The Moho Collective trio will once again return to Lovin’ Cup on October 11, 2019 to celebrate the release of their new EP Akra. Ben Proctor of The Crooked North is set to provide a solo act to open the show. The Moho Collective will then be joined by a seven-piece ensemble that will include members from The Mighty High and Dry, The Eastman Jazz Ensemble and The Saplings, as attendees will enjoy hearing Akra performed in its entirety.
Lovin’ Cup is a venue located in Rochester, NY and has hosted the band’s release parties since their first in 2010. This includes the EP Soma that was released just last year. Though The Moho Collective previously spent much of their early career touring the North-East, they decided to go in a different direction and take time off to record tracks with the Temperamental Recordings label out of Geneseo, NY. Soma and Akra are both the result of this studio time, with more releases to come in the future.
Even with the trio deviating from their usual form of practicing new music live until it is perfect, staying true to form Akra is anything but stagnant. The crowd at Lovin’ Cup can expect more musical experimentation and the trio’s first ever vocal performance. Not only is Akra just as unique as the rest of their recordings but listeners will also hear guest performances from Dana Colley of Morphine and Mike Brown, owner of Temperamental Recordings.
Doors open at 7 PM with the show starting at 8 PM. Tickets are available ONLINE or at Lovin’ Cup, which includes a copy of the EP.
Aron Magner will bring his new jazz-focused side project, SPAGA, to DROM in NYC for an afternoon performance on Sunday, December 29th. The show will take place on the day-off, between the second and third nights of the Biscuits’ four-night run at Playstation Theater, offering fans a unique show to see.
The “mostly acoustic” trio, rounded out by string bassist Jason Fraticelli and drummer Matt Scarano, eschews the jam-rock/electronica fusion of the Biscuits for a more classic sound that harkens back to Magner’s jazz background. After many years focused on the exploration of improvisational jam rock with the Biscuits, Magner has returned to his Jazz roots with SPAGA. The band released a self-titled debut album over the summer which featured five original songs and a re-imagined version of The Disco Biscuits’ “Resurrection.” SPAGA played their first-ever NYC show in September at (Le) poisson rouge – check out NYS Music’s review of the show here.
Tickets are now on sale. Visit DROM for more information.
London-based trio The Comet is Coming present a dark and earthshaking sound with their blend of jazz, electronica and psychedelia. Shabaka Hutchings (also of Sons of Kemet and Shabaka and the Ancestors) plays a frenetic and chaotic saxophone over haunting and pulsing percussion from drummer Max Hallett. Swirling, psychedelic synths by Dan Leavers drown the mix, making the listener feel as if they are trapped in a jazz apocalypse dream.
Fresh off their new LP, The Afterlife, released in September on Impulse! Records, the band began a short October tour on Tuesday night at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. A simple stage set-up, with a lone, dim red light illuminating the drum kit center-stage awaited fans as the doors opened. With no opener, Comet quietly took the stage and began playing some lighter jazz progressions as the band was seemingly just loosening up. Then, with a loud crescendo, the band dove right into their heavy jazz rock.
The sound of The Comet is Coming stands distinctly apart from Shabaka’s other projects, and most of the modern jazz scene. The Afterlife can easily be the soundtrack for any number of cosmic apocalypse movies. It’s a raw mix of Sun Ra’s spacey sound with dance-floor ready techno percussions.
For roughly an hour and a half, the band flew in and out of tracks from all of their releases, but relying heavily on The Afterlife. There was no lull to speak of – as one song was coming to an end, one of the musicians was already looping the next track to keep a continuous flow. Each band member took their turn with a solo, which seamlessly integrated into the setlist. A simple back-lit stage cast the band in silhouette – giving the music that extra bit of ominous mystery.
