The Audiostars Rip it Up for Their Fifth Straight Year at Saratoga’s All-American Celebration!
SARATOGA SPRINGS — So let me put it this way…
If the regional music market were a football team, and I were that team’s General Manager, guess what group I would slap the “Franchise Tag” On?
Yep. The Audiostars.
And, apparently, many of you agree…
As do the organizers of this great testament to America’s birthday, for the folks in charge of Saratoga’s All-American Celebration have slapped their own franchise tag on The Audiostars, and it says here that they should have this gig for as long as they want.
For tradition is not something you mess with, and tradition is not just being faithful to the past, but carving out new traditions that people will look forward to enjoying for years to come.
As ‘GM’ my franchise tag decision was not the easiest one, for we are blessed with many fine music acts in the region. But it was the right one. There are bigger groups – in terms of the number of pieces in the band. But none have this ‘core four’. In fact, with this core four, you don’t need no more!
– J Yager (Vocals/Guitar)
– Matt Pirog (Lead Guitar)
– Bobbie VanDetta (Bass/Vocals)
– Chad Ploss (Drums)
Audio-All-Stars for sure. Tight and diverse musically. The epitome of Crowd Pleasers. Don’t ask me – ask the crowd that always shows up en masse`!
For me, the icing on the cake is the Audiostars’ members humility and gratitude for the gifts they enjoy. It is ‘always an honor,’ ‘always a pleasure’ and I assure you that this is sincere. I have been around them long enough to know that there is not a bit of rockstar attitude – just enthusiasm, and just as much concern for your good time as theirs, maybe more.
Before the show, I visited with J in his dressing room (I think it was manufactured by Volvo) and it brought back memories of when I was just starting this media gig, and even though he was already on his way, he took the time to be helpful to me. Tonight he asked, “Are you working, or celebrating?” Well, even when it’s “work,” when The Audiostars are in the house it can’t help but be a celebration!
But, I got it. I took his advice and after shooting from the stage awhile (thank you BVD for the invite!), I put the camera away, and joined the crowd to celebrate America’s Birthday and enjoy the fireworks. Mr. Bigler’s photos (see below) are better, anyway.
But I came away from the Audiostars feeling that I had seen the best in the business, at the top of their game. And that’s why they are The Franchise.
Photos in collage by Dave Bigler Photography
Arthur Gonick
July 6, 2017
