NYS Music 202​1

Category: Beyond NYS

  • Joshua West, Jade Relics and more featured on this week’s EQXposure

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Joshua West, Jade Relics and many more!

    joshua west

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    Songwriter and brilliant musician Joshua West will share his tune “Feel That Pulse” off his forthcoming release, Let Your Voice Be Heard which is planned for release over the summer. 

    “Feel That Pulse”  was written back in 2016 in response to the Pulse Nightclub tragedy in Orlando. The song’s message is one of love, equality and acceptance – urging us to let everyone “Sing the song they were born to sing.” It features Mihali Savoulidis of Twiddle on lead guitar, along with a great list of Vermont and upstate NY musicians.

    Vermont independent group, Jade Relics, comprised of IamE, RicoJames, and Elder Orange latest single, “ISLAND” is a mind blowing tune that takes a serious groove adjustment mid-way through, as if it is the sonic equivalent of grabbing someone by the arm to pull them away from getting hit by a speeding train. The feel switch pulls the aritist in and figuratively forces their attention on where the song is taking them. 

    Athena Burke give us a powerful and positive anthem to remind us to stand strong in these off centered times. In her own words, “I will not fall “  is an emotional power anthem I wrote to help heal a past filled with trauma. A call to our inner strength in times of challenge. My sister, Lori had a life mantra. It came from our childhood. She had these dolls called Weebles. The slogan was ‘Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down.’ This song is dedicated to all of us who won’t fall down. And my sister Lori, who didn’t make it but inspired everyone around her. I hope this song will bring you love and power and strength on those days when you need it.” Produced by Devon Seegers of Bathrobe Robots.

  • Small Business Administration Reopens Shuttered Venues Operators Grant Application

    The Small Business Administration has reopened its shuttered venues operators grant application to help allocated aid to affected venues from COVID-19. The application on the portals reopened on April 24, 2021.

    Small Business Administration

    This news comes from the National Independent Venue Association or more commonly known as NIVA has been one of the forerunners in trying to aid venues during these trying times. NIVA formed at the onset of the COVID-19 shutdown and it now represents more than 3,000 venues, promoters, and festivals in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The organization is, a 501(c)6 an it is known for creating and leading the #SaveOurStages campaign, resulting in landmark legislation establishing the “Shuttered Venue Operators” grant program which will be administered by the Small Business Administration. 

    The decision to reopen the grant application comes from the fact that thousands of small businesses that have had no revenue for 13 months and cannot wait any longer for emergency relief. The grant application is able to be completed by this application is to be completed by Live Venue Operators or Promoters, Theatrical Producers and Live Performing Arts Organization Operators, Museum Operators, Motion Picture Theatre Operators (including owners), and Talent Representatives, who are applying for a Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG).

    People who are eligible can receive up to $10,000,000 who meet certain qualifications. Entities that receive a grant will not be required to repay grant funds unless the funds were used for purposes other than for authorized purposes or unless the grantee did not use all funds within 1 year of the disbursement of the grant (18 months after disbursement if received supplemental). 

    Small Business Administration

    Audrey Fix Schaefer who is a NIVA board member and the communications director spoke on this saying, “Simply put, this is emergency relief that can’t come too soon. Every single day that passes small businesses are receiving eviction notices, all the while $16 billion has been waiting for them. This is a lifeline for thousands of independent venues and promoters in big towns and in small communities across the nation. When you’ve had revenue losses of more than 90 percent and are in fear of going under, having the opportunity to apply for the grant is a relief, no matter what day of the week it is. We’re thankful our members won’t have to wait much longer.”

    For more information on the application process for the Shuttered Venues Operators Grant and eligibility view the SVOG Application Form and SVOG User’s Guide.

  • Keeping Arts Education in Schools: TeachRock and CT Gov. Announce Partnership

    Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the State of Connecticut, through the State Department of Education, is partnering with TeachRock to launch an innovative, standards-aligned arts curriculum in schools statewide that empowers teachers to engage with students using the history of popular music and culture.

    little steven Arts education

    TeachRock works with participating school districts at no cost, fostering a classroom environment where lesson plans incorporate culture and music into history in a way that resonates with students. Presented by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend Steve Van Zandt’s Rock and Roll Forever Foundation, TeachRock has worked directly with districts and schools in California, New Mexico, New Jersey, and New York over the past several years. This spring, Van Zandt has created “Little Steven’s Virtual Classroom Tour” that utilizes Zoom to provide classrooms with a visit, as well as fundraise for the foundation.

    Research has shown that knowledge of and participation in an arts education, especially during the formative years, can aid in the development of students as culturally responsive, compassionate, creative, and contributing members of society. TeachRock’s development was facilitated by experienced educators to weave arts and music history through core subjects such as English and Social Studies. The lesson plans go through the intersection of social, political, and economic forces within popular culture and how music has shaped and reflected those forces across the centuries.

    “When I was a teenager, school wasn’t reaching me,” TeachRock founder Steven Van Zandt said. “It didn’t speak to my needs or interests, and I saw no future in a society I was supposed to be a part of. Then the Beatles saved my life. Rock and roll and soul. The arts gave me the confidence to forge a path in the world… We need to reach the part of their brain that responds emotionally and instinctively, that uses imagination rather than facts and specifics. Something that makes them relax and feel more comfortable about the very process of education. And right now is when kids need us the most.” 

    “Especially during this time of a pandemic, we must give educators the tools they need to innovate from the inside out to engage students in creative ways,” Connecticut Education Deputy Commissioner of Education Desi Nesmith said. “TeachRock’s unique curriculum does that by connecting students to history, culture, and human experiences while positively impacting their social-emotional development.”

    Each year, districts can apply to participate in the TeachRock program. The number of TeachRock schools will expand annually across Connecticut, implementing the curricula into classes and online libraries.

    TeachRock was launched by Little Steven and the Founders Board of Bono, Jackson Browne, Martin Scorsese, and Bruce Springsteen, TeachRock.org has provided free, standards-aligned resources to help teachers, students, and families succeed for more than a decade. 

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

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

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

    Royal Tea Live Joe bonamassa

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

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

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

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

    Joe Bonamassa, recalling the performance at Ryman Auditorium

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

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

    https://youtu.be/T3hCNvXXjoY

  • This week’s EQXposure features The Bitter Stars, Modern Fools and more

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from The Bitter Stars, Modern Fools and many more!

    modern fools

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    This week’s featured artist on EQXposure is The Bitter Stars, from Charlton in Saratoga County. Their release Winters is a side project of the band doOojj, featuring Clarke Hingeford and Kyle Pemrick. The music is very clever, a unique take on what pop rock music can and perhaps should be. Excellent guitar tones, with powerful sonic treatments that rip across the aural spectrum providing a very cool repetitious base for the songs to be built on. 

    Greg Farley is a modern day renaissance man who also happens to write beautiful songs. While the phrase Alt-Country might be a little inappropriate to describe the music, these roots based songs are personal, suggestive, and enriching. The first cut off the record, “Hoosick Falls” has a hopeful sense while being deliberately truthful. The back up band on the session provides a subtle power to the tune that further leaves an impression on the listener, beckoning another spin or two. 

    Modern Fools from New Hampshire have some very cool music coming out of lockdown recording sessions. The forthcoming release of their work, Seer, is harmonically rich and steeped with heavy emotional content, aided by truly excellent performance of the songs by the band. While the lyrics and melody are haunting they soar right into the ear and stay awhile. 

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

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

    dinner and a movie fall 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Encore: Show of Life

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

    Shirt design via SetlistTees

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

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

  • Marcus Rezak Announces Sophomore Solo Album “Truth In Sound”

    Marcus Rezak has announced his second solo album, Truth In Sound, to be released on April 29th via Color Red Music, along with a series of shows performing the album.

    marcus Rezak

    To celebrate the release of Truth in Sound, Rezak will perform a pair of East Coast shows with Nate Edgar of The Nth Power, Cotter Ellis of Swimmer, and Scott Hannay of Mister F at Nectar’s in Burlington on Friday, April 23, and Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke MA on Saturday, April 24. Rezak will be accompanied by three members of the Trey Anastasio Band for the recording including Russ Lawton on Drums, Tony Markellis on Bass, and Ray Paczkowski on Keyboard.

