Tag Archives: local musicians

Dig That Funky Music!

Posted on August 27, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

This is in the nature of a Waste Not Want Not Wednesday post, but it is really about a band I had been wanting to check out, largely because of its name: Uncle Charlie and the Meatballs.  I finally got to hear them at Community Day last Saturday at Town of Herkimer Park in East Herkimer.

They were awesome!

They rocked out with classic rock tunes, such as an old lady like me loves.  Unfortunately, none of my pictures turned out very well, hence my calling this a Waste Not Want Not Wednesday.

Of course I took the opportunity to dance.

By the time they started playing, I had run into my friends Kelly and Jim, so we made our way over and sat down at a picnic table.  I stood up and danced my way over to take a couple of pictures.  On my way back, I ran into another friend and stopped to chat, during which time I accidentally hit something on my camera which videotaped our feet.  I believe I have mentioned my problems with technology.  I erased the video, though, because we did not feel our conversation bore repeating.

I will be delighted to hear them again.

I did not listen for very long before I danced my way out, first dancing over to the tip jar and leaving a tip.  I met another friend in the parking lot with (I think) his grandson.  I mentioned that I had been dancing, at which the grandson immediately started boogeying down.  Let’s hear it for the younger generation!

I follow Uncle Charlie and the Meatballs on Facebook, so I hope to hear them play again soon.

 

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I’m Really Lame This Time!

Posted on June 6, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Hello, and welcome to yet another Lame Post Friday blog post.  My challenge today is to blog for at least 200 words without whining.  Regular readers know how difficult this will be for a big fat baby brat like me. I say it is good to challenge yourself.  I think my Media Library can help me now.

Herman looks a little worried.

Dracula’s House of Halloween is a fun Facebook page I follow.  Full disclosure:  it does not matter too much to me that today is Friday.  I do not intend to go to Happy Hour, and ever since I quit my day job (against all advice) (you know how people love to say, “Don’t quit your day job!”  I hate it when people do that), it does not matter a great deal what day it is.  However, I do have the television on at a mere one in the afternoon.  I usually do not indulge in television till evening.  I feel like a lady of leisure.

Oh, yeah, music!

I believe this is the Play It Again Band at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY.  Last night Matt Grainger was playing there.  I was really sorry I could not take a drive over there and enjoy, but felt unable to do so (long story, not very interesting).  I would really like to get out and take in the local music scene more often, as I used to do (preview of coming attractions?).

The neighbors’ azaleas.

I end with some flowers to cheer myself up.  This bush is located a few houses down from me, where I do not think anybody currently resides.  I hope somebody moves in soon. I do not like to see empty houses.  They might rot, or become zombie properties.  I don’t care for zombies.

I see that I approach 300 words, with a minimum of whining.  I am short on the random observations and half-baked philosophy in which I usually indulge on Lame Post Friday, but I trust my post is sufficiently lame and at least mildly entertaining.  Happy Friday, everyone.

 

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It’s Probably My Age

Posted on April 3, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I continue to feel tired and dull.  I could blame yesterday’s colonoscopy (do NOT say Too Much Information!) or my age, but then I thought: perhaps I am still tired from the Elk of the Year Banquet last Saturday. I did dance a portion of my butt off.  This gives me an excellent opportunity to share the rest of the pictures I have from that memorable evening.

Not as good as the other two pictures, perhaps.

Here I am dancing with the man of the hour (and the year, of course), my friend Joe.  It was lovely to see him so honored, and also a thrill to dance to the music of my favorite band, The Posers.

They rock down, yes they do!

At one point, a guest artist joined them on the bandstand (yes, I know, it was just a corner of the room; I was trying to sound impressive).

She was adorable.

A young girl who had been having as much fun as I was dancing took over on the drums for a short time.  She didn’t do too badly.  My great-nephew Sheppy is taking up percussion.  Maybe if he joins me for one of the Posers’ gigs, they will let him sit in for a number.

I guess I do not mind being tired, although I hope if I make a few sensible lifestyle changes I can get some energy back.  Then again, when have I ever done anything sensible?  At any rate, I will try for a few Mohawk Valley Adventures and hope you will tune in to future blog posts.

 

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Return to Fratello’s

Posted on November 15, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Wednesday I did something I haven’t in a while:  went to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY for music an food.  Long-time readers may recall that used to be a regular thing with me.  Why wouldn’t it be? I love music, and I love food!  Additionally, I love supporting local, both restaurants and musicians.  But for one reason and another I have not made it to Fratello’s in a while.  When I saw that Gridley Paige Naked and Scared with Justin Smithson was going to be there, I made plans!

Unfortunately, only one of my pictures turned out.

