NYS Music 20​19

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  • Ani DiFranco Interacts with truth in Homer

    Speaking your truth through music is what it is all about and Ani DiFranco does it well, both in her songs and interactions with an audience. DiFranco sold out the Homer Center for the Arts on November 5, 2019. Before Executive Director Ty Marshal introduced Ani, he said that ‘he had the dream of booking her there since he started five years ago.’ It was the fastest a show has ever sold out at the theater.

    Ani’s tour is simply a must see for not only her performance but also for opening act, Gracie and Rachel. Their mellow yet striking sound is unique because of their piano and violin mix. Gracie’s piano and Rachel’s violin compliment each other which felt like a musical conversation as they performed. They joked about their anxiety-driven lyrics, but in reality their music is quite calming and serene. It’s as if they let their listeners know that they aren’t alone in their troubles and let the music soothe them.

    Once Ani DiFranco took the stage she dove right into “Not a Pretty Girl” and the crowd roared in excitement. Ani was all smiles and equally as excited to be playing the very intimate theater as much as the audience was excited to see her.

    Ani’s ability to play guitar is nothing but awe inspiring. She has a fearless fire within her and it pours out with every note. Her unique style of playing goes hand-in-hand with how she holds her own on stage. Her power and inspiration truly touched everyone in the theater that night. Ani is such a strong woman to look up to because of how brave she is. To speak her truth not only in her songs, but in between her songs. And the audience listened with respect.

    It was election day and she had to pause when she found out that a Democrat governor was elected in Kentucky. It was a win close to her heart which she got to share with Homer, NY.

    Ani broke up her performance with a few covers “Why We Build the Wall” by Anaïs Mitchell and “Skinny Love,” by Bon Iver, whom she will be performing with after the end of this tour on November 21 in Eau Claire, WI.

    Setlist: Not a Pretty Girl, Dilate, As Is, Fire Door, Anticipate, Allergic to Water, Genie, Why We Build the Wall (Anaïs Mitchell cover), Woe Be Gone, If He Tries Anything, Reckoning, Skinny Love (Bon Iver cover), Save Me Jesus, Alrighty, Play God, Alla This, E: Which Side Are You On?, Joyful Girl

  • Amy Helm Celebrates the Holidays with Train Concerts through the Catskills

    Amy Helm will celebrate the holiday season with two picturesque train journeys through New York’s Catskill Mountains on Dec. 15. Fans are encouraged to ‘Take in the beauty and majesty of winter in the Catskills aboard Delaware & Ulster Railroad’s Rip Van Winkle Flyer featuring a special intimate holiday performance from Amy Helm.’

    Located in the Middletown hamlet of Arkville, NY, Amy Helm’s holiday express will have two trips, one early, boarding at 1pm, and a late trip boarding at 4 pm. More information can be found here.

  • Flushing Town Hall Presents DDAT: Native American Hip Hop Jazz Fusion on November 16

    On Saturday, November 16, hip hop, jazz, funk, and soul will merge together as DDAT brings an original southwestern feel, energy and excitement to Flushing Town Hall in Queens. The band was named by NPR as one of the top 10 bands in the United States.

    Preceding the 2:15 PM family performance will be a panel discussion, led by Delbert Anderson and Chris Bidtah, both Navajo, on incorporating Navajo Culture in art-making and music as medicine.

    DDAT

    Trumpeter Delbert Anderson says of DDAT’s upcoming panel discussion and performance:

    “We hope to help people understand the importance of preserving our cultural music. During the panel we will educate and expose everyone to the idea of preserving cultural music through contemporary collaboration. There are many ways to preserve cultural music, but we also want to explain the struggles one might face when dealing with fusing cultural music.”

    The funky, poetic and forward-thinking DDAT features Chris Bidtah on vocals, Delbert Anderson on trumpet, Nicholas Lucero on drums, and Mike McCluhan on bass.