Shabaka Hutchings of The Comet is Coming. Photo by Buscar Photo
The Comet is Coming have cemented their status as one of the more exciting and intriguing modern jazz bands out there. Their live show is a visceral, cathartic experience and each new release sees the band pushing their music further down the rabbit hole of underground jazz. They continue on a short run of dates in early October, ending with a stop at Austin City Limits on October 11 before heading over to Europe.
BHuman has crafted the soundtrack to your next intergalactic dance party. BMovie is a theatrical concept album of interstellar proportions, springing from a love of sci-fi and 1950’s horror flicks enjoyed by Londoner Billie Lloyd and New Yorker Harrison Scott, the members of this queer pop duo.
In dramatic fashion, BMovie offers an overture, intermission, and interlude-providing segues. These futuristic instrumental tracks use clips of dialog, including lines from old movies, serving as a fun way to weave their work with the existing framework of sci-fi pop culture. They also help to lend context to the songs and move the story line forward.
The first song on the album is a cover of Cher’s mega-hit “Believe.” BHuman has stripped back the song to emphasize the bittersweet sentiment of the lyrics, then contrasted it with light and airy percussion and synth. The song debuted earlier this year, just in time for NYC Pride.
As delightful as this opening is, it’s only the beginning. BHuman’s original songs interlace captivating synth pop melodies and fantastical vocal hooks to create soundscapes that are out of this world. The music maintains an ethereal levity as BHuman explores interpersonal relationships and learning how to be comfortable in one’s own body.
The album builds to an incredibly vulnerable and touching climax with “Teachmehowtobeyourgirl.” We’ve moved past believing in life after love, past using people in “Distraction,” through the web of lies that people weave in “Fiction.” Here we enter a space where it is safe accept one’s self, to love another person, and to discover what it really means to be human.
Key Tracks: Distraction, Fiction, The Other Way, Teachmehowtobeyourgirl
The annual Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival (DBAF) is making its way back to town this weekend from Friday, Oct. 4until Sunday, Oct. 6. The festivities—brought to you by not-for-profit organization, the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership—will be showcasing artists and art institutions that call the Brooklyn Cultural District their home. The Plaza at Ashland is the host for the event, located at Flatbush and Lafayette avenue—downtown Brooklyn’s newest public space in the heart of the Brooklyn cultural district. Artists and art organizations will be offering free classes, tours, and other free outdoor programming, with performances and showings also scheduled.
Each day of the festival contains specific activities for the public to enjoy. The itinerary is as follows:
On Friday, the festivities kick-off at 5:00 p.m., with a dance party with DJ collective Soul Summit Music and a performance by Soul Tigers Marching Band.
The following day, officially recognized as DBAF Community Day, festivities will run from 11:00 a.m. until 6:55 p.m. Activities will range from a drum circle, dance classes, workshops with instrumentalists, conversation with DBAF leaders and to end the night, there will be a showing of the Spike Lee semi-autobiographical cult-classic, Crooklyn.
To cap off the festival weekend on Sunday, activities will run from 12-5 p.m. With live dance, hip-hop and story-telling performances and to end this year’s BDAF festivities, Brooklyn’s own and hip-hop legend, Talib Kweli sets the backdrop for the Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival Finale. Along with a pop-up of Nkiru Books, Brooklyn’s oldest African-American bookstore.
For more information on the Brooklyn Downtown Arts Festival visit their website.
Roost and The Mountain Carol will warm up the Adirondacks this fall with a performance on Friday, Oct. 11 in the Recovery Lounge at the Upper Jay Arts Center. The all-ages show starts at 8 p.m. with a suggested donation of $5.
Roost, a five-piece dance punk band from Burlington, with three members hailing from the 518, released their debut EP in January 2019, with a follow up EP due out in November. This summer the group hosted a new event in Vermont, the Alder Brook Campout, which they hope to be an annual tradition. They’ve performed alongside The Mountain Carol before and have gone on to play The Monopole in Plattsburgh together a few times.
