NYS Music 202​1

Category: News Desk

  • Questlove’s “Summer of Soul” documentary looks at 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival

    For six weeks in the summer of 1969, and nearly 100 miles south of Woodstock, another groundbreaking cultural event was taking place. The Harlem Cultural Festival, filmed in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park), celebrated African American music and culture, and promoted Black pride and unity. While the footage was never seen and largely forgotten, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson brings ‘Black Woodstock’ to light in his debut documentary, Summer of Soul (…Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised).

    The trailer debuted during the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, April 25, where Questlove was serving as music director and DJ for the evening. Part concert film and part historical record, the documentary is an important piece of history that stands as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, both past and present.

    summer of soul

    While this is Questlove’s first directing jawn, he has appeared in numerous music documentaries, including Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest, Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown, and served as co-executive producer of Finding the Funk.

    Summer of Soul features performances by B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples, Hugh Masekela, Mongo Santamaria, Nina Simone, and Sly & the Family Stone, among many more. Included in Summer of Soulare never-before-seen concert performances by Wonder, Nina Simone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Ray Baretto, Abbey Lincoln & Max Roach, the 5th Dimension, David Ruffin, and more.

    All this from an historic six week music festival that would be overshadowed by the one weekend Woodstock festival that summer. With over 300,000 people in attendance, it rivals the attendance of the iconic festival, yet received virtually no coverage from the mainstream media.

    summer of soul

    40 hours of never-seen-before footage has remained in storage in a basement for the past 50 years, keeping this incredible event in America’s history lost, until now. Questlove, speaking of the personal significance of the footage, told Indiewire, “What would have happened if this was allowed a seat at the table? How much of a difference would that have made in my life? That was the moment that extinguished any doubt I had that I could do this.”

    Summer of Love premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 28, 2021, where it won the US Grand Jury Prize in the documentary category.

    Summer of Soul (Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) will hold special engagements at two theaters ahead of wide release on 600 screens, and on Hulu, starting Friday, July 2. Early screenings will be held at El Capitan Theater in LA and the Magic Johnson AMC Harlem.

  • The Osees Announce Fall Tour

    California-based alternative rock band, Osees, recently announced that they are going on tour this fall across the U.S.

    Osees

    The band formed in San Francisco in 1997 and throughout their group’s career they have changed their name a few times. Over the course of the years they have gained and departed from members. The current members of the group are John Dwyer the vocalist and guitarist of the group, Tim Hellman the bassist, Dan Rincon and Paul Quattrone on the drums and Tomas Dolas on the keyboard. Throughout their journey with different names , the Osees released over 20 EPs and albums. In the year 2020, they released four EPs, Protrean Treat, Metamorphosed, Panther Rotate and Weirdo Hairdo. 

    With all tier releases within the last year, Osees is heading to several different states on tour later this year. From September to early October they will be performing in major cities including San Francisco, Portland, OR, Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, Cleveland, Toronto, Cambridge, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Carrboro, Atlanta, Austin and Albuquerque. Alternative/indie band Mr. Elevator will be joining them on tour. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

    In addition to tour announcements, Osees front-man John Dwyer  has an announcement of his own. Dwyer is auctioning his custom created Werewolf Rug to raise money for the Coalition on Homelessness San Francisco. According to Dwyer the rug was made in San Francisco years ago. He found it fitting to benefit the work that the organization does in San Francisco.

