HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" CHAPTER 168 - PAUL MC CARTNEY'S "ONE ON ONE" TOUR ROCKS WASHINGTON's VERIZON CENTER- AUGUST 9TH, WITH SYRACUSE MUSIC CONTINGENT WATCHING.

May 9, 2016 - Setting here in Washington, DC with my wife Nancy awaiting tonight Paul McCartney live show at the Verizon Center when she reminded me that it was 40 years since the late time I had seen Paul in concert. That being on May 9, 1976 at Maple Leaf Garden in Toronto, Canada. That day will always sticks in my mind as our good friend Wings drummer Joe English arranged for six of us Syracuseans to attended the "Wings Over America" Toronto show. The six- David Rezak, Jack Belle, Bob Perry, Rick Barry, Sid Marshall and myself drove straight thought arriving at 4:00 PM. We had backstage VIP passes from Joe hoping to catch McCartney & Wings soundcheck at 5 PM. To our dismay no one was allowed in the building when the soundcheck happened. So dinner it was then back for one amazing show sitting with Paul's aunt & uncle from Detroit. A Wings Over America tour program was bought and we hoped to catch up with Joe English after the show but they were late  for there scheduled flight to Cleveland for the next days show. So Jack & I drove all night back to Syracuse to working the next morning.

Well back to today 2016. After checking into our hotel Nancy & I met up with longtime Syracuse friends Mike & Nancy Ferrante along with Ted & Shane Storto (who were all seeing Paul for the very first time) for dinner at the DC Chop House and then drown the street to the Paul McCartney "One On One" concert at the Verizon Center scheduled to start at 8 PM. After a half hour of Paul tunes and visuals he took the stage with his great band. Listed below the entire set list from the August 9, 2016 McCartney show for your enjoyment...

Hard Days Night, Save Us, Can't Buy Me Love, Letting Go, Temporary Secretary, Let Me Roll It, I Got A Feeling, My Valentine, 1985, Here There and Everywhere, Maybe I'm Amazed, We Can Work It Out, In Spite of All The Danger, You Won't See Me, Love Me Do, And I Love Her, Blackbird, Here Today, Queenie Eye, New, The Fool On The Hill, Lady MaDonna, 45 Seconds, Eleanor Rigby, Brought to You For Benefit of Mr. Kite, Something (George Harrison tribute), Ob-La-Di, Ob-La- Da, Band on the Run, Back in the USSR, Let It Be, Live and Let Die, Hey Jude....

6 Song Encore- Yesterday, Hi Hi Hi, Birthday, Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight and The End.

Paul really blended with the packed Verizon Center crowd telling some history of how songs were named and ideas behind them. The show lasted well over 2+ hours with the crowd singing along with many of the 38 songs performed. PS- With over 22+ being Beatle tunes.

No matter if you've seen Paul perform once or many times those the years you'll always remember that day as we have. I've been very luck to have seen all four Beatles during my 50+ year music career, but sadly not together. If you get that lucky chance to see Paul in your area or have to travel to catch his show do your self a favor and do so. 

PS- Ringo Starr and his All-Star Band also made a stop here in Syracuse to play the new Lakeshore Amphitheater.... TWO BEATLES IN ONE YEAR HOW GREAT.

Also on Paul McCartney's 2016 New 4 Cd release "Pure McCartney" our friend Joe English is included on eight of the tracks..they being- Warm and Beautiful, Listen to What The Man Said, Silly Love Songs, Let Em In, Girlfriend, With A Little Luck, Don't Let It Bring You Down and Venus and Mars/ Rock Show.

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" CHAPTER 167 - TWO GREAT NEW RONNIE JAMES DIO BOX SETS ISSUED ON CD AND VINYL

Rhino  Entertainment  Company, a Warner Brothers Music Company and marketed by Rhino has releasing two great new "DIO" Box set products. The first product was released on July 22, 2016 a Box Set named "A Decade of Dio: 1983-1993" contain the first six Dio albums remastered & packaged in mini LP replica jackets- Holy Diver, The Last in Line, Sacred Heart, Dream Evil, Lock Uo The Wolves and Strange Highways.

