NYS Music 202​0

Author: Jessica Sherman

  • 2020 Woodstock Film Festival Embraces Hybrid Format

    Updated: 9/27/2020

    The Woodstock Film Festival 2020 has released the lineup for feature length premieres being showcased at this year’s festival. LOS HERMANOS/THE BROTHERS, WOODSTOCK TUVAN STYLE, ZAPPA, and BEHIND THE STRINGS are four music-related films that will be premiering at the festival. Click on the movie titles below to view a synopses and diretor’s bio for each film.

    LOS HERMANOS/THE BROTHERS (Drive-In) – World Premiere with live musical performance!
    THE HUMAN FACTOR (Drive-In) – East Coast PremiereWOODSTOCK TUVAN STYLE (Drive-In) – World Premiere
    JACINTA (Drive-In) – New York Premiere
    LORELEI (Drive-In) – US Premiere
    A CALL TO SPY (Drive-In) – New York Premiere
    DEAR MR. BRODY (Drive-In) – New York Premiere
    THE DRUMMER (Drive-In) – World Premiere
    ZAPPA (Drive-In) – New York Premiere
    KENNY SHCARF: WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE (Drive-In) – East Coast Premiere
    WHAT BREAKS THE ICE (Drive-In) – World Premiere
    WILDFLOWER (Drive-In) – World Premiere
    FREELAND (Drive-In) – New York Premiere
    THE SIT IN (Drive-In) – New York Premiere
    ASKING FOR IT (Drive-In) – East Coast Premiere
    HORSE LATITUDES (Online) – North American Premiere
    MODEL (Online) – New York Premiere
    PAPER SPIDERS (Online) – New York Premiere
    COMING CLEAN (Online) – New York Premiere
    BEHIND THE STRINGS (Online) – World Premiere
    BARBARA LEE SPEAKS FOR ME (Online) – East Coast Premiere
    SURGE (Online) – East Coast Premiere
    THE PUSHBACK (Online) – East Coast Premiere

    Organizers of the 21st Woodstock Film Festival announced that this year’s festival will be brought to fans through a combination of drive in showings and online viewings. Starting September 30 at 9 a.m. est., the festival will run until October 4 at 11 p.m. est.

    A full lineup of films will be featured at the Greenville Drive-In Outdoor Cinema in Greenville along with the Overlook Drive-In in Poughkeepsie. Other area drive-ins are also slated to participate in this year’s film festival along with special events planned for Woodstock itself.

    Woodstock Film Festival

    The premier independent film festival will be inclusive of those that would prefer to stay at home by offering films for online viewing complete with Q&A sessions with the filmmakers. According to the press release, attendees can also expect a conversation series with members of the film industry. Filmmakers will still be able to attend a modified Maverick Awards ceremony and networking opportunities online.

    “We are all going through challenging times, and challenging times call for innovative approaches. I am thankful that recent advances in contemporary technology, along with the reinvigorated nostalgia for the classic American drive-in have made it possible for us to continue supporting outstanding independent cinema, while offering new and returning audiences alike the opportunity to experience excellent films in safety and comfort.”    

    Woodstock Film Festival Co-Founder and Executive Director Meira Blaustein

    Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, changing direction became the only course of action in order to keep everyone involved safe. The Woodstock Film Festival offices have been closed since mid-March and all in person events were cancelled.

    The Woodstock Film Festival has continued to provide stellar content, shifting programming to online platforms. Provided to the public free of charge, the spring calendar included; live conversations with industry luminaries, notable directors and actors, as well as a curated selection of films with introductions from their filmmakers.

    Individual tickets for films and events at the drive-ins and online will be made available beginning of September, while passes for either the full online film portion of the festival, the full online panel series, or both, are available for purchase now HERE.

  • Get “Wrapped In The Round” with Umphrey’s McGee

    Umphrey’s McGee has announced a new take on the virtual concert experience. The two day concert, dubbed “Wrapped In The Round,” will feature all six members performing live on September 2 & 3 at 9 p.m. ET.

