Guitarist and producer Cory Wong will head out on the road this summer with his new band, Cory and The Wongnotes. This will be their first live tour as a band.
Corey Wong
On stage, Wong will be accompanied by an 11-piece band that includes members from Hornheads, Stay Human, and featured vocalist Antwaun Stanley. This tour will be a follow-up from a YouTube series on Cory Wong’s YouTube called Cory and The Wongnotes.
The eight episode Youtube series is a fun mix of a talk show, comedy sketches, and of course live music from their album Cory and The Wongnotes. They also have played live on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert alongside Eddie Barbash performing “Bluebird” from their new album.
It’s true, the Music Never Stopped, as Dead and Company will head out on the road this summer, their first shows since Playin in the Sand in January 2020. Dead and Company will embark on a 2021 Summer Tour, making four stops in New York State. Citi Field, Bethel Woods, Darien Lake and SPAC will all find multiple generations of Deadheads traversing the state this summer on a mission to get down.
The most recent New York appearance for Dead and Company was their Halloween run at Madison Square Garden in 2019. The Empire State will have an “Easy Wind” blowing across it later this summer, as Dead and Company comes to Citi Field on Friday, August 20, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Monday, August 23, Darien Lake Amphitheater on Wednesday, August 25, and Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Friday, August 27.
The Capital Region served as the foundation for Dead and Company’s start with their first performance at Times Union Center in Albany on October 29, 2015. John Mayer and Oteil Burbridge joined the band beyond description for “Playing in the Band” as the first tune to start their journey.
To ensure fans get tickets in their hands directly, Fan Registration is now available here until Sunday, May 16 at 10PM PDT, through Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan program. The Verified Fan Presale begins Wednesday, May 19th at 10 AM local through Thursday, May 20 at 10 PM local venue time. Supplies are limited.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, May 21 at Noon local venue time through Ticketmaster.
A rainbow over SPAC, June 2019
Dead & Company will continue their work with longtime sustainability partner REVERB. This summer the band has committed to a comprehensive carbon offset program via Reverb’s unCHANGEit Climate Campaign, covering all projected emissions from this year’s tour – including fan travel to and from shows. These Dead & Company tour offsets will immediately fund important projects around the world and here at home that directly fight climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.
Dead and Company Summer 2021 Tour will offer a variety of enhanced experience packages that range in amenities from Loose Lucy’s Lounge access and early venue entry to branded lawn chairs and limited-edition screen-printed posters, paired with premium concert tickets. Travel Packages that bundle concert tickets with local accommodations will also be available. All enhanced offerings and travel packages go on sale May 19 at 10AM local venue time. For full details, visit here.
Jerry Garcia’s words and music get to carry another Summer and Fall Tour across the country. This cast certainly knows how to honor his historic improvisational ability while expressing their own voices on it. They have been given the seal of approval from original crew members and fans a like. Six years later it remains the Dead’s biggest revival. Oteil Burbridge doesn’t feel like a stranger for another tour. “When Bill Walton says you’re good, you quit worrying.”
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?
Dead & Company 2021 Tour
Mon-Aug-16 Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park
Wed-Aug-18 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Fri-Aug-20 – New York, NY – Citi Field
Sat-Aug-21 Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park
Mon-Aug-23 Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Wed-Aug-25 Darien, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
Fri-Aug-27 Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Sat-Aug-28 Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
Thu-Sep-02 Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Fri-Sep-03 Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Sun-Sep-05 Hartford, CT – The Xfinity Theatre
Tue-Sep-07 Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
Fri-Sep-10 Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
Sat-Sep-11 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Mon-Sep-13 Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre STL
Wed-Sep-15 Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Sep 17-18 Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field
Wed-Oct-06 West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Thu-Oct-07 Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Mon-Oct-11 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Tue-Oct-12 – Atlanta, GA – Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
Creative Concerts has announced yet another concert at Apple Valley Park in Lafayette, just south of Syracuse. Get the Led Out will perform on Friday, June 18th, bringing the sounds of Led Zeppelin with them.
Get The Led Out (GTLO) has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The Philadelphia-based group consists of six veteran musicians, intent on delivering Led Zeppelin live, like you’ve never heard before! Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO re-creates songs, in all their depth and glory, with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. When you hear three guitars on the album, GTLO delivers three guitarists on stage. No wigs or fake English accents, GTLO brings what the audience wants, a high energy Zeppelin concert with honest, heart-thumping intensity.
