Charu Suri plays the piano and has since she was five.
At that point we decided that ‘the show must go on,’ and that You Tube and technology does offer us and many other voices, a solution.
On Dec. 18, Suri premiered her newest original single, “A Little Joy,” on YouTube. Since then, it has gained almost 25,000 views. Suri is one of many artists who hopped the online streaming bandwagon.
Throughout the pandemic, the music industry has had an influx of online performances. Although they have been hit hard economically, artists have proved to be ambitious with trying to make streaming work as much as they can.
At five years old, Suri started playing the piano. At nine, she was already performing. By 15 years old, she had won an International Piano Competition.
Suri has three albums behind her including, The Book of Ragas, A Jazz Trio and Sufi Sounds. Her latest accomplishment was recently becoming a Recording Academy (GRAMMYS) voting member. She also intends to release three new albums in 2021, with a mixture of holiday, jazz and new age music. Although she definitely has her work cut out for her. She also has a daughter and a husband to come home to in Weehawken, New Jersey.
For Suri, “A Little Joy” is meant to represent a calm to the Covid-anxiety-storm that everyone felt this year. The single will be available for download on Jan. 30, but is up and ready to celebrate the holidays on YoutTube now.
Remember the days of dancing shoulder to shoulder in a crowded room, only being able to hear the performer on stage. Alcohol spews throughout the audience. People are creating a mosh-pit with their sweaty bodies, but for some reason, you’re excited about it. Tickets range from $10 to more than $300. As for right now, that all seems like a thing of the past.
The audience of a Twiddle Thanksgiving
Since March, the majority of music industry workers have lost around 75 percent of their income. Over the course of the pandemic, other industries have been able to re-open with help, only to shut down again during the second wave of a rise in Covid cases. Unfortunately for music venues and artists, there wasn’t much of a re-open, if any, before the second wave.
The Music Industry Alliance surveyed around 300 musicians and DJs and confirmed that over four months without federal aid has created a financial catastrophe for most. According to the survey, respondents lost a combined estimated total of $8.5 million since March.
“The first round of pandemic relief helped us stay afloat but those resources have been depleted and we’re digging ourselves in a hole,” said one respondent.
“The W2 income overrode the private contractor information so I’ve been getting the equivalent of 15 percent of my income from unemployment. That’s not close to enough to live on,” explained another interviewee.
It’s hard to imagine a concert where no one has to wear a mask and everyone is standing less than six feet apart with a highly contagious virus in our midst. For many performers and venue owners/workers, those concerts were their only source of income.
In April, the Artist Relief Survey was conducted and estimated that artists had already lost a cumulative total of around $30,000. On Dec. 26, many benefits are being cut, including extensions to Covid relief unemployment.
The MWA hosted a Town Hall Meeting via Zoom Dec. 17 for New York City and state officials to express the need to be on the table for the 2021 re-opening planning.
We lost a big opportunity last Summer and early Fall. We can’t let this happen next time. Music performance continued unabated in parks and on street corners. But the City and State policies killed music workers’ ability to earn a living, and the opportunity to create a SAFE, well regulated re-opening when and where it was medically possible to do so. Independent music workers need a voice in designing a safe re-opening plan when that becomes possible.
A myriad of talented musicians gives DJ MIME a stout debut album, 20/20. It is a punch of pop that this world needs right now, during trying times.
MIME is a New York City music producer and songwriter. This is his first full album. With 14 tracks, the album includes collaborations with up and coming vocalists like, Zhiko, Jantine, India Parkman, Lily Denning, HAYL and more.
DJ MIME releases his first full album 20/20.
Each tune has its own unique sound. A melody of genres and styles represents the whole concept of celebrating diversity within electronic dance music.
I feel like when multiple creative minds come together magic can really be made, sometimes the person you’re working with could have an idea that you would have never even thought of, those WOW moments are super special in the music making process.
DJ MIME
MIME named the album after his “vision” of creativity he used throughout the year. The songs provide a combination of underground house music for dancing and headphone-ready tunes. The album showcases a rapidly maturing artist, that continues to break the boundaries of what everyone thinks electronic music should be.
MIME released his debut track “Electronic Zoo” just last year. Now, along with 20/20, has 11 more tracks under his belt. These have all gone through his self-made label, AlterEgo, that he created with his team.
