NYS Music 202​1

Author: Andie Chapman

  • Stream Joe Bonamassa Live at Austin City Limits on April 1st

    Guitarist Joe Bonamassa announces a one-night-only livestream concert at the iconic venue, Austin City Limits on April 1st, at 9PM EST.

    The livestream, broadcasting worldwide, will raise money for musicians and artists in need. Bonamassa is returning to his blues-rock roots with a power trio performance and a setlist curated by his fans.

    Joe Bonamassa Austin City Limits

    Joe Bonamassa is bringing his blues-signature sound to the homes of fans all across the world, even though he is known as “always being on the road.” His set will include members Anton Fig from Late Night David Letterman and Steve Mackey on bass. It will be a rare power trio!

    Austin was one of the first cities in which Joe Bonamassa played as a three-piece, with Austin City Limits, a national landmark music venue, having been awarded “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar. Over the years, the venue has been home to legendary artists such as B.B. King, Santana, Peter Frampton, Paul McCartney, and Bonamassa himself, as well as many other artists. Bonamassa’s energy will take over the stage, making his own impact on musical history.

    The setlist will be curated by his fans, selecting from his 24 #1 albums. The cuts chosen from his extensive catalog will delight his fans and charm new ones with his virtuosic guitar playing and incredible energy.

    To enjoy this captivating event, you can purchase tickets here . Tickets start at $30 and increase for deluxe packages, including merchandise and passes to his other on-demand live performances. There will also be a VIP package where members will have their photos and names featured in the live stream credits as a virtual audience member.

    Bonamassa is a two-time Grammy nominated artist and hailed as one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time. Joe recently received his 24th #1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with the studio album Royal Tea, a nod to his British heroes, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios.

    His musical programs Fueling Musicians and Keeping the Blues Alive foundation have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for struggling artists over the past year. To learn more about Joe Bonamassa, visit jbonamassa.com.

  • The Orchestra Now to Livestream Two Free Concerts From the Fisher Center at Bard College

    The Orchestra Now (TŌN) will continue its Spring 2021 season by live streaming two concerts March 7 and March 20, with conductors Andrés Rivas and Zachary Schwartzman.

    the orchestra now
    The Orchestra Now from theorchestranow.org

    Works on both concerts, ranging from rarely performed music for string orchestra to Vivaldi’s Concerto in G minor, Pärt’s memorial for composer Benjamin Britten and Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite after Bizet’s beloved opera, will be prefaced with brief remarks by TŌN musicians.

    On March 7, assistant conductor Andrés Rivas will lead the orchestra in four works for strings. The english composer Bruce Montgomery will have his Concertino for String Orchestra performed. Montgomery’s work ranges over several genres, including soundtracking for the infamous British comedy series Carry On. There will also be works from composers Victor Herbert, Ingvar Lidholm, and Andrés Gaos.

    On March 20, resident conductor Zachary Schwartzmen will lead an arrangement from Bizet‘s classic opera Carmen by Russian composer Rodion Shchedrin in advance of his 90th birthday in December 2022. Shchedrin’s works are known for their avant-garde and neoclassist sensibilities as well as folk and jazz sounds. His Carmen suite was intended for his wife, who is a ballerina. Conductor and Grammy-nominated recording artist Zachary Schwartzman will offer musical insights on the concert in a Zoom seminar on Thursday, March 11 at 7 PM EST. You can RSVP HERE.

    the orchestra now
    The Orchestra Now from theorchestranow.org

    It is a free concert with a suggested donation of $15-35. If you cannot attend the concerts in real-time, they will be posted here after March 11.

    The Orchestra Now is a group of 72 young, vivacious musicians from 14 different countries. All members share a love for orchestral music, keeping it relevant in the 21st century by sharing their personal insights and artistic capabilities in a welcoming environment. Conductor, educator, and music historian Leon Botstein, whom The New York Times said “draws rich, expressive playing from the orchestra,” founded TŌN in 2015 as a graduate program at Bard College, where he is also president. The Orchestra Now offers both a three-year master’s degree program in Curatorial, Critical, and Performance Studies and a two-year advanced certificate in Orchestra Studies. You can find more about TŌN here.

  • The Haunt in Ithaca is Demolished, but New Location Coming Soon

    Beloved live music venue The Haunt in Ithaca, NY has been recently sold and demolished, but relocation begins soon.

