Music
by Gary Carra | May 2, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Basemental, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
Sutherland swaps silver screen for six-string; Gartska jams with guitar gods… briefly He was a “Lost Boy.” A “Young Gun.” One of “A Few Good Men” to enjoy a three decade career on both the silver and small screens alike. But...
by Will Meyer | Apr 18, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Basemental, Columns, Music
As a 24-year-old musician in the Valley, my world centers around Hadley basements and Easthampton community centers — the places where you can catch the best of the area’s DIY music scene. The what scene?Exhausted by the exploitative pay-to-play model often used by...
by By Gary Carra | Apr 25, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Basemental, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
Better call Mr. Peabody and Sherman. Looks like someone’s gotten a hold of the Wayback Machine.First stop: Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Grand Theater this Friday, April 29. Not only will female hip-hop heavyweights Salt-n-Pepa be there, but so will literal heavyweight Biz...
by By Jennifer Levesque | Apr 25, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Music
Last fall, Northampton-based singer-songwriter Mikey Sweet hitchhiked around the Northeast for two weeks, busking with a cardboard sign that read “Broke Musician Need Money to Finish Album w/Big Shot Producer and Hot Band! God Bless.” After paying an Albany outlaw a...
by Gary Carra | Apr 20, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
By Gary Carra There’s been a growing trend in tribute circles over the past decade. While the songs remain the same for bands like Zep-licators Get The Led Out (coming to Holyoke’s Mountain Park Aug. 5) and Billy Joel recreators Big Shot, the need to physically look...
by By Gary Carra | Apr 12, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
A little more than a month ago, the Valley’s own Jon Donais arrived in Chile, Santiago. He had flown in with his present band, hardcore heroes Anthrax, along with headliners Iron Maiden on “Ed Force One” — an aircraft infamous in aviational circles for both its “Book...
by By Gary Carra | Apr 5, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
Everyone wants to be a Renaissance man, in a Renaissance band … or at very least, ensconced in a scene or city that has been awarded the “Renaissance” brand.But Matthew Larsen is kicking it old school — back to the “dark” ages, one could say.Back in 2006 while still...
by By Gary Carra | Mar 29, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
By all accounts, regional college rockers Miracle Legion had a miraculous 13-year run, scoring rave reviews and even regular rotation flirtations with MTV back in the heyday. In 1996, however, they released a disc the band now affectionately refers to as their “swan...
by Advocate Staff | Mar 22, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Music
Winterpills songs bloom like flowers at night. The Northampton indie rock band leads with clear, bright melodies, but the backdrop is often cast in shadow, marked by swelling strings, sighing harmonicas, and spare piano keys glinting oddly in the dark. Since 2005, the...
by By Gary Carra | Mar 22, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
Eclectic sextet Bella’s Bartok reports that they drastically changed up their recording style for the new full-length Change Yer Life, the completion of which they will celebrate this Saturday, March 26 at Pearl Street.They’ve cut out the middle men and,...
by Hunter Styles | Mar 14, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Music, Stage
When you browse the faded pages of an historical account, local lives don’t always shimmer to the surface. But Hampshire College professor of History Susan Tracy noticed a few intriguing details when she was paging through the 1870 census for Colrain, the small...
by Gary Carra | Mar 14, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
A “Perfect Storm” is slated to touch down at Chicopee’s Maximum Capacity this Saturday, March 19. Sorry, Walmart, but there will be no need for folks to stock up on water, batteries, flashlights,Vaseline or whatever else all those alarmist types go scurrying around...
by Advocate Staff | Mar 8, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Music, News
– A huge faucet that releases a daily torrent of craft beer (bring your growlers) – A basketball hoop – A big fat “$” – An “O,” to give ’90s singer/songwriter Shawn Colvin her moment to shine – For that matter, add an M too, and rearrange...
by Gary Carra | Mar 8, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
The Hysteria On The High Seas luxury liner had already left port when Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott came up mute — a case of laryngitis leaving him unable to take the mic for his boatload of fans. Luckily, crewmate Andrew Freeman was equal to the task. The Valley...
by Advocate Staff | Mar 9, 2016 | Music
Happy Birthday, Meat For Tea • Saturday Award-winning local literary mag Meat For Tea is celebrating double digit action! The Western Mass magazine is officially one decade old and will be celebrating in due style on Saturday at Sonelab with a multi-media infused...
by Gary Carra | Feb 29, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
Tom Mahnken never performed with noted bluesman Ed Vadas & his Fabulous Heavyweights. And, truth be told, he ended up doing just fine with his own Trailer Park band. But on the eve of Vadas’ passing Feb. 18, the Trailer Park frontman fondly recalls his brief...
