Proctors Collaborative has announced the next block of upcoming shows at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs.
After a brief opening in Feb. 2020, as with many venues across the country, UPH had to close its doors briefly before opening again during the COVID-19 pandemic as an exhibit hall in July 2020.
UPH is incredibly unique and adaptable as a year-round cultural center with multiple spaces. Our main performance space is a 700-seat, state-of-the-art theatre in the round and has been designed so that no audience member will be farther than 60 feet from the performer. There’s not a bad seat in the house!
Grammy Award-winning music innovator Billy Strings reveals a continuation of his current headline tour alongside co-writers and string swordsman in their own right Billy Failing (banjo), Royal Masat (Bass, vocals) and Jarrod Walker (mandolin, vocals, guitar).
Arguably the most talked about in the announcement is the four night run at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, a truly historic laboratory for experimental music. Dates listed below. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, November 19 at 10:00am ET. On that Friday, the Billy Strings tour will be making a stop in Wilkes-Barre, PA if patience is not on one’s side. Full details at www.billystrings.com/tour.
Full Rainbow
All Forms of Energy
Energy has been a word that has gotten tossed around superfluously over conference tables, yoga mats and barstools. Excessive presence of the metaphysical concept has robbed us from having a name for what happens when we truly feel the impact of sound, light and heat combine in such a way to shift minds.
Avatar
Some call Billy things like “the reincarnation”, “the next____”, and occasionally “the next avatar”. There is certainly something special about a person that thinks and plays in such expansive styles while also having full mastery of accepted structures. It is uncommon for the same person to also have concern for the safety and wellbeing of his fans. It is not often that “the ___ of our generation” will return to his elementary school to give guitars to all the kids. Bass fishing early after playing a sold out show is absolutely not the thing expected from a musical mastermind. Arguably, most accurate description of Billy is “the realest one.”
Moth and Light Bulb
Egregious terms like “face melt” have unfortunately replaced the rather touching feeling of euphoria washing over our senses when dazzled by lights that somehow give the music a voice when there are no lyrics. The depth of emotion intended for each song transcends the light. The musical experience at a Billy show would not have the same depth of meaning if it looked any other way. Seeing and hearing beauty is where true presence begins to form and life outside of that concert disappears.
The intentional layering of light in a kaleidoscope of textures, colors and shapes evoke feelings that register more like a fine textile selected by lighting designer Roger Gant just for us; in this moment. It is said that moths are attracted to lightbulbs because they are designed to move towards the moon, but lightbulbs are relatively brighter. Imagine being that moth and you have an idea of what Roger’s shows look like.
The Wave Master
Andy Lytle gets pitted in the barrel of sound waves. Generosity exists all over the Billy camp. A valued community has formed thanks to Andy Lytle’s free live streams on Mixlr.com/billy-streams for every show. His pre-show and set break playlist is one for the ages and it is worth tuning in early to enjoy. To take on an extra task like mixing beautifully for all of the people at home while simultaneously managing fast changing complex music being played is seen and appreciated.
Photo by Jesse Faatz: The Giver. Keeper of memories. Encapsulator of emotion.
The Ref
Compassion is the key. While Billy Strings is the name on the shirt, all band and crew members contribute to a show with power that does not compare. It is more than a battle. Kata might even be too tame. There is more going on here. There is a volley going between the front of house and the stage, with photographer Jesse Faatz playing referee. There is great honor in record keeping creatively while history is being made. Jesse provides this selfless service by absorbing the cumulative experience of thousands and somehow fitting it into a few images. With each night’s log entry, a protective space has been created so that we can look back and let all of the feelings rush back from those treasured moments.
So pitted
Purpose
Attending a Billy Strings production means experiencing innovation, evolution and often complete mindshift for a better life. When there is no way to explain why something feels so good is when the cosmos, higher power or spiritual elements start to roll in and true attachment and loyalty begins to form. We feel protective over this thing that feels so good and want others to join in.
