Local 518

Exit Dome concert to air - again!

2009-10-28T03:16:00.000-07:00

For the next four weeks, each week on the Local 518 be listening for the sets from the four bands who played the Exit Dome on 10/23. This is in addition to the already scheduled in studio sessions and interviews with various bands.

Here's how it will go:

10/29 & 11/1 Phantogram in studio // Railbird Jr Exit Dome set

11/5 & 11/8 Alta Mira interview // Eric Margan & the Red Lions Exit Dome set

11/12 & 11/15 Mike Grutka in studio // Sean Rowe Exit Dome set

11/19 & 11/22 Laura Boggs in studio // Super 400 Exit Dome set

Laura's CD is coming out at a party at Bread & Jam in Cohoes on 11/21. Mike Grutka's album is out now! Alta Mira's new, debut CD is coming out at an early December CD release at Revolution Hall! Phantogram have just signed to Barsuk Records. Their CD, "Eyelid Movies," long anticipated - will be out in Feb 2010!

Rock on, Local 518 - from your home for Local 518 in the whole of the Capital Region!!!

Upcoming Local 518 shows on EXT

2009-10-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

10/15 & 18 Red Haired Strangers (CD Release @ Caffe Lena's on 10/18!)
10/22 & 25 Lucky Lips
10/29 & 11/1 Phantogram (just signed to Barsuk Records; new album Feb 2010!)
11/5 & 8 Alta Mira (new album coming in December; CD release @Rev Hall 12/09)
11/12 & 15 Mike Grutka (new album, "Ria," is out!)

More sessions being booked!

Erin Harkes

2009-09-24T17:58:00.001-07:00

Is on Local 518 tonight at 9 and Sunday morning at 11.

Michael Jerling is next week.

Exit Dome

2009-09-24T17:56:00.001-07:00

Oct 23rd, join us for the next Locsl 518 concert to benefit Exit 97.7, WEXT.

On stage:

Sarah and Chris from Railbird
Eric Margan & the Red Lions
Sean Rowe
Super 400

Get tickets and support the music at www.exit977.org.

Listen to Dave Michaels 8/20 7a

2009-08-12T17:28:00.000-07:00

Dave has some big news to tell. Next Thursday! It's hot! Rock on, Local 518.

Phantogram - Running from the cops!

2009-08-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

Click here for an MP3 of their great song "When I'm Small."

Congrats on being chosen as KEXP song of the day! Great station catching the wave! Woo hoo, Local 518!

Coming to Local 518

2009-07-21T16:40:00.001-07:00

Salon Style (Gaven Richard from The Kamikaze Hearts) sits and talks with us about his music, and the unique use of samples. 8/6 at 9p and 8/9 at 11a.

Then catch singer-songwriter Tom Wadsworth with his distinctive songs on 8/13 and 16.

Local 518 Laura Boggs on the radio

2009-07-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

Thursday (7/16) and Sunday (7/19), listen in to the magical sounds of Laura Boggs, who sings with such a beautiful and delicate voice. She'll sing new songs from her forthcoming "Murder Ballads & Lies" album. That should be out this fall on Rev Records.

Thursdays at 9p, and Sundays at 11a.

Next week (7/23 & 26): John Scarpulla!
7/30 & 8/2: Lindsey Mae! Love her song Cable Car!!! Listen here!

More Local 518 live radio coming!

2009-06-20T02:45:00.001-07:00

In addition to the shows we have scheduled in the previous post, we have been having some other great Local 518 artists in of late!

John Scarpulla and Lindsey Mae were both awesome! Listen for those soon! Also, we have just set up a session with Rev Records' Laura Boggs, and we are working on dates for Mother Judge and The Cave Weddings. Keep an eye on the blog!

Meantime make sure you pick up a copy of the new Local 518 Compilation when you support the music at http://www.exit977.org!

Garage Bands in a Garage! at the Albany Public Library

2009-06-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

Head downtown to the Albany Public Library’s Main Library this summer for some great local music at the Garage Bands in the Garage concert series, cosponsored in part by Exit 97.7, WEXT.

The free after-hours, all ages rock shows take place on the third Friday of each month this summer from 6 to 8 p.m. in the garage at the Main Library’s back entrance on Elk Street. You can hear some great local bands, get a library card and check out books from the Bookmobile, and buy used CDs (just $1 each, or $1 for a grab bag of 5 mystery CDs without cases) retired from the library’s collection at the Garage Bands Garage Sale.

6/19: Ben Karis-Nix, Sea of Trees, Ashley Pond Band, the Mysteios

7/17: We Are Jeneric, Space Lounge

8/21: Tern Rounders, The Black Fuel

9/18: Red Haired Strangers, Rattling Baddlies

More information, click here.

Upcoming Local 518 shows on EXT

2009-06-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

6/11 & 14: Ashley Pond Band

6/18 & 21: Rob Jonas

6/21: Jim Gaudet & the Railroad Boys (with Rob Jonas)

6/25 & 28: Jim Gaudet & the Railroad Boys

7/2 & 7/5: John Brodeur (of Maggie Mayday)

Ashley Pond on Local 518

2009-06-07T21:26:00.001-07:00

Ashley Pond Band's new album, "The Warning," is the Exit 97.7, WEXT CD Spotlight for June. Get a copy when you support the music. www.exit977.org

Ashley Pond Band are our guests this week on Local 518. Thursday at 9p and Sunday at 11a.

