NYS Music 20​19

Category: Capital Region

  • Empire State Youth Orchestra Announces 40th Season

    The Empire State Youth Orchestra has announced the 2019-2020 season which includes: a 40th birthday celebration for the organization, a concert with an ESYO alumnus who is assistant principal cellist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and a tour to South America.  

    The organization is comprised of 13 performing ensembles and the successful CHIME (Creating Harmony Inspiring Musical Excellence) program. ESYO will also participate this season in two national music cohorts: Presto Sistema USA, and Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute PlayUSA. ESYO’s Symphony Orchestra will once again be led by music director Carlos Agreda.

    This year also marks the organization’s 40th birthday. In celebration, there will be a concert on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

    Hailing from the Capital Region, Kenneth Olsen, the assistant principal cellist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will also be joining Agreda. The Times Union will be sponsoring the November concert. 

    This upcoming season is particularly exciting. We have the celebration of our 40th Anniversary and also the appearance of an amazing soloist, who once played in ESYO. We are also going on an international tour to Argentina and Uruguay. But, on top of that, we are working on our new partnership with the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall that will bring a greater value to arts in the Capital Region.

    Carlos Agreda

    Since its founding in 1979, the  Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) has challenged and inspired young people to achieve excellence through music in a rigorous learning environment leading to high-level performance opportunities. Over 600 youth from the Capital Region of New York and western New England are selected by audition each year for the ESYO program. They then participate in one of the ten performing ensembles that collectively give approximately 30 performances a year. In 2015, ESYO launched ESYO CHIME (Creating Harmony, Inspiring Musical Excellence). ESYO CHIME seeks to expand access to music in underserved communities making sure that every child has access to musical excellence regardless of economic status.

    ESYO concert attendees are once again able to use Access ESYO to attend the concert. Access ESYO allows ticket purchase for as little as $1.00 per seat, and will be sustained through a pay-it-forward campaign inviting donors to deposit the cost of a seat in an online ticket bank. For more information on ticketing click here. 

    2019 – 2020 Concert Dates

    *locations and times are subject to change

    Nov. 2 – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall – Troy, NY

    Nov. 4 – Shaker Junior High School – Latham, NY

    Nov. 24 – TBA

    Dec. 6 – TBA

    Dec. 15 – Massry Center for the Arts, College of Saint Rose – Albany, NY

    Dec. 19-22 – Proctors Theatre – Schenectady, NY

    Feb. 1 – Crossgates Mall – Albany, NY

    Feb. 12 – TBA

    Feb. 13 – TBA

    Feb. 27 – Massry Center for the Arts, College of Saint Rose – Albany, NY

    Mar. 9 – UAlbany Performing Arts Center – Albany, NY

    Mar. 29 – UAlbany Performing Arts Center – Albany, NY

    Apr. 1 – Proctor’s Theatre – Schenectady, NY

    Apr. 26 – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

    May 1 – TBA

    May 2 – Arthur Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College – Saratoga Springs, NY

    May 3 – Brown School – Schenectady, NY

    May 10 – Massry Center for the Arts, College of Saint Rose – Albany, NY

    May 17 – Massry Center for the Arts, College of Saint Rose – Albany, NY

    May 31 – Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Saratoga Springs, NY

    June 20 – GE Theatre at Proctors – Schenectady, NY

  • Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule Dazzle Albany

    Gov’t Mule and Warren Haynes made a stop on their Bring On The Music fall tour on September 19 with a performance at Albany’s Palace Theatre. The name of the tour is a play on the band’s new concert film and corresponding live album, Bring On The Music – Live From The Capitol Theatre, which came out in June on CD, vinyl, DVD, and BluRay.

    To see the Southern rock jam band Gov’t Mule live at this beautiful and historic Albany landmark was an amazing experience. The lighting was nothing short of perfection, which added greatly to the experience.

    Photo by Stephanie J Bartik 

    Gov’t Mule is comprised of guitarist Warren Haynes, drummer Matt Abts, multi-instrumentalist Danny Louis, and bassist Jorgen Carlsson. Haynes took the stage and commanded the crowd’s attention with his soulful vocals and guitar chops while wowing the eager fans with the first song, “Traveling Tune.” His talent is known throughout the music world and he is the inspiration of many guitar players. He was the guitarist for The Allman Brothers Band and put together Gov’t Mule with the late Allen Woody (bass) in 1994 as a side project.

