NYS Music 20​19

Category: Festival News

  • Woodstock 50: Lang Accuses Financial Partner of ‘Treachery,’ Plans To Raise $30M By Friday

    The drama surrounding Woodstock 50 continues. It is estimated that Lang will need upwards of $30 million to produce the three-day event at Watkins Glen International Speedway, Aug 16-18. According to Billboard, sources have stated that Lang has until Friday May 10 to raise the funds, which is in addition to the $30 million that Japanese-firm Dentsu has already spent on prospective headliners.

    Sources have also stated that despite Dentsu and other investors pulling out that Lang is adamant that Woodstock 50 will go on. Lang has stated that CID Entertainment would be stepping in to replace Superfly as the festival’s producer, but the company has not officially confirmed. A representative for Lang has approached both Live Nation and AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group) about investing in the festival, and both promoters were not interested.

    Woodstock 50

    To make matters even more complex, Lang has accused former investors Dentsu of of taking $17 million from a festival bank account, attempting to talk acts into dropping out of the event and pleading with stakeholders to break their contracts. Lang made the accusations in a letter dated Monday, however representatives from Dentsu have stated they did not receive the letter. “We only would ask that you honor the law and your obligations, stop interfering with our efforts to put on this wonderful event and return the $17 million you improperly took,” Lang wrote. Lang also accused Dentsu of “treachery” and wrote that the company’s actions “are neither a legal nor honorable way to do business.” Lang went on to state “We also have evidence that Dentsu representatives have gone so far as to say that should the talent back out of Woodstock, they would be seen favorably by Dentsu and that this could result in their performing (at) the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where Dentsu is a major organizer,” Lang wrote. “In these actions too, Dentsu has acted not only without honor, but outside of the law.” Lang went on to say, “In the end, since Dentsu has already abandoned Woodstock, all I ask for is that Dentsu walk away peacefully and allow me to deliver to the people a 50th Anniversary Festival.”

  • New York Guitar Festival Kicks Off With Tribute to Memphis Minnie

    The 20th annual New York Guitar Festival has a long-standing tradition of paying homage to the cultural impact and musical legacies of iconic guitar players. This year, the festival opens with a tribute to influential blues artist, Memphis Minnie. This free outdoor event takes place Saturday, June 1 at 7 pm at Brookfield Place’s Waterfront Plaza in lower Manhattan.

    The concert will feature musicians across an array of genres, and will include: Marc Ribot, Rafiq Bhatia, Rachael & Vilray (featuring Lake Street Dive’s Rachael Price), Nicole Atkins, Binky Griptite, Kaia Kater, Jontavious Willis, Toshi Reagon, Brandon Ross, Amythyst Kiah, Alsarah and the Nubatones, Brandee Younger, Abdoulaye Alhassane Toure, Banning Eyre, and, Grammy Award-winners, Vernon Reid and Fantastic Negrito.

    Elegant, stylish and tough as shoe leather, she epitomized everything the world loves about America’s most enduring folk music.

    Banning Eyre

    Memphis Minnie was a gifted Delta Blues guitarist who was one of the first to use electric. She pioneered a sound that influenced generations of music to come, including Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, The Rolling Stones, and Cream. Her song “When The Levee Breaks,” written about the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 was later covered by Led Zeppelin.

    Additional 20th Anniversary New York Guitar Festival events will be announced soon.  Stay up to date at www.newyorkguitarfestival.org

  • Promoter Michael Lang Insists Woodstock 50 Still On

    Update (2:52pm): Michael Lang sent out an email with the following statement:

    Dear Woodstock Friends It seems in a way that history is repeating itself. In July of 1969 we lost our site in Walkill and with only a month to go we managed to move to Bethel. Woodstock was going to happen no matter what!

