Live music. Real moments.
I Rock Shots
Capturing the raw energy, sweat, and soul of live music and special events. We freeze the split-second moments that define a performance. From the high-octane chaos of the front-row barricade to the intimate, low-lit magic of the local stage.
Kane Brown ✦Kid Rock ✦Staind ✦Halestorm ✦Cole Swindell ✦Nate Smith ✦Colt Ford ✦Dustin Lynch ✦38 Special ✦Gary Allan ✦Lonestar ✦Parmalee ✦Jordan Davis ✦REO Speedwagon ✦Walker Hayes ✦Vince Gill ✦Billy Idol ✦Jason Aldean ✦Buckcherry ✦Godsmack ✦Riley Green ✦Jackson Dean ✦Drake Milligan ✦Chase Matthew ✦NKOTB ✦Debbie Gibson ✦
Quick Links to Reviews & Photos
RedFerrinSaturday, August 29th, Kegs Canal Side in Jordan, New York, was the place to be when Redferrin rolled through town. Plenty of tailgates and tall boys were the first stop on the way to a night of good music and memories, singing songs inspired by good old No. 7. Payton Sullivan first caught the public's eye as a contestant on Season 19 of The Voice as a member of Team Blake. As the opener, she was supposed to welcome the crowd at Kegs and get them ready for Redferrin. She didn't disappoint, and for some, she might have even stolen the show. She left it up to the fans to choose between Shania Twain and Dolly Parton. Shocker to no one, there was an overall favorite. The crowd and Payton paid a beautiful tribute with I Will Always Love You. There wasn't a dry eye in sight. Dolly has inspired and been a crucial part of not just country music, but music in general. She would have been proud. Rest in peace to the legendary Dolly, mother freaking Parton. Payton played some crowd favorites, such as Garth Brooks' Friends in Low Places, Brooks & Dunn's Neon Moon, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Fishin' in the Dark, to get the crowd off the somber note before playing some originals. Payton talked about getting married at 19 and how it didn't work out before playing her unreleased song Pretty Little Divorcee, which will be featured on her upcoming debut album. I will say, I was not aware of Payton Sullivan before tonight's show, but just like a lot of fans in Jordan, she gained a new fan. She will be joining Sugarland on their upcoming tour. I highly recommend discovering Payton before she becomes a massive star in the country scene. Up next was the best mullet in the house. Redferrin is a former professional dirt bike racer from Tennessee turned singer-songwriter. The crowd was definitely not stuck to their seats when he came out to his song Stuck and his gold-certified single Jack and Diet Coke. Redferrin told the crowd some of his stories as a songwriter, including writing a song for Florida Georgia Line and Nelly. He talked about their collaboration, Little Bit, before playing his rendition of the song. He followed that up with a song that was written for Morgan Wallen before it was sent back for him to release himself, Miss Summer. Redferrin even wrote a song at the Jack Daniel's Distillery, ironically titled She's Like Whiskey. He is a very accomplished songwriter, even telling the crowd that he enjoys writing songs more than singing them. Some more highlights of Redferrin's set included If I Was California, inspired by Alan Jackson's Chattahoochee; Palm Trees, a song with rap superstar Wiz Khalifa; 3 Day Bender; Pourin' in Nashville; and Mossy Oak. Then came the showstopper, his massive RIAA Platinum-certified hit Just Like Johnny. Redferrin stayed after the show to say hello and greet the fans, who had been singing along with him all night. Overall, both artists break through the traditional country label. Payton Sullivan brings her signature Coastal Cowgirl sound, blending country with island rhythms, while Redferrin combines his traditional country roots with modern hip-hop influences. It was a phenomenal show from one of country music's rising stars and a soon-to-be breakout artist. If you have been debating whether to see either of them live, I highly recommend it. Review: Tyler Allen Photos: Roger JohnstonThe Band PerrySunday night was a night of solid performances by Jackie Pop,Claudia Hoyser and The Band Perry. What turned into a memorable night of live country music, despite Mother Nature threatening to put a damper on the evening. Rain had been hanging over the area all day and even made an appearance shortly before the show was set to begin. Fortunately, the skies cooperated, and the crowd was able to enjoy a dry night of music. Jackie Pop, who came out ready to belt out some modern day country music that had the crowd singing along and enjoying every minute. Her performance helped set the tone for what would become a full night of country entertainment. She is one of the local favorites who can be seen as well under the name “Grit & Grace” they have been performing all around the area for quite some time now. Claudia Hoyser, who is no stranger to The Haven. Hoyser has been making the rounds all summer, bringing her own country sound to stages throughout the region. And has even been to many other states this summer, sharing her music with anyone willing to listen. She gains new fans everytime she plays, she has that catchy tone and song lyrics that draws you right in! With