    The Osees Fall Tour Dates

    Tue 09/07 San Francisco, CA – The Chapel
    Wed 09/08 San Francisco, CA – The Chapel
    Fri 09/10 Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom
    Sat 09/11 Seattle, WA –  Neumos  
    Sun 09/12 Seattle, WA – Neumos  
    Thu 09/16 Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue Mainroom
    Fri 09/17 Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
    Sat 09/18 Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
    Sun 09/19 Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
    Mon 09/20 Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
    Wed 09/22 Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
    Fri 09/24 Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw
    Sat 09/25 Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw
    Sun 09/26 Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer
    Mon 09/27 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle 
    Wed 09/29 Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
    Fri 10/01 Austin, TX – Hotel Vegas
    Sat 10/02 Austin, TX – Hotel Vegas
    Mon 10/04 Albuquerque, NM – Sister Bar 
     

  • Antiboy Partners with Jason Ebeyer and NY-based The Phluid Project for ‘One Love’ T-Shirt

    Antiboy has partnered up with Jason Ebeyer and The Phluid Project for the creation of their ‘One Love’ T-shirt, in conjunction with the upcoming release of their new anthem, One Love which is due out April 30. All proceeds of the shirt will be donated to The Hendrick Martin Institute.

    Antiboy

    Antiboy is the musical persona of the late actor, musician and model Harry Hains who unfortunately passed away from an accidental fentanyl intoxication on January 7, 2020. Hains’ debut album A Glitch in Paradise was released posthumously to critical acclaim back in December of 2020.

    The album included 10-tracks and the musical and visual release of, ‘Dream’ starring Andrej Pejic, which has surpassed over 1 million views on YouTube. ‘One Love’ will be the first single off yet to be announced future Antiboy project. The project was produced by Fernando Garibay and Red One. ‘One Love’ is a poignant declaration of self-love and it features Jane Badler’s vocals who is Hains Mother. Red One and Fernando Garibay last collaborated on Lady Gaga’s incredibly successful ‘Born This Way’ album. 

    antiboy

    Jason Ebeyer is a graphic designer who created the graphic for the t-shirt. The Phluid Project is a NY-based company that was launched in 2018.  It’s known worldwide as a gender free fashion brand. The limited-edition ‘One Love’ T-shirt  will donate 100% of the proceeds directly to benefit The Hendrick Martin Institute which is the United States largest LGBTQ+ youth services organization. The organization helps over 2000 children from 38 states across the country every year. The programs include: Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness, Counseling, Education, and Job Readiness. Each year over 11,000 hot meals are served at their facility in New York City, with over 21% of LGBTQ youth stating that finding a hot meal is a primary reason for coming to Hendrick Martin Institute.

    For more information on the shirt and the upcoming Antiboy release of One Love visit their Instagram.

  • Soul wins Best Animated Film and Best Score at 2021 Oscars

    Pixar’s Soul won big at the 2021 Oscars, winning the awards for Best Animated Film and Best Original Score.

    soul disney film

    Written and directed by Docter, co-writer of Up, Inside Out and Monsters, Inc., Soul centers around Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx), who gets a chance to perform at a famous jazz club, but instead falls into a sinkhole, where his soul leaves his body. He must then has to find his way back to his body, with the help of 22, a soul voiced by Tina Fey.

    In his acceptance speech, Docter thanked art and music teachers, and encouraged all to follow the example of jazz musicians, to take whatever we have, wherever we are, and turn it into something beautiful.

    Soul also took home the award for Best Original Score, garnering trophies for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (who won previously for The Social Network) and a first Oscar for Jon Batiste. Batiste spoke on behalf of the trio, thanking god and breaking down the root of music to its basics.

    What’s deep is that God gave us 12 notes. It’s the same 12 notes Duke Ellington had, Bach had, it’s the same 12 Nina Simone and all the nominees (had).

    Every gift is special. Every contribution of music that comes from the divine into the instruments, into the film, into the minds and hearts and souls of every person who hears it. The stories that happen when you listen to it and watch it and the stories you share, the moments you make, the memories you create. Man, it’s so incredibly special.

    Batiste’s thoughts on the music behind Soul mirror a film with a deep message and connection to jazz. “I’m just thankful to God for those 12 notes, that’s so dope,” later saying “This movie is a culmination of a series of miracles.” Watch the full acceptance speech below and Reznor’s and Ross’ remarks here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZODqBZke7UU

    Batiste also made history as the second black composer to win the award, following Herbie Hancock, who won an Oscar for the score to Round Midnight in 1987.