by Hunter Styles | Feb 29, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Music
In 1972, the first man-made spacecraft left our Solar System. The Pioneer 10 probe could detect and record solar wind particles, magnetic fields, and UV light, but it also had a message to deliver. Mounted on the craft was a plaque, designed by NASA with help from...
by Advocate Staff | Mar 1, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Get Out With Staff Picks, Music, Stage
Amherst Art Walk • Thursday The first Thursday of every month is Art Walk night in Amherst. From 5 to 8 p.m. downtown galleries throw open their doors to art lovers. This Thursday, check out Stephen Gingold’s nature photography, Hillary Wilbur Ferro’s prints and...
by Gary Carra | Feb 24, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
The future of Holyoke’s Waterfront Tavern seemed murky at best a few months ago. Just when it appeared the historic venue would be pulling the plug altogether, rumors of a strategic alliance began to swirl. Last week, however, Donald Robert of Maximum Capacity...
by Story and photos by Amanda Drane | Feb 24, 2016 | Articles, Leisure, Music
Jim Eagan of Shelburne Falls may not have started songwriting until his late 60s, but the second song he ever wrote got scooped up by Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane. That was last year, and now Kaukonen is touring with Eagan’s song, “Ain’t In No Hurry,” as the...
by Advocate Staff | Feb 17, 2016 | Articles, Get Out With Staff Picks, Music
June Millington Retrospective • Sunday The good thing about celebrating the godmother of rock is that audience members be graced with not only her majesty’s music but that of all her successors. Members from Millington’s legendary band Fanny will perform at this...
by Jennifer Levesque | Feb 16, 2016 | Articles, Music
A couple weekends ago, I went and saw Springfield-based Gaiah perform at Maximum Capacity to support their recent release, Perfect Disaster. The performance was far from a disaster. I mean, these guys have been around the Valley music scene for some time. They are far...
by Jeff Good | Feb 16, 2016 | Articles, Music, Scene Here
So, yeah. I’m obsessed. I began following Bruce Springsteen as a schoolboy coming of age in mid-1970s Omaha. A few seconds after graduation, I loaded up my Mercury Bobcat (creamsicle orange paint, white vinyl top) and headed east. Crossing the Jersey state line, I...
by Gary Carra | Feb 8, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
Between corporate takeovers, format changes and, quite literally, the omnipresent threat of satellites looming overhead, the average life expectancy of local radio stations these days seems to only slightly exceed that of say, a Betta fish. Set that gloomy backdrop to...
by Advocate Staff | Feb 3, 2016 | Articles, Film, Get Out With Staff Picks, Music
Lexi Weege at Fort Hill Brewery • Friday Westfield native Lexi Weege has been making waves in recent years, sharing her enchanting vocals and unashamed lyrics throughout the region, but this weekend she plays at “her favorite place in all of the Valley” — Fort Hill...
by Hunter Styles | Feb 3, 2016 | Articles, Music
Citizen Sanders sees a groundswell of support from sea to shining sea, and the Valley is no different (just last week, the Springfield office for the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign officially opened its doors). Bernie has pledged to fuel his run for the White...
by Amanda Drane | Jan 25, 2016 | Articles, Music
Attending a Veruca Salt concert as a teenager in the ’90s, Tanya Pearson never imagined that 20 years later she’d be asking lead vocalist-guitarists Nina Gordon and Louise Post about sexism in the industry. A photo documenting Pearson’s reunion with the two band...
by Blaise Majkowski | Jan 25, 2016 | Articles, Music
Blaise’s Bad Movie Guide Rock ‘n’ Roll High School It’s a literal blast when The Ramones show up The holidays are over and the kids are back in school, though it’s my guess that no one ever attended a school quite like Vince Lombardi High, aka “Rock ’n’ Roll High...
by Jennifer Levesque | Jan 25, 2016 | Articles, Music
When you hear the term “rock star,” who comes to mind first? Elvis Presley maybe, or The Rolling Stones? When I was little, I was introduced to Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, and Led Zeppelin. All male-based rock bands. When I stepped out of my parent-influenced taste...
by Gary Carra | Jan 18, 2016 | Articles, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
As evidenced by the recent, massive outpouring by fans and contemporaries alike, David Robert Jones — better known as David Bowie — touched generations the world over. In fact, some would go so far to say that the Starman may have even possessed intergalactic...
