After the recent news of the Bethel Woods Woodstock Anniversary show being scaled back, fans have turned their attention to original Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang’s anniversary event for what may feel more like a Woodstock 50th anniversary celebration with headliners recently leaked.
Billboard has recently reported that after a brief delay, Woodstock festival organizer’s have wired a “full payment” to most artist appearing at the festival in advance. Some of those artist leaked include Dead & Company, The Killers, Imagine Dragons, Chance the Rapper, and Bethel Woods celebration-announced artist, Santana, who has expressed his desire to play both anniversary shows.
The reason for the delayed payments was due to the financial backers of the festival, Dentsu, trying to resolve possible attendance issues at the Watkins Glen site where the festival is being held, expecting over 100,000 fans. Considered a first year event, and Dentsu not being a major promoter like Live Nation or AEG, artists require 100% of their fee paid upfront before the lineup was announced.
Representatives for the main headliners told Billboard that they were paid weeks ago, but some of the other 80+ artist have not received payment making some fear the festival would be scrapped, and now pushing the February lineup announcement to sometime in March.
The day after reports surfaced that the event was having financial problems, Woodstock representatives confirmed that organizers had wired several million dollars to various major talent agencies that represent acts appearing at Woodstock 50. One agency boss even confirmed that all their artist have been paid in full, and festival camping organizers Superfly, has also been paid in full for the event.
Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang recently stated: “There’s always been lots of rumors around Woodstock. We have excellent partners and an incredible talent lineup of over 80 artists which will be announced within the next couple of weeks. We’re preparing a once in a lifetime event.”
Woodstock 50 will take place at the Watkins Glen International Speedway on Aug. 16-18.
After the release of the new single “All Out Life,” in advance of the release of their upcoming sixth studio album, We Are Not Your Kind, due on Aug. 9, Slipknot has announced to the NY Maggots and nation the band’s touring plans for their 2019 North American “Knotfest Roadshow” live tour.
Packing up and hitting the road with Slipknot on July 26 in California, are special guests Volbeat, Gojira, and Behemoth.
Tickets go on sale to the general public March, 8 at 10 a.m. Slipknot fan club members and Citi card holders will have access to pre-sale tickets on March 5. Each pair of tickets purchased online will come with a digital copy of the band’s new album.
Knotfest Roadshow Tour Dates:
Jul. 26 – Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA
Jul. 27 – San Manuel Amphitheater – San Bernardino, CA
Aug. 01 – USANA Amphitheatre – Salt Lake City, UT
Aug. 03 – Isleta Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM Aug. 04 – Ak-Chin Pavilion – Phoenix, AZ
Aug. 06 – Pepsi Center – Denver, CO
Aug. 08 – Pinnacle Bank Arena – Lincoln, NE
Aug. 10 – Iowa State Fairgrounds – Des Moines, IA*
Aug. 11 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Tinley Park, IL
Aug. 12 – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Clarkson, MI
Aug. 14 – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater – Virginia Beach, VA
Aug. 16 – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center – Noblesville, IN
Aug. 17 – Providence Medical Center Amphitheater – Bonner Springs, KS
Aug. 18 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Maryland Heights, MO
Aug. 20 – Budweiser Stage – Toronto, ON Aug. 21 – Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Saratoga Springs, NY
Aug. 23 – KeyBank Pavilion – Burgettstown, PA
Aug. 24 – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain – Scranton, PA Aug. 25 – Darien Lake Amphitheater – Darian Center, NY
Aug. 27 – The Xfinity Center – Mansfield, MA Aug. 28 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY
Aug. 30 – PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ
Aug. 31 – BB&T Pavilion – Camden, NJ
Sep. 01 – Jiffy Lube Live Amphitheatre – Bristow, VA
Sep. 04 – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre – Tampa, FL
Sep. 06 – Austin360 Amphitheater at Circuit of The Americas – Austin, TX
Sep. 07 – Dos Equis Pavilion – Dallas, TX
Sep. 08 – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – The Woodlands, TX
The pedigree of hallowed ‘60s trio Cream– Ginger Baker’s son Kofi Baker, Jack Bruce’s son Malcolm Bruce and Eric Clapton’s nephew Will Johns – return to the United States this spring for a new leg of The Music of Cream – 50th Anniversary World Tour. The outing celebrates the extraordinary music and legacy their family members created on the heels of the 50th anniversary since the original lineup’s farewell U.S. tour of 1968.Kicking off March 22nd in Newton, NJ, the 23-date spring tour will travel throughout the East Coast and south stopping in such places as New York City (March 20th at Sony Hall), Lancaster, Rochester, Columbus, Nashville, Fort Lauderdale, Sarasota, New Orleans, Houston and Dallas before wrapping April 20th in San Antonio.
