NYS Music 202​0

Category: Westchester

  • Matisyahu to stream Festival of Light Hanukkah shows from The Capitol Theatre

    This coming week marks the start of Hanukkah, and once again Matisyahu will bring his famed ‘Festival of Light’ shows to fans, through FANS, on December 10, 11 and 17. The performances will take place at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester and will be streamed on FANS.

    Matisyahu’s Festival of Light shows are an annual celebration and some of the most notable performances of his career. Each end-of-year celebration spreads the traditions and light of Hanukkah, sharing the holiday in a relevant way to both Jews and non-Jews alike, and an universal experience that transcends themes of peace and prosperity.

    matisyahu festival of light

    The streamed event is billed with each night featuring classic, show-stopping hits, and the powerhouse ballads and powerful energy that Matisyahu is known for. Meet Matisyahu beneath the glittering dreidel-disco ball and send out good vibes to the world during this Festival of Light.

    The stream is available for purchase for one or all three nights. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

    Joining Matisyahu will be Aaron Dugan on guitar, Jason Fraticelli on bass, Rob Marscher on keys, and Tim Keiper on drums.

    Read more about Matisyahu

    What makes this music so engaging and unmatched, is that Matisyahu; a vocalist with no other instrument at his disposal, is an integral creative part in the improvisation. Dugan and Yuki work well beyond the constraints of the “solo” constantly working to modulate the improvisation, while Brook’s pocket is so deep and harmonically smart, that regardless of how far the melodic elements of a jam may get pushed, it’s impossible not to feel rooted to the core of any tune performed.  

    Matisyahu allows his band to breathe within each tune, finding his place with a wordless melody that serves to enhance the harmonic elements of an improvisation, developing the rhythmic ideas with his beat boxing, or crowning a jam with a full-on lyrical call-to-the-heavens and the great unknown. It’s that cathartic moment as a jam summits and the audience lets out its release that tells the performers we are all in it together.

  • Twiddle Announces Two-Night Virtual Frendsgiving Stream – Live from The Capitol

    Update: Twiddle’s Frendsgiving performance will now take place in Vermont this weekend. As reported by Relix, due to an abundance of caution for COVID-19, Twiddle have decided to switch locations for their annual Frendsgiving shows.

    The crowdless livestreams performances were set to take place on Nov. 27 and 28 at Port Chester, N.Y.’s Capitol Theatre. They will now take place at an undisclosed location in Twiddle’s home state of Vermont. The shows will still be broadcast on FANS.

    Twiddle Frendsgiving

    Original article follows below:

    Every soul looking forward to Twiddle‘s annual Frendsgiving, which found a home at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester since 2017, bringing fans together for a celebration as the holiday season kicks off. Twiddle will continue the tradition over November 27 and 28, streaming a live performance from The Cap.

    Pre-sale discounted passes and limited edition screenprint bundles are on sale now, with a general on-sale beginning Wednesday, November 18, at 10a.m. ET.

    In the true Twiddle spirit of loving relentlessly, the band plans to donate a portion of each Frendsgiving ticket sale to the White Light Foundation in support of forthcoming winter initiatives. Fans also have an opportunity to win one of seventy-five Paul Kreizenbeck Screen Prints, seen below.

    Twiddle Frendsgiving

    To win one of these prints, go to Twiddle’s Frendsgiving Facebook Post, tag three “frends,” and share your favorite memory of Twiddle at The Cap – extra points for photos, sharing, and making people happy – three winners will be chosen at Noon on Thanksgiving Day!

    Order stream passes (pre-sale code: FRENDS). For more information, visit TwiddleMusic.com

  • The Capitol Theatre Virtual Celebration Set for Sept. 12

    The Capitol Theatre, located in Port Chester, NY, will celebrate its eighth anniversary with a virtual livestream on Sept. 12 at 1:00 p.m., according to Jambands.com  

    Capitol Theatre
    photo by Chad Anderson

    The livestream will celebrate The Capitol Theatre’s eighth anniversary since reopening in 2012. FANS will host the daylong musical event. In a partnership with Lagunitas Brewing Company, the stream will include archival sets, live performances, staff and artist interactions, and words from the community about the importance of The Capitol Theatre involvement in New York’s music scene. More information about the lineup will be released in the coming days.

    Donations to The Capitol Theatre are encouraged to help support the present and future of live music. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the National Independent Venue Association, whose mission is to preserve independent live music venues and promoters in the U.S.

    The Capitol Theatre’s eighth anniversary Livestream Contest provides fans a chance to win the ultimate Cap experience. The grand prize includes a tour of the Capitol Theatre with Peter Shapiro, a copy of The Capitol Theatre Volume 1 forwarded by Phil Lesh and signed by Cap staff, and a Cap merch package. To enter the contest, fans can purchase a $5.00 minimum raffle ticket. Not only does a raffle ticket support The Capitol Theatre but also increases the chances of winning the grand prize. The winner will be awarded on Monday, Sept. 14.

