NYS Music 202​1

Author: Pete Mason

  • Questlove’s “Summer of Soul” documentary looks at 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival

    For six weeks in the summer of 1969, and nearly 100 miles south of Woodstock, another groundbreaking cultural event was taking place. The Harlem Cultural Festival, filmed in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park), celebrated African American music and culture, and promoted Black pride and unity. While the footage was never seen and largely forgotten, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson brings ‘Black Woodstock’ to light in his debut documentary, Summer of Soul (…Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised).

    The trailer debuted during the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, April 25, where Questlove was serving as music director and DJ for the evening. Part concert film and part historical record, the documentary is an important piece of history that stands as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, both past and present.

    summer of soul

    While this is Questlove’s first directing jawn, he has appeared in numerous music documentaries, including Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest, Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown, and served as co-executive producer of Finding the Funk.

    Summer of Soul features performances by B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples, Hugh Masekela, Mongo Santamaria, Nina Simone, and Sly & the Family Stone, among many more. Included in Summer of Soulare never-before-seen concert performances by Wonder, Nina Simone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Ray Baretto, Abbey Lincoln & Max Roach, the 5th Dimension, David Ruffin, and more.

    All this from an historic six week music festival that would be overshadowed by the one weekend Woodstock festival that summer. With over 300,000 people in attendance, it rivals the attendance of the iconic festival, yet received virtually no coverage from the mainstream media.

    summer of soul

    40 hours of never-seen-before footage has remained in storage in a basement for the past 50 years, keeping this incredible event in America’s history lost, until now. Questlove, speaking of the personal significance of the footage, told Indiewire, “What would have happened if this was allowed a seat at the table? How much of a difference would that have made in my life? That was the moment that extinguished any doubt I had that I could do this.”

    Summer of Love premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 28, 2021, where it won the US Grand Jury Prize in the documentary category.

    Summer of Soul (Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) will hold special engagements at two theaters ahead of wide release on 600 screens, and on Hulu, starting Friday, July 2. Early screenings will be held at El Capitan Theater in LA and the Magic Johnson AMC Harlem.

  • Soul wins Best Animated Film and Best Score at 2021 Oscars

    Pixar’s Soul won big at the 2021 Oscars, winning the awards for Best Animated Film and Best Original Score.

    soul disney film

    Written and directed by Docter, co-writer of Up, Inside Out and Monsters, Inc., Soul centers around Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx), who gets a chance to perform at a famous jazz club, but instead falls into a sinkhole, where his soul leaves his body. He must then has to find his way back to his body, with the help of 22, a soul voiced by Tina Fey.

    In his acceptance speech, Docter thanked art and music teachers, and encouraged all to follow the example of jazz musicians, to take whatever we have, wherever we are, and turn it into something beautiful.

    Soul also took home the award for Best Original Score, garnering trophies for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (who won previously for The Social Network) and a first Oscar for Jon Batiste. Batiste spoke on behalf of the trio, thanking god and breaking down the root of music to its basics.

    What’s deep is that God gave us 12 notes. It’s the same 12 notes Duke Ellington had, Bach had, it’s the same 12 Nina Simone and all the nominees (had).

    Every gift is special. Every contribution of music that comes from the divine into the instruments, into the film, into the minds and hearts and souls of every person who hears it. The stories that happen when you listen to it and watch it and the stories you share, the moments you make, the memories you create. Man, it’s so incredibly special.

    Batiste’s thoughts on the music behind Soul mirror a film with a deep message and connection to jazz. “I’m just thankful to God for those 12 notes, that’s so dope,” later saying “This movie is a culmination of a series of miracles.” Watch the full acceptance speech below and Reznor’s and Ross’ remarks here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZODqBZke7UU

    Batiste also made history as the second black composer to win the award, following Herbie Hancock, who won an Oscar for the score to Round Midnight in 1987.

    The Soul soundtrack features 42 score and jazz tracks found in the film, along with songs “Rappin Ced” by Daveed Diggs, and “Parting Ways” by Cody ChesnuTT. Listen to the full soundtrack below or on Spotify.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rYrANk7c6U

    Winning for Best Original Song was H.E.R.’s “Fight For You” from Judas and the Black Messiah.

