Wednesday, September 21, 2016

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" - CHAPTER 172 - WILKESBURY BRIGADE BAND REUNITES CELEBRATING 40 YEARS REUNION- SUNDAY Sept 25, 2016

Wilkesbury Brigade Band was born in a small unheated garage in Liverpool, NY (just north of Syracuse_ in the spring of 1969, Always known for its steady beats and great hi-harmonies honed music during a great time in our Syracuse Music history those early 1970's.

Their original members included- Paul Bradbury (lead vocals), Tom Nelson (guitar), Joe Rao (organ), Gary Goal (bass) and Joe Maggio (drums).

Members changed frequently during those first two years. In 1972, Wilkesbury had the fine distinction of having of the finest vocalist in the land in the band together- Dan Elliot and Ronnie Leigh. Both are now member of the Syracuse Music Hall of Fame (SAMMYS). 

Beginning in 1972, this awesome band performed at the Poorhouse North on Old Liverpool Road for over 200 consecutive weeks. Including an all-time record of 756 fans on one warm summer night. Here's just a few more names that were band members during their great ride- Garry Jenkins, Bob Petta, Dave Sperra & Brian Meegan.

Wilkesbury Brigade celebrated its 40 year anniversary with a special one-night only live concert in front of a jam packed Pensabene's Casa Grande Rest on State Fair Blvd in Syracuse- September 25, 2016 (5-8 pm). As part of the Dinosaur Radio's History of Syracuse Rock n Roll 'Then and Now" Music series. Members taking the stage this special evening were together in Wilkesbury for the longest period, they are- Two time Sammys Hall of Famer- Tommy Forest (lead vocals), Mike Campbell (drums- formerly with The Alligators and currently tours with Tommy Roe), original member Joe Rao (keyboards), Tim Cleary (bass) and Warren Paschetto (guitar).

 Also taking the stage that evening was Sammy Hall of Famer- Dave Novak & The PartyNuts (John Dancks (another Sammy Hall of Famer) along with , Ed McBarron, J.T. Hall, Mike Kallet, Tom Link Dave Novak and special guest Dave Hanlon)

Roses were given to the first 100 ladies attending as well as digital download of the bands newest release.

The band finally separated in late 1975, with Tim Cleary joining "Loose' and later "Too Loose'. Mike Campbell left to become the new drummer for "The Alligators" later "Pretty Boy" before touring the country with Tommy Roe.

Through the years Wilkesbury Brigade was known for their incredible diverse song list. Thei set list included songs by the Beach Boys, Four Tops, Seals and Croft to a nearly 30-minute Beatle medley. More recently the band released its first Cd "Movin On" recorded a few years ago at the LeMoyne Manor. 

Can you imagine a band that had three of CNY's all-time greatest vocalist- Tommy Forest, Dan Elliott and Ronnie Leight. Well that was Wilkebury Brigade...

Friday, September 2, 2016

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" - CHAPTER 171 - RIDGESTOCK MUSICAL EVENT AUGUST 27, 2016, A MUSICAL GEM AS 50+ OF CNY's TOP MUSICIANS GATHER TO CELEBRATE THE MUSIC OF THE 1969 WOODSTOCK FESTIVAL

On August 27, 2016-  50++ of Central New Yorks Top Musicians gather to once again join forces to celebrate performing the music of the original Woodstock Festival held back in 1969 in Bethal, NY. This is the second year Jordan Davies has transformed the Ridge Golf Course in Chittenango, NY into the festivals ground. Event tickets were $25. I'm going to try and list here the following musicians who tool the stage-

Skip Murphy & The Merry Pranksters, The Barndogs, Grupo Pagan, Skip Murphy, Edgar Pagan, Charley Orlando, Kim Monroe & Chris Eves, Donna Colton & Sam Patterelli,, Loren Barrigar, Kevin Dean, Liz Friedel, Todd Fitzsimmons, Maureen Henesey , Mark Hoffman, Tim Robinson, Ron Spencer, Bernie Clarke, Ashley Cox, Mark Nanni, Dave Hanlon, Brian Golden. Mark Westers, Lisa Romano, Miss E, Wendy Ramsey, Butternut Creek Revival Band, Pearly Bakers Best, Andy Comstock, Sarah Hiltbrand, Eric Brown, George Newton, Mark Gibson, Mike Ranger, Sharon Allen, "Big D" Dave Schneider, Dave Liddy, George Devaney, Jeffrey "Pepper" Rogers, Joanna Nix Jewett, Kris Heels, Ronnie Leigh, Rick Chisholm, Nick Finley, Frank Neubert, Bill DiCosino, Wayne Stevens, Jose Verona, Riley Mahon, David Donley, Jim O'Mahoney, Rhonda Paduaro, Paul Davie and I'm sure there are a few names I may have missed, and will add soon....

Congrats goes out to the committee and staff for an amazing event....