    Capitol Theatre and Conscious Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding those in need with their “Art that Feeds” drive, have collaborated to create a commemorative poster fans are eligible to receive if they make a donation during the livestream.

    Fans can also email a video or write up about their favorite Cap memories for a chance to be featured in the stream. Send submissions to Memories@TheCapitolTheatre.com – the deadline for submissions is Monday, Sept. 7 at 12:00 p.m.

    Click here to view the upcoming livestream and click here to buy raffle tickets for The Capitol Theatre’s Livestream contest.

    The lineup for the 8th-anniversary livestream on Saturday, September 12, features performances by Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Billy Strings, Bob Weir, David Crosby & The Lighthouse Band, Deep Banana Blackout, Foreigner, Galactic, God Street Wine, Hot Tuna, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Lake Street Dive, Mac DeMarco, moe., My Morning Jacket, O.A.R., Phil Lesh & Friends, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Portugal. The Man, Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, Taj Mahal Trio, Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Black Crowes, The Marcus King Band, The Revivalists, The String Cheese Incident, Trey Anastasio Band, Umphrey’s McGee, and Widespread Panic.  

    As well as special appearances by Brendan Bayliss, Chris “Coach” Rodriguez of 107.1 The Peak, Gary Lambert of Tales from the Golden Road, James “Fuzz” Sangiovanni of Deep Banana Blackout, Jason Crosby of Phil & Friends, Terrapin Family Band, Jessie’s Girl, Jimmy Fink of 107.1 The Peak, Joe Russo of Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Joel Cummins of Umphrey’s McGee, Marc Roberge of O.A.R., Peter Shapiro, Richard “Fritz” Falanka (Mayor of Port Chester), Rita Houston of WFUV, Rob Barraco of Phil Lesh & Friends, The Phil Lesh Quintet, Dark Star Orchestra, Rob Derhak of moe., Ross James of Terrapin Family Band, and Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule and Allman Brothers Band.  

    The free livestream will encourage donations to support our temporarily shuttered venue so that we may continue to bring musical experiences to the Westchester community long into the future. A portion of proceeds will benefit the National Independent Venue Association and its mission to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live music venues and promoters throughout the United States.  

    Grab a limited-edition poster commemorating the 8th-anniversary to help feed families in need! This weekend, Conscious Alliance is hosting a Virtual ‘Art That Feeds’ Food Drive—fans are encouraged to participate by making a cash donation for the poster created by Pete Schaw.  

  • JazzFest White Plains Announced Virtual Festival Dates

    JazzFest White Plains announced virtual festival dates. The virtual festival will take place September 8-11 and will host a variety of artists. The 9th annual JazzFest White Plains will be streamed on Zoom and on Facebook. 

     The four days of Jazz will include not only performances but conversations as well. It will feature a mixture of artists at the forefront of jazz and rising stars. From Westchester jazz talent to jazz masters the festival will be something spectacular for Jazz enthusiasts. JazzFest White Plains are teaming up with the spirit of Arts Westchester’s annual ArtsBash. 

    The festivities will start at 4:30 – 5:30PM on September 8 with the  “ArtsBash Virtual Mixology” event making Jägermeister cocktails and live jazz music by The Rico Jones Trio. Then at 6PM there will be a “presenting Jazz in the time of COVID-19” conversation. At 8PM the night will wrap up with “Westchester Jazz: Then and Now” featuring Art Bennett on sax, Kathryn Farmer on piano and vocals, Kenny Lee on trumpet, and Rocky Middleton on bass.

    The second day will start at noon on September 9 with a performance form “Isabella Mendes & Flavio Lira Duo.” At 6PM there will be “Jazz Education in Westchester” conversation. Wrapping up at 8PM the “Jazz, From One Generation to the Next” event will happen featuring conversations and performances by Alexis Cole and Lucy Wijnands, Bobby Sanabria and Gabrielle Garo, and Ulysses Owens Jr. and Aaron Jennings.

    On the third day September 10 the fun will start bright and early at 8AM with “Jazz at the Intersections” performances featuring Amir ElSaffar with an Arabic music and jazz combination, Jomion & the Uklos with a West African/Carribean music and jazz combination, and Pablo Mayor with a Columbian music and jazz combination. 

    On the last day September 11 the festival will wrap up at 8PM with “Jazz’s Rising Stars” featuring performances of Connie Han on piano, Matthew Whitaker on piano, Veronica Swift on vocals, and Alicia Olatuja on vocals. There will also be a moderated discussion about what it’s like to be a young rising star in jazz today which will be moderated by Keanna Faircloth, WBGO.

