Oct
28
7:00 PM19:00
Oct
29
6:00 PM18:00
Meet, Talk, Plan, Resist!
Doors 4pm, Gathering 6pm
Yes, it’s hard to believe that this sort of event continues to be necessary, but sadly, it does.
Here’s what we published in March of this year…Unfortunately, things are worse. Our beloved democracy is threatened more day by day.
“You all know Abilene as a place of community, where all are welcome to enjoy music, friendship and fun together.
I say all this in preface to the following: In these highly polarized and uncertain political times, a lot of us feel lost and don’t know where to turn. Some of us fear that our democracy is under attack. Some of us fear what might happen to friends, family, and members of our community who are ostracized, bullied and threatened because of their status as citizens, their religious beliefs, sexual orientation and lifestyle. I share that same fear.
As a lot of people have expressed these feelings over the past few months, and have asked where they can turn, I certainly don't have an answer.
But...I do think it's high time we meet. It's time we gathered for a totally informal get-together to chat about the things that matter most...and it'll simply be a chance for people to come together, share thoughts, and connect.
Bring a friend, make a friend, grab a beer, a cocktail, or a glass of wine in a "no-pressure," open environment.
No agenda---Just people having a casual, but real talk about real issues.”
So...if you're free on Wed, Oct 29, we invite you to come down to Abilene Bar and Lounge, 153 Liberty Pole Way. We'll open our doors at 4pm, with the gathering taking place at 6pm...and we promise some great music will be played afterwards.
Oct
30
7:30 PM19:30
An Evening with Will Lawrence
Doors 4pm, Music 7:30pm
Will Lawrence
Will Lawrence is a NY-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His fifth studio album, “Rooftops in the Centerfold,” is out on September 19th, 2025 on Triangle House/Sophomore Lounge Records. He is also a member of The Felice Brothers, Ryan Davis and the Roadhouse Band, and many more.
https://wtlawrence.bandcamp.com/album/rooftops-in-the-centerfold
Cover: Special Low-Dough Show-Ten Bucks at the Door
Oct
31
8:30 PM20:30
Huge Halloween Bash with "The Brass Machine!"
Doors 4pm, Music 8:30pm
Huge Halloween Bash!!!
Costume Contest with Great Prizes! Drink Specials!!
Killer Music by….
The Brass Machine
Featuring a Full Set of Grateful Dead and a Full Set of Funky New Orleans Jams!!!
“As far as I’m concerned, The Brass Machine is the biggest thing to come out of Buffalo since chicken wings!”
The Brass Machine is one of the hottest acts on the live music circuit today, laying down an infectious brand of “brass gumbo” that weaves together funk, jazz, r&b, and more. Led by frontman Kyle Yagielski, the band features a rotating cast of musicians featuring a huge variety of horns, guitars, keys, drums, and more - so no two live shows are ever the same!
Some highlights for The Brass Machine include performing alongside many amazing national acts, including Earth, Wind, & Fire, the Trey Anastasio Band , The Soul Rebels, Rebirth Brass Band, Starship, Goose, Andy Frasco, Flaming Lips, and many more. Their festival appearances include Borderland Festival (4x), Railrider Festival (x2), Rochester Jazz Fest, Gore Mountain Music Festival, Night Lights, Folkface Fest, and much more. The band also maintains a robust touring scheduling including shows across New York State, as well as PA, OH, MA, VT, and Ontario, CA!
https://www.thebrassmachine.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thebrassmachine
Tickets: $10 advance, $15 day of show and on sale now at https://abilene.showare.com and at the bar
Nov
4
7:00 PM19:00
Free Show with The Biltmore Commandos
Doors 6pm, Music 7pm
The Biltmore Commandos
The Biltmore Commandos are Rochester's premiere swing jazz band.
Reverend Kingfish, Melanie Moralez, Brian Williams, Tracy Eckstrand, Gian Carlo Cervone, and Andre Palacios Duran are The Biltmore Commandos.
biltmorecommandos.com
No Cover!!! …Just come and Enjoy!
Nov
5
7:00 PM19:00
Cammy Enaharo, Jake Klar, and Braden Bodensteiner
Doors 4pm, Music 7pm
Three Great Singer-Songwriters!
Cammy Enaharo
Cammy Enaharo is a singer-songwriter from Rochester, NY whose songs move through self doubt and daily reflection to reveal her hopeful spirit. She paints, creates displays with flowers she’s preserved, and records music in various styles including indie-folk and pop.
https://www.facebook.com/CammyEnaharoMusic/
Jake Klar
Jake Klar is a singer-songwriter and visual artist from Northampton, MA, known for his music that blends Americana, rock, pop, and folk sensibilities. His music often explores themes of story-telling and emotional connection. Klar is also known for his work in visual arts, combining his musical talents with powerful visual expression
https://www.jakeklar.com/
Braden Bodensteiner
Braden Bodensteiner is a singer-songwriter based in Rochester, NY. He put out his 9th record, Worry and Wonder, on August 7, 2025. If you’ve seen Braden play live recently, it was likely as the lead guitar player with Hudson Valley-based band, Ongoing featuring Katie Jones, Adam Netsky (Maybird), and Jonathan Hudack.
Worry and Wonder marks the first time Braden has pressed a record to vinyl (which will be available at the release show). In the summer of 2024, Braden and drummer Adam Netsky convened twice in Adam and Katie’s Hudson Valley home to make what would become Worry and Wonder, a collection of breezy and jangly folk rock tunes with maybe a bit more twang than Braden’s most recent solo efforts. The plan was simple: Adam and Braden would record the basic tracks live in hopes of achieving a more casual atmosphere than the last few albums. After Braden overdubbed the rest of the instrumentation, his sister, Laurel Bodensteiner made her long overdue vocal debut on one of her brother’s albums. The result is a country rock record that at turns will remind you of The Byrds, Lucinda Williams, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
https://bradenbodensteiner.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/braden_bodensteiner/
Cover: Ten Bucks at the Door
Nov
6
7:00 PM19:00
The John Akers Band
Doors 4pm, Music 7pm
The John Akers Band
John Akers has been a staple of the Rochester, NY music scene for almost 40 years. Still playing over 150 shows per year, with endless energy and a voice that still seems to be getting better, he is considered by area club owners, audiences and musicians alike as the gold standard of live performance.
Although John's original music draws from a variety of genres, it tends to be Americana-centered with a nod to traditional soul (and a little post-punk...). He prides himself on incisive storytelling and well-crafted melodies.
His original band, Hard Rain, released the album "Peace is not a Fashion" in 1992. On the strength of their legendary live shows and local media support, the band was signed to Warner Bros and recorded an unreleased project in 1993. Subsequently, Hard Rain independently produced "Since Melvin Left Memphis" in 1994. After Hard Rain ended, John toured colleges and clubs throughout the northeast with the 1996 album "Born on a Monday," followed by "King Cakes & Carmelites" in 1999.
This past February, John released his first album in 25 years -- "After All This Time" -- a collection of songs spanning his entire writing life, including recent material. Produced with the talented engineer/musician Graham Wolfe, these songs showcase John's diverse writing, singing and playing. His current killer band includes his brother Paul & Erik Welsh of Hard Rain, Mark Ballestra and Chad Weisensel.
https://johnakersmusic.com/
Cover: $5..and a much appreciated tip jar!
Nov
7
5:30 PM17:30
Happy Hour with "No Child Left Behind"
Doors 4pm, Music 5:30pm
No Child Left Behind
“No rock star ever says they want to be a teacher, but EVERY TEACHER WANTS TO BE A ROCK STAR!!! The world’s greatest teacher band - NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND - has been rocking and entertaining Penfield High School students - and real human beings - at events and local bars for two decades. NCLB - Paul Gabbey ( AP Government & Economics/guitar and vocals); Tim Graves (AP World History/bass and vocals); Dave King (AP Environmental Science/guitar and vocals); and Kevin Stewart (Mathematics/drums and vocals) play power pop alt-country punk favorites, along with killer originals.”
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048482394653
Cover: $5
Nov
8
8:00 PM20:00
The Robert Zimmerman Philharmonic performs The Music of Bob Dylan
Doors 7pm, Music 8pm
The Robert Zimmerman Philharmonic
The Robert Zimmerman Philharmonic is an extraordinary Bob Dylan tribute band led by Samuel Marabella, delivering authentic renditions of the legendary songwriter’s music across all eras. Inspired by Dylan’s masterpieces of heartache, Blood on the Tracks (1974) and Time Out of Mind (1997), this five-piece ensemble brings a rich and dynamic approach to every performance.
Formed by professional musicians united in their love for Dylan’s artistry, the band faithfully recreates the sound and emotional depth of his iconic songs and albums. With sophisticated arrangements and a repertoire that spans as many as 16 instruments, The Robert Zimmerman Philharmonic offers a powerful tribute steeped in reverence and passion.
This special performance will include many songs dedicated to Dylan’s Time Out of Mind, performed with various versions—an evening sure to captivate Dylan fans and music lovers alike.
Tickets: $15 advance, $20 day of show and on sale now at https://abilene.showare.com and at the bar
Nov
12
7:30 PM19:30
Joe Beard Trio
Doors 4pm, Music 7:30pm
An Intimate Evening with Blues Great and Rochester Music Hall of Fame Member...
