NYS Music 20​18

Author: David Abadi

  • Rolling Stones make their long awaited return to U.S for 2019 ‘No Filter’ Tour

    One would think after dozens of tours that the years of glory and millions of screaming fans would take a toll on a man. However, the Rolling Stones never cease to amaze us as they announce their 2019 “No Filter” U.S. stadium tour. The legendary English rock group have performed over an astounding 2,000 concerts and there doesn’t appear to be any signs of slowing down. This 13 show tour will include some of the largest venues in the world with multiple stops in California, Florida, and more. Tickets will officially go on sale for these events at 10:00 a.m. on Nov. 30.

    Although the band has primarily played across Europe for the past two years, they hold a dear adoration for their American fans. Mick Jagger voiced his love and recognition for these loyal listeners by stating: “It’s a thrill when we play stadiums in the States…The energy is always amazing!” To which Keith Richards passionately contributed: “I’ve always loved playing in the states. It’s a great crowd.” It is true that their absence has been upsetting to classic rock enthusiasts and concert-goers but these 13 shows will be a refreshing reminder of the incredible music The Rolling Stones have always blessed us with. True to their intoxicatingly dramatic style, the heart of their performances will consist of timeless hits such as “Gimme Shelter,” “Paint it Black,” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” For more information on scheduled appearances, check the Rolling Stones’s website here. See tour dates below.

    Fans hoping to catch a New York show on this tour will have to settle for stops in nearby Philadelphia, Foxboro or East Rutherford.

    Rolling Stones “No Filter Tour” 2019

    April 20 – Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, FL
    April 24 – TIAA Bank Field – Jacksonville, FL
    April 28 – NRG Stadium – Houston, TX
    May 7 – State Farm Stadium – Glendale, AZ
    May 11 – The Rose Bowl – Pasadena, CA
    May 18 – Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, CA
    May 22 – CenturyLink Field – Seattle, WA
    May 26 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High – Denver, CO
    May 31 – FedExField – Washington, D.C.
    June 4 – Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, PA
    June 8 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, MA
    June 13 – MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, NJ
    June 21 – Soldier Field – Chicago, IL

  • No music falls on deaf ears at Palaye Royale Las Vegas performance

    Music is one of the most inclusive interests humans are able to appreciate and share. Genres expand to any identity or personality you could think of and easy accessibility make it available for any to enjoy. But what if you couldn’t hear? How do the deaf listen to music? Unfortunately some would say they simply don’t. However, this September those barriers were broken and deaf fans got to experience music on a level like never before. A collaboration between music group Palaye Royale and Music: Not Impossible Technology led to a test launch at their Las Vegas show.

    The four year long technological advancement has been described as a five-piece device consisting of a vibro harness, two wristbands and two ankle bands. The device syncs with the live performance accordingly and each of the five areas vibrate along with it. The vibes have several settings which can be adjusted from low, medium or strong vibes and immerses the listener in a “surround body” sensation. In addition, a sign language interpreter was also involved on stage for the convenience of other hearing impaired attendees.

    Check out a video below from Music: Not Impossible that exhibits the technology during its first real-world use.

    Dubbed “The hottest band of 2018” by the English music press, Palaye Royale is entertainment at full volume. A combination of musical and artistic expression with immense popularity on all different streaming platforms. They have amassed over 30 million views on smash songs like “Higher,” “Don’t Quite Feel Right,” and “Ma Cherie.” This stands among the achievements of their albums titled Boom Boom Room (Side A) and this year’s highly anticipated follow-up Boom Boom Room (Side B). The Canadian fashion rock-trio is currently on an expansive tour all throughout the states and several parts of Canada. Tickets, both general and VIP, are on sale now.

    The brothers will visit the Lost Horizon in Syracuse this Friday. See below for announced dates.

    Palaye Royale Tour Dates:

    Nov. 15 – Le Ministere – Montréal, QC
    Nov. 16 – The Lost Horizon – Syracuse, NY
    Nov. 17 – Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH
    Nov. 18 – Metro – Chicago, IL
    Nov. 19 – Loving Touch – Detroit, MI
    Nov. 20 – Rave – Milwaukee, WI
    Nov. 21 – Skyway – Minneapolis, MN
    Nov. 23 – The Rec Room – Edmonton, AB
    Nov. 24 – The Legion – Calgary, AB
    Nov. 26 – Rickshaw – Vancouver, BC
    Nov. 27 – El Corazon – Seattle, WA
    Nov. 28 – Bossanova Ballroom – Portland, OR
    Nov. 30 – Slim’s – San Francisco, CA
    Dec. 1 – Holy Diver – Sacramento, CA
    Dec. 2 – Glasshouse – Pomona, CA

  • November 9th is for the children – ‘Wu-Tang Clan Day’ declared in Staten Island

    Rap culture has been blessed with many genius artists and movements that have allowed it to evolve into one of the most popular genres in the world. Those pioneers are celebrated in lyrics/shoutouts by many current stars and respective hometowns take much pride in the influence they invested in the artist.

