It’s been almost two years since the last free Thursday concert of the NBT Bank Summer Concert Series was held at East Park in Norwich, but the long wait has come to an end. On Thursday, July 15th Asleep at the Wheel will throw the door open on what promises to be the best free summer concert series anywhere in upstate New York. With COVID-19, restrictions eased everyone can come to enjoy world-class musicians every Thursday until August 26th.
All the shows start at 7:00 P.M. The shows are rain or shine, so come prepared to enjoy yourself no matter the weather. If conditions make it unsafe for the artists to perform we will post an announcement on social media by noon on the day of the show about an alternate location.
Every week will be a summer highlight with the likes of Texas swing legends Asleep at the Wheel, New Orleans jazz ensemble Tuba Skinny and Blues Music Award Artist of the Year winner Shemekia Copeland among those on the bill.
The return of the popular concerts means the return of the equally popular vendors who sell food at the shows. Ray Brothers BBQ, Hubcaps Munchies, Nina’s Pizza, and Gilligan’s Ice Cream will all be on-site so come down early and make it a great summer’s evening. If you need a beverage or some table service food Park Place restaurant will have its popular beer garden open again this year also.
Directions to the Norwich Summer Concert series can be found here. The lineup for events include the following for the summer series
Thursday, July 15, 2021 Asleep at the Wheel
Thursday, July 22, 2021 The Garcia Project
Thursday, July 29, 2021 Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience
Based in Bovina, NY, Esquela released their fifth studio album A Sign From God on June 25th. The album features 10 tracks, produced by Eric “Roscoe” Ambel, and was recorded entirely remotely throughout the COVID-19 pandemic which prevented members from getting together to record during the Spring and Summer of 2020.
Esquela, via bandsintown.com
Over the course of several months, Finn wrote all the songs on the record, except the final track, “Wait For Me” which utilized a poem by Konstantin Simonov and was arranged musically by Becca Frame and Brian Shafer. He then sent bits of songs to Roscoe, involving Keith Christopher on bass, Brian Shafer on guitar, Becca Frame on vocals and Matt Woodin on guitars and mandolin, and Mike Ricciardi on drums with the audio engineering accompaniment of Jeff Stachyra. Their individual parts were woven together by their brilliant engineer, spinning a 70’s style overdub in a completely remote 2020 world.
Once the reality of COVID 19 hit us, nobody knew what was going to happen and for how long our normal routines would be disrupted. Since I was homebound for the duration – I decided that I should get my home recording studio up and running again. After weeks of technical frustration– I was finally able to get my home setup cobbled together with a Universal Audio Apollo interface and my MacBook, using Protools recording software.
Bandleader John “Chico” Finn
Amidst a race war and global pandemic, the album captures the cultural conversation surrounding the time, including addressing sensitive topics that unfolded during the year like racism, sexual assault and climate change. The first track on the album, which premiered ahead of the others, addresses climate change and humanity’s impact on Earth. “Not In My Backyard” was inspired by a conversation that transpired between Finn and a friend about fracking in West Virginia. Between the rhythmic guitar riffs and pulsing drum beat, a larger message lies at the core of the song.
The bottom line is that energy is cheap right now…in order for the climate to improve will mean people will have to pay more for their energy source, and I am afraid it won’t happen anytime soon, sad to say.
John “Chico” Finn
Premiering as Esquela’s first album since 2017, the band chose to tackle pressing issues about the world, spreading a message while telling a narrative throughout each song. The last song, “Wait For Me,” has a more stripped sonic atmosphere with soft acoustic guitar and less processed vocals. The song tells the story of Konstantin Simonov and a poem he wrote as a homesick Russian soldier during World War II. Esquela uses the poem as a vessel to acknowledge racism in the deep South, much like the French village of Oradour Sur Glane destroyed by Nazis within the poem.
With Esquela, challenge brings creativity. The album is a true testament that challenge breeds creativity amidst the pandemic. Even prevented from taking a band photo all together for the cover art, they crafted a creative solution to replicate images of them in a fun illustration pictured below. While COVID-19 forced the members to send over the tracks individually, the cohesiveness of these tracks expands beyond Roscoe’s phenomenal work as a producer. These songs tell a narrative about what we need to change as a society in 2020 (and now, its roots have spread into 2021).
The album is now available on Bandcamp or Spotify, with a music video for “Not In My Backyard” on Youtube.
Tupper Lake Village, a few miles west of Lake Placid, has announced this year’s Summer Sunset Concert Series. Guests can enjoy weekly live musical entertainment and scenic sunset vistas at the Tupper Lake Bandshell, located in Flanders Park.