    The lead single of the album is “Light of The Moon,” a true story about people of the night connecting through the love of music and celebrating cathartically in the light of the moon with dance, joy, and memories at the core. The lyrics speak to carefree feelings, letting go of worries, and sending all of your vulnerabilities into space. The story is inspired by the times we find ourselves in the light of the moon, who we are with, where we are, and what we remember in those special moments

    The story is inspired by the times we find ourselves in the light of the moon, who we are with, where we are, and what we remember in those special moments.

    Marcus Rezak, Musician

    In addition to “Light of the Moon” release, Rezak has launched a Kickstarter campaign to support the record. Perks range from downloads and pre-orders of vinyl and CDs and even curated experiences, guitar lessons, regional listening parties, private concerts and more. More information about the project and the Kickstarter can be found here.

  • Grey Fox and Ziontific Music Festivals Move to 2022

    Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival and the Ziontific Music Festival are postponing their events until 2022.

    Grey Fox Ziontific
    Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Oak Hill, NY. Photo Credit: Alan Hamilton

    Both Grey Fox and Ziontific seek to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone attending. Moving the festivals to next summer allows more time to counteract the negative consequences of the pandemic.

    Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival will take place July 14-17, 2022. The Grey Fox Staff is hoping to get beyond COVID-19 with extended vaccinations, social distancing, and standard health regulations. Updates for Grey Fox 2022 will be on their website as well as other social media pages.

    Last year, the team and artists joined together to create a virtual Spirit of Grey Fox 2020. Fans and musicians were able to come together to raise $25,000 for the IBMA Trust Fun for COVID-19 Relief. With this generosity and spirit of the community, the momentum pushes forward as live shows become a reality again.

    Similarly, the Ziontific 10th-year celebration is postponed to June 2022. All 2020 tickets and glamping packages automatically roll over to 2022. However, anyone looking for a refund can do so by contacting Ziontific by May 19, 2021.

    While fans eagerly wait for the festivities, a ZTFamily Facebook Group is open to help bring everyone together. Feel free to share Ziontific throwback photos, videos, or even write about memories there.

  • Discover the Grateful Dead-inspired Rose and Bolt line from Hiouchi Jewels

    With inspiration from the Grateful Dead, Hiouchi Jewels, in partnership with Warner Music Artist Services, has debuted the officially licensed, hand-made Rose and Bolt jewelry collection, giving life to Sarah Lewis’ dedication to her craft.

    Rose and Bolt

    A native New Yorker from Schenectady, Lewis attended Furthur Festival at SPAC in 1997, which led her to catch Ratdog, Phil Lesh and Friends, and later on, Dead and Company, among the rest of the side projects. When Gathering of the Vibes was held in Mariaville, NY, you could find Sarah among the 1000’s of attendees.

    The Grateful Dead is so much more than music, it’s home. It’s always been a part of my life. My friends and the music have gotten me through some really tough time.

    Sarah Lewis, Hiouchi Jewels

    In the summer of 2015, Lewis moved from Philly to California, making a stop in Chicago for the three night of Fare Thee Well at Soldier Field. Now based in Evergreen, Colorado, Lewis is the heart & soul of Hiouchi Jewels. She’s been making jewelry all her life, and earned her BFA in Metals & Jewelry at the Savannah College of Art & Design.

    Sarah’s career began designing for boho-chic brand Free People, before she launched her own brand, in 2009.  Today, the collection is designed and curated by Sarah in her Colorado studio, and handcrafted by her, and by fair trade artisan partners.  

    Rose and Bolt

    The Rose & Bolt collection features handmade rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, all featuring roses and the classic 13-point lightning bolt. Elegant, delicate styles come in sterling silver, rose gold, and 16k yellow gold. Bolder, statement styles feature turquoise stones and quartz crystals.

    Although Rose & Bolt carries similarities to Sarah’s classic Hiouchi Jewels Collection, many aspects are new. This marks her first time using rose gold, appropriate for the rose motifs in the collection. Sarah has typically made jewelry for women, and is excited to debut her first unisex/gender neutral collection.

    The Grateful Dead’s music has been an important part of my life and an inspiration for all of my creative work, so this collaboration is a dream project for me. I’ve carried my modern bohemian aesthetic from Hiouchi Jewels into this collection, adding the iconic Grateful Dead Roses & Bolts to each piece. The Grateful Dead is so much more than music- it’s a lifestyle, a community, a vibrant, unique culture. It’s truly an honor to have my jewelry join the rich lineage of licensed Grateful Dead artwork and merchandise.

