Continuing NYS Music’s look at the venues of New York State, we are now more than a year since music venues were forced to shut down, and signs of life are visible everywhere this spring.
While venues await relief from the Small Business Administration (SBA), who administer Shuttered Venue Operators Grant to eligible entities, there are some venues that have returned to live music. Restrictions are lifting, allowing for greater capacity at venues, as well as Drive-In shows and socially distanced concerts continuing well into August.
Once New York State has 70% of the population receiving one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, most remaining restrictions will be lifted, based on a statement from Gov. Cuomo last week.
Our March installment of ‘This Darkness Has Got to Give’ showed venues across New York State that started to come back to life with socially distanced shows. Now in June, we have crowds returning to venues, a summer of live music ahead in various arrays and a brighter 2021 in the making.
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 fromthe Grandstand Jockeys, Timbre Coup and many more!
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.
The Grandstand Jockeys
The Grandstand Jockeys’ debut EP, Win, arrives on June 18. Its first single, “Better Days,” is a nostalgic call to long-past good times, holding out hope for their eventual return. The song is especially timely in the wake of many COVID-19 restrictions being lifted: “Time to begin, the time is now / Get yourself off the ground.” The Grandstand Jockeys’ Facebook page describes their sound as a mix of Tom Petty, Nirvana and QOTSA, but “Better Days” has the former written all over it.
Timbre Coup
Timbre Coup’s latest single, “Running Always,” is an indie rock piece that occasionally delves into prog and funk. The song’s scarce lyrics contrast its vast, sometimes trippy soundscape, replete with a sweeping electric guitar that wouldn’t sound out of place on OK Computer. The four-piece band from Albany will release their fourth studio album, Sudden Urge, on June 25.
Ciarra Fragale
Indie-pop singer-songwriter Ciarra Fragale’s self-titled EP is out on July 2. Described by Fragale as “a love letter to my anxiety (and yours),” single “It’s Only Raining” isn’t concerned with the weather so much as the stressful hypothetical situations our brains create for us. Fragale’s vocals are effortless yet passionate, and the staccatoed keys will stay with you long after listening.
By 1992, there was no secret about the affinity the Grateful Dead had for Albany’s Knickerbocker Arena. This would be the third year in a row they made sure to make a tour stop here. But after two previous three-night runs, including the acclaimed one from 1990 that will always be associated with their acclaimed Dozin’ At The Knick live album, the Dead only had two nights to play all the hits this year. This first of these performance went down 29 years ago today.
Tonight’s Grateful Dead show, despite a ravenous Knickerbocker Arena, has a very relaxed open as the band slowly ambles into a “Bertha” opener. No complaints are heard as the crowd drowns out the opening lyrics in delight. After a mild jam that’s peppered with some thunderous bass notes from Phil Lesh, the entire room seems to be singing along for the remainder of this first set staple. The “New Minglewood Blues” that comes next begins in similar fashion. Garcia and keyboardist Vince Welnick each drop a couple of bluesy solos and get stretched out a little while, in between, Bob Weir takes care of the vocals, making note of the “Upstate fllies” in a nod to the locale.
“Row Jimmy” gets the rest of the band singing again, and sees more dexterous work from Garcia on guitar, as he digs into his MIDI bag of effects and offers something that sounds closer to a flute solo at one point. After three classic Dead originals, the first cover of the night is Bob Dylan’s “Queen Jane Approximately,” with Weir once again manning lead vocals. Welnick gets in on the act here and highlights this one with a blissful, ethereal piano solo.
“Dire Wolf” finally brings the tempo back up and the band rips through another first set mainstay, with Garcia plowing through his requisite solo with ease. But it’s near a minute and a half until the next selection is made, “Beat It On Down The Line.” With both the Dead and Knickerbocker Arena now alive and well, the sing-a-long is back on thanks to “Loose Lucy” as the crowd continues to add their collective backing to the lyrics in revelry. Welnick makes the shift from piano to Hammond organ nicely and adds some flavorful support as well. “The Music Never Stopped” then puts the fitting finishing touches on a crisp opening set that’s nothing but treasured Dead originals and a Dylan cover.
