Spring is here and the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) is back in action. Known regionally and nationally for empowering leadership among youth musicians from communities in New York’s Capital Region and the Berkshires, The 2021 SpringUP Festival features street performances, an immersive Soundwalk in Albany’s Washington Park, and virtual mainstage performances in ESYO’s new Virtual Concert Hall.
The festival, which runs through Sunday, June 13, allows ESYO to showcase their work in the community for the first time in 15 months.
“Youth leaders are found in every ensemble and at all levels of ESYO. Their passion, resiliency, and commitment inspired ESYO to meet the challenges created by the pandemic and keep making music together.
– Carlos Ágreda, ESYO Music Director
In-person audiences are welcome to bring a lawn chair and picnic lunch to Washington Park. There is also a spot to donate perishable food items to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY.
Outdoor events are FREE and open to the general public. Tickets to ESYO’s virtual mainstage stage concerts are on sale now and start at $1 with ACCESS ESYO membership. For a complete list of festival concerts and events or to donate, visit esyo.org/springup.
Of particular interest is the immersive Soundwalk around Washington Park Leks. It was envisioned by Emma Edgar, a senior at Bethlehem High School and executed by herself and an entire team of ESYO student musicians. the Soundwalk will be accessible to the community during the summer months.
SPRINGUP FESTIVAL EVENTS
ESYO SpringUP at Troy Waterfront Farmers Market | FREE
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Time: 10AM – 1PM Venue: Troy Riverfront Park
ESYO Young Leaders Presents: ESYO Soundwalk | FREE
Jazz Orchestra, String Orchestra- GE Theatre & Repertory Classical Orchestra at the SpringUP Festival
The Levitt AMP Utica Music Series announced this year’s concerts will take place on Monday nights from 6 to 9 pm, July 5 – Aug 30 with a final tenth concert taking place on Friday, Sept 3 to Kick Off Labor Day Weekend. With a lineup of New York State-based artists, they’ll perform at Kopernik Park in Downtown Utica this summer. Ten weeks of free, family-friendly outdoor concerts will return this summer!
The 2021 season is themed “New York State Originals” and will feature headlining artists from all over the state, along with local and regional opening acts and youth intermission acts, all performing original music. The diverse lineup of high-caliber talent spans genres like jazz, pop, soul, country, R&B, hip hop and more.
The public is invited to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs to the concerts. The park will have physically distanced rectangular “pods” sprayed in the grass that will hold up to six people each.
Pods will be spaced 6’ apart and will help guide guests for seating as we work together bringing back community events. The series will also offer art activities for young concert-goers and food trucks will be on site.
“As we begin to transition back to normal, we are excited to enjoy local venues and great entertainment such as the Levitt AMP series,” Mayor Robert Palmieri shared, “This concert series is a tremendous quality of life asset that we have been able to secure for our residents due to the generosity of the Levitt Foundation, local businesses and community organizations, as well as through the hard work and coordination of Michelle Truett and the Utica Monday Nite board..”
“We are so thrilled to have the Levitt AMP Utica series back for the 2021 season,” said Alicia Dicks, president/CEO of the Community Foundation. “This event brings our community together in so many ways and after the long-awaited return of live music and gatherings, this season is sure to be one of the best yet!”
The Utica Music Series are sponsored in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a national funder of creative placemaking that empowers communities to inject new life into underused public spaces through free, outdoor concerts. The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a presenting sponsor for the fifth season of concerts. Partners in the series include Rust 2 Green Utica, DeSales Center, the City of Utica and Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute. Season sponsors include Empire Recycling and the M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund.
In December of 2019, Utica was named one of 20 small to mid-sized towns and cities across America to win a Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Award of $25K in matching funds to present a free concert series at Kopernik Park in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 series was postponed and the funding applied to the 2021 season. A 2-hour “AMP the House” TV special was produced in 2020 with a Bridge Grant from the Levitt Foundation to bring our community together when we had to be apart.
Utica Monday Nite submitted the Levitt AMP proposal and is presenting the Utica Music Series. In an effort to inspire and engage communities across the country around the power of creative placemaking, the Levitt Foundation invited the public to choose the Top 25 finalists through online voting. Learn more about the winners and the 180 free Levitt AMP concerts across America at Levitt AMP’s wesite.
