MEB rocks Eleanor Rigby & Colder Rain

From the Tim Herron Corporation's Company Picnic, here's Steve O's arrangement of the Beatles classic.



And here's a partial recording of Mike's song "Colder Rain" from our latest CD.

C'mon Out To JP's

Saturday night February 28 we'll be hanging out with Carrie and Casey at JP's in B'ville, bringing our All-American rock'n'soul to the masses. You know you want to be there, and we look forward to seeing you.

And don't forget to put our upcoming dates on your calendar:
- Sat. March 7 - Badlands Saloon, B'ville
- Sat. March 14 - Shifty's, Burnet Ave.
- Tue. March 17 - Dinosaur BBQ (St. Patty's Day)

Alas, Our Streak Continues

Once again, the MEB was shutout of the Grammy's. When will they ever learn?!?!

Full list of winners.

Guitarist Tim Herron joins the MEB

Echoing the wave of forward-looking change sweeping the country, the Baldwinsville-based acoustic-rock Mike Estep Band is making changes, adding veteran local guitarist Tim Herron to its lineup.

A stalwart on the Syracuse music scene for many years, singer-songwriter Tim is best known for fronting the Tim Herron Corporation, and most recently helmed the funk-rock unit The Assassins of Hip.

When founding MEB guitarist Jeff Favalo left the band in 2007, the three remaining members – Mike Estep (vocals & acoustic guitar), Steve Orlando, Jr. (vocals & drums), and Paul Opel (vocals & bass) – invited Tim to join the group, but scheduling commitments and conflicts meant the time just wasn't right. As the calendar turned to 2009, former guitarist Brian McArdell left the band to pursue other interests and Tim's schedule opened up, so the invite was extended again.

“We're really fired up about having the chance to work with someone as talented and experienced as Tim,” said Estep. “He's a great fit in the MEB, both musically and personally. We expect the folks that come hear us will have just as much fun as we're having.”

Fans will have a number of chances to hear the new lineup in the next few months, starting with a show Saturday February 7 at Coleman's on Tipp Hill in Syracuse, and including a special St. Patrick's Day performance at the Dinosaur BBQ on March 17.

Much more information, including the band's performance schedule and a music blog can be found at their website and social networking sites MySpace and Facebook.
Band Website: http://www.mikeestepband.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mikeestepband
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Estep-Band/33985972132

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

In the immortal words of David Bowie:

Oh, look out you rock and rollers
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-changes
Pretty soon now
You're gonna get older
Time may change me
But I can't trace time

Tune back soon for more info ...

2008 MEB Year In Review

From the very beginning of the year, 2008 was a year of firsts for the MEB, and it was a great ride. Follow along as we recap a few of the highlights of 2008.

It all got started when Brian joined us for the very first time in January, and we performed live on Dave Frisina's Soundcheck show from the Redhouse in Armory Square. Brian did a great job in his premiere, and we had a wonderful time showcasing our music for the enthusiastic crowd in attendance and the folks tuning in on TK99.

On March 14, the new MEB made its club debut at Muskie's in Fulton, both the first time at this bar, and the first time we played full gig together. Lots of Mike's former Miller crew came out and it was a special night.

May provided us with a very interesting day, as we spent one Saturday afternoon at a Hinerwadel's clambake for the nurse's union, then dragged our stuff over to JP's Tavern in B'ville for a night of beer, tequila and rock and roll.

We made an appearance at the Dinosaur BBQ in June and had some great pics taken by our friend Timothy Andrews. Hot summer gigs at the Fireside Inn, McNamara's and Metro Sushi followed in July.

Sandwiched between shows at Coleman's and Shifty's, we made a triumphant return to the Paper Mill Island Amphitheater in August, opening for Pink Floyd tribute band Childhood's End. As usual, it was a steaming hot day, and there were the typical technical issues, but we pulled together and managed to put on a great performance.

Former MEB guitarist Jeff Favalo made a guest appearance at our Friday October 3 Dinosaur BBQ show, the first time we'd booked a weekend gig at this iconic venue. We enjoyed the reunion with old and new friends.

We finished October with our 3rd Halloween Bash at the Brae Loch Inn in Cazenovia. Can't beat a party like that, can you?

After a busy November and December, we closed out the year on December 27th at Buffalo's, where we shared the evening with a bunch of Brian's friends celebrating a 40th birthday of one of the lovely ladies.