The second Rhino Dio product will be a six album vinyl box 180 gm remastered set that contains a special bonus 45 rpm single. The release date is October 6, 2016. And I received mine yesterday.

To great addition for your collection of music by our great friend Ronnie James Dio. Both available to order through Amazon and other music outlets..

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE"- CHAPTER 166- ANOTHER BEATLES VISITS & PERFORMS IN CENTRAL NEW YORK- JUNE 3, 2016- RINGO STARR & HIS ALL-STAR BAND PLAY NEW LAKEVIEW AMPHITHEATER

We once again welcome the great "Beatle" Ringo Starr back to Central New York on Friday evening June 3, 2016 as he brought his All-Star Band to the "New" Lakeside Amphitheater at 8 PM. Ringo first visited the Syracuse Area back on Saturday October 9, 1971 for John Lennon's 31st birthday celebration at the Hotel Syracuse and viewed Yoko Ono's Art Exhibition at the Everson Museum.

That memorable day Ringo arrived in Syracuse at Hancock Field in the morning on American Airlines from New York City on a flight that included his former wife Maureen, Phil Spector, Klaus Voormann and others. And partied into the evening as VIP guests sang and present John with a special 31st Birthday Cake. People are still talking about this event some 45 years later.

Ringo also visited Syracuse and performed at the Landmark Theater on June 10, 2000 with his All-Stars that included Jack Bruce, Eric Carmen, Dave Edmunds, Mark Rivera & Simon Kirke.  Many years later Ringo also brought his All-Star Band to the Turning Stone Casino back on June 24, 2014.

But this years band (his 12th addition) consisted of the great Todd Rundgren, along with Gregg Rolie (Santana), Steve Lukather (Toto), Richard Page ( Mr. Mister), drummer Gregg Bissonette and famed sax man Warren Ham. This lineup starts its fifth year together. This is only the second concert ever held at the "New" Lakeview Amphitheater and the first in 2016.

On a beautiful sunny day the famed Beatle drummer filled a packed grandstand of loving fans. They opened their set with "Matchbox" followed by "It Don't Come Easy" and finishing the night with "With A Little Help From My Friends" and "Give Peace A Chance".  Fans could purchase many varieties of Ringo T-Shirts along with a special 2016 Ringo Starr & All-Star Band Tour Photo Book.

Fans of all ages and some for the very first time got to see there first "Beatle". For myself the first time seeing Ringo since the memorable Saturday October 9, 1971 at John's 31st Birthday.

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE"- CHAPTER 165 - JOHN LENNON'S SISTER- JULIA BAIRD & THE MERSEY BEATLES VISIT SYRACUSE- MAY 5, 2016

More great Beatles News for the Syracuse Area this week. John Lennon's sister Julia Baird visited Syracuse on Thursday May 5th at the Palace Theater along with the band The Mersey Beatles-  A tribute band all Liverpool, UK born members the "Four Lads from Liverpool" who were the house band for over a decade at the world-famous Cavern Club in London, England. They have played sell-out shows in more than 20 countries, recreating the Beatles most popular hits. The show spanned the Beatles entire music catalog. A meet and greet was also held prior to the live shop.

John's sister Julia Baird was present May 5th at The Palace selling & signing copies of her great book "Imagine This" Growing up with my brother John Lennon and Cd with Paul McCartney & Julia talking about John's early years. Nick Caplan, Lee Goodman & I had the pleasure of speaking to Julia who bought many of her memories of John to us reaching back to his youth and the years of rehearsing in there family home. We hope you didn't miss this rare chance to meet this amazing lady.

Just in case you couldn't make the event and still wanted to purchase Julia's book or Cd. Here's her website address to do so juliabaird.eu. I highly suggest you do so and Julia speak of the early life and career of her brother John Lennon. And if you ask she many sign it for you.

Dinosaur Radio- Syracuse  also aired a great interview on Wednesday morning May 4th at 8:12 AM EST as Nick Caplan & Ron Wray spoke to both Julia Baird and bassist Steve Howard who plays Paul McCartney in the Mersey Beatles. As our music history rolls on...