JOE BEARD with Gian Carlo Cervone and Mike Patric
Born and raised in Ashland, MS, guitarist Joe Beard grew up with the Murphy brothers, one of whom later found an international following as Matt "Guitar" Murphy. Guitarist Nathan Beauregard lived with Beard's cousin, so he was surrounded by aspiring and veteran blues musicians while growing up, and he began singing at an early age. Beard became interested in playing guitar via the Murphy brothers, who sat in with a young B.B. King when he played at the Roosevelt Lake Club. Beard began to learn guitar at age 17 from Ernest Scruggs, a neighbor, before heading to Chicago. Beard moved to Rochester, NY, and from time to time would visit one of his brothers in Chicago. He quickly became enamored of the blues being played in clubs there by people like Jimmy Reed and Sonny Boy Williamson. Beard sat in with John Lee Hooker one night and received encouraging words from Hooker, and also later sat in with his idol, Muddy Waters.While in Rochester, he formed the Soul Brothers Six, playing bass and singing, but he didn't perform in public on guitar until 1965. Beard befriended classic blues guitarist Son House, who was a neighbor in Rochester, and played a concert for students at the University of Rochester in 1968. Beard worked as an electrician by day and would occasionally play out at night and on weekends for most of the '60s on through to the '80s. He has a reputation as one of the best local players around, and though he may not be a household name in other parts of the U.S., he toured Europe in 1983 and did studio and stage work with Buster Benton, Lafayette Leake, and Memphis Slim. At the famed BK Lounge, Beard and his backing bands opened for Bobby Bland, Albert King, and others.
https://www.facebook.com/joebeardblues
https://www.facebook.com/gian.c.cervone
https://www.facebook.com/mike.patric
Special thanks to our friends, Doug Camp and Cicero Ryland Jr..,true music fans.
Cover: $10
Nov
13
7:00 PM19:00
P.V. Nunes Band
Doors 4pm, Music 7pm
P.V. Nunes Band
The P. V. Nunes Band is just different. “Think Harry Chapin meets the Grateful Dead” said one club owner. The songs (written by Paul Vincent Nunes) are smart, funny, passionate, personal… and way too true. They are driven by a jamming North Coast Americana groove of dobro and electric guitar (Bernie Heveron), acoustic guitar (Paul), washboard (Dave Paprocki) and bass (Greg Franklin).
Band members have an esoteric history of playing in (or with) The Color Blind James Experience, Bat McGrath (Bernie), The Chesterfield Kings, The Occasional Saints (Paul), Chanka-Chank, The Crawdiddies (Dave), Marjorie Thompson, and The Dave North Trio (Greg).
Fan favorites include, “New Guitar”, “Drive All Night”, “My Daughter’s Diary”, “I’m Gonna Walk”, “The Diner”, “Mama Loves the Reverb”, and “Some of Us Rise, But We Don’t Shine”.
Their new EP, “The P.V. Nunes Band “ was released on the independent label Lighthouse Records, and is available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and YouTube. Also, you can listen at https://pvnunes.hearnow.com/the-p-v-nunes-band
“We’re a cover band,” says Paul, “that covers ourselves really well. We even look like us.”
https://www.facebook.com/PVNunesBand
https://www.pvnunesband.com/
Cover: $7 at the door
Nov
14
5:30 PM17:30
Happy Hour with The Tug Hill Band
Doors 4pm, Music 5:30pm
The Tug Hill Band
The Tug Hill Band is a vibrant five-piece group blending Americana, blues, rock, and contemporary country into a soulful, distinctive sound. Drawing inspiration from New York State’s Tug Hill Plateau—a region known for its rugged wilderness and record-breaking snowfall, a place of striking beauty and enduring spirit —the band embodies adventure, resilience, and artistic passion. Their music channels the raw energy and rich storytelling at the core of American roots music.
What Sets The Band Apart: Known for passionate live performances, they combine tight harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and versatile instrumentation to forge a powerful connection with audiences.
From stirring ballads and foot-stomping country-rock to bluesy anthems, the Tug Hill Band transcends genres and generations. Their music evokes the unpredictable allure of their region while honoring the timeless influence of their musical heroes, making every performance unforgettable.
Whether playing in intimate venues or on larger stages, the Tug Hill Band delivers a heartfelt musical journey—rooted in tradition yet uniquely their own.
Band Members
Maureen Rich: Lead vocals and ukulele. Maureen’s soulful voice and heartfelt delivery form the emotional heart of the band’s music.
Eric Rich: Guitar. Eric’s skillful playing adds both rhythm and intricate texture, elevating the band’s arrangements.
Patrick Brennan: Mandolin. Patrick’s prowess infuses a rootsy, traditional edge, weaving a touch of bluegrass into their sound.
Mike Tutino: Drums and vocals. Mike’s driving rhythms keep the band tight and dynamic, providing a solid foundation for every song.
Vince Tutino: Upright bass. Vince’s deep, resonant basslines anchor the band’s layered sound with warmth and precision.
https://tughillband.com/
Cover: $5
Nov
15
8:00 PM20:00
Holka, Rondinelli, and Aaronson
Doors 7pm, Music 8pm
Holka, Rondinelli, and Aaronson
Jamie Holka
Jamie Holka is a solo finger-style guitarist from Niagara Falls NY. His style incorporates many layers to assimilate bass, drums, chords and melody. Switching between a Gibson L-5 and a Maton Michael Fix model, he’s able to create quite a diverse sound.
Jamie studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts and continued the study of jazz guitar long after his Berklee days. However, jazz is only a foundation for his multi-layered arrangements.
Jamie took 3rd place in the North American Rock Guitar Competition in 2006 and has been a support act for many classic artists such as Allan Holdsworth, Todd Rundgren, Michael McDonald, Steve Morse, Steve Miller, Little Feat, Kansas, Steve Kimoch, Adam Rafferty, and CCR. His arrangements span the likes of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Super Tramp, Toto, the Beatles, the Cars, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, the Bee Gee’s, the Stones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Boz Scaggs and many one hit wonders.
Jamie Holka truly is one of the busiest entertainers in New York state that many know little about. He stages well over two hundred performances annually, the majority of which are in upstate New York.
His album titled “The Gathering”. The Holka-Rondinelli debut studio album was released on June 6th, 2025.
Holka joined Captain Beyond in 2017, and toured as the band’s guitarist for several years. However, his outreach to drummer Bobby Rondinelli (Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Rainbow, Quiet Riot) was the true catalyst that brings his career front and center circa 2025.
It started out as an idea of Holka’s to locate an old school drummer. Colin Hart, the key crew member who was with Ritchie Blackmore for years, connected the two of them. Holka recalls: “I asked at first if he’d record a tune with me. Technology enabled us to collaborate, which led to our exploring Rondinelli producing in earnest. My partner Stephen Dillon committed the resources to begin collaborating, and with my being from Niagara Falls, and Bobby on Long Island, we were able to get together in the studio. It was easy from the start, and unfolded in a manner that was yielding exactly what we set out to accomplish. It felt prolific and great. It then turned in to a parade of folks I could have never imagined would make contributions to these recordings. Bobby really came through in opening those doors and bringing this cast of characters in to the fold”.
Rondinelli and Holka began a partnership at first to cut one new recording in the studio. The guitarist and his business partner Dillon of Segno Records, together with the projects Associate Executive Producer, Chris MacKenzie, green lit the interest to capture a complete album of new repertoire. Rondinelli’s vast network of friends and historic players that include Billy Sheehan, Don Airey, Jimmy Haslip, Danny Miranda, Kenny Aaronson, Mark Rivera, Mark Wood, and others on board to contribute performances.
https://www.facebook.com/jamie.holka/
www.facebook.com/Jamie-Holka
https://www.jamieholkamusic.com/
Bobby Rondinelli
Rock veteran Bobby Rondinelli has recorded and toured with legendary rock bands, including Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, and Leslie West, along with a long list of others. Bobby currently records and tours with German heavy metal rock guitarist Axel Rudi Pell. Bobby has also played and recorded with Leslie West, Micheal Shanker, Scorpions, Doro, Bonnie Tyler Quiet Riot, Aerosmith, Foghat to name a few.
Bobby is also a well-known and respected author and teacher. Along with Michael Lauren, Bobby co-authored the highly popular, “The Encyclopedia of Double Bass Drumming,” one of Modern Drummer’s Top 25 books of all time. And when he’s not on the road, Bobby maintains an active teaching and recording and producing.
https://www.facebook.com/BobbyRondinelli
Kenny Arronson
Kenny Aaronson was born in Brooklyn, New York. He started playing drums at the age of eleven, following in his older brother's footsteps. Kenny switched to electric bass at the age 14 after becoming enamored by the low end of the bass on Motown records that he would hear on the jukeboxes in local pizza joints. To this day, he is still a huge James Jamerson fanatic. As a teenager, he played bass for Brooklyn based hard rock band Dust, which included Marc Bell (a.k.a. Marky Ramone), which released two albums in 1971 and '72 on the Kama Sutra label. In 1973, Aaronson joined the New York band Stories, who's single,"Brother Louie", reached #1 on the Billboard, Cashbox and Record World charts.
