NYS Music 202​1

Author: Christine McAleer

  • Nick Vivid Reigns with Latest LP “No More Secrets”

    Nick Vivid is breaking down boundaries and officially making a name for himself.  His new release “I Wanna Reign Again,” brings all the potential to his upcoming LP No More Secrets. The single says it for itself “I Wanna Reign Again” speaks about the need to get out after strict Covid lockdowns, or to feel alive again as Nick puts it. The single is fluid in a hallucinogenic energy with heavy synths, with almost a thick cream texture to it. 

    The track is about the idea that he, like most people after all the Covid lockdowns and restrictions, just wants to “get back out there and live again. Back when Covid chaos was at its peak and our patience was wearing thin, just a walk in the park or a breath of fresh air was all we could salvage to keep sane.

    Nick speaks about how he tried to balance his life with faith. A notable line you might hear, ‘Help me get out of the way’, hones in on the majority of our mental states during crisis, Nick believed that with the mindset that everything will work out for the best eventually led him to stop trying so hard. 

    Nick Vivid

    Nick Vivid is a true testament to New York City’s culture, talent, and everchanging music.

    Earmilk

    Vivid explains how he came to write his tracks, finally reaching a point where he was 100% completely and utterly “in sync with things”. Pulling from his idols like Sly and the Family Stone, he was able to produce an eclectic sound still original in its own sound. Reaching this state of mind wasn’t easy, to let go meant pushing his brain to stop working overtime and to listen to his instincts. 

  • Get Into a Good Holiday Funk With Everett Bradley’s Holidelic

    Looking for unique music for the holidays? Everett Bradley, performer with E Street Band and Bon Jovi, is ready to give us some holiday cheer, or better, holiday funk. The Grammy nominated rock percussionist has announced the return of his beloved holiday funk revue, Holidelic.

    Holidelic

    A 12-show run will be held at The Lucille Lortel Theatre in NYC from December 9 though 31. This is part of the theater’s holiday performance series Tinsel: A Global Holiday Celebration, running from December 6-31 and featuring effervescent live music, performance, and dance with leading artists from around the globe.

    Bradley will strictly go by his name Papadelic, for the residency. The renamed Funk’s Father Christmas is a funk figure combining the personas of George Clinton and Santa Claus, with of course holiday-themed funk songs written by Bradley. 

    A flashy, bass heavy retro-futuristic take on the holidays

    The New Yorker

    Holidelic debuted in 2002 to bring some cheer after 9/11, something about his big furry white coat, sunglasses and 6-inch platform shoes has been selling out shows ever since. I mean maybe it’s from his stardom with Bon Jovi, Hall & Oats, Quincy Jones, and Snarky Puppy. Regardless this GRAMMY winner knows how to wow a crowd, exhibiting extraordinary talent, exuberance, and heart to every tour, session, Broadway show, or even TV show. The holidays wouldn’t be the same without him. 

  • Olmos Chamber Ensemble to Bring “Classical Hodepodge” To Unity Hall

    When it comes to classical music, it is hard to remember each piece’s name, composer, movement, opus, etc. Maybe that’s why Olmos Chamber Ensemble came up with “Classical Hodgepodge”. At Unity Hall, the free film premiere of the Olmos Chamber Ensemble will take place on Sunday, December 5 at 3PM.

    The Olmos Ensemble film features a recent concert and interviews with the performers. You’ll hear works from Jacques Ibert, Maurice Ravel, George Gershwin, and Claude Debussy with performances hailing straight from Texas.  Proof of vaccination and ID are required to attend the program and face masks are encouraged. The doors will open at 2:30pm. 

    olmos chamber ensemble

    The film will be shown upstairs in Unity Hall’s main stage theatre on the large screen and broadcast through Unity Hall’s concert sound system.

    Established in 1994, the Olmos Ensemble has created a global name for itself as a premier chamber music organization. From numerous world class performances, live broadcasts and recordings Olmos Ensemble has increasingly gained more recognition with each performance. From the few players of the San Antonio Symphony that founded this ensemble you can find leading musicians from across the United States.