    This year’s awards featured performances of the five nominated songs during the pre-show telecast, which found H.E.R. behind a drum kit before taking center stage. The performance was backed by a full band to bring about a full 60’s funk vibe, one that was peppered with quotes from Fred Hampton, Chicago Black Panther Party chairman.

    H.E.R. recently won big at the Grammys, garnering the award for Song of the Year “I Can’t Breathe,” and best R&B song “Better Than I Imagined.” Earlier in the night, Daniel Kaluuya won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Hampton.

    All those days of Sly and the Family Stone and Marvin Gaye, thank you, Dad, it really paid off.

    Musicians and filmmakers, I believe we have the opportunity to tell the truth and write the history the way it was. Knowledge is power, music is power and as long as I’m standing, I’m going to fight for us.

    H.E.R. accepting the Oscar for Best Original Song
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONF2-5kxATI

    Two Distant Strangers took home the Oscar for best Short Film. Directed by Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe, the film examines the deaths of Black Americans during encounters with police through the eyes of a character trapped in a time loop. Joey Bada$$, founder of hip-hop collective Pro Era, plays the main character, whose constant encounters with the police seem to lead to progress, only to end in his death.

    For a complete list of winners visit Oscars.com

  • This week’s EQXposure features The Bitter Stars, Modern Fools and more

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from The Bitter Stars, Modern Fools and many more!

    modern fools

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    This week’s featured artist on EQXposure is The Bitter Stars, from Charlton in Saratoga County. Their release Winters is a side project of the band doOojj, featuring Clarke Hingeford and Kyle Pemrick. The music is very clever, a unique take on what pop rock music can and perhaps should be. Excellent guitar tones, with powerful sonic treatments that rip across the aural spectrum providing a very cool repetitious base for the songs to be built on. 

    Greg Farley is a modern day renaissance man who also happens to write beautiful songs. While the phrase Alt-Country might be a little inappropriate to describe the music, these roots based songs are personal, suggestive, and enriching. The first cut off the record, “Hoosick Falls” has a hopeful sense while being deliberately truthful. The back up band on the session provides a subtle power to the tune that further leaves an impression on the listener, beckoning another spin or two. 

    Modern Fools from New Hampshire have some very cool music coming out of lockdown recording sessions. The forthcoming release of their work, Seer, is harmonically rich and steeped with heavy emotional content, aided by truly excellent performance of the songs by the band. While the lyrics and melody are haunting they soar right into the ear and stay awhile. 

  • Phish Announces Fall 2010 show for next Dinner and a Movie

    For Phish’s next installment of their monthly Dinner And A Movie archival stream series, they’ll head back to Fall 2010 for a performance at Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH. The October 26 performance featured, among other highlights, an “After Midnight” opener and the debut of “Night Nurse,” a reggae tune by Gregory Isaacs, who died the night before.

    dinner and a movie fall 2010

    The dinner part of the evening consists of Gnudi (light ricotta dumplings) on a Pomodoro Sauce with Pizzicati “Pinched” Cookies for dessert. Recipes can be found here.

    As always, each installment of Dinner And A Movie benefits a new charity. This month’s beneficiary is the Conservation Law Foundation, who for over 50 years has taken on powerful opponents who pollute the air and water and squander resources. CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovative strategies that conserve natural resources, protect public health and safeguard our local communities. For more information visit clf.org. All donations made via The WaterWheel Foundation will benefit CLF. Donate at any time at phish.com/waterwheel.

    dinner and a movie fall 2010
    Fall 2010 poster by Brian McGregor, via PhanArt.net

    This Dinner and a Movie trip back to Fall 2010 starts on Tuesday, April 27 at 8:30pm ET. Tune in at webcast.livephish.com.

    Setlist via Phish.net – 10/26/10 – Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester, NH

    Soundcheck: Nothing, Let Me Lie, Friday, Walls of the Cave

    Set 1: After Midnight, The Sloth, Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues[1], Mellow Mood, Access Me, Llama, All of These Dreams, The Curtain With > Scent of a Mule, A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing, It’s Ice > Walls of the Cave

    Set 2: Possum > Light > Mike’s Song > Simple > Makisupa Policeman[2] -> Night Nurse[3] -> Makisupa Policeman > The Wedge, Ghost -> The Mango Song > Weekapaug Groove[4] -> Llama Reprise

    Encore: Show of Life

    [1] “From Goddard College” added to lyrics.
    [2] “Woke up this morning with a policeman at my door all I could do was shrug, and go back in my bedroom and smoke another nug” lyrics.
    [3] Phish debut.
    [4] Unfinished.