    Wrapped In The Round
    Umphrey’s McGee performing at The Stone Pony Summer Stage
    Asbury Park, NJ

    Stepping away from a traditional setlist, Umphrey’s McGee is bringing the fans to the stage. With every concert ticket purchase fans will be able to submit a Stew Art (S2) idea that will then be selected at random by band members throughout the two nights.

    Stew Art has became Umphrey’s unique way of connecting with fans. Deviating from the traditional song request, S2 allows fans to test the band’s improvisation skills live (past examples have included “Afternoon bus ride in Jamaica,” “Barry White love letter,” and “Flamenco Metal”). 

    The members of Umphrey’s have satisfied fans during the pandemic with both group and individual live streams. Brendan Bayliss‘ “Wine Not” stream as well as Joel Cummins‘ “Live From The Living Room” became a weekly engagement for many fans everywhere, and both recently took part in virtual music festival Quarantine Comes Alive.

    More recently, the band saw huge success with a set of intimate stripped down “Live in The Boondocks” concerts. Both “Live in The Boondocks” and “Wrapped in the Round” were filmed with assistance of TourGigs.

    Additional details on ticketing and opportunities to submit additional S2 themes are available at umphreys.com.

  • Albany’s Historic Fuze Box Is For Sale

    After serving as Albany’s heart for the punk and hard rock scene since the ’90s, the Fuze Box has been listed for sale according to Spotlight News. For a mere $244,900, the 2,400-square-foot venue is ready to be bought according to the building’s real estate agency NAIPlatform.

    A popular spot over the recent years for those looking to get their ’80s pop dance fix, it also served as the preferred venue for hard rock artists from around the Capital Region. The Fuze Box was known during the ’80s and ’90s as QE2 and was often a frequent jaunt live performances. The Red Hot Chili Peppers even performed in the cramped space a few years before the release of Blood Sugar Sex Magik shot them to superstardom.

    One of Fuze Box’s Last Live Performances

    Fans voiced their concern on the venue’s Facebook after the pandemic forced them to shut down, leaving the Box dark since March. A post on their social media page announced the closure with no clue to when there would be dancing occurring on the checkered dance floor again.

    The Fuze Box weathered the riot that rocked the Central Avenue area of Albany where it is located. Despite concern from locals over the venues condition afterwards, the building remained intact. Silenced ensued from ownership even as neighboring restaurants were given the go ahead to reopen last month. Then the retail sale sign was posted last week.

    The 75-year-old Art Deco building is practically a blank slate for the right buyer. The venue has been approved for multiple zonings by the City of Albany which would allow for artisanal manufacturing, cafes, galleries, restaurants, a dayare and much more according to NAIPlatform.

    “Albany is probably [my] second favorite city I’ve played in behind Detroit in my 15-plus-year DJ career,” wrote William Dice Willard on FuzeBox’s Facebook page. “Such a vibe up there!”

    All of which are far flung from where the building got its start. Advertising for White Tower Burgers that still graces the front of the building giving ode to the early ’50s hamburger chain it was. The restaurant existed into the ’70s according to an online article published last year by Albany Historian Matt Malette. Remaining vacant until 1986, it was bought by purchasers Charlene and Dave Shortsleeve, who turned it into the QE2 Club. And a club it has remained since then.

  • Turkuaz share videos of Beatles “Rain,” “Here Comes the Sun” and more

    Brooklyn band Turkuaz refuse to not give fans new content during the COVID pandemic. On August 4 they returned with the second episode of the new series from Turkuaz, “Hey You, Stay Tuned.” The recurring variety show included an arrangement of segments and a slew of special guests.

    Opening with a “pop-up-video” of the band’s official 2015 music video for ‘Doktor Jazz,’ viewers were also treated to another round of the Hollywood Squares parody that the band has appropriately dubbed “Turkuaz Squares.” This round of “Turkuaz Squares” featured special guest contestants including Ivan Neville and Robert Randolph. Eddie Roberts and Alan Evans were also on the scene, revisiting performances from Turkuaz’s 2016-2017 co-headlining tour with The New Mastersounds.

    Episode two also featured a comically unconventional makeup tutorial, a never before comedy scene from the vault and much more. Brett Siddell returned as the announcer and Ari Fink from Sirius XM remained the host.

