Author: katherine gilman

  • The First Annual BriteVibes Festival Kicks off in Cooperstown over Labor Day Weekend

    This Labor Day Weekend, the first annual BriteVibes Festival will take place on Saturday at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown. This unique event celebrates NY craft beer, “Gastrow” of NY food trucks, musicians playing all day, artisan vendors, experiential exhibits, and more.

    britevibes

    In addition to 30+ breweries representing every corner of NYS (the majority of which are award winners from the NYS Craft Beer Competition), there will be live performances from local musicians taking place throughout the day. Like craft beer, music brings people together. Daytime shows include performances by Dirty Blanket, The Old Main, Los Blancos and Big Time Kitty.

    The evening concert for BriteVibes, included in general admission or available as a separate concert-only ticket, opens with Oxymorons, followed by Delta Spirit, an indie rock band from California playing other major festivals throughout the U.S., in their first east coast show of the year. More information about the lineup is available here.

    britevibes

    Tickets for Britevibes Festival helps to support the 400+ craft breweries across New York State. Attendees can purchase a General Admission ticket for access to the beer sampling and all-day concerts, VIP ticket which includes access to a VIP pavilion with private bar, access to private bathrooms and access to a private food truck, or the evening-only concert ticket. Attendees can also purchase an on-site camping reservation on the festival grounds, a former hop farm, which includes yoga on the green the following morning. Get your ticket while you still can, and enjoy a wonderful day filled with beer and music!

  • New York Youth Symphony Announces Return For 59th Season

    The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS) is thrilled to announce their 2021-2022 performances under music director Michael Repper. Performances will take place in Stern Auditorium and Perelman Stage at the world renowned Carnegie Hall. The full orchestra will return to the stage for three performances in November, March and May, performing repertoire by Valerie Coleman, William Grant Still, Mahler, Tchaikovsky, and more.

    New York Youth Symphony
    The New York Youth Symphony performs a concert at Carnegie Hall, on November 17, 2019. Credit: Stephanie Berger.

    Soloists joining the orchestra include baritone Paulo Szot on Mahler’s Songs of a Wayfarer and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific, and violinist Grace Park performing Barber’s Violin Concerto. The performances will also include the world premieres of new works by First Music commission prize winners Jonathan Cziner, Patrick O’Malley, and Liza Sobel.

    “We are thrilled to return to Carnegie Hall. We’re exceptionally proud of all we accomplished during this period of uncertainty, but performing live for our community is something we have all missed dearly. We are ecstatic to return to the stage and celebrate music and unity together with you through our performances.”

    Michael Repper

    The New York Youth Symphony is the most awarded youth program of its kind in the nation, recognized for its innovative educational programs for talented young musicians. It was founded in 1963 as an orchestra to showcase the metropolitan area’s most gifted musicians aged 12-22. Since its creation, its activities have grown to encompass programs in jazz, chamber music, conducting, composition, and musical theater songwriting. They have performed at world class venues such as Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Public Theater.

    2021-2022 ORCHESTRA Season
    Michael Repper, Music Director

    Season Opening Concert
    Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 2:00 PM
    Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall
    Valerie Coleman: Umoja: Anthem of Unity
    Patrick O’Malley: Obliviana (First Music commission and World Premiere)
    Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 in E minor, op. 64
     
    The McCrindle Concert
    Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 2:00 PM
    Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall
    Barber: Violin Concerto, op. 14, featuring Grace Parkviolin
    Jonathan Cziner: Ruach (and Other Delights) (First Music commission and World Premiere)
    William Grant Still: Symphony No. 1, “Afro-American”
     
    The Spring Concert
    Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 2:00 PM
    Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall
    Liza Sobel: First Music commission and World Premiere
    Mahler: Songs of a Wayfarer, featuring Paulo Szotbaritone
    Rogers/Hammerstein: Some Enchanted Evening, featuring Paulo Szotbaritone
    Brahms: Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 73

  • Afro Latin Jazz Alliance Announces Construction Project, Timbale Terrace

    In East Harlem, the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance (ALJA) in partnership with Lantern Organization and Mega Development, announce today, along with the New York City Department of Housing Development and Preservation, plans to bring a new 16,000 square feet Afro Latin Music & Arts Center along with 330 affordable housing units to East Harlem.

    The project, Timbale Terrace, will construct a new mixed-use development on the east side of Park Avenue between East 118th Street and East 119th Street (formerly a NYPD 25th Precinct Parking Site) with a performing arts center operated by the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance.

    Timbale Terrace

    Timbale Terrace will offer housing to low-income families while the Afro Latin Music & Arts Center will provide community programs, music and technical production training, after-school programs, free arts education classes, community event spaces, world-class live performances, and more.

    “East Harlem is the community that best represents the mission of the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, to use music as an entry point for service to the community and to reflect back to that community the beauty and ingenuity of its citizens”

    Arturo O’Farrill, Founder and Artistic Director of ALJA

    For the last two decades, ALJA has served as a well-renowned cultural institution in NYC preserving the music and heritage of Afro Latin jazz. The Timbale Terrace will allow the organization to expand their performance and educational programming. They currently are enriching over 1,000 elementary, middle, and high school students in underprivileged NYC schools. 50% of the affordable units will be given a community preference status for residents who live in East Harlem (or served by the Community Board district of the project, Manhattan CB #11).

    Along with Lantern Organization and Mega Development, ALJA is eager to work with essential local arts and cultural groups such as Art For Change, the Association of Hispanic Arts, El Museo del Barrio, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Speaking In Rhythms, Taller Boricua PR Workshop, and many others.

    Timbale Terrace

    For more information regarding ALJA, please visit: afrolatinjazz.org

  • NYC Still Rising After 20 Years: A Comedy Celebration with Pete Davidson and Jon Stewart

    In remembrance of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Pete Davidson and Jon Stewart will host NYC Still Rising, a star-studded night bringing together many of the greatest comedians of their generation at Madison Square Garden. Performers include Amy Schumer, Bill Burr, Colin Jost, Colin Quinn, Dave Attell, Dave Chappelle, Jay Pharoah, Jimmy Fallon, John Mulaney, Jon Stewart, Michael Che, Pete Davidson, Ronny Chieng, Tom Segura and Wanda Sykes. 

    “We wanted to put on a fun celebration to honor this great city’s resilience. It’s nice to be able to do this with friends and people we love.”

    Pete Davidson and Jon Stewart
    NYC Still Rising

    In order to attend “NYC Still Rising After 20 Years: A Comedy Celebration,” all guests must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination and an appropriate ID matching the name on your documentation. Full vaccination means the day of your event is at least 14 days after your final vaccine dose. Your proof of vaccination must be directly from the healthcare provider that performed the vaccination, and can be displayed on your smartphone, by presenting a physical copy or by using the New York State Excelsior Pass  or NYC COVID Safe App (Android / iOS). 

    No cell phones, cameras or recording devices will be allowed at this show. Upon arrival, all phones and smart watches will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be unlocked at the end of the show. Guests maintain possession of their phones throughout the night, and if needed, may access their phones at designated Yondr unlocking stations in the lobby. All guests are encouraged to print their tickets in advance to ensure a smooth entry process. Anyone caught with a cellphone in the venue will be immediately ejected. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a phone-free viewing experience.

    Tickets are on sale now and you can purchase one here. This is a highly anticipated event that will be the highlight of NYC comedy, so act fast to enjoy all of the action!

  • Indie-Pop Musician Spencer Barnett releases “Dancing” Music Video

    Spencer Barnett, rising indie-pop genius from Brooklyn, has just released a new music video for his catchy single, “Dancing.” The video features groovy moves from Spencer and a unique color palette that makes it delightful to both the eyes and the ears.

    Spencer Barnett

    “Dancing” is written and produced by Spencer Barnett alongside Jon Hill and Alessandro and Gianluca Buccellati [Arlo Parks, Tei Shi] and follows the release of Spencer’s dynamic Welcome To My Mind EP. Welcome To My Mind is the final part of Spencer’s three-part EP trilogy which came directly after debut EPs I’m Fine (“Waste My Time”) and Reckless (“17”). His first EPs gained him lots of attention from influential tastemakers such as Paper, V MAN, Ones to Watch, and Flaunt. They also led him to be included on the most coveted playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.

