Jack White filled in as musical guest for the second episode of the 46th season of SNL, hosted by Bill Burr. Called in last minute to replace country singer Morgan Wallan, White and his power trio including Dominic Davis (bass), and Daru Jones (drums) first performed a medley of “Ball and Biscuit,” “Don’t Hurt Yourself” and “Jesus Is Coming Soon,” and “Lazaretto” off White’s second solo album later in the show.
This was the fourth time Jack White performed on Saturday Night Live, going back to 2002. The first performance began with the infectious riff of “Don’t Hurt Yourself” from White’s collaboration with Beyoncé, before transitioning into “Ball and Biscuit” from The White Stripes’ fourth album, Elephant, which also featured a nod to Blind Willie Johnson’s “Jesus Is Coming Soon.”
As noted by Benjy Eisen on Twitter, “Jesus is Coming Soon” has a COVID-19 tie-in, as the original song was written about the 1918 H1N1 influenza that killed over 50 million people worldwide, and includes the lines “It was an epidemic/It floated through the air.”
“Lazaretto,” the title track of White’s GRAMMY-winning sophomore solo album followed as the second performance of the evening. Bassist Davis wore a shirt that read PRINE, a nod to the late singer/songwriter John Prine, on what would have been his 80th birthday.
White gave a subtle nod to the late Eddie Van Halen during “Lazaretto,” using a model of guitar similar to Eddie Van Halen’s, but also playing a finger tapping solo mid-song, a signature move of Van Halen’s.
The White Stripes Greatest Hits arrives on December 4 on Third Man Records/Columbia Records.
From October 14-24, the Chautauqua Institution will be hosting the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) septet with Wynton Marsalis for a ten day residency. The residency will focus on improvisation, blues, and swing.
The performances will take place at Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall and will be released to stream at a later date on the CHQ Assembly Video Platform. However, the concerts will also be available live through brunches and meals that CHQ is offering.
Additionally, Wynton Marsalis will present three live conversations at Chautauqua on the CHQ Assembly Virtual Porch. JLCO musicians and leaders will also teach a series of multiple courses on jazz classics and culture via the CHQ Assembly Classroom (dates and times below).
“This residency provides the opportunity for Jazz at Lincoln Center and Chautauqua Institution to deepen our relationship, which has always been about exploring important issues through art and conversation,” said Deborah Sunya Moore, vice president of performing and visual arts. “This residency will feature online performances, conversations, and classes offered for the Chautauqua Assembly community as well as communities across the globe with which JLCO has existing relationships.”
Watch past performances of Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at Chautauqua here.
The Ever Fonky Lowdown composed by Wynton Marsalis Tuesday, October 20 • 10:30 a.m. EDT
Freedom Suite composed by Sonny Rollins Tuesday, October 20 • 1:30 p.m. EDT
Presidential Suite: Eight Variations on Freedom: Part 1 Wednesday, October 21 • 10:30 a.m. EDT
Presidential Suite: Eight Variations on Freedom: Part 2 Wednesday, October 21 • 1:30 p.m. EDT Charlie Parker Centennial: Freedom to Take Flight Thursday, October 22 • 10:30 a.m. EDT
Freedom Across the Pond: Jazz in the U.K. Thursday, October 22 • 1:30 p.m. EDT
We Insist! Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite Friday, October 23 • 10:30 a.m. EDT
Freedom of Expression: Latin Jazz in New York City Friday, October 23 • 1:30 p.m. EDT
Griselda emcees refuse to rest on their laurels. A week after the label’s visionary/founder Westside Gunn released what he announced would be his final album, his cousin — and arguably the label’s best rapper — announced his latest project and it is more star-studded than ever. Burden of Proof, the upcoming studio album from rapper Benny The Butcher will bookend what has been an increasingly productive year for the Buffalo-bred rap crew.
While the album’s existence was no surprise (Benny the Butcher had been teasing a project for weeks on his various social media outlets), the Shady records signee revealed a list of features as well as a release date. October 16th will see the release of the much-anticipated project, which is two weeks after Westside Gunn’s WHO MADE THE SUNSHINE and a month after Conway the Machine’s From King To A GOD.