20/20 is out now and streaming on all platforms. If you’re looking for an album to listen to with a variety of moods, this is a perfect staple to add to your list.
Philadelphia based actor/singer-songwriter, Chaz Shepherd, is well-versed in the arena of soulful, R&B music, but he has more to offer. The musician recently released a powerful tune about protest and standing up for one’s rights.
Music is an expression and I felt that this sound expressed the time and the movement that is happening now.
Chaz Lamar Shepherd
Chaz Lamar Shepherd
Shepherd reflects on his latest musical accomplishment, “We Will Breathe,” a song of protest.
The album that I’m currently working on is about love and and unity. It will be a representation of me. “We Will Breathe,” however, is about protest. It’s about being sick and tired and says, enough is enough.
Chaz Shepherd
Much like many artists, Chaz Shepherd is happy to use his platform to stand up for what he believes in. He says it’s not a musician’s job to create a political or social stance, but he knows that has always been him.
Growing up in Philadelphia, the actor/singer found his love for music in the upbeat, loud, soulful church he attended as a kid. There, he was able to expand his vocals and create the passion you can hear in his music today.
Along with his musical career, Shepherd had memorable roles in many different movies and shows over the years. From the early 2000s show, 7th Heaven, to the popular Netflix feature, Marvel’s Luke Cage, Shepherd has always seemed to flare the screen with his acting.
The global pandemic hit the music and film industries hard: venues shutting down, workers losing their jobs and live music stopping. In-person music events seem like a thing of the past. Shepherd looks at these isolation days as time to work on his music and better himself in every way.
I’ve been able to live very comfortably and work on my creativity. I am thankful every day that this virus hasn’t affected me the way that, unfortunately, half of the planet was affected.
Chaz Shepherd
George Floyd
The well-rounded artist says his inspiration for “We Will Breathe,” was provoked by the murder of George Floyd in May of 2020. Throughout the year, Shepherd has been an activist and supporter of the Black Lives Matter Movement, along with other organizations that support equality. According to him, this song isn’t about love. It’s about standing up for human rights.
I became more than what I thought I was. I directed and produced a video I also performed in. I just want this video to become more popular and to contribute to, not only, the BLM movement, but also all over.
Chaz Shepherd
“We Will Breathe,” can be found on all platforms. The video itself is featured on Shepherd’s very own YouTube Channel, Chaz Shepherd Official. Soon to come, is an album featuring soul, R&B, gospel and more.
The popular Blue Note Jazz Club and Restaurant is finally re-opening their doors to jazz lovers and music enthusiasts alike, with a set capacity limit of 25 percent.
Promotion for Blue Note’s first night of re-opening.
I am very happy to announce that the Blue Note will reopen for dining this holiday season. The safety of our guests is our highest priority and our staff is working around the clock to ensure our guests have a comfortable dining experience.
Steven Bensusan, President of Blue Note Entertainent Group
Blue Note originally had to close because of the Covid-19 shutdown. Although they kept active by streaming live shows online, there’s nothing like an in-person jazz experience.
Starting Nov. 27, the club will provide dinner services for selected evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., along with brunch on selected weekends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dining packages will also be available to guests who want to experience the “magic of the holidays,” at Blue Note. The diners will be able to experience a list of respectable musicians while eating their meals.
The Greenwich Village club has been around for almost four decades. Opening in 1981, Blue Note became a center for culture and music in New York City. They are known as one of the premier jazz clubs in the world, where they strive to preserve the history of jazz. In the past, they featured renowned artists like, Chick Corea, Joe Lovano, John Scofield, and Chris Botti. The club also frequently promotes up-and-coming jazz, hip-hop, R&B and soul musicians.
Dining packages start at $45 per person, while livestream access is $10. Regardless of whether you would like to enjoy a meal in the presence of a jazz show or do the same thing from home, all the information and payments can be made at Blue Note’s website.
Incidental Music Calendar:
Maurice “Mobetta” Brown Residency – Nov 24, Dec 4, Dec 11, Dec 18
Eddie Palmieri Residency – Nov 28, Dec 5, Dec 12, Dec 19, Dec 26
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced, Wednesday, new statewide curfew and capacity regulations. They will take effect on Nov. 13, to combat the recent surge in Covid-19 cases across New York State.
