NYS Music 20​18

Category: Funk/Soul/R&B

  • New York, The Silk City: Governors Ball 2018

    Premier northeast music festival The Governors Ball returns to Randall’s Island in New York City in just a few weeks, taking place from Friday, June 1 through Sunday, June 3, 2018. GA weekend and single day tickets for each day are still available, but maybe not for long as various ticket packages, such as Sunday and Saturday GA tickets, are very close to being sold out. In just seven years running, Governors Ball has made a fast ascension to becoming one of New York City’s most anticipated annual music events, featuring a more savory lineup of artists with each passing summer. NYS Music will be there to bring you coverage of the 2018 festival.

    The biggest news surrounds the festival’s heavy headliners. Rock virtuoso Jack White will be making a return to the event, having not played there since 2014. Last time White graced the Gov Ball stage, they matched his set with a same time performance from Skrillex. This year the tossup is with James Blake, the pianist, producer and soul singer who’s won the hearts of everybody, from Beyonce to Rick Rubin. If you haven’t heard, Blake just released a collaboration with Andre3000. Get on it.

    Saturday night, in turn, will be capped off by a real rock gem. As a celebration of the ten-year anniversary of their second studio release, The 59 Sound, The Gaslight Anthem will be performing the record in its entirety. Full performances of albums are a live music treat that fans should experience if the opportunity presents itself.

    Then there’s the act we’re all probably buzzing about, Silk City. Diplo, reigning favorite of the electronic dance music world, and Mark Ronson, the producer that can do no wrong, have teamed up to make a new collaborative disco album. Governors Ball is your chance to see the duo make their first ever live performance. Travis Scott, who has collaborated with Diplo’s project Major Lazer and also shared the stage with Ronson at last year’s Gov Ball, will be dropping his set immediately after Silk City—so this is keying up to be a weekend for Governor’s fans to remember.

    But if there’s anyone that’s truly taking over the festival spotlight, it’s Eminem. Boston Calling, Bonnaroo, Firefly, and of course Gov Ball — the famed rapper is headlining them all. The last occurring slot time on Sunday night is reserved solely for him, so you can bet pretty much all eyes at the Ball will be on Slim.

    As in past years, Gov Ball will be showcasing some of the most buzz-worthy, up-and-coming bands currently making noise across the indie, pop, rock and hip hop circuits. Across each of these mainstream genres, artists can go from fresh on the scene to topping the charts in no time. And on the way there, many of them seem to pass through Randall’s Island with dynamite festival sets. At this year’s Gov Ball, artists rocking this category are the likes of alt rockers Wolf Alice, country sensation Margo Price, breakout singer Billie Ellish and more. Special mention here: Belly. If you want to talk about a comeback, the Rhode Island-based alt punk band reunited in 2016 and, this month, just released their first album in twenty years, Dove, and it rocks.

    That doesn’t even cover all of the musical goodness flooding Randall’s Island in three weeks. Hip hop supergroup N.E.R.D and NYC’s own Yeah Yeah Yeah’s are two other highly anticipated sets, given that they both have made huge reunions in the past year, while most others might be excited for the recently announced special set by Shawn Mendes.

    The party will keep going for some after-hours concerts as part of The Governors Ball After Dark. Comprised mostly of the acts performing at the festival, this series of shows kicks off Thursday, May 30 and goes through the weekend at venues throughout the boroughs. While a handful of the shows are sold out, some tickets are still available. Check out the full lineup for After Dark here.

    Aside from the music, Gov Ball is once again featuring close to 60 NYC-area food vendors with plenty of delicious tastes for everybody, including gluten-free and vegan options. More “deats” on the eats can be found here.

    Tickets are nearly sold out for Saturday and Sunday, with some available for Friday here (it will sell out). Plenty of info on how to get to the festival and FAQs on how to have the best Gov Ball experience can be found on their website.

  • Rochester Music Hall of Fame: a Night To Remember

    The Board of Directors of the Rochester Music Hall of Fame pulled out all the stops this year. The seventh annual award ceremony was held on Sunday, April 22 at Rochester’s historic Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. The sold-out event celebrated the contributions of musicians with local ties, including Rochester native and legendary drummer Steve Gadd, Eastman School of Music graduate and iconic bassist Tony Levin, world-renown percussionist and Eastman School Professor Emeritus John Beck, and masters of sacred steel The Campbell Brothers. Congratulatory messages were sent by Peter Gabriel, who has worked with both Gadd and Levin. Special guest performers included pedal steel guitarist extraordinaire Robert Randolph, preteen powerhouse Angelica Hale from America’s Got Talent, and a surprise appearance by Paul Simon.

