NYS Music 202​1

Category: Regions

  • Chenango Blues Festival Announces 2021 Lineup

    Chenango Blues Festival announced the 2021 lineup including Jimmie Vaughan who will be headlining. The festival will be taking place on August 20 and 21 in Norwich, New York. 

    This will be the 28th annual installment of the Chenango Blues Festival. The festival takes place at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. The festival has multiple stages including Norwich Rehab Infield Stage, Nelson & Flanagan/Southern Tier Pet Nutrition Tent Stage, and the New York Central Mutual Stage. 

    The lineup includes Jimmie Vaughan, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Crystal Thomas and the Eastside Kings with the Texas Horns, Horojo Trio, Albert Castiglia, Zac Harmon, Doug MacLeod, Kevin Burt, Castro Coleman aka Mr. Sipp, Vanessa Collier, and Soul Box.

    Jimmie Vaughan curtsy of the Chenango Blues Festival’s website.

    Although the festivities are taking place on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 the pre festival fun will take place on Thursday, August 19th in East Park Norwich, NY  with a performance by Shemekia Copeland who was the 2021 winner of B.B. King Entertainer, Contemporary Blues Album, and Contemporary Blues Female Artist. 

    Tickets are on sale now with advanced sale tickets for $40 for adults 18 and over and there will be no group discounts this year for Saturday’s show. No tickets will be available this year by mail or at the gate. Friday’s show is Free to all but unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask and social distance to protect themselves and their families. Children 17 years old and under are Free. Children 16 and under must attend with an adult. Parking gate opens at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 20th. Festival entry gate opens at 5:00 p.m. Parking gate opens at 10:00 a.m on Saturday, August 21st. Festival entry gate opens at 11:00 a.m.

    https://youtu.be/BXtvXamPAmk

    There is also onsite camping available for  $60 per person in advance. Prices include festival admission and tent camping with  17 and under camping is free when accompanied by an adult 21+. There are also basic RV Sites available for an additional $25, no services available or enhanced RV Sites available for an additional $50 and include electric hookups.  Shared water is available.

    For more information on the Chenango Blues Festival visit their website here.

  • The Newport Jazz Fest Returns

    The center of the jazz center universe shifts around throughout the year. New York. New Orleans. And for few days every summer, Newport. The Newport Jazz Fest returns in 2021 from 7/30-8/1 at Fort Adams State Park and the Fort will swing again!

    This year’s lineup brings a highly diverse lineup of new, old, east west, big, small, and everything in between. It will present artists performing from familiar places of comfort and also in new, exciting, never-been-heard before ways proving that the country’s oldest music festival is still capable of keeping things fresh.

    newport jazz

    Just skimming across the top the headliners alone set-up the diversity that peppers the lineup below. Austin Thai-infused funk trio Khruangbin close out Friday, New Orleans stage party Trombone Shorty finishes off Saturday and singer and Academy-Award nominated actress Andra Day closes out the weekend. Festival impresario, George Wein, praised sang her praises in one of his famous email transmissions:

    [She] greatly impressed me in her Academy Award nominated performance in the United States vs. Billie Holiday. I think that’s wonderful. But more importantly, Andra Day is one of the finest singers I’ve heard in years. I think when you get to know her, you will put her in the ranks with Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and a few other magnificent artists we’ve had the privilege of presenting.

    George Wein

    Festivals past will get tributes, with Grammy-winning singer Ledisi playing a set of festival alum Nina Simone and longtime alum of the Folk Festival, Mavis Staples, to play a set of… Mavis Staples. David Ostwald will bring his weekly Birdland gig to the Newport stage paying respects to jazz pioneers like Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Duke Ellington, and Jelly Roll Morton.

    Newer sounds will command the stage for much of the weekend however. Festival Artistic Director Christian McBride brings his newish band featuring DJ Logic, as well as a jam session featuring jamband-stalwarts Joe Russo and Marco Benevento, and fusion guitarist John Scofield. Robert Glasper will also feature a DJ, Jahi Sundance, in one of his three sets, which all should prove to be forward-thinking.

    On Sunday, the Newport audience will get big doses of some lesser-heard sounds. Vibraphone players Joel Ross, Warren Wolf and Sasha Berliner join together for a set showcasing their instrument. New York’s Brandee Younger and Rochester’s Mikaela Davis will put together a set featuring their harp playing.

    Joining Mavis Staples on the soul singing front, another Folk Fest alum (and 2021 Folk On artist) Yola will show the jazz audience why she is a rising star worthy of joining Staples as a festival crossover. Lesser-known soul singer and beloved Rochester native Danielle Ponder will introduce herself to her biggest audience yet.