    This time around, Woodstock’s new hometown, Dix & Watkins Glen, NY and New York State have been really wonderful. I went door to door to talk to the neighbors. Some remembered Summer Jam back in ’73 and were worried about history repeating itself. But they opened their doors to us and we talked it out. Many of those people have reached out over the last 24 hours with messages of hope and encouragement. The venue, Watkins Glen International, have been totally supportive and professional.

    Yesterday, our financial partner, Dentsu-Aegis, made the decision to pull out and informed us that they were cancelling the festival at the same time they let the press release go public.

    We have yet to understand why they would try to prevent the festival from happening by seemingly undermining us in this way. It is one thing to decide for oneself that it is best to move on, but it is entirely another thing to try and close the door on us.

    Yesterday, I couldn’t help but relive that moment 50 years ago – it was “ déjà vu all over again”!

    Supporting the principles of activism and sustainability are too important to be derailed by shortsighted partners.

    We continue our work with NYS, Schuyler County and various parties to keep things on track.

    Woodstock never belonged to Dentsu, so they don’t have a right to cancel it.

    Woodstock belongs to the people and it always will.

    We don’t give up and Woodstock 50 will take place and will be a blast! Thanks for Listening, Michael

    Michael Lang, via email

    Woodstock 50 promoter Michael Lang responded to reports of his festival’s demise in a Facebook post late Monday, exclaiming, “Although our financial partner is withdrawing, we will of course be continuing with the planning of the festival and intend to bring on new partners.”

    woodstock 50 michael lang

    The loss of Dentsu Aegis Network‘s funding of the festival comes at a time when Lang has confirmed artists have been paid in full, a mass gathering permit has yet to be issued, and tickets still have not gone on sale.

    Lang took to Facebook on Monday evening, saying the following:

    We are committed to ensuring that the 50th anniversary of Woodstock is marked with a festival deserving of its iconic name and place in American history and culture. Although our financial partner is withdrawing , we will of course be continuing with the planning of the festival and intend to bring on new partners. We would like to acknowledge the State of New York and Schuyler County for all of their hard work and support. The bottom line is, there is going to be a Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival, as there must be, and it’s going to be a blast !

    Michael Lang – Facebook

    Also at issue is the lack of a mass gathering permit, which would allow for ticket sales to commence. Per New York State Department of Health guidelines, a temporary permit is needed 15 days prior to the advertising or selling of tickets. That permit, as of now, has not been acquired by Woodstock 50.

    While media outlets are reporting the festival is cancelled, Lang is committed to saving the star-studded festival from an untimely demise. He did so in 1969. Let’s see if he has another miracle up his sleeve.

  • Woodstock 50 Cancelled

    Billboard is reporting that Woodstock 50, scheduled to take place Aug. 16-18 at the Watkins Glen International Speedway has been cancelled.

    According to a statement released by the Dentsu Aegis Network, who was funding the event, “We don’t believe the production of the festival can be executed as an event worthy of the Woodstock brand name.”

    TMZ reports that Michael Lang, the festival’s promoter, was surprised by Dentu’s announcement and that, “they’re not giving up on the festival yet.”

    The announcement comes on the heels of a delay in ticket sales, which were supposed to have gone live on Earth Day, April 22. The full statement is below.

    “It’s a dream for agencies to work with iconic brands and to be associated with meaningful movements. We have a strong history of producing experiences that bring people together around common interests and causes which is why we chose to be a part of the Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival.  But despite our tremendous investment of time, effort and commitment, we don’t believe the production of the festival can be executed as an event worthy of the Woodstock Brand name while also ensuring the health and safety of the artists, partners and attendees.
    As a result and after careful consideration, Dentsu Aegis Network’s Amplifi Live, a partner of Woodstock 50, has decided to cancel the festival.  As difficult as it is, we believe this is the most prudent decision for all parties involved.”

    NYS Music will provide information as it becomes available.

  • Update: Woodstock 50 Capped at 75,000? Permitting Cited as Hold-Up for Ticket Sales

    Updated 4:15: Bloomberg quotes promoter Michael Lang saying weekend passes for Woodstock 50 will cost “around $450.” Lang is also exploring expanding the festival to an annual event, taking place at locations around the world.

