The Smith Center for the Arts will be host to several Geneva Music Festival performances, beginning Sunday, May 23rd, including the celebration of a decade of the diverse, talented artists that have taken part in the festival for 10 years.
The performance lineup includes classical acts Forgotten Melodies on Sunday May 23rd at 2PM, Interwoven Dialogues on Saturday May 29th at 7:30PM, and several more acts continuing into the summer. The performances are both in-person at the Smith Opera House or livestreamed. The summer dates will be performed outdoors.
For the 2021 Season, the Geneva Music Festival celebrates its first 10 years, during which it has highlighted diverse influences on classical music such as jazz, Latin, African American, and women composers and musicians, and many others.
The season opens on Thursday, May 20th, with “When the Flowers Bloom: ATLYS in the Sonnenberg Gardens.” This is the world premiere of the “Sonnenberg Suite,” composed by Ari Fisher and performed by ATLYS, the classically trained crossover string quartet. This is one of many delightful performances, and it is dedicated to the eclectic gardens of the Sonnnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park in Carandaigua, where the performance will take place. Each movement in the concert is for each of the nine gardens. Doors open at 6PM and the concert begins at 7PM.
We have been truly fortunate over the course of our first decade to consistently present world-class musicians. Our programming once again highlights the diverse scope of contributions to classical music and demonstrates the universal nature of our art. We aim to give voice to the possibilities of our time, breaking through exclusionary barriers that, historically, have unfairly restricted composers and performers. The classical canon has traditionally denied audiences the opportunity to experience the range and depth that music offers.
Geoffrey Herd, director Geneva Music festival
All tickets to these in-person performances are $25.00, and FREE for individuals 18 years old & younger. Tickets can be purchased at genevamusicfestival.com.
Additional acts of the Geneva Music Festival lineup include:
Mondo.NYC announces that 11 new showcase artists will perform at their Music, Arts and Technology Conference and Showcase Festival, from different places all over the world.
For a few years, Mondo.NYC has been around to combine tech and live music in a conference to unite musicians, fans and tech disruptors. This year marks the six year anniversary of the festival and despite the changes that COVID-19 has brought about for both industries, the goal remains the same. Rather than being an in person event, it will be an interactive virtual event that can be streamed all around the world. Mondo 2021 focuses on the experiences and changes everyone has faced during the past year and looks toward solutions for the future. The conferences have panels revolving around post-covid financial wellness and survival, music supervision, music tech, racial and gender equality in the music industry and a number of others.
The Music, Arts and Technology Conference and Showcase Festival occurs from October 12 through October 15. Tickets for the four-day event are available on Mondo.NYC’s website, with an early bird sale up to 37% off the original prices.
Tickets are currently on sale for both one day and two day passes. The event has limited capacity due to the pandemic with only 200 tickets available for each day. While camping and lodging is available through Blackthorne Resort, it is not included with the ticket. Spring Jubilee will be following protocols such as mask wearing to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Founders Entertainment has announced the lineup for the 2021 edition of Governors Ball Music Festival. The NYC-based festival celebrates its 10th Anniversary and is set to take place Friday, September 24 through Sunday, September 26 at the Citi Field complex in Queens.
Working in close consultation with the City of New York, the festival will follow all state and federal guidelines mandated at the time of the event. The festival will mark the milestone with an incredible lineup of 60+ performing artists including Billie Eilish, Post Malone, A$AP ROCKY, J Balvin, DaBaby, Megan Thee Stallion, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Ellie Goulding, Leon Bridges, 21 Savage, Young Thug, Portugal. The Man., Burna Boy, Future Islands, Phoebe Bridgers, Jamie XX, Carly Rae Jepsen, Big Thief, Bleachers, and many more.
The 2021 Governors Ball Music Festival will celebrate the return of live music, and 2021 also marks the 10th anniversary of the festival, a major milestone for an event that originated as a shared pipe-dream between New Yorkers in their early 20s who wanted to see their city play host to a music festival on par with the world’s best live music events.
As more New Yorkers become vaccinated by the day, we’re proud to support arts and culture and welcome back Governors Ball and their fantastic lineup, including New York City’s own Princess Nokia, A$AP Rocky, and King Princess, among others
Bill de Blasio, Mayor
In 2021 Governors Ball will be moving to the Citi Field complex in Queens, NY, a site with incredible accessibility via multiple transportation options, including the MTA’s 7 train line, the LIRR, and limited parking for attendees who choose to drive to the event. The festival venue will be modeled upon the one of a kind 360° layout featured at the fan favorite and also Founders Entertainment produced The Meadows Music and Arts Festival
Three-day and single day General Admission and VIP tickets will be available to All Ages via GovBall.com beginning Thursday, May 6 at 12:00 PM ET.