    Welcome To My Mind blends soulful melodies, indie rock leads, and bedroom-inspired guitar riffs while keeping his youthful side through majestic lyrics. “Dancing” encapsulates the fun feeling of youth while incorporating mature musical and production skills. The video is a perfect next step for the up and coming indie artist that has an exciting future ahead of him.

  • Stanley Theatre Seeking Volunteers For 2021-22 Season

    The Stanley Theatre in Utica is looking for additional volunteers to help out with their 2021-22 show season. The season begins in mid-August and is an amazing opportunity for anyone above the age of 16 to gain experience in the live music industry.

    stanley theatre volunteers

    The Stanley Theatre operates as a not-for-profit organization run by the Central New York Community Arts Council. For nearly a century, the theatre has brought great live concerts, Broadway shows, and musicals to central New York. The 2021-22 season features shows put on by The Stanley Theatre, Broadway Theatre League, and independent promoters as well. Due to the theatre being closed for a year, the 2021-22 season is anticipated to be the busiest Utica has seen to date. Packed seats are expected, and the energy will be more contagious than ever. That being said, the theatre is hoping to take on more volunteers than years previous to make the shows run as smoothly as possible.

    Volunteers for the Stanley Theatre are like family. This is a chance to learn about responsibility, the importance of working with a team, and will improve your communication skills. Volunteering is an important requirement for both high school and college-aged individuals, and this is a fun and welcoming environment to get in your volunteer hours. The best part of volunteering is, of course, being able to listen to and watch spectacular performances at the theatre.

    stanley theatre volunteers

    If you are interested in taking part in this opportunity, please contact The Stanley Theatre by either calling at (315)-724-4000, or by emailing them at thestanleytheatre@gmail.com. Spread the word and join in on the amazing community at The Stanley Theatre!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhTxC8xoTqk
  • Binghamton Hosts Enticing Musical Events To Wrap Up Summer 2021

    Binghamton is bringing the heat this summer with several live concerts and other events planned. This summer’s lineup includes Wheelhouse, Wreckless Marci, and much more!

    Binghamton
    Otsiningo Park in Binghamton, NY, which will host several concerts this summer.

    The city of Binghamton is jam-packed with fun musical events this summer, most importantly their Broome Bands Together concert series that began in July. Upcoming concerts include Wheelhouse on August 10, and Wreckless Marci on August 17. The events will be held at Otsiningo Park in the Town of Dickenson from 6pm – 8pm and all those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.

    In addition to the Broome Bands Together series, Binghamton will host the Harper Stantz Rec Park Music Fest on Sunday, August 8. The festival features local and regional musical acts and is a great event for music lovers of all ages. The event takes place in the historic recreation park in Binghamton and offers many fun activities besides music, making it a fabulous way for families to enjoy a Sunday afternoon. This year’s performances will be mostly bluegrass and Americana, with some reggae mixed in as well.

    Binghamton
    Binghamton Recreation Park

    The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra also has some exciting performances coming up. On August 14, Trio Pastoral will be performing as a part of the Summer Chamber Music series. On August 21, BPO’s Summer Chamber Music series will conclude with a lively performance featuring Unanimous Four, a greatly admired mixed ensemble.

    The action continues in Binghamton with Porch Fest, one of the community’s most highly anticipated events, on August 29. Porch Fest is a collaborative celebration of cultures, combined with nonstop dancing and live music.

    Binghamton Porch Fest

    You surely do not want to miss out on all that Binghamton has to offer this summer. The lineup of events is as follows:

    August 8th: Harper Stantz Rec Park Music Fest, 1-9pm, Recreation Park

    August 10th: Wheelhouse, 6-8pm, Otsiningo Park

    August 14th: BPO with Trio Pastoral, 5pm, Salvation Temple

    August 17th: Wreckless Marci, 6-8pm, Otsiningo Park

    August 21st: BPO with Unanimous Four, 5pm, Centenary-Chenango United Methodist Church

    August 27th: Porch Fest

  • Band Merch – a great way to support your local Artist!

