NYS Music 20​19

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  • In Focus: Nothing Finer Than Phish In Carolina

    Phish fired on all cylinders at North Charleston Coliseum, making their seventh visit to the South Carolina venue deliciously-memorable for the sold-out crowd. Bust-out covers, banter, and barely played original tunes elevated the already enticing jam tapestry that this band is known for.

    Page McConnell, Jon Fishman and Trey Anastasio sing “Carolina”

    The band began the three night run with an acapella “Carolina,” which was last played on 12/30/2016 at Madison Square Garden. “Carolina” was followed by the crowd hyping Phish original, “Party Time.” The bust-outs continued with “Strawberry Letter 23” by Shuggie Otis, marking the fourth time that the band has played this beloved cover. During the second set, the audience was treated to Led Zeppelin’s “No Quarter,” last played 12/29/2018 at Madison Square Garden.

    Trey Anastasio was all smiles at North Charleston Coliseum

    “I Been Around,” last played at MGM Grand on 11/1/2018, made an appearance, complete with humorous lead in pun. Trey said: “Hey Page, I’ve been wondering. Where have you been anyways?” Page cleverly replied “I’ve been around,” which lead into the song.

    Two barely played original tunes graced the set list, including “Destiny Unbound,” last played on 2/23/2019. The encore included an even more rare “Bittersweet Motel,” last played on 7/6/2016.

    Phish certainly gave their dedicated fans a reason to travel to the Palmetto State. They are back in action the next two nights at North Charleston Coliseum. Both nights are understandably sold out, however Phish is offering a live webcast of the event. Visit Live Phish to prevent further FOMO on this already legendary run.

    Setlist courtesy of phish.net

    Friday, December 6

    Set One: Carolina, Party Time, Strawberry Letter 23 > Undermind, I Been Around > Divided Sky, The Sloth, Destiny Unbound, We Are Come to Outlive Our Brains > My Friend, My Friend[1] > About to Run, The Horse > Silent in the Morning, David Bowie

    Set Two: Axilla > Scents and Subtle Sounds > No Quarter > Your Pet Cat, Mercury > Saw It Again > Limb By Limb[2] > The Lizards, Suzy Greenberg

    Encore: Bittersweet Motel[3] > Death Don’t Hurt Very Long > Loving Cup

    [1] No “Myfe” ending.
    [2] Unfinished.
    [3] Lyrics changed to “halfway from Charleston to Pittsburgh.”

    Page McConnell got funky at North Charleston Coliseum

    Saturday, December 7

    Set One: Fluffhead > Ocelot, Nellie Kane > The Dogs > Reba, Halfway to the Moon > Train Song > Guyute, Strange Design, Moonage Daydream

    Set Two: The Connection, Mr. Completely > Crosseyed and Painless > Dirt, Cool Amber and Mercury > Split Open and Melt > Crosseyed and Painless > Split Open and Melt, A Life Beyond The Dream > Wilson > The Squirming Coil

    Encore: Grind, Frankenstein

  • Turkuaz Kicks Kuadrochrome Tour into high gear with Sold Out Debut at FTC Warehouse

    Brooklyn-based Turkuaz got their latest Kuadrochrome tour rolling Thursday with a stop in Fairfield, CT. They sold out Fairfield Theatre Company’s Warehouse, and as they are known to do, turned the venue into a funkadelic dance party.

    turkuaz Kuadrochrome Tour
    Turkuaz at FTC Warehouse – Photo by: Chris Sidoruk

    Turkuaz brought a Philadelphia trio by the name of GREAT TIME from to open the evening. GREAT TIME was able to form the crowd early and definitely got them warming up their dance moves for what was to come.

    turkuaz Kuadrochrome Tour
    GREAT TIME at FTC Warehouse – Photo by: Chris Sidoruk

    By the time Turkuaz hit the stage, the room was packed full and buzzing with energy. Everyone eagerly anticipated what was in store with the new tour. From opener to encore, the band delivered. They brought a 2-hour nonstop mix of new and old tunes with a sprinkling of cover material to which the crowd loved every minute. As far as tour openers go, you couldn’t have asked for much better of a night.

    Read more TURKUAZ on NYS Music!