plenty more excitement ahead—including her upcoming wedding—she continues to keep a busy schedule while connecting with audiences wherever she and Ryan her fiance’ perform. The big draw of the evening was The Band Perry, and they certainly didn't disappoint. The band kept the crowd engaged throughout the entire show, delivering the energy and familiar sound fans came to hear. After recently returning to the road following time spent dealing with family matters, their return to touring felt like a welcome one. Kimberly has quite the stage performance and not afraid to get engaged with the crowd either. She was even teasing her b/f who is also in the band about tattoos and being a mama’s boy, of course in all fun. It’s what draws people in and keeps them interested in your life, to see what happens next. The Haven itself added to the experience. The Chittenango venue has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, with the added attraction of being able to watch some of the zoo animals while enjoying live entertainment. It's the kind of setting that makes an evening out feel like more than just a concert. You can even purchase cups of carrots to feed them. The animals sure do like it. The children are welcomed and it brings families together. From the opening performance by Claudia Hoyser to Jackie Pop's country vocals and The Band Perry's energetic set, Sunday night. The Haven proved that even a forecast full of rain clouds can't stop a good outdoor show. The Haven once again delivered a fun, family-friendly night of live music in Chittenango, with a crowd that stayed engaged from beginning to end.Billy IdolThe Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse got loud when punk rock star Billy Idol walked on stage, greeted by a big, mixed-age crowd that made the AMP shake. With his famous peroxide spikes shining under the lights and his well-known sneer on his face, the rock legend quickly grabbed the attention of the Salt City crowd. The show began around 9 PM and had a solid band, including Steve Stevens, who wrote the Grammy-winning "Top Gun Anthem" and helped write hits like "Rebel Yell," "White Wedding," "Eyes Without a Face," and "Flesh for Fantasy," all of which were played during the show and more. The band started with "Still Dancing," "Cradle of Love," and "Flesh for Fantasy." The audience loved every moment of the show all night, and Billy Idol showed he's still a strong and powerful punk rock performer. It's been four days since the show, and I'm still listening to Billy Idol's music every day. Go check out his show. Tour Info: https://billyidol.net/Dylan MarloweSaturday night, August 15, Kegs Canal Side in Jordan, New York, was the place to be as Wolf Fest brought together local talent, country music, cornhole, food, and a crowd ready for a night of fun. The local artists did an outstanding job preparing the crowd for everything that was about to unfold once the sun went down. Jamie Lynn, Briana Jessie & Marcus,TJ Sacco, and the Custom Taylor Band each brought their own energy to the stage, keeping the crowd entertained and building anticipation for the night's main attraction. Wolf Fest was more than just a concert. Local food trucks Exhale, Ma & Pa's Kettle Corn, and Wrap N Roll kept fans fueled throughout the evening, while the corn hole tournament gave everyone another reason to get involved. Even Skip Clark from 92.1 The Wolf joined the competition. I managed to make it all the way to the final stages, finishing just short of the podium in fourth place. With proceeds benefiting Victory for Vets, the event also had a great cause behind it. Kegs Canal Side, fans were packed in and ready for the music, while outside, the parking lot had its own party going with plenty of fans tailgating and enjoying the Wolf Fest atmosphere. As the sun disappeared and the night took over, Marlowe hit the stage and immediately raised the energy level. Coming out to his song "Record High," he had the crowd fired up from the opening moments. The atmosphere inside was electric, and the tailgating crowd outside moved inside. The weather for the event couldn't have been any nicer. The Wolf Fest had a great vibe, watching everyone & just having a good timewas great to see. Many having a fresh drink or a bite to eat really had a chill vibe on a concert night. Marlowe sure does know how to put on a show, the mix of country - rock - was a hit for the night. Dylan was at Kegs last and traveling in a sprinter van, now moved up to his own tour bus. He opened for Dylan Scott and remarked how great it is being on his own tour. From the local performers who warmed up the crowd, to the food, corn hole, charity, tailgating, and finally a memorable performance from Dylan Marlowe, Wolf Fest delivered a little bit of everything. Kegs Canal Side wasn't just the venue on Saturday night—it was the place to be for a remarkable concert and a night that Jordan, New York, won't soon forget.Tyler BradenHunter Root, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based artist with thousands of followers, opened the show for Tyler Braden at Kegs Canal Side, bringing his unique blend of rock and bluegrass to the stage. Root started singing when