Kitsuné Musique, shesaid.so and Bandsintown announces a 24-hour mix in celebration of the International Women’s Day on March 8, 2021 starting at 7AM EST until 5AM EST on March 9, 2021. The performances will stream live on Bandsintown’s Twitch channel and will be available the next day on Kitsuné Musique’s Soundcloud channel.
The 24-hour audio mix compilation is an attempt by the companies Kitsuné Musique, shesaid.so and Bandsintown to help empower women all around the world through music for international women’s day. Not only will they provide this platform for artists to perform for the celebration but also the shesaid.so x Kitsuné Women’s Day Fund was created.
shesaid.so x Kitsuné Women’s Day Fund will provide hardship payments of up to €250 each to freelancers, contractors and artists in the independent music industry whose income has been severely affected due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The fund will support creators and executives from the shesaid.so community that have lost committed income or have not been able to secure novel paid work in 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic.
The performance will include appearances from, YonYon, DJ KADE, Banga, stephseeks, Whitney AbstraKt Shacia Päyne Marley, Sahar Habibi, Sujin, Butta B, ShioriyBradshaw, and JI NA. Bandsintown’s Twitch channel where the live performances will be appearing can be found here on international women’s day. The 24-hour audio mix compilation will also be available on Kitsuné Musique’s Soundcloud channel at 7AM EST the next day which can be found here.
Andreea Magdalina, Founder shesaid.so. spoke on the event in the press release saying, “We are very excited to partner with Bandsintown who, via their Twitch channel, will enable us to reach an even wider audience at a time when physical gatherings & supporting touring artists is still not possible. With the pandemic disproportionately affecting women and gender minorities in our business, we hope that the funds we raise with our partnership will provide much needed support to the shesaid.so community worldwide.”
Kitsuné Musique is a music label who looks for up-and-coming talents who the label believes are about to break through in music. Over the years, Kitsuné Musique has become first home of now unmissable artists such as Parcels, Two Door Cinema Club, Digitalism, and more.
Shesaid.so is known as being a global community of women and gender minorities in the music industry. It was built up in London by Andreea Magdalina back in 2014. Since then the company has grown into 12,000+ members around the world across 15+ chapters including New York, Los Angeles, France, Germany, South Africa, and India.
The Bandsintown is the global hub of live streaming and live music discovery. They have a reach of 220 million monthly active fans globally, 60 million registered users and 540,000 registered artists, Bandsintown has listed and marketed 69,000 live streams since March of 2020. In January 2021 Bandsintown PLUS was launched, a first-of-its-kind live music subscription service offering fans an “All Access Pass” to over 25 exclusively produced live shows per month.
First, we would like to congratulate our round two winners, as well as all of the bands who participated. March Madness has a stout lineup and you will not be disappointed. Make sure you give all the bands a listen below. Get sucked in to NYS and see what we’ve said about bands in round two.
Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness bracket delving into the musical harbors of our great state. As fans and musicians ourselves, we spotlight the great talent across New York in friendly competition and discovery. Its furry never looses sight of the underdog, a headliner’s humble beginnings, new musical discovery and rolling with the punches in our ever-changing industry.
“A mixture of prog with aspects of jam, dub, and jazz give the group an eclectic sound that departs just enough from its classical music roots to create something exciting and new sounding.” Tortoise Forest
“An impressive musical and technical feat from start to finish. The opening track, “The Vision That I Can See,” is a jaw-dropping epic that really showcases the prowess of this band” – Baked Shrimp ‘Bubble Suit’
“oceanside, cozied up in warm vibes with a breeze in your hair. Manifesting in two forms, duo and full band.” –Cait Elizabeth
“Bred from Faulkner’s ‘murder your darlings,’ nothing stands on safe ground. At any moment an explosion of creative energy, or sound, propels the band into an epic dance-rock performance.” The Goodnight Darlings
“A personality that doesn’t give up; no matter what it takes. He fuels a refreshing positive outlook serving up a feeding frenzy of edgy heavy guitars, deep n gritty vocals.” Frank Palangi ‘Bring On The Fear’
“But before you close your eyes and float away, the band changes things up, shaking the listener from the dream state. On “Donye Wump,” Cadley (drums) turns the tempo up and brings everyone along.” Vaporeyes ‘Cantrips’
“It isn’t just the distinctive guitar riffs nor the infectious chorus, but the duo’s effervescence throughout the song that will likely coax listeners into joining them in sing-a-longs.” – Runitup Sho “Pressure”
“His inspiration came from his 4-year-old daughter during a hike when he saw her look to the sky and blow a kiss. She was blowing a kiss to the future. That accidental yet wholesome moment resulted in the song’s creation in 15 minutes.” – Gerald Slevin Begins Solo Journey
Polls are now closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 voting, beginning Thursday, March 11 at 8am!
