Category: Central New York Musicians

Don Barber And The Dukes have long been regarded as one of the most popular Syracuse rock ‘n’ roll groups of the 1960’s. In fact the group is still performing these days. Don Barber talked with us about the history of his group. Q – Don, where do you base yourself out of these days? A – Homer, New York. Homer and Cortland, New York run right in together. Q – Why did you call the group Don Barber and the Dukes? Why not just The Dukes? A – Well,…

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He’s a local guy who’s made good. He’s toured the U.S. He’s toured Europe. Celebrities are in attendance when he performs. Maybe you’ll remember some of the bands he was in – the Allnighters, Train Wreck, Slim Jim Stew, The Brendan Van Epps Band, Mark Macri And Mother Funk. We are talking about Mark Macri. Q – Mark, you don’t call Syracuse, N.Y. home anymore. You now live in Celebration, Florida. Why did you leave Syracuse? What’s in Celebration, Florida? A – Well, a friend of mine actually talked me…

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For the past several years this band has been a staple at the Cornell University Alumni re-unions and pre-game Alumni activities during the Cornell Football Season Home Games. The band has also performed at outdoor summer concert venues in the Central New York area, playing at the Gazebos of Homer, Dryden, Auburn, Myers Point State Park, Owego, Corning and Groton. They’ve also been featured at Fat Cats Comedy Club and Restaurant in Corning, New York and over the past 5 years, for the Historic Sports Car Racing Association at the…

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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 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…

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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…

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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…

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“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…

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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…

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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…

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