Author: vfaubert

Sam and The Twisters were probably the most popular rock ‘n’ roll band to ever come out of Syracuse. They packed local bars with hundreds of fans and backed rock ‘n’ roll stars such as Freddie Cannon, Bobby Vee, Leslie Gore, the Shirelles, Link Wray, and Gary U.S. Bonds. They recorded a song “Fooba Wooba John”, which became a local hit. The group also backed Baron Daemon (Mike Price) on his big record “The Transylvania Twist.” In 1965, Sam and The Twisters appeared on the same bill as Wayne Fontana…

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Under The Gun has been together for seven years now and in that time they’ve made quote a name for themselves. They’re packing the clubs playing both original and cover material, something that’s quote a rarity around here. Their debut CD is titled Under The Gun. Lead singer Lee Anderson spoke with us about the band. Q – Lee, are you the guy who put this group together? A – Well, I wouldn’t say put it together. There was a form of the band together before I joined it. They…

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They’ve become a popular Syracuse group earning the approval of serious blues and R and B fans, while building a respectable reputation with other musicians. Outside the Syracuse area they’ve won over even more listeners, performing from Alexandria Bay to Norwich, and from Rochester to Utica. The name of the group is Big D and The Tasty Cafe. “Big D” is Dave Schneider who serves as the group’s guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Dave has shared the stage with such headliners as Blue Oyster Cult, Southside Johnny, and Blackfoot. We recently…

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They formed in 1988 and since then they’ve seen their popularity increase each and every year. They’re not only a band—–they’re a show band!! You’ll see costume changes and dance contests as part of the group’s act. We are talking about Rochester, New York’s Ruby Shooz. Lead singer Jamie Cosco spoke with us about the band’s history. Q – Usually, you walk into the main gate of the New York State Fair, and right by Heroes And Legends you’d see a band performing. Many times that band would be Ruby…

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Since their debut album in 1984, Anthrax has toured the world, selling millions of records in the process. They’ve toured with Kiss, Black Sabbath, and Ozzy Osbourne. You might remember them from this past summer’s “Clash of the Titans” tour, which also featured Slayer and Megadeth. Oswego, N.Y. native Joey Belladonna is the lead singer for “Anthrax.” Another case of a local boy who’s made a name for himself in the world of rock. We spoke with Joey about his rise from the bar rooms of Central New York to…

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She’s the winner of the 2002 Backstage Bistro Award For Outstanding Vocalist of the Year; appeared in over 100 Off Broadway performances of the hit show “Our Sinatra” and has a critically acclaimed CD to her credit titled “My Standards”. Q – According to your bio. Karen, you competed in talent shows in Upstate New York. Where in upstate? A – That was in Syracuse. Q – Where, may I ask? A – Where I performed? Q – Yes. A – Loew’s Landmark Theatre. I did a lot of theatre…

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He won a Grammy Award for the Orange Blossom Special/Hoedown on the Urban Cowboy Special. He was the fiddle player for Mickey Gilley’s Urban Cowboy Band at the time. He’s toured and recorded with everyone from Roy Clark to Charlie Daniels, everyone from Merle Haggard to Kenny Rogers. And best of all—–he’s from Syracuse, N.Y. His name is Ron Levine and he recently shared his story with us. Q – Ron, why is there no mention of your days as a Syracuse musician on your website? A – Actually, I’ve…

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As their website says: “If you like your entertainment straight up—–no painted faces, no acrobats, no mimes, just pure talent performing unforgettable music, impressions and comedy, then The Scintas is the one show you must see”. That about says it all doesn’t it? Well—–not exactly. Frank Scinta spoke with us about the history of this celebrated group. Q – Your group used to play around Syracuse quite a bit awhile back. I was surprised to see you’re based out of Las Vegas. A – Well, we all moved to Las…

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The Rods are certainly no strangers to Central New York. The group was formed after Ronnie James Dio left “Elf” and his cousin David “Rock” Feinstein teamed up with drummer Carl Canedy. Carl Canedy is a much in demand heavy metal producer today with credits that include Savoy Brown, Blue Cheer, Anthrax, Exciter, Thrasher, Overkill, The Roxx Gang, and Jack Starr. The Rods’ latest release is titled “Heavier Than Thou” (Passport Records). Carl Canedy talked with us about The Rods. Q – Why have The Rods been off the road…

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He’s a home-town boy who has made good. Duane Hitchings is a legend in Syracuse, N.Y. and outside of Syracuse, N.Y. When he was just a teenager he was already doing the Dick Clark Tours with the likes of Del Shannon, Bobby Vinton, and Ricky Nelson. He recorded with Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, Janis Joplin and Jeff Beck. He was the founding member of Cactus which included Carmine Appice and Tim Bogert. He played keyboards and guitar with Alice Cooper and keyboards for Rod Stewart. He’s toured the world with…

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