    The full lineup is stacked top to bottom. There are no miss-able sets. Fortunately for those wanting to catch as much as possible, the usual four stage set-up has been reduced to just two and the near half-capacity crowd should make getting around a bit easier. See the full lineup below. It isn’t too late to join in on the fun, while Friday and Saturday tickets are sold out, Sunday is still available.

    Friday

    Khruangbin
    Kamasi Washington
    Robert Glasper Acoustic Trio & DJ Jahi Sundance
    A Christian McBride Situation
    Cory Wong
    Yola
    Makaya McCraven
    Catherine Russell
    The Arturo O’Farrill Quintet
    Avery*Sunshine

    Saturday

    Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
    Mavis Staples
    Ledisi Sings Nina Simone
    Robert Glasper & Terrace Martin present “Dinner Party”
    Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah
    Chris Potter Circuits Trio
    Kenny Garrett
    Terri Lyne Carrington & Social Science
    Immanuel Wilkins
    Danielle Ponder

    Sunday

    Andrea Day
    A Black Radio Production: Robert Glasper with Special Guest
    Charles Lloyd
    The Jam Jawn: Christian McBride, John Scofield, Marco Benevento, Joe Russo
    The Jazz Gallery All-Stars (Jaleel Shaw, Morgan Guerin, Joel Ross, Charles Altura, Gerald Clayton, Kendrick Scott, Renee Neufville)
    Kenny Barron & Dave Holland Trio (with Jonathan Blake)
    The Vibe Summit (Joel Ross, Warren Wolf, Sasha Berliner)
    The Bogie Band featuring Joe Russo
    David Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong Eternity Band
    Brandee Younger with Mikaela Davis

  • Waterhole Presents Party on the Patio in Saranac Lake

    This summer, Waterhole Music Lounge in Saranac Lake brings back their annual summer series, Party on the Patio, which includes free live music every Thursday night. The shows will be outside the venue on the patio, just in time to watch the beautiful sunset across Saranac Lake.

    The Waterhole is located on Main Street in Saranac Lake and serves as a spot for locals and tourists to gather together and enjoy all types of music. It is a multi-tiered outdoor patio space that is a staple for residents of the area, allowing people to share great memories with great company. Party on the Patio is one of Waterhole’s most beloved events that runs from May to October.

    This year, Party on the Patio has an incredibly exciting lineup. Bands such as Organ Fairchild, Chestnut Grove, and Los Elk will perform wonderful sets that you don’t want to miss! Shows run every Thursday until October 14th, and every performance will go from 6pm until 10pm.

    Party on the Patio 2021 Lineup

    7/22 – Organ Fairchild

    7/29 – The Old Main

    8/5 – Los Blancos

    8/12 – Raisinhead

    8/19 – Chestnut Grove

    8/26 – Barika

    9/2 – The Blind Owl Band

    9/9 – Los Elk

    9/16 – Saints & Liars

    9/23 – Billy Wylder

    9/30 – The Sideways

    10/7 – The Dirty Pennies

    10/14 – Last Pop of 2021

    party on the patio

  • Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime arrives at Paper Mill Island on August 13

    Creative Concerts is excited to help bring live music back to Baldwinsville this summer, presenting Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime on Friday, August 13th at Paper Mill Island.

    badfish paper mill

    Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime – The phenomenon known as Sublime, arguably the most energetic, original and uniquely eclectic band to emerge from any scene, anywhere, ended with the untimely death of lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Brad Nowell in May of 1996. But encompassing the sense of place and purpose long associated with Sublime’s music, Badfish, a Tribute to Sublime continues to channel the spirit of Sublime with a fury not felt for some time.

    What separates Badfish from other tribute bands is that they have replicated Sublime’s essence, developing a scene and dedicated following most commonly reserved for label- driven, mainstream acts. Badfish make their mark on the audience by playing with the spirit of Sublime. They perform not as Sublime would have, or did, but as Badfish does!
    Doors open at 6pm with music starting at 7pm. This is a rain or shine event. 

    While there is no public parking on Paper Mill Island, there is plenty of parking within walking distance. Public parking is available near the intersection of Oswego Street and E Genesee Street. Once you are parked the venue is a quick walk across the bridge.

    This is a general admission show and all ages are welcome. Tickets for Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime at Paper Mill Island are on sale now at CCTix.com, at $20 in advance and $25 day of show.

