The Captain JP will host a special cruise on Sat. April 30th to raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Benefit organizers, Jenn Sheeran and her sister Maureen have seen first hand the toll cancer can have on a family and organized the fundraiser in honor of their mother, who was diagnosed with cancer several years ago.
Jenn tells us "Watching someone we love battle a disease like cancer left us feeling helpless. We are raising funds for and in awareness of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and its mission of enhancing the quality of life for those living with, through, and beyond cancer."
We hope you'll join us on April 30th aboard the Capt JP. The Burners and Huge Johnson & The Immorals will be on deck to provide entertainment all evening for this great cause. Contact the Captain JP at (518) 270-1901 for ticket information. Click here to learn more.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Plug In With Paynes Hollow
Paynes Hollow is:
Jason - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Betsy - Bass Guitar
Gary - Drums, Backup Vocals
Justin - Guitar, Backup Vocals
Hometown: Capital Region, NY
Genre: Hard Rock
Booking Info: joann@payneshollow.com
Website: www.payneshollow.com
Hi, I'm crazy face logo. There are a lot of rumors about the band Paynes Hollow,
and their story thus far. I am here to enlighten you, and tell you
the real story.
Long before Paynes Hollow was envisioned (and I was the 'King Shit' logo
that I am now), Jason and Justin started playing guitar on the same day,
in the same place, with the same teacher, on the first day of September
in 1995. Years passed with a lot of bad music fads, but the lingering
influences of Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden left their
impression.
Betsy was around, but not yet doing anything more musical than humming
Smashing Pumpkins songs in the high school halls, and being mercilessly
ridiculed by Justin for it all the while. To make a boring story short,
everyone graduates high school and their paths split. Betsy and Jason go
to college at Oneonta State where Jason takes two years off playing
guitar and crawls into a bottle of vodka, while Justin stays home and
bails out of local community colleges defining the word slacker. (Hey, I
don't make crap like this up, I just tell it)
One day while eating lunch at school, Betsy decides she wants to be
famous. The following is a documented transcript of the conversation that
ensued.
Betsy: "I want to be famous"
Jason: ".ok. Then I'll teach you to play bass."
In order to reach such aspiring goals as "being famous", Jason and Betsy
realized that a drummer would be key. They recruited a local drummer
(named PJ) and the first incarnation of Paynes Hollow was born,
Neostasis. (I, the great logo, was yet to be born.)
After a year and a half of song writing and playing the Oneonta scene,
college ended for Jason and Betsy and they returned home. The positive
about moving back: Justin. The negative: PJ was over an hour away. The
result: LOCAL DRUMMER WANTED.
Gary was the first drummer to answer the ad. Everyone was skeptical and
hesitant at first, when this longhaired 80's guy with tight-rolled jeans,
and King Diamond T-shirt strolled in. But before we continue, let’s break
from the current story and focus on Gary for a moment.
Gary began playing drums in the before time, long long ago. I
mean, really, when Gary started playing drums, the rest of the band was
in diapers. He has played on and off for twenty years, contributing his
expertise to a few bands in the local areas. After his last band, his
passion was quickly dwindling; he decided to give it one last chance in a
new musical direction.
Ok, flash back to tight-rolled jeans, and everyone meeting for the first
time. When everyone actually got together, magic...or music...or
both...was made. Gary's so-called four on the floor technique was perfect
for the music Jason, Betsy and Justin were looking to make. Paynes
Hollow was born.
Paynes Hollow has now been together for over a year. The original concept
of the band has since evolved, trying new music but not straying far from
their heavy rock roots. They have played at such venues as Northern
Lights, Saratoga Winners, Savannahs, Valentines and plenty more to come.
All their latest news and info can be found on their website. But that's
not why you should visit the site. You should go because you'll see me,
the crazy face logo in all my "king shit" glory. Paynes Hollow: No, it's not a place.
Gear that the band uses:
Jay plays: a SAMICK Guitar, Marshall , Mode 4 half stack
Justin plays: a ESP - LTD Guitar, Marshall , M6 half stack
Betsy plays: a Fender P-bass special & a Austin bass,
Ampeg b2r Head and a Homemade special cabinet
Gary plays: a Sonor force 2001 series kit and hardware, Sabian cymbols, Vater sticks
Upcoming Shows:
Friday, April 29th @ Savannah’s with Kingscastle. Show starts 9 PM. $7.00
Saturday, May 7th @ Riverlink Park in Amsterdam. Bands from about 2:00-8:00 PM. This is a benefit show for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Many other bands slated to perform…check the band's site for more details soon!!
Jason - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Betsy - Bass Guitar
Gary - Drums, Backup Vocals
Justin - Guitar, Backup Vocals
Hometown: Capital Region, NY
Genre: Hard Rock
Booking Info: joann@payneshollow.com
Website: www.payneshollow.com
Hi, I'm crazy face logo. There are a lot of rumors about the band Paynes Hollow,
and their story thus far. I am here to enlighten you, and tell you
the real story.
Long before Paynes Hollow was envisioned (and I was the 'King Shit' logo
that I am now), Jason and Justin started playing guitar on the same day,
in the same place, with the same teacher, on the first day of September
in 1995. Years passed with a lot of bad music fads, but the lingering
influences of Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden left their
impression.
Betsy was around, but not yet doing anything more musical than humming
Smashing Pumpkins songs in the high school halls, and being mercilessly
ridiculed by Justin for it all the while. To make a boring story short,
everyone graduates high school and their paths split. Betsy and Jason go
to college at Oneonta State where Jason takes two years off playing
guitar and crawls into a bottle of vodka, while Justin stays home and
bails out of local community colleges defining the word slacker. (Hey, I
don't make crap like this up, I just tell it)
One day while eating lunch at school, Betsy decides she wants to be
famous. The following is a documented transcript of the conversation that
ensued.
Betsy: "I want to be famous"
Jason: ".ok. Then I'll teach you to play bass."
In order to reach such aspiring goals as "being famous", Jason and Betsy
realized that a drummer would be key. They recruited a local drummer
(named PJ) and the first incarnation of Paynes Hollow was born,
Neostasis. (I, the great logo, was yet to be born.)
After a year and a half of song writing and playing the Oneonta scene,
college ended for Jason and Betsy and they returned home. The positive
about moving back: Justin. The negative: PJ was over an hour away. The
result: LOCAL DRUMMER WANTED.
Gary was the first drummer to answer the ad. Everyone was skeptical and
hesitant at first, when this longhaired 80's guy with tight-rolled jeans,
and King Diamond T-shirt strolled in. But before we continue, let’s break
from the current story and focus on Gary for a moment.
Gary began playing drums in the before time, long long ago. I
mean, really, when Gary started playing drums, the rest of the band was
in diapers. He has played on and off for twenty years, contributing his
expertise to a few bands in the local areas. After his last band, his
passion was quickly dwindling; he decided to give it one last chance in a
new musical direction.
Ok, flash back to tight-rolled jeans, and everyone meeting for the first
time. When everyone actually got together, magic...or music...or
both...was made. Gary's so-called four on the floor technique was perfect
for the music Jason, Betsy and Justin were looking to make. Paynes
Hollow was born.
The first unofficial "audition" practice resulted in the very first
Paynes Hollow song: Down On Me. After a month of "practicing"
together, which bore a few more songs like Bitterman and Silent You,
together, which bore a few more songs like Bitterman and Silent You,
Gary officially committed to the band and the band to him.
Paynes Hollow has now been together for over a year. The original concept
of the band has since evolved, trying new music but not straying far from
their heavy rock roots. They have played at such venues as Northern
Lights, Saratoga Winners, Savannahs, Valentines and plenty more to come.