Like previous events announced in this outdoor series, events will be socially distanced, with fans being able to purchase tickets in roped-off PODS for parties of 2, 4 or 6. In an effort to create a safe experience for guests, a carefully throughout site plan has been developed allowing for temperature screenings and surveys to be conducted upon entering the event grounds. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, all PODS are spaced a minimum of six feet apart. A variety of food and beverage options will be available for purchase. Site map and FAQ for the venue can be found at applevalleypark.com/faq
ABOUT APPLE VALLEY PARK: Apple Valley Park is located in beautiful LaFayette, NY. With its rural atmosphere, rolling hills, and expansive fall foliage, it has proven to be a wonderful home to the annual LaFayette Apple Festival since 1973. More recently it has expanded to host other live entertainment events, including a few successful drive-in concerts in the fall of 2020.
Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, May 14th at 10am at applevalleypark.com
FRANK, a Brooklyn based group made up of Christian Linsey (drums and percussion, vocals), Billy Ziff (bass) and Scott Porter (guitar, vocals). On April 23, FRANK released their most recent piece of their already great discography. The title, Dreams and Fears of the Outside, is a perfect reflection of where we are now.
With the opening lyrics, “Things will never be the same now, somehow everything’s the same” FRANK puts forth their most eclectic album to date by changing everything while keeping their unique style intact. With a collection of folksy, lyrically driven tunes and funky dance numbers, this latest release offers something that everyone can enjoy. For that matter, this album is loaded with really unique songs that flow nicely into one another.
The album opens with “The Confusion”. This acoustic track builds brilliantly throughout and transitions into an incredibly danceable song, “New York (How I Feel)”. The group finds their groove here before moving on to a song that sounds like it could be right from The Big Pink. Big credit to the band for being able to span such a vast gamut of styles through the first half of the album. Though each song is so different, there is a cohesiveness to the atmosphere of the record.
The bass goes wild on “Namaste” as the drums groove with a spry pep. The energy picks as the anthemic “Can You Hear Me Now?” injects a bit of a Neil Young with guitarist Scott Porter’s dirty yet wonderfully melodic vocals. “Big Sur” is a great downtempo song with lush harmonies and a really harrowing guitar part that hovers like a cloud above the song. “Have a Good Time” is a beautifully written song. It has everything you want from a Rolling Stones influenced vibe. It still maintains the characteristic heavy drums and renegade guitar that FRANK has been putting on display throughout the record.
The last couple songs are a nice come down from the meaty middle of this release. “Today” is a perfect bookend for the album to pair with the opening track. This whole work is a pleasure to listen to, and as guitarist Scott Porter puts it, “The record is like calling a friend.” While each song oozes influence from past artists, FRANK does a spectacular job of making each tune their own. From top to bottom, there is not a song that you should skip. There is plenty of replay value. Keep on the lookout for more from this group. While they are split between the Catskills and NYC area currently, they are still able to release gems like this while apart. Stream the album and access all streaming platforms here. Check out their YouTube, Instagram and Facebook for more info.
Key Tracks: New York (How I Feel), Have a Good Time, Today
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced the 2021 inductees, including big names like Jay-Z, Foo Fighters and Tina Turner. This year’s inductees are one of the most diverse groups in the history of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with three different women artists being inducted into the performers category for the first time ever.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation decided back in 1985 where to open its physical museum and ultimately decided on Cleveland, Ohio. In 1986, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced its first group of inductees which consisted of Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, James Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke and the Everly Brothers.
JAY-Z, Dave Grohl, Tina Turner (Getty Images)
This year’s inductees includes Jay-Z and the Foo Fighters who only just became eligible this year. It also includes Carole King, Tina Turner, and The Go-Go’s, which is the first time three different women artists were inducted into the performers category in the same year. Dave Grohl (previously with Nirvana), Turner (previously with Ike Turner), and King (previously with Gerry Goffin) have all been inducted before. Turner and King follow Stevie Nicks as the only women to be inducted multiple times before.
This is the most diverse class of inductees in the history of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, to Pitchfork.
Outside the “Performers” induction category, several iconic artists received recognition from the Rock Hall. Early Influence Awards went to Kraftwerk, Gil Scott-Heron, and Charley Patton this year. The Musical Excellence Award went to LL Cool J, Billy Preston, and Randy Rhoads. Music executive Clarence Avant is this year’s Ahmet Ertegun Award honoree.
For more information on the 2021 inductees visit the RRHOF website.
