NYS Music 202​1

Author: Hattie Lindert

  • Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center to Return To Saratoga Springs

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced they will again partner with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, renewing an annual residency. “CMS at the Meadows,” hosted at Pitney Meadows Community Farm open-air High Tunnel greenhouse, will present twelve performances in 2022, spanning June, July, and August. The diverse orchestra will take on masterworks by the likes of Beethoven, Mozart, and Dvořák. 

    ‘CMS at the Meadows’ at Pitney Meadows Community Farm.

    “One of the highlights of this past summer’s programming was the glorious confluence of stunning music-making in a magnificent natural setting. Thanks to our partners at The Farm, we are excited to be going back there for the summer 2022 season,” said SPAC President and CEO Elizabeth Sobol. 

    Led by artistic directors David Finckel and Wu Han, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will highlight a diverse array of performers and composers. Some CMS guests, like the acclaimed Escher String Quartet, make a welcome return to Saratoga Springs. Others, like German clarinetist Sebastian Manz, Brazilian oboist Hugo Zouza, Taiwanese-American violist Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu, and American hornists David Byrd-Marrow and Kevin Rivard, will appear at SPAC for the first time ever. 

    A previous performance of CMS at the Meadows holds an open-air crowd mesmerized.

    In addition to highlighting both familiar classics and new frontiers, CMS will also continue their intentional efforts to highlight BIPOC music and musicians. A special Juneteenth concert will see acclaimed BIPOC composers Jessie Montgomery, Florence Price, and William Grant Still make their SPAC debuts. 

    “It will be an exciting summer, and we can’t wait for everyone to hear it,” Finckel and Wu Han shared in a statement. 

    The Hill Tunnel at Pitney Meadows Community Farm.

    Tickets to all six Chamber Music Society programs (performed at 3 pm and 6 pm rain or shine) will be available for purchase at spac.org, beginning on December 10th with a presale for SPAC members. The general public will be able to purchase tickets starting December 17th. See the full summer schedule below: 

    Sunday, June 12 @ 3PM & 7PM: Quintessential Quintets

    ANI KAVAFIAN, Violin

    IDA KAVAFIAN, Violin

    PAUL NEUBAUER, Viola

    STEVEN TENENBOM, Viola

    DAVID FINCKEL, Cello

    Mozart: Quintet in G minor for Two Violins, Two Violas, and Cello, K. 516 (1787)

    Dvořák: Quintet in E-flat major for Two Violins, Two Violas, and Cello, Op. 97, “American” (1893)

    Sunday, June 19 @ 3PM & 7PM: From the Harlem Renaissance to Today  

    MSIMELELO MBALI, Bass–baritone

    WU QIAN, Piano

    STELLA CHEN, Violin

    GUILLERMO FIGUEROA, Violin

    TIEN-HSIN CINDY WU, Viola

    NICHOLAS CANELLAKIS, Cello

    Still: Suite for Violin and Piano (1943)

    Montgomery: Duo for Violin and Cello (2015)

    Price: Quintet in A minor for Piano, Two Violins, Viola, and Cello

    Additional vocal works TBA

    Sunday, July 10 @ 3PM & 7PM: The Magic of Mixed Ensembles

    MICHAEL BROWN, Piano

    CHAD HOOPES, Violin

    KEITH ROBINSON, Cello

    TOMMASO LONQUICH, Clarinet

    KEVIN RIVARD, Horn

    TBA, Viola

    Mozart: Quartet in G minor for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello, K. 478 (1785)

    Schoenfield: Trio for Clarinet, Violin, and Piano (1986)

    Dohnányi: Sextet in C major for Clarinet, Horn, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Piano, Op. 37 (1935)

    Sunday, July 17 @ 3PM & 7PM: Astounding Winds

    JUHO POHJONEN, Piano

    ADAM WALKER, Flute

    HUGO SOUZA, Oboe

    SEBASTIAN MANZ, Clarinet

    MARC GOLDBERG, Bassoon

    DAVID BYRD-MARROW, Horn

    Reicha: Quintet in E minor for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, and Horn, Op. 88, No. 1 (1811-17)

    Beethoven: Quintet in E-flat major for Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, and Piano, Op. 16 (1796)

    Françaix: L’heure du berger for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, and Piano (1947)

    Poulenc: Sextet for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, and Piano (1932-39)

