The Village of Menands, just north of the City of Albany, has announced the schedule for the 2021 Concerts in the Park. Performances are held in Ganser-Smith Memorial Park, just off Broadway.
The Village of Menands was incorporated in August 1924 and takes its name from Louis Menand, a prominent 19th century horticulturist who was born in France in 1807 and immigrated to America in 1837. In 1842 Menand and his wife Adelaide Jackson settled in what is now the Village that bears his name. Menand established one of the finest horticultural and garden establishments in the area, and as the “Albany Northern” railroad was built, a large railroad station was built and the stop was simply called “Menand’s” and the area soon associated itself with the name.
Ganser-Smith Park plays host to a series of picnics and musical events throughout the summer. Located on Menand Road near the Village center, the 3-acre park is the epicenter of nearly all village-sponsored events. The park amenities include a large open pavilion and BBQ, a children’s playground, baseball field, basketball and volleyball courts as well as horseshoe pits. There are over two dozen picnic tables spread throughout the park. Village youth programs are run at this location from late June through August. Restrooms with handicap access and parking are present on site. Pavilion reservations may be made at the Village office for Village residents.
The live music offerings are held weekly on Tuesday nights from 6pm-8:30pm at Ganser-Smith Memorial Park. Bring a chair, your family and get food and beverages sold by the Menands Fire Co.
2021 Menands Concerts in the Park lineup
July 6 – New York Players July 13 – Oldies Show July 20 – Hotshot Hillbilly’s July 27 – Mike Ruddy August 3 – Luster Kings August 10 – The All Paul Show
For more information visit the Menands Village website.
The City of Albany has announced that their original plans for the filming of Virtual Alive at Five performances in front of limited audiences have been amended. With New York State essentially reopened following the fulfillment of Governor Cuomo’s vaccination goal, all of the remaining Alive at Five tapings will now be fully open to the public at Jennings Landing, at full capacity.
Design by Anderw Sober
Alive at Five will be held on the Albany Riverfront at Jennings Landing. The concert series is presented by many sponsors, including Key Bank, “a strong supporter of both the City of Albany and the greater Capital Region.” Tapings will run from 5-8PM on the dates listed on the poster above.
Marco Benevento performs at Alive at Five, August 1, 2019
Albany is dedicating Alive at Five to the front line workers in the Capital Region who experienced the stress and hardships of managing the COVID-19 pandemic firsthand. The city hopes to celebrate and honor these workers through this exciting shared experience of live music and art.
All of us at the Albany Parking Authority are excited to hear about the return of the Alive at Five concert series to Albany’s Jennings Landing. The energy and vibrance [that] events like Alive at Five bring to our city cannot be understated. We are looking forward to being part of and supporting the return of even more events in the near future.
Matt Peter, Executive Director of the Albany Parking Authority
Jennings Landing, photo from Albany.org
Alive at Five is still seeking vendors for the tapings. Those interested can contact vendor@albanyny.gov. Recorded performances will air the following Thursdays on YouTube and Facebook.
The City of Albany has also partnered with local bars and restaurants for a program called Restart Albany. This will take place starting on July 8th and will allow music fans to watch the performance from the previous week and catch some live music at participating venues.
Parking for Jennings Landing is available at Riverfront Parking Garage. For more information visit ParkAlbany.com
Schedule:
June 30th -Reggae Night (Airs July 8th) The Meditations and Mixed Roots
July 7th – WEQX Night (Airs July 15th) Soule Monde and Victory Soul Orchestra
July 14th – Folk/Pop Night (Airs July 22nd) Amy Helm and The Sea The Sea
July 21st – Funk Night (Airs July 29th) Yam Yam and Hartley’s Encore
July 28th- Classic Rock Night Warrant and Joe Mansman and The Midnight Revival Band (Warrant Performance will not be aired virtually. Joe Mansman only will air on August 5th)
Psychedelic-rock legend Jorma Kaukonen is heading out on a carefully planned Northeastern road tour in an RV he calls the “Ultimate Mechanical Toy.”
Jorma will embark on a solo tour in July celebrating the vinyl release of John Hurlbut and Jorma Kaukonen: The River Flows Volume Two, with John Hurlbut joining Jorma for a special set highlighting The River Flows.
