The State Theatre of Ithaca announced it’s ‘Save Your Seat’ campaign as a way for the community to help keep the Ithaca staple afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ‘Save Your Seat’ campaign was announced on November 10, 2020 and will continue to run until all 16,000 seats are sold which happened on January 5, 2021.
The State Theatre of Ithaca was built back in 1915 and has been an entertainment staple of Ithaca, NY since 1928 and has served as one of the most significant venues for performing arts in the Finger Lakes region. Their mission is to enhance the cultural life of Ithaca and the Finger Lakes by preserving, operating and promoting the historic State Theatre as an active venue for national, international and community performances and programming according to their website.
How the ‘Save Your Seat’ campaign worked is that people donated $100 per seat and will get a personalized plaque affixed to a seat in their honor. This campaign will offer a visible way to commemorate their support of this vital arts venue.
Executive Director Doug Levine of the State Theatre explains that, “Without show revenue to help sustain this facility, we are looking at a deficit close to $160,000 for this fiscal year. The State Theatre of Ithaca seats 1,600 people. If 1,600 of our amazing supporters and patrons bought at least 1 seat for $100 each, that would help us close the gap that the pandemic has created. Our goal is to sell out the Theatre, just like we have so many times in the past.”
All proceeds raised from the ‘Save Your Seat fundraising campaign and benefit concert will help sustain the not-for-profit State Theatre of Ithaca. The aide will help the theatre remain at the center of Central New York’s performing arts scene while their doors remain closed. For more information visit the the State Theater’s website here.
Updates made on 1/7/2021: The State Theatre of Ithaca announced on 1/5/2021 that all 1,600 seats within the Theatre have been “saved,” as part of their “Save Your Seat” campaign. The campaign has helped close the budget gap the Coronavirus shutdown has created for the Ithaca staple.
When talking about the significant birthdays in hip hop, few mean more to the genre than Jay-Z’s. The Brooklyn-bred mogul has turned modest beginnings into a billion-dollar empire while doubling as one of the world’s most popular and influential entertainers. A product of Brooklyn’s Marcy projects, Hov has found success by being a forward thinker and staying ahead of the curve, something he has no problem reminding peers and fans alike. After all, who else could serve as Hip Hop’s “Big Brother?” So, as we wish him a happy 51st birthday, here are the top Jay-Z songs where he lets you know that he sets the trends, we just follow.
Imaginary Players
The fourth track off of his sophomore album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, “Imaginary Players” has stood the test of time as one of the premier “sh** talking” records in Hip Hop history. Hov spends nearly four-minutes reminding rappers that their records don’t sell as well as his, they’re not as fly as him and their money simply doesn’t stack up. As part of his earlier discography, it’s always fun to hear Jay – Z brag about cars, money and jewelry before his ascension to mogul status. The intro alone sets the tone for the whole record.
I gotta be like the pioneer to this sh**, you know I was popping that Cristal When all y’all n***** thought it was beer and sh**, you know Wearing that platinum sh** When all y’all chicks thought it was silver and sh** I gotta really be the pioneer of this sh** Bottom line
30 Something
This is an interesting part of Jay – Z’s career. Hip Hop has always been driven by the youth, yet on this record, a 35-year-old Jay tried to convince the world that all the youthful materialism (rims, jewelry, gunplay) that had been a part of the rap culture for decades was now irrelevant.
I’m young enough to know the right car to buy Yet grown enough not to put rims on it I got that six-deuce with curtains so you can’t see me And I didn’t even have to put tints on it I don’t got the bright watch, I got the right watch I don’t buy out the bar, I bought the night spot I got the right stock I got stockbrokers that’s movin’ it like white tops
It was certainly gaudy of him to believe that he could single handedly shift hip hop’s culture to fit where he was at in his own life. But, the fact that he was able to turn this train of thought into an entire album — Kingdom Come — and not get ridiculed is impressive in itself.
