Check out Flashcubes on YouTube and enjoy a video segment of the Flashcubes April 2012 arrival in Sapporo; Japan. The Flashcubes on this years Japan tour included- Gary Frenay (bass) , Arty Lenin (guitar), Paul Armstrong (lead guitar) and Ducky Carlisle (drums) who replaced Tommy Allen who couldn't not make the trip. I know you'll enjoy it I did....
This is a site for historical information on our amazing Syracuse Music History- Started back 60+ years ago in 1963. Info dating back to 1800's.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
MARK DOYLE & "ROCK" FEINSTEIN APPEAR ON WSYR TV- 9 "BRIDGE STREET" SHOW TO PROMOTE DIO DAY CORTLAND- ( JULY 7)
Syracuse Music Hall of Famers Mark Doyle & David "Rock" Feinstein appeared today (June 27) on WSYR TV-9 "Bridge Street " television show that airs starting at 10 AM. Both will be featured artists that will perform at Dio Day Cortland 2012 (tribute to Ronnie James Dio)- Saturday July 7 at the J.M. MacDonald Center in Cortland, NY. Doors open at 12 noon, music starts at 1 PM. Tickets $15. Todays WSYR TV-9 Bridge Street hosts were Chris Brandolino & Staci Lyn Honda. Thanks to Tim Fox.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
BOB STOCKDALE FORMER WSEN OWNER & COUNTRY MUSIC CONCERT PRODUCER PASSES AWAY AT AGE 86
Longtime WSEN Radio owner and Country Music Concert promoter Bob Stockdale passed away on June 16, 2012 at age 86. Stockdale born in Syracuse in 1926, graduated from Nottingham High School and attended Syracuse University's School of Broadcasting. Bob landed an on the air broadcasting and producer position at WAGE Radio AM-620 (now WHEN Radio) from 1944 through 1951. In 1961, Stockdale built and was part owner and general manager of WSEN Radio in Baldwinsville (CNY's major Country Music Station).
During the 1960's & 70's he produced man country and western concerts "Shower of Stars" at the NYS Fair Coliseum and the Onondaga County War Memorial.
His WSEN Radio "Shower of Stars" live country music concert events included the following stars- Roy Acuff, Bill Anderson, Eddy Arnold, Jim Ed Brown, Johnny Cash, Carter Family, Roy Clark, "Little" Jimmy Dickens, Donna Fargo, Don Gibson, Mickey Gilley, George Hamilton IV, Stonewall Jackson, Sonny James, Waylon Jennings, Grandpa Jones, Claude King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Roger Miller, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Johnny Paychek, Minnie Pearl, Carl Perkins, Ray Price, Boots Randolph, Marty Robbins, Hank Snow, Red Sovine, Statler Brothers, Mel Tillis, Ernest Tubb, Conway Twitty, Porter Waggoner, Kitty Wells, Dottie West, Hank Williams Jr, Tammy Wynette, and many-many more
Bob Stockdale sold WSEN Radio in 1974. His longtime interest in music continued as he wrote three fantastic books on the lives of big band leaders Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey as well as serving as president of the Baldwinsville Theatre Guild. We applaud Bob Stockdate's lifetime contribution to the CNY musi scene.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
MARK DOYLE AND THE MANIACS ....... SET TO ROCK CENTRAL NEW YORK WITH NEW LINEUP
Hall of Famer Mark Doyle and his new lineup of "The Maniacs" consisting of mainstay Frank DeFonda (drums) and talented newcomers Phil Broikues (bass, guitar, harp, trombone, keyboards and vocals) and Joel Kane ( bass, guitar, vocals) hit the highways of Central New York this month.
You can catch them next at Suzy's Tavern in Auburn (Friday, June 29) and Saturday July 7 at Dio Day Cortland at the J.M McDonald Center.
Mark Doyle will also appear live on WSYR TV-9 "Bridge Street" TV Program with David "Rock" Feinstein, Wednesday June 27 at 10 AM promoting the tribute to Ronnie James Dio.