Kenny Aaronson went on to become a recognized world-class rock and roll bassist with his extensive touring and recording with a variety of artists including Bob Dylan, Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Billy Squier, Foghat, HSAS (Sammy Hagar, Neil Schon, Kenny Aaronson, Michael Shrieve), Brian Setzer, Mick Taylor, Dave Edmunds, Robert Gordon, Graham Parker, Hall and Oates, Edgar Winter, Leslie West Band, Rick Derringer, Corky Laing, Carmine Appice and many more.
In 1988 Kenny was named Bassist of the year by Rolling Stone Magazine. Aaronson was also bassist in the house band for the MTV Guitar Greats Show where along with Dave Edmunds, Chuck Leavell and Michael Shrieve, he had the opportunity to back up artists as diverse as Steve Cropper, Brian Setzer, Lita Ford, Tony Iommi and Dave Gilmore. A few of Kenny's most memorable moments in his career were auditioning for the Rolling Stones, recording with George Harrison and opening for Led Zeppelin.
Kenny Aaronson has supported singer song writer John Eddie since 1996. In the summer of 2011 he toured with the New York Dolls supporting Motley Crue and Poison in the US along with solo Dolls dates in Austarlia. In the fall of 2011, the New York Dolls toured the U.K. supporting Alice Cooper. Recently Kenny has played with Philadelphia's "In The Pocket" (partners David Uosikkinen, Eric Bazilian, Tommy Conwell, Jeffrey Gaines, Soul Survivors, Jim Boggia, Ben Arnold, Cliff Hillis and other Philadelphia musicians). Kenny has played with The Yardbirds since 2015 and will be touring with The Yardbirds in the Fall of 2020.
https://www.kennyaaronson.com/home
Cover: $10 advance, $15 day of show and on sale now at https://abilene.showare.com and at the bar
Nov
19
7:30 PM19:30
Cast Iron Cowboys with spec. guest, Janet Batch
Doors 4pm, Music 7:30pm
Cast Iron Cowboys
Cast Iron Cowboys is a six piece country western band whose sound finds a sweet spot between classic blues and homegrown folk. First formed in early 2022, the Cowboys developed a style all their own. Inspired by Appalachian fiddle & banjo bluegrass and vintage country blues, the Cowboys combine a diverse mix of influences across American roots music, breathing new energy into an antique sound. Their ever-expanding repertoire includes original music and covers from a number of decades. Songs are led and sung in harmony by five of the Cowboys and line dancing, taught by band members or local experts, is a staple of their recurring performances. The band creates a welcoming environment with friendly instruction, often accompanied by honky tonk angels ready to help first-timers along. The band’s catalog of music also provides opportunities to two-step, waltz, swing, and stomp your boots along with the Cowboys on stage.
Founders Max Moses and Josh Chamberlain started this adventure because of their sheer passion to perform - and importantly, their love of music that gets people dancing. Max Moses (guitar), Josh Chamberlain (bass), Nate Marshall (piano/harmonica), Joe Hayward (banjo/pedal steel), Zeb Whitford (drums), and Margaret Harper (vocals/mandolin) drive forward a rousing effort that will bring you back to the classics, teach you new ways to move, and leave you wanting more.
Cast Iron Cowboys steadily grows their dedicated fan base, consistently packing venues and adding new friends to the Cast Iron Community. They perform often in Tompkins County, and have taken their talents to cities across New York and PA. The band’s most recent milestones came in July of 2025 with two performances at the 33nd annual Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival, and a debut studio single, "That Truck Had to Go". Other live recordings are available online, with a studio album coming late 2025.
Now, if you catch a Cast Iron show, you'll find a posse delivering a mixture of boot stomping barn burners, honky tonk dance numbers, and evocative ballads. Repertoire includes original songs, as well covers from timeless artists like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Doc Watson to contemporary musicians like Tyler Childers, Colter Wall, and Billy Strings. Five-part harmonies, multi-instrumentalists trading solos, and an unflappable groove bring community together in heels, hats, and attitude to fit the theme.
https://www.castironcowboysmusic.com/
Janet Batch
“Her style feels akin to the early work of Rosanne Cash, with her devil-may-care attitude and country twang, but Batch’s colorful stories often conjure up the wily work of Jim Croce by way of Emmylou Harris’ heavenly croon” - The Big Takeover
“Batch exudes a forlorn vibe on "Radio" thanks to potent, economical storytelling that illustrates the struggles of loving an artist. She wrings every last syllable from her lyrics to haunting effect—it's hard not to feel the despair when she laments, "You wanted empty and I / Gave you more empty than you could stand."" - Earmilk
“As infectious as the music is, the prize of the song is Janet’s nasal lilt, simultaneously resonant and radiating alluring twing-twang nuances. It’s one of those potent, tantalizing country voices appearing on the music scene once in a great while – easy to listen to, vibrant, and graceful, what some might call ‘posh provincial.’” - Guitar Girl
“With her twangy voice and songs of working-class life, you might think that Janet Batch hails from the Blue Ridge Mountains or the hollers of Kentucky. But the Ithaca-based singer-songwriter actually grew up on a dairy farm in the small town of Litchfield, just southeast of Utica.” - Jim Catalano City Magazine
https://www.janetbatch.com/
Tickets: $10 advance, $15 day of show and on sale now at https://abilene.showare.com and at the bar
Nov
21
8:00 PM20:00
Jason Ringenberg (of the famed Jason and the Scorchers)
Doors 4pm, Music 8pm
Jason Ringenberg
(Of the famed Jason and the Scorchers)
Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award-winning punk roots singer-songwriter, performer, and barnstorming force of nature... “The Godfather of Americana" - Mojo
Renowned music critic Peter Cooper once said, “Jason Ringenberg is Nashville’s greatest 20th-century rock ‘n’ roll frontman.” With statements like that, you would think Jason might rest on his laurels now that he is in his 60s. Not so. His new record Rhinestoned once again sets Ringenberg on a collision course with people’s souls. It reaffirms the claim that not only is he one of rock ‘n’ roll's greatest frontmen but also one of the preeminent singer-songwriters of his generation. His journey started in the 1960s Midwest, a place straight out of Norman Rockwell's America. He was born and raised on an Illinois hog farm that bordered the Rock Island Line Railroad. At an early age he heard classic country artists on his dad’s truck radio but also was exposed to the 1960s singer-songwriters like Bob Dylan and Neil Young by his older siblings. He attended college at Southern Illinois University, studying history and music. He played banjo in a bluegrass band called Gary, Jason, and Chico. After seeing The Ramones in a dorm basement cafeteria, he immediately quit the bluegrass band and formed his own punk rock group, Shakespeare’s Riot, gaining notoriety around Southern Illinois as one of the first regional bands to combine classic country with raw punk rock. By 1981 he realized he had taken that musical journey as far as he could in Southern Illinois. On July 4 he loaded up his ‘71 Econoline van and headed to that musical Mecca of all Meccas: Nashville, Tennessee. He didn’t know a soul nor had ever even set boots in the town. He jumped in feet first, jamming at every dive or party that would let him have the mic. Within a few weeks he formed Jason and the Nashville Scorchers and never looked back. Widely considered one of most influential Americana/Outlaw country bands in history, Jason and the Scorchers tore up stages across the planet. One UK journalist called their 1984 show at the Marquee “one of the Top Five gigs of all time.” By the late 80s their legendary luster began to dim, although they continued to tour and make records. In 1991 Ringenberg snagged a record contract with Capitol Nashville. He began to build his solo brand, touring as a solo artist and eventually releasing a series of critically acclaimed records. In 2002 he launched a children’s music character called Farmer Jason, winning an Emmy Award in 2009 for his PBS music video program. He would often perform a Farmer Jason show in the daytime and then a solo Jason Ringenberg concert that night in the same city. From 2000 to 2015 he performed an average of 200 shows a year all over Europe and North America. In 2017 he saw yet another renaissance in his career. The U.S. National Park Service approached him to be their Artist-in-Residence at the Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park. He spent a month hiking those pristine mountains, doing concerts in the campgrounds, and writing songs. He experienced an explosion of creative energy not seen since his salad days with Jason and the Scorchers. The resulting songs form the basis for two defining records: Stand Tall, released in 2018, and now Rhinestoned. Rhinestoned is heavily influenced by the ethos and energy of mid-1960s Nashville. The record is populated by forgotten ghosts and old souls. There is a song about one of Crazy Horse’s close Lakota friends and another about the Freedom Riders. He even tackles a love affair gone wrong in World War I Flanders. He covers Hank Williams, The Carter Family, and the classic Easter hymn Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, all the while making each track sound uniquely his own. The record was recorded by George Bradfute, whose studio is located in the basement of the 1950’s country superstar Jim Reeves. The old tile floor and pine paneling are still there, conjuring up old memories and soaking up new ones. So his journey winds on. As Ringenberg says in Rhinestoned: “A song can be a lover or a true best friend and it will not forsake you when you reach the end...”
Tickets: $15 advance, $20 day of show and on sale now online at https://abilene.showare.com and at the bar
Nov
25
7:00 PM19:00
"The Beatles Unplugged"-feat. Don Christiano & Walt O'Brien
Doors 6pm, Music 7pm
With A Little Help from My Friends…
The Last Tuesday of Every Month
“The Beatles Unplugged!
Featuring Don Christiano & Walt O’Brien
A couple of hours of great Beatles’ tunes, performed by two of Rochester’s best musicians.