Afterglow
At some point though, after the show, everything will begin to settle down. We will anticipate a little more volley of light, sound and heat between masters of photons, waves, frequencies, photons, pickups, gammas, cadences, cadenzas, and canons (both musically and photographically). Yes, it is incredible, but it is also here now and we accept this beautiful experience as part of life.
Deep pink adds a little something extra.
Morning Light
The comfortable, lingering, pink-feeling haze after such a powerful experience is something also seems difficult to describe.There was once a word that was kept locked up and safe, only to be used in those declarative moments of beauty, connection, wonder, commitment, appreciation and gratitude. Cortisol coursing through us, feeling accepted within our tribe and cozy with our minds. What was it again? Oh.That word is love.
BILLY STRINGS CONFIRMED 2021-2022 TOUR DATES November 16—Portland, ME—State Theatre (SOLD OUT) November 17—Boston, MA—Boch Center Wang Theatre (SOLD OUT) November 19—Wilkes-Barre, PA—Mohegan Sun Arena November 20—Detroit, MI—The Fillmore (SOLD OUT) November 21—Detroit, MI—The Fillmore November 30—New Orleans, LA—The Civic Theater (SOLD OUT) December 1—New Orleans, LA—The Civic Theater (SOLD OUT) December 2—Houston, TX—White Oak Music Hall (SOLD OUT) December 3—Austin, TX—ACL Live at The Moody Theater(SOLD OUT) December 4—Dallas, TX—The Factory in Deep Elum(SOLD OUT) December 9—Atlanta, GA—The Eastern (SOLD OUT) December 10—Atlanta, GA—The Eastern (SOLD OUT) December 11—Atlanta, GA—The Eastern (SOLD OUT) December 12—Atlanta, GA—The Eastern (SOLD OUT) December 17—Nashville, TN—Marathon Music Works(SOLD OUT) December 18—Nashville, TN—Marathon Music Works(SOLD OUT) December 30—Grand Rapids, MI—GLC Live at 20 Monroe(SOLD OUT) December 31—Grand Rapids, MI—GLC Live at 20 Monroe(SOLD OUT) January 1—Grand Rapids, MI—GLC Live at 20 Monroe(SOLD OUT)
All dates below (except Tempe, AZ and London on-sale this Friday, November 19 at 10:00am ET February 3—Port Chester, NY—The Capitol Theatre February 4—Port Chester, NY—The Capitol Theatre February 5—Port Chester, NY—The Capitol Theatre February 6—Port Chester, NY—The Capitol Theatre February 11—Greensboro, NC—Greensboro Coliseum February 12—Norfolk, VA—Chartway Arena February 15—Augusta, GA—Bell Auditorium February 16—Augusta, GA—Bell Auditorium February 18—Knoxville, TN—Civic Auditorium February 19—Knoxville, TN—Civic Auditorium February 26—Tempe, AZ—Innings Festival March 3—Madison, WI—The Sylvee March 4—Madison, WI—The Sylvee March 5—Madison, WI—The Sylvee March 9—Cleveland, OH—KeyBank State Theatre March 11—Cincinnati, OH—Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center March 12—Cincinnati, OH—Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center March 26—London, UK—Islington Assembly Hall (SOLD OUT) March 27—London, UK—Islington Assembly Hall (SOLD OUT) April 1-3—Olympic Valley, CA—WinterWonderGrass Tahoe August 26-28—Tisbury, MA—Beach Road Weekend
Virginia’s jam and alt-rock outfit Kendall Street Company have teamed up with toe-tappin’ bluegrass quartet The Dirty Grass Players to announce a slew of co-headlining winter tour dates this December. The two bands will each perform a set of original songs before collaborating under the name “The Dirty Street Grass Company” for a super jam at the end of each show.
The run of shows will kick off on December 4th in The Dirty Grass Players’ hometown of Baltimore, MD and weave through the Northeastern states of New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut. The collaboration series will also be available to fans worldwide via the live-streamed performance on Friday, December 10th.