Kopernik Park is located at 317 Genesee Street at the corner of Eagle Street and Park Avenue near DeSales. Admission is free and all are welcome. Seating will be limited due to state guidelines, so getting to the park early is encouraged.
For anyone who is not quite ready for crowds and events, the Utica music series concerts will also be streamed via multiple platforms to be enjoyed at home/offsite.
THE 2021 LEVITT AMP UTICA MUSIC SERIES LINE UP
July 5 – Carolina Gents from Brooklyn, NY
Bluegrass, Americana, and country musicians in the New York area, pure, sweet sounds of Appalachia, then southern twang and effortless production. The band sets itself apart with their stylistic versatility, classy-vintage dress.
Opener: Isaac French – singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is originally from Vermont and now calls Rome, NY home. His debut album, “Human Being” has been received with acclaim throughout the region and beyond.
Deep, powerful soul. In addition, she has also been awarded Teen Empowerment’s PeaceMaker in Action Award. Beyond Danielle’s musical talent, she is a former Public Defender and Tedx speaker.
Opener: Count Blastula – Founded by Adam Fisher in Central New York, CB features eclectic music combined with visual expression. CB has been compared to classic artists such as Phish, The Allman Brothers and The Grateful Dead.
July 19 – Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra from Amsterdam, NY
This 12 piece orchestra has been the recipient of numerous awards including the New England Cultural Arts Preservation Award, the New York State Music Achievement Award and The Governor’s Excellence in Arts Award.
Opener: Grupo Pagan –a SAMMY Award winning Latin-American band based in Syracuse, NY. Their diverse backgrounds combine into a high energy brew of sound, with influences including Santana, Shakira and Enrique Iglesias.
July 26 – Samara Joy & Pasquale Grasso Duo from Bronx, NY
Following her winning the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, Samara is currently recording her debut recording, featuring one of the most strikingly unique artists of his generation, Pasquale Grasso.
Opener: Sydney Irving – Syracuse, NY rising star has already been nominated for three major regional songwriting awards. Irving juggles attendance at high school with gigs at high profile spots like Binghamton’s Spiedie Fest (supporting Starship featuring Mickey Thomas) and Turning Stone Resort & Casino on evenings and weekends.
Aug 2 – Sammy Rae & The Friends from Brooklyn, NY
Sammy Rae & The Friends was born from a collection of talented musicians and peers. The band rocks a jazz-pop sound and sold-out every show in NYC in 2019, enjoyed several tours in the USA and South America and acquired over 10 million streams on Spotify and Apple Music.
Opener: The Reuben James – Utica, NY based folk-rock outfit that was a staple of the regional live music scene for almost a decade. During that time, the group released 3 full-length albums. Their original sound draws from influences such as Wilco, Dylan, Tom Waits, Ani DiFranco, Springsteen, and Counting Crows. The group is incredibly excited to reunite at Levitt AMP after a decade-long hiatus.
Aug 9 – Shayna Steele from New York City
Shayna has supremely soulful energy, as well as mind blowing vocal artistry and songwriting skills. She has performed with the likes of Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Bette Midler and Steely Dan as a sought after background vocalist. It was the release of Shayna’s first full-length album I’ll Be Anything that put her on the map as a legitimate solo artist.
Opener: Haynesville Road – This Rock Band with Earth Lyrics consists of Bob ‘’BD’’ Dziedzic, from New York Mills, NY, Stan ‘’Stik’’ Slabicki,from Whitesboro, NY and Rob Aguilera, originally from Chicago, now living in Oneida, NY.
Aug 16 – Tom Nitti from Utica, NY
Born and raised in Central New York, Tom Nitti, your traditional country music artist, will be performing Levitt AMP with his full band. Tom joined the United States Army as a 19D Airborne Cavalry Scout. While deployed in Afghanistan, Tom earned the Purple Heart Award for sustaining a traumatic brain injury while taking mortar fire.
