NYS Music 20​18

Category: News

  • Ariana Grande Begins Her Sweetener World Tour in Albany

    Singer-songwriter Ariana Grande will return to the Capital Region for the first time since her Honeymoon Avenue World Tour in 2015, and kicks off her 4th World Tour, featuring her new album Sweetener, at the Times Union Center in Albany, NY on March 18, 2019. Ticket pre-sale for the Sweetener World Tour begins November 1st through November 3rd via American Express.

    The pop princess revealed on Wednesday October 24 via Twitter that she would soon announce the world tour dates for her latest album, released in August earlier this year. Not one to disappoint, the next day Grande shared her initial U.S. performances on arianagrande.com as well as posting them on her Twitter. The singer has promised that fans abroad can expect international tour dates to be announced.

    Former Victorious actress is also planning on making three other appearances in New York during the course of her tour, one in Western NY followed up by hitting two major performance venues in NYC. Falling soon after her Albany concert, Grande’s third Sweetener performance brings her to the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY on March 22, 2019. The last two dates announced for the U.S.-portion of the Sweetener tour are June 14 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the famous Madison Square Garden on June 18, 2019.

    All other U.S. tour dates are listed below

  • Twiddle and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong to Share the Stage at Red Rocks Amphitheater

    Tickets are on sale now via AXS and Eventbrite for the long awaited headliners’ May 2, 2019 concert in Morrison, CO. Anyone who knows the iconic stage can tell this is a summer event people will talk about long after the two Northeast-based bands bow out. Kitchen Dwellers are set to make a special appearance along with co-headliners Twiddle and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at Red Rocks.

    Twiddle

    While Twiddle has headlined Red Rocks once before, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong are eagerly anticipating this May as their first Red Rocks performance as headliners. Sharing this experience with Twiddle in particular, makes it extra special for the quartet of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. They have a unique bond with Twiddle, based on previous venues they’ve shared together in the last five years.

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong High Voltage by Justin Mierzejewski of Miz Changes Photography

    Here’s some perspective from Pigeons Playing Ping Pong frontman Greg Ormont:

    “Words cannot express our excitement to play Red Rocks again… Not only do we get to rock out at one the best venues in the world, but we get to do it alongside our longtime friends Twiddle. We’ve played some shows in Colorado together before, but co-headlining at Red Rocks is the next level. We’re super grateful for the opportunity”

    The two groups really developed alongside each other — from their initial smaller pull of about 200 audience members to now headlining a major venue like Red Rocks together. Ormont described the upcoming Red Rocks concert as being like a, “dream to come true.” Fans can expect a collaborative rock-funk sound that the two bands are able to produce due their familiarity with one another.

  • The Revivalists Announce Beacon Theatre Performance for ‘Take Good Care’ Tour

    The Revivalists will be performing tracks from their soon-to-be released LP Take Good Care at NYC’s historic Beacon Theatre on Jan. 16 and 17, 2019 as part of their recently announced upcoming tour.

    The 18-date escapade starts Jan. 11 in Washington, DC — see full list of dates below — after which the popular alternative group will soon head for NYC. The Beacon Theatre performance is a must see. Cultural commentators from online magazine Uproxx and longtime Los Angeles magazine Flaunt both recognize the group’s talent, spirit, and virtuosity by observing:

    “…elements of just about every classic school of American music…it feels as new and engaging as it does familiar and comfortable…” – Uproxx

    “… a raucous American band making big-hearted music with an ear for instant-classic hooks…a thick, soulful musical gumbo…” – Flaunt

    Tickets for The Revivalists tour went on sale earlier this month. The highly anticipated tour is a celebration of their upcoming album Take Good Care, which will be out on Nov. 9 via Loma Vista Recordings. The 14-track LP is available for pre-order now, along with instant downloads of hit single “All My Friends” and “You and I.”

    Click here to pre-order or pre-save the album and listen to “You & I.” Every purchase of Take Good Care concert tickets includes a digital download of the album. For all ticket details,visit the band’s website.

