NYS Music 202​1

Category: News Desk

  • William ‘Tragedy’ Yager Buys Albany’s Fuze Box

    William ‘Tragedy’ Yager bought Albany’s Fuze Box. The entrepreneur will be bringing the club back to it’s counter culture heyday. 

    Fuze Box

    Time Union reported the sale of the Fuze Box on August 10, 2021 to William ‘Tragedy’ Yager. William ‘Tragedy’ Yager owns an array of businesses in Albany known as the ‘Tragic Empire.’ The empire includes Patsy’s Barber Shop, Modern Body Art, Shocker Tattoo Co., Lucky Cat Laundromat, and now the Fuze Box. The empire dedicates itself to uplifting the community of Albany and aims for inclusive style and design, and supports local charitable causes, including the William Yager Memorial Foundation providing educational stipends and addiction services to young adults and their families. 

    The Fuze Box cocktail club that offers punk & indie rock shows and has regular DJs sets. It’s a retro-themed space. The building has been around since the early 50’s but became a venue, first called the Q2E Club, back in 1986. Now the Fuze Box will be going back to surviving it’s counter culture and underground scene under its new management. The Fuze Box was listed for sale back in August of 2020 for $244,900.

    William ‘Tragedy’ Yager wrote on the Fuze Box’s Facebook wall saying, “I am so excited with all the positive feedback. I am currently giving the place a good bath and decluttering. I look forward to collaborating with everyone to make this a success.  My vision is a museum, memorial every changing art installation. I want to preserve the past as well as encourage the future. Love is the answer.” After signing the message attaching his own personal page to the message with a small follow up afterwards reaching out further to the public saying, “Ps. Inbox me with any ideas or anything at all. Super excited.”

    It is unclear when the Fuze Box will reopen but under its new management it is sure to be an exciting reopening for the Albany music scene. 

  • The Slip plan Northeast November Tour, with stops in Brooklyn and Woodstock

    Just as cargo shorts, hair dye and flannel are making a comeback in the ’20s, a classic jam band from the ’90s is also making a triumphant return. The Slip, having just reunited at LOCKN’ in August, will hit the road for six shows this November, with three shows in New York.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMRHbayESZQ

    The Slip – drummer Andrew Barr, guitarist Brad Barr and bassist Marc Friedman – had released eight albums over 10 years, starting in 1997, and while they have reunited here and there over the years, this run of shows marks their first tour in more than a decade.

    After starting the tour in Burlington at Higher Ground, they’ll make two more stops in New England at Fete Music Hall and The Sinclair before heading to Brooklyn Bowl for two nights, followed by an intimate performance at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock. Tickets go on sale this Friday, September 17 at 10 a.m. ET at each venue’s website below.

    The Slip Tour Dates

      Nov. 11 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
    Nov. 12 – Providence, RI – Fete Music Hall
    Nov. 13 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair
    Nov. 18 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
    Nov. 19 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
    Nov. 20 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios

  • Utica Preps For 5th Annual Downtown Getdown Music And Arts Fest On September 18

    On Saturday, September 18 Handshake.City will host the 5th Annual Downtown Getdown Music and Arts Fest in Downtown Utica. This festival made its debut in 2016 and continues to bring people together to celebrate Utica’s music and creativity. 

    Downtown Getdown

    Be there by 10am for the ‘Getdown to the Mat,’ that is an all-levels yoga class with In Bloom Yoga. Of course, free of charge and no registration required. 

    After lowering your heart rate and blood pressure, Handshake.City brings live music, art and a vendor fair from noon to 6pm. Who will be performing you ask? None other than Utica’s finest local talent. Ashleigh DeCarr will open at 12pm with an acoustic Americana-contemporary background. Then we’ll hear from The Lower Tolpa, Deeplex, Vada March, and the recently reunited The Reuben James at 4:30pm. That’ll be a complete circle of rock, dub reggae, acoustic pop and folk rock. Please welcome these guests for their first time on this stage.

    If that’s not enough there will also be live glass blowing and wood carving demonstrations. The vendor fair will have food and beer for sale along with homemade and vintage goods. 

    Take your best shot at the Server Sprint at 2pm. Servers will race through Handshake.City with a loaded tray for the chance to win prizes and cash, and now you can too! Register just before the race starts and get ready for the races.

    Street hockey with Utica College Pioneers Men’s Hockey team will be at 3pm with other family friendly events as well.