All their latest news and info can be found on their website. But that's
not why you should visit the site. You should go because you'll see me,
the crazy face logo in all my "king shit" glory. Paynes Hollow: No, it's not a place.
No, it's not from a book. It was taken right out of one clever little mind.
Then, it was a band. And soon.you will know.
Gear that the band uses:
Jay plays: a SAMICK Guitar, Marshall , Mode 4 half stack
Justin plays: a ESP - LTD Guitar, Marshall , M6 half stack
Betsy plays: a Fender P-bass special & a Austin bass,
Ampeg b2r Head and a Homemade special cabinet
Gary plays: a Sonor force 2001 series kit and hardware, Sabian cymbols, Vater sticks
Upcoming Shows:
Friday, April 29th @ Savannah’s with Kingscastle. Show starts 9 PM. $7.00
Saturday, May 7th @ Riverlink Park in Amsterdam. Bands from about 2:00-8:00 PM. This is a benefit show for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Many other bands slated to perform…check the band's site for more details soon!!
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Think Green - EarthFest 2005 Celebration at RPI
The Sage Quad on the RPI campus in Troy will be the setting for EarthFest 2005 this Saturday, April 22nd offering the community some great local music, in addition to other activities and displays. Local acts scheduled to appear Saturday include: Benjikope, Andrew Eckel Ensemble, The Brian Kaplan Band and John Brodeur.
EarthFest is just one event scheduled to take place on and about the campus this week in recognition of Earth Week, including a workshop at the Children's Museum in the RPI Tech Park off Rte 4 (Sun.,11am) along with the Earthday celebration at Grafton Lakes State Park on Sunday starting at noon.
EarthFest is just one event scheduled to take place on and about the campus this week in recognition of Earth Week, including a workshop at the Children's Museum in the RPI Tech Park off Rte 4 (Sun.,11am) along with the Earthday celebration at Grafton Lakes State Park on Sunday starting at noon.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Rock 2 Rebuild
April 20, 2005
Rock 2 Rebuild
P.O. Box 468
Delmar, NY 12054
Dear Meg & Jim,
Rock2Rebuild will surely go down as one of the most memorable undraising events ever held in Albany; we sold more than 1,800 tickets and raised over $26,500.00 for the tsunami relief funds of Habitat for Humanity & Save the Children! We wanted to express our deepest gratitude to you for your support and for so beautifully capturing R2R on film; the pictures and DVD are wonderful. NYCAP Music is a great idea, and we wish you the very best of luck.
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Indeed, our ability to raise so much money for this worthwhile effort resulted directly from the enthusiasm and commitment of our sponsors and people like you. The music, the art, the spirit of our community is sounding a world away! We can't thank you enough for your generosity and for helping us to achieve such a terrific end result!
We are also excited to announce that Rock2Rebuild will continue on as an organization dedicated to aiding those in need, exposing and nuturing aspiring talents from our own backyard and celebrating the spirit of community. We will redouble our efforts to unite local music and arts with regional, national and global causes through premium barn raising-type events, educational programs and more. We look forward to a bright future and hope to have the pleasure of working with you again.
Sincerely,
George P. Kansas & Jeffrey Mirel
Event Organizers
Rock 2 Rebuild
P.O. Box 468
Delmar, NY 12054
Dear Meg & Jim,
Rock2Rebuild will surely go down as one of the most memorable undraising events ever held in Albany; we sold more than 1,800 tickets and raised over $26,500.00 for the tsunami relief funds of Habitat for Humanity & Save the Children! We wanted to express our deepest gratitude to you for your support and for so beautifully capturing R2R on film; the pictures and DVD are wonderful. NYCAP Music is a great idea, and we wish you the very best of luck.
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Indeed, our ability to raise so much money for this worthwhile effort resulted directly from the enthusiasm and commitment of our sponsors and people like you. The music, the art, the spirit of our community is sounding a world away! We can't thank you enough for your generosity and for helping us to achieve such a terrific end result!
We are also excited to announce that Rock2Rebuild will continue on as an organization dedicated to aiding those in need, exposing and nuturing aspiring talents from our own backyard and celebrating the spirit of community. We will redouble our efforts to unite local music and arts with regional, national and global causes through premium barn raising-type events, educational programs and more. We look forward to a bright future and hope to have the pleasure of working with you again.
Sincerely,
George P. Kansas & Jeffrey Mirel
Event Organizers
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Plug In With Devilish Minds
It's always a party!
Devilish Minds is:
Gerald Monroe - Guitar,VocalsAnthony Pellegrino - Guitar, Vocals Michael Marino - Bass, Vocals Matt Spone - Drums, Vocals
Hometown: Troy, NY
Genre: Rock & Roll
Booking Info: devilishmm@aol.com
Website: www.devilishminds.com
Listen:
Devilish Minds is a driving groove rock and roll band that joins the classic funk sounds of the past with a new powerful rock feel. The group has enjoyed a loyal following, continued success all over New York and New England for over six years, and playing over 100 shows a year.
Devilish Minds has played venues from 200 to 15,000 people. Playing with the likes of the Goo Goo Dolls,Tower of Power, Molly Hatchet, Bare Naked Ladies, The Marshall Tucker Band, Robin Trower and South Side Johnny to name a few, has allowed Devilish Minds to expand their following and musical base, and to entertain a variety of audiences with their music blend.
The band has received critical acclaim on their live shows, as well as rave reviews and radio air play on their new CD. Their new CD, titled People, features a unique blend of songs that has proven to attract a variety of musical tastes. Four songs off People were chosen to be in Rob Reillly's recently released movie "Back To Manhattan" from Cinemook Films.
DM has a unique blend of cover material along with original songs, and offer a variety of music done in their own style with high energy. The group has combined all of these elements to earn their reputation as a complete Rock and Roll band for any type of venue, and consistently delivers a great live show.
Devilish Minds recently joined over a dozen local bands at Cheers on Everett Road in Albany, for a special two day benefit and music festival in memory of local musician Eddie Wells' family. Eddie was a personal friend of the band, and the benefit raised over $10,000 for his two young daughters.
"The Devils" shows are marked with a drink, dance and party atmosphere that is fun for all involved. It's always a party! For more information and the most current show dates check out the band's website.
Devilish Minds is:
Gerald Monroe - Guitar,VocalsAnthony Pellegrino - Guitar, Vocals Michael Marino - Bass, Vocals Matt Spone - Drums, Vocals
Hometown: Troy, NY
Genre: Rock & Roll
Booking Info: devilishmm@aol.com
Website: www.devilishminds.com
Listen:
Devilish Minds is a driving groove rock and roll band that joins the classic funk sounds of the past with a new powerful rock feel. The group has enjoyed a loyal following, continued success all over New York and New England for over six years, and playing over 100 shows a year.
Devilish Minds has played venues from 200 to 15,000 people. Playing with the likes of the Goo Goo Dolls,Tower of Power, Molly Hatchet, Bare Naked Ladies, The Marshall Tucker Band, Robin Trower and South Side Johnny to name a few, has allowed Devilish Minds to expand their following and musical base, and to entertain a variety of audiences with their music blend.
The band has received critical acclaim on their live shows, as well as rave reviews and radio air play on their new CD. Their new CD, titled People, features a unique blend of songs that has proven to attract a variety of musical tastes. Four songs off People were chosen to be in Rob Reillly's recently released movie "Back To Manhattan" from Cinemook Films.
DM has a unique blend of cover material along with original songs, and offer a variety of music done in their own style with high energy. The group has combined all of these elements to earn their reputation as a complete Rock and Roll band for any type of venue, and consistently delivers a great live show.
Devilish Minds recently joined over a dozen local bands at Cheers on Everett Road in Albany, for a special two day benefit and music festival in memory of local musician Eddie Wells' family. Eddie was a personal friend of the band, and the benefit raised over $10,000 for his two young daughters.