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" CHAPTER 164 - THE SUDDEN LOSS OF SINGER, ACTOR, ENTERTAINER - FRANKIE MICHAELS ON MARCH 30, 2016

We are sad to report the sudden passing of  Central New York singer, actor, dancer and musician- Frankie Michael at age 60 March 30, 2016 at his home in Chittenango, NY. Born Francis Michael Chermesky in Bridgeport, Conn on May 5, 1955.

The son of  Michael & Mary Chermesky. We knew Frankie best as being co-owner and musician of the Jolly Roger Restaurant in Syracuse . But he was so much more...here's a brief bio.

Appeared on the television series " As The World Turns" (1964-65) as Tom Hughes for 22 episodes. Followed by "Our Private World" (1965). At age 10 recorded the Glady's Shelley theme song for the "Little Miss America Pageant" held at Palisades Park in New Jersey. This theme song would be recorded and released on Spiral Records #9744 in September 1965.

Michaels landed some off-Broadway work in "Happily Ever After" & "A For Adult". It was in 1965 that Broadway came calling as Frankie landed a roll in the Broadway production of "Mame" starring Angela Lansbury & Bea Arthur.  He auditions performing shows in Philadelphia,  Boston (Shubert Theater) and others in April 1966. Then on to the Broadway stage at New York's Winter Garden Theater for 1,508 performances starting on May 24, 1966. During 1966, Columbia Records release a soundtrack of "Mame" #KOS-3000.

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Frankie became the youngest actor to win a 'Tony Award' as "Best Supporting or Feature Actor" in a Musical. He received the award at the 20th Annual Tony Award Show. This led to national television appearances with Joey Bishop, Mike Douglas and the "King of Sunday TV"- Ed Sullivan.

He graduated from the Fannie A. Smith School in 1973.

Through the many years Frankie continued to work clubs, casinos, resorts and even in Las Vegas (Sands Hotel & others). He was also the vp/co-owner at the Jolly Roger Restaurant in Syracuse. He performed  many nights with Mike Carletta, Anthony Perra and many others

Frankie Michaels performed at the 2010 Angela Lansbury Tribute held at Drama League Gala in NYC. In 2013 you could find Frankie worked at United Radio Service in Syracuse, NY.  And finally I found Frankie performing at the Georgian Lakeside Resort Dinner Theater April 13, 2015 . His show was titled "Celebrate Frank Sinatra's 100th Birthday". He still preformed this his passing. Frankie Michaels though the years resided in Liverpool, Canastota, Chittenango & others.

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" - CHAPTER 163 - "ROCKIN THE REDHOUSE" 2016 BENEFIT EVENT AS 8 BANDS HITS THE LANDMARK THEATER STAGE , MARCH 11- RESULTS

Friday evening  March 11, 2016,  We spent at the Landmark Theater enjoying this years version of "Rockin The Redhouse IV" (Benefit concert for the Redhouse Arts Center). It's hosts this year were Dinosaur Radio's Nick Caplin & Melissa Midgley. The eight band performance lineup included in-order Petty Cash (BNY Mellon), Six Pack (Anheuser Bush), Old School (Manlius Pebble Hill), Defense Mechanism (Lockheed Martin), Cx Tec Dinosaurs (CxTec), The Actuators (Young & Franklin/ Tactair), The Verdicts (Bouguet Holstein), The Chillerz (Carrier Corporation). The concert started shortly at 7 PM and  Tickets were $14 in advance and $20 at the door.

The judges included Sammy Hall of Famer- Joe Whiting along with the great drummer Kevin Dean and media member Katrina Tulloch.

2016  Best Band Award went to- Defense Mechanism ( Greg Gannett, Matt Gray, Kate Kolb, Dan Morrison, Jim Murphy & Bob Volk (lead vocals).

Second place Runner Up Band- there was a tie between CxTec Dinosaurs and The Chillerz (both former winners). CxTec lineup- Mike Featherstone, Ashley Cox (lead vocals), Shawn Sullivan, Josh Taylor Keith Capano, Lori Mertel and a host of other dancers and shakers. The Chillerz musical lineup included- Amy Herbert (lead vocals), Dave Dufresne, Rich Walikis, Dave Marr & Ralph Vito.