The Dead dive into one of their more recent originals with “Foolish Heart” to kick off the second set at the Knick. Garcia and Welnick once again complement each other beautifully on guitar and keys, respectively, as the band sears through this one effortlessly. No extended jam of note develops afterwards. Instead, it’s a brief pause and away with “Playin’ In The Band” where, after a quick run through of verse, the collective improvisation starts almost immediately and doesn’t let up anytime soon. When it does, the beginning to “Uncle John’s Band” ensues, as the audience seems to come back up for air after the quick yet heavy display of psychedelic mayhem that immediately preceded it.
The Dead then go back down to the bottom, the way bottom, courtesy of an extended “Drums” > “Space” sequence that stretches out to nearly a half hour. A well rested Knick is more than happy to help out with the vocals for the “I Need A Miracle” that finally emerges. A quick jam, punctuated by an aggressive Welnick piano solo, is crafted before things slow down one last time with “Wharf Rat.”
After another set comprised of solely live Dead originals, and some intense improv, the evening closes out with a pair of covers. Weir hams it up one last time on vocals, and Welnick on piano as well for that matter, on Chuck Berry’s rocker “Around and Around” that suits the crowd perfectly. And the band help themselves to some more Dylan material with “The Mighty Quinn” that serves as tonight’s encore.
With night one of the two-night run now in the books, expectations were surely through the roof for the following evening. Thanks to some sort of odd cross-promotional gadgetry straight out of 1992, if you held onto your ticket stub from tonight, the Dead would make sure you were well fed for tomorrow.
Grateful Dead Knickerbocker Arena – Albany, NY 6/11/92
Set 1: Bertha, Minglewood Blues, Row Jimmy, Queen Jane Approximately, Dire Wolf, Beat It On Down The Line, Loose Lucy, The Music Never Stopped
Set 2: Foolish Heart, Playin’ In The Band-> Jam-> Uncle John’s Band-> Drums-> Jam-> I Need A Miracle-> Wharf Rat-> Around and Around
Saturday was more string-oriented with The Infamous Stringdusters and The Wood Brothers jamming to the faithful. In addition to the music, artists, art and workshops were plentiful and there was even a giant waterpark to cool off and relax in while soaking up the scenery and listening to music from a nearby stage. To sum it up, Mountain Music Festival was everything a festival should be, can’t wait for next year!
NYS Music is proud to announce the latest updates to Stream and Support, from across New York! In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, venues across New York State and the country closed their doors and canceled live performances. Since then, various artists have moved their concerts online.
Now, as the music scene continues to prevail through these still uncertain times, NYS Music invites fans once again to come together to support artists from across New York State. This continually updated series will help you locate all your favorite New York artists’ live streams and virtual events.
Below, you’ll find the continually updated list of what you can look forward to throughout the week.
Monday
The National Reserve: Brooklyn-based Americana-R&B fusion group The National Reserve will be performing live from Relix Studio via Twitch. The virtual concert will be live for fans to watch through FANS on August 9 starting at 7:00 PM ET. You won’t want to miss this. Stream and Support HERE
Melt: Don’t miss the special performance from talented Pop group Melt presented by FANS. The concert will be available for fans to stream live online from Relix Studio via Twitch on August 16 starting at 7:00 PM ET. Stream and Support HERE
SOFI TUKKER: New York-based musical duo, SUFI TUKKER will perform live from home every day on Twitch. Tune in at 1:00 PM ET to watch their live DJ set of music. Stream and Support HERE
Tuesday
Phish: Phish will be performing live from Hersheypark Stadium (Day 1) via LivePhish.com for the band’s entire 22-show summer tour. Don’t miss this special performance presented on August 10 at 7:00 PM and be sure to check out their 4K, MP3, and T-shirt options that are available now. Stream and Support HERE
SOFI TUKKER: New York-based musical duo, SUFI TUKKER will perform live from home every day on Twitch. Tune in at 1:00 PM ET to watch their live DJ set music. Stream & Support HERE
Wednesday
Phish: Phish will be performing live from Hersheypark Stadium (Day 2) via LivePhish.com for the band’s entire 22-show summer tour. Don’t miss this special performance presented on August 11 at 7:00 PM and be sure to check out their 4K, MP3, and T-shirt options that are available now. Stream and Support HERE
SOFI TUKKER: New York-based musical duo, SUFI TUKKER will perform live from home every day on Twitch. Tune in at 1:00 PM ET to watch their live DJ set music. Stream and Support HERE
Thursday
The Honey Jam: Don’t miss the 2021 Honey Jam concert live from El Mocambo in Toronto. Check in on the venue’s Instagram to view the event’s live stream schedule and lineup. The 2021 Honey Jam Canada Concert will begin on August 12 starting at 8:00 PM ET via YouTube. Stream and Support HERE.
