Dan Poorman

Where Horror Gets the Red Carpet Treatment

Additional reporting credit.

Auburn actor Carey Eidel talks 'C.H.U.D.' at Salt City Horror Fest

Carey Eidel earned his Screen Actors Guild card for his performance as a Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dweller in the 1984 cult horror film, "C.H.U.D."

Reigniting Spark: One of Syracuse's best known underground arts venues grows up

What does a punk venue look like by day? Just like your living room, only slightly dirtier.

From Master of Horror to touring rock star: John Carpenter on rediscovering himself as a musician

With a prolific 40-plus-year film career behind him, the 69-year-old John Carpenter gets to be the rock star he never thought he'd be.

Filmmaker Jack Sholder talks 'A Nightmare on Elm Street 2' for Freddy Fest in Syracuse

When Jack Sholder thinks of "A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge," the 1985 sequel to New Line Cinema's smash hit "A Nightmare on Elm Street," he thinks, appropriately, of being terrified.

Cayuga Sound Festival is here: X Ambassadors frontman talks curating his new music festival in...

"It's not just our festival, but our hometown," Harris said.

Cindy Wilson of the B-52s and the new wave of new wave music

"It's back, baby, with a vengeance," Wilson said. "It's really getting back to the good old days."

Petite League enters the big leagues: Syracuse University band finds success, releases new record

Cook's goals going into college were simple: learn about the music industry, facilitate a community of musicians and artists and form a band of his own. He did all three.

For country star Brantley Gilbert, the Devil's on the backburner

Brantley Gilbert considers himself a "what you see is what you get" guy.

Rochester band Maybird grows its sound with Danger Mouse and The Black Keys' Patrick Carney

The year 2016 was a big one for Maybird, a band that finds its roots in Rochester.

Garden centers in CNY expand their services to entertain and educate

What does one call a store that sells plants and plant supplies? Most would say that's a garden center...

Raul Malo, frontman of Jazz Fest favorite The Mavericks: 'I'm gonna confuse everybody'

A Miami-born, Nashville-based group called The Mavericks will headline Friday evening at the 35th annual M&T Syracuse Jazz Fest. Sound familiar? You may have caught them at last year's Jazz Fest. "It's a lovely festival," said Raul Malo, the leader of the band. "The crowd was fantastic, so it was a really fun show.

'Breathing new life' into the Dead: Syracuse tribute act Pearly Baker's Best backs David Gans on...

The Grateful Dead is "the new Real Book," or so says Brian Lauri, keyboardist of local Dead tribute group Pearly Baker's Best. The original Real Book is best known as the underground, unofficial Bible of jazz music -- a widely circulated, handwritten compilation of lead sheets for jazz standards that has, over time, seen multiple volumes and one legal republishing.

Horror filmmaker Buddy Cooper talks 'The Mutilator' for Salt City Horror Fest

It was in 1985, at the tail end of the Golden Age of the Slasher, when "The Mutilator" was released.

Designing Woman: Lisa Marie Butler's Syracuse Fashion Week Captures the City's Style and Spirit

Cover story.

A big draw at local venues, Syracuse's Root Shock releases its first record

Until 2016, the seven musicians in popular Syracuse reggae group Root Shock had not released any recorded material.

The Syracuse music scene, alive and thriving at the Alto Cinco Open Jam

Local musicians gather at Alto Cinco on Westcott Street every other Tuesday night to improvise together.

Guitarist Earl Slick: Where Lennon and Bowie come together

Preview featuring an Interview with longtime David Bowie guitarist and John Lennon collaborator Earl Slick.

Keith Urban and the new school of 'countrypolitan' music

Preview featuring an interview with Keith Urban.

For pop star Rob Thomas, nostalgia is 'part of the draw'

Preview featuring an interview with Rob Thomas.

Spoleto Festival 2016 a hit with patrons

Spoleto Festival 2016 retrospective. Triple byline (with Maggie Gilroy, Tionge Johnson).

Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats close Spoleto Festival 2016

Preview featuring an interview with Nathaniel Rateliff.

Local bands will take stage during Spoleto Finale

The Spoleto Festival finale at Middleton Place this year includes three local bands, The High Divers, Jordan Igoe and Susto.