Flanders Park Bandshell
Tupper Lake is a village in Franklin County, located within the Adirondack Park. Tupper Lake makes up the Tri-Lakes region along with nearby Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. Settled during the town’s lumber production period in 1844, the village was the top lumber producer in New York State.
After the area’s Great Fire of 1899, which burned more than 150 structures in the town, a modern Tupper Lake village grew out of the destruction. Having its own department store and sprawling railway yards, Tupper Lake became a hub for the surrounding Adirondack communities.
Views from the Flanders Municipal Park
The Tupper Lake Municipal Park is located on Demars Boulevard off Route 3. This park is the center of the Tupper Lake community. The park is home to the best sunset views, a waterfront walkway, picnic table area, two covered fishing overlooks, public boat slips, playground, sports fields, skateboard park, and much more.
The live music offerings are held weekly on Monday nights from 7 PM at Tupper Lake Municipal Park. All events are free and open to the public, but bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks. Local Tupper Lake restaurants will be hosting dinner specials during the events as well.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake’s Summer Sunset Music Series lineup
Sunday, July 4: Spring Street Band, Fireworks with patriotic music (9 PM)
The Village of Menands, just north of the City of Albany, has announced the schedule for the 2021 Concerts in the Park. Performances are held in Ganser-Smith Memorial Park, just off Broadway.
The Village of Menands was incorporated in August 1924 and takes its name from Louis Menand, a prominent 19th century horticulturist who was born in France in 1807 and immigrated to America in 1837. In 1842 Menand and his wife Adelaide Jackson settled in what is now the Village that bears his name. Menand established one of the finest horticultural and garden establishments in the area, and as the “Albany Northern” railroad was built, a large railroad station was built and the stop was simply called “Menand’s” and the area soon associated itself with the name.
Ganser-Smith Park plays host to a series of picnics and musical events throughout the summer. Located on Menand Road near the Village center, the 3-acre park is the epicenter of nearly all village-sponsored events. The park amenities include a large open pavilion and BBQ, a children’s playground, baseball field, basketball and volleyball courts as well as horseshoe pits. There are over two dozen picnic tables spread throughout the park. Village youth programs are run at this location from late June through August. Restrooms with handicap access and parking are present on site. Pavilion reservations may be made at the Village office for Village residents.
The live music offerings are held weekly on Tuesday nights from 6pm-8:30pm at Ganser-Smith Memorial Park. Bring a chair, your family and get food and beverages sold by the Menands Fire Co.
2021 Menands Concerts in the Park lineup
July 6 – New York Players July 13 – Oldies Show July 20 – Hotshot Hillbilly’s July 27 – Mike Ruddy August 3 – Luster Kings August 10 – The All Paul Show
For more information visit the Menands Village website.
Borderland Festival is returning to Knox Farm State Park, September 18th-19th for two days of music, food, beer, crafts, and more. The festival was canceled in 2020 and will be making its grand return to celebrate summer, community, and of course music. Borderland will host more than 20 bands on three stages with a diverse mix of national and regional, rock, country, Americana, and roots artists.
Headlining the 2021 festival is Jason Isbell and the 400 Units and The Revivalists. Also being featured are Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Infamous Stringdusters, Moon Taxi, Hiss Golden Messenger, Cam, TAUK, Molly Tuttle, Neal Francis, Ghost Of Paul Revere, TK & The Holy, Know Nothings, Adia Victoria, John Papa Gros Band, Workingman’s Dea, Organ Fairchild, GRUB, Uncle Ben’s Remedy, Cole Gallagher, A Girl Named Genny, Mom Said No, Never Ben, The Brass Machine, Folk Faces.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong are on the rise in the jam scene, they have sold out two nights at Town Ballroom in past years. Then Cam began her career as a songwriter, composing material for several artists including Sam Smith and Miley Cyrus. She has also made her way to national festivals such as Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, and Outside Lands in San Francisco and is rising on the country charts.
Adding to the talent, the virtuosic, award-winning guitarist with a gift for insightful songwriting, Molly Tuttle was the first woman to win the Bluegrass Music Association’s Guitar Player of the Year award. Also adding to the bluegrass vibe, The Infamous Stringdusters are grammy award winners for Best Bluegrass Album in 2018. The festival also collaborated with The Big Easy of Buffalo to bring New Orleans legend John “Papa” Gros from Papa Gros Funk.
Two-Day General Admission tickets are on sale now. Kids 10 and under are free with a parent or guardian.