“The psychedelic rock band with a heavy blues bent delivers heady grooves laden with symbolic imagery. It’s the kind of music that is best heard live – but if not live, then on a turntable in a room with curtains drawn and incense burning.”
“If there ever was a formula behind the iconic music of the 90s, many would say it would be “Guys with instruments & vocals” + “Guttural feelings” + “Garage.” While rock is not as dominant on today’s airwaves, Periodic Table of Elephants keep this classic formula alive and well.”
“A classic thou hard rock, with influences from band like Led Zeppelin to Rival Sons. Guitar riffing, a present bass and superb drumming, not to mention the powerful voice of Megan Brown” – ‘Whether or Not you Know’
“The gritty song features staple driving guitar riffs that the Pennies are known and loved for. It’s a more aggressive song…fueled by the times in which we are living.” Video Premiere: ‘I’m Your Man’
“Prepare yourself for an explosion of improvisational funk that will evoke dance moves you didn’t even know you had inside ya.” – Prepare for the Purple Stuff
“After harnessing the rawness of traditional bluegrass instrumentation, the band has taken the genre into an entire new dimension. The fast-fingered, high energy, cohesive group explores their live performance with an element of improvisation, gaining energy from their audience.” BOB Host a Halloween Bash
“At the intersection of Rock, Reggae, Funk, Blues and Jam written with a conscious dose of positive vibes, unique melodies and down to earth lyrics. The innate ability to fill an entire night with original music or cover in their signature style, fans share extraordinary experiences that can’t be seen anywhere else.” The Palace Sessions
“One goal in mind: create funky, dance-leaning tracks that leave the live crowd choice but to groove in their immediate proximity. “Take ‘Em Down” and “Can’t Fake the Funk” are full embodiments of dance anthems, an impressive horn section splashed throughout.” ‘Hartley’s Encore’
Polls are now closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 voting, beginning Thursday, March 11 at 8am!
“ShwizZ slams you against the blackboard in awe that all your basic math skills have fleeted. Not only does ShwizZ explore a multi-level, mixed-meter halfway house of genres, but also bulldoze your ear to the other end of the record collection.” Chuck DeFilippo on ‘Big Things
“On this classic Black Sabbath tune. Sarah King adds to the field of great artists who have brought a twist on this brilliant anti-war song.Sarah King’s acoustic rendition is chilling, and cuts to core of the song, a treatment so honest and pure that it is as powerful as the original.” Pete Mason on NXNES
“They pull inspiration from Son Volt, Wilco, Neil Young and other heavy hitters of the sixties folk-rock genre. Not many aspiring musicians make music like this anymore. Harmonic Dirt delivers that.” – Hearing Aide: ‘Anthracite’
Lo-Fi Hip Hop Rap. Sháquan on Soundcloud with “Long Time Coming (Prod. By Krs.)”
“Swing That Maximus” has a full two-minute instrumental intro. With tempo changes up the wazoo throwing the listener from dance-y beats that make you want to get up and boogie, to slow sections you would barely move.” Hearing Aide: Glass Pony ‘Glass Pony’
Since 2015, Our Common Roots is an alternative rock band bringing a blend of nostalgic blues vibes with a modern rock feel; OCR is committed to providing a fun atmosphere that will keep you dancing through the night.
“The harp has been known since antiquity in Asia, Africa and Europe, early as 3000 BCE. ‘Learning Live Dead was really fun and difficult, we rehearsed like twice a week for a month because we really wanted to play through like the record with no stops,’” Mikaela Davis.
“Levee’s production is rooted in thumping bass, drum-machine-style loops and carefully developed songs. His compositions only seem simple: Every note, every drum hit, is calculated for maximal impact. He’s profane, clever and full of tight flow patterns.” Justin Boland, Seven Days, on Antwon Levee
Polls are now closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 voting, beginning Thursday, March 11 at 8am!
