 
Latest News from
The Mike Estep Band
November 30, 2007
 New From The Vault CD Released
At the time of Jeff's departure, we had completed five songs for an upcoming release, with plans to release the five as an EP. With this being Jeff's farewell, we started looking at what we had available to fill out the disc. The result: From the Vault a 16-song catalog of originals and covers, divided into sections based on origin. We've included studio versions of covers originally recorded for booking venues, live board tracks from past shows and a couple of new songs at the demo stage. In deciding to include the extra material, we accepted the fact that the addition would result in a variety of recording sources each with their own qualities.
You can purchase your copy now at the MEB Store for only $10. And there are also single-song downloads available for purchase, just like iTunes. We hope you enjoy our new music!
- New Studio Recordings recorded @ GFI studios, ontario, ny
- Colder Rain - mike estep
- Borders to Share - mike estep
- Next in Line - mike estep
- Someone to Miss - mike estep/steve orlando jr.
- Your Little World - mike estep
- Studio Covers recorded @ GFI studios, ontario, ny
- Use Me - bill withers
- Last Dance With Mary Jane - tom petty
- Times Like These - dave grohl/foo fighters
- I Don't Want to Be - gavin degraw
- Werewolves - too many to list ...
- Lost Live Tracks
- Broken Hearted Savior - todd mohr/big head todd and the monsters
- In Bloom - mike estep
- Save Tonight - eagle-eye cherry
- Demo Recordings
- Ellen Calling - paul opel
- The Key - mike estep
- Room for One More
- The Warden's Eyes - mike estep, soundscape by jeff favalo
October 17, 2007
 We're Whole Once Again
After an exhaustive search, we're happy to announce the addition of Brian McArdell to the Mike Estep Band. A familiar face on the Syracuse music scene, Brian has most recently been seen performing with fellow guitarist Mark Westers in an acoustic guitar duo, showcasing both his vocal talent and his nuanced guitar work.
B'ville native Brian is now diving headfirst into the electric side of things, bringing his unique style and Telecaster sound to Mike's music and the classic MEB vibe.
More details will be coming soon about when we'll be out and about on the local club scene again, so get ready to see your favorite MEB back in the saddle in 2008!
June 16, 2007
 We're Still Looking ...
The hunt continues for a guitar player/singer/rock stud replacement for Jeff, and we're searching high and low to find the perfect compliment to the rest of us. We've had some leads that didn't work out, but we're still following through on a few other possibilities.
In the meantime, Mike, Steve and Paul have been working on some new music, revisiting some old tunes and keeping the MEB flame alive. It's been a fun and exciting time, and we've really enjoyed the musical experiences we've been having.
Hopefully we'll have some wonderful announcements for y'all soon, so keep your eyes and ears open!
March 19, 2007
 3 More Chances to See Jeff
After almost nine years as the energetic and soulful electric guitar player for the Baldwinsville-based Mike Estep Band, founding member Jeff Favalo is trading in his six-string for the joys and challenges of fatherhood.
With the impending birth of his first child with wife Shannon, Jeff is stepping away from the demands of a performing musician, channeling his efforts instead toward his growing family.
But before Jeff lays down his "Strat" for the last time, the band has scheduled three final shows with the current configuration of Favalo, Mike Estep (acoustic guitar), Steve Orlando, Jr. (drums), and Paul Opel (bass). They'll perform March 30 at Shifty's on Burnet Ave., April 6 at Coleman's Irish Pub on Tipperary Hill, and April 7 at a special going-away show at Mohegan Manor in Baldwinsville.
“Jeff has been with me since the beginning of this project, so he's as much a part of this band's sound and spirit as I am,” said Estep, the group's primary songwriter. “His great style and musicianship have been instrumental in the success of this group over the years.”
“But more than that,” he continued, “Jeff is a great person and a great friend, and we’re very happy for him and Shannon. We'll find another guitar player, but we'll never replace Jeff.”
Having been an engineer during the recording of the debut Mike Estep CD, "One Lane Bridge," Favalo helped put together a group to perform those tunes for a CD release party in May 1998, and the Mike Estep Band was born.
“What started out as a one-night stand turned into a magical nine-year ride,” said Favalo. “I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of guys to hang out and play music with. I'll always have great memories of my time with the MEB.”
The remaining three band members plan to continue performing with another guitarist, according to Estep, but haven't yet found that missing puzzle piece.
