NYS Music 20​18

Category: Upcoming Shows

  • Syracuse’s Westcott Theater Announces Fall Performances From Turkuaz, Snails, and More

    In the coming months, the Westcott Theater in Syracuse will be hosting several exciting events with appearances from Turkuaz, Snails, Dubloadz, and the Ghost of Paul Revere and Charlie Parr. These are all ages shows, allowing for anyone to come and enjoy a great musical experience from any of these talented and entertaining performers.

    Turkuaz is a colorful Brooklyn based group that blends male and female harmonies into a unique sound that touches on funk, alternative, and R&B. Their show at the Westcott Theater is one of many on their new promotional tour for their album Life in the City available Sept. 28. They will be accompanied by Butcher Brown.

    DJ and producer SNAILS, who has earned tremendous praise from major dubstep stars such as Skrillex, Diplo, Datsik, and Excision, will also be taking over Syracuse for a night. With viral tracks under his belt like “Dirty Raxxx,” “KRMT” and “RUBBR,” the Montreal artist has built a wild bass-loving collection of fans who are always eager for more hardcore beats.

    Dave Nardolilli, otherwise known as Dubloadz, is yet another rising dubstep talent who dedicates himself to shocking crowds with his “Savage Wonk” musical style. 2014 was his breakout year as he toured around the globe at high demand shows and demonstrated the love he has for his craft. Ambitious and recognized in the industry, Dubloadz went on to say that: “I can only hopeto inspire people. I love what I do and I want people to realize they can make their dreams happen as well.”

    Finally, the Ghost of Paul Revere and Charlie Parr will be performing a beautifully chilling and harmonic set of classic folk music that has earned them a powerful reputation in the genre. With a multitude of influences from Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Beatles, and Radiohead, their melodies take listeners on a harmonic journey through deeply rooted emotion and the simplicity of letting instruments speak for themselves.

    For more information on these and other dates at the Wescott, visit their website here.

    Westcott Theater Show Dates:

    Turkuaz – Oct. 4

    Dubloadz – Oct. 20

    The Ghost of Paul Revere and Charlie Parr – Nov. 11

    SNAILS – Nov. 20

  • Catch Phunk Night after Phish in Albany on October 16

    Funk Night becomes Phunk Night on October 16 when Wurliday and NYS Music host a Phish After-Party at Parish Public House in Albany, just one block away from the Times Union Center and right after Phish wraps up Night 1 of their Fall Tour.

    Phunk Night features 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 Morris (Wurliday). Tickets are on sale now and this event will sell out. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of show. More info and tickets can be found here.

    phunk night phish albany

  • 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.

  • Jazz at the Palace in Syracuse features the CNY Young Lions of Jazz

    Syracuse’s Palace Theater is presenting a day of summer jazz at the storied Eastwood playhouse Aug. 19. The CNY Young Lions of Jazz will feature the William Gorman 4tet with guest vocalist Gabrielle Gorman.

    CNY Young Lions Of Jazz

    Tickets for the all ages show are $12 and available at the Palace Commons Cafe, Sound Garden and Ish Guitars in Syracuse. They can also be purchased online through Brown Paper Ticket.

    Three acts will open the show. The Lawless Jazz Collective, feature trombonist Jake Lawless, guitarist David Millen, drummer P.K. White, bassist Sean Peters, and tenor saxophonist Jacob Penner.

    The Nick Fields Trio, led by Fields on jazz trumpet and vocals also features Dave Solazzo on piano and Josh Dekaney on drums.

    Drew Serafini & Friends rounds off the lineup. Guitarist Serafini will be joined by Dunham Hall on saxophone, Sean Peters, pulling double duty on bass, and drummer Keenan LeBlanc. Vocalist Aaron Ruiz will join the band for two songs during their set.

    William Gorman is a Syracuse native an a senior at William Paterson University pursuing a degree in Jazz Piano under the tutelage of pianists Bill Charlap and Harold Mabern. He’s an active member of the New York City jazz and blues scenes and has an impressive array of credits to his name.

    Gorman was recently in blues legend Joe Louis Walker’s touring band, where he performed throughout the United States and abroad, including a performance at Syracuse’s Funk ‘n Waffles in January 2017.

    Gabrielle Gorman is also a Syracuse native, now living in New York City. She possesses a unique voice and can manuever among several genres with ease. She has a B.S. in Musical Theater and a M.S. ABT in Theater and Performance Studies from the University of Buffalo.