    The Revivalists are considered to be, as USA Today states,“among the hardest-working bands.” Steadily gaining recognition for the past ten years, Take Good Care highlights the dynamic group in a bold, new, charismatic light. The track list reflects deeply personal songwriting; it is a reflection of the high-and-lows, of the kind of life that ten years of collaborative music making creates. Far from an “overnight success,” this very quality is what endears The Revivalists to dedicated fans and the music community as a whole.

    The Revivalists performed the soulful hit single “All My Friends” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Oct. 18. Billboard reviewed the track stating that:

    “[‘All My Friends’ is a] rollicking floor-stomper that digs into the raw core of the band’s rock and folk roots that flawlessly frays the ethereal sheen…”

  • Warren Haynes Celebrates 30 Years of Christmas Jam

    Boasting an impressive 30 year run, the preparations for Warren Haynes’ Annual Christmas Jam are  underway. The popular, two-night benefit will take place on Dec. 7 and 8 in Asheville, NC at the U.S. Cellular Center. Tickets for presale were released on Oct. 19, along with a limited number of discounted two-day passes and VIP packages. Regular ticket packages go on sale at 10 a.m. on October 26th.

    Grammy Award-winning vocalist-songwriter, prolific producer, and notorious guitarist, Warren Haynes has more than upheld his reputation by continuing to curate performances that draw crowds year after year. Haynes spoke on the event’s transformation over the years stating,

    I can’t believe that it has been 30 years since myself and a few friends held a small event in a local club so we could all play together around the holidays and donate a small amount of money to charity… It’s gone from being a local event to an international one and we couldn’t have done it without the help of all the great artists, bands, and musicians that have donated their time through the years… This is truly going to be the biggest and best Christmas Jam yet.

    This year’s line-up, in alphabetical order, for Dec. 7 is as follows: Dark Side of the Mule, Grace Potter, Jamey Johnson, Marco Benvento, and Mike Gordon of Phish. Dec. 8, also in alphabetical order, includes: Dave Grohl and friends play “PLAY”, Eric Church, Gov’t Mule, Jim James, and Joe Bonamassa. While local and international music fans can expect stellar performances both evenings, the entertainment doesn’t stop there. There’s no need to wait around till dusk; attendees can treat themselves to “Xmas Jam By Day” concerts and events. Also note that there are still other artists to be announced as the Christmas Jam draws nearer so be on the lookout for further announcements.

    The 2018 Christmas Jam marks 30 years of great music, but it also commemorates 20 years of Warren Haynes collecting donations specifically for the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. Haynes’ investment in his community and long-term commitment to this cause has resulted in the Christmas Jam collectively raising roughly 2.3 million dollars for Habitat for Humanity. For concert goers looking to be more directly involved in the charity, there is another day event which coincides with the concert. “Before the Jam, Lend a Hand” brings together the musical artists, event staff, and attendees to help construct those homes which are only possible due to concert proceeds.

    The link below is a video of Warren Haynes performing “Melissa” with Warren Haynes with Jake Shimabukuro at last year’s 29th Christmas Jam.

  • Traveling Wilburys Anniversary Picture Disc Available Soon

    The Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 limited edition, 30th anniversary vinyl will be released on Nov 2. The 12-inch picture disc features gorgeous cover art along with a depiction of the famous fraternity of rock’n’roll. It is considered by music critics to be a historic collaboration within the genre.

    The collaboration was born out of a friends-helping-friends interaction in 1988, when Bob Dylan offered his in-home studio to fellow artists George Harrison and co-producer Jeff Lynne. The pair were in a hurry to create a B track for Harrison’s album Cloud Nine. The shared space led to not only Dylan being pulled onto the track, but Roy Orbison and Tom Petty also ended up contributing as well. The supergroup’s chemistry and artistic spontaneity manifested into what would be the first track on their eventual album, a song called “Handle With Care” The song never made an appearance on Cloud Nine, but only because the group recognized it was worth much more than a B track.

