CD Release Party:
•The long-awaited second Prime Time Funk CD will be released on July 29 at Lovin’ Cup, 300 Park Point Drive. Dedicated to the late PTF bassist and co-founder, Ralph Ortiz, the new album offers ten tracks from the veteran 10-piece horn band. Hear and Now features PTF members Ronnie Leigh, James Richmond, David Cohen, Vince Ercolamento, Mike Edwards, Ron D’Angelo, Derrick Lipp, Andy Calabrese, Joe Chiappone and Ron France along with Chuck Campbell (The Campbell Brothers) on steel guitar; and Clifford Alexander on washboard. Among the tracks is one titled “That Smile,” written in honor of Ortiz, that features vocalists Todd East and Oliver Wiggins. (www.primetimefunk.com)
Special Shows:
•Now in its 30th year, the Texas Country Showdown makes a stop at the Frost Ridge Campground in Leroy NY on August 4. Justin Haigh (“All My Friends Are Behind Bars”/People Like Me) leads the event in LeRoy as local vocalists, instrumentalist, individuals and groups compete in this year’s event. (frostridge.com)
•Johnny’s Irish Pub at 1382 Culver Road will host the Rochester debut of Eric and the Bluesbirds on July 28. The new act features Eric Carlin on guitars and vocals, Jonathan Feldman on keys and vocals, John Carlino on bass, and Bucky Bossard on drums. (www.johnnysirispub.com)
•A benefit concert called Richstock 3.0 is planned on July 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. on Center Stage at Center Park, 1100 Ayrault Road in Fairport. Music for this one will be by Big Eyed Phish; and there will be a pig roast, auctions and more. The event raises funds for the Richie Carlston Memorial Fund which supports Fairport Hockey, Periton Youth Hockey and Syracuse University’s Mens Hockey Team. (www.facebook.com/events/256458774467154)
•Ezra & the Storm will be in Akron, NY on August 4 to open for vocalist John Waite and Fran Cosmo at Braun’s Concert Cove. Ezra is celebrating their third year together and has just added Howie Goldwasser to the act on bass guitar. (www.ezrathestorm.com)
•The Greece American Legion at 344 Dorsey Road will host a Benefit for The Wounded Warrior Project on July 28, featuring five acts, including the Deborah Magone Band, along with plenty of food and cold beer. (585-727-3020)
•Bands scheduled to perform at the 1st annual H.O.G. Fest taking place July 28 at the House of Guitars, 645 Titus Avenue, include MoChester, Deborah Magone, Violet Mary, and Terawatt. There will also be a huge tent sale going on at the festival which runs from 1 to 5 p.m. (585-544-3500)
Drop Us A Line:
•So, what’s your latest? New releases? Special shows? New band members? We’d love to help get your information out there. Mail the details to us at our new location – 1255 University Avenue, Suite 270, Rochester NY 14607; or email freetime@frontiernet.net.