"The Devils" shows are marked with a drink, dance and party atmosphere that is fun for all involved. It's always a party! For more information and the most current show dates check out the band's website.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Saratoga Springs Comes Alive When Caffe' Lena Hosts LocalThon 2005
This past weekend Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs hosted Localthon, an annual event which is the offspring of the well known Folk-a-Thon of their wilder days. The day long music marathon boasted a cross-section of this region's finest musical talent. Caffe' regulars teamed up with musicians from in and around town, with a line-up that guaranteed fans would come away with a new favorite or two. All the musicians donated their time and effort to support their favorite folk club on Phila Street.
This year's roster of talent was extensive, and included Rosanne Raneri, Acoustic Circus, Parwana, Phil Henry, Richie Ortiz and Mudfunk to name just a few. We stopped in and caught Kate Blain hosting a segment. See Caffe Lena's website for more details.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Sirsy Joins The Line-Up to Open for Collective Soul
It was just announced that one of the area's best known acts - Sirsy, will join the line up to open for Collective Soul this Thursday evening at Northern Lights. Melanie and the guys are just back from several weeks on the road with stops in Burlington NC and Fairfax VA to name a few. They'll play The Bitter End in NY City on Wednesday, then return home to warm up the local crowd before Collective Soul hits the stage at Northern Lights Thursday evening. Doors open at 7:30 pm the night of the show. Contact the box office at Northern Lights for ticket info.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Plug In With The Burners U.K.
These guys know how to ignite a party and keep it burning - in a word, they burn
The Burners U.K. are:
J Yager - Vocals & Guitar, Matt "Lanky" Pirog - Guitar, Chris Peck - Bass, Chris "CT" Toma - Drums,
Paul Brassard - Keyboards, Tony Gambaro - Trumpet, Chris Barron - Trombone, Tim Veeder - Saxophone
Hometown: Albany, NY
Genre: Rock & Pop
Booking Info: info@theburners.com
Website: www.theburners.com
THE BURNERS U.K. are a high-powered, horn-fueled eight piece band that consistently deliver an excellent live show, making them one of the Capital Region's most requested musical acts. Passion, showmanship, a great repertoire and a genuine understanding of how to entertain an audience; these are the elements fused together at the core of The Burners U.K.
The band is fronted by well known lead vocalist J Yager, the former frontman for upstate NY favorites The Refrigerators. J's dynamic entertainment style is the perfect compliment to the high energy sound of The Burners; he comes alive on stage and is able to involve the audience and make them a part of the show. Matt Pirog handles guitar for the Burners, and has performed in Albany with local progressive rockers The Spellhounds. Bassist, Chris Peck has performed with a many local bands over the years, and is also a highly sought-after session musician. Drummer Chris "CT" Toma started performing publicly at the age of 7, and later went on to study classical oboe and hammer dulcimer in Europe. Paul Brassard is on keyboards and has previous experience with The Refrigerators, Gibraltar, Lois and the Kryptonites, The Kidz, Severin's Fortune,Sweet Talk, and The Matt Smith Band. Paul's recorded works include solo efforts and various independent and intermediate label works.
The BUK 's famous horn section is made up of Tony Gambaro on trumpet, Chris Barron on trombone and Tim Veeder on saxaphone. Tony developed a passion for music early in life and quickly gained national recognition; he was hired by top national artists including Ben E. King, Bobby Vinton, Tower of Power and Bon Jovi and the highly-successful U.S. touring group "The Blues Other Brothers" who he toured with for several years. He subsequently joined Upstate NY favorites "Out of Control" before signing on with the BUK. Chris is originally from Vernon, NY and attended the prestigious Crane School of Music majoring in Music Education. Chris moved to the Albany area in 1996, and has performed with many Capital Region musicians including the The Keith Pray Quartet , Joey Thomas Big Band, The Refrigerators, New York Players, Mood for Thought , The Brian Patenaude Quartet , Carl Landa Band, Supa Kumba and The Empire Jazz Orchestra. Tim started seriously playing the saxophone in high school and later went on to attend the College of Saint Rose studying under Paul Evoskevich. Prior to joining The Burners, Tim performed with Cleen Street , The Alan Payette Band and The New Groove to name a few.
The Burners have have shared the stage with numerous national & international touring acts & artists, including: Barenaked Ladies, Tower of Power, LFO,The J. Geils Band, Seven Nations, The Spin Doctors, B.B. King, and Richard Marx to name just a few. They were recently invited to perform at Parkfest 2005, scheduled to be held at the Altamont Fairgrounds on May 1st. The BUK will be one of the featured acts on the main stage along with Hoobastank, Simple Plan, and Ludacris. In all, over a dozen bands will be part of the day long fest, including a number of other local groups.
Recently the guys helped raise more than $25,000 for Myeloma Cancer Research at a benefit featuring The Burners U.K. and Mojo Lightning held at Michael's Banquet House in Latham, and headlined the Rock 2 ReBuild Tsunami Benefit at the Palace Theatre.
Their performance calendar is always filled with local shows and benefits and this weekend is no exception. They'll play Jillians in downtown Albany on Friday night, April 8th and then head up the Northway to Sandy's Clam Bar in Glens Falls on Saturday night, April 9th.
However, the most important event on their calendar this weekend takes place on Sunday afternoon, April 10th, from 3-7pm at The Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY. The boys will be featured at a special Melanoma benefit for Greg Balton, a very close friend of the band who is afflicted with the disease. All of the money raised will go directly to Greg and his family. The benefit is open to the public, so please mark your calendars and plan to attend. Details of the benefit, along with a complete listing of upcoming shows is available on the band's website.
The Burners U.K. are:
J Yager - Vocals & Guitar, Matt "Lanky" Pirog - Guitar, Chris Peck - Bass, Chris "CT" Toma - Drums,
Paul Brassard - Keyboards, Tony Gambaro - Trumpet, Chris Barron - Trombone, Tim Veeder - Saxophone
Hometown: Albany, NY
Genre: Rock & Pop
Booking Info: info@theburners.com
Website: www.theburners.com
THE BURNERS U.K. are a high-powered, horn-fueled eight piece band that consistently deliver an excellent live show, making them one of the Capital Region's most requested musical acts. Passion, showmanship, a great repertoire and a genuine understanding of how to entertain an audience; these are the elements fused together at the core of The Burners U.K.
The band is fronted by well known lead vocalist J Yager, the former frontman for upstate NY favorites The Refrigerators. J's dynamic entertainment style is the perfect compliment to the high energy sound of The Burners; he comes alive on stage and is able to involve the audience and make them a part of the show. Matt Pirog handles guitar for the Burners, and has performed in Albany with local progressive rockers The Spellhounds. Bassist, Chris Peck has performed with a many local bands over the years, and is also a highly sought-after session musician. Drummer Chris "CT" Toma started performing publicly at the age of 7, and later went on to study classical oboe and hammer dulcimer in Europe. Paul Brassard is on keyboards and has previous experience with The Refrigerators, Gibraltar, Lois and the Kryptonites, The Kidz, Severin's Fortune,Sweet Talk, and The Matt Smith Band. Paul's recorded works include solo efforts and various independent and intermediate label works.
