NYS Music 202​0

Author: Stephanie Hyde

  • ‘Candlelight: Love in the Time of Cholera’ Concert Set for December 10

    Juliet Kurtzman and Pete Malinverni will perform a livestream concert of their album release, Candlelight: Love in the Time of Cholera on December 10 at 8 p.m. SUNY Purchase College Performing Arts Center will stream their performance and interview afterwards with the director, Seth Soloway.

    Candlelight Love in the Time of Cholera

    Candlelight: Love in The Time of Cholera is a recording that will focus on the themes of universal human desires for love, intimacy, and deliverance from loneliness. The album includes five piano pieces from cornetist Bix Beiderbecke; a tango written by Argentinian master Astor Piazzolla; a read of Scott Joplin’s “Solace,” and a deeply felt version of “Body and Soul,” featuring Kurtzman’s interpretation of Coleman Hawkins’ iconic solo. Malinverni will perform two of his composed tangos: “Pulcinella” and “Love in the Time of Cholera.” Both Kurtzman and Malinverni will give interpretations on their 12-track album, which has never been recorded in violin-piano format.

    It is the artist’s sacred duty to face and comment upon life’s joys and sorrows, illuminating them for others. I hope this album is heard in the same spirit as, for instance, Gabriel García Márquez’s book Love in the Time of Cholera, from which this recording takes, in part, its title.

    Pete Malinverni

    Kurtzman began her violin career as a soloist for her hometown Houston Symphony Orchestra. After concluding her studies at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, Kurtzman embarked on a career as a symphonic violinist in Europe. Malinverni, who grew up in Niagara Falls, NY, studied classical piano and later jazz. According to Nate Chinen of the New York Times, Malinverni is “a pianist with a forthright and elegant style” for his illustrious pianist career. Malinverni has experience recorded for small and large groups which helps to bridge the worlds of classical and jazz music on the Candlelight performance.

    Click Here to watch Candlelight: Love in The Time of Cholera

  • RuPaul’s Drag Race Artists Announce New Years Eve Global Livestream

    On New Year Eve, Producer Entertainment Group (PEG) will host PEG Presents “New Year’s Queens: Goodbye 2020,” with the top sixteen artists from RuPaul’s Drag Race to count down the wild year. Sessions Live will stream the concert event on their website. PEG is a management and creative company behind the world’s biggest drag queens and LGBTQ artists. The broadcast will livestream the countdown from New York and Los Angeles on December 31 at 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET on the Sessions Live platform.

    RuPaul's Drag Race

    The 11-hour event will be hosted by Miz Cracker & Peppermint (New York City), Alaska & Bob The Drag Queen (Los Angeles), and Trixie Mattel & Katya (Los Angeles). The following New Year’s Eve performers include BeBe Zahara Benet, BenDeLaCreme, Boulet Brothers, Divina De Campo, Ginger Minj, Jinkx Monsoon, Jujubee, Manila Luzon, and Sharon Needles.

     We are thrilled to be the exclusive host for The Marathon New Year’s Eve Livestream. This promises to be the most interactive, most global and certainly the most colorful party across every continent and every time zone to ring in the new year. Audiences everywhere will have the opportunity to enjoy and engage with a talented lineup of drag artists from around the world.

    Tim Westergren, Co-Founder of Sessions

    RuPaul’s Drag Race is a competition show that crowns “America’s Next Drag Superstar” through unique challenges each season. RuPaul along with Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, and other celebrity guest judges measure each of the contenders. RuPaul’s Drag Race has won a total of 19 Primetime Emmy Awards, including six this year including “Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Competition Program” and “Outstanding Competition Program.” The 12th season of the show concluded this May with Jaida Essence Hall as the winner. Ticket prices for “New Year’s Queens: Goodbye 2020” start at $39 with interactive VIP Package options with 11 out of the 16 artists from the show.

