Category: Genres

  • The Sun Ra Arkestra Make Triumphant Return to SummerStage

    On Saturday, July 24th, The Sun Ra Arkestra returned to Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage for their fifth stint at the concert series. Still led by Sun Ra himself at the time, the band headlined the festival’s first ever concert back in 1986 at the old Central Park Bandshell. After Sun Ra’s death in 1993, the band continued on as The Sun Ra Arkestra, remaining quite active under the leadership of Marshall Allen who has been performing with the group since 1958. At 97 years young, Allen and The Arkestra were as tight as ever in Central Park.

    The Sun Ra Arkestra at SummerStage, 7/24/2021. Photo by: Buscar Photo

    Opening the night was Chicago based trio Sistazz of The Nitty Gritty. The group consists of vocalist/clarinetist Angel Bat Dawid, pianist/vocalist Anaiet and bassist Brooklynn Skye Scott. The performance was a mixture of spoken word poetry, jazz fusion, and Dadaist collages of piano, bass, vocals and clarinet. Heavily influenced by The Arkestra’s signature sounds, the trio injects their own modern edge into avant-garde jazz. The incredibly talented band is surely one to watch as they continue to explore their music.

    As the 23-member Arkestra began to file on stage, the once seated audience sprung to their feet to embrace the band’s return to SummerStage. A Sun Ra performance is always more than a musical experience. The band is accompanied by dancers who graced the front of the stage from the start with interpretative, meditative dance routines. This shifted off to the side of the stage and Allen took his place front and center.

    Marshall Allen at SummerStage, 7/24/2021. Photo by Buscar Photo

    The band played a generally continuous set, stopping every so often to reset, but with a band this size there is always music being played. Throughout the show, Allen would survey the band, and point someone out in particular to stand, and take the lead. One-by-one, everyone took their turn, either stepping up for a musical lead or interpretative dance at the center of the stage. This continued throughout the 90-minute set, creating a vividly engaging experience for the audience as there was no way to know where the music was heading. The Arkestra closed to a thunderous ovation from the audience that echoed through Central Park – a second home for the band for so many years.

    The Sun Ra Arkestra at SummerStage, 7/24/2021. Photo by: Buscar Photo

    The Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage festival continues, with upcoming performances from The Originals, Marc Rebillet, Antibalas, Armand Hammer & The Alchemist (featuring Moor Mother), and many more – check out the full lineup HERE.

  • Blue Note Jazz Club welcomes GZA and Talib Kweli for two nights in August

    Manhattan’s Blue Note Jazz Club is bringing together GZA and Talib Kweli for four performances over August 24 and 25. The Genius, aka the GZA, will bring his live band, featuring guest MC Talib Kweli, performing classics that have shaped the sound of hip hop.

    GZA, the most cerebral MC in the Wu-Tang Clan, as well as perhaps the most acclaimed has a cool, precise flow and intricate, literate rhymes. While he wasn’t as theatrical as Method Man or Ol’ Dirty Bastard, the two biggest commercial stars to spring from the collective, GZA was revered for his flawless technique and lyrical dexterity, and was considered by many to be the best pure rapper in the entire Clan.

    GZA Blue Note

    After nearly 20 years of recordings and performances, Talib Kweli stands as one of the world’s most talented and most accomplished hip hop artists. Whether working with Mos Def as one-half of Black Star, partnering with producer Hi-Tek for Reflection Eternal, releasing landmark solo material or collaborating with Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Just Blaze, J Dilla, or Madlib, Kweli commands attention by delivering top-tier lyricism, crafting captivating stories and showing the ability to rhyme over virtually any type of instrumental.

    Since 1981, Blue Note Jazz Club has been a cultural institution in New York City and one of the premiere jazz clubs in the world. Blue Note strives to preserve the history of jazz, and the club is a place where progression and innovation – the foundations of jazz – are encouraged and practiced on a nightly basis. In addition to the main acts that feature the likes of Robert Glasper, Pat Metheny, Christain McBride, Joshua Redman, Ron Carter and Chris Botti, Blue Note regularly showcases up-and-coming jazz, soul, hip-hop, R&B and funk artists. After 40 years of success, Blue Note continues to carry the torch for jazz into the 21st century in the cultural heart of New York, Greenwich Village.

    Get tickets here

  • Daze Between at Westville Music Bowl to feature Warren Haynes, Lettuce, Grace Potter and more

    The life of Jerry Garcia will be celebrated on August 8 at Westville Music Bowl with “Daze Between,” presented by Rex Foundation.

    daze between

    Musicians including Warren Haynes and Grace Potter (alone and together), Lettuce (celebrating JGB) and Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass have all been announced as part of the music event, with more special guests yet to be announced.