I keep saying that I will never get over my disappointment that Gridley Paige is not actually naked.  That is the dirty old woman in me.  I question, too, how scared they are, but I do no purport to know anybody else’s emotional state.  I had never heard Justin Smithson play with them before but have heard him solo and like him quite a bit.  He is, as you may know, the Rock’n Roll Mayor of Frankfort.  I should see if the Sentinel wants me to start covering Frankfort Village Board meetings.  I already do the Town ones.

After quite a bit of debate, I decided on a steak and cheese wrap.  Yum!  There are so many excellent choices.  I may have to start going every week again, so I can work my way down the menu.

When I left, the band was bantering with some customers.  I listened for a minute then said, “You guys have to play another song so I can dance my way out!”  They were happy to oblige.  I took my time leaving, dancing back and forth a few times, looking like the crazy old lady I am.  Such a fun time!

Fratello’s Pizzeria is located at 158 E. Main St., Frankfort, NY, phone number 315-894-8484.

 

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Apples and Music, Yes Please!

Posted on September 29, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Before my dog rescue adventure yesterday, I had a lovely time at Windy Hill Orchard in Cassville, NY.  I had thought about going as soon I heard that my favorite band The Posers was going to be there.  Then my friend Jerry posted on Facebook that he was going and was looking for people to join him.  Naturally I volunteered for that.  Turns out, Jerry wanted to go to get apples, being a long time  patron of Windy Hill, and only after he thought of going found out about the Posers.  Needless to say, we both greatly enjoyed both music and apples.

We should have had either Jerry or me standing next to the sign.

We got there while the band was doing their sound check.  Food was available, so I got a hot dog while Jerry got sausage and peppers.  Soon the band was playing.  I had to get up and dance.  Nobody took a picture, which was probably been just as well.

They Rock!

We ate and listened till Jerry’s daughter and son-in-law joined us.  Then we got bags and walked into the orchards to gather some apples.

I got some good walking in at the time.

Jerry had told me there was a beautiful view at the end of the orchard, and it did not disappoint.

I’m afraid my camera does not do as good a job as a fancy camera.

There was a photo op area, so I asked to get a picture of my friends.

Every adventure is better with friends!

Full disclosure:  I did not get any apples, but the others filled two bags. This was conservative.  Jerry said he went a little crazy last year and got almost 40 pounds of apples.  He made apple pie, apple sauce, apple crisp, and he still had too many apples!  I must say he behaved himself on Saturday. While they went to pay for them, I went back to hear more music.

This is the shot where you can kind of sort of see the bass player.

I took a couple more pictures.  I always feel bad that I can see the three front men pretty good but rarely get a good shot of the bass player and drummer, who are also awesome.

This one almost shows the drummer.

Jerry danced with me for the last song we were there for.  It was a lovely time, and a lovely drive there and back.  And if Jerry makes any apple pie with the apples he gets, maybe he’ll save me a piece.

 

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A Little Local Music for Me

Posted on August 26, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Earlier tonight I made a short top at the Herkimer Downtown Chowdown, the weekly food truck festival in Meyers Park, to hear a little bit of K.O. Grainger.  It could only be a short stop, since I had to attend the Ilion Village Board meeting, but it was worth it.  For one reason, I got a hot dog from The Corner Office.  Yum!

They rock!

 

I first heard Matt Grainger playing acoustic guitar at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort (you may have seen a couple of my blog posts mentioning him).  K.O. Grainger is a two-man band with him and his brother, and they are awesome!

A closer view.

I sat at a picnic table and ate my hot dog, tapping my feet. I had to get up and dance to one song.  Nobody joined me, but at the Chowdown, people don’t judge (that I can see).  The audience was enjoying the tunes, clapping and singing along.

There are not many weeks left of the Downtown Chowdown, which runs Mondays in Meyers Park, starting at 4 p.m.  According to their Facebook page, September 1 and 8 are the last two this year.  If you like food truck food and live music, I suggest you check it out!

 

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A Stop at the Chowdown

Posted on June 5, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yesterday was the first Herkimer Downtown Chowdown of the year!  The food truck festival takes place Mondays all summer long in Meyers Park.  It features a variety of vendors and live music.  I had to cover the Herkimer Town Board Meeting for the Sentinel Media Company yesterday, and it was right on my way to stop and have a hot dog.  Like I said, a variety of food choices, but I LOVE hot dogs!

Herkimer loves its Chowdown!

Full disclosure:  I did not take any pictures, trusting to having something in my Media Library I could use.  I did not stay long at the Chowdown  anyways.  I enjoyed my hot dog and chatted with a couple of my friends from the Herkimer County Historical Society.  They had a table where they were selling tickets for their grill raffle as well as promoting some of their events.  I may go to a class on genealogical research.

Another picture from a different year, but I think this truck was there again.

Hildreth and Kelsey were the musical entertainment.  They were still playing when I came back through the park after my meeting.  I danced my way along the path.  I find musicians like it when you do that.

