NYS Music 20​14

Category: News Desk

  • Preview: Sold-Out 2014 Governors Ball To Deliver Strongest Lineup Yet

    Governors Ball, relatively new to the festival scene, is hitting Randall’s Island in New York City with force this coming weekend, June 6-8 2014. Growing from humble beginnings in 2011 as a one day festival with a dozen or so smaller acts, the 2014 festival is bigger than ever, having sold out while there were still just over two weeks to go before the show and is headlined by the likes of Jack White, Outkast, and the Strokes, among many other well known acts. Even in its beginning, Governor’s Ball has attracted more people than even Dave Matthews’ Caravan tour stop at Randall’s Island.GovBall Poster

    Several bands who have made or will be making other big festival appearances such as Coachella and Lollapalooza will be headlining each of the days, mixed in with smaller bands you may or may not be familiar with but promise to deliver a strong performance set against the Manhattan skyline. The four stages will have something for everybody, from indie/alternative rock to hip hop and electronica. With 68 bands scheduled at this time – and who knows what last minute surprises there may be – there were be plenty to choose from. has a few acts of note to see, both on the headliner and supporting band side.

    Day 1 Headliners: Outkast, Phoenix, TV On The Radio

    Outkast reunited this year after a seven year hiatus, taking the opportunity to celebrate their 20th anniversary (which passed in 2012 while on break). While they don’t have any new material since 2007 there is a bit of hype about their return. Try to be cool with Phoenix. The alt-rockers from France are still riding the wave of their chart-peaking 2013 release Bankrupt!

    Don’t miss: Damian Marley, Bastille, Neko Case, Little Comets, Julian Casablancas & The Voidz

    Day 2 Headliners: Jack White, The Strokes, Skrillex

    The lineup for Day 2 is jam packed with festival goodness. Jack White and Skrillex both have sets going on simultaneously. Lazaretto, Jack White’s second solo album, will be officially released June 10, just a few days after the festival. What better way to get the ultimate live preview of some new tracks than in the company of thousands of others? Likewise, dubstep artist Skrillex released his latest album, Recess, in March.

    Don’t Miss: Spoon, Broken Bells, Fitz and the Tantrums, The Naked & Famous, Sleigh Bells

    Day 3 Headliners: Vampire Weekend, Interpol, AXWELL Λ INGROSSO

    Governor’s Ball wraps up with the hometown talent of Vampire Weekend and Interpol along with Swedan-based house duo Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso. Vampire Weekend released their chart-topping Modern Vampires of the City about a year ago.

    Don’t Miss: Head and the Heart, Cayucas, Wild Belle

    GovBall

    With Governor’s Ball’s strongest lineup yet this year, festival organizers have done a decent job with scheduling the four stages such that festival-goers can catch most of what they’d like to see. Since it is difficult to be in two places at once, there are a few overlapping sets where you may have a tough choice to make between stages (i.e., Jack White vs. Skrillex). We suggest looking at the full schedule posted at lineup.governorsballmusicfestival.com and making an itinerary in advance. The website makes this easy, featuring an interactive tool that allows you to make your own festival schedule and share with friends on Facebook and Twitter. There’s even an iOS and Android app to help guide you through the lineup.

    The music doesn’t stop at 11pm. Well, Randall’s Island will hush to the chatter of the crowd at 11 but there are a number of after shows going on starting anywhere between 9pm and 11:30pm at venues in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Output Club, Brooklyn Bowl, Irving Plaza, Knitting Factory, and Grasslands Gallery will host several of the supporting bands along with others. Some after shows are sold out already, but the rest still have tickets available, and you can enter to win tickets to all of them here. The Strokes only recently announced a warmup show at the Capitol Theatre on May 31st, but tickets sold out rather quickly.