    Sunday, August 14 @ 3PM & 7PM: The Escher Quartet

    ESCHER STRING QUARTET

    ADAM BARNETT-HART, Violin

    BRENDAN SPELTZ, Violin

    PIERRE LAPOINTE, Viola

    BROOK SPELTZ, Cello

    Haydn: Quartet in B-flat major for Strings, Hob. III:78, Op. 76, No. 4, “Sunrise” (1797)

    Walker: Lyric for String Quartet (1946)

    Webern: Langsamer Satz for String Quartet (1905)

    Dvořák: Quartet in E-flat major for Strings, Op. 51 (1878-79)

    Sunday, August 21 @ 3PM & 7PM: Beethoven’s Archduke

    WU HAN, Piano

    ARNAUD SUSSMANN, Violin

    DAVID FINCKEL, Cello

    Beethoven: Trio in C minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello, Op. 1, No. 3 (1794-95)

    Beethoven: Trio in B-flat major for Piano, Violin, and Cello, Op. 97, “Archduke” (1810-11)

  • Watch Saweetie ‘Tap In’ to SNL while Pete Davidson pays Tribute to Staten Island

    SNL returned last night with first-time host Simu Liu accompanied by musical guest Saweetie. The juggernaut rapper, fresh off her own McDonald’s Meal and a newly inked deal for a Netflix series, performed favorite hits and a brand new single for the crowd. 

    Saweetie Simu Liu SNL

    The episode opened with Cecily Strong parodying Judge Jeanine Pirro of Fox News discussing the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict. Chloe Fineman played a white female analyst discussing the shocking nature of the exoneration, while Chris Redd’s Howard University professor notes the American justice system has behaved this way before. When Fineman mourned “This is not who we are!” a sarcastic Redd responded, “I kind of feel like it is though…” James Austin Johnson returned with his pitch-perfect Trump impression. Above all, the sketch was a strong, hilarious opening.

    Simu Liu, star of Marvel’s Shang Chi And The Legend of the Ten Rings, brought energy and ease to his monologue. He joked at his status as the first “openly Chinese superhero,” and a strong later sketch between Liu and Bowen Yang expanded the joke. In his opener, he mainly skewered his Canadian heritage and the uniquely polite way he obtained his breakout role. Spoiler alert: he tagged them on Twitter, and got about ten likes. 

    Firstly, Saweetie hit the stage with a montage of “Tap In” and “Best Friend.” Dressed in old Hollywood glam and flanked by dancers in tutu’s, she introduce a jazzy rendition of “Tap In.” In a floor-length gown, she performed a gracefully choreographed routine. As the whistle-heavy beat faded in, her backup dancers removed the train on her dress.

    With her blood-red curls serving Jessica Rabbit, Saweetie cemented her status as a classic R&B girl with a diverse catalog. Dance, fashion, rapping, singing; all of it is in a day’s work for Saweetie. Above all, the montage was a celebration of Saweetie at her peak, highlighting her greatest hits.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOItdP6ZjU8&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hJ_skvlwzfzWQSdOpi13UJM&index=5&ab_channel=SaturdayNightLive

    Throughout the night, standout skits included a “karaoke recap” from a dive bar, aptly parodying many types of karaoke singer. From “Guy Who Was Doing Great Until The High Notes Came In” to “Girl Who Claimed Her Friend Signed Her Up But We All Know The Truth,” each was spot on. Later on, Simu Liu perfectly embodied a crotchety professor in a skit of a 420-friendly Friendsgiving celebration. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyKnQPpLR2I&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hJ_skvlwzfzWQSdOpi13UJM&index=3&ab_channel=SaturdayNightLive

    Later, Saweetie returned to the stage to perform a brand new single, “Icy Chain.” On the track, she bodies an opportunity to flex her harder flows. She impressed with her breathless flows, never missing a beat even in the midst of a high kick or twerk. Clearly, Saweetie takes her craft seriously. However, the rapper wasn’t afraid to have fun during “Icy Chain,” laughing and smiling through the number. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx0Ag3fEeDE&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hJ_skvlwzfzWQSdOpi13UJM&index=10&ab_channel=SaturdayNightLive

    Pete Davidson recruited fellow Staten Islander Method Man and rapper Big Wet for “Walkin in Staten,” a parody of Marc Cohn’s “Walking in Memphis.” Cohn was at first reluctant to join the video, but then appeared with the trio, adding to the hilarious take on the outer borough. Davidson and company sang about the unique attractions found in Staten Island – pizza places on every corner, bagel shops, and pizza places within bagel shops, among others.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W62Vmju18Vw

    SNL will return on December 11th with Billie Eilish serving double duty as host and musical guest. Later next month, Charli XCX will perform alongside host Paul Rudd on December 18th.