    Downtown Getdown is free, with more information available here.

  • Allman Family Revival Announces late Fall Tour Honoring Gregg Allman

    On December 8, 2017, Devon Allman invited a couple dozen of his closest musical compadres onto the hallowed stage of The Fillmore in San Francisco to perform a three-hour, multi-set concert in tribute to Allman’s late father, Gregg, on what would have been his 70th birthday. The loss of his father, and his mother a few months prior, made music Devon’s medicine, and gave birth to The Allman Family Revival.

    Now in its fifth year, The Allman Family Revival has evolved into a full-fledged, coast-to-coast tour. As curator, host, and performer, Allman remains true to the painstaking mission of providing an epic event worthy of its inspiration. 

    I want to make sure there’s some ‘sonic ginger,’ to cleanse the palette amidst all those guitars. I really enjoy working with the guests individually on setlists to make each show a very special night. It’s a daunting task, for sure, but a labor of love every time.

    Devon Allman

    Now an annual tradition, Allman Family Revival has grown from an annual celebration in San Francisco to a full fledged coast to coast tour. Based on the format of “The Last Waltz” concert with The Allman Betts Band as the house band, and featuring up to a dozen marquee names in music

    This year the touring lineup will include The Allman Betts Band, Robert Randolph, Donavon Frankenreiter, Lilly Hiatt, Cody and Luther Dickinson, Eric Gales, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Jimmy Hall, Lamar Williams Jr. plus many more to be announced. 

    The Allman Family Revival will also feature Kenny Wayne Shepherd, G. Love, Samantha Fish, Alex Orbison, and Kenny Aronoff in select markets. 

    Public on-sale begins 9/17. For tickets and all up to date information, visit allmanfamilyrevival.com.

    2021 Allman Family Revival Tour dates

    11/27 @ The Factory | St. Louis, MO

    11/29 @ Majestic Theater | Dallas, TX

    12/1 @ Saenger Theater | New Orleans, LA

    11/30 @ ACL Live at The Moody Theater | Austin, TX

    12/2 @ Coca-Cola Roxy | Atlanta, GA

    12/3 @ Van Wezel PAC | Sarasota, FL

    12/5 @ The Paramount | Huntington, NY

    12/7 @ Orpheum Theater | Boston, MA

    12/8 @ Beacon Theatre | New York, NY

    12/9 @ The Met | Philadelphia, PA 

    12/10 @ Fillmore | Silver Springs, MD

    12/11 @ Michigan Theater | Ann Arbor, MI 

    12/12 @ Chicago Theater | Chicago, IL 

    12/14 @ Brady Theater | Tulsa, OK

    12/16 @ Arizona Federal Theatre | Phoenix, AZ

    12/17 @ Theater at Virgin Hotels | Las Vegas, NV

    12/18 @ The Fillmore | San Francisco, CA

    12/19 @ The Wiltern | Los Angeles, CA

    allman family revival

  • Hispanic Heritage Month Brings Flamenco Dancing to UAlbany PAC

    Kicking off Hispanic Heritage month, The UAlbany Performing Arts Center will be presenting two programs the weekend of Friday, October 1.

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    On October 1, an Evening of Flamenco Music and Film featuring a solo set from Flamenco guitarist Maria Zemantauski will be followed by a screening of Flamenco Vivo’s 6Hilos (6Threads) focusing on the Golden Age of flamenco. Several artists will perform live alongside Flamenco Vivo. Saturday, October 2 will feature a presentation of Tablao Flamenco, with both performances starting at 7:30pm

    Founded in 1983, Flamenco Vivo uses flamenco as a power to build bridges between people all over the world. With bases in New York City and Durham, NC it is one of America’s premier flamenco companies. While performing high quality dance works for Hispanic Heritage Month, Flamenco Vivo also provides arts education promoting the next generations of Spanish dance artists and educators. 

    Guitarist and composer Maria Zemantauski is based in Upstate New York where she is a teacher, lecturer and performer, and performs across Europe and the continental U.S.  Zematauski is on the faculty in the Department of Fine Arts, Theater Arts & Digital Media at Hudson Valley Community College where she has also been the Coordinator of Cultural Affairs since 2004.

    6Hilos (6 Threads) recently premiered in New York City three months ago to show city goers how artists are forced to persevere during this pandemic. Flamenco Vivo’s work pays homage to singers of the “Golden Generation” who have left a legacy of more than 50 years and marked the golden age of flamenco.   