Friday, June 8, 2012
NIJI ENTERTAINMENT GROUP RELEASES NEW "DIO" VINYL PICTURE DISC - June 5
Niji Entertainmemt Group has released the DIO vinyl album "Master of The Moon" as a 12 inch vinyl collectable picture disc on June 5. As the others Ronnie James Dio picture disc issued they sell out quickly, so get your orders in now # VIN NIJI -230. It can be ordered through the Official Ronnie James Dio website store. wwwronniejamesdio.com
Note- This is the first time this picture disc has been released in the United States
Note- This is the first time this picture disc has been released in the United States
RONNIE LEIGH 'S FIRST SOLO CD RELEASED BY APPLEJAZZ RECORDS
With the coming of the 2012 AppleJazz Festival at Little York Lake Park on June 2, 2012 comes the release of Ronnie Leigh's first ever solo CD "Ronnie Leigh Live at AppleJazz" This 10- track AppleJazz Records CD produced by Charlie Bertini features the great Syracuse Music Hall of Fame vocalist Ronnie Leigh and the talents of first class musicians Jeff Phillips, Ronnie France, Mark Doyle, Dave Hanlon, Charlie Bertini, Terry Myers and John Allred.
Tracks include-" I Love Being Here With You", "Bye Bye Blackbird", "I'll Be There", "Ain't Misbehavin' ", "All Blues/ Every Day I Have The Blues", "What The World Needs Now Is Love", "Use Me", " Teach Me Tonight", "Stompin' At The Savoy" and "Amazing Grace". This long overdue Ronnie Leigh CD is available now at. www.applejazz.com
Tracks include-" I Love Being Here With You", "Bye Bye Blackbird", "I'll Be There", "Ain't Misbehavin' ", "All Blues/ Every Day I Have The Blues", "What The World Needs Now Is Love", "Use Me", " Teach Me Tonight", "Stompin' At The Savoy" and "Amazing Grace". This long overdue Ronnie Leigh CD is available now at. www.applejazz.com
QUESTION - RON, DID RONNIE JAMES DIO PLAY THE SURF BALLROOM IN CLEAR LAKE , IOWA. THE SAME SURF OF BUDDY HOLLY- RITCHIE VALENS FAME ??
Yes, in deed he did, twice. The first time back on August 2, 1964 when included in a package tour headlined by Johnny Tillotson ("Poetry in Motion","Dreamy Eyes" and many others) along with Bernadette Carroll ("Party Girl"). They were know at that time as Ronnie Dio and the Prophets (Dick Bottoff, Nick Pantas and Tommy Rogers). Tickets were $1.50
The second time, October 10, 2004 with his band Dio. Opening acts were Fireball Ministry & Anthrax. Dio took the stage at approx 10:20 pm. The Surf Ballroom was and still is located at 460 North Shore Drive in Clear Lake, Iowa and its capacity is about 2,000.
February 2, 1959, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper played their final show on that wintry evening. A short time later their chartered plane crashed into a Iowa cornfield ending the lives of all three rock & roll stars and the planes pilot. "The Day The Music Died."
HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC - CHAPTER 45 - ELVIS PRESLEY PERFORMS IN SYRACUSE - JULY 25 & 27, 1976
In a career that date back to the mid 1950's Elvis Presley finally performed for his Central New York fans in 1976. To accommodate the many ticket requests two concerts were scheduled at the War Memorial- July 25 & July 27 (in between Elvis played Rochester).
The shows started at 8:30 PM and consisted of comedian Jack Kahane, The Sweet Inspiration and J.D. Sumner and the Stamps. Elvis followed delivering a 65 minute performance enhanced by thousand's of flashbulbs going off and some 8,000 screaming fans of all ages. Many have asked me if I know Elvis's song list on those July nights. Well here it going to the best of my memory..
The opening was the theme from 2001 A Space Odyssey Then Elvis enters singing in order- C.C. Rider, I Got A Woman, Love Me, If You Love Me, You Gave Me A Mountain, a medley of All Shook Up, Teddy Bear & Don't Be Cruel, followed by And I Love You So, Jailhouse Rock, Fever, America the Beautiful, Polk Salad Annie, Love Letters, Elvis then introduced the band members ( that included guitarist James Burton & ex-Cricket Glenn Hardin on piano), Hail, Hail Rock & Roll, Hurt, Hound Dog, Funny How Time Slips Away, and closing with Can't Help Falling In Love. He did no encore. Tickets prices started at $12.50.