    Harrison spoke of the pressure that came from creating a song like “Handle With Care” by stating, “I just carried it around in my pocket for ages thinking “Well what can I do with this thing?”” That first collab led the band of brothers to produce another nine songs for a full length album, The Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1. Each of the five shared songwriting and lead singer responsibilities on the album. It’s creation served to strengthen their bond as friends as each member adopted an alter ego under the premise of a family band. Bob Dylan as Lucky, George Harrison as Nelson, Jeff Lynne became Otis, Roy Orbison became Lefty, and Tom Petty took on the pseudonym Charlie T. Wilbury Jr.

    The production became even more important to the group after Orbison’s untimely death 6 weeks after the album’s debut during that same year of 1988. Not only that, but the anniversary vinyl becomes more significant to music lovers now as it coincides with Petty’s passing which took place a little over a year ago. The album holds more weight than it’s GRAMMY®s or platinum plaques could begin to suggest. The Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 is more than just the brainchild of musical geniuses of the late 80s. It is, at its core, a time capsule of music’s ability to create friendships, as well as, to immortalize those friendships through the shared passion it was born from. It is truly a one-of-a-kind piece for any music aficionado’s vinyl collection.

  • Funktional Flow Launches Search for Drummer

    Funk/Rock/Reggae/Jam outfit Funktional Flow is launching a nationwide search for a drummer.

    The search begins a month after the departure of Ryan James Acanfora behind the kit.  Former Aqueous drummer Ryan Nogle has been covering duties for Funktional Flow while the band searches for the right fit.

    Exclusive to NYS Music, Flow noted that they are looking for something more than just a great musician. “Obviously being a great musician is important, but we here at Flow truly consider ourselves a family.  We function on the values of hard work, creativity and mutual respect and are looking for someone who reflects these qualities.”

    Hailing from Buffalo, Funktional Flow is known as a versatile five piece that fuses elements of rock, funk and reggae.  Featured in Relix magazine’s “On The Rise” and with a host of regional accolades, Funktional Flow has become one of Western New York’s most prominent original bands. Recent local awards for the band include Best Original Alternative Band (Buffalo Night Life) in 2016 & 2017 and the Album of the Year Award from Artvoice Magazine for their 2016 release Time Will Tell.

    Funktional Flow has become a staple of the Western New York jam scene, including their own festival Flowfest, now coming into its fourth year. Flow has opened in support of major touring artists including The Wailers, Warren Haynes, Rusted Root, Railroad Earth, Sublime with Rome, Twiddle, Papadosio, Aqueous, Dopapod, Eric Krasno Band, Snarky Puppy and Turkuaz.

    The band has also enjoyed festival appearances at Disc Jam Music Festival, Catskill Chill Music Festival, Night Lights Music Festival, The Great Blue Heron, and Cobblestone Live among others.

    Interested musicians should inquire via e-mail to funktionalflow@yahoo.com.  The band requests inquiries include a brief musical bio and either video or audio samples.

    Funktional Flow features Jeffrey Kuebler (Guitar & Vocals), Ben Whelan (Bass), Joey Lewis (Guitar & Vocals), and Matthew Lester (Keys, Sax & Vocals).

  • Phallbany: Get Phishy in Albany as Fall Tour Kicks Off!

    A 48-hour, tie dye wave will splash over downtown Albany just in time for Phish’s back-to-back opening Fall Tour gigs. The famed jam quartet’s October 16 and 17 shows will appropriately notch their 16th and 17th shows ever played in the state capital of ‘Phallbany’ and the buzzing city is chock-full of opportunities to celebrate the mid-week shakedown while quickly exploring historic and artistic surroundings. NYS Music is here to give you the rundown on all things Phish, including helpful navigation tips and how to make your mid-week visit to Albany as smooth as possible.

    No strangers to the Times Union Center, some notable moments have come out of their many meetings with the 28-year old Albany venue. Over the years, Phish entertained crowds in some cozier quarters just around the corner at the Palace Theatre.

    With Albany’s extensive history of Phish, we went to IHOZ – the International House of ZZYZX and looked up some stats from all past shows in NY’s capital, aside from Pauly’s Hotel in 1989 where there is no known setlist.

