NYS Music 202​0

Author: Jessica Sherman

  • Rufus Wainwright Presents Live-Stream 2021 Tour

    Singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright has announced a virtual live-stream tour for the 2021 winter season. Dubbed ‘Rufus-Retro-Wainwright-Spective!’, the tour will take music fans through all of Wainwright’s nine studio albums. Each album will be seen in chronological order, with the much praised debut album Release the Stars kicking off the tour on January 8.

    Rufus Wainwright

    Accompanying Wainwright will be guitarist Brian Green and keyboardist/pianist Jacob Mann, helping to revamp older songs that have not been played onstage in years. Also featured will be cover song that fans had a chance to vote on, along with special guests serving as the concert’s micro-audience.

    Recently nominated for the GRAMMY® Award nominee for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, Wainwright expressed his excitement in a press release for the upcoming tour:

    “I did not expect to have so much fun redoing my first 4 albums with Brian and Jacob on guitar and piano in October and November. So many songs I had not performed live in decades as I always thought they needed a large band but they actually hold up quite well in this very intimate living room setting.  I wasn’t sure how fans would react and whether anyone would buy tickets. Well, my fans have and I am incredibly grateful for their support and for the opportunity to go all the way on this road to my last album. I am so excited that Unfollow the Rules was just nominated for a Grammy and I would love to to actually end this retrospective as a Grammy winner. But even without I feel I have won a lot through this experience.” 

    Tickets are on sale now for $20.00 in advance and $25.00 day of show. Bundles are available and come with the opportunity for fans to participate in intimate Q&A’s with Wainwright and other surprises. Go here to purchase tickets. 

    Dates for RUFUS-RETRO-WAINWRIGHT-SPECTIVE 2021! 

    Jan. 8 – Release the Stars (Side 1)

    Jan. 15 – Release the Stars (Side 2) + Fireside Chat

    Jan. 22 – All Days are Nights: Songs for Lulu (Side 1)

    Jan. 29 – All Days are Nights: Songs for Lulu (Side 2) + Fireside Chat

    Feb. 5 – Out of the Game (Side 1)

    Feb. 12 – Out of the Game (Side 2) + Fireside Chat

    Feb. 19 – Take All My Loves: 9 Shakespeare Sonnets

    Feb. 26 – Rufus at the Movies (Soundtrack Songs) + Fireside Chat

    March 4 – Unfollow the Rules (Side 1)

    March 12 – Unfollow the Rules (Side 2) + Fireside Chat 

    Wainwright along with friends and family of the acclaimed musical clans of Waingwrights, McGarrigles and Roches will also be presenting their beloved annual family Christmas show ‘A No So Silent Night – Virtually Together’. Streaming live on veeps.com December 30, the show will take place 12 p.m. PST from Los Angeles, 3 p.m. EST from New York and 8 p.m. GMT from Montreal simultaneously.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW63hvA0NJE

  • “Say Their Names” Raises Awareness for Macy Gray’s Non-Profit MyGood

    MyGood has teamed up with a roster of roots creators and contemporary jazz artists to produce “Say Their Names.” Set to release online December 11, the four-movement composition urgently calls for social justice.

    Featured on the track is Rastafarian vocalist Cedric Myton (singer of Jamaica’s legendary roots reggae band The Congos), jazz scat vocal improvisations from Maiya Sykes, pianist Ruslan Sirota, saxophonist Katisse Buckingham, bassist Benjamin Shepherd, and Latin GRAMMY-winning percussionist Diego Álvarez Muñoz. Los Angeles producer Ethan Sultry composed and arranged “Say Their Names.”

    Say Their Names
    Cover artwork for “Say Their Names” is a concept by Toons One
    Colored by Allen Passalaqua of DC comics.

    The track is an open protest against the senseless police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other black men and women. Sounds emulating the Black Lives Matter marches in Los Angeles make the bones of the song. The moving chant “Something’s not right I fear, people gone who should be here, I don’t feel okay today, so I’ll march and say their names,” echos the feelings of anger and despair that have been felt by too many.

    I knew the composition needed a spiritual guide who held ancient truths, one who has experienced real artistic rebellion. While visiting Papa Michigan at Mixing Lab Studio in Jamaica, I heard the unforgettable falsetto of Cedric Myton. He blew me away. During the LA protests, I marched downtown. Macy Gray and I had previously begun to talk about collaborating on something and so immediately I reached out to her. I was hoping she’d sing the song, but our schedules didn’t align so we ultimately connected to raise awareness for her new non-profit MyGood. Subsequently, Cedric came to mind, and he recorded his takes out of Tuff Gong Studio. ‘Say Their Names’ really took off from there.

    Ethan Sultry, Los Angeles Producer

    Macy Gray found MyGood in July 2020. The non-profit’s mission is to bring relief to those that lost loved ones due to police violence. Recognizing the traumatic effects the event has on the families left behind MyGood offers financial, mental health and advocacy support regardless of circumstances behind the incidents.

    “Say Their Names” can be downloaded on all major online music retailers and will be available for free on sirsultrymusic.com. Donations can be made to mygood.org.

    Macy Gray speaks on “making the world a better place.”

  • Joe Walsh Announces VetsAid 2020 with Bon Jovi, Willie Nelson and More

    Joe Walsh announced the initial lineup for the fourth annual fundraiser VetsAid, on Veteran’s Day. Branded “VetsAid 2020: Home for the Holidays,” the event is scheduled to stream online on December 12.

    VetsAid

    Joining the multi-Grammy winning Eagles guitarist online for the event will be Eddie Vedder, Jon Bon Jovi, Daryl Hall, James Hetfield, Alice Cooper, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton, Steven Van Zandt, Brandon Flowers, Gwen Stefani, and many more.

    However, additional artists are to be announced soon. The charitable event will also feature previously unreleased footage from past VetsAid events.

    Tickets go on sale Wednesday, November 18 at 12 p.m. EST on their website. Base pricing starts at $20, with discounts available for active duty military and veterans. Proceeds from the event go directly to selected veterans’ services charities. All selected charities have been screened beforehand by the non profit organization with assistance from the Combined Arms Institute.

    Typically the star- studded fundraiser occurs around the Veteran’s Day holiday. Consequently though, back in August, a decision was made to make the 2020 edition different.

    Joe Walsh said of the virtual event:

    For the past three years we’ve held this glorious traveling circus in cities across the country with a day-long rock and roll festival and jobs fair to support our veterans and their families. Typically, we fill up an arena, play for five hours, and raise a bunch of money — nearly $1.5 million to date — to help our veterans get the care and support they deserve. But because of COVID this year, we’re going virtual as so many things are.

    VetsAid launched on September 20, 2017 at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA according to the press release. VetsAid typically seeks to host the events in cities across the country with large veteran populations. Past performers include musicians James Taylor, Chris Stapleton, Don Henley, ZZ Top, Sheryl Crow, The Doobie Brothers, Zac Brown Band, Jason Isbell, Keith Urban, Haim, Gary Clark Jr. and Joe’s brother-in-law Ringo.

    For more information, please visit VetsAid Website.

  • Upstate Home of Aaron Copland to Host NPR Tiny Desk Concert

    National Public Radio has announced a very special program featuring instrumental works by Oscar-winning composer Aaron Copland. Streaming from inside Aaron Copland’s home studio in Upstate New York on November 13 at 5 a.m, like all Tiny Desk Concerts, the performance will be available to stream on the NPR Tiny Desk page indefinitely.

    In fact, the concert takes place a day before what would have been Aaron Copland’s 120th birthday.

    Aaron Copland
    Top: Composer Aaron Copland
    Bottom Left to Right: Carol Wincenc (flutist), Curtis Macomber (violinist), Michael Boriskin (Copland House Artistic and Executive Director)

    Artists from the internationally-acclaimed Music from Copland House (MCH) ensemble will perform a variety of selections from Copland’s library. Duo for Flute and Piano, composed in that very room; Sonata for Violin and Piano and Three Moods for Piano are all part of the set list.

    Born in Brooklyn, his peers and critics referred to Copland as “the Dean of American Composers.” Making a home in New York’s lower Hudson Valley for 30 years, Copland passed in 1990. After the composer’s death, the estate was marked a National Historic Landmark. Revered as a first-of-its kind creative center for American music, the estate is the composer’s only U.S. home. Devoted to championing America’s rich musical heritage through a broad range of public, educational, and informational programs, its activities uniquely embrace the entire artistic process, from creation and development to study, presentation, and preservation. The Music from Copland House ensemble is the entity’s touring residence which journeys across 150 years of the American musical landscape in concerts, recordings, and other programs.

    Tiny Desk Concerts are a video series of live concerts hosted at the desk of All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen. Currently, the acclaimed series is hosted in the home of artists across the globe due to COVID-19. In October, NYC’s pop duo Gracie and Rachel joined the growing list of at home Tiny Desk Concerts.