    Photos by Battista Photography

    Paul Simon

    At the ceremony’s commencement, a moment of silence was taken to honor the late Senator Louise Slaughter, a supporter of the arts. Board of Directors President Karl LaPorta announced that he and his wife would be stepping down from the board to spend some time traveling, although they will stay involved with the Hall of Fame. Vice President Jack Whittier will take the lead position on the Board moving forward. Whittier shared plans to branch into more community outreach and partnerships which foster the love of music. They’ve also acquired a location for the Hall of Fame at the corner of East Main and Gibbs Streets.

    The ceremony opened with a few quick tribute songs from local singers, backed by the Hall of Fame’s house band, Prime Time Funk: “Kodachrome” sung by Alyssa Coco and Ronnie Leigh, a soulful rendition of “Wildflower” sung by Bree Draper, and “Sledgehammer” featuring the powerful vocals of Danielle Ponder.

    The first inductee of the night was John Beck, a Pennsylvania native who started playing drums at a very young age, traveling by bus into Pittsburgh as a teenager to take lessons and later moving to Rochester to study at the Eastman School of Music. After ten years drumming in the military, Beck returned to Rochester to teach and to play in the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. He has played with orchestras around the world, and holds many accolades. He has also taught hundreds of students, including Steve Gadd.

    The first piece he played was something he wrote for Gadd’s senior performance, played on the timpani. He then played a couple on a drum kit and some hand drums. Between songs, he went to the podium to talk about the music, and asked for a moment to get to the drums. But once behind the percussive instruments, he began moving with a deft agility and grace. For his grand finale, he chose a big band song, backed by Prime Time Funk.

    Ferdinand Jay Smith

    The next inductee was Ferdinand Jay Smith III, who has created some of the most memorable and longest lasting music in entertainment, including theme songs for television programs, Olympic Games, and advertising. A reel of some of his work was played, highlighting the local, regional, and national clients for whom Smith has produced work. Some of the best selections were saved for live performance by the house band, with guest singers. America’s Got Talent finalist Angelina Hale took to the stage to perform the theme song for Bausch & Lomb. The Empire State Games theme song was sung by a group which included two of Smith’s children and one of his grandchildren.

    Ferdinand Jay Smith with Angelina Hale

    After a brief intermission, Gadd and Levin were introduced by their friend Peter Gabriel, via video recording. The British rocker talked about knowing Levin “since the dinosaurs roamed the earth” and shared the joke about how many drummers it takes to change a light bulb. “One to do it, and twelve to talk about how Steve Gadd would have done it.”

    Steve Gadd

    Gadd and Levin met as students at the Eastman School of Music, where they studied together during the day and gigged around town by night, learning the ropes from local legends like Chuck and Gap Mangione. After serving in Vietnam, Gadd settled in New York City with Levin, and Levin introduced him around. They formed a jazz band called L’Image with friends Mike Mainieri, David Spinozza and Warren Bernhardt. Since that time, they have also toured and recorded with some of the biggest names in the music industry, as well as their own individual bands.

    L’Image

    The members of L’Image united on stage tonight to play a few of their songs, which prominently featured the xylophone and the Chapman stick. Levin is adept at playing the stick, sometimes plucking and sometimes with a bow.

    Tony Levin

    Just when we thought they would wrap up their set, Paul Simon walked across the stage. Simon shared a couple of stories about working with Gadd and Levin, then launched into performances of “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” which features Gadd’s prominent drum line, and “Late In The Evening,” for which Levin wrote the driving bassline. Simon’s surprise appearance was one of the city’s best kept secrets (EVERYBODY knew when Bill Murray was in town a few weeks ago, but Simon’s arrival was kept tightly under wraps until the show). This comes on the wake of the news that Simon will retire from touring after this year. The ‘Homeward Bound’ farewell tour starts in mid-may and wraps up in the fall with a three-night run in New York City.

    Paul Simon with Steve Gadd

    Paul Simon is a hard act to follow, but the Campbell Brothers held their own. The Sacred Steel gospel group started at their local churches and have grown to fill some of the most venerable music halls, but the members maintain their sense of humility and gratitude despite their growing recognition.

