NYS Music 202​0

Category: Festival News

  • Pete Seeger’s Clearwater Sloop Hosts ‘The Virtual Great Hudson River Revival: An Epic Stream to Save the River’

    Setting sail five decades ago by the folk icon Pete Seeger, The Hudson River sloop Clearwater was recently doubting its state of continuing after the pandemic forced a stop to its educational and activism activities. With donations from supporters worldwide, the ‘nation’s oldest music-rooted activist organization’ has stopped this ship from sinking. The annual music festival will once again go on this year, but virtually to keep in accordance with the current social distancing guidelines, dubbed ‘The Virtual Great Hudson River Revival: An Epic Stream to Save the River.’

    Airing June 20 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. est. Viewers can enjoy the 3 hour festival on Clearwater’s website, YouTube channel  and Facebook page for free with donations being accepted that will go to continue the educational, environmental and activism programming. Artists will get to perform one at a time, giving them a chance to watch their fellow performers, something that has never occurred in the history of the activism festival.  

    Great Hudson River Revival

    Grammy winning singer/songwriter Tom Chapin, a returning headliner and one of the organizers for this year’s virtual concert said, “Happiness, for me, is performing at the Clearwater Revival and, for the first time, being able to actually watch all the other great artists play.”

    Other musicians who have stepped up to the plate for 2020 include Judy Collins, David Amram, John McCutcheon, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason many more.  

    Conceived in 1966, the Clearwater sloop has played an important role in the history of environmentalism and grass-roots activism along the Hudson River. From a history of female captains, to flying of the rainbow flag in support of its trips dedicated to empowering LGBTQ young people and its role in the long running cleanup of the Hudson River. The organization called for an end to systemic racism in a post on their Facebook page and recalled when Seeger and civil rights activist Paul Robeson were attacked 70 years ago after performing in Peekskill, NY according to a Billboard article. Also the sloop has hosted several generations of the region’s youth have learned about the Hudson River from field trips aboard the Clearwater.

    “Despite the distance, we’ve been excited to be able to bring people to the river through virtual sails and interactive online programs, and the response so far has been terrific,” says Erik Fyfe, Clearwater’s education director.

  • LIGHT FROM LOCKN’ LIVE-STREAM Brings Three days of Music to Your Home

    LOCKN’ Music Festival announces it’s “The LIGHTS FROM LOCKN’” live-stream festival that will include three days of free music. The festival will begin at 10AM each day and running until 2AM and is taking place on June 19-21. The festival will include live music, archived footage, special  guests, virtual dance parties, and more. Between music and audience engaging activities “The LIGHTS FROM LOCKN” is attempting to put that festival feeling right into your home. 

    The Lights From Lockn’ full line up.

    “The LIGHTS FROM LOCKN’” and FANS are partnered up with HeadCount‘s nationwide voter registration campaign and Conscious Alliance‘s “Virtual Art That Feeds Food Drive” in hopes of the audience making socially conscious actions throughout the festival. Although the festival is entirely free, the audience is encouraged to donate and register to vote. 

    “The Light From LOCKN” will be hosting special appearances from friends of the LOCKN’ festival as Andy Falco, David Shaw, Doobie Decibel System, The Infamous Stringdusters, Jack Casady, Keller Williams, The Lil Smokies, Luther Dickinson, Marcus King, Melvin Seals, Moonalice, Nahko, The Suffers, and Warren Haynes. 

    The festival will include many archived performances from legendary artists as The Allman Brothers Band and The Black Crowes. It will also be featuring performances from  Billy & The Kids, Charles Bradley, Zac Brown Incident, Col. Bruce Hampton & Friends w/ Oteil Burbridge, Del McCoury w/Preservation Hall, Fishbone, Furthur ft. Trey Anastasio, Gov’t Mule ft. Ann Wilson, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Hot Tuna, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Keller’s Grateful Gospel, Khruangbin ft. Trey Anastasio, Lettuce, Margo Price, Phil Lesh & Friends, The Revivalists, The Suffers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Trey Anastasio Band ft. Derek Trucks, Umphrey’s McGee, Vulfpeck, Widespread Panic, and Zac Brown Incident.

    There will also be the virtual late-night dance parties mentioned before. These dance parties will including DJ JerrBrother with the hugely popular “Jerry Dance Party,” Andy Frasco’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” (currently in the Top 10 of Pollstar’s Livestream Chart), and wrapping things up with “The Rock and Roll Playhouse Father’s Day Celebration,” which will air Sunday morning. Other highlights of the festival include a special “Photos With Stories” session, chronicling the incredible visual history of LOCKN’ with renowned photographer Jay Blakesberg.