Elvis was scheduled to return to Syracuse August 20, 1977, but the War Memorial show was canceled due to his untimely death in Memphis a few day before
HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC - CHAPTER 44 - ERIC CLAPTON w/ DEREK & the DOMINOS, SPECIAL GUEST - DUANE ALLMAN PLAY SYRACUSE- DECEMBER 2, 1970
I first remember seeing the name Derek and the Dominos back in June 1970 as WOLF Radio received a Atco promotional single of their song "Tell The Truth" b/w "Roll It Over" produced by the Hall of Fame producer Phil Spector. With Phil's name we all had to listen to this up tempo track. The band consisted of former Delaney, Bonnie & Friends band members Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle, Jim Gordon along with the British blues guitar great Eric Clapton (The Yardbirds).
Well, this single disappeared quickly and was not released commercially. We next heard the band (minus Phil Spector) was recording an album titled "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs" at Criteria Studio in Miami starting in late August 1970. Now the Syracuse story begins, we received notice that Derek & The Dominos along with Toe Fat was scheduled to play the War Memorial October 18, 1970. This date quickly changed as their album was not yet completed. It was re-scheduled for December 2, 1970 with the addition of Elton John (yes that Elton John). The negative was that the band could not be advertised as Eric Clapton only as Derek and the Dominos, Derek is Eric.
For me the name Eric Clapton was already legendary. I couldn't wait to watch him perform or if I was lucky get an interview. I arrived early at this WOLF event and caught Toe Fat's set, watched Elton from backstage with anticipation of catching Clapton's entrance. The War Memorial side security door opened and in came the band who quickly went to their second floor dressing room. I introduced myself to their manager and asked for an interview with Clapton . He replied "I'll see want I can do."
A half hour went by and things didn't look good. As the band came down the stairs and entered the backstage area their manager spoke to Eric and he quickly asked me if I wanted to get in a picture with the Eric and the band. In what only took one minute of time that photo was taken. That was one of the greatest moment in my 48 year musical career. Little did I know that to my left stood Duane Allman who was playing as a special guest with the band that evening. Allman played with them in concert just twice.. The night before in Miami, here in Syracuse and never again. As you know he was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident about a year later. Tickets for Derek & the Dominos concert were priced at $5.50, $4.50, $3.50
As for the song "Layla" it finally became a monster hit and entered the WOLF Radio music survey on June 26, 1972 peaking at number #9.
Eric Clapton would play two more concerts in Syracuse on May 29, 1979 with Muddy Waters at the War Memorial and again at the Carrier Dome April 7, 1990.
HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC - CHAPTER 43 -- DAN ELLIOTT FROM SAMMYS TO DOO-WOP HALL OF FAME (Update)
Did you ever wonder where do Hall of Fame careers begin? Well in Dan Elliott's case we head to Central New York in 1964 with the formation of the East Syracuse band "The Galaxies." By 1965 the Galaxies had evolved into "The Dimension."adding Dave Moziak, Dave Usiatynski, Bill Willis and Dan Elliott.
Dan came from a musical family as his older brother Jack Abert helped form The Monterays back in 1961. The Monterays managed by WNDR Radio's "Dandy Dan" Leonard were riding high on the Syracuse music charts with the release of their single I'll Be Around" (1965). When members Tommy Forest and Larry Landry departed for military service three members of The Dimensions (Moziak, Usiatynski and Dan Elliott) took their places.
With their new addition the band followed with their second single "Very Last Day." Then came July 22, 1966, when The Monterays opened for the Beach Boys at the Syracuse War Memorial.. The year 1967 was to be a great one for the Monterays and lead vocalist Dan Elliott as they appeared April 29-30 at the Teen Fair at the War Memorial, then a television appearance on WSYR's "On The Move" TV show hosted by WOLF Radio's Windy Craig. They next appeared with "The McCoys" (Hang on Sloopy) and Question Mark and the Mysterians (96 Tears) at Mattydale's Sports-O-Rama. The year ended with the addition of George Day former keyboards and vocalist with the "Saints and The Sinners" (Ron Lauback, Dave Machem, Si Sifer, Bill Willis, Tommy Forest, and Day)
The following year The Monterays continued dominance of the Syracuse airwaves with the release of their third and most popular single "If Wishes Were Horses." With the songs huge popularity came television appearances with Denny Sullivan on TV-3 and a February 11, 1969 War Memorial concert starring The Turtles, Canned Heat. Soon after they sharing the stage with Sly and the Family Stone at Oswego State College.
