You are almost certainly six degrees of musical separation away from Max Creek. Chances are you or someone you know has laced up his shoes, buttoned his fly, and danced to Creek’s improvised blend of rock, jazz, reggae, folk, bluegrass, and blues. Forty-two years is a long time to make friends, and Max Creek’s train keeps on rolling. The Connecticut-based quintet retains an intact core of John Rider (bass, vocals), Scott Murawski (guitars, vocals), Mark Mercier (keyboards, vocals) and has recently added Jamemurrell Stanley (percussion) and Bill Carbone (drums). Max Creek — the original Northeast jam band —headlines Winter Creek Fest, a two-night stand that also features local groups Friday In America, Fire Wheel, Bowla Cheats, Cravin’ Bliss, Third Wind, and Axis Armada.
Winter Creek Fest takes place Friday, February 1, and Saturday, February 2, at Water Street Music Hall, 204 N Water St. Concerts start at 7:30 p.m., and the bill is different each night. Tickets cost $15-$25. waterstreetmusic.com.
This article appears in Jan 30 – Feb 5, 2013.
The bands still have pre show tickets available for folks who are ready to spend night or two out groovin’ to some great music!
Max Creek is great, Water Street… not so much. Unfortunately they seem to have a monopoly on the Rochester music scene for a venue of that size. Drinks are WAY overpriced ($5-$6 for a 12oz keg beer in a plastic cup). $25 cover for a headliner that doesn’t take the stage until 11pm and then plays maybe 2 hours… It’s Water Street’s way of forcing you (and your money) to spend the entire night at their venue. I’d much rather see headline acts go on around 8pm and play ’til 11pm w/ a short set break. Water Street sux.