NYS Music 202​0

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  • Beanstalk Festival Will Go on at the Drive-In

    The 8th Annual 2020 Beanstalk Music Festival will be moving forward in spite of COVID-19 with a little thinking outside of the box. The festival will go on for a two nights at Holiday Twin Drive-In Theater in Fort Collins, CO. 

    The festival will take place during the weekend of June 26th and 27th. The festival will feature two nights of music from Beanstalk festival founders and annual hosts Magic Beans. There will also be performances from Kitchen Dwellers and Cycles, as well as Colorado artists The Great Salmon Famine and Envy Alo. 

    The Beanstalk Festival will be observing all state & county social distancing protocols while providing the music and a brand new way of experiencing a festival. There will be a limited capacity in order to work with the drive-in theater’s layout.  Beanstalk Festival producers have also decided that attendees will be parked with an empty spot between each vehicle to help ensure social distancing is properly being followed. This decision by the producers will cut down on capacity, and profits for the event but have decided it is the safest and best way to keep everyone safe. Attendees will be permitted to set up a “hang out area” directly adjacent to their vehicle that is safely distanced from other guests. In adherence with typical drive-in admission policies, there will be no entry after 8:30pm.

    Existing ticket holders will be granted admission for themselves, a guest and their vehicle. Tickets for Beanstalk At the Drive-In are now on sale at www.beanstalkfestival.com and on Eventbrite.

    For more information on the Beanstalk Festival visit their website or on their social media pages.

  • Hearing Aide: Lettuce ‘Resonate’

    Lettuce once again flaunts their funky prowess, proving they can take the form of any sub genre of funk on the planet on their new ablum Resonate. Each of these tracks nods to an iconic genre, idea or artist that have breathed life into the sounds we love today. Listeners will find an ode to pivotal musicians like Ndugu Chancler, famous studio drummer, to features with Big Tony Fisher of Trouble Funk. This is a very special collection that could not have come at a better time. 

    The album kicks off with three classically funky instrumentals, chock full of memorable hornlines, flavorful solos, and a stupendous production value. “Blaze,” “Good Morning Mr. Smink” and “NDUGU” are all snappy, precise and detailed tracks, sure to light a fire under your ass. Listeners will feel and hear quintessential flavors from the founding mothers and fathers of funk. Not too much flair, just a steady flow of good music. 

    Then “Checker Wreckers” comes barreling through the door with a heavy footed beat accompanied by Big Tony Fisher’s gravely, hype lyrics. It’s easily the most powerful song on the album and is without a doubt, a key track. Nobody quite knows what a Checker Wrecker is, but who cares, it’s fun to say. 

    One of their more adventurous funk fusion attempts is “Moksha,” where Lettuce presents their usual grooves and beats while award winning sitarist, Indrajit Banerjee, laces some electrified sitar throughout the track. Everyone comes together to share the space of the track, while still seamlessly blending the two genres together. It’s an incredible feat considering how the two genres could not be more different.

    ‘Remember The Children” is a near perfect cover of Earth, Wind and Fire’s 1972 hit. An untrained ear would genuinely not be able to tell the difference between this and movements from the original track. (Obviously, Lettuce put some of their own person flair in their version.) There was never a doubt that the funk outfit was talented or not, but this takes a level of dedication and perfectionism that must be admired – especially when a song like this has so many different elements of instrumentation. 

    It’s a shame Lettuce won’t be able to flaunt their new album in a live setting for some time due to recent events, but that won’t stop fans from breaking it down in their living rooms. Lettuce is doing their part to help our first responders and medical care workers. Fans can buy Lettuce branded masks, and when they do, Lettuce will donate a mask to healthcare systems in need. Take your favorite bands, take care of those on the front lines of this pandemic, and take care of yourselves.

    Key Tracks: NDUGU, Checker Wrecker, Remember the Children

  • Broadway shows will not return until Labor Day at the earliest

    When New York hit PAUSE, that included all live performances on Broadway. Initially planned to shut down until April 12, then until June 7, the goalposts have shifted to Labor Day, September 6 as the earliest Broadway doors will reopen. However, an official return date has not yet been announced.

    “While all Broadway shows would love to resume performances as soon as possible, we need to ensure the health and well-being of everyone who comes to the theatre—behind the curtain and in front of it—before shows can return,” said Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League. “Throughout this challenging time, we have been in close communication with Governor Cuomo’s office and are grateful for his support and leadership as we work together to bring back this vital part of New York City’s economy—and spirit.”

    Last year, Broadway attracted a record 15 million people. Producers and labor unions are discussing ways theaters can reopen safely.

    Actors’ Equity Association, which represents 51,000 actors and stage managers, called the postponment “difficult but necessary.”

    “Before our members can safely return to work, we will need new protocols that protect audiences and workers alike,” said Mary McColl, executive director of the association.

    broadway labor day

    Hours after the latest postponement came word that producers of the upcoming revival of Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite” have pushed the production to next year. Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker will now star in the revival starting in March 2021.