Recorded last summer along with Volume One, this album continues along the same path. “Guitar maestro Kaukonen shares top billing with singer/guitarist John Hurlbut in a downhome session of remarkable six-string storytelling” said Sterophile and No Depression revealed “Kaukonen and Hurlbut view music as a conversation … What we hear in this acoustic marvel is an intimate tête-à-tête celebrating 40 years of friendship.” The album releases on Record Store Day, July 17, 2021.
June 13 The Mill Event Center, Lancaster, OH July 15 Jewish Community Center, Rochester, NY July 17 The Cabot, Beverly, MA July 18 Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT July 23 & 24 Concerts On The Green @Suneagles, Eatontown, NJ July 25 City Winery Hudson Valley, Montgomery, NY
In May, Kaukonen and sound technician, Myron Hart, will headed out for three dates in the Northeast. An RV, which he calls the “Ultimate Mechanical Toy,” looks more like one of Willie’s buses than anything, provides a safety factor for the tour.
In a career that has already spanned a half-century, guitarist and vocalist, Jorma Kaukonen has been one of the most highly respected interpreters of American roots music, blues, and americana, and at the forefront of popular rock-and-roll.
Kaukonen is a founding member of two legendary rock bands, Hot Tuna and Jefferson Airplane, as well as a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy recipient.
Jorma Kaukonen’s repertoire goes far beyond his involvement in creating psychedelic rock; he is a legend and one of the finest singer-songwriters and master instrumentalists in music today. Jorma tours the world bringing his unique styling to old blues and writing new songs with insight and imagination.
All of the venues on the tour are making amazing efforts to be safe and comfortable places while also adhering to social distancing guidelines. Each show will have limited seating, extra cleaning, and require attendees to wear masks and stay at their tables once they’re seated. Most of the shows will be held outdoors.
Come out and enjoy the delight of spontaneous melodies and insightful songs peppered with Jorma’s wry sense of humour. When asked if he would hire a driver for the RV, Jorma said, “Absolutely not! This is the ultimate mechanical toy!”
May 04 Vinoski Winery, Belle Vernon, PA May 06 Homer Center for the Arts Drive-in series, Homer, NY May 09 Tupelo Music Hall, Derry, NH Two shows: 1PM & 4PM
You can find out more about Jorma Kaukonen, the “Ultimate Mechanical Toy,” and the Northeastern tour on his website and on Hot Tuna’s website.
The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival returns for its 23rd season with five live chamber concerts throughout August and September. The shows will be held in venues across Cooperstown, including the Fenimore Art Museum, Louis C. Jones Center and the grand Otesaga Hotel ballroom.
Founded by flutist Linda Chesis, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has been bringing world-class music performances to the Cooperstown area since 1999. In previous years, the festival has featured performances by the Tokyo String Quartet, the American String Quartet, the St. Lawrence (Canadian) String Quartet, Simone Dinnerstein, the Sonia Olla Flamenco Dance Company, John Pizzarelli, and many more.
CSMF is thrilled to be partnering with the Caroga Arts Ensemble for our return to the stage… We wanted our first concert to be a gift to the community so that everyone can experience the joy of live music after such a difficult year.
Linda Chesis (Festival Founder and Artistic Director)
The fest will open on Tuesday, August 10 at 7 pm with the CSMF Musical Kaleidoscope, a free outdoor performance at the Fenimore Art Museum Amphitheater. The Caroga Arts Ensemble, led by cellist Kyle Price, will perform a dynamic program ranging from bluegrass and classical to jazz and pop. The outdoor concert is free, but ticket reservations are required.
Caroga Arts Ensemble in 2018
On Sunday, August 15, Imani Winds will perform a program of music for wind quintets. Cooperstown audiences can expect a concert filled with their signature fresh energy and technical expertise.
The Verona Quartet returns to the Festival on Sunday, August 22. This multi-award-winning quartet and veterans of the Festival will perform a program of works by Shostakovich and Dvorak’s “American” Quartet.
Brazilian jazz supergroup, Trio da Paz, will take the Otesaga Ballroom stage on Monday, August 30.