“It's been a while since we've last added a new band member,” said Estep, citing Opel's arrival in 1999. “But we're looking forward to finding a great fit for us and seeing what new directions – musical and otherwise – come our way.”
January 1, 2007
 MEB Year In Review 2006
As we finish up another wonderful year with the Mike Estep Band, we'd
like to take a minute and reflect back on all the thrills and chills
we've shared with all of you. It's been a great ride, and we want to
thank you for hanging out with us the whole time.
{Click images to see larger versions}
MEB Selected for Compilation Disc
 In February we received notification that our song "Borders To Share" had been chosen for "Discover The Next Original, Volume II," sponsored by Pilsner Urquell beer and the NPR radio program World Café.
We are surrounded by incredible artists like Steve Winwood, Emmylou
Harris, Jamie Cullum and more. Unfortunately the CD was never put into
national distribution, but it was an honor nonetheless. Read more here.
Get Off The Stage, Bo, We Need To Rock!
After waiting hours for Bo Bice to finish his soundcheck, we had a great opportunity to share the MEB gospel with the folks at the Jamesville Balloon Fest 2006. We got to hang around with 93Q's Ted and Amy backstage in the meantime, and all the bands put on a great show (93Q photo gallery here). And when Bo
did take the stage later, he had the crowd begging and pleading and
swooning for more. It was crazy, like Elvis or The Beatles, man.
Oh, and Steve enjoyed his meeting with the hotness of Frankie J.
Our New Friend Jill and Mommies For Miracles
 In June we played McGhan's in Victor, and met a bunch of great folks, including Jill and Vinny Orologio. Jill heads a great fundraising organization, Mommies for Miracles, and we were happy to help when she asked us to perform at their benefit Dancin' In The Streets in August at Nathaniel's Pub in Rochester.
 The
weather didn't co-operate much, but we still had great time with Jill,
Breanna, Kim, Melissa and all the other folks.
Going forward,
we're working with Jill to get us more bookings in the Rochester area
and we're happily donating a portion of our fee to Mommies For Miracles.
Feelin' Hot Hot Hot on Paper Mill Island
We got the chance in July to perform at the Budweiser Amphitheater on Paper Mill Island as an opener for the U2 tribute band Elevation.  It
must have been 150º on that stage, staring directly into the setting
summer sun. Copious bottles of water couldn't keep us hydrated, but we
just kept going and had an incredible show.
Unbeknownst to most
of the crowd, Steve had an emergency in the middle of our set that
required him to dash off stage for a few minutes. The other 3 of us
played a tune without him, so it looked like we planned it that way.
But wait, it gets even stranger! While hanging out with the guys from Elevation over at Lake Effect
after the show, we find out that their drummer had the exact same issue
and also left the stage during their set - twice! Way too weird.
Endless Summer
 We had a great time playing the Block Party Thursdays at Coleman's this summer, and an anniversary party on the river for Jim and Lani Beardsley. Unfortunately, weather and other circumstances kept us from an outdoor gig at Hooligan's in Liverpool. And nothing is better than a summer Friday night on the Brae Loch Inn lawn in Cazenovia with our friends Jim and Val and our erstwhile harmonica player Tyler.
Fall Into Something New
 Besides our regular stops at Wacky Wyatt's, Greene's, Coleman's, and Shifty's, we hit a few new places this fall. Our friend Bobby Paice hooked us up with a show at LeMoyne College hangout The Shire. We spent a very interesting evening partying with some servicemen just back from Iraq. And we also had a very successful evening at the iconic Fireside Inn in Baldwinsville. Looking forward to more from these places in 2007.
Cranking Away In The Studio
 All throughout the year, we've been heading out to GFI Studios
in Ontario, NY to record tracks for our next CD. It's been a
wonderfully successful and creative process, and we really like what
we've put down so far. 5 tracks are almost done, and there is more on
the way. Look for a release of the new music sometime in early 2007.
Propping Up a Sick Dinosaur
For the first time ever in the history of the restaurant, the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Syracuse had to close because hundreds of staff and  customers became sick. It was eventually determined that a norovirus
was the cause of the outbreak, but it still cost them an entire weekend
of business and an intense and complete sanitation process.
Once they reopened on Monday December 4, we were the first band to take the stage and help usher in the resurgence of the Dinosaur. It was a great night, with lots of our friends in attendance and the food, drinks, and good times flowing freely. Welcome back!
Lots More Coming in '07!
2006 was a lot of fun, and we can't wait to show you even more good times in 2007!
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