    “The Light From LOCKN” live-stream event will be available to view via FANS.com, FANS Facebook Page, FANS Twitch, Relix YouTube, Littlestar (Playstation4) and DailyMotion.

    For more information on the “The Light From LOCKN” festival visit Fans website.

    Check out this stream and more through our series NY Stream and Support, where you’ll discover artists around the Empire State streaming nightly, and ways to support musicians and charitable groups close to home!

  • Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Annual Summer Concerts Cancelled Due to COVID-19

    Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a non-profit organization which works to provide all with rich and diverse art through performances as well as education, has announced it has cancelled its annual Pavilion season.

    bethel woods cancelled
    Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

    Since 2004, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has been holding Summer concerts at its outdoor pavilion. The performances would continue even under horrible circumstances: through “torrential rain, lightning, and squalls of wind,” Chief executive Eric Frances says.  However, due to the continued threat of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Pavillion stage would not open this year. This year’s set was supposed to include artists such as Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Norah Jones, and the Black Crowes.

    Although not all concert dates have been rescheduled yet, some have announced plans to perform in 2021. Frances announces that Bethel Woods is still “[looking] to provide alternative programming throughout this year” by “utilizing [their] amazing venue in a responsible manner” even in this time of uncertainty. Bethel Woods is looking forward to being able to open their museum exhibits, the event gallery, and their outdoor augmented reality tour as soon as it is safe to do so. 

    Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

    As Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is a 501(3)c non-profit organization, all of their revenue comes though ticket sales and donations. Because their Summer sets are cancelled, Bethel Woods could be in financial trouble. To encourage otters to participate, its Board of Trustees has graciously offered to match each each donation which is given to Bethel to increase finances. 

    In the video in which Frances announces this unhappy news, he delivers and important message to the public: with the upcoming 51st anniversary of Woodstock, its original message of the “strength in unifying for peace” is crucial for everyone to remember right now. It is more important than ever to remember that “we are one.”

  • New York Rock N Roots Festival Acquires New Looks with CHAUVET Professional

    Roger Sharp, owner of High Peaks Event Production has launched New York Rock N Roots Festival to highlight talent in Saratoga Springs. The festival is livestreamed Sunday nights on the Rock N Roots Facebook page.

    New York Rock N Roots

    Sharp has always entertained the idea of putting on a summer festival in his hometown. His Upstate New York stomping grounds have nurtured a wealth of talent in virtually every genre, from Lana Del Rey the Goo Goo Dolls, and Ani Di Franco to moe., Rick James, Lou Gramm, 10,000 Maniacs, and Chuck Mangione. But keeping up with the demands of his growing business prevented him from getting around to realizing this dream. He finally found the time though after the COVID-19 lockdown put all events on hold. Roger Sharp expresses his thoughts on the livestream festival: 

    Since we can no longer do mass gatherings, we’re focusing on another way of reaching people, This isn’t a money-making deal, it’s a way to keep ourselves and bands busy, while providing our community with an entertainment option, all while following strict safety standards. Our goal is to create excitement around the bands without distracting from them. 

    Looking to give viewers something as close as possible to an engaging festival experience, Sharp and his wife LD Christine Sharp along with their associates decided to support each musical act with a full production light show that reflected the music. Helping Sharp and his team achieve these looks is CHAUVET Professional. CHAUVET Professional offers innovative professional lighting fixtures for the production and touring market as well as permanent installation in theaters, hospitality venues, cruise ships, clubs, television and architainment applications. 

    Varying which upstage fixtures are turned on at different times allows the team to create distinctly different looks for each band, while gobo patterns from the beam and spot units add depth to the stage. Additionally, the wide zoom range of the downstage fixtures increases the variety of looks during the two-hour stream by allowing the design team to change the coverage area of their front lighting.

    New York Rock N Roots

    Although, he is happy with how the livestreams have gone, Sharp admits he “can’t wait to get back to live events” once the lockdown is over. When that happens, he’s going to have a lot of great music to light, given the rich tradition of his Upstate New York market. For now, there’s New York Rock n Roots.

  • The Bronx Music Heritage Center Presents Bronx Music at Home Concerts and Percussion Discussion

    The Bronx Music Heritage Center has announced that they will continue their concert series through their online programs: Bronx Music @ Home Concerts and Percussion Discussion. This week’s topic will feature Puerto Rican cultural themes, as this would normally be the week of activities that culminate with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade.

    Bronx Music @ Home Concerts will be held Fridays at 8PM EST on Bronx Music Heritage Center’s Facebook page. The concerts will kick off with singer, actor, and poet Rachel Kara Perez on June 5. Other artists set to perform include: Yalisza Suren on June 12, Luz Soliz on June 19, and Valerie Capers on June 26. 