    August 1-9 is known among Grateful Dead fans as “The Days Between,” named for the Dead song of the same name. On August 1, 1942, Jerry Garcia was born, and on August 9, 1995, he passed away peacefully in his sleep. These days mark hallowed time for Deadheads of all ages, with music celebrations continually in order to celebrate the life of the influential musician and icon, Jerry Garcia.

    For tickets and more info about Daze Between click here.

    The Rex Foundation’s schedule for Daze Between 2021

    Thursday, July 29th – Jerry Day at Fenway Park in Boston, MA: Boston Red Sox vs Toronto BlueJays; Lureto – Everywhere: The Dead Sessions EP Release Party at the Charleston Pour House in Charleston, SC (live show)
    Friday, July 30th – Melvin Seals & JGB with Roots of Creation at The Range in Mason, NH (live show), The Garcia Project at The Narrows in Fall River, MA; Terrapin Flyer at Headliners in Louisville, KY  (live show)
    Saturday, July 31th – Melvin Seals & JGB with Roots of Creation at The Range in Mason, NH (live show); The Garcia Project at FTC in Fairfield, CT;
    Sunday, August 1st – Jerry Birthday Celebration ft. Peter Rowan, Bill Nershi, Ross James, and more at Cervantes in Denver, Colorado (live show); Songwriter Showcase w/ Vince Herman, Matt Warren, and Channing Wilson at New Standard in Winter Park, FL (live show); The Garcia Project – Jerry Birthday celebration at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, MA; Daze Between virtual auction begins – dozens of high-ticket music and Grateful Dead memorabilia with proceeds to benefit Rex Foundation 
    Monday, August 2nd – Mikaela Davis and Southern Star Play Grateful Dead (livestream); Jerry Day at Great American Ball Park: Cincinnati Reds vs Minnesota Twins; Crazy Fingers at New Standard in Winter Park, FL (live show)
    Tuesday, August 3rd – Melvin Seals & JGB at The Hamilton in Washington, DC (live show)
    Thursday, August 5th – “The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame presents: An Odd Little Place: The Digital Work of Jerry Garcia” in Cleveland, OH (private gallery opening); The Garcia Project at the Chance Theatre in Poughkeepsie, NY (live show);
    Friday, August 6th – The Days Between Festival ft. Dark Star Orchestra in Laytonville, CA (live show); Everyone’s Dead ft. Matt Butler, Steve Kimock, Marc Brownstein, and more at Ardmore Music Hall in Philadelphia, PA (live show); Splintered Sunlight at the Hamilton in Washington, DC (live show); The Garcia Project at the Recher Theatre in Towson, MD (live show); An Evening with Dead Floyd live at the Mishawaka Amphitheater in Bellvue, CO (live show); Walking In The Sky (Papa Mali, Matt Hubbard, Reed Mathis, and Wally Ingram) at New Standard in Winter Park, FL (live show); Pure Jerry at Milo in Philadelphia, PA (live show)”The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame presents: An Odd Little Place: The Digital Works of Jerry Garcia” in Cleveland, OH opens to the public
    Saturday, August 7th – Cris Jacobs and Larry Keel Experience at BChord Brewing in Round Hill, VA (live show); Jerry Garcia 79th Birthday Celebration ft. members of Los Colognes, Futurebirds, and more at the Basement East in Nashville, TN (live show); The Garcia Project at the Hamilton in Washington, DC (live show)
    Sunday, August 8th – Daze Between ft. Warren Haynes, Grace Potter, Lettuce, Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass and more at the Westville Bowl in New Haven, CT (live show); Cris Jacobs and Larry Keel Experience at BChord Brewing in Round Hill, VA (live show); Melvin Seals & JGB at the Caverns in Pelham, TN (live show)
    Monday, August 9th – Rex Foundation Grand Finale (livestream); The Garcia Project at the Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls, NY (live show)
    Tuesday August 10th – MLB Jerry Day – San Francisco Giants vs. Diamondbacks

  • Chenango Blues Festival Announces 2021 Lineup

    Chenango Blues Festival announced the 2021 lineup including Jimmie Vaughan who will be headlining. The festival will be taking place on August 20 and 21 in Norwich, New York. 

    This will be the 28th annual installment of the Chenango Blues Festival. The festival takes place at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. The festival has multiple stages including Norwich Rehab Infield Stage, Nelson & Flanagan/Southern Tier Pet Nutrition Tent Stage, and the New York Central Mutual Stage. 

