Category: News Desk

  • ‘Hamilton’ Headlines Proctors 2018-19 Season

    Schenectady’s historic Proctors Theater, has announced it’s 2018-2019 theater lineup. The lineup boasts several hot ticket Broadway attractions including Hamilton that are headed to the Electric City’s version of New York City Theater.

    Gracing the stage during this season will be a blockbuster lineup that includes the musical “Hamilton,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” and “The Book of Mormon.” The lineup was revealed Monday at the venue’s “Proctors Bash” event. Other shows featured in the season’s lineup include “Anastacia,”  “A Bronx Tale,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “School of Rock,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and “Waitress.”

    Proctors CEO Philip Morris, commented on the upcoming season, “Almost all of our titles in our Key Private Bank Series, and our exclusives, too, are still hot tickets on Broadway right now. We’ve never had this happen before and it shows that Proctors continues to be a major player in touring Broadway. It’s here, right in Schenectady.”

    Lin-Manual Miranda’s “Hamilton,” is slated for a two week stay in the Capital Region Aug. 13-25, 2019. The musical is about the nation’s first treasury secretary and founding father, Alexander Hamilton. Inspired by the 2004 Pulitzer Prize-winning biography by Ron Chernow, “Hamilton,” was nominated for a record 16 Tony awards, taking home 11, while earning Miranda a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

    Turning the stage lights on to start the season will be “Anastacia.” From the creators of the classic “Ragtime,” “Anastacia” takes us to back to the twilight of the Russian empire to the exhilaration of 1920 Paris. “Anastacia” will run Oct. 9-14, 2018.

    Chazz Palminteri’s autobiographical story “A Bronx Tale,” will run at Proctors on Oct. 23-28. First made famous on the big screen, actor Robert Neary, who plays Palminteri’s “Sonny” character on stage said this about the musical. “It’s the PG version of the film. There aren’t nearly as many F bombs. And I get to sing.”

    The Andrew Lloyd Weber classic, “The Phantom of the Opera,” will come out of the shadows for a two week stay on April 25 – May 5, 2019. Actor Derrick Davis, a Long Island native who has been playing the title character for the past 7 months said, “How could you get tired of this brilliant musical. It was the first show my parents took me to see when I was a kid. Now that I’m a part of it, it’s a part of my life.”

    Called the “Best Musical of This Century” by the New York Times, “The Book of Mormon,” is a musical comedy about two young Mormon missionaries who travel to Africa to preach the Mormon religion. The Book will be performed May 14-19 2019.

    For those ready to get into the Christmas spirit, Proctors holiday offering, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” will make a run at the theater on Dec 5-9, 2018.

  • Disturbed Enters Las Vegas Recording Studio

    Disturbed has hinted at a new release some time in 2018. The question is, what kind of release will it be?

    About a year ago, Disturbed frontman David Draiman stated that the band would do what many other bands have recently, and produce an acoustic EP before moving on to the band’s seventh full length studio album. No word if those plan are still intact or if the band will put the acoustic album on the shelf for a new full length effort.

    Disturbed has re-entered The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas where the band secretly recorded their last album Immortalized, and teamed up once again with producer Kevin Churko for another go around.

    Blabbermouth reported that in a 2016 interview with For Guitar Players Only, guitarist Dan Donegan commented on Churko, and the band clicking from the start during the band sixth studio album. He stated:

    We took some meetings with some big-name producers, just to see what they had to offer. It was just a great, eye-opening experience to know that there’s some geniuses that can kind of challenge you and throw these ideas out. When we met with Kevin Churko, we just felt something within the first hour, two hours that we were bouncing ideas off each other. It was pretty obvious that he just seemed like the right fit for us. We just felt like some of the suggestions he threw at us definitely helped elevate those songs to make them even hookier and riffier. It was just amazing. I didn’t really want to leave the studio. After nearly three and a half, four months of recording, I was a little sad when we were done. It just felt like, creatively, ‘Ah, man, I still want to keep going,’ but we already felt like we had such a strong album.

    Disturbed is slated to perform as one of the headliners for the 25th annual Rock Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin on July 12-15.