    Tablao Flamenco pays homage to Spain’s flamenco cafes. Tablaos are popular places to see flamenco. These performances involve lots of improvisation, the call and response dance offers a neat look into the intersection of music and dancing.Admission to An Evening of Flamenco Music and Film is free. However tickets to the Flamenco Vivo’s performance are $15. Find more information about tickets here. 

  • Steve Vai Announces 2022 Tour with Multiple stops in New York

    Steve Vai has announced a tour with multiple stops in New York starting in January of 2022. The tour will have 54 stops across the country. 

    Steve Vai Tour 2022

    Steve Vai is an american guitarist, composer, singer, songwriter, and producer who is known for his solo work that has earned him 3 Grammy’s and for his work with Frank Zappa. Steve Vai grew up in Carle Place, New York and has released 8 solo albums throughout his time as a musician. Some of his most well known songs include “For The Love Of God,” “Tender Surrender,” and “The Attitude Song.” 

    The tour will start at the House Of Blues in Las Vegas, NV on January 27, 2022 and will wrap up at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles, CA on April 2, 2022. The tour will include four dates in New York. The first date in NY will be in Huntington on February 25 at The Paramount. The second in Port Chester on February 26 at The Capitol Theatre. The third stop will be in Albany on March 3 at The Egg. The fourth and last stop in NY will be in Rochester on March 4 at the Kodak Center. Vai will be joined by his long-tenured ensemble members Dave Weiner on guitar / keys, Philip Bynoe on bass, and Jeremy Colson on drums.  

    Steve Vai explained the motivation behind this tour saying, “A performer thrives on performing.  It’s been my life for the past 49 years, with the exception of the last two years, so we are chomping at the bit to get out there and play for people. A music concert has the ability to dissolve the many challenges we face, and celebrate one of the good things in life, live music.” 

    The general on-sale will go live on September 17, 2021, with a VIP pre-sale available on September 15, 2021. For tickets visit here. For more information on Steve Vai’s 2022 tour visit his website.

    Steve Vai 2022 Tour Dates

    1/27     Las Vegas, NV                                               House Of Blues

    1/28     El Cajon, CA                                                  The Magnolia 

    1/29     Riverside, CA                                                 Fox Performing Arts Center

    1/30     Phoenix, AZ                                                    Celebrity Theatre

    2/01     Salt Lake City, UT                                         The Rockwell at The Complex

    2/02     Boulder, CO                                                   Boulder Theater

    2/04     Oklahoma City, OK                                        Tower Theatre

    2/05     Austin, TX                                                      Paramount Theatre

    2/06     Dallas, TX                                                      House Of Blues

    2/08     Houston, TX                                                   House Of Blues

    2/09     San Antonio, TX                                             The Aztec Theatre

    2/11     Birmingham, AL                                            Lyric Theatre

    2/12     Macon, GA                                                     Hargray Capitol Theatre

    2/14     Atlanta, GA                                                    The Eastern

    2/15     Clearwater, FL                                                Bilheimer Capitol Theatre

    2/16     Orlando, FL                                                    The Plaza Live

    2/17     Ft. Lauderdale, FL                                          The Parker

    2/18     Ponte Vedra Beach, FL                                  Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

    2/19     Charlotte, NC                                                 The Fillmore Charlotte

    2/21     Charleston, SC                                                Charleston Music Hall

    2/22     Alexandria, VA                                              The Birchmere

    2/23     Glenside, PA                                                   Keswick Theatre

    2/24     Red Bank, NJ                                                 Count Basie Theatre

    2/25     Huntington, NY                                              The Paramount 

    2/26     Port Chester, NY                                            The Capitol Theatre

    2/27     Providence, RI                                                The Strand

    3/01     New Haven, CT                                              College Street Music Hall

    3/02     Boston, MA                                                    The Wilbur 

    3/03     Albany, NY                                                    The Egg

    3/04     Rochester, NY                                                Kodak Center

    3/05     Harrisburg, PA                                               Sunoco Theatre

    3/06     Greensburg, PA                                              Palace Theatre

    3/08     Warren, OH                                                    Packard Music Hall

    3/09     Detroit, MI                                                      Masonic Cathedral Theatre 

    3/10     Morgantown, WV                                           Metropolitan Theatre

    3/11     Louisville, KY                                                Old Forester’s Paristown Hall

