Bishop

"Three brothers from the same mother, no bullshit, and alot of fun," could easily be the headline of any piece written on this hard-hitting Trio from Upstate New York. Brothers Tommy (Guitars, Lead Vox) Rocky (Drums, Vox) and Vinny (Bass, Vox), make up BISHOP. Since its inception in 1999, Bishop has completed 3 studio albums and has toured extensively in support of their work.

Bishop's debut release, "Centipede" dropped in 2001, followed by "Rock On" - released in 2005 amid high reviews and acclaim. Bishop embarked on the "Lady Luck Tour" following the release of Rock On in 2006, performing across the country, from New York to Vegas, and points between.

Immediately following the tour, Bishop entered the studio to begin work on their latest effort, "Steel Gods," released in February 2007. Steel Gods boasts ten songs that sum up the sound and persona of the band in a way that truly reflects their roots in both Rock and Metal.
Bishop will begin touring in early spring of 2007 in support of "Steel Gods."

Whether on the road, or in the studio The Bishop Ideology of, "Playing solid rock music and putting on an incredible live show" will remain.

The Brian Kaplan Band - New Year, New Songs, New Band All-Star Lineup to Play All-Ages Show at Northern Lights

Albany, NY (February 10, 2006) - Albany's Brian Kaplan Band (BKB) will return to Clifton Park with a new, all-star lineup on Friday, February 10th at NorthernLights. They will join Metroland's 2005 Best Pop Band, Hector On Stilts, and the hotly tipped, Winter Pills from Northampton. Albany's My Last Sunrise will open.

BKB was on performance break since September 2005 so founder / song- writer, Brian Kaplan, could focus on writing new material, work on a forth- coming album, named "All My Best Days", and play a series of reunion shows with his former band, touring veterans, Conehead Buddha. Kaplan also used the downtime to retool BKB.

"I was really happy with what we (BKB) had achieved in terms of our live show, particularly since January (of 2005), but I wanted to push further. In many ways, this new band is a dream of mine - putting together some of the best, most exciting musicians I know. I can't wait for BKB fans to hear us now."

The new BKB features keyboardist Brian Mangini (Ominous Seapods, Raisinhead), Conehead Buddha founder, Chris Fisher, on drums, guitarist Rob Cohen (Funk Squad, SoulConFusion), bassist Colin Almquist (Lynch, Voodelics) and newcomer/recent Crane School of music graduate, Erin Slater, on backup vocals. Fisher is also co-producing All My Best Days with Kaplan.

Kaplan, vocalist/guitarist/trombonist, first honed his substantial chops in Conehead Buddha, appearing with Blink 182, Guster, Ben Kweller, Rusted Root & Jerry Garcia Band among others. In demand as a studio & live player, Kaplan has also leant his prodigious instrumental skills to Antigone Rising, moe, Jupiter Sunrise & Leftover Salmon. Kaplan relocated to Albany after graduating from The Crane Music School at SUNY Potsdam.

BKB has appeared with Zox, Paranoid Social Club, The Samples, Common Rotation, The Push Stars, Lo Faber (God Street Wine), Seven Nations and more. BKB will cap this month with an opening set for BB King's 80th Birthday Bash on Saturday, January 28th at the Palace Theatre.

All My Best Days is currently scheduled for release late winter 2006. For media inquiries, contact Jeff Mirel at 518-935-4858 or email: pressdesk@3000revolutions.com

Date: Friday, February 10, 2006
Location: Northern Lights, 1208 Route 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065
Time: 8:00 PM

Ale House Winter Party - Benefit Concert Promises Afternoon of Music, Food, Fun and Friendship

This weekend the Ale House in Troy will host the Will Burger Benefit. The benefit will take place on Saturday, January 14th from noon to 4pm. Music will be provided by Kevin Maul, knotworking, Hayseed, Leigh Gibson, and Lucky 57. Children's fun including magic by Brisky. All donations will go directly to the Burger family who are incurring unusual, unexpected and costly expenses.

On Thanksgiving morning 6 year old Will Burger woke up with a headache that turned out to be a rare malignant brain tumor called an anaplastic ependymoma. It was blocking one of the ventricles in his brain, and caused "water on the brain" which led to the headache. Surgeons at NYU were able to successfully remove the entire tumor, but an estimated six week course of radiation is required in order to help ensure that no menacing cells were left behind. He will be treated at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston where they offer proton beam radiation - a very expensive but effective type of radiation designed to limit any secondary damage to young brains.

Please come out and party with the Burgers to share some fun, good energy, love and friendship. All are invited whether you already know the Burgers or whether you'll be new friends after the party. No mention of illness will be made at the party. It's about having fun.
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Plug in with Bipolar

Bipolar is:
Mark Petronis - Lead Guitar
Patrick Lee Michaelis - Lead Vocals
David Tyo - Rhythm Guitar and Vocals
Peter James - Drums and Percussion
John Durden - Bass Guitar

Hometown: Saratoga, New York
Genre: Hard Rock
Booking Info: bigpete@bipolarmusic.com
Website: www.bipolarmusic.com

How long has the band been making music together?
We’ve been rocking for about a year and a half now. Mark actually joined up in May of 2004 for internship credit from U of Miami, which was certainly a cool thing to get college credit for. Things went so well that summer that after he graduated in December he signed up with Bipolar on a permanent basis, so the five of us have been together full time since December of 2004.

Where do you call home?
We’re based in Saratoga, where we all grew up, except for Patrick who’s from Montana. Pat was actually visiting New York when Dave saw him performing in Saratoga. Dave convinced him to audition for the lead singer slot, and the rest is history.

How would you describe your music in five words?
Ass kicking, head banging rock.

Tell us about the new CD. What is it's title and why? What is it like? What can you tell us about the experience you had while putting it together?
The new CD is called Rupture. The idea behind the title is that the CD as a whole is very explosive, and the music kind of the gives the idea that it’s just bursting out of the speakers and slapping you in the face, hence “Rupture.” We like to think of it as a straight up hard rock album, but we have a couple of power ballads thrown in there for good measure.
As far as the actual process of recording it, the whole thing took about seven months. It was recorded, mixed and produced by Bipolar’s own David Tyo, with of course input from us all. Dave is really the mastermind behind it all though.
We actually added a couple of tunes at the end of the recording process that we had written in the months we were producing the album. We went back and forth with whether or not to add them, but in the end we felt the tunes added so much to the album that we couldn’t NOT put them on the album.

If you guys could play a show with anyone you wanted to, who would that be?
Hmmm, that’s gonna require six different answers. If anyone of us could sit in with any band we wanted it would look something like: Mark – Black Label Society, Dave – The Doors (of course not possible) or Blues Traveler,
John – Tower of Power, Pat – Allman Brothers Band, Pete – Metallica. If the entity that is Bipolar had the chance to play with any one band, then it would probably have to be Dream Theater. Anyone of the guys in that band can maybe be called “The Best … In The World” with a straight face, and the fact that they’re all in the same band is just absurd. Yeah we’re all big Dream Theater fans.

What is your favorite thing to do when you're not making music?
We’re so damn busy these days between work and Bipolar that no one has time to do anything else! Wow, yeah that sounds like a joke but after work we come home and practice, or write, or record, or take care of band business and on the weekends we gig. Let’s hope it all pays off in the end.

What was the first concert you ever attended?
Mark – Chicago at the now defunct Starlight Theater. That place was cool because the stage was in the center and it rotated so you could see everything. Pete – Dave Matthews Band at SPAC. Pat – Heart at Billings Montana at the Metra (that’s right, Heart). Dave - Beach Boys at SPAC. John – The Monkees, also at the spectacular Starlight Theater. Interesting side note is that Weird Al opened up for them.