    Rachel Ferris as a soloist represents Barneveld with her upbringing.  The native of Central NY holds the position of Principal Harp with the San Antonio Symphony. Her academic career started at Poland Central School and graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy. Later she received a prestigious Bachelor’s Degree in Harp Performance from Oberlin College and Conservatory.  The other notable names you might recognize in the concert are Mark Teplitsky, the principal flute of the San Antonio Symphony and Mathew Cohen a nationally recognized violist and graduate of Julliard’s Master of Music Program.

    Thanks to the support of Unity Hall Membership and funds from the Decentralization Program, we can look forward to more performances from the Olmos Ensemble.

    Unity Hall is located at 101 Vanderkemp Avenue in Barneveld, New York. Information about upcoming concerts and other Unity Hall events can be found here.

  • Zedd Unleashes Euphoric Set Selling Out NYC Club, Nebula

    Flying straight from Orlando’s EDC concert, Zedd moved the party to New York City on Saturday, November 13 in the heart of Times Square, selling out Nebula’s second official opening weekend. Entrancing the crowd with his signature electro house drops and mesmerizing psychedelic LED screens, Zedd’s very presence atop the stage paralleled that of a higher power. 

    zedd
    photo by Jarrett Birnbaum, Of The Art

    Worshipping crowdgoers welcomed the well decorated German-Russian DJ that has paved the electronic scene for over a decade. Almost on command Zedd wielded his powers, sending chills down several hundred spines starting with the all so notable eerie Squid Game introduction to unleashing the intoxicating beat of Do it Do it from Cherish. His edit of Squid Game x Do it Do it swallowed us into a two hour rave marathon of his GRAMMY winning catalogue.

    zedd
    photo by Jarrett Birnbaum, Of The Art

    Certainly a renowned powerhouse EDM DJ virtuoso, he reminded us how he single handedly shaped the soundscape of the early 2010s era starting his set with Stay the Night (feat. Hayley Williams) and The Middle. Immediately working the crowd with nostalgia of the good ‘ol days, Zedd was just as excited to see fans memorize his every lyric. The DJ, songwriter, and record producer found himself infected with his own rhythms jumping relentlessly with one proud fist in the air. Sampling Lil Nas X’s “Industry Baby” we were lured away from Zedd’s originals, unlocking edits of Drake’s “Way 2 Sexy” and Daft Punk’s “One More Time”. 

    zedd
    photo by Jarrett Birnbaum, Of The Art

    Palms open and looking to the sky Zedd was able to contact his fellow EDM gods for countless thick heavy bass drops thrumming the dance floor to fuel ceaselessy dancing fans.

    Zedd made full use of New York City’s newest club. The all encompassing LED screens put on acclaimed painted visuals taking club goers soaring through space, inside futuristic tunnels, and swimming through vortexes. Combined with synchronized strobe lights pointed every which way, Zedd provided a full sensory performance. A true connoisseur, prolonging each beat drop gearing us for the high intensity ultimate of euphoric choruses from “Spectrum” even singing along to Ariana Grande’s “Break Free” with the rest of us. 

    zedd
    photo by Jarrett Birnbaum, Of The Art

    The sheer intimacy of the soldout 700 person max venue aided in creating a closer bond to the almost untouchable DJ. His charisma could be felt all the way in the back depths of the club. In a sly attempt to hide his celebrity, he occasionally appeared as a mere shadow letting his LED lightshow dictate the concert along while waving just one finger in the air, complete with a drink in the other. His limited check-ins with the crowd and bright let us know was enjoying it all as much as we were, basking in the glory of the name he has made for himself. 

    zedd
    photo by Jarrett Birnbaum, Of The Art

    The EDM scene is often believed to be crafted around drugs that claim to fully encapture each performance, yet the community projects carefree and accepting energy builds families on the dance floor. He made it almost impossible not to become best friends with strangers entranced by his music. when erupting countless climax of euphoric woes with every bass drop. Each inevitable buildup releasing to well crafted high intensity drops cooked up an addicting recipe that fans could not get enough of.