    3/12     Nashville, TN                                                 CMA Theater

    3/13     St. Louis, MO                                                 The Pageant

    3/15     Chicago, IL                                                     Copernicus Center

    3/16     Milwaukee, WI                                               Pabst Theater

    3/17     St. Paul, MN                                                   The Fitzgerald Theater

    3/18     Kansas City, MO                                            The Uptown Theater

    3/19     Lincoln, NE                                                    Bourbon Theatre

    3/20     Des Moines, IA                                              Hoyt Sherman Place

    3/22     Sioux Falls, SD                                               The District

    3/23     Fargo, ND                                                       Fargo Theatre

    3/25     Billings, MT                                                   Alberta Bair Theater

    3/26     Bozeman, MT                                                 The ELM

    3/27     Missoula, MT                                                 The Wilma 

    3/28     Seattle, WA                                                    Moore Theatre

    3/29     Portland, OR                                                   Roseland Theater

    3/31     Turlock, CA                                                    Turlock Community Theatre

    4/01     Napa, CA                                                        Uptown Theatre Napa

    4/02     Los Angeles, CA                                            The Theatre at Ace Hotel

  • Music Forward Foundation Announces Virtual Career Expo “All Access Fest”

    All Access Fest, taking place on September 30 from 9 AM – 5 PM PST will offer young people (ages 16-24) the information, tools, access, and opportunity to follow their dreams of a career in the music industry, as well as spark discovery, and map pathways to success. 

    UK R&B/Pop sensation Sinéad Harnett and rapper/singer-songwriter/producer and founding member of N.W.A., Arabian Prince, will be headline speakers at this year’s All Access Fest.

    I am excited to join Music Forward in transforming young lives and inspiring the next generation. Music is everything to me and I am thankful to do what I love and am honored to support young people in following their own passion for music.

    Sinéad Harnett

    The virtual career expo presented by Music Forward Foundation will allow youth from all 50 states and countries worldwide to participate in panel discussions, hands-on technical learning stations, experiential lounges, and artist and career feedback sessions. Participants will also gain direct access to industry professionals from major entertainment companies like Live Nation, Ticketmaster, Concord, Primary Wave, CD Baby, and engagement opportunities with local employers and representatives from colleges and universities.

    All access fest

    All Access Fest will include over 30 unique panels and experiences throughout the day plus an Expo Hall, Hiring Booths, and other activations all hosted on the Hopin virtual conference platform. Panel and experience highlights include Music Marketing, Disrupting the Music Industry, A Day in the Life sessions featuring various industry pros, Spotify for Artists Masterclass, Label Careers with Concord, Festivals and More Festivals with the Coalition of Festivals, Neumann Home Studio Academy, Split Sheet Masterclass with The MLC and more.

    Once registered, you will receive an email that includes information for special opportunities, navigating the platform as an educator, and much more. The event runs from From 12 PM – 8 PM EST on Thursday, September 30. Reserve your spot today.

    Music Forward is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming young lives, inspiring careers and championing a more inclusive music industry. Music Forward next-gen programs help break the barriers of gender, poverty, and race to enter the music industry. Music Forward bridges our communities to the music industry, empowers ambition, and creates momentum to redefine what is possible for the youth and music industry.

  • Gogol Bordello Arrive in Albany on September 14 – then onto Burlington

    Punk rock collective Gogol Bordello will perform two New York regional shows this week, at Empire Live in Albany on Tuesday, September 14 and Higher Ground in Burlington, Vermont on Wednesday, September 15 The Burlington show replaces a Montreal date, which was previously postponed due to new COVID-19 protocols. 

    gogol bordello

    Formed on the Lower East Side in 1999, Gogol Bordello’s boundary-breaking combination of punk-rock, cabaret and Romani musical traditions is truly unlike anything out there. Anchored by Ukranian frontman Eugene Hutz, members of the always-evolving collective hail from around the world. In a handwritten mission statement on their website, Hutz writes: “From where we stand, it is clear that world’s cultures contain material for endless art-possibilities, and new mind-stretching combinations, raw joy and survival energy.” This mission has led them to receive critical acclaim and fans across the world, with former Village Voice Chief Music Critic Robert Christgau calling them “The world’s most visionary band.” 

