Artist spotlights, reviews and interviews from around Central New York.
Brian Wagner’s newest project, Brian Thomas & The Strikes, held their EP Release Show at Funk ‘n Waffles Sunday with opener Jon Lunden. Local music archivist, Chris Fisher, shared an audio to the…
By Misse Fedele · Wed, Nov 1
By John Tierney If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be attending a performance by a Grateful Dead inspired band and being absolutely enthralled by it, I’d have told you that […]
By Contributor · Sun, Aug 29
Doing a bit of research on Jeffrey, I found that he is so much more than just a musician. He is the founding editor of Acoustic Guitar magazine, contributor to NPR’s All Things Considered, a […]
By admin · Thu, Nov 7
“I’m not a rapper. I’m an activist,” Jack Brown sang to a peaceful crowd of 700+ people at the second annual Sophistafunk festival. This event was an all around success. Beak & Skiff’s Apple Hill…
By Misse Fedele · Wed, Aug 14
Nanni’s muscular piano style blends elements of New Orleans, ragtime, blues, jazz and classical elements. Sometimes all in the same song! His warm and accessible vocal stylings handle this wide range…
By Susan Coleman · Tue, Jul 16
Melissa Gardiner’s album release show was red hot. “The music was electric. I found myself nodding my head to the beat every song,” Arthur Rees. The show was held at the new SALTspace Theater. The […]
By Misse Fedele · Sun, Jun 23
Stephen Phillips is preparing for his album, big eyes & rosy cheeks, release show June 28 at The Redhouse . I met up with Stephen for a walk and talk interview. He had just left […]
By Misse Fedele · Wed, Jun 5
I recommend stopping out and seeing this show. It is a nice break from the weather and the daily news. The story of a bride-to-be trying to find out who she is and finding her […]
By admin · Wed, Feb 20
The vibe at Pasta’s On The Green on Monday, Feb 11 was relaxing an fun! Several patrons watched performers and gave encouraging support to all that took the stage. No one seemed uneasy or shy. […]
By Susan Coleman · Thu, Feb 14
Harmonic Dirt’s album Anthracite is a treasure of lyrics for songwriter fans. Susan Coleman, bassist, and her talented multi-instrumentalist and vocalist husband, Mike Gridley, began collaborating on…
By Misse Fedele · Sat, Dec 29
Cold October evening, you know the kind, Syracuse seems to slow down a bit trying to hold off the inevitable cold blast and snow that’s on its way. Maybe even a bit of depression sets […]
By admin · Wed, Oct 24
Baldwinsville Theatre Guild invited CNY Alive out for a night with Dracula, Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” I wasn’t sure what might come of the evening, how do you tell this story on stage. The…
By admin · Fri, Oct 19
On a cool fall evening the best vocalists and musicians, gathered together on one stage for a night of Idols & Icons. The show began with, James Taylor’s “Fire & Rain” performed by Donna…
By admin · Mon, Oct 1
If classic rock had a grandson, Chris Eves is that grandson. Monday evening at Subcat studio for the Soundcheck recording session, Chris Eves and The New Normal showed us that Classic Rock and rhythm…
By admin · Fri, Aug 24
I recently attended an open mic at the Liverpool Limp Lizard. As a resident of Liverpool, I’ve heard that the open mic has become legendary! As a musician, I knew that it was something special […]
By Susan Coleman · Tue, Aug 21
Through the rain and into a beautiful sunset Syracuse showed up on the island for Austin, Texas native Gary Clark Jr. Being a lifetime Hendrix fan I immediately fell in love with Clark’s similar…
By Misse Fedele · Thu, Aug 2
Move outside your comfort zone and experience something best described as a shock rock psycho circus. Don’t shy away because the quality of musicians and the performance is top notch. Granny an old…
By admin · Wed, Aug 1
The Ridge sure knows how to put on a show! And by a “show,” I mean a 5-hour fun-filled fest with amazing music, reasonably priced drinks, and delicious and creative foods to choose from. This […]
By Susan Coleman · Fri, Jul 20
As I sit and wait for the show to start I remember my teenage years and going to The Dome to see The Who. I also saw them at Daren Lake for the Quadrophenia tour […]
By admin · Fri, Jul 13
The first icy kiss of winter sends us searching for the coziest, most pleasant place to hang out. On Tuesday, that place was The Ridge in Chittenango. Don’t let the address fool you! This is […]
By Susan Coleman · Wed, Nov 15
Who knew a theatre could feel like a reunion, a hillbilly reunion that is. Once a again the Theatre Du Jour put their heart and soul into the performance and the potato salad in the […]
By Bonnie · Fri, Oct 20
John Lennon, if you know me you know John is my favorite musician and the Beatles, my favorite band. Last night i had the chance to catch Paul Davie at Byblos in Armory Square. Paul […]
By admin · Thu, Oct 5
Little Queen, a Heart and Pat Benatar tribute band. Opening act for the Emerald City 25th Anniversary Show at Sharkey’s in Liverpool. Little Queen was a special unexpected treat. Sheela and her crew…
By admin · Mon, Sep 25
An Upstate New York native, up and coming country star Steven Cali has the charm of a true Southerner. Together with his laid back tude and vocals that can silence a packed house in awe, […]
Tue, Sep 12
September 6th 2017, we received the news that the beloved duo Frank & Burns has ended their partnership after 10 years. Both musicians are OK. It was just time for Mike Burns to move on. […]
By admin · Fri, Sep 8
If last night had been the last day of the NYS Fair, I would not have been disappointed. Last stop of the night was The Suds Factory Courtside Grill, to see Scars ‘N Stripes. […]
By admin · Fri, Aug 25
Ridgestock 2017 was blessed with a beautiful setting and perfect weather — except for a brief, gentle sprinkle towards the end of the evening. The Ridge, located at 1281 Salt Springs Road…
By Susan Coleman · Mon, Aug 21
Natural Beauty at The Ridge: “Fire On The Mountain” I am going to ask you a few questions. You will answer “yes” to every one. Do you like a beautiful setting for your musical experience? […]
By Susan Coleman · Thu, Jul 27
Stopped out to dinner to Bull & Bear Roadhouse on Rt. 57 Liverpool and caught Bill Ali’s acoustic set. Bill Ali, also lead singer for Scars N Strips is a versatile performer. Playing a variety […]
By admin · Mon, Jul 10
Tuesday May 9th, We had the pleasure of joining a small group of people who got to attend their 1980’s prom for the first time for some and a second time for others, you may […]
By Bonnie · Sun, May 14