NYS Music 202​0

Category: Regions

  • Zappa Documentary is Coming to Magnolia Pictures

    Zappa, the new documentary on the life of Frank Zappa is coming to Magnolia Pictures. The film will be available to the public for Thanksgiving weekend on November 27, 2020 in select theaters, as long as theater viewings are available by then, and on demand.

    Zappa will be an intimate and expansive look into the life of the iconic — and iconoclastic — musician and artist Frank Zappa.  The documentary was made with access to the Zappa family trust and all archival footage. The film will explore the private life behind Zappa’s career including his knack for being involved in political turbulence at the time. The documentary is directed by Alex Winter known best for playing Bill S. Preston in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. 

    Magnolia Pictures’ President Eamonn Bowles spoke on the film saying, “Alex Winter has created an amazing documentary. Zappa is an incredibly nuanced and compelling look at the visionary iconoclast and the environment that formed him.”

    The documentary will feature appearances from Frank Zappa’s widow Gail Zappa and several of his musical collaborators.  People on the docket include Mike Keneally, Ian Underwood, Steve Vai, Pamela Des Barres, Bunk Gardner, David Harrington, Scott Thunes, Ruth Underwood, Ray White and others.

    Alex Winter spoke on the documentary saying, “This is the most ambitious project I’ve ever worked on, with a couple years of archival preservation in addition to several years to make the film itself. This isn’t your typical music doc but rather a multi-faceted narrative that aims to bring this complex artist to life. Magnolia, with its long and distinguished history of platforming great cinema, is the perfect home for Zappa.”

    For more information on the documentary visit Alex Winter’s website.

  • Lake George Jazz Fest to Stream in September

    For years, the Lake George Jazz Festival has hosted some of the world’s most prominent jazz talent in a fun-filled weekend. Unfortunately, because of COVID-19, the weekend of in-person jazz has been cancelled. Luckily, fans can watch live streams of jazz every Thursday night in September. 

    Lake George Jazz
    Poster design by the Gruskin Group

    While the live concert will definitely be missed, the Jazz Weekend Virtual Series allows for even more to be showcased as music will be streamed every week. The Lake George Arts Project has planned a series of 4 impressive shows that will combine live performances as well as time for audience questions and discussions Each concert will be curated and hosted by LGAP’s Jazz Curator, Daniel Kelly. The renowned jazz musicians will not disappoint fans who miss the in-person festival. The shows will stream on Facebook, YouTube, and the Lake George Arts Project’s streaming page. 

    Even while the LGAP has great virtual events planned, they are still suffering financially from COVID-19. The organization is a non-profit and makes their revenue through ticket sales. While all concerts are on hold, the LGAP has lost $40,000 which might nearly double to $70,000. The Lake George Arts Project is asking for donations to help with their current struggle.

    To encourage more to donate, so-called LGAP’s “angels” Susan and Kenneth Gruskin will match each donation up to $2,500. The LGAP insists that “anything and everything makes a difference whether it is $5 or $500!” 

    The Jazz Weekend Virtual Series will stream on September 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 7pm.

  • Discover Local Music With EQXposure Featured Artists including Fab the Duo and more

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm on 102.7 FM, 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 Fab the Duo, CANVAS and many more!

    EQXposure

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to a 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.

    Fab The Duo – “Our Love Is Resistance“

    Boyfriends Greg Driscoll and Brendan Eprile bring a unique blend of energy and open-mindedness to pop-rock. Add some blues and elements of Broadway and you’re in for a sound that is both fun and meaningful. The duo come from New York City and are building quite the following in the surrounding areas having even played a planned parenthood benefit in my hometown of Bennington, VT. Having pumped up audiences with their powerful and well-crafted tunes, they continue to challenge the status quo of today’s cultural scene.  