(Credit: Deadline) NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo conducts press briefing and makes a presentation at the 3rd Avenue office in New York on July 23, 2020. Governor announced that President Trump will not send federal agents into New York City. He again pleaded to young people to be responsible, keep social distances and wear masks. (Photo by Lev Radin/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)
On Friday, establishments licensed by the State Liquor Authority will have to close their doors at 10 p.m. This includes, restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and gyms. After curfew, restaurants can do curbside food-only pickup.
According to Cuomo, house parties and small social gatherings are the third “great spreader” identified by the contact tracer. All at-home gatherings will be limited to ten people.
In the last week, new reported cases have doubled in New York and New Jersey. The biggest goal for the new regulations is to ensure the state does not go through another shutdown if they don’t have to.
“If these measures aren’t sufficient to slow the spread, we will turn the valve more and part of that would be reducing the number of people in indoor dining,” Cuomo said, “If that doesn’t work, if numbers keep going crazy, there are some scientists who believe we should close down. I hope that doesn’t happen.”
Over the course of the pandemic, many regulations have been set in place by the governor and reinforced by the SLA. This is the first time in months that they’ve had to crack down once again. Unfortunately, this doesn’t just pertain to New York but also neighboring states.
“If you look at the places in our state where we’re having issues, they’re very often near the neighboring states,” Cuomo said. “If the national numbers are going up and the states around you are going up, be prepared.”
With music venues around the country struggling to keep their doors open, this is yet another step backward for the industry. So that businesses can open and run normally, everyone is encouraged to follow the new rules and ensure everyone’s safety.
On Nov. 14, PhanArt launched the Virtual PhanArt show, an experience that will feature its largest gathering of artists yet from Phish and jam communities.
Lineup for The Virtual PhanArt Show.
The show is set to run through mid-January so that fans could connect with artists, while browsing and shopping at small businesses, just in time for the holidays.
The show starts at Noon ET on Saturday, starting off with a live-stream kickoff party via Launchglobal.tv that will go until 5 p.m. Sweeping Views and DJ Raphael25 will perform live, plus interviews with PhanArt Pete and the Launch Global Team. Where there’s “Phans,” there’s trivia. The show will hold a Phish trivia game that includes a VIP package of prizes and more.
At a normal in-person PhanArt show, Phish enthusiasts could acquire one-on-one personal interactions with vendors and artists. Each vendor showcases their one of a kind items, while music plays through the venue. Virtually, that doesn’t change. Instead of entering the show room, fans will enter the ‘event space’ on the PhanArt website. Everyone will have the same perks as a regular show and even receive exclusive items through drops handled by artists and vendors directly.
With over 30 artists, the virtual show possesses an array of activities that will be sure to host your inner Phish obsession.
PhanArt Show 2019
The Virtual PhanArt Show Lineup features Maria D. Designs, Wookles & Co., The Art of Ryan Kerrigan, Girl Tour, MYFE. Designs, The Goddess Revival, GratefuLegos, Tripp, BB Denim Co., Super Rad Cape Company, Hang Loose Creations, Shop Cadillac Rainbows, Party Time Design, The Overhead View, New Springfield Boogie, Lizzy Layne Art & Design, Fred Sutter, California Ave Artworks, Jamie Lee Meyer, Rude Judy Designs, Fat Karr Studios, Groovesafe, Jeremiah Merrill, Appalachian Alchemy, Wook Chic, La Placa Pottery, Mittyart, Josean Rivera, Babacool LLC, AZN Media, Phan Gear, Phrames, All in this Together, Trixy Starr and many more to come
After eight long months of being shut down, The Park Theater in Glens Falls is proud to announce they will open their doors. On Nov. 18 the venue with host an event; ‘Dinner & A Movie: A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood.’
Cover art for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
The screening of the movie will be accompanied with a three-course meal by Chef Matthew J. Delos. The guests will have their choice between three entrees and two different dessert. The 2019 film is about the late Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers, played by Tom Hanks and his friendship with investigative journalist, Lloyd Vogel, played by Matthew Rhys. According to a press release by the theater, the movie “tells a story of kindness, empathy, acceptance and transformation.”
The Park Theater has been an entertainment staple in Glens Falls since 1911, where the town would watch silent films and vaudeville shows. In 1935, they closed their doors until The Post-Star bought and transformed the building into a printing plant. Over the years, numerous organizations tried to maintain the building’s reputation as a performing arts center, only to really make a change in 2018 by returning to its original name, The Park Theater and Doc’s Restaurant downstairs.
