NYS Music 202​1

Category: Schenectady

  • Proctors to host ESYO Holiday Spectacular with special guest Madison Vandenburg

    The Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO), known regionally and nationally for engaging young musicians from Upstate New York and western Massachusetts in the joyful pursuit of musical excellence, has announced its 2021 Holiday Spectacular, Sleigh Ride, with special guest Madison Vandenburg.

    The family-friendly holiday concert is scheduled for Sunday, December 19, at 3pm at Proctors in Schenectady, featuring a sleigh full of talent, including ESYO’s flagship ensemble Symphony Orchestra. They will be conducted by former ESYO Music Director Helen Cha-Pyo, the newly formed ESYO Chamber Orchestra, and the ESYO Youth Jazz Orchestra. Joining ESYO for this one night only performance is 2019 American Idol finalist Madison VanDenburg, who returns home for the holidays to premiere the orchestral version of her new single, “The Light of Christmas.”

    The concert program weaves together a seasonal story by Children’s Moonbeam Book award-winning author Vicki Addesso Dodd with sparkling holiday favorites, Christmas carols, and inspired Symphonic classics.. After finding themselves aboard Santa’s sleigh, audiences travel the world seeing the holidays through the eyes of a child and the sounds of music.

    Accompanying each scene is music like Leroy Anderson’s iconic Christmas jingle “Sleigh Ride,” Waldteufel’s “Skaters Waltz,” “Troika” by Prokofiev, and a jazzy arrangement of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Also featured on the program is the famed holiday classic “(There is No Place Like) Home for the Holidays” by Glenville-native Robert Allen. Exhausted from their sleigh ride, the children fall asleep and wake up on Christmas morning to hear the orchestral premiere of Madison VanDenburg’s new hit single.  In the finale, the audience is invited to join VanDenburg for a traditional carol sing-along. 

    Music is the best accompaniment to the holidays. The pandemic has challenged us all and kept many from seeing their families during the holiday season. We believe that our musicians and our community could use a magical sleigh ride and sparkling music to reignite the light and love of the holidays.

    Rebecca Calos, Empire State Youth Orchestra’s Executive Director

    Written by multi-platinum songwriters Kenny Lamb (NSYNC, Justin Timberlake, Rhett Akins) and Anthony Little (Tina Turner, Backstreet Boys, and Reba), VanDenburg immediately connected with the song. “It’s not just a Christmas song. It is also about hope and togetherness and seeing the world from a place of love,” said VanDenburg. ”Music has always been a powerful way of helping people through tough times, and after the last year and a half, I think we all need to be reminded of the light that Christmas brings and that there will be good times ahead.”

    After performing at the Schenectady Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade, Madison VanDenburg will tour the U.S. with her holiday hit before returning home to unwrap a new orchestral arrangement with her hometown youth orchestra and illuminate Downtown Schenectady. With support from local recording engineer Dan Czernicki at Classical Recording Service, videographer Griffin Bengraff, and LIVE Sound Inc, Sleigh Ride will stream online in ESYO’s Virtual Concert Hall on Christmas Day.  

    For tickets to Sleigh Ride, An ESYO Holiday Spectacular, call Proctors Box Office at (518) 346-6204 or buy online here for $25 – group rates apply for groups of 10 or more. This concert is made possible through a grant from Schenectady County Legislature’s County Initiative Program.

  • Schenectady’s Music Haven Announces 2021 Series

    Schenectady’s Music Haven has announced a three show season of regional and international talent after a year hiatus. Musicians will take the stage at Schenectady’s Central Park on August 15, 22 and 29.

    Since 1990, Music Haven has been bringing world-class music to Schenectady. Although the series is shorter than previous years, Music Haven has been working to continue their reputation as a local hub for music exploration.

    I’m thrilled to keep Music Haven on the map this summer and welcome friends and neighbors back to the heart of the park.

    Mona Golub, producing artistic director of Music Haven

    Kicking off the series is local blues band Wyld Blu on August 15. Headlining the night is blues guitarist Albert Cummings, touring in celebration of his new album, Believe.

    Albert Cummings

    The second concert of the season will feature Israeli/Iranian pop singer, Liraz, who will be accompanied by several members of NYC’s Ethiopian jazz collective, the Anbessa Orchestra. Palestinian Kanun virtuoso, Firas Zreik, will set the stage as the evening’s opening guest.