  • moe. Returns to Bass Player Rob Derhak’s Home State for 2-Night Run

    moe. are set to return to the State Theater in Portland Maine for their first Maine shows since 2016, and their first shows at the State since their New Year’s run in 2012. After a brief, but harrowing battle with oropharyngeal cancer, moe bass player Rob Derhak is eager to play a two-night run in his home state of Maine. If their inaugural shows back after the hiatus at Capitol Theatre were any indicator, these shows should be a dream come true for an energetic and deprived fan base. In the beginning of February, moe. returned to the stage for an absolutely blistering pair of shows, and are slated to play two more nights in Portland followed by two nights in Albany.
    moe bass player
    Bassist and vocalist Rob Derhak proved at the start of this tour that he is happy and healthy, his voice is still very much intact, and his fingers and hungry for some bass. Their last visit to his hometown featured three shows at the two venues, an intimate concert experience at Port City Music Hall, followed by two shows at the scenic Thompson’s Point, overlooking the ocean. Prior to that, they hadn’t seen any action in Maine since a one-night stand in 2014. Before that, moe. delivered a phenomenal New Year’s run in 2012 that spanned two venues across two states.

    After the uncertainty of the hiatus, and Rob’s cancer victory, moe. has announced an extensive tour that only seems to be growing, as well as several festival appearances and their triumphant return to Summer Camp Music Festival in Chillicothe, Illinois. After the smashing success that was their sold-out Capitol run, the moe. fan community, with the proud moniker “moe.rons” are eagerly awaiting Rob’s return to his beautiful home state. These shows are not to be missed for any fans of Buffalo jam monsters moe.

    Listen to past moe performances from Portland:

    State Theater 12/30/2012 and 12/31/2012

    Port City Music Hall 6/16/2016

    Thompson’s Point 6/17/2016

    Thompson’s Point 6/18/2016

  • Ghost Light, featuring Tom Hamilton and Holly Bowling, Announce U.S. Tour

    Ghost Light, combining the musical talents of Holly Bowling, Tom Hamilton, Steve Lyons, Raina Mullen and Scotty Zwang, will tour across the country this summer, with a stop at Brooklyn Bowl on April 11. 

    ghost light tom hamilton

    Ghost Light, a true musical collaboration, combines five personalities, five perspectives, and five unique approaches towards one common sound. The group initially got together in a recording studio in Philadelphia, developing songs and musical communication without pre-conceived notions of their sound. Scotty Zwang explains, “It’s a unique and interesting approach we get to take…we are being patient with each other and figuring out what the song needs.”

    Tom Hamilton says of the band’s formation, “Having played with everyone involved in a live setting before, I had a pretty firm grasp of what we all brought to the table and it was exciting. There is a wonderful freedom that comes with knowing that you don’t have to carry the entire load over the finish line. So when Raina and I were workshopping ideas to bring to this new band, we felt super comfortable going in any direction, knowing that with our new bandmates, the songs will get to where they needs to go. And in the live setting, that confidence is just as strong.”

    The first half of 2018 will see the band playing major venues in major markets coast to coast, followed by  stops at festivals including Peach Fest and Lockn’ Festival, with more to be announced. A debut studio release will be released later this year, followed by a supporting tour. 

    Ghost Light Tour Dates
    March 20 – Winstons – San Diego, CA
    March 21 – The Mint – Los Angeles, CA
    March 23 – 24 – Terrapin Crossroads – San Rafael, CA
    March 27 – Humboldt Brews – Arcata, CA
    March 28 – HiFi Lounge – Eugene, OR
    March 29 – Volcanic Theater Pub – Bend, OR
    March 30 – Mission Theater – Portland, OR
    March 31 – Lofi – Seattle, WA
    April 11 – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY
    April 12 – Ardmore Music Hall – Ardmore, PA
    April 13 – The Acoustic – Bridgeport, CT
    April 14 – Thunder Road – Boston, MA
    April 17 – Gypsy Sally’s – Washington, DC
    April 18 – Lincoln Theater – Raleigh, NC
    April 19 – 5 Points Sanctuary – Roanoke, VA
    April 20 – Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC
    May 10 – Aggie Theatre – Fort Collins, CO
    May 11 – Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO
    May 12 – Globe Hall – Denver, CO
    May 16 – City Winery – Chicago, IL
    May 17 – Founders Brewery – Grand Rapids, MI
    May 18 – Blind Pig – Ann Arbor, MI
    May 19 – Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH
    July 19 – 22 – Peach Music Festival – Scranton, PA
    August 24 – Lockn’ Festival – Arrington, VA