    Governor's Ball 2013
    Governor’s Ball, 2013

    Location/Lodging: Nestled on the East River between Queens and Manhattan (approximately parallel with the northern end of Central Park/115th Street), there is certainly plenty to do on the off hours of the festival for those who would to spend the earlier part of their afternoon off of Randall’s Island, especially since there is no lodging on the grounds. Randall’s Island is easily accessible by subway, bus, Manhattan Ferry, the Brooklyn Shuttle, bike, and even car/taxi. Governor’s Ball has partnered with Hotels For Hope to provide brokerage services to help attendees find a room, and for every room booked through this service $2 is donated to Answer the Call, a charity benefiting the widows and children of fallen FDNY and NYPD service members. So, check out this hotel search tool before going direct to the hotel to help a great cause.

    Governor’s Ball offers a wide array of activities suited for the whole family (and yes, the festival is quite family friendly). Art installations will be on display – “surprises are in store” according to the festival. A photo booth will be set up, taking both stills and motion GIFs set against a logo backdrop. Lawn games will be set up in a tailgate help-yourself setting, so grab some friends and meet new folks over some corn hole and bocce. A face & body painting station will be on hand to add to your festival flair. There will even be a silent disco – a dance party with a live DJ performance pumped through wireless headphones.

    Hungry? So are we thinking about what’s on the menu. Hint: it isn’t your typical nacho and cheese concessions. Foodies will be in for a treat with over 54 NYC-area vendors – food trucks, caterers, restaurants – showcasing their grub. From specialty sandwiches to Lebanese and Asian goodies to coffees and Italian ice, just to name a few, the festival experience will be well rounded with this spread. Not to mention gluten free and vegetarian offerings.

    Couldn’t get your ticket in time? General admission is sold out but there are a very limited amount of VIP and Cabana tickets available, but at a price.

    Still not able to make it? Be sure to follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for live updates from Governor’s Ball throughout the weekend!

    Check out the Governor’s Ball Official Spotify Playlist to preview this year’s performers here or rdio lineup mix here.

  • 19th Annual Westport Concert Series Line-Up Announced

    Ballard Park is scheduled to host the 19th annual Westport Community Concert Series this summer with a solid line-up.

    Westport is a small country village located on the western shores of Lake Champlain, approximately halfway between the village of Lake George and city of Plattsburgh, at the intersection of US Route 9N and NYS Route 22.

    The 2014 summer series begins on July 3rd at 7:30 pm and continues every Thursday night through August 27th on the hillside amphitheater overlooking Lake Champlain. Each concert is free of charge. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, and patrons are encouraged to bring food to picnic on the grounds. The rain site is across Main Street in the historic chapel of the Westport Heritage House.

    ballard park

    “Soundwaves” The 19th Annual Westport Community Concert Series lineup:
    July 3:  Taylor Haskins’ ‘Fuzzy Logic’ – featuring Ben Monder, guitar
    with the Meadowmount School of Music String Orchestra
     July 10:  Ryan Montbleau (opening: Jay Fiegl)
     July 17:  Barika
    July 24:  Samuel Torres & Manuel Valera
     July 31:  Meadowmount String Quartets
     August 7:  Joe Brent & Sara Caswell’s ‘9 Horses’ (opening: Staber & Chasnoff)
     August 14:   Michael Chorney & Hollar General – featuring Brett Lanier, pedal steel; Magic
    City the songs of Sun Ra – 8-piece ensemble – featuring Miriam Bernardo
    (double bill)
     August 21:  Jason Lindner’s ‘Super Future Griot’ – featuring Nate Smith and Gilmar Gomes
     August 28:  Rebecca Martin & Larry Grenadier

  • Free Music on Tuesdays in Colonie

    The Capital Region is not short of live music during the summer months. Pay attention and you’ll find some gems, like the free weekly music series hosted by Colonie’s Frank A Leak Amphitheater for the Arts in Cook Park on Tuesdays.

    Each concert takes place on a Tuesday throughout the summer starting at 6:30 pm.  A different genre of music is represented with each concert, with some artists returning from previous years.

    Kicking things off this season will be The Beatles tribute band, Across The Pond, on June 10th.  The addition of this band out of Glens Falls seems most apropos with the recent announcement of Paul McCartney playing at Albany’s Times Union Center in July.  The remainder of the line-up promises an eclectic assortment; from polka to swing, from Sinatra to The Beatles, and from country to Celtic.