    Friday marked another one of those celebrations and for none other than the infamous Wu-Tang Clan. Staten Island has officially named November 9th as Wu-Tang Clan day to pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of their legendary debut album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).

    Wu-Tang Clan Day

    Their impact has transcended music and represented how their upbringing converted them into artists in their craft. Record label, Certified Classics, has displayed their appreciation for the timeless rap group in a new short film entitled: “For the Children: 25 Years of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” It explores the background struggles and rise of the group in a world where they felt that music was their only voice. It even takes fans on a journey through production of signature songs and analysis of lyrical content.

    For more modern fans of rap, the film also features interviews and appearances from new school artists including ASAP Rocky, ASAP, Ferg, Joey Bada$$ and other contemporary MCs known for their lyrical skill. They delve into their own influences from the Wu-Tang sound and how it molded their image to be a combination between classic and state of the art. Even 25 years later in a new era of music, their pages on streaming platforms boast millions of listens and impressive monthly listener statistics.

    Watch the short film “For the Children: 25 Years of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” below. The Clan also performed live on “Good Morning America” Friday morning. You can also view that performance here.

  • Let’s Be Leonard tour will spread the holiday cheer throughout New York

    With fall holiday vibes steadily taking over New York all November, Let’s be Leonard will be kicking it off by spreading their extremely versatile and energetic jazzy music all month. The high spirited jam band has announced several shows even including a free night at Putnam Place for Thanksgiving Eve.

    With stages scattered throughout Albany, Oswego, Plattsburgh, and Saratoga Springs, the acoustic vibes set for these evenings will be relaxing for any group. Audiences will experience the band’s talented line-up with Karl Bertrand (Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar), Matt Griffin (Lead Guitar), Connor Dunn (Saxophone), Chris Cronin (Bass Guitar) and Paul Gauy (Drums) also including a lively collaboration at their Albany show with the Leah Woods Band.

    Perhaps the most anticipated night scheduled is their annual “A Very Leonard Christmas” which as their last date in Saratoga, will be traditionally held at Caffe Lena. They are fresh off a series of nights at the Barrelhouse in Saratoga Springs and a post-Phish show at the City Beer Hall so they are more than familiar with these attractive venues.

    The passionate story of Let’s Be Leonard itself is what makes them thrive and reminds their loyal fanbase why their style is unique. All five band members quit their jobs, invested what money they had into equipment and a tour bus, and have been living together in a music-centric collective lifestyle since early 2015. This dedication has incited the support and admiration from local radio and also allowed them to have the courage to expand on their national tours. For those looking to enjoy the Leonard experience, see the dates below.  Tickets for Caffe Lena are already available.

    Upcoming dates:

    Nov. 9 – The City Beer Hall – Albany, NY w/ Leah Woods Band
    Nov. 16 – The Brick Bar – Oswego, NY
    Nov. 17 – The Monopole – Plattsburgh, NY
    Nov. 21 – Putnam Place – Saratoga Springs, NY (Thanksgiving Eve)
    Dec. 21 – Caffe Lena – Saratoga Springs, NY (A Very Leonard Christmas)

    Check out the latest single from the band’s sophomore release Static below and their bandcamp page here.

  • What the Music Modernization Act Could Mean for Your Favorite Artists

    Think to yourself how the standards of your daily life have evolved throughout the years. Phones were once dull, heavy blocks of metal that could hardly get a signal. Now they are extravagant, shiny devices that give you access to thousands of convenient applications. Cars simply provided you with a way to get from one place to another and although they still do so, you get to do it in style with sleek black leather, air conditioning, and a powerful sound system.

    Now it may seem difficult to realize how drastic these changes may be considering that humans live at a painfully accelerated pace and rarely savor the present. So take a moment and process this particular one. As the Music Modernization Act was signed into law last week, artists around the world rejoiced for the largest legislative musical milestone in 20 years.

