The Woodstock Rockin’ Revue brings music greats to Candor on August 11

Turkey Trot’s Peace Tree Lodge, an events center located in Candor, N.Y., is hosting “A Sunset Serenade #1” on Saturday, Aug. 11 as a kick-off to the rebranding of the property.  

For more than three decades, Turkey Trot drew hunting enthusiasts from afar. Owners Pete and Sherry Clare, now in their sunset years, have decided to focus on special events such as weddings, gatherings and live music.

Sunset Serenade is a nod to the “Midnight Ramble” sessions that Levon Helm of The Band made famous when he converted a barn in Woodstock, N.Y. into a recording studio and would often host live music evenings with well-known artists and up-and-comers.   

Pete commented, “We want to follow in those footsteps, yet create our own style,” adding, “We want people to kick back, and even kick up their heels, yet in a more intimate setting.”

Also being unveiled at the Aug. 11 show is the Clare’s Peace Tree, a 153-year-old red oak that emits peaceful vibes. Pete remarked that along with wildflowers and other hip landscaping, the tranquil spot would work well for weddings, special occasions and photo-ops. 

Several artists who carry a rich-music-DNA and have shared world-class stages with some of the biggest names in the industry are set to perform on Aug. 11. The line-up features Grammy-nominated Professor Louie and The Crowmatix, along with master guitarist Michael Falzarano.

If you are unfamiliar with the names, chances are you may recognize their music or collaborations, and which, no doubt, will spark a trip down memory lane.

Professor Louie and the Crowmatix, a studio band for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group The Band, are also hall-of-famers, having received inductions into both the International Blues Hall of Fame and Canada South Blues Hall of Fame.

The Crowmatix play upwards of 150 shows a year performing their blend of blues, rock, R&B, gospel and folk.  The group often hits the recording studio, too, and has released more than a dozen CD’s on the Woodstock Records label, their latest being a six song EP in 2018 entitled, “The Lost Band Tracks.”

Aaron Louie Hurwitz, or Professor Louie, a vocalist and songwriter, plays Hammond organ, keyboards and accordion, and co-produced and performed on The Band’s albums for many years while working alongside the likes of Levon Helm and Rick Danko.  It was Danko who dubbed Louie, “Professor.”

Also on the Crowmatix bill is Marie Spinosa, a.k.a. Miss Marie, whose notable bluesy vocals are featured on multiple recordings by The Band, and then Gary Burke, whose early career took him on the road with Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue, and is well known for his contributions as drummer on numerous Joe Jackson albums.

Two other Crowmatix members include Frank Campbell, who played bass with Rick Danko and Levon Helm, among other collaborations, and also John Platonia, a guitarist for more than three decades with Van Morrison.    

In a recent phone interview, Professor Louie remarked, “We will play a mix of our own original music, a cross-section of music genres, plus selections from The Band catalog.” 

Louie shared that guests will hear classic tunes made famous by The Band, such as Ophelia, but a lot of what is played, he said, will, “Go for what the audience is feeling.”

Regarding his own three-decade-plus career, Professor Louie shared, “I feel extremely fortunate,” adding, “I’m sorry that the original members of The Band are not here to experience the resurgence in their music.”

The evening will also feature master guitarist, singer and songwriter, Michael Falzarano, whose career started in the 1970’s and is known for his work and performances with Hot Tuna, a Jefferson Airplane spin-off, and the New Riders of the Purple Sage, of which the original line-up included members of the Grateful Dead.

Louie said of Falzarano, “When he was with Hot Tuna, I was with The Band,” adding, “We will play together, too, from Michael’s music book.”

The Rockin’ Revue also features up-and-coming artists Mike Powell and CallyAnna. 

Although some may recognize Powell’s name from the world of lacrosse where he was a four-time First Team All-American at Syracuse, as well as a professional lax stick player, he is today an accomplished singer/songwriter and will bring along his guitar to perform a blend of folk, soul and country.

Irish singer and songwriter, CallyAnna from Dublin, is currently on a U.S. tour and has been described as the, “Fresh new voice of Ireland,” and will perform tunes from her new album, “For Ireland,” of which have been described as an “Irish Anthem.”       

The artists will have CDs and merchandise for sale at the show.

Tickets are $60.  

For information, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3395629, or turkeytrotacres.com.

The $100 VIP tickets for the event include an earth, wood and fire buffet, VIP seating and a meet-and-greet. Doors open at 4 p.m. for VIPs.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with music at 7 p.m.  A wine-and-beer cash bar will be available.

For details about a lodging and transportation package offered via Tioga Downs Casino Resort, call 1-888-946-8464.