    Sarah Lewis, designer

    Hiouchi (pronounced Hi-You-Chi) is the name of a wilderness area in Northern California, where Sarah lived and created for 3 years.  She re-named her business to Hiouchi in 2018, to honor the time that she spent in this special place in nature, and to carry the magic of the Redwoods with her.

    Both an artisan maker, and fashion jewelry lifestyle brand, Lewis sells her wares at HiouchiJewels.com, and through over 400 boutiques & companies internationally.

    It took years of persistent outreach to bring a Grateful Dead jewelry line together. Lewis’ drive and perseverence, and especially her passion, drove her to bring this to fruition. “You gotta send a bunch of emails sometimes and magic can happen.” This puts Sarah in good company – she is one of only two officially licensed Grateful Dead jewelry makers.

    Rose and Bolt

    For Rose and Bolt, Lewis uses rose gold. The reason for this she explained was that rose gold is trendy and new, and the same process in working with yellow gold. Rose gold is an alloy that has a little more copper. Thus, Rose and Bolt is made with rose and gold.

    Rose & Bolt Jewelry is sure to attract fans of all ages. Each piece comes in beautiful, collectors boxes and microsuede drawstring pouches. Classic styles can go from day to night, office to dance floor, from formal events to Zoom parties. Rose & Bolt jewelry will prove to be coveted pieces in any Deadhead’s collection.

    Watch a video of Sarah showing a few pieces from the collection, the packaging and free gifts that come with each order, as well as a tour of her studio in Evergreen, Colorado. She is currently running a promotion of 20% off at Hiouchi Jewels with code ‘spring.’

    Check out more photos on Instagram @HiouchiJewels and @RoseAndBolt.

    Rose and Bolt

  • Hearing Aide: Garage A Trois ‘Calm Down Cologne’

    Chances are high that you haven’t had your usual dose of funk over the last year. The global pandemic has slowed the release schedule of many bands and while we have gotten some great releases over the last few months, it’s nothing compared to past years. That all changes today with Garage A Trois’ newest offering, Calm Down Cologne.

    This sensational release from the band’s original lineup of prolific drummer Stanton Moore, master guitarist Charlie Hunter and multi-instrumentalist Skerik marks 22 years since their debut album, MysteryFunk. The band still delivers the same energy and excitement that they first showed over two decades ago.

    garage a trois

    The new album was recorded in 2019, across the street from Nectar’s Lounge in Seattle where the band was playing a 3-night, sold out run in Skerik’s hometown. Most of this offering is an improvisational documentation of what the trio was able to elicit together in that studio session, save for one pre-composed track. The resulting five songs are a testament to the prowess and musical moxie that each member possesses and is able to showcase as a group.

    “No Zone” is the perfect choice to start the album and illustrates how sync’d up the members of GAT are. Guitar and Organ blend seamlessly as Moore’s drumming drives the trio through nine minutes of head-bobbing, in-your-face funk. The aptly named “The Epic” is a spooky and funky carnival ride, as if a funhouse had its own effects-pedal laden jam session with it’s driving funk and electro-cacophony.

    The title track is the only non-improvised song on the album, but it’s one that you’ll find yourself listening to on repeat. Skerik’s ability to play horns and organ blend magically with Hunter’s bass as Moore provides hints of New Orleans throughout the short, but sweet ditty.

    “In-A-Pro-Pro” is the longest track on the album and is a jam that’ll get you to stand up and dance. This song is nothing short of incredible as each instrument bubbles to the surface to play their perfect part. “In-A-Pro-Pro” is like a good seltzer… effervescent with the perfect amount of flavor. Hunter has the chops and energy of at least two guitar masters as he lays out a flurry of sounds from the guitar and bass that comprise his Hybrid Big6. The album closes with the laid-back fuzzy funk of “Numinous,” a track that is reminiscent of walking off into the sunset. The drums, bass and keys paint a canvas that allows the horns and guitar to really pop in and shine.

    It might only be April, but this release will certainly be in the running for Best Album of 2021. Stream on various platforms here, and purchase the LP from Royal Potato Family or on GAT’s Bandcamp, where you can also purchase the digital album as well.

    Key Tracks: Calm Down Cologne, The Epic, In-A-Pro-Pro