What should a crowd expect at one of your shows?
We’re happy and very proud to say that the band you hear on the recordings is the same band you’ll see when you come to our show. In fact we may be even better live because there is so much more intensity when we’re all playing together. It’s a shame that we even have to say that “Yes, we can actually do all this live…” but so many bands now (more often in the Power Pop/Punk/Post Hardcore milieu that’s so popular right now) just sound nothing like they do on the album. Without saying the name of the band…alright God damn it I will: The song Helena by Chemical Romance. I love the song on the album, but then I heard them “try” to do it live, and the band is sloppy and the “singer” can’t hit half the notes on the album. I was just really disappointed and I think about all the kids who are into these types of bands now, go and see them live, and they just suck. So they gotta walk away thinking “Wow, that sounds nothing like it does on the album.” So to sum all that up, when you come see us live we make sure you walk away saying “Wow, those guys really get it done live.”

What's the weirdest reaction you ever got from a fan?
Oh, all the typical things you hear about: body part signings, completely inappropriate drunken behavior, etc. One chick got just about completely naked up on stage at a show at the venue formerly known as Club Caroline in Saratoga Springs. We’ve also got a fan that’s got a Bipolar tattoo. Crazy.

How do you psyche yourselves up before you go on stage?
Unfortunately we don’t have anything cool to say here. Truth be told too many of our shows have involved setting up our own PA, and after an hour and a half to two hours of setting up and sound checking, we usually just grab a beer and start playing. However, now that the album is coming out we’ll only be doing shows at venues that have their own damn PA, so hopefully soon we'll be able to tell you about some crazy backstage rituals because we’ll actually have the time to perform them.

Would you be willing to share your comments on the local music scene and what it's really like to be a part of it?
Albany has its things that it’s good for. Metal and hardcore goes over really well, punk and pop do fine, but there aren’t too many bands in the area who really define the genre we belong to which is hard rock. We're not talking rock, pop/rock, or alternative rock, but straight up ass kicking, bass thumping, and guitar pummeling hard rock. That’s why we do a lot of shows in New York City where we quickly build a buzz and every time we go back there it just gets bigger and bigger. It’s hard to reach a lot of people in our area because no one’s just going to be walking by Northern Lights, hear us play, then call their friends and tell em’ to a hop a cab down to see this band Bipolar, which is what we get at CBGB or Continental. That said, we do have a real strong following in this area, and with some of the new material being released at various online mediums, it’s only getting bigger. On the international level we are currently ranked #5 in Hard Rock on GarageBand.com. We’re happy to say that the band 10 Years is ranked number 1, and considering they just went Gold and you can’t turn on the radio without hearing the song ‘Wasteland’, we feel like we’re in a pretty good spot right now. All we can say is if you’re coming out on January 7th, don’t show up too late or we're not sure that there’s gonna be room for you…

Bipolar will celebrate the release of their new CD "Rupture" with a release party at Northern Lights on Saturday, January 7th. Special guests are Kingscastle and Distant By Design. Doors open at 7pm.

Bass Superstar at The Armory - Tony Levin set for New Year's Eve show in Albany

Rock music bass players are a lot like baseball umpires: the best ones are those that you never notice while they are going about their duties. The lack of shouting matches with a hot-tempered manager means that the correct on-field calls are being made by the umpire. Likewise, an anonymous bassist is a sign of a competent musician that dares not steal the spotlight from the lead guitarist. The result is a lack of recognized superstars for these denizens of the four-string axe.

Tony Levin is the exception to that rule. The Woodstock resident, best known for his stints with King Crimson and Peter Gabriel and for being one of the most in-demand studio musicians in the history of rock and roll, has carved out the unique distinction as being the world's most high-profile practicioner of this traditionally overlooked field of performing art.

After attending the Eastman School of Music in Rochester and playing in the Rochester Philharmonic, Levin met drummer Steve Gadd, who introduced him to playing a higher level of jazz and rock. He traded in his Ampeg baby bass for an old (at that time) Fender Precision bass, which was his only instrument for many years.

In 1970, Levin moved to New York City and joined a band with Don Preston of The Mothers of Invention. Soon after, he began working as a session musician and through the 1970's he played bass on many albums. In the late '70s wanting to do more live playing, Levin joined Peter Gabriel's band, who he had met through producer Bob Ezrin while recording Alice Cooper's Welcome to My Nightmare and Lou Reed's Berlin. Tony has played with Gabriel, both on the road and in the studio, ever since.

It was in these early years with Gabriel that Levin developed his playing of the Chapman Stick. The song Big Time, from Gabriel's So album, inspired the development of Funk Fingers, which are chopped off drumsticks used to hammer on the bass strings. Levin credits Gabriel with the idea.

On Gabriel's first album, Tony met Robert Fripp and in 1980, after having played on Fripp's solo album Exposure, he became a member of the '80s incarnation of progressive rock icons King Crimson.His resume of studio work is astonishing, having played on some of the most popular albums of the last twenty years as well as on some that are unknown to all but the most tuned-in. Credit include working with such diverse talents as Joan Armatrading, David Bowie, Al Dimeola, Peter Frampton, Gov't Mule, Pink Floyd, and Sarah Mclaughlan and many dozens of others.
His behind the scenes efforts in the recording of John Lennon' s Double Fantasy are recorded for the ages in an audio clip that Levin freely shares with visitors to his website. On it, the ex-Beatle is heard walking Levin and others through the rough cut of the album's signature track (Just Like) Starting Over.

The urge to perform on the live stage afflicts most great musicians, and the road has been beckoning Levin as of late. To satisfy that craving, he has been hopping planes to hook up with The California Guitar Trio for a string of western gigs as well as making some guest appearances with The Jim Weider Band in the northeast. Those select dates will include that band's upcoming New Year's Eve show at Albany's newly refurbished Washington Avenue Armory in a dual-headline billing with Pink Floyd tribute band, The Machine.

Weider, former guitarist of legendary The Band, was last seen here in the Capital Region at April's Tech Valley Times "Y2 Anniversary" in Troy. His all-star ensemble is currently supporting his critically acclaimed Project Percolator release, which can best be described as fusion rock that picks up where Jeff Beck left off during his Wired / Blow By Blow period of the mid-70's.

Tickets for the 8:00PM New Year's Eve (Dec 31, 2005) show are $10 in advance / $15 at the door and available online at www.TechValleyConcerts.com and at The Armory box office. The show is all-ages. Children under 12 enter free (no ticket required). There are no service fees for tickets purchased online before Dec 24.

Northern Lights Hosts Concert to Benefit the Homeless

Local nightspot, Northern Lights, will host a benefit concert to raise awareness and funds for the homeless on Thursday, December 22nd. Concert goers will be treated to perfformances by Milo, Kingscastle, Monty, Sunday Girl, Stuck In First and Teknique.

All proceeds will go directly to the Salvation Army to benefit the homeless. Northern Lights is localed on Rte 146 in Clifton Park. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Rock 2 Rebuild Benefit Concert For Katrina Relief

Capital District residents were treated to an exciting evening of top notch music recently, and turned out to show their support for hurricane victims at the Concert For Katrina Relief . NYCAP Music was honored to be a part of the benefit concert, which was organized by Rock 2 Rebuild who also organized the very successful Tsunami Benefit Concert earlier this year which raised over thirteen thousand dollars for Habitat For Humanity.

Concert organizers, George Kansas and Jeffery Mirel put together an extensive lineup of talent with performances by The Refrigerators, ZOX, Conehead Buddha featuring Peter Prince, Super 400, The Kamikaze Hearts, and Sensemaya with the 2Dance4Ever dancers. New Orleans singer, songwriter Chip Wilson was a special guest, making the trip from his hometown in The Big Easy to perform at the concert.

The popular blues group Nite Train earned the distinction of opening the event by single-handedly raising close to four thousand dollars thru ticket sales. Valerie Webb and her band Venomentality captured second place in "The Palace Challenge" and performed in the mezzanine. Acoustic stage performers included Buck 250, The LWT Singers, and Slim Pickins.