The BUK 's famous horn section is made up of Tony Gambaro on trumpet, Chris Barron on trombone and Tim Veeder on saxaphone. Tony developed a passion for music early in life and quickly gained national recognition; he was hired by top national artists including Ben E. King, Bobby Vinton, Tower of Power and Bon Jovi and the highly-successful U.S. touring group "The Blues Other Brothers" who he toured with for several years. He subsequently joined Upstate NY favorites "Out of Control" before signing on with the BUK. Chris is originally from Vernon, NY and attended the prestigious Crane School of Music majoring in Music Education. Chris moved to the Albany area in 1996, and has performed with many Capital Region musicians including the The Keith Pray Quartet , Joey Thomas Big Band, The Refrigerators, New York Players, Mood for Thought , The Brian Patenaude Quartet , Carl Landa Band, Supa Kumba and The Empire Jazz Orchestra. Tim started seriously playing the saxophone in high school and later went on to attend the College of Saint Rose studying under Paul Evoskevich. Prior to joining The Burners, Tim performed with Cleen Street , The Alan Payette Band and The New Groove to name a few.
The Burners have have shared the stage with numerous national & international touring acts & artists, including: Barenaked Ladies, Tower of Power, LFO,The J. Geils Band, Seven Nations, The Spin Doctors, B.B. King, and Richard Marx to name just a few. They were recently invited to perform at Parkfest 2005, scheduled to be held at the Altamont Fairgrounds on May 1st. The BUK will be one of the featured acts on the main stage along with Hoobastank, Simple Plan, and Ludacris. In all, over a dozen bands will be part of the day long fest, including a number of other local groups.
Recently the guys helped raise more than $25,000 for Myeloma Cancer Research at a benefit featuring The Burners U.K. and Mojo Lightning held at Michael's Banquet House in Latham, and headlined the Rock 2 ReBuild Tsunami Benefit at the Palace Theatre.
Their performance calendar is always filled with local shows and benefits and this weekend is no exception. They'll play Jillians in downtown Albany on Friday night, April 8th and then head up the Northway to Sandy's Clam Bar in Glens Falls on Saturday night, April 9th.
However, the most important event on their calendar this weekend takes place on Sunday afternoon, April 10th, from 3-7pm at The Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY. The boys will be featured at a special Melanoma benefit for Greg Balton, a very close friend of the band who is afflicted with the disease. All of the money raised will go directly to Greg and his family. The benefit is open to the public, so please mark your calendars and plan to attend. Details of the benefit, along with a complete listing of upcoming shows is available on the band's website.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Plug In With Damn' Strait
Playin' the music that gets everyone up on the dance floor
Damn' Strait is:
Randy Ford - lead vocals and frontman, Joe Nichols - bass & vocals, Reg Taylor - guitar & vocals, Joe Simon (AKA Thumper) - drums, Mark Rohloff - guitar & vocals
Hometown: Mechanicville, NY
Genre: Rock
Booking Info: stratslinger@aol.com
Website: www.damnstrait.net
Damn' Strait is a high energy, five-piece rock-and-roll group from the Mechanicville / Schaghticoke area, that performs at various clubs, parties and special events in and around the Capital District of upstate New York. The band was formed in 2002 and has been going strong ever since.
The guys are all experienced local musicians; Randy Ford is the band's front man and handles all lead vocals. He's been singing his whole life and is an accomplished and versatile vocalist. Randy's musical style has been influenced by many artists including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pearl Jam and various country musicians. Bass player Joe Nichols calls the Glens Falls area home; he's a fan of the hard rocking bands of the 70's in addition to Skynyrd, Van Halen and Zeppelin and has been playing professionally for over fourteen years including a run with the acoustic trio Black Coffee. The band's veteran rocker, Reg Taylor, has been a part of the local music scene for forty-five years. Reg has been a member of a number of local bands including FN Jammers, Brunswick Basement Blues Band, Cardiac Arrest, the Zookeepers, Contagious and No Clue with fellow Damn' Strait members Randy Ford and Joe Simon.
Joe "Thumper" Simon is DS's drummer - and it's easy to see how he earned that nickname. He's been pounding the skins locally for close to twenty years now and tells us he's been inspired by Skynyrd, the Rolling Stones, and local blues crooner Jeff Maynard of the Maynard Brothers Band. Damn' Strait's newest member is well known local guitarist, Mark Rohloff, who has been playing for over twenty-five years with a number of bands including War Child, Black Mass, Duct Tape, Contagious, Heat and others. Mark 's style has been influenced by many rock icons including Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Rush, Van Halen and Jeff Beck.
The band is known for delivering a live show that gets everyone up on the dance floor, and if you are a fan of Classic or Modern Rock you are sure to enjoy their music. Their calendar is filled with dates at local clubs, fundraisers and special events so you're never far from their next show. Last month Damn' Strait headlined 94 Rock 's Eighth Annual Beach Party at Henderson's, which was a great success. They recently released a CD of ten covers, and you can pick up your own copy from the band at any show.
Damn' Strait will be at the Commercial Hotel on April 8th. You can check their website for a complete list of shows.
Damn' Strait is:
Randy Ford - lead vocals and frontman, Joe Nichols - bass & vocals, Reg Taylor - guitar & vocals, Joe Simon (AKA Thumper) - drums, Mark Rohloff - guitar & vocals
Hometown: Mechanicville, NY
Genre: Rock
Booking Info: stratslinger@aol.com
Website: www.damnstrait.net
Damn' Strait is a high energy, five-piece rock-and-roll group from the Mechanicville / Schaghticoke area, that performs at various clubs, parties and special events in and around the Capital District of upstate New York. The band was formed in 2002 and has been going strong ever since.
The guys are all experienced local musicians; Randy Ford is the band's front man and handles all lead vocals. He's been singing his whole life and is an accomplished and versatile vocalist. Randy's musical style has been influenced by many artists including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pearl Jam and various country musicians. Bass player Joe Nichols calls the Glens Falls area home; he's a fan of the hard rocking bands of the 70's in addition to Skynyrd, Van Halen and Zeppelin and has been playing professionally for over fourteen years including a run with the acoustic trio Black Coffee. The band's veteran rocker, Reg Taylor, has been a part of the local music scene for forty-five years. Reg has been a member of a number of local bands including FN Jammers, Brunswick Basement Blues Band, Cardiac Arrest, the Zookeepers, Contagious and No Clue with fellow Damn' Strait members Randy Ford and Joe Simon.
Joe "Thumper" Simon is DS's drummer - and it's easy to see how he earned that nickname. He's been pounding the skins locally for close to twenty years now and tells us he's been inspired by Skynyrd, the Rolling Stones, and local blues crooner Jeff Maynard of the Maynard Brothers Band. Damn' Strait's newest member is well known local guitarist, Mark Rohloff, who has been playing for over twenty-five years with a number of bands including War Child, Black Mass, Duct Tape, Contagious, Heat and others. Mark 's style has been influenced by many rock icons including Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Rush, Van Halen and Jeff Beck.
The band is known for delivering a live show that gets everyone up on the dance floor, and if you are a fan of Classic or Modern Rock you are sure to enjoy their music. Their calendar is filled with dates at local clubs, fundraisers and special events so you're never far from their next show. Last month Damn' Strait headlined 94 Rock 's Eighth Annual Beach Party at Henderson's, which was a great success. They recently released a CD of ten covers, and you can pick up your own copy from the band at any show.
Damn' Strait will be at the Commercial Hotel on April 8th. You can check their website for a complete list of shows.
North Allen To Open For Collective Soul at Both Local Shows
ALBANY, NY (March 31, 2005) Albany's own North Allen has been invited to open for Collective Soul at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, NY on April 12th, and at Northern Lights in Clifton Park on April 14th.
North Allen is primarily a modern acoustic rock band with influences that represent several genres of music including rock, jazz and funk. The band is currently touring in support of their upcoming release "Walkabout".
Apparently Collective Soul heard about the band by word of mouth and asked one of the North Allen's managers to send some music. Matt Greco, North Allen's guitarist tells us that Collective Soul "must have liked what they heard, because the next call they made was to ask us to play the Poughkeepsie show." Tim Frank, North Allen's drummer adds "This is a great opportunity to work with one of this decade's definite rock groups."