Opener: Jess Novak Band – With a fiddle on fire, powerful vocals and a fierce band behind her, this pop, rock, soul-pumped group is from Syracuse, New York. Known for their energy, superb musicianship, engaging songwriting and ability to win any crowd, this is a band on the rise.
Aug 23 – Joanne Shenandoah in Oneida, NY
GRAMMY award-winning, cross-cultural singer-songwriter with 24 albums, singles, collaborations and film soundtracks earning her more than 40 music awards, including a GRAMMY and 14 Native American Music Awards, an induction into the NAMMY Hall of Fame, and an EMMY nomination.
Opener: Fritz’s Polka Band – everything from modern-style polka to country to rock and even blues. They are not the stereotypical “polka” band –they were the first polka band to perform at a Woodstock Festival (Woodstock ’99)! In 2010, FPB was inducted into the Syracuse Area Music Hall of Fame.
Aug 30 – Paul Beaubrun from New York City
A Haitian singer and multi-instrumentalist, Paul weaves together Haitian roots music with rock and roll and reggae, delivering lyrics in English, French and Creole.
Opener: Tree of Life – A band that debuted at 2020’s AMP the House TV Show, they will now grace the Levitt AMP stage live this summer. Decades of experience in funk, rock, blues, metal and more.
Sept 3 – Sophistafunk from Syracuse, NY
Sophistafunk has gained international notoriety with their unique, positive blend of hip hop, funk, and jam music that boasts a touch of spoken word and an overflow of energy. Sophistafunk played the Levitt AMP Utica stage in 2017 and 2018 and they’re back to round out our 2021 season with our first ever Friday night concert to close out the series and kick off Labor Day weekend.
Opener: Leeky XIV – Malik Johnson, better known as Leeky XIV, is an independent rapper and entertainer who uses his art to promote the importance of living a positive lifestyle.
LOCKN’ has announced dates and lineups for three mini fests in 2021 across the month of August. The mini festivals will include live music, food, activities, and camping and will help reduce capacity for smaller and safer concert experiences. The festivities will be taking place on August 13 – 15, August 20 – 22, and August 27 – 29, at LOCKN’ Farm (formerly known as Infinity Downs Farm).
The LOCKN’ festival has been taking place since 2013 and takes place at the LOCKN’s 387-acre property located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Arrington, VA known as the LOCKN’ Farm. The festival generally hosts Jam bands. During its mini festivals, each weekend will be special in its own way, with a different band headlining the lineups celebrating the past, present, and future of LOCKN’. Of course, all three weekends will also feature an array of activities to enrich the summer days and nights while creating lifelong memories for all who attend.
The first weekend of fun will take place on Friday, August 13 to Sunday, August 15 with headliners Joe Russo’s Almost Dead performing six sets over three days, joined by special guests The Slip each night. In addition, Friday and Saturday night will see late-night jams and camaraderie thanks to Garcia’s Forest Improv Sessions Hosted by John Medeski and Billy Martin.
Admission tickets are available now via Front Gate Tickets HERE; camping passes are available HERE.
The second weekend of fun will take place on Friday, August 20 to Sunday, August 22 will feature “Goose Presents FRED the Festival,” a historic three-day event headlined by Goose. Guests include Dawes performing Black Sabbath’s Paranoid plus a full set of original songs, Dr. Dog, Hiss Golden Messenger, Cory Wong, Grateful Shred, and Sammy Rae & The Friends. After an eight-year hiatus, Vasudo will also be featured at FRED the Festival. Regarded as Goose’s musical predecessor, Vasudo’s feel-good sound can be described as Jamaica meets Nashville. Admission tickets are available now via Front Gate Tickets HERE; camping passes are available HERE.
The third and last weekend will take place on Friday, August 27 to Sunday, August 29 will feature a weekend of collaborative magic headlined by Tedeschi Trucks (performing Saturday and Sunday). Guests include Academy Award-winning musician Jon Batiste with his first-ever visit to the Farm on Sunday, longtime LOCKN’ favorites The Marcus King Band (performing Friday and Saturday), Lettuce, and Gabe Dixon Band. Admission tickets are available now via Front Gate Tickets HERE; camping passes are available HERE.