    Campbell Brothers with Robert Randolph

    From the first notes of the steel pedal guitar, there was a sense that something phenomenal was in store. The other instruments joined it, the sound swelling to fill every nook and cranny of the auditorium. What ensued was a hand-clapping, foot-stomping celebration of joy. Gospel singer Denise Brown came out to sing “I’ve Got A Feeling.” And Charles Campbell got everyone doing a call and response on the next number, “Hell No! Heaven Yes!” Robert Randolph danced his way across the stage to join in on pedal steel.

    Campbell Brothers with Robert Randolph

    Randolph led the vocals on the last performance of the night, “Purple Haze,” a song Jimi Hendrix played when he performed in Rochester in 1968. Gadd settled himself behind his drum kit, Levin grabbed his bass and the house band took up their instruments, Beck took up a hand drum and Smith procured a tambourine. The all-star jam was a glorious sight to behold. Randolph jumped up on his chair while playing the steel pedal guitar. Charles Campbell was strutting the stage, pulling out some Chuck Berry style moves. The joyful outpouring of sights and sounds capped off what was truly a memorable night.

    Mark your calendar now: next year’s Rochester Music Hall of Fame ceremony takes place on April 28th. You won’t want to miss out on all the excitement in store!

  • Hearing Aide: News From Planet Kniffen ‘Dreamland’

    Darryl Kniffen’s brainchild News From Planet Kniffen released their debut album Dreamland on April 27, and the Vermont-based sextet has shown that they have the chops to produce some truly innovative fusion jazz/funk music. An eclectic musician from Clifton Park, New York, Kniffen has performed with a number of bands and musicians, and dominated the stage solo. He is responsible for all the arrangements found in NFPK’s triumphant debut album.

    The 9-track album begins with the promising “Blackness,” a worthy introduction track with soaring horn and trumpet lines, setting the tone for the high-energy voyage the listener is about to embark on. “Peace Journey” features a memorable piano line and some layered drumming, as well as some ultra-smooth sax and trumpet, culminating in a peaceful and ambient tune. The third track is the only cover on the album, a fresh take on AC/DC’s “Back In Black,” which manages to be both inventive and new, while remaining faithful to the hard rock classic.

    The aptly-named “Midnight Drive” builds the groove up slowly, and lets each member of the group take turns showcasing their ability and cultivating an entrancing atmosphere. See them perform it live here. After the sultry mellow groove of “Midnight Drive,” the band lets loose with the titular track, “Dreamland.” This is arguably the most danceable number on the album, with a salsa influence shining through their already-recognizable style. This intoxicating Latin-inspired track is sure to animate a crowd.

    “Song of Everest” follows on “Dreamland’s” heels with a heavy-metal inspired riff and some aggressive piano, adding more depth to the eclectic palette of the album. “Everest” brings some dark, raw energy that adds interesting variety and features a riveting peak and breakdown. “Beautiful Mystery” is essentially the tonal opposite of the previous song, with NFPK returning to their original, undeniably jazzy sound. “Inspiration” builds on a wave of pleasant horns and a steady build to a euphoric crescendo before the epic coup-de-grace that is “Tick Tock.” “Tick Tock” evokes the feeling of an old spy movie, with its jaunty piano-line and frantic pace, instilling a dramatic sense of urgency.

    News From Planet Kniffen shows tons of promise with their first foray into the world of jazz-fusion, with a debut album that blends mesmerizing soundscapes with genre-bending arrangements and musical prowess. These guys are not to be missed. Purchase the album here.

    Key Tracks: Back in Black, Midnight Drive, Dreamland

  • The Flock Hits Brooklyn For 3 Sold-Out Pigeons Shows

    Few bands put the “f.u.” in fun and funk like Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and May 3-5 at Brooklyn Bowl demonstrated why. Pigeons is one of the hottest up-and-coming acts in the jam scene, and their ravenous fans and followers are known as “The Flock.” This weekend, the Flock flew into Brooklyn and filled out the Bowl 3 nights in a row.

    pigeons brooklyn

    Not many bands are capable of packing it out for one night, especially when considering that they were up against Jazz Fest, which annually brings many New Yorkers down to NOLA. But PPPP sold out the Bowl 3 nights in a row, a feat commemorated with special gold, silver, and bronze coins being sold at the merch table all weekend. Their meteoric rise through the scene has been a joy to watch, and it is clear why: musically, they provide what their crowd is there for—funky, fun bass lines, high energy drumming, and soaring peaks. Performance-wise, they are top-notch, with a lighting design that matches the enthusiasm of the band onstage. Not to mention, it doesn’t seem as if any band could possibly have as much fun as they do!