    Joining the Gormans in the 4tet are saxophonist Sarah Hanahan. Hailing from Hartford, CT via Marlborough, MA, she has performed with Dave Pietro and Tom Palance and recently appeared at the Caramoor Jazz Festival.

    Drummer Eric Dupont was born and raised in New Hampshire and has studied under Winard Harper, Horacee Arnold, Bill Goodwin, and Billy Hart.

    Bassist Vincent Dupont recently enrolled in the Jazz Studies program at William Paterson University. He was a participant in Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead program at the Kennedy Center in Washington as well as the Ravinia Steans Music Institute in Chicago.

  • NYS Presents: Live Music For Your August

    As with every year, the beautiful summer months have flown by so far and here at New York State Music, we are determined to make sure you make the most out of the sunshine left.  If you are looking to pack the whole month of August with unforgettable live music performance at great venues throughout New York, look no further than this cheat-sheet of all the upcoming action.

    Buffalo – Nietzche’s

    Nietzche’s has been beating those Monday blues all summer long by making Happy Hour a lot more jazzy for Buffalo.  If you have not made your way to Jazz Happy Hour this summer, be sure to get there before August is over.

    August 6th – Well-rounded vocalist Kristen Smigielski will be treating the crowd at the first Happy Hour of the month to her true forte: jazz.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see one of Buffalo’s best. Event link.

    August 13th – No strangers to the New York State jazz scene, Dejesus and Warne Trio will be bringing their bluesy jazz style on the second Monday of the month.  Event link.

    August 20th – Buffalo-based songwriter and musician, Adam Bronstein, will be making his way back to Nietzche’s and taking over Jazz Happy Hour on the 20th. Event link.

    August 27th – To end a summer full of the happiest of Mondays ,The Duo+ will be providing food for the soul in the form of their powerful performances of classics and new takes on old jazz standards. Event link.

    Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles 

    August 2nd – All the way from Portland, Oregon, do not miss your opportunity to spend the night listening to the rock and roll stylings of singer/songwriter, Jerry Joseph, as he performs with special guest Charley Orlando.  Event link.

    August 3rd – Brooklyn-based Americana and alternative country band, Yarn, has brought crowds from far and wide to their shows and will be treating Syracuse to experience their music with special guest Old Dear Ensemble. Event link.

    August 8th – For a night full of smiles and good vibes, Kendall Street Company will be stopping by on their Summer Tour at Funk ‘N Waffles along with Vintage Pretty.  For fans of psychedelic, alternative and jam rock music and beyond, this show is sure to be a can’t miss event.  Event link.

    August 9th – Handmade Moments will be bringing their rich, musical flavor of alternative folk music, paired with the diversely beautiful, “no rules,” sounds of the up and coming duo, Dizzy Heart. Event link.

    August 10th – There is nothing quite like a good night full of good ole Americana music, especially when it is delivered from Upstate New York favorite group, The Old Main.  Did we mention it’s free?  Event link.

    August 11th – Brutal By Design presents a night full of hot hip hop featuring Diabolic, Reef The Lost Gauze, as well as Syracuse-based musician, Timothy J.  Event link.

    August 14th – The New Daze is reuniting for one night and one night only to revive their “organic psychedelic rage,’ for all those who have missed it so much.  Make sure to make it out for this electrified performance as they are joined by Kansas Wine. Event link.

    August 16th – Delivering the sounds of the South right to your friendly neighborhood Upstate New York venue is just what The Prestage Brothers Band will be doing on the 16th of August. Event link.

    August 23rd – It is bound to be a packed night of out of this world music as alternative blues group, Late Earth, performs accompanied by the experimental sounds of The U.S. Americans, as well as Cosmonaut Radio.Event link.

    August 25th – Brownskin Band and Joe Driscoll will be taking over Syracuse’s Funk ‘N Waffles for a night that honors American folk in the funkiest way possible. Event link.

    August 29th – Mungo’s List covers it all and is sure to have a sound that will please fans of every genre from jam, to jazz, to soul, to maybe more niche interests such as “spacey,” music as well as, “spooky,” music.   6-piece funk band, Butter, will also be coming along to ensure that the funk is spread as much as possible to attendees of this sure to be memorable show. Event link.

    August 30th – Pop-driven, but diversely inspired group Major Player will be returning to their roots in Syracuse to perform in the place where their stellar sounds were born. Event link.

    August 31st – To end out an incredible month at Funk ‘N Waffles, Danielle Ponder & The Tomorrow People will be performing music that is sure to make you think, feel, and most importantly, dance.  They will be joined by Candian funk, rock and soul group, After Funk.  End your month with a bang and come enjoy the sounds of these two powerhouse groups!  Event link.

    Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

    August 1st – Starting off month of August at Rochester’s Funk ‘N Waffles on a funky note will be groups Stig and Fakaui on the 1st. Event link.

    August 2nd – If you just cannot wait until Yarn and Old Deer Ensemble play Syracuse’s Funk ‘N Waffles on the 3rd or, better yet, just want to see them twice, come on out for their performance in Rochester the night before! Event link.

    August 3rd – Sonic Garden, Buffalo’s own authentic Grateful Dead tribute band, will be playing the DSO After Party.  Come out to celebrate the music of an incredible band as this talented group of musicians revive all your favorites. Event link.

    August 8th – Kris Lager Band will be bringing revivalist rock and heavy soul to Rochester with special guest and Rochester-native group Stationary Escape Pod, who will be performing their blend of Americana, progressive rock, blues and more. Event link.

    August 9th – After the Kendall Street Company shows off their psychedelic funk with special guest Vintage Pretty in Syracuse, the next stop of their tour will be Rochester on the 9th.  Don’t miss out on another opportunity to catch these two incredible acts!  Event link.

    August 11th – Rochester Black Pride is proud to be bringing you Summer Nights: Starring Trina at the Music Hall.  Trina is one of the most consistent and praised female rappers and will be performing her music that not only has been enjoyed by so many, but has done so much to change the world of hip hop.  Don’t miss this opportunity to see her live!  Event link.

    August 23rd – Nth Power will be bringing a spiritual, powerful, soulful and goose bump worthy performance with Quintuple and it is sure to be an uplifting experience you do not want to miss. Event link.

    August 14th – She is Detroit’s Queen of the Blues and she is coming to Rochester to show Upstate New York just why. Make sure to come experience Thornetta Davis live for an unforgettable and funky performance. Event link.

    August 18th – It is never a bad time for a Chicago Blues kind of night, and that is just what Frank Bang and The Cook County Kings will be providing on the 18th.  Event link.

    August 22nd – Joe Marcinek All Star Super Jam is every last bit of fun that it sounds like it will be. As every one of their performances features different artists, this Rochester show will include Alan Evans of Soulive, Steve Molitz of Particle and members Freekbass. Event link.

    August 28th – To bring a healthy dose of reggae and blues for the month, Aaron Kamm and the One Drops will be performing with special guest Delilah Jones. Event link.

    August 29th – Continuing the reggae into the following night with a mix of R&B will be Mutlu, who will be coming through on his The Almost Famous Tour, with special guest and pop artist, Wes Williams. Event link.

    August 31st – The grand finale to such a grand month full of great performances will be brought to you by Kevin Kinsella.  Come out for the last night of August and enjoy his acoustic soul and reggae sounds. Event link.

  • Cobblestone Live to Host Second Annual Buffalo-Centric Fest

    This weekend, the second annual Cobblestone Live will be taking place in Buffalo. Cobblestone is a fairly small festival, taking place in a single neighborhood and making use of the bars, restaurants, and venues that call it home. The festival’s stages are set up on the famous Illinois and Columbia Streets, as well as inside Lockhouse Distillery Buffalo Iron Works.

    The lineup features some big names, such as the soulful Andy Frasco & the U.N., known for Frasco’s wild stage antics and soulful blues music, Brooklyn-based funk band Turkuaz, Broken Social Scene, and Buffalo natives Aqueous, the groove rock quartet that has spent the last two years touring the country relentlessly. Some smaller, more local bands are also featured, namely Space Junk, Cold Lazarus, First Ward, and Grateful Dead tribute band, Workingman’s Dead. Michelangelo Carubba of Turkuaz will be hosting a “Super Jam” on Saturday, July 28, which should be interesting to see, as they’ve yet to mention who will be included in the jam.

