We’re deep into winter, or somewhere at the start of spring, depending on how you look at it. The weather however, if great at Funk n Waffles in Syracuse, and NYS Music is proud to present Thursday nights throughout February at the popular downtown venue.
February 4 – Normal Instruments
A supergroup creating brand new music every single night – all improvisation, every time – kicks things off on February 4 in grand fashion. Featuring Michael Carter from The Indobox, Jules Jenssen from Ross Jenssen, Matt Beckett from Cosmic Dust Bunnies and Jeff Bujak of Bujak Live, Normal Instruments is one of the most unique jamtronica bands in the scene today.
February 11 – Root SHOCK with West End Blend
Root SHOCK blends roots reggae, dancehall, heavy drum & bass, and soulful vocals with conscious lyrics into positive dance music will make you want to move. The band has been surprising and delighting crowds across the Central New York region and beyond, bringing their unique high-energy style spearheaded by the stunning vocals of Jessica Brown to a wide range of settings. The band’s dedication to spreading music with a positive message has paid off in entertaining, elevating, and energizing music lovers of all walks of life! 2016 promises to be an explosive year for Root Shock, as they’ve finally made time to record their first studio album, are anchoring a monthly Syracuse reggae night designed to bring the best and most diverse acts that modern reggae has to offer to the area. They’re not stopping there though; the band is set to hit the road to spread their uplifting message and vibes and take their renowned live performances to the masses!
Since their conception, ten piece band West End Blend has been playing their version of pop, funk and soul in venues all over the Northeast. Fronted by vocalist Erica Bryan, the band pays homage to classic throwback sounds while adding their own distinct vibe and flair. West End Blend boasts a fourpiece horn section, two guitars, bass, keyboards and drums packing the group onto stages every night. From humble beginnings in an epic basement funk dance party, The Blend’s goal has always been to bring a party atmosphere to every show and venue ever since.The Blend just released their debut full length record, Rewind, on September 26. Recorded at Telefunken Elektroakustik with engineer Brendan Morawski in CT, the band is proud to present the kick off to the next step in their career. West End Blend is just getting started and there’s so much to do. But right now… it’s time for them to pile into the van. This juggernaut of a funk and soul band is ready to hit the pavement.
February 18 – Bob Holz: A Vision Forward
Composer/drummer Bob Holz is one of New York’s most experienced and in-demand band leaders. An alumni of Berklee School of Music, Bob majored in performance and composition with teachers Gary Chaffee and Michael Gibbs. He went on to study privately with Dave Weckl and Billy Cobham. He also found a mentor in drummer Wilby Fletcher Jr.( McCoy Tyner). Holz has composed and played on numerous live and studio recordings, movie sound tracks and theatrical productions. Perhaps his most well know movie sound track was for the major motion picture entitled Show Your Love directed by Edward J. Bruno for VCA films. Holz has also toured extensively as a band leader (The Bob Holz Band).
Holz played at the 1999 Woodstock Music Festival in New York. He also performed along with Dr. John at a coveted awards ceremony at the 2006 M&T Jazz Festival in Syracuse, NY. In 2010 he traveled to Memphis to participate and perform as a finalist in the W.C. Handy Blues Awards.
February 25 – The Moho Collective with Boots n’ Shorts
The Moho Collective lives in a world with no words. In fact, they make it a point to convey their story without any vocals at all. The Rochester NY based instrumental trio knows how to push the envelope stylistically and tonally yet keep their audience engaged with exciting arrangements and a wide range of dynamics. Drummer Ryan Barclay, guitarist Kurt Johnson, and bassist Justin Rister combine disparate influences ranging from the Allman Brothers and the Meters to Sigur Ros and the visual loops of Dutch graphic artist M. C. Escher. Expect to hear things you like and maybe something you don’t. The range of this band is vast yet accessible for all audiences. TMC at some points will move your feet and at other times challenge your ears. Don’t let the size fool you, TMC packs a huge sound into a 3 piece package that doesn’t disappoint.
Boots n’ Shorts carries on the tradition of old-time music while making it relevant to a modern audience. Meeting at the crossroads of mountain music and the merry pranksters, they introduce new sounds to old-timers and old sounds to new-timers. Blending backgrounds in bluegrass, folk, old-time, jazz, blues, and psychedelic rock,BnS has a large repertoire of original music, classics, and traditional tunes.
All shows start at 8pm each night. Visit Funk n Waffles for more info
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