First launched in 2017 to rave reviews in Australia and New Zealand, The Music of Cream performed over 40 shows in 2018 across North America and the United Kingdom. Throughout the extensive multi-media show, Kofi Baker (drums), Malcolm Bruce (bass, vocals) and Will Johns (guitar, vocals) perform songs such as “Sunshine of Your Love,” “Crossroads,” “Spoonful” and “White Room” and tell personal stories, while footage of their fathers and mentors is shown on the big screen.
Now, Baker says, “I feel more positive that we played the music the way Cream did; we were able to stretch out and improvise and the audience was right there with us. I really enjoyed playing with Will and Malcolm as we share a bond over this music that our fathers created. And meeting the fans after the shows and hearing their thoughts really validated and inspired me to keep playing this music.”
Bruce adds, “The uniqueness of the approach to Cream’s music means that I learn and grow every night we play. There is always something new to be discovered in the music: tempo, feel, groove, notes, dynamics, inflection. It is truly wonderful to be able to improvise onstage.”
“The audiences seemed to appreciate, and enjoy, that we were not just copying and actually putting our own slant on things,” notes Johns.
During its heartbreakingly short lifespan, Cream was an explosive musical cocktail that provided the super-group blueprint for others to follow. The group’s third album, Wheels of Fire (1968), was the world’s first platinum-selling double album, and collectively they sold more than 15 million copies of their albums worldwide. Not surprisingly, Rolling Stone ranked the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group (inducted in 1993) as 67th in their ‘100 Greatest Artists of All Time’ list.Apart from an equally brief reunion in 2005 of seven shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall and New York’s Madison Square Garden, Cream retained an almost mythological status in the music world, right up until the passing of Jack Bruce in 2014. This, for many fans, marked the end of an era and an acceptance that there would never really be another opportunity to celebrate the group’s legacy. That is, until The Music of Cream – 50th Anniversary World Tour emerged.
Click here for or more information on The Music of Cream – 50th Anniversary World Tour.
Welcome to Sad Songs Summer Camp, where you’ll talk, listen to, and learn about music from the Milk Carton Kids. You’ll also get the chance to workshop sad and not-so-sad songs during your stay, with input from the duo. From July 23, to July 26 at Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, New York, you’ll join a camp full of other music lovers for an all-inclusive music vacation, complete with lodging (available in multiple packages), provided meals, and more.
The camp is powered by Music Masters Camp, a series of interactive retreats and workshops which bridge the gap between performers and their audience.
Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan sum up the experience in their special, banter-filled style in a transcribed bit from the above trailer video.
Pattengale: “Basically, we all wake up, eat breakfast in the morning, Joey and I will give a master class, then a guest artist will give a masterclass. We eat lunch –
Ryan: “Master class?”
Pattengale: “Yeah, we’ll teach things, like things that we know. Harmony Singing, songwriting, lyric writing…”
Speaking to NYS Music about the camp following a recent show at Tarrytown Music Hall, Ryan described the way the camp came together.
“We’ve been aware of camps like this because friends of ours do them. Steve Earle does a camp called Camp Copperhead and the other people in our band will go and teach at folk and bluegrass camps. So, we’ve been aware of camps like this but we never thought that we would do one ourselves. When we got the call with the opportunity to host a camp, we thought it’d be a great chance to work with people directly and share a combined musical process.”
On reflecting if working in a teaching and workshop capacity is of particular interest, Ryan commented:
“I enjoy talking and getting to know people. We’re around musicians on tour all the time, so it’ll be great to spend time with people and musicians in another capacity, where we can learn about them and work directly. Conversations at merch tables are a quick ‘We loved your show’ and ‘Thanks, here’s a t-shirt we have,’ where at Sad Songs camp, we’ll be able to get to know people and fans on a deeper level that we aren’t usually able to, and work with their music, while spending some time to write for ourselves as well.”
