NYS Music 20​18

Category: News

  • Coffee and Conversation: Learning about Yaddo Gardens

    Locals got to learn more about the Yaddo Gardens, an artist community in Saratoga Springs, and its historical origins during the Friday, Sept. 14, installment of the Coffee and Conversation series at the Bethlehem Public Library.

    Lesley LeDuc, a docent and a member of the Board of Directors at Yaddo, spoke about how it is a recognized place where artists, filmmakers, poets, musicians and writers can apply to stay for a period of time to escape their everyday surroundings and work on their crafts. Its renowned resident artist program is divided into five categories: Literature, Visual Art, Music Composition, Performance, and Film & Video.

    This “artist colony” is located just off exit 14 on Interstate 87. While the area is accessible to the public, the property remains privately owned.

    LeDuc introduced the prominent Trask family, the patriarch of whom was financier and philanthropist Spencer Trask (1844-1909) a graduate of Princeton University who founded his own law firm. He and his wife, Katrina (1853-1922) a fellow philanthropist and author, had several children, all of whom died prematurely.

    Together, they bought this 400-acre estate back in 1881 and moved into the currently-standing house in 1893, after the original burned down in 1891. It became an artist colony around 1926, according to LeDuc.

    “There’s 55 rooms in this 45,000-square foot estate, 20 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and I think if I remember correctly, there’s 16 fireplaces,” LeDuc said, chuckling. “When we do public tours of the area, someone always asks me about the number of fireplaces.”

    Tours of the Yaddo Gardens are offered every summer and fall. The estate, which serves as the site for “25 to 35 weddings every year,” according to LeDuc, is also notably populated with multicolored gardens, fountains, marble and a pergola.

    In addition to presenting numerous historical photographs of the family, the estate and its gardens, LeDuc also displayed postcards that featured the estate in the early 20th century. She also shared about how the property’s overall aesthetic features, including its statues and fountains, began to deteriorate over the years, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, and how there has been an effort to restore them ever since.

    “We clean the marble statues with toothbrushes once or sometimes twice every year,” she explained. “They’re all marble so they’re very porous and we have to be very careful.”

    The pergola, the so-called dominant feature of the gardens, consists of 38 ionic columns and is about the length of a football field. It is a popular location for weddings at the estate.

    The pergola also had to be restored as it was made out of terra cotta which deteriorates “from the inside out … and the columns were all taken down.” While some columns were still capable of being reused after restoration, others had to be replaced completely.

    “We were all afraid of when the columns were taken down,” she said. “And the restoration cost almost $500,000. But eventually, they were all put up again and they just look like they came back, looking better than ever.”

    An audience member later asked how the name “Yaddo” came about. LeDuc said that while there have been at least six untrue “fanciful” versions of where the name came originated from, it actually came from Christina, the Trasks’ young daughter who once mispronounced the word “shadow.”

    Each week, the Coffee and Conversation series features a visiting speaker who comes to discuss either their professional or personal expertise about a work of art or a local landmark for about an hour. The series, co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc., takes place at the Bethlehem Public Library weekly on Friday afternoons beginning at 1 p.m.

    The next Coffee and Conversations event will take place on Friday, Sept. 21. For more information about this week’s visit here.

    This article was originally published by The Spot 518. is property of Spotlight Newspapers in Albany, N.Y., and appears as a special to NYS Music. TheSpot518 and NYS Music work in partnership to provide readers with in-depth coverage on the local music scene in the Capital District and New York state, respectively. For more, visit TheSpot518.com.

  • 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.

  • Billy Joel to ring in the new year at Nassau Coliseum

    Music legend Billy Joel will be kicking off the new year with a spectacular performance set for Dec.31 at the NYCB’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Back in his true home of Long Island, this event is Joel’s first performance at this particular venue in precisely 25 years and his 34th show at the venue overall. His 1993 New Year’s show was a sight to see as he performed a set list of 20 songs covering all his albums. Classics performed included “Piano Man,” “Vienna,” “New York State of Mind,” and many more.

    Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global and operator of the venue expressed his eagerness for Joel’s return: “We are thrilled to welcome Billy back home for what will be another momentous night in his four-decade-long history playing the Coliseum.” He also went on to mention that this performance is more than just a simple concert but also a celebration for Long Islanders to honor Billy Joel for his illustrious career. General ticket sale will start Friday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. In addition, Citi Cardmembers will have special access to pre-sale tickets on Wednesday Sept. at 10 a.m. local time.

    For more information on Joel’s return to Nassau, visit his website here.

  • Aqueous Announces Tour as New Album ‘Color Wheel’ Set to Release Soon

    The Buffalo quartet Aqueous has announced that their upcoming and long-awaited studio record; Color Wheel, will be dropping on October 12. Since their last 2014 release entitled Cycles, the group has felt a strong sense of progress and evolution in their sound that Aqueous guitarist/keyboardist David Loss describes as, “Color Wheel feels like a step forward for the band in every way. We tapped into a distinctly more emotional and purposeful space when writing it.” He also went on to say that the lyrics and themes that listeners will encounter in their journey throughout the album will have a sense of relatability which makes the project that much more special to them.

    The album boasts a 10-song track list which has been kept unheard with exceptions like “Second Sight” and “Weight of the Word.” The anticipation of the songs is even that much more intense since Aqueous will not be releasing it all at once. Considering that it is a concept album, it will be presented in waves with the first being available next week! The Aqueous guitarist explained this creative decision by stating, “There’s a certain continuity to this entire album, and it unfolds in a way that makes the track order important for the experience. We wanted to release the album in waves, ultimately, to give people a chance to settle into each section of the album and digest it thoroughly before diving into the next.”

    With such a thrilling project at hand, it only seems logical to accompany it with announcing a cross-country tour. However, this will be their most extensive one to date and will be filled with appearances by several other groups including moe., ELM, The Heavy Pets, and many more!

    See track list and tour dates below:

    Color Wheel

    Second Sight
    How High You Fly
    Realize Your Light
    Split The Difference
    Color Wheel
    Good Enough
    Half In, Half out
    Weight Of The Word (feat. Turkuaz Horns)
    Mandela Effect
    In It (For Me)

    AQUEOUS

    Upcoming Tour Dates:

    9/7 – Saranac Brewery – Utica, NY **

    9/20 – Resonance Music and Arts Festival – Thornville, OH

    9/21 – Rex Theater – Pittsburgh, PA *

    10/6 – Liberty Pumpkin Ball – Roaring Ranch, PA

    10/19 & 10/20 – The Palace Theater – St. Paul, MN >

    10/24 – Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT ^

    10/25 – Higher Ground Showcase Lounge – South Burlington, VT ^

    10/26 – The Sinclair – Cambridge, MA ^

    10/27 – The Hollow – Albany, NY ^

    10/31 – Knitting Factory – Brooklyn, NY ^

    11/1 – Wonder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ ^

    11/2 – Union Stage – Washington D.C. ^

    11/3 – The Foundry at The Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA ^