    Tickets for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair were supposed to have gone on sale this past Monday, April 22. On Saturday the Woodstock website revealed that tickets would be “on sale soon” with no reason given for the delay.

    On Monday, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported that Schuyler County Administrator Tim O’Hearn thinks the Aug. 16-18 festival at Watkins Glen International Speedway could be looking at a maximum capacity of 75,000 attendees rather than the 100,000 organizers had originally anticipated.

    When asked if the county had placed an attendance cap, the county administrator stated:

    We have maintained the position that the attendance number would be set at whatever number the production team and promoter could demonstrate they could support with adequate infrastructure and security. That number has been determined to be 75,000…

    Tim O’Hearn, Schuyler County Administrator
    Pougkeepsie Journal

    In order to begin promoting and selling tickets for the event, organizers are required to obtain a temporary mass gathering permit from the New York State Department of Health. According to Rochester TV station WHEC, the state received the permit application on April 15 and is currently reviewing the paperwork.

    Michael Lang, Woodstock Promoter

    The Department of Health’s website states, “Application for a permit to promote or hold a mass gathering shall be made at least 15 days before the first day of advertising and at least 45 days before the first day of the gathering,” making April 30 the earliest possible date organizers could begin advertising the event.

    Promoter Michael Lang announced the performers for the 50th Anniversary event last month. Headliners include Jay-Z, The Raconteurs, Miley Cyrus, Dead & Co, Santana and Robert Plant.

    Rumors about the stability of the event began circulating when another headliner, The Black Keys, announced they would not be performing due to a scheduling conflict. Flames were then further fanned with the delay of ticket sales.

    Woodstock 50 is scheduled to take place Aug. 16-18 at the Watkins Glen International Speedway in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

    Woodstock 50 Lineup:

    Aug. 16: The Killers, Miley Cyrus, Santana, The Lumineers, The Raconteurs, Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, John Fogerty, Run the Jewels, The Head and the Heart, Maggie Rogers, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Bishop Briggs, Anderson East, Akon, Princess Nokia, John Sebastian, Melanie, Grandson, Fever 333, Dorothy, Flora Cash, Larkin Poe, Brian Cadd and Ninet Tayeb.

    Aug. 17: Dead & Company, Chance the Rapper, Sturgill Simpson, Greta Van Fleet, Portugal, The Man, Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr., Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, David Crosby and Friends, Dawes, Margo Price, Nahko and Medicine for the People, India.Arie, Jade Bird, Country Joe McDonald, Rival Sons, Emily King, Soccer Mommy, Sir, Taylor Bennett, Amy Helm, Courtney Hadwin, Pearl, John-Robert and IAMDDB,

    Aug. 18: Jay-Z, Imagine Dragons, Halsey, Cage the Elephant, Brandi Carlile, Janelle Monae, Young the Giant, Courtney Barnett, Common, Vince Staples, Judah and the Lion, Earl Sweatshirt, Boygenius, Reignwolf, The Zombies, Canned Heat, Hot Tuna, Pussy Riot, Cherry Glazerr, Leven Kali, The Marcus King Band, Victory, Hollis Brown, John Craigie, Amigo the Devil and Liz Brasher.

  • Woodstock Ticket Sales Delayed

    Hold on to your ticket money, folks. You won’t be able to buy passes for Woodstock this Monday. The sale date was scheduled to coincide with Earth Day, April 22. But for undisclosed reasons, that date is being delayed.

    Woodstock Ticket Sales

    Everyone is waiting on an official public announcement, but Billboard reports that an email went out to agents on Friday, April 19 alerting them of the postponement.