    The Soul soundtrack features 42 score and jazz tracks found in the film, along with songs “Rappin Ced” by Daveed Diggs, and “Parting Ways” by Cody ChesnuTT. Listen to the full soundtrack below or on Spotify.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rYrANk7c6U

    Winning for Best Original Song was H.E.R.’s “Fight For You” from Judas and the Black Messiah.

    This year’s awards featured performances of the five nominated songs during the pre-show telecast, which found H.E.R. behind a drum kit before taking center stage. The performance was backed by a full band to bring about a full 60’s funk vibe, one that was peppered with quotes from Fred Hampton, Chicago Black Panther Party chairman.

    H.E.R. recently won big at the Grammys, garnering the award for Song of the Year “I Can’t Breathe,” and best R&B song “Better Than I Imagined.” Earlier in the night, Daniel Kaluuya won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Hampton.

    All those days of Sly and the Family Stone and Marvin Gaye, thank you, Dad, it really paid off.

    Musicians and filmmakers, I believe we have the opportunity to tell the truth and write the history the way it was. Knowledge is power, music is power and as long as I’m standing, I’m going to fight for us.

    H.E.R. accepting the Oscar for Best Original Song
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONF2-5kxATI

    Two Distant Strangers took home the Oscar for best Short Film. Directed by Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe, the film examines the deaths of Black Americans during encounters with police through the eyes of a character trapped in a time loop. Joey Bada$$, founder of hip-hop collective Pro Era, plays the main character, whose constant encounters with the police seem to lead to progress, only to end in his death.

    For a complete list of winners visit Oscars.com

  • Joe Bonamassa to Release “Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From the Ryman”

    A year after Joe Bonamassa’s iconic live-streamed performance at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From the Ryman will release just in time to kick off summer.

    Included are 12 live tracks from one of today’s most well-known blues guitarist, Joe Bonamassa, and is set for release on June 11th. The live album will also feature unreleased versions of songs from Bonamassa’s 24th #1 album, Royal Tea.

    Royal Tea Live Joe bonamassa

    Joe Bonamassa is no stranger to finding creative ways to engage his audience, especially with the restrictions put on the live touring industry by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, he put together a special one-night-only show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN to be live-streamed to fans across the globe. Now remixed and mastered for physical release, the DVD includes an introduction narrated by Jeff Daniels.

    I have always wanted to film a show at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Our band has had the honor of playing there now 8 1/2 times over the past 10 years. The audience is always alive and electric, hanging on every word and phrase. It feels like the greatest, most intimate gig you will ever do but there are 2,300 people sharing this joy and musical journey.

    I love the place as it is a national treasure and selfishly close to my house. Here’s where I get to the 1/2 part. We missed you. As great as it is to be on that stage in any capacity, YOU the fans make it special. You are part of the show and a big part of it. As this show was being filmed live, almost 100,000 eyes were on us in various forms around the world in front of TVs and computers alike. But you were not in the room with us.

    We played as good as we could in front of those 1700 cardboard cut outs of your faces and tried to imagine you there. For split seconds I would catch a glimpse of the room and it almost felt normal. Then the song would end and there would be dead silence. Only the footsteps of our crew could be heard. With all of that said, this DVD is a snapshot of a concert performance within the confines a vast sea change of the world. A world that had temporarily deemed us unnecessary. Nobody knows when I will ever get back to this stage in front of a full house again, but I sure do know that I do love it and miss you greatly. This show counts as a 1/2.

    Joe Bonamassa, recalling the performance at Ryman Auditorium

    The guitar prodigy prides himself on taking big risks in his career, often venturing into uncharted and exciting territory to create an optimal experience for his fanbase. His efforts to exceed expectations have shone through especially during quarantine, setting up incredible virtual opportunities as well as pushing events through his non-profit, Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA).