Collective Soul exploded out of their home town of Stockbridge, GA on to the national scene with 1994's smash "Hints, Allegations and Things Left Unsaid". The band has gathered eight number one rock hits and sold over seven million albums worldwide. Collective Soul's latest release is titled "Youth".
North Allen is primarily a modern acoustic rock band with influences that represent several genres of music including rock, jazz and funk. The band is currently touring in support of their upcoming release "Walkabout".
Apparently Collective Soul heard about the band by word of mouth and asked one of the North Allen's managers to send some music. Matt Greco, North Allen's guitarist tells us that Collective Soul "must have liked what they heard, because the next call they made was to ask us to play the Poughkeepsie show." Tim Frank, North Allen's drummer adds "This is a great opportunity to work with one of this decade's definite rock groups."
Collective Soul exploded out of their home town of Stockbridge, GA on to the national scene with 1994's smash "Hints, Allegations and Things Left Unsaid". The band has gathered eight number one rock hits and sold over seven million albums worldwide. Collective Soul's latest release is titled "Youth".
Cheers to Host a Two Day Music Festival and Benefit Concert
ALBANY, NY (March 31, 2005) Local musicians will gather this weekend at Cheers for a music festival and benefit concert as a tribute to the life and music of Eddie Van. Eddie was a founding member of local rock band Seed, and a very active part of the local music scene. All of the festival proceeds will benefit Eddie's two young daughters, Macey and Melody. The two day festival, affectionately titled "Ed-Stock" will boast performances by more than a dozen local groups.
A single $20 donation includes admission both Saturday and Sunday, and food; cash bars are available on site.There will be a number of raffles and auctions; many one of a kind items have been donated by local businesses and well known artists including an acoustic guitar signed by Bobby Barth of Blackfoot, and a signature guitar courtesy of Parkway Music in Clifton Park and autographed by Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society.
Acts currently scheduled to appear include: Seed, Tommy White, Random Axcess, 10 Year Vamp, Yellow Dog, Devilish Minds and Headbump on Saturday; with Heat, Long Story Short, Red Otis, Hypnology Project, Bottle of Dog and Seed on Sunday.
Cheers is located at 27 Fuller Road in Albany. The benefit concert will take place this Saturday, April 2nd from 10am-10pm, and from 10am-7pm on Sunday, April 3rd.
A single $20 donation includes admission both Saturday and Sunday, and food; cash bars are available on site.There will be a number of raffles and auctions; many one of a kind items have been donated by local businesses and well known artists including an acoustic guitar signed by Bobby Barth of Blackfoot, and a signature guitar courtesy of Parkway Music in Clifton Park and autographed by Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society.
Acts currently scheduled to appear include: Seed, Tommy White, Random Axcess, 10 Year Vamp, Yellow Dog, Devilish Minds and Headbump on Saturday; with Heat, Long Story Short, Red Otis, Hypnology Project, Bottle of Dog and Seed on Sunday.
Cheers is located at 27 Fuller Road in Albany. The benefit concert will take place this Saturday, April 2nd from 10am-10pm, and from 10am-7pm on Sunday, April 3rd.
Plug In With Hector On Stilts
Hector On Stilts
They occasionally rock like Uncle Tupelo
Hector On Stilts is:
Clayton Colwell - vocals & guitar, Jeb Colwell - vocals, guitar& keys, Roger Mason - bass, Jay Schultheis - drums Hometown: Pittsfield, MA
Genre: Rock Booking Info: info@hectoronstilts.com
Website: www.hectoronstilts.com
Jeb and Clayton Colwell, the founding members of Hector On Stilts, are cousins who are carrying on a family heritage of music for the masses: their fathers were the co-founders and songwriters for the Pepsodent-fresh, clean, positive-thinking group, Up With People, who used to perform at Super Bowl halftimes way back in the 1970s, before Janet Jackson was in a training bra. Their dads gave them a legacy for people-pleasing music, and an unending fondness for the sweeter and poppier side of it.
Jeb and Clayton began making music together at age fifteen when the both lived in Tucson, AZ. After taking time off for college and other assorted activities, the Colwell cousins regrouped and decided to "make a record, " resulting in the 2000 release, Pretty Please, which was representative of their live performance style of the time: two guys, two acoustic guitars and two voices with little else in between. The album was recorded live in their living room as a collection of folk-rock tunes with the hints of Spanish edge that still spice many of their songs.
In 2001, wanderlust struck and the cousins headed east, settling in Pittsfield, MA for the contrasting appeal of its proximity to New York City and Boston and relative quiet compared to the more urban options. Soon after unpacking in Western Mass, the guys started heading to Albany and quickly became part of the local open-mic scene. With their blend of striking vocal harmonies, achingly beautiful, deceptively simple pop songs, charisma and enigmatic humor, HOS quickly became popular with the crowd at the Larkin; they were soon headlining the weekend shows upstairs. In 2003, Jeb and Clayton broke ranks from the traditional acoustic performances, exploring bigger pop sonic possibilities with a new rhythm section. They also became the first rock band to be part of the Storefront Artist Project (www.storefrontartist.org) an artists group inadvertently intent on turning this once moribund ex-GE company town into the Brooklyn of the Berkshires. Most recently, they played to a crowd of nearly 2,000 at the Palace Theatre in Albany for the Rock2Rebuild Tsunami benefit.
In 2004, Hector On Stilts began working with Grammy-nominated producer, Andres Levin, on the forthcoming full length album, Same Height Relation. 14 months in the making, Same Height is HOS's most definitive body of work to date . The album is already garnering crticial praise: Same Height track, "Toungue Tied," was one of only three songs selected for the Performing Songwriter Magazine "Be Heard" Scholarships to this year's Kauai Music Festival sponsored by BMI and Songwriter101.com, an award worth over $2,000.
Same Height Relation is scheduled for release in late April but is currently available for pre-sale on their website, hectoronstilts.com.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Plug In With Kate Blain
Mellow, acoustic folk in a lyrical voice
Kate Blain is:
Kate is the embodiment of what a folksinger should be - rich voice, gentle acoustic guitar finger-style, and warm songwriting that comes from a tradition of great'folkies' such as John Gorka, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bill Staines, and others. - Phil Henry, The Phil Henry Band
Hometown: A Native of the Capital District, NY
Genre: Acoustic folk and more
Booking Info: Kate@KateBlain.com
Website: www.kateblain.com
Kate Blain jumped headfirst into the area folk scene in 2001, debuting at Caffe Lena in Saratoga, and has since brought her brand of mellow, acoustic folk to over seventy five venues all over the Northeast. Not many folk musicians are lucky enough to start their careers at the famed Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs - birthplace of musicians like Arlo Guthrie and Bob Dylan. Kate was asked to play her first gig there, and quickly became a regular on the area coffee house circuit.
Sarah Craig, of Caffe Lena, has described Kate as having 'the qualities that spell success for a modern folk musician -a beautiful soprano voice, interesting stories, poignant ballads, engaging wit, and good guitar skills" and went on to say "Her shows are immediately engaging for newcomers and regular fans alike."
Today, Kate keeps a busy schedule of solo acoustic folk gigs all over New York State and also teams up with other musicians to harmonize or tackle rock tunes and has been asked to appear on a number of area radio and TV stations. Called a "contemporary Joan Baez", Kate covers artists from James Taylor to the Indigo Girls. Her CD of original folk tunes, "The Good Life" was released in 2003 and is available at local music stores and through her website.
Kate will be performing at the Perfect Blend Espresso Bar & Cafe in Delmar on Saturday, March 26th from 8-10 pm. On Sunday, April 17th from noon - 9pm she will host one segment of the music marathon at Caffe Lena in Saratoga. You can visit Kate's website for more details, and a full schedule of her upcoming shows.