“Elements of rock, pop, and jazz are accompanied by their soft vocals and smooth harmonies. Music has allowed the sisters to form a strong bond.” – Kelly and Kat on NYS Music
“Vocals bring something unique with their bluegrass, Americana sound. Playing a mix of original music, “Stuck In the Middle With You” by Stellars Wheel, they had the crowd wound up.” – RSC at Oak Mountain Bluegrass
“Complemented by drums and guitar, the upbeat tempo of “Match” creates an eccentric mood. The beat leaves listeners toe-tapping and wanting to get up and dance. Violins match fast-paced tempo and create a new level of fire through Novak’s singing.” “Standing Now”
“This recording session was among the most rewarding and creatively fulfilling projects I’ve ever been a part of – self producing these tracks has the band energized and excited for more!” Adam Bronstein Intrepid Travelers
“Jan. 2021 marks the release of single, “Seepin’,” from long-time Buffalo jam band veterans Organ Fairchild. Members have a history on the jam scene dating back 40 years.” Debut Single”Seepin”
Hey! Listen! Dodongo is more than a jam collective. It’s a way of life. It’s also a lizard-like creature in Zelda. Jams from Brooklyn .
“Laying down funky New Orleans-style street beats across the United States and Canada. Formed in 2014 at the University at Buffalo, The Brass Machine provides a unique blend of hip hop, funk, and R&B, all in an infectious and energetic package.”
“Over a heady Three Heads beer at theirBrewery, we discussed* Flowfest, Night Lights Music Festival, The Great Blue Heron Music Festival and Cobblestone live. Also, birth of the band, their long-term growth and a few influences.”
*A “Rochester Groovecast” podcast with tracks, “Back Door” and “Time Will Tell.” – Functional Flow
Polls are now closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 voting, beginning Thursday, March 11 at 8am!
Central New York promoters Creative Concertsbring together fans at venues, stretching from Albany to Rochester and Syracuse to Utica. Lark Hall is the soon to open mid-sized venue in Albany that will host bands of all sizes, events and more. If you need to market your show, event, band or brand, Rochester’s Balbert Marketing has you covered. Need merchandise? Homegrown Eastern New York’s 518 Prints makes quality goods for local, regional and national bands or tours. High Peaks Event Production is a team with years of experience, aiding in all your stage, lighting and sound demands.JamCast proves high quality streams for bands, podcasts and much more. Between these companies, bands will find a great deal of what they need, and support businesses from across New York and the Northeast.
We’re also proud to present a bracket designed by the good folks at Wook+ Media, who have been keeping brackets going strong throughout the year, with unique topics and incredibly artistic designs. Check out the Round 2 graphic below:
The Bardavon is excited to announce that they are holding the 48th Annual Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition virtually on March 14, 2021 at 3pm. The event will be lived streamed on the Bardavon Youtube channel.
The Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition is often credited for launching the careers of world-renowned orchestral and solo string musicians. Many previous winners have gone on to illustrious classical music careers. Previous notables include: violist Marcus Thompson ’67, Boston Chamber Players; violinist Ani Kavafian ’73, Lincoln Center Chamber Players soloist; violinist Adela Pena ’85, Eroica Trio; and violinist Judith Ingolfsson ’96, 1998 Indianapolis International Violin Competition winner.
The judges for this years competition are: Daniel Phillips, a violinist and resident at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center; Lucie Roberts, a violinist and a professor at the Manhattan School of Music and the Mannes College of Music; and Susan Seligman, a cellist and a professor at SUNY New Paltz. The 2021 first-prize winner will receive $4000, a solo performance with the HVP during its 2021-22 Season, and a solo performance at the “Musical Landscapes of Italy” festival in August.
The Bardavon is the oldest continually operating theatre is the state of New York, dating all the way back to 1986. The Bardavon offers affordable, world-class arts education programs, music, dance, theater, Live in HD broadcasts, and classic films for the diverse audiences of the Hudson Valley. The company also partners with others local venues such as the Mid-Hudson Civic Center and Kingston’s Ulster Performing Arts Center.
More information can be found on the Bardavon website.
Club Helsinki Hudson announces it’s virtual open mic best of EXTRAVAGANZA night highlighting a full evening of curated performances of favorite video submissions from this last “pandemic year” on March 16, 2021 at 7PM. This will be the one year anniversary ‘virtual-style’ for the open mic night.
Photo courtesy of Club Helsinki Hudson’s website.