When The Monterays broke up in 1970 due to military obligations and other reasons. Dan Elliott joined Wilkes Barre Brigade. A year later he was a member of the house band at the Red Rooster before joining one of Syracuse's most popular band "The Livin' Ennd." Fate is always a part of success and Dan's came when former CNY'er Dave Machan referred him to another former Syracusan world known band leader "Peanuts" Hucko who was now heading the Glenn Miller Orchestra. After being hired as their male vocalist Elliott was off on tour that included stops in Japan, Hong Kong and Canada.
Once again fate stepped in when former Syracuse booking agent Larry Rand (with Banner Talent in NYC) advised Dan that The Belmonts (of Dion fame) were looking for a new lead vocalist. The rest is history for the next five year The Belmonts were constantly on the road playing week long engagements in some of the worlds top resort hotels while also performing in every major city on Richard Nader's Rock Revival shows with acts as Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Del Shannon, Bo Diddley, The Drifters, The Skyliners and Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Between 1975-77, Dan Elliott and The Belmont's recorded two singles, a 12 inch disc and the album ":Cheek to Cheek." In other projects, Belmont Warren Gradus used Dan to sing lead in his recordings "Hey Baby Stay" and "Celebrate" under the name Foreign Intrigue (1977-78). A year later they followed with an updated version of the Gary "U.S." Bonds hit "Quarter to Three" recorded under the name H-O Gauge.
The music industry was changing and disco music was now featured in many of the top hotels and resorts. This shortened the Belmont's schedule so Dan returned to Syracuse and reformed The Monterays. They opened for Jay and the Americans at Stage East Club- March 22, 1980. Now singing with two groups Dan Elliott enjoyed constant work.
Meanwhile with The Belmont he went into Associated Studio in New York and recorded the song "Let's Put the Fun Back in Rock & Roll" with the legendary Freddie Cannon (1981). This led to a national appearances first with Freddie Cannon on "Solid Gold" TV Show hosted by Andy Gibb & Marilyn McCoo followed by the "Mike Douglas" Show.
Back in Syracuse, Dan and The Monterays recorded the single "Ruby" b/w "Stay Awhile" for Air Records (1981) and appeared with Ray Charles. The Belmonts (with Dan) appeared in Syracuse on Wolfman Jack's Solid Gold Show at the War Memorial with Danny & The Juniors, The Tokens, Cadillacs and Shirley Austin Reeves (of The Shirelles).
During the Syracuse Area Music Award Show (1996), I had the great honor of inducting Dan Elliott and the Monterays into the SAMMY's Hall of Fame. Dan can also be heard on many of "Big Mike" Fiss Christmas Time Cd's starting back in 1998.
A trip to the England in 1992 playing at the Wembley Convention Centre. But It was April 13 , 2001, when The Belmonts received their greatest honor being inducted the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame at Symphony Hall in Boston. If this isn't enough The Belmonts took the stage February 2, 2008 at the Buddy Holly Tribute Concert "Fifties in February" at the historic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, some 49 year to the day the music died back in 1959.
Lead guitarist Ron Lauback joined Dan Elliott and the Monterays in 2002 (another former member of Saints and The Sinners) and two years later he was joined by his son Ronnie Dark.
Dan Elliott continues to dazzle audiences to this day with The Belmonts, The Monterays or a soloist traveling across the USA or in Central New York clubs and restaurants.
Once again fate stepped in when former Syracuse booking agent Larry Rand (with Banner Talent in NYC) advised Dan that The Belmonts (of Dion fame) were looking for a new lead vocalist. The rest is history for the next five year The Belmonts were constantly on the road playing week long engagements in some of the worlds top resort hotels while also performing in every major city on Richard Nader's Rock Revival shows with acts as Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Del Shannon, Bo Diddley, The Drifters, The Skyliners and Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Between 1975-77, Dan Elliott and The Belmont's recorded two singles, a 12 inch disc and the album ":Cheek to Cheek." In other projects, Belmont Warren Gradus used Dan to sing lead in his recordings "Hey Baby Stay" and "Celebrate" under the name Foreign Intrigue (1977-78). A year later they followed with an updated version of the Gary "U.S." Bonds hit "Quarter to Three" recorded under the name H-O Gauge.