    Cobblestone offers a wide variety of activities and vendors, including an alpaca farm on Saturday you should be sure to check out. Food vendors include Grateful Grind Coffee, Lloyd, Mazurek’s Bakery, Lugia’s, and Totally Edible. Lockhouse Distillery & Buffalo Iron Works will be providing festival drink menus. There will be several different vendors at the fest, including a tent for the Child Advocacy Center, an organization that provides treatment and support for kids in Erie County that have been physically or sexually abused. A portion of Cobblestone Live’s profits will be donated to the CAC.
    cobblestone live

    Cobblestone Live is looking like a grand time, full of delicious food, drinks, and good music! Take a look at the daily lineup above to better plan out your Cobblestone experience. Check back with NYS Music for photos and coverage of the fest.

  • Christian Lopez returns to Syracuse for outdoor house party

    Christian Lopez, will once again return to Syracuse for a spectacular outdoor show at the home of Ed and Ellen Griffin Friday July 27 at 7:00 p.m.

    Currently touring in support of his second album, Red Arrow, Lopez is quickly making a name for himself with his high energy soulful sound.  Red Arrow features rock, pop and country vibes, featuring guest appearances by the legendary Vice Gill and Kenneth Pattengale of the Milk Carton Kids.

    Last year over 100 people attended Christian Lopez’s first outdoor house show where he and his band rocked at a fast pace featuring songs from his first album, Onward, a preview of a few songs from Red Arrow, and great covers from Bill Withers and Levon Helm. This young man has been featured as one of Rolling Stone’s “Best Newcomers” and continues to collect fans as he makes his way across the nation.

    For only $20, attendees are welcomed into a comfortable and beautiful home setting with food, drinks, and evening of amazing music in this private showing. For more information on how you can attend this year’s must-see performance, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/EastSyracuse/ChristianLopezBandConcert.

  • Ani DiFranco adds Syracuse to Fall Tour

    Buffalo native and current New Orleans resident, Ani DiFranco will perform at Syracuse’s Westcott Theater on Sept. 16 on her fall tour, Creative Concerts announced Tuesday.

    Ani DiFranco

    The folk singer-songwriter, activist, poet and entrepreneur released her 20th album, Binary, last year and is touring with a renewed vigor. DiFranco described a breakthrough moment that hit during the writing of the pro-choice anthem “Play God” from her latest album:

    When I wrote the line ‘You don’t get to play God, man/I do,’ I paused and thought, ‘Can I say that?’ It’s not the first time I’ve thought that, but it’s been a while. And in that moment, I thought, ‘I’m back, mothafuckas!

    Tickets for the all ages show are $35 in advance and $40 the day of the show. They go on sale Friday, July 20 at 10:00 through the Westcott’s website.

    Peter Mulvey is the support act for this show. Mulvey wrote the song “Take Down Your Flag” following the shooting at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC in June 2015. After his first performance of the song opening for DiFranco in Northampton, MA, Mulvey put out an invitation to other artists to add verses. Mulvey’s introduction video is below, followed by DiFranco’s version, where she is accompanied by Ivan Neville and Terrance Higgins.

    Ani DiFranco Fall Tour:

    Sept. 15 – Grand Point North Festival – Burlington, VT
    Sept. 16 – Westcott Theater – Syracuse, NY
    Sept. 28 – Lyric Theatre – Birmingham, AL
    Sept. 29 – Center Stage Theater – Atlanta, GA
    Sept. 30 – The NorVa – Norfolk, VA
    Oct. 1 – The Keswick Theatre – Glenside, PA
    Oct. 3 – Le Poisson Rouge – New York, NY
    Oct. 5 – Somerville Theatre – Somerville, MA
    Oct. 6 – Bardavon 1869 Opera House – Poughkeepsie, NY
    Nov. 4 – Delta Hall at Eccles Theater – Salt Lake City, UT
    Nov. 6 – Vancouver Playhouse – Vancouver, BC
    Nov. 8 – The Neptune – Seattle, WA
    Nov. 9 – Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR
    Nov. 10 – McDonald Theatre – Eugene, OR
    Nov. 12 – The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA
    Nov. 14 – Palace Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
    Nov. 15 – The Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ
    Nov. 17 – Granada Theater – Dallas, TX
    Nov. 18 – Emo’s Austin – Austin, TX
    Nov. 19 – House of Blues – New Orleans, LA

    Check out DiFranco’s Tiny Desk Concert from last year below:

  • Aqueous Announces Most Extensive Headlining Tour to Date

    Aqueous just announced their most extensive headlining tour to date. The tour starts this September, ends in December, and will hit 27 cities.

    Photo courtesy of Aqueous’s press release.

