The Scandals, Serious Fun

The Scandals started in 2005 as a group of students from Finger Lakes Community College who got together to play music just for fun.  Now, 4 years later, some of the members have changed, many of them have recently graduated from college, and although they play professionally now, the fun still remains.

“We play out as much as possible,” confesses the group’s vocalist, Monica Hall.  “We’re starting to write our own music and right now, we’re playing blues and funk with an undercurrent of rock.  We’ve been doing colleges, festivals, coffee shops, music halls, bars…. We just love playing together and when we’re giggin’ out someplace, people enjoy it and we get invited back.”

“Us” includes Monica, Leo Medler on Guitar, Joe McNinch on Bass, Tristan Greene on Drums and Nash Bock on Keys.  During their performance, you’ll catch covers by such artists as B.B. King, Soulive, Susan Tedeschi, The Beatles, Norah Jones, and Galactic.  Throughout the music Ms. Hall’s sultry voice glides fluidly across the top of the masterfully-woven instrumentals deftly performed by the other members of the band.

What’s next for the group?

“Well, I hope to become a professional singer.  As for the group, it would be nice if someone with connections sees us.  And we’d really like to tour, maybe Miami or someplace else.  But wherever we play, we just really love performing.  It’s great to know that we  touch people of all ages with our music.”

Join the Scandals for some serious fun on Friday, July 17 at 11:30, performing at the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival.

Jack Swift, a Band of Epic Talent

Jack Swift just returned from  their 19 city, 4 state “You Don’t Know Jack” tour that took them through the Northeast and returned them home in time to play the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival.

“The tour was amazing!” said JC  Mothersell. “We had some great shows!  One of our best was right here in Rochester at the Lovin’ Cup.”

The group that toured includes Ben Sheron (bassist), Jeremiah “JC” Mothersell (vocals, guitars and harmonica), Chris Daniels (drums), Darryle Brown (alto saxophone) and Pat McDermott (keyboard). Tom Ward (trumpet) is also part of the band, but is on temporary leave.

During the tour, the group wrote their first totally collaborative piece.

“We stopped at a Walmart and Ben noticed an ice machine.  When he got back to where we were staying, he started playing this bluesy funk that we all got into and he said, ‘I wanna call this Ice Machine.’  Then Darryle came up with some verses, I threw in the chorus and Chris added the groove.  It’s about a woman who’s cold and unfeeling, like an ice queen.”

The members of Jack Swift write almost all of their own music.  They are known as a jam band and have been compared to Blues Traveler as well as Dave Matthews because of their heavy use of improvization and horns.

“We’re a jam band with structure,” explained JC.  “We write story-like lyrics with a plot, a climax and characters and then we do improv solos around the framework.  We have two pieces right now that we call our ‘Epics’ — stories put to music that are about 8 minutes each.”

You can catch Jack Swift jammin’ at the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival on Sunday, July 19 at 12 Noon.

Spanky Haschmann Orchestra, a Swingin’ Good Time

Terry “Spanky” Haschmann grew up in a musical household where his father  played sax and clarinet.   He initially wanted to be a sax player but turned to drums when the keys of the sax weren’t a good fit for his hands.

Spanky got his nickname  in 1968 when four of the members of the group he was playing with were named Larry, Jerry, Barry and Terry.   A guy named   “Weed,” who was the club’s bouncer at the time, said he looked like the character Spanky from “Spanky and Our Gang” and that name stuck.

“I always loved jazz and the big band sound, but I got my start playing Rock and Roll.  I’ve played rock and roll…Gospel…I played with the Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose…then about 11 years ago, I decided to go for the music I always loved, the big band sound,” shared Spanky, explaining how he started the Spanky Haschmann Orchestra.

Today, Spanky plays at every chance he gets, performing not only with his own orchestra, but also with five other bands including that of Warm 101.3’s Disc Jockey, Tony Infantino.

When he’s on stage with his orchestra, Spanky brings the energy of rock and roll to his big band sound and, unlike many big bands, he incorporates a heavy focus on vocals, often using four-part harmony.

“It’s not easy to find places to play where you can fit a 17 piece orchestra. I’m a little worried about  falling off the stage in Canandaigua,” he laughed.

Come down and listen or even dance to the swingin’ sound of the Spanky Haschmann Orchestra at the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival on Sunday, July 19 at 4:30 P.M.

Blue Jimmy, Music with the Feel of Americana Heartland

So where does a group of guys who are self-proclaimed “Band Geeks” go after they graduate from Bloomfield Central High?  Off to start their own band, of course!