    The festival is free to the public but is accepting donations online here. People wanting to register for certain events to get the zoom link can do so on JazzFest White Plains’ website. The events will also all be live streamed on Arts Westchester’s Facebook Page. 

    For more information visit JazzFest White Plains’ website.

  • Hearing Aide: ShwizZ release ‘Big Things,’ provoke Musical Euphoria

    Nyack duo ShwizZ slams you against the blackboard in awe that all your basic math skills have fleeted. Not only does ShwizZ explore a multi-level, mixed-meter halfway house of genres, but also bulldoze your ear to the other end of the record collection with their latest Big Things. No algorithm can compute this formula. Not from two people.

    ShwizZ

    It’s hard to believe Big Things can lead you through all eight compositions without losing sight of what’s ahead. Something doesn’t add up. The duo – Ryan Liatsis and Andy Boxer – stab you with the sharp pain of “Splinter,” opening with an off the cuff funk tag. The tune walks on with staccato chunks of its bassline before Liatsis shoots out jarring guitar pads.

    These guys look bored amid a musical Mortal Kombat where nobody breaks a sweat. Boxer is collected behind the kit, unleashing cool six-stroke rolls and collapsing tom fills in-between Liatsis’ ever-changing soundscape. Liatsis begins to crack a smile as he waves through his solo, far beyond the musical speed-limit. Boxer listens and instigates. The strings are not phased.

    The albums second track “Khoi Khoi,” aides to more textured side of the duo. They explore a more mysterious side of scale that is oddly cathartic. That is until you’re stunned unexpectedly from your dream.

    ShwizZ gets creative with “Your Call is Very Important Us,” in a meter that seemingly races ahead of the ear. Boxer’s cymbal work is airy and effortlessly hangs with Liatsis on Guitar. The meter does not exist.

    There is no explaining how ironically calming this journey is. It’s the movie you can’t watch but inch closer to the screen. Liatsis has you on the hook with these roaring solos never loosing sight of the songs motif.

    An album favorite for the die hard rocker is “The Shwizzard.” A chunky lead and solid back beat make the track stand out gritty. Liatsis shoves the lead right in your face. The track embarks on short epics with classic rock feel.

    New York State’s theme of a “hearing aide” is unmasked by ShwizZ and their June release of Big Things. The album tunes the ears of the most complex listener and holds them to a higher standard.

  • Hawkins Release Debut Pop Rock Anthem “Lights Off”

    Hawkins has released their debut single, “Lights Off,” having arrived on the local music scene in New Haven, CT in May 2019. Hawkins is known for balancing energetic rock ‘n’ roll mixed with infectious hooky pop sophistication. The band consists of Hawkins French (vocals), Joseph Frank (guitar), Richard Frank (bass), and Joshua Frank (drums). 

    hawkins

    Their debut single is a pop rock anthem that blends soaring guitars, thunderous drums, and melodic bass lines along with the catchy hooks that you’ll hear in contemporary pop music. The subject matter of this track discusses the current superficial state of relationships and wanting more than just a one-night stand. This song intertwines their ability to create memorable pop hooks, lyrics that compel you to sing along, all balanced under a monumental sound that instantly demands the listener’s attention. 

    The band has performed on countless major stages across the East Coast. Notable performances include Mohegan Sun Casino, The Bitter End, Foxwoods Casino, and the Pleasantville New York Music Festival. In Pleasantville, the band shared the stage with illustrious acts such as ​Blues Traveler​, ​Suzanne Vega​, and​ Living Colour​. In November they are still planning to headline at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre. 

    Speaking on “Lights Off” the band explains:

    “This track evokes the feeling of when relationships don’t have a clear direction and are solely based upon superficiality. This is our commentary on the common tug of war that can occur in tumultuous relationships that people in their youth experience.” 

  • Tilly Foster Farm in Brewster hosts Almost Queen on July 25

    If you are in or near Putnam County this weekend and are looking to get rocked, you are in luck. Almost Queen will perform at Tilly Foster Farm in Brewster, ready to bring an authentic Queen experience to Downstate NY.

    almost queen Tilly Foster Farm

    Fronted by Joe Russo (no, not that one) Almost Queen is the most authentic Queen live show since the days of Queen themselves. A deliberate four piece band, Almost Queen delivers a live performance showcasing signature four part harmonies and intricate musical interludes. Donning genuine costumes, they recaptures the live energy and precision that is the ultimate Queen experience.

    Doors open at Tilly Foster Farm at 6pm on Saturday, July 25 for the 8pm show. Please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines at the venue. Get tickets here.

  • This Darkness has got to give: Music Venues in July across New York State

    It is now July 2020, the fifth month with minimal, if any, live music performances throughout New York State, let alone the country. Our venues are not yet open, but as the threat of COVID-19 decreases, parts of New York will enter Phase 4 and beyond, with the hope that live music will return, even if gradually.