  • Bardavon Presents 50th Anniversary Tribute to The Velvet Underground

    The Bardavon Opera House has announced a 50th anniversary celebration of Loaded by legendary rock band The Velvet Underground. Streaming free on Youtube November 15th at 8 p.m., the set includes curated commentary by Bardavon’s Stephen LaMarca with Chris Silva, Michael Nickerson and others.

    The Velvet Underground

    Formed in 1964 singer/guitarist Lou Reed, multi-instrumentalist John Cale, guitarist Sterling Morrison, and drummer Angus MacLise, The Velvet Underground’s sound pushed the envelope by introducing rock to something sexier and with more grit. Although having a sound way beyond their time, a unlikely benefactor helped skyrocket the group to success.

    At the end of 1965 pop art icon Andy Warhol saw the band at a club and quickly as sold.Warhol assumed management of the group and incorporated them into his mixed-media/performance art ensemble, the Exploding Plastic Inevitable. By spring 1966, Warhol was producing their debut album. Besides album sales never reflected such, The Velvet Undergound’s is still revered as one of the best rock bands of all time.

    Featuring original performances from Loaded by The Velvet Underground, created especially for the Bardavon: 

    “Who Loves the Sun” – Tracy Bonham w/ Kevin Salem

    “Sweet Jane” – Simi Stone

    “Rock & Roll” – Steve Wynn from Dream Syndicate

    “Cool it Down” – Lost Leaders

    “New Age” – Leah Hennessey from Hennessey

    “Head held High” – Deerhoof

    “Lonesome Cowboy Bill” – John Doe from X

    “I Found a Reason” – Matthew Logan Vasquez of Delta Spirit

    “Train Round the Bend” – Satellite Mode

    “Oh! Sweet Nuthin’” – Harmony Rockets w/ members of Mercury Rev, Psychedelic Furs and Hugo Largo

    Session outtake: Ocean – Shana Falana

    Bardavon’s streaming series became an important way for the opera house’s to stay connected to music fans during Covid-19. Archived albums currently available for viewing on their Youtube channel include; Bob Dylan’s ‘Highway 61’, Grateful Dead’s ‘American Beauty’, Hudson Valley Philharmonic, Randy Fleischer and HVP Virtual Concert Hall #1.

    A portion of all donations from this streaming series will benefit People’s Place in Kingston & Dutchess Outreach in Poughkeepsie

  • Skyloft in Crossgates Mall Falls Victim to Music Industry Shutdown

    Skyloft, which opened in early 2019 in at Crossgates Mall near Albany, has closed permanently. Announcements were made via the establishment’s social media.

    Skyloft

    With rising “concerns and restrictions brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic” it left the operators no choice but to close according to the post.

    The statement from operators on Facebook said:

    “Although endings are bittersweet, we are forever grateful for the support we have enjoyed since opening our doors. Our mission was to reignite musical tastes across the vast genre spectrum, and provide a full scale home for the area’s live music community. We were welcomed with open arms, and for that we thank each and every one of you. Without our patrons, our artists, and our staff, we would not have been able to accomplish our goals, and we wish to acknowledge our deepest appreciation for all three.

    What comes next, we do not know. Rest assured the beat will play on and in some capacity or another and we will meet again on a dance floor somewhere soon. Until then, be excellent to each other, to yourselves, be safe, and party on.”

    Since March the pandemic has forced the closures of venues nationwide in attempts to control the spread of the virus. The sudden end to business threatened a number of the region’s entertainment businesses, which were forced to furlough or lay off an unknown number of employees.  

    Skyloft opened in April 2019, offering a menu that featured barbecue food and a space for concerts with a capacity of 600-800 people.It was the second venue of its type to open at Crossgates Mall. Lucky Strike Social, the large bowling alley, concert venue and bar and grill that opened in 2016, closed just months after Skyloft opened.

    skyloft

  • The Palace Sessions to Feature Wild Adriatic

    The Palace Theatre, the City of Albany and Mirth Films have announced that rock band Wild Adriatic will be featured on the next episode of “The Palace Sessions”. Wild Adriatic’s performance will stream for free on October 28 at 7 p.m. on The Palace Theatre’s Youtube channel.

    Palace Sessions Wild Adriatic

    The Palace Sessions began over the summer due to COVID restrictions in place that prohibited the Palace Theater from continuing their scheduled performances. The monthly sessions feature live music performances from some of the favorite regional acts. The series kicked off on July 15th wih a performance by Wurliday. Other previous performers include Eastbound Jesus (August Session) and The Amico-Barady Quartet (September Session).


    During the performances donations are being accepted which will assist the Palace Theatre in continuing its mission to bring world-class arts and entertainment to New York’s Capital Region. During The Palace Sessions featuring Wild Adriatic, donations can be made directly through the Palace Theatre’s Text To Give program, by texting Palace2020 to 44321.