The music industry was changing and disco music was now featured in many of the top hotels and resorts. This shortened the Belmont's schedule so Dan returned to Syracuse and reformed The Monterays. They opened for Jay and the Americans at Stage East Club- March 22, 1980. Now singing with two groups Dan Elliott enjoyed constant work.
Meanwhile with The Belmont he went into Associated Studio in New York and recorded the song "Let's Put the Fun Back in Rock & Roll" with the legendary Freddie Cannon (1981). This led to a national appearances first with Freddie Cannon on "Solid Gold" TV Show hosted by Andy Gibb & Marilyn McCoo followed by the "Mike Douglas" Show.
Back in Syracuse, Dan and The Monterays recorded the single "Ruby" b/w "Stay Awhile" for Air Records (1981) and appeared with Ray Charles. The Belmonts (with Dan) appeared in Syracuse on Wolfman Jack's Solid Gold Show at the War Memorial with Danny & The Juniors, The Tokens, Cadillacs and Shirley Austin Reeves (of The Shirelles).
During the Syracuse Area Music Award Show (1996), I had the great honor of inducting Dan Elliott and the Monterays into the SAMMY's Hall of Fame. Dan can also be heard on many of "Big Mike" Fiss Christmas Time Cd's starting back in 1998.
A trip to the England in 1992 playing at the Wembley Convention Centre. But It was April 13 , 2001, when The Belmonts received their greatest honor being inducted the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame at Symphony Hall in Boston. If this isn't enough The Belmonts took the stage February 2, 2008 at the Buddy Holly Tribute Concert "Fifties in February" at the historic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, some 49 year to the day the music died back in 1959.
Lead guitarist Ron Lauback joined Dan Elliott and the Monterays in 2002 (another former member of Saints and The Sinners) and two years later he was joined by his son Ronnie Dark.
Dan Elliott continues to dazzle audiences to this day with The Belmonts, The Monterays or a soloist traveling across the USA or in Central New York clubs and restaurants.
HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC - CHAPTER 42 - JIMI HENDRIX in SYRACUSE
Jim Hendrix first played in Syracuse at the Casa Lorenzo (Club A Go Go) with the band Joey Dee and the Starliters (Peppermint Twist fame) December 2-11, 1965. With Joey Dee he played bass and filled in on guitar . This is different than biographers have written, they state he only played guitar. But I heard it from the man himself.
Jimi Hendrix's next Syracuse performance came on Sunday May 4, 1969 at the War Memorial with the Jimi Hendrix Experience (with Noel Redding & Mitch Mitchell). This show attended by 5,000+ fans was sponsored by Cora Productions and WOLF Radio. WOLF's Don Bombard (now heard on New York's WABC FM as Bob Shannon) served as MC of this historic musical event. Don and I were delighted to meet, speak and have photos taken with Hendrix that night. I do remember Jimi saying to us "I heard you guys had a lot of fun with Janus Joplin the other night." He was referring to Joplin Syracuse concert two night before Friday May 2, 1969. All I will say is....that's another classic story. One memory was that after the Hendrix concert I couldn't hear any high sounds for about a week even though I watch the great guitarist from backstage.
Other artists performing with Hendix that Sunday evening were Cat Mother and the All -Night Newsboys and opening act "The Pulse of Brent Lewis." Ticket prices were $4, $5, $6.
Hendrix opened the show by playing "Fire"followed by Hear My Train A Comin, Spanish Castle Magic- 3rd Stone From The Sun- Little Miss Lover, Red House, Foxy Lady, Room Full of Mirrors-Crash Landing- Keep on Grooving- Gypsy Eyes, Purple Haze and ending with Voodoo Child..
Don and I were first inrtoduced to Jimi Hendrix via his 45 rpm single "Hey Joe." The song "Hey Joe" was a very popular song in Syracuse that we first heard performed by Arthur Lee & Love on WOLF Radio by the great nighttime deejay Dale Dorman. Love had national hits with "My Little Red Book" & "Seven And Seven Is" and Dale projected that there version of "Hey Joe" would follow. Instead along came as version by The Leaves that became popular on the national charts, but not in Syracuse. The real monster Top 10 version of "Hey Joe" was released by Tim Rose on Columbia Record a short while later.