The benefit concert was a great success made possible by the wonderful folks at Rock 2 Rebuild, The Palace Theatre who graciously host the event, Mayor Jennings and The City of Albany, many generous local sponsors, the musicians who donated their time and their talent, and the contless number of volunteers including security, stagehands, and sound engineers who all gave generously of their time to help make the evening run smoothly.

Conkling Hall To Host Blues Guitarist Ernie Hawkins

Ernie Hawkins is carrying on the tradition of his mentor, Rev. Gary Davis. Ron Weinstock of Washington DC Blues Society has said of Ernie Hawkins' acoustical blues sound:

"In addition to his fluid, crisp guitar playing, Hawkins has a genial style in intruding his songs and a natural vocal delivery. His wonderful performance and extensive repertoire make for a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable concert."

Additional information

Rock 2 Rebuild Concert For Katrina Relief

Our friends from Rock 2 ReBuild have been busy planning a benefit concert for vicitims of Hurricane Katrina. The concert is scheduled for Sat, October 15th at the Palace Theater in Albany, doors open at 7pm.

The current lineup includes performances by some of the Capital Region's biggest acts including The Refrigerators, Conehead Buddha, Super 400, The Kamikaze Hearts and Sensemaya and Friends.

The response from the local music community has been overwhelming. So many local musicians have contacted event organizers and offered to perform that Rock 2 Rebuild recently announced the "Palace Challenge" which will give local musicians an opportunity to compete for a chance perform at the benefit concert in one of two open slots in the lineup for the concert.

In addition to talented musicians, and generous sponsors a event of this magnitude can only be successful if people are willing to get involved and help. Please check the official Rock 2 Rebuild website for more information and to learn how you can volunteer to help and show your support.

Third Annual Lake George Blues Fest Ends On A Somber Note

This past weekend we headed north. We'd made plans to catch the Maynard Brothers' set at the Third Annual Lake George Blues Blast. It was late when we got to the village, about 3pm on Sunday, and we joined the rest of the blues fans already enjoying the music in Shepards Park.

We settled into a comfortable spot on the lawn, scanned the crowd for friends and family, and gave little thought to the familiar sound of an ambulance as it passed thru town. At the time, we had no idea of the tragedy unfolding just a few miles away. It wasn't long before everyone noticed the sirens; a sound out of place and hard to ignore between the blues tunes.

Slowly, word began to spread thru the crowd - there had been a boating accident of some kind on Lake George. One of the tour boats on the lake was involved; many passengers had been injured or possibly drowned. I turned to our friend, Jeff Maynard, and whispered what I had heard to him just before he headed down the hill to the stage for their set.

Within minutes a festival organizer thanked everyone for coming, announced the Maynard Brothers Band, and then asked the audience to pray for those who were involved in the accident, quite an introduction. The guys opened with "Don't Mind Livin' Alone" - their music was tight, and sweet for the next hour. The Maynard Brothers played one of the best sets we have ever heard them play that afternoon.

We struggled over what to say about the Lake George Blues Blast on the website. It's difficult to talk about the music in light of the tragedy this past weekend. We're music fans, not trained journalists, so we decided we'd just try to do our best. In addition to The Maynard Brothers, we caught sets by Phil Petroff & The Natural Fact and the area's own blues legend, Ernie Williams. Everyone sounded wonderful, in spite of the tragedy that was playing out just a few minutes north of Shepard's Park.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and survivors of the Ethan Allen accident, their families, and the volunteers and rescue workers who risked their own lives to help.

Local Musicians Organize Concerts to Benefit Victims of Hurricane Katrina

Local rockers Tripsonic and Hung Jury organized a day long fundraiser to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina. Katrina 2005 took place at Big Bobby Brown's Rockin' BBQ on Sunday, Sept. 11th from noon to 10pm and included a line-up of some of area's favorite localmusicians.

The following local bands performed at Katrina 2005: Hung Jury, Tripsonic, Acoustic Trauma, Releae, Steve Moss, Watchdog,, The Tribe, ReaLation and Five 'Til Midnight. All concert proceeds were donated to the Salvation Army Katrina Relief Fund to assist hurricane survivors and their families.

Big Frank's Freedom Hurricane Relief Festival will take place on Sept. 11th at The River Street Beat Shop in Troy from noon to 6pm. The show started as a thank you tribute to all emergency personnel for their efforts past and present. In light of the recent events organizers will now be collecting donations for the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief efforts. Acts scheduled to perform: Corey Hough, Wendy Nolan, Johnny Mystery, Big Frank and the Bargain Bingers, Cliff Street, and October Circle.

“The victims just want basic life sustenance. They’re in shock. Everything they’ve worked for all of their lives is gone,” said Major Dalton Cunningham, divisional commander for The Salvation Army in the Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi Division. Monetary donations are needed to meet the victims’ most immediate needs. The Salvation Army continues to help bring aid and comfort to those affected by Hurricane Katrina, launching one of the largest emergency disaster services relief efforts in the organization’s 125-year history. Mobile kitchens and canteens serving in the Gulf Coast region are focused on providing the most precious commodities needed right now – food and water.

Helping Victims of Katrina - A Consumer's Guide To Giving Wisely

In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Americans are opening their hearts and wallets to help the affected communities in the Gulf Coast. The federal government is advising that the best way to provide immediate assistance is to donate money directly to established national relief organizations with the experience and means to deliver aid.

If you’re thinking about the best ways to provide help to those affected by the Hurricane, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, has these tips to help you give wisely:

Donate to recognized charities you have given to before. Watch out for charities that have sprung up overnight. They may be well-meaning, but lack the infrastructure to provide assistance. And be wary of charities with names that sound like familiar, or nationally known organizations. Give directly to the charity, not the solicitors for the charity.

Do not give out personal or financial information including your Social Security number or credit card and bank account numbers to anyone who solicits a contribution from you. Scam artists use this information to commit fraud against you. Check out any charities before you donate. Contact the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. Don’t give or send cash. For security and tax record purposes, contribute by check or credit card. Write the official name of the charity on your check.

You can contribute safely online through national charities like The Red Cross. Ask for identification if you’re approached in person. Many states require paid fund-raisers to identify themselves as such and to name the charity for which they’re soliciting. Learn more

Positively Fourth Street - A Rock n' Roll Restaurant

(Troy, NY) August 12, 2005 - What is old, is new again. Positively Fourth Street (P4th) returned with full force on Friday, August 12th, with musical guest Melodrome. The Rock & Roll spirit of P4th’s previous incarnation has been resurrected - in a new location at 46 4th Street in Troy, New York. In keeping with the spirit of rebirth and progress, which defines rock & roll and life, P4th transformed the historic Ryan’s Paint Store, a fixture on 4th Street for 50+ years, into an upscale Music Venue and Restaurant, a’la a local Hard Rock Café, satisfying the Capital Region’s hunger for local music and great food.

P4th will again be one of the areas largest supporters of local music, but unlike the original Positively Fourth Street, P4th has expanded its focus to combine great food and spirits together, along with a strong and broad focus on music for music lovers of all ages.

Art Fredette, former owner of the original Positively Fourth Street, Artie’s River Street Stage and the Lansingburgh Station House and a member of the local favorites, the Lawn Sausages, has teamed up with Leesa Naimo, an attorney with the law firm of Lemery Greisler LLC whose practice focuses on fostering economic development, creating or preserving job opportunities, and stimulating growth, expansion and modernization of small businesses throughout Upstate New York, as well as John Cehowski, Assistant Business Officer at the NYS OMRDD’s Capital District DDSO and co-member of the local musical group Release and Patrick Vaccariello, a veteran of the Monument Square Café and the Ale House and one of the Capital Region’s most versatile and well-known characters to the industry.

A Grand Opening is schedule for Wednesday, September 7th with musical guest, The Charms. This show will kick-off The Charms’ first national tour. For information, call P4th at (518) 687-0064 or visit the P4th web site.

