Chenango Blues Association kicks off Summer Concert Series with the New Riders of the Purple Sage
The first show of the Chenango Blues Association’s Free Summer Concert Series is set to kick-off at 7 p.m. tonight on the East Park stage in downtown Norwich, featuring a local favorite once again ... the New Riders of the Purple Sage, back to perform for their fifth time since 2009.
“We’ve played in Norwich many times now, in three different locations,” said guitarist Michael Falzarano, referring to West Park, the Chenango County Fairgrounds and now East Park. “The folks that come out to the show are always very enthusiastic, friendly, and they really make us feel right at home.”
Falzarano said the band first formed in 1969 – more or less as a country rock band – and the group, to this day, maintains those roots, adding how important it is for the band to stay true to its legacy and history. Falzarano explained the band members stretch out more within the arrangements of their songs, thereby in his eyes he considers the band’s musical genre “Jamming Country Rock.”
“The New Riders of the Purple Sage draw a huge crowd,” said Chenango Blues Association President Eric Larsen. “People drive a great distance to come see them, and they’re one of the best national talents that come to our area.”
Larsen – who said he is looking forward to the show himself – explained that as the years go passing by, more and more people come from even greater distances to witness the ensemble’s Norwich performances. Larsen said he knows of folks who have been following the New Riders’ tour, and continue to follow the group here to Chenango to see them play.
Gratitude was also extended to NBT Bank, which sponsors the event, allowing the Summer Concert Series to be free of charge to the public.
“I feel we have a great catalog of songs,” commented Falzarano with regard to what is vital for a successful live performance. “But the most important component is the interaction between the musicians.”
The current line up of the New Riders features David Nelson and Buddy Cage, joined by Michael Falzarano, Ronnie Penque and Johnny Markowski. “17 Pine Avenue” (Woodstock Records) was released in 2012, and is the group’s follow-up to the 2009 release of “Where I Come From.” Seven of the twelve songs on “17 Pine Avenue” were written by Nelson and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, while two tunes were written by Falzarano, one by drummer Markowski, and another penned by Penque. Critics vary between dubbing the band’s style Psychedelic Americana and Country Rock, but they don’t waver on their opinion that both albums are must-haves.
Throughout the years, the New Riders have shared the stage with acts including Janis Joplin, The Band, and the Grateful Dead.
“We’ve got a lot of great talent this year,” said Larsen. “These are really great musicians and performers, people love them, and we are glad to have them back.”
Said Falzarano, “Everyone always has a good time and you’ll get to hear music being played by seasoned professionals who love playing live ... and it’s free, so you have nothing to lose.”
In the event of inclement or uncooperative weather the show will be held at the Chenango Arts Council, 27 West Main Street in Norwich.
For those who desire more live music following the New Riders’ performance in East Park, Norwich’s own Suspicious Hats will take to the stage at the Blarney Stone Pub, 26 South Broad Street directly following the show in the park. The group’s lineup features Tim Andrews on guitar and vocals, Todd Rutan on banjo, Nate Collins on bass guitar and Nick Andrews on lap steel. There is no cover charge.
For more on the Summer Concert Series visit chenangobluesfest.org/summer-series. More on the New Riders can be found at thenewriders.com.
“We’ve played in Norwich many times now, in three different locations,” said guitarist Michael Falzarano, referring to West Park, the Chenango County Fairgrounds and now East Park. “The folks that come out to the show are always very enthusiastic, friendly, and they really make us feel right at home.”
Falzarano said the band first formed in 1969 – more or less as a country rock band – and the group, to this day, maintains those roots, adding how important it is for the band to stay true to its legacy and history. Falzarano explained the band members stretch out more within the arrangements of their songs, thereby in his eyes he considers the band’s musical genre “Jamming Country Rock.”
“The New Riders of the Purple Sage draw a huge crowd,” said Chenango Blues Association President Eric Larsen. “People drive a great distance to come see them, and they’re one of the best national talents that come to our area.”
Larsen – who said he is looking forward to the show himself – explained that as the years go passing by, more and more people come from even greater distances to witness the ensemble’s Norwich performances. Larsen said he knows of folks who have been following the New Riders’ tour, and continue to follow the group here to Chenango to see them play.
Gratitude was also extended to NBT Bank, which sponsors the event, allowing the Summer Concert Series to be free of charge to the public.
“I feel we have a great catalog of songs,” commented Falzarano with regard to what is vital for a successful live performance. “But the most important component is the interaction between the musicians.”
The current line up of the New Riders features David Nelson and Buddy Cage, joined by Michael Falzarano, Ronnie Penque and Johnny Markowski. “17 Pine Avenue” (Woodstock Records) was released in 2012, and is the group’s follow-up to the 2009 release of “Where I Come From.” Seven of the twelve songs on “17 Pine Avenue” were written by Nelson and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, while two tunes were written by Falzarano, one by drummer Markowski, and another penned by Penque. Critics vary between dubbing the band’s style Psychedelic Americana and Country Rock, but they don’t waver on their opinion that both albums are must-haves.
Throughout the years, the New Riders have shared the stage with acts including Janis Joplin, The Band, and the Grateful Dead.
“We’ve got a lot of great talent this year,” said Larsen. “These are really great musicians and performers, people love them, and we are glad to have them back.”
Said Falzarano, “Everyone always has a good time and you’ll get to hear music being played by seasoned professionals who love playing live ... and it’s free, so you have nothing to lose.”
In the event of inclement or uncooperative weather the show will be held at the Chenango Arts Council, 27 West Main Street in Norwich.
For those who desire more live music following the New Riders’ performance in East Park, Norwich’s own Suspicious Hats will take to the stage at the Blarney Stone Pub, 26 South Broad Street directly following the show in the park. The group’s lineup features Tim Andrews on guitar and vocals, Todd Rutan on banjo, Nate Collins on bass guitar and Nick Andrews on lap steel. There is no cover charge.
For more on the Summer Concert Series visit chenangobluesfest.org/summer-series. More on the New Riders can be found at thenewriders.com.
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