There’s no shortage of new releases coming out. After the musical drought of last year, it can be hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. One name that stands out from the crowd of artists launching new albums is John Hall.
The Grammy-winning musician from Ulster County is best known for his role in the band Orleans. Hall recorded the songs for this, this sixth solo album, prior to the pandemic, and had them mixed and finished remotely in the interim. The album, aptly named Reclaiming My Time, is exactly what one would expect of someone of Hall’s caliber.
Reclaiming My Time showcases Hall’s talent. There’s a surprising blend of toe-tappers, and no shortage of ballads. One moment you’ll be dusting off your dancing shoes for the island rhythms of “Islamorada” and the boogie-woogie beat of “All Up And Down From Here.” And the next you’ll be reeling from heart-wrenching ballads.
“Alone Too Long” came out as a single before the album. It was a personal message from John Hall to a friend who lost the love of his life. But the song has a more universal meaning after the social isolation we’ve all experienced during the past year. That message of finding courage to move forward after loss is contrasted by the nostalgic ballad “Another Sunset.” This one is a collaboration with country legend Steve Wariner, who also lends his vocals in this duet. Together these songs demonstrate the dual nature of grief – the longing to hold on and the need to adapt to change.
The collection wraps up with the heartfelt “Welcome Home” written for those who have served in the military. It’s a fitting tribute, well suited to the Memorial Day weekend release of Reclaiming My Time.
Amy Helm will release her third album, What the Flood Leaves Behind, on June 18 through Renew Records/BMG. Helm, the daughter of The Band’s legendary vocalist and drummer Levon Helm and singer-songwriter Libby Titus, has successfully stepped out from behind of her parent’s considerable musical shadows and has successfully staked her own claim in the highly competitive music industry.
Helm’s success comes from honing her craft and paying her dues as a founding member of folk group Ollabelle and additionally as a longtime member of The Midnight Ramble Band. The culmination of Amy’s hard work and experience is apparent on this gem of a record which consists of ten tracks of new and reimagined material.
What the Flood Leaves Behind was recorded at the historic Levon Helm Studios located on Amy’s home turf of Woodstock, NY. She also enlisted a group of incredibly talented players to contribute to WTFLB including Kaufman and Phil Cook (keys, harmonica), Michael Libramento (bass, organ, percussion), Tony Mason (drums), Daniel Littleton (guitar), Stuart Bogie (saxophone), Jordan McLean (trumpet), and her son Lee Collins (congas). Helm describes the experience of creating the album at the studio that her father built as a cathartic homecoming.
Going back to the place where I learned so much about how to express music, how to hold myself in music, how to listen to music,” she begins, “it was humbling in a funny way. I could see clearly where I came from and where I am now in my life. I was singing from a different place now and for a different reason.
Amy Helm
Produced by Josh Kaufman, whose credits include working with an eclectic roster of musicians that includes Bobb Weir, Taylor Swift and the Hold Steady, WTFLB reflects a creative working partnership that fits like a glove between Helm and Kaufman. The evidence of this successful collaboration is apparent in adept and deft way that Kaufman focused on Helm’s vocal ability, showcasing it as a major focal point on the record, he explains.
I wanted her to feel like she had that freedom to be herself on the recordings and she just filled up the whole room. Her singing was coming from this deeply rooted place of family and music and wanting to convey a beauty.
Josh Kaufman, producer of What The Flood Leaves Behind
This philosophy is executed brilliantly on “Verse 23,” the first track on WTFLB, which is a soulful ballad from which the album derives its title. The lyrics of the song evoke a rich religious sentiment that when beautifully delivered by Helm’s ethereal voice. The results are sublimely divine.
WTFLB is steeped in fusion of traditional roots, gospel and contemporary music. This is probably most evident on the nineth track of the LP “Terminal B.” The tune starts with Amy playing mandolin, which sets the sonic stage for the piece, which then leads into an organ accompaniment provided expertly by Libramento. The marriage of these instruments transports the listener to a front pew at a rural church service in Anywhere, USA. Lyrically it describes a remembrance of a fleeting Californian love affair that, retrospectively, one could look back on fondly.
“Cotton and the Cane,” WTFLB‘s third number also has a southern sleepy gospel feel to it. Injected with a heavy dose of Hammond Organ, this updated version of a fan favorite is a departure from previous renditions and is a fitting tribute to Helm’s father Levon. It is a definite highlight of the record.
Amy Helm will be touring this summer in support of What the Flood Leaves Behind, kicking off with a pre-release live stream webcast scheduled for June 17. This will then be followed up by a sold out record release event at the Levon Helm Studios on June 19.