Blue Jimmy is made up of five long-time friends – two sets of brothers and one best friend – who have been together 20 years writing, playing, engineering, mixing and recording music together.

Their music is an amalgam of country, rock, pop and folk and has been compared to Son Volt, The Eagles and the Band.  Overlaying their liquid harmonies, lush lyrics and masterful musicianship is the feeling of Americana heartland.

Blue Jimmy is composed of Brian Ayers (acoustic guitar, harmonica, lead vocals), Chad Ayers (electric guitar, mandolin, harmony vocals), Steve Nelson (drums), Mike Nelson (bass guitar), and Greg Gefell (electric guitar, pedal steel, resonator, harmony vocals). 

In addition to their musical and on-stage talents, a number of them are also accomplished creators of musical instruments.  Steve made his own drums and owns a company that constructs custom drum kits.  Chad built one of his guitars and Greg plays a pedal steel that he built from scratch.

When that much TLC goes into the instruments, you know you can expect great things from the music.  It’s not a wonder the group has successfully cut four albums to date, including their most recent, South Ave. Sessions.

Don’t miss Blue Jimmy’s performance at the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival on Sunday, July 19th at 1:30 P.M.

String Theory, for Foot-tappin’ Festival Fun

String Theory is probably one of the most diversified musical groups you’ll ever hear. 

They are best known for their lively and captivating Bluegrass, but their reportoire  also includes everything from Gospel to Metallica and from the Beatles to the Rolling Stones.  Oh, and let’s not forget to add in Classical music, just for good measure.

String Theory has been performing together for about six years and includes A.J. Noto on Bass Fiddle, Jim Barbero on vocals and mandolin, Terry Kedley on guitar, dobro and vocals and Mike Kedley on banjo, guitar, fiddle and vocals.

During the winter months, the group “holds court” on Tuesdays from 7-10 P.M. at Johny’s Irish Pub in Rochester, NY where they host the Bluegrass Open  that attracts both regulars and newcomers who show up to jam.

But this talented quartet is as comfortable playing at festivals and weddings as they are at Irish Pubs.

“We get hired for a lot of weddings because, as a string quartet, we can play classical music for the wedding, switch to fiddle ballads and waltzes for cocktails when the bride and groom are having photos taken, and then play a combination of bluegrass, popular tunes and dance music for the reception.”

 You can catch the fun and foot-tapping tunes of String Theory at the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival at 1 P.M. on Friday, July 17.

John Cole Blues Band, Whole Lotta Music Goin’ On

John Cole grew up in Union Springs, Alabama and was encouraged to play music by watching his  brothers.

“I watched how they played and I just picked it up.  I grew up listening to old blues records but I wasn’t inspired by any particular artist.  I guess if I had favorites, they were in country music.  I was listening to the Grand Ole Opry in the early ’50s when I was in fifth or sixth grade.  As a kid, I knew more about country than I did about the blues.”

John had always played guitar, but he became a vocalist overnight when, during a performance with the band “The Flaming Rockets,” the vocalist walked off the stage over a dispute with the band’s organist.  John realized he had to sink or sing. 

After playing with a number of bands, including that of the legendary Joe Beard, John now has his own band composed of Ted Mosher on Bass, John Chaffer on drums and Gian Carlo Cervone on piano and organ. 

 Although a few country pieces have made their way into his band’s reportoire, the John Cole Blues band is known primarily for their heartfelt blues accompanied by rich and soulful vocals and dynamic musicianship.  Songs like “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and “Mustang Sally” explain why his music appeals to a broad audience.

“My older brother told me whether you have a room full of people or just one person in the room, you gotta give ’em your best.” 

That philosphy has made the John Coles Blues Band one of the best-loved and most well-known bands in the region.

Don’t miss the John Cole Blues Band when they perform at the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival on Saturday, July 18 at 7 P.M.

Troyka, Back to the Future of New Wave Rock

When audiences hear guitarist and vocalist Ian Mitchel, bass player Neil Dreger and drummer Mike Reed of Troyka, they’d think the band had been together far longer than their two years. 

The three men bring their diverse musical talents and background to bear in creating a sound that is new and genuine, yet joyfully reminiscent of the best of 80’s New Wave peppered with elements of fusion, jazz and indie rock.

The three work well together and enjoy collaborating on their music.

“We have a lot of fun and it shows when we perform.  We’re creative and we enjoy making good music that’s entertaining and intellectual.  Because of that, it appeals to a  broad demographic.”