  • Cousin Earth announce lineup for 9th Annual Wintercourse

    Brooklyn group Cousin Earth will hold their 9th annual Wintercourse on Saturday, January 4 at Knitting Factory. Joining the show will be The Breakfast, Of Clocks and Clouds and Medusa’s Disco. Check out last year’s Wintercourse event and NYS’ coverage here, and check out footage below.

    A one-night-only “music and comedy festival,” was created nine years ago by Corey J. Feldman of Cousin Earth. It has since evolved to focus mainly on the music, though comedy is always present. This year’s festivities will be hosted by stand-up comedian and SiriusXM radio personality, Brett Siddell; and feature performances by Medusa’s Disco, Of Clocks And Clouds, The Breakfast (featuring members of Kung Fu,) and of course, Brooklyn’s own Cousin Earth. 

    The evening of music kicks off on Saturday, January 4 at The Knitting Factory (361 Metropolitan Ave.) Doors are at 7:30pm and the music kicks off at 8pm. The show is 21+ and ID will be required. Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door and can be purchased online. 

     “I’m proud that we’ve kept this party going for nine years. It feels like a real tradition,” says Corey J.Feldman, ukulele bassist for Cousin Earth. “It keeps getting better and better every year. The band and I are really looking forward to this one.”

    Over the past nine years, Wintercourse has gravitated towards focusing more on music and has featured performances by acts such as Bella’s Bartok, Funky Dawgz Brass Band, The Reformed Whores, Space Bacon, Chromatropic, Teddy Midnight, The Matty Carl Project, Mercury Landing, Stevie and The Lion and many others.

  • Matisyahu’s Festival of Light Returns to Brooklyn December 29

    Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Matisyahu has announced his annual Festival of Lights show for 2019, scheduled for December 29 at Brooklyn Steel. The special evening falls on the last night of Chanukah and will feature performances from Matisyahu, Bedouin Soundclash and Your Old Droog, as well as other special guests to be announced.

    Founded in 2006, Matisyahu‘s Festival of Light is a concert celebration occurring during or throughout the Chanukah season. It presents a community of like-minded musicians to celebrate the season’s spirit of unity and to transcend barriers. The show kicks off at 6:30pm

    The Festival of Light show wraps a string of tour dates across North America, with Matisyahu playing the likes of Salt Lake City, Aspen, Tulsa, St. Louis, Montreal and Buffalo alongside reggae/rock band Bedouin Soundclash.

    Perhaps one of the most eclectic talents in popular music today, singer-songwriter Matisyahu has been captivating audiences since he burst onto the scene in late 2005. His infectious mix of reggae, hip hop and soul has attracted the praise of a multitude of fans and critics alike, with his performances showcasing a raw expression of his spirituality to thousands of people across the world.

    Matisyahu's Festival of Light

    Matisyahu Tour Dates

    Dec. 5 – Belly Up Aspen – Aspen, CO

    Dec. 6 – Center for the Arts – Crested Butte, CO

    Dec. 7 – Gothic Theatre – Englewood, CO

    Dec. 8 – Aggie Theatre – Fort Collins, CO

    Dec. 11 – Cannery Ballroom – Nashville, TN

    Dec. 12 – Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK

    Dec. 13 – Delmar Hall – St. Louis, MO

    Dec. 20 – Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY

    Dec. 21 – Corona Theatre – Montreal, QC

    Dec. 22 – Higher Ground Ballroom – South Burlington, VT

    Dec. 26 – Ridgefield Playhouse – Ridgefield, CT

    Dec. 27 – Greenwich Odeum – East Greenwich, RI

    Dec. 28 – Tupelo Music Hall – Derry, NJ

    Dec. 29 – Festival of Light – Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, NY

  • Premiere: Intercity rocker Diamond Jones releases brilliant short film for his latest single ‘Ashes and Diamonds’

    For someone shuffling between cities like Brooklyn and Toronto, the term ‘intercity’ is best to define their mild case of vagabondary. For solo rock n roller Justin “Diamond” Jones, who has been on the inside of the scene for the past 18 years, it aptly describes his constant travel between London, Los Angeles, Toronto and Brooklyn.

    Ashes and Diamonds (Full) from Justin Jones on Vimeo.

    Having just released his debut single, “Ashes and Diamonds,” Jones also is releasing a short film based around the track, as well as a music video. Having played on stage with John “Twink” Alder from Santa Barbara Machine Head, in groups such as Tomorrow, The Pretty Things and The Pink Fairies, and recorded in The Clash’s studio, Jones is a rare remnant of artistic integrity with a story to be told.

