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Central New York's lifeline to Nashville. Artist interviews with County music icons, legends & superstars. Along with new emerging artists in the Country, Americana & Bluegrass genre's
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2 OCT 2026 · Nashville-bred folk and country artist Benjamin Tod is heading to Anthology in Rochester this Tuesday, bringing with him two recently released albums that showcase distinctly different sides of his artistry — and a blunt perspective on the state of country music today.Tod joined Finger Lakes Country WFLR to talk about the records and what fans can expect from the upcoming show. It will be his first return to Rochester in years — his last visit was when he performed alongside Devil Makes Three, though he admitted the gap left him uncertain about what had happened to the local venue scene in the interim.His two current releases pull in different directions by design. Vengeance and Grace, a collection of original songs, is what Benjamin describes as the truest representation of himself as a songwriter and folk musician. Country Is Dead, by contrast, is a covers album rooted in honky-tonk — a nod to his upbringing in Nashville and a lifelong love of traditional country.The title of that second record carries a pointed message. Tod argued that when the word "country" gets applied to virtually anything by those in power, it loses all meaning. "If country music can be anything, then country music is nothing," he said. "The only people who are interested in dissolving or changing the definition of country music are people who seek to exploit it." He expressed hope that listeners would support the underground artists working to reclaim the tradition as a folk form rooted in real stories and struggle.Benjamin was equally candid about his personal journey. He has long written openly about addiction and recovery, and said that rather than pulling him back toward darker periods, sharing those stories publicly has reinforced his commitment to sobriety. He credited a fan base drawn to themes of self-discovery and redemption for creating a feedback loop that keeps him grounded.He also touched on his long musical partnership with fiddle player Ashley May, describing their creative dynamic as largely harmonious — he writes all the songs and arrangements, while she brings her own fiddle parts to the table. Disagreements are rare, he said, and usually resolved quickly.Tickets for Tuesday's show at Anthology in Rochester are on sale now. More information on Benjamin Todd, including his music, can be found at benjamintod.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-larry-timko-show--5677360/support.
23 SEP 2026 · Country music veteran Tracy Lawrence is heading to Rochester’s Kodak Center this Saturday for a headlining show on his No Alibis Tour, and he says the trip to upstate New York is a rare and welcome one. Lawrence joined the Larry Timko Morning Show ahead of the performance to talk about the tour, his love of traditional country music, and what it means to revisit the songs that defined his career. “I don’t get to come up to the northeast part of the country, especially upstate New York very much,” Lawrence said, “so I’m really looking forward to seeing all the folks up there this weekend.” The No Alibis Tour is Lawrence’s return to headlining shows after years of festival and supporting slots. He said the timing feels right after more than 36 years in the business, a long marriage, and two grown kids. “I’m kind of settled into life at this point,” he said, reflecting on what the tour name means to him now. Lawrence spoke enthusiastically about the staying power of 90s country music, noting that songs like “Time Marches On” and “Sticks and Stones” continue to resonate because they transport listeners to specific moments in their lives. He also gave a nod to younger traditional artists he admires, including Zach Top and Mae Estes, calling Estes “one of my favorite voices out there.” The conversation turned candid when Lawrence addressed a well-known chapter of his past — surviving being shot four times during an attempted robbery early in his career. He said the experience taught him an important lesson he now shares openly: don’t neglect mental health after trauma. “Get some help, even if you don’t realize how difficult it’s going to be,” he said. “It’s going to resurface at some point.” Lawrence also highlighted his charity initiative Mission Possible, which has raised more than $1.3 million over 20 years through an annual Turkey Fry event, distributing more than 135,000 meals to people in need. Tickets for Saturday’s show at Kodak Center in Rochester are available at KodakCenter.com. For more on Tracy Lawrence, visit TracyLawrence.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-larry-timko-show--5677360/support.
12 SEP 2026 · Old Crow Medicine Show is bringing their new album Union Made to the Finger Lakes region, with a performance scheduled for next Saturday at Point of the Bluff in Hammondsport. Tickets are available at concertsatpob.com. Cory Younts, a multi-instrumentalist with the band, joined Finger Lakes Country WFLR’s Down Home Cooking with Larry T to talk about the album, the band’s storied history, and what’s coming next for one of Americana’s most enduring acts. Union Made takes America’s 250-year history as its backdrop, drawing on characters and events ranging from the Revolutionary War to Lewis and Clark. Younts described the songwriting process as something of a grab-bag approach — the band, all self-described history buffs, generates ideas and pulls from them organically. Frontman Ketch Secor, he noted, is particularly well-versed in both American history and country music tradition. The album features an impressive roster of guests, including Molly Tuttle, Del McCoury, Evan Felker, Maggie Rose, Jesse Wells, John Carter Cash, and Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel. Younts said the record was produced by Morgan Jahnig, with PJ George handling bass duties and Younts himself returning to the drums. Now in their 28th year, Old Crow Medicine Show is already looking toward milestone celebrations. Younts confirmed that Willie Watson — a former member who appeared on the 2006 album Big Iron World — has rejoined the band, and that a vinyl reissue of that album is in the works to mark its 20th anniversary. Previously unreleased tracks from those sessions may also surface. A 30th anniversary is on the horizon as well, with Younts hinting at “surprises” to come. On a personal note, Younts confirmed he attended the recent wedding of Ketch Secor and Molly Tuttle, held in the California Redwoods. “It was just magical,” he said, adding that folk legend Ramblin’ Jack Elliott was among the guests. Old Crow Medicine Show performs next Saturday at Point of the Bluff in Hammondsport. For tickets, visit concertsatpob.com. For more on the band, go to crowmedicine.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-larry-timko-show--5677360/support.