    The Haunt Ithaca

    At 702 Willow Street, The Haunt will be replaced by a building under the City Harbor Residential Project, which is under way now in Ithaca. Several residential buildings are in the process of construction all across town.

    Ithaca’s most prominent local promoter, Dan Smalls of DSP shows, said on the matter “It allows me to work with the people we’re working with to look for a new and bigger and better location, which continues to be our plan,” He added, “The question is just when we will be ready to announce it. That’ll be hopefully soon, but we’re working very diligently toward a new location. Our goal is to be the premier live entertainment venue in Central New York. It’ll be a gathering place for not just live music, like The Haunt, but a real downtown gathering spot.”

    The Haunt, Fall 2020 – photo by Casey Martin

    Small recognizes that the pandemic renders it impossible to know when live music can resume, but he hopes that in 2022 it will be possible to have a full-capacity venue.

    “(COVID-19 guidance) will dictate how quickly we move with the next project, but there will be a next project,” Smalls said. “Something that’s a usable, hopefully downtown location, and there’s lots of areas downtown that are currently being developed, so hopefully that gives people an idea of where that could be.”

    Originally opening in 1960, The Haunt relocated in the 1990s to the West End which attracted both national artists and up-and-coming acts, fostering a space in Ithaca for large crowds and great music. Smalls remarks on attending concerts at the earlier Green Street location before it was relocated in the 90s. To make the new Ithaca location a vital venue in the region, Smalls cities the Higher Ground venue in Burlington, Vermont as a place he wishes to emulate.

    The potential new location is hypothesized to land on 15-117 North Cayuga Street, the current location of the Masonic Temple, but after speaking to the owners, Smalls responded that the offer is not “on the table” just yet.

  • Amityville Music Hall Presents AMH Comp Volume One

    Amityville Music Hall released a compilation album on Friday, February 26 to benefit its Long Island music venue.

    amityville music hall

    Twenty-eight artists are included on the compilation, including John Nolan (Taking Back Sunday, Straylight Run), Jade Lilitri of Oso Oso, Johnny Booth, Sainthood Reps, Brian Byrne (Envy On The Coast, Violent Joy), Somerset Thrower, Rare Futures, and Wreath Of Tongues.

    The album will be a mix of covers, originals, and stripped-down songs, available for a $15 donation on Long Island Emo’s bandcamp page starting on February 26th.

    Amityville Music Hall has been a beloved hub for rock music in Long Island for many, many years. It has been the starting point for many bands that end up growing larger, but their nascence is from the Long Island scene. These small venues are critical to musicians and music lovers. As the pandemic continues, these venues need support in order to come back when it is safe in the future.

    Go support AMH here:

    Live music acts and DJ’s. Craft beers on tap. Daily events and specials. Available to rent for private events.Additional InformationLive music acts and DJ’s. Craft beers on tap. Weekly bar events and specials. Catering hall for private events.

    Visit the Long Island music venue’s website HERE

  • Emo-Rock Duo Losers Club from Rochester are Back with New Music

    Losers Club are making their label-debut on Substream Records with a new single called “Fux W/ Ur Head,” set for release on March 5th, 2021.

    The duet’s emo-rock sound is crafted by frontman Nate Blasdell, known for his role as lead guitar and background vocals in the melodic hardcore band I Set My Friends on Fire, and backed by Andy Champion on guitar. Losers Club’s sound is poppier than Blasdell’s previous work, akin to The All-American Rejects. Their music is anthemic and tightly packed with melody.

    On their instagram account, Losers Club recounted the past year, saying “This year was a rollercoaster to say the least. What started as four, turned to three, then three became two, and now here we are, stronger than ever with 2020 in the rearview and so much to look forward to in 2021. New sound. New look. New album. New era.”

    With their new sound and formation, Losers Club is ready to take on the music world with their label-debut single, Fux W/ Ur Head. You can pre-order it here.

    You can find them on Instagram and Facebook and the label’s website.

  • D’Angelo Announces Verzuz DJ Battle at Apollo Theater

    D’Angelo will hold a Verzuz DJ battle against unnamed “friends,” taking place on February 27 at 8 pm EST, at the historical Apollo Theater in Harlem.

    d'angelo
    (Photo by Cheryl Gerber/Invision/AP, File)

    He announced another episode of Verzuz, an online DJ-battle series, in which artists face off their contemporaries. The competition is fun, friendly, and fans cheer on artists as they DJ hit songs against each other. Previous sets have included Alicia Keys vs. John Legend. Beginning during lockdown, Verzuz has become a staple respite for music fans everywhere. The notoriously reclusive artist, D’Angelo, who champions quality over quantity will take the stage at the Apollo Theater for the first time since 2014.

