NYS Music 202​1

Category: News Desk

  • Let Love Reign with Flushing Town Hall’s Valentines Jazz Jam

    Jazz musicians from around the world will celebrate Valentine’s Day with Flushing Town Hall’s band leader Carol Sudhalter for a Virtual Jazz Jam.

    jazz jam

    Even though doors are closed to auditoriums everywhere, Flushing Town Hall will still perform this year with its popular Virtual Jazz Jam: Celebrating the Legacy of Louis Armstrong. Their dynamic online entertainment program FTH At Home! will have Let Love Reign on February 10th 2021 at 7:00PM (EST). Jazz musicians from New York City and around the world will play love songs and funny valentines that embrace the theme. 

    Flushing Town Hall at Home has been a resilient force in an environment in which live music cannot exist. Each month, musicians come together to play songs reflecting each month’s theme, showing the power of art and music even in this time. The February Jazz Jam will include 15 love songs, and participants are invited to jam or simply watch with their significant other, perhaps share champagne or heart-shaped chocolates as they watch from the comfort of their homes. 

    Since April 2020, Flushing Town Hall’s monthly Jazz Jam has brought thousands of people together, not only from new york but places such as Germany, Italy, and Australia where viewers watch the beautiful performances in the early hours. The number of viewers has surpassed the capacity of the in-person venue! 

    Flushing Town Hall’s monthly Jazz Jam is supported by the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation and has been led by Astoria resident Carol Sudhalter. House band members include incredibly talented musicians such as Joe Vincent Tranchina, Scott Neumann, Joe Vincent Tranchina, and Eric Lemon, who pay tribute to the great Louis Armstrong, performing songs associated with the legendary trumpeter/vocalist each month of the year.

    Anyone who wishes to experience the monthly Jazz Jam is welcome to, free of cost, on February 10th, 2021 at 7:00PM EST. The links are here for Zoom and Facebook.

    To participate, email education@flushingtownhall.org and identify the three- to four-minute tune you intend to play. Only 15 musicians will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Flushing Town Hall’s Jazz Jams are every second Wednesday of each month, and details can be found on the Flushing Town Hall website.

  • New Expansion Revealed for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

    The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland announced on December 18th a 100 million dollar expansion headed by New York-based company Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU). PAU was chosen after submitting a request for quotation to nearly 22 other companies. The expansion is set to grow the museums size by one third, including a new band shell that overlooks Lake Erie.

    Practice for Architecture and Urbanism / Crain’s Cleveland Business

    This expansion was motivated primarily by a desire to add more space for concerts and other events. In the past, the Hall of Fame had ambitions to host huge live shows along the lines of Brooklyn Museum’s David Bowie show but could not due to the lack of space. Greg Harris, CEO of the Hall of Fame, comments on the plans for the new space:

    We want to give our audiences the giant wow moment that you would expect from a place of our magnitude.

    Greg Harris, CEO

    Included in the expansion is the creation of a museum campus compounded with the nearing Great Lakes Science Center, classrooms designed for interactive learning, new workspace along the lakefront, and a number of other event spaces for indoor and outdoor performances. In a press release, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame described these ambitious plans as:

    A pivotal moment for the museum, the community and for individuals who champion education and the preservation of rock and roll history.

    Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

    The expansion is set to begin in 2022 with a final design being chosen sometime in 2021.

  • Annie in the Water Announced As Newest Edition to The Palace Sessions

    Genre fusing band Annie in the Water is set to be the next group taking part on The Palace Sessions. The Palace Sessions are a set of live music events that focus on acts regional to the Albany area. All concerts in this series are livestreamed on The Palace Theatre’s YouTube page.

    Annie in the Water
    Photograph by Frankie Cavone

    Annie in the Water’s music exists 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 band has an innate ability to fill an entire night with original music and also cover well known songs in their signature style, fans share extraordinary experiences that can’t be seen anywhere else.

    After over 12 years of touring and shows, founding members of Annie in the Water, Bradley Hester (lead vocals/rhythm) and Michael Lashomb (lead guitar/vocals) lead a full band composed of core members Ryan Trumbull (drums/vocals), Chris Meier (bass/vocals), Matt Richards (keys/vocals) and Brock Kuca (percussion/auxiliary/vocals). 

    Annie in the Water
    Photograph by Frankie Cavone

    The Palace has been one of Albany’s iconic downtown landmark for the past eight decades, bringing the biggest names in entertainment to the Capital Region. The Palace Theatre, built in 1931, originally presented vaudeville acts, feature films and became a civic auditorium before closing its doors in 1969. The theatre’s original design and beauty has remained largely untouched and is a historical landmark in the City of Albany.