  • Jonah Hill to Play Jerry Garcia in New Martin Scorsese Biopic

    A new project chronicling the Grateful Dead has found its Jerry Garcia in Academy Award nominee Jonah Hill. Earlier this week, Hill shared the good news via Instagram, captioning a post with prayer hands and skull emojis.

    The still-untitled biopic, directed and produced by Martin Scorsese and distributed by Apple, remains somewhat a mystery. Sources have yet to confirm what exactly will be covered in the film. However, Apple has reportedly acquired the rights to use Grateful Dead music in the project,  But the project has recruited an A-list team, with Dead members Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann all signed on as executive producers. Jerry’s daughter, Trixie Garcia, will also executive produce.

    jerry garcia wolf My Sisters and Brothers
    Jerry Garcia

    The new film won’t be Scorsese’s first rodeo with the Dead’s iconic story, after directing the 2017 documentary Long Strange Trip. Furthermore, Scorsese and Hill have a history of working together. Scorsese directed Hill in the critically lauded 2014 film The Wolf of Wall Street, which earned Hill enormous praise and his first Oscar nomination.

    Currently, Scorsese and Hill are both at work on other projects. Scorcese is developing his newest film Killers of the Flower Moon, a Western crime drama featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro. Jonah Hill will next appear in Adam McKay’s all-star comedy Don’t Look Up, alongside Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Timothee Chalamet, and more. 

    Veteran writing duo Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszsewski have signed on to pen the script. Previously, they received rave reviews for scripting the acclaimed Fox drama American Crime Story: The People vs. OJ Simpson. Though this film will be Scorsese’s first musical biopic, with Alexander and Karaszsewski at his side, a triumph seems possible.

    On social media, fans have already begun compiling their dream choices for the rest of the cast. With Hill the only confirmed cast member, imaginations have run wild as to who will portray the rest of the band.

    https://twitter.com/kentdunne/status/1461394227435290629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1461394227435290629%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fuproxx.com%2Findie%2Fgrateful-dead-biopic-fan-cast-jonah-hill%2F

    https://twitter.com/JamesonMangan/status/1461436942466404355

    Some fans even questioned the casting of Hill, arguing their own picks for Jerry.

    All in all, however, fans seemed excited and interested by the news of the biopic. With many of the living members signed on as executive producers, fans expressed hope the Dead’s story would be done justice.

  • Thundercat Keeps It Weird At Higher Ground

    Thundercat brought his grooves to Higher Ground last Wednesday night, performing a jam-heavy set interjected with thoughtful musings on his friends, his passions, and his career. 

    Known for his mind-bending bass riffs and soulful, high vocals, Thundercat brought an inventive, jam-heavy set elevated by his classic comedic flair. Playing to a mesmerized crowd, he encouraged the Ballroom to fall into the music the same way he does. 

    thundercat
    Thundercat. Photo by Hattie Lindert.

    Compton producer Channel Tres opened for Thundercat, melding glitzy club beats with deep, emotive vocals. At first, Tres rose to fame crafting beats for hip-hop stars like Wale and Kehlani; now he’s forging a name for himself. Although initially the crowd seemed underappreciative of his set (he deserved a Brooklyn Steel crowd), by the end he had converted fans jumping at the barrier. By the time he closed with the pulsating “Topdown,” the crowd was screaming as he performed original choreography. At one point, he wiped his brow with a merch t-shirt, then tossed it into the crowd. 

    “Hey, I’ll sign it for you,” he called out the lucky winner. “I mean you never know, I might be famous one day.” 

    thundercat
    Channel Tres. Photo by Hattie Lindert
    Channel Tres. Photo by Hattie Lindert

    Thundercat’s comical and outlandish style precedes him, and he did not disappoint when he took the stage in an oversize, sparkling Gucci barrette. Even more outsized than his style is his mythical skill on the bass guitar. Before he even stepped on stage, tour staff came out to carefully lay the instrument by his mic. 

