On June 27th in Peru, NY, just south of Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J) will present White and Blues: Music on the Farm at White Rainbow Farm.
White and Blues will featuring Giovanina Bucci, Lucid (trio) and the Memphis based Ghost Town Blues Band for an afternoon of soul, funk and modern blues. Giovanina Bucci, a rising singer songwriter with a brand new album release, will be opening at 1pm. Following at 2pm will be the immensely popular Lucid (trio) ready to funk it up.
Lowell Wurster – Lucid
Then at 3pm, the Ghost Town Blues Band will take to the stage with a show and energy that has been hailed as the best new live blues show in the world. Their album Shine debuted number one on the Billboard Blues Charts and the band was awarded the International Entertainer of 2019.
Ghost Town Blues Band
White and Blues is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.
At White Rainbow Farm there is a beautiful open area with a sheltered barn stage and more then enough space for social distancing. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to enjoy the music and check out the food truck, beer and craft vendors.
Giovanina Bucci
Limited advance tickets are $25 dollars per person and are available at the White Rainbow Farm, Alpha Stereo and online. Children under 12 are free.
White and Blues takes place June 27th from 1-5 pm at White Rainbow Far844 Route 22B, Peru, NY.
Pioneering new wave band Devo will mark their return to the stage on September 21 and headline Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan.
The Ohio-based band, founded by brothers Mark and Robert Mothersbaugh and Gerald and the late Robert Casale, catapulted to global stardom back in the 80s with their electronic rock sound, quirky live performances and iconic music videos, including MTV hit “Whip It”.
Devo’s central concept of “devolution,” the premise that the human race has finished evolving and is now regressing into a less civilized state — was first developed by Casale and Lewis in the late 60s, while both were students at Kent State University. This concept expanded after the pair met the Mothersbaugh brothers, and took on a new level of seriousness in the wake of the Kent State shooting of four unarmed student protesters on May 4, 1970. This event would serve as a key moment in the band’s formation.
Devo’s Radio City show will be the band’s first performance in many years and one of only two headlining North American concerts. The other show will take place at the Performance Venue at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles on September 25.
We look forward to performing live again. It’s been quite a while since we’ve performed live and we’re excited to be able to bring our music to our fans in New York and Los Angeles this fall.
Devo
Tickets for the New York and Los Angeles shows go on sale June 11 on Ticketmaster.
The Eagles have added six new concert dates to their upcoming 2021 tour, produced by Live Nation. The tour will now kick off in New York on August 22 at Madison Square Garden. After two shows at the Garden, Eagles will travel to Boston’s TD Garden and Washington D.C.’s Capital One Arena.
These new dates are especially exciting because the Eagles will be performing the entirety of their iconic Hotel California album–the third best selling U.S. album in history. Founding members Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmidt will be joined on tour by Deacon Frey (son of the late Glenn Frey) and Vince Gill.
The album playthrough will feature accompaniment by an orchestra and choir. The rest of the show will finish out with a full set of greatest hits, a must-see considering the band’s album, Their Greatest Hits: (1971-1975), narrowly beats out Hotel California and stands as the number one best selling U.S. album in history.
Photo by George Holz
Tickets for the tour go on sale to the general public on Friday, June 18 at 10 AM local time. American Express cardholders have early access to tickets from June 14 at 10 AM to June 17 at 10 PM. All new dates are listed below and the full list of dates can be found here.
Sunday, August 22: New York, NY, Madison Square Garden
Tuesday, August 24: New York, NY, Madison Square Garden
Friday, August 27: Boston, MA, TD Garden
Saturday, August 28: Boston, MA, TD Garden
Tuesday, August 31: Washington, D.C., Capital One Arena
Wednesday, September 1: Washington, D.C., Capital One Arena
Spring is here and the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) is back in action. Known regionally and nationally for empowering leadership among youth musicians from communities in New York’s Capital Region and the Berkshires, The 2021 SpringUP Festival features street performances, an immersive Soundwalk in Albany’s Washington Park, and virtual mainstage performances in ESYO’s new Virtual Concert Hall.
