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Neil Benjamin Jr. 72 posts 0 comments

Neil Benjamin Jr. has been a music, sports and news journalist for nearly a decade, earning a few NENPA and AP awards in that time. A recent career shift into the education field has allowed Neil to focus his work on his most fervent interest: live music. Melding his writing talent and music passion is dream come true for a teacher who has attended more than 100 Phish concerts.

Albany

Mike McDonald Departing Formula 5

Neil Benjamin Jr. Nov 13, 2015

Albany jam rockers Formula 5 announced Thursday that founding keyboardist Mike McDonald, is departing the group at the end of 2015 for personal reasons, so he can focus his attention toward building his family. Here is the announcement as…

Editorial

2015: The Year Trey Anastasio Came Full Circle

Neil Benjamin Jr. Oct 27, 2015

Heading into 2015, Trey Anastasio had 32 years of accomplishments on his rock and roll resume. Fronting the most successful touring band of the last 20 years, Anastasio really had nothing to prove to fans and naysayers alike, yet Big Red…

Albany

Former Jillian’s Building Purchased at Steep Discount

Neil Benjamin Jr. Oct 2, 2015

The former Albany home of sports bar and adult arcade Jillian's from 1999 to 2012 was purchased last month by two locally established bar and restaurant owners who have a vision of turning the space into a bar and music hall on the first…

Music Festivals

Catskill Chill: Where Young Bands Come to Grow Up

Neil Benjamin Jr. Sep 17, 2015

The 2015 incarnation of the Catskill Chill Music Festival may serve as a farewell to host site Camp Minglewood, but since its inception, the festival has really been a big introduction to new music and groups, while also bringing in…

G Love, JJ Grey to hit Paper Mill on Tuesday

Neil Benjamin Jr. Aug 17, 2015

Anyone need a little sauce in their life? This Tuesday, G Love & Special Sauce with guests Big Head Todd and the Monsters and JJ Grey and Mofro will be spicing up Paper Mill Island Amphitheater in Baldwinsville, N.Y. With roots in…

News

Dead and Company add Second MSG Show

Neil Benjamin Jr. Aug 11, 2015

Due to overwhelming demand for its Halloween show at Madison Square Garden, new Grateful Dead offshoot Dead & Company announced it will perform a second show on Nov. 1. Joining Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill…

News

STS9 Making Two New York Stops on 2015 Fall Tour

Neil Benjamin Jr. Jul 28, 2015

STS9 has announced its 2015 Fall Tour, and highlighting the 22-show trek are two stops in New York. On October 25, the jamtronica act will headline the Town Ballroom in Buffalo before weaving its way through the Ohio, Pennsylvania and…

News

Phish Notes: MagnaBall Update, LiveBait 11 Released

Neil Benjamin Jr. Jul 21, 2015

Just ahead of its Summer Tour opener in Bend, Oregon, tonight, Phish has released a few updates on MagnaBall and also the band's annual pre-tour sampler download, LiveBait 11. MagnaBall, a three-day festival at Watkins Glen International…

Capital Region

Phish to Webcast Tour Opening Weekend

Neil Benjamin Jr. Jul 14, 2015

Phish is set to embark on its 2015 Summer Tour next weekend, July 21 and 22, in Bend, Oregon, and both nights will be webcast via LivePhish. Fans can purchase ether SD or HD versions. The HD two-night package can be purchased for $19.99…

Jam/Progressive

Family, Freedom and Phish: Mike Gordon Melds it all Together

Neil Benjamin Jr. Jun 16, 2015

Life is good for Mike Gordon these days, with Phish coming off arguably one of the most creative years in its 32-year history and his solo band gaining steam across the country. On top of that professional success, the 50-year-old bassist…

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