On to the Next One
https://youtu.be/AQY7hivw67Q
One of the lead singles off of 2009’s The Blueprint 3 album, this record continues the trend of Jay – Z letting rappers know that they simply do not have the connections that he does, so the moves he make will always be of a higher plateau. The Swizz Beats assisted record sees Hov double down on his new way of thought, letting listeners know that he’s only moving forward and since he’s used to setting trends, this would just be another one that the masses would eventually follow.
I had Oprah chillin’ in the projects, Had her out in Bed Stuy chillin’ on the steps, Drinking quarter waters I gotta be the best, M-J at Summerjam, Obama on the text, Y’all should be afraid of what I’m gonna do next.
He also continues his hilarious vendetta against throwback jerseys, which have been and always will be a staple of Hip Hop culture.
Used to rock a throwback, balling on the corner Now I rock a teller suit, looking like a owner
U Don’t Know
One of the very best records from one of the best album’s in Jay – Z’s discography, “U Don’t Know” is the 6th track off of the original Blueprint album. The record serves as a reminder that Jay – Z’s business acumen was crafted from his time on the street. Backed by thumping drums and horns, Hov reminds everyone that if he’s nothing else, he’ll always be a hustler. From selling crack cocaine, to records, to clothing, he’ll always find a way to remain on top.
I sell ice in the winter, I sell fire in hell I am a hustler baby, I’ll sell water to a well
His ambition alone should serve as motivation.
Could make 40 off a brick but one rhyme could beat that And if somebody would of told ’em that Hov’ would sell clothing Heh, not in this lifetime, wasn’t in my right mind That’s another difference that’s between me and them Heh, I’m smarten up, open the market up
Otis
I invented swag
One of the very best songs of 2011, “Otis” is titled after legendary soul singer Otis Redding because of the heavy sampling of his voice throughout. But make no mistake, this song is 2:58 of unabashed braggadocio. The opening line sets the tone and from there on Hov and ‘Ye take turns letting us know that they’re the hottest sh** out and the biggest trendsetters in the game (and who would argue?).
I made “Jesus Walks” I’m never going to Hell Couture level flow, it’s never going on sale Luxury rap, the Hermes of verses Sophisticated ignorance, write my curses in cursive I get it custom, you a customer You ain’t customed to going through customs You ain’t been nowhere, huh?
After years of turning up his nose at those who would brag about women, cars and jewelry, Jay – Z sounded rejuvenated on this record.
Poppin’ bottles, puttin’ supermodels in the cab, proof I guess I got my swagger back, truth New watch alert, Hublot’s Or the big face Rollie I got two of those Arm out the window through the city I maneuver slow Cock back, snap back See my cut through the holes
We don’t know if Jay – Z will release anymore music, but his historic longevity has allowed us to see the maturation of the most influential figure out of New York City and for that, we can be grateful. While a few of these attempts at leading the charge have been hilariously head scratching, the impact, innovation and hustler’s mentality is something to be revered. Happy Birthday Hova!
The Albany Symphony announced that their world premier recording of Christopher Theofanidis‘ Concerto for Viola and Chamber Orchestra has been nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Classical Instrumental Solo category. The Concerto was recorded on January 8, 2018 at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and released by Albany Records. This is the fifth Grammy Nomination in seven years for the Albany Symphony.
“We are thrilled to receive this nomination, which brings attention to Christopher Theofanidis’ magnificent concerto, inspired by Navajo poetry,” said Music Director David Alan Miller. “It’s not every day that a viola concerto gets recognized, but this is arguably the finest concerto for the instrument written in many years. We are so grateful to Richard O’Neill, our astounding viola soloist, and to Silas Brown, our extraordinary producer and engineer. I deeply appreciate the work of our brilliant Albany Symphony musicians. Thanks also to our staff, board and friends at Albany Records, and to all our supporters.”
Composer Christopher Theofanidis also expressed his appreciation. “I was so delighted to receive the news. Richard put so much of himself into the performances and recording of the concerto, and David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony’s commitment to excellence doing new work shines through in this announcement. It is an honor to have the piece nominated,” he said.