Brian Patneaude Quintet to Perform at Albany's Fourth Annual Jazz Fest

The City of Albany will host the fourth annual Jazz Fest at Albany's Riverfront Park on Saturday, September 10th from noon to 6:30pm. This year's lineup will feature some of the hottest in regional and national jazz music, as well as great food and beverages. Albany Riverfront Park provides the perfect setting for a great late summer day on the banks of the beautiful Hudson River. Featured Entertainers will include a performance at noon by The Brian Patneaude Quintet who o were named the best local Jazz group by Metroland magazine in 2003 and 2004.

Local Songwriter to Play the NYS Fair and Brings CD Release Party To Albany

Central NY native, Candice Jarrett, will be playing at The New York State Fair on September 2nd and 3rd, 2005. The up and coming songstress, who has graced venues such as legendary CBGB's in New York City and who performed on the THINC Stage at this year's Taste of Syracuse Festival, will be rocking out in Syracuse once again at the Coca-Cola Coliseum as her debut performance at The New York State Fair.

“I am beyond excited to perform at The State Fair this year,” Candice says. “I am going to get to share the stage with one of the greatest bands Syracuse has to offer: Timeline! I have been looking forward to this all summer and have chosen to release my newest CD (for the first time) during my performance at The Fair.

Candice is quickly making her name known, performing with local Syracuse musicians such as Ashley Cox as she tours throughout the many corners of The Empire State. After her performance at The New York State Fair, Candice will be very busy performing at her CD Release Parties in Albany, Utica, and Syracuse. The Albany CD Release Party will be held on Friday,: September 8th at Savannah’s from 9PM – 12AM and will feature local Albany musicians Mike Grosshandler, Valerie Webb, Jonathan Bright, and Frank Novko. Please visit Candice’s website for more information.

Reggie's Red Hot Feetwarmers Release Newest CD, Saratoga Souvenir

Reggie’s Red Hot Feetwarmers proudly announce the release of their newest CD, Saratoga Souvenir. Saratoga Souvenir features the spec-tacular playing of New York City-based clarinet virtuoso Dan Levinson.

Reggie’s Red Hot Feetwarmers have been together since the early 1980’s when they began as an offshoot project of Doc Scanlon’s Rhythm Boys. The traditional New Orleans/Hot Jazz band is beginning their 20th year at the famed Saratoga, New York Racetrack as “house band” five days a week. During an active career that began in the 1980’s, Dan Levinson has worked with such jazz luminaries as Dick Hyman, Mel Torme and Wynton Marsalis. A member of Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks since 1993, Dan has been featured with them on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion radio program and at Carnegie Hall. He has also recorded and performed numerous projects under his own leadership.

Saratoga Souvenir captures a very special Saratoga tradition. The Feetwarmers are a colorful, moveable musical feast that strolls to all corners of the country’s oldest racetrack to entertain crowds young and old. Harkening back to the sounds of the 20’s and 30’s, the Feetwarmers pump out an infectious, all-acoustic, unplugged brand of jumping jazz, with the only amplification being the megaphone that “Reggie” uses for singing. The band includes banjo, acoustic slap bass, trumpet, trombone and clarinet. Their repertoire is a romp through some of the best traditional and hot jazz tunes of the 1920’s and 30’s. Whether at the Track, at concerts, clubs or private parties, the Feetwarmers always set toes tappin’ and faces smilin’. The new CD is available from the band at the Racetrack, at Internet music source CDBaby, and from the band’s own website, where you can also find a list of local upcoming shows.

Events at the Empire State Plaza Offer A Little Something For All Musical Tastes

The Empire State Plaza's annual I Love NY Food Festival boasted quite the musical lineup on the menu this year. In addition to the traditional culinary delights. the festival included a performance by the one of the areas' top Rock-a-billy groups, Rocky Velvet, from 11am until 2pm. An evening performance included sets by Barrence Whitfield and the Savages out of Boston MA, followed by John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band with headliners the Gin Blossoms. The Food Festival was held at the Empire State Plaza on Wednesday, August 10th and is free to the public. For more information call (877) 659-4377.

Plug In With Five 'Til Midnight

Five 'Til Midnight is:
Mark Haskell - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Christopher Wilber - lead guitar, backing vocals
Jennifer Garlin - piano, backing vocals
Ashley Bowman - bass, backing vocals
Dennis Fatato - drums
Hometown: Albany, New York
Genre: Alternative Rock
Booking Info: ftmbooking@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.geocities.com/fivetillmidnight/

Five 'Til Midnight is an alternative rock band with classic rock and blues influences. Formed in the fall of 2003, they have been dedicated to the sound and quality of live performance and the arrangement of music.Combining their talent and influences, they have created a sound all their own. Since becoming a complete band, Five 'Til Midnight has played in numerous venues around the Capital District of NY, and they are looking to expand to other areas. They have also been featured on two of the local radio stations, (Channel 103.1, Albany's new rock alternative and WFNP 88.7 FM, the Edge) and can be heard at 9down Radio (http://9down.OutrAegis.org).

On November 20, 2004 they finished their first EP, with eight full length tracks. Since then the band has grown artistically (including the addition of two new members), and they are looking forward to returning to the studio this summer.
We caught up with the band recently and asked them a few questions......

How long has the band been making music together?
It's been a year and a half for Mark and Chris, about six months for Ashley and Dennis, and Jen has been with us for about a year.

Where do you call home?
Albany, the Capital District...we're all pretty partial to Earth.

If you guys could play a show with anyone you wanted to, who would that be?
Ashley - Queen
Mark - Pearl Jam
Jen - Aerosmith
Dennis - Green Day
Chris - The Stones

What is your favorite thing to do when you're not making music?
Mark - When I'm not playing music? Hmmm...I like to read, play video games and watch movies.
Dennis - I love playing ball with my son.
Jen - Rock climbing
Ashley - Anything music related. There is no life outside of music!

What was the first concert you ever attended?
Chris - The Moody Blues
Ashley - 98 degrees
Dennis - Haha...the New Kids on the Block
Jen - The Who (Quadrophenia)
Mark - Live, PJ Harvey & Veruca Salt

What should a crowd expect at one of your shows?
Anyone coming to one of our shows should expect a high energy performance with rocking originals, and we tend to randomly throw in a classic rock cover. Every show is different, but it's always a great time.
What's the weirdest reaction you ever got from a fan?
Chris - Once at Savannahs, there were these two girls dancing all over each other and it made Mark and I forget the words to our song.
How do you all psyche yourselves up before you go on stage?
Mark - I still get nervous before a show, so I like to chill and relax before we go on, maybe have a cocktail to ice the nerves a little.
Chris - I like to have a few beers, and it's important that right before the show we all get together and pump each other up and wish each other luck.

Would you be willing to share your comments on the local music scene and what it's really like to be a part of it?
Mark - When we first started playing shows as a band I was amazed by how many great bands there are in the Capital District. Getting to play with these bands is always something I look forward to.
Jen - I wish people were more enthusiastic about coming out to
shows.
Ashley - I don't like the lack of Queen tribute bands!
Dennis - Music is my life, so I'm proud to be a part of it.
Chris - I love being a part of the scene. I hope a bunch of these bands go on to be something more, and it would be great to be a part of that.

Five 'Til Midnight will be at Valentines on Saturday, August 6th. For a full schedule of upcoming shows and more info about the band be sure to check their website or their Myspace.