    You can pre-order here. The website also offers event-exclusive merchandise and opportunities for digital downloads and is available on CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, and Double LP.

    https://youtu.be/T3hCNvXXjoY

  • Dave Matthews Band Release Summer 2021 Tour Dates

    Dave Matthews Band have announced rescheduled 2021 dates plus additional stops for their upcoming tour starting on July 23.

    Dave matthews band 2021

    Last year the pandemic interfered with the possibility of live music events. In May 2020, The Dave Matthews Band announced that the tour would be postponed to the summer of 2021 and revealed the dates on April 22. The tour kicks off in Raleigh, NC and will make stops all around the country. Cities a part of the headline run includes West Palm Beach, FL, Chicago, IL, Noblesville, IN Gilford, NH Irvine, CA and Saratoga Springs, NY; each of them having two-night stands. Shows in Tampa and Denver have been added to the list of dates as well.

    The band will also return to the Gorge Amphitheater in George, WA for their annual three-night Labor Day tradition. They will be joined by Dumpstaphunk and Allen Stone on Friday, September 3, Randy Randolph & The Family Band on Saturday, September 4 and Mavis Staples on Sunday, September 5.   

    DMB was originally supposed to perform at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 9 and July 10 but have rescheduled to Sept. 17 and Sept. 18. Tickets that were sold for the original dates are valid for the rescheduling. These are the last shows for SPAC’s Live Nation concerts for the summer.

    Dave Matthews Band originally pledged to plant one million trees for the 2020 tour and with the new dates, they decided to honor it. The pledge is for the The Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion campaign. They are supported by DocuSign and Dreaming Tree Wines— Dave Matthews’ wine company– in their efforts. The band encourages fans to participate by adding an optional $2 when purchasing their tickets. 

    Online presale tickets are currently open for members of the Warehouse until April 25 at 3 p.m. The official presale credit card is Citi, making card holders eligible to purchase tickets through Citi Entertainment starting on April 27 at 10 a.m through April 29 at 10 p.m. Ticket sales for Denver and Tampa for the general public starts on April 30 at 10 a.m. People who already have tickets from the original sales from 2020 are able to keep them or refund them.  

    Updated on July 20, 2021: Dave Matthews Band announced on July 19, 2021 that they are adding two nights to their summer tour at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. The performances at MSG will take place on November 12 and 13 of 2021. These shows will be the band’s first return to the venue since 2018. They have also added a new date in Columbus, OH on November 5, 2021 at the Nationwide Arena.

  • Phish Announces Fall 2010 show for next Dinner and a Movie

    For Phish’s next installment of their monthly Dinner And A Movie archival stream series, they’ll head back to Fall 2010 for a performance at Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH. The October 26 performance featured, among other highlights, an “After Midnight” opener and the debut of “Night Nurse,” a reggae tune by Gregory Isaacs, who died the night before.

    dinner and a movie fall 2010

    The dinner part of the evening consists of Gnudi (light ricotta dumplings) on a Pomodoro Sauce with Pizzicati “Pinched” Cookies for dessert. Recipes can be found here.

    As always, each installment of Dinner And A Movie benefits a new charity. This month’s beneficiary is the Conservation Law Foundation, who for over 50 years has taken on powerful opponents who pollute the air and water and squander resources. CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovative strategies that conserve natural resources, protect public health and safeguard our local communities. For more information visit clf.org. All donations made via The WaterWheel Foundation will benefit CLF. Donate at any time at phish.com/waterwheel.

    dinner and a movie fall 2010
    Fall 2010 poster by Brian McGregor, via PhanArt.net

    This Dinner and a Movie trip back to Fall 2010 starts on Tuesday, April 27 at 8:30pm ET. Tune in at webcast.livephish.com.