See ya on Liberty Pole Way!
https://www.facebook.com/donchristiano
https://www.facebook.com/walt.obrien.5
Cover: $7
Nov
26
8:30 PM20:30
The Night Before Thanksgiving Bash feat. JUDAH!
Doors 4pm, Music 8:30pm
JUDAH!
More than Musicians – JUDAH is Magical
Whether it’s effortless, jaw-dropping vocals delivered by Anthony Blood, the percussive technique of Quintin Rich, the signature bass runs of Jackson Wade, or the body-moving keys solos of John Bushen, at a JUDAH show, people wonder to themselves if John Mayer, John Bonham, Phil Lesh, and Hebie Hancock surprised the world with a miracle.
It is why hearing this band is a necessary elixir one cannot put down after witnessing their undeniable raw power and innocent authenticity for the first time. JUDAH formed in 2019 with a shared interest in a raw and unchecked style of blues, rock, and funk blended to create something entirely unique with strong roots that point toward the past.
In just a few short years, the band has become a power
trio including: Anthony Blood – Guitar / Vocals, Quintin Rich – Drums, Jackson Wade – Bass, and
John Bushen - Keys
https://www.judahtheband.com/
Cover: $12
Dec
5
7:00 PM19:00
John Lennon: Love and Revolution, 1966-1968, performed by Kelley's Heroes
Doors 4pm, Music 7pm
John Lennon: Love and Revolution, 1966-1968
Performed by Kelley’s Heroes
Kelley's Heroes invites you to a unique birthday celebration for John Lennon on December 5. Explore his foundational "Love and Revolution" years (1966-1968) through his iconic Beatles contributions from Rubber Soul through Magical Mystery Tour. Featuring special guests from the Rochester music community collaborating with Rochester’s own Kelley’s Heroes, this will be a night where they push the boundaries and reach for new musical heights!
Kelley's Heroes is a Rochester, NY-based indie rock band creating a buzz with a sound that’s both fresh and timeless. The band is anchored by the dynamic collaboration of Austin music veteran John Kelley and Rochester's own Jon Gary. Along with the powerful rhythm section of Dan Hoh and Jim Conner, they've forged a distinct identity that melds the heart of classic singer-songwriters with the raw energy of indie rock.
Their critically acclaimed debut album, Who's Gonna Save the World?, released in January 2024, established them as a force to be reckoned with. Now, they're set to expand on that momentum with their highly anticipated sophomore record, Kelley’s Heroes in the 21st Century, dropping in November 2025.
https://www.facebook.com/KelleysHeroesBand/
Tickets: $10 advance, $15 day of show and on sale now at https://abilene.showare.com and at the bar
Dec
11
7:30 PM19:30
The Return of McKinley James!
Doors 4pm, Music 7:30pm
McKinley James
Printed below is the “official” bio…but truth be told, this show is the classic case of IYKYK…and Rochester knows McKinley James. This show will sell out. Get your tickets early.
McKinley James is equal parts old soul and modern man. Armed with an electric guitar and sharp songwriting chops, he breathes new life into classic sounds with Working Class Blues, a debut album that introduces his mix of American rock & roll, amplified soul, and raw rhythm &blues.
https://www.mckinleyjames.com/
Tickets: $20 advance, $25 day of show
Tickets on sale now at https://abilene.showare.com and at the bar
Dec
13
to Dec 14
JD McPHERSON: "SOCKS: A Rock 'n Roll Christmas Tour" Live at the Temple Theater
Doors 7pm, Music 8pm
“Abilene on the Road” presents….
Live at the Temple Theater, 50 Liberty Pole Way, Rochester, NY 14604
JD McPherson : SOCKS: A Rock ‘n Roll Christmas Tour”
with Melissa Carper
Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician JD McPherson embarks on his fifth annual “SOCKS: A Rock ‘n Roll Christmas Tour” this December with confirmed stops at NYC’s Bowery Ballroom, Nashville’s Basement East, Minneapolis’s First Avenue….and we’re proud to announce, Rochester’s very own Temple Theater!
These performances celebrate McPherson’s breakthrough Christmas album, SOCKS, which was released in 2028 on New West Records. The album features 11 all-original Christmas songs, the album has been the best-reviewed holiday record receiving overwhelming critical praise.
https://www.jdmcpherson.com/
https://www.melissacarper.com/
Tickets: $30 advance, $35 day of show and on sale now at https://abilene.showare.com
Dec
18
7:30 PM19:30
Aaron DeRuyter & The Confluence
Doors 4pm, Music 7:30pm
Aaron DeRuyter & The Confluence
Aaron DeRuyter began creating music in the early 1990’s. By 1996 he had a collection of mix tapes and demos and landed as the frontman of the band that would become Pompous Pilate. In 2005, he released his first solo LP, “transit”(dunce records), under the moniker, DeVall Music. The rotating cast of touring musicians and a mutual appreciation for old-time folk and would eventually morph into a secondary project called, Landmark.
DeRuyter expands the boundaries of Americana music by combining acoustic and electronic elements. He released his sophomore album “Astral” in 2016. DeRuyter writes haunting soliloquies like Townes Van Zandt and sings with a spiritual expansiveness similar to Iron & Wine. Feathery guitar arrangements are complemented by dense electronic overtones, modal vocal melodies, and off-kilter lyrics about life and death. He delivers an ambient blend of folk, grunge, psychedelic rock, and alternative country. His music is described as a curve ball of tunes that meanders inconsistently through the boundaries of genre and space. His third album “ Songs for dismal times” was released in 2021.
In 2023, DeRuyter pulled together his core touring band know as “ The Confluence”, to begin initial work on his fourth solo release. “ Stream phase” was released in 2024 and was received as a nod to his early work with elements of old-time strings backing eerie folk meanderings and 90’s Americana leads.
https://aaronderuyter.com/
Cover: $10
Dec
27
8:00 PM20:00
Ellen Pieroni & the Encyclopedia of Soul
Doors 7pm, Music 8pm
Ellen Pieroni & the Encyclopedia of Soul
Pieroni is a seasoned sax player, multi-instrumentalist, music educator + promoter. She has been an active member of the regional music scene, formerly playing and touring with projects such as Folkfaces and Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra. The Encyclopedia of Soul (EoS) is Pieroni's newest original music endeavor.
Her current project – Ellen Pieroni & the Encyclopedia of Soul (EoS) – presents a refreshing brand of smooth-infused soul jazz. Although the group is inspired by artists such as Grover Washington Jr., Freddie Hubbard, King Curtis, and the Crusaders, EoS puts an emphasis on new original music.
https://www.facebook.com/ellenpieronisax/
Cover: $10
Jan
24
8:00 PM20:00
Liam Kazar with special guest, Ben Morey
Doors 7pm, Music 8pm
Liam Kazar
Liam Kazar is a Chicago-born, Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter whose music finds folk, rock, pop, jazz, and alt-country within moments of each other. Raised in a rich musical community and performing from a young age, Kazar honed his craft through years of collaboration and touring with artists like Jeff Tweedy, Hannah Cohen, and many others. His solo work began in 2021 with his debut “Due North,” a boisterous offering full of existential fears and manic guitar arrangements.
Now Kazar returns with “Pilot Light,” his long-awaited sophomore album and most emotionally candid release to date. Produced by Sam Evian and featuring contributions from close collaborators, “Pilot Light” finds Kazar exploring the enduring embers of love, heartbreak, and personal growth, Stripped-down and sonically direct, the album moves with a quiet confidence-its vulnerable songwriting and intimate arrangements illuminating Kazar’s evolution into a singular and resonant voice in indie music.
https://liamkazar.com/
Bandcamp — Liamkazar.bandcamp.com
Instagram — @LiamKazar
Facebook — @LiamKazarMusic
Ben Morey
https://www.instagram.com/benmorey/
Tickets: $18 advance, $23 day of show and on sale now at https://abilene.showare.com and at the bar
Oct
25
9:30 PM21:30
Los Straitjackets After Party! feat. The Fox Sisters with Gajillionaires!
Doors 6pm….for a bit of Pre Party….and then Music 9:30m
The Fox Sisters
The Fox Sisters are a veteran 5-piece outfit from Rochester, NY. the Sisters play all-original music rooted in some of the best traditons of American music- Old-school R&B, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Punk, and Country. The Fox Sisters do most everything worth doing and they do it well
https://foxsisters.com/home
GAJILLIONAIRES
GAJiLLiONAiRES play songs. Damn good ones. In the tradition of the UK pub rock scene, their music is simple, stripped-down guitar-bass-drums and rooted in rock back when country was still a close relation. Chock full of Rochester Rock Scene royalty without the royalties, Gajillionaires will bring down any house, raise any roof, and give you a good shoulder to cry on.
Cover: $10 OR FREE with your Los Straitjackets ticket!