Club Helsinki Hudson, located in Hudson, NY and closed back in March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic along with The Restaurant at Helsinki Hudson and their event space. The open mic night has been a tradition since the creation of the venue more than 20 years ago.
Cameron Melville, co-owner of Helsinki has been the host for the open mic night for many years. He has found a way over the years to keep the well known and loved weekly event a good experience for both performers and online audiences. A whole year later and the Helsinki virtual open-mic has become a vital, well attended weekly offering, about to celebrate one year of virtual streaming— 52 shows hosting nearly 800 performances with an audience of thousands.
Filmmaker Randall Martin of Martin’s Digital Media, has leant his hand as producer on the project. Melville speaks on the project in the press release saying, “The authenticity of our submissions really blows my mind. As well as our wonderful regulars, we now get submissions from all over the country, all over the world.”
This best of EXTRAVAGANZA will host some of the best performances that have come in over the year. The open mic night will feature poetry, performance art, music, interview, pandemic journaling and On-the-Street videos, political marches and celebrations from an extraordinary year. People can stream the event live on Helsinki Open Mic Facebook page as well as the clubhelsinki.live website on Tuesday, March 16, at 7 pm EST.
For more information on the Open Mic, visit Club Helsinki Hudson’s website.
Update 7/8/21 – The Divided Sky Foundation’s purchase has been approved the rehabilitation center in Ludlow, VT. More than 280 full time Ludlow residents and over 18,000 signatures from across the country, allowing petitioners to attend Development Review Board meetings and represent those in need.
Update3/13/21: a few residents of Ludlow, VT have filed a petition, noting concerns about crime and drug use that may result from the arrival of The Divided Sky Foundation substance abuse disorder treatment center. This is despite the fact that drug use and crime are already rampant in the area, and the treatment center would stem these issues, not add to them.
Support The Divided Sky Foundation via Tiltify and sign a Change.org petition in support of the treatment center here.
The Divided Sky Foundation, founded by Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, today announced the purchase of a facility in Ludlow, VT that will be developed into a non-profit substance use disorder (SUD) treatment center.
Launched in 2020, the Divided Sky Foundation is dedicated to delivering quality care and compassionate treatment to those affected by alcoholism and addiction.
The future home of the Divided Sky Fund’s SUD treatment center.
The as-yet-unnamed center will be managed by Ascension Recovery Services, which has created successful, inclusive treatment programs in 23 states. Acquiring the facility site is the first step in a plan that also includes building renovations and program development. The center is tentatively slated to open by the end of 2021.
Vermont currently ranks 11th in the nation for overdose rates but only has four state-certified residential treatment facilities for substance use disorder. The proposed Ludlow center would help bridge the gap between need and existing services, with a goal to be a local asset not only for treatment, but for giving back to the community. The non-profit center plans to serve people from all income levels.
Thanks in great part to funds raised from Anastasio’s The Beacon Jams this past Fall, fans ultimately contributed more than $1.2 million over the eight-week run.
Anastasio, himself 14 years sober, launched the Divided Sky Foundation to deliver help to those affected by substance use. Vermont, his adopted home state, is a natural place to begin this chapter of his own giving back.
Like so many people in America and so many in Vermont, I became addicted to opiates. I was extremely lucky to have access to care, and I know how important it is to be part of a recovery community. I’m grateful that we can help provide that opportunity for others.
Substance use disorders affect people from all walks of life, and the problem is intimately linked with isolation – whether that’s isolation due to the pandemic or for any other reason. The Beacon Jams helped us find a way to connect people and get this project off the ground. To be able to do that together during this difficult year touches my heart.
Trey Anastasio
Performed without a live audience, The Beacon Jams saw Anastasio reimagining music from across his three-decade career including new, never-performed songs, Trey Anastasio Band favorites and unexpected versions of classic Phish songs. The Beacon Jams also served as a virtual gathering for fans everywhere, allowing a rare opportunity for personal interaction between Anastasio and his fans. Over the course of eight Fridays, he showcased his compassion, humor, and natural positivity, engaging with fans via Twitch as well as with his fellow musicians on stage.
The virtual run proved another example of Anastasio’s affirmed commitment to bringing the Phish fan community together during these extraordinary times, from his solo performances on Instagram in the early days of lockdown to Phish’s ongoing Dinner and a Movie live archival video series. That series has raised over $750,000 for Phish’s Waterwheel Foundation, which was distributed to more than two-dozen organizations working on issues such as hunger, health, the environment, and social justice.
