Category: Central New York Musicians

“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…

Read More

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,…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More