    Turkuaz has also released a performance of Beatles songs “Rain” and “Here Comes the Sun,” paying homage to a major influence for the nine-piece ensemble. “Rain” is part of a larger unreleased Beatles cover set that the band originally performed at Live From Out There. Turkuaz plans on releasing other covers from this set in the future.


    According to the band’s press release “Rain” seemed appropriate to start of with during the confusing and unknown times we currently live in. Turkuaz adds, “But don’t worry, the sun will be coming out soon.”

    Don’t miss additional Beatles covers from Turkuaz, and their variety special, “Hey You, Stay Tuned” by following them on Facebook and YouTube.

    The third video from Turkuaz’ selection of Beatles’ covers featured “You Never Give Me Your Money” and shows the lasting influence of the second side of 1969’s Abbey Road. A favorite of both Dave Brandwein and Taylor Shell, and what Brandwein calls part of The Beatles’ “last burst of magic as a band,” the track is honest as it discusses the struggles and ultimate demise of the legendary English rock band. 

    “This song being third might represent the inevitable complications that arise in life, even after a sunny period. There’s always more. Things are always changing and evolving and this represents some of that.” 

    DAve Brandwein, Turkuaz

    Staying true to the original arrangement of the song allowed bassist Shell to gain a deeper understanding of what makes The Beatles so incomparable. Through this rendition, his goal was to capture some of what he refers to as the greatest bass-playing of all time.

    “This song really does it all. It unfolds with elegant mystery, it’s super catchy and the rhythm section parts are amazing. It’s really just a bold statement at the end of their amazing run.”

    Taylor Shell, Turkuaz

    Turkuaz will release their full Beatles set, as performed on Live From Out There, in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more information.

  • Update: Eastbound Jesus Joins “The Palace Sessions”

    The Palace Theatre, the City of Albany and Mirth Films have announced that folk group Eastbound Jesus will be featured on the next episode of “The Palace Sessions”. Eastbound Jesus’s performance will live stream for free on August 19 at 7 p.m. on The Palace Theatre’s Youtube channel.

    Hailing from Greenwich, NY, Eastbound Jesus is a six piece “Northern Rock” band whose members are Adam Brockway, Carl and Luke Anderson, Dave Wright, Dylan Robinson and Zack Infante whose music is a melding pot of styles. Full Moon Over Salem is Eastbound Jesus’s latest project, released just this past February.

    Story Updated: 8/9/2020

    The Palace Theatre along with the City of Albany and Mirth Films have announced that Saratoga Springs natives Wild Adriatic will be featured on the next edition of “The Palace Sessions”. Taking place on August 19 at 7p.m. in a undisclosed unique location within the historic theatre, the performance will stream live on the Palace Theatre’s Youtube page.

    Executive Director of the Palace Billy Piskutz notes:

    “We are thrilled to be able to welcome live music back to the hallowed halls of the Palace Theatre. This historic building exists to entertain and create memories and after a nearly four-month absence due to COVID-19, it is a thrill to know that it will again. We hope that our patrons will enjoy these performances as much as we do!”  

    The series kicked off on July 15 with a special performance by Albany locals Wurliday. Additional shows are slated for September 16 and October 21. Those performers have yet to be announced at this time.


    “Summer in Albany is synonymous with music and entertainment and it is wonderful to have the Palace Theater hosting local musicians albeit in a different way this year. I applaud the ingenuity of the Palace Theater, the Office of Cultural Affairs, and Mirth Films in bringing entertainment to people during COVID-19.  I continue to be impressed with how our community has risen to the challenge of keeping the arts alive during this time and look forward to tuning in to the Palace Sessions.”  

    Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan

    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.  Donations can be made HERE or directly through the Palace Theatre’s Text To Give program, by texting Palace2020 to 44321.

  • Wild Adriatic Joins “The Palace Sessions”

    The Palace Theatre along with the City of Albany and Mirth Films have announced that Saratoga Springs natives Wild Adriatic will be featured on the next edition of “The Palace Sessions”. Taking place on August 19 at 7p.m. in a undisclosed unique location within the historic theatre, the performance will stream live on the Palace Theatre’s Youtube page.