The costumes and sets of 'Porgy and Bess' help tell the story

Double byline (with Jeremy Reynolds).

Four Piccolo Spoleto arts shows to see this weekend

Double byline (with Jeremy Reynolds).

Multimedia 'Golem' makes monster out of technology

Preview of 1927's 'Golem,' featuring interviews with writer-director Suzanne Andrade and animator Paul Barritt.

CSO goes pop with Ben Folds Orchestra Experience

Preview of The Ben Folds Orchestra Experience, featuring an interview with CSO Pops Conductor Yuriy Bekker.

Shooting Charleston: Filmmakers start with 'Porgy' but expand to Charleston

Premiere coverage of Lauren Waring Douglas and Roberta Marie Munroe's documentary.

Grady Hendrix finds humanity in horror with new novel 'My Best Friend's Exorcism'

Mini-profile of Grady Hendrix, horror author.

Jazz legend Randy Weston explores the motherland with his African Rhythms Sextet

Randy Weston has a challenge for Americans. "Imagine America without Africa," he said. "You'd be dead."

Arturo O'Farrill keeps Cuban conversation alive

On December 17, 2014, Cuban-American pianist and composer Arturo O'Farrill and his Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra gathered around a television set in Havana to hear something monumental.

Critically acclaimed jazz fusion group Snarky Puppy to play Landmark Theatre Thursday

Preview of Snarky Puppy performance, featuring an interview with bandleader Michael League.

Old, loud, beloved: CNY talks concerts in imperfect venue

Feature article in "Events" portion of Dome 35, a multimedia story package looking at The Carrier Dome in its 35th year.

'Time-traveling' fast food rockers Mac Sabbath to play Syracuse on Saturday

Preview of Mac Sabbath performance, featuring an interview with band manager/shock rock musician Mike Odd.

Defense Mechanism wins 2016 'Rockin' The Redhouse' battle of corporate bands

Lockheed Martin band "Defense Mechanism" took top prize at the annual benefit concert.

Syracuse University students turn their home into a vibrant concert venue

Indie bands perform and record their music at a big house they call 'The Scarier Dome.'

Christian Brothers Academy 8th grader wins 2016 CNY spelling bee

After a grueling 17 rounds, an eighth grade student from Christian Brothers Academy won the bee.

Local movie-maker shooting an ode to 'Jaws' inside his Liverpool home

B-movie guru Ron Bonk aims high with a new project called "House Shark."

Syracuse Eagles cover band soars with tribute to Glenn Frey at Vinyl Albums Live

Syracuse musicians pay a haunting tribute at Vinyl Albums Live VI.

Miss Syracuse Triple Crown winners 'make a better community'

11 young women vied for titles Miss Syracuse, Miss Salt City and Miss Erie Canal at the 2016 Miss Syracuse Triple Crown Competition.

The stuff of nightmares is this Syracuse movie buff's dream job

Jason West of Camillus is trying to make underground VHS horror movies a career.

Joe Lynch buddies up to Syracuse with midnight marathon of horror films

The SU alum talks industry, screens his own work plus a frightening favorite at the Syracuse International Film Festival.

Halloween gives farmers a marketing boost: How one Onondaga farm expands its reach

A day at "The Hollow," where city folk give an economic boost to country operations.

Syracuse Snarl brings horror movie characters to life on the runway

The Halloween spirit is in the air with Syracuse Fashion Week's third Snarl fashion show.

Zombies wash cars for charity in Cicero, biting only a customer or two

A troupe of zombies descended upon a Cicero gas station to clean cars for charity.

Westcott Cultural Festival: A lot of people who are into 'non-mainstream stuff'

Findings in Syracuse's historic Westcott neighborhood on the sunny, mid-September afternoon of its 24th Annual Cultural Fair.

Steve and Shelby George of Marietta: Living the (re)purposed life

Steve and Shelby George live with their two teenage children in a 40-foot geodesic dome on Otisco Valley Road in Marietta.

'Happy thoughts' and ukuleles, the mission of this Syracuse musical troupe

This summer in Syracuse, ice cream stands double as free sing-along show venues.