All in all, it was another fun year for all of us, and we're thrilled to be able to spend it with so many of you. 2009 is looking great and should be incredible, and we can't wait!

Good times at Muskie's

It was a packed house Friday night at Muskie's Grill in Fulton, and everybody seemed to be having a great time. It was very cool to see friends and neighbors in the crowd, along with lots of our new friends. The dance floor was hopping all night (including the interesting all-female lap dances), and the beverages seemed to be flowing freely.

Can't wait to do it again. Thanks for rockin' along with the MEB!!

Soundcheck Live @ The Redhouse!

Jim Beardsley recorded some video from our live performance at The Redhouse in Syracuse for Dave Frisina's Soundcheck radio show on January 13, 2008, and here are the videos. Enjoy!

Colder Rain


Next In Line


Train Of Lies

Season's MEB Greetings!

Friends of the MEB -

In the middle of this crazy holiday season, we wanted to make sure send out Season's Greetings to all of our friends and neighbors who have meant so much to us over the last year. We wish you the best Christmas ever and a Happy New Year to you and yours.

To add to your holiday cheer, here's a free download of our take on the Christmas classic, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."
Click here to download the mp3.

Our new CD "From The Vault" has just been released to the public, and Syracuse Post-Standard music writer Mark Bialczak will publish his review of the disk in the Sunday December 23 edition of the paper. Make sure to check it out. And if you're looking for a late Christmas present, pick up a copy (or two or six) online at the MEB Store for only $10.

The four of us have been working hard in the rehearsal studio, and we'll be back out performing all over Central New York and beyond after the first of the year. We're itching to get back on stage, introduce you to Brian, and share the gospel of the MEB with all of you. Visit our website often for updates on our upcoming schedule.

Enjoy your holidays and we look forward to seeing you all out and about.

The Mike Estep Band
Mike ‘Mistletoe’ Estep
Brian ‘Boughs of Holly’ McArdell
Paul ‘Poinsettia’ Opel
Steve ‘Santa Claus’ Orlando

Once again, the MEB falls short

I thought our new CD "From The Vault" might be the biggest selling album of the year, but instead Daughtry nabbed that honor. I guess he deserves it. Maybe.

MSNBC.com

Ignored again ...

Can't believe that we were snubbed again by the Academy and didn't get nominated for a Grammy. Will they ever learn?!?

Here's the full list of nominees, if you really care.

Steve with the Todd Hobin Band

When the Todd Hobin Band reunited a few years back, Steve played auxiliary percussion and sang backups with them. You can catch fleeting glimpses of him behind his congas. Former MEB members Tommy Scott and Brett Hobin are also part of the band.

Thanks to Jeff for finding this.

Welcome, Brian!

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!

Animate yourself

How's this for rockin' in the free world? Head over to Meez.com for this kind of fun.

Last Train Home makes it on CMT

Our friends from DC and Nashville (we opened for them @ IOTA in Arlington, VA a couple of years back), Last Train Home, has a new video out for their song "One Last Kiss," and they tell us that it's been played on CMT! Watch it above.

Here's their CMT.com page.
Their official website.

Thank you, Jeff

Image courtesy of Jim Beardsley - more pics

It was an emotional time, but a wonderful time nonetheless, and a great way to send Jeff off into fatherhood.

Our two shows last weekend at Coleman's on Friday and the beautiful Mohegan Manor on Saturday were fitting tributes to all that Jeff Favalo has brought to the Mike Estep Band. With lots of family and friends in attendance on Saturday, we wished him well and gave you one last chance to see how much he means to all of us, both musically and personally. We're so glad we were able to do this show and go out the right way.

Picture Gallery here

Jeff, thanks with all our hearts, and best of luck to you and Shannon and your new little lady Favalo on the way.

Happy 'Green Isn't My Color' Day!

Have a great St. Patrick's Day tomorrow, and hopefully we'll see you up in Mexico!!

MEB Goes International

Since people are already making their plans for the upcoming St. Patrick's weekend, we thought it would be good to tell you about where we'll be wearing a bit o' the green.

This is going to be a real International event on Saturday March 17 -

• We're celebrating the classic Irish holiday (St. Patrick's Day)
• at a place with a classic German name (Arena's Eis House),
• which has a restaurant that serves classic Italian food (menu here),
• and to top it all off, it's in Mexico (NY)!!