    Executive Director of the Palace Billy Piskutz notes:

    “We are thrilled to be able to welcome live music back to the hallowed halls of the Palace Theatre. This historic building exists to entertain and create memories and after a nearly four-month absence due to COVID-19, it is a thrill to know that it will again. We hope that our patrons will enjoy these performances as much as we do!”  

    The series kicked off on July 15 with a special performance by Albany locals Wurliday. Additional shows are slated for September 16 and October 21. Those performers have yet to be announced at this time.

    Wurliday Performing at Palace Theatre

    “Summer in Albany is synonymous with music and entertainment and it is wonderful to have the Palace Theater hosting local musicians albeit in a different way this year. I applaud the ingenuity of the Palace Theater, the Office of Cultural Affairs, and Mirth Films in bringing entertainment to people during COVID-19.  I continue to be impressed with how our community has risen to the challenge of keeping the arts alive during this time and look forward to tuning in to the Palace Sessions.”  

    Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan

    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.  Donations can be made HERE or directly through the Palace Theatre’s Text To Give program, by texting Palace2020 to 44321.

  • National Independent Talent Organization Needs Congress to Save Live Music

    With Senate recess looming at the end of the week and Congress still in talks over the details of the next COVID relief bill, the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) is urging Senate leaders to continue support in its Call to Action Campaign for the RESTART and SaveOurStages (SOS) Acts. Without bipartisan support, the survival of live music industry would be uncertain as many venues remain shuttered to the public. This is a call to save live music as we know it.

    “So many people in our industry live hand to mouth, day to day. There are no pensions and no health insurance or retirement plans for indie musicians or the people who tour with and support them. At least musicians can try to reach out to their audience online for support, but what is a guitar tech to do? What of the drum tech or the sound engineer or the road manager or driver — not to mention the promoters, the booking agents, the bartenders? The ripple effects of the world of live entertainment going dark are vast. Let’s shine a light on all the people whose work helps all of our lives to be enriched by live music. Let’s support them through NITO’s advocacy.”

    Buffalo singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco

    Both acts have gained momentum with a total of 44 cosponsors in the Senate according to a press release from NITO. If passed by Congress, RESTART and SOS would aid the hardest-hit small and mid-sized businesses, potentially for the next 6 months. Among the supporters of RESTART is ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, NAMM, NIVA, Spotify, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, American Society of Travel Advisors and YouTube, all of whom have recognized how devastating it would be for the U.S economy to lose the nine billion dollar contribution that independent music businesses make under normal circumstances.

    RESTART’s sponsor Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) recently acknowledged the importance of the live music industry’s survival in a tweet of support of NITO.

    That is why NITO is imploring “lovers of live music and all performing arts” to take part by sending letters of support via email and social media to Senators and House Representatives encouraging them to #SaveLiveMusic.

    During the past four month NITO has grown tremendously. From 14 founding agencies to over 800 active live touring organizations including; management companies, talent agencies, artists and a vast array of industry professionals. All have seen a significant financial impact as the doors to our venues remain close for the unforeseen future.

    If you would like to share your story or show support fill out a Call to Action form here.

  • Historic Cohoes Music Hall Under New Management

    The City of Cohoes has named Park Playhouse’s Playhouse Stage Company as the new management company of the historic Cohoes Music Hall. Final approval of the new contract was voted on last night at the Cohoes Common Council Meeting.

    cohoes music hall
    First opened in 1874, Cohoes Music Hall is the fourth oldest operational music venue in the country.

    An independent review committee was presented with proposals from six companies including the Music Hall’s former management company, Music Hall Arts Alliance before Park Playhouse’s bid was accepted last week by Cohoes Mayor Bill Keeler. The other four proposals included Guthrie/Bell Productions from Albany; the Hall, from Niskayuna; Lopolito, from Monroe; and Just Imagine, from Rensselaer.

    “It is our goal to bring a variety of entertainment to the stage, while making the theater accessible for everyone in the community” said Park Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Owen Smith.