    Music from the quartet has been heard all over the world with features on NPR, Sirius XM, Indian Country Today, SAY Magazine, Weekly Alibi and many more. DDAT tours include several West Coast Tours, Canada’s Music is Medicine Tour, Aboriginal Music Week Tour in Canada, and Van’s Warped Tour – USA. Their first album DDAT was released in 2017.

    “All audiences should be excited because there will be something everyone can relate to whether it’s the suspense of the improvisational solos or high energy music,” Anderson says. “MC Def-i will put on an electrifying show backed up by one of the funkiest, hip hop sounding bands. Those who are brave, expect to engage with Def-i while he shows his improvisation skills by rapping about what you decide to hold up in your hands! Together we are DDAT – a music celebration sharing our positive message of hope and collaboration through music.” 

    DDAT

    Tickets to the family performance are $14/$10 Members/$8 Children/$6 Member Children/FREE for Teens, and the panel discussion is free (though online RSVP’s are required). To RSVP and purchase tickets, visit the venue website.

    Flushing Town Hall opens its doors to teenagers, and for free! Under the “Teen Access Program,” all 13- to 19-year-old teens (whether a member or not) will be welcomed to attend any performance for free. The program is designed to appeal to students and help foster a greater love for arts and culture.

  • Spafford Announces Extensive 2020 Winter Tour

    Spafford announced its 2020 winter tour this week. The four-piece will venture out on a 39-date tour following their four-night New Year’s run in California. Throughout the winter, they will be joined by a number of special guests including The Iceman Special, Eggy, Cycles, Yak Attack, and The Jauntee.

    The tour kicks off Jan. 15 in Houston, TX at the White Oak Music Hall, then continues into Austin, Dallas and New Orleans. The band will then travel to the southeast with dates in Pensacola, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Birmingham, Oxford (MS), and Knoxville. Jan. 31 is the first of a two-night run at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, GA.

    February will see dates in Greensboro, Washington D.C., and Boston before their three-night run at Brooklyn’s Brooklyn Bowl February 7-9. The last night of the run will be a special acoustic-only performance. The band will take a short break and get back on the road for a set of Colorado dates, which start with a three-night run Feb. 28 – March 1 in Winter Park. March brings two-night runs in Frisco and Steamboat Springs, followed by stops all throughout the midwest and west coast, until the band reaches Las Vegas on April 4.

    See the full list of dates below. Presales and VIP packages are available now, and general admission tickets for all announced dates go on sale Friday, Nov. 15. Check out the band’s website for ticket information.

    December 27 – West Hollywood, CA – The Roxy Theatre

    December 28 – West Hollywood, CA – The Roxy Theatre

    December 30 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall

    December 31 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall

    January 15 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall (Upstairs)

    January 16 – Austin, TX – Antone’s Nightclub

    January 17 – Austin, TX – Antone’s Nightclub

    January 18 – Dallas, TX – Trees

    January 19 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues New Orleans

    January 22 – Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall

    January 23 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum

    January 24 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room

    January 25 – Jacksonville, FL – 1904 Music Hall

    January 28 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn

    January 29 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s

    January 30 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre

    January 31 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse

    February 1 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse

    February 3 – Greensboro, NC – The Blind Tiger

    February 5 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club

    February 6 – Boston, MA – Royale

    February 7 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl

    February 8 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl

    February 9 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl *

    February 28 – Winter Park, CO – Ullrs Tavern

    February 29 – Winter Park, CO – Ullrs Tavern

    March 1 – Winter Park, CO – Ullrs Tavern

    March 4 – Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater

    March 6 – Frisco, CO – 10 Mile Music Hall

    March 7 – Frisco, CO – 10 Mile Music Hall

    March 10 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Schmiggity’s Live Music Dance Bar

    March 11 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Schmiggity’s Live Music Dance Bar