    “There it is,” an audience member in the front row whispered in awe. “There it f*cking is.” 

    thundercat
    Thundercat. Photo by Hattie Lindert

    Throughout the show, Thundercat spoke continually about beloved friends and coworkers he’s lost. Thundercat has often spoken about the pain of losing close friend Mac Miller to an overdose in 2018. That loss had a deep effect on the artist himself, and the formulation of his critically acclaimed latest album, 2020’s It Is What It Is. Thundercat also shared stories of his childhood best friend, pianist Austin Peralta, who has since passed. As he dove into a racing rendition of “I Love Louis Cole,” Thundercat credited Peralta with introducing him to the artist’s music. 

    “Mac, MF Doom, DMX, Austin… they changed my life,” he said. “And I’m still here.” The following performance was nothing if not a celebration of life. Afterwards, he performed “A Message for Austin,” the track he wrote dedicated to Peralta, falling into an insane acid jazz jam session.  

    thundercat
    Thundercat. Photo by Hattie Lindert

    Thundercat’s personality is defined by his passions, and he mused on them all: fashion, anime, his cat, Tron. He assured the crowd he’s working on new music, though a wide berth of tracks from his extensive catalog, along with Flying Lotus and Knower covers. Mostly, he jammed, disappearing into the eyes of keyboardist Dennis Hamm and drummer Justin Brown. 

    Thundercat knows his audience, and how long they’ve waited to see him; he gave fans a treat closing with crowd-pleasers “Them Changes” and “Funny Thing.” Though he remained faithful to the hits, Thundercat still experimented. Tracks like “Nowhere,” a Knower cover, and “Existential Dread,” found him switching things up and sometimes even extending runs beyond the crowd’s content. After all, as he playfully called out, many of them were still underage. 

    thundercat
    Thundercat. Photo by Hattie Lindert.

    Thundercat’s expressive, masterful skill on the bass translates well to storytelling, be it comedic or serious. His graceful hands, adorned with tattoos, fly as he describes a night out drunken of Jameson with friends or a scene from Death Note. Above all, he wanted to share pieces of himself with the crowd: music, stories and laughs.

    “I know you guys know the power of music,” he said to a cheer. That night, the power of live performance felt just as meaningful. 

  • Joshua Crumbly Shares New Video For “Kolkata”

    Genre-blurring NYC artist Joshua Crumbly has shared a new video for his nostalgic and moody track “Kolkata.” Crumbly first shared “Kolkata” on his sophomore full-length, ForEver, which he released last month.

    Crumbly’s gift lies in emotionally evocative and masterful bass guitar. He made his debut at age 10, performing with his saxophonist father, and eventually pursued his passion at Julliard. His unique style has led him to record and tour with everyone from Leon Bridges to Kamasi Washington. He performed alongside Bob Dylan in Dylan’s 2021 concert film, Shadow Kingdom. He released his debut solo album, Rise, in 2020.

    joshua crumbly

    The windswept video for “Kolkata” features crumbly as a cowboy wandering a dusty open road. Carefully stepping along the dotted yellow line, Crumbly walks towards a hazy mountain range in the distance. As the camera approaches him slowly from behind, he sets down his guitar case, removed his hat, and turns to face the audience. 

    Crumbly is half African-American and half Indian-American, and frequently visits his mother’s family in Kolkata. It was there he experienced something beautiful while looking over the city, sparking the inspiration for “Kolkata.” 

    “It was a blissful moment filled with gratitude and optimism,” Crumbly said. “I didn’t bring any instruments with me on this trip but I did have my laptop computer to sonically document this moment I was grateful to have experienced.” 

    Joshua Crumbly

    Featuring guests like Shahzad Ismaily, Sam Gendel, and Jay Bellerose, ForEver has received praise from outlets like Hypebeast and Under the Radar. NPR Music highlighted the record on their New Music Friday podcast. 

    The album’s haunting 11 tracks never hit you over the head with their meaning. But Crumbly’s ability to evoke nostalgia and deja vu through a simple, wavering bassline keeps you mesmerized. In ForEver’s lo-fi environment, each song blends into the next while still setting a unique scene. “Family” is heartbreakingly simple and bittersweet, while “C.S.C.” with Jay Bellerose builds on an ominous, hazy funk. Title track and standout “ForEver” takes hints from midwest emo, but remains hauntingly spare throughout. The soft, undulating melody worms its way into your brain and stays. 