LOCKN’ Farm Summer 2021 will follow CDC guidelines, as well as any additional guidelines set by local and state authorities. Full details of health and safety measures and policies will be communicated to patrons in advance of attending shows at LOCKN’ Farm. The LOCKN’ Farm Summer 2021 will update as new information becomes available.
For fans who purchased tickets to the 2020 LOCKN’ Music Festival and did not previously request a refund, all purchase orders are currently in the process of being refunded in full, including all service fees, by LOCKN’ ticketing partner, Front Gate Tickets. Funds will be credited back to the original purchaser in the original form of payment. Ticket buyers in the middle of a payment plan will be refunded for the full amount paid thus far, including all service fees. No cancellation fees will be charged. Please allow 7-10 business days for refunds or credit to clear. For additional ticketing, order, or refund assistance, please contact order-support@frontgatetickets.com.
For more information on the LOCKN’ mini fests visit their website.
With live music returning to Capital Region venues, Saratoga’s historic Caffe Lena is in a position to assist a popular jazz festival in a part of the world that is still restricted by COVID-19. With American musicians unable to cross the border for their gigs at Quebec Jazz In June, Caffè Lena will instead be producing the shows at its location in Saratoga and making it available to the Quebec Audience via livestream.
Quebec Jazz in June, a ten day festival that ushers jazz music to the streets of Quebec City has pivoted to a hybrid online, and in-person model as Canada keeps its southern border closed.
“This legendary venue has stepped up to ensure that world class American musicians will once again be a part of our annual festivities – this time through the magic of live streaming.” Says Simon Couillard, the Festival’s General Manager.
Three nights of the festivals headline artists will be live streamed from Caffe Lena to the Festival’s social media platforms. Capital Region audiences can also attend the concerts in-person, in the intimate listening room located in downtown Saratoga Springs.
“Standing in as Quebec’s USA Stage is a win-win-win. The artists get to play for the festival’s audience; Quebec Jazz can hang onto their American line-up; and Saratoga gets to experience the festival’s mainstage musicians in person,” says Caffe Lena’s Executive Director Sarah Craig.
The collaboration between Caffe Lena and Quebec Jazz in June is one to look forward to, and is a positive thing as a result of the pandemic. The historic venue has been regularly sharing their stage and live stream capabilities with a number of venues and organizations from around the region, including 2020’s Freihoffer’s Jazz Festival.
Producing more than 200 shows during 2020, the venue’s audience has expanded far beyond its 110-seat listening room, while providing more than $100,000 in income to musicians who were not able to play live shows in over a year.
“This event is a perfect example of the growth of the independent music world that happened over the past year. There was pain while it was happening, but the end result–greater access for all–is exciting for artists and audiences. This international collaboration with Quebec Jazz In June is truly exhilarating,” says Craig.
The American artists performing at Caffe Lena for this series will include Manuel Valera New Cuban Express on Thursday, June 17th, Sheila Jordan on Friday, June 18th, and the Chuck Lamb Trio featuring Chuck Lamb, Jay Anderson and Harvey Sorgen on Sunday, June 20th.
Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Valera, who has played with Paquito D’Rivera and Arturo Sandoval, begins a three-night run with a scaled-down version of his New Cuban Express Big Band. Inspired by famed Cuban writer and independence hero José Martí, Valera has created a song cycle using traditional Cuban styles merged with contemporary Latin jazz. Valera, who lost his wife in 2020, repurposed Martí’s powerful poems as a personal cry for freedom, justice and passion for life. Valera will be joined by Felipe Lamoglia on saxophone, Ricky Rodriquez on bass and Jimmy McBride on drums.
National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Sheila Jordan follows the next night. Widely regarded as one of the great jazz vocalists, she remains innovative and passionate, at the youthful of 92. Always eager to forge new connections, Jordan will be accompanied by Capital Region jazz artists Dylan Perrillo on bass, Nick Anderson on drums, and Tyler Giroux on piano.