    Click here to buy tickets

    RuPaul's Drag Race

  • Jazz Standard in New York City Closes Doors for Good

    Jazz Standard announced on December 2 that it would be permanently closing its New York City venue. In their Instagram announcement, the venue shared a heartfelt message thanking their team members, guests, and New York City for embracing and supporting the jazz venue throughout its tenure. 

    Jazz Standard is one of many independent and local music venues that faced immense economic hardship from a lack of revenue because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the first major jazz club in New York City to permanently shut down.

    Jazz Standard

    According to an NPR article about the recent news of their closing, Jazz Standard first opened its doors in 1997 and then reopened in 2002, with the basement club along with the new edition of a barbecue restaurant upstairs called Blue Smoke Flatiron. Danny Meyer owns the club and restaurant.

    The venue is well known for the variety of musical talent at their venue, including artists’ recordings that eventually tuned into albums from Maria Schneider Orchestra, the Mingus Big Band, trumpeter Dave Douglas, drummer Dafnis Prieto, and pianist Fred Hersch. In addition to professional performances, Jazz Standard also hosted different programs to promote growth in the jazz community among all generations of jazz musicians, young and old including “Mingus Mondays,” “Jazz For Kids,” and “Jazz Standard Discovery Program.”

    Their farewell post stated,

    While our physical doors may be shut, our passion to serve and entertain lives on and we are optimistic about the future and writing the next chapter of Jazz Standard. In the meantime, the club is hosting exclusive artist conversations and performances virtually.

    Five “Virtual Talk Series” from the venue are all available to watch on their YouTube page, with the latest video “Wayne’s World: A Discussion on Wayne Shorter with Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, and Brian Blade,” uploaded this past week.

  • SAINt JHN Releases The Timely ‘While The World Was Burning’

    SAINt JHN, an artist from Brooklyn (real name Carlos St John Phillips), released his third album While The World Was Burning as artists continue to use the pandemic as inspiration for their music. His successful hit “Roses (Imanbek Remix)” spent 34 weeks on the Billboard Top 100 and peaked at #4 this past summer. The rest of his discography includes two other albums or “collections” with Ghetto Lenny Love Songs released in 2019 and Collection One in 2018. His commercial success took off in 2019, writing “Brown Skin Girl” for Beyoncé’s album The Lion King: The Gift. While the World Was Burning is a glimpse at SAINt JHN’s endless potential as an artist who can capitalize on using unpredictable times as momentum towards his promising career.

    SAINt JHN

     “Sucks To Be You” is the introductory track that successfully sets the tone of While The World Was Burning by reintroducing the world to a different side of SAINt JHN. The repeated lyrics from the chorus, “I said you know who I am, this kid from Brooklyn,” describe an adverse journey from humble beginnings to a successful artist. His honesty about his upbringing coincides with growing apart from someone who supported his initial dreams of wanting to become an artist. SAINt JHN expresses a vulnerable side as an artist who can make an upbeat hit like “Roses” and explain who he is as a person on “Sucks To Be You.”

    https://youtu.be/pDsas5WHPXk
    SAINt JHN made his TV debut performing “Sucks to Be You” on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon

    SAINt JHN gathered a star-studded list of features on this album including 6LACK, Lil Uzi Vert, Future DaBaby, Kehlani, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Kanye, and JID. On “Ransom,” he teamed up with 6LACK and Kehlani to create a complementary vibe for each artist involved. Earlier in the year, he released a music video for “Ransom” featuring only his initial verse. By adding 6LACK And Kehlani, SAINt JHN proves his capability of knowing how to improve a song with the right features.  While “Ransom” and “Sucks To Be You” are both tracks that highlight melodies, “Freedom Is Priceless” delivers an up-tempo beat that showcases his lyricism as a rapper.