    CANVAS – “Like It or Not“

    Here is a band that likes to explore new territory, drawing influences from bluegrass, folk, punk, metal, and hip-hop. That said, experimentation is their mission and they don’t associate themselves with any particular sound or genre. They go boldly into uncharted territory and take a new approach with every song. Triumphant anthems, soulful ballads, and edgy fusions of alt pop, rock, and funk… it’s all there. Just dare them not to try it. Double. Dog. Dare them. CANVAS believes nothing is certain and all you have to do is take a listen to their ever-evolving hybrid sound to see what they mean.  

  • The Native American Music Awards Postponed Indefinitely

    The Native American Music Awards (NAMA) announced the postponement of their 20th annual awards show indefinitely. The show was scheduled to take place in late November but due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are postponing due to safety and finical concerns. The NAMA intends to plan, present virtual events, and enhanced online activities in 2021.

    The NAMA requires a lot of preparation, travel and pre-production work. Presenting their annual awards program, coupled by the industry’s uncertainty, The Native American Music Awards Association felt the need to cancel this year’s festivities. As an all volunteer organization, they do not qualify for available emergency funding such as; the Paycheck Protection Program and because of this they don’t have the funding to prepare, travel and pre-production work right now. However, they will continue to rely on the support of their members and sponsors for their upcoming programs. Currently there is no official date for the postponement but the association hopes to be back in 2021.

    All music submissions for the 2020 award show have been postponed until further notice. The host of the event, Seneca Niagara Casino Entertainment, informed The NAMA Association that they are not rescheduling their events for the remainder of 2020 despite their best efforts to reopen in New York which leaves the association in an indefinite postponement until further notice. 

    For more information visit The Native American Music Awards’ website.

  • Patti Smith Announces One-Time Live Reading and Musical Performance

    Patti Smith announced her only 2020 performance, An Evening of Words & Music, broadcasting from Murmrr Theater in Brooklyn.

    Patti Smith
    Patti Smith is set to perform a live Broadcast at Murmrr Theater.

    The event is a celebration of her latest memoir, Year of the Monkey. Fans from all over the world will be able to watch her perform the live reading.

    Smith’s long-time band mate, Tony Shanahan, will be joining her for some of the show, while renowned Matthew Shroeder films the performance.

    The event includes a mixture of reading and both Smith and Shanahan performing music together.

    In a press release, “Year of the Monkey is a profound, beautifully realized memoir in which dreams and reality are vividly woven into a tapestry of one transformative year.”

    The event is set to broadcast Sept. 4 at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $30.

    Patti Smith reads from one of her books, Just Kids, for PBS.

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

    In June and July, we looked at the state of music venues across New York State. Now in August, with hope for passage of relief bills in Congress to help small independent music venues across the country, venues remain closed for live music, in quiet anticipation of the day crowds can return.

    save our stages

    Working with a dozen photographers to document more than 50 venues in 12 cities across New York State, NYS Music presents the third 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 Manhattan and Brooklyn with Joseph Buscarello, covering a wide swath of the Big Apple. Here’s to getting back to live music sooner, rather than later, and safely.

    Manhattan and Brooklyn – photos by Joseph Buscarello

    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
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    • Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
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    Hudson Valley – photos by Mickey Deneher

    Saranac Lake – photo by Neil Sedlak

    Long Island – photos by Rob Tellerman

    Mid-town Manhattan – photo by Larry Siegel

    Plattsburgh – photos by Jerry Cadieux

    Utica – photos courtesy of The Stanley Theatre

    Port Chester – photos by Chad Anderson

    Ithaca – photos by Casey Martin

    Brooklyn – photos by Steve Malinski

    Albany – photos by Zach Culver

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    Buffalo – photos by Zachary Todtenhagen

  • The Who Launches Weekly Streaming Series,“Join Together @ Home”

    The Who announced their “Join Together @ Home” streaming event featuring archived footage of their 1982 Shea Stadium performances. The series starts on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 1PM EST and will run for six weeks. Donations made will benefit Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America.