Our relationship with the Dirty Grass Players goes back to the ancient days of 2016. We were introduced to them by a talent buyer who described DGP as ‘the real deal bluegrass outfit’ and said they’d be a good pairing with our eclectic brand of jam rock. Fast forward to now, we have performed with them many times and consider them close musical companions. It’s about time we did a full-on tour together. To get hype for this collaboration, we [Kendall Street Company] have even been working on some bluegrass-y arrangements of our own tunes to mix into our set.
Ben Laderberg of Kendall Street Company.
Kendall Street Company (KSC) has created a unique musical identity that is quickly separating them from the pack. Featuring Louis Smith (acoustic guitar, vox), Brian Roy (bass), Ryan Wood (drums), Ben Laderberg (electric guitar), and Jake Vanaman (saxophones, keys), the band seamlessly brings together a mélange of genres as diverse as jam-rock,indie, folk, americana, psychedelia, jazz, and even bluegrass.
Composed of Connor Murray on bass, Alex Berman on vocals & banjo, Ben Kolakowski with the guitar & vocals, and Ryan Rogers on mandolin, they have been bringing their growing fanbase a down and dirty performance for over five years. Their ability to seamlessly transition from down-home bluegrass to spirited improvisation makes each performance unique. Mix in some Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd, or a dash of southern rock and you’ll quickly understand what they mean by “Dirty Grass”.
Entering into their sixth year together, The Dirty Grass Players just released their 2nd studio album, “Beneath the Woodpile”. Put together with alluring harmonies, lyrics, and melodies, the band presents a sound precisely at the crossroads of traditional and progressive bluegrass. This isn’t just another run-of-the-mill bluegrass album or band; it’s cathartic and dirty grass.
From the producers of the annual Love Rocks NYC benefit concert comes The Capitol Sessions: Songs from a Rock Palace That Impacted the World. Featuring Jackson Browne and Jorma Kaukonen leading an all-star jam benefiting HeadCount, the star-studded event will take place on Friday, December 17 at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.
Also featured in the show will be Marco Benevento, James Casey, Lisa Fischer, Amy Helm, Connor Kennedy, Eric Krasno, Tony Leone, Grahame Lesh, Adam Minkoff, Karina Rykman, and TheWar and Treaty.
Curating the evening is legendary producer, arranger, songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell, alongside his musical partner and wife Teresa Williams. Universally respected by his peers and fans as a master of music, the three-time Grammy-winning producer/musical director for Levon Helm was a member of Bob Dylan’s Never Ending Tour band, as well as a session and touring musician for artists including Keith Richards, Jackson Browne, Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon and Emmylou Harris, and a recipient of the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award as Instrumentalist.
The Capitol Sessions celebrates the groundbreaking songs played at The Capitol Theatre by rock royalty like Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Jefferson Airplane, The Chambers Brothers, Mountain, Joe Cocker, the Rolling Stones, Traffic, and Eric Clapton.
The Capitol Theatre is one of rock ‘n’ roll’s last remaining rock palaces. A place where many of rock’s most beloved legends performed — the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, David Bowie, Janis Joplin, to name a few. We can’t wait to celebrate the iconic songs that have been played over the years at The Cap. It will be very cool for The Capitol Sessions to happen on the same stage where these songs were originally performed. It’s going to be an epic night!
Peter Shapiro, DayGlo President and HeadCount board member
The show benefits HeadCount, a non-partisan voter registration advocacy organization that stages voter registration drives at more than 1,000 live events each year and collaborates with cultural leaders to promote civic engagement on a national scale. Since 2004, HeadCount has signed up over 1,000,000 voters through its work with Ariana Grande, Dead & Company and Beyoncé, as well as events like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Pride Festivals, and RuPaul’s DragCon.
The Capitol Sessions is the latest in a lineup of standout events by RWE, the company founded by Greg Williamson and Nicole Rechter to bring people together around music, culture, and philanthropy. RWE has realized its vision through charity concerts such as Love Rocks NYC, the Play On CBS primetime TV special, and the annual Tipping Point concert for Tulane University and the city of New Orleans.