Emery: The post-hardcore band Emery will premiere their sophomore and most popular album, The Question, in a digital experience giving fans a look at their single continuous performance captured live at Neumo’s in Seattle, WA. The visceral experience is a full high-quality embodiment of the acclaimed post-hardcore album. Fans can view this experience on August 12 beginning at 9:00 PM via The Moment House. Stream and Support HERE
SOFI TUKKER: New York-based musical duo, SUFI TUKKER will perform live from home every day on Twitch. Tune in at 1:00 PM ET to watch their live DJ set music. Stream and Support HERE
Friday
Phish: Phish will be performing live from Ruoff Music Center (Day 1) via LivePhish.com for the band’s entire 22-show summer tour. Don’t miss this special performance presented on August 6 at 7:00 PM and be sure to check out their 4K, MP3, and T-shirt options that are available now. Stream and Support HERE
Billy Strings: Join Grammy Award-winning guitarist and bluegrass musician Billy Strings as he performs live at the Westville Music Bowl for a virtual two-day concert available via FANS. Billy will be performing on Friday and Saturday, August 6-7 starting at 7:30 PM ET both nights. Stream and Support HERE
Daze Between: New Standard presents the 2021 Daze Between: A Celebration Of Jerry Garcia streaming every day until August 9. The show will be available for fans to stream live from Winter Park, Florida on August 6 featuring the Tommy Shugart Organ Trio starting at 7:00 PM. Stream and Support HERE
SOFI TUKKER: New York-based musical duo, SUFI TUKKER will perform live from home every day on Twitch. Tune in at 1:00 PM ET to watch their live DJ set music. Stream & Support HERE
Saturday
All Time Low: Catch All Time Low as they headline the Sad Summer Festival live in Anaheim, CA via VEEPS. The band will be playing some of their biggest and most memorable hits in this one-of-a-kind show on August 7 starting at 11:30 PM. Stream and Support HERE
Eden Espinosa: The multitalented actress and singer Eden Espinosa will be present a virtual concert available for fans to stream live from The Space Las Vegas via Sessions. The Wicked Broadway performer will go live on August 7 starting at 11:00 PM. Stream and Support HERE
Daze Between: New Standard presents the 2021 Daze Between: A Celebration Of Jerry Garcia streaming every day until August 9. The show will be available for fans to stream live from Winter Park, Florida on August 7 featuring Walking In The Sky starting at 7:00 PM. Stream and Support HERE
Billy Strings: Join Grammy Award-winning guitarist and bluegrass musician Billy Strings as he performs live at the Westville Music Bowl for a virtual two-day concert available via FANS. Billy will be performing on Friday and Saturday, August 6-7 starting at 7:30 PM ET both nights. Stream and Support HERE
Phish: Phish will be performing live from Ruoff Music Center (Day 2) via LivePhish.com for the band’s entire 22-show summer tour. Don’t miss this special performance presented on August 7 at 7:00 PM and be sure to check out their 4K, MP3, and T-shirt options that are available now. Stream and Support HERE
SOFI TUKKER: New York-based musical duo, SUFI TUKKER will perform live from home every day on Twitch. Tune in at 1:00 PM ET to watch their live DJ set music. Stream and Support HERE
Sunday
Wynonna Judd & The Big Noise: The iconic Wynonna Judd will be teaming up with The Big Noise in a can’t-miss performance live from Mandolin in a 35th Anniversary Livestream available for fans online. The artists will be performing on August 8, starting at 8:30 PM ET. Stream and Support HERE
Daze Between: New Standard presents the 2021 Daze Between: A Celebration Of Jerry Garcia streaming every day until August 9. The show will be available for fans to stream live from Winter Park, Florida on August 8 featuring The Rusty Strings starting at 7:00 PM. Stream and Support HERE