    The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra returns to Music Haven this year, under the direction of Glen Cortese. Closing the series out on August 29, their program is inspired by “The American Songbook” and contains classic music from the Tin Pan Alley era by Gershwin, Porter and Berlin, Copland, traditional American folk tunes and popular film score by John Williams. Special guest vocalists, Mia Scirocco and Casey Grey will be featured throughout the evening.

    Schenectady Symphony performing with the Octavo Singers in 2018

    Food and drink will be available for purchase from local vendors Michele’s Charcoal Pit, Wolf Hollow Brewing Company and Nine Pin Cider. Ben & Jerry’s ice cream will be on-site as well.

    In the case of inclement weather, shows will be held at at Proctors.

    All concerts are free and begin at 7 p.m. at Central Park in Schenectady. For more information about Music Haven, visit their website. Show updates, including weather calls, will be posted on the Music Haven Concert Series Facebook.

    Check out the schedule below:

    August 15: Albert Cummings (w/ guest Wyld Blue)

    August 22: Liraz (w/ guest Firas Zreik)

    August 29: Schenectady Symphony Orchestra (w/ special guest vocalists Mia Scirocco and Casey Grey)

    Liraz’s “Zan Bezan”

  • Scotia Presents Free Summer Concerts at Freedom Park

    Freedom Park in Scotia will once again host a free outdoor summer concert series. Located across the street from Collins Park and right next to Jumpin’ Jack’s in the Village of Scotia (just over the Mohawk River from Schenectady), the Summer Concert Series will be offering free concerts highlighting performers from all over the Capital Region and beyond.

    Freedom Park

    All shows will start at 7:00 pm. Audience members are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. The Park will also be streaming each show through Facebook Live for anyone who can’t make the performance in person.

    Freedom Park 2021 Summer Concerts

    Wed 7/7 Big Fez & the Surfmatics 

    Sat 7/10 Carmen & Life’s Guilty Pleasures (jazz) 

    Mon 7/12 Rattail Jimmy (rock) 

    Wed 7/14 Donnie P & Celebration Family (polka) 

    Sat 7/17 Watch Reggie Run (kids music) 

    Sun 7/18 Grand Central Station (party rock) 

    Wed 7/21 The Lustre Kings (rockabilly) 

    7/24 Heard (world music) 

    Mon 7/26 Get Up Jack (Irish) 

    Wed 7/28 Brian Patneaude Quintet (jazz) 

    Sat 7/31 Ratboy Jr. (kids music) 

    AUGUST 

    Wed 8/4 Annie & the Hedonists (blues/folk/swing) 

    Sat 8/7 Mia Scirocco Trio (jazz/soul) 

    Sun 8/8 Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra 

    Wed 8/11 The Rhythm Pilots (dance party) 

    Sat 8/14 Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company 

    Mon 8/16 The Refrigerators 

    Wed 8/18 The Legendary Characters (50’s & 60’s) 

    Sat 8/21 Rusticator (acoustic Americana) 

    Wed 8/25 SIRSY (alt rock) 

    Sat 8/28 The Rogues (60’s & 70’s) 

    While the performances are free Freedom Park Scotia accepts support through donations either through Venmo, PayPal, or Mail Check/Money Order to Freedom Park Foundation PO Box 2040 Scotia, NY 12302.

    To stay up to date on the up coming shows visit the Freedom Park website and follow their social media, Facebook and Instagram.

  • Proctors Theatre Announces the World Premiere of the musical “The Right Girl”

    Proctors Theatre has announced the world premiere of the musical based on true stories, The Right Girl, opening October 13th with performances through Wednesday, November 10th.

    The musical features music by 12-time Academy Award nominee and Grammy®, Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning songwriter Diane Warren, lyrics by Ms. Warren, Louisette Geiss and Howard Kagan, and a book by Ms. Geiss and Mr. Kagan, The Right Girl is directed and choreographed by five-time Tony Award® winner Susan Stroman.

    The cast of The Right Girl includes Alysha Umphress (On The Town, Bring It On, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, American Idiot), Ramin Karimloo (Anastasia, Les Mis, Phantom of the Opera), Paige Faure (Cinderella), Adam Jacobs (Aladdin, Les Mis, The Lion King), J. Elaine Marcos (Annie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, A Chorus Line), Steve Rosen (Guys and Dolls, Spamalot), and Syndee Winters (Hamilton, Pippin, The Lion King).  Additional casting will be announced at a later date. The Right Girl features set design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, costume design by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Jason Lyons, sound design by Kai Harada and orchestrations and arrangements by Santino Paladino and Assaf Gleizner.