    This weekend showcased all of those reasons that Pigeons are experiencing this meteoric ascent, from their choreographed playing and superb lighting design to their high energy stage presence to the dancey funky fun they bring. Beginning Thursday night, it was apparent that the crowd was ready to get down. And the Pigeons didn’t disappoint! They opened the first night with “Whoopie,” with rhythm guitarist “Scrambled” Greg Ormont, lead guitarist Jeremy Schon, and bassist Ben Carrey engaged in a choreographed head-nod dance move. And the fun continued straight from there until the encore on Saturday night.

    The band played 6 sets without repeats and many fun covers, including “Hava Nagila” (a fun Pigeons staple), “Hyrule Castle” (the theme song from classic Nintendo video game “Zelda”), “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” (from The Lion King), the Star Wars “Cantina Song” and “Imperial March,” the Beatles’ “Get Back,” The Velvet Underground’s “Rock & Roll,” “Tequila,” Michael Jackson’s “Pretty Young Thing,” and The Who’s “Pinball Wizard.” And they of course broke out some of their most popular hits, like “F U,” “Fun In Funk,” “Julia,” “Poseidon,” “Horizon,” and “Melting Lights.” Each set was fun, funky, spacey, raging, and different. The energy inside Brooklyn Bowl was off the charts, and the crowd was dancing and having as much fun as the band!

    Before the encore on Thursday night, Greg announced to the enthusiastic crowd: “This is our home now, yall!” During Friday’s performance towards the beginning of the first set, he maintained “We love the Brooklyn Bowl! One of our favorite places to play…and the food is do dank!” Saturday night, just before launching into the encore, Greg proclaimed: “This is our happy place! We wish we could stay here forever!” Clearly, the Bowl and the New York crowd made an impact on the boys from Baltimore; and PPPP certainly made an impact on the flock who made it out Brooklyn this weekend, as no one wanted to go home at the end of the weekend. Pigeons can be seen next at Domefest, their curated festival in Bedford, PA, from 5/17-5/19, as well as at Summer Camp Music Festival (Chillicothe, IL 5/25-5/27), Great South Bay Music Festival (Patchogue, NY 6/14), Peach Music Festival (Scranton, PA 7/19), LOCKN’ (Arrington, VA 8/25), and many other great events throughout the summer.

  • Blues Music Awards Honor Chenango Blues Festival Performers

    The Blues Foundation held its 39th Blues Music Awards on Thursday, May 10, in Memphis, Tennessee. Several award winners have appeared recently in Central New York, most notably at the Chenango Blues Festival. Victor Wainwright took home the prestigious Pinetop Perkins Best Instrumentalist – Piano Award, and Jason Ricci was named Best Instrumentalist – Harmonica. Both Wainwright and Ricci delivered jaw-dropping, show-stopping performances at the 2017 Chenango Blues Festival, reviewed by NYS Music’s Mike Kohli here.

    Jason Ricci

    Other winners that have appeared at Chenango through the years include Curtis Salgado, Soul Blues Male Artist; Southern Avenue, Best Emerging Artist Album; Ronnie Earl, Best Instrumentalist – Guitar; Samantha Fish, Contemporary Blues Female Artist; Mike Ledbetter, who won with Mike Welch for Traditional Blues Album for Right Place, Right Time on Delta Groove Records; Mike Zito, Rock Blues Artist; Rick Estrin, who won Band of the Year, Traditional Blues Male Artist, and Song of the Year, for “The Blues Ain’t Going Nowhere;” and the late, great Luther Allison, Best Historical Album for Luther Allison – A Legend Never Dies, Essential Recordings 1976-1997 (Ruf Records).

    Other BMA nominees that have appeared at Chenango include Paul deLay, Guy Davis, Shemekia Copeland, Janiva Magness, Mitch Woods, Chris Cain, John Nemeth, Upstate New York’s own Tas Cru,  (whose latest release, Memphis Song, was recorded at SubCat Studios in Syracuse), Anson Funderburgh, Savoy Brown, Vanessa Collier, Sugaray Rayford, Anthony Geraci, and the North Mississippi All Stars. 2018 Festival performers Toronzo Cannon, The Cash Box Kings, and Elvin Bishop were also nominated.