Saratoga’s own Chuck Lamb closes out the festivities on Sunday with a trio featuring Harvey Sorgen on drums and Jay Anderson on bass. Lamb, best known as the pianist for the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, is the artist-in-residence for the acclaimed monthly “Jazz at Caffe Lena” music series. Each musician brings a wealth of talent and experience to the stage ranging from all corners of jazz music.
Caffe Lena offers a state of the art live stream experience with professional sound engineering and a multi-camera broadcasting system. Throughout the COVID-19 shutdown, the Caffe’s live stream capabilities became a lifeline for the organization as they shifted their programming to an entirely virtual experience. Now they are open for limited capacity live audiences, while also continuing to stream its nightly performances as a way to stay connected with music lovers far and wide.
Founded in 1960, Caffè Lena is a premiere concert venue located in Saratoga Springs, NY. Known around the world for fostering the preservation and growth of independent music rooted in tradition, Caffè Lena is the oldest continually running coffee house in the United States.
In person or virtually, Caffe Lena provides an unparalleled listening experience for renowned artists and breakout bands nearly every night of the week. The Caffe offers homemade desserts, locally sourced light fare, coffee, wine and beer to enjoy during the show. To buy tickets, live stream a concert and view our schedule please visit www.caffelena.org
Summary of Events Thursday, June 17, 7 PM – Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Friday, June 18, 8 PM – Sheila Jordan Trio Sunday, June 20, 7 PM – Lamb-Sorgen-Anderson
Bardavon Presents has announced it will reopen this August after being closed for 14 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Four new shows will join a number of previously scheduled performances postponed and rescheduled in 2020. More shows and available sales will be announced in the coming weeks.
Erected in 1868 by British immigrant James Collingwood, the Collingwood Opera House featured a plethora of various performances throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1923, the opera house became known as The Bardavon. Since then, the building continues to serve as a focal point for the performing arts, evolving and thriving throughout the years.
Upcoming Shows For Reopening
The following four shows will go on sale to Bardavon members on Tuesday, June 8 at 11am, and to the general public on Friday, June 11 at 11am:
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – Sunday, August 22 at 7pm at UPAC: Multi-instrumentalist Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews brings his R&B, rock, rap, and funk brass band to UPAC for the very first time. Tickets start at $50.
Dispatch (Acoustic) – Saturday, September 25 at 8pm at Bardavon: One of the country’s most successful indie/roots bands, Dispatch, brings its politically progressive acoustic rock to the Bardavon for an intimate show. Tickets start at $45.
David Sedaris – Saturday, October 16 at 8pm at Bardavon: Sedaris returns to the Bardavon to read stories spanning his remarkable career followed by a Q&A and book signing. All Tickets $49.
Words & Music: An intimate evening with Patti Smith – Saturday, November 13 at 8pm at UPAC: Pioneering artist and punk icon Patti Smith performs a set of original spoken-word stories from her life, interspersed with songs, and will take questions from the audience. Tickets start at $49.
The four shows above join the following performances postponed in 2020 that are on sale now at Bardavon.org
Brit Floyd Aug 29 at UPAC Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons Oct 24 at UPAC Mavericks Dec 18 at UPAC Celtic Woman March 20 at UPAC Stomp May 26 at UPAC
To celebrate Puerto Rican Culture Week, NY PopsUp festival will be having its annual celebration at 52 Amphitheater in The Bronx. The free event will be held on June 6th with live music at 2:30 and 4:30 pm. This is after last year’s Puerto Rican Culture Week celebration was held online.
The music talent will include GRAMMY nominated Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band who will be saluting Puerto Rican composers like Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Rafael Hernández, and more at 2:30 pm. Then at 4:30 pm, they play the complete score from the Grammy-nominated, Jazz Journalists Association Record of the Year, “West Side Story Reimagined”
NY PopsUp is an expansive festival consisting of hundreds of pop-up performances that regularly permeate the daily lives of New Yorkers. It is intended to revitalize the spirit and emotional well-being of New York citizens through the energy of live performance. The programming for NY PopsUp will be led by the interdisciplinary artist Zack Winokur, in partnership with a hand-selected council of artistic advisors who represent the diversity of New York’s dynamic performing arts scenes and artistic communities.