  • Somebody Call The Doctor: Vicious Jimmy and Morris Code Cure the Funky Blues at Albany’s Parish Public House

    It has been a cold and miserable winter here in Capital Land.  Many people in the area are suffering from an acute lack of funkiness which is not only extremely toxic, but is also a very communicable disease.  If you feel that you are suffering from this awful malady, then do I have the cure for you: a night of deep fried funk featuring the masters of the funky beat, Vicious Jimmy with special guest Morris Code.

    This locally based band will be performing at the Parish Public House in Albany on Saturday, February 17 with special guest Morris Code. This will be Vicious Jimmy’s triumphant return since starting an extended hiatus back in 2015.  They will be performing numerous of their original funky classics, including “Liquor,” “Dr. Selkirkian” and “Stiff Arm” which are all featured on their 2012 LP Relatively Dangerous. Vicious Jimmy will be debuting a new lineup with the addition of guitarist and vocalist Jason “JY” Young, formerly of the Smokehouse Prophets.  It is a show definitely not to be missed and there is no prescription required.

  • Percy Hill to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of ‘Color in Bloom’

    Percy Hill will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 1998 album Color in Bloom on Saturday, May 12 at Gramercy Theater in NYC. The jamband classic will be played in its entirety, along with other Percy Hill favorites. Peter Prince and Moon Boot Lover will open the night.

    percy hill color in bloom

    Percy Hill has performed sporadically over the past few years, and are excited to bring Color in Bloom to life on May 12. “Even at live shows and within the Color In Bloom tracks that we play on stage, we’ll go places we wouldn’t normally go musically and wouldn’t be heard on the record,” says John Leccese. Formed in New England in the 1990s by Joe Farrell and Nate Wilson, the group gained a core following and praise in The Village Voice and Entertainment Weekly.

    Tickets are $25 or $45 with VIP seating and are on sale now through CEG Presents.

  • Camp Bisco 16 Announces Lineup

    Camp Bisco returns for year 16.

    The music festival hosted by the Disco Biscuits takes place once again on Montage Mountain on Thursday, July 12 to Saturday, July 14, in Scranton, Pa.

    Marc Brownstein, Biscuits bassist posted on Facebook: “Back to the mountain with an amazing lineup!!”

    It will be the festival’s fourth consecutive year at Montage Mountain — which includes a waterpark and camping grounds for festivalgoers.

    The Disco Biscuits headline the three-day event, and the festival continues to book the biggest names in EDM and jamtronica.

    Headbangers and bassheads can rejoice there will be no shortage of bass at this year’s event.

    Bisco staples such as Bassnectar, Tipper, Lotus and STS9 return to headline once again. Excision and Illenium will also headline along with Bonobo, which will include a live band.

    More bands included are: 12th Planet; Anna Lunde; Big Wild; Boogie T; Buku; Desert Dwellers; DJ Jazzy Jeff; The Floozies (ft. the Terminus Horns); The Funk Hunters; G Jones; Ghostface Killah; Jai Wolf; Lettuce; Liquid Stranger; Mija (back to back) Billy Kenny; Oliver Tree; Papadosio; Quinn XCII; Space Jesus X2 (including a special downtempo set); Snails; Sunsquabi; Tauk; Zion I x Lespecial.

    Also making the trip to Montage Mountain will be: Agent Zero; Bass Physics; Bluetech; Cofresi; Ducky; Flamingosis; Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad; The Hip Abduction; Horizon Wireless; Kidswaste; Kung Fu; Let’s Danza!; Magic Beans; Naughty Professor; Orchard Lounge; Probcause; Space Bacon; Squinto; Yheti and Zeke Beats.

    For more information and tickets for Camp Bisco 16, visit campbisco.com

  • NYC Hip-Hop fusion group QNA drop frantic new single “Karoshi”

    QNA, a fusion of hip-hop and jazz born from New York City has released the second single, “Karoshi.” off their upcoming debut EP XII. The title of the song means ‘death from overwork’ in Japanese, combining an up-tempo jazz melody with flow from MC Supe.