 Troyka has been compared to groups like Rush, U2, REO and VanHalen, but listen to their music video Samantha, and the  influence of The Police is also very apparent.   And although they may be compared to different groups, their music is fresh classic rock.

“We’ve been playing a number of festivals and events recently including the Lilac Festival, the East End Festival and the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival.  We’ve also been expanding the clubs we’re playing in…Canandaigua, Rochester, Plattsburgh and now, New York City.  We’re looking to open for larger acts.”

The group recently released their first album, Turn on Your Life, available through CDBaby.  When asked what the future holds, Ian responded, “Like they say in the ending of Back to the Future, ‘Your future is not written yet!’ ”

You can look forward to a live performance byTroyka at the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival on Friday, July 17, at 5:15 p.m.

Perfect Pleasures, Whimsical Creatures for the Garden

John Kavosick can barely keep up with business these days.  His business, Perfect Pleasures, has taken wings.  And it’s no wonder!  With the adorable ladybugs, mosquitos and dragonflies in his collection, his business should take off!

John works out of a van crafting these whimsical little creatures of copper and brass.  He creates the dies which he uses to make  the ornaments and he hand cuts the wings.   He then paints them, using an airbrush.

“Their legs are chimes which dangle down so when a breeze blows, you’ll hear them chiming throughout your garden,” shared John.

In addition to the bugs, John also has cats and dogs in his collection.  Each of the creatures, which are all about 3″ x 4″,  comes on a metal post to stick in the ground so they can be displayed throughout the garden,  along a walkway or any place you’d like to add a sense of whimsy!

“My ornaments aren’t made out of plastic, like many garden ornaments.  They’re carefully crafted out of metal, so they’ll last for years!”

Hop on down to visit John Kavosick and Perfect Pleasures at the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival from July 17-19, 2009.

Crystal Creations, Weaving Earth’s Treasures into Jewelry

Wendy Miller, owner of Crystal Creations,  has always been an energetic and creative person who likes to keep busy.  Today, not only does she do hairdressing and work at Clifton Springs Hospital, but she also creates stunning jewelry pieces  of gemstones, pearls, crystals, semi-precious stones and woven wire.

“Each of my pieces takes at least 15 feet of wire to create the handwoven chains.  On some of the pieces, I weave as many as 300 crystals into the chain design.  You can imagine how long that takes!” she laughed.

Many of her pieces also incorporate pearls that she buys from China and Malaysia.

“The new pieces that I’m adding to my line this year have mother of pearl coins as their centerpiece, and they are really lovely. ”

When Wendy creates a piece, she selects the gemstone she wants to use and then works her magic around the stone, using it as the centerpiece.  She selects the wire color, the crystals, pearls and other adornments based on the color,  shape and size of the gemstone.  Many of her pieces have a magical aura of the Renaissance about them.

“When I go to the festival, my stepdaughter often comes with me.  She makes children’s crystal name bracelets onsite, often customizing the bracelets for each child.  The kids and parents love it! ”

Be sure to stop by Wendy’s Crystal Creations at the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival where her jewelry is affordable, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind works of art.

Madeline Forster, Golden Voice Reminiscent of the Golden Age of Jazz

If you close your eyes and listen to Madeline Forster‘s sweet, rich voice caressing the lyrics to songs such as “Willow Weep for Me” and “Dream a Little Dream of Me,”  don’t be surprised if you’re transported back to a 1940’s style supper club.   The lovely songstress from Fairport, NY has always been inspired by legendary female jazz vocalists from the Golden Age of Jazz such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn. 

Just You, Just Me by Madeline Forster

Her many followers might be shocked to know that for a time, she thought of giving up music in favor of psychology.

“I enjoyed music all my life, but it wasn’t until my first year of college that I realized how much I missed music and singing.  I took vocal jazz lessons and started singing professionally my senior year.”

Now, Madeline Forster can be heard performing at clubs and restaurants throughout Rochester, and can be seen regularly at The Little Theatre Cafe and at Bistro 135.  Madeline was also invited to perform at the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival this year.

Her first album, Just You, Just Me was released in April to critical acclaim and she happily shared, “”I’m delighted that it’s done better than I could even have imagined!”  Just You, Just Me is available through her website and also at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CD Baby and Record Archives.  CLICK HERE for samples of her music.

You can enjoy the golden voice of  Madeline Forster as she performs with her band at the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival on Saturday, July 17, 2009 at 3:15 PM.