Plug In With Monkey Gone Mad

Monkey Gone Mad is:
Ian Rafalak - Vocals, trumpet
Brendan McLaughlin - Guitar, vocals
Kate Penn - Trombone, vocals
Jason Rafalak - Bass, vocals
Jeff Pierce - Keys, vocals
Jesse Winchester - Drums
Ayra Chowdhury - Guitar, vocals
Adam "Number Two" Siegel - Alto /tenor sax
Dean Keller - Tenor/bari sax, bass clarinet
Hometown: Scotia, NY
Genre: ska/funk/punk/hiphop
Booking Info: dan@rkstar.com
Website: www.monkeygonemad.com

Monkey Gone Mad just finished work on their new CD "Listen" which will be released this coming week. Monkey Gone Mad is upstate New York's hidden secret of ska/funk/punk/hiphop about to be revealed. Comprised of members of other projects such as The Renowned Army, Westbound Train, One Sweet World, Pocket Protector and See Girl Run, MGM has been developing their unique style for 7 years, influenced by the tastes of all 9 members. From Fishbone, to NOFX, to the Roots, a little bit of everything gets thrown into the DNA of this musical organism.

With their appearance on the much anticipated ska compilation "Still Standing" (also featuring such artists as the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Slackers and Toasters), MGM got a dose of national (and to an extent international) exposure, which put them on the map in the ska scene. However, it would be a gross oversimplification to simply label their music "ska."
The sound that has been incubating for these years and has only been available in limited amounts on compilations and the band's 2001 EP "Skunk With a Porpoise" is about to be born through their first full length album "Listen..." The spectrum of ideas present within the band is finally documented, ranging from the old-school Jamaican "Reggae People," to the hard-hitting hip hop of "Right Now," to the quirky ska-pop of "Sometimes". And it's tight: clean production, yet managing to preserve the organic sound of MGM.

We caught up with the band as they worked on wrapping up the last details for their release party at Northern Lights and asked them.......

How long has the band been making music together?
Monkey Gone Mad formed as a three piece in 1997, and has constantly been adding and changing members ever since. The nine members that are currently in the band have been a band for about a year.

Where do you call home?
Scotia is homebase to the band, though there are members in Pittsburgh, Rochester, Ithaca, Schenectady, and Albany.

Where did the band's name come from?
Jay Rafalak came up with the name "Monkey Gone Mad & The Hootenany Orchestra" for a High School talent show, and it was quickly shortened.

Describe what a crowd can expect at one of your shows?
The crowd at MGM shows are rather diverse... there's the core of the ska kids, but the music is so varied and so accessible, everyone from little kids to grandparents often come to the shows.

What is your pre-show ritual?
No pre-show ritual other than to practice and scurry together a soundcheck (which isn't easy with nine people).

What's it like to play shows with such a large band of nine musicians?
To quote Perfect Thyroid's Sam Lapidus - 'Monkey Gone Mad is like a 3-ring circus. There's something going on in every part of the stage.'

We've all been waiting anxiously for the new CD - what was it like making "Listen" and what can fans look forward to?
It was definitely an experience putting together a full album... we had a lot of fun working with a lot of guest musicians who are also friends of ours, and Ted Marotta did a great job engineering and helping priduce it all. It's been a long year, and it was exciting hearing everything finally come together. Fans can probably most look forward to the band breaking from it's oft-used stereotype as a "ska band". While there are a lot of musical ska patterns etc on the disc, there's way more than just ska.

Would you be willing to share your comments on the local music scene and what it's really like to be a part of it?
The capital district music scene is full of great musicians and songwriters, and we're honored to be a part of it.Over the years, Monkey Gone Mad's live show has evolved, but the constants of high energy and spontaneity have always been part of the picture. With 9 members, there's never a dull moment. Smooth transitions keep the flow, while surprise covers and feel changes keep you guessing. We love what we do and we're pretty sure you'll dig it. See you at the show!

Our friend Dan Goodspeed at rkstar.com tells us that you can buy the new CD from the band themselves at two local shows coming up this week - one is at Valentine's on Tuesday with The Toasters, Public Access, and Honeycreeper. The second is their big CD release party at Northern Lights on Thursday, June 23rd with The Late Night Show. The first 20 people through the door get a free copy of the new CD. As if all that wasn't enough, you can also catch the band doing some radio interviews Sunday NIght- 8pm on Jason Keller's Big Break 103.1FM, and 11pm on EQXposure 102.7FM.

For more details and a full list of upcoming shows be sure to check out the band's new website at www.monkeygonemad.com

Music For Miracles Concert and CD Release Party To Benefit The Childrens Hospital at AMC

This weekend the capitol city hosted the Second Annual Music For Miracles Concert in Albany's Washington Park, on Saturday June 18th, from noon-8pm. The concert offered a great music-filled day in the park featuring many local, regional, and national performers, including North Allen, Tyler Hilton, Arc, Importante, Aaron Carter, Sirsy, The Click Five, Goin' Nowhere, The Schmooze and The Refrigerators.

In addition to the live performances, the event included raffles for numerous prizes, and the premiere of a new 15 track CD, Fridge-Benefits-II featuring original cuts from local artists as well as songs submitted by the three winners of this year's original song-writing contest and recorded by The Refrigerators.

First formed in 1992, The Refrigerators have become one of the most sought after bands to ever hit the Northeast music circuit. They have been voted "Best Band" several times by the readers of both the Times Union Preview and the Metroland Magazine. The band infuse funk, rock, and R&B with a pumping rhythm section, powerhouse horn section, ferocious guitar work, and intense vocals. The festival benefits the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center, to help fund vital medical care and research.

25th Anniversary Old Songs Festival - Folk, Traditional, Celtic and World Music and Dance

The twenty-fifth annual three day Old Songs Festival will be held on June 24-26, 2005 at the Altamont Fairgrounds. Since 1981, Old Songs has held a family-friendly acoustic festival of folk, traditional, Celtic and world music and dance.

Well known for the relaxed atmosphere, interactive sessions, workshops and jams, the festival provides a lot of hands-on experience with acoustic instruments such as fiddle, banjo, guitar, dulcimer, penny-whistle, bagpipes and participatory dance. There is an evening concert on Friday and Saturday, and an afternoon concert on Sunday in addition to the numerous workshops and classes given by the performers. Food vendors, instrument makers, and a juried craft show complete the festival weekend.

The twenty-fifth annual three day Old Songs Festival will be held on June 24-26, 2005 at the Altamont Fairgrounds.Over their 25 year history, Old Songs has been proud to provide a place for young people to experience and participate in many music and dance events. This year they celebrate the youth and young adults who have been faithful to acoustic music most of their lives. Don't miss the "Tree of Life Concert" on Sunday afternoon. A full schedule of events is available on the Festival's website.

Plug In With School Bus Yellow

School Bus Yellow is:
Gregory Finley - Drums and Vocals
Jeremy Dunham - Guitar and Vocals
Kevin Greer - Slaps his Bass
Brian Childrose - Percussion
Chuck Valentine - Lead Guitar

Hometown: East Greenbush, NY
Genre: Jam Band
Booking Info: schoolbus78@yahoo.com
Website: www.ubyellow.com

A School Bus Yellow fan wrote us recently to say:
If you are looking for a great time, go see School Bus Yellow. School Bus Yellow are a bouncy, feel good bunch of guys, always there with a big hug and kind words for everyone they meet.They are super friendly and generous. You could say their personalities are reflected in their music. School Bus Yellow is one of the most fun bands I've seen in a year, and I've seen a lot. They are extremely in touch with the audience and it is apparent they are playing for you and me. The music is a combination of Reggae with some Funk and a healthy dose of Improvisational Jams that tell a new story at every show. Together with lyrics that are fun, sometimes silly and maybe a bit weird at times, the focus is mainly on getting down, down and dancing, moving your feet and feeling good. Next time you are looking for a good time, go see School Bus Yellow. The band is currently touring like mad across the Northeast, has some shows scheduled for down south and is being added to the lineups of quite a few music festivals. Check out their website for all the news!

The School Bus frequently takes to the road, bringing their music to new audiences with an exhausting schedule of shows all over the Northeast. The guys tell us they plan to resurrect the jam band scene here in the Capital Region, and we tend to think they just might have the energy and determination needed to pull it off. Here's what they had to say when we caught them at the band house recently between road trips.