Trio da Paz in 2018
The festival will conclude with a duo performance by the violinist Danbi Um and guitarist Jiji on Sunday, September 19. These young virtuosos will join forces for a genre-spanning program including works by Corelli, Paganini, Piazzolla and Ella Fitzgerald.
Chesis says that this season’s artists are all eager to be returning to the stage and are looking forward to bringing their craft to Cooperstown.
After such a long period of isolation, we can’t wait to safely bring the community together to once again connect through music.
Linda Chesis
For all events, venues will be at limited capacity and masking and social distancing protocols will be in place.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students and children. Tickets for all events must be purchased in advance on the festival website.
The CSMF Chamber Orchestra at the Otesaga Ballroom in 2019
Check out the complete concert schedule below:
CSMF Musical Kaleidoscope: A Gift to the Cooperstown Community, Featuring the Caroga Arts Ensemble – Tuesday, August 10, 2021, 7-9 pm (Rain date: August 17)
Fenimore Art Museum Lawn
A concert for the Cooperstown Community. Tickets are free and can be reserved online at cooperstownmusicfest.org. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door, but all patrons are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets online.
Imani Winds – Sunday, August 15, 2021, 7-9 pm
Otesaga Resort Hotel Ballroom
An evening of chamber music with this Grammy-nominated wind quintet.
Verona String Quartet – Sunday, August 22, 2021, 4-6 pm,
Louis C. Jones Center at The Farmers’ Museum
The multi-award-winning quartet performs a program of Shostakovich and Dvorak.
Brazillian Jazz Legends: Trio da Paz – Monday, August 30, 2021, 7-9 pm
Otesaga Resort Hotel Ballroom
A night of jazz with this Brazillian supergroup.
Danbi Um (violin) and Jiji (guitar) – Sunday, September 19, 2021, 4-6 pm
Otesaga Resort Hotel
A duo performance by two young virtuosos including works by Corelli, Paganini, Piazzolla and more.
After a year’s hiatus due to COVID-19, Thursdays on the Village Green is back on Hamilton’s Village Green. In addition to performances every Thursday, each night will includes family-friendly events arranged by the Hamilton Public Library. Live Music At the Village Green dates back to 1902 and is a great place to get together as a community.
photo credit to Scrap Paper Social.
The series will begin on July 15th with Chris Eves and the New Normal, followed by Leon Etienne. July 22nd brings Stephane Wrembel, one of the foremost master guitarists in the world specializing in the Django Reinhardt style. Next is July 29th with Realtime Dixieland Band and August 5th features Nate Marshall & the Family Band. August 12th brings 90s cover band Lazer Dad along with the Robert Rogers Puppet Show “Just So Stories.” August 19th will feature Opus Black String Quartet with the Utica Zoomobile “Amazing Animal Tails” for the activity.
Thursdays on The Village Green will give locals and visitors alike a chance to enjoy downtown Hamilton’s eateries and boutiques. Ranging from home goods and fashion to antiques and gifts, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
The audience is encouraged to dine on the Village Green or enjoy the music from the patio of the Colgate Inn. The evening’s concert and activities are free for all to enjoy. Blankets, chairs and dancing are encouraged!
Activities for events will begin at 5:30 PM and music will run from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM. For more information, please visit their Facebook page or the event website.
Historic Lark Hall venue in Albany has big things coming.
Lark Hall owners Jennifer and Justin Miller have just announced a new management services agreement with Building Blocks Management, LLC, owned by Albany natives Danny and Stephen Taylor.
Owners Jennifer and Justin Miller
The Taylor brothers have strong experience in music venue operations. Danny currently serves as General Manager at the Palace Theatre in Albany, while Stephen is General Manager at Hi-Line Merchandising, based in Shoemakersville, PA.
The Taylors are eager to collaborate with the Millers in ramping up Lark Hall’s operations, seeing as COVID-19 restrictions are now lifted in New York State. These steps will include bolstering front of house operations, hiring new staff and security personnel and improving room management and bar operations.
This management partnership is exciting news for Albany-area music lovers as Lark Hall hopes to book even bigger talent and, of course, ensure that fans have an enjoyable and memorable live music experience.