    The Palace Performing Arts Center was established in 1984 and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1989, created to operate the Palace Theatre. The mission of the Palace is to bring world-class arts and entertainment to New York’s Capital Region, greatly enhancing the area’s cultural and economic development. Our mission is carried out through core programming and community initiatives that include performing arts entertainment, free arts education, family-friendly performances, free summer movies and a classic movie program series.

  • Elsewhere in Brooklyn Expands Horizons with New Show

    On Jan. 28, Elsewhere, an independent music venue in Brooklyn is airing a new live comedic and musical variety show called Elsewhere Sound Space on Twitch.

    Elsewhere Brooklyn
    Elsewhere Sound Stage Press Photo

    Along with many other venues, Elsewhere closed due to COVID-19. As a place founded on innovation, Elsewhere Studios in Brooklyn was made to allow their community to keep creating. The series is among Elsewhere’s attempts to keep live performances alive during this time. In November, the East Williamsburg venue created a Twitch channel, ElsewhereTv, which streams performances on some Wednesdays along with music sessions on Fridays and Saturdays from their venue.

    The show is based on a musical deity’s journey back to Earth after being trapped in space. Live from the Astral Spa and Sound Bath the host, trans comedian Peter Smith, has a goal to bring live music to the isolated citizens on Earth.

    Elsewhere Brooklyn
    Elsewhere Sound Stage Host Peter Smith Press Photo

    Each episode filled with comedic skits, out of this world performances, raw interviews and holistic wellness treatments, will air monthly. Elsewhere co-founder, Jake Rosenthal, says the new series “combines the spirit of Space Ghost with the liveness of an SNL musical performance.” Twitch’s API is bringing the visions to life through original 2D and 3D animations and face-tracked video effects. The virtual production software, Aximmetry, makes the tracked-camera performances possible. Elsewhere Sound Space receives its art direction from Dark Igloo and creative direction from Hard Work Party.

    Princess Nokia’s Elsewhere Sound Stage Press Photo

    Princess Nokia is the musical guest for the debut episode launching on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. Musical guests from New York City’s underground music world are set to do live performances in upcoming episodes. Alternative artist Starchild & The New Romantic and rapper Paperboy Prince are the next two performers appearing on the show. Announcements of future performers are being made soon. Elsewhere Sound Space is airing every fourth Tuesday after its premiere on Thursday. 

  • BOTS Act Enforces First Legal Suit Against New York Ticket Brokers

    For the first time ever, the Better Online Ticket Sales Act (BOTS Act) has been able to take legal action against violators of the bill. Three companies in New York allegedly violated rules set in place by the Federal Trade Commission under the BOTS Act by illegally purchasing over 150,000 concert and sporting event tickets, reselling them at an inflated price.

    bots act

    “These defendants are alleged to have cheated the system to the detriment of consumers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.  “Today’s filing serves notice that the Department of Justice will enforce the Better Online Ticket Sales Act in appropriate cases.  We are pleased to work with our partners at the Federal Trade Commission on this and other matters important to consumers.”

    The three ticket brokers charged in the case are Simon Ebrani of Cartisim Corp., Evan Kohanian of Just In Time Tickets, Inc. and Steven Ebrani of Concert Specials, Inc. The defendants allegedly circumvented Ticketmaster’s limitations by creating accounts under the names of family members and friends of users who have multiple accounts. They were also said to use ticket “bots” in order to fool tests of nonhuman visitors.

    It doesn’t stop there, though. In addition to the act of cheating the system, the complaint also alleges that they used programs to conceal what they did. Because of the BOTS Act, the defendants will now have to pay a combined penalty of $3.7 million. the money they pay will go to the U.S. Treasury under the terms of the proposed order.

    Those who violate the BOTS Act cheat fans by forcing them to pay inflated prices to attend concerts, theater performances and sporting events. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Seth D. DuCharme for the Eastern District of New York.

    President Barack Obama passed the BOTS Act in 2016 to allow the FTC to take legal action against companies or individuals that buy large quantities of event tickets and reselling them at a higher price.

    As of right now, this has been the first and only legal action the FTC has had to take against any company.

  • Ben and Jerry’s release non-dairy Phish Food, Announce Strange Design Contest

    Vegan Phish fans, rejoice. Ben & Jerry’s, the Vermont-based company and freezer staple who launched Phish Food in 1997, has announced the release of a non-dairy version of the beloved frozen dessert today.

    Featuring the same great taste with none of the dairy found in traditional Phish Food, the non-dairy version arrives thanks to fan requests.