  • Bad Business Club Heats Up For August Release “Naked Neighbor”

    Brooklyn-based collective Bad Business Club will release their latest album, Naked Neighbor, due out on August 13. The release date is fitting; the woozy, synth-fueled atmosphere of the project fits perfectly as the soundtrack to the hottest days of the summer.

    bad business club

    A self-described “Nu-Disco collective with old-school Yacht Rock touches,” Bad Business Club stays true to luscious and intoxicating disco grooves from the onset of their sophomore album. At the heart of Naked Neighbor is contrast. The beats take you to the heat of a sequin-drenched island club, while the lyrics speak to the longing and loneliness of those late night periods walking home. Exploring their electronic side while embracing the classics of disco, Naked Neighbor settles into an utterly mesmerizing groove.

    “Tired of Being Over You,” the most recent single off the album, captures that contrast perfectly in a reflection on past lovers. “I know I’ve waited for this night to come/ Don’t lay awake and wait up for my love,” vocalist Sam Behr wails over a Daft-Punk worthy beat. Her breathy yet smooth soprano is perfect compliment to the airy nature of the instrumental; even in its more melancholy moments, this album stays light on its feet.

    Written over a weeklong songwriting session in Puerto Rico, lead songwriter Alex Van drew inspiration from time in PR’s El Yunque National Forest, where he felt both inspired by the lush exoticism of the space and contemplative of the idea of navigating a forest trail while washing away a lost love. The influence of this trip is clear throughout the album’s lyrics; on later standout “Casa Soleada,” the exaltant Eagles-do-disco beat provides the soundboard for the refrain: “Can’t wash you away.”

    bad business club

    Bad Business Club emphasizes their nature as a collective, each contributing their own strengths while building a song together. Outside of the studio, the band hosts a podcast, “Imbibe the Vibe,” where each week they pair a cocktail with a new genre of music.

    The band’s omnivorous tastes meld together on Naked Neighbor. Sneaky highlight “Too Hot To Handle (Prelude)” showcases this perfectly, mostly forgoing lyrics to incorporate vocals in a new way. Where grooves leaned acoustic on past Bad Business Club releases, on Naked Neighbor the synths are all the way up, the piano riffs are stadium-worthy, and huge production from Wiley makes every juicy note from Jim Cambell’s bass sound miles deep.

    As we enter the first summer emerging from the pandemic and look towards an uncertain future, a mix of carefree fun and lonely pondering feels familiar. Naked Neighbor captures this and reflects it back; it’s both a tribute to classic disco and an album uniquely for the times at hand. No matter what, you won’t be able to stop dancing along.

    Key Tracks: Tired of Being Over You, Casa Soleada, Too Hot To Handle (Prelude)

  • Capitol Theatre to Reopen September 10 with Pixies and all-star Fall Lineup

    Port Chester’s historic Capitol Theatre has announced its fall season lineup of shows, with the venue slated to reopen on September 10 with a performance by Boston alt-rock band Pixies. Other big upcoming names include Sheryl Crow, Phil Lesh & Friends, Billy Idol, The Beach Boys and Foreigner.

    capitol theatre shows

    This is a big year for the Capitol Theatre, which is celebrating 95 years on August 18. To commemorate this milestone, the venue will launch a new line of merchandise, which can be purchased here. The 2,000-capacity theater, known as “the original rock palace,” is located in Westchester County, only 30 miles north of NYC. Access is easy from the Metro-North and I-95.

    capitol theatre shows

    The Cap boasts a rich history since its opening in 1926, showcasing notable musicians (and comedians) over the years, including the Grateful Dead who performed thirteen shows there in a one year span (1970-71). Other legendary performers that have taken the Cap stage include Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Ringo Starr, David Bowie and the Rolling Stones. The venue itself is aesthetically intricate, designed by famous architect Thomas Lamb. In 1984, The Capitol Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

    The full lineup is listed below and includes some rescheduled dates. Tickets for all shows can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com.