    March 13 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up Aspen

    March 14 – Telluride, CO – Sheridan Opera House

    March 17 – Park City, UT – Park City Live

    March 19 – Victor, ID – Knotty Pine

    March 20 – Bozeman, MT – Rialto

    March 21 – Missoula, MT – Top Hat Lounge

    March 22 – Sandpoint, ID – The Hive

    March 24 – Bellingham, WA – The Shakedown

    March 26 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom

    March 27 – Bend, OR – Volcanic Theatre Pub

    March 28 – Seattle, WA – Neumos

    April 1 – Arcata, CA – Humboldt Brews

    April 4 – Las Vegas, NV – The Bunkhouse Saloon

    * An Evening with Spafford – Acoustic Only Show

  • Hearing Aide: Acidhead ‘Distractions’

    Distractions, the debut album from the Brooklyn-based Acidhead coming out on November 15, is a moving opening statement. It’s an honest delivery of feelings and emotions that are often the very essence of being distracted.

    The brainchild of multi instrumentalist Patrick McGee, Acidhead doesn’t say outright that it’s about a breakup but the cues from Kanye West’s 808’s & Heartbreak combined with song titles like the opening narration “Everything Got So Distant” and the album’s single “Throw Away The Time” are obvious hints.

    Distractions lead single “Throw Away The Time.”

    Throughout the album, distorted auto-tuned vocals and 808 beats put McGee’s influence on full display. The second single, “Love Has Me Keep On Dying,” is chock full of the aforementioned effects while the lyrical content drives the emotion forward – “Everyone’s lonely, hearing her voice late in the morning.”

    While each track has strength in their own right, showcasing instrumental fluency and pulling from a variety of styles, the entire track list is cohesive and, ironically, not distracted at all. Each song sits just where it should and even as they are different in their composition, they feel like they all belong together on this album. On the fourth track, “Marciac Doney,” there’s a steadily building and lighthearted instrumental that crescendos into a hard-hitting drum and synth pad jam. Then, track five, “Hanover Rains,” features a straight up piano ballad. It’s nicely even-keeled

    Lending a hand throughout the album are Andrew Forman of Goodfight, Lou Rogai of Lewis & Clarke, and the Rat Trap Pack, McGee’s avant-garde horn ensemble. The closing track “Wrongright” brings the set to it’s conclusion with a manic, guitar-duo-solo but settles down as if to say, “That was a whirlwind. I’m tired, Time to relax”

    Key tracks: Hanover Rains, Throw Away The Time

    You can catch Acidhead on tour in New York and Pennsylvania through mid-December. Be sure to check out Distractions when it drops on November 15.

    11/22/19 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Karl Hall – w/ Lou Rogai, Chukwu

    11/27/19 – Brooklyn, NY – Knitting Factory w/ Jesse and Forever

    11/30/19 – Easton, PA – Connexions Gallery w/Chukwu

    12/7/19 – Beacon, NY – Quinn’s w Jesse and Forever

    12/8/19 – Cambridge, MA -The Lilypad w/ Mario Fabrizio/Phillip Gollub, Wendy Eisenberg, Crylophone

    12/14/19 – New York, NY – Con Artist Collective – w/Amani Fela

    12/15/19 – Ruba Club – Philadelphia, PA w/ Flanafi, Cheeky

  • Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters to Headline Boston Calling

    The headliners for the 2020 Boston Calling Music Festival have been announced—and they include Grammy-winning rock bands Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters. The annual extravaganza, set to take place on Memorial Day Weekend between May 22-24 at the Harvard Athletic Complex, will also have over 60 other artists and bands performing.

    The Boston-based music festival began in 2013 and previously took place during the spring and fall, before switching to their now once-a-year format. Always a popular event, the festival has drawn as many as 40,000 people and has seen the likes of Eminem, Travis Scott and Twenty-One Pilots headline previous events.

    Aside from the performances, the festival will include the best food in Boston. A 100-foot Ferris wheel, art installations, life-size games, exciting partner activations, 30 all-star food vendors, local and international brews, wines and seltzers and platinum menus curated by Boston’s most prestigious chefs, according to the Boston Calling official website.

    “Boston is such a great city for rock music, and we are so proud to bring some of the most important rock artists of all time to Boston Calling next Memorial Day Weekend,” said Boston Calling CEO Brian Appel in an official release.