    Earlier today, talent manager Amanda Phelan with Woodstock 50 talent-buyer Danny Wimmer Presents sent an email to agents representing acts at the concert in Watkins Glen, New York, explaining, “There is currently a hold on the Woodstock 50 on-sale date. We are waiting on an official press statement from Woodstock 50 regarding updated announce, ticket pricing, and overall festival information. We will get this information to you as soon as we receive it.”

    – from Billboard

    The event is scheduled for August 16-18 at Watkins Glen. Top-name acts are slated to play. The Killers, Imagine Dragons, Jay-Z, Robert Plant, Dead and Company, John Fogerty and Santana are among an impressive array of headliners.

    Information about Woodstock 50 is available on their website, or you can follow on Facebook and Twitter for updates. NYS Music will continue to provide ongoing coverage of Woodstock 50 as events unfold.

  • 29th Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival Lineup Posted

    The 29th annual Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival Of Music & Dance takes place July 18-21 this year. Held in Trumansburg, the event includes more than 70 musical performances. In addition to hosts Donna the Buffalo, headliners include Hayley Jane & The Primates, Driftwood, Railroad Earth, and Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad. The lineup also includes a diverse array of national and regional acts.

    Other offerings include camping, local food and craft vendors, children’s activities, daily yoga, healing arts and instrument workshops, visual arts exhibits, and so much more. A Culture Camp chock full of workshops, food and dance, will be held July 14-17.

    Finger GrassRoots Headliners:Donna the Buffalo – Taj Mahal Quartet – Willie Watson – Railroad Earth – Rising Appalachia – Todd Snider – Ryan Montbleau Band – Hayley Jane & the Primates – Driftwood – Tony Perez Band  BKO – Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band – Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad – Garifuna Collective – Nativos Jammin’ Orchestra – Sammus

    New Finger Lakes GrassRoots Acts: Jose Albizu Jazz Trio – Swamp Kids – Root Shock – Feufollet – The Turbans – The Crucials  Ephniko DJ Evo Evolution – Oliver Bates Craven – Aaron Lipp & the Slack Tones – Dirty Blanket – ¡Viva Mayhem! – Ruth Rosenblatt & George Cooke – PA Line Drank – The Gold Tattat – Folkfaces – Vicious Fishes

    Finger Lakes GrassRoots AllStars: Jim Lauderdale – Preston Frank & His Zydeco Family Band – Richie & Rosie Cortadito – Sim Redmond Band –  Gunpoets – The Campbell Brothers – The Blind Spots – Mosaic Foundation – Keith Secola & His Wild Band – Ithaca Bottom Boys – Sihasin – Fall Creek Brass Band – Jones Benally Family Dance Troupe – The Flying Clouds Of South Carolina – Moontee Sinquah – Walter Mouton & the Scott Playboys –  Kevin Kinsella – Hank Roberts – Tenzin Chopak – Empire Kings Double Tiger – Traonach – Mac Benford & Up South – Mary Lorson – KidBess & the Magic Ring – Bubba George String Band – Nery Arevalo – Plastic Nebraska – The Fly Rods Laila Belle – The Sutras – Ithaca Underground – Move-Along Songs w/John & Diane – GrassRoots Chamber Orchestra

    Tickets are on sale now.

  • Phish Announces ReCurveball Festival

    In a surprise announcement from Phish, ReCurveball Festival will be held in Watkins Glen, NY this August 9-11, on the same grounds as Phish’s cancelled 2018 Curveball festival.

    “After last summer’s sudden cancellation of Curveball, we immediately made plans to get back to Watkins Glen. We found a guy who said he could take care of the water issue and you know what, we trust him,” said Trey Anastasio. “We owe it to the fans.”

    curveball
    “Water will not be an issue at ReCurveball” – Andy King

    With Woodstock 50 being held at Watkins Glen International the following weekend, Phish and Woodstock Ventures teamed up to ensure that both ReCurveball and Woodstock 50 go off without hitches. Operations director C. Wallob said of the plans, “Holding ReCurveball festival the weekend before ensures that we can not only prepared the grounds for the influx of thousands of fans the following weekend, but any issues that come up can be sorted out in advance. We really want to make ReCurveball a success, and hopefully Woodstock 50 can feed off our success at Watkins Glen. We certainly don’t want another Woodstock 99 to happen. If anyone is going to burn Watkins Glen to the ground, it’ll be Phish.