The festival, which runs through Sunday, June 13, allows ESYO to showcase their work in the community for the first time in 15 months.
“Youth leaders are found in every ensemble and at all levels of ESYO. Their passion, resiliency, and commitment inspired ESYO to meet the challenges created by the pandemic and keep making music together.
– Carlos Ágreda, ESYO Music Director
In-person audiences are welcome to bring a lawn chair and picnic lunch to Washington Park. There is also a spot to donate perishable food items to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY.
Outdoor events are FREE and open to the general public. Tickets to ESYO’s virtual mainstage stage concerts are on sale now and start at $1 with ACCESS ESYO membership. For a complete list of festival concerts and events or to donate, visit esyo.org/springup.
Of particular interest is the immersive Soundwalk around Washington Park Leks. It was envisioned by Emma Edgar, a senior at Bethlehem High School and executed by herself and an entire team of ESYO student musicians. the Soundwalk will be accessible to the community during the summer months.
SPRINGUP FESTIVAL EVENTS
ESYO SpringUP at Troy Waterfront Farmers Market | FREE
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Time: 10AM – 1PM Venue: Troy Riverfront Park
ESYO Young Leaders Presents: ESYO Soundwalk | FREE
Jazz Orchestra, String Orchestra- GE Theatre & Repertory Classical Orchestra at the SpringUP Festival
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.
LOCKN’ has announced dates and lineups for three mini fests in 2021 across the month of August. The mini festivals will include live music, food, activities, and camping and will help reduce capacity for smaller and safer concert experiences. The festivities will be taking place on August 13 – 15, August 20 – 22, and August 27 – 29, at LOCKN’ Farm (formerly known as Infinity Downs Farm).
The LOCKN’ festival has been taking place since 2013 and takes place at the LOCKN’s 387-acre property located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Arrington, VA known as the LOCKN’ Farm. The festival generally hosts Jam bands. During its mini festivals, each weekend will be special in its own way, with a different band headlining the lineups celebrating the past, present, and future of LOCKN’. Of course, all three weekends will also feature an array of activities to enrich the summer days and nights while creating lifelong memories for all who attend.
The first weekend of fun will take place on Friday, August 13 to Sunday, August 15 with headliners Joe Russo’s Almost Dead performing six sets over three days, joined by special guests The Slip each night. In addition, Friday and Saturday night will see late-night jams and camaraderie thanks to Garcia’s Forest Improv Sessions Hosted by John Medeski and Billy Martin.
Admission tickets are available now via Front Gate Tickets HERE; camping passes are available HERE.
The second weekend of fun will take place on Friday, August 20 to Sunday, August 22 will feature “Goose Presents FRED the Festival,” a historic three-day event headlined by Goose. Guests include Dawes performing Black Sabbath’s Paranoid plus a full set of original songs, Dr. Dog, Hiss Golden Messenger, Cory Wong, Grateful Shred, and Sammy Rae & The Friends. After an eight-year hiatus, Vasudo will also be featured at FRED the Festival. Regarded as Goose’s musical predecessor, Vasudo’s feel-good sound can be described as Jamaica meets Nashville. Admission tickets are available now via Front Gate Tickets HERE; camping passes are available HERE.
The third and last weekend will take place on Friday, August 27 to Sunday, August 29 will feature a weekend of collaborative magic headlined by Tedeschi Trucks (performing Saturday and Sunday). Guests include Academy Award-winning musician Jon Batiste with his first-ever visit to the Farm on Sunday, longtime LOCKN’ favorites The Marcus King Band (performing Friday and Saturday), Lettuce, and Gabe Dixon Band. Admission tickets are available now via Front Gate Tickets HERE; camping passes are available HERE.
LOCKN’ Farm Summer 2021 will follow CDC guidelines, as well as any additional guidelines set by local and state authorities. Full details of health and safety measures and policies will be communicated to patrons in advance of attending shows at LOCKN’ Farm. The LOCKN’ Farm Summer 2021 will update as new information becomes available.