    And, speaking of Celtic, the ever-popular Hair of the Dog is slated to close out the series on August 26th.

    For map and directions, please visit the Village of Colonie website.

    Frank A. Leak Amphitheater

    Frank A. Leak Amphitheater Free Concert Series Line-Up:
    June 10: Across The Pond
    June 17: Jade
    June 24: Skeeter Creek
    July 1: Hallateu
    July 8: Pipe Kings
    July 15: Swing Docs
    July 22: T.S. Ensemble
    July 29: Grit & Whiskey
    August 5: Triskele
    August 12: Electric City Horns
    August 19: Rymanowski Brothers
    August 26: Hair of the Dog

  • Bret Michaels Out For Albany Show

    Bret Michaels - Turning Stone
    Bret Michaels – Turning Stone

    We have confirmed with the Times Union Center’s box office that Bret Michael’s will not perform in tonight’s show in Albany.

    Bret Michaels’ appearance at this time is still to be determined for a show scheduled in Albany, tonight at 7pm at the Times Union Center.  He is slated to perform along with The Charlie Daniels Band and The Marshall Tucker Band.

    In a statement yesterday from the Bret Michaels Team, he was diagnosed as having “complications involving insulin shock & severe low blood sugar, along with other conditions which doctors later determined included exhaustion, dehydration, fever and the noro flu virus”.

    On Thursday, in Manchester, NH, after three songs into the first set, Michaels became ill and was was immediately rushed by ambulance to a local hospital. Diagnosed since childhood with Type I Diabetes, Bret was unable to stabilize his sugar levels. Friday’s show in Wilkes-Barre, PA was cancelled as Michaels continued to be observed by doctors.

    Michaels, performed locally most recently in Verona, NY at The Turing Stone Casino Showroom on April 30th to a sold out crowd. His performance was action packed with an energy level and charisma that was off the charts.  Fans of all walks adore him not only because he’s an amazing performer and musician, but because he also is a community oriented performer, and an advocate for several causes, including Petsmart Charities, Operation Homefront, and the American Diabetes Association.

    Ticket holders and fans who are interested can follow his progress on his Facebook account and post their well wishes. Those fans who are currently following his progress are continuing their support in his recovery, and whether their shows go on or not doesn’t matter to them, as their love for his well being is their utmost concern.  NYS Music Music Guide concurs. Get well soon, Bret.

  • The Nikon At Jones Beach: Beer Here!

    The Nikon at Jones Beach Theater is one of Long Island’s premiere music venues. A killer stage, a capacity of 2,800 seats, and a beautiful view of the ocean side beach. Everyone needs to experience a show there at least once in their life.

    Last Friday, Live Nation unleashed the news that there is a new designated area for drinking called the Backstage Oasis at Jones Beach. Unfortunately, you can’t bring the alcohol you purchases to your seat; however, there are giant monitors, sofas, and additional food truck venders to prevent you from feeling inconvenienced. Better than nothing at all, right?

    After years of high demand for the Parks Department at Jones Beach to change their strict alcohol policy at the Nikon, Live Nation formed a committee at the end of 2012 to bring it to an end. As you can see, it seems both parties agreed to a compromise. Nevertheless, The Nikon at Jones Beach Theater finally serves alcohol. Party goers and music lovers rejoice.

    jones11

  • Here are Your Phish Post-Shows at Putnam Den and The Parting Glass

    Phish is coming to Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 3rd, 4th and 5th, and is proud to announce late-night shows brought to you by the Putnam Den at two locations: Putnam Den and The Parting Glass in downtown Saratoga Springs.

    The post-shows in Saratoga have become a destination after seeing Phish at SPAC, with up and coming bands, as well as local bands ready to burst onto the scene and keep fans dancing into the wee hours of the night. The lineup for this year’s post-shows is yet another installment of great music that shows the vibrant scene of Upstate New York.

    As a bonus, this year shows will be held at not one but TWO venues, located a very short walk from each other. See the map below.