  • moe. Guitarist Chuck Garvey Hospitalized For Stroke, Fans Set up GoFundMe, Most December Shows Cancelled

    moe. announced today via social media that Chuck Garvey, a co-founding member of the band, suffered a stroke at his home on Saturday, November 6. The 53-year-old guitarist has been hospitalized and remains in stable condition, according to the band. A GoFundMe has been set up to help Garvey and his family during this time.

    moe. Chuck Garvey
    Chuck Garvey performing with moe. at Apple Valley in Lafayette. Photo by Joshua Davis

    “We remain hopeful for a full and speedy recovery,” moe. shared via their Instagram. “Please keep [Chuck] in your hearts, thoughts and prayers.” 

    The announcement received an outpouring of heartfelt comments from fellow artists. The String Cheese Incident, Umphrey’s McGee, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong were among the groups sending love and positivity.  Even oft frequented venue the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester wished Garvey well.

    The day before the announcement, moe. postponed ticket sales for their planned 2022 Midnight Sun Festival, hosted in Reykavik. Currently, moe. has not made any further comments on how Garvey’s hospitalization will affect their upcoming tour dates. moe. has December dates lined up, including a show at the Brooklyn Bowl on December 9th and multiple shows at The Capitol Theatre.

    Read the full statement from moe. below: 

    “We are sad to share that on early Saturday morning Chuck suffered a stroke while at home. He is currently hospitalized and in stable condition. We remain hopeful for a full and speedy recovery. Please keep him in your hearts, thoughts and prayers. We appreciate everyone’s concern, but ask that you respect the privacy of his friends and family at this time. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”

    An update was shared on November 10 from moe. bassist Rob Derhak:

    On Tuesday, November 15, moe. shared an update on their December shows, noting that all shows, including New Years Eve in Las Vegas, will be cancelled. The exceptions are the shows at The Capitol Theatre on December 10 and 11, which will feature special guests joining that evening. Read more from moe. below:

    After much thought and discussion, we’ve decided to cancel our December appearances while Chuck starts his road to recovery.  To that exception, we will still play the shows at The Capitol Theater on Dec. 10th and 11th.  This venue means a lot to us all and feels like the right place for us to play at this time.  We plan to have some special guests join us throughout the night and hope you can join us.  More details to come regarding special merch, fundraising & more to benefit Chuck & his family. Thank you for your continued positive vibes, thoughts and prayers.  They help Chuck get stronger each day.

  • Cazwell Commemorates Transgender Day Of Remembrance with “Taser in my Telfar Bag”

    Transgender Day Of Remembrance, celebrated annually on November 20th, honors transgender individuals who have lost their lives to bigoted violence. Trans people face some of the highest levels of harassment, assault, and violence of any minority group. This year alone, the Human Rights Campaign reports 42 murdered trans people. As political rhetoric criminalizes trans people, legal discrimination traps them, and violence endangers them, too many face roadblocks to their best lives. Even walking down the street trans can be a risk. 

    In honor of the commemorative day, trans icons Trace Lysette and Chanel Jolé speak to all this and more in a new track with Boston rapper Cazwell, “Taser in my Telfar Bag.”  The single places the focus on trans people not as victims, but as empowered individuals society must do better to protect. The trio shared a new video for the track today. 

    Cazwell, who is queer, materialized the song after learning of a brutal attack on Trans women Eden the Doll, Jaslene White Rose, and Joclyn Flawless in 2020. Amidst a social media outcry of trans women sharing stories of harassment, Cazwell remembered one tweet about keeping a taser in a Telfar bag for protection. 

    “It just kind of clicked,” Cazwell shared. “That along with the need to protect Trans women while shouting out an ally like Telfar made the song feel current and relevant.”

    Trans Day Of Remembrance
    Chanel Jolé, Cazwell, and Trace Lysette.

    Cazwell brought on Lysette and Jolé to drop bars over the addictive beat, built off the zap of a taser. Trace and Chanel shared with Cazwell they feel most unsafe during the day, inspiring a daytime video shoot. The glitzy music video paints them having fun before placing tasers, “one for my purse and one for the Mercedes,” at an aggressor’s neck. 

    Dolled up in nails, lashes, and the eponymous Telfar bags, Lysette and Jole aren’t to be messed with. The video brings to life a comical skit where Cazwell sells the ladies their electric shocker of choice. Lysette and Jolé are clear about their intentions with the tasers. 