    Aqueous is a Buffalo-based groove-rock quartet and has three studio albums under their belt. They have a reputation for their improvisational skills and are considered one of the most promising improvisational rock acts in the country.

    During their tour Aqueous will be receiving support from the likes of Mungion, ELM, The Heavy Pets, EGI and Goose. They will be stopping in five New York cities: Buffalo, Sherman, Utica, Albany, and Brooklyn. The Buffalo, Sherman, and Utica stops are technically before the tour starts but are part of Aqueous’ already existing shows.

    The band is made up of guitarist Mike Gantzer, guitarist/keyboardist David Loss, bassist Evan McPhaden, and drummer Rob Houk. Tickets are on sale this coming Friday, July 20th at 10 AM ET.

    To purchase tickets or for more information on specific dates, please head to the band’s website.

    Tour date listed bellow:

    July 21 – The Peach Music Festival – Scranton, PA
    July 27 & 28 – Cobblestone Live – Buffalo, NY
    Aug. 23 – Night Lights Music Festival – Sherman, NY
    Sept. 7 – Saranac Brewery – Utica, NY **
    Sept. 20 – Resonance Music and Arts Festival – Thornville, OH
    Sept. 21 – Rex Theater – Pittsburgh, PA *
    Oct. 24 – Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT ^
    Oct. 25 – Higher Ground Showcase Lounge – South Burlington, VT ^
    Oct. 26 – The Sinclair – Cambridge, MA ^
    Oct. 27 – The Hollow – Albany, NY ^
    Oct. 31 – Knitting Factory – Brooklyn, NY ^
    Nov. 1 – Wionder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ ^
    Nov. 2 – Union Stage – Washington D.C.^
    Nov. 3 – The Foundry at the Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA ^
    Nov. 4 – The Broadberry – Richmond, VA #
    Nov. 6 – The Pour House Music Hall – Raleigh, NC #
    Nov. 7 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC #
    Nov. 8 – The Social – Orlando, FL #
    Nov. 9 – Jack Rabbits – Jacksonville, FL #
    Nov. 10 – The Crowbar – Tampa, FL #
    Nov. 14 – Zydeco – Birmingham, AL #
    Nov. 15 – Aisle 5 – Atlanta, GA #
    Nov. 16 – Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC #
    Nov. 17 – Exit In – Nashville, TN #
    Nov. 28 – Blind Pig – Ann Arbor, MI +
    Nov. 29 – Chop Shop – Chicago, IL
    Nov. 30 – The Miramar Theatre – Milwaukee, WI +
    Dec. 5 – Hodi’s Halfnote – Ft. Collins, CO ^
    Dec. 7 – Old Town Pub – Steamboat Springs, CO ^
    Dec. 8 – Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO ^
    Dec. 11 – The Waiting Room – Omaha, NE $
    Dec. 12 – The Bootleg at Atomic Cowboy – St. Louis, MO $
    Dec. 13 – The Hi-Fi – Indianapolis, IN $

    ** w/ moe.
    * w/ ELM
    ^ w/ Mungion
    # w/ The Heavy Pets
    + w/ EGI
    $ w/ Goose

  • Benefit Show for Albany’s Sirsy at The Bitter End in NYC July 18

    Albany’s powerful indie-rock duo Sirsy (Melanie Krahmer/Rich Libutti) has been a workhorse of the local music scene since the early 2000s, bringing their music on tour nation-wide.

    This Wednesday, July 19, The Bitter End in downtown Manhattan is hosting a benefit show for Sirsy, whose singer/drummer Melanie Krahmer is currently undergoing cancer treatment.sirsy

    The benefit show will feature a reunion set with former members of Lez Zeppelin – Lisa Brigantino, Gus aka Destroy and Sarah McLellan with Tomi Millioto for a set of Zeppelin tunes. The show will also include an acoustic set from Lisa & Lori Brigantino as well as raffles and prizes.

    As regular touring is Sirsy’s livelihood and the band had to take a break from a west coast tour, 100% of the proceeds will go to help the band. Tickets are $30 in advance/$35 at the door. Doors are at 6:30, show runs from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. The show is an all ages show, with those under 18 attending with a parent or guardian. Advance tickets can be purchased here: https://sirsymusicbenefit.brownpapertickets.com/

    Anyone who has seen Sirsy at either an outdoor family-friendly concert or in clubs knows the energy and enthusiasm the band put in each and every show.

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