    While we may be stream weary, the prospect of live music is a motivator for many, and staying safe is the key given that New York and much of the Northeast are faring better than other areas of the country.

    Photo by Buscar Photo

    From viewing these photos taken during mid-late June, we can see the presence of the Black Lives Matter protests that spanned all 50 states. In all corners of New York there were protests, particularly in New York, protests that continue to push for defunding of the NYPD.

    Working with 13 photographers to document more than 60 venues in 20 cities across New York State, NYS Music presents the second edition of our monthly series that looks at the current state of our beloved venues. When the venues reopen, we will share photo documentation recording the changes over time in all corners of the state.

    Immense thanks goes out to all photographers and venues who are taking part in this monthly series. We’ll start this month in the Capital District, with a drone montage from Zach Culver, covering the venues we long to return to, sooner, rather than later.

    Manhattan and Brooklyn – photos by Joseph Buscarello

    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)

    Hudson Valley – photos by Mickey Deneher

    Saranac Lake – photos by Pete Mason

    Long Island – photos by Andrew Camera

    Rochester – photos by Brian Ferguson

    Plattsburgh – photos by Jerry Cadieux

    Manhattan – photos by Jamie Huenefeld

    Utica – photos courtesy of The Stanley Theatre

    Port Chester – photos by Chad Anderson

    Ithaca – photo by Casey Martin

    Lake Placid – photos by Pete Mason

    • Paul White Memorial Band Shell
    • Palace Theatre

    Long Island – photos by Rob Tellerman

    Tarrytown and Peekskill – photos by Steve Malinski

    Buffalo – photos by Zachary Todtenhagen

  • This darkness has got to give: Music venues during COVID-19 across New York State

    As we enter June, the fourth month where live music performances are postponed until it is deemed safe to have mass gatherings due to COVID-19, we take a look at the music venues across the state that are closed for now, but in the coming months will hopefully reopen.

    Working with 13 photographers to document more than 60 venues in 20 cities across New York State, we present this monthly series that will look at the current conditions of these beloved venues. As they reopen, we will provide photo documentation recording the changes over time in all corners of the state.

    Great thanks to all photographers and venues who take part in this series.

    Buffalo – photos by Zachary Todtenhagen

    Capital District – photos by Zach Culver

    Brooklyn – photos by Joseph Buscarello

    Hudson Valley – photos by Mickey Deneher

    Long Island – photos by Andrew Camera

    Plattsburgh – photos by Jerry Cadieux

    Manhattan – photos by Jamie Huenefeld

    Syracuse – photos by Josh Davis

    Utica – photos courtesy of The Stanley Theatre

    Ithaca – photos by Casey Martin

    Long Island – photos by Rob Tellerman

    Brooklyn and Manhattan – photos by Steve Malinski

    Port Chester – photo by Chad Anderson

  • Jessica Lynn to Present Benefit Concert For Women Veterans

    Westchester’s Jessica Lynn is asking you to take a stand with her behind our women veterans at a benefit concert at The Winery at Saint George in Mohegan Lake on March 11.

    Prior to her upcoming five month European/UK/USA tour, Jessica Lynn returns to the beautiful and historic Winery at Saint George where she filmed her first Public Television Special to raise funds for a good cause.

    Currently seen nationwide across America in her three full length PBS television specials, and with two Top 50 Country Radio singles under her belt along with years of international touring, Jessica has performed with some of the most recognizable names in country music such as Loretta Lynn, Keith Urban, Jo Dee Messina, and ZZ Top among others. Amidst all of her success, she has continually returned home to benefit her local community. A constant driving force behind charitable efforts for children, our military, and the arts at local schools, hospitals, and major venues, it’s important to Jessica to always stay true and close to her roots. Jessica is partnering with the incredible Barbara Giordano Foundation for this event whose mission is committed to the personal and professional growth of women veterans.

    Women who served in the US Military have unique needs for healthcare, housing, employment and childcare in addition to needs shared with their male colleagues. The foundation exists as a holistic resource bringing together business, education, wellness and military community members to provide women who serve with opportunities for long term economic independence and personal empowerment. Ticket Sales as well as all pre-show fundraising initiatives will go towards the cause. Prior to the concert at 8:00 p.m., The Winery will open its doors at 6:00 p.m. for silent auctions, raffles, wine grabs, and a special VIP option that includes a pre-show meet and greet in Jessica’s dressing room around 7:00 p.m., a free autographed CD from Jessica, front row seats, and a complimentary glass of wine.

    For more information on both Jessica Lynn and The Barbara Giordano Foundation, as well as to purchase tickets, please visit www.JessicaLynnMusic.org