Phish: Phish will be performing live from Ruoff Music Center (Day 3) via LivePhish.com for the band’s entire 22-show summer tour. Don’t miss this special performance presented on August 8 at 7:00 PM and be sure to check out their 4K, MP3, and T-shirt options that are available now. Stream and Support HERE
SOFI TUKKER: New York-based musical duo, SUFI TUKKER will perform live from home every day on Twitch. Tune in at 1:00 PM ET to watch their live DJ set music. Stream and Support HERE
On Tuesday’s The Tonight Show, Lin-Manuel Miranda joined Jimmy Fallonfor a musical tribute to all the Broadway shows they’ve missed in the last 16 months, and were joined by stage veterans during their song.
Filmed before a fully vaccinated audience in Studio 6B,”Broadway’s Back” paid homage to more than a dozen musicals, including Aladdin, Book of Mormon, Chicago, A Chorus Line, Come From Away, Company, Dear Evan Hansen, Hadestown, The Lion King, Moulin Rouge, Phantom of the Opera, Six, West Side Story and Wicked.
Fallon and Miranda were joined by Kristin Chenoweth, Christopher Jackson, Phylicia Rashad, and Laura Benanti were on hand to join in for a reinterpretation of Hamilton‘s “You’ll Be Back.” Also joining the performance were Jimmy Smits and Olga Merediz who star in the film adaptation of Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights, which releases in theaters and on HBO Max on Thursday, June 10.
On July 31st, heavy metal vocalist Dee Snider will release his fifth full-length album, Leave a Scar, via Napalm Records. He recently released his first single on the album, “I Gotta Rock (Again)” along with a new music video.
Hailing from Queens, Dee Snider has become one of the most respected vocalists in the heavy metal world. The release of this album is incredibly exciting for him and his fans, especially because he recently shared that at the end of 2019, he didn’t see his career continuing. The state of the world in 2020, however, led him to find himself through his music again and come out with Leave a Scar.
Leave a Scar expresses the pain and anger that Dee felt while in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He describes how this time of solitude made him more in-tune with the writing process than ever before. He felt a deep need to fill the album with messages to and for listeners that need to speak up, but don’t feel that they can. This experience was a catalyst for him to make his best music yet, proving how his career is far from over.
“I Gotta Rock (Again)” is a strong start to the album and will have listeners head banging from the get-go. Another track that will leave listeners in awe is “Time to Choose,” which features a vocal attack by Cannibal Corpse’s George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher. “The Reckoning” is a classic heavy metal assault, and track “All or Nothing More” showcases Snider’s harmonic talent. Melodic, metalcore inspired “In For The Kill” is also highly anticipated, as well as “Down But Never Out” and its strong drums. “Before I Go” has a mesmerizingly catchy chorus and chilling lyrics. The last track on the album is a ballad titled “Stand.” This song fulfills Dee’s purpose of ensuring that listeners feel their own struggles are being heard. Leave a Scar pushes Dee’s music boundaries and sets him into a new era of genius.
Jamey Jasta, Dee’s producer, boasts about the artist, revealing how powerful his range and vocals are. Jasta mentions how unique and original his sound is and confidently states that Dee is an American leader of the rock and metal community.
Former Twisted Sister frontman and Long Island native Dee Snider is coming back to Long Island to film an upcoming concert film. It will take place on June 11th at Stereo Garden in Patchogue. The show is in support of his new solo album “Leave A Scar” which is to be released July 30th.