Care services being planned include multiple pathways to entering and maintaining recovery, with plans and programs tailored to individual guests’ needs. In addition, the center plans to offer job training and workforce reintegration. Education opportunities are planned to prepare guests who need them with certification in skills and trades.
None of this would be possible without the hard work and generosity of so many people. I want to personally thank Madison Square Garden Entertainment for hosting the shows at the Beacon Theatre, and Twitch for sending The Beacon Jams out across the world. I also want to personally thank all the people who supported the Divided Sky Foundation so generously, and the fans who contributed everything from donations to well wishes. It means so much to me, and it’s going to mean so much to the families that will benefit from this treatment center.
Trey Anastasio
Watch Anastasio speak with Burlington’s WCAX about the future treatment center.
If you or someone you know needs help for a substance use disorder, contact SAMHSA.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357) to find a treatment center near you.
On March 12, 2021, alto saxophone icon Miguel Zenón will commemorate Ornette Coleman’s 91st birthday (March 9) with the release of Law Years: The Music of Ornette Coleman.
Recorded in May 2019 after a residency at Bird’s Eye Jazz Club in Basel, Switzerland, the album features Zenón with an international quartet: tenor saxophonist Ariel Bringuez, bassist Demian Cabaud, and drummer Jordi Rossy.
Though the musicians have previous connections with Zenón, they never played together in this particular configuration, the performances display remarkable synergy and intensity.
Playing a concert of exclusively Ornette Coleman music proved to be magical, exciting, and more bittersweet than the quartet knew. Each member of the quartet is a jazz master in their own right, and their expertise is clear to see in these live performances.
Coleman has long been one of Zenón’s musical heroes. The first time he heard Ornette’s music, Zenón was a teenager still living in Puerto Rico.
“I just kind of stood there, mesmerized and in shock, trying to figure it out,” he says. “It was entirely different than anything I had heard before. There is freedom there, and lots of it. But there’s also a deep sense of cohesiveness and structure. And, above all, melody: beautiful and inspired melodic lines that serve as springboards for everyone involved.”
Later, Zenón was fortunate enough to meet Ornette. He remembers their interactions fondly. “He was always nice and supportive,” says Zenón.
“Our interactions went pretty much the same way every time. Me: ‘Mr. Coleman, I’m not sure if you remember me – my name is Miguel, and I’m an alto saxophonist and one of your biggest fans.’ Ornette: ‘Nice to see you, Miguel. Have you ever thought about what would happen if you played A and Eb at the same time?’.”
“As I listen to the music,” says Zenón, “it almost feels like a different time. A time when we weren’t afraid to be close to each other. A time when we could still play in a packed room, with the audience right in front of us, and just feed off their energy. A time that will come back soon enough. And when it does, we’ll be ready to do it all over again.”
A special aspect of the quartet is that each member hails from a different part of the world. “I’m Puerto Rican, Ariel is Cuban, Demian is Argentinian, and Jordi is Catalan,” says Zenón.
“The fact that we are all from different parts of the globe and all Spanish speakers raises another important point: Jazz music knows no boundaries or labels; it is as inclusive now as it has ever been.”
The release will be available digitally on March 12, 2021.
On March 3, Govenor Cuomo announced a pilot program to test the Excelsior Pass to begin opening up businesses, starting with Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center. This follows the recent announcement of “NY Pops Up” featuring over 300 free live performances.
Aeriel view of Madison Square Garden
At the Governor’s 2021 State of the State Address, Cuomo declared the Excelsior Pass will use proven technology to confirm an individual’s vaccination or negative test results for COVID-19. Through confidential data transfer, the Governor is hoping this will help quicken the pace in reopening theaters, stadiums and more in accordance with New York State guidelines. Ticketmaster proposed a similar plan in November.
The state tested the first pilot on Feb. 27 for the Brooklyn Nets game at Barclays Center and the second one on March 2 at a Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. The pass is like an airline boarding pass where the attendee has an app called the “wallet app.” There, they can either print it out or have admissions scan the QR code within the app.
We’re doing everything we can to vaccinate as many New Yorkers as possible, as quickly as possible, while keeping the infection rate down and reenergizing our economy in a safe, smart way.
Governor Cuomo
The Governor also explained that the Excelsior Pass will get information to venues and establishments quick enough to avoid an outbreak and get more businesses to open their doors.