    October 16th marks the first ever Tuesday show. In the last five shows there have been four debuts: Windora Bug and Mellow Mood (2000) and Golden Age and Tomorrow’s Song (2009). Given the frequency of songs below, “You Enjoy Myself” is quite a safe bet, as are “Bouncing Around the Room” and “Guyute,” and while “Jam” isn’t a song, that much is guaranteed over the two nights.

    Phish has yet to play “Divided Sky” in Albany, and we have yet to have a proper “Mike’s” -> “I Am Hydrogen” > “Weekapaug Groove,” with the H2 never showing up in the Capital District.

    Most commonly played since 1992, “You Enjoy Myself” holds the heavyweight title with a total of seven plays, while “Bouncing Around the Room,” “Guyute” and “Jam” come in second at five plays. “Also Sprach Zarathustra,” “Chalk Dust Torture,” “Ghost,” “Good Times Bad Times,” “Harry Hood,” “Maze,” “NICU,” “Possum,” “Prince Caspian,” “Sparkle,” and “Stash” tie at four performances each.

    Tuesday, October 16:

    Pre Shows: If you’re looking to get the party started early, join The Deadbeats around the corner from the venue at town-favorite gastropub, City Beer Hall. They’ll get you bouncin’ round the room from 5PM-8PM before Phish takes over.

    10/16 Afterparty:  Dynamic Albany outfit Wurliday will host a Phunk Night at Parish Public House, just one block away from the show! The Phish after party will be hosted by Albany’s own Wurliday, featuring Natalie Cressman (Trey Anastasio Band), Chris Bullock (Snarky Puppy),Beau Sasser (Kung Fu), Adrian Tramontano (Kung Fu), Chris DeAngelis (Kung Fu), Justin Henricks (Wurliday) and Ilana J. Morris (Wurliday).

    Wednesday October 17:

    Phish Pre-Show Yoga Jam: Phans are generally all about the love and light, which means many of them crossover as yogis. Two of Albany’s newest ventures, Lark Street Yoga and Lark Hall are teaming up with Heartspace Yoga and Healing Arts for a for two hour, donation based yoga event. “Sharin’ in the Groove” proceeds will benefit the Waterwheel Foundation and the phun vinyasa class will be set to live phish tunes and taught by John Smrtic, E-YRT, JD from Heartspace. When sacred movement, jammin’ music, elevated intention, and connection to the spirit through breath comes together in ceremony and celebration, the potential exists to step into the groove. Book your spot from 12:30AM-1:30PM for $25 and check out Albany’s latest phan-friendly yoga studio and music hall.

    Peakin’ at the Knick:  Acting as the mullet of Wednesday’s activities, PEAK Builders Network will keep business in the front of the mind and partying safely tucked in the back. The conference filled with networking and mutual love of music will take place at the Hampton Inn, five guest speakers will share stories of their personal business and career empires and what goals they’re working towards next. The interactive conference encourages attendees to join the conversation and bounce YOUR ideas around the room with like-minded business professionals. Goodie bags, light snacks and a free drink await your 1PM arrival.

    Pre Show: Starting at 5pm, the Left Ear trio keeps the second day momentum rolling for a jazzy pre-show get down at City Beer Hall.

    Post show: Funky Albany ensemble Hartley’s Encore will bring it on back to City Beer Hall for a night sponsored by Fiddlehead Brewing Company while Pearl Street Pub hosts Tweed, Desolation Angels and McZwang for $10.

    Phish Food: Albany is buzzing with local restaurants at your disposal, spanning all types of cuisine, diets and cravings. For a morning wake up call and your AM fix of coffee and donuts, stumble over to Cider Belly Doughnuts for some of the most delicious and creative flavors imaginable.

    If you believe Herbivores ate well cause their food didn’t ever run, then you might want to check out Berben and Wolff’s and Healthy on Lark, both serving up tasty vegan meals to the public on Lark Street. For the carnivores ready for a meatstick and a beer to help wash it down after, look no further than Albany Pump Station, a brewery that boasts hearty meals and tasty craft beers. The Hollow and Ama Cocina each have a wide array of American and Mexican fare respectively, adding to the downtown Albany hustle and bustle with their energetic atmospheres and love for live music.

