NYS Music 20​19

Author: Emily VanderWiel

  • Internationally Renowned Musicians Coming to JazzFest White Plains September 11-15

    The 8th annual JazzFest White Plains features a lineup of internationally renowned musicians celebrating jazz, culture and community from September 11-15. The five-day festival is produced by ArtsWestchester, The City of White Plains and The White Plains BID.

    JazzFest takes place during the White Plains Jazz & Food Festival from noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15. Music and entry are free, with food and beverage vendors taking over Mamaroneck Avenue in front of the historic ArtsWestchester building. Five bands will perform throughout the day, ending with the New Orleans sounds of two-time Grammy-nominated trumpeter Alphonso Horne and the Gotham Kings.

    In addition to dozens of free and affordable concerts taking place throughout the city, headlining performances will include artists such as Mwenso & the Shakes, Camille Thurman, and Emmet Cohen with George Coleman and Jimmy Cobb.

    Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester, explains: “The 2019 JazzFest White Plains lineup presents a diverse roster of path-breaking artists from young rising stars Joel Ross (vibes), Melissa Aldana (sax), Emmet Cohen (piano), and Camille Thurman (voice/sax) to jazz legends George Coleman (sax) and Jimmy Cobb (drums). Featured artists are known for their work as performers and composers, bringing jazz into conversation with Afro-Brazilian music, Colombian folk rhythms, Cuban charango, hip-hop, Ashanti drumming, funk and reggae. There’s truly something for everyone at this year’s JazzFest.”

    The 2019 JazzFest White Plains Lineup:
    Wednesday, Sept. 11
    Noon |Downtown Music at Grace Church, 33 Church St.
    Nanny Assis Trio (FREE)
    Bahia native Nanny Assis is a singer, drummer, percussionist and songwriter. He is a master of Brazilian Jazz, Afro-Brazilian music and other popular and folkloric sounds from his homeland. 
    12:30 pm |Court Street Farmer’s Market, 59 Court St.
    Kristina Koller (FREE)
    As a vocalist, arranger and composer, Kristina Koller pushes “vocal jazz” in a new direction. Her music melds different genres with uplifting traditional jazz standards.
    5:30-9:30 pm | Downtown White Plains Jazz Stroll (FREE)
    5:30 pm | Mediterraneo White Plains (189 Main St.)   Albert Rivera Quartet -Saxophonist Albert Rivera has toured North America and played at venues such as the River Room in Harlem and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center. In 2009, he was the recipient of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award.
    6:30 pm | Morton’s The Steakhouse (5 Mamaroneck Ave.) Pablo Mayor’s Folklore Urbano -NYC Trio Pablo Mayor is one of the leading contemporary voices of Colombian music. His trio combines the native rhythms of Colombia with Jazz, Salsa, and Cuban Charanga. The Folklore Urbano NYC Trio has been heard throughout the USA, including renowned venues across the NYC area, as well as Canada and Colombia.
    7:30 pm | The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester (3 Renaissance Square) The Brian Carter Quartet -Jazz drummer Brian Carter has affiliations with many musicians, including Bob Baldwin, Gil Parris, Bernie Williams, Eddie Henderson, Wali Ali, Nico Morelli and the late Didier Lockwood.
    8:30 pm | Sunset Restaurant Bar (49 Mamaroneck Ave.) Gilberto Colon Jr. & Ensalada De Pulpo- Gilberto “Pulpo” Colón Jr. is a pianist, composer, arranger, producer and band leader best known for his role as Musical Director for salsa superstar Héctor Lavoe. Colón has worked & recorded with some of Latin music’s most popular artists.
    Thursday, Sept. 12
    Noon | Jazz at Noon: White Plains Public Library Plaza, 100 Martine Ave. Eunha So Quartet (FREE) -Pianist and composer Eunha So plays across genres, from classical to jazz. She has trained under several prominent artists, including Eric Gunnison, Art Lande, and Pete Malinverni. She is a graduate of SUNY Purchase’s graduate program in Jazz Studies.
    6:30 pm | Outdoor Plaza at 5 City Place
    Keyon Harrold (FREE) – Keyon Harrold, who was raised in Ferguson, Missouri, was schooled in the straight-ahead jazz tradition. The trumpeter has been featured on more than one hundred jazz, R&B, hip-hop, gospel and blues albums, in addition to Miles Ahead, the Grammy Award-winning movie about Miles Davis. Harrold has recorded or performed with Gregory Porter, Prince, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige and many others.  8:00 pm | ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Ave. Pete Malinverni’s Jazz-Chester, feat. Ralph Lalama, Mike Migliore and Aaron Seeber ($25) – Pete Malinverni is Head of Jazz Studies at the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College. He has been a fixture on the New York City jazz scene since moving there in the early 1980s, and has recorded fourteen times as a leader in solo piano, trio, quartet, quintet, big band and choral contexts. During his time in NYC, Malinverni has recorded and performed with a host of masters, including Joe Lovano, Vernel Fournier, Charles Davis, Mel Lewis, Dennis Irwin, Jon Faddis, Karrin Allyson, Steve Wilson and many others.
    10:00 pm | ($10) ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Ave.
    Jazz Jam – Audience members can sign up for a jazz jam led by Jake Robinson of the Music Conservatory of Westchester, Ed Palermo of Hoff-Barthelson Music School, Bob Gingery from Concordia Conservatory and Pete Malinverni from SUNY Purchase College.
    Friday, Sept. 13
    Noon | Jazz at Noon: White Plains Public Library Plaza, 100 Martine Ave.
    The Marcio Garcia Trio (FREE) -Dominican pianist, composer and educator Marcio Garcia has performed at the Stanford Jazz Institute, the 2016 Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival, Five Points Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, Blue Note NYC, Birdland and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola.
    5:00 pm | White Plains Plaza, 1 N. Broadway
    Kotoko Brass (FREE) -Kotoko Brass melds the traditional drum rhythms of Ghana, the sturdy bass and keyboards of the Caribbean, and the joyous horns of New Orleans to forge a new sound of its own. The band has shared the stage with Femi Kuti, the California Honeydrops, Vieux Farka Toure, Innov Gnawa, Take 6, the Boston Pops and more.
    7:30 pm | ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Ave.
    Joel Ross ‘Good Vibes’ ($20 for 7:30pm | $35 for both 7:30 & 9pm)
    Chicago native Joel Ross, twice selected as a Thelonious Monk Institute National All-Star and a 2013 Young Arts Jazz Finalist, has performed with established artists like Herbie Hancock, Louis Hayes and Christian McBride, as well as with cutting-edge contemporaries like Gerald Clayton, Jon Batiste and more. He’s also performed at the Brubeck, Monterey, Seattle and Chicago Jazz Festivals, and internationally-celebrated venues like Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York, SF Jazz in San Francisco, and Club Vibrato in Los Angeles. Ross recently completed a two year fellowship with the Brubeck Institute
    Jazz Quintet in California.
    9:00 pm | ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Ave. Joel Ross ‘Good Vibes’ feat. Melissa Aldana ($20 for 7:30 pm | $35 for both 7:30 & 9 pm) – Chilean saxophonist and composer Melissa Aldana has had a remarkably rapid evolution, from being a six-year-old sax prodigy to now being widely considered one of the most compelling tenor saxophonists on the scene. In 2013, Aldana became both the first female instrumentalist and the first South American to win the Thelonious Monk Competition. She is also a recipient of the Martin E. Segal Award from Lincoln Center and a double recipient of the Altazor Award, Chile’s prestigious national arts prize. Aldana has released four recordings as a leader. Recently, she premiered the commissioned suite, Visions for Frida Kahlo, before touring Brazil, Europe and Australia with her quartet.