Catch their CD release party at Valentines on Saturday, 6/13!

Mike Grutka readying new album

2009-06-04T07:48:00.001-07:00

We don't know a set release date, but Mike's new album, "Ria," is striking out in a new and bold direction.

Be listening for the lead track soon with the album by July or August.

Rob Jonas to release new cd

2009-06-03T19:31:00.001-07:00

Rob is playing a cd release party at Valentines. (6/13)

Ashley Pond Band CD Release

2009-05-22T18:46:00.001-07:00

June 13 at Valentine's in Albany. Blues rock from the Local 518!

Ashley and her band in studio on Local 518 to celebrate the release. Thursday, 6/11 and Sunday, 6/14.

Rock on, Ashley!

Sgt Dunbar on Local 518

2009-05-20T23:36:00.001-07:00

Sgt Dunbar & the Hobo Banned converse and play on the show Thursday 5/21 at 9p and Sunday 5/25 at 11a. Learn about the real Sgt Dunbar, hear what was in Charles Mingus' Garbage Pile and more.

Mike Gent & the Rapid Shave

2009-05-10T17:01:00.001-07:00

Mike Gent of the Figgs has just released his solo album. Just before the release party at Valentines, he and his band dropped by for a set and conversation with Dave Michaels.

Be listening this Thursday at 9p (5/14) and Sunday at 11a (5/17) for the results.

Coming soon: Sgt Dunbar and Ashley Pond Band!!

Scientific Maps on Local 518!

2009-05-05T06:40:00.001-07:00

This Thursday (5/7) at 9p and Sunday (5/10) at 11a, join Dave Michaels for a studio session with Local 518 Scientific Maps. Great new songs and conversation.

Plus, one of the songs is on our new Local 518 Compilation, vol. 2: Live @ EXT. Find out more on that at http://www.exit977.org.

Matthew Loiacono on Local 518

2009-04-28T20:18:00.001-07:00

With a new 8 minute, 8 song EP, Matthew Loiacono drops by the Local 518 this Thursday and Sunday. We hear some of the EP and he plays some new songs. And we talk music.

Upcoming shows!

2009-04-24T00:35:00.001-07:00

4/26 Sean Rowe instudio with Dave Michaels, playing songs from "Magic." Plus, Sean surprises us with a new, unreleased tune. Troy Pohl (ex of Kamikaze Hearts) on guitar.

4/30 Matthew Loiacono in studio with Chris Wienk, talking about his new EP, "Penny Riddle." Plus, Matthew plays two new songs!

Upcoming: Ashley Pond Band, Scientific Maps, and Sgt Dunbar & the Hobo Banned.

Sunday show

2009-04-24T00:29:00.001-07:00

Sean Rowe in studio with Troy Pohl. 11a.

Sean Rowe Day - 4/21

2009-04-18T08:12:00.001-07:00

It's like record store day, but cooler!

Sean's album comes out Tuesday. It is called "Magic."

Listen to EXT every hour as Sean and Troy Pohl talk about the songs and we play them.

Sean's cd release party is at Bread and Jam in Cohoes on Friday night. 4/24!

Rock on Local 518!!

Coming to Local 518

2009-04-12T07:38:00.001-07:00

Studio sessions with Sean Rowe and Super 400!!

Be listening!

Rock on.

Local 518 Sean Rowe - new CD

2009-04-05T01:22:00.001-07:00

Sean Rowe's new CD comes out on 4/21. It is the WEXT CD Spotlight for April. The CD is available at www.exit977.org as a thank you for supporting the music.

Sean and Troy Pohl (musician, engineer, songwriter, producer and former Kamikaze Heart) gave special introductions to each of the songs. You can hear those and all ten tracks:

3/31
Songs 1-3 in 7 and 8a and 4p hours.
4/7
Songs 4-6 in same hours.
4/14
Songs 7-10 in same hours and 5p.

4/21 listen for a song each hour starting at 6a.

4/24 CD release party at Bread & Jam in Cohoes.

Local 518 3/26

2009-03-22T18:24:00.001-07:00

Sirsy is on with a new tune. Check it out, and then get out to their show at Rev Hall on Saturday.

Sirsy rocks!!

Local 518 3/15

2009-03-14T19:43:00.001-07:00

Eric Margan and Jo Warren from Eric Margan & the Red Lions in studio.

3/19 - Railbird in studio
3/22 - Railbird and Sirsy in studio
3/26 - Sirsy

Coming soon Ashley Pond Band!!

John Brodeur on Local 518

2009-03-08T03:41:00.001-07:00

Today at 11a. New songs from new album, "Get Through."

He strums out Maggie Mayday's "Spit it Out," too.

New album released at CD release at Lark on 3/13. They start late enough so that you can go to Eric Margan's release over at Valentines, too.

John Brodeur & Eric Margan on Local 518

2009-03-01T10:34:00.001-08:00

This week on Local 518 it's in studio with Eric Margan and John Brodeur who both have CDs coming out on 3/13.

John's cd is "Get Through." Eric's is "Midnight Book."

Great stuff!!