    All Capitol Theatre shows have 6:30 pm doors, 8:00 pm show unless noted otherwise:

    Sep 10: Pixies 

    Sep 11: The Struts: Strange Days Are Over Tour (6:00pm doors, 7:30pm show)

    Sep 14 & 15: Sheryl Crow 

    Sep 22: Billy Idol: 101.7 The Peak Presents

    Sep 25: Jessie’s Girl: ‘Turn Back the Cap 1980s’

    Oct 2: Melvin Seals and JGB 

    Oct 8 & 9: Umphrey’s McGee: Presents UMBowl 2021 

    Oct 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, 31: Phil Lesh & Friends 

    Oct 15 & 16: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong 

    Oct 17: Blue October

    Oct 21: Spoon 

    Oct 22: Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real: 101.7 The Peak’s ½ Birthday Show

    Oct 25 + 26: Elvis Costello 

    Oct 27: Foreigner: The Greatest Hits Tour

    Oct 28: J.I.: The Young and Restless Tour 

    Nov 7: Cheap Trick 

    Nov 11: Little Feat 

    Nov 17: Jason Bonham: Led Zeppelin Evening 

    Nov 22: Joe Bonamassa: The Guitar Event of the Year 

    Nov 26 & 27: Twiddle: Friendsgiving 

    Dec 4: Hot Tuna: Acoustic and Electric with Special Guest David Grisman Trio 

    Dec 10 + 11: moe. 

    Apr 9, 2022: The Beach Boys 

    Apr 10, 2022: Bela Fleck & the Flecktones 

    Apr 29, 2022: Nate Bargatze: The Raincheck Tour (TWO shows: 6:00pm doors, 7:00pm show & 9:00pm doors, 9:30pm show)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoOqawKQj0s

  • In Focus: Yam Yam brings the noise to Albany’s Alive at Five Funk Night

    On Wednesday July 21st, Albany’s Alive At Five Concert series returned to the rain location under the 787 overpass. This week featured Albany’s own Funk/soul band, Hartley’s Encore, as well as Yam Yam, a Jam/Funk/soul group from Harrisburg, PA.

    yam yam

    Check out the Setlists and photo gallery of the evening below. Alive at Five will hold their final FREE concert of the season on Wednesday, July 28 with 80s hair band Warrant, with Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival Band opening the night.

    Hartley’s Encore: Feels So Good, Burnin, Mary Jane*, Bright Light Shining, Eyes Open, All to You, Move on Up*, Hartley’s Encore

    Yam Yam: Cashew Reprise, Cashew, Juice Box, Big Bird, Grease Trap, Star Dog , Vulphie, Boogie On Reggae Woman*, Not My Dog, Central Station, Roy, ’94, Dinnertime, Kamal, Cory Wong*, Sizzle, Medusa’s Crisco, Treason, I’ll Be Right Here

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features The Grandstand Jockeys, Timbre Coup 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 Grandstand Jockeys, Timbre Coup and many more!

    Grandstand jockeys

    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.

    The Grandstand Jockeys

    The Grandstand Jockeys’ debut EP, Win, arrives on June 18. Its first single, “Better Days,” is a nostalgic call to long-past good times, holding out hope for their eventual return. The song is especially timely in the wake of many COVID-19 restrictions being lifted: “Time to begin, the time is now / Get yourself off the ground.” The Grandstand Jockeys’ Facebook page describes their sound as a mix of Tom Petty, Nirvana and QOTSA, but “Better Days” has the former written all over it.

    Timbre Coup

    Timbre Coup’s latest single, “Running Always,” is an indie rock piece that occasionally delves into prog and funk. The song’s scarce lyrics contrast its vast, sometimes trippy soundscape, replete with a sweeping electric guitar that wouldn’t sound out of place on OK Computer. The four-piece band from Albany will release their fourth studio album, Sudden Urge, on June 25.

    Ciarra Fragale

    Indie-pop singer-songwriter Ciarra Fragale’s self-titled EP is out on July 2. Described by Fragale as “a love letter to my anxiety (and yours),” single “It’s Only Raining” isn’t concerned with the weather so much as the stressful hypothetical situations our brains create for us. Fragale’s vocals are effortless yet passionate, and the staccatoed keys will stay with you long after listening.

  • JazzBuffalo Announces Revitalizing Expansion Of The Seneca One Building With Debut Performance From Janet Evra

    JazzBuffalo has announced an expansion of its partnership with Seneca One in its endeavors to further community outreach. Beginning Saturday, October 2 with a concert by international jazz artist, Janet Evra, the Seneca One Auditorium will serve as the new home performance venue for JazzBuffalo programming. Located in the revitalized Seneca One building, the venue offers spectacular views, audio, and comfortable seating for all.

    The new Seneca One auditorium expansion | Courtesy of Jack Zuff

    Accessible through the Seneca One Lobby, concert-goers for JazzBuffalo events will be able to experience the Seneca One Lobby Bar. The bar will enable pre-concert, intermission, and post-concert opportunities to gather with friends and family over drinks and food. The auditorium previously served as a business lecture auditorium dating back to the original Marine Midland Bank occupancy. However, efforts will be made to modify the stage for concerts. The Seneca One Auditorium seats approximately 230 and was carefully designed and constructed to serve as a high-quality acoustic facility, featuring acoustic walls and ceilings.