The Mountain Carol, a synth-pop group from Plattsburgh, initially took form via two reclusive childhood friends from the backwater town of Saranac, New York. Guitarist Austin Petrashune returned home from Hong Kong where he had spent years playing the fiddle, while, in the middle of the woods down the road, songwriter Charles Wilson had forsaken drums in favor of channeling his imagination through the piano and a broken Casio keyboard. Once reconnected, the band found its ideal balance when they reached out to local impresario Matt Hall, a multi-talented Syracuse-cum-Plattsburgh fixture known for his many independent musical releases. The Mountain Carol seems intent on expanding the conventional role of a band, releasing music as well as video and mixed media art projects in conjunction with their mysterious fan club/utopian life cult “The Divine Council.” Don’t miss their show at Upper Jay Arts Center on December 10.
With events in Colorado, California and Vermont, WinterWonderGrass Music and Brew Festival has announced the 2020 lineup across all three of their flagship events. Taking place in in Steamboat Springs, CO from February 21st – 23rd, Squaw Valley, CA from March 27th – 29th and Stratton, VT from April 10th – 11th, the traveling music festival will welcome performances from some of the hottest names currently thriving in today’s Bluegrass and Americana music scenes.
“It’s with a mountain of intention, huge hearts, humility and a commitment to delivering the hottest and sweetest artists that we present to you the 2020 WinterWonderGrass landscape,” expresses festival founder, Scotty Stoughton. “Each year, the hardest thing to do is not heed our desire to return to each and every band–and by virtue of that, friends to WWG–year in and year out. It is our sincere desire you’ll find new lifetime favorites on this lineup, have the chance to be reunited with old loves and step out of your comfort zone with open arms to new experiences.”
“WinterWonderGrass has become a home for artists, fans, staff, locals, businesses, skiers, riders, their families and all of the like,” adds festival Director of Marketing & Ticketing, Ariel Rosemberg. “We pride ourselves on creating a sustainable, safe and receptive environment, bound by the marriage of the best in bluegrass, folk and Americana, and the undefeated nature of American ski culture.”
Returning to Colorado for its eighth consecutive year, and its fourth year located in the pristine ski town of Steamboat Springs, CO, WinterWonderGrass presents headlining performances from Greensky Bluegrass, Billy Strings and Margo Price over its three days this coming February. Additional artists on the bill include Keller & the Keels, Della Mae, Travelin’ McCourys, Nikki Lane, Molly Tuttle, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Bluegrass Generals (Chris Pandolfi & Andy Hall of The Infamous Stringdusters), ALO, Lindsay Lou, a collaborative set from the WinterWonderWomen, Pickin’ on the Dead, Che Apalache, Cris Jacobs, Twisted Pine, Jon Stickley Trio, Meadow Mountain, Jay Roemer Band, Buffalo Commons and Bowregard, as well as special guests Andy Thorn, Jennifer Hartswick, Bridget Law, Pappy Biondo and Will Mosheim.
Over March 27th – 29th, WinterWonderGrass makes its way to the Tahoe region of California for its sixth consecutive year presenting three days of music at the base of Squaw Valley Ski Resort. Headliners for this festival stop include The Devil Makes Three, The Infamous Stringdusters and Billy Strings (two sets). Peter Rowan, Fruition, Keller and the Keels, The War and Treaty, The Lil Smokies, Brothers Comatose, Della Mae, Larry Keel Experience, Kitchen Dwellers, Andy Falco & Travis Book (of The Infamous Stringdusters) Perform Jerry Garcia, Cris Jacobs, Trout Steak Revival, Midnight North, Town Mountain, Pickin’ on the Dead, Pixie and the Partygrass Boys, Old Salt Union, TK & the Holy Know-Nothings, Rapidgrass and Twisted Pine also join the bill, alongside special guests Lindsay Lou, Bridget Law, Will Mosheim and a collaborative WinterWonderWomen set.