For fans who purchased tickets to the 2020 LOCKN’ Music Festival and did not previously request a refund, all purchase orders are currently in the process of being refunded in full, including all service fees, by LOCKN’ ticketing partner, Front Gate Tickets. Funds will be credited back to the original purchaser in the original form of payment. Ticket buyers in the middle of a payment plan will be refunded for the full amount paid thus far, including all service fees. No cancellation fees will be charged. Please allow 7-10 business days for refunds or credit to clear. For additional ticketing, order, or refund assistance, please contact order-support@frontgatetickets.com.
For more information on the LOCKN’ mini fests visit their website.
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.
After a 15 year hiatus following her acclaimed album Where the Mangoes Are, Albany-area folk singer Kate McDonnell is back with her fifth studio album, Ballad of a Bad Girl.
For this latest project, McDonnell collaborated with drummer Jerry Marotta, bassist Tony Levin and co-writer Anne Lindley. Recorded at Dreamland Studios in Hurley, NY last summer, Ballad of a Bad Girl features 11 tracks. McDonnell’s poignant songwriting is showcased, as well as her raw, acoustic instrumentals. It is easy to be reminded of classic Joni Mitchell or Joan Baez tracks when listening.
The opening title track “Ballad of a Bad Girl” begins with plucky, yet rich guitar. Through the context of a sisterly relationship, McDonnell sings about femininity and being misunderstood : Folks call us those bad, bad girls/We’re just misunderstood. Complex family dynamics are a major theme of the record. On the track “Father and Son”, McDonnell addresses masculinity and rage: Father and son, father and son/Two angry hearts beating as one.
McDonnell also explores topics of travel, imagination and romance. She sings about faraway places in “Berlin” and “Malibu” and tells dreamlike stories of meeting and losing loved ones and the harsh realities of broken promises.
McDonnell in the studio.
Along with 9 original tracks, Ballad of a Bad Girl features 2 covers: “Dimming of the Day” by Richard Thompson and “Long As I Can See The Light” by John Fogerty. McDonnell’s vocal and instrumental interpretations of these 70s tracks are unique and pleasant. Her voice conveys strong emotion and her fingerstyle guitar playing feels artful and personal.
Ballad of a Bad Girl is set for official release on July 1. In the meantime, tracks are currently available for listening on YouTube. You can find more about Kate McDonnell on her website.
Key Tracks: Ballad of a Bad Girl, Malibu, Sweet Virginia
With live music returning to Capital Region venues, Saratoga’s historic Caffe Lena is in a position to assist a popular jazz festival in a part of the world that is still restricted by COVID-19. With American musicians unable to cross the border for their gigs at Quebec Jazz In June, Caffè Lena will instead be producing the shows at its location in Saratoga and making it available to the Quebec Audience via livestream.
Quebec Jazz in June, a ten day festival that ushers jazz music to the streets of Quebec City has pivoted to a hybrid online, and in-person model as Canada keeps its southern border closed.
“This legendary venue has stepped up to ensure that world class American musicians will once again be a part of our annual festivities – this time through the magic of live streaming.” Says Simon Couillard, the Festival’s General Manager.
Three nights of the festivals headline artists will be live streamed from Caffe Lena to the Festival’s social media platforms. Capital Region audiences can also attend the concerts in-person, in the intimate listening room located in downtown Saratoga Springs.
“Standing in as Quebec’s USA Stage is a win-win-win. The artists get to play for the festival’s audience; Quebec Jazz can hang onto their American line-up; and Saratoga gets to experience the festival’s mainstage musicians in person,” says Caffe Lena’s Executive Director Sarah Craig.
The collaboration between Caffe Lena and Quebec Jazz in June is one to look forward to, and is a positive thing as a result of the pandemic. The historic venue has been regularly sharing their stage and live stream capabilities with a number of venues and organizations from around the region, including 2020’s Freihoffer’s Jazz Festival.
Producing more than 200 shows during 2020, the venue’s audience has expanded far beyond its 110-seat listening room, while providing more than $100,000 in income to musicians who were not able to play live shows in over a year.