Oct
25
7:30 PM19:30
"Abilene on the Road" presents Los Straitjackets, with Wasted Major...Live at the Temple Theater
Doors 6:30pm, Music 7:30pm
Live at the Temple Theater, 50 Liberty Pole Way, Rochester, NY 14604
Los Straitjackets
Los Straitjackets are masters of the 'combo sound-' the two guitar, bass and drums lineuppioneered and popularized by the early Beatles. Using the music of the Ventures, TheShadows, Link Wray and Dick Dale as a jumping off point, the band has takentheir unique, highenergy brand of instrumental rock & roll around the world. Wearing their trademark Lucha LibreMexican wrestling masks, Los Straitjackets have also served as the backing band for Nick Lowe since 2016. Their latest release, Somos Los Straitjackets demonstrates why Los Straitjacketshave reigned as the kings of modern instrumental rock for over thirty years with shimmeringtremolo, relentless drum grooves, and hooks so catchy they don’t need lyrics to get stuck inyour head
https://losstraitjackets.com/
Wasted Major
Wasted Major is a dynamic and genre-bending band that blends the classic sounds of 60s and 70s rock with a dose of 90s country and honky-tonk flair. Formed in Knoxville, TN, and now based in Nashville, the band plays over 200 shows annually across the United States and Europe. The band’s extensive touring has earned them some early recognition, including two (2) European tours and a nomination for International Band of the Year by the Austrian Country Music Federation.
Consisting of Tim Jones (Guitar/Vocals), Simon Heeran (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Richie Miller (Bass/Vocals), Connor Hatala (Lead Guitar/Vocals) and Andre Bucks (Keyboard/Vocals), Wasted Major stands apart with their multi-vocal lineup, allowing for an ever-changing live performance. Their tight harmonies and undeniable chemistry have earned them a loyal following, ranging from honky-tonk nights on Nashville’s iconic Lower Broadway to large stages across the southeastern U.S to European pubs and festivals.
The band is poised to release a fresh slate of music come 2025 that combines their Southern rock roots with bold, innovative ideas. With a rich blend of influences and a passion for live performance, Wasted Major is gearing up to take their music in exciting new directions.
https://wastedmajor.com/
Tickets: $40 and on sale now online at https://abilene.showare.com and tonight at the Temple Theater
Oct
24
9:00 PM21:00
Left-Handed Second Baseman, with Special Guests, White Woods
Doors 4pm, Music 9pm
Left-Handed Second Baseman
“LH2B is the creation of singer/songwriter/producer Fran Broderick. Fusing diverse influences ranging from folk to soul to synthpop, the result is stirring anthems and tender ballads, anchored by Broderick’s captivating lyrics. Rochester CITY Newspaper describes the music as a “joyous noise,” and writes, “this is where Broderick shines. His words are gold.” He's probably listening to John Prine.” City Newspaper
Left-Handed Second Baseman is Fran Broderick – vocals, electric and acoustic guitar, Shane Kelsen – keys, vocals., Ben Rossi – guitar, keys, vocals., Brendan Simms – trombone, percussion, vocals, Dan Carter – bass., and Zak Mendoza-drums.
https://www.facebook.com/LH2Bmusic/
With Special Guests..
White Woods
https://www.facebook.com/whitewoodsmusic
Cover: $10
Oct
24
5:30 PM17:30
The Abilene Happy Hour Debut of "Oldest Daughter"
Doors 4pm, Music 5:15pm
Oldest Daughter
Oldest Daughter is an indie/folk band from Rochester, NY. Composed of young musicians (Micky Fitzpatrick on bass, Selena Ortiz on guitar, Norah Gebel on fiddle, Stevie Skvarek on drums, and Frances Lovett on vocals and rhythm guitar), the band is influenced by musicians such as Joni Mitchell, Noah Kahan, Fleetwood Mac, and The Lumineers—musicians they also cover often. But the majority of the songs Oldest Daughter plays are originals written by frontwoman Frances Lovett. Oldest Daughter’s lyrics are especially vulnerable and strong, lending themselves to layers of emotional depth. Lovett, who recently released a solo album called Unromantic, writes songs that tell of love found and lost, of heartbreak and redemption, and of this place that is Upstate and Home.
https://www.instagram.com/oldestdaughterband/?hl=en
Cover: $5
Oct
22
8:00 PM20:00
The Abilene Debut of "Albatross," That One Crocodile, and The Matt Seidel Band
Door 4pm, Music 8pm
Albatross
Albatross is a Folk Rock band founded in the summer of 2025 by songwriters, Ryan Sutherland and Adam Henne. Their sound is acoustic and electric guitars on top of expansive keyboards and a tight rhythm section. With influences of modern Americana, folk of all eras, and the golden age of country, Albatross has a sound that is both fresh and nostalgic.
If your thing is emotional and lyrical songwriting, performed by a lively rock ‘n’ roll band, Albatross is for you!
https://www.instagram.com/albatrosstheuniverse?igsh=cDl6ZGVlMm5nZHpr
With That One Crocodile and The Matt Seidel Band
https://www.facebook.com/crocbaker
https://www.facebook.com/MattSeidelMusic
Cover: $7 at the door
Oct
21
7:00 PM19:00
Free Show with The Biltmore Commandos
Doors 6pm, Music 7pm
The Biltmore Commandos
The Biltmore Commandos are Rochester's premiere swing jazz band.
Reverend Kingfish, Melanie Moralez, Brian Williams, Tracy Eckstrand, Gian Carlo Cervone, and Andre Palacios Duran are The Biltmore Commandos.
biltmorecommandos.com
No Cover!!! …Just come and Enjoy!
Oct
19
2:00 PM14:00
"G" Lodge on the Road presents..."When I'm 64!" Yes, The "Hey Dude B-Day Bash!"
Doors 1:30pm, Music 2pm
This is gonna be a party for the ages!!!
The “When I’m 64” Birthday Celebration for the one, the only…Darren Gauger!!!
Everyone’s invited…and check out this line-up!
Music by..
“Los Pajoritos” with Mike Brown
“20,000 Miles”
“Kodachrome Blues Band”
Larry Kyle of “Damdog”
and a very special “Gram Parsons Tribute”
This a FREE EVENT…But of course tips will be accepted and appreciated.
For those who haven’t made the trek out to the “G Lodge,” this will give you an opportunity to experience all that the “G” has to offer…music, food, community…and Darren!!!
https://www.facebook.com/thegaugerlodge/
https://www.heydudeafterhours.com/
Again, this is a FREE EVENT!
Oct
18
8:00 PM20:00
Ali McGuirk Album Release Party!
Doors 7pm, Music 8pm
Ali McGuirk and Band
Ali McGuirk has never been a church mouse. In fact, these days, she’s standing at the pulpit. “I feel like I'm writing lyrics that are preaching,” McGuirk said with a laugh, realizing in real time how much her voice as an artist has evolved while writing and arranging her latest album, Watertop. “I’m actually delivering a message, not necessarily processing my feelings, but delivering my thoughts on the matter. That felt like a different role to embody as a songwriter.”
Par for the course, McGuirk has made an exceptional album. Her 2022 release, Til It’s Gone, was widely acclaimed and praised as earthy, tender, and introspective. The atmospheric songs earned her adoration and accolades, including being selected as one of The Boston Globe’s Top 50 Albums of the Year.
This time around, she leans into creating experimental soundscapes filled with her soulful, smoldering sound and aims right for the heart with her songwriting. Altogether, the songs are a microscopic look at our societal values. McGuirk shies away from nothing, exploring the meaning of things like God, empathy, love, and greed.
It’s hard to pinpoint one exact moment that led to the freedom you hear in McGuirk’s songwriting on Watertop. Perhaps the most important of them all, though, was treating social activism—and her care for others—as a spiritual practice. This transformation gave Watertop its raison d’etre, which comes at you quickly with the opening song: a shimmering, soul-forward track called Love Goes First. In it, McGuirk sings, “We’re trying to hold on to what we cannot hold on to / But it’s love / Love is what we need,” over a drum machine and a synth-infused groove. McGuirk’s harmonies were sung by Cilla Bonnie, whose buttery vocals set the stage for the spirit of this opening track.
“Thematically and conceptually, it's definitely a thesis to the record,” McGuirk said of “Love Goes First.” Lyrically, it sets the stage for the album. Although Watertop dances through a range of emotions, McGuirk asserts that there’s nothing more essential than love.
The supporting band across Watertop is one McGuirk is deeply bonded with. They began playing together in 2017 when McGuirk released her first record, Slow Burn. Since then, the band, which McGuirk lovingly calls her polyamorous musical life partners, has only expanded, now including guitarist Sebastian Falvo. On Watertop, the band is tight and cohesive—despite experimentations with genres and tones—in the way only long-time collaborators can be. D’Vibes, (King Fish, Marcus King) an accomplished multi-genre musician in his own right, plays keys throughout the record. His thoughtfully chosen tones marry classic funk to McGuirk's rootsy sound. Watertop, grounded in the R&B tradition, pushes McGuirk’s sound forward without fully walking away from the essence of her voice.
Across the album's eight songs, most of which were recorded at VT Music Lab and all of which were produced by McGuirk and Ezra Oklan, McGuirk’s jazz background readily emerges through her delightfully surprising vocals. However, in crafting Watertop, McGuirk expanded on her traditional songwriting method, making the album her most technically complex release to date. Fueled by the playful and experimental nature of sound engineer Jeremy Mendicino and co-producer Oklan, McGuirk pushes her songs into full-blown soundscapes through ambitiously crafted arrangements.
“A lesson I learned from this one is to trust myself, my ears, and my opinions. I want to keep going in this direction for at least another record—learning more about sound engineering and learning that language,” McGuirk said, describing the power she felt in playing such a technical role in the production of the album.
