Local soul diva Zahyia empowers her audiences with words of inspiration, love, and unity. The Vanishing Sun frontwoman delivers an uplifting and feisty blend of pop, rock, funk, R&B, jazz, and hip-hop. Zahyia channels the confidence of Lizzo, the smooth, jazz-funk vibes of Erykah Badu, and the refined vocal panache of Janelle Monáe. Zahyia begins […]
Katie Halligan
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Album review: ‘Dream Float EP Vol. 2’
Dream Float ‘Dream Float EP Vol. 2’ Self-released dreamfloat.bandcamp.com Local improv-based piano trio Dream Float continues what it started on its follow-up to its “Vol. 1” EP, released last October. Drummer Chris Palace, keyboardist Thomas Mariano, and bassist Jordan Rabinowitz seem more sure of themselves on Vol. 2, getting more experimental with rhythms and melodies, […]
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BRAZILIAN FOLK | Forró Estrelas do Norte
Inspired by the traditions of Northeastern Brazil, local string band Forró Estrelas do Norte (North Stars Forró) formed in 2019 on a mission to bring traditional Brazilian folk music to Rochester. The group’s particular style, “forró,” is thought to have originated from the Afro-Brazilian word for “party.” Pulsing with spirit, the songs feature instruments such […]
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JAM BAND | Dopapod
Known for its use of palindromes, the Brooklyn-based electro-funk quartet Dopapod is touring behind the release of its newest album, “Emit Time.” Formed at Berklee College of Music in 2007, the band took a restorative hiatus in 2018 and is now back in full effect. Delivering an easy-going jam band vibe, Dopapod keeps the energy […]
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REGGAE-ROCK | MoChester
Named for the portmanteau of Motown and its hometown, local reggae-rock quartet MoChester has been on the jam since 2001. Consisting of singer-guitarist Brandon Sheffer, keyboardist Jonathan Sheffer, and drummer Alex Melville, MoChester has progressed over the years from an acoustic singer-songwriter approach to a full-fledged rock band over the years, and celebrated a revival […]
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ROCK | The National Reserve
Building its foundation from playing weekly, four-hour-long gigs in a popular Brooklyn bar, The National Reserve boasts a well-rounded, energetic live performance. Frontman and songwriter Sean Walsh, guitarist Jon LaDeau, bassist Ryan Gavel, and drummer Brian Geltner all share a palpable, kinetic chemistry that shines through the band’s varying arrangements. The National Reserve’s newest album, […]
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FOLK | Mike Powell
An all-around talented guy — having chosen the life of a traveling songwriter over a surefire career in professional lacrosse — Mike Powell is also the owner and operator of the art studio Rising Feather Art in Cazenovia. Powell captivates audiences with his intimate storytelling, and is best known for his song “Twenty One Rounds,” […]
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SYNTH-POP | The Bad Dreamers
Known for balancing a grim personal aesthetic with ironically bright electronic arrangements, The Bad Dreamers is the synth-wave brainchild of sought-after producer David Schuler. Based in Los Angeles, The Bad Dreamers recently released its newest single, “Georgetown,” a haunting observation of characters in “The Exorcist.” The Bad Dreamers’ highly anticipated sophomore album is set to […]
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ALTERNATIVE ROCK | Violet Mary
Led by guitarist Mike Muscarella and vocalist Mel Muscarella, Violet Mary has been uplifting audiences with its blend of rock, pop, and soul since 2007. Based in Rochester, the Muscarellas are accompanied by bass, guitars, drums, and plenty of backing harmonies. The complex arrangements resemble that of Rush, and Mel’s voice cuts through the mix […]
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ELECTRONIC-JAM BAND | LOTUS
Known for its striking light show and improvised setlists, Denver-based electro-jam quintet Lotus has been making waves for two decades now. Its newest release, “Frames per Second,” is both a 19-song album and a studio documentary showcasing the band’s raw performance style up close. There’s no need for vocals when it comes to Lotus — […]
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Album review: ‘Unsubscribe’
Diluted ‘Unsubscribe’ Self-Released dilutedband.com Originally formed in 2014 while vocalist Pat Mulligan and lead guitarist Zach Coffey were attending SUNY Fredonia, local hardcore band Diluted is now a full-fledged quintet. Diluted’s third official EP, “Unsubscribe,” features its new drummer, Tyler Creller, and the music seems to palpitate with the same animalistic rage that the band […]
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REGGAE-FOLK | The Forest Dwellers
Local roots reggae quartet The Forest Dwellers is on a sonic mission to heal its audiences with warm-hearted harmonies and soft, swaying guitar rhythms. Singer-guitarist Joe Kaplan delivers lyrics that are hopeful for a brighter future and melodies full of cosmic yearning, while strumming in a slightly Latin-influenced guitar style. His breezy aesthetic is complemented […]
