(Writer: Frankie Cavone)

Over the weekend, Annie in the Water headlined the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, NY celebrating the release of their brand new album titled Time to Play. The album produced by Corey Hayward in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Trampoline Jetstream started the night off playing almost a full instrumental show. Before the set got started, vocalist Nick Vanderwood stated that he was recovering from issues with his vocal cords. None the less, the band excited the crowd with solid jams followed by a cover of Supertramp’s “Breakfast in America” featuring Brad Hester of Annie in the Water. Following their set was blues/rock fusion group Big Sexy & the Scrambled Eggs hailing from Syracuse, NY.

Next it was time for the Annie in the Water. With a filled crowd the band got the started off with “Change My Mind.” For those who do not know, Annie in the Water is a combination of Rock, Reggae, Funk and blues. They have the ability to not only produce extraordinary tracks like the ones from their brand new album, but also perform them with jams that extend. From the second the band presented themselves on stage, it was visible that Time to Play was written from the heart.

Not only does the band sound tight, Annie in the Water has a presence that delights their fanbase and keeps them grooving all night. At one point during “Come on Let’s Dance, Bradley Hester made his way out to the the crowd to sing and dance with them. Things like this are what keeps bringing fans back to venues to see live music. It is without a doubt that this band has the energy and professionalism to take it to the next level. Annie in the Water was originally created by Hester and guitarist Michael Lashomb and now has blossomed into a full band featuring Ryan Trumbull (drums), Chris Meier (bass), and Brock Kuca (percussion/auxiliary) and Dan Gerken (keys/piano). With all of their musical backgrounds combined, it makes for a truly unique and powerful experience.

Half way through the set the whole band except Lashomb and Hester left the stage with Lashomb switching over to the mandolin. Throughout the night, Annie in the Water delighted the crowd with their brand new tracks mixed in with some older ones. The group ended the night off with a lot of energy covering Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls on Parade.” Time to Play is available now on itunes, spotify and amazon. Check out photos from the night below:

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