    11/4 – The Broadberry – Richmond, VA #

    11/6 – The Pour House Music Hall – Raleigh, NC #

    11/7 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC #

    11/8 – The Social – Orlando, FL #

    11/9 – Jack Rabbits – Jacksonville, FL #

    11/10 – The Crowbar – Tampa, FL #

    11/14 – Zydeco – Birmingham, AL #

    11/15 – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5 #

    11/16 – Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC #

    11/17 – Exit/In – Nashville, TN #

    11/28 –  Blind Pig – Ann Arbor, MI  +

    11/29 – Chop Shop – Chicago, IL

    11/30 – The Miramar Theatre – Milwaukee, WI +

    12/5 – Hodi’s Halfnote – Ft. Collins, CO ^

    12/6 – 10 Mile Music Hall – Frisco, CO ^

    12/7 – Old Town Pub – Steamboat Springs, CO ^

    12/8 -Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO ^

    12/11 – The Waiting Room – Omaha, NE $

    12/12 – The Bootleg at Atomic Cowboy – St. Louis, MO $

    12/13 – The Hi-Fi – Indianapolis, IN $

    ** w/ moe.

    * w/ ELM

    > w/ Umphrey’s McGee

    ^ w/ Mungion

    + w/ EGI

    # w/ The Heavy Pets

    $ w/ Goose

  • Eminem Drops Surprise Album ‘Kamikaze’

    The coming of the newest Eminem album Kamikaze was the best kept secret of 2018. His 10th studio effort arrived like a thief in the night, leaving critics no time to sway public opinion before it reached the masses. As he explains towards the end of his opening track, “My beef is more media journalists… so I’ve been giving the media the finger.”

    Em gives a nod to the Beastie Boys on the album’s cover recreating the cover to the seminal album License to Ill.

    Kamikaze is available on multiple platforms for streaming or purchase. But enough with the words already. The whole point is to listen to the album. As Eminem wrote on his website, “Tried not 2 overthink this 1… enjoy.” – Em.”

    Kamikaze Track Listing
    1. The Ringer (Explicit) 05:37
    2. Greatest (Explicit) 03:46
    3. Lucky You ft. Joyner Lucas (Explicit) 04:04
    4. Paul Rosenberg – Paul (skit) 00:35
    5. Normal (Explicit) 03:42
    6. Em Calls Paul (skit) (Explicit) 00:49
    7. Stepping Stone (Explicit) 05:09
    8. Not Alike ft. Royce Da 5’9 (Explicit) 04:48
    9. Fall (Explicit) 03:36
    10. Kamikaze (Explicit) 04:22
    11. Nice Guy ft. Jessie Reyez (Explicit) 02:30
    12. Good Guy ft. Jessie Reyez (Explicit) 02:22
    13. Venom (Music From the Motion Picture) (Explicit)

    eminem kamikaze

  • Two Hour Live ‘I’m Listening’ Broadcast to Feature Pearl Jam, Jared Leto, Mike Shinoda, and More

    In an incredible effort to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention, American media, and entertainment company Entercom announced a two-hour live commercial-free broadcast “I’m Listening” led by dozens of artists/celebrities that will highlight their own personal stories. Several of the personalities participating in this event include: Celebrated Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, actor and lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars, Jared Leto, Linkin Park, Charlie Puth, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, and many more. The broadcast will take place nationwide on Sunday, Sept. 9th 7:00 a.m.

    The event, while exciting as it may be, serves the purpose of enlightening the public that mental health issues are universal and a rising problem seen in the world today. A problem that while many seemed ashamed of, impacts people of all races and financial status and can be beaten with the right kind of help. Entercom has dedicated themselves to this cause with their own campaign called “I’m Listening” which Pat Paxton, President of Programming at Entercom, has described as: “one of our signature productions meant to save lives, while simultaneously creating awareness for this truly lethal silent threat.” Musicians hold this topic dearly to them as the industry has seen countless talented people lose their lives in their own battles with depression.

    Just this year, Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington shockingly committed suicide and left the world stunned but at the same time allowed the public to reflect on the condition of this individual. Someone so loved by millions of fans but still not immune from the burdens of unstable mental health. Shortly after this painful loss, bandmate Mike Shinoda opened up to fans on his solo album, “Post Traumatic” that Shinoda explained to be: “a journey out of grief and darkness – an album about healing…In most parts of the world, suicide claims more lives than war, murder and natural disasters combined. I hope that sharing my personal story, in music and conversation, helps open up the door to new discussions and awareness about mental health.” This beautiful event is yet again another example of musicians and celebrities alike understanding that as humans we all face the same challenges and that through uniting in the face of adversity, we will emerge resilient as ever.