    We’re so excited to finally give fans Non-Dairy Phish Food. It’s been one of the most requested flavors for us to make vegan. And partnering with WaterWheel and Jim Pollock is the perfect way to celebrate the launch. We can’t wait to see how Phish fans get creative with this contest.

    Jay Curley, Global Head of Integrated Marketing at Ben & Jerry’s

    Ben and Jerry’s has long maintained their relationship with Phish, starting with the launch of Phish Food in March, 1997, with a kickoff benefit at the Flynn Theater in Burlington. The Waterwheel Foundation serves as the beneficiary of all proceeds from the sale of Phish Food, helping to clean Lake Champlain and promote charitable organizations in towns where Phish performs.

    In the past, Ben & Jerry’s has held the world’s largest cowbell ensemble in the band and ice cream maker’s hometown of Burlington VT, and created special one-off flavors available only at Phish shows, such as Freezer Reprise at the Baker’s Dozen and It’s Ice Cream, in pre-pandemic days.

    phish food

    As a part of the release of non-dairy Phish Food, Ben & Jerry’s invites fans to take part in a one-of-a-kind interactive contest. Phish fans will be able to win a chance to see a Phish show, original art from Jim Pollock, a year’s supply of ice cream, and even score $2000 cash in their pocket to make it to the gig any way they choose. Enter by February 28th for your chance to win a Phish Food Non-Dairy Prize Pack or one of the above prizes.

    Here’s how to enter: Download the Jim Pollock line art and create your own art piece inspired by it, exploring the theme “cows on vacation” in celebration of new Phish Food Non-Dairy. Let your artistic spirit run like an antelope, out of control! We’re looking for creativity, originality, and a clear connection to Jim’s design and the “cows on vacation” theme.

    Share your design as a still image to Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #StrangeDesignContest before midnight ET on February 28, 2021. Then fill out the form, including a link to the post where you shared your art piece. We’ll announce the winner on March 18th, 2021!

    The contest kicks off at 12:01am on Wednesday, January 26. Official Rules can be referenced here.

  • Fresh Layers Music Festival Taking Place on Jan. 29, Featuring Darryl McDaniels

    Fresh Layers Music Festival will take place on January 29, 2021 and will feature big names like Darryl McDaniels from Run DMC. The festival is teaming up with membership live-streaming service, Launch. Fresh Layers will serve as a benefit festival, providing its proceeds to the Felix Organization. 

    Fresh Layers Music Festival

    The Felix Organization provides opportunities and new experiences to enrich the lives of children who are growing up in the foster care system. It was founded in 2006 by Darryl “DMC” McDaniels himself, and Emmy Award-winning casting director, Sheila Jaffe. Both McDaniels and Jaffe were adopted. They were compelled to share their experience to help the lives of children growing up in the foster care system. The Felix Organization strives to enrich children by connecting them with nature with their different programs including: Team Felix, Camp Felix, Camp Felix West, Beyond Camp, Secret Santa, and Felix Friendship Circle. 

    Fresh Layers Music Festival is working with Darryl McDaniels, but will be featuring a lot of other artists. McDaniels will be performing with Charlie Chan and is headlining the festival. The rest of the lineup includes Young Devyn, Zachary Murdock, Spaceface, Mega Ran, Andre Merritt, Brad Oberhofer, Old Man Canyon, Revenge Wife, The Happy Fits, Big Yuki, Boshia, Eche Palante, Dylan Chambers, Alt Bloom, M.A.G.S, Ben Kessler, Vinyl Williams, Reptaliens, MIGS718, Pearl And The Oysters, Bosley, GRMLN, Masok, Chanteclaire, and Special Guest James Poyser from The Roots.

    The festival has three payment options, the first being a $10 monthly recurring contribution including access to the festival, partial proceeds will be donated to the Felix Organization monthly with the recurring contribution. The second option would be a $20, one time payment, that includes access to the festival and all the net proceeds will benefit The Felix Organization. The third option is a $15 charity monthly membership which will include access to the festival and everything on the Launch system. Half of this membership fee goes to the Felix Organization directly. People are able to cancel at anytime.

    The Fresh Layers Music Festival is taking place on January 29, 2021 from 9PM – 11:55PM EST and will be available on LaunchTV. 

    Launch is part of the ArtistShare family. They are known for being the internet’s first crowdfunding website and the most trusted name in artist funding and fan engagement services today. ArtistShare was founded back in 2003 and has been providing premium business services to artists for over 18 years. With Launch Music they have created a simple and effective platform for music creators to fund new works and projects. 

    For more information on the Fresh Layers Music Festival visit their website.