Since the pandemic shut down the nation a year ago this month, many venues and restaurants have struggled to stay afloat. Although a lot of businesses qualified for the Paycheck Protection Loan and were able to maintain stability, others did not. Now that more New Yorkers are getting vaccinated and COVID-19 cases are decreasing, this is a chance to get those struggling businesses back on their feet.
That app has been tested right now, both at Barclays and Madison Square Garden, and those tests have been successful. So, once we get the approvals, the app will be available for download on both platforms, on Google, on Apple platforms; people download to their smartphones. And that will allow someone to show the result of their test, whether it be a PCR test, which (will be) valid for up to 72 hours, or rapid test, which will be valid for six hours. In addition, though, if you don’t want to use an app, you will be able to download a paper result of your test that you can then print out and use that to demonstrate your negative test.
Rob Mujica, New York State Budget Director
The news on the Excelsior Pass was followed up by an announcement that beginning on Friday, April 2, event, arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33% capacity, with up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 people outdoors. All attendees must present proof of negative test prior to entry, which can lead to a capacity increase of up to 150 people indoors and up to 500 people outdoors.
Social distancing and face coverings will be required by all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable Department of Health guidance.
Additionally, Cuomo announced that beginning March 22, residential gatherings of up to 25 people can be held outdoors. Indoor residential gatherings remain capped at 10 people to reduce the continued risk of spread. Also, non-residential social gatherings of up to 100 people can occur indoors and up to 200 people can occur outdoors.
Cuomo isn’t the only one who’s optimistic about returning the music industry to somewhat of a normal state. Live Nation’s CEO Michael Rapino believes outdoor events will be able to achieve an audience capacity of 75 or even 100 percent across the nation.
“We might have certain states that might not be ready, but we have enough states and enough artists willing to play the open slots if we get to that level in the right markets,” Rapino said.
With more artists than ever wanting to tour and fans eager to make up for lost time, all signs point to even more concerts ahead. Thank you to all of our @LiveNation employees for their endless resilience and creativity – none of this would be possible without you pic.twitter.com/gdiapVYSyk
For individuals wishing to use the Excelsior Pass, their information will be completely confidential and protect any personal health information. They will have a variety of passes to choose from for their own comfortability.
Kaatsbaan Cultural Park in Tivoli, just across the Hudson River from Saugerties, will host their inaugural, outdoor Spring Festival. Joining them will be Patti Smith and her longtime collaborator Tony Shanahan, who will offer tribute to Bob Dylan ahead of his upcoming 80th birthday, through original songs and poetry as well as works by Dylan, on May 22, 2021.
On Instagram, Kaatsbaan Cultural Park said they were “Thrilled to have poet performer Patti Smith participate in our upcoming spring festival.”
Smith and Dylan have a longstanding relationship going back to the 1960s, and Smith even performed at Dylan’s Nobel Prize for Literature ceremony in 2016 in his absence.
Additional offerings for the late-May festival will the include works of dance, culinary arts and sculpture.
Artistic Director of Kaatsbaan, Stella Abrera, explained what the event will entail.
The name Kaatsbaan, derived from the Dutch language for ‘a playing field,’ will embody our Spring Festival in every way. We have always been a haven away from the constraints of city life where artists can realize their most ambitious projects. In May, the public will have the opportunity to see this in action, as we create immersive experiences across our fields where they can safely encounter an unparalleled range of artists and styles.
Kaatbaan Artistic Director Stella Abrera
Following the success of a 2020 Summer Festival, held despite challenges faced at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first Spring Festival will take place on May 22. During last year’s nine-week Summer Festival, Kaatsbaan was able to support over 100 New York-based artists, as noted by executive director Sonja Kostich.
This spring, the greatly expanded program will not only support artists in dance but also across music, poetry, visual and culinary arts, as well as the invaluable individuals who work behind the scenes to make a festival come to life. Kaatsbaan is also committed to the health and vibrancy of our local economy, with the Spring Festival providing opportunities for local economic growth that includes exciting new partnerships.
When the pandemic hit and caused a shutdown in March 2020, it took the world by storm, especially in NYC. It began a public health crisis and as a result, anything that required people to gather together was put on pause. Isolation became the new reality and with social distancing as a requirement, many sectors faced unprecedented circumstances. The arts and entertainment sector had the biggest decline and impact on the economy since the pandemic began.