    The lineup includes Jimmie Vaughan, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Crystal Thomas and the Eastside Kings with the Texas Horns, Horojo Trio, Albert Castiglia, Zac Harmon, Doug MacLeod, Kevin Burt, Castro Coleman aka Mr. Sipp, Vanessa Collier, and Soul Box.

    Jimmie Vaughan curtsy of the Chenango Blues Festival’s website.

    Although the festivities are taking place on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 the pre festival fun will take place on Thursday, August 19th in East Park Norwich, NY  with a performance by Shemekia Copeland who was the 2021 winner of B.B. King Entertainer, Contemporary Blues Album, and Contemporary Blues Female Artist. 

    Tickets are on sale now with advanced sale tickets for $40 for adults 18 and over and there will be no group discounts this year for Saturday’s show. No tickets will be available this year by mail or at the gate. Friday’s show is Free to all but unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask and social distance to protect themselves and their families. Children 17 years old and under are Free. Children 16 and under must attend with an adult. Parking gate opens at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 20th. Festival entry gate opens at 5:00 p.m. Parking gate opens at 10:00 a.m on Saturday, August 21st. Festival entry gate opens at 11:00 a.m.

    https://youtu.be/BXtvXamPAmk

    There is also onsite camping available for  $60 per person in advance. Prices include festival admission and tent camping with  17 and under camping is free when accompanied by an adult 21+. There are also basic RV Sites available for an additional $25, no services available or enhanced RV Sites available for an additional $50 and include electric hookups.  Shared water is available.

    For more information on the Chenango Blues Festival visit their website here.

  • The Newport Jazz Fest Returns

    The center of the jazz center universe shifts around throughout the year. New York. New Orleans. And for few days every summer, Newport. The Newport Jazz Fest returns in 2021 from 7/30-8/1 at Fort Adams State Park and the Fort will swing again!

    This year’s lineup brings a highly diverse lineup of new, old, east west, big, small, and everything in between. It will present artists performing from familiar places of comfort and also in new, exciting, never-been-heard before ways proving that the country’s oldest music festival is still capable of keeping things fresh.

    newport jazz

    Just skimming across the top the headliners alone set-up the diversity that peppers the lineup below. Austin Thai-infused funk trio Khruangbin close out Friday, New Orleans stage party Trombone Shorty finishes off Saturday and singer and Academy-Award nominated actress Andra Day closes out the weekend. Festival impresario, George Wein, praised sang her praises in one of his famous email transmissions:

    [She] greatly impressed me in her Academy Award nominated performance in the United States vs. Billie Holiday. I think that’s wonderful. But more importantly, Andra Day is one of the finest singers I’ve heard in years. I think when you get to know her, you will put her in the ranks with Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and a few other magnificent artists we’ve had the privilege of presenting.

    George Wein

    Festivals past will get tributes, with Grammy-winning singer Ledisi playing a set of festival alum Nina Simone and longtime alum of the Folk Festival, Mavis Staples, to play a set of… Mavis Staples. David Ostwald will bring his weekly Birdland gig to the Newport stage paying respects to jazz pioneers like Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Duke Ellington, and Jelly Roll Morton.

    Newer sounds will command the stage for much of the weekend however. Festival Artistic Director Christian McBride brings his newish band featuring DJ Logic, as well as a jam session featuring jamband-stalwarts Joe Russo and Marco Benevento, and fusion guitarist John Scofield. Robert Glasper will also feature a DJ, Jahi Sundance, in one of his three sets, which all should prove to be forward-thinking.

    On Sunday, the Newport audience will get big doses of some lesser-heard sounds. Vibraphone players Joel Ross, Warren Wolf and Sasha Berliner join together for a set showcasing their instrument. New York’s Brandee Younger and Rochester’s Mikaela Davis will put together a set featuring their harp playing.

    Joining Mavis Staples on the soul singing front, another Folk Fest alum (and 2021 Folk On artist) Yola will show the jazz audience why she is a rising star worthy of joining Staples as a festival crossover. Lesser-known soul singer and beloved Rochester native Danielle Ponder will introduce herself to her biggest audience yet.

    The full lineup is stacked top to bottom. There are no miss-able sets. Fortunately for those wanting to catch as much as possible, the usual four stage set-up has been reduced to just two and the near half-capacity crowd should make getting around a bit easier. See the full lineup below. It isn’t too late to join in on the fun, while Friday and Saturday tickets are sold out, Sunday is still available.