For the event, doors open at 5 PM, dinner starts at 5:30 PM and the movie will begin an hour after dinner service starts. The tickets are $60 (+tax) per person and can be purchased online or call the box office at 518-792-1150. The theater recommends buying tickets sooner rather than later because seats are bound to go quickly after not having an event for so long.
Mr. Rogers inspired children and adults throughout his career. This film demonstrates the impact he had on not only viewers of his show, but also his personal relationships.
I think the best thing we can do is to let people know that each one of them is precious.
Mr. Rogers
Event Poster for The Park Theater
For more information visit The Park Theater’s website.
Holtzman and Vesneske developed the company after two decades of working in the music and hospitality idustry all over Western New York. Their experience has lead them to create Twenty6 and operate any venue, however big or small.
According to a press release, Twenty6 Production’s resume possesses a myriad of events, from pandemic- inspired, drive-in concerts at two locations to private parties and small weddings. Before the pandemic, they held many music events, nonprofit gatherings and more.
There’s no event we can’t take on. From private parties to nonprofit gatherings to large-scale music festivals, we’ve done it all and know how to navigate any situation. Surrounded by some of the industry’s best, both Vesneske and I feel incredibly optimistic about what the future holds for Twenty6 Productions
Co-founder Josh Holtzman
Twenty6 Productions will run numerous services for clients, including event management and logistics, event budget development, food and beverage management, venue event management, event staffing, marketing, branding , and talent buying.
Twenty6 Productions Founders Josh Holtzman and Grace Vesneske
The company will work with anyone, including purveyors ranging from festivals, restaurants, concerts, non-profits, corporations, and the privately-owned sector.
In a Facebook post, the company states that they will provide “every event with the highest standard of professionalism.”
About a year ago, we started throwing around the idea of starting our very own event production company. If you know us, you know our passion lies in creating memorable experiences for those around us. Global pandemic? No problem, we’ll bring our community drive-in concerts! And just like that, Twenty6 Productions was born, right before our eyes.
Twenty6 Production’s Facebook page
For more information, follow Twenty6 Production’s social media pages.
After months of being shut down and struggling to make ends meet, small business music venues will, finally, get the help they’ve been asking for. Live Music Society, a new nonprofit organization, announced their launch of relief efforts for the industry.
Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, NY.
The Society’s first phase is getting monetary grants to 20 small venues around the country. For the first two years of their operation, they promise to give $2 million in grant money to the live music industry.
The Society’s relief program has a broader approach to ensure small venues will get their aid. The Live Music Society Grants will supply philanthropic aid to music venues that have been in operation for three years or more with a sellable capacity of 250 occupants or less, with maximum one-year individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.
Across 14 states, the Society’s first grant recipients are known for their community engagement. Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs is a quaint venue, with a mere 110 seats. This compact concert hall hosted an array of artists throughout the years, most notably, Bob Dylan. Other venues in New York State receiving grants are The Bowery Electric in Manhattan and Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock.
Music is magic. It has tremendous power to connect people and create energy. There are small venues around the country that create soul-filling experiences for their audiences, staff, and for the local and touring musicians that play there. These clubs are a precious and important part of our nation’s music ecosystem, and our goal is to help them continue to be excellent at what they do.
Founder and Board Chairman of Live Music Society Pete Muller
Muller is a singer-songwriter and a champion of music education. He helped in the saving of New York’s Power House Studios along with Berkley College of Music in Boston and the NYC Mayor’s Office of media and entertainment.
As the pandemic soared around the world, live music was put to an abrupt halt, leaving thousands of industry workers jobless.
The National Independent Venue Association pushed hard for economic relief. They were able to get Congress to pass the Save Our Stages Act, which allowed the Small Business Association to give grants and loans to venues, but it only extends to December of this year and there are limitations.
During such trying times, the society’s hope is to keep struggling venues from closing their doors.
Our original goal was to support a small network of like-minded clubs around the country that could share best practices and learn from each other. But then the pandemic hit, and now we are simply trying to help these clubs stay afloat until they can open their doors again.
Executive Director Joyce Lim
Live Music Society will open the next round of applications for the 2021 cycle starting in early January. The criteria for application include:
Venues with sellable capacity of 250 seats or less
Venues that have been in operation for 3 years or more
Venues that are committed to live music as its primary activity