    Saturday, Sept. 14
    11:00 am |     Court Street Farmer’s Market, 59 Court St. Tim Veeder Quartet (FREE) – The Tim Veeder Quartet electrifies audiences locally, nationally and abroad with jazz/funk/fusion originals in addition to fresh, funky takes on jazz standards. Veeder has shared the stage with many
    notable artists, including Bucky Pizzarelli, Richie Cannata, Jay Azzolina, drummer Richie Morales and many others.
    2:00 pm | Galleria White Plains, 100 Main St. Jazz at the Galleria Youth Showcase (FREE)
    2:00 pm |White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave Hands-On Jazz for Families (FREE) – Join teachers from The Music Conservatory of Westchester for a participatory music event at the
    White Plains Public Library.
    8:00 pm | White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place Emmet Cohen Quartet feat. George Coleman & Jimmy Cobb ($29-44)
    Recognized as a prodigy who began playing at age three, multifaceted American jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen has emerged as one of his generation’s pivotal figures in music. Cohen is the recent winner of the American Pianists Association’s prestigious 2019 Cole Porter Fellowship. In this performance, his ensemble will be joined by two of jazz’s greatest figures, George Coleman and Jimmy Cobb. Among countless accomplishments, Coleman was recognized as a National Endowment of the
    Arts “Jazz Master,” played in Max Roach’s band, was a member of the Miles Davis quintet with Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams, and played on Hancock’s landmark Blue Note recording, Maiden Voyage. Jimmy Cobb made his name in support of Dinah Washington, Cannonball Adderley,
    Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery and Sarah Vaughan, and on hundreds of studio sessions. As the drummer on Davis’ legendary album Kind of Blue, Cobb may be the most frequently heard drummer in jazz history.
    Sunday, Sept. 15:
    Noon-5:30 pm |     Mamaroneck Ave. at Main St. White Plains Jazz & Food Festival (FREE ENTRY)
    Noon-12:45 pm | Lagond Music All-Stars – Lagond Music School presents a lineup of some of Westchester County’s finest young musicians. The
    ensemble performs a range of music from Latin jazz to danceable funk.
    1:05-1: 50 pm | Art Bennett and The Organic Ensemble – Saxophonist Art Bennett was born and raised in White Plains, where he first began studying jazz. Active in the “Loft Jazz” movement of the 1970s in New York City, he has performed with greats Lonnie Smith, Rashied Ali, Roy Brooks, Willian Parker, and many others.
    2:10–3 pm | Mwenso & The Shakes -Taking from the stylings of Fats Waller, Muddy Waters, James Brown and other American musical legends, Mwenso & The Shakes put on an electrifying show. Immigrating from Sierra Leone, London, South Africa, Greenwich Village, Madagascar, France, Jamaica, and Hawaii, the Shakes now call Harlem their home.
    3:20–4:10 pm | Camille Thurman with The Darrell Green Trio -Camille Thurman is a “rising star” (Downbeat Magazine) who excels in both saxophone – from which energy soars, and vocals – from which she embraces a soulful dynamism and spirited “Fitzgerald-esque” (All About Jazz) scat. She has performed for audiences throughout the world. 
    4:30–5:30 pm     | Alphonso Horne and The Gotham Kings -Two-time Grammy Award-nominated trumpeter Alphonso Horne has put together a band that weaves the sound of New Orleans into a rich musical fabric that demonstrates the history of the trumpet and the story of jazz. Inspired by the music of King Oliver Creole Jazz Band, The Gotham Kings use the
    virtuosity of the young Louis Armstrong and innovative genius of King Oliver to take you on a journey of sound that encompasses rags, stomps, shouts and funk.

    For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the festival website here.