    Formed from jam sessions under the name People Zoo, QNA is comprised of high school friends, lead by MC Supe, and a cast of players including Marina Espinet (vocals), Benjamin Chin (saxophone), TJ Adorno (keys), Dylan Kaminkow (bassist), and Marco Gill (drummer). The band also features a wealth of vocalists and rappers including Bush Tea and more.

    Hip-hop at heart, QNA is jazz through and through, with chords and long solos that aren’t afraid to get out there. The seven minute jam of “Karoshi” rises swiftly and is full of rhymes and a message to let go of the grind and enjoy the wonders that nurture the soul. XII was recorded at The Breeding Room and is due out February 23. Listen to “Karoshi” below.

  • Latest Live Phish Release Features 1998 Vernon Downs Show

    The latest addition to the Live Phish series is Phish’s show from Central New York’s harness racing mecca, Vernon Downs, on Aug. 12, 1998.

    The only show Phish has ever performed at this venue worked perfectly into Phish’s wordplay throughout the night. The “Makisupa Policeman” lyric, “Woke up this morning, burning down,” was met with rapturous applause due to its resemblance to the venue’s name. Later in the show, the band performed a cover of the Talking Heads classic “Burning Down the House,” which took on a new persona as Trey Anastasio sang, “Vernon Down the house,” much to the delight of those in attendance.

    The show was also somewhat of a hometown show for drummer Jon Fishman, a graduate of nearby Jamesville-DeWitt High School. Anastasio refers to him as “Bob Weaver” during the show. He also continuously busted Fishman’s chops throughout the show, referring to his old high school band, Frodo, on several occasions.

    As far as Phish shows go, this one has to be one that would convert many first-timers. Covers of ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, Talking Heads and the Rolling Stones, along with several popular Phish standards, definitely converted many in attendance for the first time.

    Set One: La Grange, Makisupa Policeman, Funky Bitch, Possum, Roggae, Character Zero, Ramble On, Slave to the Traffic Light

    Set Two: Mike’s Song> Simple> Rift, Loving Cup, Sleeping Monkey > Weekapaug Groove, The Squirming Coil

    Encore: Burning Down the House, You Enjoy Myself

  • All-Star lineup featured on Wynton Marsalis ‘United We Swing: Best of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Galas’

    United We Swing: Best of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Galas, is soon to be released compilation of selections from shows that Wynton Marsalis and his Septet performed from 2003–2007. An all-star cast of musicians joins the compilation, set for release on March 23.

    marsalis united we swing

    Joining Marsalis on the compilation are Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Lenny Kravitz, Willie Nelson, John Mayer, John Legend, Blind Boys of Alabama, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, James Taylor, Ray Charles, Natalie Merchant, Jimmy Buffett, Carrie Smith, Audra McDonald and Lyle Lovett. Marsalis says of the the release, “On this recording and in these concerts, we came together to affirm common roots, to celebrate the diversity of our creativity, and to pass the reality of our best achievements on to our kids. We were, and are, United in Swing.”

    Pre-order United We Swing here, with all album proceeds supporting children’s music education around the world.

    United We Swing Tracklist

    1. “The Last Time” feat. Blind Boys of Alabama
    2. “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry” feat. Bob Dylan
    3. “I’m Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town” feat. Ray Charles
    4. “I’m Not Rough” feat. Eric Clapton
    5. “Creole Love Call” feat. Audra McDonald
    6. “Milk Cow Blues” feat. Willie Nelson
    7. “I’m Gonna Find Another You” feat. John Mayer
    8. “My Baby Don’t Tolerate” feat. Lyle Lovett
    9. “The Worst Thing” feat. Natalie Merchant
    10. “Please Baby Don’t” feat. John Legend
    11. “Mean Old Man” feat. James Taylor
    12. “Are You Gonna Go My Way” feat. Lenny Kravitz
    13. “Fool’s Paradise” feat. Jimmy Buffett
    14. “Empty Bed Blues” feat. Carrie Smith
    15. “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” feat. Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks
    16. “What Have You Done?”

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