The Millers with Danny and Stephen Taylor
We are excited to announce this partnership with Building Blocks Management, which will allow us to quickly achieve our mission to host and manage top level artists and events at Lark Hall and deliver a unique fan and guest experience like no other in the region. Danny and Stephen have quietly become two of the most talented and respected leaders in the venue and live music event management industry – both locally and across the country.
From the day we met, we knew the Taylor brothers were a perfect fit for our management and planning needs and they instantly recognized our goals and the potential for Lark Hall to be a premier venue not only for Albany, but the entire Capital District and beyond. We welcome them to the Lark Hall family and look forward to exciting times ahead.
Jennifer and Justin Miller
In addition to this big news, Lark Hall will also be hosting a job fair for prospective employees. Those interested in working with the Lark Hall team can attend the fair on July 17 from 10AM-2PM in the main event space at 351 Hudson Avenue in Albany (corner of Lark Street and Hudson Avenue).
NYS Music profiled Lark Hall back in March, outlining over 100 years of history. The venue has “a long history of being operated and owned by women” and has held suffrage conventions, wartime aid operations, school dances, fitness events and so much more.
A post-pandemic Lark Hall is sure to bring great entertainment and promising new ventures. You can keep up with Lark Hall and explore upcoming events including job fair details on their website.
Renowned music photographer Michael Weintrob has announced his newest book, Instrumenthead: Revealed along with a free livestreamed concert series.
Weintrob’s 2017 photo book, Instrumenthead, showcases portraits of famous musicians with their signature instruments covering their faces. It won the Independent Book Publisher’s Award for Most Outstanding Design.
Instrumenthead: Revealed will feature “unmasked” portraits of the same 369 musicians, taken at the same photography session. Portraits include Bootsy Collins, Susan Tedeschi, Mickey Hart, Johnny Winter, Charlie Musselwhite and many more.
Michael Weintrob, photo accessed through his website.
I want to do my part to inspire people to learn about new music and the artists who create it. I love to connect and break down walls with my photography. Everyone has the ability to be a kid again. This book is really special, because we’re unmasking the original photos. The book reflects the new energy this year.
Michael Weintrob
Instrumenthead: Revealed is available for preorder until July 22 through a crowdfunding campaign. $3 of every book will benefit the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic. Founded by a coalition of music advocates in 1998, the New Orleans’ Musicians’ Clinic is the first medical clinic for musicians, performing artists and cultural workers in the US.
In addition to his new book release, Weintrob is also presenting a concert series featuring several of the “revealed” artists. The concerts will be livestreamed and free to enjoy.
6/22 Steve Poltz * 6/23 Kyle Tuttle Band featuring Lindsay Lou * 6/24 Korby Lenker 6/27 Ashley Campbell * 6/29 Sally And George 6/30 Richie Owen and the Farm Bureau 7/1 Boo Ray 7/4 Muriel Anderson 7/6 Moon Taxi Duo * 7/7 Jeff Coffin, Victor Wooten, Future Man, Bob Lanzetti * 7/8 Vince Herman and Friends (Steve Poltz, Kyle Tuttle, Anthony DeCosta) * 7/11 Taylor Brashiers and Then the Killer Dee’s 7/13 Tim Easton 7/14 Cody Brooks and Bee Taylor / Emory joseph 7/15 Lady Couch Acoustic 7/18 Michael Webb Trio 7/20 Ghost Note * 7/21 – Peter Levin and Friends (Marcus King, Lamar Williams, Jr, Chad Gamble, Jimbo Hart) *
The album that solidified Neo-Soul/Hip Hop outfit, The Roots, as a force in the hip hop realm is being redistributed. Considered a staple of the Jazz-rap subgenre, Do You Want More?!!!??!, achieved cult-like status despite not selling an immense amount of units. The group’s major-label debut was released over 26 years ago on January, 17 1995 and didn’t reach Gold status until 2015, over 20 years later.
Nonetheless, the album’s merits are never to be questioned. In an era of machismo and increasingly violent tales in hip hop, the Philadelphia bred ensemble managed to entrench themselves in music history in their own way. Their blend of live instrumentation, story-telling along with the introspective and technically proficient lyrics of Black Thought and Malik B. made them a first of their kind.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=uROfXQML7NY
Led once again by, MC Tariq“Black Thought” Trotter and drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the Philadelphia rap crew are going back to where it began with a 3LP, 4LP and a digital deluxe collection of Do You Want More?!!!??! to be released on June 25, 2021 via Geffen/Ume records.