"The most powerful political songs transcend didacticism, channeling poetry into righteousness. Ali McGuirk, a powerhouse vocalist based in Vermont, understands this instinctively...there’s a moral clarity to McGuirk’s conviction." - WBUR
"filtering both vintage 60's soul and 90's R&B into a sound that's fully 2025... McGuirk has written a great song that should inspire you to think." - If It’s Too Loud
“A spellbinding work of timeless soul beauty.” -Under the Radar Magazine
"In just a few deft strokes, McGuirk paints a devastating and deeply human picture.. voice resonating with all that can't be expressed in words alone." -WGBH
“A wealth of sonic enjoyment.” -PopMatters
“‘All Back’ feels like it could exist somewhere outside of space and time — it could be on a record in the background of a party in a 1970s bungalow… it’s a great listen.” -CONSEQUENCE OF SOUND
https://ali-mcguirk.squarespace.com/
Tickets: $25 and on sale now online at https://abilene.showare.com and at tonight at the bar
Oct
17
9:00 PM21:00
Erin & Ross with their Better Angels
Doors 4pm, Music 9pm
Erin & Ross with their Better Angels
Erin Futterer and Ross Falzone have been writing and performing together now for over 6 years. Their unique yet nostalgic sound reflects their diverse musical backgrounds and experiences: from the conservatory to the street, to the studio. Through their original songs and reimagined versions of standards, the duo seeks to include the audience in the magic and the mystery of the musical experience.
“…It was magic. It was Tin Pan Alley ensconced in velvet. It was a trip to the moon on gossamer wings…I was enchanted, entranced, entertained.” -Frank De Blase, “The F Word”
https://erinandrossmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/newkindofold
Cover: $10 at the door
Oct
17
5:30 PM17:30
HAPPY HOUR with THE OCCASIONAL SAINTS!
Doors 4:00pm • Music 5:30pm
Yes, it’s the October “Third Friday” Happy Hour!!!!
Do NOT miss this party!!! Great music by The Occasional Saints, Genesee Beer specials during Happy Hour, Prizes, and more!!! Did we say beads?!
The Occasional Saints
Playing primarily original songs by keyboard player P. V. Nunes, the Occasional Saints brand of music is New Orleans blues and swing. The band is: P.V. Nunes on keyboards and vocals, Carmen Verzillo on lead guitar, Jay Chafee on bass, Michael Verzillo on drums, Rick McRae on trombone, and Mark Bradley on sax.
https://www.occasionalsaints.com/
Cover: $5
Oct
15
7:00 PM19:00
"Songwriter Showcase!" feat. Tyler Westcott, Jackson Cavalier, Tim Braley, Katie Alessandra
Doors 4pm, Music 7pm
Come on down to Abilene on October 15 for a night you don’t wanna miss, full of FREE original music with some local legends.
Westcott, Cavalier, Braley, and Westcott
This Songwriter Showcase really takes the cake when it comes to how you’d want to spend a mid-October Wednesday. Jackson Cavalier, Tim Braley of the Old World Warblers, Katie Alessandra of Turkey Blaster Omega and and Tyler Westcott of the infamous Folkfaces are joining forces to offer the community a beautiful night full of talented musicians doing what they do best. We hope to see you there, the doors will be open, so just walk right in!
https://www.facebook.com/tylerwestcottmusic/
https://www.jacksoncavaliermusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/timbraleymusic/
https://www.facebook.com/KatieMangiameleMusic/
NO COVER! THIS IS A FREE SHOW! ENJOY!
Oct
11
7:00 PM19:00
Fifth Annual John Prine Tribute Weekend Night Two feat. Jed Curran and Band
Doors 6:30pm, Music 7pm
Hosted By Jed Curran & Band …with Many Special Guests!
Celebrate the life and work of John Prine with night two of our tribute weekend.
Celebrate the life and work of John Prine with night two of our tribute weekend.
Host band….Jed Curran, John Dady, Bruce Diamond, Don Christiano, and “Jimmy Mac.”
with special guests…
Brian Burley
Jeff Riales
Jeff Spevak
Steve Lyons
Ross Falzone
Jack Jones
Kevin Higgins
Steve Piper
Barbara Maltese
Rita Coulter
Fred Vine
Paul Nunes
Beth Steele
Tickets: $20 and on sale now at https://abilene.showare.com/ and tonight at the door
Oct
10
8:00 PM20:00
Fifth Annual John Prine Birthday Tribute Weekend Night One feat. Boyd Parker Ambush
Doors 4pm, Music 8pm
John Prine Birthday Tribute featuring the Boyd Parker Ambush
Boyd Parker Ambush
The Boyd Parker Ambush has its roots in Livingston County, much like the minor military engagement during the Revolutionary War which inspired its name. Led by two guitar-wielding lead vocalists Jeff Sherner (The Genesee Revelers) & Nick Cory Young (Burning Daylight), the lineup is rounded out by Jeff Simpson (The Genesee Revelers) on bass & Sean Sullivan on drums. The band’s sound draws heavily from legendary singer-songwriter John Prine so it's no surprise that the group is returning to Abilene for the fifth year in a row to honor and pay tribute to an artist often referred to as "the Mark Twain of songwriting". Expect to hear songs from throughout Prine's almost 50 year career and don't forget to bring your dancing shoes.
https://www.facebook.com/boydparkerambush
Tickets: $15 and on sale now at https://abilene.showare.com/ and tonight at the door.
Oct
9
7:00 PM19:00
Happy Hour with Rahn D'agostino
Please Note: “John Lennon’s Birthday Bash,” hosted by Kelley’s Heroes will NOT be taking place tonight. The band has fallen ill and will be rescheduling this performance in the very near future.
Here’s hoping the guys feel better soon.
But we’ll be open beginning at 4pm.
And Slingin’ drinks…The Pride of Geneva…Rahn D’agostino!
Great drinks, great music, and yes, great conversation!…Baseball, movies, music, canines, women, football, theater, literature, women, music, baseball, movies…and much, much more!
Happy Hour Specials..Ask Rahn for all the deals!
Also, while you’re here, get your Los Straitjackets and JD McPherson tickets!
Oct
8
8:00 PM20:00
The Abilene Debut of "Albatross," with That One Crocodile, and The Matt Seidel Band
Doors 4pm, Music 8pm
Alabatross
Albatross is a Folk Rock Band founded in the summer of 2025 by songwriters Ryan Sutherland and Adam Henne. Their sound is acoustic and Electric guitars on top of expansive keyboards and a tight rhythm section.
With influences by Modern Americana, folk of all eras and the golden age of country, Albatross has a sound that is both fresh and nostalgic.
If your thing is emotional and lyrical songwriting, performed by a lively Rock and roll band, Albatross is for you!
With That One Crocodile and The Matt Seidel Band
https://www.instagram.com/albatrosstheuniverse?igsh=cDl6ZGVlMm5nZHpr
https://www.facebook.com/ryan.sutherland.169405/
https://www.facebook.com/crocbaker/
https://www.mattseidelmusic.com/
Cover: $7
Oct
8
7:00 PM19:00
Danni Nicholls (England) with special guest, Adrianna Noone (USA)
Doors 4pm, Music 7pm
Danni Nicholls
Hailing from the ancient market town of Bedford, England, growing up on the American roots music of her Anglo-Indian grandmother’s record collection, singer/songwriter Danni Nicholls has been paving her way in UK Americana for over a decade, building a loyal fan base and much critical praise. Having recently been granted a three year visa to live and work in the USA, newly based out of Nashville TN, she intends to do the same stateside touring and creating her fourth full length studio album.
With the wind still in her sails from three consecutive Americana Music Association UK award nominations (Album, Artist and Song of the year in 2017, 2018 & 2020 respectively) plus extensive tours and opening slots with the likes of Lucinda Williams and The Secret Sisters plus many more, Danni, her powerful, arresting voice and her dynamically poetic original songs are ever-gaining presence and reach.
As a child, Danni dreamed of travelling to Nashville, her ‘spiritual home’ as she describes it. After a chance meeting of musician and producer Chris Donohue who was in the UK performing with Emmylou Harris at the time, Danni’s dream came true and she was invited to make a record with Chris and the cream of Nashville’s crop in East Nashville which resulted in 2012’s A Little Redemption. The pair went on to make Mockingbird Lane together in 2015. Both albums garnered rave reviews and feature some of Danni’s musical heroes including Al Perkins (Dolly Parton, The Rolling Stones) Will Kimbrough (Emmylou Harris) and Steve Fishell (Albert Lee, Wille Nelson).
April 2019 saw the release of Danni’s third studio album The Melted Morning. Produced by Jordan Brooke Hamlin (The Indigo Girls, Lucy Wainwright-Roche) at the idyllic woodland studio MOXE, Nashville, TN. The record offers a new direction and very different sonic landscape than previous releases. Haunting, intimate and atmospheric, this album was a deeper dive into Danni’s truth and perspective.
Having been invited to perform all over the world at prestigious events and festivals such as Cambridge Folk (UK), Tønder (Denmark) and Americanafest (USA), Danni is no stranger to the big stages which she loves to fill with her strong voice both literally and metaphorically. Writing songs with messages of hope and healing plus citing the likes of Brandi Carlile and KT Tunstall as important personal and musical influences, she is proud to be counted amongst the increasing list of LGBTQIA+ identifying artists and recognizes the importance of representation.