In addition to honoring some of the most influential artists who played the Capitol during its heyday, we’re proud to highlight the importance of voting rights and democracy. We’d like to extend our thanks to Peter Shapiro, Larry Campbell, and all of the talented artists who agreed to be a part of this benefit concert.
moe. announced today via social media that Chuck Garvey, a co-founding member of the band, suffered a stroke at his home on Saturday, November 6. The 53-year-old guitarist has been hospitalized and remains in stable condition, according to the band. A GoFundMe has been set up to help Garvey and his family during this time.
Chuck Garvey performing with moe. at Apple Valley in Lafayette. Photo by Joshua Davis
“We remain hopeful for a full and speedy recovery,” moe. shared via their Instagram. “Please keep [Chuck] in your hearts, thoughts and prayers.”
The announcement received an outpouring of heartfelt comments from fellow artists. The String Cheese Incident, Umphrey’s McGee, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong were among the groups sending love and positivity. Even oft frequented venue the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester wished Garvey well.
Sending love and positive thoughts to Chuck and his family. Wishing for a fast recovery, we love you!
The day before the announcement, moe. postponed ticket sales for their planned 2022 Midnight Sun Festival, hosted in Reykavik. Currently, moe. has not made any further comments on how Garvey’s hospitalization will affect their upcoming tour dates. moe. has December dates lined up, including a show at the Brooklyn Bowl on December 9th and multiple shows at The Capitol Theatre.
Read the full statement from moe. below:
“We are sad to share that on early Saturday morning Chuck suffered a stroke while at home. He is currently hospitalized and in stable condition. We remain hopeful for a full and speedy recovery. Please keep him in your hearts, thoughts and prayers. We appreciate everyone’s concern, but ask that you respect the privacy of his friends and family at this time. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”
An update was shared on November 10 from moe. bassist Rob Derhak:
On Tuesday, November 15, moe. shared an update on their December shows, noting that all shows, including New Years Eve in Las Vegas, will be cancelled. The exceptions are the shows at The Capitol Theatre on December 10 and 11, which will feature special guests joining that evening. Read more from moe. below:
After much thought and discussion, we’ve decided to cancel our December appearances while Chuck starts his road to recovery. To that exception, we will still play the shows at The Capitol Theater on Dec. 10th and 11th. This venue means a lot to us all and feels like the right place for us to play at this time. We plan to have some special guests join us throughout the night and hope you can join us. More details to come regarding special merch, fundraising & more to benefit Chuck & his family. Thank you for your continued positive vibes, thoughts and prayers. They help Chuck get stronger each day.
The Allman Betts Band has announced their ‘Trippin’ into Spring 2022′ tour dates. The run will begin on March 1 in Milwaukee, WI, and will make stops across the country and Hawaii.
Ahead of the Spring tour, the Allman Betts Band will be on the road as part of The Allman Family Revival tour – a 19 date, star-studded celebration of the life, spirit, and music of Gregg Allman.
When The Allman Betts Band released Down to the River in June of 2019, the debut album represented not only the first time the group had recorded together, but, in fact, the first time the seven-piece ensemble had ever played together. If Down to the River was the sound of the band’s combustible sparks igniting, then Bless Your Heart is their bonfire, built for the summer of 2020 and beyond; a double-album follow-up fueled by road-forged camaraderie and telepathic musical intensity, vibrantly reflecting the individual and collective experiences of these seven, all drawing inspiration from the band’s symbolic hometown- a place Devon Allman calls “the United States of Americana.”
All up to date news and tour information can be found at allmanbettsband.com.
