Updated: New band Blackout Morning amped for inaugural show January 17

Four Southern Tier musicians based out of Binghamton, N.Y. have united their collective musical talents and formed a new hard rock band called Blackout Morning.  The band’s inaugural live show is scheduled on Saturday evening, Jan. 17 starting at 9:30 p.m. at On the Roxx Bar & Grill located at 528 Upper Court St. in Binghamton, N.Y.

Blackout Morning is gearing up for more events to start off the new year, showcasing their high energy live performances, including a show on Sat., Feb. 7 at the Eclipse Bar located at 65 Front St. in Binghamton. Fans were treated to a sneak preview in November at CyberCafe West in Binghamton and at Santa Jam on Dec. 23 at The Krowbar & Grill in Endwell, N.Y.

Blackout Morning, formed within the last four months, includes lead vocalist and guitarist Joe Kelly, lead guitarist and vocalist Chris Ruffo, bassist James Schmitz and drummer and backing vocalist, Eric Slocum. In addition to being a cover band, playing fan favorites like Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, and even a little A-ha, among others, Blackout Morning is busy creating their own music and penning original lyrics for shows and in-studio work.

If the name Ruffo sounds familiar, Blackout Morning’s lead guitarist and vocalist Chris Ruffo is also a singer/songwriter for the acoustic band Deveroe, along with Steven Kocich. An accomplished musician since the age of 15, fans may remember Chris with the act Cold Comfort and a number of other cover bands that performed country, rock, blues and metal.

Growing up in a house of music, Chris Ruffo’s roots also includes listening to his parents’ playing in folk and gospel bands in the 1970’s. And, when they can find the right timing within

their busy schedules, Chris plays with his brother, Tim Ruffo, well known regionally both as a solo act and frontman for the Tim Ruffo Band (TRB).

Not only has Chris Ruffo written and co-written many of his own songs throughout his career, lead vocalist and guitarist Joe Kelly has lent his songwriting skills and work in-studio, and has become known for his exceptional vocal strength with passion behind the lyrics.

Bass guitar player James Schmitz and drummer and backing vocalist Eric Slocum both played together in the bands Gator Stu and Hindsight, and have been involved in the Southern Tier music scene for several years. Slocum currently plays with another local band called Innermission and also writes his own material.

The multi-talented four member band gets together at least three times a week to work on their craft and are now focused on the goals and ambitions of their newest venture, Blackout Morning.

“We deliver high energy performances and can give fans the best of both worlds,” commented Chris Ruffo. Referring to multiple sets of hard rock favorites like Breaking Benjamin and Tools, Blackout Morning will then change it up with a dance floor tune, such as their rendition of the song “Take on Me” by A-ha.

Eric Slocum wants to see fans out on the dance floor and shared, “Our shows are full of energy and fun, something to remember.” Joe Kelly is feeling positive about the band’s efforts to date and is already setting sights on the pursuit of putting an album together, an opportunity they all feel would help them reach a new level and expand their fan base.

Fans who attended Santa Jam offered overall positive reviews about Blackout Morning, including one fan that shared, “The band really engaged the audience and were well received. It was good to hear a real rock band again.”

Blackout Morning band information and a schedule of live shows can be found at:  http://www.deveroemusic.com/blackout_morning or on Facebook, “Blackout Morning.”