This deluxe edition draws from the original recordings and features 18 bonus tracks curated by Questlove, ranging from unreleased records to songs that have never made it to streaming platforms. The 3LP deluxe vinyl edition features five bonus tracks — “Proceed II Feat. Roy Ayers”, “Proceed III”, “Proceed IV (AJ Shine Mix)”, “Proceed V (Beatminerz Mix),” along with five remixes of “Silent Treatment,” with the “Street Mix” made available for streaming before the project’s release.
Also included, is a 24-page booklet featuring images taken by Mpozi Tolbert, essays by Questlove and Black Thought as well as track-by-track commentary. The 4LP edition features all of the above plus another additional eight bonus tracks; “In Your Dreams Kid (I’m Every MC),” “The Ultimate (Original ’94 Version),” “……(dot dot dot…on & on),” “Pffat Time,” “Swept Away (Original Draft),” “It’s Coming,“”Lazy Afternoon (Alternate Version),” and two remix versions of “Distortion To Static.”
By way of their innovative and breakthrough blend of hip hop and other black genres, The Roots have cemented themselves as an important part of rap’s evolution, distinguising themselves as the first true hip hop band. Their success as artists have also spawned other opportunities. They also serve as the house band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and held the same role on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon from 2009 to 2014.
With the deluxe edition of Do You Want More?!!!??!, a classic album is revisited. While it can be a risk to dabble with an album held to such prestige, fans should have trust in the group’s combined musical connaissance.
The deluxe version of Do You Want More?!!!??! can be streamedhere.
The Long Island Music Hall of Fame has announced the awarding of its 2021 student scholarships. This year LIMHOF acknowledged four students with the $500 Distinction in Music award for their accomplishments.
This year’s winners are Elias Giuliano of Northport; Emily Howell of Plainview; Lauren Enos of Riverhead; and Anthony Barone of Mastic.
“The Long Island Music Hall of Fame is honored to have the opportunity to support and acknowledge accomplished high school seniors who are pursuing a future in music… The talent that exists on Long Island is something we at LIMHoF want to celebrate. In addition to following their own dreams, we believe these students will encourage and inspire others.”
LIMHoF Education Chairman Tom Needham
Left to right, top to bottom: Elias Giuliano of Northport; Emily Howell of Plainview; Lauren Enos of Riverhead; and Anthony Barone of Mastic, were the recipients of the 2021 Long Island Music Hall of Fame Distinction in Music Award.
Here are the for LIMHoF award winners:
Elias Giuliano, who attends Northport High School, plays viola in the symphony orchestra and piano in the jazz ensemble. He received accolades for his original compositions of piano music. “Elias possesses the versatility of a first-rate composer, performer, and mentor to so many students. He is an outstanding musician and person,” said Dr. Frank Doyle — who was awarded by LIMHoF as Music Educator of Note in 2016.
“I am honored and thrilled to be a LIMHoF scholarship recipient,” Giuliano said. “As an aspiring music teacher who wants to make music a lasting part of my life — and hopefully the lives of many others — I am humbled to be recognized by some of Long Island’s most amazing talent.”
Giuliano plans to attend SUNY Fredonia this fall and major in Music Education.
Emily Howell, who attends Plainview Old Bethpage High School, plays the French horn. In addition to recognition as a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-Eastern Symphony Orchestra, she was also a member of the 2019 All-State Wind Ensemble and 2020 All-State Symphony Orchestra as a principal horn.
“Music provides a mode of expression and gives hope in a way that nothing else can; it truly enriches my life,” Howell said. “Music provides comfort and solace at all times — and especially in today’s unsettled times. Whether it might be at a funeral (where music truly heals), or a wedding (where music commemorates and celebrates), or simply in my living room or kitchen (where some type of live or recorded music is always going), music has an emotional role and influential presence. It is a vehicle for communication, an art of sound that expresses emotions, thoughts, and ideas through harmonies, rhythms and melody: The ultimate universal language that speaks to everyone.”
