NYS Music 202​0

Author: Jessica Sherman

  • The Kitchen Offers Up New Virtual Performances

    Manhattan-based non profit, The Kitchen, will premier of The Brooding Exercises. The video project can be viewed at The Kitchen OnScreen, the venue’s virtual streaming platform on October 16-18. Times will be announced closer to the premier date.

    The video is in response to the cancellation of a previous project, Vivification Exercises. The video project stars Ka Baird and Max Eibacher. Organizer Matthew Lyons, Ross Karre (Audiovisual Supervisor and Camera), Merve Kayan (Camera), and Caley Monahon-Ward (Audio Assistance) round out the production team.

    The Kitchen

    Ka Baird is an American multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, producer and performer based in New York City. Baird is known for raw, ecstatic, boundary-pushing live solo performances. Energetic body movements, extended vocal techniques, luminous flute percussion/meditations and innovative use of live electronics fuse to create the concept of ‘body music.’ Centered in radical present tense and vigorous expression, the performances seek extreme release, both through physical exertion and psychic extension.

    Ka Baird’s latest recording Respires was included on Pitchfork’s Best Experimental Albums of 2019 list. In addition, Baird is a founding member of the legendary psych-folk/avant-garde group Spires That In The Sunset Rise, founded in Chicago in 2001.

    Max Eilbacher is an Baltimore-based intermedia artist who works primarily makes abstract computer music. The sound is an eclectic mix of electroacoustic, musique concréte composition and process intensive computer music.

    Soon to celebrate its 50th year in 2021, The Kitchen remains one of New York City’s most forward-looking nonprofit spaces. Programs range from dance, music, theater to video and film. All programs aim to showcase ingenious work of emerging and established artists alike. Known as the epicenter of the New Wave avant garde music genre in the late 70s, The Kitchen was home to many successful artists like Glenn Branca and Lydia Lunch.

    In July 2020 OnScreen program formed to host online program offerings, including virtual performances, livestreamed events, and newly published texts.

  • ‘Dead And Gone’ Podcast Explores Unsolved Grateful Dead Fan Cases

    Filmmaker Payne Lindsay and podcast company Tenderfoot TV have announced a new podcast called “Dead and Gone.” The true crime podcast’s first two episodes will debut October 15. It will be available on all podcast platforms in partnership with Cadence13.

    Listeners will tune in as unsolved cases of fans of iconic jam band the Grateful Dead are investigated. Hosting the show will be Jake Brennan, who also hosts the podcast “Disgraceland.” Lindsay will handle much of the podcast’s behind-the-scenes work including research and is co-founder of Tenderfoot TV.

    dead and gone podcast

    Lindsey and Brennan ran into few unsettling surprises while investigating the cold cases that span the course of five decades.

    Filmaker Payne Lindsey said of the series:

    “I knew we would encounter surprises throughout this investigation because of the strange coincidences, mysterious circumstances and rock and roll at the center of it all… but I never predicted to come across such a tragic case with so many unanswered questions. Many of these cases have not been thoroughly examined until now, and our goal is to uncover the truth about what really happened that night so justice is served.”

    One such case is the murders of Mary Regina Gioia and Gregory Allen Kniffin, two Grateful Dead-obsessed Berkeley residents. The pair were found beaten and shot to death in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1986.

    At the time of the murders, a black man named Ralph International Thomas was found guilty and sentenced to death. After a A “mysterious tip from a fellow Dead Head” it allegedly could be a wrongful accusation. According to the press release “lack of evidence and conflicting witness testimonies” could prove Thomas’ innocence. Lindsey and Brennan credit this tip for the catalyst behind the podcast.

    Beyond the double murder of Gioia and Kniffin, listeners will also dive into the darkness surrounding the band. Included will be tales of the band’s subversive past, the predators among the concert goers, and more. 

    “I’ve studied the history and culture of the band for years, and I think people will be surprised to find that there is a darkness at the core of the Grateful Dead’s music and that darkness is present throughout the band’s history. It has manifested in song and in real life and many of the band’s fans have fallen victim to it. This darkness and the violence and mystery it’s spawned runs contrary to the good intentions of the band and the Grateful Dead’s image of peace, love, good times and music, and that contrast makes for fascinating storytelling.”

    Jake Brennan, Co-Found of Double Elvis Productions

    Listen to the trailer here and be sure to catch new episodes weekly on all platforms. For more information subscribe here.

  • Jericho Drive-In Theater to Host Drive-In Concerts

    High Peaks Event Production has announced a series of double feature drive-in concerts. Set to take place at the Jericho Drive-In Theater in Glenmont, NY, the live performances will begin at 7 p.m. A special movie screening to follow at 9:15 p.m.

    Jerry Garcia fans will rejoiced as The Garcia Project live performance on October 2nd at 7 p.m. Watch as the only nationally touring Jerry Garcia tribute celebrates the past 10 years of success. A special showing of the documentary film Festival Express follows. The 2003 film gave an undoubtedly insightful look at the 1970 train tour that featured rock musicians such as Grateful Dead.

    rich result on google when searching jericho drive-in
    Jericho Drive-In Flyer

    On October 3, Zac Brown Tribute Band will perform prior to a showing of Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous. And on October 9, Classic Rock Legends of the Vietnam War will perform ahead of Oliver Stone’s The Doors. For the latter, all proceeds from this event will go to benefit Capital Region’s “Blue Star Mothers of America.”

    The latest double feature announcements come after a successful turnout on September 18. A few hundred music fans turned out for the Pink Talking Fish and Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused.

    While music fans have the chance to jam out, social distancing guidelines are to be enforced nonetheless. Attendees are required to stay within their group and face mask must be worn at all times outside the vehicle.

    For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.jerichodrive-in.com.

    Despite strict social distancing restrictions still in place drive – in concerts have become just another way many have been getting their concert fix. High Peaks Event Productions and the Jericho have adopted this new normal as well.

    Over the summer High Peaks Event Production introduced NY Rock N Roots. Every Sunday artists from the local Saratoga Springs area performed live Rock N Roots Facebook. The 60 year old drive-in hosted a handful of special concerts this summer as well.

    Concert Schedule:

    Oct. 2 – The Garcia Project / Bob Smeaton’s Festival Express

    Oct. 3 – Zac Brown Tribute Band / Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous

    Oct. 9 – Classic Rock Legends of the Vietnam War / Oliver Stone’s The Doors *all proceeds from this event will go to benefit Capital Regions “Blue Star Mothers of America”.

  • Irish Arts Center Announces Virtual Fall 2020 Season

    Manhattan based Irish Arts Center announced in a press release that it will be launching a full slate of virtual programming for fall 2020. Part of the fall season will be a new series of commissions by a selection of 26 extraordinary writers, musicians, and dance, visual, and theatre artists whose only guideline was the theme “finding grace in uncertainty.

    Included in the lineup is Kevin Barry, Jan Carson, Eoin Coifer & Liam Bates, Oona Doherty, Marie Howe, Junk Ensemble, Bill Irwin, Kaia Kater, Deirdre Kinahan, Tamar Korn, Loah, Dana Lyn & Kyle Sanna, Joanie Madden, Eimear McBride, Billy McComiskey, Mick Moloney, Aoife O’Donovan, Arturo O’Farrill, Melatu Uche Okorie, Tobi Omoteso, Dirk Powell, Liz Roche, and Enda Walsh.

    Irish Arts Center

    IAC’s online programming also feature two free returning programs. “At Home with Irish Arts Center” is a series of new commissioned work from the local and international Irish community. “From Irish Arts Center” is a catalog of archival performances staged at the organization’s intimate 51st Street Theatre. Rounding out the fall season is a full program of 42 online courses—featuring instruction in music, step dance, Irish language, playwriting, and storytelling. 

    IAC Executive Director Aidan Connolly said in the press release:

    What we’re learning is that this moment—for all its heartbreak and anxiety—has redemptive possibility. We are challenged to find a new comfort level with uncertainty, even to see it as an opportunity, an invitation to discover what hitherto unseen grace and strength may be within us. We’re so grateful to the inspiring and eclectic assembly of artists—who will consider these ideas across a spectrum of disciplines, styles, and perspectives—for accepting our invitation to share their stories.

    Since the pandemic shutdown in March, IAC’s ever-growing online programs have received over 100,000 views from patrons around the globe.

    The Irish Arts Center has occupied Hell’s Kitchen in New York City since 1972, 46 years later it is still home to national and international artists and fans alike who share a love for the arts and culture of Ireland. Keeping grassroots traditions alive are important at the center with space for evolving the community in which it resides regardless of background. Check out the Irish Arts Center’s website for more information on other upcoming programs and educational courses being offered.

  • Phil Lesh, Billy Strings, Marco Benevento and More Headlining “Democracy Comes Alive”

    Live for Live Music in partnership with HeadCount have announced a one-day virtual music festival to promote voter participation. Dubbed “Democracy Comes Alive” the special event will use the influence of music to showcase how critical voter participation is. Featuring 50 artists and 10 speakers in one day, music fans are being encouraged to “get out the vote”.

    “Democracy Comes Alive” will take place on Saturday, October 3 at 1:00 PM ET and is hosted by Ari Fink of SiriusXM. To receive a link to the show, attendees are required to check the status of their voter registration or make a donation to HeadCount.

    democracy comes alive
    Democracy Comes Alive 2020 Poster

    With a star studded list of performers including members of The Grateful Dead, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Turkuaz, Trampled by Turtles, Bruce Hornsby, Dawes, Warren Haynes, Shawn Colvin and many more music fans are in for a treat while educating themselves on the importance of voting. Each artist in the lineup will also be performing all new pieces.

    “People have fought and died, and are still fighting, for the universal right to vote in this country. However, so many of our country’s eligible citizens still do not wield this awesome power bestowed upon them, which in turn leads to presidents and representatives enacting laws that aren’t in their best interest. Democracy works best when all citizens of a country participate, so we’re looking to encourage just that with Democracy Comes Alive, alongside the support of HeadCount.

    Kunj Shah, founder of Live For Live Music, Justice Comes Alive and Quaratine Comes Alive

    “Democracy Comes Alive” will feature several guest speakers whose focus will stay on the history of voting rights and examine what it took for everyone. Tips as well as information regarding best voting practices and the most effective ways to research representatives at a national, state, and local level will be provided.

    Among the guest speakers are Bob Weir, Jon Fishman, Bill Kreutzmann, Peter Shapiro, Marc Brownstein and many more.

    Head over to DemocracyComesAlive.com for more information and to heck your voter registration status today. See below for a list of all performers and guest speakers.

    Democracy Comes Alive Performers:
    ALO, Andy Frasco, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Big Something, Billy Strings, Bruce Hornsby, The California Honeydrops, Cris Jacobs, David Shaw (The Revivalists), DAWES, Dopapod, Dumpstaphunk, Fruition, G. Love, The Ghost of Paul Revere, Goose, Here Come The Mummies, Hiss Golden Messenger, Joey Porter (feat. Nigel Hall & Sonata Porter), Karina Rykman, Katie Pruitt, Kim Dawson, Kitchen Dwellers, Leslie Mendelson, Lettuce x Motet (Members), Maggie Rose, Marco Benevento, Melvin Seals & JGB, Michael Franti, Moon Taxi, Neal Francis, Nicki Bluhm, The New Mastersounds, The Nth Power, Phil Lesh And Friends, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Reed Mathis & Electric Beethoven, Robert Walter, Ryan Montbleau, Shawn Colvin, Slightly Stoopid, Southern Avenue, Spafford, The String Cheese Incident (members), The Suffers, Trampled By Turtles, Turkuaz, Umphrey’s Mcgee, and Warren Haynes

    Speakers include:
    Andy Bernstein (HeadCount), Bill Kreutzmann (Grateful Dead), Bob Crawford (The Avett Brothers), Bob Weir (Grateful Dead), Jon Fishman (Phish), Kunj Shah (Live For Live Music), Marc Brownstein (The Disco Biscuits), Oteil Burbridge (Dead and Company), Peter Shapiro (Brooklyn Bowl), and Stefan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band).

  • Giant Art Steps Announces Central Park Series In Honor Of U.S. Representative John Lewis

    The non-profit Giant Art Steps have announced a new series of performances honoring the legacy of U.S. Representative and civil rights leader John Lewis. “Walk with the Wind” will occur on The Mall in NYC’s famous Central at 1 p.m. Featuring acoustic music and small groups, the series is free for those attending.

    While the special series began on August 28th with a performance by Wayne Escoffery’s trio, there are numerous other opportunities to catch feature performances. Upcoming on September 19th is Giant Step Arts’ own Leap Day Trio featuring drummer Matt Wilson, bassist/vocalist Mimi Jones and saxophonist Jeff Lederer. On September 20th, vibraphonist and Blue Note recording artist Joel Ross Quartet with saxophonist Sergio Tabanico, drummer Craig Weinrib and bassist Rashaan Carter will perform.