    Wild Adriatic is a six member rock band who formed in Saratoga Springs in 2011. Rooted in the rowdy spirit of rock & roll, Wild Adriatic has built an international audience on a combination of groove, grit, and guitar-heavy swagger. In April 2019, the band won Rock/Pop Artist of the Year and Album of the Year at the inaugural Eddies awards.

    Built in 1931, The Palace has remained Albany’s iconic downtown landmark over the past eight decades, bringing the biggest names in entertainment to the Capital Region. Offering top notch performances along with culture enhancing programs to residents the Palace has a significant imprint on the region. Economically it brings in $3.5 million in ticket sales and 180,000 patrons each year.

  • OmniZen Studios’ Shane Morris Releases COVID-19 Album

    The Capital Region’s OmniZen Studios has announced a brand new album from founder Shane Morris. Dubbed Memories of Life, an album release party is set to occur at the historic remodeled Madison Theatre in Albany. The show is free with the purchase of food on October 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Joining Morris will be Capital Region songwriter Corry Loveday.

    OmniZen Studios

    Memories of Life is Morris’s first album in nine years. Previously he had released Waves of Inspiration in 2011 while a student at the College of Saint Rose in Albany. Since graduation numerous musical ventures have taken place for Morris including the formation of OmniZen Studios in 2017. NYS Music spoke with Shane Morris on how life has changed for OmniZen particularly during the pandemic.

    Jessica Sherman: What pulled on you to create music?

    Shane Morris: The thing that really got me into music was the guitar. A childhood friend and I would listen to his mother play the guitar. So one day I told my mom that I really wanted a guitar for my birthday. They got me guitar lessons from a music shop in Walden, NY and off we went.

    In two years I went through two guitar teachers with the latter turning into a future jam buddy. Then I started singing in choir during middle and high school. Through conversations with my choir director I realized that having a career as a musician was plausible.

    Now I own OmniZen Studios with a Latin Grammy nomination under the name, thanks to work completed with Alex Torres y Su Orchestra in 2018.

    JS: What drove you to record the album?

    SM:The inspiration for this album actually came from the feelings and experiences I had during COVID-19. Specifically, during this time I actually fostered a new friendship. Six of the songs on this album are based on this friendhsip. I also chose to re-release a few of my older songs from my previous album, ‘Waves of Inspiration’. This album came out after my graduation from The College of Saint Rose in 2011.

    JS: How do you think the pandemic has affected the music industry specifically?

    SM: I think COVID has impacted the music industry in, honestly, one of the worst ways imaginable. My business has taken an approximate revenue loss of about 50% during this time period when compared to last year. It put me in a few really uncomfortable positions, and I’ve had to make some tough choices along the way. Usually during the summer months I’m out doing live sound reinforcement for festivals and shows while my other employees produce music back at the studio. With COVID, that side of my business basically doesn’t exist.

    For example, it took OmniZen Studios three venue changes just to put on a fundraiser for my friends whose house burned down in June. The two venues I was considering in Albany for the fundraiser eventually just ran into too much red tape to host my event, and I came to the decision that the best place for it would be Stable Gate Farm and Winery in Schodack, NY.

    JS: Any dream collaborations in the future?

    SM: I’m always very open on who I collaborate with! It’s actually part of my musical philosophy that music is part of the human spirit, and it helps us all to connect to each other. I love to host jam sessions in my space and make music with whoever is really interested in what we’re doing. One of the main focuses of OmniZen from its inception was to bring an open forum and space to the musical community where lower income artists can come together and help raise up and promote the entire Capital Region music scene.

    Some of my favorite collaborations include a roots/reggae album produced for Joseph Fleuriot, also known as Papa Joe, and most recently, my re-recorded version of “I’ll Be There Soon”, featuring the super talented Stephanie Gettys on backup vocals, which is also included on ‘Memories of Life’. In the future, I really hope to collaborate with some of the up and coming hip hop artists such as area native Freedom Stratton, who recently released his album titled The Future.

    OmniZen Studios Jam Session

    JS: What does the future hold for OmniZen and Shane Morris?

    SM: That is really an open ended question at this point. COVID has brought me to a point where I’m currently re-organizing the way my business operates to make sure it’s still profitable in the future, which involves taking on more remote and voice over type work.

    Also, I’m currently enrolled in a certificate program with the NYU Clive Davis Center for Recorded Music. After that is complete, I’m planning on applying to masters degree programs. I might even end up on the west coast in the next year or so. Of course, OmniZen will still exist in some capacity.

