What started as a standing jam session 20 years ago has turned into a band with the kind of chemistry you can't fake — pun very much intended. The Fakers are a Rochester group of seasoned musicians offering a wide range of cover songs from the 1960s to present day. See them Sunday, no cover charge.

Pancakes with maple syrup, breakfast pizza, coffee, and Nathan Teal Music. What better way to begin a glorious October day at Backwoods? Nate is a local singer-songwriter who is able to craft beautiful melodies with a message of hope. His guitar playing is inspired as well. So sit back and relax for a while before revving up for another Bills game at 4:25pm. No cover charge.

If anyone ever questions the level of musical talent coming out of Rochester NY they need look no further than Flying Object, a genre-bending group of local all-stars including founder/lead singer Matt O’Brian (formerly Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad), Chris O’Brian (also GPGDS), Max Flansburg (Dirty Blanket), Elliott Schwartzman (formerly Dwight Yoakam band and Imagine Dragons), and Mike Martinez. We’ve been told their live performances are incredible and that’s what we anticipate on this October evening. $5 daily cover for 21+.

Elliot Schwartzman is a singer-songwriter and accomplished multi-instrumentalist. He’s toured the world as part of the bands Imagine Dragons, Dwight Yoakam, and Zendaya, and plays keyboards, guitar, vocals, mandolin, fiddle and pedal steel guitar. As a solo artist, he crafts songs that are honest, melodic, and emotionally grounded, drawing listeners in with strong storytelling and a clear, expressive voice. He is originally from Fairport, but spent years in Phoenix and Los Angeles before returning, so we’re happy to have him on the Backwoods stage. $5 daily cover for 21+.

Folkfaces is a New York state based roots music quartet playing a mix of original and traditional music in a wide range of genres including country blues, traditional jazz, rock and roll, honky tonk, western swing, bluegrass and oldtime, jugband music and more.  The music is driven by songwriter and frontman, Tyler Westcott (Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Harmonica, Kazoo) who founded the band in 2011. The rest of the band has taken many forms over the years, but the current lineup includes multi-instrumentalist and fiddler Brendan Gosson, upright bass player, Patrick Jackson, and percussionist Dan Schwach on drumkit and washboard. Each of the band’s members come from different musical backgrounds, but find common ground in the rare and captivating sound of Folkfaces. $5 daily cover for 21+.

Jeremy Button is the songwriting founder and lead vocalist of Growl Bear, a popular local alt-country, Americana, folk-rock band. Tonight his duo performs songs from his album “The Dream” along with a slew of other close-to-the-heart songs. $5 daily cover for 21+.

When we saw that Side Eye Band features the Egyptian Eye of Horus in its graphics, we knew we had to have this band at Backwoods (after all, we are located in the Hamlet of Egypt). Side Eye is a local five-piece blues, soul, and rock band featuring the gritty vocals of Buzzomatic. We especially like when they dive deep into the blues genre. No cover charge.

At the very same time we sit here writing a snippet about the Endless Mountain Derelicts, the band is present at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville where they have been nominated to receive the Josie Music Award in the category of EP of the Year — Country/Multi-Genre Infused for their 2025 EP “Life Moves Fast”. EMD’s music blends country, rock, Americana, and outlaw influences in a way that has made them a Finger Lakes favorite. We are excited to have them at Backwoods. Best of luck at the Josie Music Awards! $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Miller And The Other Sinners is a nationally-touring Southern Soul band from Buffalo NY. To say they are a powerhouse blues band is understating the breadth of their music ranging from Memphis soul to gospel spirit to funky rhythm and blues. Lead musician David Michael Miller delivers impeccable gritty vocals while the rest of the Sinners provide the groove that you might expect from such an experienced ensemble of professionals. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

If you missed Skinny Genes at Backwoods earlier this year here’s your chance to hear the uber-entertaining father/son duo. If you were here for their debut you will surely want to return. They bring a rare combination of vocal excellence and gifted guitar playing in their Americana/roots originals and covers. And then there’s the humor - Dad just can’t seem to help himself. And we all enjoy it even more because of the jokes. $5 daily cover for 21+.