    “Just give me a taser and I’ll zap his dick quick/ Then use a flashlight to apply my lipstick,” they spit. Cazwell sells them pink tasers pointedly labeled “Police.” Trans women not only face violence on the street, but from law enforcement as well.

    “I’ve been the victim of many hate crimes so this is more than just a song for me,” Lysette shared.  “This is a statement to all those weirdos who not only hurt Trans women but all women.”

    Trans Day Of Remembrance
    Cover art for “Taser in my Telfar Bag.”

    Cazwell hopes the single released ahead of Transgender Day of Remembrance will inspire listeners to donate to Trans Defense Fund LA. The mutual aid group is dedicated to creating remedies (like protective safety kits) to the disproportionate violence Trans women face. Listeners who share proof of donation will receive an exclusive remix of “Taser in my Telfar Bag.” To donate, visit here.

  • Sylvan Esso Shakes It Out At Higher Ground

    Electro-pop duo Sylvan Esso brought their “Shaking Out The Numb” tour to Burlington for two nights. They played two sold-out nights at Higher Ground on November 8th and 9th. 

    The brainchild of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, Sylvan Esso is “built on conversation.” The marriage between Meath’s charismatic, inflected vocals and Sanborn’s creative production is euphoric at its best. Crowd excitement was palpable as bodies pressed up eagerly against the barrier. 

    sylvan esso
    Sylvan Esso. Photo by Hattie Lindert.

    Canadian-Colombian singer Lido Pimienta opened for Sylvan Esso. She won the Polaris Prize for her 2016 album “La Papessa,” and released her most recent project “Miss Colombia” in 2020, to widespread acclaim. 

    “Watching her every night is so inspiring,” Sanborn said of Pimienta to the crowd. 

    Lido Pimienta. Photo by Hattie Lindert.

    Bells were the first sounds heard in Pimienta’s set, ringing from percussionist Brandon Valdivia’s ankles as he walked onstage. The Nicaraguan-Canadian producer, and Pimienta’s partner, performs under the name Mas Aya. Her use of live percussion emphasized that rhythm is at the heart of Pimienta’s music and mission. 

    Pimienta dominated the stage with her mesmerizing blend of punk, electronic, and Colombian cumbia music. Chatting cheerily with the audience, often to the point of TMI, Pimienta’s warm stage presence stood out as much as her hypnotizing voice. Stomping, twerking, and prancing in a voluminous white cotton dress, Pimienta made herself impossible to look away from. A natural and candid storyteller, she discussed postpartum depression, lovers who fail you, and a woman’s choice– heavy topics she approaches with grace and humor. 

    Lido Pimienta
    Lido Pimienta. Photo by Hattie Lindert.

    “That’s why I sing in Spanish,” she joked with the crowd. 

    Pimienta’s musical project hinges on combining indigenous tradition, political activism, and experimental music techniques from around the world. Pimienta frequently works with Canadian artist-activists Tanya Taqaq and the Halluci Nation. Employing Taqaq’s shocking throat-singing technique on Miss Colombia track “No Pude,” Pimienta sounded like a whole new artist. When she closed with the triumphant “Eso Que Tu Haces,” Pimienta’s stunning set felt all too short. 

    sylvan esso
    Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso. Photo by Hattie Lindert.

    Before taking the stage, Sylvan Esso got a healthy cloud of smoke going, enveloping the venue. Entering to song “Runaway,” Meath in a dramatic fringed purple jacket, the crowd went wild from the barrier to the bar. Higher Ground felt more crowded than it has in a while. 

    Sylvan Esso performed a crowd-pleasing selection from their last few albums, focusing on hits. An intense strobe setup elevated each song, colors changing and bulbs flashing as Meath made the stage her own. After old fan favorite “Dress,” Meath shouted out fans who attended both nights, and a very special crowd member: Meath’s mom. 

    sylvan esso
    Sylvan Esso. Photo by Hattie Lindert.

    Sylvan Esso proved at the show that their music is about far more than just a melody. Their attention to movement, light work, and crowd engagement made their performance an immersive, fun experience all about dancing. After a long year of isolation, Meath and Sanborn consistently reminded Higher Ground how much fun they were having. Though Meath mainly ran the crowd work while Sanborn’s focus remains locked on his setup, the bounce of his long hair betrays his fun. On the whipping, popping synth breakdown to Esso’s most recent single “Numb,” Sanborn was all but jumping up and down. 