    Setlist via Phish.net – 10/26/10 – Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester, NH

    Soundcheck: Nothing, Let Me Lie, Friday, Walls of the Cave

    Set 1: After Midnight, The Sloth, Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues[1], Mellow Mood, Access Me, Llama, All of These Dreams, The Curtain With > Scent of a Mule, A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing, It’s Ice > Walls of the Cave

    Set 2: Possum > Light > Mike’s Song > Simple > Makisupa Policeman[2] -> Night Nurse[3] -> Makisupa Policeman > The Wedge, Ghost -> The Mango Song > Weekapaug Groove[4] -> Llama Reprise

    Encore: Show of Life

    [1] “From Goddard College” added to lyrics.
    [2] “Woke up this morning with a policeman at my door all I could do was shrug, and go back in my bedroom and smoke another nug” lyrics.
    [3] Phish debut.
    [4] Unfinished.

    Shirt design via SetlistTees

    Phish also released on Friday the latest in the Live Phish series, heading back to Summer 1995 and the band’s first appearance at Deer Creek Amphitheatre in Noblesville, IN. The official video featuring Deer Creek 1995 aired in June as an installment of Dinner And A Movie. Download the show here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNdGRixq7ZQ

  • Memorial Day Meltdown in Lake George to feature Pink Talking Fish, Dogs in a Pile and Badfish

    Lake George’s Charles R. Wood Park will serve as the location for The Memorial Day Meltdown, a multi-day pod style concert series set to take place from May 27-30. The holiday weekend run of concerts will feature Pink Talking Fish, Badfish, Dogs In a Pile and others. Produced by the great minds behind Adirondack Independence Music Festival, the announcement follows yesterday’s news of Lake George Music Festival’s return in August.

    pink talking fish ADK fest memorial day meltdown
    Pink Talking Fish

    The weekend of music kicks off on Thursday, May 27 with a special celebration featuring two sets from Dogs in a Pile. Pink Talking Fish is set to headline Friday May 28, receiving support from Dogs in a Pile. Music continues into Saturday, May 29 with Badfish, a Tribute to Sublime, with an opener yet to be announced. Performances on Sunday, May 31 will be announced at a later date. The pod style concert will allow each pod to have up to 5 people in an 8×10 foot space.

    Upon entering Charles R. Wood Park, all attendees must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 antigen test and will have their temperature checked. With New York State’s new 33% percent capacity rule, the festival space is allowed to have up to 700 concert goers. The safety of the fans will be the most important focus for staff and crew Memorial Day weekend with social distancing guidelines put in place to ensure a complete experience.

    Charles R. Wood Park, via Lake George Chamber of Commerce

    For those who have never been to Charles R. Wood Park, the commons sit on the south end of Lake George, right in the heart of the Adirondacks. The site is also home to numerous events including the Adirondack Independence Music Festival. The ground has featured national touring acts since its incarnation including Charlie Daniels Band, Blue Oyster Cult, The Spin Doctors, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and many more.

    There will be a follow-up announcement about additional weekends of music that will be taking place at the Charles R. Wood Park over the summer. Tickets for Memorial Day Meltdown are on sale now. To purchase tickets and for more information, click here.

  • Shock G, co-founder of Digital Underground, dead at 57

    Shock G, founder of West-coast hip hop group, Digital Underground, has passed away. Best known for the group’s breakthrough hit “The Humpty Dance” and his entertainingly provocative alter ego “Humpty Hump,” Shock G — born, Gregory Jacobs — also achieved belated notoriety for mentoring a young Tupac Shakur and co-producing his debut album 2Pacalypse Now.

    According to his father, Edward Racker, Shock G was found dead in a Tampa, FL hotel room. The cause of death was unclear. He was 57 years old.

    shock G digital underground

    Born in Far Rockaway, Queens in 1963, Shock G would move to Tampa in 1980, back north to Queens, then return to Tampa where he worked as a radio DJ. From there, he headed west to Los Angeles and later Oakland, where he worked at a music store. It was there that he connected with Jimi “Chopmaster J” Dright from Berkeley, and Tampa hip-hop radio deejay Kenneth “Kenny-K” Waters to form Digital Underground in 1987. The hip-hop group made their mark with their hit single “The Humpty Dance,” which featured the prosthetic nose wearing Shock G rapping as his alter ego “Humpty Hump.”