    Limited pre-sale tickets will be made available on, Thursday, Nov. 14, at 10:00 a.m. General admission tickets will be priced at $239, VIP passes will be $549 and platinum passes will be $1049.

  • Toronto duo Crash Adams release first single “Astronauts”

    Crash Adams, a duo from Toronto comprised of Rafaele Massarelli (Crash) and Vince Sasso (Adams), have been around music their entire lives. With Massarelli’s uncle running a studio since before they were born, they’ve been luck enough to use the studio whenever they wanted.

    As a result, the duo produce, write, sing, mix and master all their music, and this week have released their first single, “Astronauts.” The track kicks off their soon to be released EP, and does so with gusto. With a distinct club vibe and a touch of Chromeo-style funk, “Astronauts” is an infectious song for Crash Adams to make an introduction to audiences.

    With an immense range of influences, Crash Adams‘ goal is to make you feel nostalgic, yet inspired.

    Crash says of “Astronauts”:

    “There are so many “astronauts” in the world, they may know it or not, but eventually they will achieve everything they’ve wanted out of their time on earth. It will be hard, and they will be considered different from those who aren’t astronauts. But in the end, the view of earth is greatest from outer space.”

    crash adams

    “Musically, our album is inspired by sounds that spoke to us growing up, and what feelings helped shaped our lives. There are many hidden messages in our brand that will be revealed throughout our journey. We want our sound to be more of a feeling than a genre, and that’s what we’re striving to keep.”

  • Rozzi featured in this month’s Halleloo Couch Concert Series

    Halleloo, the Brooklyn-based creative agency and production company that recently launched a monthly video series featuring artists performing acoustic versions of their songs on the studio couch has released video for November’s artist of the month, Rozzi.

    First discovered on a road trip to the Catskills, Rozzi popped up on Halleloo founder Nathan Chang’s Spotify singing “The Thought of You” from her EP Time, and says he immediately fell in love. “She has one of those voices that makes you stop what you’re doing and listen. I’ve even played her music at parties before and every time I do, everyone will fall silent and someone will inevitably ask, “Who is this?” And the answer is, this is Rozzi.”

    https://vimeo.com/144537733

    Years after Chang discovered her, he was out to dinner with friend Julia Mattison (featured below singing background vocals) and Rozzi came up in conversation. Julia responded, “Oh, Rozzi is one of my best friends from home! We went to high school together.” And with that a connection was made immediately, and four days later they found themselves filming her session of Halleloo Couch Concert in their Brooklyn studio.

    Sung live, Rozzi’s music is so powerful because she is not only an incredible singer, but an incredible performer. Her songs are packed with emotion and have a clear emotional arc when sung in one take. Chang feels that this makes the ideal setting to listen to her music. Rozzi is backed on this track by Julia Mattison (backgound vocals) and Bryn Bliska (piano and vocals). 

  • Putnam Place welcomes White Denim, Kung Fu, The Lizards and more this November

    Saratoga Spring’s premiere music club, Putnam Place, hosts a wide variety of rock, jam and funk acts this November. Check out the shows below and get down in the Spa City with these bands. For more information, visit Putnam Place’s website.

    The Wheel – Thursday, November 14

    Celebrating the music of The Grateful Dead, The Wheel was founded in 2010 by Andy Morse looking to play to his roots of years chasing the Grateful Dead. The Wheel is ever rolling, covering new terrain in and out of the spaces before it as we spin 24 hours a day.

    putnam place november

    Tickets are “Pay What You Want” if you are over 21, $10 for 18-21 if under 21.

    Kung Fu w/ Strange Machines – Friday, November 15

    Funk and jam unite with Kung Fu and Strange Machines throwing down a full night of deep funk-filled jams. Kung Fu draws on influences such as early Headhunters and Weather Report, and merges those ideas with a contemporary EDM informed sensibility. Imagine 70’s funk-fusion meets a modern dance party. Strange Machines consistently deliver high energy and engaging live performances, and the band continues to make waves throughout the Northeast and beyond.