by Amanda Drane | Jan 18, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Music, News
It’s difficult to argue against Beyoncé’s greatness, it is true. But skimming through clips of marching bands past elicits one big question about the Super Bowl halftime shows of today: with all the fireworks and special effects, have we strayed too far away from the...
by Kristin Palpini | Jan 18, 2016 | Articles, Leisure, Music
The Thunder From Down Under Ladies and gentlemen get your singles out for the beefcake coming to Chicopee by way of the Las Vegas performing strippers, The Thunder From Down Under. The “blokes” are toned, tanned, and sassy. First row is in the sweat/splash-zone if...
by Amanda Drane | Jan 11, 2016 | Articles, Music, News
One Bar and Grill — formerly Tully O’Reilly’s and The Elevens — is once again reborn after little more than a year in its former incarnation. Following last week’s convening of the Northampton License Commission, the establishment is officially doing business as...
by Kristin Palpini | Jan 11, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Music
This wild night is calling you: the ultimate tribute to one of rock’s lovingest godfathers Van Morrison is going down in Springfield Friday night. Moondance, 7:30 p.m. $25-$29. CityStage, One Columbus Center, Springfield, (413) 788-7033. — Kristin...
by Amanda Drane | Jan 7, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Music, News
By Amanda Drane One Bar and Grill — formerly Tully O’Reilly’s and The Elevens — is once again reborn after little more than a year in its former incarnation. Following Wednesday’s convening of the Northampton License Commission, the establishment is officially doing...
by Amanda Drane | Jan 4, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Music
Joshua Davis: A Miracle of Birds (Independent release) Joshua Davis had me at The Voice. While other finalists in last winter’s season of the show scrambled to find themselves as artists, Davis came into the competition knowing exactly who he was — a piercingly...
by Kristin Palpini | Jan 4, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Music
Thirty metal bands from around the world will descend on Chicopee this weekend for the second annual Hothfest organized by metal Renaissance man musician/promoter/tattoo artist Jamie Cross. On Saturday and Sunday, bands that will take the Max Cap stage include:...
by Gary Carra | Jan 4, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
With some 30 heavy bands hailing from the world over, Hothfest 2016 organizers decided to jump ship on their originally scheduled venue. At the time, the future of Holyoke’s Waterfront Tavern was just too uncertain. “It’s Jamie Cross’ show, and with the future of the...
by Kristin Palpini | Jan 4, 2016 | Articles, Arts, Music
Bobby D (Chicopee), Claire Dacey (Easthampton), Elric Walker (Cummington), Ed Bentley (Westfield), Bruce King (Easthampton). 7-10 p.m. Unitarian Society, 220 Main St., Northampton, (413) 527-1900.
by Advocate Staff | Dec 30, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Get Out With Staff Picks, Music
Drunk Stuntmen at the World War II Club Looking for something to do during the day? Never fear! Northampton’s First Night is here! The city’s annual 12 hour NYE’s party includes entertainment at 22 venues. I’ll be hitting up the Deuce (World War II Club) on my lunch...
by Advocate Staff | Dec 21, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Leisure, Music
It’s almost 2016! We say you should welcome the new year by doing whatever it is that will make you happier in the coming year. Go hard, go home — however you do it, set the tone. Feel like you need more cheese in your life? Cozy on up with a wheel. Feeling like...
by Kristin Palpini | Dec 28, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Music
Shakedown is a Vermont-based Afrobeat/funk band that plays covers and original tunes. Their focus is on getting the audience to dance to horns, vocals and a boombastic rhythm section. Members are an offshoot of Brattleboro-based Alafia. Saturday, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m....
by Advocate Staff | Dec 23, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Get Out With Staff Picks, Music
Santa’s Got a Brand New Bag o’ Funk • Saturday James Brown gets it done with his Funky Christmas style. No more problems, dude. 9 p.m. at The Rendezvous on Dec. 26; 78 3rd Street, Turners Falls. — Amanda Drane Edward Scissorhands • Wednesday Scissors for hands,...
by Kristin Palpini | Dec 21, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Music
If you’re a member of Gen X, Sublime holds a special place in your heart. In the late ’90s, the band was playing the songs of your summer. Prozac for your ear is how I heard 99.3’s Leslie describe them, and that’s pretty accurate. Sublime released their megahit...
by Gary Carra | Dec 14, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
Lori McKenna hit the musical trifecta earlier this month with a song she penned for the group Little Big Town. “Girl Crush” premiered at number one on Billboard’s Hot Country 100 back in December of 2014. Last month, it won “Song of the Year” at the 49th annual...