Broadcast Live on Local 518

2009-02-18T17:20:00.001-08:00

This week, Bart has a conversation and performance with Broadcast Live. Check out the cool sounds!

Thursday, 2/26 at 9p and Saturday, 3/1 at 11a.

Okemah in studio

2009-02-11T17:27:00.001-08:00

The American roots and blues band Okemah dropped by the studio to record a session with us.

They were loud. We are all still deaf. Very cool.

They had Vince from .moe sitting in on drums. Hot stuff!

The session airs Thursday (2/19) and Sunday (2/22).

Eric Margan & the Red Lions

2009-02-08T03:03:00.001-08:00

Coming to the Local 518 show is Eric Margan and Jo Warren of Eric Margan & the Red Lions. They'll play songs from the upcoming release, "Midnight Book."

2/12 @ 9p and 2/15 @ 11a.

Stephen Bennett on Local 518

2009-02-08T03:01:00.001-08:00

Today at 11a, catch Local 518 guitarist, Stephen Bennett with Acoustic Sunrise dj Bill Winans.

Stephen Bennett in studio

2009-01-24T07:08:00.000-08:00

Acoustic Sunrise host, Bill Winans just had Local 518 guitarist Stephen Bennett in studio. Stephen even brought and played a harp guitar. How cool!

Listen to the Acoustic Sunrise for selections from the set, and listen to Local 518 for the entire session soon! Local 518 airs Thu night at 9p, and Sun mornings at 11a.

Okemah in studio!

2009-01-24T07:03:00.000-08:00

Hey, we just had Okemah in the studio! They rocked us out with some great tracks from their album Johnstown Flyer. Super cool blues rock with some great old southern twang. Check back, we're in the process of scheduling all the great acts who have been in recently.

Can you say "wow!"

Oh! And can you guess where they got their name? If you can, or even want to take a stab, just shoot us some feedback. You could win their album!

Oh, and we are T-minus 6 and counting to the Local 518 Benefit Concert! Come out and rock with the great bands! Click here!

Local 518 Rules!

2009-01-18T07:35:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who helped in our three-day campaign that ended Friday (1/16). You helped us exceed our goal! The more we raise the better. It pushes us toward self-sufficiency, and insures a home for great independent music from all over the world, especially from the Local 518!

Now, the countdown is on to the Local 518 Benefit Concert (1/30). It is now 12 days away!!

There are a few remaining sets of tickets left. Make a contribution at www.exit987.org and come out with us!!

January 30th at The Exit Dome! 7p hard start for six great Local 518 artists, including:

Sgt Dunbar & the Hobo Banned
Matthew Loiacono
Ramblin' Jug Stompers
Bryan Thomas
Railbird ft. Sarah Pedinotti
28N

Where is the Exit Dome? There is no such place. We said that once as a joke, and it stuck. The Exit Dome really is the WMHT television studios, located at 4 Global View, Troy NY 12180. Directions will be posted in printable and emailable forms on Exit977.org soon!

See you on January 30th!

Sea of Trees - new CD!

2009-01-10T12:12:00.001-08:00

Coming this March, Sea of Trees produce a prog-rock extravaganza. Their new album, called "Animal Sounds," arrives in the corporeal world. Rock on, Dylan!

Brian Patneaude - new CD!

2009-01-07T18:06:00.001-08:00

Brian's got a cool new CD coming out 2/7/09. Listen to Local 518 on 1/29 (9p) or 2/1 (11a) to here some tracks and Brian answer questions about music and this new project.

Looking forward to this one! The album is called "Riverview," and contains mostly songs written by Brian. Great, inspirational music. Check it out! And go to the CD release party at the Masry Center on the College of Saint Rose on 2/7. More info at Brian's site.

Super 400 new album really soon

2009-01-07T18:00:00.001-08:00

We read that they're mastering the new album, which was recorded at Ardent studios. Yeah, that Ardent Studios!

Cool! Can't wait, eh? We can't either.

Eric Margan in studio

2009-01-07T17:58:00.001-08:00

Eric Margan's debut album is coming out in February. Stay tuned for his in studio appearance. Great stuff!

Local 518 benefit show is 23 days away! Get tickets and info online at www.exit977.org.

My Exit

2008-12-07T14:01:00.001-08:00

We have had a number of Local 518 artists create My Exit programs. Today we recorded programs from Ben and Olivia Karis-Nix.

Keep an eye on the schedule for their shows and for Greg Haymes' (Wild Bill of Ramblin Jug Stompers) show, too.

Rock on, Local 518!

Greg's is set to air on 2/2 at 8p!

Local 518 Benefit - All bands announced!

2008-12-06T10:30:00.001-08:00

The date: January 30, 2009
The time: 7p

The place: The Exit Dome (aka the WMHT television studios, 4 Global View, Troy, NY 12180)

What is it? A concert featuring 6 bands to benefit Exit 97.7, WEXT.

THE BANDS:

Byran Thomas
Matthew Loiacono
Railbird ft. Sarah Pedinotti
28N
Ramblin Jug Stompers
Sgt Dunbar and the Hobo Banned

All proceeds benefit Exit 97.7

Local 518 Benefit concert

2008-11-26T16:34:00.001-08:00

Tune into Exit 97.7 Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to hear the final three artists being announced as part of our concert on 1/30/09!!