Tickets to the show can be found here. The 7 p.m. show will be limited to 200 attendees who must be vaccinated or have a recent Covid-19 test. You can see the tracklist and video for the first single”I Gotta Rock (Again)” from the new album below.
As Phish was putting the finishing touches on their acclaimed Billy Breathes album in 1996, they also honored a fun Bearsville, NY tradition. It had become commonplace for bands to play at a very small club called Joyous Lake whenever they were finished with their business at Bearsville Studios. Billed as ‘Third Ball’, the last “stealth” Phish gig made available for public consumption went down 25 years ago today.
Joyous Lake and its 200-person capacity were a far cry from the arenas and amphitheaters that Phish played regularly by now. Thankfully, sound engineer Paul Languedoc provided soundboard patches to those in the know who showed up with recording gear. As a result, this show has all the feel of a small, intimate affair from the late ’80s combined with the raw power and energy Phish had infused their music with by 1996. Approximately two months before there was a Clifford Ball, there was Third Ball.
Bearsville Studios, June 1996 credit: Danny Clinch
Since this was no typical Phish concert at this point in time, why not open it with a “Split Open and Melt?” Drummer Jon Fishman starts up the signature opening drum beat and, much to the small crowd’s delight, the show begins. Although the jam has a few “clunky” early moments, in no time a full-fledged “Melt” jam is underway, with any other discernible signs of rust now clearly removed. With most of the year devoted to work on Billy Breathes so far, this was only the second live show played in 1996.
The “Runaway Jim” that comes later seems to have all of the Joyous Lake crowd signing along at the outset. They soon give way to a beautifully escalating, driving jam that’s steered by Trey Anastasio and Page McConnell on guitar and piano, respectively. The band also fools around a bit with the “Funky Bitch” that follows, continuing to drop some early gems on the Bearsville crowd.
The double-edged sword that is a small venue gig rears its head in the beginning of “Theme From The Bottom.” A crowd that’s getting energized by some intimate Phish, as well as more “hydrated” by the minute, can be heard very easily in some of the quieter opening segments. Although quiet moments wouldn’t be an issue for much of the remainder of the first set, starting with the “Big Black Furry Creature From Mars” that follows where Trey allegedly fashioned an empty beer bottle into a guitar slide. “Scent Of A Mule” features its customary ‘Mule Duel’ as well as a full-on teases of “Sunshine Of Your Love” and “Cocaine.” And the set comes to a whirlwind of a close with a cover of “Highway To Hell” that has the full band toying around with the vocals.
The second set of this “secret” gig at Joyous Lake features a blend of live Phish staples and brand new debuts. “AC/DC Bag” revs things back up as the set opener, with some intense guitar play from Anastasio on the back end of it. Next, somewhat surprisingly, a sublime “You Enjoy Myself” is played, undoubtedly in front of the smallest crowd in years. The band treats this one no differently though as its played to perfection, with all the bells, whistles and customarily eerie vocal jam included.
Phish keeps the old school vibe in effect with a “Chalkdust Torture” that emerges the instant said vocal jam concludes. It’s not a particularly extended version, but it packs a punch. “Sparkle” then follows in the same vein before “Stash” gives the band another chance to spread their wings and soar.
The second set also contains a pair of Phish debuts that are now firmly embedded in their live show repertoire. “Waste” and “Character Zero,” two songs prominently featured on the upcoming Billy Breathes release, are played back-to-back, both for the first time ever. “Waste” is still so raw at this time that it stops somewhat abruptly with Trey noting “we don’t have an ending for it yet.”
The remainder of the show is vintage Phish, beginning with the monstrous “David Bowie” that follows the debuts. Trey stumbles over some of the lyrics in “Fee” before getting redemption via another dazzling run on guitar on the “Sample in a Jar” that closes out the set. The “Ya Mar” that starts the encore has a rough spot or two before rounding into form before an incendiary cover Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire” closes the book on Third Ball.
Listen to the show in its entirety below, or selected songs at PhishTracks.