    Playing a key role in the rise of West Coast hip hop, Digital Underground was influenced by funk bands of the 1970s, and frequently sampled in their music. A distinct contrast to gangster rap, the unique style of Shock G and jam-session vibe to albums made Digital Underground a stand out group of the era. George Clinton would go on to co-produce “The Humpty Dance.”

    In 1991, Tupac Shakur would link up with Digital Underground, going from dancer to roadie to band member. Tupac’s 1993 breakout single “I Get Around” was produced by Shock G, who also worked with Dr. Dre and Prince.

    Shock G, Tupac and Digital Underground would appear in the 1991 Dan Ackroyd comedy, Nothing But Trouble, in a memorable court room scene that included a performance of “Same Song.”

    A talented and versatile entertainer, Shock G was a jack-of-all-trades. He played drums and the keyboard, produced his own records, choreographed his own videos and was wildly entertaining on stage. Digital Underground’s rowdy live shows became a staple of the group’s appeal. The increased entertainment value that came with Shock G’s ingenuity allowed up-and-coming entertainers a chance to showcase their talent.

    Here we see a young Tupac Shakur performing live on the Arsenio Hall Show alongside Shock G during the height of the group’s popularity.

    Shock G’s genius wasn’t just in his production or his rapping abilities, He marketed the group and their debut album, Sex Packets, with several grandiose tales that added mystique and made fans wonder just what in the hell was going to be on this album. Claiming in an interview that the name of the album came from a sex pill that led to orgasms as soon as a capsule was placed on the tongue. Though fans and the media were left to decipher whether Shock G was pulling on over on them, it is clear in hindsight that he had a firm understanding of the entertainment industry and what would get the group over the hump.

    Tributes were shared on Twitter from Shock G’s peers and fans.

  • Lake George Music Festival Announces New Venue for 2021 Season

    Lake George Music Festival has announced a new venue for their 2021 season at the Carriage House on the grounds of Fort William Henry. The season will follow state and local COVID-19 guidelines while bringing back some much needed live music to the Lake George area. 

    Lake George Music Festival

    The Carriage House on the grounds of Fort William Henry was a popular venue for years ago for the Lake George Music Festival and its resurgence into the spotlight recently. A big part of this resurgence has been part of a broader effort between the music festival, the Village of Lake George, and a small group of community minded individuals who wish to see Lake George become a cultural tourism destination. 

    Alexander Lombard who is the festival’s founder spoke about this decision in the venue in the festival’s official press release saying,

    The Carriage House is absolutely the perfect indoor performance space for us. It boasts a large floor plan, easy parking, climate control, and a multitude of other amenities in a prime Lake George location; not to mention the best view of Lake George! It has a beautiful hotel, restaurants, and attractions a short walk away. I truly hope other arts groups will take advantage of this venue in the coming years, making Lake George a year-round cultural tourism destination.

    One of the big reasons the festival is so excited for this venue is the venue’s capacity to handle COVID-19 safety precautions. The venue’s spacious interior allows for significant audience distancing and because of that it gives the festival the confidence it needs to rehearse and perform safety and at the highest levels. The festival will meticulously comply with required New York State mandates including limited capacity, distancing, and face coverings. They learned a great deal from hosting our live Drive-In Series last September and will use this acquired knowledge to help the Lake George Music Festival be as safe as possible. 

    The ten year anniversary season will be celebrated from August 18-25, 2021. The season tickets go on sale on May 1, 2021 and the single tickets will go on sale on July 1, 2021. 

    For more information on the Festival visit their website here.