Kate Blain is:
Kate is the embodiment of what a folksinger should be - rich voice, gentle acoustic guitar finger-style, and warm songwriting that comes from a tradition of great'folkies' such as John Gorka, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bill Staines, and others. - Phil Henry, The Phil Henry Band
Hometown: A Native of the Capital District, NY
Genre: Acoustic folk and more
Booking Info: Kate@KateBlain.com
Website: www.kateblain.com
Kate Blain jumped headfirst into the area folk scene in 2001, debuting at Caffe Lena in Saratoga, and has since brought her brand of mellow, acoustic folk to over seventy five venues all over the Northeast. Not many folk musicians are lucky enough to start their careers at the famed Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs - birthplace of musicians like Arlo Guthrie and Bob Dylan. Kate was asked to play her first gig there, and quickly became a regular on the area coffee house circuit.
Sarah Craig, of Caffe Lena, has described Kate as having 'the qualities that spell success for a modern folk musician -a beautiful soprano voice, interesting stories, poignant ballads, engaging wit, and good guitar skills" and went on to say "Her shows are immediately engaging for newcomers and regular fans alike."
Today, Kate keeps a busy schedule of solo acoustic folk gigs all over New York State and also teams up with other musicians to harmonize or tackle rock tunes and has been asked to appear on a number of area radio and TV stations. Called a "contemporary Joan Baez", Kate covers artists from James Taylor to the Indigo Girls. Her CD of original folk tunes, "The Good Life" was released in 2003 and is available at local music stores and through her website.
Kate will be performing at the Perfect Blend Espresso Bar & Cafe in Delmar on Saturday, March 26th from 8-10 pm. On Sunday, April 17th from noon - 9pm she will host one segment of the music marathon at Caffe Lena in Saratoga. You can visit Kate's website for more details, and a full schedule of her upcoming shows.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Plug In With The Jimmy Kelly Band
You gotta' see this band
The Jimmy Kelly Band is:
Jimmy Kelly - Guitar & Lead Vocals, Denis Kelly - Drums & Harmony, Vic Gagnon - Fiddle, Barry Wiesenfeld - Bass & Vocals
Hometown: Albany, NY
Genre: Celtic
Booking Info: jimmy@thejimmykellyband.com
Website: www.thejimmykellyband.com
The Jimmy Kelly Band is an upbeat Celtic original band. The Kelly brothers hail from an extensive line of Irish musicians. Denis and Jimmy’s grandfathers both landed in America as teenagers, and were renowned contributors to the Irish music scene in New York. Grandfather, Denny Leonard, began an Irish step-dancing school in Albany, and was instrumental in building Albany’s “Ancient Order of Hibernian” hall. Denis and Jimmy’s grandfather on their father’s side, Ralph Kelly, became a founding member of the "Night of Shamrocks," organization, which later led to “AIMS” (American Irish Musicians Society). Denis and Jimmy’s father, Jim Sr., carried the torch of the families’ Irish musical heritage, when his father handed over the banner of his band, The Galway Blazers. Jim Sr. proudly continued the “Blazers,” enlisting the talent of his brother-in-law, Mike Leonard, on banjo. It was not long before The Galway Blazers had become one of the most sought after Irish bands of their time.
With surroundings like these, it was inevitable that Denis and Jimmy crawled their way onto the stage. The brothers were introduced to Irish step dancing by their mother, and reveled in watching their father’s band perform. Their unique combination of musicianship and family harmonies is one that only two brothers can share, while their passion for music is one that only a nurturing musical upbringing could produce.
Vic Gagnon is an 18-year-old classically trained musician raised in the Albany, NY area. He began playing the fiddle at the age of 10, when he began studying under a member of the Albany Symphony.After composing many of his own compositions, Vic studied under Mark O'Connor (world-renowned fiddler) with Natalie MacMaster in Nashville, Tennessee. This inspired Vic to fuse his classical training with his love of Celtic music.His eclectic style adds an exciting new dimension to the band.
Barry Wiesenfeld began studying piano at the age of six, expanding later to the flute, guitar and voice. He fell in love with the bass, in his late teens.His performing and/or recording credits include folk, rock, country, Celtic, classical, jazz, big band and Broadway genres (from duos to full orchestras), Grammy-nominated, RMI-winning and internationally known artists and bands, jingles, radio and TV. His audiences have ranged in size from small and intimate to an outdoor concert attended by 23,000 fans. His own trio, "Circle's End", was the winner of the prestigious title "1998 Vocal Group of the Year" awarded by the New Jersey Country Music Association. Barry plays electric and acoustic bass guitars (fretted and fretless), upright bass, flute, piano and sings.
The Kelly brothers currently have three CD’s available. “Solo Pilots,” which is 10 of Jimmy’s original writings and recordings, “Irish Music in America, Vol. II,” where they joined forces with their good friend and legendary piper, Neil Anderson, and their most recent endeavor “Kelly Green”.
The band is scheduled to appear at The Miid Winter Irish and Scottish Festival at the Forge Convention Center in Valley Forge, PA on February 18-20, 2005. You can visit the band's website for additional information on upcoming shows.
The Jimmy Kelly Band is:
Jimmy Kelly - Guitar & Lead Vocals, Denis Kelly - Drums & Harmony, Vic Gagnon - Fiddle, Barry Wiesenfeld - Bass & Vocals
Hometown: Albany, NY
Genre: Celtic
Booking Info: jimmy@thejimmykellyband.com
Website: www.thejimmykellyband.com
The Jimmy Kelly Band is an upbeat Celtic original band. The Kelly brothers hail from an extensive line of Irish musicians. Denis and Jimmy’s grandfathers both landed in America as teenagers, and were renowned contributors to the Irish music scene in New York. Grandfather, Denny Leonard, began an Irish step-dancing school in Albany, and was instrumental in building Albany’s “Ancient Order of Hibernian” hall. Denis and Jimmy’s grandfather on their father’s side, Ralph Kelly, became a founding member of the "Night of Shamrocks," organization, which later led to “AIMS” (American Irish Musicians Society). Denis and Jimmy’s father, Jim Sr., carried the torch of the families’ Irish musical heritage, when his father handed over the banner of his band, The Galway Blazers. Jim Sr. proudly continued the “Blazers,” enlisting the talent of his brother-in-law, Mike Leonard, on banjo. It was not long before The Galway Blazers had become one of the most sought after Irish bands of their time.
With surroundings like these, it was inevitable that Denis and Jimmy crawled their way onto the stage. The brothers were introduced to Irish step dancing by their mother, and reveled in watching their father’s band perform. Their unique combination of musicianship and family harmonies is one that only two brothers can share, while their passion for music is one that only a nurturing musical upbringing could produce.
Vic Gagnon is an 18-year-old classically trained musician raised in the Albany, NY area. He began playing the fiddle at the age of 10, when he began studying under a member of the Albany Symphony.After composing many of his own compositions, Vic studied under Mark O'Connor (world-renowned fiddler) with Natalie MacMaster in Nashville, Tennessee. This inspired Vic to fuse his classical training with his love of Celtic music.His eclectic style adds an exciting new dimension to the band.
Barry Wiesenfeld began studying piano at the age of six, expanding later to the flute, guitar and voice. He fell in love with the bass, in his late teens.His performing and/or recording credits include folk, rock, country, Celtic, classical, jazz, big band and Broadway genres (from duos to full orchestras), Grammy-nominated, RMI-winning and internationally known artists and bands, jingles, radio and TV. His audiences have ranged in size from small and intimate to an outdoor concert attended by 23,000 fans. His own trio, "Circle's End", was the winner of the prestigious title "1998 Vocal Group of the Year" awarded by the New Jersey Country Music Association. Barry plays electric and acoustic bass guitars (fretted and fretless), upright bass, flute, piano and sings.