  • Watch Brandon ‘Taz’ Niederauer play the Star Spangled Banner at the AFC Championship Game

    Dix Hills, Long Island native, Brandon ‘Taz’ Niederauer, took to the national stage on Sunday, January 24, performing the “Star-Spangled Banner” ahead of the AFC Championship game in Kansas City, Missouri.

    The 17-year old guitar phenom was invited to play before the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs duked it out on the field, for the chance to go to the Super Bowl.

    taz star spangled banner

    Taz took the moment to do what he does best – shred guitar. Jaws dropped as Taz took all of 102 seconds to perform the Francis Scott Key tune. Taz set the bar high for Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan, who will perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” together at Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay, FL on Sunday, February 7.

    Brandon still walks the halls of his Long Island high school, East Half Hollow Hills, which congratulated Taz on Facebook for his trip to the national stage. In 2015, Brandon notably starred on Broadway in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical “School of Rock.”

    taz star spangled banner
    photo by Brian Cole

    Acquiring the nickname “Taz” from a music teacher who said that Brandon’s fast guitar playing reminded him of the Tasmanian Devil from Looney Tunes cartoons, Brandon has also appeared many times on television, include “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “Good Morning America,” and “The View.”

    Brandon cites his father’s record collection as a major influence on his playing, particularly albums by Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, the Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton, and many more.

    Taz has also performed the National Anthem at Cubs games at Wrigley Field as recently as 2019.

  • Maxtreme Inc. and Yang 21 Come Together for “Shuda”

    Nigerian Afro-Pop singer, Yang 21, has released his latest single, “Shuda,” in collaboration with Talent Management & Music Distribution Company, Maxtreme Inc. 

    Yang 21

    The upbeat, Afrocentric tune is Yang’s latest effort on the heels of two EP’s, 2019’s Goose Bumps and Fall 2020’s What Do Girls Want. 

    “Shuda,” is a mellow tempo love-centric tune and is Maxtreme Inc.’s attempt to enlarge its coast and collaborate with recording artistes to serve its niche and fan base, as well as make exceptional music. Backed by a looping and rhythmic drum, the feel-good record (running just over 3 minutes), sees Yang 21 begin the song by declaring his affections for his newfound flame, amid his past struggles with love. 

    Yang 21

    Each subsequent verse then goes in detail about the kind of woman he wants in life, as he forges ahead with a new personal interest and moves on from past affections. Each verse sees Yang 21 characterize his ideal woman, while the chorus echoes the theme of the song, “coulda’ woulda’ shoulda’,” signifying the past-tense status of a previous lover.

  • Phish Revisits Summer 2003 with next Dinner and a Movie Installment

    For the next installment of Phish’s Dinner and a Movie archival stream series, the band goes back to the ‘2.0’ era, revisiting a Phish Summer Tour stop on July 25, 2003 in Charlotte, NC. The next installment airs on Tuesday, January 26 at 8pm

    phish summer 2003 charlotte
    via GolgiProject.com

    Previously released on Live Phish, the Charlotte show found the band in the middle of their 2003 Summer Tour that started in California and headed to the northernmost reaches of Maine for their IT Festival. Part of a three-night southern run that included Atlanta, GA and Raleigh, NC, the Charlotte show featured a wide ranging setlist, covering the band’s then-nearly 20 year career. A few monster jams are found in the show, including an 18-minute “Bathtub Gin” and a nearly half-hour long “Harry Hood.”

    phish summer 2003
    Fan Poster from Summer 2003

    For the dinner portion of the night, the band intends to keep things easy and hearty with Betty Frost’s recipe for Chicken Pot Pies, including a veggie option. The full recipe can be found here.

    Meals On Wheels will be beneficiary for the webcast, with all donations made via The WaterWheel Foundation will be given to support vulnerable seniors who are at the greatest risk amid COVID-19. Local Meals on Wheels programs are on the front lines every day, focused on keeping older Americans safe and nourished in communities across the country.

    Charlotte 2003 poster by Ryan Kerrigan

    Phish – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC – July 25, 2003

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Set 1: Funky Bitch > Chalk Dust Torture, Two Versions of Me, Bathtub Gin, Limb By Limb, Back on the Train > Horn > Golgi Apparatus > Character Zero

    Set 2: Drowned -> Kung -> Twist -> Heavy Things, Harry Hood > David Bowie

    Encore: The Star Spangled Banner, Bug

    Kung (first since September 29, 1999, or 106 shows) was sung over the jam connecting Drowned and Twist. Bowie included a full-band Tweezer tease.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJB81aiJLJE