According to the website, camp goers can expect a full, crafted experience.
“The camp will provide a space for a lucky group of individuals to learn, co-write, workshop, and, if desired, perform for an audience of like-minded peers — all with the guidance of the Milk Carton Kids and some of their favorite songwriters and comedians. Mornings will have Kenneth, Joey and their hand-picked guest artists guiding master classes that explore the ins and outs of harmony singing, songwriting, arrangement, lyricism, stage-banter and performance. After lunch, students will break off into workshops, working solo or with other campers on the skills of their choice, with encouragement and tips from TMCK and other SSSC instructors. Evenings are packed with entertainment, with performance opportunities for campers (don’t worry they’re not required), late night jam sessions, and informal song circles. Not to mention two intimate Milk Carton Kids concerts. Whether it’s over breakfast or around the campfire, students will have the opportunity to hang out with TMCK and friends while learning the tricks of their trade.”
Non-musicians are welcome to spend time and attend the camp as well. Interested people who have a roommate in mind are welcome to sign up at the same time to secure a spot together. The camp is a unique opportunity for Milk Carton Kids and folk fans to spend intimate time with an artist, and engage in a study of the craft together.
An early-bird special is available if you book before March. Secure your spot at Sad Songs Summer Camp.
The funk-rock quartet, ponder, specializes in soulful and original tune-making. Praised for engaging live performances, the group from Buffalo, has been working diligently to shine light on their music in other regions of the state.
Previously, ponder has performed at Buffalove 2016 and Rochester Fringe Fest 2016 & 2017. An extension of the list includes Cobblestone Live Music and Arts Festival. Music is Art Festival, and Rock Autism Music Festival. Additionally, they have been granted the opportunity to open shows for acts such as LITZ, The Werks, Formula 5, and many others.
With the intention of bringing their talent to North America, ponder’s international tour begins in March, kicked off by the decision to release a brand new single today. Titled “Greener,” the tune embodies the multi-dimensional groove rock aura ponder promotes. Harmonies are smartly layered, accompanied by drums and dueling guitar phrases. The thoughtful lyrics in combination with a prominent bass line results in a full body experience for the listener. In reference to previous works, the single offers an uplifting message about staying together through tough times while keeping life exciting through transition and monotony.
This May marks a centennial – 100 years since the birth of Pete Seeger. Although the world lost this preeminent folk singer and activist five years ago, his work lives on. The Egg will host a Pete Seeger Centennial concert on Thursday, May 23 at 7 p.m. Earlier in the month, the Egg will sponsor a “New York Living Legacy” series featuring multimedia performances celebrating the life and works of Seeger.
The Pete Seeger Centennial concert will be an evening of music, dance and poetry. Arlo Guthrie, one of Seeger’s closest friends, will be joined on stage by Amythyst Kiah, Cary Morin, Dan Zanes & Claudia Eliaza, Dar Williams, David Gonzalez, Guy Davis, Richie Stearns & Rosie Newton, Taina Asili, Tony Trischka, Toshi Reagon and Bill & Livia Vanaver. Tickets are on sale now through The Egg’s website, with net proceeds going to support Clearwater, Caffe Lena and WAMC Public Radio.
On May 3, 4, and 5, The Egg will present the program “Wasn’t That a Time.” The multimedia presentation features music writer Jesse Jarnow, author of the 2018 book Wasn’t That a Time: The Weavers, the Blacklist, and the Battle for the American Soul. This volume details the trials of the four singers, led by Pete Seeger. who rose to incredible popularity but whose socialist connections and anti-authoritarian ideologies got them professionally blacklisted at the height of their fame. Live music will be performed by banjoist Richie Stearns and folk fiddler Rosie Newton. Photos of Seeger will be incorporated into the program, as well as recorded music by Pete Seeger and the Weavers. These events are free and open to the public.
After being bought in 2017 by Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment and AEG Presents from long time owners the Ballingers, Webster Hall has announced the reopening of the historic New York City venue with their Spring 2019 lineup. The historic night club was closed for extensive renovations with its last show on August 9, 2018.