Portrait of Christopher Theofanidis
The Concerto for Viola and Chamber Orchestra was originally written for Kim Kashkashian who sent Theofanidis a collection of Navajo poems that were wildly different in character but had in common a supernatural sense of nature and an extremely evocative vocabulary. Each of the four movements is serious in sentiment, in turns foreboding and volatile, melancholic and questioning, lyrical and dramatic. Theofanidis wrote this work during the tragedy and turmoil of 9/11, starting the piece before and finishing it afterward, and was influenced by being in midtown Manhattan that day.
Viola soloist Richard O’Neill said, “In this dark time for musicians the world over, to receive this nomination for Chris’ moving and important work brought me to tears. David’s vision and unstoppable energy, the beautiful musicians of the Albany Symphony, and the great work of Silas Brown; these forces came together to create a dream team the envy of any musician. I am so incredibly lucky to have such friends and colleagues. In the absence of live performance throughout the US, I hope this recording can give comfort and joy to all that listen.”
The Albany Symphony recording of John Corigliano’s Conjurer with world-famous percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie won the 2013 GRAMMY for Best Classical Instrumental Solo. The Albany Symphony was then nominated in 2015 and twice in 2019.
Sci-fi Middle Eastern Prog Rockers Consider the Source have announced their “Hero Squad” New Year’s Run over December 28-31, 2020.
CTS will wrap up 2020 with four limited seating, socially distant shows, which will culminate with two nights at The Stone Church in New Hampshire. The venues for all four shows have been following safety protocols with success and the band currently feels they are adequate spaces to perform.
Fans are asked to adhere to any ground rules laid out by the venue and respect the band, audience, and staff’s space. Some venues may require the purchase of an entire table, as all shows are operating as seated shows with reduced capacities set by the venues. Please refer to venue websites for all show info. Tickets are on sale now for the Consider the Source Hero Squad New Year’s Run.
12/28 Jergel’s – Pittsburgh, PA 12/29 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 12/30 The Stone Church – Newmarket, NH 12/31 The Stone Church – Newmarket, NH SOLD OUT
The SAMMYS (Syracuse Area Music Awards) announce their submissions opening for 2021 awards show. The call goes out to local musicians, bands, and artists encouraging them to submit their 2020 commercially available recordings for consideration before January 6, 2021.
The Syracuse Area Music Awards show celebrities local music to the Syracuse area. It’s become a beloved staple to Syracuse and the surrounding areas. Artists interested in entering for consideration must select one category they wish to be judged in. Only commercially released albums or EPs, released between January 1 – December 31, 2020 by artists in the Syracuse area are eligible for the 2021 SAMMYS. All entries must be available on Apple Music, Spotify or Tidal and no physical recordings will be accepted this year. Categories subject to change at the discretion of the judges. The entry form is now available here: syracuseareamusic.com/submissions and must be submitted by January 6, 2021.
The 2021 SAMMYS will take place on March 5, 2021 and will be streamed live for free and live from SubCat Studios. The awards show will include musical performances by area artists/bands. Awards will be presented in 12 recording categories, in addition to the People’s Choice awards in four categories, Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist, Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the SAMMYS Award, and our Community Spirit Award.
The SAMMYS wouldn’t be possible without the help of its many sponsors. The 2021 supporting sponsors include: The Rebel Rocks, Bridge Street, SubCat Music Studios, CNY Alive!, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, KMASE Productions, Joshua Johnson Design, Skinner & Associates Realty, 315 Music, American Vintage Productions, NYS Music, News Channel 9, 95X, 93Q, and 92.1 The WOLF.
For more information on the SAMMYs and the 2021 submission process visit their website here or follow the Syracuse Area Music Awards on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Spotify and NIVA (National Independent Venue Association) announced their partnership on Spotifiy’s annual Wrapped Campaign to help preserve independent stages across the United States on December 1, 2020.