    Management change became necessary as the City of Cohoes was forced to slash funding in the budget as the city still reels from the COVID-19 pandemic. The new contract will save taxpayers between $200,000 and $300,000 annually.

    “Through this agreement we are able to save Cohoes taxpayers around a quarter of a million dollars annually while sustaining the arts and the vibrancy of our business district” said Mayor Bill Keeler. “This implements a business model that is fiscally prudent for the City of Cohoes for years to come, thus assuring the viability of the Music Hall over the long term.”

    According to a press release from the city, Cohoes paid out more than $285,000 in Music Hall management costs and show support in 2019, receiving back just $90,326 in ticket and other revenue. Under the new agreement, the City will pay out nothing for management or show support, and receive $2 per ticket sold.

    For the past four years The Playhouse has brought plays and musicals to the Music Hall stage. While maintaining the same caliber of showmanship, plans are in the works to incorporate other standards to the Music Hall including stand-up comedy, musicians, and variety acts.

  • Moon Hooch and Too Many Zooz Revive ‘Moon Zooz’ livestream

    Brooklyn based Moon Hooch will team up with “brasshouse” Too Many Zooz on Saturday, July 25 for two live streamed shows dubbed ‘Moon Zooz’. The virtual concerts are three hours long and will start at 3 PM ET, running back to back.

    This is not the first time that these former subway players have joined ranks to bring their unique sound of jazz, edm and rock to the masses. During the spring of 2019 the two trios successfully co headlined a tour across New England.

    Both bands got their start busking in the New York City subway platforms where they gained notoriety for the dance parties that would form. Too Many Zooz consists of saxophonist Leo Pellegrino, trumpeter Matt Muirhead and drummer David Parks. Moon Hooch is saxophonists Wenzl McGowen and Mike Wilbur and drummer James Muschler.

    From viral videos in the subway to the studio, both have gone on to deliver new sound that is meant to make you move. Too Many Zooz released their debut album Subway Gawdz in 2016 and most recently released a music video for the track “Car Alarm” that received more thank 2.5 million views. Moon Hooch has respectively dropped a total of four studio albums including this year’s self-released Life on Other Planets, along with numerous EPs.

    To RSVP to either the early or late showing click here.

  • Jazz on Jay Kicks off Their Summer Series in Downtown Schenectady

    Jazz on Jay is once again underway in the Electric City with the return of the free lunchtime concert series, hosted on the corners of historic Jay and State Streets in Downtown Schenectady, performances occur Thursdays until September 17 from noon to 1:30 p.m. est.

    Jazz enthusiasts will get to enjoy singers and instrumentalists from across the region. Kicking things off with a mesmerizing performance last week was Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards nominee Keith Pray Ortet. This week’s performers, the piano trio Trifecta Jazz, are set to dazzle with originals and cover arrangements.

    Despite seeing an increasing number of events in the area cancelled this summer – such as Music Haven’s events in Central Park, Summer Night and the Freedom Park Concert Series in Scotia – event organizers knew there was a way to Jazz to the streets of Schenectady once again. Salvatore Prizio, Concert and Events Manager for Proctors Collaborative, gave this statement:

    “Safety is always the top priority when considering any sort of performance, especially a public one. Our team has had several meetings to discuss the safest and most practical ways of presenting a public performance to the community. Additionally, we wanted to be able to once again provide performance opportunities to local musicians again.”

    Along with following the mandatory six feet social distancing rules organizers stated that chairs will not be provided, masks are mandatory and attendees are encouraged to stay home if they, or anyone in their home, feel sick.

    Jazz on Jay 2020 Lineup

    July 16 – Trifecta

    July 23 – Jeanine Ouderkirk Quartet

    July 30 – The Ragtime Windjammers

    Aug. 6 – Art D’echo Trio

    Aug. 13 – Tyler Giroux Trio

    Aug. 20 – Brad Monkell Quintet

    Aug. 27 – Colleen Pratt & Friends

    Sept. 3 – Bob Gluck 3 plays Pat Metheny

    Sept. 10 – Tim Olsen Quintet

    Sept. 17 – Tarik Shah Trio