2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees
Performer Category Foo Fighters The Go-Go’s JAY-Z Carole King Todd Rundgren Tina Turner
Ahmet Ertegun Award Clarence Avant
Musical Excellence Award LL Cool J Billy Preston Randy Rhoads
Early Influence Award Kraftwerk Gil Scott-Heron Charley Patton
Firefly festival is back. The unparalleled East Coast music festival, nestled in Delaware’s picturesque Woodlands, has announced its return over September 23-26, 2021. The 2021 Firefly Festival, in conjunction with AEG Presents, will features a lineup that includes headlining sets from Billie Eilish, The Killers, Tame Impala, and Lizzo.
As the largest East Coast camping festival, Firefly has earned its reputation as one of the country’s rite-of-passage destinations for music lovers across the U.S. With a similar approach to bringing fans the larger than life experiences that helped establish the likes of Glastonbury and Reading/Leeds as must-attend events, Firefly has grown into one of the biggest, most-beloved music weekends in America.
Firefly’s return in 2021 will be exactly what fans needed from the live setting they’ve been missing for over a year — incredible sets from iconic artists; the best food and beverage offerings within the Delaware Valley; unique, festival-exclusive moments that only Firefly could provide; and so much more.
Sign up for exclusive presale access at fireflyfestival.com for your chance to secure weekend passes at the lowest price possible. Presale begins Friday, May 14th at 10 am ET. Pass Prices Start At $299 for Weekend GA and $699 for Weekend VIP.
With many camping packages and amenities to choose from, there is something for every fan. Camping packages include access to daily yoga, a beach club, silent discos, intramural sports, and permanent showers as well as a farmers’ market and general store. Ranger Stations throughout the campgrounds act as a community resource where festival-goers can access information, find support, and engage in other activities throughout the weekend. Camping Rangers are thoughtful, friendly, caring and informed staff whose sole focus is to ensure a positive festival experience for everyone.
Firefly Music Festival is conveniently located within driving distance from major metropolitan areas on the East Coast, including Philadelphia (under two hours), Baltimore (under two hours), Washington D.C (under two hours) and New York City (three hours). Fans can also take advantage of Amtrak service to Wilmington, Delaware as well as SEPTA and Greyhound bus line service.
Visit FireflyFestival.com for more information.
The 2021 Firefly Festival line up (in ABC order):
Almost Monday Aluna Anna of the North Arlo Parks Atlas Genius Badflower Band of Horses Big Wild Billie Eilish Binki Blackbear Blossom Cage The Elephant Cannons Caribou Carolesdaughter Cassy Chris Lake Claud Clever Clozee Deep Sea Diver Denzel Curry Des Rocs Diplo Dominic Fike Duckwrth Duke Dumont Elohim Flo Milli GG Magree and Mija girl in red Glass Animals Gracie Abrams Grandson iann dior Jordy Judah and the Lion JXDN Kenny Mason Kennyhoopla Khruangbin The Killers Kim Petras Laundry Day Lizzo Lost Frequencies Lovelytheband LP Giobbi Machine Gun Kelly Madds Madeon Marc Rebillet Maria Isabel Megan Thee Stallion Michigander Middle Kids Missio Mt. joy Nelly Noga Erez Oliver Tree ONR Orion Sun Peach Pit Phoebe Bridgers Portugal. the Man Positive Movement Drumline redveil Remi Wolf REZZ Ritt Momney Roddy Ricch Role Model Royal & The Serpent Rossy Rozet Serena Isioma Slander $NOT Sofi Tukker St. Panther Still Woozy Sub Urban Surf Mesa Sylvan Esso Taking Back Sunday Tame Impala Tate McRae Trevor Daniel Turnstile White Reaper Wiz Khalifa
Legendary alt-rock band from Jamestown, 10,000 Maniacs featuring Mary Ramsey, will be performing at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards on Friday, June 11th, marking their first performance since February 29, 2020.
10,000 Maniacs has been kicking it for 40 years at this point. The band still consist of four of the six original members: Mary Ramsey, who replaced the lead singer in 1993 on lead vocals and viola; Steven Gustafson on bass and guitar; Dennis Drew on keyboard; Jeff Erickson who replaced founding member Robert Buck on guitar; John Lombardo on guitar; and Jerome Augustyniak on drums.
After nearly 15 months off the road, 10,000 Maniacs is excited to finally get back to playing shows. The time off the road has also given the band time to write new material, with a couple dozen new tunes in the works and the prospect of recording a new studio album. Releasing close to 20 albums over their storied career, 10,000 Maniacs has become recognized as one of the most enduring bands from the early “alternative rock” movement. Their critically acclaimed, break-out album, “In My Tribe”, was included in Rolling Stone Magazine’s “100 Best Albums Of The Eighties.”