    Honorable mentions go to Steuben Street Cafe, with grab-n-go, delicious smoothies and sandwiches just down the road from the venue. For classic late-night, greasy grub, Pizzeria Sapienza usually stays open for a quick slice while crowds are flooding out of the arena.

    Parking tips: Don’t be a slave to the traffic light and be sure to consider your parking game plan beforehand. Aside from fighting for competitive street parking, garages are sprinkled throughout downtown Albany with fluctuating event pricing. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, there’s a parking garage attached to TUCenter with entrances on both Market Street and Beaver Street for a price. Throughout the downtown blocks you’ll stumble across Riverfront Garage, Green-Hudson Garage and Osborne Street Garage that are all reasonable parking options for the weekend. And of course, Albany has Uber and Lyft for access to downtown from your hotel.

    In its most natural habitat, Albany is thriving in its own glimmer of a golden age with up and coming professionals, passing artists and growing businesses. Add phans funneling down Pearl Street into the TUC like quicksand and we’ve got quite the mid-week renaissance to look forward to in six short days. The countdown continues…

  • Documentary Being Produced About Legendary Long Island Nightclub My Father’s Place

    It was Memorial Day weekend in 1971 when Michael “Eppy” Epstein opened a nightclub in the sleepy town of Rosalyn. “My Father’s Place” hosted some of the hottest up-and-coming acts of the era, including The Ramones, The Police, Blondie, and Talking Heads.

    The legendary hot spot closed in 1987, but is now re-opening. To honor the legacy of the club, a documentary entitled “Names are Bullsh*t” is being produced using vintage footage and archival documents. The Kickstarter campaign which runs through today offers Migliori Crypto Metaverso investors the opportunity to get exclusive perks such as t-shirts and their names in the credits of the film. Follow the film on Facebook for updates.

    https://youtu.be/f7XQpFcdE_Q

  • Mike Powell set to release new solo EP, ‘Shelter Without Walls’

    Mike Powell has had a prolific few years, performing throughout the northeast with his solo act, his duo, and his full band the Black River.  He also released a solo album and an album with his band. This Friday, Oct. 5, Powell will release his latest solo effort, Shelter Without Walls.

    shelter without walls

    The six song EP features two previously released, but re-worked songs, “Twenty One Rounds” and “Sad Day in Champion” and four brand new heartfelt compositions. The album can be pre-saved on Spotify and Apple Music through this link. It will be available on all streaming services beginning Oct. 5.

    Powell is a unique storyteller who writes with emotion, breaking down walls to allow the listener into the story. He writes best when he draws from personal experiences. “Twenty One Rounds” tells the tale of a mother who lost her son while serving his country; something Powell has knowledge of through his upbringing in Carthage, just outside of the Fort Drum Army Base in Northern New York. This much-loved song gets a rework on the new EP and has lost little of the original’s emotional appeal.

    Writing songs has always been a soul satisfying activity for me. I just have a deep love for words and telling stories. Music is the most impactful medium I’ve found for connecting with people and evoking emotion. Being able to play intimate acoustic sets in tandem with rock n’ roll shows with my band is like scratching two creative itches at once. I feel like I have two separate vehicles that share the same fuel system.

    “Sad Day in Champion” recalls the closing of a paper mill in that same region of the North Country that affected so many of the people in the region as well as those close to the young Mike Powell.

    One of Powell’s new songs, “Poison Diamond” closes the record. A dirgy number, highlighted by Hanus’ trademark guitar and a church-like organ, where the narrator laments, “You took my hand/You stole my heart/ You loved me to pieces/That’s what tore me apart/You set the fire/And it made me cold/You made me higher/And you cut me down low/That’s what tore me apart/I need some glue, or something heavy I can hold on to/This old bottle here will do/I’m never together with you.”  This is one of the Powell’s most powerful recordings to date, from the lyrics to the delivery to the musicianship within the song. The subdued duet with a female voice on “I’m never together with you” hits the listener in the heart. This song could be Powell’s launching pad to a wider audience.

    shelter without walls

    “The Polite Rebel” will also embark on the most ambitious month of his professional music career beginning Friday. The busy month kicks off with the Black River opening for Canadian rockers The Trews at Exhibition Hall in Watertown this Friday, Oct. 5. Following the Watertown gig, Powell and his duo partner, John Hanus trip down to Goshen, CT for a main stage gig at the Black Bear Americana Music Fest on Oct. 6. The weekend wraps on Sunday with an intimate gig at The Sinclair in Skaneateles on Oct. 7.