    With technology constantly advancing, it has prompted businesses to adapt to rising expectations and reform traditional operations. In this case, music streaming has become massively popular for its convenience but financially complex due to the intricacies of copyright. By no means is it a simple process and there has been a notable display of frustration from musicians not receiving proper compensation for their content. Shockingly, certain laws concerning royalty payments abide by concepts going as far back as 1909.

    The most major event was Spotify’s devastating $1.6 billion payment to Wixen Music Publishing for unauthorized usage of copyrighted songs. It seems to almost go without saying that if someone provides a service to a wide group of people, they should be compensated based on the success of that particular service. In fact, there should be safeguards in place to ensure that the process not only runs efficiently but defends the interests of the provider. That is precisely the battle these musicians have tirelessly pursued to protect their own stability and the MMA is finally the flag at the top of the hill.

    So what does this ultimately mean? Well for starters, songwriters can reap the benefits of their streaming popularity even more with higher royalties. Their music is protected and not subject to the strong arm tactics that Apple Music or Spotify are capable of. Finally, it simplifies the difficulty of acquiring copyright licenses by utilizing a musical database instead. For the average person, this modernization isn’t too impactful but consider the perspective of an artist.

    An Intellectual Property lawyer and drummer of the band Blotto, Paul Rapp offered his voice on the passing of the Music Modernization Act as he broke down its purpose and what it truly offers. Rapp began:

    “The Music Modernization Act is a 186-page beast that gets to the heart of some of the more pressing disconnects between copyright law and the digital world of music we live in now… The law establishes a collective, run by publishers and songwriters, to maintain a transparent and public database matching songs to songwriters and publishers. Kind of like what SoundExchange does with digital master rights…It even grants rights to owners of pre-1972 master recordings to get finally paid for digital transmissions (like Sirius and Spotify). This is what Flo & Eddie have been suing about for the last bunch of years.”

    He ended his statements by taking a passionate stance on Congress’ inattentive attitude but his hopefulness for progress by stating:

    “What’s quite remarkable about the law is the level of bipartisanship that led to its passage. Most of the drama was between different segments of the industry, with Congress being all like “once you guys agree on something let us know and we’ll pass it.” There’s a ton more that needs to be done to fix copyright, but this is a good start.”

    Musicians offer a beautiful craft that consumers and the industry at times can take for granted. They work tirelessly between recording and touring that it’s unjust to be burdened by payment not proportionate to their success. Finally, the passing of this Act demonstrates the direction artists wish to pursue and that is taking a stand for the recognition they deserve.

  • Massry Center for the Arts Debuts Artist List for Exciting 2018-2019 Season

    The Massry Center for the Arts has released the schedule for their 2018-2019 season that will include performances from widely renowned performers and talented groups. From October to May, attendees will be able to sample their musical experience from a selection that includes jazz, violin, country-folk, R&B, and much more.

    One of the more notable names that has stirred the anticipation of several fans is Orange is the New Black’s “Big Boo” otherwise known as Lea Delaria. The respected actress, comedian, singer, and gay pride symbol will be providing her audience with a fantastic comedic display in addition to jazz covers of David Bowie songs. Following her performance weeks later will be The Ballroom Thieves who have made a name for themselves with intoxicating vintage jazz tunes. The next artist set to take the stage will be Rolling Stone’s choice as one of “10 New Country Artists You Need To Know,” Kaia Kater. These are only to name a few with many more events for friends and family alike to enjoy. For more details on dates, ticket sale availability, and other performers, see below and get ready for what the beautiful Massry Center has to offer!

    *All tickets may be purchased on the Massry Center for the Arts website

    2018-2019 Season:

    October 13th, 2018: Lea Delaria
    November 15, 2018: The Ballroom Thieves
    November 30, 2018: Kaia Kater
    February 2, 2019: Regina Carter (Simply Ella)
    March 9, 2019: Aaron Goldberg Trio
    April 4, 2019: The Secret Sisters
    April 14, 2019: Aaron Neville
    May 5, 2019: Maceo Parker

  • Ghost Note announces November tour of Europe as new album ‘Swagism’ tops iTunes charts

    Powerhouse jazz ensemble, Ghost Note, made a European tour announcement this week as they promote their critically acclaimed album Swagism. November will see both Grammy award-winning artists Robert Sput Searight and Nate Werth collaborate with a wide spectrum of other talented sounds including Dywane “MonoNeon” Thomas Jr. (bass), Xavier Taplin (keys), Vaughn “V-Keys” Henry (keys), Peter Knudsen (guitar) and Jonathan Mones (alto sax & flute).