Where does SBY call home?
East Greenbush, NY

How long have you been making music?
The five of us have been making music together since the band's creation on New Year's Eve, in 2004. We have all been playing music for years.

Why are school buses yellow - do you guys have some insight? The only thing we know is that the color is actually called International Chrome. That's all the insight we have on that.

What or who inspired you to become musicians?
All the guys have been inspired by all different genres of music. Collectively bands include The Grateful Dead, Phish, and moe to name a few in our genre of music. Many other artists have played a part in inspiring us as well. The real thing that inspires the band now in the live music experience is the reaction of the fans to our music. The band strongly believes that every SBY show should be an experience for the band and our fans to join in what is the live music experience.

Can you tell us about a weird experience the band has had at a gig?

MMMM.....which one? Anytime you get these five guys and their crew together something weird is bound to happen.
We played at Higherground in Burlington, VT with Max Creek this past winter and Mike Gordon from Phish showed up at the show and watched SBY play the last couple songs of their set from the side of the stage. Later that night, Mike sat in and played with Max Creek for some of their second set. The weird thing about the story isn't Mike Gordon showing because the members of Phish are known to make random appearences at Higherground and other spots in Burlington where the band is from. The weird thing was that Higherground has a huge extravagant light show, but part of this light show is that they need smoke to enhance the lighting, and Higherground's fog machine was broken at the time. So who comes to the rescue but the the guys from SBY, who just happened to have a spare fog machine in one of their cars. So the weird thing was here was Max Creek, along with Mike Gordon on stage all using School Bus Yellow's fog machine to enhance the light show. And it be a melodic jam at the Monopole in Plattsburgh, NY that makes a fan in a packed house get on the dance floor squirming around like a snake, or a 30+ minute onslaught of non-stop music serging in and out of SBY songs into jams, into covers, then back into SBY songs. We can't tell you how this happens or what songs will flow into others because it's a spur of the moment decision while the band is on stage - so to find out you'll just have to join the party at a show.

VH-1 just called and is going to do a documentary on the band - what do you hope they won't reveal about SBY?
Our plot to take over the world.

Pre-gig ritual, do you have one?
Shots of Captain Morgan and some others depending on show.

What should a crowd expect at one of your shows?

A full out party with the band, with great music and good times to be had for all who join the party. Anything goes at our shows. Our shows are all about the fans and we're there to have fun with them - that is why we play music, for our fans. The shows are crazy with a light show that adds a visual experience. We also bring along a full-out SBY store and merchandise rep with CD's and all kinds of SBY goodies when we play at a venue. Come see what we are talking about - join the party.

School Bus Yellow will be headlining the Riverjam Concert in Troy this weekend on June 4th. The band will also perform at Troy's Riverfest on June 18th and has lined up a weekly residency at Savannah's in downtown Albany where they'll perform each Thrusday night following the Alive At Five Concerts. For a full listing of shows be sure to check jambase.com or the band's website.

Blues Benefit Concert Features The Maynard Brothers and The George Boone Blues Band

On June 10th, two area favorites - The Maynard Brothers Band and George Boone Blues Band will come together for The ColeRPalooza Blues Benefit Concert. Cole Nowak is a five year old who was recently diagnosed with RP or Retinitis Pigmentosa, which causes the retina of his eyes to degenerate. Cole's night vision has already diminished dramatically, and he will eventually go blind unless a cure can be found.

Cole's parents, Bill and Donna, are working hard to raise funds for research to benefit Cole and others with RP. All benefit proceeds will be dontated to establish a fund for research in Cole's name and will be specifically used to study and hopefully find a cure for x-linked RP. Fight for Sight is a national organization that was founded in 1946 by Mildred Weisenfeld. Faced with the same degenerative eye disease that Cole suffers from,she was shocked to learn that research into the causes and cures of vision diseases and disorders was virtually nonexistent. Not content to sit back and wait for others to decide that research was the vital link to finding treatments, Mrs. Weisenfeld founded Fight for Sight. Today, Fight for Sight is recognized as an international leader in the battlefor the preservation and restoration of sight through research.

The ColeRPalooza Blues Benefit will take place on Friday, June 10, 2005 at Central Park in Schenectady. There will be a BBQ Buffet in the Central Park Pavilion followed by an evening of top notch entertainment in the Ampitheater courtesy of the Maynard Brothers Band and The George Boone Blues Band. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For information please contact Julie toll free at 1-877-679-6060.

Local Musicians Come Together For Troy's River Jam Benefit Concert

The City of Troy's free River Jam Concert will feature a full day of great live performances by Adam Foster, School Bus Yellow, Scarecrow Collection, Rev Tor Band, Raisinhead, Oshe andDr Jah & The Love Prophets and will benefit the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY.Please bring non perishable canned food itemsto donate. The concert is being sponsored by the City of Troy and albanystage.com in association with the River Street Beat Shop. River Jam will be held on Saturday, June 4th from noon - 7pm; an after party will follow at Artie's River Street Stage.

Alive At Five Concert Series Kicks Off June 2nd

Albany's Alive At Five, an annual tradition, heralds the official return of summer on Thursday, June 2nds with the first concert in the series - a beach party theme with performances by The Tom Healey Band the the Surf City All Star Band. The free, outdoor concert series is celebrating its 16th year with a lineup that includes something for everyone. All concerts will be held at the Albany Riverfront Park and run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Food and beverage vendors complete the scene for a great way to start your weekend. For additional information call (518) 434-2032 or www.albanyevents.org

Plug In With Matador

Matador is:
Mike Wood - drums, cymbals, percussion
Tyler Krupsky - bass
Ian Zumback - guitars, vocals
Matt Wood - guitar
Hometown: Capital Region, NY
Genre: Hard Rock
Booking Info: matadormusic1@hotmail.com
Website: www.matadornet.com


Frontman, Ian Zumback, takes a minute to give us some insight into Matador and their music.....

How long have you guys been making music?
As Matador, we’ve been writing together for a little over a year.

Where did you grow up?
Mike, Matt, and myself grew up in Cohoes NY. Tyler grew up in Clifton Park. There’s not much to do in Cohoes. You either party, or find more creative things to do. We opted to be creative and write music…but I’ll admit, we’d throw a pinch of party in there too.

Is there a specific artist or band that inspired you to become a musician? Absolutely. For Matt & Mike, they had a very musical family so they got hit with a variety of different artists and influences from a very young age ranging from Van Halen to Stevie Wonder. That’s much the reason that they’re as diverse musically as they are. Some players stay in a safe zone when they play because they’re afraid to step out of the box and try something different. Not with the Wood brothers. They love to try new things and new styles. It has a lot to do with lack of ego and the fact that they’re musical sponges. They make me jealous. Just kidding.

Tyler also had a very musically supportive family. His Dad was a drummer and gave him a record of every bass heavy album that was at his disposal. It’s pretty cool when your Dad turns around and gives you records by Jaco Pastorius, Mahavishnu, & Rick James. That’s pretty varied! Tyler’s young and has his finger on the pulse of happening, up and coming music that he’s always playing for us. But don’t be fooled, us old dogs have a few tricks up our sleeves too!
For me, Jimmy Page was the end all be all. He wrote every great rock song I can think of. He had a great vision and manipulated it with a command and grace that I’ve haven’t seen since he’s stopped writing/producing music. He’s a singular artist.

Name one album you own that would ruin your credibility.
hmmmmm…Saigon Kick “the Lizard.” Who the hell would name a record the lizard? How did someone not speak up and say..”yo dude, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” They must’ve been on some pretty good drugs to come up with that one.

What was the first concert you ever attended?
Aerosmith at the Glens Falls Civic Center - Circa 1987.