They will join Bryan Thomas, Matthew Loiacono and Railbird featuring Sarah Pedinotti.

Rock on Local 518.

Charlie Watts Riots blow up studio!

2008-11-26T16:31:00.001-08:00

Wow! They were perhaps the loudest band we have had in the studio so far. Or at least they matched Dr. Dog and Delta Spirit. Phew!

Listen for their session on Local 518, Thursday 12/11 (9p) and Sunday 12/14 (11a).

Seth, Brendan, Mike and Joe were great guys to meet, and you will enjoy them. Tune in!

11/20 and 23 Local 518

2008-11-16T08:44:00.001-08:00

Ben Karis-Nix, Amanda Rogers and Mike Matta in studio.

Thursday at 9p and Sunday at 11a.

Upcoming Local 518 shows

2008-11-07T16:44:00.001-08:00

Next week, check out We Are Jeneric and Sea of Trees (11/13 and 16).

Then 11/20 and 23 we'll have Ben Karis-Nix and Amanda Rogers and Mike Matta on the show. Beauty in music for sure.

Local 518 show

2008-11-06T03:21:00.000-08:00

Hey gang,

Thanks to listener feedback, we've been making some programming changes on EXT. One of them is the nightly 7p strip. It's been jumbled a bit and moved to 9p. The Local 518 show is now Thursday nights at 9p (and still on Sunday mornings at 11a). Be listening to a new format. ;-) We'll be making some changes and additions that we think you're going to like in the Local 518 show. Long needed!

OK. So, tonight - it's Charlie Everywhere in studio!

PS CRUMBS Cafe moves to Friday night at 9p.

Local 518 Concert - date and artists announced!!

2008-10-22T03:21:00.000-07:00

Support the music on EXT and get a pair of tickets to a Local 518 concert. It's exclusive to members of the station who support the station now. Click here to do so.

The date: January 30, 2009

The location: WMHT-TV studios (WEXT is inside the same building!), 4 Global View, Troy, NY.

Who's announced?

Sarah Pedinotti's band Railbird! And the one and only Bryan Thomas! We hope to announce more bands soon!!

Rock on Local 518!! Thanks for supporting the music at Exit977.org.

Bob Warren & Sea of Trees on Local 518

2008-10-17T06:12:00.001-07:00

Singer songwriter Bob Warren from Greenwich will be on Local 518 on 10/24 & 10/26. Listen in for a great song about his father, and a general discussion of music and projects he is working on. Bob is playing at Caffe Lena's on 11/1. Check him out on the air, and then go out and support the music!

Sea of Trees will also be on the show this week (10/24 & 26) with their cool, dark, Pink Floyd inspired rock. Dig the tunes right after Bob Warren's segment. Then head to Valentines on Halloween for Sea of Trees with Sgt Dunbar and a host (well...really, it's just 5) of other bands! Not quite a gaggle, either, eh? Anyway, dress up...there's even a bunch of games and contests. Win something big! Sea of Trees will also air on 11/14 & 16's shows.

Upcoming:

10/31 Railbird
11/7 Charlie Everywhere
11/14 Sea of Trees
11/21 Ben Karis-Nix

Coming to Local 518

2008-10-08T18:17:00.001-07:00

Local 518 airs Fridays at 7p and Sundays at 11a. On upcoming shows, we'll hear performances and interviews with:

10/10 & 12 - Katie Haverly
10/24 & 26 - Bob Warren & Sea of Trees
10/31 & 11/2 - Railbird (Sarah Pedinotti's band)
11/7 & 9 - Charlie Everywhere

Local 518 Blitz!

2008-10-04T12:43:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Sarah Pedinotti's new band, Railbird, came in to the studio. Monday, we have Charlie Everywhere. And Tuesday it's a visit from Katie Haverly.

We are so blessed with such incredible musicians, and their willingness to come to the station to play in our tiny studios.

Local 518 rocks!

Sean Rowe in studio!

2008-09-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Sean Rowe came by the studios to perform songs from his new album (due later this year, or so). The two songs he performed in the studio, and the new single he played us were absolutely magical! To leave us speechless is hard, trust me!

Anyway, you can witness the magic yourself on Local 518 Friday (9/19) at 7p and Sunday (9/21) at 11a. Wow!

Local 518 Bryan Thomas to release his new album 31 Oct 08!!

2008-09-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of a tentative Halloween official release date, Albany-based soul rock singer songwriter Bryan Thomas has launched an online preview of his fifth album "1369 Lights". The preview includes:

* STREAMING AUDIO: The entire album is now available for listening as streaming audio. Adobe Flash required.

* FREE MP3 DOWNLOADS: Each Monday beginning September 22, a new track will be featured for free download as the "MP3 of the Week." This will continue each week until the official album release, tentatively set for Friday, October 31.

* MORE FUN STUFF: Photos, lyrics, album liner notes and info on Thomas' new band the Buggy Jive.

Preview audio is also online at MySpace and FaceBook. Plus, we hope to have a small gathering of Local 518 fans and one Mr. Bryan Thomas performing songs from this hot new release! Watch this space (and listen to the station) for information on that!

Plus, on each of the Mondays, be listening as we premiere the new songs from Bryan's new album! It all starts rockin' on 9/22! Get out and support the Local 518!

