Grace Potter and the Nocturnals move the New York State Fair crowd to a joyful dance

Grace Potter had the big crowd singing and dancing with her Thursday night at the New York State Fair. Ooh-La-La, indeed. The singer, guitarist and keyboard player from Vermont led her oh-so-tight Nocturnals through a soaring set that hit all the right notes. The packed Chevy Court crowd was treated to a couple hours of…

This ‘Come on Down’ moment features a wild surf through the crowd’s hands

Here’s a big, new entry into my you-know-you’re-getting-old file. Yes, it tops the fact that last time through the Mickey D’s drive-in during breakfast hours, I ordered oatmeal. A morning news show just broadcast a YouTube clip from venerable game show “The Price Is Right” that’s gaining much traction. It was so shocking that I…

It’s New York State Fair time, love it or hate it. I’m going opening night

You don’t find many people who live around Syracuse that put their hands palm up to gesture take-it-or-leave-it come New York State Fair time. The citizens of Central New York more likely fall into two distinct groups when the 12 days of midway, music, exhibitions, animals, food and drink descend upon the fairgrounds in Geddes,…

At Dick’s Sporting Goods Open, families enjoy the atmosphere of Champions

There was a time that I worried about the future of professional golf on the southern tier of upstate New York. Sure, the PGA Tour had a long history at En-Joie Golf Course in Endicott, with a tour stop that started in 1971 as the Broome County Open. It changed its name to the much-catchier…

From the mailbag: Code Red rocks like it’s still the ’70s and ’80s

The guys in Syracuse rock band Code Red love the stage. So front man Gary Dunes and mates Chris Russo, Ed Steele and Steve Steele decided to put out a live CD. Dunes thoughtfuly dropped one in the mail for me. The self-titled production was recorded at various shows around Central New York by Live…

It’s no longer an anniversary, but it’s still a good day to take stock

Thirty years ago today, I walked into the offices of the morning paper in Syracuse and started working. With words. With people. With ideas. With the Central New York community. Every Aug. 15 since, I’d throw in a mental fist pump to mark another anniversary. I’d reserve a moment to take stock of my working…

Mid-August in Central New York: Time to have the long sleeves available

If you live in Central New York, you know that every year at this time, an after-dinner snap in the air may arrive. Last night, the little chill hit us on the golf course. We start our Tuesday evening nine-hole league play between 5 and 5:30. Some of our gang of six planned ahead with…

Would Shut Up, Stupid movement make Mashed Potato Guy stand down?

The hot topic bounced around the airwaves and cyberspace Monday. Sports media types just had to comment about the big mouth now known as Mashed Potato Guy. The topic roared again because so many members of that new breed of pro golf fans had roared this week at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, caught…

The ears find few bursts at Syracuse University FanFest, too much bluster at PGA tee boxes

Mike Waters and I took in FanFest from a different perspective Friday night outside Manley Field House. As the Syracuse University football followers crowded to the bleachers and stood along the fence to watch the Orange scrimmage as part of this celebration of a new season on the horizon, Waters and I stayed behind the…

Bethel Woods to honor life of Woodstock opener Richie Havens on Aug. 18

Come the middle of August, the thoughts of a generation that strung together the words peace, love and music forever turn toward a grassy field in upstate New York. Woodstock. In Bethel, N.Y. Where dozens of bands and hundreds of thousands of young people gathered at Max Yasgur’s farm. The festival that became legend through…