The Allman Betts Band ‘Trippin’ Into Spring’ 2022 Tour Dates
3/1 @ Turner Hall Ballroom | Milwaukee, WI 3/2 @ Kalamazoo State Theatre | Kalamazoo, MI 3/3 @ Kent State University | Kent, OH 3/4 @ Riverfront Live | Cincinnati, OH 3/5 @ Robins Theatre | Warren, OH 3/6 @ EXPRESS LIVE! | Columbus, OH 3/9 @ Town Ballroom | Buffalo, NY 3/10 @ The Stanley Theatre | Utica, NY 3/12 @ Garde Arts Center | New London, CT 3/16 @ Lebanon Opera House | Lebanon, NH 3/18 @ Loos Center for the Arts | Woodstock, CT 3/24 @ Hart Theatre at The Egg | Albany, NY 3/27 @ Whitaker Center | Harrisburg, PA 4/1 @ Hawaii Theatre | Honolulu, HI 4/2 @ Maui Arts & Cultural Center | Kahului, HI
SAMMYS announced the 2022 SAMMYS Hall of Fame Dinner on March 3, 2022 and award show on March 4, 2022.
Syracuse Area Music Awards or more commonly known as the SAMMYS is an awards show that celebrates the work created by people in the music industry from the Syracuse Area.
The SAMMYS Hall of Fame Dinner will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022, upstairs at the Dinosaur. The 2022 Award Show will take place on Friday, March 4, 2022. The awards show will be returning to the Palace Theatre on James Street. Tickets will be available for either theatre seats or Live Stream from The Palace Theatre. The Show will include musical performances by area artists/bands. Awards will be presented in 12 recording categories, in addition to the People’s Choice awards in four categories, Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist, Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the Sammys Award, and our Community Spirit Award.
On Thursday, SAMMYS 2022 Hall of Fame will induct Robert “Bobby T” Tousignant, Russ Tarby, Los Blancos, Music Educator: J. Avery Headd, and Lifetime Achievement: Tom Kenny of Sponge Bob Square Pants.
Friday night the SAMMYS 2022 Awards Show at the Crouse Hinds Theater will announce numerous categories, including winning local musicians, bands, and artists who submitted their 2021 recordings, and winners of the People’s Choice categories. This year the general public cast over 168,000 online votes. The Founder’s Award will go to The Blacklites Performances, Jon Rogalia & The Swamp Boys, Letizia, The Real Raw Breed, and Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas.
Once again the SAMMYS are looking for the public to submit their Work. This year, all artist recorded submissions will be online only. Recorded submissions will begin December 1, 2021. Each artist must select one category they wish to be judged in. Only commercially released albums or EPs, released between January 1 – December 31, 2021 by artists in the Central NY area are eligible. All entries must be available on Apple Music, Spotify or Tidal. No physical recordings will be accepted. Categories subject to change at the discretion of the judges. Entry form will be available here and must be submitted by January 6, 2022.
Supporting Sponsors of the 2022 SAMMYS include: The Rebel Rocks, Bridge Street, SubCat Music Studios, CNY Alive!, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, KMASE Productions, Joshua Johnson Design, Skinner & Associates Realty, American Vintage Productions, NYS Music, News Channel 9, 95X, 93Q, and 92.1 The WOLF.
For more information on the SAMMYS 2022 Award Show visit the SAMMYS website.
New York City’s Blue Note Jazz Club announces the return of DJ Logic, the first DJ to ever headline the historic venue back in 2003. From January 6-9, DJ Logic & Friends is set to perform two shows a night at 8:00 pm and 10:30 pm ET.
Special guests have just been announced for January 8 – Fred Wesley & Marcus Machado – and January 9 – Angie Swan From David Byrne’s American Utopia. Read Relix’s review of the first night of the run.
DJ Logic will be joined by a world-class line-up of Friends including Karl Denson on saxophone, MonoNeon on bass and Adam Deitch on drums. One of the world’s most accomplished musicians, DJ Logic is known for using turntables in a live band setting, guiding listeners through groove-laden journeys rooted in jazz, hip-hop and electronic sounds. The Bronx-born musician frequently works with a phenomenal roster of invited guests, and he knows how to pick his collaborators as well as his samples. DJ Logic’s Blue Note headline shows are always highly anticipated and his 2022 run promises a joyful start to the new year.
