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POP ROCK: Spampinato Brothers (9/19)

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POP ROCK: Spampinato Brothers (9/19)

I don't want to portray the Spampinato Brothers as seedling offspring of NRBQ, but I'd be remiss to not mention their primary root. If you don't know of NRBQ, I don't know what to tell ya. Everybody you like likes it, from Keith Richards to Penn & Teller. Maybe you'll

COUNTRY ROCK: Tommy Brunett Album Release Party & Pig Roast (6/26)

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COUNTRY ROCK: Tommy Brunett Album Release Party & Pig Roast (6/26)

Who the hell decides to launch a new album by throwing a party at the Barrel of Dolls? And featuring a pig roasting on a spit? Only the twisted Tommy Brunett, paragon of the fountain hairdo. Brunett's new album, "Hell Or High Water," is a namedropper's dream, with musicians from

ROCK: East End Mardi Gras (2/12)

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ROCK: East End Mardi Gras (2/12)

Yeah, it's been damn cold out, and the idea of romping around in the big icebox called the East End and workin' your ladies for beads doesn't sound all that appealing. So it's a good thing that the East End Mardi Gras takes place inside - six insides, to be

VARIOUS: HOPE for Haiti (2/6)

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VARIOUS: HOPE for Haiti (2/6)

  When most of us think of the tragedy in Haiti, what we're really thinking about are the images from the island's major city, Port-au-Prince. HOPE is a Rochester-based not-for-profit agency with a focus on assisting poverty-stricken Borgne in northern Haiti. Contributing to a charity that isn't directly connected to ground

IRISH: Band of the Irish Guards (1/29)

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IRISH: Band of the Irish Guards (1/29)

  Formed in 1900, the Band of the Irish Guards - the Queen's own - finally makes it across the pond to play for the colonists, and Rochester is one of its first stops. The large outfit of 49 musicians forms a variety of musical troupes, including marching, concert, salon, and

ALT-BLUES: Hayden Sayers Band (1/13)

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ALT-BLUES: Hayden Sayers Band (1/13)

Just when you've decided Sayers is a folky songwriter, some rapid-fire lyrics smack you, the guitar twangs country, then blues, and you decide to give up all preconceived notions. This guy is all over the place. And what a great place, blending blues, rock, and country into a unique gestalt.

SOUL: Velveteen Fox (12/25)

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SOUL: Velveteen Fox (12/25)

Christmas Eves are do-able. The lights are twinkling, eggnog is flowing, Christmas muzak is actually appropriate, and there's still the possibility - however slim - that what you asked for will be under the tree come morning. Then there is Christmas Day. Another year without any toys. At exactly what

SONGWRITER: Tim Blane (12/7)

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SONGWRITER: Tim Blane (12/7)

  Tim Blane took a detour around the Coke vs. Pepsi Pop War, deftly navigating himself into the bubbly spot between both sides. Selected for a Coke promotion through its rewards program, he also writes ringtones for Pepsi. And if that's not enough, he was hand-picked by Steve Jobs to be

STRINGBAND: The Hot Seats (11/17)

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STRINGBAND: The Hot Seats (11/17)

I wonder if "for a good time call The Hot Seats" is written on every bathroom wall in Richmond, Virginia. It should be, and perhaps we can carry on the tradition up here. A highly entertaining band, with songs about sleepover parties of giggling girls, The Hot Seats is just

BLUES/RAGTIME: Roy Book Binder (11/6)

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BLUES/RAGTIME: Roy Book Binder (11/6)

At some point, most of us want to run off and join the circus. Not Roy Book Binder. After a few $5 guitar lessons he ran off with his teacher, the Reverend Gary Davis, on a gig to Chicago, and beyond. That's just the kind of story you'll hear when

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JAZZ BLOG 2010, Day 9: The Lawnmowers, James Hunter, Mark Stuart and the Bastard Sons

The final night of the Jazz Fest the crowd was somewhat light. I was surprised, it being so nice out and a Saturday night. It did pick up a bit later but not by much. My first stop was at the Jazz Street Stage to see The Lawnmowers. The band is

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JAZZ BLOG 2010, Day 8: Susanna and the Magical Orchestra, Bryan Lee

Self-described "obsessive-compulsive" record collector Tom Kohn introduced the duo Susanna & the Magical Orchestra at the Lutheran Church Friday night. I tried to like it. I really did. Susanna Karolina Wallumroed had a Bjork and Tori Amos type of voice. For the first song I couldn't see keyboardist Morten Qvenild,

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JAZZ BLOG 2010, Day 7: Pablo Menendez and Mezcla, Nils Landgren, Bottle Rockets

It was the smallest crowd I've seen this year at Harro, but it wasn't anywhere close to empty Thursday night at the Pablo Menendez and Mezcla show. There were still prime seats to be had, including in the first and second rows and some throughout. Garth Fagan et al was

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JAZZ BLOG 2010, Day 6: Das Contras, Trombone Shorty, Hackensaw Boys

Das Contras is an anomaly. There is not much written up about the band. The photos show four members while there are clearly six. And it's described as a "pop, soul, funk, and Latin band" although the members are from Scotland. I really didn't know what to expect, but I

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JAZZ BLOG 2010, Day 4: Viktoria Tolstoy, Amy LaVere Trio

It's very strange when an artist is introduced -- whose name is the same as the band -- and she doesn't come out on stage. After a bit of piano into, Viktoria Tolstoy sidled on to the stage at the Lutheran Church Monday night. And yes, there is a connection.

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JAZZ BLOG 2010, Day 2: Catherine Russell, Mick Hayes Band, Hazmat Modine

When I arrived at Harro East to see Catherine Russell at 5:40, just 10 minutes past the start time, the venue was already full and things were in full swing. And I mean swing, with the brave few already up dancing. I did a double-take when I saw the guitar

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JAZZ BLOG 2010, Day 1: Earl Pickens & Family, Sauce Boss

I'll start with a scoop: Davey Jones 0- yes, that Davey Jones, of The Monkeys -- may sing on Earl PIckens' new children's CD. But it's not quite official yet. Maybe Monday. But still! Earl Pickens & Family really should add the word "Show" to the group name. This act

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JAZZ BLOG 2010 PREVIEW: What Dale's seeing Friday night

I'll be checking out the new tent at Abilene's Roots & Americana Stage - one of the new Jazz Fest venues. Pity I've lost my normal parking spot, but it's worth it for a chance to see Earl Pickens & Family (7:45 & 9:45 p.m.). Then I'll  pop

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CONCERT REVIEW: Girl Howdy at Harmony House

As soon as I slid in the new CD, "Honky Tonk Hair," I was hooked on Girl Howdy's song of the same name. The chorus of "Land sake's alive, no, I can't behave when I got my beehive" has been playing in my head ever since, a testament to its

Music Blog

CONCERT REVIEW: Umphrey's McGee at Water Street Music Hall

First, let me come clean. When someone says the words "jam band," I inwardly roll my eyes and insert a finger down throat. Gag me. I have no desire to listen to another half-hour of the same riff over and over again, with a few minor alterations

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DOCUMENTARIES: New film links food to immigration

For many Americans, the Memorial Day weekend kicks off the first picnics of the season: picnics that include fresh produce turned into comfort foods like potato and macaroni salads, corn on the cob, and watermelon slices. People fill their carts at grocery stores or stuff bags at the Public Market

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