Starting shortly after 9/11, Musicians For Harmony has confirmed its 20th Anniversary planned for September 11 2021, with an online and in-person concert at Merkin Hall in Kaufman Music Center in New York City. The special event aims to ‘elevate musical voices in the service of peace, health and equity to commemorate the victims of 9/11, Covid-19 and social injustice.”
Musicians For Harmony is an organization dedicated to advancing peace and cross-cultural dialogue through music. The aftermath of 9/11 has greatly changed our nation. It is important to remember and honor those who lost tragically lost their lives. There are many memorials to pay your respects, as the 9/11 memorial and museum are both free to explore.
The two-hour concert will be one of the first in-person music events of the fall season post-Covid. Access to the online concert will be free, and the in-person show have tickets for sale.
The show will feature the music of Juilliard String Quartet, ETHEL, Musique Sans Frontières, and more. Composers include Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ulysses Owens, Jr, James “Kimo” Williams, Robert Mirabal, Pat Irwin and John King. Learn more about the artists here.
On Tuesday, August 10, NYC based band We Are Scientists were scheduled to play a one-off warm up show at Brooklyn’sElsewhere Rooftop. Right as doors were set to open, severe thunderstorms rolled in and forced the band to postpone the show (now scheduled for September 20th at the Rooftop). The crowd waiting in the loft was told that We Are Scientists would come out and perform an impromptu acoustic set in the empty Hall downstairs. Not quite knowing what to expect, fans filed down the stairs and into the main venue at Elsewhere.
We Are Scientists, Elsewhere 8/10/21. Photo by Buscar Photo
At about 9:15pm the band came out on the empty stage armed with an acoustic guitar, a snare drum, and three voices. Keith and Chris engaged in some comedic back and forth with the crowd, joked about the lack of amplification and the barrier still in place in front of the stage, then treated the fans to a 20 minute acoustic performance (plus one air-bass solo) of old and new songs. Any disappointment over the postponed show quickly evaporated as the crowd engaged in an enthusiastic sing along. In spite of the circumstances, the guys were able to give their fans a special treat that will surely be cherished by those who stuck out the rain.
Keith Murray of We Are Scientists – Photo by Buscar Photo
The postponed warm-up show will be made up at Elsewhere on September 20th with a full European tour kicking off on November 24th in the UK. In between, the band’s new record, Huffy, will be released on October 8th on 100% records. Full tour dates can be found HERE – check back in September for a review of the show and the new record. You can watch the music video for latest single “Contact High” below.
Proof of vaccination is becoming a norm across venues while musicians urge audiences to mask up in an attempt to save the live music industry from shutting down once again
The Delta variant of COVID-19 is striking back and is threatening shutdowns again across the country with cases in unvaccinated and vaccinated people climbing. In response to this surge of cases, the live entertainment industry is trying to combat the risk of shutting down again by implementing protective measures. Some venues require proof of vaccination to enter while others are asking for masks to be worn even by vaccinated individuals.
Many venues across the country have started implementing these measures including lots in New York State. With NYC requiring proof of vaccination to enter certain establishments which was announced by Mayor Bill de Blasio on August 3, 2021. The mandate will require proof of vaccination for indoor dining, gyms and performances areas in mid September across NYC. Since this announcement more and more establishments across the board are requiring vaccinations at their locations.
On August 11, 2021 All Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage in NYC announced that performances are now requiring proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for attendance. This new policy begins on August 14, 2021 with masks being strongly recommended and being required upon entry to the venue.
As of August 13, 2020 the Blue Note New York also located in NYC will require proof of vaccination from all customers, staff and musicians who enter the venue. Proof of vaccination may include a physical card or digital photo of the card from the CDC, NYC Covid Safe App or the NYS Excelsior Pass. Children under 12, who cannot be vaccinated, must wear masks.
AEG Presents, which is the second-largest live events promoter, is now requiring proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for attendance to events at all of their upcoming venues and shows. Proof of vaccination will be required for staff as well. AEG will not accept just a negative COVID test for entry to upcoming events. Shawn Trell, COO and General Counsel explained in his statement saying “Certain states’ regulations may override our mandate, or a few artists may not want to immediately get on board with the plan, but we know that using our platform to take a strong position on vaccinations can make an impact. The message we want to send is simple and clear: the only way to be as safe as possible is to require everyone to be vaccinated. And we’re confident that others who haven’t been ready to make this full commitment yet will follow our lead.”