    On July 3rd, the hardest working band in the North Country, Lucid, takes the stage at Putnam Den. Careening across the musical spectrum as a V8 blend of genres, Lucid’s sound emerges from a blend of jazz, rock, honky-tonk blues and reggae. Always a Den fave, Lucid gets the 2014 Putnam Den Phish after-party series off to a rollicking start. Tickets are $10. Pick them up here. At The Parting Glass, catch Dead Sessions, a super-group of Vermonters covering the musical of the Grateful Dead. This show has sold out in recent years, so get tickets early!

    July 4th brings us not only America’s birthday, but also Vermont Night! After celebrating our independence and the music of Phish at SPAC, come see Vermont’s Twiddle at Putnam Den and/or Waylon Speed at The Parting Glass.

    Twiddle, a Vermont based quartet, spins tall tales over an intricate soundscape of hi-def shred. Their fresh multi-genre approach conjures up jazz, classical, and bluegrass, but above all, masterfully blends reggae and funk.

    Waylon Speed’s genre is Underground Outlaw Dirt Rock, while the Washington Post has said, “Waylon Speed is a cross between Metallica and the Lumineers, with an unnecessary dash of Prince showmanship.” Not sure what to make of that? Pick up tickets to both shows and check out Twiddle AND Waylon Speed!

    Tickets for this show at $10 each, or pick up tickets to both for $15 and go back and forth between the two shows!

    Pick up Tickets for Twiddle and/or Tickets for Waylon Speed

    On Saturday, July 5th, two rising stars in the jamband world perform late-night shows. At Putnam Den, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will take the stage at midnight, while The Parting Glass will host Albany’s Formula 5.

    Based out of Baltimore, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (PPPP) has an undeniably unique and versatile live sound that combines funk, rock, and electronic with intense energy from their improvisational jams, bringing a party with their danceable electro-funk grooves. Opening for PPPP is Richard James & The Name Changers, a Boston-based rock band with a piano driven, song-oriented sound that appeals to adventuresome music lovers with genre bending tastes and a desire to dance.

    Formula 5, Albany’s biggest jamband, will headline at The Parting Glass, celebrating the recent release of their sophomore album Edging on Catastrophe, bringing their funk-infused jamming to Saratoga. Their live performances combine elements of funk, jazz, rock and more to their own original music. Formula 5’s ever-changing melodies with familiar sounds and catchy lyrics are enough to turn anyone into a lifelong fan.

    Tickets for this show at $10 each, or pick up tickets to both for $15 and go back and forth between the two shows!

    Pick up tickets for PPPP and/or pick up tickets for Formula 5

  • Interpol Summer Tour Includes NYC Date

    Interpol made their mark on the US and UK alternative rock charts in the early 2000’s with hits such as “Slow Hands” and “Evil” and have a summer tour coming to NYC.  Combining a modern American rock sound with a ton of ’80s post-punk British influences like Joy Division, the band picked up a solid following of faithful “‘polsters”. Despite that, no one’s heard much from Interpol since their 2010 self-titled release, until just recently.

    The band has released an extensive, festival heavy tour schedule, including a June 7th date just across the border at the Field Trip Festival in Toronto and a homecoming show June 8th at The Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City.

    This will be their first time playing in the US in nearly three years.

    Here’s the full list of tour dates:

    Interpol Tour 2014

    06-03 New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
    06-04 Providence, RI – Lupos
    06-05 Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
    06-07 Toronto, Ontario – Field Trip Festival
    06-08 New York, NY – Governor’s Ball
    06-20 Scheessel, Germany – Hurricane Festival
    06-20 Neuhausen, Germany – Southside Festival
    06-24 Paris, France – Alhambra
    06-25 London, England – Electric Ballroom
    06-27 Evreux, France – Rock Dans Tous Ses Etats
    06-29 Luxembourg, Luxembourg – Rock A Field
    07-01 Berlin, Germany – Postbahnhof
    07-02 Gdynia, Poland – Open’er Festival
    07-03 Roskilde, Denmark – Roskilde Fest
    07-06 Werchter, Belgium – Rock Werchter
    07-08 Nimes, France – Nimes Festival
    07-10 Oeiras, Portugal – Optimus Alive
    07-12 Keflavík, Iceland – All Tomorrow’s Parties Iceland
    08-01 Chicago, IL – Lollapalooza
    08-20 Tempe, AZ – The Marquee Theatre
    08-21 Las Vegas, NV – The Pool at The Cosmopolitan
    08-23 Los Angeles, CA – FYF Fest
    10-03 Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Festival
    10-10 Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Festival