    There is a connection between Haynes and bass player Carlsson and Abts on drums that can be easily observed. Each band member became completely immersed in not just their individual instruments, but the songs themselves. With Haynes’ soulful voice and virtuosic solos with expansive guitar tones, Carlsson’s expert bass playing, Abts locking it in with insane drumming, and Danny Louis dazzling the crowd on keys, each tune was performed to perfection

    Jorgen Carlsson on bass

    With rock at its core, Gov’t Mule integrated a full range of musical styles including blues, jazz, soul and some funky rhythms. No one left the room disappointed. If given the chance to see this band first hand, you owe it to yourself to do so.

     Check out the Gov’t Mules website for a full list of the band’s upcoming tour dates, ticketing, and more information.

    Set One: Traveling Tune (part 1), Mule, Pressure Under Fire, Time To Confess, Lay Your Burden Down, Inside Outside Woman Blues, Unring The Bell, Endless Parade, Revolution Come, Revolution Go

    Set Two: Wandering Child, What is Hip?, (with Jerry Marotta, without Matt Abts), Freeway Jam, Child Of The Earth, Lively Up Yourself, Fool’s Moon, Thorazine Shuffle, Traveling Tune (part 2)

    Encore: Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground

  • Rocktoberfest Returns to Rock Albany Warehouse District on October 5

    Ambassador Music Group (AMG) will host its second annual Rocktoberfest music festival on Saturday, October 5th as a benefit for Cohoes-based nonprofit Community Miracles In Action (CMA) and CMA’s Louder Dreams project. The free, family-friendly event will run from noon to 6:00 pm in the heart of Albany’s Warehouse District (15 Pleasant Street, 12207).

    The successful launch of Rocktoberfest in 2018 featured three main-stage acts and two acoustic performances. This year, Rocktoberfest will feature seven acts on the Louder Dreams main stage. Headliners include American Idol’s Madison VanDenburg, Americana-rock group C.K. & The Rising Tide and indie-rockers El Modernist. Rounding out the lineup are pop/indie/R&B artists Vince Palmeri, Julia Gargano, David Cuttino & The Antiks and This Strange Paradise.

    Rocktoberfest is central to AMG’s mission of featuring local musicians, partnering with and promoting local businesses, and helping local non-profits. Fulfilling the goal of helping local non-profits, Rocktoberfest 2019 has partnered with Community Miracles in Action (CMA). CMA is a drop-in teen center offering a safe place for kids to set and achieve goals, build meaningful relationships, and connect with adults who provide structure and compassion. In support of this collaboration and in support of teens, the “Louder Dreams” rock stage will feature special performances by CMA and Youth FX (another non-profit organization helping students through film) youths in between main acts.

    In an interview with Spot 518 (“Calculated Venture”) in 2018: “The community aspect of the music scene here is unlike anywhere I’ve been,” said Andrew, co-owner and artist manager of AMG. “I think there’s potential for something bigger to happen in the music scene, here in Albany,” said Rose, co-owner and marketing director of AMG. “And we’re on the brink of making it bigger than what it is right now. I think we’re all trying to make it happen.”

    Rocktoberfest

    Ambassador Music Group (AMG) is an artist management company based in Albany, New York. AMG’s artists have performed on stages across New York and New England and benefit from a devoted management and PR team. While promoting their own roster, AMG reserves resources to support local musicians, partner with local businesses, and help children through music. Learn more at www.ambassadormusicgroup.com.

  • In Focus: Here Come the Mummies lay the funk down at Skyloft

    Their identities may be under wraps but Here Come the Mummies are the high power funk band you didn’t know you needed in your life. Playing to a crowd at Albany’s Skyloft, most didn’t know what to expect but found themselves moving to the consistently energizing funk.

    This 11-piece group is anonymous, supposedly cursed after deflowering a great Pharaoh’s daughter, or perhaps they are reincarnated Grammy-Winning studio musicians. Either way, the performance from a Mummies show is second to none and more visits to the Empire State are in order.