Music is being served up bistro-style at Rochester’s Lilac Festival this year. While it’s not feasible to host the large open-air concerts the festival has become known for, organizers have found a way to reintroduce music while maintaining safety guidelines.
Over the course of three weekends in May, they are dishing up sets from Big Blue House, Claudia Hoyser, JUMBOshrimp, acoustic-style Big Eyed Phish, and Mikaela Davis & Southern Star. A Lilac Blues & Soul review closes out the series, featuring Steve Grills and the Roadmasters alongside special guests Joe Beard, Cinnamon Jones, Debbie Kendrick, and Mike D’Aurizio.
The events take place under an open air tent, where patrons can purchase tables that seat four to six guests. Relax and nosh in a supper-club fashion – tickets include an appetizer to share. Pair it with a wine or bucket of beer, and additional nibbles from a range of local restaurants. The shows on Mother’s Day, May 9, are all ages, however the remainder are reserved for guests 21 and over (ID required). Tickets are for each event are available now.
Sunday: May 9, 2021: Mother’s Day
Big Blue House – Session: 11:30am
Big Blue House is a raucous trio of seasoned musicians with experience in a variety of genres, merging styles into a unique gumbo of folk, rock, blues, jazz and reggae. Offering a blend of voices, acoustic rhythm and lead guitar, stand-up bass, and occasional mandolin, banjo and resonator guitar. We often add percussion and a random horn or harmonica to fill up the house. Our songs run a broad scope of time and genres but keep a consistency of musicality, lyricism, imagery and tastefulness.
Sunday: May 9, 2021: Mother’s Day
Claudia Hoyser – Sessions: 2:45pm
American Country music artist, social media influencer, and hometown favorite Claudia Hoyser is bringing it back to her roots at the 2021 Rochester Lilac Festival. Claudia has blended her neo-traditional sound with social grace; her musical palette evokes
feelings through the gift of modern story or can bring on some dusty edge with barnburner flair. Just Announced: Claudia will be opening for Toby Keith and Clay Walker at The California Rodeo in Salinas, CA in 2021.
On the heels of the success of her 4 chart singles, Claudia will be releasing her full-length record this summer 2021. Be sure to tune in for her weekly video series “Hoyser Country Monday” every Monday at 6 pm EST on Facebook. The series has rallied up over 120 million views! Claudia also has her own coffee, “Hoyser Country Blend,” which can be found chain-wide in Tops Markets, Hegedorn’s, Herrema’s, Breen’s and in many local establishments.
Friday: May 14, 2021
Jumbo Shrimp – Sessions: 4pm | 6:45pm
Founded in 2006, just two guys, ALL LIVE! Tom on Vocals & Guitar. Ian on the Clamsteamer (a.k.a. Cocktail Drum Kit of his own creation)
A Rochester favorite, playing local bars, backyards and festivals for the past 15 years strong. JUMBOshrimp is working hard to be the BIGGEST little band IN THE WORLD (or Rochester, whichever comes first). While that’s a pretty serious goal, you should also know that they’re very serious about not taking themselves very serious.
JUMBOshrimp plays mostly current music but also mashes in favorite classics, always committed to engaging their audience, having FUN, making music & friends!
Saturday: May 22, 2021
Big Eyed Phish’s: Dave and Tim Acoustic Show Sessions: 2:45pm | 6:00pm
Ben and Jon are the “Dave and Tim” of Big Eyed Phish – The Dave Matthews Tribute Band. Together they perform acoustic versions of DMB songs that everyone knows and loves. Dave and Tim have played together in many venues and put out the infamous “live at Luther College” CD set! Ben and Jon do the acoustic duo justice just as they do for the full band when playing with Big Eyed Phish! Don’t miss this awesome intimate acoustic show!
Friday: May 21, 2021
Mikaela Davis & Southern Star – Sessions: 4:00pm | 6:45pm
Back this year is Lilac favorite, Mikaela Davis with a new sound! Mikaela Davis & Southern Star are bringing a taste of the Grateful Dead to the Lilac Bistro. Recently, Mikaela has not only been playing Grateful Dead tunes with Southern Star but with Bob Weir himself! Mikaela will be playing a set of Dead inspired Americana Folk with her own original tunes.
Sunday: May 23, 2021
Lilac Blues & Soul Review – Sessions: 3:15pm | 6:30pm
On Sunday May 23, the Lilac Festival will conclude with a Blues and Soul extravaganza featuring Steve Grills and the Roadmasters along with special guests blues artist Joe Beard, singers Cinnamon Jones and Debbie Kendrick and singer and harmonica player Big Mike D’Aurizio. Singer guitarist Steve Grills is well know as Rochester’s formost Purveyor of the Blues. Steve has played at the top blues venues and festivals across the country including the Chicago Blues Festival. His CD release After Hours received tremendous airplay leading it to chart at # 39 on the Top 100 Blues Albums of the year.