    zedd
    photo by Jarrett Birnbaum, Of The Art

    To pull in the rails of the night, Zedd cranked his signature “Clarity” with one last remark, “New York! My name is Zedd and I f****** love you! Put your hands up if you had a great time.” One last drop erupted the climax of the night matched with bursts of confetti and fog covering roaring fans and blaring kick drums. His first GRAMMY winning song made way for ubiquitous dancing closing the night with unbelievable insanity. Classic Zedd. 

    zedd
    photo by Jarrett Birnbaum, Of The Art
    • zedd
    photo by Jarrett Birnbaum, Of The Art

  • Kate Gratson Uses her Unique Background to Create “The Girl You Knew”

    Like many of us, Kate Gratson used the pandemic to channel her inner-self. Consequently, her latest album, The Girl You Knew, does most of her speaking for her. Gratson’s process of self-reflection is something that her fans are all too familiar with and on this latest project, she found a way to perfectly encapture all the intimate feelings we’re afraid to share out loud. A veteran of writing on self-actualization and acceptance, it’s apparent that the she has developed an even deeper understanding of herself and lets it all out in her music.

    While growing as a person and artist, Gratson has gotten a hold creatively as well, revealing a new sense of control.

    Musically and lyrically, “Watch and Wonder,” is all about tension and release, and my main goal was to highlight this when creating the music video. “Watch and Wonder” is my second music video with Isaac Rosenthal on cinematography, and Grant Sorth on editing, but it is the first time I had a distinct, artistic vision in mind

    Kate Granson

    When listening to Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter, producer and cellist, it isn’t always apparent that she has a firm foundation in both jazz and classical techniques. Her knowledge of both genres almost silently seeps into her music layered with R&B, folk/indie and electronic elements. Combining both contemporary and aged sounds, she often find herself almost painting a picture of timelessness. Her various identities, paired with the layering of samples, mixed with velvety vocals, gritty drums and melodic synths are surely to catapult her career.

    Following her formal music education, Gratson would go on to receive a BM in music composition and vocal performance from the State University of New York at Fredonia. It was during this time that her sound and voice as an artist began to take shape. She then returned to New York City to focus on refining her distinctly eclectic feel, attempting to harness the layers that made up her voice. Later returning to her initial mentors, as she began to write and hone her craft, while steadily releasing singles.

    At last, she released her debut album, The Girl You Knew. With a growing fanbase and unique sound, it might not be long before Kate Gratson once again becomes the girl we once knew.

  • Main Street Music Series Is Back at Rose Hall in Cortland

    Here we are, returning back to normal. The Main Street Music Series is back in person returning to Rose Hall this month and December. Catch them with a series of four Friday night concerts with audiences, with the next show on November 19 featuring Rochester’s Dirty Blanket, James Vandeuson and the Rollin’ Rust, and Roger Decker.

    Main Street Music

    Main Street Series is committed to enriching Cortland’s culture and showing a good time in Downtown. American Vintage Productions returns as the production company, providing sound, live streaming and promotional services for the series. 

    We’re excited to return to live audience performances after being virtual only last year. This year our concert format will return to normal with three bands at each concert. The openers will perform in Studio AV on the first floor at Rose Hall and the headlining band will be in the concert hall upstairs.

    Chris Merkley, MSMS Board President

    Rose Hall doors open at 6 p.m. and admission is free. Donations to support the series can be made at the door or online. Not to worry for those wishing to watch from home, the concerts will also be streamed through the AV Live Network. 

    The remaining concerts in the Main Street Music Series include:

    • Nov. 19 – Featuring Dirty Blanket with James VanDeuson & The Rollin’ Rust and Roger Decker
    • Dec. 3 – Featuring The Unknown Woodsmen with Bug Tussle and Dana Twigg
    • Dec. 17 – Featuring Sophistafunk with People People and Gary Carpentier

  • Hudson Valley Songwriter Ryan Martin Recruits Mikaela Davis for “At Dusk”

    The latest single from Hudson Valley singer-songwriter Ryan Martin, “At Dusk”, features Rochester’s Mikaela Davis. Perhaps your breakup with your COVID-bae was hard or maybe you’re just not over your breakup from 3 years ago (who isn’t?). Ryan and Mikaela know how to pull at just the right heart strings bringing a signature kind of love song that is honest, emotional lyrics wrapped in gorgeous, bittersweet melodies and irresistible melodic hooks. 