    http://youtu.be/XmtsktxLYqs

  • The Strokes Coming to The Capitol Theatre This Saturday

    This coming Saturday, May 31st, The Strokes are kicking off Governors Ball festivities at The Capitol Theatre. The show sold out in mere minutes of going on sale a couple of weeks ago, as the band last played together in November of 2011, and haven’t hit the New York tri-state area since April of that year. The band was a big influence to the early 2000 rock scene and still have an influence on bands today. While the band has been on hiatus, both Julian Casablancas and Albert Hammond Jr. have enjoyed success as solo artists, but fans have been clamoring for the band to get back together and have rejoiced with the announcement of these two shows.

    strokes

    Governors Ball is going to be gearing up to hyper speed starting with this show. One week after wards The Strokes will be playing to a much bigger audience as the sun sets on June 7th.

    The Capitol Theatre is going to be a great stage for The Strokes to come back to and get their feet wet before taking over the main stage at the festival.

  • 25th Annual Crawfish Fest in New Jersey to Host New Orleans’ Finest Musicians

    A vast array of New Orleans’ finest musicians will be performing at Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Fest this weekend at Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ.  The Crawfish Fest will be celebrating its 25th anniversary, with musical styles ranging from R&B to funk, Cajun, gospel and jazz.  There will be four stages, including music workshops and children’s activities.  New Orleans style food will be available, including fresh crawfish, Po-Boys and Jambalaya.

    Famed jazz trumpeter Kermit Ruffins will headline the festival on Friday, May 30th on the Main Stage.  Zydeco accordionist and singer Curley Taylor, Mia Borders, and The Tin Men will also be performing on Friday on various stages.  Music starts at 5 pm Friday.

    New Orleans’ legendary Funky METERS will be headlining on Saturday, May 31st, joined by Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Bonerama, and Terrance Simien.  On Saturday night, The Nth Power will host a special 1-year anniversary party for Josh and Karen Raskin, who were wed by the Meters’ bassist, George Porter Jr. at the Brooklyn Bowl last year.  Marcia Ball will be headlining on the Jager Pavilion Stage Saturday.

    JJ Grey and Mofro headline on Sunday, June 1st, along with the funk powerhouse, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk.  Earphunk, Royal Southern Brotherhood, The Crawdaddies, and Ray Abshire Cajun Band also perform, along with many others.

    Tickets are $40 per day, with multi-day combo and group discounts.  Camping tickets are sold out. Pick up tickets here. Parking is free. Please leave pets at home.

  • Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band’s First Time in Buffalo

    Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band is a little lengthy of a band name in my opinion, but lucky for everyone, they’re also known, simply, as “Booty Band.”  As much a mouthful the name is, their sound is a lot for your ears to take in as well.   Their self-proclaimed raucous live show is a humble statement and their mix of deep funk with rock, soul, and rap makes for an interesting combination. Make no mistake, you might not take them seriously at first, but after hearing their spin on funk, you will begin to understand why they can put the fun in funky and showcase some serious chops at the same time. So, hearing all of this, are you ready for a last-minute Booty call?

    Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band

    Just announced today, the band is slated to hit the stage at Nietzsche’s next Thursday.  The first-ever show for them in Buffalo is a great way to kick off the weekend a little early, and with a $7 ticket price, how can you argue?  With the release of the latest album this past October and a heavy tour schedule, they are making their name known, regardless of length or variation.  The show was put together by ECE Presents who have been doing a outstanding job in the Western New York area as of late, bringing quality talent and growing the scene organically, one show at a time.  Joining Booty Band and opening the night will be The Wakos who were hand-chosen for the show as they are the perfect fit for Booty’s Band’s bodacious sound.  

    Check out a sample of Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty here and get a taste of what’s in store for next week:

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