    Shirt design via SetlistTees

    Phish also released on Friday the latest in the Live Phish series, heading back to Summer 1995 and the band’s first appearance at Deer Creek Amphitheatre in Noblesville, IN. The official video featuring Deer Creek 1995 aired in June as an installment of Dinner And A Movie. Download the show here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNdGRixq7ZQ

  • Memorial Day Meltdown in Lake George to feature Pink Talking Fish, Dogs in a Pile and Badfish

    Lake George’s Charles R. Wood Park will serve as the location for The Memorial Day Meltdown, a multi-day pod style concert series set to take place from May 27-30. The holiday weekend run of concerts will feature Pink Talking Fish, Badfish, Dogs In a Pile and others. Produced by the great minds behind Adirondack Independence Music Festival, the announcement follows yesterday’s news of Lake George Music Festival’s return in August.

    pink talking fish ADK fest memorial day meltdown
    Pink Talking Fish

    The weekend of music kicks off on Thursday, May 27 with a special celebration featuring two sets from Dogs in a Pile. Pink Talking Fish is set to headline Friday May 28, receiving support from Dogs in a Pile. Music continues into Saturday, May 29 with Badfish, a Tribute to Sublime, with an opener yet to be announced. Performances on Sunday, May 31 will be announced at a later date. The pod style concert will allow each pod to have up to 5 people in an 8×10 foot space.

    Upon entering Charles R. Wood Park, all attendees must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 antigen test and will have their temperature checked. With New York State’s new 33% percent capacity rule, the festival space is allowed to have up to 700 concert goers. The safety of the fans will be the most important focus for staff and crew Memorial Day weekend with social distancing guidelines put in place to ensure a complete experience.

    Charles R. Wood Park, via Lake George Chamber of Commerce

    For those who have never been to Charles R. Wood Park, the commons sit on the south end of Lake George, right in the heart of the Adirondacks. The site is also home to numerous events including the Adirondack Independence Music Festival. The ground has featured national touring acts since its incarnation including Charlie Daniels Band, Blue Oyster Cult, The Spin Doctors, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and many more.

    There will be a follow-up announcement about additional weekends of music that will be taking place at the Charles R. Wood Park over the summer. Tickets for Memorial Day Meltdown are on sale now. To purchase tickets and for more information, click here.

  • Shock G, co-founder of Digital Underground, dead at 57

    Shock G, founder of West-coast hip hop group, Digital Underground, has passed away. Best known for the group’s breakthrough hit “The Humpty Dance” and his entertainingly provocative alter ego “Humpty Hump,” Shock G — born, Gregory Jacobs — also achieved belated notoriety for mentoring a young Tupac Shakur and co-producing his debut album 2Pacalypse Now.

    According to his father, Edward Racker, Shock G was found dead in a Tampa, FL hotel room. The cause of death was unclear. He was 57 years old.

    shock G digital underground

    Born in Far Rockaway, Queens in 1963, Shock G would move to Tampa in 1980, back north to Queens, then return to Tampa where he worked as a radio DJ. From there, he headed west to Los Angeles and later Oakland, where he worked at a music store. It was there that he connected with Jimi “Chopmaster J” Dright from Berkeley, and Tampa hip-hop radio deejay Kenneth “Kenny-K” Waters to form Digital Underground in 1987. The hip-hop group made their mark with their hit single “The Humpty Dance,” which featured the prosthetic nose wearing Shock G rapping as his alter ego “Humpty Hump.”

    Playing a key role in the rise of West Coast hip hop, Digital Underground was influenced by funk bands of the 1970s, and frequently sampled in their music. A distinct contrast to gangster rap, the unique style of Shock G and jam-session vibe to albums made Digital Underground a stand out group of the era. George Clinton would go on to co-produce “The Humpty Dance.”

    In 1991, Tupac Shakur would link up with Digital Underground, going from dancer to roadie to band member. Tupac’s 1993 breakout single “I Get Around” was produced by Shock G, who also worked with Dr. Dre and Prince.

    Shock G, Tupac and Digital Underground would appear in the 1991 Dan Ackroyd comedy, Nothing But Trouble, in a memorable court room scene that included a performance of “Same Song.”