    Powell’s intense schedule continues Oct. 10 and 11 as he makes his solo debut at Ani DiFranco’s 9th Ward at Babeville in Buffalo and Lovin’ Cup in Rochester. Oct. 12 sees Powell closer to home at the Brewerton Center for the Arts for another solo show.

    The most highly anticipated nights of the month occur at the historic Nelson Odeon, a renovated former Grange Hall located in the rolling hills of Nelson, near Powell’s current hometown of Cazenovia on Oct. 13 and 14. These shows will be used to record Powell in both solo and duo formats as well as certain selections with the Black River, to be included in a future live Powell album.

    The Odeon is one of Powell’s favorite rooms to perform and is the reason he chose this historic building for the recording of his first live album. He says of the building:

    The Nelson Odeon stands for everything I love about music. It’s like stepping back to a simpler time. I have always dreamed of releasing a live record and this is the perfect room to try and bottle up a moment in time. It will be a special night.

    The Black River, in addition to their gig opening for The Trews on Oct. 5, will take up a Thursday residency at King of Clubs in Syracuse’s famed Armory Square on Oct. 4 and 18. Dubbed “The Thursday Night Rock Show,” this ongoing event is hosted by the band and features some of the region’s top acts. Capital District rockers Wild Adriatic will join the Black River in a November session of “The Thursday Night Rock Show.”

    Finally, on Oct. 19 Powell makes a trip to Blue Mountain Lake for a performance at the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts and wraps up with a songwriters and on Oct. 20 the 18 Songs Tour visits Casita del Polaris in Ithaca. This set brings together three of Central New York’s premier singer songwriters for a night of music – 18 songs- with Powell joined by Charley Orlando and Chris Merkley.

    When not on the road, Powell will be in the studio recording the Black River’s sophomore effort. The band released its debut, Classic Universe in January.

    Check out the video for “Sad Day in Champion” below featuring Powell and members of the Black River.

  • Shemekia Copeland To Sing National Anthem at Sunday’s Giants Game

    shemekia copeland national anthemOn Sunday, September 30, Grammy-nominated singer Shemekia Copeland will perform the National Anthem on game between the New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints. The game begins at 4:25pm at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey and can be watched on CBS.

    Copeland is currently on tour, bringing music from her critically acclaimed, powerful new album, America’s Child to fans all across the country. NPR Music says Copeland is “head-turning and outspoken. America’s Child is a true hybrid of simmering, real-talking spirit and emphatic, folkie-and soul-style statement-making. Copeland sings slow-burning soul and rollicking country-blues with growling vigor and potent conviction.”

    Produced by Americana Instrumentalist Of The Year winner Will Kimbrough (who also plays guitar on the album) and recorded in Nashville, America’s Child is a courageous and fiery statement of purpose, a major step forward for the singer whose musical consciousness continues to expand as her star continues to rise. With guests including John Prine, Rhiannon Giddens, Mary Gauthier, Emmylou Harris, Steve Cropper, J.D. Wilkes, Al Perkins and members of the Time Jumpers, America’s Child bursts with Copeland’s bravado and embraces with her tenderness.

    Tune in this Sunday to see Shemekia Copeland perform the National Anthem.

    Upcoming shows in New York:

    Sept 30, 2018 – Met Life Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
    Nov 15, 2018 Tralf Music Hall Buffalo, NY
    Nov 16, 2018 Center for the Arts of Homer Homer, NY
    Nov 17, 2018 Towne Crier Cafe Beacon, NY

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