The Hall will reopen this Spring with a full schedule of performances, including Patti Smith, who last performed at Webster Hall on December 30, 2014. Joining the lineup for the reopening is the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, MGMT, and Sharon Van Etten among those lined up to perform. While Smith and company are the first scheduled show slated for May 1, 2019, a true reopening date and headliner have yet to be announced. For more information on the reopening of Webster Hall, visit the Hall’s website.
Frequently I am asked what genre of music JJ Grey & Mofro falls under. I always find myself fumbling for words but end up with something like “bluesy, jazzy, Florida Swamp funk.” I am usually met with a perplexed look, and I always add, “You have to go. You have to see for yourself and then you’ll understand.”
I have watched this band grow, develop, and change over the course of almost 20 years. As a Jacksonville native myself, it was never difficult to find what was then Mofro floating around town from one venue or another. They were a bit gritty and unrefined in the early days but still put on a fun show. I moved to Colorado in 2004 and would see them any time they came near or when I returned to Florida. Their shows remind me of my roots and what I refer to as “the real South” — the South that most people do not know or understand. Their music would make me homesick and long for the days of Old Florida.
Now that I am back in Florida, I still find myself traveling for their shows and encouraging any true music lover to do the same. Although Florida has changed, the group still reminds me of the Florida I grew up with – the food, the swamps, real people, and the deep soul. The current configuration of JJ Grey & Mofro is my personal favorite. Each musician is topnotch alone but when combined, the depth of their music knows no bounds. The fluid combination of these seven men is nothing short of incredible.
JJ Grey & Mofro getting “Janky” at the Upstate Concert Hall 10/19/17. Photo by Eli Stein
I was fortunate enough to catch the final two shows of a rather long tour that ended in Boulder (Boulder Theater) and Fort Collins (Washington), respectively. Knowing JJ was sick as he entered these shows and had been forced to cancel the Frisco show the previous night, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. Musically, Colorado is a finicky area that has high expectations when bands roll into town, but I was cautiously optimistic as I watched them take the stage. They opened with “99 Shades” to “Sweetest Thing” and into “Somebody Else.” I scanned the crowd and saw a few mouths dropped as JJ belted out notes as only he can do. As the show progressed, the crowd was enamored with what they were watching as they sang and danced along. Always a personal highlight for me is the drum solo (Craig Barnette) for “Ho Cake”; it does not matter how many times I hear that song, it is always a little different and always fantastic. (If you don’t know what a Ho Cake is, check it out and make it! You can thank me later.) The show wound down with a little help from a few of The Commonheart members. Nate Insko (trumpet), Abby Gross (saxophone), and Lucas Bowman (keyboard) joined for an “Ol’ Glory” encore that did not disappoint.
Prior to the Fort Collins show, I was speaking with guitarist Mike Minda from The Commonheart, and he said to me, “We love touring with them. We learn so much musically, personally. We admire them.” There was a bit of a student-master appreciation that I could hear while listening to him speak. As the show began, the Mofro band came out swinging to “Junior” with Dennis Marion (trumpet), Todd Smallie (bass), Marcus Parsley (trumpet), Craig Barnette (drums), Eric Brigmond (keyboard), Pete Winders (guitar), and JJ (vocals and whatever other instrument he can get his hands on). I could see the steam from the tea to help JJ’s throat, but if you couldn’t see that or didn’t know he wasn’t feeling well, you certainly would not have picked it up in his voice or enthusiasm. Fort Collins fans were treated to a smoking “Gal Young’en,” “Orange Blossoms,” and “Lazy Fo Acre” to name a few. As “Ol Glory” began for the second encore, Eric brought an unwavering depth to a song filled with soul that resonates with any music lover. One by one, the members of The Commonheart joined JJ & Mofro on stage for a third and final encore with “On Fire.” Seventeen musicians joining forces and not skipping a beat is no small feat. I know of very few artists who would even attempt to tackle such a challenge.
Although I may always struggle to pinpoint a genre to appropriately describe what I would consider a music lover’s dream band, I can tell you: “If you haven’t been, go.” This is some of the best music out there right now. As they say, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.” You won’t be disappointed. As I overheard leaving Fort Collins, “It’s like being taken to church … you walk out better than you came in.”