Other Awards that evening were presented to
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Best Guitarist- Gio Pettigrass of Six Pack, Best Audience Participation Award- The Chillerz & The Actuators.  Best Instrumentalist-  Jim Murphy of Defense Mechanism,  Best Showmanship- Ted Curtis of Old School,  Best Vocalist Award- Tim Burns of The Actuators.

Congrats to all the great bands +++The "Big Winner" of the night was "The Redhouse Art Center" and the Syracuse Music Scene

Event sponsors- Beat Street Music, SubCat Studio, Nojaim Bros Supermarkers, lofo,
and Dinosaur Radio.

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" CHAPTER 162 - 2016 SYRACUSE AREA MUSIC AWARDS RESULTS FROM PALACE THEATER- MARCH 4, 2016

2016 Syracuse Area Music Award Show @ Palace Theater, Syracuse, NY 
March 4, 2016......This event was SOLD OUT........ Show Time 7 to approx. 10 PM

MC - Skip Murphy

Presented By -  World of Beer

Dave Frisina introduces 2016 Hall of Fame Class on stage- Bells of Harmony, George Rossi, Savoy Brown w/ Kim Simmonds, Jam Factory.  Also named Music Educator-Mark Copani and Lifetime Achievement Award selection- jazz great Mark Murphy


SAMMY AWARD PRESENTED IN THE FOLLOWING CATAGORIES.

Best Alternative                        Professional Victims

Best Americana                        Early Bird Trio

Best Country                            Lonnie Park

Best Folk                                  Austin MacRae

Best Hard Rock                        After Earth

Best Hip-Hop/Rap                   Mafioia

Best Jam Band                         Jam Factor

Best Jazz                                  Andrew Carroll

Best Other Style                       Josh Dekaney

Best Pop                                   Elizabeth Canino

Best Rock                                 Joe Whiting

Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist         Lightkeepers

People Choice- Favorite Band                           Horn Dogs

People Choice- Favorite Festival or Music Series     NYS Fair

People Choice- Favorite Music Venue              Dinosaur Bar B Que


LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES BY- In order

Carolyn Kelly Blues Band
Ohne-ka and the Burning River
Savoy Brown
Joe Driscoll
Jam Factory  (reunion)

Guest Celebrity Sammy Award Presenters (A-Z)

Joe Altier, Buke Babikan, Bill Baldwin, Mark Boialczak, Julie Briggs, Kaye Burke, Charles Cannon, Kokoa Chanel, Ricky Chisholm,  Skip Clark, Eric Cohen,  Ashley Cox, Jordan Davies, Senator John DeFrancisco, Dino,  Scott Dixon,  Dan Elliott, Chris Eves, Tim Fox, Dave Frisina, Adam Gold, Joanna Jewettm Bob Kane, Ron Keck, Sam Levy, Ted Longo, Langston Masingale, Eric McElven, Jeff Molesky, Kim Monroe, Charley Orlando, Edgar Pagan, Neil Patel (WOB), Amy Robins, George Rossi, Steve Schad, Fritz Scherz, Jeff Schoenfeld, Taylor Smith, Greg Spencer, Scott Sterling, Robin Stockdale, Mrs New York- Alison Trenk   MC- Skip Murphy

SAMMY COMMITTEE MEMBERS-

Liz Nowak, Deborah Foley, Carol Thoryk-O'Leary, Ron Wray, Dave Frisina, Mike Donohue, Julia Briggs, Melissa Boileau, MaryJo Spilane.

Friends of the Sammys (A-Z)

William Baldwin, Melissa Boileau, Julie Briggs, Mike Donohue, Debbie Foley, Indigo Productions, Joshua Johnson, Liz Nowak, Jack O Bocchino, MaryJo Spillane, Stevefay Inc, Carol Thoryk-O'Leary, Ron Wray,

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2016 SYRACUSE AREA MUSIC AWARDS HALL OF FAME CLASS

Held Thursday Evening- March 3, 2016  Upstairs at Dinosaur Bar B Que

Event MC-      Dave Frisina

Hall of Fame

Bells of Harmony
George Rossi
Jam Factory
Savoy Brown

Music Educator Award     Mark Copani

Lifetime Achievement Award-    Mark Murphy