  • Ray Brothers BBQ Fifth Annual Hop Harvest Smoke Out Festival Set For September 1

    Ray Brothers BBQ in Bouckville, New York is getting ready for the fifth annual Hop Harvest Smoke Out, set to take place on September 1 at The Yard Amphitheater. The event that began as a small party behind the restaurant has turned into a daylong festival featuring vendors, multiple stages and well-known regional musicians. The Hop Harvest Smoke Out also offers hops and beer demonstrations from local farmers and much more.

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    In celebration of the event’s fifth year, the first 50 people through the door will receive a commemorative pint glass and their first beer will be on the house. The RBQ food truck will be set up outside serving items from the menu, the inside bar will be open with beer, wine and spirits, and the outdoor bar will be open for canned and draft beer. In addition to food and drink, The Hamilton Hop Mission will be onsite sharing educational talks about their homegrown hops. Attendees will have the opportunity to add fresh hops to their draft beer. Craft and merchandise vendors include artisan jewelry by Courtney Elise Handmade and wood burned designs by Shady Grove Burns.

    The musical guests for the fifth annual Hop Harvest Smoke Out include Root Shock, Sophistafunk, and Chris Eves and the New Normal, all hailing from Syracuse, and The Old Main from Utica. Root Shock is a high-energy roots, soul and reggae group with conscious, uplifting lyrics. Also with an energizing and uplifting vibe, Sophistafunk brings a unique combination of hip hop, funk and jam music to the stage. Chris Eves and the New Normal blurs the lines between rock, funk, blues and jam. Utica’s Old Main has been compared to The Avett Brothers, The Band and other greats in the Americana genre while making the sound all their own.

    The event is all ages and kids 12 and under get in for free. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs and get comfortable. This event will happen rain or shine. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of. They can be purchased at the door or online. Doors are at 3 pm.

  • The Disco Biscuits to Play Final Four Shows at PlayStation Theater for New Years Run

    Through a series of photos placed together like a puzzle, dropping clues on Instagram Tuesday morning, The Disco Biscuits have announced a New Years run of shows at The PlayStation Theater. The announcement comes with double duty, not only of the shows on December 27, 28, 30, and 31, 2019 but also of the news that the PlayStation Theater will be closing its doors for good.

    As reported in Variety, “The theater, which is located two stories beneath the skyscraper that houses Viacom and MTV’s headquarters, is closing because its existing lease is up, but its location — in the middle of the always-crowded Times Square and the Theater District — and slightly awkward design meant it was never one of the city’s most popular venues; concertgoers must ride down two long escalators to reach the theater. It also changed its name twice due to sponsorship deals: It was the Nokia Theater upon its opening in 2005, then Best Buy Theater, and since 2015, PlayStation Theater.” See full article here.

    Each ticket purchased will include either a physical or downloadable copy of the band’s upcoming album, their first since 2012.

    BiscoTix presale lottery will be open for entries Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: . Tickets go on sale to the public Friday at 10:00 a.m.

  • Phish Announces 2019 Fall Tour Dates

    Phish has announced a 7 date 2019 Fall Tour, kicking off in Providence, Rhode Island on November 29 & 30 at the Dunkin Donuts Center. Following that, the band has a NY date in Uniondale at the Nassau Coliseum on December 1. Next they will head to Pittsburgh’s Petersen Events Center on December 4 and wrapping with a 3-night run at the North Charleston Coliseum on December 6-8 in Charleston, South Carolina.

    A ticket-request period for Phish Fall Tour 2019 shows is now open and will run through Monday, Aug. 19, at 10 a.m. ET. General ticket sales for the tour begin Friday, Aug. 23. Phish and CID Entertainment are also offering travel packages (which include hotel & tickets) for Providence, Uniondale and Charleston. Travel Packages go on sale Thursday, August 15th at Noon ET.

    Phish Fall Tour 2019

    Phish Fall Tour 2019​​​​​​

    Nov. 29 – Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence, RI

    Nov. 30 – Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence, RI Dec. 1 – Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY Dec. 4 – Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh, PA Dec. 6 – North Charleston Coliseum, Charleston, SC Dec. 7 – North Charleston Coliseum, Charleston, SC Dec. 8 – North Charleston Coliseum, Charleston, SC

    Phish Fall Tour 2019​​​​​​

  • The Lightkeepers To Play Thursdays on The Village Green

    The fourth installment of Thursdays on the Village Green concert series takes place on Aug. 8 on Hamilton’s Village Green. In addition to live music performances, each night includes family-friendly events. The Aug. 8 show features The Lightkeepers, a regional favorite with a bluesy jam sound. Led by Jes Sheldon with her powerful, soulful voice, the band is rooted in funk, rock and jazzy blues.

    The Lightkeepers will take the stage at 7 p.m., and the family activity will be Racing Night with Matt Janczuk Racing! Kids can complete in racing-themed activities and sit in a real race car. This activity starts at 5:30 PM.
    Attendees are encouraged to dine on the Village Green or enjoy the music from the patio of the Colgate Inn. The evening’s concert and activities are free for all to enjoy. Blankets, chairs, and dancing are encouraged. The series will also give locals and visitors alike a chance to enjoy downtown Hamilton’s eateries and boutiques.

  • Of Clocks And Clouds Head To Riverboat Bar In Alex Bay

    Brooklyn-based band Of Clocks And Clouds are hitting the road and bringing their heavy-hitting brand of psychedelic rock to Riverboat Bar in Alexandria Bay this Saturday, August 3. Comprised of Joe Salgo (guitar, vocals), Tom Salgo (guitar, vocals), Nick Salgo (drums, vocals), Yuri Soussov (bass) and Zander Ryzinski (keys, synth), the fivesome delivers a sonic adventure that is both emotive and groovy. Of Clocks And Clouds was originally formed in 2014 and some changes have taken place since, making 2019 a transitional year for OCAC. A lineup change occured back in January in which front-man Joe Salgo invited his twin brothers Tom and Nick to join the band, and shortly afterward another change took place and Sussov and Ryzinski became new members. Now with a fresh take on an already solid catalogue, the band has been hard at work writing new material and creating a new, unique sound.

    Upcoming Shows:

    August 3 – Riverboat Bar – Alexandria Bay, NY

    August 24- Night Lights Music Festival – Sherman, NY

    September 12 – Larrypalooza – Gibbon Glade, PA

    October 4 – Opple Topple Fest – Northampton, PA

     

  • Woods Fest 2 lineup features Annie In The Water, The Old Main, and more

    Woods Valley Ski Area and Copper City Brewing Company have announced the Woods Fest 2 Music Festival lineup. Headlined by reggae jam-fusion rockers Annie in the Water, Americana act The Old Main, and the indie-soul band The Black River, taking place at Woods Valley Ski Area in Westernville, NY on August 10 from noon until midnight.

    Woods Fest 2 lineup

    The second annual Wood Fest Music Festival features a variety of nine regional and local artists covering genres from jam, Southern rock, indie rock, groove and Americana. The family-owned ski area transforms the slopes into a family-friendly music venue offering craft beers from members of the Heart of New York Craft Beverage Trail, bounce houses from Varano Super Jump, yoga by Just Breathe Yoga Studio, and local food trucks.  

    Woods Fest 2 lineup

    Spanning two stages over the course of the day and night, this year’s lineup features Annie in the Water, a Capital-region based band with 11 years under its belt, has recently released its second album Time to Play and has been touring incessantly. Annie in the Water’s sound incorporates a unique, groovy combination of funk, reggae, blues, and rock that gets the audience moving while the band feeds off of that vibe to create a truly interactive experience. 

    The Old Main is returning to Woods Fest for its second year, with their original brand of Americana. They have performed throughout the Northeast and have gained many followers along the way, including a fervent Woods Valley following. Equally comfortable performing in a small room or the big stage, this is a band on the rise. They have released two albums of original material, 2016’s Arlene and Too Far Gone, released in 2018. The live environment is where this band really shines. Audience interaction is what it’s all about so don’t be alarmed if Nash Robb suddenly shows up behind you in the crowd with his standup bass in tow. 

    The Black River is quickly becoming a recognized name throughout Central New York and beyond with its blend of classic and roots rock mixed with the soulful storytelling of band leader Mike Powell. The band recently concluded a month-long residency at the King of Clubs in Syracuse’s Armory Square; a stretch that saw the band hone its sound to create a sonic tour-de-force unlike any in the area. You can check out their recent performance at A Lovely Time Festival here. 

    Central New York’s premier Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Hollow joins the Woods Fest 2 lineup hot on the heels of their Barn Party at Critz Farms in Cazenovia. The band features a wealth of Central New York’s greatest musical talents and has been creating original takes on the Grateful Dead experience since 1996. 

    Nina’s Brew comes to Woods Fest from Burlington, VT. They recently performed as part of Twiddle’s Tumble Down Festival and are quickly gaining traction throughout Central New York as a tremendous live act. 

    Los Blancos are Central New York’s musical godfathers. This band grooves like no other with its own take on the blues, Zydeco, Latin, roots, and funk. They’ve performed alongside such luminaries as Little Feat, moe., Los Lobos, Govt Mule, and Dickey Betts (formerly of the Allman Brothers Band), earning a fervent following of fans not only in Central New York but across the state and beyond. 

    Les Brers return to Woods Fest after a tremendous set last year. Les Brers are the region’s longest-running and best Allman Brothers Band tribute act. Many of last year’s attendees commented on last year’s set, saying that if you closed your eyes, you’d swear you were at an Allman Brothers Band show. 

    Late Earth comes to Woods Fest via the Syracuse alt-rock scene. Fresh off a performance at the A Lovely Time Festival at Snow Ridge, the band is spreading its unique sounds at venues and festivals throughout the area. This is another band on the rise and one that will surely grab your attention at Woods Fest. Their self-titled debut album packs an original rock crunch with an alternative bent that incorporates ska, blues, jazz, and punk. You can find it on all the streaming services and for purchase through Bandcamp. 

    Substanance returns to Woods Valley after making a splash on St. Patrick’s Day. This unique trio is the epitome of a family band. Father Joe Coniguliaro and his sons Quinn and Ben come from Saugerties packing a lunch box  full of original material that combines elements of funk and harmonic indie rock that will provide food for your ears. 

    Advance tickets are available in person at Copper City Brewing Company, 1111 Oneida St. in Rome or online for $25 through the Woods Valley website at this link. Children ages 6-12 are $5, 5 and under are free. Passes include parking, all-day admission to the festival, and use of bounce houses for children.  

    Gates open at 11:00 am with the music beginning at noon. For more information or questions on Woods Fest Music Festival, visit the festival website.

  • Vida Blue Returns with First Album in 15 Years, Single Available Now

    Page McConnell, Oteil Burbridge, Russell Batiste & Adam Zimmon Join Forces on a new album Crossing Lines, due in September from Vida Blue.

    Phish keyboardist, Page McConnell is reviving his side-project Vida Blue. Comprised of Oteil Burbridge (bass/Dead & Company,) Russell Batiste (drums/The Meters,) and Adam Zimmon (guitar/Ziggy Marley, Shakira), the foursome has announced the release of the first Vida Blue album in 15 years. Crossing Lines will be available digitally Friday, Sept. 20. There will be a vinyl and CD version of the album releasing in October and can be pre-ordered on Phish Dry Goods. The album’s fist song, “Analog Delay” is available digitally now.

    Crossing Lines, produced by McConnell, included the original trio and is joined by new member Zimmon on guitar. McConnell is also responsible for the exclusive cover illustration of the record Vida Blue.

    McConnell assembled Vida Blue in 2001 after attending shows by both Burbridge and Batiste, and made their live debut at New York City’s Roseland Ballroom before heading into the studio to record their self-titled studio album. Upon release in June 2002, Vida Blue received high praise from critics. 

    Vida Blue will support the release of Crossing Lines with a series of live performances in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Port Chester, NY. Ticket pre-sales begin Wednesday, July 24. For complete details and ticket availability, visit Page McConnell’s website. Check out the single “Analog Delay” below.

  • The Great New York State Fair to Feature Many Regional and Local Acts

    The Great New York State Fair is gearing up to host the biggest event of the summer in Central New York, and kicking off August 21 and running through September 2, the 174th edition of The Great New York State Fair will be host to a wide range of artists, including many local and regional acts.

    This years event boasts an impressive lineup of national artists from all genres, some of which are Grace Potter, Bad Company, Dropkick Murphys, Ice Cube, Theory Of A Deadman, The Roots, Vince Neil of Motley Crue and Gavin Degraw. Regional and local artists and acts that can be seen at The State Fair include Mike Powell & The Black River, The Brownskin Band with Joe Driscoll, C.K. & the Rising Tide, Root Shock and The Lightkeepers, Devinne Myers, CNY Songbirds, Country Swagg, Atkins Riot and Brand New Sin.

    Mike Powell, a Syracuse native, is a prolific writer, songwriter and storyteller. Powell has toured with many greats, and shared the stage with Martin Sexton & Shooter Jennings and is a rising star in the regional scene, with honest and heartfelt songs.

    C.K. & the Rising Tide is an alternative country/folk rock band hailing from Albany. C.K. & the Rising Tide’s brand of Americana features poetic, nostalgic lyrics supported by music that is rooted in rock n’ roll and has a highly emotive baseline.

    The Lightkeepers are a Syracuse-based band that provides a soul, funk, rock, jazzy blues and roots experience. As the 2016 Syracuse Area Music Award (SAMMY) winners for “Best New Artist,” The Lightkeepers are now hitting their full stride in 2019. With the previous year delivering high energy performances on “Soundcheck Live” and at the New York State Blues Festival main stage, along with the release of their SAMMY Nominated sophomore album, Talking Man’s Blues, The Lightkeepers are quickly becoming revered for their mind-blowing jams and funky grooves.

    More information is available on the New York State Fair website.

  • Inaugural Northern Current Festival Announces Lineup

    Saranac Lake‘s Riverside Park is set to host the inaugural North Current Festival on Sunday, Sept 1. The festival replaces Hobofest, a music festival held in Saranac Lake from 2009 to 2018 on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Organizers retired it last year and a new committee of local residents has formed to create a new festival, based on the Hobofest model while making it their own. The lineup announcement features local and regional acts across several genres.

    Burlington-based songstress Kat Wright will headline the event, bringing her sultry, dynamic, delicate yet powerful – gritty but highly emotive sound to the Saranac Lake stage. Also joining the lineup is House of Waters, a Brooklyn-based trio that plays world music rooted in the hammered dulcimer, Rochester-based Mosaic Foundation bringing in the roots, ska, dub, dance-hall grooves, Chestnut Grove, a group from Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, who plays high-energy rock and roll, and also, Mal Maiz, an Afro-Latino orchestra based in Burlington headed up by Costa Rican “Brujo,” Maiz Vargas Sandoval that features both traditional and modern flair with cumbia, latin, reggae and afro-carribean sounds. 

    Rounding out the eclectic schedule is Saranac Lake’s own Arthur Buezo from The Blind Owl Band, and Soma Beats, an African dance troupe out of Lake Placid lead by Johnna MacDougall.  This lineup is still being finalized. Organizers expect to announce a handful of additions soon. 

    Northern Current is a nonprofit festival under the umbrella of Saranac Lake Rotary, family friendly and free of charge. More information can be found on their website.