In places like Rochester venues are requiring vaccinations left and right with venues like Bug Jar and Abilene Bar and Lounge both requiring vaccination for entry. Abilene Bar and Lounge’s owner Danny Deutsch posted on the bar’s website saying, “Abilene is too small a space, both inside and out, to adequately provide for a “vacced” and “non vacced” section. That being said, we hope that you’ll take comfort in knowing that everyone around you has been vaccinated.” The Bug Jar had similar reasons for requiring vaccination proof for entry saying that most touring acts “are mandating Vaccination policies in an effort to keep fans, production staff, and artists safe and we support that decision” on their social media accounts.
Musicians have started to jump on the bandwagon as well with encouraging fans to wear masks and keep social distance at their performances. Some have even started requiring vaccination at their performances.
PVRIS announced on August 12, 2021 that they were now requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test to attend the rest of their current summer tour. They explained it was to help keep their fans safe saying they, “Also appreciate those who wear masks as a courtesy for those around them. And for us(them) as well.” The band had already required masks for meet and greets and has been strongly encouraging fans to wear masks at their performances. They sent out the message across their social media platforms urging fans to play it safe so they can hopefully finish their tour.
Live Nation announced that artists will have the option to decide whether to require fans to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. Singer-songwriter Jason Isbell announced he will be requiring vaccination or a negative test for entry to his upcoming shows because of this option. “They’re just getting so much pushback from some of the governors of certain states who want to kowtow to their political base and try to make people think their freedom is being encroached upon,” Isbell said during an appearance on MSNBC. “I’m all for freedom, but if you’re dead, you don’t have any freedoms at all.”
Dead & Company announced a proof of vaccination requirement at their upcoming 2021 tour, which kicks off next week in Raleigh, North Carolina. People are required to provide either proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test within 48 hours of the shows. The band has also gone a step further is safety guidelines for their upcoming tour detailing new protocols for the pit: GA ticket holders must show proof or else they’ll be relegated to a “non-pit” seating entry — even if they have a negative Covid test which will help ensure some social distancing from unvaccinated individuals.
It’s unclear if these measures will help save the live music industry from shutting down once again from COVID-19 but the measures being taken by venues and musicians to try to keep the industry afloat are commendable and appreciated by those who love live music.
After being closed for 18 months during the pandemic, Bardavon Presents has announced the reopening of Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) on Sunday, September 26 at 7pm. The show is rescheduled from August 22 due to Hurricane Henri, with tickets from August 22 being honored.
Sunday August 22 at 7pm with preformers Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, followed the week after by Brit Floyd on Sunday August 29 at 8pm.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – Sunday, August 22 at 7pm at UPAC
Troy Andrews, or, “Trombone Shorty,” brings his R&B, rock, rap and funk brass band to UPAC for the first time ever! Come early and enjoy the Brasskill second line on Broadway starting at 5pm, and grab dinner in a great Kingston restaurant before celebrating UPAC’s reopening!
Trombone Shorty has draw the unqualified respect of some of the most iconic legends in jazz and is known to, “Deliver a high-energy funk rock show capable of mesmerizing international rock stars.”
Trombone Shorty is equally gifted on both trombone and trumpet. Originally from New Orleans, Trombone Shorty was a bandleader by the age of six. He spent a great deal of time absorbing lessons from his older brother James, a dynamic musical performer known as “Satchmo of the Ghetto.”
“It really is as good as they say – believe the hype and don’t miss it. The perfect rock show” -LA Times
The Seventh Annual Brooklyn Americana Music Festival takes place September 16th -19th, 2021. Fifty live music events at seven iconic locations including the DUMBO Archway Plaza under the Manhattan Bridge and Pier 6 Plaza in Brooklyn Bridge Park on September 17th, 18th, and 19th. Nightly concerts will be held at Jalopy Theatre and Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook; and Superfine and 68 Jay St Bar in Dumbo.
