| Rich Fortuna and the Smalltown Warlords | | |   | Rich is from Little Falls, NY, began playing guitar at the age of 17 and seriously began to learn the instrument at the age of 18. Rich credits Judas Priest’s Screaming For Vengeance, Black Sabbath’s Live Evil albums and early AC/DC as the “spark” that got him interested in playing the guitar. Upon hearing Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” Rich states,”That it was all over from there and I seriously began to practice the guitar and learn songs from Master of Puppets, Ride The Lighting and Kill ‘Em All. I was also learning a lot of the early Iron Maiden songs and anything I found interesting.” Those interests included Pantera, Led Zeppelin, and Sepultura. Rich began playing in bands by 19 and has been a member of Central New York bands Terminal Reign and Coalition. Deciding that change was needed, Rich began to teach guitar in 2000 at the Carmen Caramanica Music Instruction Studios and continues to do so. In 2005, Rich began to write and record Heathen Machines and released it in 2006. For more information visit Rich's site at http://www.richfortuna.com/. |
Circle of Red Circle of Red began in its first incarnation around 2001 in Utica NY. Since then numerous lineup changes have evolved the band into the beast it is today. Known by their fans as COR, their music is best described as the product of five extremely different people with very diverse influences. Welding the various talents of the members, Circle of Red maintains a sound that is heavy yet unique from mainstream music. Their sound can be described as Staind meets Tool meets Flaw meets Pink Floyd.
Currently, COR does not have a label representing them. Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped them from putting together an absolutely amazing album by themselves. Their 1st album ALONE was recorded in 2004. In it, a man relates an encounter he had to someone named Michael Natas. The narration interweaves with the music presenting a very powerful story about the cost of not taking responsibility for your own actions. At present, they are writing the rest of the music for their second album, which is due to be released by the fall. Expect it to have the same dark undertones and catchy hooks as ALONE. It will also have the much awaited release of their hit "Too Much Pain for a Day".
In addition to their regular gigs, Circle of Red has been invited to perform at local colleges and universities and area music festivals. They also have songs featured in the movie "The Abandoned" (a Mad Angel films production), along with many regional radio stations playing releases off ALONE. As of recently they have participated in a benefit to raise money for a family who tragically lost a loved one.
If you have never witnessed COR's stage presence, it is a site to behold, capturing the attention of young and old alike. They enthrall their audiences and are able to rally the crowd like no other. Even if it is your first time seeing them, you will not be disappointed. So the next time you hear COR coming to your town, don't be scared-- they will only rock your world. Lead vocals -Ryan Perry
Bass and vocals -Kevin Dundon
Lead Guitar -Nolan Snyder
Rhythm Guitar -Nick Skaly
Drums-Chris Davis
Split 2nd Alibi How do you define the sound of a band whose influences range from groundbreaking groups such as Rush, Stone Temple Pilots, and Rage Against the Machine, to modern hard rock phenoms like Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, and Taproot? Split 2nd Alibi has created a sound that can best be described as high-energy hard rock that irresistibly turns heads. Formed in 2007 by members of two upstate New York bands (Redefined and The Flying Bobbz), the buzz surrounding Split 2nd Alibi is unmistakable following the release of their first self-titled demo in August of 2007. Already a mainstay in the clubs surrounding the Albany area, S2A is now poised to conquer the northeast which will be fueled by the highly anticipated release of their first (yet untitled) EP in 2008. "These guys have a real hard rock edge combined with melodic vocals" proclaims producer Tim Lynch of The Recording Company, who works regularly with Jason Bittner of Shadows Fall (Atlantic Records). The guys of S2A have already supported many notable artists including Boy Hits Car (formerly on Wind-Up Records), Speakerfire (Piermont Records), Signal Home (Carbon Copy Media), and The Velmas (City Canyon Records). With their live shows gaining praise and attention steadily, Split 2nd Alibi is a can't-miss performance. Matt Shufelt - Vocals, Guitar
Steve Cornell - Lead Guitar
Tim Cornell - Bass, Backing Vocals
Ricky Little - Drums |