    Other shows scheduled to open this spring have abandoned their plans, including “Hangmen” and a revival of Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”

    Additionally, the postponed Tony Awards, initially planned for June 7, have not yet been rescheduled.

  • Trey Anastasio postpones Tanglewood show to 2021

    Trey Anastasio postpones his upcoming concert with the Boston Pops at Tanglewood. While originally scheduled for June 20, 2020, the first ever performance for Trey with the Boston Pops will move to 2021 on Friday, June 18. Ticket holders will be able to use current tickets for next year’s event.

  • Peach Fest and Camp Bisco postpone to 2021

    Two more festivals moved their events to 2021, as mass gatherings look unlikely for the rest of the summer. Much loved festivals Peach Fest and Camp Bisco (which called Mariaville home for a number of years) will postpone and move their 2020 dates to 2021. Tickets for 2020 are still valid for the 2021 editions of the festivals. Announcements from the two festivals can be seen below.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF5V-WaCHr8
    peach fest postpone

  • ‘Hamilton’ Will Stream on Disney Plus

    With the uncertainty of when we will be able to enjoy a play on Broadway, Disney Studios is giving us another option. Announced through their twitter account today, Disney Studios will be releasing the original Broadway production of ‘Hamilton’ on July 3 to stream via Disney Plus. 

    The release comes 15 months early, with the original release date set for Oct. 15, 2021. Due to the continuous cancellation of live performances and social distancing protocols, the expedited release was the only course to take. 

    “In this very difficult time, this story of leadership, tenacity, hope, love & the power of people to unite against adversity is both relevant and inspiring,” Disney executive chairman Robert Iger said on Twitter.

    Featuring the original Broadway cast, the film is based on the live performance shot at the Richard Rodgers Theater June 2016.  Like the stage production, the film is directed by Thomas Kail and written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also starred as the title character in that cast.

    ‘Hamilton’ has risen to blockbuster status since it first graced the Broadway stages in 2015. Since then it has won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, 11 Tony Awards and grossed over $650 million on Broadway.  Before the shuttering of mass gatherings started to occur, the play was also touring in London and around North America. Stream Hamilton on Disney Plus today.

  • Live From Out There announces “Virtual Summer Tour Series” feat. Goose, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Twiddle

    11E1even Group and Live From Out There have announced the initial schedule for their new “Virtual Summer Tour Series.” Fans of groups including Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Goose, Twiddle, Kitchen Dwellers, Aqueous, Sunsquabi (with more to be announced) can look forward to original live music content with various aspects of the concert experience through digital platforms.

    Over the summer, the multi-night virtual events will take place with fans having the chance and interact with bands like never before. Each artist has curated their own unique tour concept, merchandise and virtual VIP experience – which includes having a drink with the band, a post-show “green room” meet-and-greet or a private dinner with the band. The “Virtual Summer Tour Series” is designed to go beyond live performances and aims to replicate the intrinsic sense of community that concert-goers experience when attending shows in-person.

    “With all of the uncertainty surrounding public gatherings, we look forward to providing artists with a new model for connecting with their fans in a digital space,” says Dave DiCianni of 11E1even Group. “Despite not being able to physically be in the same room, there’s a huge opportunity for artists to engage their fanbase in a truly unique and more intimate fashion than ever before, and we are excited to work with band’s in curating those experiences. Additionally, the series will provide acts and their respective crews with much needed revenue while the music industry works to determine new ways to safely host live events. “

    Each artist will curate their own tour, with the first three series announced:

    Twiddle’s Roots Tour, a celebration of the band’s fifteen years as a touring act, will pay homage to several establishments that were instrumental in the band’s ascendance to the national stage. The nine original concerts from July 9 to 26, will be filmed at various venues throughout the state of Vermont, including a return to Castleton University, where the band formed in 2005. 

    Following the postponement of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong’s annual festival Domefest, the band will bring their fans together for “Homefest,” a uniquely curated 3-night event starting June 11 and included 5 sets from Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, with other acts to be announced. 

    Goose will host “Summer 2020 Bingo Tour” from June 19 to June 28 live at The Goose Community Rec Center. Fans will receive digital bingo boards filled with the band’s songs and cover material. The band’s performances will be dictated by bingo balls drawn on stage as fans at home can play along for a chance to win virtual VIP opportunities and merchandise. 

    More information on each band’s event and tickets can be found here, and the details for future series, including those from Aqueous, Kitchen Dwellers and Sunsquabi will be announced in the coming weeks.

  • Native American Music Association launches new podcast

    The National Native American Music Association (NAMA) has launched a new podcast hosted by Ed Koban (EdKo), a recording artist, multi-instrumentalist and NAMA’s House band Director. The NAMA Podcast will be featured on Anchor.FM and Spotify.

