Adirondack Music Scene : Phish Review, Reggae, Blues & Bluegrass

Before we get into this week’s events, I’d like to follow up on this past weekend. Phish played two shows at the Times Union Center (formerly The Knick/Pepsi Arena). I’d seen Phish once or twice a year from 1992 to 1998, but the last time was 11-25-98 at The Knick. I really didn’t know what was in store, but they turned out to be two great shows. The first night was mostly short concise songs and reminded me of one long first set. The second night the band really let loose and it was one of the best shows I have ever seen by any band.

It was hard to tell which songs I knew and which ones I didn’t because they all sounded so good. The band was on fire and it was hard to believe they are just getting over a 5-year hiatus. The sound was as good as it gets for an indoor venue. The security was laid-back to non-existent and the light show was the best I’ve ever seen, hands down. Turns out they have the most expensive light rig on the road. Check out the pics on Phish’s “From the Road” website, or the videos on YouTube.

Got to spend the second set with all my long lost college friends and it was just an all-around great night. I highly encourage anyone on the fence to go see Phish the next chance you get. These guys really put 110% into every aspect of the show. I can only imagine what their festivals are like these days. If you take music and shows seriously, you need to go see how Phish does it. Phish is currently the Greatest Show on Earth.

Thursday, December 3

Sirsy will be playing Satatoga’s Victorian Street Walk at the Downtown Saratoga Marketplace from 8-10pm. This is an all-ages show and admission is free. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
http://www.sirsy.com
http://www.saratoga.com/news/victorian-streetwalk.cfm

Friday, December 4

Jsan & The Analogue Sons will be playing an “End of Semester Rager” at McDuff’s Tavern in Potsdam. Jsan is a reggae band from Ithaca, NY. Friday is also Ladies Night at McDuff’s Tavern.
I am familiar with them from the GrassRoots Festival in Trumansburg. The GrassRoots Festival is the best music festival on Earth and tickets just went on sale for the July 2010 weekend. Early bird tickets are available through 2/14, $75 for a 4-day Adult Ticket. This coming year will be my 10th year attending the festival.
http://www.myspace.com/jsanandtheanaloguesons
http://www.myspace.com/mcduffsbar

Zip City Blues will be playing a JEMS fundraiser show at the Amos and Julia Ward Theater in Jay. Zip City is a blues and swing band from Plattsburgh. They will play two sets beginning at 8pm. There will also be an opening set at 7:30pm by Dogs of Jazz. Tickets are $10 and include cider and donuts from Rulf’s Orchard.
http://www.zipcityblues.com/
http://www.jemsgroup.com/events/events.htm

Saturday, December 5

North Country favorites Lucid will be at the Waterhole Saturday night.
Roots of Creation were scheduled to play, but looks like they’re playing a festival by NYC instead.
http://www.rulucid.com/
http://www.myspace.com/saranacwaterhole

Dan Melon is at Laura’s Tavern in North Creek. Solo act playing all your favorites. He takes requests.
http://www.laurastavern.com

Sunday, December 6

The Stony Creek Band will be playing the “Close-Up Party” at the Stony Creek Inn at 6pm. Last chance to party at The Inn until Spring.
http://www.stonycreekband.com
http://www.stonycreekinn.net

Wednesday, December 9

Jamie Notarthomas will be playing at barVino downtown North Creek from 8-10pm. No cover.
http://www.jamienotarthomas.com
http://www.barvino.net

Photo: Phish’s “From the Road” website (Albany 11-28-09)