  • Dickey Betts New York Shows Cancelled After Legendary Guitarist Suffers Mild Stroke

    In a recent and unfortunate announcement, Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts suffered what doctors believe is a mild stroke and will have to postpone several New York tour dates. These upcoming shows include the August 28th Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, NY; August 30th at the Toyota Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, CT; and August 31st at the Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, NH. This decision was made under strong advisement from his physicians and this time away will allow him to properly heal for the rest of the tour.

    This tour was something of a spontaneous decision for Betts who decided to come out of retirement and jump right back into the musical spotlight. When asked about his retirement in a 2017 interview, Betts humbly responded: “I’ve had a great life and I don’t have any complaints.” This answer would soon change as the veteran guitarist reversed his retirement decision for reasons that involved public demand, devotion to his still dedicated fans, and simple boredom. He went on to say that he’s been a bit rusty playing and transitioning back into the artist mentality but more importantly is beyond enthusiastic by the energy and love he’s received from his listeners. This medical issue, although disheartening, will be met with the proper treatment and should only be a temporary challenge as Betts will continue these highly anticipated shows in due time.

  • New York Gypsy Music Festival Returns for 14th Captivating Performance

    In it’s 14th exciting return to the stage, the New York Gypsy Festival will once again be celebrating the stellar beauty of Gypsy music at the downtown venue DROM this fall. The event is a prideful display of universal love for music and also includes performers from Canada to Russia. Loved for its wide spectrum of genres and culturally rich showmanship, listeners will be exposed to “flamenco, southern Italian folk, turbo-punk, Indian, Balkan brass, funk, and more.”

    The festival’s continued appearance in NYC can only be considered fitting as it is a place of inclusiveness and appreciation for the arts. As any real music lover would agree, listening is only one part of experiencing the music. The New York Gypsy Festival prides itself on shocking its spectators with intricate dancing, authentic outfits, and demonstrating the emotional connection each performer has with their respective culture.

    See dates below:

    Sept. 6 – Dobranotch (Russia)
    Sept. 14 – Underground Horns (New York)
    Sept. 20 – Romashka (New York)
    Sept. 25 – Barbara Martinez (New York)
    Sept. 26 – Lemon Bucket Orchestra (Canada)
    Sept. 28 – Original Quartet by Javier Limon (Boston)
    Oct. 3 – NY Gypsy All-Stars (New York)
    October 5 – Newpoli (Boston)

  • Celebrate 23 Years of Albany Latin Fest this weekend

    Culture and nationalism are often based around beloved traditions, zany family, tasty food and festive music alike. For its 23rd year in operation, Albany LATIN FEST calls on the diversity and flavor of Hispanic culture in the Capital Region to come together for a family-oriented day filled with live talent, traditional recipes, arts and craft vendors, child entertainment, information booths and more. 

    Albany’s Washington Park acts at the event’s annual stomping grounds from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25. LATINFEST celebrates the widespread diversity and beauty of Hispanic cultural heritage and pinpoints the contributions made by Hispanic Americans on all levels from local and state to national and international. Through this non-profit organization and event, the community is given a unified voice to speak for an often under served and underrepresented group of people.

    Having already created a name for themselves in the Capital Region, the annual celebration is chock-full of musical acts both local and international and provides the ability for patrons and businesses to engage with one another in an effort to address world issues and disaster relief aid.

    In 2017 after hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, ALFA crafted Una Noche Espléndida where all proceeds went to the Puerto Rico Disaster Relief Fund as well as a Benefit Concert where all money would go to Puerto Rico Disaster Relief. Over $10,000 were raised in an extremely rewarding effort.