    The Who Join Together

    The series will kick off with an exclusive ‘red carpet’ premiere clip from Roger Daltrey. The seies will feature five live clips from The Who’s 1982 Shea Stadium show in New York City. The weekly series will feature some of the band’s most memorable performances, including previously unseen footage. “Join Together @ Home” is working as part of YouTube’s #StayHome campaign to encourage people to stay home to help save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The series will stream on The Who’s official YouTube channel and will be free to the public with donations encouraged. 

    COVID-19 has significantly impacted Teenage Cancer Trust and Teenage Cancer America’s income due to fundraising events being cancelled. Lead singer Roger Daltrey has worked with both charities in the past to bring awareness and help raise funds both in the UK and the US. Daltrey. The Who hopes people will take the time to donate to these organization while enjoying their music from the safety of their homes.

    “If you can’t donate to both charities just choose the one that’s closest to your heart. But whatever you do please make sure you donate.”

    Roger Daltrey

    To donate, people can text WHO to 70500 to donate £10 in support of Teenage Cancer Trust will receive 100% of every texted donation or they can text TCA to 56512 to donate $10 in support of Teenage Cancer America. Donations can also be made online here.

    For more information on the “Join Together @ Home” series visit The Who’s website.

  • Flashback: Garth Brooks Holds the Largest Concert in Central Park history on this day in 1997

    It’s been 23 years since Garth Brooks rocked the Big Apple with a powerful concert dubbed “Garthstock” in Central Park, and people are still talking about it.

    Garth Brooks Central Park
    An estimated 980,000 people attended the 1997 Garth Brooks concert.

    On August 7, 1997, Brooks decided to perform on the grounds that so many acclaimed musicians had as well. Among the stars to play there were Diana Ross, Elton John and Paul Simon, to name a few. Could Brooks pull off the same notoriety as the past shows?

    Brooks tweets about the 20 year anniversary of the Central Park Concert.

    The pop-country musician started making headlines in the late 1980s, so by 1997, the crowd for his show was expected to reach thousands. Brooks won Country Music Award ‘Entertainer of the Year’ seven times, a first for any artist.

    The significance of this concert came from admittance being free and was broadcast live on HBO. He also had a couple famous special guests by the name of Billy Joel and Don McLean.

    The largest concert held in Central Park.

    The New York City Fire Department said that 980,000 people attended the concert, making it the biggest concert ever. Although there’s debate to whether that number was true, the crowd’s size surpassed all of the past artists.

    https://youtu.be/_ACGXBcA2XI?list=PL4nHA4cnNtyjU2VKrHMIoNt2R4URgrQjt

    On the 20 year anniversary of the Central Park concert, Garth Brooks sat down with ET.

    “I never seen so many people in my life. Try to remember, in my hometown, when I grew up, [there were] probably 17,000 people. So, to look out and see 40 times your hometown out there, it’s like — it was crazy. It was so beautiful.”

    Garth Brooks

  • Hearing Aide – “Audience of Summer” by Miserable Chillers

    Miserable Chillers’ new album Audience of Summer has been released today, Friday, August 7. Chillers’ songs primarily deal with growth and exploration, especially as climate change irreversibly alters our natural landscape.

    Miserable Chillers is a baroque pop project created by Miguel Gallego. While Gallego previously released three EPs, Audience of Summer is his full-length debut album. Its release was preceded by three singles: “La nave del olvido,” “The Glass,” and the album opener, “Saga’s Sword.” Made up of nine short tracks, Audience of Summer is a deeply pleasant listening experience that floats right by.

    Despite Gallego’s gloomy pseudonym, many of the songs are cool and upbeat, especially early on in the album. “Saga’s Sword” in particular has a beachy quality (further accentuated by the album cover), whereas vaporwave influences reign supreme on “La nove del olvido.” This is most likely intentional: vaporwave tends to satirize consumerism, and the track is about finding wrappers, plastic bags, and other eco-unfriendly debris on the ocean floor. The album track “Card Captor” is also a standout, in which Gallego’s vocals channel Imogen Heap over mesmerizing synths.