    New York State has an abundance of talented musicians. While music is their main priority, artists also use their creativity to produce coveted merchandise lines so that fans can rep their favorite bands all day in a variety of ways. This page features band merch collections from artists across New York State – browse these items and support the next generation of hard working musicians from across the Empire State.

    Alternative/Indie Artists:

    The Demos

    From Rochester, this indie band is known for their beautiful, calming melodies that are easy on the ear. Their newest music to date is a single titled “Private Eye” that was released in May. The Demos have promising potential to become big around the nation, not just around New York State. Their merchandise consists of t-shirts and CDs of their EPs.

    band merch

    Dark Honey

    Coming from Troy, Dark Honey‘s music is lyrically-rich, indie-pop-rock with an emphasis on guitar notes. They are currently selling their creative merchandise in a variety of forms including T-shirts and sweatshirts.

    Melt

    Melt the Band is based out of New York City and their music has been described as “One groovy super organism.” They are soulful and funky and are currently selling epic merchandise, such as beanies, posters, hoodies, and more.

    band merch

    Mikaela Davis

    From Rochester, Mikaela Davis continues to prove her outstanding talent with every new release. Her alternative sound pulls from rock, 70s and 80s pop, and funk vibes. This fabulous artist is currently selling physical copies of her full-length album.

    Sean Rowe

    Sean Rowe is an indie singer-songwriter from Troy. His music evokes emotions from listeners that they have never felt before because of his stunning vocals and peaceful guitar blends. He is selling physical forms of his four albums.

    The Sea The Sea

    From Troy, The Sea The Sea is a powerful indie folk-pop duo featuring Mira Costa and Chuck E. Costa, who make a lovely couple in and out of the studio. Their merchandise is currently physical albums, signed posters, and various clothing items.

    Funktional Flow

    This alternative band from Buffalo, is known for their ability to entertain everyone, regardless of musical preference. They have gained many fans over the years, performing at major music festivals and winning multiple awards in Buffalo. Funktional Flow‘s merchandise consists of t-shirts, pins, and stickers.

    Sydney Irving

    Although this singer/songwriter from Syracuse, just recently began her career, she has already been nominated for three major regional music awards. Sydney gets inspiration from artists including but not limited to Taylor Swift, Tom Petty, and Post Malone. She is currently selling merchandise such as t-shirts, tank tops, and buttons.

    Bandits on the Run

    Bandits on the Run is a staple band in the Metro NY music scene, both below and above ground. They released their debut indie-folk-pop album in 2017, and have become even more adored ever since. They are currently selling merchandise items such as t-shirts, bandanas, and stickers.

    Architrave

    Architrave is a husband and wife duo from Ballston Spa. Their alternative music is heavily reliant upon post-punk guitar and basslines. They also incorporate a funky 80s flair into their tracks. They are currently selling t-shirts with differing logos on them.

    The Mountain Carol

    The Mountain Carol is an atmospheric electro-pop indie band from Saranac. They are most known for their mixed media art projects as well as their mysterious fan club/utopian life cult “The Divine Council.” They are currently selling physical copies of their albums, buttons, and t-shirts.

    Lucas Garrett

    Lucas Garrett is from Queensbury and is known for his catchy hooks that don’t necessarily fit under one category. He started playing his original music at local coffeehouses and eventually released his debut EP in 2017. He is selling physical copies of his music as well as t-shirts.

    Americana/Bluegrass Artists:

    Eastbound Jesus

    Eastbound Jesus, from Greenwich, is an Americana/Bluegrass Northern Rock band comprised of six males. They have five albums that they are currently selling in CD format.

    band merch

    Electronic Artists:

    Fake Dad

    From Brooklyn, Fake Dad is a band that will leave listeners assured that everything will be alright, almost as if they were giving you a tight hug while blasting their tunes. The electronic tracks that the duo creates have a calming effect when mixed with their peaceful vocals. They are currently selling two epic variations of a t-shirt.