The Kelly brothers currently have three CD’s available. “Solo Pilots,” which is 10 of Jimmy’s original writings and recordings, “Irish Music in America, Vol. II,” where they joined forces with their good friend and legendary piper, Neil Anderson, and their most recent endeavor “Kelly Green”.
The band is scheduled to appear at The Miid Winter Irish and Scottish Festival at the Forge Convention Center in Valley Forge, PA on February 18-20, 2005. You can visit the band's website for additional information on upcoming shows.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Music For Miracles 2005 Kick-Off to Benefit the Children's Hospital at Albany Med
The Refrigerators
ALBANY, NY (March 5, 2005) Legendary local band The Refrigerators, in conjunction with GE, radio station FLY 92.3 (WFLY) and the Albany Medical Center Foundation, Inc., have announced a song-writing contest in which three winners will have their original works recorded by the Refrigerators and each receive a $500 cash prize.
The "Music for Miracles" contest will culminate with a summer CD release party to benefit the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. The band invites everyone with original work (both lyrics and tune) to submit their entry online at www.the-refrigerators.com/contest. Songs previously recorded and released through national distribution in any country are not eligible.
The Refrigerators will record the three winning songs and perform at a public CD release party at the Corning Preserve in Albany on June 18th, along with other local and national acts. The band will perform the winning songs and bring the winners on stage. Proceeds from that event will be donated to the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center to help fund vital medical care and research.
ABOUT THE CHILDREN”S HOSPITAL AT ALBANY MEDICAL CENTER
The Children’s Hospital at Albany Med is a 125-bed facility devoted exclusively to the medical needs of infants, children and adolescents, and is the referral center for all seriously ill and injured children from 25 counties in upstate New York and western New England.
The Children’s Hospital has the region’s only Level IV neonatal intensive care unit. Albany Medical Center is northeastern New York’s only academic health sciences center. It consists of one of the nation’s oldest medical schools, Albany Medical College; one of New York’s largest teaching hospitals, Albany Medical Center Hospital; and one of the Capital Region’s most active fundraising organizations, the Albany Medical Center Foundation, Inc.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Aspect Ratio to perform at the Tom Nattell Benefit in Albany
ALBANY, NY (March 5, 2005) Friends and Family of Tom Nattell, a longtime social activist and one of the driving forces behind the Capital Region's poetry scene, have scheduled the "Tom Nattell Memorial Circus" for Saturday, March 5th at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 262 State Street, Albany. Local band, Aspect Ratio, will perform at the memorial. If you wish to perform, participate or volunteer please email Noah, or call 518-438-6314. There will also be a potluck dinner. Anyone interested in contributing a dish for that please email Debbie at debdrich@aol.com or go to: http://hm.indymedia.org/feature/display/10115/index.php to learn more about Tom Nattell
Friday, March 04, 2005
A Cure For The Winter Blues - Blue Floyd Tour In Town
TROY, NY (March 2, 2005) The Capital Region is in for a real treat this week when Revolution Hall hosts Blue Floyd - a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the music of Pink Floyd on Wednesday, March 9th. Blue Floyd showcases an amazing line up of musicians - Matt Abts (drums with Gov. Mule), Jeff Pevar (guitar with Jonathan Brook & The Story, Ray Charles,Joe Cocker,Crosby & Nash), Audley Freed (guitar with The Black Crowes,Jimmy Page),Johnny Neel (keyboards with The Allman Bros) and Berry Oakley Jr (bass with Robby Krieger of the Doors).
Johnny Neel has ties to the Capital Region, with family and friends waiting to welcome him on this leg of the Blue Tour. Born and raised in Wilmington, DE, Johnny cut his first single at the age of twelve as Johnny Neel and The Shapes Of Soul. As an adult, the Johnny Neel Band had a strong following up and down the East Coast and released two well-received independent albums.
Gun Metal Blue, Johnny's latest release on Breakin Records, is an eclectic collection of Southern Rock, R&B, Progressive Blues, Blues, Rock and Country that showcases Johnny's soulful voice, piano, Hammond B3, and keyboard synthesizer, combined with his Americana-style songwriting. For the latest news and tour info you can sign up for Johnny's newsletter.
Johnny Neel performs with the amazing Blue Floyd this Wednesday, March 9th at Revolution Hall in Troy; 9PM; Tickets $17 in advance or $20 night of the show.
Johnny Neel has ties to the Capital Region, with family and friends waiting to welcome him on this leg of the Blue Tour. Born and raised in Wilmington, DE, Johnny cut his first single at the age of twelve as Johnny Neel and The Shapes Of Soul. As an adult, the Johnny Neel Band had a strong following up and down the East Coast and released two well-received independent albums.
Gun Metal Blue, Johnny's latest release on Breakin Records, is an eclectic collection of Southern Rock, R&B, Progressive Blues, Blues, Rock and Country that showcases Johnny's soulful voice, piano, Hammond B3, and keyboard synthesizer, combined with his Americana-style songwriting. For the latest news and tour info you can sign up for Johnny's newsletter.
Johnny Neel performs with the amazing Blue Floyd this Wednesday, March 9th at Revolution Hall in Troy; 9PM; Tickets $17 in advance or $20 night of the show.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Plug In With Nite Train
Rockin' the Capital District
Nite Train is:
Ken Briggs - Bass & Vocals, Dean Kreplin - Guitar, Joe Boria - Percussion, Eric Kreplin - Blues Harp & Vocals, Marla Briggs - Vocals, Tom Comis - Keyboards, Guitar & Vocals
Hometown: Albany, NY
Genre: Blues-Rock, R&B, Funk
Booking Info: briggsy@nycap.rr.com
Website: www.nitetrainband.com
Nite Train (formerly known as Blues-O-Saurus) is a Smokin' Albany-area band whose infectious rhythms along with their unbridled enthusiasm gets crowds on their feet!
The band's music is an exciting, soulful mix of R&B, Funk, Soul and upbeat jump-Blues with a kick that gets the audience movin' and groovin' at each and every show. The group draws inspiration from classic blues roots straight through to funk, classic R&B andblues-rock mainstays.
Highlight performances include: TechaPalooza 2003 at the Egg, Blues 2000 and 3 at the Nevele Grande Hotel, Colossal Contenders / Fleet Blues Fest at the Empire State Plaza 1996, 2002, 2003, 2004, Revolution Hall, The Big House, Captain JP Music Cruise, the Legendary "Van Dyck" and interviews along with live performances on local radio WRPI 91.5 FM.
Most recently the band is hosting a number of Open Mic sessions at the Purple Cactus Cafe in Coxsackie set to run on March 6, 13, and 20th starting at 2PM. Check their website or our event calendar for more details and come and jam with the band.
Nite Train is available for your next event - be it a party, blues fest, bar, club or venue.
You can visit their website for the most recent information on upcoming shows. And remember, when THIS train leaves the station....you'll wanna be on-board!
Nite Train is:
Ken Briggs - Bass & Vocals, Dean Kreplin - Guitar, Joe Boria - Percussion, Eric Kreplin - Blues Harp & Vocals, Marla Briggs - Vocals, Tom Comis - Keyboards, Guitar & Vocals
Hometown: Albany, NY
Genre: Blues-Rock, R&B, Funk
Booking Info: briggsy@nycap.rr.com
Website: www.nitetrainband.com
Nite Train (formerly known as Blues-O-Saurus) is a Smokin' Albany-area band whose infectious rhythms along with their unbridled enthusiasm gets crowds on their feet!