“This event is a perfect example of the growth of the independent music world that happened over the past year. There was pain while it was happening, but the end result–greater access for all–is exciting for artists and audiences. This international collaboration with Quebec Jazz In June is truly exhilarating,” says Craig.
The American artists performing at Caffe Lena for this series will include Manuel Valera New Cuban Express on Thursday, June 17th, Sheila Jordan on Friday, June 18th, and the Chuck Lamb Trio featuring Chuck Lamb, Jay Anderson and Harvey Sorgen on Sunday, June 20th.
Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Valera, who has played with Paquito D’Rivera and Arturo Sandoval, begins a three-night run with a scaled-down version of his New Cuban Express Big Band. Inspired by famed Cuban writer and independence hero José Martí, Valera has created a song cycle using traditional Cuban styles merged with contemporary Latin jazz. Valera, who lost his wife in 2020, repurposed Martí’s powerful poems as a personal cry for freedom, justice and passion for life. Valera will be joined by Felipe Lamoglia on saxophone, Ricky Rodriquez on bass and Jimmy McBride on drums.
National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Sheila Jordan follows the next night. Widely regarded as one of the great jazz vocalists, she remains innovative and passionate, at the youthful of 92. Always eager to forge new connections, Jordan will be accompanied by Capital Region jazz artists Dylan Perrillo on bass, Nick Anderson on drums, and Tyler Giroux on piano.
Saratoga’s own Chuck Lamb closes out the festivities on Sunday with a trio featuring Harvey Sorgen on drums and Jay Anderson on bass. Lamb, best known as the pianist for the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, is the artist-in-residence for the acclaimed monthly “Jazz at Caffe Lena” music series. Each musician brings a wealth of talent and experience to the stage ranging from all corners of jazz music.
Caffe Lena offers a state of the art live stream experience with professional sound engineering and a multi-camera broadcasting system. Throughout the COVID-19 shutdown, the Caffe’s live stream capabilities became a lifeline for the organization as they shifted their programming to an entirely virtual experience. Now they are open for limited capacity live audiences, while also continuing to stream its nightly performances as a way to stay connected with music lovers far and wide.
Founded in 1960, Caffè Lena is a premiere concert venue located in Saratoga Springs, NY. Known around the world for fostering the preservation and growth of independent music rooted in tradition, Caffè Lena is the oldest continually running coffee house in the United States.
In person or virtually, Caffe Lena provides an unparalleled listening experience for renowned artists and breakout bands nearly every night of the week. The Caffe offers homemade desserts, locally sourced light fare, coffee, wine and beer to enjoy during the show. To buy tickets, live stream a concert and view our schedule please visit www.caffelena.org
Summary of Events Thursday, June 17, 7 PM – Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Friday, June 18, 8 PM – Sheila Jordan Trio Sunday, June 20, 7 PM – Lamb-Sorgen-Anderson
To celebrate Puerto Rican Culture Week, NY PopsUp festival will be having its annual celebration at 52 Amphitheater in The Bronx. The free event will be held on June 6th with live music at 2:30 and 4:30 pm. This is after last year’s Puerto Rican Culture Week celebration was held online.
The music talent will include GRAMMY nominated Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band who will be saluting Puerto Rican composers like Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Rafael Hernández, and more at 2:30 pm. Then at 4:30 pm, they play the complete score from the Grammy-nominated, Jazz Journalists Association Record of the Year, “West Side Story Reimagined”
NY PopsUp is an expansive festival consisting of hundreds of pop-up performances that regularly permeate the daily lives of New Yorkers. It is intended to revitalize the spirit and emotional well-being of New York citizens through the energy of live performance. The programming for NY PopsUp will be led by the interdisciplinary artist Zack Winokur, in partnership with a hand-selected council of artistic advisors who represent the diversity of New York’s dynamic performing arts scenes and artistic communities.
You can attend this event at 52 Amphitheater 681 Kelly St. Bronx, NY. COVID-19 Protocols will be followed so bring a mask.