'World Series of Central New York bluegrass' staged in Little York

To have a good time at the Bluegrass Ramble Picnic, all you need is a penchant for acoustic music and a lawn chair.

To add life to local writing, folks solve a murder mystery at DeWitt library

'Mysteries are a great way to draw people in and get them excited about libraries.'

Weezer and Pixies: The perfect summer co-headliner cocktail (Review)

Weezer and Pixies, as it turns out, make for a thrilling show -- one that's equal parts artistically stimulating and plain, stupid fun.

Do not underestimate the power of Paramore (Review)

Things are still looking up for Paramore -- and thankfully so, because this group is just a gem.

2018 Syracuse concert wish list: 12 music acts we want to see in CNY next year

Double byline with Katrina Tulloch.

Our reviewers pick their favorite CNY stage productions of 2017

A retrospective with Tony Curulla, Len Fonte and Linda Lowen.

John Carpenter lives his truth in Syracuse (Review)

It is in the best interest of every filmmaker to take up an instrument, form a band with his family members and perform, in front of a live audience, selections from his film scores as clips from said films play on a giant projector behind him.

Slip a coin in the Postmodern Jukebox (Ithaca concert review)

This was entertainment, through and through.

Maynard James Keenan, back when we need him most, shines amid shadows (A Perfect Circle review)

"Horse's mouth versus clickbait," Keenan announced from his platform, which was positioned upstage, unlit and enshrouded in fog for all of the evening.

Rarely Done's 'Frame 312' brings the Zapruder film to the stage (Review)

Reddin's script seems more like a treatment; it's bland, clunkily written and feels a touch two-dimensional considering its weighty subject matter and historical bent.

The Redhouse's '70 Scenes of Halloween' is a surrealist challenge (review)

"Nothing changes, and everything changes." That's what appears to be the thesis of Jeffrey M. Jones' "70 Scenes of Halloween."

Baldwinsville Theatre Guild's 'Noises Off' is a technical meta-farce done right (Review)

A good farce is not unlike a good ballet.

Skid Row does it for the kids (Chevy Court review)

"Metalheads are very tolerant. Everyone is welcome. You come to a metal show and get knocked down, someone will pick you up."

The Marshall Tucker Band, held back by its frontman, shows its mileage (Chevy Court review, video)

The strongest song in the Marshall Tucker Band's set at Chevy Court on Tuesday afternoon did not feature Doug Gray.

Kansas is making sure that prog rock isn't dying anytime soon (Chevy Court review)

Progressive rock is not dead. Granted, no one really said otherwise with much finality, but as rock 'n' roll itself strays further from pop radio with each year, the prog subgenre by association becomes more distant to mainstream listeners. By default, prog is now kind of niche; passe.

Peter Noone, you've got a lovely concert (Chevy Court review)

"What do you say about a band that was in the vanguard of the British Invasion at just fifteen years of age?"

Brantley Gilbert gifts his Georgia charm to the Lakeview Amp (review)

On Friday, for one night only, Syracuse stood in for Brantley Gilbert's backyard in small town Georgia.

Stephen Marley is a human reggae jukebox (Chevy Court review)

Imagine regularly encountering a crowd of strangers wearing T-shirts branded by the face of your father.

The 5 most fabulous parts of the Fabulous Thunderbirds at Chevy Court (review)

Famed Texas blues outfit The Fabulous Thunderbirds touched down at Chevy Court at the New York State Fair on Friday afternoon.

REO Speedwagon is at the mercy of Styx's glorious rebirth (Review)

Styx is likely the truest "They've still got it!" band this town will see in some time.

Goo Goo Dolls: Funny guys who make seriously good ballads (Review)

"The history of rock 'n' roll is littered with terrible band names" -- this according to John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls.

Syracuse Summer Theatre's 'Spring Awakening' feels larger than it is (Review)

In the second act of Syracuse Summer Theatre's "Spring Awakening," a cluster of chairs becomes a row of tombstones in a graveyard.

Skillet looked and sounded best at K-Rockathon 2017 (review)

K-Rockathon is back in business.

Sam Roberts Band makes the most of a small crowd at The Lost Horizon (review)

In the middle of his set on Friday night at The Lost Horizon, Sam Roberts announced that his shoe had come untied.