    Emerging Artist nominees Larkin Poe, quickly gaining followers and national attention, will headline opening night of the NYS Blues Festival in Syracuse on June 28.

    Some of this year’s Blues Music Award winners can be seen throughout New York State this summer. Here is a partial list:

    Mike Zito is at The Tralf in Buffalo on May 17.

    Keb Mo plays at the Tarrytown Theater on May 25.

    Jason Ricci can be seen in Ellicottville on June 2, and in Lima, NY on June 3.

    Samantha Fish can be seen June 2 in Rochester at Flour City Station, June 7 at Daryl’s House in Pawling (already sold out), June 12 at Funk ‘n Waffles, Syracuse, and will return to Chenango on August 18. A NYS Music review of her appearance at the Westcott Theater on February 9, 2018, can be viewed here.

    Robert Cray stops in Vestal on June 13, and in Geneva on June 15.

    Victor Wainwright will perform at Funk ‘n Waffles Syracuse with an early 6:00 p.m. show on July 6.

    Beth Hart is on the bill with Kenny Wayne Shepherd at Albany’s Palace Theater, July 27.

    Trombone Shorty visits Bethel, NY on August 11, and Lewiston, NY on August 14.

    Rick Estrin & the Nightcats are scheduled to appear at Wakely’s on Varick, in Utica, NY on August 11.

  • 2018 Saranac Thursday Lineup Announced

    The F.X. Matt Brewery in Utica announced the lineup for its 20th anniversary Saranac Thursday series for 2018. The annual event showcases many local and regional acts with the occasional national act as well. This year’s series kicks off May 24 with the Rome-based classic rock outfit, Work Related.

    In addition to 20 years of Saranac Thursdays, the brewery is celebrating 85 years of Utica Club, the brewery’s flagship beer, and 130 years of the F.X. Matt Brewing Company.

    Gates to the courtyard open at 5:30 and performances begin at 6:00 p.m. each week. A portion of the proceeds benefits the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area. The events have raised more than $600,000 dollar total to date.

    2018 Saranac Thursday Schedule: 

    May 24 – Work Related
    May 31 – Chris Eves & The New Normal
    June 7 – Big Mean Sound Machine
    June 14 – Eric Tessmer Band
    June 21 – Our Common Roots
    June 28 – Follow the Muse
    July 5 – Gridley Paige
    July 12 – Last Left
    July 19 – LDF
    July 26 – Sir Cadian Rhythm
    Aug. 2 – Showtime
    Aug. 9 – The Old Main
    Aug. 16 – The Crazy Fools
    Aug. 23 – Handsome Young Ladies
    Aug. 30 – The Bomb
    Sept. 6 – Floodwood

  • Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul Bring Spiritual Nourishment to the Palace

    Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul brought a crowd of 900 to church on Friday, May 4. The full band of 14, including 5 horns, 2 pianos, 2 percussionists, 1 guitar, 1 bass and 3 back up singers, were joined on stage by Little Steven a little after 8 pm.  As the wall of sound overtook the Palace, it became immediately clear that the crowd was about to get some soul nourishment through old-fashioned big band live music.

    Little Steven spoke to the crowd repeatedly through the concert, asking initially if the crowd liked “good music” as he pointed out dancing, head bobbing fans in the seats. As the band roared through their set list, memories of Little Steven’s history playing in the E Street Band and with Southside Johnny flooded the theatre. The top-notch musicians created chord progression after chord progression of satisfying sound, filling the space with covers and new songs alike and bringing the audience to a fevered pitch of joy.

    Ever the entertainer, Little Steven was in constant motion. Between removing his trench coat, pointing to band members to cue them to take solos, and dancing with his fans, the star powered his way through five songs before taking a break and instructing his audience to “sit and relax” too. He announced the release of the group’s live album and dedicated the night to the teaching profession, noting, “It is time to give them the respect due.” He added he probably should also dedicate it to those teachers he gave a hard time to in school, which drew laughter from the agreeable crowd.

    Steven graciously shared his stage and highlighted talent within his band, giving ample opportunities to each section for solos and audience applause. Generous and joyful, Steven reflected on how live music can nourish your soul.  “The world’s going crazy out there,” he mused, “ We need to gather in cathedrals like this to remember our common ground.”