    Closing with the classic hit “Radio,” Sylvan Esso left Burlington with a sweet, sparkling taste in their mouths. Watching waving hands illuminated by Esso’s lights, and people of all ages moving their bodies, brought on a wave of gratitude. After all, Esso chose to be with us as well. The duo shared they had added the two Burlington dates in place of scheduled days off. At least for the crowd, “shaking out the numb” together felt like the perfect relaxation activity.

    sylvan esso
    Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso. Photo by Hattie Lindert.

    Sylvan Esso will continue their East Coast tour this month, with upcoming dates at New York City’s Terminal 5 November 15th and 16th. 

  • Parquet Courts Share Latest Album at Higher Ground

    Parquet Courts touched down in Burlington, VT on Wednesday night, bringing their latest album and older favorites to a grateful Higher Ground. 

    The Brooklyn indie rockers released their seventh studio album, Sympathy for Life, on October 22. The stunning effort leans into their expansive sound while feeling more crowd-worthy than ever. With thought-provoking lyrics and mind-bending instrumentals, the band makes a statement on their identity for the dancing masses. 

    parquet courts
    Samantha York of Public Practice. Photo by Hattie Lindert.

    New York City band Public Practice opened for Parquet Courts. Their dreamy, punky disco-rock moves as smoothly as lead singer Samantha York sashaying across the stage. The sparkling frontwoman of the band celebrated her birthday that night; Austin Brown of Parquet Courts brought her a celebratory cupcake onstage. As the crowd sang “Happy Birthday,” he knelt to the ground so she could blow out a birthday candle. 

    Urging the crowd to dance along, York emphasized: “how good it feels to be together and listen to music and move our f*cking bodies.” Her lilting vocals, perfectly complemented by bassist Drew Citron’s high harmonies, begged to be danced to. 

    Parquet Courts took the stage in the Ballroom after roughly 45 minutes. The crowd remained patient and was rewarded with an “Application/Apparatus,” an opening jam of wild synths, and a breakneck guitar riff exemplifying Parquet Courts’ unique brand. 

    parquet courts
    Sean Yeaton and A. Savage of Parquet Courts. Photo by Hattie Lindert.

    Sympathy for Life’s mesmerizing and unexpected melodies draw you in immediately. Performing live, Parquet Courts take their best tracks to the next level with unique riffs and intuitive breakdowns. The jumpy  “Almost Had To Start A Fight/In and Out of Patience” felt stadium-sized as Sean Yeaton and A. Savage screamed into their mics. And on “Plant Life,” A. Savage’s masterful melodica was the cherry atop a woozy breakdown that felt wonderfully endless. As swirling green lights took over the stage, in the shape of leaves, the venue seemed transformed. 

    A. Savage of Parquet Courts. Photo by Hattie Lindert.

    The band had a hold on the Vermont crowd, heavy on college kids. Parquet Courts shouted out notorious Burlington spot Pure Pop Records, “for all the vinyl heads out there.” They knew their crowd, and cheers erupted from the pit. 

    Austin Brown of Parquet Courts. Photo by Hattie Lindert.

    After 11 years of “pure unadulterated hits,” as Brown joked, their catalog is far too lush to fit in one set. But the selection Parquet Courts presented showed them at their finest. Their strange, raw music and emotionally charged lyrics can speak on many different levels, to many different emotions. One of their shows is nothing short of a rollercoaster. 

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    Sean Yeaton of Parquet Courts. Photo by Hattie Lindert.

    Yet all night, the crowd stayed right there with them. Moments after one chosen individual crowd-surfed to loser’s anthem “Stoned & Starving,” the entire crowd swayed slowly together to mournful, reflective  “Pulcinella.” Though the band did not resurface to calls for an encore, the ballad was the perfect conclusion. My personal favorite song on Sympathy for Life (and it’s closer), the stunning outro evokes a cinematic emotion of nostalgia and change. Savage’s soft hum could be a lullaby; he sounds unrecognizable, yet completely himself. Before I knew it, I was swaying in time with the rest of the crowd. 

    parquet courts
    Parquet Courts. Photo by Hattie Lindert.

