middle of the woods in Upstate New York, no one could ignore what was happening a few states to the left. So many bands payed homage to the Grateful Dead this weekend that I was beginning to think it was in each band’s contract that they must play at least one Grateful Dead song per set. So many Grateful Dead songs were played at Sterling throughout the weekend that no one felt like they were missing something by skipping Chicago. It was like you were in a perpetual version of the Fare Thee Well shows. If you compile a set list of the Dead songs that were played throughout the weekend, one could feasibly argue that they too saw one hell of a Dead show. When I look at my notes, I count 29 Dead songs I heard played before the Sunday stream even started.
In closing, I have to say I am always impressed by the caliber of musician and band that Sterling Stage brings to their festivals. Of course you recognize the names of the national acts that are on the bill, but there is always a good many names that make you say to yourself, “Who the f*** are you?” Trust me, whenever you find your inner monologue questioning what you are about to see at Sterling, rest assured it will be something outstanding. At Sterling Stage, you get national act quality at a local or regional level. I am so thankful that organizer Eric McElveen knows how to maximize on the large selection of quality music that this area has to offer. Always a hoot. Thank you . . . for a real good time!
That being said, you WILL NOT want to miss the next installment of Sterling Stage’s 20th Anniversary season when they bring their annual String Fling to you, July 30-August 2. This year will feature Cabinet and Jatoba, plus many others. Get your tickets now!
http://sterlingstage.com
Written by George DiFabio Photos by Jerrie DiFabio
Sterling Stage’s 20th Anniversary Party : July 2nd-5th On July 2-5, Sterling Stage Kampitheater passed the 20 year mark with a celebration of music with a lineup that was basically a Sterling Stage history lesson.
Buffalove: An All America Music Festival
Buffalove: An All America Music Festival
Congratulations, Buffalive Productions. You’ve received your tenure with a third and successful Buffalove Music Festival. Held June 18-20 at North Fork Music Park in Warsaw, NY, the tremendous effort given to the event was evident, from the killer lineup to the “Pancakes and GRAVY.” If you could only attend one of the three days, you’d have been a happy camper, even in spite of the rain that at…
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Get a Power Peek into the Powerfunk Movement. An Interview with Turkuaz.
Get a Power Peek into the Powerfunk Movement. An Interview with Turkuaz.
Turkuaz are the innovators of the Powerfunk sound that is starting to boil over into a Powerfunk movement. Dave Brandwein is the mastermind of this funky 9 headed monster. Consider him the “Wizard of Kuaz.” (My apologies, I couldn’t resist the cheesy play on words. I will elaborate more on this in a future writing.) I sat down with Dave Brandwein of Turkuaz recently, before a performance at…
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Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival July 16-19
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival July 16-19
Every July, thousands of bluegrass and acoustic music fans make their way to Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival on the Walsh Farm in the tiny hamlet of Oak Hill, NY. Headlining this year’s award-winning lineup of more than 40 bands on five stages are the Del McCoury Band; Sam Bush; Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn; The Infamous Stringdusters; Hot Rize; Greensky Bluegrass; Steep Canyon Rangers; The…
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The Frendly Gathering 2015
The Frendly Gathering 2015
Words & photos by Chelsea Erin Wright Danny Davis A festival built upon “Frendship” and inclusivity, The Frendly Gathering 2015 was an even greater success than the previous years. Founded by professional snowboarders Jack Mitrani and Danny Davis, along with the loving support of Vermont’s well-known snowboarding company Burton and the help of countless Frends-this years gathering saw its…
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All the goods about All Good Music Festival and Camp Out – Berry Hill Farm, Summit Point, WV – July 9-11
All the goods about All Good Music Festival and Camp Out – Berry Hill Farm, Summit Point, WV – July 9-11
If you can only attend one, there are a few characteristics that make All Good the one festival you should visit this summer. Created and continuously run since 1997 by Tim Walther, Walther Productions have ridden the ups and downs of live music production long enough to know when it’s necessary to just take some time off. After last year’s hiatus and a new venue at the lovely, sprawling Berry…
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Sterling Stage 20th Anniversary Party This Weekend July 3rd-5th
Sterling Stage 20th Anniversary Party This Weekend July 3rd-5th
The next installment of the 20 year anniversary season of Sterling Stage will prove to be the best yet. On July 2-5, Sterling Stage will host their 20th Anniversary Party. Chock full of Sterling alumni and favorites, the weekend will feature 2 nights of Max Creek as well as The Primate Fiasco, The Kitchen Dwellers, Tim Herron Corporation, Ameribeat Orchestra, Los Blancos, The George Wesley…
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Photo Gallery: Train, The Fray, Matt Nathanson - June 18 at SPAC
Photo Gallery: Train, The Fray, Matt Nathanson – June 18 at SPAC
Matt Nathanson The Fray Train
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You Are Formally Invited to the 20th Anniversary Party
You Are Formally Invited to the 20th Anniversary Party
The next installment of the 20 year anniversary season of Sterling Stage will prove to be the best yet. On July 2-5, Sterling Stage will host their 20th Anniversary Party. Chock full of Sterling alumni and favorites, the weekend will feature 2 nights of Max Creek as well as The Primate Fiasco, The Kitchen Dwellers, Tim Herron Corporation, Ameribeat Orchestra, Los Blancos, The George Wesley…
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Interview: Wanderlust headliner Trevor Hall
Interview: Wanderlust headliner Trevor Hall
Trevor Hall is an accomplished singer and songwriter, producing an eclectic mix of acoustic reggae, rock, and sanskrit chanting. He broke through the music scene very early in his music career, joining sold-out tours with top musicians such as Michael Franti, SOJA, Brett Dennen, Jimmy Cliff, Steel Pulse, Matisyahu, The Wailers, and Colbie Callait. Trevor projects a refreshing universal message,…
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Written by George DiFabio Photos: Jerrie DiFabio
So I was listening to a group of Primates singing songs written by Beatles about being a Walrus. I could have sworn I opened a wrong door and got pulled into the middle of one of Jack Hanna’s wet dreams . . . That’s what happens when The Primate Fiasco gallivant across Central New York on a Magical Mystery Tour.