    Soul music was the common ground for this band, and as they gave nods to Motown and Springsteen alike, they shared high-intensity energy and love for their craft.  They brought the audience with them; with hands clapping and the crowd jumping, as a frenzy of lights and a wall of music lifted spirits and grounded souls in Albany.

    Setlist: Sweet Soul Music (Arthur Conley cover), Soulfire (The Breakers cover), I’m Coming Back (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover), The Blues Is My Business (Etta James cover), Love on the Wrong Side of Town (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover),  Until the Good Is Gone, Angel Eyes, Some Things Just Don’t Change (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover), St. Valentines Day, Standing in the Line of Fire (Gary “U.S.” Bonds cover), I Saw the Light (Little Steven cover), Salvation (Little Steven cover), The City Weeps Tonight (Little Steven cover), Down and Out in New York City (James Brown cover), Princess of Little Italy. Groovin’ Is Easy (The Electric Flag cover), Ride the Night Away (Jimmy Barnes cover), Bitter Fruit (Little Steven cover), Forever

    Encore: I Don’t Want to Go Home (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover), Out of the Darkness (Little Steven cover)

  • Hearing Aide: Erez Zobary ‘Love, and Lots of Sleep’

    The end of college can foster a variety of emotions, most commonly fear of the unknown and wonder in where the next path begins. For recent grads like Erez Zobary, her path of music is not only defined, but ensured in the raw talent behind her senior year creation of Love, and Lots of Sleep. This five track phenomena has a emphasis on r&b and soul electronica influences, reminiscent of NAO and Keri Hilson. She released the EP within weeks of graduating college, and with some diverse instrumentation, creative producers, and a lush and powerful voice, this is a strong first step into the music scene for Erez, and we’re certain she’ll have many strong releases to follow.

    Each of the five tracks on this EP offer us a variety of colorful tempos thanks to producer Brian Han (stage name Brahny), with brilliant melodic lines overarching in each song. Most notably, the combination of rhythmic pulsing and melody on the chorus of “Tides” creates a well mixed, layered motion of sound. Contrasting from “Tides” in intensity is the ballad “November,” which features a delicate, tropical backdrop to support yet another catchy and clever melodic line in its chorus.

    Gaining a huge following in her college’s city of Kingston, Ontario, her music still has many miles to travel to reach the ears of her bigger audience. Hopefully her time out of college will make way for more music, allowing her to expand the capabilities of her already well-developed vocal timbre. As she takes more risks as an artist in a post-grad world, we hope to see her grow in popularity, while developing a diverse discography to take her places all over the nation.

    Key Tracks: Tides, November

  • Disc Jam Music Fest 2018 Announces Daily Schedules

    Disc Jam organizers released the daily lineups for this year’s festival, being held June 7-10 in Stephentown, NY. Daily headliners include Aqueous and Moon Hooch (Thursday), The Motet and Galactic (Friday), Beats Antique and Lotus (Saturday) and Tom Marshall’s Amfibian All-Stars (Sunday). Late night acts include Gubbulidis and solo sets from Ryan Dempsey and Brook Jordan, all of Twiddle (Thursday), DJ Logic & Friends and Barber Acoustic (Friday), and Electron and Tom Hamilton & Holly Bowling (Saturday).

    Tickets for the festival are available now. Attendees can purchase full weekend passes or daily passes. Information on ticketing can be found at the Disc Jam website.

    Artists at Large

    Once again, Disc Jam will have some of the biggest names in the jam scene performing throughout the festival, collaborating with artists and bands each day. Artists at Large for Disc Jam 2018 include Eli Winderman and Rob Compa (Dopapod), Michelangelo Carruba, Shira Elias, Craig Brodhead, Chris Brouwers, Greg Sanderson, Josh Schwartz (Turkuaz), DJ Logic, and Honeycomb. Experience the collective nature of the Disc Jam community as these incredible musicians join more than 100 artists this June 7-10 in Stephentown, NY.

    Woods Stage Artists

    This year, Disc Jam has four of the hottest promoters in the Northeast taking over the Woods Stage for themed electronic dance music takeovers. Thursday night will be produced by Rezinate, well known for promoting some of the sought after underground parties and events in Boston. Friday’s duties go to Minus Zero Festival co-producers, NV Concepts, who will be presenting an entire night from the top house music artists off the Dirtybird Records Label, including Christian Martin, Kill Frenzy, Golf Clap and Ardalan. On Saturday, Brooklyn-based Sermon will host a night of bass music with U.K. producer Joker topping their list of wompy artists. The Wook of Wall Street will be hosting nightly curated Silent Disco Sets that go until sunrise.