Howell plans to attend Julliard School of Music and major in performance on French horn.
Lauren Enos, who attends Riverhead High School, has been playing music since the third grade. She currently plays bass clarinet, and she participated in the All-State 2020 Wind Ensemble and was principal clarinet in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State 2019 Symphony Orchestra.
“It is a great honor to receive an award from the Long Island Music Hall of Fame and to be among some of the most distinguished musicians on Long Island,” Enos said. “I appreciate the generosity of this organization in their efforts to help musicians like me further their musical endeavors.”
Enos plans to attend Eastman School of Music in Rochester.
Anthony Barone, who attends William Floyd High School, plays double bass in the William Floyd High School Symphonic Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. He also participated in the All-State 2019 and 2020 Symphony Orchestra and the New York Youth Symphony. “Anthony is the real deal,” said William Floyd Symphonic Orchestra Director Christopher Shaughnessy about Barone, “…One of the hardest working students I have ever met.”
“Music has made me what I am now, and in my heart of hearts, music is who I am,” said Barone. “I will become a teacher to not only spread my appreciation of music, but to also help those, like me, through music.”
Barone plans to attend Ithaca College this fall and major in Bass Performance.
Students in Brooklyn, Nassau, Queens, and Suffolk counties are eligible to apply for the scholarships. This program is in addition to other education acknowledgments that the Long Island Music Hall of Fame sponsors, including the Music Educator of Note and the High School Recognition Awards. Learn more about LIMHoF’s scholarship program HERE.
As live music returns, archival streams are going the way of the Dodo, at least for now. Phish has announced that their Dinner and a Movie series, which started in April 2020 will go back into the freezer, but not before one more installment, one from 1991 at Arrowhead Ranch in Parksville, NY.
Thus, on Tuesday, June 29 at 8:30 ET, Phish will broadcast their July 20, 1991 concert at New York’s Arrowhead Ranch, featuring The Giant Country Horns: Dave “The Truth” Grippo, Russell “Killer” Remington and Carl “Gears” Gerhard. The show was the second of a two-night stand at Ranch Arrowhead, and all ages shows with Phish and special guests TR3 and The Radiators opening.
Sue Zemanick, owner and James Beard Award-winning chef at Zasu, located in New Orleans’ Mid-City neighborhood provides the final meal for Dinner and a Movie. The name Zasu, derived from Zasa, which means “once again” in Slovak, is inspired by Sue’s Slovak heritage and childhood memories of family bonding in the kitchen. Sue brings a three course dinner of Coconut Curry Corn Soup, Spicy Tofu Larb Lettuce Wraps, and a Blueberry Creme Fraiche Pound Cake. Recipes can be found here.
The beneficiary for this episode is Phans for Racial Equity. PHRE promotes racial equity and respect for difference within the Phish and greater music community and beyond. Striving to make a more welcoming space for people of all races and ethnicities, bearing in mind the many ways in which race/ethnicity intersects with gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, disability, and other identities.
PHRE’s aim is to facilitate education and thoughtful engagement, first and foremost within the Phish community, about race and its intersection with other issues; give people tools to build a more welcoming environment; and activate our community to positively impact racial equity in the U.S. more broadly. More info here, and donate anytime here.
Phish – Arrowhead Ranch, Parksville, NY – July 20, 1991
Set 1: Chalk Dust Torture, Foam, The Squirming Coil > Llama, The Oh Kee Pa Ceremony > Suzy Greenberg[1], The Landlady[2], Bathtub Gin[1], My Sweet One, David Bowie[1]
Set 2: Buried Alive > Reba[3], Caravan[1], Dinner and a Movie[1], Flat Fee[1], Golgi Apparatus[1], Stash[1], The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday > Avenu Malkenu[1] > The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday, You Enjoy Myself[4], Rocky Top
Encore: Possum[5]
[1] Giant Country Horns.[2] Giant Country Horns; Rene Lopez on percussion.[3] Carl Gerhard whistled with the band.[4] Giant Country Horns; vocal jam based on burgers.[5] Giant Country Horns; Charlie Chan and Oom Pa Pa signals.