Key Tracks: Carry It Alone, Cotton And The Cane, Terminal B
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!
Eastbound Throwdown returns this all to Irwin Farm in Salem, NY, with hosts Eastbound Jesus performing both days.
After canceling the 2020 event due to the coronavirus pandemic, Guthrie/Bell Productions and Eastbound Jesus will host a slightly scaled down event, with a capacity of 500. And while in previous years there was music on two stages, this year there will only be one. The rest of the artist lineup will be announced at a later date.
The Eastbound Throwdown is held at the Irwin Family Farm in Salem, NY, located near the Vermont border, roughly 45 minutes east of Saratoga Springs. A fifth generation owned and operated farm focusing on beef and hay production, for one week of the year, they move the cattle, clean up some fields and are hosts the festival.
The Throwdown is a grass-roots homegrown festival, with the band members and Irwin Family working side by side to make it all possible for music fans from near and far.
Two day passes with camping included go on sale this Friday, May 28th at 12pm for $80. All ages are welcome. Tent camping is included in the ticket price, with RV passes available for an additional fee.
Tickets are available here and up to date event details can be found here.
Willie Nelson is “on the road again” as he has just announced The Outlaw Music Festival Tour starting this summer. The 14-stop tour will include a show at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), after kicking off in Texas in August, with Willie Nelson planning to have many friends and family accompanying him at each stop.
Willie Nelson
The performance in Saratoga Springs will include Sturgill Simpson, Gov’t Mule, and Margo Price. Although it will be near the end of the summer and practically fall when the performance happens there is no excuse not to go. With a legend such as Willie Nelson getting out on tour and nonetheless performing in Saratoga, any music fan’s mind would be itching at the thought to make it a weekend trip filled with peace, love and a whole lot of Willie Nelson. SPAC poses as the perfect place to go with COVID-19 ending as music venues are opening back up and there’s always plenty to do and see in Saratoga Springs, in addition to the great music and musicians that will be coming its way.
The stop in Saratoga Spring will be on September 12, 2021 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Tickets for the event can be purchased on the venue website starting Tuesday, May 25th at 10:00 a.m.
On your way to SPAC, don’t forget that Stewart’s Shops is your ice cream shop! With over 345 shops in 31 counties across New York and southern Vermont, the convenience store chain is known for their fresh &local dairy products. With dozens of choices at the cone counter, you’re bound to find something you love! Try a shake, sundae, or cone today, What’s Your Flavor?
Sunday, August 22, 2021-Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheatre -Willie Nelson & Family, Chris Stapleton, Ryan Bingham,Yola
Friday, September 10, 2021-Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion – Willie Nelson & Family, Sturgill Simpson, Gov’t Mule, Margo Price
Saturday, September 11, 2021-Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann – Willie Nelson & Family, Sturgill Simpson, Gov’t Mule, Margo Price
Sunday, September 12, 2021-Saratoga, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) – Willie Nelson & Family, Sturgill Simpson, Gov’t Mule, Margo Price
Friday, September 17, 2021-Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheatre – Willie Nelson & Family, Sturgill Simpson, Gov’t Mule, Margo Price
Saturday, September 18, 2021-Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek – Willie Nelson & Family, Sturgill Simpson, Gov’t Mule, Margo Price
Sunday, September 19, 2021-Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion – Willie Nelson & Family, Sturgill Simpson, Gov’t Mule, Margo Price
Wednesday, September 22, 2021-Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre – Willie Nelson & Family, Sturgill Simpson, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Kathleen Edwards
Friday, September 24, 2021-Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion – Willie Nelson & Family, Sturgill Simpson, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Gov’t Mule, Kathleen Edwards
Friday, October 15, 2021-Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion – Willie Nelson & Family, The Avett Brothers, Gov’t Mule, Lucinda Williams, Ida Mae
Saturday, October 16, 2021-Irvine, CA – Five Point Amphitheatre – Willie Nelson & Family, The Avett Brothers, Gov’t Mule, Lucinda Williams, Ida Mae
Sunday, October 17, 2021-San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre – Willie Nelson & Family, The Avett Brothers, Ida Mae
Saturday, October 23, 2021-Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre – Willie Nelson & Family, The Avett Brothers, Gov’t Mule, Lucinda Williams, Ida Mae
Sunday, October 24, 2021-Wheatland, CA – Toyota, Amphitheatre – Willie Nelson & Family, The Avett Brothers, Gov’t Mule, Lucinda Williams, Ida Mae