    Ryan Martin

    Now, you might have heard this song before because it originally appeared on Wandercease, released in November 2020. However, in the height of COVID-19 havoc Martin’s exceptional songwriting was praised by the press for its vibrant, modern take on Americana and Martin’s exceptional songwriting, yet buried underneath reality’s chaos. The COVID pandemic taught us all a little something but Martin took it upon himself to re-asses his priorities.

    The songs on Wandercease are mini-epics of personal storytelling, and Mikaela Davis keeps returning with perfect harmony vocals and the thrilling sound of her harp

    Paste

    Back during lackluster live streams alone in his apartment for a virtual audience his struggle to sustain his sobriety became apparent. Putting music aside, he decided to enroll in school to pursue a career in substance-abuse counseling. A new perspective led him to truly process the reason for writing music: to identify the source of someone’s pain, conveniently also the goal as a substance-abuse counselor. He admits that he aims to connect with people around the struggles that bind them together.

    Perfection us damn near impossible to come by and it almost never happens, Yet somehow, someway, Ryan Martin hit that rare pocket in time and captured perfection

    American Songwriter

    With the help of veteran producer/engineer Paul Kolderie (Pixies, Radiohead) remixing the song, “At Dusk” now has new flavor to it with more highlights of the sublime harmonies between Martin and guest singer/harpist Mikaela Davis, with an additional rock and roll energy in the anthemic choruses. Martin recently showcased at the Mondo.NYC conference with a live performance filmed at Old Soul Studios in Catskill, NY featuring musicians Jared Samuel (Kevin Morby), Nick Kinsey (Waxahatchee), David Lizmi (Fun), and Connor Grant (Sean Lennon).

  • Chris Jehnert Takes Hold Of His Music Career Releasing Chapter One: The Hollow

    Over his career, Chris Jehnert has taken many routes, such that you may know for his acting chops or even frontman status in the internationally recognized boy band Larger Than Life. Chris since then has developed a more mature sound, solidifying himself in the alternative rock scene with his debut EP Chapter One: The Hollow.

    After his “Welcome To The Hollow” single in 2019, which has garnered over 100,000 streams, Chapter One: The Hollow delves further and expands on the intricacies of of love, loss, isolation, and obsession. With song titles like “Raise The Dead,” “Ghost,” and “Love You to Death,” this EP uses dark and haunting metaphors to delve into personal issues. 

    Chris Jehnert


    One of Jenhert’s song off the EP is “Ghost” which recounts a time when Jehnert was accused of ghosting after ending a fling. “I Love You To Death” is dedicated to his fans, specifically those that are willing to give their life away for Jehnert despite their lack of personal relationship. “Raising the Dead” is actually about rekindling a flame with an ex lover although the relationship was toxic, the title describes the resurrection of all the emotions and traumas from hooking up

    The EP itself is all based off of journal-style lyrics, where I take the things I’m dealing with internally and create metaphors for them. I then write the songs as if those metaphors were literal. Equating The Hollow to being a place cold and empty that people are drawn to and trapped in, but it’s a metaphor for my personal relationships

    Chris Jehnert

    Chris has been trained as a triple threat from early on with singing, dancing, and acting. Complete with a vocal performance degree from CCBC Essex, Jehnert worked alongside world class singers Jennifer Hudson and Kristin Chenoweth in eight productions at Disney World. Touring with the Concert Anniversary Tour of “Hairspray” led him to settle in New York City.

    Chris is a member of “Larger Than Life: The Ultimate Boy Band Tribute” and has traveled around the world performing in their concerts alongside Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Jeff Timmons, Aaron Carter and many more. Having taken a lead role in the Streamy-nominated series “Disposable Teens,” Chris now has pursued releasing his own music as always intended.

