music

July 15, 2011 - 8:18am
Review: The Disco Biscuits' 10th annual music festival sold out this year because fans cared enough to make the trip.

Not everyone likes or even respects jam bands. The golden age of acts like the Grateful Dead or Jefferson Airplane are for the most part, gone, replaced by the followings of moe., Phish, or the Disco Biscuits.

The Disco Biscuits' sold-out, 10th festival in Mariaville, NY — 12 miles from Schenectady — drew flocks of hippies and drug-addled electro-nuts by the thousands this past weekend.

July 9, 2011 - 7:34pm
The downsides to summer music festivals become more apparent at the electronic/jam band event.

While Camp Bisco X's first day presented unmatched excitement and the thrill of attending a three-day summer concert, Day Two disillusioned us. The sets we saw still drove through jamming and electronic sweetness, but overpriced food, sound issues, high-anticipation and muddy conditions put a damper on the day.

With that in mind, here are two complaints from Camp Bisco Day Two:

July 7, 2011 - 10:51am
For its ninth musical festival, the now legendary jam act creates a fan experience like no other at Watkins Glen.

You’ve probably seen the reviews of Super Ball IX already: “Jam band Phish played to a crowd of 30,000 this past weekend" or “Hippies flock to Watkins Glen for weekend music festival.”

But here’s some fresh news you may not have heard: Phish members’ projections from 23 years ago manifest for weekend long phestival, creating a community and experience like no other.

June 28, 2011 - 9:00am
The popular indie rock band curates its second annual music, comedy and arts festival at MASS MoCA.

Less-than-favorable weather didnt keep fans from the soaking up live music, comedy shows and gallery exhibits at the Solid Sound Festival this past weekend.

June 12, 2011 - 7:07pm
Members of the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble reflect on the bonds they made over the years as they close out their 34th year of performances.

The members of the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble don't see their choir as just another student organization. Even as they prepare for their 35th anniversary next year, they will do it the best way they know how — as a family.

"We say we're a close-knit family and we are," said Byron Canada, the group's director. "You find your closest friend in the choir. You will go through things with people in the choir."

March 27, 2011 - 2:18pm
The popular DJ partied both during and after his set on Saturday to the delight of all at Goldstein Auditorium.

Diplo's show on Saturday was the most anticipated event on campus up to this point in the year. So when the DJ actively engaged our fondness for social media throughout his night in addition to providing what seemed to be a highly regarded set, it all lived up to the hype.

March 1, 2011 - 10:12am
Considering the other choices on UU's Survey and SU's near miss with the rapper last year, Kid Cudi was a predictable yet solid booking for UU.

No one is surprised, right?

February 22, 2011 - 9:47am
The big name DJ can appeal to everyone and has a chance to be the can't-miss event of the year.

I've been critical of some University Union bookings in the recent past. Campus shows so far this year have recycled some of the artists we've seen neighboring CNY schools bring first or they included acts that failed to excite the masses (either groups were still on the brink or too niche for most).

February 20, 2011 - 7:37pm
John Baily and Michael Frishkopf show a different side of the Middle East through music.

The sun has been beating against your skin for eternity as you curl your bare toes into the burning yellow sand. You inhale through parched lips to breathe in the heavy heat.  As you shade your eyes with tanned fingers you see that the fiery globe is finally nearing the horizon.  Across the snaking, dry desert dunes the coming night outlines a caravan of camels, silhouetted against the setting sun.

December 22, 2010 - 1:20pm
Some SU scene movers and shakers offer their thoughts on a variety of year-end music topics.

We asked several musicians, promoters and writers to send us their five musical picks in whatever category they'd like. Here are the responses: