Aron Magner will bring his new jazz-focused side project, SPAGA, to DROM in NYC for an afternoon performance on Sunday, December 29th. The show will take place on the day-off, between the second and third nights of the Biscuits’ four-night run at Playstation Theater, offering fans a unique show to see.
The “mostly acoustic” trio, rounded out by string bassist Jason Fraticelli and drummer Matt Scarano, eschews the jam-rock/electronica fusion of the Biscuits for a more classic sound that harkens back to Magner’s jazz background. After many years focused on the exploration of improvisational jam rock with the Biscuits, Magner has returned to his Jazz roots with SPAGA. The band released a self-titled debut album over the summer which featured five original songs and a re-imagined version of The Disco Biscuits’ “Resurrection.” SPAGA played their first-ever NYC show in September at (Le) poisson rouge – check out NYS Music’s review of the show here.
Tickets are now on sale. Visit DROM for more information.
Roost and The Mountain Carol will warm up the Adirondacks this fall with a performance on Friday, Oct. 11 in the Recovery Lounge at the Upper Jay Arts Center. The all-ages show starts at 8 p.m. with a suggested donation of $5.
Roost, a five-piece dance punk band from Burlington, with three members hailing from the 518, released their debut EP in January 2019, with a follow up EP due out in November. This summer the group hosted a new event in Vermont, the Alder Brook Campout, which they hope to be an annual tradition. They’ve performed alongside The Mountain Carol before and have gone on to play The Monopole in Plattsburgh together a few times.
The Mountain Carol, a synth-pop group from Plattsburgh, initially took form via two reclusive childhood friends from the backwater town of Saranac, New York. Guitarist Austin Petrashune returned home from Hong Kong where he had spent years playing the fiddle, while, in the middle of the woods down the road, songwriter Charles Wilson had forsaken drums in favor of channeling his imagination through the piano and a broken Casio keyboard. Once reconnected, the band found its ideal balance when they reached out to local impresario Matt Hall, a multi-talented Syracuse-cum-Plattsburgh fixture known for his many independent musical releases. The Mountain Carol seems intent on expanding the conventional role of a band, releasing music as well as video and mixed media art projects in conjunction with their mysterious fan club/utopian life cult “The Divine Council.” Don’t miss their show at Upper Jay Arts Center on December 10.
With events in Colorado, California and Vermont, WinterWonderGrass Music and Brew Festival has announced the 2020 lineup across all three of their flagship events. Taking place in in Steamboat Springs, CO from February 21st – 23rd, Squaw Valley, CA from March 27th – 29th and Stratton, VT from April 10th – 11th, the traveling music festival will welcome performances from some of the hottest names currently thriving in today’s Bluegrass and Americana music scenes.
“It’s with a mountain of intention, huge hearts, humility and a commitment to delivering the hottest and sweetest artists that we present to you the 2020 WinterWonderGrass landscape,” expresses festival founder, Scotty Stoughton. “Each year, the hardest thing to do is not heed our desire to return to each and every band–and by virtue of that, friends to WWG–year in and year out. It is our sincere desire you’ll find new lifetime favorites on this lineup, have the chance to be reunited with old loves and step out of your comfort zone with open arms to new experiences.”
“WinterWonderGrass has become a home for artists, fans, staff, locals, businesses, skiers, riders, their families and all of the like,” adds festival Director of Marketing & Ticketing, Ariel Rosemberg. “We pride ourselves on creating a sustainable, safe and receptive environment, bound by the marriage of the best in bluegrass, folk and Americana, and the undefeated nature of American ski culture.”
Returning to Colorado for its eighth consecutive year, and its fourth year located in the pristine ski town of Steamboat Springs, CO, WinterWonderGrass presents headlining performances from Greensky Bluegrass, Billy Strings and Margo Price over its three days this coming February. Additional artists on the bill include Keller & the Keels, Della Mae, Travelin’ McCourys, Nikki Lane, Molly Tuttle, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Bluegrass Generals (Chris Pandolfi & Andy Hall of The Infamous Stringdusters), ALO, Lindsay Lou, a collaborative set from the WinterWonderWomen, Pickin’ on the Dead, Che Apalache, Cris Jacobs, Twisted Pine, Jon Stickley Trio, Meadow Mountain, Jay Roemer Band, Buffalo Commons and Bowregard, as well as special guests Andy Thorn, Jennifer Hartswick, Bridget Law, Pappy Biondo and Will Mosheim.
Over March 27th – 29th, WinterWonderGrass makes its way to the Tahoe region of California for its sixth consecutive year presenting three days of music at the base of Squaw Valley Ski Resort. Headliners for this festival stop include The Devil Makes Three, The Infamous Stringdusters and Billy Strings (two sets). Peter Rowan, Fruition, Keller and the Keels, The War and Treaty, The Lil Smokies, Brothers Comatose, Della Mae, Larry Keel Experience, Kitchen Dwellers, Andy Falco & Travis Book (of The Infamous Stringdusters) Perform Jerry Garcia, Cris Jacobs, Trout Steak Revival, Midnight North, Town Mountain, Pickin’ on the Dead, Pixie and the Partygrass Boys, Old Salt Union, TK & the Holy Know-Nothings, Rapidgrass and Twisted Pine also join the bill, alongside special guests Lindsay Lou, Bridget Law, Will Mosheim and a collaborative WinterWonderWomen set.
The Vermont stop of the festival takes place over April 10th and 11th at Stratton Mountain Resort in Stratton, VT. Previously held in December, this year’s festival stop in Vermont was scheduled to coincide with the ski resort’s closing weekend. Headliners for this iteration of the festival, billed as WonderGrass Presents: Sugar & Strings, include The Infamous Stringdusters, Cabinet, Della Mae, and Molly Tuttle. Additional artists on the two-day lineup include Kitchen Dwellers, Andy Falco & Travis Book (of The Infamous Stringdusters) Perform Jerry Garcia, Twisted Pine, Che Apalache, a special WinterWonderWomen collaboration, Saints and Liars, Dead Winter Carpenters and Damn Tall Buildings, as well as special guests Jennifer Hartswick, Bridget Law, Pappy Biondo, Will Mosheim and more.
Additionally, the Grass After Dark Series will return for post-festival programming with more details coming soon. Resort lift tickets, Mountaintop Dinner tickets (Colorado and California only) and Grass After Dark tickets are not included in regular festival admission and should be purchased separately.
Tickets for all three festivals are on sale now: | |.
This month, Caravan to Wondergrass events are taking place in Denver, CO, Tahoe City, CA and Manchester, VT.
The Denver event takes place on October 3rd at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom and Cervantes Otherside, with an October 11th Steamboat Springs presentation of The WinterWonderGrass All-Stars happening at The Depot Art Center.
The California Caravan takes place in the coming weeks with a Tahoe Food Hub Event on October 17th, and performances by Midnight North at Moe’s BBQ in Tahoe City, CA on the 18th, and Alibi Brewing in Truckee, CA on the 19th.
Vermont’s pop-up Caravan stop happens at the end of the month on October 26th at Earth Sky Time in Manchester, VT for a special Halloween-themed event, featuring music performances by Andy Falco (The Infamous Stringdusters), Saints and Liars and Terrible Mountain String Band.
A limited quantity of fee-free tickets to WinterWonderGrass festival stops will be available for purchase during all Caravan to WonderGrass events. Click here for tickets and more information on specific Caravan events.
On her latest single, “Greytopia,” Karolina Rose is a bright and rhythmic indie-pop track, full of energy and passion. Serving as step one to Karolina’s upcoming visual EP project, “Greytopia” is the start of a tale of love, loss and healing through four video experiences.
Combining an upbeat pop rhythm with shimmering guitar strums, the Elliot Jacobson (VÉRITÉ, Allie X, Elle King) produced track imagines an idealistic world where its inhabitants can reach their highest self and live out their dreams, despite life not being perfect.
Speaking about “Greytopia,” Karolina explains:
“This song refers to taking in all the nuances of life on the spectrum of white to grey to black and accepting it, meanwhile enjoying life in your most productive, idealistic manner. It’s in another world where things aren’t jaded and morals and ethics are high. We have all the amenities of Earth but use them in a positive, productive way. Just do your best with what you have and create your own perfection within something that isn’t. You can lounge; you can work; feel happy; feel sad. It’s all okay. It’s a fairytale land. We’re in another world – another planet.”
The new music comes after Karolina’s Polish primetime television debut and an exclusive deal with Universal Music Poland. A Polish-American singer based in Brooklyn, Karolina was born and raised in Philadelphia to Polish parents and graduated from the Wharton School. She worked on Wall Street, before making the decision to quit her career in the investment industry in order to commit to making music her full-time profession. Karolina released her first single “Move With Me” in February 2017 and her debut EP INVICTAon February 1, 2019.
Fish House Road, a New Jersey-based power jam/rock band, has released their latest single “Honey Drip” in collaboration with 2nd Act Brewery.
The Dover-based brewery teamed up with Fish House Road as part of their mission to produce musically inspired brews. “Like the 2nd Act of a concert, 2nd Act Beer is the up-and-coming main event, ready to take the stage,” and with early collaborations like this, there is great potential for this craft brewery.
“Honey Drip” also features artwork developed by the owner of Y’all Art Project, which uses art as the catalyst to heal and empower victims of child abuse and others traumas. Printed copies of the artwork will be featured on t-shirts, posters and more, with proceeds donated back to the non-profit.
The beer itself, Honey Drip, is a 6.5% abv, hop-forward ale from that is pale in color and brewed with local organic honey from Bird and the Bee honey and a touch of vanilla. The beer is dosed with two dry-hop charges, lead by amarillo and supported by motueka and saphir, which combine for lemon/orange citrus characteristics with herbal undertones.
Fish House Road, who blend shades of funk, blues, trance, and Americana, have a unique sound that connects with audiences of classic rock and jam band enthusiasts. It’s easy to be drawn in by roaring guitars, sweet harmonies, and a dynamic rhythm section, found on originals that translate from studio to stage. The group, comprised of Nick Deblasio (vocals, ukulele, harmonica, percussion), Rocky Tironi (guitar, keyboards, banjo), Dan Morrell (guitar), Kayne Neugebauer (bass) and Nick Van Leer (drums), started out in 2011 and have performed across New Jersey with shows in New York, Pennsylvania and New England mixed in as well. Check out their upcoming shows here.
You can catch Fish House Road on Friday, October 4 with After Funk at Barranquilla Studios in Brooklyn; January 3, 2020 at Mercury Lounge; and they’ll be at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ with Splintered Sunlight on Saturday, October 12.
This November and December, guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady will take to the road to close 2019 as Hot Tuna and wrap up their 50th year with acoustic shows with electric holiday performances as well.
Town Hall in New York City will host the tour kick off with two nights of electric Hot Tuna on Nov. 29 and 30, with special guest Steve Kimock. The Jefferson Airplane alums will then team up with Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams for 11 shows around the Northeast and Midwest, including stops in Troy, Poughkeepsie and Buffalo. Hot Tuna will then close out 2019 in Florida with shows on Dec. 28 in Clearwater and Dec. 31 in Ft. Lauderdale with an electric performance. Full tour dates can be found below.
Hot Tuna Fall Tour Dates
Nov. 29-30 – The Town Hall – New York, NY* Dec. 2 – Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center – Bethlehem, PA^ Dec.3 – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall – Troy, NY^ Dec.5 – Bardavon 1869 Opera House – Poughkeepsie, NY^ Dec. 6 – The Colonial Theatre – Keene, NH^ Dec. 7 – Garde Arts Center – New London, CT^ Dec. 9 – Asbury Hall – Buffalo, NY^ Dec. 10 – The Palace Theatre – Greensburg, PA^ Dec. 11 – Kent Stage – Kent, OH^ Dec. 13 – Park West – Chicago, IL^ Dec. 14 – Fitzgerald – St. Paul, MN^ Dec. 15 – Turner Hall Balroom – Milwaukee, WI^ Dec. 28 – Bilheimer Capitol Theatre – Clearwater, FL Dec. 31 – Parker Playhouse – Fort Lauderdale, FL+
* w/ Steve Kimock ^ w/ Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams
On June 15, 1972, Jeff Curtis went to see Led Zeppelin perform at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, and he would leave with a guitar case belonging to Jimmy Page and hold onto it for 47 years.
The case, an original Liften guitar case, famously came with 1958-1960 Gibson Les Paul guitars. While only about 1,500 Sunburst Les Paul guitars were made during this time period, they are regarded as the most prized and demanded guitars by rock musicians and known for their incredible tone. Such notables who played and recorded with 1958-1960 Les Pauls include Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Slash, Jeff Beck, Keith Richards, and many other guitar gods.
The case can be seen on the inside cover of Led Zeppelin IV
Jimmy Page owns two of them, but his favorite is his 1959 Les Paul sold to him by Joe Walsh around 1969. Jimmy recorded pretty much all of his iconic Led Zeppelin songs with that guitar, starting with Zeppelin’s second album. Page used a telecaster on the first album before he acquired his ’59 Les Paul.
via LedZeppelin.com
That summer, Led Zeppelin was in the middle of their eighth U.S. tour, and two heavy nights at Nassau Coliseum served as the final East Coast dates of the summer. After the show, Mick Hinton, John Bonham’s drum tech, who Jeff had met the year before at Madison Square Garden, invited Jeff to the stage after the show. Jeff was in the stands behind the stage and shouted to Mick, “How do I get down there?”
Hinton picked up and tossed a guitar case belonging to the Led Zeppelin guitarist to Jeff, who then walked down, past two security checkpoints with the case in hand, up onto the stage, and handed it back to Mick. For years, the case was “hidden under a pile of junk deep in an attic” as Curtis shared with NYS Music. Living in Westbury, Curtis is a guitarist who can be found at open mic nights across Long Island and has performed in Hawaii, California and Sweden.
Curtis shared the full story on Facebook how he wound up with the original case, and was recently able to return it to Jimmy. Read below their photo for the full story.
After the few minutes it took to pack up the drums, he says to me, “You can have that.” I was speechless, to say the least! “Where will the guitar go?” He took me over and showed me Jimmy Page’s number one Les Paul guitar in its brand new anvil road case. The case I was given was being discarded that night since its back was crushed and no longer afforded protection to the guitar. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!
So began my decades-long possession of a genuine rock n’ roll artifact. But I also realized from that point onward that it was something I couldn’t talk about. While there have been a small handful of friends over the years who were aware that I had it, I had kept this a deep secret over the past 47 years in fear that someone might either burglarize my house or worse, threaten me in order to steal it. For this reason, I had decided a couple of years ago that I no longer wanted the guitar case.
Despite its certain significant monetary value to a collector, I had also decided that I wouldn’t ever sell it since making money off someone else’s fame is simply against my principles. I decided that I would find a way to personally return it to Jimmy Page. But how to accomplish this? How would I get in touch with the right people to set up a meeting?
Back in July, I went to see the Play It Loud exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Jimmy Page’s number one Les Paul guitar was one of the instruments on display. I got the idea that maybe I could be put in touch with his people via the exhibit’s curator. A few days later, I called the museum and spoke with the curator’s assistant who asked me to send an e-mail with photos, which I did. About two weeks later, I got a call from a gentleman, Perry, who works with Jimmy. He asked to set up a meeting to personally examine the case and take several more detailed photos. About a month later, I received word that Jimmy wanted to meet me and have the case returned.
So, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in a hotel lounge in New York City, my two daughters, a close friend and I had the pleasure of a 1-hour sit-down and conversation with Jimmy, with him finally getting the guitar case back. When I opened it up, the look on his face was priceless: “What memories this brings back!” “Thank you so much!” In person, he is a genuinely warm and very welcoming gentleman. We talked about Led Zeppelin, he asked about my musical influences, asked my daughters what type of music they enjoyed and various other topics. I gave him copies of both my CDs, which he said he would listen to. He also had brought me a special limited box set edition of Led Zeppelin 2 and signed its book as well as another book I had brought with me. I can honestly say that after the first few minutes, my nervousness completely disappeared and it felt like I was talking with an old friend. Nevertheless, the experience of having had the opportunity to sit down with the very person whose music not only greatly influences my own but also inspired to me to initially pick up and learn to play the guitar almost 50 years ago is something that I will never forget!
Thanks so much Jimmy and thank you Perry! Mission accomplished.
After sitting with Page for an hour, Curtis said of the legendary guitarist, “It was like talking to an old friend.” He continued, “Jimmy was a real gentleman to sit and talk with, not a hint of ego. He asked my daughters about their musical interests, and asked about my influences as well. He made us all feel very comfortable. But it took a week to kind wrap my head around the experience of meeting him for that long.”
This article was originally published by Under the Radar – Covering the Long Island Music Scene and appears as a special to NYS Music. Under the Radar and NYS Music work in partnership to provide readers with in-depth coverage on the local music scene across Long Island. For more, visit BreslauBombers.com.
Resonator Festival, being held this Saturday at National Sawdust in Brooklyn, is what happens when your wildest musical daydreams get a chance to come to fruition. With a curated lineup of the best of NYC’s underground music scene, you’ll find once in a lifetime sets where two acts come together on stage to exchange ideas through performance, including supergroup collaborations you’ve always wanted to see, and some you’ve yet to imagine. Innovative, groundbreaking and forward thinking artists join forces with others to explore the boundaries of modern sound.
An extension of a belief in beauty through collaboration, Resonator Festival celebrates and showcases this musical movement. Hosted by Resonator and National Sawdust, this event will be nothing short of a party, where the sounds of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, soul and rock come crashing upon each other.
There’s nothing complicated at Resonator Festival: good friends, good vibes, and good music. When people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and beyond are given the space to freely exist, and the equal representation they deserve, there is no limit to the change that can be made in the world.
This year’s festival is Saturday, October 5, with shows from 4-7 pm and 8pm-12am. NYC ensemble ShoutHouse will be collaborating with hip-hop dancer/choreographer Quilan Arnold, MC Nuri Hazzard, and soloist Connell Thompson, premiering new songs by Will Healy, Jesse Greenberg, and Alix Goffic, with support from the Brooklyn Arts Council. For more info visit National Sawdust for details.
Schedule:
Music all-day by: DJ Likwuid
Show 1: 11pm – Midnight: Royal Khaoz x QNA 10pm – 11pm: ShoutHouse 9pm – 10pm: Edward Spliffington Big Band 8pm – 9pm: OJ in the Yams
Show 2: 6pm – 7pm: Olivia K x Jahlani Roberts Steel Pan Orchestra 5pm – 6pm: EARTHTONE x MNFST 4pm – 5pm: WSABI Fox x Dizzy SenZe
This fall, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the nonprofit cultural center at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, will offer a plethora of museum education and creative arts programming apt for all ages. Bethel Woods serves thousands annually and offers programs for children, families, teens and adults. These immersive and enriching programs focus on inspiring creativity and thoughtfulness through fun.
Continuing the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the greatest festival of all time, the Center’s programming echoes sentiments first made by 450,000 people searching for a place to speak their minds and share in the power of peace and music. Today, Bethel Woods provides guests a place where they are able to enjoy time spent fostering shared experiences and discovering new hobbies.
Each Thursday through October 30, Bethel Woods will host a support group for family members impacted by the addiction of a loved one. Creative Arts Therapy offers family members an opportunity to awaken their creativity in a supportive, community-centered process that will lead to emotional release, self-compassion and new insight. Additionally, Bethel Woods is proud to launch a partnership with Safe Homes of Orange County, co-facilitating a 12-month Creative Arts Therapy program for their clients and children. Licensed Art Therapists from Bethel Woods will be on site to show how art, music, and creative activity can foster new ways to express emotions and connect with one another.
School-based programming includes Explore the ’60s, a free for Sullivan County schools field trip program built around K-12 curriculum drawing on the content in The Museum and encouraging students to connect the ideals of the ’60s to relevant issues today. E3: Engage. Experience. Explore. brings professional performers into local classrooms (and students to Bethel Woods) for hands-on workshops. These programs ignite creativity and inspire children and their families through the arts.
October 28-November 1 – Story Pirates celebrate the thoughts, ideas, and creative habits of today’s youth. The group of change-makers returns to Sullivan County elementary classrooms for fun, interactive story creating and telling. The week-long residency culminates with a free community performance in the Event Gallery on November 2 featuring some of the Pirates’ greatest hits and the world premiere of sketches created by local students, for all to enjoy!
Plus, those who attend A Night at the Museum Sleepoverthe night before will be the first through the doors for the Story Pirates performance and have reserved seats. To add, sleepover attendees will experience the Museum during after-hours, hunt for treasure in the Special Exhibit, take a late night walk to the historic field, and take part in a pirate raid with Story Pirates!
November 4-8 – The New York-based, six-piece band Soul Inscribed uses hip-hop as a medium for middle school students to express themselves through projection, dance, and spoken word. On November 8, Soul Inscribed performs in the Event Gallery for a free, community evening performance.
Each Saturday through November 23, Bethel Woods welcomes museum guests to participate in drop-in workshops at The Museum at Bethel Woods. Inspired by the Museum’s collections, special exhibitions, and the spirit of the ’60s, topics rotate on a weekly basis, pairing introductory art-making skills with peace and togetherness. Upcoming workshops include: October 5: No-Sew Cork Card Holder October 12: Sweet Dreams Hops Pillow October 19: Message Bracelets October 27: Trickster Masks* November 2: Puppets and Pirates November 9: Winged Wind Chime November 16: Macrame November 23: Gratitud-i-Luminaria
*As part of Halloween at the Woods – a free day of family fun at The Museum at Bethel Woods. Drop-in sessions are free with a suggested donation of $10; no pre-registration is required.
Two separate five-week creative workshops will be offered throughout the fall for artists of all ages, from infants to teens, with an emphasis on active and thoughtful creation in art, music, printmaking, sculpture, design and theater. The first Studio at the Woods session takes place on Saturdays, September 21-October 19 and the second session takes place on Saturdays, October 26-November 23. These workshops are fee-based, though tuition assistance is available based on financial need.
PLAY: The Classics returns this year to the Event Gallery. Presented in collaboration with Shandelee Music Festival, the series offers an affordable opportunity for people of all ages to develop an appreciation for the classics. The series shines a spotlight on young emerging artists and chamber ensembles and makes classical music accessible.
October 6: Afternoon of Chamber Music with Borisevich Duo The Borisevich Duo, featuring pianist Margarita Loukachkina and violinist Nikita Borisevich, is an internationally acclaimed violin and piano duet, frequently performing across the United States and Europe. Mr. Borisevich and Ms. Loukachkina are winners of numerous international music competitions and have collectively performed on world renown stages such as The Kennedy Center (Washington, DC) and Grand Hall of Moscow Conservatory (Moscow, Russia), among others.
April 26, 2020: Afternoon of Choral Artistry featuring Young People’s Chorus of New York City Francisco Núñez, whose awards and recognitions include: Musical America’s 2018 Educator of the Year Award, MacArthur Fellow, ASCAP Victor Herbert Award, New York Choral Society’s Choral Excellence Award, and Bang on a Can’s Visionary Award, is the Founder and Conductor of Young People’s Chorus of New York City.
Celebrating the power and possibility of the sixties, the Vibrations series explores what that decade means to us today. Final events within the series include:
September 28: Framing History Woodstock photographers Elliott Landy, Lisa Law and Baron Wolman are welcomed back to the historic site for a panel to discuss how their photographs shaped the festival narrative.
October 2: Youth Leadership Day During this day-long summit, local high school and college students will examine how they can find their passion and purpose through keynote presentations and interactive sessions.
For more information on upcoming programs, tuition assistance, and registration, please visit BethelWoodsCenter.org.
Common, an Academy Award, Golden Globe, Emmy and GRAMMY-winning artist, actor and activist, returns to the Apollo Theater stage on Tuesday, October 8, to celebrate the release of his second book, Let Love Have the Last Word and his latest studio album, Let Love.
This one-night-only New York City concert will showcase Common’s own unique and personal stories of the people and experiences that have led to a greater understanding of love and all it has to offer. Jamilla Woods joins Common as his special guest this evening. Visit the Apollo Theatre website for more information.