It will be a happy day when we all in the arts and everyday life can experience the freedom to breathe and be in a safe and nurturing environment. I am looking forward to being energized again by our amazing and loyal fans
Mary Ramsey, Lead Singer
Tickets are offered in pods of 2 people ($130-$190) and 4 people ($260-$380). For more information call 315-696-6055 or visit beakandskiff.com
On Saturday, May 8, Pink Talking Fish played at State Theatre of Ithaca, to celebrate the town’s Grateful Dead Day and pay tribute to the Grateful Dead’s 5/8/77 Cornell Show. This year marked the 44th anniversary of the Barton Hall show,
photo by Casey Martin
Fusing Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, PhishandGrateful Dead songs from the May 8, 1977 performance at Cornell, Pink Talking Fish dove deep and honed in on the Dead catalog and the spirit of the original show.
The show is set to rebroadcast Thursday, May 27 on Fans.Live.
photo by Casey Martin
Pink Talking Fish May 8th, 2021 The State Theater Ithaca, NY Set 1: New Minglewood Blues >Happiest Days Of Our Lives >Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 >Another Brick In The Wall Part 3 >Free, They Love Each Other, Nothing But Flowers, Jack Straw, Pigs (3 Different Ones) >This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody), Deal, Run Like An Antelope
Set 2: Scarlet Begonias >Fire On The Mountain, Divided Sky >Fearless* >Divided Sky, Crosseyed And Painless, Estimated Prophet >Alumni Blues >Letter To Jimmy Page >Alumni Blues, Wish You Were Here >Not Fade Away >St Stephen Outro >Once In A Lifetime
Tuesday, May 11 kicked off a three-part streaming event to combat racism and inequity in the Broadway community. The March on Broadway includes actors Laura Benanti, Stephanie J. Block, Sierra Boggess, Kelli O’Hara, and Celia Keenan-Bolger have joined March on Broadway’s fight against the treatment of minority Broadway workers.
The actors are each hosting guest speakers live to talk about the treatment of those with minority status on Broadway. Yesterday at 9AM, Lauren Benanti (@laurabenanti) talked with Davon Williams and Courtney Daniels about the Black Theatre Matters Bill, a monumental piece of legislation that has passed through the Actors’ Equity Association’s First Inaugural National Convention that stands poised to radically change the union and the industry at large.
Tonight, May 12, at 9PM, Stephanie J. Block (@stephaniejblock) will host Jaime Cepero, Shakina Nayfack, and L Morgan in a conversation centered around Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Non-Conforming Artist inclusion in the theatre industry.
Tomorrow, May 13, at 2PM Sierra Boggess (@officialsierraboggess) will talk with Nattalyee Randall, Ryan J. Haddad, and Joshua Castille about Deaf and Disabled community within the theatre industry and its issues with accessibility. An ASL interpreter will be present for the duration of the livestream. Viewers are encouraged to participate in every conversation and share their thoughts.
The March on Broadway, April 22. Photo by Rebecca J Michaelson (@rebeccajmichaelson)
TheMarch on Broadway was held on April 22nd in protest against the Broadway League and the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the union for live theatre performers. The protest was a response to the inequitable treatment of marginalized communities and hoped to create change which would make Broadway a safer place to work when shows open.
The protest was also sparked by the Hollywood Reporter’s cover story about Scott Rudin, a Broadway and film producer with an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and 17 Tonys. Several interns have come out with horror stories about the way he treated them. Each was subject to nearly constant verbal and physical abuse. Kevin Ghram-Caso, Rudin’s executive assistant from 2008-2009, developed PTSD after working for the producer and later committed suicide.
Sis and Ashley De La Rosa. Photo by Rebecca J Michaelson
The protest and live streams focus on the following five demands:
Following Scott Rudin’s resignation from the Broadway League, the Actors’ Equity Association must take immediate action in adding him to the “Do Not Work” list.
A full report on how the 2019-2020 Equity dues were spent and what percentage was spent to help conversations around diversity.
A full list of organizations that AEA is working with to help Black, Indigenous, and POC feel safer.
Specific plans of action and a timeline for how the Black Theatre Matters bill will be implemented as well as greater visibility on how the national council votes on policy.
Working to achieve greater inclusion for Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Non-Conforming union members. Working to achieve greater inclusion and accessibility for Deaf and Disabled union members.