“It’s going to be an electric ray of music with some amazing eclectic players, exploring funk, grooves, and patterns,”DJ Logic states. “This group of insanely talented, important and virtuosic artists is a dream team of funk,” says Alex Kurland, Director of Programming at Blue Note. “Independently, each artist has a deep history and roots at Blue Note. As one collective joining forces under the direction of the great and powerful DJ Logic, these guys are musical acrobats. The project is truly next level and bound to funk up audiences. Fasten your seatbelt!”
The theorem of turntablist as musician has been long proven in the capable hands of DJ Logic, whom with jazz as his foundation has become a wax innovator by crossing genres and mixing his sound across the map. As one of the world’s most accomplished turntablists, DJ Logic is widely credited for introducing jazz into the hip–hop realms and is considered by most as a highly-respected session musician and an innovative bandleader. Since his emergence in the early nineties amidst the Bronx hip-hop scene, the New York City based deejay has been amassing a veritable mountain of collaborations, including a full-fledged band with members of Blues Traveler (The John Popper Project ft. DJ Logic), a trio with Steve Molitz & Freekbass (Headtronics), a jazz project with Georgian prodigy Beka Gochiasvili, and as a member of Grammy-winning Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra’s The Offense of the Drum album. He also has a long list of other collaborations with artists ranging from the likes of Bob Weir, John Mayer, Medeski Martin and Wood, Christian McBride, O.A.R., Carly Simon, Marcus Miller, Jack Johnson, Vernon Reid, Warren Haynes, Charlie Hunter, Jack DeJohnette, Ben Harper, Mos Def, The Roots, Bernie Worrell, Bill Laswell, Melvin Gibbs, Fred Wesley, Sean Kuti and many more.
Since 1981, Blue Note Jazz Club has been a cultural institution in New York City and one of the premiere jazz clubs in the world. Blue Note strives to preserve the history of jazz, and the club is a place where progression and innovation – the foundations of jazz – are encouraged and practiced on a nightly basis. In addition to the main acts that feature the likes of Robert Glasper, Pat Metheny, Christain McBride, Joshua Redman, Ron Carter and Chris Botti, Blue Note regularly showcases up-and-coming jazz, soul, hip-hop, R&B and funk artists. After 40 years of success, Blue Note continues to carry the torch for jazz into the 21st century in the cultural heart of New York, Greenwich Village.
Performing their current album, World Gone Mad, as well as classic songs of The Band, The Weight Band is led by Jim Weider, a 15-year former member of The Band and the Levon Helm Band. Originating in 2013 inside the famed Woodstock barn of Levon Helm, Weider was inspired by Helm to carry on the musical legacy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group.
Years of touring have seen The Weight Band revive “The Woodstock Sound,” keeping the spirit of Americana/Roots Rock alive for audiences of all ages. They continue to keep the sound vibrant by releasing new music, evidenced by the album World Gone Mad, released in February 2018. Their live set features songs from the new album as well as fan favorites from The Band’s treasured catalog, including “Up On Cripple Creek,” “The Weight,” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”
The Weight Band includes Brian Mitchell (The Levon Helm Band), Michael Bram (Jason Mraz), Matt Zeiner (Dickey Betts Band), and Albert Rogers (The Jim Weider Band). With a US and international tour schedule slated for 2019 and beyond, The Weight Band complements The Band’s timeless legacy while pushing the music forward for new audiences.
The Weight Band Tour Dates
11/11- Buskirk-Chumley Theater- Bloomington IN
11/12- Old Town School Of Folk Music- Chicago IL
11/13- Mineral Point Opera House- Mineral Point WI
The American Symphony Orchestra celebrates its return to the stage and its 60th anniversary season in 2021-22 with four full-orchestra programs at Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, and a free opening concert titled Mahler in New York at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on December 16. The opening program focuses on composers whom Mahler had championed during his years in New York.