he was just a young boy, and he’s been doing what he loves ever since. His music combines the energy of rock with the earthy, authentic feel of bluegrass, creating a sound that brought a great vibe to the evening. It was clear that Root has a dedicated following in the crowd. Some fans knew every word, singing along and dancing to the music throughout his set. Their enthusiasm showed just how much of a connection Root has built with his audience. With his distinctive sound, energetic performance, and loyal fan base, Hunter Root made a strong impression as he kicked off the night for Tyler Braden at Kegs Canal Side. The local Stephen Cali Band from Cato, New York, is no stranger to the stage at Kegs Canal Side. Returning to a familiar venue, Cali and his band delivered a mix of original music and covers for the crowd. With the heat and humidity hanging over the venue, much of the crowd remained fairly stationary for a good portion of the performance. But as the set went on, it seemed like the audience gradually started to loosen up and become more involved. Cali told the crowd, “I love what I do, but I’d like to share some of my originals with you,” before mixing them in with some familiar covers. The audience appeared to enjoy both sides of the set, although the sweltering conditions may have kept some people from getting too energetic early on. By the middle of the set, however, the crowd began getting more involved, moving along with the music and showing their appreciation for the local band. Despite the challenging heat, Stephen Cali Band kept the music going and gave the Kegs crowd another taste of local talent. Tyler Braden took no time at all getting the crowd fired up and ready to let loose. It has to be tough sitting on the bus listening to all the screams and chants for your name, knowing you’re up next. But once Braden stepped on stage, he wasted no time showing everyone why they were waiting. From the opening moments, Braden was all over the stage, bringing an energy that never seemed to let up. He reeled in the entire crowd from start to finish, feeding off their excitement and giving it right back through every song. What really stood out was Braden’s down-to-earth demeanor, he came across as an artist who genuinely loves what he does and appreciates the people standing in front of him. That drive to put on the best show possible came through in his performance and in the way he connected with the audience. By the time the night was over, it was clear this wasn’t just another concert for the fans in attendance. Tyler Braden gave them a performance they’ll be talking about for days to come—a high-energy night filled with music, personality and a genuine connection between the artist and his fans. One of the things that makes Kegs Canal Side such a special place, you get to see live music so close and personal.Many fans have been going to Kegs in Jordan NY for many years, and have attended most of the shows. Braden wasn’t performing from some distant stage—he was right there with the crowd, creating those up-close-and-personal moments that fans remember. He joined the huge list of talented artist that have passed through the doors at Kegs, just west of Syracuse NY.LakeviewFriday February 13th Lakeview took over the Touch of Texas In Binghamton, New York. The Touch of Texas is a nice little venue just off of 81 South in Binghamton. Located in the middle of the venue is a nice dance floor where they hold weekly line dancing lessons. For events they cover it with some seating for people to have a place to sit down and eat and of course people still can dance as well. I’ve been to a few shows now at Touch of Texas and they start every show the same way, thanking our military and first responders with Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA. The first act was Junkyard Heights. A local southern rock band that’s opened for acts such as Brantley Gilbert and Martina McBride they now have added Lakeview to the list of their accomplishments. Blending in originals and covers making it just right to get the crowd engaged to start off the night. Covering huge hits such as Mississippi Queen, Whole Lotta Love and Sweet Home Alabama. While also playing their hits to in Rusty Truck and Bullet. Lakeview. An independent country rock duo consisting of Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy. Originally based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania so they were no stranger to the cold snowy night. Without having radio hits Lakeview has built a few strong die hard fan base all over the world. Their song home team is used by minor league sport teams all over the US including by the local Binghamton Black Bears. Lakeview has opened for large names such as Breaking Benjamin, Staind, Chase Mathews and upcoming this year will go on tour with Warren Zieders. The band was very interactive with the crowd even saying they didn’t want to sing but to sing it for them. A few fans were brought up on stage to shotgun with the band during their song Drink with My Friends. They played all their big songs like Sorry, Money Where Your Mouth Is, Son of A and their rendition of Hinder’s Lips of An Angel. Before