    Disc Jam Flow Tribe

    Disc Jam Flow Tribe performances at Disc Jam are a staple for attendees and will once again include a renowned team of well rounded performance artists who have been a major part of the Disc Jam family since 2012. The featured flow artist for 2018 is world renowned Hula Hooper Rachael Lust. Rachael will be hosting flow arts workshops for beginner to expert levels, with multiple sessions each day. A variety of workshops will be offered to broaden the mind, body and spirit. Choose from Wellness, Flow Arts, Yoga, Painting, Disc Golf, and Permaculture classes available daily.

    Visual Artists

    Visual artists, including live painters and artists, will create massive murals and art installations throughout the site all weekend long. Featured artists Gabriel Welch, Stephen Kruse, Andy Reed, Raf Mata and many more will be creating murals, as well as curating an art gallery tent where attendees can view and buy artwork from all of the artists.

    Disc Golf Tournaments

    Disc golf is a game for experts, beginners, and everyone in between. Playing at least one round is a must for Disc Jam enthusiasts and the course encourages both the avid and first timer players to try their hand, all at no additional cost to play (outside of tournaments), with discs provided free of charge for those interested in playing.

    Disc Golf Tournaments for men and women are held on Saturday and Sunday mornings, with cash and prizes from Innova Disc Golf, Grassroots California, Vibram Five Fingers shoes, Native Eyewear, Suspended in the Trees Hammocks, The Earth Ship Tents and more going to the top finishers. Nationally ranked and touring Team Innova Disc Golf Pro Gregg Barsby will be hosting the tournaments as well as playing rounds, hosting workshops and clinics all weekend long.

    Road to Disc Jam Tour

    Having kicked off in April, more than 20 Disc Jam artists will perform at 11 venues across seven states including New York, New England and Pennsylvania, with free Disc Jam tickets given away as a door prize at each show.

    April 27 – Funky Dawgz Brass Band, Congo Sanchez and Honeycomb – Jewel Music, Manchester, NH
    April 28 – Formula 5 and Space Carnival – The Hollow Bar and Kitchen, Albany, NY
    April 28 – Congo Sanchez – Strange Brew Pub, Norwich, CT
    May 4 – Strange Machines and The Clock Reads – Electric Haze, Worcester, MA
    May 10 – Marbin and Swimmer – Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo, NY
    May 11 – Swimmer and Goose – Nectar’s, Burlington, VT
    May 11 – The Wook of Wall Street Pre-Jawn – Sprout Music Collective, West Chester, PA
    May 17 – Borg Party (members of Dopapod, Turkuaz, Giant Panda) – Flour City Station, Rochester, NY
    May 17 – Consider the Source – River Street Jazz Cafe, Wilkes-Barre, PA
    May 17 – Kung Fu – Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center, Greenfield, MA
    May 18 – Harsh Armadillo – Arch Street Tavern, Hartford, CT
    May 18 – Funktional Flow and Swimmer – Funk n Waffles, Syracuse, NY
    May 19 – Bella’s Bartok and Cousin Earth – Funk n Waffles, Syracuse, NY
    May 24 – West End Blend and Craig Brodhead (Turkuaz) – Fete Music Hall, Providence, RI

    See the daily schedule and the 2018 Disc Jam announcement below:

  • Watch NYC Emcee/Producer EB Rebel Video for “12”

    EB Rebel, a New York City emcee, producer and lyricist, has released her latest music video for “Spiritual,” off her upcoming sophomore EP Mama, I’m OK. This powerfully uplifting track pays homage to EB’s Dallas, Texas roots and follows the success of her debut EP, TRANCE, which was featured in the BET documentary Stay Woke.

    EB Rebel had aspirations of a musical career since she was 10 years old, but chose a more practical profession and to become a lawyer. Thanks to the plummeting economy and a burning desire to create, EB Rebel decide to skip law school to become a hip hop artist. The inspiration behind Mama I’m OK was EB Rebel’s thoughts and feelings during her first year after moving from Dallas to NY and the emotions that came with being away from family and following her dreams. Mama I’m OK is meant to bring attention to mental illness and to remind people to take care of that part of themselves.

    EB will perform at Queer Abstract on May 18, the night of her EP release.