    Gogol Bordello are known for their dramatic performances, which they describe as a mix of “music, theatre, chaos and sorcery.” Although they have not released a new album since 2017s Seekers and Finders, Gogol Bordello have remained a consistent touring act. The band averages 200+ shows a year, and has supported diverse bands from Flogging Molly to Cake. Their most recent single, an Adrian Sherwood remix of their song “Lifers,” dropped back in April. Sherwood offers clean, electronic production, grounding the maniacal rawness that has become Gogol Bordello’s hallmark.  They are currently recording the album’s follow-up. 

    The new Burlington date will complete the Northeastern leg of Gogol Bordello’s Lifers 2021 tour. The band is no stranger to Higher Ground, where they most recently played in 2020, describing it as an “all time fav.” Attendees will have to provide proof of full vaccination, or a negative COVID test from the past 72 hours paired with a photo ID, aligning with Higher Ground’s policy. To purchase tickets, visit here.

  • Fringe On: Rochester Fringe Festival Live events return

    Keybank Rochester Fringe Festival is back in swing this year, with more than 400 in-person and online performances between September 14 and September 25. The 10th anniversary features the return of fan favorites such as the Silent Disco, Cirque Du Fringe, Fringe Street Beat dance off, and Pedestrian Drive-In.

    For the first time, organizers have curated a mini music festival, called Smokestacks, to mark the finale. The free outdoor event takes place starting at 4pm on September 25 at Parcel 5 on Main Street, and features live performances by Cammy Enaharo, Mikaela Davis, Kopps, Spencer, Cannons, and Joywave.

    rochester fringe

    For safety, COVID protocols are in place. All indoor events require masking and proof of vaccination. Attendees ages 12 and up who are unvaccinated must be masked at all times, even for outdoor events. Protocols may be subject to change. Prior to attending, check for updates online.

    “After 18 months of closure that have devestated the performing arts, we’re thrilled to play our part in getting them back on their feet. Nearly 90% of our shows are live and in person, which wouldn’t be possible without our absolute commitment to keeping performers and attendees safe.”

    – Erica Fee, Founding Festival Producer

    A plethora of entertainment is available – from theater and dance to spoken word and comedy. And of course, music. Some Ska Band will heat things up with irresistible ska and reggae beats at the JCC canalside (outdoor) stage on opening night, September 14 at 7:30pm (get your tickets here). Gospel Sunday takes place on September 19 at 2pm, led by Reverend Rickey Harvey of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church at One Fringe Place (free). And the Taiko Japanese Drumming Performance makes a reprise at The Little on September 25 at 3:15pm (also free). And don’t forget about Smokestacks on September 25 at Parcel 5, where you can catch rising singer/songwriter Cammy Enaharo, the eclectic talent of Mikaela Davis, and of course Rochester’s own Joywave.

    The complete lineup of events at Rochester Fringe is available online at RochesterFringe.com.

  • Folkfaces Fest V Announces Daily Lineup for Darien Center

    Folkfaces have announced the lineup for their fifth annual edition of Folkfaces Fest V. 2021: A Folkface Odyssey will celebrate roots music, community, and culture in Western New York and beyond.

    This year’s festival features a space/alien theme “2021: a Folkface Odyssey,” riffing on Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Held over September 30 – October 3 at Cherry Hill Campground in Darien Center, NY, located in between Rochester and Buffalo, the event features camping, raffles, a film tent, bonfires, yoga, open jams and much more.

    folkfaces fest

    The lineup for Folkfaces Fest V includes Scott H Biram, JD Wilkes, Bruce Molsky, Folkfaces, Andy Cohen, Mike Gantzer, Subsoil, Dirty Blanket, The Ditrani Brothers, and many more!

    The venue for Folkfaces Fest V, Cherry Hill Campground, is a beautiful location with well-manicured grounds, including a fire ring and picnic table at each campsite. On-site, there is a bathhouse with flush toilets and showers, as well as multiple spigots with potable water throughout the grounds. Firewood, snacks, blankets, soft drinks, coffee, and many other supplies are available for sale at the Cherry Hill Campsite.

    The daily lineups can be found below. Tickets are available for purchase here for only $95. Kids under 12 are free and puppy passes are available for just $25. You’re in for a treat full of endless music, camping, workshops, raffles, food vendors, artists, dancing, beer, artists, and more! Stay up on all new information via the Facebook Event here, and get out to Darien Center for the kickoff on September 30th.

    Thursday

    Friday

    folkfaces fest

    Saturday

    Sunday