With Griselda’s ever-growing popularity, we are starting to see more diverse features and song choices in each respective album. Known for their grungy street-tales, chorus and catchy melodies aren’t a part of the Griselda package, yet this list of features gives a hint that this latest project will see BTB try his hand at different song arrangements. Produced entirely by famed producer Hit-Boy (who also handled the entirety of the production on Nas’ latest album), Burden Of Proof will feature the likes of Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Rick Ross, Freddie Gibbs, West Coat emcee Dom Kennedy, popular up-and-coming R&B songstress Queen Najia, as well as his cousins and frequent collaborators, Conway the Machine and Westside Gunn. This is an important album in what seems to be a concentrated effort to solidify the Buffalo trio as the prominent emcees in not just their city, but the whole state of New York as a whole, a tittle that has never been held by anyone not from the five boroughs.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear music from Ciarra Fragale and many more!
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Ciarra Fragale – “Miss That” and “Too Good For You Baby”
Ciarra Fragale is an indie pop act born and raised in New York’s Hudson Valley. By blending the nostalgic traditions of songwriting with unique new-wave sensibilities, she creates a sound all her own. Ciarra spent years playing solo, until early last year when she joined forces with Kingston drummer Eli Marzano. Since then they have brought their dynamic set all across the Northeast, opening for renowned acts like Sammy Rae & the Friends. Ciarra relocated to North Adams, MA at the end of last year and just last weekend sold out two shows at Mass MoCA, her first shows since March.
After the release of my second LP, Call It What You Will, I found myself already collecting a bunch of new material. Last fall, I visited a friend of mine’s studio (Sleeper Cave Records) while I was passing through for a show and really fell in love with the space. I had been familiar with [Andy’s] engineering work, as a lot of my friends had recorded with him. After a few conversations, we went in to record “Too Good (For You, Baby)” and quickly realized that we weren’t just recording a single—we were making a record. We’ve been plugging away on it ever since. It feels really good to push the envelope. I just know so much more now than I did when I was making the previous records, both as an artist and as a producer. I’m really excited to share these new songs, most of which no one has never really heard. The climate is different now…usually you write a new song and you try it out at a few shows to gauge interest. Since that is not really an option right now, we’re just going for it on this record and it feels quite liberating. The collection of songs on this album feel like my most honest, which is why I decided to make the record self-titled. This new album is not necessarily a “quarantine record,” even though a lot of the songs were written during this tumultuous time. They are just a snapshot of where I am, right now.
EQXPosure will open the show 7pm Ciarra’s “Miss That” and later play “Too Good For You Baby” later in the 7 o’clock hour.
On March 12, all Broadway theaters went dark due to the coronavirus pandemic. Theaters hoped on opening this January, but the shutdown has been extended through at least May 30, 2021.
A poster on Times Square advertises West Side Story at the Broadway Theater on February 7, 2020 in New York City. – Westside Story is returning to Broadway for the first time in more than a decade, directed by Belgian Ivo Van Hove. (Photo by Johannes EISELE / AFP) (Photo by JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images)
On October 9, The Broadway League announced that Broadway will remain dark until next Summer. This shutdown is the longest ever in Broadway’s history. If theaters open as planned next May, shows will have been closed for 444 days, keeping thousands out of work for more than a year.
“With nearly 97,000 workers who rely on Broadway for their livelihood and an annual economic impact of $14.8 billion to the city, our membership is committed to re-opening as soon as conditions permit us to do so. We are working tirelessly with multiple partners on sustaining the industry once we raise our curtains again.”
Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League
Before the shutdown, 31 productions were running on Broadway, including 8 new shows in previews. 8 additional shows were in rehearsals with plans to open last spring. Hangmen, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and Disney’s Frozen struggled greatly and closed permanently. Shows like Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s revival of The Music Man, American Buffalo, and The Minutes postponed their opening dates. The Music Man announced plans to open on February 10, 2022.