    Giant Art Steps

    The pandemic has been disastrous for musicians, many of whom normally earn a living through live performances and tours. We’ve presented and recorded music in various venues, including partnering with the non-profit Jazz Gallery, but the current circumstances have forced us to improvise. We wanted to find a way to continue supporting musicians, bring them together with audiences, safely, and enable them to have a payday! Walk with the Wind, honoring the legacy of the great American John Lewis, is one way we are accomplishing this, and the response has been tremendous. Our goal is to raise enough money from foundations and donors so that we can have performances each spring and fall.

    Jimmy Katz
    Giant Art Steps

    Giant Art Steps was created in January 2018 by Jimmy and Dena Katz. Both renowned jazz photographers, the Katzs set out to provide an environment for modern jazz’s most ingenious artists without the confinements of making a profit. Membership into the non-profit is by invitation only, where jazz artists are given control over their artistic projects. Giant Step Arts provides substantial financial and artistic resources for those bold musicians ready to take their careers to uncharted territory.

    Giant Step Arts [is] a nonprofit dedicated to giving underappreciated but visionary jazz musicians the support they need to make quality live albums. Palmer is a…thrifty improviser with a vast dynamic range and an ambitious composer.

     Giovanni Russonello, The New York Times

    Upcoming Show Schedule:

    Sept. 19 – Leap Day Trio 

    Sept. 20 – Joel Ross Quartet with saxophonist Sergio Tabanico, drummer Craig Weinrib and bassist Rashaan Carter

    Sept. 26 – Drummer Nasheet Waits with saxophonist Mark Turner and bassist Rashaan Carter

    Sept. 27 – Immanuel Wilkins with drummer Nazir Ebo and bassist Burniss Earl Travis

    Oct. 3 – Saxophonist Melissa Aldena with bassist Pablo Menares, drummer TBA

    Oct. 4 – Saxophonist Darius Jones with drummer Gerald Cleaver and bassist Dezron Douglas 

    Oct. 10 – Saxophonist Nicole Glover – band TBA

    Oct. 11 – Saxophonist Chris Potter – band TBA

  • Calle Ocho Virtual Music Festival Announces Initial Lineup

    The nation’s largest and best-known Hispanic pop culture and music festival has announced the initial lineup of performers. Dubbed “Calle Ocho Live“, the Hispanic Heritage Month-themed event will take place October 4th via live stream and broadcast TV.

    Among the stars joining the growing roster are Gloria Estefan, Camilo, Jessi Uribe, Jorge Celedón, and Bobby Pulido. These artists join previously announced Mau y Ricky, Ivy Queen, who is performing an epic virtual duet with the late Celia Cruz, and Tito Puente, Jr., who is performing a virtual duet with his late all-star father Tito Puente and many more.

    Calle Ocho

    The Calle Ocho Festival was originally slated for March before cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That is when the organizers of Carnaval Miami, Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, collaborated with Manny Ruiz, the creator of Altisimo Live and Hispanicize and Ralph Paniagua, creator of Atlantino, to bring the festival back to life.

    The three-hour live stream will include interactive experiences to win prizes as well as pre-recorded performances from music artists, entertainers, comedians, and social media influencers. 

    “We said we would create a strong, inclusive, and powerful line-up that captured the diversity of Latino tastes, genres, and cultures, and that’s what we’ve done here. Through Calle Ocho Live, we’re not only stretching to do well for the families we serve through the Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation but also through the way we reflect the evolution of Latinos in America.”

    Jorge Fernandez, president of the Kiwanis of Little Havana/Carnaval Miami

    Featuring live and pre-recorded performances from top Latin music artists, celebrities, and social media personalities, Calle Ocho Live will also highlight stories from the families served by the Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation.

    Funds raised from the event will be used by the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana to assist South Florida families who are in need of things like college scholarships, emergency financial assistance, holiday gifts, and any other support during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    Viewers will be able to watch the festival for free on over a dozen broadcasting stations and their respective socials, along with Calle Ocho Live’s YouTube, Facebook Live and Twitter. Attendees are being encouraged to donate $8 or more prior to or during the festival to the Kiwanis Foundation.

    For more information, visit the Calle Ocho Live Instagram page. 

  • Martin Sexton To Play Auburn’s Fingerlakes Drive-In

    Syracuse native Martin Sexton is set to play a live concert at New York’s oldest operating drive-in, Fingerlakes Drive-In in Auburn. Announced earlier this week by Creative Concerts and Fingerlakes Drive-In, the concert will take place September 19 at 6PM.