    Here Come The Mummies

    Over the course of their two hour set full of originals, many with suggestive lyrics, had the audience cracking up while they’re getting down. “Pants,” “Shag Carpet” and “Freak Flag” all had their own elements of kink and double entendre, while “Bring that (Bootie) Down” and “Ra Ra Ra” filled in with big band funk that is a rare find these days.

    The attentive ear could even catch riffs of Wreckx-N-Effect “Rump Shaker” that beckoned for the crowd to get down. An encore of “Dirty Minds” summed up the band’s style in both sound and lyrics, and kept the audience waiting for more. Here Come the Mummies will surely rise again in the Capital District.

    photos by Conor McMahon

    Here Come The Mummies
    Here Come The Mummies
    Here Come The Mummies
    Here Come The Mummies
    skyloft
    Here Come The Mummies
    Here Come The Mummies
    Here Come The Mummies

  • Fins Up LG to bring a taste of Key West to Lake George

    Over Father’s Day weekend next summer, Fins Up LG will bring the sounds and flavors of Key West to Charles R. Wood Festival Commons in Lake George. Parrotheads and Mardi Gras lovers will be drawn to this weekend long festival on the shores of Lake George, with music, margaritas, daiquiris and more in store.

    Fins Up LG

    This three day music festival will feature more than 20 musical acts on two main stages for a continuous musical adventure. Featuring a who’s who of Trop Rock Award winners, the lineup also features Jimmy Buffett tribute acts, and some incredible Zydeco, Cajun, and Country acts.

    Featured artists include Jimmy and the Parrots (2 days), Mike Nash & Southern Drawl, Donny Brewer and the Dock Rockers, The Boatdrunks, ZBTB (acclaimed Zac Brown Band Tribute), Jesse Rice, John Patti, John Frinzi, Cory Young, Buckwheat Zydeco, Jerry Diaz and Hanna’s Reef, The Detentions, Caribbean Chillers, Rich Ortiz, Big Fez and the Surfmatics, Tropical Beat and more. Craft and food vendors will be on hand, as well as a huge margarita and daiquiri bar. VIP options are available for the weekend as well, and the event will be held rain or shine.

    And this party has a purpose! $10 from every ticket sold will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. For more information, visit FinsUpLG.com

  • Putnam Place to welcome Andy Frasco and the U.N. with Wild Adriatic

    This Thursday, September 19, Saratoga Springs is in for one heck of a party, when Andy Frasco and the U.N. descend upon Putnam Place for one of the best shows you’ll see all fall. The high energy performance Frasco and his band bring to the stage, coupled with local Indie rockers Wild Adriatic opening the night, means an intense night of music you won’t soon forget is on tap.

    Renowned for a jubilant jambalaya of rule-breaking rock n roll his career kept rolling ahead at full steam, Andy Frasco has been busy. He has released three independent albums, chronicled a German gig in front of 15,000 screaming fans on the recent live opus Songs from the Road, made jaws drop at festivals such as Grandoozy, Firefly, Mountain Jam, Summer Camp, Rock Am Ring, Rock Im Park and Electric Forest, generated millions of streams, launched Andy Frasco’s World Saving Podcast, and performed at festivals alongside icons such as Peter Frampton, Gary Clark Jr., The Revivalists, Snoop Dog, Dr. Dog, Joe Walsh and Kendrick Lamar, to name a few.

    Wild Adriatic has added more depth and dimensions to the band’s expansive rock and soul filled sound over the course of 2019, including a brand new collaboration EP release and their tour in support of partners-in-crime Andy Frasco & the U.N. Get ready for an incredible night in Saratoga on Thursday, September 19! For more information visit PutnamPlace.com

  • Stone Temple Pilots Leave Upstate Concert Hall Dead and Bloated

    The Stone Temple Pilots have been playing since the late 80’s, and even with a new face on the mic, they don’t seem to be slowing down. Droves of fans packed the wide room of Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park, NY on Tuesday September 10th. The crowd was a sea of late 40’s dads and also a young crowd that will keep these memories alive.