The annual festival is a beloved celebration of folk, roots, country blues, bluegrass, and jazz and attendees of all ages can enjoy banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and three part harmony renditions of original and traditional songs performed by a majority of women-identified artists. Ticketed concerts include the festival kickoff on September 16th at Jalopy Theatre, and September 17th in the Dumbo Archway Plaza, and are followed by thirty free live music events for all ages.
The 7th Annual Brooklyn Americana Music Festivalis made possible by public funds from the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and from the Decentralization Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, both administered in Kings County by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC). The Festival is made possible in part by generous sponsors and the office of Councilman Stephen Levin.
The Stanley Theatre in Utica is looking for additional volunteers to help out with their 2021-22 show season. The season begins in mid-August and is an amazing opportunity for anyone above the age of 16 to gain experience in the live music industry.
The Stanley Theatre operates as a not-for-profit organization run by the Central New York Community Arts Council. For nearly a century, the theatre has brought great live concerts, Broadway shows, and musicals to central New York. The 2021-22 season features shows put on by The Stanley Theatre, Broadway Theatre League, and independent promoters as well. Due to the theatre being closed for a year, the 2021-22 season is anticipated to be the busiest Utica has seen to date. Packed seats are expected, and the energy will be more contagious than ever. That being said, the theatre is hoping to take on more volunteers than years previous to make the shows run as smoothly as possible.
Volunteers for the Stanley Theatre are like family. This is a chance to learn about responsibility, the importance of working with a team, and will improve your communication skills. Volunteering is an important requirement for both high school and college-aged individuals, and this is a fun and welcoming environment to get in your volunteer hours. The best part of volunteering is, of course, being able to listen to and watch spectacular performances at the theatre.
If you are interested in taking part in this opportunity, please contact The Stanley Theatre by either calling at (315)-724-4000, or by emailing them at thestanleytheatre@gmail.com. Spread the word and join in on the amazing community at The Stanley Theatre!
The Soul Rebels have announced Part 1 of their Epic Vibes Tour, spanning Fall 2021 through Winter 2022. Touring will include concerts all across the US and a robust schedule of performances in New Orleans. Notable NY stops include Woodstock and Brooklyn.
Brass sensation The Soul Rebels are riding high in 2021 after receiving national attention following the release of their new album, Poetry In Motion. The eight-member collective appeared on Def Jam artist Dave East and Nas’ “Godfather 4” single, Big Freedia and Icona Pop’s “Pipe That”, and reached fans with original singles “Greatness” featured as ESPN’s official College Hoops theme anthem, and “Good Time” featured on Netflix’s #BlackAF and Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!
The Soul Rebels have impressed viewers with two recent appearances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk series with Wu Tang Clan frontman GZA, headlined the global TED Conference, and appeared on the official soundtrack for Universal Pictures’ hit comedy Girls Trip.
The Epic Vibes Tour features select concerts with The Soul Rebels in live performance collaboration with star artists including Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball of Tank And The Bangas, famed jazz trumpeter Keyon Harroldand hip hop icon GZAof Wu Tang Clan. Along with the Part 1 tour The Soul Rebels are excited to release new music this Fall in support of the tour and announce Part 2 in Spring 2022.
The Soul Rebels’ recent collaboration and partnership with Sony 360 Reality Audio showcases their latest album “Poetry In Motion” in the 360 format. Providing listeners an entirely new and immersive way to experience the album. The 360 Reality Audio version of the album is available to stream on Amazon Music HD, Tidal HiFi, and Deezer HiFi. The Soul Rebels can also be viewed in Sony produced and released advertisements and digital commercials.
**New Orleans Jazz Fest has been postponed until 2022.
Badflower have always spoken unapologetically through their lyrics about feelings, mental health, and relationship issues. Their latest single and video release “Don’t Hate Me” is no different.
“It’s a lot of self-awareness” Josh Katz (vocals) explains. “On the bridge, there’s a meta dialogue where I explain how I’ve changed my entire life and appearance to make somebody else like me more. I think I have experienced versions of trying to be something else for someone else throughout my life, I think everybody has.”