    D’Angelo will be challenging several guests at his performance, which expands the online show to a larger spectacle. Due to his sparse public performances, rumors have arisen of new music, although the artist has released one album in 21 years.

    In the early 1990s, D’Angelo exploded onto the “new retro soul” scene with artists such as Erykah Badu. His 2000 hit album, Voodoo, catapulted him into the spotlight, and he retracted, rarely playing shows. The next D’Angelo album did not come to fruition until 2014, and he vanished from the public eye quickly after a supporting tour. On that tour, it was the last time D’Angelo played the Apollo Theater. This return is long anticipated, and you can stream it on February 27 at 8pm EST through Verzuz.

    On Soundcloud, Mick Brooklyn has created Re/Angelo, featuring rarities and D’Angelo remixes from The Roots, Common, Erykah Badu, and J. Dilla.

  • boys cruise Release Groovy Indie Track “Room for Reason”

    boys cruise has released “Room for Reason” as their first single off of their upcoming self-titled sophomore album.

    boys cruise

    Their new jangly, poppy, but also garage-rock song is the first taste of boys cruise’s music since their acclaimed 2019 debut record Jerry. Mastered by Felix Davis, who worked with artists such as Lana Del Rey, HMLTD, and Swim Deep, added extra flair to boys cruise’s unique, playful sound. Their musical style combines several genres, creating a colorful blend that could make anybody want to dance. Zach Bloomstein produced their upcoming album.

    Drummer and bassist Jack Parker spoke about the newest single: “Johnny Clarke (lead vocals/guitar) and myself, Jack Parker (bass/drums), wrote the main ideas before linking up with Sammy Josh (guitar) to really flesh everything out. I wrote Room for Reason over the span of a few days this past summer when I fell terribly ill with 102 degree fever.”

    He continues that “the song is about how I felt trapped in my mind palace and how I was longing for rest. This past summer was a generally manic and confusing time for all of us in boys cruise, and the lyrics are just sort of a reflection of that confusion and some of the weirdness that was simultaneously going on in my personal relationships.

    Based in Burlington, VT, boys cruise had its genesis in 2018 in the Northeast DIY scene. Their wild stage presence and riveting shows made them a notorious and beloved name in the northeast underground circuit. From cutting the lead singer’s hair mid-set to boxing matches between members on stage, they began selling out Vermont venues.

    Their sound has evolved on their upcoming record in a new artful and noisy direction, compared to the poppier 2019 LP Jerry. boys cruise is Johnny Clarke (lead vocals/guitar), Jack Parker (vocals/bass/drums), and Sammy Josh (vocals/guitar).

    Find out more about boys cruise on Instagram and Facebook.

  • The National Jazz Museum in Harlem Announces Online Museum Access Through Google Arts and Culture

    Beginning on February 18, 2021, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem is available for anybody in the world to visit virtually on the Google Arts and Culture platform.

    Google Arts and Culture harlem
    The National Jazz Museum in Harlem

    The free, virtual tour allows viewers to experience videos and high-resolution pictures of jazz artifacts from the Museum’s collections as a part of the Google Arts & Culture Black History Month project.

    “Jazz was born in New Orleans but spent a lot of time growing up in Harlem,” says award winning bandleader Christian McBride who, with award winning bandleader Jon Batiste, serves as National Jazz Museum in Harlem (NJMH) Artistic Director. The Black History and Culture project celebrates and recognizes Black creatives. NJMH joins over 80 partners on the platform with their own expertise and storytelling about Black history and jazz.

    “Jazz music is a centerpiece of Black history, culture and art,” said Simon Delacroix, US Lead for Google Arts & Culture. “During Black History Month, we’re proud to welcome the National Jazz Museum in Harlem to the Google Arts and Culture platform. Now everyone can experience the magic of the genre and the artists who created it.”

    The Museum wishes to reopen its doors to the public for the indelible, energetic performances and captivating history contained in its walls. Executive Director Tracey Hyter-Suffern says that “During the pandemic we have seen the effect on the jazz community and vital role this music and the arts, in general, play in anchoring us. We are a gathering space for jazz artists, educators, scholars and the community. Jazz engages us with each other. Jazz is history you can feel. It’s physical. The Museum is physical. It’s a place, in Harlem, where the community can connect, renew and celebrate.”