ABOUT BRYAN THOMAS

Soul rocker Bryan Thomas hails from New York's capital city of Albany. The Albany Times Union named him "Best Male Singer-Songwriter" shortly after he released his acoustic hip-hop debut Radio Plastic Jennifer in 1999. The follow-up soul rock epic Ones and Zeros was Metroland Magazine's "Album of the Year" in 2002. Samples of Bryan's music, video and poetry can be found online at his award-winning web site bryanthomas.com, and at TheHiddenCity.com, a webzine for underground arts in Albany. Thomas is a founding member of the Hidden City collective.

Sirsy Postponed - Get Well, Mel!

2008-08-03T06:03:00.000-07:00

Mel from Sirsy! We wish you well! Hope you get better soon! Due to an injury, Sirsy had to postpone their in studio appearance with Dave Michaels. We hope to announce the reschedule as soon as Mel is better.

We love ya, Mel! Get well!

8/8 will feature Ike Snopes (and 8/10)

Sea of Trees is scheduled to record a performance on 8/11.

upcoming local 518s

2008-07-27T06:21:00.000-07:00

8/1 & 3 Ike Snopes (8/3 will also include Sirsy)
8/8 Sirsy (not on 8/10)

Sirsy is hosting an EXT birthday party on 8/9 at Revolution Hall! Thank you Sirsy! You rock!

Best Music Station! Yippee!

2008-07-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Metroland for the wonderful note of calling EXT "Best Music Station." We sincerely appreciate it, and will do everything we can to continue to earn both your trust and even Metroland's.

We are very honored by the nod, but we're even happier to see so many great Local 518 Musicians, artists, recording companies, venues, etc. being honored right alongside us. It makes us feel all wonderfully fuzzy inside to be compared with such a luminous crowd!

Local 518 - YOU ROCK!

Congrats to WMHT-TV's Susan Arbetter and her NY NOW! Watch it - um - NOW! You'll see why!

David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony! Yeah, classical rocks!

Dance Flurry! The Linda!

Charlie Everywhere, 28N, Empire (freakin') State Troopers!, Katie Haverly, Aaron Smith, Frank Moscowitz (don't go, Frank!), Ben Karis-Nix (and don't forget Olivia!), Super 400, Grainbelt, Annie & the Hedonists, Brent Gorton, Collar City Records, and anyone we missed as we went through writing down all our loves! Thanks to all of you for your help in making WEXT a true Exit from ordinary radio!

To all those Local 518's who didn't win a mention this year, no worries. It's all good when so many get recognized, it shines on us all. We love and support the Local 518 with all our heart.

Who's coming in?

2008-07-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Rob Jonas in August. Sirsy before July is out! Do you know a Local 518 band who should come in? Or perhaps you want a favorite to come back. Drop a line through the Exit 97.7 Website. We'd love to hear from you.

On the Local 518

2008-07-09T03:27:00.000-07:00

Yo! We've had a bunch of great Local 518 artists in of late: Bryan Thomas, Annie & the Hedonists, and Princess Mabel. Coming in soon: Ike Snopes! Rachel Van Slyke! Super 400! OK. Technically, Super 400 isn't coming into the studios. We think they might rock the building off the foundation. We have to get the building inspector in first, and Super 400's schedule and ours have to match up... Then!!! Just you wait!

Anyway... So, here's the deal.

7/11 & 13 Rachel Van Slyke
7/18 & 20 Annie & the Hedonists
7/25 & 27 Bryan Thomas & Ramblin Jug Stompers
8/1 & 3 Ike Snopes

Show airs 7p Fridays and 11a Sundays.

Is there a particular archived artist you want to hear again? Fill out the feedback form on our site. Support the music at exit977.org.

Exit 97.7 Station of the Year? Really?

2008-06-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well, not yet! But our first year found us being nominated as Station of the Year for stations that are noncommercial, public stations in cities outside the Top 50 markets in the country. We're in very illustrious company.

Thank you for your support! And thanks to Matthew Loiacono and Susan Arbetter for posting about us!

Local 518 Concerts

2008-06-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

Local 518 concerts around the area are all listed on our new and improved concert listings. It's a PDF file - perfect for portability. Download it. Put it on your PDA, or at least print it to paper (but only if you really have to - save a tree. Save the environment - only print if you really really really - really - have to).

Jesse Stewart on Local 518

2008-06-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

This Friday and Sunday (27 & 29 June), tune in for a new session with Jesse Stewart, our favorite country singer from the Local 518. She's been writing new songs, and has been all over the place workin' it! She even tried out for Nashville Star! Find out how Chris Wienk thinks he'd do on Nashville Star, and hear great new songs from Jesse Stewart this week on Local 518!

WEXT/Local 518 Welcomes Princess Mabel!

2008-06-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

Princess Mabel's "Listen Quick" comes out this month. It's one of four CDs in our CD Spotlight this month (6/08). Their song, "Trade Up," is one of our favorites from our Local 518 Compilation! Woo hoo!

The band is in studio with us on 6/10. Listen for the studio session really soon!!

Thanks to everyone for their support of Local 518!