    A talented and versatile entertainer, Shock G was a jack-of-all-trades. He played drums and the keyboard, produced his own records, choreographed his own videos and was wildly entertaining on stage. Digital Underground’s rowdy live shows became a staple of the group’s appeal. The increased entertainment value that came with Shock G’s ingenuity allowed up-and-coming entertainers a chance to showcase their talent.

    Here we see a young Tupac Shakur performing live on the Arsenio Hall Show alongside Shock G during the height of the group’s popularity.

    Shock G’s genius wasn’t just in his production or his rapping abilities, He marketed the group and their debut album, Sex Packets, with several grandiose tales that added mystique and made fans wonder just what in the hell was going to be on this album. Claiming in an interview that the name of the album came from a sex pill that led to orgasms as soon as a capsule was placed on the tongue. Though fans and the media were left to decipher whether Shock G was pulling on over on them, it is clear in hindsight that he had a firm understanding of the entertainment industry and what would get the group over the hump.

    Tributes were shared on Twitter from Shock G’s peers and fans.

  • On April 20, 1991, Phish played Douglass Dining Hall at University of Rochester

    On Saturday April 20, 1991, when 4/20 was not the national holiday it has since morphed into, Phish performed at the University of Rochester, at Douglass Dining Hall. Presented by the UR Student Union, tickets were $6 for students and $10 for the public.

    Show poster, via Amy Baerenklau

    Phish’s third ever show on 4/20, the unique venue was named for abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and went through a complete makeover in 2015. UR alumnus Justin Miller described the show as “stale Froot Loops in the morning, then fresh Phish that night,” an apt take on an era when Phish was certainly nascent and making their footprint on college campuses, and would move on to playing sheds with Santana a year later.

    The all ages show hosted a reported two hundred people, who would be treated to Jesus Jones right there the following year on 4/20.

    phish 4/20 rochester
    photo by J. Adam Fenster

    The first set provides standard early 90s Phish fare, ending with the lost acapella song, “Setting Sail,” formally debuted at this show, borne from a “You Enjoy Myself” vocal jam.

    Trey welcomed Jon Fishman‘s parents and sister to the show prior to the start of Set 2, noting their recent show at Ithaca State Theater on February 14, 1991, where Dr. Fishman’s car was given away to a fan with fun pre-“Sloth” banter. The wide-ranging second set is chock full of songs, with a short and heavy “Tweezer” moving seamlessly into “The Oh Kee Pah Ceremony.”

    With graduation a few weeks away, Phish feted the seniors in the crowd with an encore of “Alumni Blues,” including “Letter to Jimmy Page” sandwiched inside, closing out one of their final dining hall performances.

    stub via Jay Bianchi

    Tune in on Relisten or PhishTracks. Check out Douglass Dining Hall food offerings here.

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Phish – 4/20/91 – Douglass Dining Hall, University of Rochester

    Set 1: Runaway Jim, Reba, Llama, Fluffhead > My Sweet One, The Landlady, Esther > Chalk Dust Torture, Bouncing Around the Room, You Enjoy Myself -> Setting Sail[1]

    Set 2: The Sloth, Ya Mar, Split Open and Melt, The Squirming Coil > Paul and Silas, Cavern > The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday > Avenu Malkenu > The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday > Tweezer > The Oh Kee Pa Ceremony > Suzy Greenberg, Sweet Adeline

    Encore: Horn > Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues

    [1] Debut.

    Trey teased Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas in Reba. Fish led the band in the debut of Setting Sail, which arose out of the vocal jam of YEM. Tweezer contained In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida teases from Page.

  • ShwizZ reach for the skies with “Clock Tower”

    ShwizZ has spent recent months exploring new musical territory, releasing the nine minute music video for “Clock Tower.” A dark and brooding piece that captures feelings of reflection, the song is inspired by a simple chord progression on guitar and transformed into a winding musical journey.  

    shwizz clock tower

    This tune started off as a simple little riff this past fall for guitarist Ryan Liatsis, and developed from there.

    I was noodling on in my bedroom for a couple weeks. It was around the time Eddie Van Halen had died, so I was experimenting with tapping harmonics on the guitar, but not the shredding kind of way he did of course. I wanted to hear the notes ring like little chimes. So after I had flushed it out, I presented the riff to the group at a practice and naturally the creative juices started flowing. The song started to take shape with this brooding and cinematic texture, so we went for it. It was amazing to really develop something more melodic and emotional then a lot of our other material. Many know we like to shred and ain’t afraid to show it! 