Third Eye Blind is a timeless treasure (review)

What does a Third Eye Blind fan look like?

Lake Street Dive's makeshift summer night at Beak & Skiff (review)

So, it rained.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd serves the blues, family-style, 'for everybody' at Taste of Syracuse (Review)

On Saturday, June 3, at the festival of festivals that is Taste of Syracuse, Limp Lizard smoked chicken wings on the grill while Kenny Wayne Shepherd smoked his fingers on his Stratocaster.

Carrie Newcomer enlightens Syracuse to 'the sacred ordinary' at Samaritan Center benefit (Review)

"Because some things just have to be / Exactly what they are, / And a song must be sung / One way or another." Those are the last four lines of Carrie Newcomer's poem, "Singing in the Kitchen," which she read to an audience of more than 200 women and men on Sunday during a benefit concert for the Samaritan Center at Park Central Presbyterian Church in Syracuse.

The Slackers don't slack (review)

When The Slackers played this tune on Sunday, April 9 at a hopping Funk 'N Waffles Downtown, it felt like the start of the weekend again. 

Simplelife, The Easy Ramblers, more highlight the CNY music scene at 'Salt City Limits' (Review)

There's a new live music series in town.

The Redhouse delivers the ideal comedy-drama with 'Six Degrees of Separation' (Review)

Of all the genre hyphenates, "comedy-drama" is in many ways the most curious.

Rubblebucket, on stage and 'on the ground,' is all about having fun (Review)

The Brooklyn indie pop band barrelled through The Westcott Theater in Syracuse on Friday, December 9.

The 1975, more like the 1980s at the Carrier Dome (Review)

It's a strange coincidence that much of the Manchester, England indie rock group's sound and aesthetic hinges on what was certainly a benchmark year in popular culture.

Brand New is the ultimate proof that emo can grow up (Review)

Syracuse University should be envious of Ithaca College.

BeatleCUSE celebrates Lennon, Bowie and love at large (Review)

BeatleCUSE's first show as a 501(c)(3) was a success.

The Commodores are cool incarnate (Review)

"Take your eyes off The Commodores!"

Toto takes its time getting to the hits at the NYS Fair (Review)

Just minutes before Toto took the stage at Chevy Court on Friday, another band was already playing "Africa" under a beer tent.

Korn and Rob Zombie are proof that this town's a metal town (Review)

Say what you want about the Lakeview Amphitheater: the new outdoor venue has brought together local fandoms.

Keith Urban is a democratic showman and a true musician (Review)

Keith Urban had a hard time coming up with a setlist for his 2016 ripCORD World Tour.

Counting Crows and Rob Thomas are two different kinds of captivating (Review)

The odds were not in favor of Counting Crows and Rob Thomas earlier this week.

Slipknot expertly balances theater of the macabre with musical spectacle (Review)

Forget Christmas in July. On Saturday evening at the Lakeview Amphitheater, it was Halloween in July.

Zac Brown Band makes smart, sophisticated country (Review)

For many Zac Brown Band fans, just getting to the Lakeview Amphitheater for the 2016 "Black Out the Sun" Tour on Thursday evening was a borderline miracle.

The Wood Brothers like apples, and Beak & Skiff likes them (Review)

The first ever summer lawn concert at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards was a great success.

Journey, though imperfect, proves its relevance at Lakeview Amphitheater (Review)

Few keyboard parts are as powerful and immediately recognizable as the one at the start of Journey's "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)."

Disturbed and Breaking Benjamin are softies when it comes to their fans (Review)

A seriously stacked North American metal tour just began on Saturday evening at the Lakeview Amphitheater.

Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds serves soul to NYS Blues Fest (Review)

These days, soul music is "in."

5 Seconds of Summer brings jokes, surprising proficiency to Lakeview Amphitheater (Review)

5 Seconds of Summer is an act that knows its audience.

Trombone Shorty makes the trombone cool again (Jazz Fest review)

If there were ever any doubts as to the coolness of the trombone, Troy Andrews obliterated them.

Review: Jason Moran riffs on legacy of Fats Waller

On Saturday night, composer-pianist Jason Moran transformed the Cistern Yard into a classroom. His lesson was in the three Fs: Funk, Family and Fats.