by Michael Cimaomo | Dec 15, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Music, Northeast Underground
This isn’t your parents’ best of list. To paraphrase Jimmy Fallon, “You know those awards they give out in high school yearbooks? Awards like Most Likely to Succeed, Class Clown, stuff like that?” Well, Northeast Underground is handing out its own superlatives this...
by Kristin Palpini | Dec 14, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Music
Elvis isn’t dead, he’s been hanging with Santa at the North Pole. On Saturday the Florence VFW is hosting an all-ages yuletide shindig featuring Lord Elvis, Johnny Memphis Band, Court Etiquette, and Christmas karaoke. Flo Ho Ho — Elvis Meets Santa: 12/19 at 7 p.m. $5,...
by Gary Carra | Dec 7, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
Gathering of the Vibes founder Ken Hayes recently announced that after achieving 20 years and record breaking attendance this past summer, he has decided to take 2016 off. “This is not the end my friends,” he wrote in an open, online letter to the Vibe Tribe. “It’s...
by Gary Carra | Nov 30, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
By definition, alchemy is a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of base metals into gold. Whether it be with the band the Alchemystics band he co-founded back in 2003, the band Bay Rd he inspired while working at...
by Kristin Palpini | Dec 7, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Music
When rock guitars meet punk riffs and reggae soul you get Danny Pease and The Regulators with The Hornitz. Check out their music which has strong roots in reggae and ska rhythms. The Hornitz is a human beatbox — so, that’s pretty cool — but there will also be horns,...
by Hunter Styles | Dec 7, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Music
Tom Hooper’s 2012 film adaptation of the iconic musical Les Misérables left many viewers with mixed feelings. Hugh Jackman’s big sideburns? Revolutionary. Russell Crowe’s singing? Misérable. Fortunately, there’s a fresh way to dive into Claude-Michel Schönberg’s...
by Amanda Drane | Dec 7, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Music, Scene Here
AMANDA DRANE PHOTO Outside the Nest, a house/underground music venue on a side street off Belchertown Road in Amherst, a cloud of smokers greet me. I follow the train of people kicking off their boots and shoes at the bottom of the basement stairs where a living room...
by Hunter Styles | Dec 7, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Music
It’s well-nigh impossible for music critics to describe James McMurtry’s three decades of songwriting without using the word “Americana.” That’s because it’s hard to think of a musician better able to craft albums that employ roots rock, folk, country, and blues in...
by Kristin Palpini | Dec 7, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Music, Stage
The wind gets cold, the winter holidays draw near, and Pioneer Valley Ballet presents its annual performance of the Nutcracker ballet. The Nutcracker is the classic tail of a weirdo godfather bestowing gifts on wealthy kids at a party. One of the toys, a nutcracker,...
by Advocate Staff | Nov 30, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Music, Stage
Super Troupe Pilobolus Dance Theatre has been praised with innumerable adjectives over its 34-year history: endearing, emotional, witty, hilarious, colorful — and my favorite, from The Los Angeles Times: “physically awesome.” Founded in 1971 by Dartmouth College...
by Advocate Staff | Dec 2, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Get Out With Staff Picks, Music
The Demse Legacy • Sunday About six months ago, beloved Valley reggae band The Alchemystics lost leader Demse Zullo and roadie Brian “Budzy” White in a car accident. While coping with their loss, the band surged ahead into festival season. Now, they’re taking a minute...
by Kristin Palpini | Nov 30, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Music
It’s fitting that the album art for Kindling’s new Galaxies EP shows a color-tinted lunar landscape, because this four-track collection lifts off with a boom and a shockwave, like a shuttle launch at Cape Canaveral. From the first moment of play, singer and band...
by Gary Carra | Nov 23, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Columns, Music, Nightcrawler
What was supposed to be a triumphant new chapter in a prolific career turned tragic. Then a tribute. For more than two decades, Keith Hopkinson’s howl could be heard soaring over such circuit regulars as The Smacktones and Black Cat Frenzy. On Friday, Nov. 20, his...
by Hunter Styles | Photos by Dan Little | Nov 23, 2015 | Articles, Music
Surrounded by bodies, soaked in sweat and blasted with music, it’s easy to let go and just dance. If you’re not a denizen of the club scene (or if it’s been a few decades), glance at the faces and free-flowing forms of the dancers we photographed on a recent Saturday...
by Amanda Drane | Nov 23, 2015 | Articles, Arts, Music, News
Roster changes in the musical line up at the Waterfront Tavern in Holyoke fueled rumors about the establishment that were spreading across the Internet like a celebrity nip slip last week. Three metal/rock shows slated for December were cancelled at the Waterfront,...