Photo by Kate Glicksberg
Needless to say, the Broadway community’s fans and workers are heartbroken. The Broadway League announced that although the current opening date is May 30, individual production’s reopening dates may differ. The League suggests that “theatregoers holding tickets for dates through May 30, 2021 should contact their point of purchase for details about exchanges and refunds.”
Amid this crisis, fans can still look forward to the 2020 Tony Awards. The show will be presented virtually, and the nominees for each category will be announced October 15.
kurt.riley+praxis are best known for shaping the alternative music scene in Central and Upstate New York. Riley has loved and played music from a young age; his influences include glam rock, Moroccan ritual music, new wave, 1930s pop standards, and Eighties post-punk. After a pause of a few years for a college degree, Riley started developing concept albums featuring other-wordly characters – Kismet in 2016, and Tabula Rasa in 2017.
“Free,” releasing today, October 9, is the fourth track from Riley’s current ongoing project, Chrome Empire. The album is built around its main character – an android living in a dark future – and uses science fiction themes to address real-world events.
In “Free,” the android (portrayed by Riley in the video) has gained self-awareness, and is captured by a monolithic megacorporation seeking to prevent the rise of intelligent machines. An employee of the corporation has been put in place to get him to talk.
Previous singles released from the Chrome Empire project are “Future Shock,” “Say You Love Me,” and “Evergreen.” The story arc starts with “Future Shock” that sets the dark, futuristic scene. The android, having a mind that came from a human a long time ago, remembers his love and tries to find her (“Say You Love Me”). In “Evergreen,” he is trying to escape the control of the megacorporation and finds footage of an evergreen Earth of the past.
In each single, Riley has chosen to include non-human characters which was “Much more fun – and more palatable – than talking about our current reality in a plain manner. Plus, I get to dress up!” he said.
There will be at least a dozen releases in total, scheduled through the rest of 2020 and 2021. After “Free,” the next one coming up (scheduled for early November) is called “Get Connected.”
“Free” is scheduled to air at 5:00 PM EST on Friday, October 9, 2020 on the kurt.riley+praxis YouTube Channel.
When I was young, I didn’t understand My grandfather was a preacher man Told me to read the bible Crucial for my survival Grandmother joined him, now they sleep Keeping to the vow, so dark and deep While I maintain location Staring at revelation But I’ll never be free Oh lord, no, I’ll never be free Not me Leaders are debating over déjeuner Waters start to rise at the chestnut tree Only the weak are humble So they shall let it crumble On the horizon, the horsemen ride Stocked up my rations and I’m locked inside Stun my profane synapses All while the world collapses And I’ll never be free Oh Christ, no, I’ll never be free Not me
Derek Discanio, lead singer of pop-punk band State Champs, celebrates his birthday today, October 9th.
State Champs – Upstate Concert Hall – March 2013 – Jenny Caulfield
State Champs originated in Albany and made a name for themselves in the local punk scene playing regular shows at legendary Albany venue Valentines, which has since closed down. Derek founded the band in 2010 with current guitarist, Tyler Szalkowski.
State Champs – Upstate Concert Hall – March 2013 – Jenny Caulfield
State Champs have come a long way in a short time. After self-releasing a string of acoustic singles and EPs, State Champs garnered the attention of Pure Noise Records in 2012 which eventually led to the band being picked up by the label and given loads of promotion opportunities.
After teaming up with Pure Noise, State Champs released remastered versions of “Critical” and “Remedy” which opened the band up to a whole new audience.
The band’s first full-length studio album, The Finer Things, arrived on October 8th, 2013. It sold over 3,000 copies the first week and landed at Number 2 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Following the release of the band’s debut album, State Champs were a staple in any pop-punk kid’s playlist, fulfilling the prototype of skateboard-centric music videos, stage dives, and appearances at the Vans Warped Tour.
Since then, State Champs has gone onto release two more albums, Around The World and Back, debuting the hit single “All You Are Is History” and Living Proof, both of which were praised heavily by fans.