    Friday

    Khruangbin
    Kamasi Washington
    Robert Glasper Acoustic Trio & DJ Jahi Sundance
    A Christian McBride Situation
    Cory Wong
    Yola
    Makaya McCraven
    Catherine Russell
    The Arturo O’Farrill Quintet
    Avery*Sunshine

    Saturday

    Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
    Mavis Staples
    Ledisi Sings Nina Simone
    Robert Glasper & Terrace Martin present “Dinner Party”
    Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah
    Chris Potter Circuits Trio
    Kenny Garrett
    Terri Lyne Carrington & Social Science
    Immanuel Wilkins
    Danielle Ponder

    Sunday

    Andrea Day
    A Black Radio Production: Robert Glasper with Special Guest
    Charles Lloyd
    The Jam Jawn: Christian McBride, John Scofield, Marco Benevento, Joe Russo
    The Jazz Gallery All-Stars (Jaleel Shaw, Morgan Guerin, Joel Ross, Charles Altura, Gerald Clayton, Kendrick Scott, Renee Neufville)
    Kenny Barron & Dave Holland Trio (with Jonathan Blake)
    The Vibe Summit (Joel Ross, Warren Wolf, Sasha Berliner)
    The Bogie Band featuring Joe Russo
    David Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong Eternity Band
    Brandee Younger with Mikaela Davis

  • Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime arrives at Paper Mill Island on August 13

    Creative Concerts is excited to help bring live music back to Baldwinsville this summer, presenting Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime on Friday, August 13th at Paper Mill Island.

    badfish paper mill

    Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime – The phenomenon known as Sublime, arguably the most energetic, original and uniquely eclectic band to emerge from any scene, anywhere, ended with the untimely death of lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Brad Nowell in May of 1996. But encompassing the sense of place and purpose long associated with Sublime’s music, Badfish, a Tribute to Sublime continues to channel the spirit of Sublime with a fury not felt for some time.

    What separates Badfish from other tribute bands is that they have replicated Sublime’s essence, developing a scene and dedicated following most commonly reserved for label- driven, mainstream acts. Badfish make their mark on the audience by playing with the spirit of Sublime. They perform not as Sublime would have, or did, but as Badfish does!
    Doors open at 6pm with music starting at 7pm. This is a rain or shine event. 

    While there is no public parking on Paper Mill Island, there is plenty of parking within walking distance. Public parking is available near the intersection of Oswego Street and E Genesee Street. Once you are parked the venue is a quick walk across the bridge.

    This is a general admission show and all ages are welcome. Tickets for Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime at Paper Mill Island are on sale now at CCTix.com, at $20 in advance and $25 day of show.

  • Joe Bonamassa Releases New Blues Rock Single “Notches”

    Blues rock artist Joe Bonamassa is back with a brand-new single “Notches” from his highly anticipated upcoming album, due out later this year. 

    Joe Bonamassa

    “Notches” exemplifies the unwavering journey Joe has experienced while taking the road less traveled, ultimately leading him to find success. A bit older in years, but wiser in knowledge earned, his new sound has a raw and vital flavor, combined with a resolute skill that can only be gained through years of perseverance and unyielding dedication. He takes no prisoners with his hard-hitting anthem and holds nothing back, delivering a fresh unchartered sound that isn’t like anything he’s done before. The cinematically excellent official music video was directed by Paul van Kan.

    For recording “Notches,” Bonamassa hit the studio with longtime collaborators Kevin Shirley as producer and manager/business partner Roy Weisman as executive producer. The track was mixed by Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Bon Jovi) and was co-written with Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke). Recorded in New York City at Germano Studios/The Hit Factory the band includes Steve Mackey (bass), Lachy Doley (piano), Bunna Lawrie (didgeridoo), Bobby Summerfield (percussion), and Late Night with David Letterman‘s Anton Fig (drums and percussion), along with Mahalia Barnes, Juanita Tippins, and Prinnie Stevens on backing vocals. The fantastic artwork on this single was created by famous graphic artist Hugh Syme (Rush, Aerosmith, Whitesnake).

    The lyrics allude to Joe’s tenured uphill battle with the music industry. Looking back, he reflects, “Twenty years ago, I recorded a record of covers that eventually was called ‘Blues Deluxe.’ It was recorded at Bobby Nathan’s studio in Manhattan. It captured an energy and purpose that always stuck with me as an artist…The music business is tough, very tough. Especially back in those days when major labels pulled all the strings and, in my case, all the punches.”

    Now, maybe more than ever, Bonamassa holds the power of controlling both his artistry and his business in both hands. With 24 #1 albums, yearly sold-out tours worldwide, and custom annual cruises, he’s a hard act to beat. Joe knows his worth, and albeit humble, he has no plans to back down now. “Notches” is a testament to his credentials. It’s Joe Bonamassa at his finest, ready to rock.

