Performer Information |
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Quick Jump to a date:  Rob Jonas - A rocking singer-songwriter in the tradition of Tom Petty and John Mellencamp, Rob Jonas tells tales about the struggles of life and love. His first EP, "Wandering Madison," yielded two songs that earned airplay on local radio stations. With his upcoming full-length album, "Take Me Anywhere," Jonas hopes to make a bigger splash in the Capital District music scene. Rob is the type of musician that hangs low around the local music scene and always catches you off guard with this performance. You may have caught once his live performances on stage at Tess’s Lark Tavern as he is a regular at the Wednesday night open mics. His song ‘Wondering Madison’ is featured on WEXT and continues to receive constant praise. Don’t let his mild manor fool you. He is a blues and rock artist that easily could be named the area’s best song writer. Rob has been known to perform with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and his voice. For this performance at The Linda he will have a full band accompanying him on his rockin’ songs. Ben Karis-Nix - Starry-eyed
Ben Karis-Nix is one part indie-rocker (Nada Surf, the Shins, the
Postal Service), one part alt-country crooner (Jeff Tweedy of Wilco),
and another part experimental multi-media artist (a la Flaming Lips).
From frenzied rock to waltzes, Ben and his band weave mandolin,
synths, drums & beats into a beautiful, hook-laden sonic tapestry.
Ben's recordings, performances and songwriting have earned him features
on the CW's "One Tree Hill," NPR's "Weekend Edition,"
MTV's "Road Rules" & "Real World," and MySpace
Comp Vol. 1. Prior to his solo career on the East Coast, Ben performed
with Los Angeles-based Jupiter Sunrise as its guitarist and as one
of three of the band's vocalists. In their vegetable-oil powered
RV, this gypsy-ensemble toured the country continuously for more
than five years, earning an industry reputation for out-of-the-box
guerrilla marketing strategies and for thoughtful employment and
a close affiliation with MySpace and its staff in the creation of
a loyal, chorus-chanting national fanbase. Fire Flies
- Fire Flies are an NYC based indie-techno pop band that hales from
Albany. Fire Flies met and formed four years ago while students
at SUNY Purchase's Conservatory of Music. "Two New Sciences,"
recorded in the basement of their Brooklyn apartment, follows in
the footsteps of their first CD, "Babobabs In The Basement,"
recorded in 2005 in their dorm room at SUNY. Consisting of a solid
yet complex rhythm section, masterful guitars and alien technology
keyboards, "Two New Sciences" features poetic lyrics accentuated
by hook-driven melodies. Fueled by proficient musicians, beautiful
arrangements and great songs, the first line "I don't understand
you, but I try," defines the sentiment that illustrates the
songwriters note to self. Bright beats juxtaposed with anxious lyrics
make up 12 songs spanning an overall theme of uncertainty, love,
frustration, despair and the never-ending parties that feed them.
Fire Flies began touring up and down the East Coast in their sophomore
year playing before classmates and teen centers and headlining in
venues they weren't yet old enough to frequent. Now regular attractions
on the NYC and East Coast music scene, they will make their national
touring debut later this summer. Blackcat Elliot - After
the breakup of his band North Again, Kostas Gus Hais said to himself,
"Never again." But he's learned to never say never, especially
to the rock n roll bug, so he is back in the spotlight with Blackcat
Elliot, who have quietly become one of the Capital Region's most
popular bands. Don't believe me? Blackcat Elliot has taken the runners-up
spot in the best local band category in the Times Unions Readers
Poll in each of the past four consecutive years. They took the top
spot in the Capital Region Living readers' poll, and they were named
"best-kept secret" in Metroland's readers' poll. Well,
Blackcat Elliot isn't going to be a secret any longer. The high-energy,
go-for-the-throat indie rockers have just unleashed their sophomore
CD, "Never Come Clean" on Billbored Records. Recorded
at Albanys Scarlet East Studio and produced by John Delehanty, the
nine-song disc crackles from the big buzzing bass riff of the opening
title track right through to the hooky pop-in-overdrive closer,
"Close to Mine." Sirsy - SIRSY is fronted by the
"charismatic Melanie Krahmer" who reviewers say has a
"stunning voice capable of a lion's roar and a floaty whisper".
Krahmer is also the band's drummer, playing a full drum kit while
STANDING UP, bass parts with her drum stick, and the occasional
Ian Anderson-esque flute solo (sometimes playing drums, flute, and
bass all at once). Not to be outdone, guitarist Rich Libutti also
plays bass parts with his feet and even the occasional snare part
with his feet (during Krahmer's flute solos). Everything is played
live. Despite the multi-tasking on stage with this unique set up,
the duo manages to have a "dynamic stage presence and chemistry"
that has audiences and critics raving. The Boston Globe says "Little
band, BIG sound!" and New York's City's Village Voice urges
readers to "Go see sirsy!". Reviewers say, SIRSY has written
an "arsenal of well-crafted, ear catching, lyrically smart
and musically sound songs filled with hooks and levels of meaning".