    Ryan Liatsis, ShwizZ

    At first the song was called “Harmonix,” until someone mentioned they visualized a clock tower while listening to the track and the band agreed. The wild adventure of riffs and rock included the use of fretless instruments for some extra mood. 

    The song took shape with the addition of Scott Hogan’s melodic bass lines, and Will Burgaleta’s tasteful and elegant piano playing, and Andy Boxer adding his unique flavor of drums to tie it all together, notes Liatsis. Initial tracking was done in January 2021 at Call Hollow Studios in Pomona, NY. After overdubs, the band produced, recorded and mixed it all over a couple sessions, then sent if for mastering at Csharp Studio’s overseas in Romania. 

    Making the video for the song followed, with the band realizing quickly they had to record a video for a nine minute long prog rock instrumental song.

    It didn’t seem realistic, but we put together somewhat of a plan and found an amazing venue called Gymnopedie in Brooklyn. It was quite a place, nestled in the basement of a gigantic church in Bushwick. The place was gnarly though as you can see from some of the rooms we filmed in. Our good friend Dan Rappaport lead the video production with the help of Natasha DiMarco.

    While we were there, we made use of a little tiny stairwell full of clocks. Someone had blurted out “Clock Tower” as a song name, that’s right we had yet to properly name the song! Until then we were just calling it “Harmonix”, which was way to obviously about the intro guitar part and that’s it. So after some contemplating we agreed to call it “Clock Tower” and it sure did paint that picture.

    A dark, ominous, mysterious old clock tower in the mist, curiously observing and wondering what’s inside, what’s been inside, what has the place seen throughout history. Our long time friend Paul Holland’s actually brought this imagery to life by taking an incredible picture of an old clock tower in Nyack, NY. After some light touching up by him and Dan Rappaport we had our Clock Tower cover art. 

    Ryan Liatsis, ShwizZ

    Released by Color Red in Denver, “Clock Tower” marks the first time the four members of ShwizZ wrote a piece from the ground up. Liatsis reflects on the ‘you never know what you’re gonna get’ aspect of songwriting.

    Sometimes you set out to paint with a vision in mind, knowing exactly what will be on the canvas when you’re done. Other times you just splatter a bunch of paint on the wall and see what happens, then make sense of it afterwards. And many times it is somewhere in the gray area betwixt those extremes. It is of the utmost importance to remind yourself there’s no right or wrong way to the process.

    Ryan Liatsis, ShwizZ

  • Discover the Grateful Dead-inspired Rose and Bolt line from Hiouchi Jewels

    With inspiration from the Grateful Dead, Hiouchi Jewels, in partnership with Warner Music Artist Services, has debuted the officially licensed, hand-made Rose and Bolt jewelry collection, giving life to Sarah Lewis’ dedication to her craft.

    Rose and Bolt

    A native New Yorker from Schenectady, Lewis attended Furthur Festival at SPAC in 1997, which led her to catch Ratdog, Phil Lesh and Friends, and later on, Dead and Company, among the rest of the side projects. When Gathering of the Vibes was held in Mariaville, NY, you could find Sarah among the 1000’s of attendees.

    The Grateful Dead is so much more than music, it’s home. It’s always been a part of my life. My friends and the music have gotten me through some really tough time.

    Sarah Lewis, Hiouchi Jewels

    In the summer of 2015, Lewis moved from Philly to California, making a stop in Chicago for the three night of Fare Thee Well at Soldier Field. Now based in Evergreen, Colorado, Lewis is the heart & soul of Hiouchi Jewels. She’s been making jewelry all her life, and earned her BFA in Metals & Jewelry at the Savannah College of Art & Design.

    Sarah’s career began designing for boho-chic brand Free People, before she launched her own brand, in 2009.  Today, the collection is designed and curated by Sarah in her Colorado studio, and handcrafted by her, and by fair trade artisan partners.  

    Rose and Bolt

    The Rose & Bolt collection features handmade rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, all featuring roses and the classic 13-point lightning bolt. Elegant, delicate styles come in sterling silver, rose gold, and 16k yellow gold. Bolder, statement styles feature turquoise stones and quartz crystals.