Ben Karis-Nix NEW SONG!!! Hear it today! 6/2/08

2008-06-02T03:17:00.000-07:00

When we launched Exit 97.7, and everyday since, we have proudly and prominently pointed to our Local 518 artists. We've been very fortunate with some incredible releases this Spring (new Matthew Loiacono, Katie Haverly, Princess Mabel, and others). This month, Exit 97.7 will feature as its CD Spotlight for June - not just one CD, but 4 amazing new releases!

The first is Matthew Loiacono's "Kentucky," which is officially out this month. Second is Ike Snopes' "Reshaping a Dream." Third is Princess Mabel's "Listen Quick."

Our fourth CD that shares the spotlight is just being finished now, but we were leaked a copy of the single called "Explosions Underground" by Ben Karis-Nix. His album "We Are Giants Now" will be that fourth CD.

These four CDs are coming out as part of a "bundle" of CDs from Collar City Records. We will be offering these CDs as part of our upcoming campaign.

So, what about that premiere? Tune in this afternoon at 416p, and again at 516p. We'll be playing the new single both hours tomorrow. Why both hours? Because when you hear it, you're going to wish it was on The Peanut Butter Jam's segment "Play it Again, Play it Again." Trust me.

The song is absolutely amazing! Beyond amazing. It is true, honest, and beautiful music. It will transport you to another world.

When you hear it, please shoot a note back to let us know what you think of Ben's new song.

What a great month for Local 518!

2008-06-02T03:14:00.000-07:00

Troy, NY - May 23rd, 2008: It's been over a year and a half since the Upstate NY indie label Collar City Records released its last recording. Stepping back into action, the label now plans to roll out a new release each Tuesday throughout the month of June 2008.

The following represents the lineup of artists and their respective release dates:

June 3 – Matthew Loiacono - "Kentucky"

June 10 – Ike Snopes - "Reshaping a Dream"

June 17 – Princess Mabel - "Listen Quick ('cause I don't know much)"

June 24 – Ben Karis-Nix - "We Are Giants Now" EP

Each album will be released digitally via iTunes, eMusic, Amazon MP3 and directly through the Collar City Records online store. Throughout the month of June, folks may purchase the bundle of four albums for $20.00 including shipping (a $15 savings!).

“The Collar City Bundle is about sharing like-minded music and presenting a curated picture of our area’s brilliant musicians and songwriters,” says Matthew Loiacono, co-founder of Collar City Records. “This batch of recordings continues Collar City's tradition of releasing albums whose creators are directly involved with producing and engineering their own work but avoid the 'lo-fi sound' tag that is often associated with self-recording.”

The month of new releases will culminate with a triple CD release show on Friday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m., at Amrose & Sable Gallery (306 Hudson Ave. Albany, NY) and will feature musicians Ike Snopes, Princess Mabel, and Ben Karis-Nix. Also, for those who missed Matthew Loiacono’s “Kentucky” CD release show in April, an expanded encore performance featuring Loiacono’s Upstate Kentucky Choir will take place on June 29 at 7:00 p.m. at Caffé Lena (47 Phila St. Saratoga Springs, NY).

Upcoming Local 518 shows

2008-05-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

We're getting busy in the studios again! We just had Jesse Stewart in to record some new songs, and it was great! Chris did not forget to start the recording when the interview was in progress like last time. (Don't ask!) Tentatively, the show is scheduled for 6/27 & 29.

Princess Mabel is releasing their new CD. A bunch of Collar City releases are coming! Princess Mabel are coming to the studios on 6/10. We hope to turn the show around for air on 6/13 and 15 during our upcoming fund drive.

Speaking of the fund drive, thanks to everyone who helped during our quick two day drive recently. We're on a quest to raise the money needed to keep the station going. You can do your part at www.exit977.org. Thanks!

Katie Haverly set to release new CD

2008-05-15T14:24:00.001-07:00

Katie Haverly's "Around the Bend" gets released at a special CD release party on Saturday, 5/17, at Red Square. The night before, join us for a special conversation and performance in our 97.7 EXT studios. Friday (5/16) 7p, and again on Sunday (5/18) 11a.

Enjoy her performance in studio, and go see her on Saturday!

She's awesome!

CRUMBS Cafe is on the air!

2008-05-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

Last week, we aired the first in a series of CRUMBS Cafe programs. It was two episodes from the famous online radio show/podcast from CRUMBS.net. It's great as it accomplishes two of our goals! We wanted to play more local music than any other station, and now we have not just our Local 518 show (Fri 7p/Sun 11a), but CRUMBS Cafe, which features local band interviews and performances. The other thing we wanted to do was have listeners help generate content - or make programs with us.

Thanks, Mike!

This week's show features: Della and part two of the Sirsy interview. Fridays at 8p, CRUMBS Cafe has hit the air on 97.7 EXT.

Coming May 23rd is Jesse Stewart!

CRUMBS Nite Out

2008-04-23T03:41:00.000-07:00

CRUMBS Nite Out at the Linda tomorrow (4/24) will feature Byrds of Prey, Jesse Stewart and Red Haired Strangers. Thursday evening just after 6p, join Chris Wienk for a conversation with Art from Byrds of Prey, and some really cool music!

ROCK ON LOCAL 518!