    “Plus,” Wallob added, “Phish fans will certainly leave it clean for Woodstock 50 attendees.”

    curveball
    photo via Phish.net

    Phish plans to reuse the silver ball for the special late-night set, and unsold merchandise from Curveball will be rebranded with new dates added. More information can be found at ReCurveball.com.

  • Lineup Announced For Tulip Fest 2019

    Albany’s signature spring event, the Tulip Festival, is set to take place in Washington Park on Mother’s Day Weekend, May 11 and 12, 2019.  The 71st annual festival aims to celebrate the Dutch Heritage of the region as well as provide the opportunity for artisans to sell handmade crafts, the park to showcase more than 140,000 tulips in 150 varieties, and musicians to entertain large crowds with world-class live entertainment. Additionally, KIDZONE is available to entertain the whole family.

    The live performances on the 518 Stage begin on Saturday, May 11,  following the Tulip Queen Coronation at 12 p.m. The first performance is by Hasty Page at 1 p.m. The young members of this group embody an exciting new sound full of inspiration, while creative lyricism paints a theatrical image for their original music. Next up is CK & The Rising Tide at 2 p.m. This alternative/country/folk rock band chooses to record in the solitude of an upstate log cabin. Their songs are rooted in folk-rock, oftentimes exploring the indie/country rock side of things. At 3:30 p.m., alt-rock, folk, pop singer Sydney Worthley takes the stage. This young singer/songwriter debuted her album, Strong, as a 14 song blend of strength, courage, and perseverance. Capping off the day is Wild Planes at 4:45 p.m.This rock/pop trio is labeled as a “wild” group with unmatched energy and immense personality.

    Sunday, May 12, kicks off with the 21st Annual Mother of the Year Award at 12 p.m. This award seeks to recognize the Capital Region’s most outstanding moms. Following this touching tradition, Mike Grutka, an acoustic based singer/songwriter will perform at 1 p.m. His ability to blend funky-modern-roots with rock has established his name on more than 400 radio stations between the U.S. and Canada. Honey Slider comes next at 2:15 p.m. This folk rock/pop duo based in Albany has roots in musical theater. This background shines through in their classic rock and folk influences, mainly during live performances. Following Honey Slider is Bird Streets at 3:30 p.m. An array of introspective indie rock and power pop draws on music of the decades’ past without promoting an overly nostalgic vibe. The music is credited as being “both fresh and familiar.” Last but not least will be a performance by Lets Be Leonard at 4:45 p.m. This group of rockers is fresh out of Saratoga Springs and well-known for putting on an exciting show.

    KIDZONE, is open both Saturday and Sunday. Pony rides, rock climbing, inflatables, face painting, music, and games will all be available to enjoy. Furthermore, the KIDZONE stage will be filled with performances. On Saturday and Sunday, Park Playhouse will be putting on two shows, at 12:15 p.m. and 2 p.m. This beloved theater group will be offering sneak peeks of their upcoming musical productions! At 1 p.m. on Sunday, Artpartners, a -community-based dance training program, will be presenting a performance bridging classic music and modern styles. Melvin the Magnificent, a professional magician, will be wowing the crowd with his action packed, interactive tricks at both 1:45 and 4 p.m. Next, Andy “The Music Man” Morse will be performing his well-versed children’s music at 2:45 and 4:45 p.m. This includes sing-a-longs, dancing, storytelling, and play-acting. Closing the show is Ruth Pelham. At 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., Ruth will be promoting her mission to build peace within communities through her original songs spanning all age groups.