    Google Arts and Culture harlem
    Outside the National Jazz Museum in Harlem

    The pandemic has had a severe, disastrous impact on Black and other communities of color. Black, Latino, and senior jazz artists and performers are among the highest risk categories, and many have sadly passed away during this time. This makes it especially critical to share and celebrate the history and legacy of jazz, the uniquely American art form. The Museum serves as a force to keep jazz and its message alive and its artists working, never letting the passion and importance of it fade.

    Inspired by news of the Museum’s partnership with Google Arts & Culture, the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation has offered to match every dollar contributed to the National Jazz Museum in Harlem during Black History Month up to $5,000. To contribute, visit .

  • The Hold Steady Announce Annual Multi-Night Event, The Weekender

    The Hold Steady will be holding a live-streamed event, The Weekender , from Brooklyn Bowl on Friday, March 5th and Saturday, March 6th primarily for UK and European fans. 

    THE WEEKENDER
    The Hold Steady

    The Hold Steady is performing their annual multi-night Weekender event in an unprecedented way this year, bringing their European fans a virtual version of the recurring concert. Traditionally held in the renowned Electric Ballroom in Camden, London, this year it will be live-streamed from Brooklyn, New York. Both nights will commence at 8pm (20:00) GMT , 3pm EST (US). 

    At The Weekender, The Hold Steady will be performing two completely different sets, including fan favorites and new cuts from their upcoming album Open Door Policy, set for release on Friday, February 19th. Pre-order it here. Exclusive to The Weekender is a march bundle, unveiled in the weeks leading up to the main event. Following the final performance, The Weekender sets will be available on-demand for a limited time on March 6th. 

    Album Art For OPEN DOOR POLICY by The Hold Steady

    OPEN DOOR POLICY arrives on the band’s Positive Jams label via Thirty Tigers on Friday, February 19th, 2021. It is currently up for pre-order digitally and physically, and with a pre-order one receives an instant-download of the recently released singles “Spices,” “Heavy Covenant,” and “Family Farm.” Their Bruce Springsteen and Hüsker Dü-influenced sound is something you should not miss!

    Single-show tickets (£15.00/$20.00), two-night passes (£27.50/$35.00) and exclusive soundcheck tickets (£20.00/$25.oo) are on sale now exclusively on FANS.LIVE . The on-demand show, aired after the final performance, is also available on FANS.LIVE.

  • Club Helsinki Hudson to Bloody Valentines Show on Saturday, February 13th

    Tommy Stinson & Chip Roberts will take the stage of Helsinki Hudson on Saturday February 13th with their intimate music act Cowboys in the Campfire for a Bloody Valentines show.

    Bloody Valentines helsinki
    Club Helsinki Hudson

    The show, hosted by Dark carnival band Dust Bowl Faeries and produced by Experiential Design Artist Corey Aldrich, will broadcasts LIVE from the club’s stage in Hudson, New York.

    Tickets for the show are available on a donation basis to support the musicians throughout this difficult time for the arts. The show begins at 8:00pm EST and will stream from a private YouTube link.

    Dust Bowl Faeries will be hosting a Bloody Valentines themed show, with some tragic tales of love gone wrong, revenge songs about bloody tattoos and lusty vampiric shenanigans.

    Rock legend Tommy Stinson, original member of The Replacements and former bassist for Guns n Roses, will perform intimate blues-based songs on acoustic guitar, accompanied by Chip Roberts on lap-steel guitar. The duo call themselves Cowboys in the Campfire. Expect new songs at the show along with their beloved collection of songs. “A few laughs are guaranteed,” says Stinson.

    For the past thirteen years, Cowboys in the Campfire have written and performed their witty, unique brand of music that blends lap-steel with regular guitar.

    Accompanied by Cowboys in the Campfire for Club Helsinki Bloody Valentines show are the Dust Bowl Faeries whose music will bemuse and mystify the listener. The founders of the band, Ryder Cooley and Hazel, hail from Hudson, New York. Their musical influence draws from circus, post-punk and Eastern European folk music. The Faeries recently released a new album, The Plague Garden, along with a new video, Candy Store, produced and directed by Lisa M. Thomas of Thin Edge Films.