Arts and Entertainment Decline Graph from State Comptroller Website
This devastating decrease comes after the progression within the industry in 2019. From 2009 to 2019, employment grew by 42 percent. Establishments grew by 28 percent, with a major rise seen in Brooklyn, Staten Island and Queens. The total amount of wages increased by 78 percent across the city in this sector alone compared to the average of 64 percent for all sectors. The average amount of primary earnings for 128,400 residents was $63,100 in 2019. They were artists, musicians, actors and producers and about 31,000 of them were self-employed.
Despite the success from the decade prior, COVID-19 pushed the sector in the opposite direction. As of February 2020, there were approximately 87,000 employees within the arts and entertainment industry in NYC. That number drastically changed to 34,100 in April and further declined in December 2020 by 66 percent. In comparison to its progress in 2019, this is the largest decline of any of the sectors in NYC’s economy.
photo by Joseph Buscarello
Currently, many establishments in performing arts aren’t allowed to reopen, turning to the virtual world in order to gain revenue. Those who reopened were forced to make budget cuts due to less income from limited capacity. Broadway Theatres may open in June 2021 and other establishments such as the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Ballet don’t expect to open until September 2021. These reopenings are dependent upon the number of vaccinations and venues evaluation of ventilation systems and compliance with guidelines.
While everything is still uncertain during these times, there are attempts at saving the industry. In December 2020 the New York City Council allowed the creation of the “Open Culture” program. The program allows organizations to hold free and ticketed outdoor cultural and arts events from March 2021 until October 31, 2021 or possibly through March 2022. Governor Cuomo recently announced the New York Arts Revival, an initiative designed to restart live performing arts events.
DiNapoli believes that there is much to be done in order to keep the lights on. He suggests extending unemployment benefits including for those who are independent contractors. As the weather becomes warmer, he thinks more outdoor spaces should be utilized through rapid testing, the rise of vaccinations and safety guidelines intact. DiNapoli sees progress being made if the City and State work together and communicate with these establishments about achievable milestones.
It’s been a year without live music, but there are signs of life coming this spring. Looking to the South as the weather breaks, socially distanced shows and festivals are starting to pop up. Suwannee Rising will welcome Umphrey’s McGee, Lettuce, Goose, Eric Krasno’s Chapter 2, Andy Frasco and the U.N., Big Something and many more to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) in Live Oak, FL – April 8 – 10, 2021.
Suwannee Live produced two drive-in podded events earlier this year – Larry Keel/Grass Is Dead and the Funky Mardi Gras Masquerade – serving as successful test runs for the return of Suwannee Rising, which is set to be one of the first multi-day music festivals in the US since the pandemic.
For this event, they will offer P.O.D.S. (Personal Outdoor Dance Space), providing a safe and socially distanced setting for fans to enjoy live performances, including Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Mark Lettieri Group, Magnolia Boulevard, Melody Trucks Band, and Anthill Cinema.
When we cancelled Suwannee Rising 2020, we never imagined the challenges it would present to society and especially the live music industry. We viewed the situation with a glass half-full attitude, realistic but hopeful. No one wanted to accept a world without the live music experience.
After producing two intimate post-Covid shows at the park and attending other drive-in events, we learned that while no one can eliminate 100% of risk from their lives, it is possible to produce a great show that fans, staff, and artists can attend and still dance and feel safe. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting our musical community over the last year through the twists and turns of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Suwannee Live’s Paul Levine
Although the 800-acre park is home to multiple permanent stages including its famous amphitheater, Suwannee Rising will feature two stages side by side that are located in one of their vast fields, allowing plenty of space for socially distanced P.O.D.S. When one stage ends, the other will start. Large video screens allow every guest to easily view the performances from any of the spacious P.O.D.S., which offer a safely spaced area for family and friends to enjoy the live music, with each including four weekend tickets and primitive camping. P.O.D.S. owners can add up to two extra tickets for a maximum of six people per P.O.D.S. Guests are also allowed to bring their own food and drinks to the show.
And yes, there are still safety measures in place. Masks are required when festival goers aren’t in their P.O.D.S. and additional safety measures will be in place giving fans peace of mind to relax, let go, and soak in the healing power of live music. To learn more about these initiatives and the safety squad please visit the FAQ page.
Tickets and P.O.D.S. go on sale Wednesday, March 3 at 10am EST on Suwannee Live, with Suwannee Rising 2020/21 ticket holders having the first access to the P.O.D.S. starting March 2. For cabins, RV hook ups and golf cart rentals please visit MusicLivesHere.