    “Ashes and Diamonds” is Diamond Jones’ return to the rock n’ roll and film scene after a period of solitude and devise. Jones solely shines this feat himself: all instruments are played, recorded and produced on his own. Likewise, the film is written, directed, and stars Jones.

    Born in Toronto, Ontario, Justin “Diamond” Jones as a young adult was involved with a group of semi-professional skateboarders during a time that rock n’ roll was seeing a revival, stemming from the skateboarding community. At that time he stumbled upon Bob Dylan’s Bringing It All Back Home and shortly after disappeared off the grid to develop his craft as an artist.

    Years later, Jones found himself in London, and quickly began performing around the city on guitar and piano. Jones has spent the past three years in Canada, isolating himself to refine his skills and prepare for his prolific return to the music & film scene.

  • Celebrate the life of Jerry Garcia with all-star lineup at The Capitol Theatre, Dec. 13-14.

    The songbook of Jerry Garcia will once again fill the halls of The Capitol Theatre, with ‘Home for the Holidays,’ on December 13 and 14.

    The two nights will feature Melvin Seals, Oteil Burbridge, Tom Hamilton, Duane Trucks, Jacklyn LaBranch, and Lady Chi joining together on stage and bringing the community together as they celebrate what would have been Garcia’s 77th year. Spread a little holiday cheer with the Garcia Family at a special party in Garcia’s featuring DJ Jerrbrother of the Garcia’s Forest at LOCKN’. More info can be found here.

    celebrate jerry garcia

  • We Banjo 3 Start 2020 Tour in New York State

    Celtic Bluegrass pioneers We Banjo 3 will commence their 2020 Rise & Shine tour in New York State. Night one takes place January 11 at The Stanley in Utica. The following day they’ll be at the Landmark Theater in Port Washington. They circle back to New York later in the month to play Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs on January 23. Ticket information is available on We Banjo 3’s website.

    We Banjo 3 is comprised of two sets of brothers – Enda & Fergal Scahill and Martin & David Howley – two of which still reside in Galaway, Ireland, and two of which have relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. Their sixth release, Roots to Rise Live, debuted at the beginning of August at number one on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums Chart spending four weeks in the peak position. Their 2018 album Haven re-entered the charts at the number five position in August as well, making them the first Irish band to hold two top-five chart positions simultaneously.  

    We Banjo 3 Tour Dates

    Sat, 1/11–Utica, NY–The Stanley Theatre
    Sun, 1/12–Port Washington, NY–Landmark on Mainstreet
    Tues, 1/14–Sellersville, PA–Sellersville Theater 
    Wed, 1/15–Erie, PA–Walker Recital Hall
    Fri, 1/17–Cincinnati, OH–Memorial Hall
    Sat, 1/18–Columbus, OH–Newport Music Hall
    Sun, 1/19–Grand Rapids, MI–Listening Room 
    Wed, 1/22–Old Saybrook, CT–Katharine Hepburn Cult Art Ctr
    Thurs, 1/23–Saratoga Springs, NY–Café Lena
    Fri, 1/24–Portland, ME–Aura
    Sat, 1/25–Somerville, MA–Somerville Theatre
    Fri, 2/21–Bellevue, WA—Wintergrass
    Sat, 2/22–Bellevue, WA–Wintergrass
    Sun, 2/23–Portland, OR–Aladdin Theater
    Tues, 2/25–Loveland, CO–Rialto Theater 
    Thurs, 2/27–South Orange, NJ–South Orange PAC
    Fri, 2/28–State College, PA–The State Theatre 
    Sat, 2/29–Frederick, MD–Weinberg Center for the Arts
    Sun, 3/1–Richmond, VA–Tin Pan Listening Room
    Wed, 3/4–Kent, OH–Kent Stage
    Thurs, 3/5–Ann Arbor, MI–The Ark
    Fri, 3/6–Ann Arbor, MI–The Ark
    Sat, 3/7–Lafayette, IN–Long Center for the Performing Arts
    Sun, 3/8–Chicago, IL–City Winery
    Wed, 3/11–Mineral Point, WI–The Mineral Point Opera House
    Thurs, 3/12–Viroqua, WI–Historic Temple Theatre
    Fri, 3/13–Green Bay, WI–Meyer Theatre
    Sat, 3/14–Milwaukee, WI–Pabst Theatre
    Sun, 3/15–Minneapolis, MN–The Cedar Cultural Center
    Tues, 3/17–Hailey, ID–Liberty Theatre
    Wed, 3/18–Hailey, ID–Liberty Theatre
    Fri, 3/20–Kansas City, MO–The Truman
    Sat, 3/21–St Louis, MO–Delmar Hall