Aside from his involvement in State Champs, Derek has also featured on other prominent Albany pop-punk bands, notably in 2016 when he brought Young Culture’s “Bedroom Floor” to their repertoire, which has become a fan favorite.
State Champs are one of those bands that kids interested in punk music look up to in Albany, making a name for themselves and always remember Albany as their home. Join NYS Music in wishing Albany native Derek Discanio a Happy Birthday!
Starting this month, Hallets Point Play has begun to offer Broadway experiences, from big screen movies to full scale live productions. Radial Park’s first show, a live production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, officially opened this month. An 11-piece orchestra brings this show to life along with talented actors Ali Ewoldt (Les Miserables National Tour and Broadway, The Phantom of the Opera Broadway, and The King and I Regional Tour and Broadway) and Derrick Davis (The Phantom of the Opera National Tour, The Lion King National Tour). Ice cold beverages and movie theater snacks are available.
Radial Park is taking extreme measures in order to maintain their guests’ safety. All have their temperature checked upon entry, and can choose a glow in the dark wristband to make others aware of his or her comfort level: green bracelets for go, yellow for being cautious, and red to tell others not to come near. Fans can enjoy the show from their own cars, but those without vehicles are welcome to rent a socially-distanced picnic table complete with a boombox for audio. There are COVID “lifeguards” on duty all night to ensure that everyone practices social distancing.
Ali Ewoldt as Christine in Phantom. Photo by Tricia Baron.
“The Durst Organization is thrilled to host such a creative concept from Stark Productions,” said Helena Rose Durst, Principal at The Durst Organization. “Radial Park will provide a unique live entertainment experience that we are all craving during these difficult times, but in a safe and responsible way.” The Durst Organization also holds 20 tickets each performance for Astoria Houses residents. A portion of sales goes to Friends of Hallets Point, a nonprofit organization that improves the community life and beauty of Hallets Point.
“As the saying goes, ‘The show must go on!’” commented Jeremy Shepard, Stark Production Group Founder and President. “We are thrilled to be able to be presenting Broadway at the drive-in and are grateful to our partners, Friends of Halletts Point and the Durst Organization, for making it all possible.” Radial Park is personal to Shepard, and he hopes that it can help lighten New Yorkers’ spirits during quarantine. “I chose Broadway because it has been a part of my life for the last 10 years,” he says. “It seems a shame it is shut down when we all need it the most. Can’t wait to see you at Broadway at the drive-in!”
Starting this weekend, a full screening of Purple Rain will run until October 25. Audiences will watch the film along with nine live numbers performed by the Radial Park Band, American Idol Finalist Aaron Marcellus, Broadway’s Nick Rashad, and Burroughs and Grammy award nominee, Lenesha “Sister” Randolf.
Tickets are available for Phantom of the Opera and Purple Rain now. Prices are per car (up to 5 people) or per picnic table (up to 4). Sign up for Radial Park’s mailing list and don’t miss news and exclusive offers.
Phish has a storied history at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, one highlighted by Island Tour performances in April 2 and 3, 1998, and one of their most notable performances of the ‘2.0’ era, February 28, 2003. The Uniondale venue has played host to Phish seven times, most recently on December 1, 2019. 1999
Phish would return to Uniondale on October 7 and 8, 1999, nearing the end of their Fall Tour, with two shows to follow in Albany that would close the tour. Newsday reviewed the first of the two nights, saying, “The Britney Spears of the world come and go, but Phish, the shaggy Vermont jam-band that has never had a hit on the radio or video, is proof that quality music can survive in a mass marketed world.”
The first set on October 7 was highlighted by three songs – an 18 minute “David Bowie,” a “Gotta Jibboo” with an ever-rare “Dave’s Energy Guide” tease, and to follow, a set closing “Fluffhead.” The second set would feature an inventive ‘Mike’s Groove,’ with a nearly an hour of music packed in between “Mike’s Song,” (featuring Trey on keys) “McGrupp,” “Prince Caspian,” “Golgi Apparatus” and “Weekapaug Groove.”
