The 2008 Cortland Main Street Music Series presents a diverse variety of popular music from polka to pop rock, by great local, regional, national and international performers. The series of free Friday evening shows start at six in the Market Place Mall parking lot, Main Street, in downtown Cortland.
The series kicks off July 11th with the vintage, rock, roll and blues of Joe Whiting and Mark Doyle and the rhythm and blues of Dave Hanlon's Cookbook. Collaborating since the 1960s, Joe and Mark’s repertoire exhibits maturity and depth, without sacrificing rock and roll’s swagger. Cookbook then returns for a night of dancing the night away with the ingredients of great songs and musicianship.
July 18th is a night of eclectic, ethnic music with Hypnotic Clambake and the 2,008 Grammy nominated Polka Freak Out, featuring Alex Meixner and Bubba Hernandez. Hypnotic Clambake combines a multitude of styles: klezmer, zydeco, bluegrass, country, blues, tango and indie-rock. Polka Freak Out’s music is Austrian/Eastern European accordion on top of a Tejano/Conjunto groove with a pop/rock aesthetic. Both groups put on energetic, entertaining shows.
The series brings back two of last year’s favorite performers on July 25th, The Kinsey Report and John Brown's Body. Gary Indiana’s Kinsey Report opens the night with their crowd-pleasing mix of fiery guitar, funky rhythms and streetwise lyrics. The Kinsey’s play a high-energy mix of funk, blues, rock and reggae. John Brown's body, frequently lauded as the best American reggae band, fuses socially conscious lyrics with a vintage roots sound. "Of all the stateside roots-rock reggae at it's best, this NY State-based outfit beams that mystic vibe best."- The Village Voice
On August 1st, get ready to rock with the pop rock of Gina Cutillo and metal-hard rock of The Rods. Gina has been awarded Best Female Vocalist of Long Island (Long Island Music Awards) as well as earning the praise of critics: "Gina Cutillo’s wide-ranging voice echoes the raw emotions of her lyrics. Cutillo’s confessional songs are compelling portraits of romantic and spiritual turmoil...heart wrenching lyrics into an arresting pop package." Newsday-Isaac Guzman. THE RODS, a hard-hitting trio led by guitarist singer David 'Rock' Feinstein, are considered one of the leading American Metal bands to make a distinct impression in Europe in the early 80s. They reunited this year and will play CMSMS on their way to Metal Rock Fest, August 15-16 in Lillehammer, Norway to support their new CD.
On August 8th the series goes a little bit country with Tailor Made and
Rick Schell with Danny Austin. Lead by Tink Bennett, Tailor Made
is known for spontaneous, entertaining shows. They make their debut at
the series, playing original contemporary country rock. Rick Schell, Pure
Prairie League’s drummer, plays the series with his own group with
guitarist, Danny Austin. Rick’s music is rooted in rock with hints
of country, funk, and soul. He’s known for his kickin’ drums,
warm voice and rich lyrics.
August 15th is features two young blues guitarist, singer, composers, Chris Merkley
and David Gross. At 27, Chris Merkley is one of the most promising young blues
musicians both home and abroad. He uniquely carves his style between the generations
of blues, folk, and rock music with a combination of resonator and electric guitars,
blues harmonica and baritone vocals. Dave Gross, 22, has blues roots that branch
out in countless directions. Dave’s creativity and love for the original
blues and jazz masters bring new life to the music scene, resulting in a hybrid
music form that combines blues from the 40’s and 50’s with swing
from the 30’s and 40’s.
If you would like to help support this free admission series, several levels of sponsorship are available. Volunteers are also welcome. Please send your donations to Cortland Main St. Music Series, PO Box 174, Cortland NY, 13045 or see cortlandmainstreetmusic.com