    The monthly 90 minute podcast features live and personal interviews with Award winners along with the latest information on the organization and it’s twenty year history. Listen and hear about upcoming NAMA news like submission dates and updates for the Native American Music Awards Show, new releases and news from Native artists, and intimate interviews with everyone from NAMA Hall of Famers to rising artists and more.

    Host EdKo states, “The official podcast of the Native American Music Ed KobanAssociation will bring you everything NAMA! We hope you will join us!”

    The debut episode features an interview with Ellen Bello, the founder and president of the Native American Music Awards and Association and multi-award winner, Gabriel Ayala.

    Gabriel Ayala of the Yaqui has devoted his life to the mastery and performance of the classical guitar. Ayala is one of the few Native American artists identifying himself solely as a classical performer. He has been awarded Best Instrumental Recording, Best World Music Recording and Artist of the Year.

    The monthly podcast will reach a global audience through Anchor.FM and Spotify as well as is posted on the Native American Music Awards website and is available to its 20,000 registered international members.

    The debut episode of the podcast is airing now. Fans of the podcast can contact NAMA’s EdKo at namapodcast@gmail.com to provide feedback and ideas for the podcast, or to become a guest on the show.

    The Native American Music Association is “devoted to bringing Indigenous music to the world’s consciousness” as noted in the New York Times. The Native American Music Awards & Association, NAMA, is an ultimate celebration of music and entertainment. Founded in 1998, NAMA is the world’s first and largest national professional membership-based organization for the advancement & recognition of contemporary and traditional music initiatives by artists with Native American heritage.

  • Teddy Midnight release “My Eyes” off upcoming EP “Airdnb’

    Nearly two years after the release of their last studio effort, Teddy Midnight has announced an all-new EP with Airdnb, due out May 29. The first single, “My Eyes,” was released this past week and is group’s first collection to be produced, recorded, and mixed entirely in their new Brooklyn studio. 

    The forthcoming EP is a departure from the disco/house sound of their last release, French Press from 2018, and explores producers Sean Silva and Adam Magnan’s influence from the rhythms of drum n bass, jungle, and hip-hop. The trio spent the past year and a half writing and recording using vintage synths and live instrumentation as the basis for the record. Over the course of the EP’s 5 tracks, the group navigates new sonic territory to bring break-neck tempos and fresh atmosphere to their already diverse repertoire. Guest vocalists Lars Viola and David Schnurman are featured on two separate tracks with instrumentals filling the three remaining spots. 

    Additionally, the band has debuted a music video for “My Eyes,” in which each member performs via a digital video conference call. The video was recorded during the eighth week of COVID-19 quarantine in New York City.

    The single “My Eyes” features New York City rapper Lars Viola in his first collaboration with the group. As the name Airdnb would suggest, the hip-hop track showcases the Teddy Midnight take on drum n bass grooves while leaving plenty of space for MC Lars to paint a picture of a stressful world in need of sweet release from everyday anxieties. His thoughtful discourse is driven by live drums and capped off with impassioned synth work by keyboard player Danny Caridi.

    Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, Teddy Midnight is working to reschedule their postponed spring tour dates with more fresh music to come. After successful winter dates with jamtronica leaders The New Deal and others, newly scheduled shows will highlight material from Airdnb and continue to feature their ever expanding live-production sound. 

  • Happy Birthday Ghostface Killah

    Staten Island’s own, and at one point a member of the FBI’s most wanted list, Denis Coles aka Ghostface Killah was born in 1970 in one of New York City’s most often overlooked borough, Staten Island. Thus, May 9th marks the birthday of the one and only, Ghostface Killah

    Ghostface mighty healthy killah birthday

    He began his solo career in 1996 with the release of Ironman following Wu Tang’s breakout release, Enter The Wu Tang (36 Chambers). Renowned for his booming voice and fast-paced flow, Ghostface has remained to be one of the Clan’s most notorious members. As the roommate of Wu Tang founder RZA, Ghostface is credited with playing a role in bringing the original seven members of the group together.

    Ghostface was featured extensively on fellow Wu Tang member Raekwon’s, early mixtapes, making a name for himself before Wu Tang Clan essentially took over the world of hip-hop.

    What separates Ghostface from the rest of the gangsta rap group MCs is his often colorful and imaginative storytelling which has remained the highlight of his performances throughout the years.

    Recently, the works of Ghostface Killah and the rest of the Wu Tang Clan has been celebrated in the media with the short film For the Children: 25 Years of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) which dives into the group’s early years on the come-up in the late ’80s and early ’90s hip-hop scene. Wu Tang and Ghostface Killah have transcended music and represented how their rough upbringing on the streets of New York has brought them to make incredibly moving art and music. The legacy of Wu Tang has been cemented into New York history with Staten Island declaring November 9th as Wu Tang Clan day, turning the classic phrase ” Wu Tang forever” into a reality.