    “Pray 4 Me” is a cautionary tale about the possible repercussions of a rockstar lifestyle. SAINt JHN expresses his deepest fears of fame getting the best of him with lyrics like, “My life now, this highlight now/ Play my mama this if I die right now.” In comparison, Kanye’s featured verse feels superficial and so out of place the song would thrive even more without his verse. “Smack DVD” is the second collaboration between the duo and is available on the re-release version of While the World Was Burning. Kanye has a better verse on “Smack DVD” than on “Pray 4 Me,” but SAINt JHN outshines him on both tracks.

    SAINt JHN mentions “Tryin to be the next Kanye” on “Quarantine Wifey,” but his originality is his biggest asset rather than emulating any other artist. Looking back on this year, While the World Was Burning will be a reminder of how music made the uncertain times a little more bearable.

  • House of Yes and Secret Dance Addiction Partnership Set to Promote Safer Partying

    House of Yes, a creative and theatre-infused nightclub in Bushwick Brooklyn, recently partnered with Secret Dance Addiction to host their sober virtual dance experience Ancient Aliens on Nov. 28 at 8 p.m.  The virtual event will livestream on the House of Yes Twitch platform and the Secret Dance Addiction Zoom Party to provide a dance experience that does not require alcohol to participate.

    House of Yes

    The event will include a DJ set from the Founders of Secret Dance Addiction, a disco house set from Silec, and Global Soul sounds from DJ Sabine Blaizin, a House of Yes resident. In addition to music, the Ancient Alien experience will also have a costume contest, facial reading sessions, and a virtual bar experience with alcohol-free Lyre’s cocktails. House of Yes and Secret Dance Addiction hopes to elevate the message of positive partying with a sober-curious experience with Ancient Aliens.

    Click Here to RSVP for Ancient Aliens

    “We are partnering with Secret Dance Addiction because we are drawn to their mission to build a mindful dance community that doesn’t require alcohol to participate. We recognize that many members of our community are sober-curious and appreciate the opportunity to learn about alternative and healthier ways to party. We want to foster genuine connections between people, where we call on them to participate in the experiences we design with their full attention and intention, and we feel like Secret Dance Addiction vibrates on that same frequency.”

    Jacqui Rabkin, Marketing and Cultural Director at House of Yes

    Ambie and Mike Handby founded the Secret Dance Addiction online platform to promote prioritizing health and connection over intoxicants used when partying. Any sober DJ, artist, creator, or participant can unite in a mindful and addiction-free dance music community. The goal of House of Yes is to unite creative-minded people at their Brooklyn venue to fuel passion and inspiration while providing entertainment.

  • Isaac Mizrahi to host Virtual shows from Café Carlyle

    Isaac Mizrahi will host four virtual shows from his special concert series, Isaac@CafeCarlyle. BroadwayWorld Events streaming platform will present each show performance full of stories and songs.

    The first show of Isaac@CafeCarlyle will be released December 4, at 8 p.m. BroadwayWorld Events will share the next three shows on January 8, February 12, and March 19. Each show will feature a special chat with Mizrahi and will be available on-demand for 30 days.

    Isaac Mizrahi
    By Gregg Richards

    Ben Waltzer will accompany Mizrahi along with his six-piece with each show filmed at Café Carlyle in New York City. Before the pandemic, Café Carlyle delivered classic cabaret entertainment with New York elegance and style.

    On March 19 at 8pm EST, Isaac will be joined by special guest Justin Vivian Bond, without an audience.

    About performing with Bond, Mizrahi said, “Vivian is a talent who has directly inspired me. They embody the words ‘night club entertainer.’ I was lucky enough to see them perform numerous times and then luckier to meet them and work together. Now I feel like the luckiest person alive to be their friend.”

    Café Carlyle has headlined many talents including Woody Allen, Eartha Kitt, Elaine Stritch, Rita Wilson, and Debbie Harry. With the increased restrictions caused by the pandemic, Café Carlyle is closed to guests. Since 2017 Isaac Mizrahi has been a frequent guest and received praise from the New York Times as “a founding father of a genre that fuses performance art, music, and stand-up comedy.”

    I’ve been performing at Café Carlyle for the past four years, It feels like my home. This is my chance to continue the tradition and bring my show to even more people.