  • Sarah Jarosz Will Bring Her Memorable Trio to Albany, Katonah, Woodstock and Homer this December

    We’ll be hearing more from the four-time GRAMMY winner Sarah Jarosz, as she has announced a series of live performances of the Blue Heron Suite this December. After becoming the recipient of the FreshGrass Composition Commission and premiered the song at the FreshGrass Festival in 2017, she knew that we need to hear more. 

    sarah jarosz

    Her signature ember-smoky warble made an appearance in the latest recording of Blue Heron Suite was released May of this year featuring accompaniment by Jefferson Hamer and Jeff Picker. Performed on Mother’s Day for a special livestreamed concert event, the trio plans to reunite for the live shows along with other hits from her longtime award winning career. 

    Blue Heron Suite captures the feelings of transience that lurk around the edges of our lives and that come into the light in times when we face possible loss, but in these songs Jarosz demonstrates that we can be transported, momentarily at least, above our bodies and this earth on wings

    Henry Carrigan of Folk Alley

    Proclaimed as some of her best work yet from Atwood and receiving compliments of the most mature work of hers evoking rumination and deliberation, it would be an understatement to say that she has received glowing reviews. There may be something to learn for everyone; “it finds hope in spite of happenstance and wisdom in reflection”. 

    For a bit of a warm up Jarosz wrapped up a mini-tour of the east coast with shows in Boston, New York City, and Washington, DC. In early November, she will do a short run of dates with Shawn Colvin and Marc Cohn. She is planning an extensive tour of the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom in 2022 that will focus on 2020’s GRAMMY-winning album World on the Ground as well as Blue Heron Suite.

    An Evening with Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohn, and Sarah Jarosz, Together in Concert

    Nov 4th – State Theatre – Minneapolis, MN

    Nov 5th – Hoyt Sherman Place – Des Moines, IA

    Nov 9th – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN

    Sarah Jarosz – Blue Heron Suite Tour

    Dec 1st – Academy of Music – Northampton, MA

    Dec 2nd – Stone Mountain Arts Center – Brownfield, ME

    Dec 3rd – The Egg – Albany, NY

    Dec 4th – Caramoor – Katonah, NY 

    Dec 5th – Levon Helm Studios – Woodstock, NY

    Dec 7th – Center For The Arts – Homer, NY

    Dec 8th – Higher Ground – Burlington, VT

    Dec 9th – Narrows Center for the Arts – Fall River, MA

    Dec 10th – Shalin Liu – Rockport, MA

    Dec 11th – Portland House of Music – Portland, ME

  • Virgin Islands Shakedown Brings The Dead and Friends Complimented WIth Beautiful Beachfront Views

    Get ready for an amazing 3 day concert in one of the most beautiful islands around. The Virgin Islands Shakedown will take place November 7 through the 9th, 2021 and will bring even more heat to St. Croix, USV. This festival will bring music that will bring out The Dead literally. The Dead consists of a supergroup with Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico of moe. Jason Hann of String Cheese Incident, Mark Joseph of The Big Wu, Hash of Thievery Corporation, and Steve Molitz of Particle / Phil Lesh.

    Virgin Islands Shakedown

    The Dire Wolves will of course be headlining the evenings. Thankfully US citizens can travel to this destination with ease. There is no need to have a passport or pay customs fees seeing as though St. Croix is a constituent district of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). When you’re not enjoying the amazing music from critically acclaimed artists, feel free to explore the island filled with snorkeling, diving, hiking, paddle boarding, boating and more. St. Croix is a friendly and polite island that invites you to have the perfect getaway and enjoy your time in the sun. 

    To make things even simpler Virgin Islands Shakedown is offering VIP and General Admission packages. Of course you already know the band will play November 7th, 8th, and 9th, but some of the travel packages are November 7th through 10th, and others are November 7th through 11th, giving you a couple extra days to enjoy the Island. Not only will you have some more time for a perfect tan but the VIP package offers a private party with the band, and the opportunity to purchase up to two additional VIP tickets.

    More information on The Fred can be found here. From the beachfront, boutique resort, restaurant, bar to a spa, there is not much not to like. The resort’s amenities can be found  It’s the only beach front resort that’s also

    located in town and the first new hotel to open on St. Croix since 1986. With awards like “Best New Boutique Resort” by Caribbean Journal and “Best New Business/Spa” by the readers of the VI Daily News, The Fred is destined to show you a good time and The Dead and friends will have you needing more.