Additional highlights comprise the U.S. Premiere of Sergei Taneyev’s massive final work, At the Reading of a Psalm (January 28, 2022); an all-Duke Ellington program—cancelled at the start of the pandemic—featuring jazz pianist Marcus Roberts and his Trio with such works as Black, Brown, and Beige Suite; Sophisticated Lady; and Night Creature for Jazz Band and Orchestra (March 24, 2022); and a free closing program of living American PulitzerPrize-winning composers including Melinda Wagner, Richard Wernick, Shulamit Ran, and a world premiere by Puerto Rican composer Roberto Sierra with legendary electric violinist Tracy Silverman (June 5, 2022). .
Now in its 60th season, the American Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1962 by Leopold Stokowski, with the mission of providing music within the means of everyone. Music Director Leon Botstein expanded that mission when he joined the ASO in 1992, creating thematic concerts that explore music from the perspective of the visual arts, literature, religion, and history, and reviving rarely performed works that audiences would otherwise never have a chance to hear performed live.
Nothing can compare to the thrill of live performances. We are overjoyed at our return to the stage after the restrictions of the past year and to once again be able to play for our beloved audiences in person. To celebrate this especially meaningful event on the occasion of our 60th anniversary season makes it even more significant.
American Symphony Orchestra Music Director Leon Botstein
Leon Botstein provides the musical context for most of the concert programs in lively, 30-minute Conductor’s Notes Q&A sessions. These discussions, animated learning opportunities for both new concertgoers and music connoisseurs alike, begin one hour before each concert and are free for all ticket holders.
Leon Botstein has been music director and principal conductor of the American Symphony Orchestra since 1992. He is also music director of The Orchestra Now, an innovative training orchestra composed of top musicians from around the world. He is co-artistic director of Bard SummerScape and the Bard Music Festival, which take place at the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College, where he has been president since 1975. He is also conductor laureate of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, where he served as music director from 2003–11. In 2018, he assumed artistic directorship of Campus Grafenegg and Grafenegg Academy in Austria. Mr. Botstein also has an active career as a guest conductor with orchestras around the globe, and has made numerous recordings, as well as being a prolific author and music historian. He is the recipient of numerous honors for his contributions to the music industry. In 2019, The New York Times named Leon Botstein a “champion of overlooked works…who has tirelessly worked to bring to light worthy scores by neglected composers.”
Thursday, December 16, 2021, 8 pm, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam AveConductor’s Notes Q&A 7 pm. This free 60th anniversary performance opens the ASO season in the glorious Cathedral of St. John the Divine with a survey of some of the composers whom Mahler had championed during his time in New York, including George Whitefield Chadwick, Alphons Diepenbrock, and Henry Hadley. Mahler’s famous Adagio from his Symphony No. 10 will also be performed.Taylor Raven, mezzo-sopranoGeorge Whitefield Chadwick: Melpomene OvertureHenry Hadley: The Culprit Fay, Op. 62Alphons Diepenbrock: Hymne an die NachtGustav Mahler: Adagio from Symphony No. 10
Tickets: The performance is free, reservations are required and can be made online at americansymphony.org. Ticket holders will need to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 using a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in order to enter the venue and details can be found here.
Friday, January 28, 2022, 8 pm, Carnegie Hall (Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage) Conductor’s Notes Q&A 7 pm to be confirmed closer to the date as part of the venue’s guidelines The ASO returns to Carnegie Hall for its Vanguard Series with the U.S. Premiere of Sergei Taneyev’s final work, At the Reading of a Psalm. Conceived as a massive statement of Russian Orthodox faith at the onset of WWI, this large-scale cantata for full orchestra, double chorus, and vocal soloists showcases the dramatic effect of Taneyev’s contrapuntal mastery.Wendy Bryn Harmer, sopranoEve Gigliotti, mezzo-sopranoJoshua Blue, tenorHarold Wilson, bassBard Festival ChoraleFirst Movementi. Chorus (Allegro tempestoso)ii. Double Chorus (Andante sostenuto)iii. Chorus. Triple Fugue (Fuga a tre soggetti, Andante – Allegro molto)Second Movementiv. Chorus (Allegro moderato – Fuga. Allegro tenebroso)v. Quartet (Andante)vi. Quartet and Chorus (Adagio ma non troppo)Third Movementvii. Interlude (Allegro appassionato)viii. Aria (Alto Solo) (Adagio piu tosto largo)ix. Double Chorus (Finale) (Adagio pietoso e molto cantabile-Allegro moderato-Allegro molto)
Tickets: Priced at $25–$65, tickets are available at carnegiehall.org, by calling CarnegieCharge at 212.247.7800, or visiting the box office at 57th St & 7th Ave. Ticket holders will need to follow the venue’s guidelines and show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 using a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in order to enter the building.