The band's music is an exciting, soulful mix of R&B, Funk, Soul and upbeat jump-Blues with a kick that gets the audience movin' and groovin' at each and every show. The group draws inspiration from classic blues roots straight through to funk, classic R&B andblues-rock mainstays.
Highlight performances include: TechaPalooza 2003 at the Egg, Blues 2000 and 3 at the Nevele Grande Hotel, Colossal Contenders / Fleet Blues Fest at the Empire State Plaza 1996, 2002, 2003, 2004, Revolution Hall, The Big House, Captain JP Music Cruise, the Legendary "Van Dyck" and interviews along with live performances on local radio WRPI 91.5 FM.
Most recently the band is hosting a number of Open Mic sessions at the Purple Cactus Cafe in Coxsackie set to run on March 6, 13, and 20th starting at 2PM. Check their website or our event calendar for more details and come and jam with the band.
Nite Train is available for your next event - be it a party, blues fest, bar, club or venue.
You can visit their website for the most recent information on upcoming shows. And remember, when THIS train leaves the station....you'll wanna be on-board!
Monday, February 21, 2005
Thank You...
We would like to thank everyone who has helped make this past week an amazing trip. Especially our family - Paul Campbell, Tony Pellegrino, all the Maynard Brothers, Hugh Pailley and Doug Hansen. Our friends from Rock 2 ReBuild - Jeff Morell, Don Dworkin, and Brian Kaplan. Thanks to the local artists and resource folks who have jumped on board, and to Dan Goodspeed from Rkstar.com and Andy Gallo from CRUMBS for their advice and encouragement.
We launched the website just about a week ago and the response has been great. We're not sure what's around the next corner, but we're sure glad to be along for the ride. It just goes to show anyone can make a difference so....
Get involved and help support local music in the Capital Region
Jim & Meg
We launched the website just about a week ago and the response has been great. We're not sure what's around the next corner, but we're sure glad to be along for the ride. It just goes to show anyone can make a difference so....
Get involved and help support local music in the Capital Region
Jim & Meg
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Think Global Start Local Benefit Concert for Tsunami Relief & The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY
TROY, NY (February 20, 2005) – The Matthew Shapiro Think Global Start Local Benefit Concert is being designed in hopes of becoming the largest independent fundraising effort of its kind in New York’s Capitol Region; aimed at benefiting the relief efforts for the Tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia, while also shedding light on some of the problems existing here at home. The event will benefit both Doctors of the World and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. The event will be held at the Capitol Region’s premiere live music venue, Revolution Hall in Troy, on Saturday February 26th.
The event billed as “An Evening with Jerkwater Ruckus and Friends” and will feature an all-star roster of some of the leading artists to emerge from upstate New York’s jam rock scene. The defunct Albany band Jerkwater Ruckus, will not only play a set of their original material but will also play a set backing Moon Boot Lover front man Peter Prince. Former God Street Wine leader Lo Faber will also be appearing, performing his first live set in over nine months. Local acts Brian Kaplan Band and School Bus Yellow will also share the bill, along with a special acoustic set from Dana Monteith (formerly of the Ominous Seapods), and members of Iowa-80. Conehead Buddha will also make a special appearance at the benefit, so the evening promises to be an exciting one.
The genesis for the event came from Albany music promoter and music journalist Matthew Shapiro. With his thirtieth birthday approaching, Shapiro wanted to use the occasion to reunite Jerkwater Ruckus, the band he managed for two and a half years. The original idea was to get the Ruckus together for an intimate gathering with friends. However, after watching the coverage of the Tsunami disaster, Shapiro became saddened with feelings of helplessness, considering as he says “there was little I could give myself financially. So I started thinking, what can I do?”Shapiro figured that since the band had agreed to play together, that they could use this as a catalyst to accomplish a great deal of good, and raise both money and awareness. He decided to parlay his experience as a co-organizer of Albany Project Spring Clean (an annual community beautification project, which has over 200 volunteers, and is supported by over 40 local businesses), to mark the occasion by putting together a large-scale fundraising event.
The theme of the benefit is “Think Global, Start Local” which will include a food drive to benefit Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. “Watching a tragedy as massive as what is happening in Southeast Asia, you can not help but be moved, but it is easy to forget the tragedies in your own back yard,” says Shapiro. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food to donate. The event will also give attendees various ways to give to the relief efforts. Along with the admission price, there will be a raffle featuring donations from both local and national businesses. Additionally, Revolution Hall will be donating a portion of the bar profits to the relief effort.
As Shapiro says, “Like me, most of the attendees would not have been able to donate much individually. However, by coming together as a community, we as a whole can contribute a great deal. The only way we can maximize our effort is if the whole community comes together, which means more than just the musicians and concert goers. We need the help of private businesses and community leaders alike to donate and help get the word out. We have set lofty goals for this event, and the only way for these goals to be achieved is through the power of community. We look forward to you joining us in helping ease these tragedies occurring both home and aboard.”
The Matthew Shapiro Think Global Start Local Benefit Concert, benefiting the Tsunami Relief effort will take place at Revolution Hall on Saturday February 26th starting at 8pm.
NYCAP Music was fortunate enough to be involved with this benefit. Be sure to view our photos.
The event billed as “An Evening with Jerkwater Ruckus and Friends” and will feature an all-star roster of some of the leading artists to emerge from upstate New York’s jam rock scene. The defunct Albany band Jerkwater Ruckus, will not only play a set of their original material but will also play a set backing Moon Boot Lover front man Peter Prince. Former God Street Wine leader Lo Faber will also be appearing, performing his first live set in over nine months. Local acts Brian Kaplan Band and School Bus Yellow will also share the bill, along with a special acoustic set from Dana Monteith (formerly of the Ominous Seapods), and members of Iowa-80. Conehead Buddha will also make a special appearance at the benefit, so the evening promises to be an exciting one.
The genesis for the event came from Albany music promoter and music journalist Matthew Shapiro. With his thirtieth birthday approaching, Shapiro wanted to use the occasion to reunite Jerkwater Ruckus, the band he managed for two and a half years. The original idea was to get the Ruckus together for an intimate gathering with friends. However, after watching the coverage of the Tsunami disaster, Shapiro became saddened with feelings of helplessness, considering as he says “there was little I could give myself financially. So I started thinking, what can I do?”Shapiro figured that since the band had agreed to play together, that they could use this as a catalyst to accomplish a great deal of good, and raise both money and awareness. He decided to parlay his experience as a co-organizer of Albany Project Spring Clean (an annual community beautification project, which has over 200 volunteers, and is supported by over 40 local businesses), to mark the occasion by putting together a large-scale fundraising event.
The theme of the benefit is “Think Global, Start Local” which will include a food drive to benefit Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. “Watching a tragedy as massive as what is happening in Southeast Asia, you can not help but be moved, but it is easy to forget the tragedies in your own back yard,” says Shapiro. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food to donate. The event will also give attendees various ways to give to the relief efforts. Along with the admission price, there will be a raffle featuring donations from both local and national businesses. Additionally, Revolution Hall will be donating a portion of the bar profits to the relief effort.
As Shapiro says, “Like me, most of the attendees would not have been able to donate much individually. However, by coming together as a community, we as a whole can contribute a great deal. The only way we can maximize our effort is if the whole community comes together, which means more than just the musicians and concert goers. We need the help of private businesses and community leaders alike to donate and help get the word out. We have set lofty goals for this event, and the only way for these goals to be achieved is through the power of community. We look forward to you joining us in helping ease these tragedies occurring both home and aboard.”
The Matthew Shapiro Think Global Start Local Benefit Concert, benefiting the Tsunami Relief effort will take place at Revolution Hall on Saturday February 26th starting at 8pm.
NYCAP Music was fortunate enough to be involved with this benefit. Be sure to view our photos.
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