    Bronx Music Heritage Center’s weekly percussion program will feature mini-clinics, talks, and lessons from noted Bronx drummers and percussionists, led by the BMHC Co-Artistic Director, 8 time Grammy nominated bandleader drummer percussionist and educator Bobby Sanabria. Each episode will premiere on Bronx Music Heritage Center’s Facebook page on Wednesdays at 8PM EST.

    The percussionist featured that week will be available through the comment section of the video post to reply to any questions or comments. The percussion program will include performances from Norka Nadal Hernandez, director and founder of the Afro Puerto Rican group Bámbula on June 10, Lucianna Padmore on June 17, and Bobby Sanabria on June 24. 

  • Billy Strings Announces Streaming Strings 2020 Tour

    Known for his flat-picking guitar technique and intense, confessional songwriting bluegrass musician Billy Strings has announced an ambitious live streaming/virtual touring project. The shows are set to kick off on July 16, 2020 in Billy’s adopted hometown of Nashville, Tennessee.

    The Streaming Strings 2020 Tour is an innovative approach to touring for post-shelter in place times. All nine shows on this livestream-only tour will be performed in crowdless venues throughout Nashville. Both audio and video will be streamed via various partners.  Digital “tickets” will go on sale June 16, 2020 at 12:00 pm EDT and can be purchased at Streamingstrings.com.

    Streaming Strings

    Nashville has long been a hub for innovation and creativity, from the earliest days of the Grand Ole Opry breaking ground by broadcasting their live show nationwide to the television era. Nashville is home to a plethora of record labels, music publishers, songwriters, and entertainment executives, all of which contribute to the ever-expanding creative community that initially established Nashville as “Music City.” And of course, Nashville is also known for its tight-knit, generous, and supportive community that places tremendous value on collaboration and shared experiences. Billy Strings aims to create a shared experience for fans around the world with the Streaming Strings 2020 Tour, and hopes that the joys of music, community, and connection will continue to thrive, even amid difficult times.

    A portion of all proceeds will be equally divided and donated to several charity partners: ACLU, Backline, and NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Check out the dates of Billy String’s Streaming Strings 2020 Tour below.

    STREAMING STRINGS 2020 TOUR DATES

    Thu – 7/16/20 Brooklyn Bowl (Streamed live via FANS)

    Fri – 7/17/20 Brooklyn Bowl (Streamed live via FANS)

    Sat – 7/18/20 Station Inn (Streamed live via Station Inn TV)

    Sun – 7/19/20 Station Inn (Streamed live via Station Inn TV)

    Wed – 7/22/20 City Winery (Streamed live via Nugs TV)

    Thu – 7/23/20 City Winery (Streamed live via Nugs TV)

    Fri – 7/24/20 Exit/In (Streamed live via TourGigs)

    Sat – 7/25/20 Exit/In (Streamed live via TourGigs)

    Sun -7/26/20 3rd & Lindsley (Streamed live via Nugs TV)

    The dates listed may change based upon the status of the COVID-19 virus. Contingency plans (and dates) are in place three times over. For safety’s sake, all necessary precautions will be taken.

  • ESYO Announces “Sounding Together” Digital Festival

    ESYO (The Empire State Youth Orchestra) announced their “Sounding Together” digital festival in celebration of the orchestra’s 40th birthday season.  The festival will last three days Thursday, June 11 through Saturday, June 13 and will stream across Facebook Watch and YouTube nightly at 7PM.

    “Sounding Together” festival will include thirteen ensembles and over 400 young musicians from around the region. The festival will feature student-produced videos as well as virtual performances of all 13 ESYO ensembles. There will also be a virtual premiere of an original composition by Carlos Ágreda who is the Music Director of ESYO. 

    Some of the highlights will include compositions of “Amazing Grace” by Jay Dawson and  “What a Wonderful World” by Concertino String. The festival will also include Senior Spotlights in honor of the ESYO Class of 2020. Students will reflect on playing through the pause caused by COVID-19. There will also be dedications to front line healthcare heroes, first responders, and Capital Region teachers.

    The “Sounding Together” digital festival was made possible by donations from University at Albany Foundation and the Metlife Charitable Foundation. ESYO is known regionally and nationally for challenging and inspiring young people to engage in a pursuit of musical excellence.

    For more information on ESYO and their “Sounding Together” festival please visit their website.

  • Launch Global announces 12 hour virtual Protest Festival in support of Black Lives Matter movement

    Launch Global has announced that their 12 hour virtual festival is set to premiere on Saturday, June 13 at 4PM. Launch is a virtual concert platform and artist co-op that supports and celebrates independent artists. Artists can collaborate with other artists, acquire the success for live-streaming and help artists develop their careers. 