You can follow the event on Facebook at The New Herkimer Downtown Chowdown.  I hope to catch a few of my favorite musicians there, at least briefly.  And sample some of the other delicious foods!

 

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Sometimes Pictures Make the Post

Posted on October 17, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

I thought I could manage a Waste Not Want Not Wednesday post, although it is no longer Wednesday.  Why must I continue to draw attention to the fact that I never post on time these days?  Oh who knows why I do anything (oh, YOU probably think you do) (you know who you are)?

They are very photogenic.

I open with a picture of my parents at my niece’s recent wedding.  I took a few pictures but have not shared on Facebook or anything.  I wanted to share this one first, because when I post this blog on Facebook, this picture will show, and my Facebook friends all love to see pictures of my parents.  They really are delightful people; anybody who does not love them is just wrong.

As usual, it looked better in person.

Here is an October-looking tree I enjoyed while walking to the post office to mail a letter.  Regular readers know I love snail mail communications.  I need to take a walk in the next day or two to see all the color.  I have enjoyed it while I ran the past two days but did not want to stop and take a picture.

Rocking out!

Monday I went to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY to hear Justin Smithson and Tiger Acoustic Rock & Roll (that was the only name I could find for the guy on the right).

A different angle.

I danced while I took the pictures, and they, too were rocking the sounds, so the pictures may be blurry.

 

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The Posers at Brass Tack

Posted on August 23, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

When I heard that The Posers, my favorite local band, was playing at The Brass Tack in Frankfort, NY, I got all excited.  Then, due to the weather forecast, they changed the date from Wednesday to Thursday.  Rats!  I had someplace I was supposed to be on Thursday (nothing blogworthy).  However, after I fulfilled my commitment I managed to stop by to enjoy a little music.

OK, not the best shot.

As I pulled into the parking lot, I could hear them playing one of my favorites, “Is She Really Going Out With Him?”  I danced as I walked up the ramp to the entrance, which was right behind them.  At least the audience saw me.  I paused at the bar for a glass of wine then made my way out to the porch where a number of people were enjoying the tunes.  I found a place to sit down, asking a couple at an adjoining table if I would be in their way.  They said I would not.

Alas, my good friend Rick, the bass player, was not there.  He recently got a full knee replacement and was not able to play.  What is it with knee replacements?  One of my favorite actors can’t be in the murder mystery because he is getting one, too!  Come to think of it, one of my knees has been really hurting lately.  Oh dear.

Different angle, not much better.

Perhaps if I would have stayed longer, till the sun had dropped a little lower, I could have gotten better pictures. However, the band took a break when my wine was quite low in my glass, so I snuck away, pausing at the exit to wave, so it was not really so sneaky.  At least I had done what I could to support local music.

The next time I go to the Brass Tack, I hope to order some food.  I know they are a really good place to eat.  They are located at 4258 Acme Rd., Frankfort, NY, phone number 315-894-7996.

 

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Another Posers Post!

Posted on June 20, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

Monday I braved the heat to walk down to Meyers Park for the Herkimer Downtown Chowdown.  My favorite band, The Posers, were playing.  How could I not go?  As it happened, I had not been feeling well all day.  No specific symptoms, just very run down, tired, and blah.  Could I have partied too heartily on the weekend?  SAY IT AIN’T SO!!!  I walked to the post office first, to mail a few postcards, then wandered around the park, deciding what to eat.

I finally decided on a hot dog from K Dogs BBQ.  It was big!  It was yummy!  I sat down at a picnic table in the shade and did not have long to wait till the band started.

They rock!

It was difficult to get a good shot, because of the posts on the pavilion and the setting sun.  Then again, I am an amateur with a cell phone.  A professional photographer was there and a friend shared some beautiful shots from him on Facebook.  Minter Photography was the guy (for once I was not too lazy to go looking for it).  You can check out his Facebook page.

It’s too bad I was not in the mood to dance.

I did boogey a little while I took the pictures but was not my usual Dancing Queen self  (I did not dub myself that; a fellow at work did) (yes, I dance at work.  If they don’t want me to dance, they should not play music).

Bass players rule!

Of course I had to zoom in on my friend Rick, the bass player. I also tried to get a good shot of Becky, the drummer.

You just can’t beat a good drummer. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

Probably I should have tried for a few shots.  I must clean out the storage on my Tablet, which takes better pictures.

I love the ceiling of the pavilion.

I guess I don’t have a whole lot more to say than they were great, here are some pictures.

One more shot.

I was sorry I did not feel up to staying to hear more, but I was happy I had been there to support a community event as well as some of my favorite local musicians.  The Herkimer Downtown Chowdown runs every Monday in Meyers Park.  You can get some good food and hear some great music!

 

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