    Martin Sexton

    With social distancing guidelines in place, each car pass sold will be for standard passenger vehicles only. There has been a limit of four concertgoers per vehicle allowed.

    Martin Sexton got his start serenading the streets and subways of Boston during the early 90’s. Not only have fans heard his explosive voice in famous venues across the world but also many of his songs have been featured in spotlight TV shows such as Scrubs and Parenthood to name a few.

    The American Singer-Songwriter has produced nine studio albums including his most current release “Mixtape of the Open Road.” After a successful tour, a decision was made to keep going with more performances beginning with the Fingerlakes Drive-In.

    His authentic style of artistry has Billboard magazine calling him “The real thing, people.” Furthermore Rollingstone noted Sexton has “Outstanding taste in songwriting as well as a soul-marinated voice.”

    Tickets to the live event are on sale now here. NYS Music is running a contest for one car pass to Martin Sexton on the 19th, and Allman Betts Band on Friday the 18th. For more info, enter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

  • Farm Aid Announces Lineup For 35th Anniversary Virtual Festival

    Farm Aid organizers have announced that the annual benefit concert for farmers will occur this year via FANS online platform. Dubbed “Farm Aid On The Road,” this special livestream event will be available to watch on FANS.com September 26 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. EDT.

    Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews will be headlining the festival. Joining them are Bonnie Raitt and Boz Scaggs, Brandi Carlile, Black Pumas, Chris Stapleton, Jack Johnson, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff and many others.

    “This pandemic and so many other challenges have revealed how essential family farmers and ranchers are to the future of our planet,” Willie Nelson said in an official statement. “Farm Aid 2020 is going to give the whole country a chance to learn about the important work of farmers and how they’re contributing to our well-being, beyond bringing us good food.”

    Farm Aid

    Equally important are the included stories from many family farmers across America, showcasing why they farm, how they have manage to stay strong during the pandemic and where they believe the future of agriculture lays.

    Started in 1985 by Nelson, Mellencamp and Young, the festival’s mission has remained raise money and share stories from American farmers. Over the years the farm festival has made two stops in New York; Randall’s Island (2007) and a sold out day at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (2013).

    Farm Aid
    Neil Young Performing At SPAC (2013) photo by Jim Gilbert

    “Since we started in 1985, Farm Aid has kept its finger on the pulse of farm country and deployed funds and resources to help farm families confront the challenges they face,” said Executive Director Carolyn Mugar. “It’s clear that this is a critical moment for farmers and ranchers. We risk losing their important contributions to our communities and our families if we do not adequately respond as a country.”

    This year’s festival is free of charge but donations are being accepted. Farm Aid accepts donations year-round here. Visit FarmAid.org for more information.

  • Lake George Music Festival Announces Drive-In Concert Series

    The Lake George Music Festival has partnered with Dave Ehmann’s “Improv Records” to announce a two-part 2020 music festival. This comes after a decision by festival organizers to post-pone the “10-year Anniversary Celebration” season until 2021 as a result of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions still in place.

    lake george music festival

    Along with a week long virtual series, the Lake George Music Festival also offers a weekend drive-in concert series. From September 13-18 music lovers can enjoy free online performances and digital events. The drive-in portion occurs September 19-20, at the newly developed Lake George Festival Commons.

    Original Festival Announcement

    Dave and his crew have been instrumental in the development of Lake George’s new Festival Space. We will have a tremendous advantage in producing what very well might be the ONLY event in Lake George this summer when working with Dave…We’re both committed to the Lake George community; especially the music scene. Two like minded peers working together, along with some fantastic musicians and beautiful September weather in Lake George will surely be a winning event.

    Alexander Lombard, Founder and CEO of the Lake George Music Festival

    Voted in 2015 as “Best Annual Event” by LG.com, the festival usually spans two weeks at various venues around the village. Drawing over 300 artists since its inception in 2011, past festivals performers include members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Czech Philharmonic, the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music and other distinguished musicians from 27 countries. All coming together to bring classical music into the 21st-century.

    Festival co-contributor Dave Ehmann is known for bringing big names suck as Twiddle and Marshall Tucker Band to the Lake George region. Ehmann also produces the sold out Adirondack Independence Music Festival.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEFADVFnIbf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
    Free Pass Announcement

    Tickets for the drive-in portion are available for purchase here. Furthermore, free passes will be available for all front line workers.