Music

Skrillex blasts the NYS Fairgrounds
By Chris Ballard
October 11, 2011 - 12:00am
The DJ bumped booming bass at the Center of Progress Building just outside Syracuse.

Right before he went on, stage crew tore down the black curtain obstructing the mysterious white structure that would house Skrillex for his set Tuesday at the New York State Fairgrounds.

The icy castle-looking fortress with an embedded stage in front towered above the crowd. Angular shapes protruded from each side of the stage, contributing to the futuristic feel. But it wass when Skrillex finally fired up his Macbook that things started to get interesting.

Symphony Syracuse met with warm welcome
By Leah Harrison
October 10, 2011 - 5:56pm
Review: Local musicians bring symphonic music back to Syracuse after the bankruptcy of the SSO.

Sunday's Symphony Syracuse concert delivered two things: music and a message. This organization—meant to serve as a lifeboat to symphonic music after the declared bankruptcy of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra—made a case for themselves through several impassioned speeches, but more convincingly, by playing beautifully together.

An intimate evening with Marc Broussard
By Veronica Magan
September 25, 2011 - 11:30pm
Review: Marc Broussard rewarded a small audience with an intimate show Saturday night at The Westcott Theater.

With an audience of approximately 50 people (including theater employees), Marc Broussard started his concert at The Westcott Theater Saturday night. Paying no attention to the turnout, Broussard gave it his all in what ended up being a very intimate concert.

How they got their funk
By Vanessa Pearce
September 24, 2011 - 6:50pm
Sophistafunk, a homegrown Syracuse band that started in 2007, uses improvisation, the audience and other bands to help them create their unique music.

Four years ago, Newhouse graduate Adam Gold sat in on performances by Jack Brown (who was a Newhouse student) and Emanuel Washington at Syracuse's own 'Funk 'n' Waffles.' A jam session with a big group of guys eventually whittled down to just the three men, and Sophistafunk was born.

"It's more of a statement than a generic name," said Brown, the band's MC and lyricist. "It sets you up for the band itself."

Turnt Up Tour invades Syracuse
By Chris Baker
September 21, 2011 - 1:51pm
Preview: Paper Diamond headlines at Westcott Theater Friday night with openers Michal Menert and Sorry For Partying.

Friday night is going to be loud and bright at the Westcott Theater.

The Turnt Up Tour, featuring a showcase of rising DJs, comes to Syracuse for a high-energy evening of electronica and dub step. The 15-city tour spans the northeast and midwest, arriving at Westcott Theater Friday, September 23.

Red House rocks 219 Takeover
By Daisy Becerra
September 20, 2011 - 10:51am
Review: Last-minute cancellations fail to stop 219 Takeover in downtown Syracuse.

The sound of high-energy funk and dreamy rock held the air outside of The Red House in downtown Syracuse on Saturday. The special occasion was none other than The 219 Takeover, an outdoor concert event presented by Rojimusic. The one-of-a-kind occasion hit a rough patch, however, hours before it was scheduled to take place.

10 minutes with B.o.B
By Chris Ballard
September 12, 2011 - 9:56am
The hip-hop newcomer talks about college shows, 9/11, his kazoo and his next album

Last year was busy for B.o.B, aka Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr. Between releasing his debut album and two mixtapes and appearing on songs by Eminem, Kesha, Big Boi, Lupe Fiasco and The Roots, the 22-year-old has firmly cemented his spot as a newcoming force to be reckoned with. Even MTV says so.

Juice Jam 2011 will please electronica, hip-hop fans with B.o.B, Avicii and guest Chiddy Bang
By Chris Ballard
September 5, 2011 - 2:29pm
B.o.B, Avicii and Chiddy Bang will perform at this year's Juice Jam fall student show at Syracuse University on September 11, 2011

Juice Jam 2011 will please hip-hop and house music aficionados, pairing a well-known rapper with an up-and-coming DJ that promises to be a lively set.

Grammy-nominated rapper B.o.B and Swedish electro-house DJ Avicii headline the event at Skytop Field on South Campus Sunday, with Philadelphia alternative hip-hop duo Chiddy Band selected as the event’s openers.

Juice Jam 2011 lineup pairs something new with more of the same
By Chris Baker
August 17, 2011 - 3:59pm
Rapper B.o.B. and Swedish DJ Avicii will co-headline the semester-opening concert Sept. 11 at Skytop Field.

As a newcomer to Syracuse University, this year’s Juice Jam will be a first for me. After looking at previous years’ headliners, I was excited to see what combination of artists would share the bill at this year’s event. Today’s announcement, however, was somewhat disappointing.

Underoath ready to make more Syracuse memories
By Chris Ballard
July 18, 2011 - 10:17pm
The revered metal act performing at The Westcott Friday wants to concentrate more on musical substance rather than the Christian influence it's known for.

Underoath drummer Daniel Davison can't seem to forget the times peering out behind his drum kit to a blur of sweaty faces inside the glistening, powder baby-blue walls of the defunct Club Tundra in Syracuse.

The lively shows turned the club now known as the Lost Horizon into a state of near-chaos.

“I remember a bunch of the Tundra shows, and when Hellfest used to be up there,” Davison said. “Those are definitely some good memories.”