    Although Rose & Bolt carries similarities to Sarah’s classic Hiouchi Jewels Collection, many aspects are new. This marks her first time using rose gold, appropriate for the rose motifs in the collection. Sarah has typically made jewelry for women, and is excited to debut her first unisex/gender neutral collection.

    The Grateful Dead’s music has been an important part of my life and an inspiration for all of my creative work, so this collaboration is a dream project for me. I’ve carried my modern bohemian aesthetic from Hiouchi Jewels into this collection, adding the iconic Grateful Dead Roses & Bolts to each piece. The Grateful Dead is so much more than music- it’s a lifestyle, a community, a vibrant, unique culture. It’s truly an honor to have my jewelry join the rich lineage of licensed Grateful Dead artwork and merchandise.

    Sarah Lewis, designer

    Hiouchi (pronounced Hi-You-Chi) is the name of a wilderness area in Northern California, where Sarah lived and created for 3 years.  She re-named her business to Hiouchi in 2018, to honor the time that she spent in this special place in nature, and to carry the magic of the Redwoods with her.

    Both an artisan maker, and fashion jewelry lifestyle brand, Lewis sells her wares at HiouchiJewels.com, and through over 400 boutiques & companies internationally.

    It took years of persistent outreach to bring a Grateful Dead jewelry line together. Lewis’ drive and perseverence, and especially her passion, drove her to bring this to fruition. “You gotta send a bunch of emails sometimes and magic can happen.” This puts Sarah in good company – she is one of only two officially licensed Grateful Dead jewelry makers.

    Rose and Bolt

    For Rose and Bolt, Lewis uses rose gold. The reason for this she explained was that rose gold is trendy and new, and the same process in working with yellow gold. Rose gold is an alloy that has a little more copper. Thus, Rose and Bolt is made with rose and gold.

    Rose & Bolt Jewelry is sure to attract fans of all ages. Each piece comes in beautiful, collectors boxes and microsuede drawstring pouches. Classic styles can go from day to night, office to dance floor, from formal events to Zoom parties. Rose & Bolt jewelry will prove to be coveted pieces in any Deadhead’s collection.

    Watch a video of Sarah showing a few pieces from the collection, the packaging and free gifts that come with each order, as well as a tour of her studio in Evergreen, Colorado. She is currently running a promotion of 20% off at Hiouchi Jewels with code ‘spring.’

    Check out more photos on Instagram @HiouchiJewels and @RoseAndBolt.

    Rose and Bolt

  • Lark Hall Opens Doors for Live Music on April 17 and 24

    The doors are open at Lark Hall, and live music is lined up for the next two Saturdays. Performances from Albany’s Victory Soul Orchestra and Syracuse’s C.K. and the Rising Tide will welcome socially distanced crowds.

    lark hall live music

    Hometown horn funk favorite, Victory Soul Orchestra, features the dirty sounds of New Orleans’ driving brass, with influences including Galactic and The Dap Kings. You can find them fronted by Albany’s own JB aka Dirty Moses and singer Dali Soto. Their efforts combined help create a funk/rap show that brings the house down. In January 2019, they released their first album, Astrobeat, which is available on vinyl and all streaming platforms.

    C.K. and the Rising Tide’s brand of music features poetic, nostalgic lyrics supported by music that is rockin’ and emotionally evocative. Curtis K. Flach (“C.K.”) appreciates how a film’s soundtrack enhances and cements the emotions portrayed on-screen. C.K. has a similar agenda for his tunes: “I write music as a soundtrack to daily life – a way to express things you might not be able to say otherwise…or may not want to say.”

    lark hall live music

    Tickets are available via Eventbrite for Victory Soul Orchestra on April 17 and C.K. and the Rising Tide, with special guest Julia Alsarraf on April 24. Expect more live music announcements from Lark Hall in the coming weeks.

    On Saturday, April 10, Lark Hall welcomed The Wheel and a crowd of 70 or so Deadheads who barely found time to take a break from dancing. It seemed like everyone was letting loose the pent up dance moves honed over the past year. With two sets packed with Grateful Dead classics, including a fiery “Help on the Way” > “Slipknot” > “Franklin’s Tower,” the crowd was elated and showed the band their love all throughout.

    Photo gallery by Zak Radick

    • lark hall live music
    • lark hall live music
    • lark hall live music
    • lark hall live music
    • lark hall live music
    • lark hall live music