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
The annual Spotify/NIVA Wrapped Campaign unveiled the top artists, albums, songs, playlists and podcasts that more than 320 million people around the world listened to and discovered audio this year. This year’s Wrapped Campaign will be a little different. Spotify will be in partnership with NIVA this year trying to bring light to the detrimental state live independent venues are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
Stephen Sternshein, co-founder / treasurer of NIVA, and managing partner of Heard Presents in Austin spoke on the partnership saying, “As 2020 draws to a close, the live music industry enters month nine of no shows, no income, no federal support, and ever-mounting debts. Music is what connects us all – as Spotify shows us, it’s what helped our friends, our families and our communities get through this tumultuous year.”
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
Spotify is attempting to help support these independent venues by trying to shine a light on their plight by taking over space on the marquees of more than 30 COVID-shuttered music venues and donating a total of $500,000 to those stages and the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund. So far the announced artist and venue and artist pairs include Alicia Keys at the Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lady Gaga at the The Ritz Ybor in Tampa Florida, Childish Gambino at the The Aladdin in Portland, Oregon, The Weeknd at the The Orange Peel, in Asheville, Tennessee, and Jessie Ware at the Center Stage, in Atlanta Georgia. The partnership will be rolled out across the next few weeks announcing more artists and venues.
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
“In a year that has taken on so many twists and turns, a first reaction might be to look forward and forget the challenging times. However, that would discount all of the amazing work that creators, fans, venues and activists have poured their hearts into this year,” said Dan Brill, Global Group Creative Director at Spotify. “That’s why, instead of turning our backs on 2020, we wanted to give our appreciation for those who gave us hope — the people who, despite challenging circumstances, found ways to infuse magic into our world and give us hope for a better tomorrow.”
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
For more information on NIVA and their mission with Save Our Stages visit their website.
Los Lobos will perform “Still Home for the Holidays,” a live stream from the legendary Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, CA on Friday, December 11, starting at 7pm PST (10pm EST).
A themed stream to celebrate the holidays, Los Lobos fans can purchase a virtually interactive experience with the band before they hit the stage. Tickets and more information are available here.
A Chicano rock n roll band whose members hail from East Los Angeles, the group’s longevity over the last five decades is remarkable, having formed in 1973 and amassed a strong following and reputation for stand out live performances.
Rhino Records approached Los Lobos in spring 2019 to record a Latin Christmas album, leading saxophonist Steve Berlin to resesarch Spanish-language holiday songs for the album.
Llegó Navidad, which translates to “Christmas in here,” is the first holiday release from Los Lobos in their career of mixing rock n roll with blues, folk, soul and traditional Mexican music. The bilingual collection of songs from across Latin America and the U.S begins with an obscure novelty hit that was once popular in Latino households in the Southwest, “¿Dónde Está Santa Claus?”
According to NPR, title track “Llegó Navidad,” is a classic from the Fania Records catalog originally performed by the Puerto Rican composer and singer Ismael Rivera. The David Hidalgo and Louie Perez original “Christmas and You” is a ballad of loss, and closes with a scorcher in “It’s Christmas Time In Texas,” a song by Tex- Mex troubadour Freddy Fender.
In 2019, the band was able to tour later in the year in support of the release, so this year they’ll remain in Southern California to stream the event live to a wider audience than ever before. They’ve performed across New York State regularly when they are on the road, with performances at The Egg, The Capitol Theatre, and recently, the Performing Arts Center in Homer.
The Doobie Brothers have announced their release of a video of their 2018 Beacon Theatre performance to stream via longform rental and download on major video streaming platforms. The performance included playing their albums, Toulouse Street and The Captain And Me in their entirety, for the first time in 25 years.