Badflower never drift into sappy territory, however. They address serious issues either with startling directness, or with a dose of lightness, mockery, and humor, which makes their music relatable to a broad audience. The music video for “Don’t Hate Me” is a spoof about morphing into others in order to belong. It is funny, creating caricatures of our weaknesses, and as all Badflower videos, entertaining and very well made. The band produce most of their videos “in house,” with cameo appearances from friends and family members. They forgo large manufactured productions, in favor of genuine hands-on creativity from everyone involved.
Catch Badflower at one of the major festivals, or on their headlining tour starting in September. They will play at Webster Hall in New York City on September 23.
Beginning in September 2021, the Park Theater Foundation will begin its flagship series, “The Park Presents,” featuring a diverse lineup of national and international musicians from genres including folk, Americana, zydeco, jazz, classical and more.
The Park Theater, located in Glens Falls, is known as the “newest premier venue” in the area and has a passion for sharing quality and affordable musical entertainment and educational opportunities. The building was established as a movie theatre in 1911, subsequently closing in 1935. Revived in the mid-2000s, The Park Theater reopened its doors with a new vitality for providing a stage for music and arts performance in 2018.
The Park was shut down for eight months following the COVID-19 pandemic and returned in a small scale to present “Dinner & A Movie: ‘A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood‘” in November 2020. “The Park Presents” introduces the full-force comeback of the theater!
We have been hard at work on this schedule and are beyond excited to welcome live music back to our stage and guests to our seats.
Chris Ristau, Excecutive Director
On September 10, guitarist Ariel Posen will be the first to take the stage for “The Park Presents” season. This season will also feature The Gibson Brothers, the Villalobos Brothers, The Small Glories, The Jason Anick Acoustic Trio, and many more.
In addition to music concerts, the 2021/22 season will feature a variety of other programs including “Tribute Band Rewind,” “Live & Local,” “Comedy After Dark” and “Third Thursday Jazz.”
Tickets for the 2021/22 season will be on sale beginning August 6th, 2021. For the full performance listing or to purchase tickets, visit www.parktheatergf.com.
The launch of a summer concert series in the Hamptons will kick off at legendary venue Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett on August 31st. A portion of the proceeds from the shows will go to benefit USA Warrior Stories, a not-for-profit organization designed to record, archive, and share videos of veteran stories online to help veterans make a connection with one another and to help us all better understand their sacrifices for our freedom.
The first installment in the series will feature Grammy-nominated guitarist and innovative songwriter Marcus King. New Orleans multi-instrumentalist Ivan Neville, “badass and beautiful” vocalist and songwriter Lisa Fischer, and Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist Louis Cato will join King as special guests.
Known for his soulful vocals and the wisdom of his lyrics, King has earned rave reviews for his kinetic musicianship. His debut solo album, El Dorado, topped the Americana radio charts and has received critical acclaim. Son of the great soul singer Aaron Neville, Ivan Neville is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and singer. He has released four solo albums and had a Top 30 Billboard hit with the first single “Not Just Another Girl” from his debut solo album If My Ancestors Could See Me Now.
Portuguese-born, Carolina-bred, and current Brooklyn, NY resident Louis Cato is a Grammy-nominated and internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter. He has recorded with Beyonce, Q-tip, John Legend, and Mariah Carey, among other household names. He has toured with some of the most influential acts in music. And is currently featured nightly on CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert as a member of Jon Batiste and Stay Human.
Along with their frequent collaborator and partner John Varvatos, Williamson and Rechter ( The show’s organizers) were the first to bring music with a live audience back to New York City after the coronavirus pandemic shut down live entertainment around the world. The show, which featured an array of world-class artists including Jon Bon Jovi, Sara Bareilles, Gary Clark Jr., Yola, and many more, truly brought the city full-circle, as the team’s Love Rocks NYC show in 2020 was the last concert in NYC before the shutdown. In December 2020, the two also worked with Varvatos, rapper and Rock the Bells founder/CEO LL Cool J, actor Kevin Bacon and CBS This Morning anchor Anthony Mason to produce Play On, an extraordinary benefit concert that raised millions of dollars for transformational racial, social, and food justice.