Thursday, March 24, 2022, 8 pm, Carnegie Hall (Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage)Conductor’s Notes Q&A 7 pm to be confirmed closer to the date as part of the venue’s guidelinesThe American Symphony Orchestra toasts the genre-defying genius of Duke Ellington with an evening including New World A-Comin’ and Three Black Kings for jazz trio and full orchestra with renowned jazz pianist Marcus Roberts. Originally scheduled for March 2020 but canceled due to the pandemic, the concert features Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Catherine Russell. Roberts worked with the ASO in United We Play, a short film featuring three world premieres commissioned by ASO and released in December 2020 on the Orchestra’s streaming platform ASO Online.Marcus Roberts Trio Marcus Roberts, piano Rodney Jordan, bass Jason Marsalis, drumsCatherine Russell, vocalistAll-Duke EllingtonBlack, Brown, and Beige Suite (Arr. Maurice Peress)Satin Doll (Arr. Chuck Israels)Harlem (Arr. Luther Henderson & Maurice Peress)Sophisticated Lady (Arr. Morton Gould)New World A Comin’ (Arr. Maurice Peress)Three Black Kings (Completed by Mercer Ellington, Arr. Luther Henderson)Night Creature for Jazz Band and Orchestra (Arr. Luther Henderson, Ed. Gunther Schuller)
Tickets: Priced at $25–$65, tickets go on sale December 22 and are available at carnegiehall.org, by calling CarnegieCharge at 212.247.7800, or visiting the box office at 57th St & 7th Ave. Ticket holders will need to follow the venue’s guidelines and show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 using a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in order to enter the building.
Sunday, June 5, 2022, 8 pm, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60th StreetConductor’s Notes Q&A 7 pmThe ASO offers another free performance to close its 60th anniversary season. In line with the ASO’s long history of championing American artists, the closing concert offers a trio of American Pulitzer Prize-winning living composers including Melinda Wagner and two of her mentors, Richard Wernick and Shulamit Ran. Philadelphia-born Melinda Wagner’s Concerto for Flute, Strings, and Percussion was distinguished for its well-crafted flute solo. Boston native Richard Wernick’s Viola Concerto—written for violist Walter Trampler and Leon Botstein (who conducted the 1987 premiere)—alludes to the well-known Dylan Thomas poem “Do not go gentle into that good night.” Shulamit Ran’s Symphony, commissioned by The Philadelphia Orchestra, also won the Kennedy Center Friedheim Award the same year as her 1991 Pulitzer. The program’s highlight is the world premiere of Roberto Sierra’s newly commissioned Concerto for Electric Violin, which presents a mixture of Sierra’s Latin-influenced ideas and modern compositional techniques through the voice of the electric violin, performed by the renowned electric violinist Tracy Silverman.Tracy Silverman, violinRoberto Sierra: Concerto for Electric Violin (World Premiere)Melinda Wagner: Concerto for Flute, Strings, and Percussion (work awarded with 1999 Pulitzer Prize)Richard Wernick: Viola Concerto (“Do Not Go Gentle…”)Shulamit Ran: Symphony (work awarded with 1991 Pulitzer Prize)
Tickets are free but required. Ticketing and reservation access information will be available in early 2022 at americansymphony.org and jazz.org. Ticket holders will need to follow the venue’s guidelines and show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 using a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in order to enter the building.