closing the night with the mentioned Home Team. Overall it was a cold night in New York but that don’t stop the crowd at Touch Of Texas from having one hell of a night. Lakeview is a rising act if you haven’t seen them before I highly recommend catching a show they will not disappoint.Mitchell TenpennyWhat an incredible night in Binghamton! There’s something special about a sold-out crowd at Touch of Texas, especially with that contrast between Jake Banfield’s raw, acoustic storytelling and Mitchell Tenpenny’s high-energy performance. It’s impressive that Banfield used the pandemic downtime to picking up a guitar playing music to opening for Tenpenny at a sold out show. That vulnerability he showed—admitting he might cry during his originals—is exactly why fans connect so deeply with country music. Jake Banfield: The Oklahoma native opened the show with a solo acoustic set. He is known for his emotional songwriting, often sharing that he picked up the guitar while recovering from a basketball injury. Mitchell Tenpenny is an American country-pop singer and songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. Known for blending contemporary pop production with traditional country songwriting, Tenpenny has built a reputation for strong vocals, catchy hooks, and polished radio-ready tracks. Mitchell also talked about how his wife is also a musician as well and often they’re on two opposite ends of the country putting on shows. “But i’m sure it’s what helps keep their relationship so strong”. Binghamton NY knows how to party and had no problem showing Tenpenny he was welcomed. With the crowd singing every word, dancing to every beat of the music. He thanked the many of fans for buying his merch — he saw plenty of it out in the audience and made sure they knew their support meant everything. Tenpenny is down to earth and knows how to put on a show. Been many years since we captured one of his shows and time clearly shows how much his shows have grown. He’s famous for that "rock" edge; ending on a heavy note is the perfect way to leave a crowd buzzing.Were you right in the front row when Mitchell came down, or did you catch the action from the floor? Share your images and videos and tag us on facebook Here .Jason AldeanSevere weather threatened to wash out the night, but it only amplified the electricity at Bethel Woods. Standing on the historic, grounds of the original Woodstock, these ancient woods and mountains didn't just echo the music—they shook to the core once the skies finally cleared. Mackenzie Carpenter kicked things off by immediately melting away the storm tension. She made the massive venue feel like a cozy backyard hangout, delivering her original songs with an authentic charm that instantly bonded her with the crowd. Her genuine connection peaked when she invited everyone to the merch tent for personal photos—a true class act. Dee Jay Silver kept the crowd dancing to some classic hip hop tunes during the stage change over. A nice change of pace and keeps the crowd moving. Chase Matthew at this point no stranger to New York, there was zero grass growing under his high-energy feet as he tore across the stage. Yet, amidst that blistering momentum, his deep spiritual core and faith grounded the performance, giving his set a powerful, guided purpose that resonated deeply with the New York crowd. Throwing T-Shirts out to the crowd during his set and also the hat he was wearing. So down to earth and such an inspiring human being. He’s so “normal” he plays with RC Cars during his backstage down time. But the jaw-dropping moment belonged to Jason Aldean. His stage setup was an awesome sight to see, it left me wondering just how many hours of grueling labor it took to put it together. From the first note, he and his band played one song right after the other of legendary hits. Even if you didn't know every title by heart, you recognized every single chorus from the radio. The crowd never sat down, singing every word until the final note. What stood out most, though, was Aldean’s character; he repeatedly reached out into the crowd to shake hands, proving his spectacular stage production is matched only by his class-act humility. The staff did say the show sold out, but it seems many people decided the weather wasn’t for them and left. Empty seats just show they missed out on one hell of a show, and lost the money as well. The only thing I wish Aldean had done was perform Luke Bryan’s song “Shake It for Me” and give the crowd his version. He & Luke are best friends after all; well, maybe next time.Vince GillFrom the moment Vince stepped on stage, there was an unmistakable warmth in the historic theatre. His relaxed personality made you feel as if you were sitting in his living room, where stories, laughter, and songs were being shared by one of the greats. Vince has a soft spoken voice which also sings effortlessly shifting from tender ballads to upbeat country favorites. Whether delivering the emotional classics or showcasing newer material, every lyric carried through the theatre leaving you shocked at how good his music sounds in person. His legendary guitar playing was equally impressive. Filled with tasteful solos from his