Author: vfaubert

One of the better known and most visible groups on the Blues Scene is Tom Townsley and The Backsliders. Tom, of course is the host of Sunday Night Blues on WAER-FM 88.3 and the founder of Syracuse’s annual Harmonica Blow-off. Tom and The Backsliders released a CD in 1998 titled “Moonlight Worker” on Poverty Records which they enjoyed great success with. We’re honored to present an interview with one of Syracuse, New York’s most talented musicians – Mr. Tom Townsley. Q – Tom, how long have you and The Backsliders…

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Performing throughout Central New York since May 1998, the Mike Estep Band has made quite a name for themselves. With two CD releases, leader Mike Estep has racked up an impressive array of critical reviews. Mike Estep talked with us about his background and the band he put together. Q – Mike, for the longest time you were a solo acoustic act, weren’t you? A – Pretty much, yeah. Q – So, why did you put a band together? A – Well, I did the first CD, ” One Lane…

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It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Jack Henke knows a thing or two about Sylvan Beach. He’s the author of the book ” Sylvan Beach, on The Lake Oneida, A History” (North Country Books). We talked to Jack Henke about Sylvan Beach with the focus on the entertainment history of the place. Q- Jack, how did you get interested in Sylvan Beach? A- My work on Sylvan Beach and Oneida Lake began as an independent research project while I was a senior at Hamilton College. From that paper,…

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In the spring of 1998, they released their first CD to rave reviews. It became the top selling local CD the month it was released and received 1999 SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music Award) nominations for Best Local Recording and Best Rock Band. Their latest CD is titled “Confusion Among The Masses.” When they’re not in the studio, they’re out on the road playing shows all over the Northeast, from Maine to Ohio and everywhere in between. We are of course talking about Supergush. Supergush vocalist, guitarist Chris Krupa talked with…

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She’s won seven SAMMY Awards, including Best Songwriter, Best Rock Vocalist, and Record of the Year. Her CD, “Sunday in Nandua” was one of Performing Songwriters’ Magazine Editor’s Choice Top 12 DIY’s for 1998. In 1995, she received First Place honors from Musician Magazine Best Unsigned Band Contest. Cafe Times said she has “a voice that can move cold stone.” By now, you just have to know we’re talking about Karen Savoca. “Here We Go” (Alcove Records) is the latest release from Karen Savoca and guitarist Pete Heitzman. It’s a…

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Billy Davidson makes up one half of the popular Syracuse group – Case And Davidson. Billy is a former member of Kentucky Moon and Tour de Force. Paul Case played in Bad Dog, Driving Sideways, and The Paul Case Band. For nine years now, the duo have been dividing their time between Syracuse in the summer, and a place called The Lorelei, in Islamorada Florida. Local Musicians can thank Case And Davidson for the weekly “CNY Music Scene” spot that airs on TV-9 (WIXT) on Thursdays at 11 p.m. The…

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Formed five years ago, they are Syracuse’s premier disco band. In 1996, they won a SAMMY for the Best Dance/Cover Band and were voted the “Best Local Band” by the New Times in 1998. They’ve shared the spotlight with a number of national acts including Eddie Money, Johnny Cash, and Dread Zeppelin. They — are the Electric Chick Magnets. We talked with Electric Chick Magnets member — Maurice Love. Q – Did you and your brother Antonio put the Electric Chick Magnets together? A – Yes. Q – When you…

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This band has been around since 1993, and what a reputation they’ve established! Their first two CD’s, Super Cool American and Dog have sold over 14,000 copies. Their songs have been placed on network television programs such as “Touched By An Angel”, “Promised Land” and “Pacific Palisades”. Their touring schedule has taken them to Wisconsin, Colorado, and New Mexico. By now you have to know we’re talking about Johny Vegas!! ” Forest Hill Drive” is the title of their latest CD. Lead vocalist Keith Calveric spoke with us about Johny…

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“Doctor Pocket” have made quite a name for themselves since forming in 1995. They’ve released two CD’s, “Live At The Legendary hungry Charley’s” in 1998, and “With Great Speed” in 1999. They’ve opened shows for Foghat, Loverboy, and The Derek Trucks Band. Lead singer … Josh Farrell … spoke with us about Doctor Pocket. Q – Josh, who named the band “Doctor Pocket” and why? A – Well, we were in the studio when we first got out of college, making a 4-song demo. We needed a name, as all…

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They’re one of the more popular rock bands in Syracuse. They’ve been nominated for a Sammy in the Best Rock Band category, Best Dance Show Band category and Best Lead Rock Vocal category. They recorded an original full-length CD titled “Love and Lies” which won them a Sammy’s People Choice Award. They’ve performed at the Party in the Plaza, The Chocolate Fest, Harbor Fest, Balloon Fest, The 93Q Christmas Spectacular and New Years Eve at the Hotel Syracuse. They regularly appear at nightclubs such as Syracuse Suds Factory, Bleachers, Lucy’s,…

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