You can attend this event at 52 Amphitheater 681 Kelly St. Bronx, NY. COVID-19 Protocols will be followed so bring a mask.
Starting in June, DSP Shows will be at Beak & Skiff in Lafayette, blessing CNY with tons of live music. Groups such as Lake Street Dive, Indigo Girls, 10,000 Maniacs, and Fitz & The Tantrums will be featured, among others. “Pod” tickets for safely-distanced performances are on sale now here.
10,000 Maniacs is an especially adored group that has helped create the alternative rock genre over the last forty years. This performance will be their first since February 2020.
Rising Appalachia’s southern roots combined with their global influences create a genius folk sound that is displayed on their album, Leylines. Their passionate fans have led them to appear in many major festivals across the country.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong is a psych-funk group from Baltimore. They are best known for their festival, Domefest, and they recently earned their first arena headlining performance.
Indigo Girls (and special guest Lucy Wainwright Roche)
Indigo Girls, the duo of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, have an unmatched chemistry that make them a crowd favorite. They are masters in folk-tinged pop duets.
Fitz & The Tantrums are known for their infectious high energy levels that come to life on the stage. They are LA-based and have a single, “Handclap” that has been certified 2x platinum.
The Wood Brothers (with special guest Valerie June)
Fri. August 13, 2021
5pm Concert Grounds Open // 7pm Showtime
Hailing from Nashville, The Wood Brothers consists of Chris and Oliver Wood as well as multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix. They have been deemed masters of soulful, American folk.
Old Crow Medicine Show
Wed. August 25, 2021
5pm Concert Grounds Open // 7pm Showtime
Old Crow Medicine Show is an Americana string band that makes folk, old-time, and alternative country music. Their album Remedy won them the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album in 2015.
The Sea.Hear.Now Festival has announced their return to Asbury Park, New Jersey this year and has revealed their long-awaited lineup. Big names like Pearl Jam, Billy Idol and the Smashing Pumpkins are topping the bill.
The annual fest will take place September 18-19 this year, showcasing live music alongside surfing demos by professional wave surfers on Asbury’s North Beach.
Pearl Jam, The Avett Brothers, Lord Huron, Patti Smith and Her Band, Patti Scialfa and more will take the stage on Saturday, September 18. The Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Idol, Dirty Heads, Grouplove, Orville Peck and more will close out the weekend of music on Sunday, September 19.
New additions to the music lineup include R&B singer/songwriter Cory Henry, as well as rockers White Denim and Strand of Oaks.
Sea.Hear.Now’s world-class lineup of surfers, including 2018 New Jersey Female Surfer of the Year Cassidy McLain, will compete in daily North Beach Expression Sessions. Expression Sessions are “soulful” alternatives to the traditional surf meet, where top surfers come together to show off their best moves. At Sea.Hear.Now, surfers will be grouped into sets of five, where they will have 30 minutes to catch as many waves as they can. The scoring system is based on the surfer’s creativity and style in each ride.
Art installations are the main centerpieces of the event, accenting the beauty of the shoreline. Murals and recycled surfboards will create a walkway arch down the sand called “Stoke Henge,” and Danny Clinch’s Transparent Gallery Pop Up will be on display this year.
According to festival staff, organizers are in regular communication with local health and public safety officials and will follow current recommendations and guidelines at the time of the festival. Patrons will receive regular updates regarding procedures, which will also be shared on their social media.
A limited number of two-day General Admission Tickets are available to purchase now on the Sea.Hear.Now ticket website. Children ages seven and under may attend for free alongside a ticketed adult.
Brooklyn Made, a brand-new music venue in Bushwick, will open this fall. Former Live Nation New York President Anthony Makes announced the launch of Brooklyn Made Presents, a concert promotion company, in the summer of 2020. This new addition of the company, a 500-capacity club, will see its first show September 30, with a performance by Jeff Tweedy.
Located at 428 Troutman Street in the heart of Bushwick, Brooklyn Made will be a state-of-the-art music venue with lighting design by Jeremy Roth (whose credits include work with Wilco, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Mazzy Star) and sound by D&B Audiotechnik, including the Soundscape 3D object-mixing and room emulation platform.