    One of the dreams of the Proctors Collaborative was that the mix of theatrical and musical facilities and capabilities would attract new and different opportunities within the world of the theater. Howard Kagan and Tom Smedes are first-class producers who found just what they needed as they worked with us: a great building, a welcoming community and an audience based both at Proctors and at the Rep interested and anxious to support new work. We are excited to host this world premiere. We hope to do so well that we can leverage continuing new relationships with the industry’s major players.

    -Phillip Morris, CEO, Proctors Collaborative

    Performances will begin at 7:30pm Tuesdays through Saturdays, 2pm on Sundays. Proctors will follow all C.D.C. and New York State safety guidelines for these performances. Check the Proctors website at proctors.org to subscribe and obtain additional information.

  • Gene Simmons Schools Schalmont Music History Students

    The Schalmont School District recently shared on their Facebook page this week that legendary glam rocker Gene Simmons virtually met with high school students on June 16.

    gene simmons schalmont
    Simmons on the Zoom call with Schalmont Students

    Once a New York City teacher himself, Simmons agreed to spend 30 minutes with the Schalmont rock history students to answer some questions. He ended up speaking for over an hour giving advice, sharing stories and engaging in jovial conversation.

    The virtual meeting came together with the help of Schalmont High Senior Gabe Unser, who looked up the musician on his website.

    I found a media contact online and said ‘I don’t know if I can ask this but we have a History of Rock Music class and we were wondering if Gene would be able to talk to our class.’ She replied he’d be happy to.

    Gabe Unser

    According to Unser’s teacher, Robert Renzi, Simmons does not usually answer to inquiries but was moved by the message and decided to take the opportunity.

    Simmons recalled how committed he and the rest of KISS was to practicing endlessly in their small New York City apartment. He simultaneously worked various jobs during that time, including teaching 6th grade.

    Simmons 1960s teacher photo compared to his iconic rock persona. Credit: KISS Facebook Page

    Simmons’ key piece of advice was to ignore the naysayers and do what you love. But, he was quick to say to not quit your day job in the process. Simmons also noted he has never drank alcohol or used illegal drugs and encouraged students to do the same.

    The thing we did right is we did what we envisioned and put together a band we had never seen on stage before.

    Gene Simmons

    When a student asked if they could get autographs, or at least for their teacher as a retirement gift, Simmons agreed to send each person an autograph. He ended the meeting by telling students they could do anything if they put in the time and encouraged them not to be afraid of failure.

    Kiss in London – May 1976 Credit: Photo by Andre Csillag/REX/Shutterstock

    This is not the first time Simmons got in touch with his teacher side. While filming his reality show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, he visited public school music charity organization, Little Kids Rock.

    Simmons ditched his celebrity status in the clip, interacting with the children one-on-one, sharing valuable advice similar to his meeting with the Schalmont students, and even playing bass along with them. Simmons teamed up with Fender to donate guitars and other musical supplies to the charity before he left.

    After multiple decades and a successful music career, it seems Simmons never really quit his teaching day job!

  • Pride 2021: Where to Celebrate Throughout New York State

    Wondering where and how you can get your 2021 Pride on throughout New York this summer? With COVID-19 ever looming in the background, NYS Music has you covered. Between in person events and virtual celebrations, celebrating Pride with live music in 2021 will be a highlight of the summer across the State of New York.

    NYS Music PRIDE

    New York City and Long Island

    New York City Pride will be kicking off with 50 events across the 30 days of June, known as Pride month throughout the LGBTQ+ community. Between the NYC Pride march, Pridefest, and Pride Island. The NYC Pride March broadcast special will return for its fifth consecutive year.

    Featuring live performances, on-air interviews, and exciting street-side marching activity, the broadcast will air on ABC-7 from 12PM to 3PM EST on Sunday, June 27 as well on ABC7NY.com and ABC7 New York’s Connected TV Apps on streaming platforms Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku. All in-person elements will be produced in accordance with the most current guidelines for public events in the city.  DJ Lina Bradford will be performing at the online virtual Pride Island party. Details on the event can be found on their website. Musical performances across NYC Pride are waiting to be announced.

    Long Island Pride is taking place on June 13, 2021 at Eisenhower Park’s landmark Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre from 12PM-4PM. The festivities will take place in person and will follow New York State Department of Health and CDC guidance, all attendees will be required to present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, or 72-hour negative PCR test. This year’s Long Island Pride is a pre-ticketed event only and there will be no same day entry.  The event may sell out quickly with sponsorships, VIP tickets and a limited number of general admission tickets now on sale due to COVID-19.  Almost Queen, The Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps, and DJ Disco 2 House will all be performing.  Details on the event can be found on their website.