    This month Joe heads back out on tour for 42 shows, starting on the West Coast in the US at the end of this month, then traveling around the rest of the country throughout the fall season before taking the stage at sea for his sold out Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea VII cruise, sailing from Miami, FL to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on February 21-25, 2022, by way of the Norwegian Pearl. 

    Connect with Joe Bonamassa on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and stream or buy “Notches” here.

    For everything Joe Bonamassa, visit his website at jbonamassa.com. For tickets and full tour dates, visit jbonamassa.com/tour-dates.

  • Bad Business Club Heats Up For August Release “Naked Neighbor”

    Brooklyn-based collective Bad Business Club will release their latest album, Naked Neighbor, due out on August 13. The release date is fitting; the woozy, synth-fueled atmosphere of the project fits perfectly as the soundtrack to the hottest days of the summer.

    bad business club

    A self-described “Nu-Disco collective with old-school Yacht Rock touches,” Bad Business Club stays true to luscious and intoxicating disco grooves from the onset of their sophomore album. At the heart of Naked Neighbor is contrast. The beats take you to the heat of a sequin-drenched island club, while the lyrics speak to the longing and loneliness of those late night periods walking home. Exploring their electronic side while embracing the classics of disco, Naked Neighbor settles into an utterly mesmerizing groove.

    “Tired of Being Over You,” the most recent single off the album, captures that contrast perfectly in a reflection on past lovers. “I know I’ve waited for this night to come/ Don’t lay awake and wait up for my love,” vocalist Sam Behr wails over a Daft-Punk worthy beat. Her breathy yet smooth soprano is perfect compliment to the airy nature of the instrumental; even in its more melancholy moments, this album stays light on its feet.

    Written over a weeklong songwriting session in Puerto Rico, lead songwriter Alex Van drew inspiration from time in PR’s El Yunque National Forest, where he felt both inspired by the lush exoticism of the space and contemplative of the idea of navigating a forest trail while washing away a lost love. The influence of this trip is clear throughout the album’s lyrics; on later standout “Casa Soleada,” the exaltant Eagles-do-disco beat provides the soundboard for the refrain: “Can’t wash you away.”

    bad business club

    Bad Business Club emphasizes their nature as a collective, each contributing their own strengths while building a song together. Outside of the studio, the band hosts a podcast, “Imbibe the Vibe,” where each week they pair a cocktail with a new genre of music.

    The band’s omnivorous tastes meld together on Naked Neighbor. Sneaky highlight “Too Hot To Handle (Prelude)” showcases this perfectly, mostly forgoing lyrics to incorporate vocals in a new way. Where grooves leaned acoustic on past Bad Business Club releases, on Naked Neighbor the synths are all the way up, the piano riffs are stadium-worthy, and huge production from Wiley makes every juicy note from Jim Cambell’s bass sound miles deep.

    As we enter the first summer emerging from the pandemic and look towards an uncertain future, a mix of carefree fun and lonely pondering feels familiar. Naked Neighbor captures this and reflects it back; it’s both a tribute to classic disco and an album uniquely for the times at hand. No matter what, you won’t be able to stop dancing along.

    Key Tracks: Tired of Being Over You, Casa Soleada, Too Hot To Handle (Prelude)

  • In Focus: Yam Yam brings the noise to Albany’s Alive at Five Funk Night

    On Wednesday July 21st, Albany’s Alive At Five Concert series returned to the rain location under the 787 overpass. This week featured Albany’s own Funk/soul band, Hartley’s Encore, as well as Yam Yam, a Jam/Funk/soul group from Harrisburg, PA.

    yam yam

    Check out the Setlists and photo gallery of the evening below. Alive at Five will hold their final FREE concert of the season on Wednesday, July 28 with 80s hair band Warrant, with Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival Band opening the night.

    Hartley’s Encore: Feels So Good, Burnin, Mary Jane*, Bright Light Shining, Eyes Open, All to You, Move on Up*, Hartley’s Encore

    Yam Yam: Cashew Reprise, Cashew, Juice Box, Big Bird, Grease Trap, Star Dog , Vulphie, Boogie On Reggae Woman*, Not My Dog, Central Station, Roy, ’94, Dinnertime, Kamal, Cory Wong*, Sizzle, Medusa’s Crisco, Treason, I’ll Be Right Here

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features The Grandstand Jockeys, Timbre Coup 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 Grandstand Jockeys, Timbre Coup and many more!

    Grandstand jockeys

    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.

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