Playing over 250 shows per year, SIRSY has shared the stage with:
Maroon5, Lifehouse, Collective Soul, Blues Traveler, Cheap Trick,
Vertical Horizon, Fuel, and many more. SIRSY currently tours along
the east coast and throughout the Mid-West. And, YES... this IS
their day job. Red Haired Strangers
- These guys have been playing together for the past 15 years, forging
original music that contains hints of country and delta blues influences.
Along the way, they’ve expanded to include not only guitar
and harmonica, but also fiddle, drums, dobro and pedal steel guitar.
Their music consists of original words set to driving melodies complete
with evocative images of wandering, trains, sin and love lost. Their
repertoire also includes finger picking, slide and 12 bar blues,
fiddle and harmonica breakdowns and country stompers, as well as,
covers by Blind Willie Johnson, the Rolling Stones, Merle Haggard
and Johnny Cash. The Red Haired Strangers have performed at numerous
venues including Valentines in Albany, Brown’s Brewing Company
and Revolution Hall in Troy and Blueseed Studios in Saranac Lake.
Jesse Stewart - Jesse
Stewart is a singer/songwriter from Upstate New York. Jesse discovered
her passion for music from her father, began performing for family
and friends at the age of four, and is now ready to share her music
with you. With a country/folk/pop style Jesse draws her inspiration
from life with all its joys and trials. Byrds of Prey - Byrds of
Prey brandishes a dual lead guitar attack that is supported by tight
harmonies and subtle acoustic rhythms. Songs are composed acoustically
first with basic rhythm and melody, and then arranged in an acoustic/electric,
or all electric form. Art LaFleur and Steve Lamb also perform this
material as an acoustic duo on occasion. Band members have performed
in and around the Capital Region for the past five years in projects
including but not to Off Ramp, Boot the Owl, and The Coal Palace
Kings, and this each brings something unique to the table. Like
a classic attack on a modern sound, the songs we write are divers
and sophisticated with a focus on rhythm and harmony. The musicianship
is high. The experience is solid. The influences divers and the
vibe is classic. Palatypus - Based
out of Albany, N.Y., Palatypus draws from the best of the Country,
Bluegrass and Folk music genres to create a distinct melodic and
harmonic sound. Their songs evoke a spectrum of emotional states,
ranging from the lament of loves gone wrong to the simple joys found
in sharing a few drinks with friends. The duo focuses on well constructed
vocal harmonies layered over the rhythm of Mike's and the melody
of Matt's guitar. The songs are story driven, simultaneously metaphysical
and visual, and captivate their audiences with deft acuity in their
sensibility. Always entertaining and engaging, Palatypus continues
to gain musical recognition and win fans across the Capital Region
and in the greater North East. 2Late - Vicki and Mike
joined their voices and talents to form "2Late" in January,
2004. Influenced by Maura O'Connell, Cheryl Wheeler, Peter, Paul
and Mary, and other contemporary folk and country artists, they
have developed a unique musical style featuring complex vocal harmonies
and strong acoustic guitar work. Now well-established in the Albany,
NY area, 2Late was recognized in 2006 by the Shine Original Music
Series. Their song "Desperation (One Last Chance)", written
by Mike, was awarded 4th place in a national lyric contest sponsored
by American Songwriter Magazine in November 2006. 2Late's standard
fare is family-friendly, adult contemporary folk music with some
very silly songs mixed in. The group also performs contemporary
Christian music at a wide range of venues in New York's Capital
District. The Velmas - Since 1999,
the Velmas - bassist Todd “Figaro” Minnick, guitarist
Mike “Harvey” Grosshandler and drummer Michael “Bruce”
Bruce - have been entertaining upstate New York. The band has become
a favorite around Albany and Syracuse, NY, and is gaining popularity
throughout the Northeastern U.S. In 2002, the Velmas released their
debut album, Another Day At School. Since its release, the album
has received rave reviews and has opened doors of opportunity for
the band (see press page). This was followed by Recess (2004), a
“double EP” featuring new and unreleased studio tracks,
as well as several live tracks. The Velmas released their second
full-length album, Station, on City Canyons Records on October 31,
2006. The Velmas are three singers and song writers creating powerful
rock music. Their sound is influenced by old-school to modern rock,
punk, reggae, and even country and classical. In concert, the Velmas
back their music with a playful, high-energy live show, which is
the reason why Albany-area "Velmites" have voted them
the Capital Region’s "Best Alternative Band" (Metroland,
2006 & 2007). Anthony
Prezio - This Troy native has a passion for piano. He is known
for is warm voice and bright piano licks. He can be found playing
in Troy coffee houses and cafes. Last year he completed his production
on his one man play “An Evening at the Trojan Hotel Bar”.