So after watching the parade downtown, come join us for at fun trip around the world, all in one night! Should be a great time. Check the schedule page for info and other goofiness.

Walking Along The Wall video

Steve O put together this cool video of our song "Walking Along The Wall" from the "One Lane Bridge" CD. He edited together pictures and video from our first D.C. trip as an accompaniment to Mike's poignant tune. We have now posted it to YouTube for all the world to see.

We hope you enjoy it and share it with lots of folks.
YouTube.com

Mendon is abuzz about the MEB

We're hitching up our wagons and heading West again this weekend, pitching our tent at The Cottage Hotel in Mendon on Saturday March 3. This cool venue just south of Rochester may look tiny from the outside, but inside is a club with a history of great music and good times. Featuring everything from jam bands to zydeco to rockers, The Cottage is a perfect place to see a band. We're excited to get to showcase our unique take on rock'n'roll to a brand new audience and some old friends, getting started around 9:30.

Map/Directions

Mega MEB-Mania!

Look out, folks, it's Mega MEB-Mania!

Friday Feb 23 we storm the stage at Coleman's on Tipp Hill in Syracuse, leaving dozens of sappy love songs and polkas in our wake. Like Godzilla stomping through Tokyo, no one is safe from our musical fury!

And the next night, Saturday Feb 24, Mothra and King Ghidorah travel north with us to climb the snow mountains of Oswego, stopping at Greene's Ale House on Bridge St. for a brew to cool down our mouths that we singed from the fire-breathing.

Both shows start around 10 and wreak havoc until the wee morning hours. You gotta see this.

Mike, Jeff, Steve and Paul

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!

Merry Christmas from the MEB

In the midst of this crazy holiday season, we want to send our best wishes to all of you. You have been so great this whole year and given us so much joy, and we most definitely appreciate all your support.

We've had a great 2006 and look forward to spending even more exciting times with all of you in '07. We kick off the year with shows at the Dinosaur and Coleman's Jan 5 and 6. And look for a post in the next week on the MEBlog on the "MEB's Best of 2006." That should be a lot of fun.

Can't wait to see you all out and about.

As our Christmas gift, download our special recording of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town."

Happy Holidays and have a Funky New Year!

Mike, Jeff, Steve and Paul

Good to Go at the Dino

In case you hadn't heard, the Syracuse Dinosaur Bar-B-Que reopened Monday. That's great news for you and the MEB, as our show Wednesday Dec 6 will go on as scheduled. The Dinosaur is "back and better than ever." We'd love to see lots of you out to help welcome back this Central New York food and music icon.

We'll get started around 9 or 10 as the dinner crowd thins out, and play till they make us stop. We can't wait to spread the MEB gospel to even more folks in Syracuse, and we hope you're part of the congregation.

See ya out and about!
Mike, Jeff, Steve, and Paul

Feelin' Shifty & Mesozoic

When you think of places to see live music in Syracuse over the years, Shifty's on Burnet Ave. and the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que definitely come to mind. And in the next week you'll get the chance to see the MEB play at both iconic venues.

Saturday Dec 2 we'll take the stage at Shifty's around 9, all the while enjoying the cool atmosphere, cold beers, great food, and eclectic clientele. The new owners have made some nice improvements, making the whole bar more comfortable and accessible for everyone. C'mon out, you'll have a great time.

And next Wednesday Dec 6, we make our inaugural splash at the Syracuse Dinosaur, starting around 9 or 10 when the dinner crowd starts to clear out. This is a great opportunity for us to strut our stuff at the home of the best BBQ this side of Memphis. We'd really love to see a ton of you out to show the Dino folks that you want to see us there more often. Bethany will be behind the bar, the smell of the food will be incredible, and we'll be manning the same stage as hundreds of phenomenal musicians that have come before us. We can't wait.

MEB in Oswego!

Oswego, here we come! The MEB storms into "A Great City on a Great Lake" on Saturday Nov 11, setting up shop at Greene's Ale House on Bridge St. We'll get started around 10, with all the locals in the house and keep partying until the late-night college crowd shows up to take us to closing time.

Don't forget to join us for our pre-Thanksgiving Bash next Saturday at the Fireside Inn in B'ville.

Check the blog and the band website for goofy entertainment and useful info.