With comparisons to artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Brandi Carlile and Roseanne Cash, Danni’s vibrant, captivating performances are all but guaranteed to melt your heart into the soles of your boots. Her passionate delivery, captivating voice, mesmerizing guitar skills and charmingly engaging between-song banter compel you to fall under her spell.
“Her passion for her craft is unparalleled. Her depth of emotion, commitment to the song, and ability to go deep makes her a rare artist”
Jed Hilly, Director of the Americana Music Association
“I absolutely love the elegance and beauty of her music” – Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
“Smoky soul, folk-pop and heart-wrenching alt-country, all in a rich voice” – Q Magazine
“Sumptuous…a warm wry line in confessional songwriting” – UNCUT
“An artist full of wisdom and soul” – Maverick Music Magazine
https://www.danninicholls.com/
Adrianna Noone
Adrianna Noone is an indie/folk/americana singer-songwriter born and raised in Rochester, NY. Her songs tell tales of love and heartache, blending indie and rock with a slight yankee twang. She formed her band at the start of the pandemic in 2020 and has since played at the Rochester Lilac Fest, Party in the Park, Buffalo’s Thursday & Main, and Babeville. At 25, she has sung with with Brandi Carlile, opened for Lyle Lovett, and continues to tour the northeast and Midwest solo, with her band, or previously as 1/6 of the Rochester-based band Public Water Supply
https://adriannanoone.com/
Cover: Special Low Dough Show: $15 at the door
Oct
7
7:00 PM19:00
Free Show featuring The Abilene Debut of The Biltmore Commandos
Doors 6pm, Music 7pm
The Biltmore Commandos
The Biltmore Commandos are Rochester's premiere swing jazz band.
Reverend Kingfish, Melanie Moralez, Brian Williams, Tracy Eckstrand, Gian Carlo Cervone, and Andre Palacios Duran are The Biltmore Commandos.
biltmorecommandos.com
No Cover!!! …Just come and Enjoy!
Oct
6
7:00 PM19:00
Special Monday Night Show with "Igor and the Red Elvises!"
Doors 6pm, Music 7pm
Igor & The Red Elvises
Igor Yuzov was born in Germany, raised in Ukraine and studied in Russia. He grew up in the former Soviet Union, where folk music was the norm and rock'n'roll was illegal. A rebellious streak, however, led him to seek out the forbidden music. As soon as it became possible, Igor left Russia for America with his “Folk'n'Roll" band Limpopo and was personally greeted by Ronald Reagan. In 1993, Limpopo won Ed McMahon's Star Search and their popularity began to blossom. In 1995, Igor dreamed that Elvis Presley came to him and told him to start playing rock'n'roll. Igor and his Russian friends became Red Elvises and gave street performances on Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade. As their crowds grew larger, the City of Santa Monica ordered them to discontinue their street performances. Evolving over the years, Igor’s music has been labeled "Siberian Surf Rock” which contains humorous lyrics and grooves that forces his audience to dance. Over the past 20 years, Red Elvises have constantly toured all over the world with occasional breaks to record new music and to participate in film and television projects.
As an independent band, Red Elvises have produced 12 studio albums, two live albums, a live concert DVD, and a Greatest Hits compilation. Some of their most notable film contributions include music and or performances in “Six String Samurai”, “Mail Order Bride”, “Armageddon”, “Skippy”, “Melrose Place”, “Fastlane", “Penn and Teller's Sin City Extravaganza”, “VH-1 Behind the Music”, and “MTV”. Red Elvises have performed for large festivals, private parties, and played on massive stages such as 2005's Live 8 Benefit Concert. No matter where they perform, Igor & Red Elvises always bring the party with them!
https://www.facebook.com/igorandredelvises/
Tickets: $20 and on sale now at https://abilene.showare.com/ and tonight at the door
Oct
4
8:00 PM20:00
The Return of Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
Doors 7pm, Music 8pm
Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
Since forming in 1988 in Southern California, Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys have become one of the world’s most beloved Americana/Roots acts, drawing from the deep musical waters that flow just beneath the surface of Rock & Roll’s fertile soil. A childhood passion for Country, Doo-Wop, and Rhythm & Blues 45s led Sandy (born Robert Williams) to pursue a singing career as a teenager, beginning a life in music that continues decades later. And as his personal record collection continues to grow (75,000 and counting), so does the depth of the musical influences that stream through his songwriting and singing style A critically acclaimed tribute to Tex-Mex hero Freddy Fender, released at the beginning of the 2020 lockdown, points the way forward for Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys as they continue on a path of musical growth. After nearly 35 years on the road, and more than two dozen releases to their credit, they remain key figures on the ever-changing Americana circuit, both on record and in live appearances.
https://www.bigsandy.net/
Tickets: $30 and on sale right now online at https://abilene.showare.com and tonight at the door
Oct
3
8:30 PM20:30
The Blue Sky Brothers - A Tribute to The Allman Brothers Band
Doors 4pm, Music 8:30pm
The Blue Sky Brothers
A Tribute to The Allman Brothers Band
Paying tribute to The Allman Brothers Band’s (ABB) original line up are members of Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad, Mikaela Davis & Southern Star, The Moho Collective, The Mighty High and Dry, The Able Bodies, Seven Wonders and Eric Carlin's Half Dead. Informed by years of intense study of the ABB sound, the musicianship of this thoughtfully curated group possesses an unmatched fire to honor the ABB’s legacy. You’ll recognize the delicate blend of great song craft and the spirit of improvisation that long ago set ABB apart, and now inspires each unique performance by this Rochester, NY line-up.
Do not miss Kurt Johnson on guitar and vocals, Eric Carlin on guitar and vocals, , Alan Murphy on keyboard, acoustic guitar, and vocals, Kyle Vock on bass, Matt Bevan-Perkins on drums and timpani, and Alex Cote on drums.
https://www.theallmanbrotherstributeband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/abbtribute/
Tickets: $20 and on sale now at https://abilene.showare.com and tonight at the door
Oct
1
7:30 PM19:30
Joe Beard Trio
Doors 4pm, Music 7:30pm
An Intimate Evening with Blues Great and Rochester Music Hall of Fame Member...
JOE BEARD with Gian Carlo Cervone and Mike Patric
Born and raised in Ashland, MS, guitarist Joe Beard grew up with the Murphy brothers, one of whom later found an international following as Matt "Guitar" Murphy. Guitarist Nathan Beauregard lived with Beard's cousin, so he was surrounded by aspiring and veteran blues musicians while growing up, and he began singing at an early age. Beard became interested in playing guitar via the Murphy brothers, who sat in with a young B.B. King when he played at the Roosevelt Lake Club. Beard began to learn guitar at age 17 from Ernest Scruggs, a neighbor, before heading to Chicago. Beard moved to Rochester, NY, and from time to time would visit one of his brothers in Chicago. He quickly became enamored of the blues being played in clubs there by people like Jimmy Reed and Sonny Boy Williamson. Beard sat in with John Lee Hooker one night and received encouraging words from Hooker, and also later sat in with his idol, Muddy Waters.While in Rochester, he formed the Soul Brothers Six, playing bass and singing, but he didn't perform in public on guitar until 1965. Beard befriended classic blues guitarist Son House, who was a neighbor in Rochester, and played a concert for students at the University of Rochester in 1968. Beard worked as an electrician by day and would occasionally play out at night and on weekends for most of the '60s on through to the '80s. He has a reputation as one of the best local players around, and though he may not be a household name in other parts of the U.S., he toured Europe in 1983 and did studio and stage work with Buster Benton, Lafayette Leake, and Memphis Slim. At the famed BK Lounge, Beard and his backing bands opened for Bobby Bland, Albert King, and others.
https://www.facebook.com/joebeardblues
https://www.facebook.com/gian.c.cervone
https://www.facebook.com/mike.patric
Special thanks to our friends, Doug Camp and Cicero Ryland Jr..,true music fans.
Cover: $10
Sep
30
7:00 PM19:00
"The Beatles Unplugged"-feat. Don Christiano & Walt O'Brien
Doors 6pm, Music 7pm
With A Little Help from My Friends…
The Last Tuesday of Every Month
“The Beatles Unplugged!
Featuring Don Christiano & Walt O’Brien
A couple of hours of great Beatles’ tunes, performed by two of Rochester’s best musicians.
See ya on Liberty Pole Way!
https://www.facebook.com/donchristiano
https://www.facebook.com/walt.obrien.5
Cover: $7
Sep
27
8:00 PM20:00
Teressa Wilcox & Friends
Doors 7pm, Music 8pm
Teressa Wilcox & Friends
"She sings brightly, gently, and in earnest above her fluidly percussive guitar playing." ~Frank De Blase... Teressa is a singer/songwriter who draws raw emotion from her heart into songs that people can relate too. In 2002,a recording trip to Scotland lead to numerous trips to London, England where she performed at pubs, worked with est. songwriters, and producers who's works included Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, and Madonna. Teressa signed a publishing contract with lyricist Don Black. Two songs Co written by Teressa made the top 40 charts in the U.K. She has been featured, along with her song "100 Degrees", in commercial for Time Warner's Music On Demand.
https://www.facebook.com/teressawilcox/
Herb Heins
Herb Heins been composing, performing and recording in Rochester and WNY since 1985. His recent projects include Papa Herb & The Sol Vibration, Got Herb?, guest performances with The Gregory Street Pilgrims tribute to The Byrds album Sweetheart Of The Rodeo, performing with members of Into The Now’s tribute to The Rolling Stones album Goat’s Head Soup and guest performances with The English Project. Herb is also a member of The Nashville Songwriters Association. Herb’s album New For You and Papa Herb & The Sol Vibration’s album One Time is available on all streaming platforms.