  • Maroon 5’s Announces Expansive 2020 Tour – Three NY Dates on Tap

    Maroon 5 has announced 2020 North American summer tour dates scheduled to start on May 30 in Chula Vista, California. The tour will include Meghan Trainor and Leon Bridges for selected shows and will make three different stops in New York before wrapping up on Sept. 17 in Tampa, Florida.

    They will be performing all across North America and performing at some of the largest venues in their career. Their three New York shows are in Flushing at Citi Field on June 25, Darien Center at Darien Lake Amphitheater on June 27, and Saratoga Springs at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Sept. 6. 

    Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, Dec. 13 at 12:00 p.m.via Ticketmaster. For more information on the tour visit Maroon 5’s website.

    Find the full tour lineup below including previously scheduled shows:

    Feb. 23 —  Foro Sol – Mexico City, MX 

    Feb. 28 —  Estadio Bicentenario de la Florida – Santiago, CL 

    March 1 —  Allinaz Parque – Sao Paulo, BR 

    March 3 —  Estadio Mane Garrincha – Brasilia, BR

    March 5 — Classic Hall –  Recife, BR 

    March 7 —  Estacionamento da Jeunesse – Rio de Janeiro, BR 

    March 10 —  Estadio Centenario – Montevideo, UY 

    March 12 —  Campo Argentino de Polo – Buenos Aires, AR

    March 14 —  Parque Salitre Magico – Bogota, CO 

    May 30 —  North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre – Chula Vista, CA 

    May 31 —  Ak-Chin Pavilion – Phoenix, AZ #

    June 3 —  Isleta Amphitheater – Alburquerque, NM #

    June 5 —  Pepsi Center – Denver, CO  #

    June 7 —  Austin360 Amphitheater – Austin, TX #

    June 8 —  The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – Houston, TX #

    June 10 —  Dos Equis Pavilion – Dallas, TX #

    June 13 —  Wrigley Field – Chicago, IL # %

    June 14 —  Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center – Noblesville, IN #

    June 16 —  DTE Energy Music Theatre – Clarkston, MI #

    June 18 —  Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH #

    June 19 —  KeyBank Pavilion – Burgettstown, PA  #

    June 24 —  Fenway Park – Boston, MA # %

    June 25 —  Citi Field – Flushing, NY # %

    June 27 —  Darien Lake Amphitheater – Darien Center, NY  #

    June 28 —  Budweiser Stage – Toronto, ON #

    Aug. 2 —  Simmons Bank Arena – North Little Rock, AR #

    Aug. 4 —  Chesapeake Energy Arena – Oklahoma City, OK  #

    Aug. 6 —  Pinnacle Bank Arena – Lincoln, NE #

    Aug. 8 —  Fargodome – Fargo, ND #

    Aug. 9 —  Xcel Energy Center – St. Paul, MN #

    Aug. 12 —  Rogers Place – Edmonton, AB #

    Aug. 14 —  Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC #

    Aug. 15 —  White River Amphitheatre – Auburn, WA  #

    Aug. 17 —  Moda Center – Portland, OR  #

    Aug. 19 —  Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA  #

    Aug. 21 —  Banc of California Stadium – Los Angeles, CA  # %

    Aug. 24 —  USANA Amphitheatre – Salt Lake City, UT #

    Aug. 27 —  Sprint Center – Kansas City, MO #

    Aug. 29 —  Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Maryland Heights, MO  #

    Aug. 30 —  American Family Insurance Amphitheater – Milwaukee, WI #

    Sept. 1 —  Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH #

    Sept. 3 —  BB&T Pavilion – Camden, NJ #

    Sept. 5 — Hersheypark Stadium –  Hershey, PA #

    Sept. 6 —  Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Saratoga Springs, NY  #