    This year, attendees can look forward to letting loose to the Latin flavor from three well-known acts. Bachata Heightz began as four men in Manhattan, veering away from the streets and towards their musical passions. Climbing the ladder of success, they’re sure to bring tropical hip hop vibes while the south Bronx’s Don Sonero welcomes salsa beats to the stage paired with creative lyricism and social messages. Also making an appearance on the lineup is the seven-piece, Conjunto Cuboricua, ready to unleash the mixed musical stylings of Cuba and Puerto Rico with meringue and Caribbean nods as one of the Hudson Valley’s favorite acts.

    Past festivals have displayed talents such as Tony Vega, Ray de la Paz, Jorge Blanco, Raulin Rosendo, Hector Tricoche, Alex Torres & his Latin Orchestra, Tito Rojas, Tony Swing, Anissa Gathers, Michael Stuart, Ismael Miranda, Jose Alberto ‘El Canario’, Chembo Corniel, Puerto Rican Power, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Frankie Negron, Kevin Ceballo, Luisito Carrion, Nestor Torres, Jimmy Bosch, Brenda K. Starr, Choco Orta, Larry Harlow and the Latin Legends, Joe Cuba, and many others.

    Check out the Albany Latin Fest musical schedule below:

    August 25 at Washington Park:

    11 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. – Washington Park Rumberos

    11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Triquis Sin Fronteras

    12 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. – SUNY Albany Great Danes Marching Band

    12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Salsa Class

    1 p.m. –  2 p.m. – Cuboricua

     2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Local acts

    2:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – DJ

    3 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Don Sonero

    4 p.m. – 5 p.m. – DJ

    5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Bachata Heightz

  • Night Lights Music Festival to Host 8th Annual Event

    Next weekend, the 8th annual Night Lights Music Festival will be taking place in Sherman, NY at The Heron. This is Night Lights’ biggest year yet, featuring some big names like Lotus and The Motet. The festival will be taking place from August 23rd-25th, continuing last year’s move to a 3-day fest in late August.

    Night Lights Music

    In addition to the artists mentioned above, this year’s lineup features two sets from Aqueous, a “Fearless” Pink Floyd tribute set, featuring Chuck Garvey of moe. and Mike Gantzer of Aqueous on guitar, Evan McPhaden of Aqueous on bass, Eli Winderman of Dopapod on keyboards, and Matt Kellen of Mungion on drums, and a set from Winderman’s side project Octave Cat, featuring Jesse Miller of Lotus and Charlie Patierno, a local Philadelphia drummer.

    Several other tribute sets will be performed over the weekend at Night Lights Music Festival, including a Led Zeppelin tribute from Glens Falls rockers Wild Adriatic, a Disco Biscuits tribute set from Buffalo-based Space Junk, and a 90’s Hip Hop tribute set from Syracuse funk group Sophistaphunk. A bunch of other Buffalo bands will be featured at the fest, including jazz rock group Intrepid Travelers, intellifunk jam group Cold Lazarus, and the funky, reggae-infused Funktional Flow. Some smaller bands that are worth checking out are the Connecticut-based rockers, lespecial, Appalachian soul group, Upstate Rubdown, and the genre-bending Ohio group Tropidelic.

    Night Lights will have several food vendors throughout the fest, including A SeaSons Bounty, an event/festival dining experience that features “gulf coast cuisine,” meaning an infusion of Cajun, Caribbean, Texas Barbecue, and Florida Seafood. Bees and Thankyou will tide over the grilled cheese lovers coming to Night Lights, featuring four unique sandwiches, all with different ingredients. Grateful Grind coffee will act as the fest’s local cafe, offering cold brew coffee, smoothies, breakfast bowls, and many more delicious treats to start the day off right. Community Beer Works from Buffalo has partnered with the fest to offer their fantastic selection of beers to attendees. These are just a few of the vendors that you’ll be able to get food from throughout the weekend. The fest will also feature free, potable water to refill your reusable water bottles.

    Check out the daily schedules above to plan out your Night Lights weekend. NYS Music will be releasing coverage of the fest afterwards, so check back with us for our thoughts on the experience.

Built in Breakdance