Review: Randy Weston and his African Rhythms Sextet

No band is more aptly named than Randy Weston's African Rhythms Sextet.

Review: Old Crow Medicine Show thrills with poetry and motion

Ketch Secor and the famous Old Crows gave a distinctly South Carolinian performance on the eve of Spoleto’s 40th year opening celebration.

Snarky Puppy puts its energy, creativity on display at the Landmark Theatre (Review)

At the historic Landmark Theatre, passionate head-bobbing reached plague-like proportions.

Chance the Rapper shines at Block Party 2016 at Syracuse University

Chicago's Chance The Rapper was Block Party 2016's spiritual headliner.

BeatleCUSE wins big at Landmark Theatre (Review)

More than 50 Syracusan musicians and two living rock legends transformed The Landmark Theatre stage into a Beatles-themed time machine.

Luke Bryan leaves the Carrier Dome crowd all shook up (Review)

Luke Bryan may well be a country superstar in the making, or at least his hips might make one think of the second coming of Elvis Presley.

Mac Sabbath tells the story of metal through a tasty piece of theater (Review)

Review of parody metal band Mac Sabbath's 3/26 performance in Syracuse.

Patrick Stump proves he is rightful leader of Fall Out Boy at War Memorial (Review)

The pop rock band performed for a full house in Syracuse.

'THE WITCH': PRIMEVAL, PROGRESSIVE AND PETRIFYING

Thoughts on 'The Witch.'

Brad Paisley entertains War Memorial with signature sense of humor (Review)

You don't have to be a fan of country music to enjoy a Brad Paisley show.

FIRST WATCH 2015: MEMORABLE FILMS AND TV, OLD AND NEW

[Also editor] Includes: Review, 'Green Room' (2016) and 'Twin Peaks' (1990-1991).

'KRAMPUS' MAKES CHRISTMAS WHACKO AGAIN

Michael Dougherty's 'Krampus' is the ridiculous Christmas disaster flick this generation needs.

Top anthology horror movie picks for your Halloweekend

For those who like their horror films in small bites, or love to binge watch, we suggest classic anthology horror movies to watch this Halloween.

Welcome to the future: A look at 'Back to the Future Part II' today

See how far we've come since Doc and Marty McFly were sent to the future in Robert Zemeckis’ 'Back to the Future Part II.'

DAN AND KEVIN'S FINITE HALLOWEEN PLAYLIST: 2015 EDITION

[Also editor] Includes: Reviews of spooky tracks from various artists.

It's impossible to dislike Kenan Thompson (review)

Kenan Thompson bucked a traditional stand-up comedy set, opting for slower storytelling of wild experiences from his long career in television.

IT DOES: A REACTION TO 'IT FOLLOWS'

Review/personal essay hybrid discussing David Robert Mitchell's 'It Follows.'

LOOK BEHIND 'YOU': A CONVERSATION WITH CAROLINE KEPNES

Q&A with TV writer-turned-novelist Caroline Kepnes, author of 'You,' one of Suspense Magazine's Best Books of 2014.

OUR FAVORITE PARTS OF 'PARKS': A FAREWELL TO 'PARKS AND RECREATION'

[Also editor] Includes: Thoughts on minor characters in 'Parks and Recreation.'

FIRST WATCH 2014: MEMORABLE FILMS, OLD AND NEW

[Also editor] Includes: Review, 'The Babadook' (2014) and 'Adaptation.' (2002)

BLOOD, GUTS, AND GONZO FEMINISM: GILLIAN FLYNN AND THE 'GONE GIRL' HORROR NARRATIVE

An examination of author/screewriter GIllian Flynn, "gonzo feminism" and 'Gone Girl' as a horror narrative.

DAN AND KEVIN'S FINITE HALLOWEEN PLAYLIST

[Also editor] Includes: Reviews of spooky tracks from various artists.

HE SAID HE HAD A STORY TO TELL: INDIE MINSTREL VINCENT PALMERI ON WRITING HIS BAND'S NEW CONCEPT...

Q&A with Vincent Palmeri, singer/songwriter & guitarist of unsigned indie rock group The Bellegards.