The Doobie Brothers are a roots-based, harmony-laden, and guitar-driven rock and roll band that formed back in the 1970’s. The Doobie Brother’s have three multi-platinum, seven platinum, and 14 Gold albums. Best of the Doobies album has sold more than 12 million copies and is considered a rare “diamond record.” They are four-time GRAMMY Award winners and 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
The performance at the Beacon Theatre offered an opportunity for fans to hear entire albums and songs never-before performed live by the band, such as “Mamaloi,” “O’Connelly Corners,” “Ukiah,” and “The Captain And Me.” The show begins with the ten songs from the group’s second studio album, Toulouse Street. The album was released back in 1972 and is certified platinum. The performance also included songs from the third studio release, The Captain And Me. Originally released in 1973, it reached number 7 on the Album Chart and certified double platinum.
Earlier this year, The Doobie Brothers rescheduled their 50th Anniversary Tour originally slated to begin this past summer to now begin July 17, 2021 in Palm Beach, FL. For more information and tour dates visit here.
The Doobie Brothers Live From The Beacon Theatre was initially released last year on CD, DVD, and Blu-ray. A video for “Toulouse Street,” featuring a live horns arrangement is available now and can be found here.
For more information onThe Doobie Brothers visit their website.
Live from The Beacon Theatre Video Track Listing:
Five Corners, Listen to the Music, Rockin’ Down the Highway, Mamaloi, Toulouse Street, Cotton Mouth, Don’t Start me to Talkin’, Jesus is Just Alright, White Sun, Disciple, Snake Man, Natural Thing, Long Train Runnin’, China Grove, Dark Eyed Cajun Woman, Clear as the Driven Snow, Without You, South City Midnight Lady, Evil Woman, Busted Down Around O’Connelly Corners, Ukiah, The Captain and Me, Take me in the Arms (Rock Me), Black Water, Listen to the Music (reprise)
The late, great Hal Ketchum passed away at 67 years of age Monday night. A social media post from his wife explained his passing was due to complications from dementia. The world certainly feels a little smaller now.
Born April 9, 1953 in Greenwich, New York, Hal Ketchum went on to be a widely-loved, yet under-the-radar country singer of his day. Leaving New York at 17, finding home in Texas and finally residing his later life in Nashville, respectively.
Hal Ketchum – The Egg
After his 1988 debut, Threadbare Alibis, under Watermelon Records, Ketchum would release his mots notable hits “Small Town Saturday Night” and “I Know Where Love Lives” off of Billboard #2, Past the Point of Rescue. The album reached Gold status as well as “Small Town Saturday Night,” which peaked #2 on the US Country charts. The talent went on to earn acclaim on nearly 20 Billboard mentions.
Growing up traveling, on long open roads with a pile of country cassettes, Hal Ketchum grabs hold of your heartstrings early on, a lost art, of country breeze strumming onward. He embodies that stand-up, “tough as nails, hard as steel,” southern gent, that’s utterly sentimental. Hal Ketchum is country. Despite not living his life in the limelight when compared to other hits of his day, Hal hit the sweet spot balancing a hearty career, family and now, heartfelt-fanbase.
Andrea Ketchum, Hal’s wife, revealed he had been (officially) diagnosed with Alzheimer’s back in 2019. Accounts of him already battling the disease had stringing for “for some time now.”
Don’t worry Andrea, it surely will. Especially on the angelic vibrato of “gold,” as Ketchum’s voice touches our hearts and his guitar fades up into heaven. God bless, long live country and we send the most beloved prayers to The Ketchum Family, and friends.
May his music live on forever in your hearts and bring you peace.
This was soft country at its finest, but at times the tempo picked up to a good foot tapping and head bobbing and that was the only workout the audience was getting tonight. “Small Town Saturday Night” was one of these songs, a pure American song through and through, full of twang and Mellencamp lyrics and guitar.
[The comedian bantered] “What am I, a jukebox?” Hal shook his head and an audience member said “Play what you want!” with a bit of applause in favor. “Chickadee” was dedicated to his five grandchildren, and “Mama Knows the Highway” was played despite not being practiced, but came off perfect. Hal said afterwards, “Good country music will never steer you wrong.”
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.
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.
“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.