The Vermont stop of the festival takes place over April 10th and 11th at Stratton Mountain Resort in Stratton, VT. Previously held in December, this year’s festival stop in Vermont was scheduled to coincide with the ski resort’s closing weekend. Headliners for this iteration of the festival, billed as WonderGrass Presents: Sugar & Strings, include The Infamous Stringdusters, Cabinet, Della Mae, and Molly Tuttle. Additional artists on the two-day lineup include Kitchen Dwellers, Andy Falco & Travis Book (of The Infamous Stringdusters) Perform Jerry Garcia, Twisted Pine, Che Apalache, a special WinterWonderWomen collaboration, Saints and Liars, Dead Winter Carpenters and Damn Tall Buildings, as well as special guests Jennifer Hartswick, Bridget Law, Pappy Biondo, Will Mosheim and more.
Additionally, the Grass After Dark Series will return for post-festival programming with more details coming soon. Resort lift tickets, Mountaintop Dinner tickets (Colorado and California only) and Grass After Dark tickets are not included in regular festival admission and should be purchased separately.
Tickets for all three festivals are on sale now: | |.
This month, Caravan to Wondergrass events are taking place in Denver, CO, Tahoe City, CA and Manchester, VT.
The Denver event takes place on October 3rd at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom and Cervantes Otherside, with an October 11th Steamboat Springs presentation of The WinterWonderGrass All-Stars happening at The Depot Art Center.
The California Caravan takes place in the coming weeks with a Tahoe Food Hub Event on October 17th, and performances by Midnight North at Moe’s BBQ in Tahoe City, CA on the 18th, and Alibi Brewing in Truckee, CA on the 19th.
Vermont’s pop-up Caravan stop happens at the end of the month on October 26th at Earth Sky Time in Manchester, VT for a special Halloween-themed event, featuring music performances by Andy Falco (The Infamous Stringdusters), Saints and Liars and Terrible Mountain String Band.
A limited quantity of fee-free tickets to WinterWonderGrass festival stops will be available for purchase during all Caravan to WonderGrass events. Click here for tickets and more information on specific Caravan events.
Umphrey’s McGee has released the first batch of tour dates for next year for their ‘Hindsight 20/20’ Tour, including two-night runs in New York City, Detroit and Asheville, which will all have umVIP packages available. The tour will also be making a stop in Pellham, TN at The Caverns, where UM will perform in a gorgeous underground amphitheater.
The Caverns in Pelham, TN
The tour kicks off with a two-night run at Beacon Theatre in New York City on January 17 & 18, and then the band will stick around to play Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn. The tour will then make its way through PA, stopping at Stage AE, and the month of January ends with a two-night run at The Filmore in Detroit, MI. The tour continues into Tennessee, where UM will make a stop at The Carverns on February 13.
Additionally, Umphrey’s will welcome The New Deal for a handful of dates, as well as Billy Strings and Empire Strikes Brass. The Toronto-based live electronic trio returns with new drummer Davide Di Renzo, joining Jamie Shields (keyboards) and Dan Kurtz (bass) to create the third incarnation of the dance party powerhouse, The New Deal. Singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Billy Strings takes the stage in Asheville with his unique take on psychedelic Americana, after Asheville’s own Empire Strikes Brass opens the two-night run with their blend of high energy brass, funk, and rock.
See the full list of Hindsight 20/20 Tour dates below, tickets are on sale now.
Umphrey’s McGee Tour Dates
Jan. 17 – Beacon Theatre – New York, NY Jan. 18 – Beacon Theatre – New York, NY Jan. 19 – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY Jan. 23 – Penn’s Peak – Jim Thorpe, PA* Jan. 24 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA* Jan. 25 – Express Live – Columbus, OH * Jan. 29 – Clyde Theatre – Fort Wayne, IN* Jan. 30 – MGM Northfield Park – Northfield, OH* Jan. 31 – The Fillmore – Detroit, MI* Feb. 1 – The Fillmore – Detroit, MI * Feb. 12 – Soundstage at Graceland – Memphis, TN Feb. 13 – The Caverns – Pelham, TN Feb. 14 – ExploreAsheville.com Arena – Asheville, NC^ Feb. 15 – ExploreAsheville.com Arena – Asheville, NC^
* with The New Deal
^ with Billy Strings and Empire Strikes Brass
Umphrey’s has also just announced Hall of Fame: Class of 2018, a robust collection of the best of the best live tracks performed by the band in 2018 as voted on by the fans. Available in a limited edition, double LP set featuring splattered three-color vinyl, this year’s HOF collection contains four-and-a-half hours of music and enough improv to confuse pop fans everywhere.