    Several exciting European destinations for the group on this tour include Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy as this 3-week long exploration will touch down in a total of 18 overseas cities. Their live performances have also been a topic of extraordinary skill with fantastic reviews and a genuine appreciation from their fans. They lighten the stage with a cool, mellow energy that sets a tone for a night full of seemingly endless groovy vibes.

    Their evolution to get to this point began in 2015 with the group’s debut record, Fortified, being their first step toward endless potential. Eventually, they would come out with Swagism three years later that would dominate the iTunes jazz charts at the number one position and boasting a stunning 20 featured musicians, including Kamasi Washington, Karl Denson, Nigel Hall, Brandon “TAZ” Niederauer, and many more. Despite the awesome quality of these live performances, they aren’t very frequent so hop on a chance to experience this jazz sensation and check out their tour dates below.

    U.S. Tour Dates:

    Oct. 9 – 1884 Lounge – Memphis, TN
    Oct. 10 – Old Rock House – St. Louis, MO
    Oct. 11 – 1st Ward Chop Shop – Chicago, IL
    Oct. 12 – Detroit Institute of Music Education – Detroit, MI
    Oct. 13 – Founders – Grand Rapids, IA
    Oct.14 -15 – The Rex – Toronto, CAN
    Oct. 16 – Johnny Brenda’s – Philadelphia, PA
    Oct. 17 – Gypsy Sally’s – Washington, D.C.
    Oct. 18 – Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC
    Oct. 19 – Neighborhood Theatre – Charlotte, NC
    Oct. 20 – Exit/In – Nashville, TN
    Oct. 21 – Aisle 5 – Atlanta, GA
    Oct. 23 – Thirsty Hippo – Hattiesburg, MS
    Oct. 24 – Blue Nile – New Orleans, LA
    Oct. 25 – Last Concert Cafe – Houston, TX
    Oct. 26 – Deep Ellum – Dallas, TX

    EU/UK Tour Dates:

    Nov. 5 – Nefertiti – Göteborg, Sweden
    Nov. 6 – Fasching – Stockholm, Sweden
    Nov. 8 – Cosmopolite – Oslo, Norway
    Nov. 9 – Jazz Onze Plus – Lausanne, Switzerland
    Nov. 10 – Ingolstädter Jazztage – Ingolstadt, Germany
    Nov. 11 – Roxy – Ulm, Germany
    Nov. 12 – Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg, Germany
    Nov. 14 – Quasimodo – Berlin, Germany
    Nov. 15 – 15 Bunker Ulmenwall – Bielefeld, Germany
    Nov. 16 – Super Sonic Jazz Festival – Amsterdam, Netherlands
    Nov. 17 – Jazz Out – Heerlen, Netherlands
    Nov. 18 – Bird – Rotterdam, Netherlands
    Nov. 20 – Scheltema – Leiden, Netherlands
    Nov. 21 – Badaboum – Paris, France
    Nov. 23 – Ronnie Scott’s – London, England
    Nov. 24 – Unterfahrt – Munich, Germany
    Nov. 25 – Teatro Forma – Bari, Italy
    Nov. 27 -Lumiere / Pisa Jazz – Pisa, Italy

  • Dickey Betts to Undergo Surgery After Traumatic Injury Places Him in Critical Condition

    Dickey Betts, the 74-year-old former member of the Allman Brothers, was hospitalized once again after surgery, having suffered another medical issue at his Florida home this week. While playing outside with his dog, Betts suffered a blow to the head as he slipped and fell. The full extent of the injury remains to be seen as he is currently in critical condition but will be undergoing brain surgery to relieve the swelling on Friday. Betts has been accompanied by his wife Donna and their children through this worrisome event and sent out a word to the fans stating: “The family appreciates all of your thoughts and prayers during this very trying time…Dickey is a notorious fighter and he is displaying that now.”

    Following his recovery from a sudden stroke last month, this wound has become another obstacle for upcoming tour dates. There were regular health updates about Betts from his longtime friend and manager David Spero who recently tweeted on Sept. 14: “Dickey Betts is raring to go. His recovery from his minor stroke is ahead of schedule and he has already started playing his guitar again.”

    However alarming this struggle may be, this has not deterred Betts’ family, friends and bandmates on focusing their attention to Betts once again regaining his health. The tour will understandably be facing cancellation of certain dates but in another assuring statement released by Spero: “It was just a few days ago that Dickey was telling me how excited he was to get back in front of the fans on Nov. 1…It is very unfortunate, for all involved, that we need to cancel those shows. Please add Dickey into your thoughts and prayers. I’ll keep everyone updated on his expected progress.”