    Capital District

    In Albany the Pride activities will span out across the month with plenty of events. People can catch local artists performing on the Virtual Alive at 5 event. It can be found on Albany Events on YouTube and the Pride Center of the Capital region YouTube. Join the online party for the Virtual Pride Alive at 5 on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at 11AM  to 12PM. Details on the event can be found on their website.

    Schenectady Pride will be hosting a ‘Day of Visibility’ event at the Gateway Plaza. The event will host DJ RVMBA at 3PM, Community Stage (special guests including SLOC Musical group, Planned Parenthood at 4PM, and Drag Spectacular starring the Legends of Drag at 5pm on Saturday, June 5, 2021. Details on the event can be found on their website.

    Buffalo

    Buffalo won’t be having an official live pride event this year due to COVID-19 but is promoting different events throughout Buffalo in celebration of Pride. The R&B and Hip-Hop Pride Event is taking place on June 5 from 9PM to 1AM at 522 Elmwood Ave Buffalo. The event is $7 and focuses on Recording Artists of the LGBTIAQ+ Community that dwell in the genres of R&B and Hip-Hop music. Hosted by an Actress/R&B and Hip-Hop Artist named Aqueira Oshun. Loncé thee Starr, Disprettymofo, Incense, Paris Glenn, Charlie Bae, C4W2, and Jay Aquarious will all be performing. The music for the show will be spun by a DJ named Trav1sTw1n. The maximum capacity is 40 people and please be asked to wear a mask at the event. Details on the event can be found on their website.

    Rochester

    Rochester Pride isn’t taking place until September 25, 2021 at Mayo Park from 12-5 PM and hasn’t released information yet. 

    CNY

    Central New York Pride will be taking place on June 26, 2021 for CNY Pride’s “Virtual Edition” Pride Festival, presented by Equitable. The festival will be featuring performances by Deviant Dance Tribe, Jason Ngo, Felipe Panama, Kitschy Scoflow, Koy Adams, Frita Lay, Sparkle Royale, Rea Listic, Tayler Mayde, and Natalie Taylor, and hosted live by the fabulous Samantha Vega, this digital festival will be streaming online June 26 and will be free and open to the public. Details on the event can be found on  their Facebook page.

    Keep checking back for more updates on when and where to get your Pride and dance moves on in 2021 throughout New York State.

  • Heading Aide: Deveria “Suicide Forest”

    You can ask many different people within the Albany area how the local music scene is, and no matter what style they’re into, they all say the same thing: Albany has a vibrant, collective, and interesting music scene and style.

    One scene in particular has always been prominent, the metal, hard rock, alternative and hard-core genres in the Capital District. Those scenes have fluctuated in size and popularity, but members of this community have gone on to form bands, re-form bands into new projects, and they all share the same love for the music and keep the good times rolling.

    Deveria sucide forest

    Today, the spotlight goes to the Capital District metal band Deveria. Turning on the first track on their latest album Suicide Forest, and magically brought back to a time in the early 90’s, when shows graced the stage on the regular at Saratoga Winners, the radio stations WVCR, ZROCK and PYX 106 were delighted to sponsor shows, bands could be found in every club with a stage. A time where show bills and glasses were always full.

    From the start of the album, Suicide Forest has the chemistry and workings of a band of friends working metal magic. With a tight sound production, as the first song kicks in the energetic and powerful drumming from John Suski lets you know it’s time to take notice and get your head and shoulders grooving. Christian Bivona’s guitar work is up front, exciting you and reminding you of the golden age of metal when Metal Church and Exodus albums showed the world that guitarists made songs rise above everything.

    The rhythm section is rounded out with the impressive and tight bass work of Marvin Veeder, his full sound in conjunction with John Suski makes for a groove that makes you want to tap your foot wherever you may find yourself listening to this album.

    Now, let’s address the crown jewel of this local-metal ensemble. Leading the band in a harmonic journey reminiscent of the great days of old Queensryche, Charles Woodward. His range and placement speaks of a veteran of songwriting. It was exciting to hear an album with this style that is not heard too often anymore. If you are a fan of heavy metal and wish to revisit an era that ruled the Capital District in a time of the late 80’s and early 90’s, do not sleep on Deveria.

    Key Tracks: Miracles, Fate, Suicide Forest