The Northeast is in for a special treat when they roll thru Port Chester, New York on March 1st with Big Head Todd and the Monsters.
For your own taste of this Florida Funk visit their website and check out all upcoming dates around the Northeast.
February 8, Boulder, CO
Setlist: 99 Shades, Sweetest Thing, Somebody Else, Every Minute, Jookhouse, Fire Flies, Junior, Gal Young’en, Seminole Wind, Lochloosa, Orange Blossoms, Slow Hot Sweaty, Ho Cake, Shining Down
Encore: Brighter Days, Ol’ Glory
February 9, Fort Collins, CO
Setlist: Junior, Everything is a song, Sweetest Thing, Circles, Every Minute, Florabama, This River, Gal Young’en, Seminole Wind, Lochloosa, Orange Blossoms, Lazy Fo Acre, Ho Cake, I Believe
The Great South Bay Music Festival is one of Long Island’s longest running music and arts festivals and have just released their lineup. Long Island’s own Taking Back Sunday kicks off the festival with Glassjaw returning as well. These two bands will be joined by ten other artists on two different stages.
Supporting are Scranton rockers, The Menzingers, and ex-My Chemical Romance and Leathermouth guitarist Frank Iero with his new band, frank iero & the future violents.
Headlining Friday is genre hopping reggae rockers, Slightly Stoopid, along with Sublime with Rome, SOJA and Common Kings.
Saturday and Sunday fest lineup announcements are upcoming, promising to serve up more classic and contemporary rock, roots, jam and Americana. This should be coming in the next week or so.
Celebrating its 13th. Anniversary, the four-day Great South Bay Music Festival runs from July 18, through July 21, and will feature a lineup of over 65 performers on four stages, in classic and contemporary rock, punk, indie, jam-band, reggae, and funk genres. The fest will boast multiple craft beer and wine tents, an artisan and craft market, and food court offering a diverse gourmet menu of funky and healthy fare.
Tickets for Taking Back Sunday, Glassjaw, The Menzingers and frank iero & the future violents are on sale to now.Ticket price includes all concerts and entertainment. Food & beverages not included. Children ten and under are free, except for the Sunday children’s concert
Festival Times
Thursday, July 18: Doors are at 3:30 p.m until 10 p.m.
Friday, July 19: Doors are at 4:00 p.m., until 11 p.m.
Saturday, July 20: Doors are at 1:00 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Sunday July 21: 11:00 a.m. doors for Great South Bay’s annual Kids Concert
Sunday Regular Fest Ticket holders: 1:30 doors until 10 p.m.
Guitar legend Steve Vai’s annual four-day-and-night guitar clinic Vai Academy returns to The Mansion at Glen Cove on Long Island July 29 – Aug. 2.
Featuring Vai leading classes and workshops, the event will include appearances and classes from amazing guitarists, including Joe Satriani, Andy Timmons, Devin Townsend, Larry Mitchell, Plini and more. Vai Academy 5.0′s schedule features a wide range of guitar-related activities to improve your guitar skills, including a special focus on signal path, effects and achieving the sound and tone guitarists crave.
If you’re not a guitar virtuoso, no worries; The Vai Academy is an event for players and music-lovers of all ages, levels, interests and tastes. Whether you are a master player, a beginner, or just an enthusiastic fan, the four day program offers activities and workshops for everyone. The environment is non-competitive and is strictly about immersing oneself in the joys of music.
As intimidating as Steve Vai can be (just watch the ending of the movie Crossroads starring Ralph Macchio below), attendees should feel welcome. “One thing that I think makes Vai Academy so special is that I jam with each and every attendee,” Vai shares.
“This might be my favorite aspect of the camp. Connecting with another person on a musical level is an intimate space I love embracing. We musicians are always learning something on some level, and I believe I learn something every time I jam with a student, no matter what level they are at. I can make music with someone even if they show up with a dime and a rubber band.”
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.
Packing up and hitting the road with Slipknot on July 26 in California, are special guests Volbeat, Gojira, and Behemoth.
As intimidating as Steve Vai can be (just watch the ending of the movie Crossroads starring Ralph Macchio below), attendees should feel welcome. “One thing that I think makes Vai Academy so special is that I jam with each and every attendee,” Vai shares.