All is bright on a Sunday night in the Syracuse city neighborhood of Eastwood.
Greg Spencer threw a party to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the union of the record label he started from his home in Baldwinsville and a pretty impressive band from the city of Syracuse, and the Syracuse showed up to party in a big way Sunday night at The Palace Theatre on James Street.
“My show started a little before the Kingsnakes did,” veteran radio host Dave Frisina said to begin the night from the stage, “and I’ve been a fan ever since.”
A proud Greg Spencer in the lobby of The Palace Theatre.
So, too, were the 600 or so blues lovers who turned out on the cool and almost-snowy between-Christmas-and-New Year’s evening to hear the cherished music of the Syracuse band that helped Spencer’s Blue Wave Records label gain traction back then, selling vinyl as they toured backing national act John Lee Hooker around the world.
The core of the Kingsnakes, harp blower and vocalist Pete McMahon, guitarist and singer Terry Mulhauser and keyboard player Jerry Neely, owned the stage once more, delivering to their fans the depth and range of blues that lifted them in esteem three in esteem then and has fueled a reunion at the New York State Blues Festival in Clinton Square this past summer and again this winter’s night.
And the band plays to the crowded neighborhood house Sunday night, with Terry Mulhauser on guitar and Pete McMahon at the microphones leading the way.
Steven T. Winston and Mark Tiffault “kicked it up” on bass and drums, as Mulhauser proclaimed at one point. Veteran Doyle, who helped in the studio back the day, added his wide and talented touch on keys and guitar, and Syracuse horn players Joe Carello and Frank Grosso punched up the party in the second set.
Blue Wave Records expanded from vinyl to CDs, of course, and Spencer brought both media to sell in the lobby.
Goods and greats for sale.
He also grew his Blue Wave Records catalog to include Central New York and national artists, and there the product was on fine display.
Kim Simmonds, Wales guitar star who grew up on that side of the pond where started the legendary blues band Savoy Brown but has lived some 30 miles north of Syracuse in Oswego County and been a friend and colleague of Spencer’s for a quarter-century now, was in The Palace for the celebration, too.
The sense of community ran deep. McMahon made sure to mention Syracuse-area players important to he and the band and music fans who’ve passed, Gary Goal and Kelly James, as well as international stars who left our world this year and giving so much, B.B. King and Johnny Winter.
Here’s a video I shot with my iPhone 6 of The Kingsnakes performing If You Can’t Get What You Want.
What music were you listening to 30 years ago? What musicians who’ve passed have you been listening to lately, and why? Which is your favorite band that you consider hometown, and why?
Mark Bialczak 
what a great night for everyone – 30 years ago? sting, beatles, neil young, tom petty….
LikeLike
Great listening habits, of course, Beth. 🙂
LikeLike
Sounds like a good time was had by all. Did you hear that Lemmy from Motörhead died? I’m very saddened by this news but he led a great life.
LikeLike
Yes, I bowed my head in tribute, Marissa. Indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a penpal From Syracuse once. She did not like me.
LikeLike
And I have a feeling you wrote her anyway, Lance. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course I did.
LikeLike
As you should have. Until the intervention from her big brother …
LikeLiked by 1 person
http://texantales.com/2015/12/30/cast-away/
LikeLike
LikeLike
Cool blues. Let me see. 30 years ago, so 1985, I was listening to Phil Collins, Sting, Tears for Fear, Eurythmics, Hall & Oates, Simple Minds – that kind of stuff, well plus standby rock and roll, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Santana, Stevie Ray, Van Morrison. Mixed it up with my Dad’s love for Jazz, Ragtime and the Blues.
LikeLike
Great playlist for life, my friend SD. Love your taste. And the solid background from your dad, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
30 years ago I was discovering the unique sound of Mark Knopfler’s guitar and becoming a Dire Straits fan.
LikeLike
I was way into the sound of Knopfler and Straits starting in 1975, Scott, and ever since. 🙂
LikeLike
I was listening to the same kind of music here, but I had not heard of the Kingsnakes before. I pretty much heard the blues artists rolling through Chicago or from Chicago.
Also I was listening to the girl rockers like Pat B and Joan Jett, Scorps, Pink Floyd and whatever 80’s flashes they were playing in the clubs.
LikeLike
You get your big and wonderful fill of the blues out there, Rose. Nice. And those girl rockers and other flashes were so solid. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you have a good year, thanks
LikeLike
Good question…30 years ago…I was all about tunes from Sesame Street. ☺ Times, they were a’changing, Mark.
LikeLike
Yes, Van, I can relate. Big Bird, Bert ad Ernie, The Count …
LikeLiked by 1 person