  • ADAPT Conference is The Event For Music Professionals

    Big Picture Media have teamed with Kevin Lyman Group + Dynamic Talent International to announce a special one time event. ‘The ADAPT Conference’ will focus on entertainment professionals who have found ways to adapt to the changing climate. Attendees can expect a “crash course” on entertainment’s pandemic business models.

    adapt conference ad

    The one-day ticketed event will occur on October 22 via the Whova Conferencing App. Tickets are currently on sale at  https://adaptconference.eventbrite.com/ Industry Professionals: $149 Industry 4-Pack: $400 Students: $49.

    Scholarships have been made available for industry professionals who are currently unemployed due to COVID19. Approved applicants will receive 50% off conference registration and a spot on the “Open To Work” directory. Applications for the ADAPT Unemployment Scholarship are now open .

    March saw a screeching halt of a majority of the entertainment industry including live events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant amount of the world’s economy frozen but all sense of normalcy was lost. Even though things have reopened the entertainment industry faces the reality of being denied reopening major revenue streams. While several businesses are forced to shutter their doors permanently, a new sense of urgency has been risen to create new “normal” ways to operate.

    Classes and topics at the ADAPT Conference will include Live Streaming in the age of COVID-19, Inside the Label’s Mind, Socially Distant Live Shows, and more. Each class will be taught by a top entertainment business leaders including Kevin Lyman (Vans Warped Tour), Trevor Swenson (Dynamic Talent International), Joel Madden (Veeps + MDDN), Brian Rucker (Twitch), Eric Tobin (Hopeless Records), and more.  

    Founded in 2007 in the heart of New York City, Big Picture Media an entertainment publicity agency .  They specialize in publicity and buzz-building services for bands, festivals, events, soundtracks and more.

    Current Event Agenda:

    9:00am PT – From Obstacle to Opportunity: A conversation with Kevin Lyman, Laura Hutfless + Jeremy Holley (co-founders of FlyteVu)

    9:30am PT – Class #1: Managing through Rocky Waters: creating new revenue opportunities + keeping a lean overhead

    11:00am PT – Class #2: Inside the Label’s Mind: releasing new music, breaking through the noise, and what they’re looking for today

    12:30pm PT – Class #3: Evolution of the Venue: from March, to now, and the Future

    2:00pm PT – Class #4: Socially Distant Live Shows: the comeback of Drive-Ins

    3:30pm PT – Class #5: Live Streaming in the age of COVID-19

    5:00pm PT – Networking Breakout Sessions hosted by industry professionals


  • Magic Of Lights Returns To Jones Beach State Park

    Long Island’s favorite holiday spectacular is returning to Jones Beach State Park. Magic of Lights presented by New York Community Bank starts November 13th and runs until January 2nd. The light show will run Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

    magic of lights press image

    Brought to you by FunGuys LLC and Live Nation Entertainment this year’s light show will be completely drive-thru. Stacked with newly themed LED lighting displays and digital animations including The Blizzard Tunnel. Another special feature is the all new illuminating mega tree spectacular. Also, attendees can experience old favorites such as The 12 Days of Christmas, Winter Wonderland, and The Night Before Christmas.

    Adam Citron, GM of Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater gave this statement in the press release:

    “It is with great pleasure that we announce the return of Magic of Lights to Jones Beach. It will be wonderful to welcome our patrons to celebrate the holidays with our drive through light show. We are especially happy to once again brighten up everyone’s holiday season at Jones Beach in partnership with the NY State Parks & promise a fun-filled family night in the safety of your car.”

    While there may have been no concerts at Jones Beach due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with new safety measures in place the holidays certainly won’t be left out in the cold. Guests are to stay in their vehicles throughout the display to ensure the utmost safety of everyone.

    “The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is excited to welcome back the Magic of Lights show to Jones Beach State Park. In partnership with Live Nation and Magic of Lights, the drive-thru light display will provide fun for the whole family in a safe, enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere viewed from the safety of your vehicle.

    State Park’s Commissioner Erik Kulleseid


    In 2019 Magic of Lights donated more than $150,000 to local Long Island organizations in addition to collecting non-perishable food items, toys, books, coats and more for those who needed it the most. This year’s charity nights will be announced in the coming weeks.

    Discounted Early Bird tickets are now available through Oct. 31. Enter promo code LIGHTS at www.ticketmaster.com when purchasing. All tickets purchased online can be used for any show date. Visitors can receive $3 off weekday admission by bringing two non-perishable food items or a winter coat for donation.

    For more information and a complete schedule go to www.magicoflights.com. 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5pYxyrFDZm/