    Tickets are $12 advance / $15 day of show

    White Denim w/ Spaceface – Saturday, November 16

    Rock and psychedelic rock are on tap when White Denim and Spaceface arrive in Saratoga Springs. White Denim have carefully and continuously studied the greatest records ever made, but they write songs just dumb enough to drink, dance, and fight to. Theirs is a music that aims for the whole body, while equally satisfying the mind. While it has morphed, expanded, and even burst apart, White Denim’s sincere and human drive and ability to spark true rock & roll exhilaration have been unerring constants of the band’s 10-year existence.  

    putnam place november

    Spaceface is led by Jake Ingalls who also plays guitar and synthesizer in The Flaming Lips. The experience reflects that influence, as it works to bring the concert grade experience to a club level.  Spaceface’s music offers a refreshing approach on psychedelic rock, with transparent ’70s references but also strikingly modern elements that make this trick something to behold.  Their new record, Sun Kids is hazy, psychedelic pop music, elegantly composed and features artists Mikaela Davis as well as Julien Baker.

    Tickets are $17 in advance / $20 Day of Show. $5 surcharge if under 21. 18+

     

    Given to Fly, The Otherside, Flannel Millennium – Friday, November 22

    Tickets: $10, 18+ ($5 surcharge if under 21)

    Remember the 90s? Well on Friday, November 22, three bands will jog your memory and transport you back to the era of grunge, flannel and OG teen angst. Given to Fly (Pearl Jam tribute), The Otherside (Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute), and Flannel Millennium (90’s / 2000’s Grunge / Alternative tribute) offer a 1-2-3 punch of classic

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTMj8Hdaaqg&feature=emb_title

     

    The Lizards – Saturday, November 23

    Looking to get your Phish fix in before Fall Tour starts? Then look no further than The Lizards, Toronto’s premiere Phish cover band. Always inventive with their setlist and playing to huge crowds throughout the Northeast, The Lizards are a great warm up for Island Tour 2.0

    Tickets: $12 Advance / $15 Day of Show. 18+ ($5 surcharge if under 21)

    Skeeter Creek – Saturday, November 30

    The Capitaland’s premiere modern country group, Skeeter Creek always brings a party to Putnam, or wherever they’re playing! Skeeter Creek started off as a Bluegrass Band in 2002, formed by the late Tim Seabolt of Walton, West Virginia, and Joe Kulewicz from the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. Skeeter Creek has become much more than a band, it’s a way of life for these talented, professional musicians.

    Tickets are only $10, 18+ ($5 surcharge if under 21).

     

  • Tool announce additional tour dates

    Tool, fresh off the release of their long-awaited studio album Fear Innocum, have kicked off their tour this week in Canada, and head to Brooklyn’s Barclay Center on Tuesday, November 19. And just as tour kicked off, Tool added 11 shows in January and February of 2020.

    Tickets are on sale this Friday, 10 AM. For more information visit Tool’s official website.

    Tool 2019-20 Tour Dates

    Nov. 11 – Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON
    Nov. 12 – Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON
    Nov. 14 – TD Garden – Boston, MA
    Nov. 16 – Prudential Center – Newark, NJ
    Nov. 18 – Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA
    Nov. 19 – Barclay’s Center – Brooklyn, NY
    Nov. 21 – Mohegan Sun Casino Arena – Uncasville, CT
    Nov. 22 – Boardwalk Hall – Atlantic City, NJ
    Nov. 24 – PNC Arena – Raleigh, NC
    Nov. 25 – Capitol One Arena – Washington, DC
    Jan. 10 & 12 – Viejas Arena – San Diego, CA
    Jan. 15 – Save Mart Center – Fresno, CA
    Jan. 17 – T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV
    Jan. 18 – Gila River Arena – Glendale, AZ
    Jan. 21 – Frank Erwin Center – Austin, TX
    Jan. 22 – American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
    Jan. 28 – State Farm Arena – Atlanta, GA
    Jan. 29 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
    Jan. 31 – FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN
    Feb. 1 – Smoothie King Center – New Orleans, LA