    Parquet Courts will continue their North American tour into 2022, with two New York dates scheduled for next year. See the full list of shows and venues below: 

    November 6— Stone Pony *– Asbury Park, NJ 

    November 17 — White Oak Music Hall- Houston, TX

    November 19—Stubbs BBQ- Austin, T.X.

    November 21 — Corona Capital 2021 – Mexico, Mexico

    February 27, 2022—The Orange Peel- Asheville, N.C.

    February 28, 2022— Georgia Theatre– Athens, GA

    March 02, 2022– Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA

    March 03, 2022— Saturn- Birmingham, AL

    March 04, 2022— Cannery Ballroom- Nashville, TN

    March 05, 2022— The Pageant – St. Louis, MO

    March 07, 2022— Liberty Hall – Lawrence, KS

    March 10, 2022— First Avenue, –Minneapolis, MN

    March 11, 2022 — Turner Hall Ballroom- Milwaukee, WI

    March 12, 2022—Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL

    March 13, 2022— Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit – Detroit, MI

    March 15, 2022 — Mr. Smalls Cafê – Millvale, PA

    March 16, 2022 — Agora Theater & Ballroom – Cleveland, OH

    March 17, 2022 — Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Toronto, ON

    March 18, 2022 — Théâtre Corona– Montréal, QC

    March 31, 2022 — Royale – Boston, MA

    April 01, 2022— Brooklyn Steel- Brooklyn, NY

    April 02, 2022— Brooklyn Steel– Brooklyn, NY

    April 04, 2022 —9:30 Club – Washington, DC

    April 05, 2022 — The Fillmore Philadelphia- Philadelphia, PA

    April 20, 2022— Ogden Theatre– Denver, CO

    April 22, 2022 — The Showbox – Seattle, WA

    April 23, 2022 — Imperial Vancouver– Vancouver, BC

    Oct. 18 — Coral Sky Amphitheatre * – West Palm Beach, Fla.

    April 25, 2022—McMenamins Crystal Ballroom- Portland, OR

    April 27, 2022 — Fox Theater – Oakland, CA

    April 28, 2022— The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA

    April 29, 2022—The Glass House – Pomona, CA

    April 30, 2022—The Observatory North Park—San Diego, CA

    * with Public Practice 

  • Amayo Leaving Antibalas

    Amayo, lead singer of influential Brooklyn Afrobeat group Antibalas, has announced he will depart the group after 23 years. His departure was shared in a message to fans on Friday morning. 

    Amayo infused their music of Antibalas with charisma, energy, and flair. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, he found a penchant for Afrobeat sneaking into The Shrine, where Fela Kuti once played.

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    Amayo with Antibalas at Industry City in 2019. Photo by Jamie Huenefeld.

    Amayo joined Antibalas in 1999, after founding members Martin Perna and Gabriel Roth encountered him on the south side of Williamsburg. After inviting him to see a show, they eventually asked him to fill in for their percussionist. Soon enough, Amayo began composing lyrics, eventually falling into the role of lead vocalist. Amayo would stay at the helm of Antibalas through a Grammy nomination, three generations of musicians, and countless sold-out festival crowds. 

    “After the success of the Fu Chronicles album, the down time with COVID, the birth of my son, and a move across the country, circumstances have provided me with the opportunity to leave Antibalas on a high creative and artistic note,” Amayo wrote, with deep unconditional love for you, our fans, and all of the musicians who have played with me over the years. 

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    Antibalas performs at the Brooklyn Bowl in 2019. Photo by Mickey Deneher.

    Amayo played his last show with Antibalas, fittingly, in New York, at Central Park Summerstage on September 18. Amayo thanked the crowd at the show for making his last night so memorable. 

    As the vocalist looks ahead, there remains music in the future. 

    “It’s time for me to embark on a solo career,” he wrote, “one dedicated to my rich Nigerian Afrobeat roots.”

    Antibalas at the Brooklyn Bowl in 2019. Photo by Mickey Deneher.

    In their own footnote message, Antibalas wished Amayo the best in his future endeavors. The band also encouraged fans to look ahead with positivity, not doubt. Antibalas released their last album, Fu Chronicles, to positive reviews in February 2020. 

    “We are excited for both of our futures,” the band shared, “and bringing new music to you all in 2022!”

    Antibalas will continue on scheduled tour dates, playing two upcoming shows at the Brooklyn Bowl on November 12 and 13.