The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has been bowling over audiences with its elaborate concerts and unique musical style for almost 20 years. This extremely ambitious outfit, founded in 1993 by composer/producer Paul O’Neill, incorporates classical, orchestral, symphonic, and progressive components into a hard rock and heavy metal aesthetic. The band has sold more than 7 million albums […]
David Yockel, Jr.
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INDIE: State Radio
This Boston-based alternative trio was founded by singer/songwriter Chad Urmston (also a member of the Vermont jamband Dispatch) in 2002. Urmston disbanded Dispatch earlier that same year at the height of the group’s popularity and began pouring his energy into State Radio. The former has since reunited, but that has not stopped latter’s awesome onslaught […]
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FUNK: Ocupanther
This outfit takes its name from the ocular panther, a strange mythological beast that can apparently enter one’s being through mere eye contact, “hypnotizing the mind and terrorizing the soul.” The Rochester-based quartet hopes that its intelligent and progressive take on funk does the same amount of wreckage between your ears. The group’s talented pair […]
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FOLK/ROCK: Greg Klyma
Buffalo-based, blue-collar troubadour Greg Klyma grew up the son of a garbage man. This hard-nosed work ethic has informed an extensive catalog and a tireless touring schedule. As much a storyteller as he is songwriter, Klyma utilizes a slew of instruments (guitar, mandolin, harmonica, piano) to color his narrative approach. Sarah Craig, from Caffé Lena […]
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METAL: Chillum
This band’s motto comes as no surprise. All you have to do is look at its name. The Flower City stoner-rock trio brags, “We play your basement and do your drugs.” And believe me, the fog is prevalent in the group’s sound. Grimm Belcomb (bass and yelling), Mark Metzger (guitar and yelling), and Mike McGee […]
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EXPERIMENTAL FUNK | Dopapod
This Brooklyn quartet bends genre boundaries as easily as a toddler with ESP bends cutlery. Like many bands in the “jam” scene, Dopapod’s incessant touring schedule has honed the group’s sound as well as expanded its fan base. The band’s flurried intensity, deep, concentrated grooves, and superior technical musicianship has wowed audiences at a number […]
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FUNK | Universe Shark
As the band’s moniker not-so-subtly implies, its music will take a bite out of you. Universe Shark is the proud progenitor of what it calls “carnivorous space funk.” This fearsome foursome takes cues from the independent Buffalo music scene as well as the ever-expansive “jam band” brand. The band’s eclectic and energetic mix of jazz, […]
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AMERICANA: MiZ
Mike Mizwinski was given his first guitar when he was only 2 years old. At 9, his father took him to his first Grateful Dead concert. It was then that he knew what he wanted to do with his life. As a teenager, Mizwinski joined his first band and began writing his own music. In […]
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TRIBUTE/REGGAE: Yellow Dubmarine
This Baltimore-based tribute band gives a funky twist to some of the Beatles’ greatest hits. In September of last year the band released its only album, “Abbey Dub,” a reggae reimagining of the Fab Four’s final studio effort, “Abbey Road.” Since then, Dubmarine has toured extensively, wowing audiences members of every age bracket with its […]
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SURF/METAL: The Concrete Rivals
The Concrete Rivals’ sound combines the reverb-driven, gruff guitar work of 60’s surf rock and the speed and guts of in-your-face heavy metal. This Montpelier, Vermont, trio has been touring on the strength of its debut album, “Eat Their Weight in Snakes.” Justin Crowther of Seven Days, an independent Vermont publication, described the record as […]
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ROCK: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band
Bruce Springsteen has had a hold on heartland rock ‘n’ roll for six decades, and his grip shows no sign of loosening. The Long Branch, New Jersey, native has won 20 Grammy awards in his illustrious career, and with every album, his sound maintains its relevancy. This year’s “Wrecking Ball” (Springsteen’s 17th studio release) has […]
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POP/ROCK: Ryan Cabrera
This young, Dallas-born, pop-rock star picked up a guitar at the age of 16 and has been writing and recording music ever since. His early career was defined by a long string of nights in bars, restaurants, and clubs. Cabrera eventually landed a gig playing acoustic guitar for the band Rubix Groove, which opened for […]