Aaron DeRuyter expands the boundaries of Americana music by combining acoustic and electronic elements. He writes haunting soliloquies like Townes Van Zandt and sings with a spiritual expansiveness similar to Iron & Wine. He delivers an ambient blend of folk, grunge, psychedelic rock, and alternative country. On this evening, Aaron performs solo from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, then brings his full band The Confluence for the next two hours. No cover charge.

It’s another Buffalo Bills day at Backwoods with the game against rival New England Patriots being shown on our large screen at 1pm, and to energize and entertain the pre-game crowd we are very pleased to have Steven Louis and Rocky Burning of Unparallel Band on our stage. This exceptional duo displays extraordinary musicianship and vocal prowess in covering artists including Dave Matthews Band, Zach Bryan and others. Why pay $400+ for a ticket to Highmark Stadium when you can have such a fun time at Backwoods with absolutely no cover charge. This is gonna be fun!

We are long-time fans of Anthony Siciliano and his band Head to the Roots. Their collection of Americana/roots originals is unlike any other, matching superlative musicianship with meaningful lyrics. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Mike Brown is a Grammy-nominated producer, engineer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and founder of Temperamental Recordings. Ask him how many guitars he owns (and uses) and we bet he can give you only an approximation. And in his performances of Americana music you might see him switching to his fiddle, mandolin, banjo, or keys. We are in for a treat with this Geneseo-based artist. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

A Nashville recording artist and self-described “fiddle-playing cowboy”, Isaac Cole and his band bring top-tier country music to the Backwoods on this special evening. Isaac’s music career began twelve years ago at the age of 14, and at the age of 16 he earned a spot as finalist on “American Idol”. He’s been called “the next Charlie Daniels” and has played on stage with Dolly Parton. Hold on to your cowboy hat, this is sure to be a wild ride in the woods. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Lots of country music this evening starting with Nate Michaels, a nationally-touring singer-songwriter from the Finger Lakes who blends Americana and indie-rock into his country repertoire. Nate has recorded in Nashville and performs frequently for enthusiastic audiences around Rochester. $5 daily cover for 21+.

Wow these guys are so good! Traveling from Erie PA this Americana-roots band has picked up a tremendous Rochester following from their occasional visits to this area. It’s the perfect band matching the Backwoods vibe and you will be so happy you came to hear them. No cover charge.

This evening we welcome Danny Palladino to Fairport and Backwoods. A seasoned musician who became a familiar and trusted name across the Long Island live music scene, Danny recently relocated to the Rochester areas and will be showcasing a setlist of both classic and contemporary hits that spans generations and genres. No cover charge.

It’s another Buffalo Bills day at Backwoods, with Herding Cats providing the pre-game entertainment. This local group delivers popular covers with wonderful vocals and musicianship. The colorful leaves at Backwoods on a Sunday morning will provide the perfect backdrop. So will all the blue and red of our guests ready to root on the Bills at 1pm on our big screen. No cover charge.

Hot Wire is the local white-hot Bluegrass band that everyone in the Finger Lakes seems to be talking about. The five-member group takes Bluegrass music beyond its traditional boundaries to reveal a fresh and imaginative approach. You may feel compelled to get up out of your Adirondack or lawn chair to dance and hula hoop once the music starts flowing. Good times in the woods. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Local singer-songwriter Emily Livelle brings her band Emily and the Stoics to Backwoods for a lively set of originals and covers. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

If you’ve ever been to Backwoods to watch the band Thurlow perform you know how magical Backwoods becomes when jazz meet funk in the open forest. The tall trees, the background sound of crickets, the softly-lit grounds and pedestrian bridges, and a whole bunch of friendly people grooving to the energy of an all-instrumental group. Scoulive is Rochester’s own tribute to the music of John Scofield and Soulive. Bring on the horns, drums, and guitars for a special evening. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Talk about a full and varied life: Elaina Alston transforms from fifth-grade teacher in East Irondequoit by day into a captivating musical artist by evening. She is not only the lead singer of Stunt Double, a band that brought the house down at Backwoods earlier this summer, but also an accomplished solo acoustic performer. We’re thrilled to have her back on stage and hope you take this opportunity to enjoy her talents. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Known locally as the Pat and Owen Duo, this pair of accomplished musicians bring their skills to Backwoods for two hours of acoustic rock, blues, and roots/Americana. Pat Harrington is a Grammy-nominated guitarist/vocalist while Owen Eichensehr provides rhythm, drums, and vocals alongside Pat. No cover charge.