On May 28, 29, and 30th The Primate Fiasco brought their own version of the Beatles classic album, Magical Mystery Tour, to Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo respectively. I was fortunate enough to attend Syracuse and Rochester. By “their own version,” I mean they invited some friends. By “friends,” I mean they invited EVERY person who EVER wanted to play a Beatles tune EVER IN THEIR LIFE to come join them onstage. Many local musicians and fans took them up on this offer. Syracuse response was lame compared to Rochester. Only 2 people joined them onstage in Syracuse.
The shows were great and each at a nice venue. The Syracuse show was at the Westcott Theater and the Rochester show was at Flour City Station. Each show began with Magical Mystery Tour in its entirety, and closed with Primate Fiasco songs. Always something new from the Fiasco and always growing on the last idea, these guys are really honing their sound and seem to constantly expand into some new musical landscape. Jeff Fennell is picking up the clarinet a lot more. The musicianship between saxophonist Jeff Fennell and accordionist Drake Descant is always exciting, but is growing into something borderline sick. At multiple times, these guys were going off together in an improv moment and their output was intertwining so tightly, the only way I can think to describe it is that it was like the musical version of Twizzlers Pull and Peel candy. You know the ones with separate licorice strings all twisted together? These guys are now improvising together on an almost telepathic level. Sick!
A rare occasion, drummer Chris Trevethan proved there is more to the man than just hands and feet as he stepped from behind the drum kit to take the lead and man the microphone for “Hello, Goodbye.” Performing the Beatles also allowed Jeff Fennell and Drake Descant to lend their vocal talents to the mix, more so than the Fiasco originals demand. I like to see bands switch up the leadership position and allow different members to shine in their own way. It adds so much more character and possibility to the direction of the music. I hope we see more of this. To conclude this Beatles experience, in typical Primate Fiasco fashion, they unplugged and Chris Trevethan grabbed a washboard. The band stepped offstage into the Syracuse and Rochester crowds and performed “All You Need is Love,” which of course turned into a sing along featuring the entire crowd as mystery guests!
Each city was graced with the Primate Fiasco superhero epic, “Sidekick,” as well as the 15-ish minute musical journey that is “March of the Goosepimp.” Rochester heard a few more songs than Syracuse did. The night ended with “Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel. By request, Syracuse heard “Wrist Band Tan Line” in tribute to the upcoming festival season. Also by request was “Demon.” This is one of my favorite Primate Fiasco songs, hands down. (OK, I’m the one who requested this one) A realistic song about man chases woman – “I know you’re a demon but . . . when can I see you again?” The reason I’m all about this song is mainly the build up at the end of it. The music slowly builds to such a point that it finally erupts, barrels you over, and thrusts you into a musical tsunami that I can only compare to the equivalent of marching band head-banging. Dave Russo pushes his banjo through electric guitar effects. Have you ever heard a banjo through a wah pedal? WOW!
In conclusion, Primate Fiasco brought the enthusiasm and played solid shows in both Syracuse and Rochester. Simply put, these guys are great. Not good, great. They seem to constantly be improving and always showing up with something fresh and new. If you missed the Magical Mystery Tour, you missed out on something special. Fear not, they will be back around before you know it. I will be ranting and raving about them, and trying to get you off your bum to go see what incarnation of creative WOW-ness they will be bringing that time. Till then . . .
Knee deep in festival season, you can next see Primate Fiasco in Central New York on July 4th. They will be playing at Sterling Stage’s 20th Anniversary Party alongside headliners Max Creek. I am quite certain they will be leading a second line parade around the festival grounds.
http://primatefiasco.com
https://www.facebook.com/primatefiasco
It Was an Upstate Fiasco Written by George DiFabio Photos: Jerrie DiFabio So I was listening to a group of Primates singing songs written by Beatles about being a Walrus.
Thursday, June 18th Mike Gordon, Scott Murawski, Robert Walter, John Kimock, Craig Myers
SET ONE : Different World Another Door Surface Here Today Say Something Looking For Clues Spock’s Brain Different World
SET TWO Jones Take It As It Comes Sugar Shack The Last Step Normal Phoebe Are You A Hypnotist Voices Face How Do I Know
ENCORE How Many People Are You
Photo Gallery: Mike Gordon Band – Paper Mill Island, Baldwinsville – June 18th Thursday, June 18th Mike Gordon, Scott Murawski, Robert Walter, John Kimock, Craig Myers SET ONE :
Photo Gallery: War on Drugs - Water Street Music Hall - June 8th
Photo Gallery: War on Drugs – Water Street Music Hall – June 8th
photos by Daniel Finkelstein
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