    The quartet came out to a massive roar as they took the stage. They started off strong, working through “Coma,” “Wicked Garden” and “Vasoline.” After a few classics they moved into their newer songs. They did an incredible job weaving through their repertoire, at one point playing two of their most memorable songs sandwiching their newest singles.

    You can catch STP on the last leg of their tour coming up on September 19 and 22 in Philadelphia and New York City. Check out the setlist and photos from Zatchmo Lives Media below.

    Setlist: Coma, Wicked Garden, Vasoline, Crackerman, Lounge Fly, Big Bang Baby, Glide, Big Empty, Plush, Meadow, Interstate Love Song, Roll Me Under, Dead and Bloated, Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart.

  • Aldean Rides All Night into Saratoga

    Jason Aldean played Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Thursday, September 5th to a solid crowd of country lovers of all ages. His return to upstate NY was greeted enthusiastically by fans who loved his top pop-country song of the summer “Rearview Town.”

    Openers Carly Pearce and Kane Brown set the scene for a fun and energized night of popular country music. Kane’s opening was stylistically a mix that was unique for country, complete with a visual set that replicates more pop and rap music than the traditional country look. Pearce sounded amazing and is a major up-and-comer in the country scene. Watch for her to be one of the new top female artists in the industry.

    Photo by Claude Sawyer

    Aldean entered the stage in jeans, a black Motley Crue T-shirt, and a cowboy hat with his guitar slung over his shoulder. The words “Ride All Night Tour” shone in bright letters as Aldean’s shadow crossed behind the stage when he arrived, welcoming fans with a giant “What’s Up, New York!”

    Aldean gave the fans what they wanted: his most popular hits. While some country stars use concerts to promote new music, Aldean played familiar and loved hits from throughout his career, not just his recent releases.

    Every year, Aldean plays “Dirt Road Anthem,” a different song from his others in that it includes some rap elements. The crowd sang along to the song that emphasized the importance of enjoying your friends and being a good person.

    Aldean bucked the tradition of waiting for fans to cheer for an encore. Instead, announcing he would stay on the stage and give more music to fans. He then sang a longer than usual end of the concert with upbeat fan favorites that became sing-alongs. Aldean truly can ride all night. Here’s to wishing he performed at SPAC more than once a year.

  • Masters of the Telecaster at Cohoes Music Hall September 21st

    With three of the most prolific rock guitarists in the world, GE Smith (Hall & Oates, Bob Dylan & SNL band), Jim Weider (The Band & Levon Helm Band), and Duke Levine (Peter Wolf, Rosanne Cash), this is sure to be a historic night of roots rock n’ roll. Playing tunes from Roy Buchanan, Little Richard, Neil Young, Jimmy Reed, Steve Winwood, Sam Cooke and more, the Masters of the Telecaster promises to be a full night of quality music. Opening for the show will be Nate Gross Band followed by Sly Fox.

    Jim Weider, a master of classic telecaster guitar, is renowned for his rock and a blues-based signature sound. He is among a select group of musicians with an endorsement from Fender, and for the past three decades, he’s earned enormous respect from fellow musicians and music fans throughout the world.

    Born and raised in the famed arts colony of Woodstock, NY, Jim received great acclaim during his long tenure (1985-2000) as lead guitarist (replacing Robbie Robertson) for Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame inductees, The Band. During 15 years of international touring with original members Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, and Rick Danko, Jim was featured on numerous albums, films, videos, and television appearances. Highlights included a 1990 performance with The Band and Ronnie Hawkins at The Berlin Wall concert, produced by Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, and several cable TV specials including “The Bob Dylan Tribute” at Madison Square Garden, “The Road,” and “This Country’s Rocking.” Jim performed and recorded at the “Unofficial Blue Jean Bash” for President Clinton’s 1993 Inaugural Ball, with special guests Bob Dylan, Steven Stills and Dr. John, was on a 1994 pay-per-view concert telecast from the Woodstock ’94 Festival, and a 1995 appearance on the A&E Biography documentary “The Authorized Video Biography The Band” for cable TV and video, released by ABC Video.