Bluesman Joe Beard is truly a Rochester legend. His music has taken him all across the US and he has also performed at some of Europe’s most prestigious music festivals. He has released numerous albums to great acclaim. Joe was inducted to the Rochester Music Hall of Fame in 2017. He continues to thrill audiences with his powerful singing and intense and fiery guitar work after more than 50 years.
Singer Cinnamon Jones has built a tremendous reputation over the last few years through her many spirited and soulful live performances. Once you see and here Cinnamon, you will never forget her. Cinnamon toured extensively with the Campbell Brothers and has since toured the US and internationally on her own. She began singing gospel in NYC where she was born. Cinnamon later moved to the SF Bay area where her performing career grew, leading her to be awarded Best Female Vocalist for consecutive years.
Singer Debbie Kendrick has a personality that warms her audiences like the sun breaking through the clouds. She has led her own group in Rochester for well over 10 years and has built a great reputation with her blend of soul and blues music.
Big Mike D’Aurizio is a singer and harp player who possesses a great command and respect for traditional blues. Mike’s powerful electric harp playing and singing is sure to blow your blues away.
Now in it’s 123rd year, the internationally-known festival held at historic Highland Park features lilacs and gardens, runs, beer and wine tasting, and a kid zone. For more information visit the Rochester Events website.
To whet your appetite for the Lilac Fest bistro experience, here’s a clip of Mikaela Davis playing with Bob Weir on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series:
The Brooklyn Film Festival (BFF) has announced its 24th annual installment, running from June 4 to June 13. 2021’s lineup includes the online premiere of 140 films, available to stream any time throughout the 10-day period. It also sees the return of in-person screenings, at Windmill Studios in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, from June 5 to June 13.
This year’s theme is ‘The Clearing.’ Cinemas are slowly reopening after spending the last year shuttered, signaling the end of a lost year. While the 23rd Brooklyn Film Festival was fully virtual, the 24th will be a hybrid, featuring distanced in-person selections.
For this year’s festival alone, BFF received 2,615 submissions from 91 countries. The 140 chosen films will air as 33 program blocks, with feature-length films playing alone and shorts grouped together by category and direction. There are six categories overall (Feature Narrative, Documentary Feature, Short Narrative, Short Documentary, Experimental and Animation), but all films are eligible to win the festival’s top award: the Grand Chameleon. There are also 29 minor awards, with each winner receiving a prize totalling $50,000 in cash, film services and products. While judging panels determine some of the winners, the BFF Audience gets to vote online for their favorites.
New York residents are getting vaccinated in large numbers and are diligently observing the city rules regarding safe distancing and mask wearing. Cinemas are re-opening with new, safer policies and criteria. Because of this, we feel a sweet sense of optimism, as if we were experiencing a slow awakening from a one-year hibernation. That is why BFF is ready to show indie films to live audiences. Considering the amazing success of last year’s virtual festival, BFF will offer the full lineup online, again this year. ‘The Clearing’ is about safe distancing also from all the accumulated pain and anger of the past year, and is about getting re-acquainted with life’s important values. Fundamentally, ‘The Clearing’ is a message of hope that we want to spread, while trying to leave the ‘Covid tunnel’ behind us.
BFF Executive Director, Marco Ursino
The 17th Annual KidsFilmFest will also stream online from June 4 to June 13. There are two programs: one for ages 3 to 7, and another for ages 8 to 15. All children’s films are rated G.
Lake George Music Festival has announced a new venue for their 2021 season at the Carriage House on the grounds of Fort William Henry. The season will follow state and local COVID-19 guidelines while bringing back some much needed live music to the Lake George area.
The Carriage House on the grounds of Fort William Henry was a popular venue for years ago for the Lake George Music Festival and its resurgence into the spotlight recently. A big part of this resurgence has been part of a broader effort between the music festival, the Village of Lake George, and a small group of community minded individuals who wish to see Lake George become a cultural tourism destination.
Alexander Lombard who is the festival’s founder spoke about this decision in the venue in the festival’s official press release saying,
The Carriage House is absolutely the perfect indoor performance space for us. It boasts a large floor plan, easy parking, climate control, and a multitude of other amenities in a prime Lake George location; not to mention the best view of Lake George! It has a beautiful hotel, restaurants, and attractions a short walk away. I truly hope other arts groups will take advantage of this venue in the coming years, making Lake George a year-round cultural tourism destination.
One of the big reasons the festival is so excited for this venue is the venue’s capacity to handle COVID-19 safety precautions. The venue’s spacious interior allows for significant audience distancing and because of that it gives the festival the confidence it needs to rehearse and perform safety and at the highest levels. The festival will meticulously comply with required New York State mandates including limited capacity, distancing, and face coverings. They learned a great deal from hosting our live Drive-In Series last September and will use this acquired knowledge to help the Lake George Music Festival be as safe as possible.