Also notable was the encore, which featured three songs – “Rocky Top,” “I Am Hydrogen” and “Julius” – the stand alone “I Am Hydrogen” being played outside of the typical “Mike’s Song” > ” Weekapaug Groove” for the first time since Halloween 1987, and almost as rare, being played in an encore slot.
Set 1: NICU > My Soul, Dirt, David Bowie, Frankie Says > Possum, When the Circus Comes, Gotta Jibboo, Fluffhead
Set 2: Boogie On Reggae Woman, Heavy Things, Tube, Back on the Train > Mike’s Song[1] > McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters, Prince Caspian > Golgi Apparatus > Weekapaug Groove
Encore: Rocky Top > I Am Hydrogen > Julius
[1] Trey on keys.
Fall 1999 tour map via Todd Puckett
After the barn burner of the night before, October 8 would still have some tricks up its sleeve, particularly in Set 2. The first set was somewhat standard, beyond a “Meatstick” that brought Sofi Dillof to the stage for the dancing portion of the millennium tune.
Set 2 opened with “Halley’s Comet” and then ventured into a 20-minute “Tweezer” which featured a jam that was reminiscent of the Siket Disc tune “My Left Toe.”
After a fantastic mid-set “Harry Hood,” Phish began to play the opening notes of The Who’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” and appropriately brought to the stage Phish lyricist Tom Marshall, singing “My name is Tommy” to a rapt audience. The track from Tommy was played to perfection, as Phish is well versed in The Who‘s catalog, particularly Quadropheniafrom their Halloween 1995 show at Rosemont Horizon in Illinois. Turning into the “Listening to You” portion of the song, the energy in the room can still be felt as Marshall belts out the remainder of Townshend’s lyrics and Phish tears through the rock n roll overture.
Even though Nassau Coliseum is shuttered for the time being, and may not reopen, the performances Phish and others have made there have secured the venue’s legacy for generations of music lovers.
Blue Öyster Cult is back with their first album in almost 20 years. The Symbol Remains gets its name from a lyric from their 1983 song “Shadow of California,” off their Revolution by Night LP. First rumored in early 2017 and confirmed last year, this release contains 14 new tracks from the classic rock outfit.
Original members Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser and Eric Bloom still lead the group with help from bandmates Richie Castellano, Danny Miranda and Jules Radino. Whether you’re a die-hard BÖC fan or just a fan of classic rock in general, this album is sure to pique your interest.
Each song on this album is full of head-banging moments and plenty of shredding guitar solos as the band appears to have taken a deep-dive back into their expansive catalog to find inspiration and influence for this release. Long time BÖC collaborator John Shirley returns with lyrics for a number of songs and the album also features a track from co-writer Richard Meltzer, who has been contributing to the band since their Soft White Underbelly days, the band’s former moniker. Roeser and Castellano have six and seven writing credits respectively, and their guitar prowess is heard time and time again throughout this release, as is Bloom’s infamous “stun guitar.”
From start to finish, this record is a hard-rockin’ pleasure of an album to listen to. With catchy choruses and riffs, there’s something new, but nostalgic to find in each track. “Tainted Blood,” “Nightmare Epiphany,” and “Train True (Lennie’s Song)” will be stuck in your head for for days and behemoths like “The Alchemist” and “The Return of St. Cecilia” each require at least a second or third play-through, with each listen more enjoyable than the last. There is something for everyone on this record and in true Blue Öyster Cult fashion, founding member Albert Bouchard returns to contribute cow bell to the opening track, “That Was Me.”
BOC also released a few videos to accompany the roll out of the album. Watch “That Was Me” below and more here.
The Symbol Remains comes out on October 9 and will be available on all major streaming services, but you can also get it on Vinyl and CD as well. BÖC has released music videos for the first three tracks on the album and while the majority of their 2020 tour has been postponed, they are actively updating their website with tour dates and will hopefully be in Middlebury, NY on February 13, 2021.
Key Tracks: Tainted Blood, The Return of St. Cecilia, The Alchemist