    Although a Brooklynite, Miguel Gallego grew up in suburban New Jersey. His fascination with nature began with a “bizarrely bucolic” creek in the woods beside his house, which he later discovered was man-made. “[Audience of Summer] is a document of where I was before things changed permanently and abruptly,” Gallego said in a press release. “I feel a personal affection for myself growing as a person and as an artist as I made this.”

    Audience of Summer is now available for streaming, as well as on digital album and cassette. 50% of proceeds for the latter formats on Bandcamp are going to Bed-Stuy Strong through August 7. Bed-Stuy Strong is an organization that provides food assistance in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.

    For more information, see Miserable Chiller’s Bandcamp page.

    Key tracks: Saga’s Sword, La Nave del Olvido, Card Captor

  • Walking in Bendt’s World: Rock Music Beyond the Surface

    An Albany passion project amongst friends has evolved into a molecular musical composition, otherwise known as Bendt. The four-piece rock group strands undoubted rock heritage with a meticulous nuance of modern yet technical tangents. In their most recent, and debut full length, Bendt tells a story that clearly roots deeper than their sonic surface.

    Bendt

    Bendt’s nine track album, Brightness in the Barrens, is sequenced in such a way that provokes the ear. With each track comes a new tone, walking you up a spiral staircase. It’s that moment where you inch closer, adjust your ear and grow more curious with each step. “Encumbered,” marks that sonic threshold where you’ve now entered Bent’s world – The Rock n’ Roll egg has been cracked and mutates before your own eyes.

    A Lonely shadow wearing down

    The flooding ends but the flames abound

    With knowledge worth its weight in gold 

    Encumbered minds best left unsold

    “Encumbered” – Bendt

    Notably, Bendt has made an effort with the albums opening track “Symptoms.” It debuted as a single in January and paired with a play-along music video. You can’t knock a band that leads with their musical foot forward. The opening hook is gritty with drum licks that make the listener jump more than once. Lead guitarist, Carl Blackwood, is impressive as he takes the bridge to atmospherical heights. Each instrument colors the piece in their own right, but Bendt is just getting warmed up.

    Bendt has that iconic rock sound, but thrives in their subtle textures. Tracks like “Dire Elevation,” “13th” and “Don’t” start at utter ends of the spectrum and contrast each other brilliantly. It’s a physical fitness test of the musical minds. Nothing yields way. Everything is continually changing.

    Bendt @ Sonelab Recording Studio 12/16/18 – Bryan Lasky

    Without ample background, Bendt punningly plays on the notes between the notes. Highlighting on a personal favorite, “Knife” cuts right through the bullshit. Downright gritty rock that highlights the strength of each player. Continually throughout the album Blackwood and bassist, John Longo push and pull against Matt Plummer’s lead vocals. Drummer Cody Bingham doesn’t play like an outright rock drummer. His nuance captures the intricate textures that non-chromatic instruments often miss – taking what’s his and bolstering the energy in the room. Then roaring on the floor tom, sharpening the band back into the hook.

    Album outliers “Open Spaces” and “Something” round out this debut and make way for a suspenseful setlist if weaved carefully as interludes, or stacked as dreamy encore.

    Bendt is a hip rock band that plays outiside the box. My guess: their live performances will keep the eyes and ears on edge, trying to absorb what’s actually going on. Gridlocked by the pandemic “Brightness in the Barrens” has not had its chance to bloom.

    Be sure to check out Bendt’s 2017 self titled EP that holds its own against Brightness in the Barrens eye for eye – or mixed on shuffle. “Odyssey” is a mysterious harmonic that lurks in the musical mastermind of Bendt – giving way with long-winding strums – so you can take it all in once again. It grows.