The ten year anniversary season will be celebrated from August 18-25, 2021. The season tickets go on sale on May 1, 2021 and the single tickets will go on sale on July 1, 2021.
For more information on the Festival visit their website here.
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival and the Ziontific Music Festival are postponing their events until 2022.
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Oak Hill, NY. Photo Credit: Alan Hamilton
Both Grey Fox and Ziontific seek to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone attending. Moving the festivals to next summer allows more time to counteract the negative consequences of the pandemic.
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival will take place July 14-17, 2022. The Grey Fox Staff is hoping to get beyond COVID-19 with extended vaccinations, social distancing, and standard health regulations. Updates for Grey Fox 2022 will be on their website as well as other social media pages.
Last year, the team and artists joined together to create a virtual Spirit of Grey Fox 2020. Fans and musicians were able to come together to raise $25,000 for the IBMA Trust Fun for COVID-19 Relief. With this generosity and spirit of the community, the momentum pushes forward as live shows become a reality again.
Similarly, the Ziontific 10th-year celebration is postponed to June 2022. All 2020 tickets and glamping packages automatically roll over to 2022. However, anyone looking for a refund can do so by contacting Ziontific by May 19, 2021.
While fans eagerly wait for the festivities, a ZTFamily Facebook Group is open to help bring everyone together. Feel free to share Ziontific throwback photos, videos, or even write about memories there.
Safe & Soundz festival will take place June 11-13, 2021 at Magic Forest Farm in Coeymans Hollow, outside of Albany, NY.
The festival lineup includes Space Bacon, Wax Future, Escaper, Leon Trout, Pheel, Pi Wrecks, Weird Phishes, Ampevene, Baked Shrimp, Boogie knights, Chyld, Bobby Ganache, Father Figure, The Business, and Saturday morning yoga with Ilas.
Held at Magic Forest Farm and produced by Shepheard Productions, the festival is a small event with only 150 tickets sold and 9 campsites. Each campsite came with their own fire-pit and 2 Car-side parking spots and is good for up to 8 campers maximum. They also offer 3 rental options: Tipi (4 people), Yurt (3 people) and Cabin (6 people), each with its own charm and amenities. Attendees are also encouraged to find a nice secluded spot away from others to pitch their tent, hang their hammock and relax on any of the beautiful 230 acres in the Catskill mountains.
The Safe & Soundz festival will be taking many COVID-19 safety precautions. The stage will have socially distanced viewing pods. These pods will be on a first come, first served basis throughout the day/night and capacity will not exceed 1 group per pod (8 people max). People are also expected to wear a face mask anytime they leave their campsite or their viewing pod. In addition to following all state and local safety guidelines the festival will also be checking attendees temperatures upon admission, supplying sanitation sites throughout the grounds, masks will also be required when moving around campsites. These rules are subject to change come mid-June, but for right now, they’re taking the most precaution to ensure everyone’s safety.
Although the festival is sold out, Safe & Soundz festival tickets may be available on resale sites and groups. For more information visit Shepheard Production’s Facebook Page.
The Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium is hosting the 22nd Annual Brooklyn Jazz Festival from April 16 to April 30th.
Brooklyn’s longest continuously running festival dedicated to Jazz is excited to come back after taking 2020 off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The series offers a blend of in person and and online musical events, with several pop up food booths being present at the conecerts. The in person concerts are located at restaurants located throughout Brooklyn in the neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights, East New York, and Gowanus. All programs and concerts are free to the public and follow NYS mandated Covid Social Distancing Guidelines.
The festival offers a diverse array of performers, including the likes of Gerry Eastman Trio, The Mat Baker Trio, The October Revolution and Grammy Nominee Nicole Zuraitis. The festival simultaneously encourages people to experience the borough’s unique ethnic enclaves and sample international cuisines. Participating institutions, organizations, and venues are Fusion East, Lila’s Café, Nostrand Social, Kingsborough Community College, Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin’ Jazz, Sistas’ Place, and Williamsburg Music Center.
The social impact remains long after this music series and is less noticeable. Building relationships among neighboring businesses, interactions among the different ethnic groups, and memorable experiences are some of the intangible advantages derived from bringing people together in this environment.
Clarence Mosely Jr, CBJC Chariman
Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999, provides services and is a presenter of live music events within Brooklyn’s underserved communities. The Consortium was founded and organized by Torrie McCarthy, Viola Plummer and Alma Carrol. For the past 22 years, The Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium has produced an annual jazz festival, established a Brooklyn Jazz Hall of Fame, and featured local jazz talent in its programming.