Protest organizers Nattalyee Randall and Courtney Daniels said, “At a time where marginalized communities are doing most of the heavy lifting, it is essential for our allies to accept their role and position in dismantling white supremacy.”
Photo by Rebecca J Michaelson
Days after the Hollywood Reporter published the story on Rudin, the AEA and other entertainment industry unions released a joint statement speaking out against workplace harassment. On April 17, AEA asked Rudin to release his staff from NDAs, which force his assistants to remain anonymous or silent. A spokesperson for Rudin said “he is stepping back from his professional work, so that he can do the proper work to address these issues.”
Still, the fight is far from over. The Broadway League has not commented on the March on Broadway or Rudin’s abusive behavior. “Now can you believe what we have done in six days?” Courtney Daniels asks. “Now could you imagine what we could do in a month?” The streams are leading up to the meeting between the AEA and March on Broadway’s organizers on the 14th to talk about these demands.
We have a union that is interlocked in supremacy. We are tired of the town halls. We have waited an entire year for our union to work for us. To give us answers. To show us transparency. No, we will not be easily distracted.
New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club returns this summer with a lineup ready to get back to live performances. Kicking off June 15, Sony Presents Blue Note Jazz Festival will feature Ron Carter, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Robert Glasper, Jacob Collier, Eddie Palmieri, John Scofield and Al Di Meola, among many other musicians scheduled to perform through August 15.
Performances will take place both indoors at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village and Central Park Summerstage. The performances at the Blue Note Jazz Club mark the return of musicians to the legendary stage following closure in March 2020.
Reopening the Blue Note and re-establishing the Festival in 2021 is a significant and important step toward restoring the vibrant music community of New York City. The reopening will also allow us to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Festival this year as well as the 40th anniversary of the Blue Note New York.
Steven Bensusan, President Blue Note Entertainment Group
Variety notes that four artists performing in the 10th anniversary Blue Note Jazz Festival appeared in its inaugural edition: Chris Botti, Eddie Palmieri, Ron Carter, and Eric Krasno. The festival also welcomes artists making their Blue Note debuts, Brasstracks, Ghost-Note, and Digable Planets.
Blue Note Jazz Club adheres to the reopening guidelines as set forth by the City of New York, New York State, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Tickets can be purchased here.
BLUE NOTE JAZZ FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
SummerStage in Central Park: Sunday, June 20 – Chris Botti Sunday, June 27 – George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic Sunday, July 11 – Galactic feat. Anjelika ‘Jelly’ Joseph & MonoNeon
Blue Note (Greenwich Village): Tuesday, June 15 – Sunday, June 20 – Robert Glasper Monday, June 21 – Jacob Collier and Friends Tuesday, June 22 – Wednesday, June 23 – Ghost-Note Thursday, June 24 – Sunday, June 27 – Ravi Coltrane w/ Orrin Evans, Dezron Douglas, Johnathan Blake Monday, June 28 – Joel Ross Tuesday, June 29 – Thursday, July 1 – Eric Krasno Trio (E3 FT Eric Kalb & Eric Finland) Friday, July 2 – Saturday, June 3 – Brasstracks Sunday, July 4 – Monday, July 5 – Eddie Palmieri Residency Tuesday, July 6 – Wednesday, July 7 – Maurice “Mobetta” Brown Thursday, July 8 – Sunday, July 11 – John Scofield Monday, July 12 – Thursday, July 15 – Keyon Harrold Friday, July 16 – Sunday, July 18 – Talib Kweli with Live Band Monday, July 19 – Eddie Palmieri Residency Tuesday, July 20 – Wednesday, July 21 – James Carter Quartet w/ James Hurt, Gerald Cannon, Kahlil Kwame Bell Thursday, July 22 – Saturday, July 24 – Ms. Lisa Fischer Monday, July 26 – Michel Camilo Tuesday, July 27 – Judith Hill Wednesday, July 28 – Thursday, July 29 – Joe Lovano Quartet Friday, July 30 – Sunday, Aug 1 – Al Di Meola Monday, Aug 2 – Eddie Palmieri Residency Wednesday, Aug 4 – Sunday, Aug 8 – Ron Carter Quartet w/ Renee Rosnes, Jimmy Greene, Payton Crossley Monday, Aug 9 – Tuesday, Aug 10 – Isaiah Sharkey Wednesday, Aug 11 – Thursday, Aug 12 – Digable Planets Friday Aug 13 – Sunday, Aug 15 – John Pizzarelli Better Days Ahead (Solo Guitar Takes on Pat Metheny)