    The Main Stage on Saturdaybegins with El Modernist at 1:30 p.m.This band dives into a new take on Indie-rock, showcasing fantastic hooks and melodies that embody psychedelia. Overall, the group gives off a very catchy garage-rock sound with a taste of modern alternative hip-hop. Next to take the stage is the Greeting Committee at 3 p.m.This Kansas City-based band gives originality that feels as intimate as a basement recording, but surprises you with intricate textures and sophisticated melodies. 4:30 p.m. kicks off KONGOS performance. This four-brother rock band popped up on the map with their song Come With Me Now, popular all around the world. This track went RIAA double-platinum for sales in excess of 2 million, and occupied the number one spot on alternative radio for five weeks, historically marking the quickest rise to the top by a new band.

    Sunday starts with Girl Blue at 1:30 p.m. Known for her powerful vocals, viewers can expect for the room to be silenced by her and her guitar alone. In collaboration with Just Pretend Records, she tours regularly and records her own music. At 3 p.m. is Moriah Formica, a top 20 contestant on Season 13 of The Voice. The coaches had this to say: “So much talent, it’s almost unfair to the rest of the world. You are a born rockstar” (Blake Shelton).” Marshall Charloff & The Purple Xperience are finishing off the weekend at 4:30 p.m. This five-person group from Minneapolis, MN has been bringing authentic productions of Prince and The Revolution on tour with them. Band leader Marshall Charloff recorded with Prince on the album 94 East, where Marshall plays both, keyboards and bass guitar and Prince is on lead vocals.

    Additionally, a free CDTA shuttle runs to Washington Park from three designated locations:

    • Elk Street Parking Lot: Located behind the State Education Building – the pick-up location will be Elk and Hawk at the stop sign.
    • Eagle Street Parking Lot: Located at the corner of Eagle Street and Madison Avenue.
    • Albany Medical Center Parking Lot: Located off Robin Street, for customers needing extra assistance or in a wheelchair. This particular shuttle will drop passengers off at the Madison Avenue/New Scotland entrance to the park.

    Shuttles will run every 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. All parking lots are free to use the weekend of Tulip Festival.

  • Woodstock Co-Creator Michael Lang Addresses Opposition to Modern Lineup

    In a recent interview with TMZ, Woodstock co-creator Michael Lang spoke about some of the backlash received over the announcement of the lineup for this summer’s Woodstock 50 festival taking place in August at Watkins Glen International Speedway.

    The festival is marking the 50th anniversary of the iconic 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts festival held in Bethel, NY which Lang co-created along with Artie Kornfeld and others at Woodstock Ventures.

    The announcement of the lineup of the 50th anniversary festival came with some dissent from Woodstock 1969 “purists” who saw names like Miley Cyrus, Jay-Z, and Chance the Rapper in the lineup. When asked, Lang told TMZ that he “wanted to make it a contemporary show for the audience we are expecting (which is young), and make it a show that touches all genres…This is a contemporary Woodstock for today.”

    Each of the three days of Woodstock 50 includes several of the original 1969 performers and nods to those original acts including Dead and Company (of Grateful Dead fame), Carlos Santana, John Fogerty (Creedance Clearwater Revival), John Sebastian, Melanie, Amy Helm (daughter of Levon Helm from The Band), David Crosby (of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young), Canned Heat, and Hot Tuna.

    woodstock co-creator Michael Lang

    Back in November 2018 at the Long Island Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony, in which Melanie and Woodstock co-creators Lang and Kornfeld were inducted, Lang skirted around discussing details about the who, when, and where of a 50th anniversary event as plans were in progress at the time. However, Melanie wasn’t shy about suggesting her interest in being part of a reunion or anniversary event during a recollection of her part in the 1969 festival.

    Melanie sharing some stories and laughs at the November 2018 Long Island Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony

    Woodstock 50 is happening at Watkins Glen August 16 – 18; visit woodstock.com for full lineup and more information.