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=herb%20heins%20music
With killer rhythm section, featuring percussionist extraordinaire, Rob Huff and master bassist, Eric Davidson
https://www.facebook.com/scribedaddy/
https://www.facebook.com/eric.davidson.58910
Cover: $10
Sep
26
8:00 PM20:00
The Cactus Blossoms with special guests, Devin Tuel & Stephen Harms
Doors 4pm, Music 8pm
The Cactus Blossoms
At its best, harmony duo singing can transform simple math into a magic trick. One plus one, instead of equaling two, suddenly yields an unexpected third thing. An upper-case ONE. A universal hum. A deep vibration that encompasses two different points of view. On their latest release, Every Time I Think About You, brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum, aka The Cactus Blossoms, once again prove themselves to be among the most adept – and distinctive – modern practitioners of that magic. But like any great magician, The Cactus Blossoms can’t – or won’t – fully explain the illusion they create.
“Harmonies are a big part of our sound, but in some ways they’re the part we focus on the least,” says Burkum. “We put most of our attention and energy into the songs themselves and then the harmonies just happen.”
There’s all kinds of magic happening on Every Time I Think About You, a record that sounds more like a band than any other in the Cactus Blossoms discography, thanks to contributions from Jeremy Hanson (drums), Jacob Hanson (guitar) and Phillip Hicks (bass). “There She Goes” casts its romantic regret against a danceable bop beat, and the title track is a heart-wrencher about loss and letting go.
“Even if you don’t set out to write songs with a theme in mind it seems like one usually presents itself,” says Torrey. “This record keeps returning to the idea of ‘moving on’ — from one place to another, from people and situations that bring you down, from loss and grief.”
http://thecactusblossoms.com/
Devin Tuel & Stephen Harms
Devin Tuel & Stephen Harms (formerly Native Harrow) have remained largely independent - musically, professionally, and aesthetically, since their beginning, meticulously crafting and perfecting a sound and style that is melded together from pieces of folk, soul, and rock n’ roll. This is the lifetime’s work of two scholars of music whose individual backgrounds in the arts have forged a strict artistic discipline that exists in sharp contrast to the more traditionally laissez-faire world of rock and popular music. The duo’s songs and albums have thus far completely refused categorization. Either they’ve never been pigeonholed, or if so, they’ve remained completely ignorant to it. Over a catalog of six albums, DTSH have produced a discography of “rich, engrossing records” and “instant classics” while single-mindedly following their own artistic code, acquiescing only to the exigence of the song: each song its own world with its own rules.
Formed a decade ago, DTSH spent their first five or six years crisscrossing the United States and Canada on numerous tours, averaging more than 150 concerts per year in 47 states and 4 provinces, on the back of two self-released albums, Ghost (2015) and Sorores (2017). In 2019, they released Happier Now, partnering with London alt-country stalwarts Loose Records. The record garnered glowing reviews, with Rough Trade selecting it for its album of the month, writing “Beautifully soaring... rolling grooves ground languid and dreamy clearwater shimmers of sound.” The critical acclaim and Americana chart success of the album prompted three back-to-back UK tours in 2019 and early 2020, ultimately leading to a three-year stint living and touring in the UK and Europe. In this time, DTSH released two more critically acclaimed records with Loose; Closeness (2020) and Old Kind of Magic (2022), playing for audiences ranging from rock clubs in Norway and Sweden to opera halls in Portugal, and every stop in-between, as well as performing at festivals such as BST Hyde Park (supporting the Eagles and Robert Plant & Alison Kraus), Greenman Festival, Black Deer Festival, The Great Escape, Celtic Connections, Moseley Folk Festival, SXSW, and many more. In 2024, the pair released their 6th studio album "Divided Kind", followed by an acoustic album "Like Never Before: Duo Acoustic Volume One" in 2025.
https://dtshofficial.com/
Tickets: $30 and on sale now online at https://abilene.showare.com and tonight at the door
Special thanks to our good friend (and huge supporter of live music), Doug Camp
Sep
25
7:00 PM19:00
Singer-Songwriter Dan Eaton
Doors 4pm, Music 7pm
Dan Eaton
Over the last 30 years, local singer-songwriter/chef Dan Eaton has balanced culinary and musical worlds by working in upscale restaurants in Rochester and the Finger Lakes while also singing, performing, and recording original Americana songs…with three full albums and one EP under his blet so far. Now retired from the professional kitchen, Eaton is refocusing on performing solo acoustic shows featuring some of his favorite original songs.
https://www.facebook.com/danny.ray.3363334
Cover: $5
Sep
24
7:00 PM19:00
Lambert Billy CD Release Party!
Doors 4pm, Music 7pm
Lambert Billy
It was twenty-two years ago, a long time in a lifespan when the members of Lambert Billy recorded over twenty songs for the second in a series of solo albums by the Woody Dodge front man. The songs were at various stages of completion, some in the mixing stage others just rough tracks when the project came to a screeching halt. Flash forward 20 years to a chance meeting between producer Ken Frank, who had worked on two Woody Dodge releases and Billy. They began chatting and eventually the discussion led to Lambert Billy. Ken had played on the project and worked on the production, the two decided to head back to the studio and finish it up. Cowpunk Retro was reborn. It was hard at first, “imagine trying to get your head back to the place your were two decades earlier” Billy said, but they moved forward and the recording began to take shape. Two new songs were added “Out of Luck” and “Can’t Find Love”. Mike Iten of “Damn the Flood” was brought in on guitar along with guitarist Chris Elmore. The result can only be described as punk bluegrass. Lambert Billy will celebrate the release of Cowpunk Retro at Abilene Bar and Lounge on Wednesday, Sept 24th.
https://www.facebook.com/lambertbilly1
Cover: $10 at the door
Sep
21
2:00 PM14:00
"Reasonable Hour," featuring DJ Ben Frazier
Doors 1:30pm, Music 2pm
REASONABLE HOUR returns to ABILENE on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21!
REASONABLE HOUR is a throwback dance party with everything you love about a late night out- the music, the rump-shaking, the sing-alongs - without the “late night” part. Join DJ Ben Frazier as he unpacks his crates of classic vinyl to play your favorite big hits and forgotten jams. From James Brown and Motown, to Prince, Michael, and Madonna, to Biggie, Tupac, and beyond, Ben drops slab after slab to keep you on the floor and get you back home at, well…a reasonable hour!
REASONABLE HOUR is a party for friends new and old, and you’re invited.
There’ll be alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink specials…and it’ll all be hosted by the wonderful Raven Strong
Cover: $5
Sep
20
8:00 PM20:00
Jill McCracken with Special Guests, Ali Lou Duo
Doors 7pm, Music 8pm
Jill McCracken
Jill McCracken (they/them) is a queer singer & songwriter making emotionally raw retro soul music.
As one of Boston’s leading singer-songwriters, Jill McCracken paints with strokes of compassion and warmth, using their long-standing love of songcraft to grip listeners to the soft spots of their heart. Their ears are trained to translate tenderness into works of art — and so is their eye for sentimental visuals, thanks in part to their BFA in Fine Art Photography.
Originally from western New York, McCracken’s obsession with strong songs began at just eight years old, long before they began tinkering on the guitar and drums as a preteen. It wasn’t until they were 19 that the world got to hear their strongest instrument – their voice – but they've been using it to embrace crowds ever since.
Now rooted at the core of the Boston music community, McCracken’s passion for writing, arranging, and producing music remains front and center in their career, although their knack for pivoting between sparse solo sets and boisterous big band performances is just as impressive.
McCracken's outreach has clearly resonated with the Boston scene. Following their win for "Soul/R&B Act of the Year" from the New England Music Awards, the Boston songwriter scored nominations for "Singer/Songwriter of the Year" and "Vocalist of the Year" in the Boston Music Awards.
“dependents”, released august 2025, is the first single off mccracken’s forthcoming sophomore LP, recorded and mixed by andrew oedel (anderson .paak, rachael price) at ghost hit recording in western massachusetts. this haunting anthem delivers raspy passion over a relentless daptone-inspired groove on the songwriter’s journey to claw their way to self-reliance.
https://www.jillmccracken.com/
Ali Lou Duo
Led by singer Ali Lou, this duo brings sweet melodies, energetic tunes, and a fun, feel-good vibe to every show.
https://www.instagram.com/ali.lou_music/p/C-gQVzth7Q4/
Cover: $15 at the door
Sep
19
5:30 PM17:30
Happy Hour with "Backyard Chemistry"
Doors 4:00pm • Music 5:30pm
Backyard Chemistry
Backyard Chemistry is one of Rochester’s most versatile cover bands, playing a wide variety of popular music. Come on out for a great time with good people!
https://www.facebook.com/backyardchemistry
Cover: $5
Sep
18
7:30 PM19:30