Phish Joyous Lake – Bearsville, NY 6/6/96
Set 1: Split Open and Melt, Poor Heart, Runaway Jim, Funky Bitch, Theme From the Bottom, Big Black Furry Creature From Mars, Scent of a Mule, Highway to Hell
Set 2: AC/DC Bag, You Enjoy Myself, Chalkdust Torture, Sparkle, Stash, Waste, Character Zero, David Bowie, Fee > Sample in a Jar
E: Ya Mar, Fire
This unannounced show was performed under the name “Third Ball.” BBFCFM featured Trey using a Rolling Rock beer bottle as a slide. Scent of a Mule included a Sunshine of Your Love tease and saw Trey on keys for portions. Waste and Character Zero debuted at this show. The opening act was Juan Hung Low.
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 fromSara Devoe, Blackcat Elliot and many more!
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.
Sara Devoe
Albany artist Sara Devoe blends a dream pop aesthetic with the songwriting sensibilities of Phoebe Bridgers and Lana Del Rey. “Big Night” is the first single off her debut EP, out this summer. Chill and slightly aloof, it’s tailor-made for solo summer drives.
Blackcat Elliot
Inspired by the CBGB punk scene of the 1970s with a side of 90s grunge, Albany garage band trio Blackcat Elliot is still going strong after 20 years. Made up of Fast Eddie on bass, Marky Balboa on drums and Gus on guitar and vocals, they’re self-proclaimed “troublesome, working class heroes.” Their 2019 album There Is No Good In Us features “Take It Back,” a hard rock number with Grohl-esque vocals.
U.C.
Toronto prog trio U.C. released their album Time Distortion in March. Quirky and experimental, “Magnanimity” pays tribute to the titular five-dollar word with daring production choices. While relegated to the background, the shimmering piano that enters halfway through makes the song. At times, “Magnanimity” appears to pay homage to Freddie Mercury and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” If the listener didn’t know its release date, it could easily be mistaken for a song from the past or even future.
On this day in 2001, Alicia Keys released her debut album, Songs in A Minor. Bolstered by the success of lead single “Fallin’,” it became an instant neo-soul classic and propelled Keys to R&B superstardom.
After the past half-decade defined by image-based teen pop acts such as Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys, 20-year-old Alicia Keys carved out a space on the charts once more for scaled-back production and soulful vocals. Discovered by Clive Davis, Keys melded her classical piano background with modern hip hop beats. The gospel-influenced lead single “Fallin’” did it best: built on a simple two-chord riff, it feels timeless while foreshadowing the decade’s future in R&B. Keys has since surpassed the success of “Fallin’” with 2007’s “No One,” but her debut single remains her best.
Other highlights on Songs in A Minor include follow-up singles “A Woman’s Worth” and “Girlfriend.” Despite the album’s title, only one song here is written in the key of A minor: the Kandi Burruss-produced “Jane Doe.” That said, if the A is to stand for Alicia, Songs in A Minor delivers on its promise and more. From the Moonlight Sonata-interpolating opener “Piano & I,” it’s a moody young adult record that shares more in common with Jill Scott and Mary J. Blige than Keys’ same-age peers in Destiny’s Child.
Songs in A Minor went on to be a major commercial and critical success. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and nearly doubled its sales in the second week. Taking home five awards at the 2001 Grammys, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year, Keys became the second female solo artist to win that many in a single night after Lauryn Hill in 1999. As the initial wave of Max Martin-produced pop acts fell out of favor, she ushered in a new era of female singer-songwriters like Norah Jones, Nelly Furtado and India.Arie, blending pop with jazz, folk and soul and emphasizing talent first and foremost.
Nelly Furtado, Alicia Keys and India.Arie covering a 2002 issue of Entertainment Weekly.
Keys went on to release her arguably better sophomore effort, The Diary of Alicia Keys, in 2004, and eventually scored more hits with “No One,” “Girl On Fire,” and Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind.” But still, “Fallin’” and Songs in A Minor remain her signature song and album.
In honor of the album’s 20th anniversary, an expanded edition of Songs in A Minor is available for streaming. It includes four previously unreleased songs, one being a new version of “Fallin’.”