    Based on his past determination to provide for his fans and will to persevere, Dickey Betts will continue on his journey to better health that all of us wish for him.

  • West End Blend announces expansive fall 2018 tour plus ‘Live at the Waterhole’ Album Release

    The soulful funk group, West End Blend, shared this week that their impressive Fall 2018 tour will be expanding across cities in the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest. In what Sam Horan, the band’s drummer, has described as “one of our most exciting tours to date,” eager fans can expect performances including surprises such as a Secret Location TBA for Halloweekend.

    This tour will mark the band’s next step to spread their unique sound as they claimed: “We’re visiting some brand new cities and we look forward to expanding that WEB family!” Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via the band’s website.

    This announcement is only the first of many plans for this upcoming fall. West End Blend prides themselves on their own vibe and flair and what better way to do that than with a live album release. Horan mentioned that they have been getting so many requests for this project because “Everyone can agree that while our studio albums sound great, they just don’t quite capture the raw energy and vibe that you see from us live.” It’s the ultimate way to provide the most authentic content possible and Live at the Waterhole will be released Oct. 5.

    Recorded during a two-night long session at the Waterhole in Saranac Lake, the album sees technical contributions from GRAMMY Award-winning engineer Brendan Morawski. By building a studio-style soundboard side stage, Morawski was able to capture studio quality recordings of both evenings. This was also taken into consideration for which songs would be included on the album since the objective was to pick those which have taken on new arrangements and morphed significantly from the studio album versions. This direction the band is taking will demonstrate how they want the utmost interactive experience for the fans and how they are constantly rearranging their songs during live performances to showcase their progression as a group.

    See Tour Dates and Tracklist below:

    Live at the Waterhole Tracklist:

    1. Attitude
    2. Say Hey
    3. Get By
    4. I’m Time
    5. Too Heavy
    6. Day Dreamer
    7. Is that All you got
    8. The Scene

    West End Blend Tour Dates:

    Sept. 18 – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY *
    Sept. 19 – Buffalo Iron Works – Buffalo, NY *
    Sept. 20 – Funk n Waffles – Syracuse, NY *
    Sept. 29 – Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA ^
    Oct. 5 – Toad’s Place – New Haven, CT #
    Oct. 6 – H.O.M.E. – Portland, ME
    Oct. 12 – The Hollow – Albany, NY
    Oct. 18 – Woodlands Tavern – Columbus, OH
    Oct. 19 – Emporium – Chicago, IL
    Oct. 20 – Founder’s Brewery – Grand Rapids, MI
    Oct. 27 – Halloween Horror Camp – Secret Location TBA
    Nov. 7 – Hofgarden – Richmond, VA
    Nov. 8 – The One Stop – Asheville, NC
    Nov. 16 – Pour House Music Hall – Raleigh, NC
    Nov. 17 – Heist Brewing – Charlotte, NC
    Nov. 24 – Riverwalk – Nashua, NH
    Nov. 30 – Tropicalia – Washington DC
    Dec. 7 – King’s Rook Club – Erie, PA
    Dec. 22 – The Haunt – Ithaca, NY @

    * w/ Five Alarm Funk
    ^ w/ Strange Machines
    # w/ Bella’s Bartok
    @ w/ Root Shock

  • Experience Phish: Riviera Maya this February for a luxurious, tropical concert vacation

    Time to start stocking up on sunscreen and swimsuits. Phish will be returning to Mexico this February for their Riviera Maya concert vacation. With a variety of packages to choose from, family and friends alike can enjoy Mexico’s Caribbean coastline while immersing themselves in cultural foods, tequila tastings, and  classic Phish performances. The four-night, all-inclusive event will be taking place February 21-23 on the gorgeous clear beaches of Barcelo Maya where fans can also be shuttled in from five other select hotel resorts.

    The activities for anyone attending are seemingly endless with each resort boasting a variety of quality restaurants, upbeat bars, and lounging by the beach or pool. Off-site adventures are just as plentiful with exploring the nearby town of Tulum, magnificent barrier reefs, and breathtaking views. After long days of soaking in the sun, concertgoers will be entertained by authentic Fire Dancers, Mayan Warriors, and be catered to with complimentary drinks as they are led to the main stage on the beach for an electrifying set of Phish music.

    As the unforgettable weekend concludes, you will also have an opportunity to purchase One-of-a-kind custom event merchandise. That being said, Revenge of the Return of Phish: Riviera Maya will truly be a spectacle for all attendees as well as an exotic vacation.

    For more information on Phish: Riviera Maya in February 2019, visit the event website here.