    Isaac Mizrahi

    In addition to making a name for himself with his performances at Café Carlyle, Mizrahi has over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He has numerous directorial credits for his productions, including A Little Night Music and The Magic Flute for the Opera theatre of St. Louis. Mizrahi has starred in his own productions, including his documentary Unzipped, which received an award from the Sundance Film Festival and hosting seven seasons of The Isaac Mizrahi Show. Several television, theatre, and literature projects are in development with his production company, Isaac Mizrahi Entertainment.

    Click here to purchase tickets for the Isaac@CafeCarlyle concerts.

  • Barenaked Ladies Virtual Event on December 18 is Right in Time for the Holidays

    Barenaked Ladies will host their streaming event called “Barenaked Ladies Presents: A Very Virtual Christmas” on December 18 at 9 p.m. ET. The virtual performance will include comedy sketches and holiday fan favorites from their popular Barenaked For The Holidays CD. Fans can purchase tickets for $15 along with seasonal merchandise on their website.

    Barenaked Ladies

    Just in time for the holiday season, the Barenaked Ladies holiday collection will include a Jigsaw Puzzle, Rubik’s Cube, Hat and Mask, Ugly Sweaters, Tree Ornaments, and the Barenaked For The Holidays CD. The 20th Anniversary of Maroon vinyl will be available to pre-order and will include a bonus, alternative version of “Green Christmas.”

    Even with the unpredictability of the pandemic, Barenaked Ladies have created Facebook Livestreams with #SelfieCamJam to perform deep cuts and fan favorites from their discography with the help of special guests. They have completed 23 shows with appearances from Sarah McLachlan, Tom Greene, KT Tunstall, The Count, and Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish who performed with the band in 2019. The full performances of the SelfieCamJam series are on the Barenaked Ladies’ YouTube page.

    Barenaked Ladies already have written a variety of top 20 hits like “One Week,” “Pinch Me,” and “If I Had $1,00,000” along with receiving two Grammy nominations. This year, Barenaked Ladies teamed up with Michael Bublé and Sofia Reyes on “Gotta Be Patient” with proceeds from the single going to various charities. Proceeds for Barenaked Ladies will go to the Cultural Survival organization which provides indigenous communities rights and cultures worldwide. Looking ahead, BNL plans to postpone their extensive tour plans until 2021. Their tour will include 29 stops throughout North America, including performances in Lewiston, NY, and New York City along with 10 stops in the UK.

    Click here to purchase tickets for the Barenaked Ladies Presents: A Very Virtual Christmas.

  • Brooks Hudgins shares Breakup Track “February” from December Debut Album

    Multi-talented Brooklyn artist, Brooks Hudgins, just released his new single “February” off of his upcoming debut album Drive Thru Communion. The single first premiered on Cool Hunting, Nov. 13. The album is set to be released Friday December, 11.

    Brooks Hudgins
    Photo Cred: Kevin Lombardo

    “February” is a breakup track with dark wit and immaculate production. It transitions into jazzier components as the song carries on. According to Cool Hunting the “lyrics of conflict paint a picture of distaste and concern over a person caught up in vice-laden and content-streaming lifestyle.” Hudgins’s prominent vocals are raw and emotive, a highlights as they blend with the song’s instrumental. In addition to his vocals, Hudgins has songwriting credits for creating his compelling track.

    Drive Thru Communion will feature 13 tracks that were all recorded in different studios and bedroom closets across the country. The various locations helped bring a dark peculiarity characteristic that fans have never heard from Brooks Hudgins.

    Hudgins has also released two other tracks during 2020 including “405 South” and his debut double single “Only Fans/Gas Station Viagra.” Record producer and former violinist, Grant Gardner, teamed up with Hudgins at Corner Store Studios in Ridgewood, NY to record Drive Thru Communion. Despite little experience, the duo created an alt-country album that shows flashes of brilliance and moments of musical amateurism.