    The virtual festival is a donation-based protest in full solidarity and support of the anti-racist and pro-equality movement, fueled by powerful Black voices, and by diverse artists who all stand against racial injustice, the racist prison system, deeply ingrained racial bias, and who celebrate the Black community’s contribution to music at large. The event will be streamed live at LaunchGlobal.TV and donations will go directly to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, to support the development of all the progressive legislation coming from this current watershed moment. 

    Launch Global

    The festival which was originally scheduled for June 6 is postponed to June 13 in response to the Black Lives Matter movement and media blackout. Launch Global’s roster of artists includes Jessie Wagner (Nile Rodgers & Chic), Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, Kaydonna, Bonita Jalane, Girl God, Qing Screw Face, TrewCulture, Kendra Black, Rogue Wave, Karaleigh, Abracadabra Field Trip, Mars Motel, Cello Joe, Raphael25 and many more.

    A statement from Launch Global can be seen below.

    Out of respect for the current sociopolitical climate, and to do our part to help make space for voices that need to be heard, Launch Global felt compelled to postpone our streaming festival scheduled for this past weekend. We’ve decided to move the event this coming weekend, and transform it in to an exercise in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Launch Global is, at its core, a music coop, and as such we all owe an immeasurable debt to Black culture. We find ourselves in one of many pivotal moments through our nation’s history where everybody needs to band together to protect the right and safety of Black people, and Launch Global intends to do our part in whatever way we can.

  • The Relix Roadie Lounge Announces a New Digital Hub for the Music Industry Community

    The Relix Roadie Lounge has announced a new digital hub that will help support people in the music industry during these trying times. The hub was created in partnership with LD Systems, Robe Lighting, Backline, and Fender.  The Relix Roadie Lounge was first implemented at Newport Folk Festival, Austin City Limits, SXSW and LOCKN’ Festival in 2019.

    The digital hub will supply news, special offers, resources in a broader terms, and mental health resources for artists, crew members, and other industry professionals. The Relix Roadie Lounge is hoping that this digital hub will be able to give these hard-working people opportunities to win premier gear and exclusive product opportunities on top of connecting people with reliable outlets.

    Josh Rowe who is the director of Relix’s Roadie Lounge program explained the reasons behind this hub creation saying, “With the current status of the music industry, we realize things are tough. We’ve banded together with our partners to bring the Roadie Lounge to you. We’ve put together a collection of useful information, resources, product specials, and contests for your time off the road.”  

    There’s a lot of news about musicians being out of work but there hasn’t been a lot of resources put out there that’s focusing on the behind the scenes workers. This hub tries to recognize how crew members and artists are the foundation of the live music industry. Festivals, concerts, and live music wouldn’t be possible without the endless work done behind the scenes.

    For more information please visit The Relix Roadie Lounge’s website.

  • SummerStage Anywhere Digital Series Launches

    Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage announces the launch of its digital series SummerStage Anywhere. The series will highlight  genres that were born in or deeply represent New York including hip hop, salsa, jazz, global, indie, and contemporary dance. SummerStage Anywhere will start on June 6 at 7PM EST and will feature performances each weekend for the rest of June. 

    Angélique Kidjo photo provided by City Parks Foundations website.

    The series will debut on June 6 with an original performance by New Yorker pop phenom MAX. MAX performing a love letter to New York of sorts. Max has been called a “Young Pop God” by GQ in the past and has been called the “top popstar to watch” by Billboard and was nominated for “Best New Pop Artist” at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards. 

    On June 13 LAMC (Latin Alternative Music Conference) will be taking the stage and highlighting  key voices in the Latino LGBTQ community. Some of the performers include pop singer Kany Garcia, hip hop artist Mabiland, indie electro pop musician Javiera Mena and rock band Circo. The event will be hosted by Los Angeles’ KCRW radio DJ Raul Campos and the Latin Grammy winning artist Cheo, formerly of Los Amigos Invisibles. 

    On June 19 SummerStage Anywhere will be hosting a celebration for the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth. Juneteenth for those unaware is the nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. The event will be featuring Jamel Gaines’ Creative Outlet Dance Theatre and poet Carl Hancock Rux, and a panel discussion led by Executive Artistic Director of The Billie Holiday Theatre, Dr. Indira Etwaroo.

    On June 26 the series will wrap up with an exclusive performance from Angélique Kidjo. Angélique Kidjo is a Grammy Award-winning Beninese singer-songwriter, actress and activist. She will also be doing a live Q&A session after her performance. 

    The series will be available on SummerStage Anywhere’s website and streamed exclusively on the SummerStage’s YouTube channel. SummerStage is an independent, non-profit organization, and relies on donations to make it’s free performing arts festivals possible. Anyone interested in supporting the SummerStage series can donate.

     For a full schedule of upcoming programming and more information please visit SummerStage Anywhere’s website.