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Sunday 2:40 – 4:15 | Avery Mall
Miché Fambro is known by many different people for very different things. Some know him as the dynamic band leader of one of Upstate NY’s most popular bands a few years back. Others know him as an extraordinary guitarist/vocalist singer-songwriter touring through their small town (“Why are you here??”), performing with the energy and sound of a full band on his single instrument. And, still others recognize him as a jazz crooner, lending his fluid voice to beloved classics. His grandfather, a Vaudeville “hoofer,” knew him as the boy who wouldn’t listen, and chose to shape his life around music/entertainment despite the experienced advice of his elders.
And, it has been a challenge. No doubt about it – Grandpa Fambro was right. Nonetheless, the passion has never dimmed and the urge to create has only grown with time. Whether he’s writing a song, practicing a new flourish on the guitar, playing with a new approach to an old jazz standard, recording an episode for his “Guitar Lessons” online video series (stories, sketches, interviews, insights into what entertainers go through to entertain…), or strategizing next steps for his live Music/Variety project – the “Whadd’ya Say Show” – Miché is always fully committed, completely immersed, creatively propelled.
One would think that all this focused drive could turn Miché into a self-centered bore. In fact, the opposite is true. Miché, though resolutely faithful to his calling, is also a silly man. Much like his music, his humor is unexpected, spontaneous, and comes out of a place that is uniquely Miché. And, though determined to follow his own path, Miché is always attentive to those around him. He invites others into the creative process and finds pleasure in the efforts and successes of his peers. It is this combination of genuine enthusiasm for the stories and talents of others, and his desire to always produce something of exceptional quality that has led Miché in these latest directions – and which leads him to seek resources beyond his own to capture the vision. And, let’s face it. After all these years, it’s time to prove Grandpa Fambro wrong.
Saturday 1:35 – 3:05 | Main Stage
If you were around in the early 1970s,you may have been lucky enough to have witnessed the development of a new sub genre of American music that has been referred to as “Upstate NY Funk”.A gritty hot analog mess of soul and blues combined with dangerously good instrumental work and Motown inspired vocal harmonies. These elements are the hallmarks of the Upstate Funk style.
Players from Woodstock via NYC combined skills with the best musicians from Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Ithaca. Bands and individuals like Orleans, The Fabulous Rhinestones,Hot Sweets with Oliver Wiggins.Cal David, John Hall, and stalwarts like Harvey Brooks packed smoke filled college bars like the Red Creek in Rochester NY and the Salty Dog in Ithaca. Like the last remaining speakers of a rare indigenous language, The Rhythm Dogs have picked up the torch and captured the heart and soul of the Upstate Funk sound. People know authenticity when they hear it. Audiences are transported back to 1971~dancing, hollering and carrying on…you know…like we used to! The Rhythm Dogs~ The Music’s Back.
Members:
Rob Erb – Guitar
Paul “Jr.” Spezio – Keyboards & Saxes
Tony Castronova – Guitar & Vocals
Pat McNinch – Bass Guitar & Vocals
Jeff Hobbs – Drums & Vocals
Sunday 3:30 – 5:00 | Gazebo Stage
Summer 2011 finds Brian Lindsay with his second solo release titled “Esperanza” (GFI label, Ontario NY) as an artist hitting his creative stride and poised for an unprecedented year. Once again, Brian delivers a Roots Rock record filled with his trademark story telling and inspired performances, bringing a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
Lindsay’s first solo record, “The Crossing” with the single “Eastside of the River” charted for eleven straight weeks and was added to more than 45 Triple-A format radio stations nationally as well as being played and critiqued globally. The success from “The Crossing” also secured him a spot in the coveted and popular OnStage concert series in New York for WXXI TV, PBS.
Building on the momentum from the first solo record, “Esperanza” was added to more than 50 Triple-A format stations this Summer. The song “King of the Mountain” held the number one spot at commercial station WOCM 98.1 (Ocean City Maryland) for 2 straight weeks. Lindsay again charted at Roots Music Report on the national Roots Radio airplay charts and currently ranks in the top 30 on the New York State Roots airplay charts alongside New York artists such as Steve Earle, Bob Dylan,and Jon Mayer. Brian was asked to perform on a second television show, “Beyond the Lyric” this fall which showcases some of Upstate New York’s finest songwriters.
His Song, “King of the Mountain” was selected to be featured on ESPN’s Nascar Now national broadcast.
The Brian Lindsay Band continues to showcase at festivals across New York State through the summer in support of the new CD, “Esperanza”.
www.brianlindsay.net
Saturday 2:30 – 3:55 | Gazebo Stage
Todd began playing piano and singing at the age of three. He began his professional career at the age of fifteen and has been performing ever since. Blind since birth, Todd is often compared to Stevie Wonder, one of his major influences. Other influences include Billy Joel, Elton John, and Bruce Hornsby. Todd is considered one of the premier pianists and vocalists in Upstate New York and continues to perform not only as a solo artist, but with a wide variety of groups. An original member of Prime Time Funk, Todd has performed internationally (at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club in Paris, France) regionally at Foxwoods Casino Resort and locally at the Rochester Music Fest. His voice can be heard on many local and regional television and radio commercials. Todd will be joined by Jim Richmond and Dave Cohen from Prime Time Funk. Special guest Steve Lyons from The Beale Street Blues Band and The Legendary Dukes will also make an appearance.
www.toddeast.net
Saturday 12:30 – 2:00 | Gazebo Stage
Formed in 1992, The Nightstalkers quickly became one of the region’s premier blues acts, bringing their signature style to over 200 shows a year from Canada to Arkansas. Sales of their two albums are still strong today. With the passing of lead singer Marshall James in 2006, the band went on a hiatus, but are now back in full force with Dave Riccioni full-time on vocals and guitar, as well as the other original members who are, Steve McNally on Hammond Organ, Ralph Bushey on drums, and Fred Stone on bass guitar. Expect to hear dueling guitar and organ as well as hypnotic grooves. Energy is the key to the Nightstalkers reckless abandon both live and on their new album featuring some special guest appearances of legendary blues players. Don’t miss some throw down smoking hot blues and cool grooves.
Buy a vintage Arts Festival poster. Contact the CHNA office to buy yours today!