band members he let them take over and show the room just what they're about. I like how he let his band have a moment to shine, creating a performance that highlighted not only his own talents but also what makes his music sound so good. His band was outstanding, the musicianship throughout the night was nothing short of exceptional. The audience responded with applause throughout the evening, listening to his stories and jokes would make you laugh. Wondering what will he say next, and of course he had some sad stories as well. Such as loosing friends along the way. He also spoke highly of his wife "Amy Grant". Vince put Proctors Theatre on the radar for just what kind of shows come there. The theatre provides an intimate setting with excellent acoustics, allowing every vocal harmony and guitar note to be heard beautifully. It was a reminder that great songs don't need any spectacular production when they're performed with this much skill. Vince filled with quick wit, and genuine appreciation for the audience made the night feel personal, leaving fans with the sense they had witnessed something more meaningful than a typical concert. After more than 50 years on the road, Vince Gill continues to prove that timeless songwriting, extraordinary musicianship, and heartfelt performances never go out of style. His appearance at Proctors Theatre wasn't simply a celebration of an impressive career—it was a testament to an artist who still performs with the same passion that first set him on this remarkable journey. Vince told us right from the start of the show, opening for other headliners is fun but you never know how long the set will be. His best opportunity was opening for his friends "The Eagles" But since this is his tour with no opener he would play as long as they would let him and that would be "Three Hours" 38 songs in his setlist and a very good show!BuckcherryCentral NY Heat Wave Can’t Stop the Rock: Buckcherry, Bad Marriage, and Don Jamieson Blister The Haven CHITTENANGO, NY — The atmosphere at The Haven was electric from the very first chord. Central New York was trapped in a brutal heat wave, but the crowd refused to let the temperature slow them down. Fired up from start to finish, fans sang along to every word and raised their drinks high to toast an unforgettable night of entertainment. The evening doubled as a massive celebration for America’s 250th Birthday, blending heavy riffs, big laughs, and a classic summer party. The Haven offered a unique backdrop for the festivities. Between sets, concertgoers split their time feeding the venue's animals and fueling up on the excellent local food selection. It was a true all-ages affair; children even danced in the crowd, proving that good music keeps the body moving no matter your age. Local rock cover band Days End315 kicked off the musical lineup. They proved that local talent can command a festival stage, delivering a high-energy performance. Whatever they put through the speakers, they executed with precision, instantly getting the crowd on their feet. Next up was comedian Don Jamieson. The former VH1 Classic That Metal Show host proved he hasn't lost a step. Jamieson completely took over the stage, cracking sharp, hard-rock-infused jokes that resonated perfectly with the crowd of metalheads and rock fans. Following a high-octane, riff-heavy set from Boston rockers Bad Marriage, the stage was primed for the headliners. Bad Marriage no stranger to the area has grasped the attention and conqured new fans along the way. Soon they will be back to another area venue opening for Kuarantine featuring “Chris Jericho”. By the time Buckcherry took the stage, the Central New York heat was intense. Frontman Josh Todd looked like someone had turned on a faucet, dripping with sweat from the moment he stepped into the lights. Yet, the heat didn't slow him down for a second. Todd proved he is still absolutely kicking ass on stage after decades of writing and touring. Wiping the sweat from his eyes between tracks, he belted out song after song with a relentless, high dancing energy. The band closed out the night in spectacular fashion, leaving the exhausted, sweat-soaked crowd completely satisfied.String CheeseDecades of jams, zero signs of slowing down. The String Cheese Incident live, showcasing the musicianship and stage presence that have defined their legacy for decades, performed at Sharkey's Event Center on June 24 in Liverpool, NY . Truly a masterclass in the live jam scene, their followers came from as far away from Florida to see this show. Others I spoke with came from all over the Northeast. Overall a tight show with a large audience. "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window" and "Birdland" (Weather Report) were great additions in the first set. "Star", which was played for the 4th time ever that night, was just staggering. If you did not make this show, I feel sorry for you. This show was magic.
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Official partner of The Haven in Chittenango NY. Many of the shows we cover are at Kegs Canal Side in Jordan NY. Browse the galleries to relive the rhythm, the lights, and the community that keeps the scene alive.