It’s Saturday night in Syracuse, New York and “The Billionaires” are performing at Lucy’s, in the Holiday Inn, Carrier Circle. This band is so special. They know what it takes to grab an audience’s attention and they genuinely enjoy the music they’re playing – and the audience can sense it. Billionaires guitarist Rob Hoston talked with us about his band. Q – Rob, let me run something by you. I’ve been told that going out is now passé. You’re out there playing all the time; have you found that to…
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Mark Doyle Interview
Mark Doyle is well-known in both the Syracuse and Central New York music circle. He’s been a fixture in Syracuse Rock ‘n’ Roll since his days with “Jukin’ Bone”, a band that went on to sign with RCA Records. Mark Doyle has made quite a name for himself around the world actually. He did session guitar work for Hall and Oates, Leo Sayer, and Judy Collins to name just a few. That’s Mark singing background vocals, which he also arranged, on “Straight From The Heart” by Bryan Adams. He recorded…
Read MoreNick Gravelding Interview Frostbit Blue
They formed their band in one of the coldest places in New York State—–Oswego, New York in the 1980’s. They went on to record 2 popular CD’s, “Ice Breaker” and “Just What The Doctor Ordered” which sold over 18,000 copies in 2006. The band is called “Frostbit Blue”. Guitarist Nick Gravelding spoke with us about the history of the group. Q – Are you the guy who put “Frostbit Blue” together? A – Yes. I’m the only original member in the band. Original meaning I started the band 20 years…
Read MoreBernie Clarke Interview Bernie Clarke And The Rhythm Sharks
Bernie Clarke has been making a name for himself and his group The Rhythm Sharks in the last 10 years. And—–we’re not just talking in Central New York either!! Bernie and his group were one of only 24 local and regional bands selected to play Woodstock ’99 in Rome, N.Y. They’ve performed at the New York State Rhythm And Blues Festival, the Cape Fear Blues Fest and the Chenango Blues Fest. In addition, the group has performed in Bangalore, India not once, not twice—–but three times!!! Bernie Clarke spoke with…
Read MoreDave Cook Interview Cousin Jake
“Cousin Jake” is a Syracuse, New York band. Dave Cook is the founding member of “Cousin Jake”. Outside of that, this writer admits he doesn’t know all that much about “Cousin Jake”. Dave Cook fills us in. Q – Whenever I hear the name “Cousin Jake” I think of Homegrown Radio’s Dan Dunn. He was one of your biggest supporters wasn’t he? A – Yeah. He had us on there quite a bit. Q – I have to be honest with you Dave; there isn’t too much information on the…
Read MoreT.J. Sacco Interview “Syracuse, New York’s Rising Country Star”
He’s called “Syracuse, New York’s Rising Country Star” and it’s easy to see why! He gave us a lucrative career at New Venture Gear (Chrysler) in DeWitt, New York to follow his dreams. T.J. Sacco headed down South to Nashville where he spent the better part of a year performing in that city’s Top Clubs. Back in town, he’s recording and performing with his band Electric Rodeo. T.J. Sacco talked with us about his journey. Q – T.J. I’ve been following your story for quite some time now. You actually…
Read MoreConan And The Showdogs Interview
He was the Production Manager for Benny Mardones. He ran lights and sound, hauled equipment and did security for concerts at the New York State Fair. His band has opened for Marty Stuart, John Anderson and Lee Greenwood. In 2006, his band received a SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music Award) for “Best Country Recording”. He is—–Conan and his band is called—–The Showdogs. Q – Conan, what type of a group is Conan And The Showdogs? A – There’s two things I’m doing right now. One is Conan And The Showdogs. That’s…
Read MoreNancy Kelly Interview Born To Swing
Starting at age 4, she studied piano, clarinet, drama and dance with private instructors—–and voice at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. During her career, she’s performed at The Blue Note, Birdland, The Rainbow Room and Dizzy’s Jazz Club at Lincoln Center. She’s also performed in Singapore, Switzerland, France, Turkey and Japan, where she toured 3 times. “Downbeat” Magazine’s Readers Poll voted her the “Best Female Jazz Vocalist” 2 years in a row. Simply put, Nancy Kelly is a Central New York legend!! Q – Nancy, for…
Read MoreJim De Mauro Interview The Critics
They’re one of Central New York’s most popular club, party and wedding bands. They’ve been featured at such venues as Syracuse’s Party In The Plaza, the Turning Stone Casino, and Oswego’s Harbor fest. They’ve played “live” on the 93 Q Morning Show with Ted and Amy, TK 99’s Homegrown Radio Show, 93 Q’s Christmas Show, WSEN’s Christmas Show, The Hotel Syracuse’s New Year’s Eve Party, the National Ironman Competition and the Syracuse Suds Factory in Armory Square. They play a wide variety of musical styles including Rhythm and Blues, Rock…
Read MoreJamie Notarthomas Interview
Critics compare his style to Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, and Neil Young. In fact, he opened for Bob Dylan and Melissa Ethridge, and Rosanne Cash to mention just a few names. He’s recorded with Trey Anastasio (“Phish”), John Popper, 10,000 Maniacs, and David Bearwald of Sheryl Crow’s Tuesday Night Club. He regularly performs nearly 200 shows a year. He—–is Syracuse, New York’s own Jamie Notarthomas. This is the first time this February 3 rd 1995 Interview has been published in it’s entirety. Q – It must be a lot of…
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