    Seneca One Lobby

    In an announcement from JazzBuffalo, the organization revealed it is seeking patrons interested in donating a baby grand piano to be used by performers during concerts. A fundraiser for obtaining a piano is also being considered. Seneca One and JazzBuffalo will hope for the community of jazz and music lovers to experience the auditorium and the new Seneca One Lobby Bar.  Prior to the concert, the highly regarded French ConéXion will entertain in the Lobby Bar from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm.

    Janet Evra

    Janet Evra is part of the emerging class of upright bassists and vocalists entertaining the world of jazz in clubs and festivals internationally. She performs on the premier international stage across the USA and Europe. She is known for her intoxicating interpretations of French jazz and Brazilian-influenced repertoire of traditional samba, bossa nova, and Latin jazz – all with an indie twist. Evra has also collaborated with Grammy winners and nominees as well as international jazz superstars: Taylor Eigsti, Randy Brecker, Eric Marienthal, Diego Figueiredo, and Chad Lefkowitz-Brown. Evra performs superbly in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Her eclectic take on jazz beach-pop has also made her music a favorite on playlists across the globe.

    Evra will be performing upright bass and vocals and will be appearing as a quartet featuring a stellar trio of musicians: Ryan Marquez (keyboards), Will Buchanan (guitar), and Tim Moore (drums). For more information and to purchase tickets to see the talented Janet Evra, as well as to experience the new home venue for JazzBuffalo yourself, visit Eventbrite.

    Check out a video of Janet Evra singing her fan-favorite original song, “Paris”

  • Flushing Town Hall Announces Reopening Plans with In-Person Events in August

    Flushing Town Hall announced plans to continue soft reopening of in-person for some of it’s events in the month of August. Events Flushing Town Hall is hosting this month include the Gino Sitson Trio’s innovative and energetic performance of African music , an outdoor exhibition of work by Queens-based artists, Taiwanese piano talents Ching-Yun Hu, Natasha Wu, and Yao-Wen Chang, and the final, virtual Louis Armstrong Legacy Jazz Jam. 

    Gino Sitson

    Flushing Town Hall has been putting on virtual shows throughout the entire pandemic but only just recently started to bring back in person events with some soft reopening. Executive and Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek spoke on the soft reopening saying, “As we are carefully reopening our facilities for select events, we are delighted to welcome familiar and new faces to Flushing Town Hall. Across the city, venues are reopening, and we are thrilled that we can bring local artists to our patrons while taking all necessary safety measures for our guests and performers to feel safe.” 

    On August 11, 2021 the monthly Louis Armstrong Legacy Jazz Jam will be taking place virtually for the last time until they move to the in-person format at 7PM EST. This month’s theme is a dedicated theme to celebrate the birthday of its inspiration, the legendary Louis Armstrong — and other August birthdays! This wll be the last Jazz Jam with a dedicated theme. 

    On August 14 Flushing Town Hall is partnering with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) to live-stream “An Evening With Taiwanese Piano Stars, featuring Ching-Yun Hu and new talents Natasha Wu and Yao-Wen Chang” on Flushing Town Hall’s YouTube Channel at 7 PM EST. Ching-Yun Hu, known by the The Philadelphia Inquirer as a “first class talent… superb pianist” and by International Piano (London) for “praises follow her around the world.” Ching-Yun Hu  is a Taiwanese-American pianist and is a unique presence in the international concert scene. 

    On Friday, August 20, 2021 the Gino Sitson Trio will perform the “Beautiful Vibration” – Colors of African Music, live from the stage at Flushing Town Hall  at 7 PM EST. The performance will be a hybrid in-person and virtual audience. Featuring award-winning, vocal virtuoso Gino Sitson with an exciting and energetic combination of new sounds, the ensemble intertwines percussive grooves, enchanting vocals, and lyrical melodies. For this concert, Flushing Town Hall is offering both virtual and in-person tickets. In order to ensure the safety of  audiences, performers, and staff, only 42 in-person tickets will be available in honor of Flushing Town Hall’s 42nd anniversary. Details about social distancing requirements should be reviewed online before purchasing in-person tickets. The performance will also be streamed live online, and virtual ticket holders will receive the live link and reminder before the show. Virtual tickets are available for $7/$5 members and in-person tickets (42 tickets only) must be purchased in advance for $12/$10 members here.  

    For more information on Flushing Town Hall and their upcoming events visit their website here.