    Hudgins started out his musical career as a techno DJ who split time between LA and the UK. He later settled in New York and tried his hand at songwriting and recording tracks in his Bushwick basement studio while working at Sugarfish restaurant at night. Hudgins used his screenwriting experience to write and produce an eight-episode season of an iHeart Country Musical Podcast for MGM and WME. The podcast featured Billy Bob Thornton, Miranda Lambert, Dennis Quaid and Craig Robinson.

  • Wave Farm to Host Ragas Live Festival on November 21-22

    Ragas Live Festival will broadcast on November 21-22, hosted by the Brooklyn nonprofit organization Wave Farm. The virtual festival will run for 24 hours straight – from 7 p.m. on Saturday until 7 p.m. Sunday. The 24-hour broadcast will feature over 60 musicians’ global performances.

    Ragas Live Festival

    The Indian classical music tradition known as “raga” was the inspiration for the festival. A “raga” is a musical mode with its own emotions, associated with a specific time of day. The music from the raga harmonizes with changes in light and the emotions associated with a sunset, high noon, or midnight. The musical tradition helped to cultivate the concept for the festival to beam out 24 hours of “raga” to reflect the innovations within the music industry. Ragas Live Festival is in its consecutive ninth year since its start back in 2012. With the music industry having to readjust around COVID-19, Ragas Live Festival was able to transition into a first-ever broadcast for this year’s celebration.

    The Ragas Live Festival will feature performances from all around the world and fellow New York artists including; Andy Statman (Manhattan), Krishna Mohan Bhatt (Brooklyn), Arun Ramamurthy (Manhattan), Roopa Mahadevan (Brooklyn), Ask Hafiz (Manhattan), Samarth Nagarkar (Brooklyn), and more.

    International performers include Terry Riley (Himitsu, Japan), Betsayda Machado y Parranda El Clavo (El Clavo, Venezuela), Derek Gripper (Capetown, South Africa), and more. Pioneer Works, Brooklyn Raga Massive, NYC Radio Live, and the Rubin Museum of Art are all partners in presenting the event.

    Wave Farm will continue to provide support to artists with their Wave Farm Artist Residency Program coming up in February. Artists have the chance to gain valuable radio experience by applying with a specific radio art project. The deadline for the Residency applications is February 1.

    Click here to register for The Ragas Live Festival event.

  • CNY Music Now is the Latest Music Series to Showcase Regional Artists

    American Vintage Productions has announced a new partnership with X101 Always Classic and the Cortland Main Street Music Series to a new music series at Rose Hall in Cortland. Together, the partnership will host an hour-long radio show called CNY Music Now each week that features local and regional musicians. American Vintage Live will broadcast the videos and upload the webcasts of CNY Music Now through their Facebook page live each week on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.

    CNY Music Now
    Austin MacRae will perform twice on the CNY Music Now show

    CNY Music Now will also be available to listen to live on the X101 Always Classic 101.5FM WXHC. Charles Walton will host the show with artist/musician Molly Reagan Andrejko for 10 consecutive weeks following the debut show on November 8. Each week, the show will feature two musical guests every Sunday evening and combine live performances, interviews, and album cuts to provide fans with an inside look at the artist and their music.

    Here is a look at the November lineup of CNY Music Now shows:

    Mike and X101 have long been advocates for the local and regional music scene and we’re excited to partner with them. Without a way to present the Cortland Main Street Music Series this year, it was a natural progression for all our organizations to collectively work together to present this new series. We believe that this is one more step in all our efforts to expand the audience for regional musicians.

    AVP Founder Chris Merkley

    CNY Music Now follows the premiere of AVP’s first season of their weekly series called American Vintage Line. American Vintage Line provided livestreams of local and regional to substitute for the shut-down of live music events caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. AVP’s mission is to present live music and livestream events to the greater CNY region that bring people together through music. The series is presented by CFCU Community Credit Union with support from Dan and Rose McNeil Foundation.