    Haley Moley

    Haley Moley is a talented artist from Troy, that does not fit into one category. She excels at guitar and loves electronic and disco beats. She is selling CDs of her music as well as t-shirts.

    Funk/Soul Artists:

    Intrepid Travelers

    From Buffalo, Intrepid Travelers is a musical quartet that is rooted in friendship, fun, and freedom. Their music can be described as upbeat, groovy jams with roots in jazz, funk, and a hint of bluegrass. They treat every show as an interactive experience with the audience rather than a typical performance. The merchandise that Intrepid Travelers currently has on sale includes shirts, koozies, and pins.

    band merch

    Noon Fifteen

    Noon Fifteen is Ithaca’s genre-bending soul combo that produces forward-thinking jams with old school instrumentalism. Their sound has been compared to Lake Street Dive as well as The Beatles, with elements of gospel, funk, and hard rock. They are currently selling a band logo t-shirt.

    Pop artists:

    moon kissed

    moon kissed comprises of New York City natives Emily, Khaya and Leah. Their debut album was self-released and tells stories of youth and heartbreak. Their sound is inspired by artists such as Charlie XCX and St. Vincent. The trio is currently selling t-shirts and vinyls.

    Girl Blue

    Girl Blue is the project of vocalist Arielle O’Keefe who is based out of Troy. Her angelic voice paired with her songwriting capabilities leads her to have an extremely positive outcome on every listener. She has tons of merchandise available now, including shirts, vinyls, and buttons.

    Sulene

    Originally from South Africa, Sulene started her music career out of Brooklyn. She is most well-known for being the the lead guitarist for Nate Ruess of Fun. She is active in the indie-pop Brooklyn scene and has performed on stages all across the world with all kinds of people. Her aesthetically pleasing merchandise collection features t-shirts and vinyls.

    band merch

    Rock Artists:

    Bendt

    Bendt is a modern rock band from Albany. Their distinctive sound blends hard rock, alternative, metal, and funk together to produce sensational tracks. They are currently selling t-shirts and tank tops, as well as physical copies of their music.

    band merch

    Vaporeyes

    Vaporeyes is a progressive rock band from Syracuse. Their sound can be described as an actualized collective of overactive subconscious. Merchandise for Vaporeyes comprises of hats, buttons, stickers, and more.

    band merch

    Grosh

    Based in Buffalo, Grosh is an energetic four-piece rock band. They are known for frequently selling out local Buffalo shows, and fans love them for their heavy-hitting rock style combined with their vulnerable lyrics. They recently released their second full-length studio album, Not Down For Long. They are now selling t-shirts, koozies, bracelets, and more.

    band merch

    The Jess Novak Band

    The Jess Novak band is from Syracuse, and is known for their powerful, fierce vocals (by Jess Novak herself) and their engaging songwriting capabilities. They can win over any crowd with their unmatched energy and soul-pumped rock sound. They are surely on the rise and have made a great impression on New York State audiences thus far. Their merchandise includes stickers, mugs, shirts, and more.

    band merch

    E.R.I.E.

    From Albany, E.R.I.E. can be described as “Not yer Dad’s dad-rock.” The motivational messages behind their lyrics helps them stand out from other rock bands. Their first full-length album, Don’t Wanna Live, Don’t Wanna Die, was released in August 2020. They are now selling one t-shirt and physical copies of their album.

    band merch

    The Erotics

    The Erotics, from Albany, take a very straightforward approach to rock & roll. They released their first full-length album in 1997 and fans have loved them for their constant political incorrectness ever since. They have a comprehensive merchandise list, ranging from t-shirts to dog tags to shot glasses.

    Mike Grutka

    Mike Grutka describes his music as, “acoustic based funky modern roots rock-n-roll.” His most recent album takes listeners on a journey through loneliness and pain to find happiness and peace. His merchandise is currently physical copies of his albums.