    Sept. 9 —  XFINITY Theatre – Hartford, CT  #

    Sept. 11 —  Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA  #

    Sept. 12 —  Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek – Raleigh, NC  #

    Sept. 14 —  PNC Music Pavilion – Charlotte, NC  #

    Sept. 16 —  Coral Sky Amphitheatre – West Palm Beach, FL #

    Sept. 17 —  MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre –  Tampa, FL #

    # = w/ Meghan Trainor

    % = w/ Leon Bridges

  • Caravan of Thieves and P.J. Pacifico Return to FTC Stage One

    Caravan of Thieves recently returned to Fairfield, CT, with singer/songwriter P.J. Pacifico opening the night. The fans, or as the Thieves dub them “the freaks,” were treated to some great displays of musical talent and passion at the intimate FTC Stage One venue.

    Caravan of Thieves
    Caravan of Thieves at FTC Stage One – Photo by: Chris Sidoruk

    P.J. Pacifico kicked things off with his acoustic performance and the Stage One room was the perfect setting. The audience was so attentive to his songs and musicianship, at times you could hear a pin drop. P.J. thoroughly appreciated this and thanked the attendees a few times.

    Caravan of Thieves
    P.J. Pacifico at FTC Stage One – Photo by: Chris Sidoruk

    Caravan of Thieves, fronted by Fuzz and Carrie Sangiovanni, changed up the pace of the evening with their high-energy gypsy rock. They were a unique performance and a pleasure to watch. The band came out swinging and didn’t stop until the closer, in which they came out into the crowd and everyone gathered around. It was a special moment and a fitting send off.

    Caravan of Thieves at FTC Stage One – Photos by: Chris Sidoruk

  • Natalie Merchant to be Honored at 39th Annual John Lennon Tribute

    In celebration of what would have been John’s Lennon’s 79th birthday, grassroots non-profit Theatre Within has announced artists for the 39th Annual John Lennon Tribute on Friday, December 6, including Natalie Merchant. The event will be held at Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space on Broadway and 95th street.

    In addition to artist-activist Natalie Merchant, who will be honored as the sixth recipient of the “John Lennon Real Love Award,” the Tribute will feature performances by Joan Osborne, Rachael Yamagata, Sam Amidon, Willie Nile and Raye Zaragoza, backed by a band led by drummer Rich Pagano, one of the founding members of the Fab Faux.

    Merchant, who will be appearing in the long-running charity concert for first time, said in a statement:

     “John and Yoko’s activism had a profound impact upon me as a child. Through their ingenious war protests they challenged the entire world to reflect upon itself. In my estimation, ‘Imagine’ remains the most powerful three minutes and eight seconds of music ever recorded. It contains a vision of our highest aspirations in the most concise language and simple melody. John and Yoko realized that popular art and celebrity could be used to push society closer toward equity and compassion. I’ve tried to follow their example throughout my life, as an artist and citizen. It’s such an honor to be recognized for my work with the John Lennon Real Love award this year.”

     “With her beautiful songs, social activism, and support of charitable causes, Natalie Merchant has truly brightened our world and our hearts,” said Yoko Ono. “Natalie’s outspokenness on the environment, domestic violence, and special-needs children shines light on these vitally important issues. I am so happy that Theatre Within is honoring her with this year’s John Lennon Real Love Award.” 

    Theatre Within Artistic Director and longtime Tribute producer/host, Joe Raiola says of Merchant, “John Lennon combined music and social activism in a unique and remarkably positive way. Natalie Merchant is a great artist blazing a similar path with heart, caring and compassion, and she is very deserving of this honor.”

    Proceeds from the Tribute will support Theatre Within’s ongoing free workshops – in songwriting, art, meditation and more – at Gilda’s Club NYC for those whose lives have been impacted by cancer. Workshops include the John Lennon Real Love Project, a visionary songwriting program for children, which will be made available to public schools and libraries in the NY tri-state area starting in the spring of 2020.

    Tickets for Theatre Within’s 39th Annual John Lennon Tribute are currently sold out. However, additional seats may be released for sale. For seat availability, visit LennonTribute.org. A limited number of VIP packages with up-close center orchestra seats are available at LennonTribute.org/join-friends.

    Theatre Within’s Annual John Lennon Tribute is produced in association with Music Without Borders. It is the only ongoing John Lennon Tribute concert in the world sanctioned by Yoko Ono.