Matthew Loiacono releases Kentucky and has a contest

2008-04-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

Matthew Loiacono of the Kamikaze Hearts is about to release his new album, "Kentucky." It's his first solo album in 5 years. EXT is already playing "Only Memory" from it. Great song! Great album!

Check out his contest at his website: www.heartstack.org. He's also participating in a CD release party for his and We Are Jeneric's albums that they produced during the RPM Challenge.

Hot!

Thanks to Sara at the Gazette!

2008-04-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

We're really excited by the recent article by Sara Foss in the Schenectady Gazette. It's great that the commitment to local music is being noticed by people.

Make sure you support the music by supporting the station and go out to the shows and represent EXT at the local artists concerts!

The Gazette rocks! So do Alex Torres and Matthew Loiacono! Thanks for your support everybody!

Local 518 artists to benefit Wildwood - TODAY!

2008-03-30T05:14:00.000-07:00

Wildwood Benefit Concert - Today at The Parting Glass

"Band" Together for the Kids
Today at the Parting Glass
40-42 Lake Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY

All ages welcome

All proceeds going to the Capital Campaign to benefit Wildwood Students

Bands scheduled to appear:

3:00PM ...of keeping secrets
4:00PM JESSE STEWART
5:00PM THE LOYALTY
6:00PM ERIN HARKES
7:00PM SIRSY!!!!!!!!!!!!
8:00PM BLACKCAT ELLIOT
9:00PM ThE BLiSTeRz

Tickets are only $5 presale and $10 at the door. Free admission for kids under 12.
Click here for more information and to get tickets.

People who want to support a great cause! Come out and see some great bands and help raise money for Wildwood School. You will feel good about yourself!

Congratulations Jesse Stewart!

2008-03-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Jesse has passed the auditions for Nashville Star. We're just awaiting word on her next step in the process. We're so excited for her!

Plus, Michael Hochandel wrote a great article about her in the Schenectady Gazette. Read it here.

Congratulations, Jesse and good luck on Nashville Star!

Local 518 Shows on Exit 97.7

2008-03-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

We've been having many artists in for great performances and chats in our little, itty-bitty studios. Upcoming shows include:

Jeremy James (aired last night, and will air again tomorrow - Sunday 3/30).
Maria Zemantauski 4/4 & 6
Nancy Walker 4/11 & 13
Matthew Loiacono 4/18 & 20

More to come soon!

Are you a Local 518 artist? Want to come in? Drop a line through our feedback form at Exit977.org.

Rock on!

It's been too long!

2008-03-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Don't let me get ahold of something like this. I'm always losing passwords! OK. That said... A lot is going on in our Local 518 arena at 97.7 EXT.

First, congratulations to Sarah Pedinotti for settling on a new name for the band. Huh? Right. For a week they were The Raptors. Not really sure what is up, but you can read this cool interview with her to get some insight into the fun that is the Sarah Pedinotti Band.

Also, congratulations to Matthew Loiacono of The Kamikaze Hearts. He release his new solo album, "Kentucky," in April. Details on the CD release to come soon. He made this album as part of the RPM Challenge. He's running a contest for it called "Why Kentucky?" Find out more about him at either Heartstack.org, or The Kamikaze Hearts site.

More soon! Promise!

Local 518 Concert at Rev Hall - 12/21

2007-12-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

Join us for a special concert! It's the first show for Super 400 since their return from their tour that took them to Spain and other cool places. Also on the bill: The Kamikaze Hearts, Sense Offenders and Sean Rowe. Should be a great place to be on 12/21.

Showtime is 8 PM at Revolution Hall in Troy.

Come out and support Local 518 artists!

Shout out to Super 400 for the cool lookin' posters! Poster 1 Poster 2
Print 'em. Post 'em. Love 'em.

Rock on Local 518!

Local 518 compilation CD

2007-11-28T20:12:00.000-08:00

Wow! Matt from Collar City Records dropped by with the nearly completed music disc featuring some of the great Local 518 artists we play on Exit 97.7, WEXT.

It will feature the Kamikaze Hearts, Scientific Maps, Sean Rowe, Charlie Everywhere, and many others. We'll begin offering it as our way of saying thanks for supporting the music either by phone at 1.888.622.0977, or online at exit977.org.

Love that we play local music on the local station? Cool! Don't forget to support it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-24T04:07:00.000-08:00

Hey, are you ready to support the music? As a listener-supported station, we need to garner enough financial contributions from listeners to make a go of it. It's great to have a station that plays truly alternative music, and we love being able to present the real cool music and all the Local 518 artists as well. Thanks for considering a contribution of support to Exit 97.7. Our December campaign will be our first full bore attempt to raise as much as we can raise.

We'll be offering a new compilation of Local 518 artists, which will include many songs you cannot get anywhere else. Matt from Kamikaze Hearts/Collar City Records is helping to put it together. We sincerely appreciate his and his partners help on this project. It has been invaluable! Plus, know that they all work super extra hard to foster a great local music scene. Know also that every single artist who is appearing on the CD is helping Exit 97.7 do this ambitious project.

We cannot run our radio station without community support. We are so proud to be here, and are so fortunate to be able to play the music of these often overlooked musicians!

Thank you for reading the whole post. We promise to post the bands soon! We will be taking pre-orders for the compilation soon! We hope to begin playing tracks from the CD in our regular programming in the not too distant future!