How did Matador come to be?
Mike, Tyler, and I played in a previous band together named End of Line. Matt was in a popular hardcore band called One King Down. We parted ways with our singer and One King Down broke up. We lobbied to get Matt in on End of Line, but he had a good run with OKD, and had been touring for 3 solid years. He needed a break. So eventually Tyler broke off and did some other stuff, and Mike and I continued to write for 2 years. We recorded numerous songs that never got used, but stayed busy. I contacted Tyler and we decided it would be great to get in on a project together again. Shortly after, Matt, Mike, Tyler, and myself went to see A Perfect Circle at the Palace and really got inspired by their set and felt that the timing was right to start our band. So we drew up a plan to save rock from increasing mediocrity and came up with MATADOR! At least that what we tell ourselves. Ha ha. JK

And where did the band's name come from?
I came up with the name a long time ago, but decided that we use it only with a band that deserved it. We always loved the name, but didn’t feel the sound of the music fit the name. This time around, it seemed right. I can tell you that the name evolved from a dream, a power animal, and a 12 year old’s infatuation to go to Spain and do the run with the bulls.

We understand you have a brand new CD that will be released later this week. What can fans expect?
Diversity. You’ll hear some flash. You’ll hear some substance. All around we think it’s a great representation of us and our vision. We couldn’t be happier with the end result. The name of the CD is “Evidence of Foul Play.” We hope that it’s the first release of many!

What is your pre-gig ritual?
We generally gather around in a circle and say a prayer. We feel blessed to have the opportunity to take the stage every time we do, and to share the musical experience amongst friends, family, and new listeners. It’s a privilege, not a right.

What can someone expect to see at one of your shows?
Come and find out.

What's the weirdest reaction you ever got from a fan?
We’ve yet to have the honor to have someone really freak out or freak us out. Matt’s toured inter- nationally and I was his roadie so we’ve had the chance to see some pretty bizarre, off the wall stuff. Not much is going to shock us at this point, but anyone is welcome to try.

Would you be willing to share your comments on the local music scene? You know, the good, the bad, and the ugly? Controversial question…..I love a little controversy! There’s a ton of good. NYCAPMUSIC.com. That’s pretty damn good!! There are some really great promoters and venues that are doing a lot to keep a thriving local scene happening. Devon @ Northern Lights. Howard @t Valentines. Mike Valente & Ralph @ the Hudson Duster. Bob @ the Kings Tavern…you could go on and on. There are a ton of great bands too. Wetwerks, Shift, Importante, Aficianado, Distant by Design, Pile of Heads, Idols Never Die, Great Day for Up…the list goes on and on there. Check out any of those bands and you will not be disappointed. Jason Keller & “Big Break.” That dude is the ambassador for local acts. He really goes out of his way to help new bands out. He’s a great fixture in the local music scene. I heard somewhere that this band Matador is pretty good too. Ha ha.

The bad???? I know! Having to wait for the Wait’s album to come out before we can get to see them again! Come on dudes. Don’t make us beg!! Keith, I know where you live.

The ugly?? Hmmm……Matador + vodka…….If you’d like to buy us a drink, don’t give us vodka!! We can’t be held responsible for our actions in the event that you give us this seemingly, non-threatening beverage. We end up playing death-metal renditions of Neil Diamond songs! You will not be happy about it.

Come see MATADOR & Wetwerks on Friday, May 20th @ Northern Lights presented by the Channel 103.1. First 300 through the door receive a free MATADOR & WetwerkS CD!! If you’re not there, you’ll have committed a mortal sin and will be dealt immeasurable punishment in your afterlife. Just kidding. Get off your asses and come see us at Northern Light’s May 20th.

Hair of the Dog and The McKrells To Perform at the Durham Irish Festival

East Durham will host the 28th annual Irish Festival on May 28th and 29th. The event is well known as the longest running Irish Festival in the U.S. and is famous for providing a great variety of Irish Music Entertainment that all age groups can enjoy. This year the festival is proud to present as the headline group, from Ireland , The Saw Doctors. They are called Ireland ’s most exhilarating musical export and will rock the festival grounds with their infectious tunes and fun. Also appearing will be The Glengarry Bhoys, Black 47, The Prodigals and The Andy Cooney Band, Celtic Cross, The Screaming Orphans, The McCabes, Padraig Allen and Creeve, Hair of the Dog, The McKrells and Bangers and Mash. Learn more

Heavy Metal Returns to Upstate NY With A Vengeance

Some of the North East's biggest metal names performed on the same stage when Northern Lights hosted Metalfest 2005. The lineup included: The Sean Baker Orchestra, Enertia, Hypnotica, Legacy, Lucid Reality, The Randy McStine Band, Perfect Silence, Seminus, Shadow Image and Untaymed.

We caught several sets and have photos from the show posted to the site, so be sure to take a look. Learn more

Plug In With Shift

Shift is:

Chris Powers - guitar, lead vocals
Rich Bebo- bass, vocals
George Stolis - drums, effects, vocals
Hometown: Capital Region, NY
Genre: Hard Rock
Booking Info: booking@shifttrio.com
Website: www.shifttrio.com

Just getting these guys to sit still is a challenge - here's what they had to say recently when we caught up with them....

Where did you guys grow up?
Rich: I grew up in Troy NY and moved to Albany when I was about 16.
Chris: I've bounced around - born in West Point NY, grew up in Albany, and moved to NYC when I was 17.
George: Colonie, although some would argue I haven't grown up.

How long have you been making music?
Chris: My first band was a Zeppelin cover when I was 13.
Rich: I've been in the local music scene for about 10 years now.

What could you absolutely not live without?
Chris: Lungs I imagine.
George: "Family Guy"
Rich: I could absolutely not live without my family. Their support and sacrifice for me over the past 10 years has been tremendous. They've allowed me to follow my dream without pressure.

What was the first concert you ever attended?
George: I want to say Rush, but I guess it was Bon Jovi and Cinderella at RPI. I went for the chicks, I swear!
Rich: The first concert I ever went to was MC Hammer with Jodeci and Boys to Men. I just wanted to see Jodeci.

Which Shift song is your favorite and what is it about?
George: "Caged" is probably my favorite. It's literally about a girl who is imprisoned in a cage and grows to love it. Even when faced with freedom, she chooses the comfort and safety of her cage. It's analagous to the fears we have that keep us "caged" and hold us back in our everyday lives.
Chris: At the moment "Fear & Loathing", which is about how people in the business of war use hate and fear propaganda to cover up for their true agendas and how they will pay for it at some point, in life or death.

What is your pre-gig ritual?
Chris: Tuning and a shot of Yukon.
George: A couple of shots of Jaegermeister. And I like watching Chris down Yukon Jack like it's water.

What should a crowd expect at one of your shows?
Three guys and a laptop making enough racket to wake the dead. In your face, non stop, scary people you can't take your eyes off, and ENERGY in every aspect. From the stage show to the music, our whole set just pushes and pounds!!!! We pride ourselves on being rock-solid, tight, and dynamic.

What's one thing you'd change about the local scene?
We'd like to see more people come out and give all the music a chance. Alot of people come out to see their friends and then leave not knowing the band after may be an awesome band. We need more support from our radio stations also. I mean you have (Jason Keller's) Big Break and 15 Minutes of Fame, but they should have more local music in the daily rotation every day and at all times during the day. We're in a tough genre for this area. We're not quite heavy enough for hard- core and metal, and we're too heavy for the punk/rock scene. A good hard rock scene around here would be cool.


You've got to see these guys live to believe the show they put on. We caught them at King's Tavern in Saratoga Springs a few weeks back. They destroyed the stage - literally. Shift will be at Valentine's on Friday, April 29th and The Forum in Kingston on Saturday, April 30th. Be sure to check out their website for a full schedule of upcoming shows.

North East Blues Society's Annual Colossal Contenders Competition Begins

The Northeast Blues Society will hold their annual Colossal Contenders Competion at Revolution Hall in Troy from noon to 7pm on Sunday, May 15th. Seven of the areas best blues acts will compete for the chance to represent the Capital District at the International Blues Challenge which will be held in Memphis next January.