This venue is truly the headquarters for Brooklyn Made Presents. Myself and my partner Kelly Winrich wanted to create the most amazing club and I know we’ve accomplished this with Brooklyn Made. The bells and whistles with this place are so far ahead of anything we’ve ever seen and we know – every single artist and fan that comes here – is going to be blown away by the experience.
Anthony Makes
Connected to the music room is a bar called Connie’s which features a horseshoe-shaped bar along with a pool table. The bar is sure to be not only the pre but the post hang spot for fans coming to Brooklyn Made. Connie’s also has access to an outdoor courtyard along with a second level roof deck for taking your food and drinks outside. The bar will be open until 4 am, even on non-show days.
Right next door to the venue will be a café called Standing Room which will open at 7 am as a coffee house/café with pastries and breakfast and then turn into a cocktail/wine/tapas bar with a full kitchen in the afternoon until late into the evening. Outdoor seating will be available here as well.
Performers at Brooklyn Made will have exclusive access to a myriad of amenities, including a second level carriage house, private outdoor swimming pool, and multiple roof decks offering unobstructed panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. There is also a lower level VIP area has a private bar and pool table.
Having played venues and festivals of all sizes across the world, there are a handful that really stick out. Our aim is to make sure all artists that come through our rooms have an unforgettable experience. From hospitality, to sound, to lights – we want it all to be next level.
Kelly Winrich, Delta Spirit band member
Jeff Tweedy will open the club with a special two-night run of shows on Sept 30and Oct 1followed by Greg Dulli on Oct 2and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue on Oct 4and 5. Tickets for all of these shows will go on sale at noon on June 11.
Brooklyn Made has partnered with the mobile ticketing platform DICE for the club’s events. Along with purchasing tickets, the waitlist technology allows fans who were unable to get tickets during the initial on sale with another shot at it. If a fan can’t attend a show after purchasing their ticket, they can request a full refund which allows the tickets to go on sale for the next person in the waitlist line.
East Coast meets the Midwest on the Lex Luger assisted banger featuring Chicago rapper, Valee. From Staten Island bred, classical music composer, MVW (Michael Vincent Waller), the two-minute long record is the second single released from his upcoming project, Classic$ (the first hip-hop project from Michael Vincent Waller after releasing three classical albums). With “Still Do” following the Shanique Marie and Lex Luger assisted, “Survey Says.”
A sui generis collaboration, MVW is recognized in the classical world for his portrayal of “melodic classicism.” Something that this record subtly and blatantly emphasizes.
On the vision behind his upcoming project, MVW explains,
My core intention on Classic$ is to get classical music into hip-hop without dissolving either. It’s about allowing the production and samples to breathe organically. We’re not simply trying to add orchestral heavy strings. Instead, we’re relying on dark and episodic chamberal moments, which fit naturally. I hope people are like, I didn’t know classical music could be so funky. I can’t believe trap [music] is so sensuous and beautiful.
Michael Vincent Waller
“Still Do,” is rich in production. It begins with a sensual violin solo which loops throughout before light strings and a thumping drum track starts the record. Light keys are sprinkled throughout the loop and Valee echoes his rhymes of a luxurious life, with trap and classical genres working together symbiotically.
Still do, get the guap we still do. B*tch want to hit up 90210 to shop we still do.
The production on the song just spoke to me, Valee says of the record. I knew I had to do something different and use a brand new flow for it.
Valee
On Classic$, MVW also recruits multi-platinum producer Lex Luger (known for his extravagant sounding orchestral beats and unique use of ihats to open records), whose work with the likes of Rick Ross, Kanye West, Waka Flocka Flame amongst others have made him world renowned.
The two have co-produced multiple records for the album as they have unlocked a bridge between their two worlds.
Lex Luger on the beat
I want to take the same attention to detail associated with classical and chamber music and apply it to one of the most viable, listenable, and casual genres, i.e. trap, explains MVW.
It’s got freshness and energy, but there are a whole bunch of nuances and details you don’t typically hear in modern rap. I’m trying to take the best of both worlds.