4 SEP 2026 · Americana singer-songwriter Pokey Lafarge stopped by the FLX Morning Podcast ahead of his September 20th performance at the Center for Performing Arts in Homer, talking about his new album Rent Money, the threat of AI to working musicians, and why he considers this his finest record yet. Lafarge called Rent Money — releasing just nine days before the Homer show — his most stripped-down work to date. “There’s a lot less colors to be painted with here,” he said. “It’s just the foundation of me, my voice, my guitar, the bass and drums, and then whatever was absolutely essential was put on top of that.” Audiences at the Center for Performing Arts can expect a tight four-piece set, with Lafarge plus two guitars, bass, and drums. The title track addresses financial pressures many Americans have felt in recent years. Lafarge said the song grew from a riff and a subject he kept hearing about from friends and family. He described the record as more direct than earlier work, with less poetry obscuring its meaning. “Perhaps there’s an even more stripped down simplicity to this record,” he said. Lafarge also spoke candidly about AI’s growing impact on the music industry. He argued that with record sales already gutted by streaming and sync licensing increasingly replaced by AI-generated music, live performance may become the last reliable income stream for working artists. “AI isn’t going to perform live music,” he said. He added that he intentionally embraces imperfection in recordings as something a machine can’t replicate — a quote he said he stands behind firmly. On the venue itself, Lafarge was enthusiastic when told the Center for Performing Arts is a converted historic church. “It reminds me of the Ryman,” he said. “Can’t wait.” Tickets for the September 20th show in Homer are available through the Center for Performing Arts. The new album Rent Money and more information about Lafarge can be found at https://www.pokeylafarge.net. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-larry-timko-show--5677360/support.
19 AUG 2026 · India Ramey will be performing at the Abilene Bar & Lounge August 26th in support of her fantastic new album called "Welcome To My Villian Era" I had a chance to talk to India about the vison for this album and her growth as a songwriter.
Get tickets at www.abilienebarandlounge.com and get the new release at www.indiaramey.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-larry-timko-show--5677360/support.
14 AUG 2026 · The Mavericks & Friends will be performing at Point of the Bluff in Hammondsport Sunday August 30th. I had a chance to reminace with Eddie Perez about Raul Malo's legacy and James Otto & Emily West joining them on tour. Check out the new album Moon & Stars at www.themavericksband.com and get tickets at www.concertsatpob.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-larry-timko-show--5677360/support.
7 AUG 2026 · Sarah Jaroz is my guest as we talk about the Grammy winning band I'm With Her who is performimg August 20th at CMAC with Vrandi Carlsle.
www.Imwithherband.com
www.cmac/events.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-larry-timko-show--5677360/support.
29 JUL 2026 · Al Jardine & The Pet Sounds Band will be performing August 9th at Point of the Bluff in Hammondsport, performing the songs of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys. I had a chance to catch up with the rock & roll hall of famer and play a few new tunes. For more on Al head over to www.aljardine.com and get your tickets for the show at www.concertsatpob.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-larry-timko-show--5677360/support.
26 JUL 2026 · The Wood Brothers will be performing at the Perintom Amphitheater August 1st with JJ Grey & Mofro, I had a chance to catch up with Oliver Wood and talk music & brotherhhod.
www.thewoodbros.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-larry-timko-show--5677360/support.
9 JUL 2026 · Punch Brothers’ new album is The Unsung Adventures of Punch Brothers, arriving July 24 and The Punch Brothers will at Point of the Bluff in Hammondsport, NY July 19th. I had the opportunity to taljk with Chris Eldridge about the new album and concert.
Get tickets at www.concertsatpob.com and the new album at www.punchbrothers.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-larry-timko-show--5677360/support.
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Central New York's lifeline to Nashville. Artist interviews with County music icons, legends & superstars. Along with new emerging artists in the Country, Americana & Bluegrass genre's
Information
| Author | Larry Timko |
| Organization | Larry Timko |
| Categories | Music Interviews |
| Website | - |
| ltimko@flradiogroup.com |
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