The 2005 Colossal Contenders First Round Contestants are: Joe Abbey, Brown Shugie, Conrad Story Band, Matt Mirabil, Sonic Mayhem, Valerie Medeiros, and Four on the Floor.

The First Annual Saratoga Music Festival

This weekend The Saratoga County Arts Council will present the first annual Saratoga Music Festival celebrating the CD release of Saratoga Pie. The festival will take place on May 14-15th from 4-10pm at the Saratoga Music Hall on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. In addition to music courtesy of the artists of Saratoga Pie, many local businesses will participate with activities of their own. Tickets are available thru the Arts Council prior to the festival and at the Saratoga Music Hall on the day of the festival. For more information call (518) 584-4132. Saratoga Pie is a very special compliationCD created by Saratoga's own to benefit the Saratoga Center for The Family and dishes up a slice of original music by: Reggie’s Red Hot Feetwarmers, Bob Warren, John Kribs, Rick Bolton & The Dwyer Sisters, Michael Jerling, Sonny & Perley, Matt McCabe & Junior Barber, Mudfunk , Acoustic Circus, Rosanne Raneri , Ria Curley, The McKrells, Sirsy and Big Medicine. Saratoga Pie will be available May 14th, at many fine local Saratoga businesses.

Waterford Canal Festival Celebrates 19 Years

(WATERFORD, NY) May 6, 2005 - The 19th annual Waterford canal festival, known locally as Canalfest, will be held Saturday, May 7th from 10am to 6pm in Lock 2 Park, Button Park and Battery Park in the Village of Waterford. This Mother's Day weekend tradition is family oriented, free and open to the public. Canalfest celebrates Waterford's heritage as a hub of water transportation and marks the 2005 seasonal opening of the New York State Canal System. More than sixty craft vendors and community organizations will participate throughout the three parks. A variety of musical performers are scheduled to perform including the Fyfes & Drumms of Olde Saratoga, Sonny & Perley, George Ward and 2 Broads with Alotta Sound.

Rock The Cure Benefit Concert This Weekend in Amsterdam's Riverlink Park

There will be a concert held at Riverlink Park in Amsterdam to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society this Saturday, May 7th. A number of local bands are slated to perform including: Thirteen Four, Hudson River Delta, Paynes Hollow, Subzero and Jezzie Tree. The benefit concert will run from 2pm - 8pm with donations accepted at entry.

Brian Kaplan Band Wins Jillian's Battle of the Bands

The Brian Kaplan Band was a tough act to follow in every sense,and walked away winners when Channel 103.1's Jason Keller hosted Jillian's final round of the Roots of Rock Band Battle, May 4th. In front of a packed house seven local bands competed in the city finals for prizes including trips, gigs, and guitars.In addition to the prizes, The BKB earned the chance to advance to a regional competition held in Manchester, NH and will be featured when 103.1 presents SUM 41 later this month at the Palace. Cliff Street, Goin' Nowhere, North Allen, Thirteen Four, Lynch, and The Flying Bobbz, competed along with BKB in the city finals making the judges' decision a difficult one as each band delivered an excellent set of their own.

Albany Tulip Festival Offers Something For Everyone

(ALBANY, NY) May 2, 2005 - One of Albany’s oldest and most highly anticipated events is the annual Tulip Festival set in Albany’s beautiful historic Washington Park. Each year, this traditional Albany event greets spring with thousands of tulips blooming in a myriad of colors and varieties. Thousands from across the Capital District Region and beyond come to Tulip Fest each May to celebrate Albany’s rich Dutch heritage. Tulip Fest features entertainment on 3 stages.The KidZone features crafts and family fun entertainment, and Sunday is the perfect way to celebrate Mother's Day. The highlight of the festival is the crowning of the 2005 Albany Tulip Queen on Saturday at noon. Don't miss the over 100 crafters, the fine arts show, Gardening Talks or the vast array of food vendors. Music Events Schedule - For additional information : (518) 434-2032 or www.albanyevents.org Friday, May 6th - Carillon Concert with professional carilloneur Dr. Charles Semowich, 11:30am - noon Kick Off Party, Washington Park, An intimate musical experience with acoustic entertainment provided by Katie McKrell, and flamenco guitarist Maria Zemantauski with Cantaora Mother Judge. The tulip beds around the Moses statue will host this new Tulip Festival talent showcase. Food vendors will be available as well. 5:00 - 7:30pm Saturday, May 7th - Pinksterfest, Washington Park - Over 100 artisans, Fine Art Show, Gardening Talks, fabulous live entertainment on two stages, an interactive KidZone and more. 11:00am - 6:00pm. On the Main Stage (Parade Grounds): 1pm - The Burners UK, 2:30pm - The Family Stone Experience, 4:30pm - The Funk Brothers with special guest Ernie Williams On the Amphitheatre Stage: 1pm - ZOX, 2:15pm - This Day & Age, 3:30pm - Nic Armstrong & The Thieves, 4:45pm - Paranoid Social Club Kidzone Stage: 1:30pm - The Zucchini Brothers The Royal Tulip Ball at Wolferts Roost Country Club with entertainment by The Refrigerators, 6:30pm, tickets required call 426-2667. Sunday, May 8th - Pinksterfest, Washington Park - Over 100 artisans, Fine Art Show, Gardening Talks, fabulous live entertainment on two stages, an interactive KidZone and more. 11:00am - 6:00pm On the Main Stage (Parade Grounds): 1pm - The Georgie Wonders Orchestra, 2:45 - The Funky Divas of Gospel, 4:15pm - Little Anthony and the Imperials On the Amphitheatre Stage: 12:00 noon - MudFunk, 1:30pm - Fetish Lane, 3:00pm - Ciara Lynn, 4:30pm - Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers Kidzone Stage: 12:45pm - Caribbean for Kids

On a Cold May Day, Parkfest Action is Hot

By DAVID MALACHOWSKI, Special to the Times Union First published: Monday, May 2, 2005

ALTAMONT -- Brief rays of sun rewarded the wet and cold crowd as a dozen diverse bands blasted away outdoors for Parkfest at the fairgrounds Sunday. A storm rolled through minutes before rap artist Ludacris jumped onstage, with wind and rain blowing around the stage canopy and even on some sound equipment. But with Ludacris shouting "Through rain, sleet or snow ..." the skies cleared.The Atlanta-based rapper was a welcome departure in the guitar band-based day. He dropped in by helicopter and hit hard with his latest, "Number One Spot," as the crowd went crazy. What followed was a fast-paced show as the fans soaked up Ludacris' charisma and energy. Most of the songs had lyrics and titles not quite suitable for this paper, but it pushed the party atmosphere higher.

With bright-yellow hair tied up in a bun, reggae/dancehall artist Elephant Man got the crowd fired up and then some with his rapid-fire raps like "Jook Gal." Hard rockers Hoobastank -- led by the wiry, green-capped Doug Robb -- plowed through a satisfying set that included mega-ballad "The Reason," a huge crowd-pleaser.

All Simple Plan had to do was step out of the dressing room to get the crowd up front screaming. When they actually took the stage, it was pandemonium. Like their new release, "Still Not Getting Any ...," the set started off with the fast and furious romp of "Shut Up!," which set the tone. The band and the crowd were leaping during "Jump" and "I'd Do Anything," and they triumphantly closed with the half-acoustic, half-electric "Perfect." After shouting out "I love New York, baby!" they were gone.

The locals had moments to make us proud: SUNY student Ben Tyler offered a superb set of his moody tunes; Ten Year Vamp -- with the captivating Debbie Gabrione -- tore the place down with a high-energy set that included a wild ride through "Devil Went Down to Georgia." In a debut band performance, Tom Templeton served up sweet, well-crafted songs.

David Malachowski, a local free-lance writer, is a frequent contributor to the Times Union.

PARKFEST
Where: Altamont Fairgrounds
When: Noon Sunday