He is a song writer, play write, producer, music consultant, and
continues to manage both Sean Rowe and Mudfunk (not to mention he
is also Sean's Uncle). For his performance at CRUMBS Nite Out at
The Linda he will capture your soul with his heart felt lyrics as
he eloquently plays on the grand piano. He is truly a musician not
to miss. Jermaine Wells and the Ill Funk
Ensemble - Hip-hop has it's roots in the music of the great
funk bands like James Brown and the J.B.'s, Sly and the Family Stone
and Parliament Funkadelic. Somewhere along the way, the concept
of a DJ spinning records came about, with a lone rapper spitting
rhymes over pre-recorded drum and bass riffs. Hip-hop had lost where
it had come from: the live, organic groove with a full band, capable
of taking the music in any direction. In the past few years, new
artists have taken over the mantle from those bands, and have begun
to write soul/R&B/hip-hop music that features the sound of a
real band: with the pulse of a human, not a machine, driving the
grooves. Bands like The Roots, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Anthony
Hamilton and Soulive have injected hip-hop with the soul that it
had lacked in so many previous artists. Sean Rowe - A musical workhorse,
to say the least. Not only does he hold down regular gigs in just
about every corner of the region, but he also manages to find time
for various one-shot affairs everywhere else. He’s a one-man
band with a deep, soulful sound that manages to fill every corner
of a room, so it’s no surprise that he’s in such high
demand these days. Scan the crowd during the initial moments of
his set, and you’ll probably see a host of surprised looks,
all wondering how a guy like Rowe can create a sound typically associated
with grizzled blues wailers and Motown legends. In a scene crowded
with garage-rock hipsters and hardcore headbangers, Rowe provides
a much-welcomed alternative. At the musical end of his personal spectrum, anyone who’s
ever heard Rowe do his thing—delivering his poetically charged
tunes in that surprisingly deep, soulful rumble—can attest
to his seriousness of purpose in that area. But beyond that, Rowe
also recently received recognition (and a nice chunk of change)
in the form of a songwriting grant from the New York Foundation
for the Arts. A friend had actually picked up an application for
him and encouraged him to apply, but Rowe had initial doubts. “It
was the kind of thing where it seemed like it was for classical
composers or jazz people. Serious cats, y’know? And with me
not even reading music—[I thought] it was a long shot.” Phoebe Henry - With over
70 copyrights and 3 CDs, Phoebe Henry, 17, has already established
herself as "...a sophisticated and prolific songwriter"
(Greg Haymes, "Albany Times Union", Feb 2007). Her acoustic,
melodic music and songs from her life-experience appeal to a broad
audience. Phoebe is comfortable playing venues from intimate coffee
houses, to events before thousands. She performs solo or with a
drummer and bassist. Phoebe's music career surged after winning
the NECMA "Shoot for the Stars" competition in 2005. Although
not intentionally "country", her music is an original
genre-blend of organic folk, jazz, rock, gospel, country with an
occasional Latin influence. Memorable performances from her than 100 shows include Saratoga
First Night ('05 & '06); Soulfest (NH-'06 & '07), Troy Chowderfest
('07), The Miller (London, England- 07), the Bitter End (NYC-'06),
Freihoffer Race for Women (Albany-'07), Opening act before the Paul
McCartney concert (Tampa, FL-'06), Cheetah Girls (Albany-'05), Jump
5 and Chubby Checker (Albany-'05). See "Where else I played"
on the Show page for more details. Rich Ortiz had no choice but
to become a musical performer. Rich is a fourth generation entertainer
of a family of entertainers. Music definitely runs through his veins,
down to the very depths of his soul. Rich believes he is the product
of his family's cultural diversity and strength, but his style is
truly his own. Born in Bergen County, New Jersey, he got his start
singing, acting, and dancing at the age of three. As a child, Rich
performed in Off-Broadway plays, commercials, and dance competitions.
He has opened shows for Ludacris, Hoobastank, Simple Plan, Elephant
Man, Tea Leaf Green, Kracker, Merl Saunders, Melvin Seals, Jim Wieder,
the Drifters and The Wood Brothers . He has also played private
parties for Tom Cruise and New York's Governor Pataki. He has won
the hearts of many, playing everywhere from Upstate New York, to
Killington, Vermont, to Cape Cod and all the way down to Marco Island,
Florida. He currently plays in New York's West Village at the world famous
Red Lion every Sunday. Rich is getting ready to release his first
album, the album will feature live, unedited studio recordings of
all original works. As his passion for life grows stronger, so does
the energy in his music. Rich is a truly rare, authentic talent. |
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