    Jim furthered his reputation as a versatile and talented guitarist in performances and recordings with Scotty Moore, Keith Richards, Los Lobos, Graham Parker, Taj Mahal, Mavis Staples, Hot Tuna, Bob Weir/Rat Dog, Johnny Paycheck, James Talley, Kim Wilson, Paul Butterfield and Robbie Dupree, among many others.

    G.E. Smith was Music Director and led the Saturday Night Live (SNL) band for 10 years. During this time he also toured with Bob Dylan for four years. He also helped Mike Myers write a song for Aerosmith for when they performed on SNL. G.E. Smith was sought out by major recording artists like Jagger, who, shortly after Live Aid, called Smith to work with him on his first solo album, She’s the Boss. During this period Smith also did a few one-off recordings and concerts with David Bowie and Peter Wolfe. He just finished a three year run with Roger Water’s WALL LIVE worldwide tour.

    Guitarist Robert “Duke” Levine was born and raised in Worcester, MA. He moved to Boston to study music and graduated from the New England Conservatory. In addition to releasing five records of instrumental guitar music, Duke Levine divides his time between the studio and the road. He has recorded and/or performed live with Peter Wolf, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rosanne Cash, Lee Ann Womack, The J. Geils Band, Robbie Fulks, Slaid Cleaves, Aimee Mann, Jonathan Brooke, The Del Fuegos, Otis Rush, and many others.

    TV appearances include The Late Show w/ David Letterman, The Tonight Show, Late Show w/Conan O’Brien, Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon, Austin City Limits, and Soundstage. You can hear his playing on film scores such as “Lone Star,” “The Opposite Of Sex,” “Passion Fish,” “Honeydripper” and “Music Of The Heart.” Duke’s work has been recognized by the Boston Music Awards (“Unsung Hero” of 2006, “Outstanding Instrumentalist” of 1995). He is featured in the book: The Fender Telecaster: The Life And Times Of The Electric Guitar That Changed The World, by Dave Hunter.

    Tickets are on sale now, and those interested are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.

  • Sons of Pioneers Tribute Rustles the Right Notes

    The Band of Rustlers gave listeners goosebumps on September 5 at the Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant in Galway, New York with their iconic sound and perfect pitch harmonies. Singing a tribute to the Sons of the Pioneers’ songs, the trio brought alive the traditional country-western sounds of Roy Rogers, Bob Nolan, and Tim Spencer.

    Band of Rustlers features three incredible musicians: JP Biondi (Cabinet) and brothers Roy and Kevin Williams.  JP demonstrated tremendous range with his sweet tenor voice and had a fun whistle to add to the traditional cowboy songs. Roy, a frequent performer this summer at the Cock ‘n Bull, delighted with his fast-paced and technical guitar playing, as well as his fun bass range voice that he used both to sing and speak with through the archetypal western tunes. Brother Kevin Williams on bass was consistent, playful and a well-rounded third to complement the other two.

    The trio joked with one another like brothers and shared a familiar ease that fit in well with their show. JP pointed out that the songs romanticized the cowboy lifestyle, and chuckled as he reflected on how challenging that lifestyle really was to live. The songs drew on nature metaphors to idealize love, friendship, and even the isolation of American cowboy culture.

    As usual, the Cock ‘n Bull provided a perfect setting, providing acoustics that offered ideal circumstances for listening to such exact harmonies and precise playing. The men’s voices combined like honey and tea, melding to soothe and bring smiles around the room.

    Rick Sleeper, the restaurant’s owner, took the stage to proudly introduce the band. Welcoming the audience or “buckaroos,” Sleeper maintained the western theme with the kitchen’s offering of a cowboy special. The plate included BBQ ribs, beef brisket, baked calico beans, and a lovely corn muffin spiced with jalapeno. The fun dessert stayed with the theme, offering a S’mores brownie complete with graham cracker crust and toasted marshmallow topping.

    For folks unfamiliar with the Sons of the Pioneers, the music was still instantly recognizable as these songs have been a staple of American country-western music since the 1930s. For those who love the Sons’ music, this concert was a delightful and goosebump-raising event that almost perfectly replicated the quintessential and iconic sound.

    The Band of Rustlers have created an experience for audiences that echoes memories in their exemplary performance. Next time they mosey through town, make sure you catch their show.

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