I remember his manager being Chas Chandler (former bassist of the Animals) and early industry buzz surrounding Jimi coming from out of England from the likes of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Brian Jones, Pete Townsend and The Stones. Well along came Monteray Pop & Woodstock Festivals that elevated Jimi Hendrix playing to legendary status..
In my 48 years of covering our Syracuse Music History one of the Top 10 questions asked is about the Jimi Hendrix performance in Syracuse back in 1969.
Other artists performing with Hendix that Sunday evening were Cat Mother and the All -Night Newsboys and opening act "The Pulse of Brent Lewis." Ticket prices were $4, $5, $6.
Hendrix opened the show by playing "Fire"followed by Hear My Train A Comin, Spanish Castle Magic- 3rd Stone From The Sun- Little Miss Lover, Red House, Foxy Lady, Room Full of Mirrors-Crash Landing- Keep on Grooving- Gypsy Eyes, Purple Haze and ending with Voodoo Child..
Don and I were first inrtoduced to Jimi Hendrix via his 45 rpm single "Hey Joe." The song "Hey Joe" was a very popular song in Syracuse that we first heard performed by Arthur Lee & Love on WOLF Radio by the great nighttime deejay Dale Dorman. Love had national hits with "My Little Red Book" & "Seven And Seven Is" and Dale projected that there version of "Hey Joe" would follow. Instead along came as version by The Leaves that became popular on the national charts, but not in Syracuse. The real monster Top 10 version of "Hey Joe" was released by Tim Rose on Columbia Record a short while later.
I remember his manager being Chas Chandler (former bassist of the Animals) and early industry buzz surrounding Jimi coming from out of England from the likes of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Brian Jones, Pete Townsend and The Stones. Well along came Monteray Pop & Woodstock Festivals that elevated Jimi Hendrix playing to legendary status..
HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC - CHAPTER - 41 - WOLF RADIO WELCOMES LED ZEPPELIN To SYRACUSE- 1969 & 1971
In March 1969, Dave Ridgeway of Buffalo's Transcontinental Records first introduced to the WOLF Radio music staff (Don Bomband & others) a new Atlantic Records recording artist billed as the next super group, their name Led Zeppelin. Their first single "Good Times Bad Times" quickly entered the WOLF Top 30 charts March 20, 1969. Led Zeppelin's first album was also released picturing what we called the "Hindenburg" cover showing the photo of the Airship Disaster at Lakehurst, New Jersey back in 1937.
As a promotional teaser Atlantic Records sent to each radio station a toy inflatable blimp with the words "Led Zeppelin" painted across its side. The impact of the band was so great that flip side on the single "Communications Breakdown" also received heavy airplay especially on Bombard's night show. Their follow-up single was the monster hit "Whole Lotta Love" first played In Syracuse October 29, 1969.
That was the same week WOLF Radio & Buffalo Festival (David Nathan) brought Led Zeppelin to the Syracuse War Memorial Auditorium November 1, 1969. Sharing the bill was the James Gang (with Joe Walsh). Tickets were priced at $5.50. $4.50 & $3.50. This was a major event for WOLF with Don Bombard serving as master of ceremonies and introducing all the Big 15 jocks on stage. Led Zeppelin featured Robert Plant (lead vocals), John Paul Jones (bass), John Bonham (drums), and Jimmy Page (guitar).
Here's a quick list of what I remember then performing- starting with "Good Time Bad Times" followed by "Communications Breakdown", "I Can't Quit You Baby", "Heartbreaker", "Dazed and Confused", "You Shook Me", "White Summer- Black Mountainside", "What Is and What Should Never Be", "Moby Dick", "Sometin Else" (Eddie Cochran song) and a few other.
When the concert ended Jimmy Page stayed backstage for photos with Howie Castle, Kurt Grow and myself. I taped an interview with John Bonham for a weekly youth show we aired on Sunday evening called "The Young Set." Note- To date this interview as never aired. Bonham & Jones asked if any clubs were still open as they planned on staying over night in a Syracuse Hotel. Well, this is pretty crazy...but we took them to the Yellow Balloon Club (now the Lost Horizon) in Dewitt and stayed till the club closed at 1 AM.