Breadcrumbs Podcast: A Trail of Loss

Pop Unmuted Podcast: The Phosphorescent Blues

Behind the scares at Frightmare Farms

Music on the menu: 4 shows to see this week

Do you like a little food with your live music?

A hometown hero, an emerging local songwriter and the godfather of psychobilly: 5 shows to see...

You could easily look at this list of metalcore, psychobilly, world music and electronica acts and, in confusion, cry out, "Cacophany!"

Giving thanks to local talent: 5 shows to see this week

We live in a great music town.

Celebrating ska and local songwriters: 5 shows to see this week

A handful of national acts are passing through Central New York this week.

Afro-pop, synthwave, Ladies Night and more: 5 shows to see this week

Does the bitter end of election season find you antsy and looking to cut loose?

Halloween at Otro, Americana in Auburn and more: 4 shows to see this week

This week in Central New York, you can celebrate Halloween with a couple spooky surf groups, check out some game-changing jam bands and an unorthodox, storytelling cellist.

Nerdcore, post-goth, powerfunk, cowboy punk: 6 shows to see this week

As far as live music goes, this week in Upstate New York's a weird one.

Emo all-stars, soul with a purpose, '80s Night and more: 6 shows to see this week

This week in Upstate New York music sees some jazz, some soul and some emo.

Legends of folk and world music, plenty of post-hardcore: 5 shows to see this week

Tabla and dulcimers and post-hardcore: Oh, my!

Your early October musical itinerary: 7 shows to see this week

Every major influencer in the Syracuse music scene will likely tell you that there is a show happening every day in this town.

Maniacs, 'Werks,' the whole brigade: 6 shows to see this week

This week: A show for every mood!

A lunchtime recital, a rocking cabaret, a 'Pinkerton' party: 4 shows to see this week

There's a lot of room to make a meaningful contribution to the music scene in these next few days.

Girl power, psychedelic pop and the 'great American romantic': 6 shows to see this week

Summer has come and gone, but live music in Syracuse is pretty much immortal.

Syracuse's finest jazz and reggae, plus EDM and nerd rock: 4 shows to see this week

It's time to start thinking about getting back into the Syracuse music scene, so here's what's happening in the city's finest venues this week.

Thoughtful Americana, bluegrass Deadheads and one country girl's homecoming: 3 shows to see this...

The 2016 Chevy Court lineup just keeps getting better.

Highlighting the alternative: 7 shows to see this week

Music in Syracuse is coming to a real boil this week.

Free freak folk, kids rocking out, afrojam funk and Umphrey's: 4 shows to see this week

Like every week in Syracuse, there's lots to see when it comes to live music.

From MySpace electronicore to Southern tunes from the Catskills: 5 shows to see this week

If you think this smattering of shows sounds too bizarre, read on. It's all real.

Some surf, some ska, a lot of duos: 5 shows to see this week

When it comes to music in Upstate New York this week, there's something in the water on Wednesday.

Punk, hip hop, Americana and reggae-funk 'crunch goop': 5 shows to see this week

Whether they're local or making a stop on a national tour, there are a variety of acts performing in Syracuse and Ithaca this week worth mentioning.

A whole lot of singer-songwriters, a whole lot of country: 5 shows to see this week

There are a lot of great songwriters in the world, and somehow, so many of them managed to find themselves playing in Upstate New York this week.

Jam band icons, rock royalty, the world's best banjoist and more: 6 shows to see this week

This week could read like the "Superlatives" page in a yearbook.

Bright Lights!, fireworks and more: 5 shows to see this week

This week is full of historic musical moments, joyful reunions of some favorite Syracuse bands of yore and fireworks to boot.

July is coming: 5 shows to see this week, plus Jazz Fest

July in Syracuse is looming, and that means a whole lot of live music.

Local trash-pop and Americana, critically acclaimed punk: 5 shows to see this week

If you're not feeling tailgates and Berkinstocks, flannel shirts and cowboy boots, there are plenty of shows at smaller venues to explore.

Breadcrumb #206

Short fiction.

Cut Off

Horror microfiction.

Breadcrumb #29

Short fiction.

#LOCKJAWCYOA: 7.26

Installment in original, multi-author "Choose Your Own Adventure" piece.

Post-Mortem & Perry

Horror microfiction.