On her latest single, “Greytopia,” Karolina Rose is a bright and rhythmic indie-pop track, full of energy and passion. Serving as step one to Karolina’s upcoming visual EP project, “Greytopia” is the start of a tale of love, loss and healing through four video experiences.
Combining an upbeat pop rhythm with shimmering guitar strums, the Elliot Jacobson (VÉRITÉ, Allie X, Elle King) produced track imagines an idealistic world where its inhabitants can reach their highest self and live out their dreams, despite life not being perfect.
Speaking about “Greytopia,” Karolina explains:
“This song refers to taking in all the nuances of life on the spectrum of white to grey to black and accepting it, meanwhile enjoying life in your most productive, idealistic manner. It’s in another world where things aren’t jaded and morals and ethics are high. We have all the amenities of Earth but use them in a positive, productive way. Just do your best with what you have and create your own perfection within something that isn’t. You can lounge; you can work; feel happy; feel sad. It’s all okay. It’s a fairytale land. We’re in another world – another planet.”
The new music comes after Karolina’s Polish primetime television debut and an exclusive deal with Universal Music Poland. A Polish-American singer based in Brooklyn, Karolina was born and raised in Philadelphia to Polish parents and graduated from the Wharton School. She worked on Wall Street, before making the decision to quit her career in the investment industry in order to commit to making music her full-time profession. Karolina released her first single “Move With Me” in February 2017 and her debut EP INVICTAon February 1, 2019.
Fish House Road, a New Jersey-based power jam/rock band, has released their latest single “Honey Drip” in collaboration with 2nd Act Brewery.
The Dover-based brewery teamed up with Fish House Road as part of their mission to produce musically inspired brews. “Like the 2nd Act of a concert, 2nd Act Beer is the up-and-coming main event, ready to take the stage,” and with early collaborations like this, there is great potential for this craft brewery.
“Honey Drip” also features artwork developed by the owner of Y’all Art Project, which uses art as the catalyst to heal and empower victims of child abuse and others traumas. Printed copies of the artwork will be featured on t-shirts, posters and more, with proceeds donated back to the non-profit.
The beer itself, Honey Drip, is a 6.5% abv, hop-forward ale from that is pale in color and brewed with local organic honey from Bird and the Bee honey and a touch of vanilla. The beer is dosed with two dry-hop charges, lead by amarillo and supported by motueka and saphir, which combine for lemon/orange citrus characteristics with herbal undertones.
Fish House Road, who blend shades of funk, blues, trance, and Americana, have a unique sound that connects with audiences of classic rock and jam band enthusiasts. It’s easy to be drawn in by roaring guitars, sweet harmonies, and a dynamic rhythm section, found on originals that translate from studio to stage. The group, comprised of Nick Deblasio (vocals, ukulele, harmonica, percussion), Rocky Tironi (guitar, keyboards, banjo), Dan Morrell (guitar), Kayne Neugebauer (bass) and Nick Van Leer (drums), started out in 2011 and have performed across New Jersey with shows in New York, Pennsylvania and New England mixed in as well. Check out their upcoming shows here.
You can catch Fish House Road on Friday, October 4 with After Funk at Barranquilla Studios in Brooklyn; January 3, 2020 at Mercury Lounge; and they’ll be at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ with Splintered Sunlight on Saturday, October 12.