Led Zeppelin returned to Syracuse for a final time September 10, 1971 when they performed their all-time classic song "Stairway to Heaven." The promoter was Concert's East (Tony Ruffino & Larry Vaughan) and tickets were priced $6.00, $5.00, $4.00. WOLF continued to play Led Zeppelin hits- "Livin Lovin Maid" (Feb 1970), "Immigration Song" (Nov 1970)," Black Dog" (Dec 1971)," Rock & Roll" (Mar 1972 and "Dyer Mak'er" ( 1973).
Classic dates that will not be forgotten by those of us that were there.
Monday, June 4, 2012
HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC - CHAPTER 40 - RONNIE FRANCE - A HALL OF FAME MUSICIAN WHO PLAYS FROM HIS HEART
I had the honor Saturday evening to attend Charlie Bertini's 28th AppleJazz Festival at Little York Lake Pavilion. The bandstand that evening was filled the some of America's greatest players. Mark Doyle, Ronnie Leigh, Dave Hanlon, Charlie Bertini, John Allred, Terry Meyers, Jeff Phillips and many others. As I stood in the back of the room with another Hall of Famer- David "Rock" Feinstein we both commented to each other of the greatness of bass player Ronnie France. A comment was made "There's a guy who really plays from the heart" and that he does.
Hall of Famer Ronnie France was introduced to the music scene by his father who performed with his own band and toured with the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Ronnie was, as we all know, a longtime collaborator with vocalist Ronnie Leigh and keyboard superstar Larry Arlotta. This threesome led to two Grammy nominated Cd's. In the 1990's Ronnie France was the music director for Nancy Kelly whose first album on Amherst Records went to number eight on the Billboard Jazz Music Chart.
France has performed and recorded with such jazz greats as Jeff Tyzik, Doc Severinson (Tonight Show bandleader), Allen Vizzutti (formerly of Chick Corea's band), Cabo Frio and Nancy Kelly to name a few. He joined the popular jazz band Eye Level (Jimmy Johns, Mark Copani, John Rohda, Andy Rudy) who performed at the Syracuse Jazz Fest starting in 1996. Ronnie has also performed over 20+ years at Charlie Bertini's Apple Jazz Festival held yearly at Little York Lake Pavilion.
If this is not enough Ronnie France could be seen playing with Ronnie Leigh, Karl Sterling and Marcus Curry and joined forces with "Hot Sweets". In 2009 Ronnie joined one of New York States Greatest Big Bands , Rochester's "Prime Time Funk".
Well that brings us up to date, but not the end of the Ronnie France music story. Maybe we're just at the beginning. It is a true pleasure to listen and view this gift to our Central New York Music scene
Sunday, June 3, 2012
CHARLIE BERTINI'S - APPLEJAZZ FESTIVAL *SELLS OUT * A CENTRAL NEW YORK HISTORIC MUSIC EVENT
The famed 28th Annual AppleJazz Festival 2012 was held last night (June 2) at Dwyer Memorial Park, Little York Lake, NY before a sell out crowd. The historic event featured the talents of many of the top musicians that America has to offer.
AppleJazz the 29th Edition is being planned for Memorial weekend 2013
Doors opened at 5 PM, music started at 6 PM. Charlie Bertini's all-star musical lineup included- Dave Hanlon (drums), Mark Doyle (guitar), Ronnie France (bass), Ronnie Leigh (vocals), Jeff Phillips (keyboard), John Allred (trombone, fresh from performing in the Broadway show "How to Succeed in Business" and others), Terry Myers (sax & clarinet, who now will lead the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra), Lauren-Jessica Bertini (vocals), Denise Aubrey-Bertini (backing vocals), Jim Reagan (saxophone) along with bandleader Charlie Bertini (trumpet). Attendees celebrated the release of Ronnie Leigh's first solo Cd "Ronnie Leigh Live at AppleJazz." This historic event brought out many other famed musicians as Frank DeFonda, Dick Bottoff, David "Rock" Feinstein, Jim Reagan, Vince Faroni, Terry Mingle to name just a few.
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