From left, Joey Arcuri, Claire Byrne, Dan Forsyth, and Joe Kollar of the Binghamton-based Americana / folk / rock band, Driftwood, will be playing at two upcoming Tioga County events, the Big Splash Sustainability weekend at Marvin Park (Tioga County Fairgrounds) scheduled the weekend of May 23 and 24 and at the two-day grand opening of the Ransom Steele Tavern in Apalachin, N.Y. on June 5 and 6. Driftwood plays Big Splash on May 24, and at the Ransom Steele Tavern both June nights. (Provided photo)
The summer season of fairs and special events brings American roots music back to Tioga County, which includes the distinctive sound of Americana / folk / rock band, Driftwood.
Big Splash Sustainability Weekend, a family-friendly two-day expo and music festival, returns for its second year to Owego’s Marvin Park (Tioga County Fairgrounds) on May 23 and 24. Highlighting the two day event will be displays and workshops featuring renewable energy and home efficiency companies, local farmers and artisans and non-profit and environmentally-minded groups, all focused on the message of sustainability. Plenty of craft and food vendors will be on hand, as well as a two-stage, two-day music line-up.
The highly anticipated grand opening of the Ransom Steele Tavern (RST), located at 552 Main St. in Apalachin, N.Y., is a two-day event scheduled June 5 and 6. The tavern, with an impressive history dating back to the 1830’s and known as “The Hotel” for decades, has been restored and transformed into a bar/restaurant and live music venue.
A featured band at both “Big Splash” and the RST grand opening is Binghamton-based Driftwood. Driftwood, described as a blend of Americana, folk and rock, is a four-member band which includes Dan Forsyth on guitar and vocals, Joe Kollar on banjo and vocals, Claire Byrne on fiddle and vocals, and Joey Arcuri on upright bass.
Claire Byrne, Driftwood’s fiddle player and vocalist for seven years, is genuinely excited about the RST grand opening. “It’s great for the community as well as for bands that need a new venue to perform,” Byrne said.
Byrne explained that RST’s venue would create an opportunity for bands that travel the Route 81 and Route 17/86 circuit to consider adding the Binghamton and Owego stop to their tour schedule. Otherwise to date, adequate venues in this area have been limited. With RST’s wide open floor space and wrap-around balcony, Byrne describes it as traditional with a dash of honky-tonk style, a fresh and appealing venue for both musicians and the listening crowd.
Americana music encompasses American roots styles like country, roots rock, folk, bluegrass, R&B, blues and rock and roll.
When asked if Americana music has seen a modern-day renaissance, Claire replied, “Yes, there has been a huge resurgence.”
Byrne gives a nod to two early 2000’s films, Grammy Award winning “Oh Brother Where Art Thou” and “Cold Mountain.” The Americana-style soundtracks from both films, created by several well-known musicians and bands, helped re-introduce American roots music to a new audience.
Driftwood the band, also described as a “folk music band with a rock and roll soul,” has energized the Americana music scene. Their third self-titled CD released in December 2013 includes what could be considered their signature song to date, “The Sun’s Going Down,” released also as a first video. The uplifting song showcases the band’s powerful vocals and harmonies, extraordinary musicianship and songwriting skills, as does the new fan favorite, “Before I Rust.”
Radio shows in select U.S. cities have played Driftwood’s music, and closer to home, Driftwood has been heard on Ithaca and Rochester waves, as well as spins on Binghamton University radio.
Regarding early band days, Byrne shared, “Dan Forsyth and Joe Kollar have been creating amazing music together for twenty years.”
Playing since high school days in Chenango Forks, Dan and Joe had played together in groups and as a duo before being introduced to Byrne. Forming Driftwood the band in 2005, a name suggested by Kollar’s sister, adding in Byrne and Arcuri, the four member band with formal backgrounds in jazz and classical spent early days playing anywhere they could, and now regularly play larger venues.
Expanding their tour schedule to Colorado and Midwest states, Driftwood adds an Idaho stop this summer, in addition to multiple shows along the East Coast. With festival appearances having played alongside artists like Emmylou Harris and Leon Russell, Old Crow Medicine Show and Grassroots Festival founders, Donna the Buffalo, who will appear May 23 at “Big Splash,” Driftwood is a crowd-pleasing draw followed by a large fan base. Driftwood is featured at “Big Splash” on May 24, and both June nights at RST.
For information about Driftwood, visit their Facebook page or website at driftwoodtheband.com. Details about “Big Splash” can be found on Facebook or the website, grassrootsbigsplash.com. Information about the upcoming grand opening at Ransom Steele Tavern can be found on Facebook or the website, ransomsteeletavern.com.