    Joe Mansman & The Midnight Revival Band

    Joe Mansman & The Midnight Revival Band is a classic outlaw rock & roll band. They successfully carry the torch for authentic rock, featuring gnarly guitar solos and impressive vocal hooks. They are selling guitar picks, koozies, buttons, and more.

    band merch

    Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots

    Featuring female vocalist Maddy Walsh, this band from Ithaca, is a force to be reckon with. They have gotten tons of recognition from all over the country because of the genius blend of Maddy’s vocals and her accompanying four-piece band. They are selling apparel such as tote bags and stickers as well as vinyls and CDs.

    Organ Fairchild

    Organ Fairchild is a highly admired organ trio from Buffalo. Their music has been described as a party that never quits. Their vibe makes you want to jump out of your seat and jam along until the sun comes up. They are currently selling their own shirts, posters, and stickers.

  • El Modernist Release Electric New Single “Lines”

    El Modernist is a fresh take on indie rock that has an entrancing energy and stage presence. Hailing from Albany with a focus on modernizing catchy garage-rock by incorporating unique, groovy sounds, their latest single “Lines” is an upbeat, feel-good rock song that the band is incredibly excited to be releasing.

    el modernist lines

    “A modern take on New Wave, “Lines” by El Modernist encapsulates raw, angular rock riffs with upbeat percussive grooves. The simple yet universal lyrics about the fabricated life around us are captured within delightfully frenetic verses, and a laid back yet hard hitting hook. “Lines” lends itself to having an instantaneously classic sound, updated for today’s listeners.”

    el modernist lines

    El Modernist has gained tremendous support from the Albany community as they venture through the music industry. Every show they put on is a party, and fans of all ages come from all over New York to hear them rip up the stage. This past year, they have worked on more music than ever before. They are slowly transitioning out of their rap-rock party days and pulling inspiration from more classical alternative rock acts such as Talking Heads, The Clash, and Blondie. They cannot wait to continue pursuing their rock careers and are looking forward to booking shows all over the country.

  • Albany Pro Musica Begins their 41st Season on August 8

    On August 8th, Albany Pro Musica will begin their 41st season of live music, which will also be their first show since the COVID-19 pandemic began. There is something for everyone this season, ranging from Broadway to Brahms.

    albany pro musica

    Albany Pro Musica is a choral ensemble known for its ability to conquer all genres of music with distinction. It was founded in 1981 by a professor at the University of Albany that believed there was need for community musicians to get the opportunity to perform professionally. APM attracts audiences from all over the world with their diverse, bold musical projects.

    Their 41st season starts off strong, with a performance of musical theater favorites, including “Aquarius”/“Let the Sunshine In” from Hair; “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music; and a medley of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s best Broadway tunes. The Park Playhouse in Albany’s Washington Park will allow for distanced outdoor seating to ensure the safety of our patrons and singers. 

    albany pro musica

    On October 24th, APM will perform “Let’s Talk About Love,” which is exactly what the title describes it as — the ensemble will feature various compositions bout love, ranging from heartache to platonic and romantic love to sacred, intimate love. The concert will be held at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and will commence at 3pm.

    albany pro musica

    On December 19th, APM will perform one of its most popular shows, their Christmas special. It is a holiday tradition for many, designed to inspire and celebrate through the power of music. Framed by Lauridsen’s mesmerizing O Magnum Mysterium and The Many Moods of Christmas Suite, this performance will also feature the premiere of a new work for chorus, orchestra, and baritone, written and performed by APM’s composer-in-residence Bradley Ellingboe. The show will be performed at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

    On March 6th, 2022, Albany Pro Musica will indulge in Rachmaninoff’s magnificent “All Night Vigil,” often referred to as “Vespers.” It is one of the most celebrated choral works in history and is noted for its beautiful spirituality. It will also be performed at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

    The closing show for the 41st season of Albany Pro Musica will be Brahms’ Human Requiem on May 8th, 2022. Unlike traditional requiem masses, this piece focuses on the living, beginning with the second Beatitude: “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” The performance will be a tribute to all the lives lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to provide comfort for those who lost loved ones during this time. It is the most beautiful and precious way to finish off a highly anticipated, meaningful 41st season for Albany Pro Musica.

    Tickets for and more information regarding this concert series can be found here!