11/16 & 18 on Local 518 (and next week too!)

2007-11-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

Hey there! We've got a lot brewing at 97.7 EXT! Sorry! So, this weekend we have Jim Gaudet's new CD and a very cool interview with him on the show. Plus, Saratoga's Mike Grutka came on by. He's in NYC doing some shows now, but he swung by to give us a performance of some cool tunes. Don't miss the show 11/16 at 7p or 11/18 at 11a.

Then - next week! Oh my! Wait til you hear 'em! It's members of Palatypus who came in to perform with Dave Michaels. They'll be on the 11/23 and 25 show! Cool stuff!

Rock on you Local 518 artists!

New Local 518 Music on 97.7 EXT

2007-10-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

So, have you heard? We've been spinning tracks from Ashley Pond's great new CD, "Dala." One aired during the Acoustic Sunrise this morning. It's a fabulous CD.

We're also spinning a new demo that Sarah Pedinotti recorded for us called "Intangible Age." It's not on any album yet. She and her band should be playing it live, if you've been able to catch them.

Listen in for super hot songs from Maggie Mayday. They're not done with the album. We hear it'll be done in early 08, or perhaps it will come out before the end of the year.

Looking for that special host of our Local 518 show. We know. We know. It's been awhile, and we should have someone. Keep in mind that we want it to be smokin'! Perfection does take time. Thanks for your patience.

Jesse Stewart Performance & Interview

2007-10-18T17:51:00.001-07:00

Jesse came to the station for a performance and interview that will be airing on Local 518 on 11/2 (7p) and 11/4 (11a).

She was wonderful to come in and provide us with new songs that we've not heard before, and she was our first in-studio guest. Even our mistakes were handled so nicely. Thanks, Jesse!

She'll be performing out November 8, 2007 • 9:00pm • The Lark Tavern With Special Guests Erin Sax Seymour and Mechanical Bull featuring David Malachowski.

Local 518 Artists put on benefit 11/1

2007-10-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

Nov. 1 at the Lark Tavern...it's the All-Star Acoustic Jam: To Benefit the American Cancer Society.

So far, there are six Local 518 acts that will be performing at the concert, which will be raising money for the American Cancer Society's Capital District patient support programs. They are as follows:

Ramblin Jug Stompers
Mitch Elrod and MotherJudge
John Brodeur
Bryan Thomas
Idette and the Sunrunners
Simple Theory
Tom McWaters
Rob Jonas

More acts could be named soon.

Admission is going to be a $5 suggested donation. There will also be a raffle held during the show for some prizes including tickets to area sporting events.

Jesse Stewart to perform for Local 518

2007-10-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

Local 518 artist Jesse Stewart will be dropping by the Exit 97.7 studios for a performance on 10/10. We were turned on to this amazing singer by one of our listeners who stumbled across her at a local venue.

She doesn't have a CD out yet, but you should check her tunes out. They're wonderful images of real life - full of love, and devotion to her family. You can listen to her on her MySpace page, or visit her website.

Listen to Exit 97.7 as we play her tracks regularly. Plus, she'll be performing at the King's Tavern Saratoga on 10/6, and at the Muddy Cup in Albany on 10/13.

Local 518 host search update

2007-10-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinking. Will we ever find a host for the show? We thought so too, but we have a couple of interesting parties who we think will make for a cool show. Keep on the look out! Meanwhile, we hope you're digging the local music we play all day, everyday. It's even possible you think the local hour is cool w/o a host. Neat! Drop a line from Exit97.7's website when you can.

Grainbelt & Sarah Pedinotti on Local 518

2007-09-09T04:07:00.000-07:00

Today at 11 am, we play host to Howe Glassman and Jason Hughes of Grainbelt. They talk about the recording of "Trouble Coming Down," its release (9/11), their CD release parties (9/13 & 14), beer, and music!

It was truly a unique experience talking with these guys. You'll not only enjoy the tunes from the new CD, but you'll also be entertained by the banter. That's for sure!

Monday night (9/10) at 6p, listen for a special Local 518 program (to be repeated Friday, 9/14 at 7p and again next Sunday, 9/16 at 11a) featuring the Sarah Pedinotti Band performing at One Caroline in Saratoga. The music is hot, including a brand new song!!!

On the program, Sarah talks with Chris Wienk about her music, science fiction, Allen Ginsberg, and more. Plus, after the interview and performance, you can hear a cool new track that Sarah recorded as a demo for her band to learn. It's a brand new song called "Intangible Age!" This is in addition to the new song they perform live called "Locomotive." Check 'em out!

Support the music! We go into our first ever fund raising campaign on Monday, 9/10! Thanks!

Local 518 Blog Launches

2007-09-03T04:27:00.001-07:00

At 97.7 EXT, we're all about the local music. It's an integral part of our eclectic mix of music. Sarah Pedinotti, Knotworking, Grainbelt, the Kamikaze Hearts, and the list goes on and on. There's an incredible wealth of talent in the Local 518. This blog will be where we let you know things that we're doing to foster the awareness of such artists.

Today is the launch of our local music blog to companion our commitment on air to local music - music of the Local 518!

Get ready! We hope to have a DJ to host the local show in the near near future!