Farm Aid 2021 will be returning to Hartford, Connecticut, for a live, in-person festival on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Xfinity Theatre. A full day of music, family farmers, HOMEGROWN food, and a HOMEGROWN Village with skill-shares and other agrarian experiences.
Farm Aid’s annual festival is an all-day celebration of music and family farmers featuring a unique lineup of artists and genres, along with family farm-identified, local and organic foods as part of the HOMEGROWN Concessions.
Farm Aid 2021 will be at Xfinity Theatre in Hartford, Connecticut, marking the second time that the festival has brought its music and food to the venue.
Farm Aid 2021 will reunite family farmers and musician activists, with performances by Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson & Family, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, and Margo Price, as well as Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Bettye LaVette, Jamey Johnson, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Allison Russell, Particle Kid, and Ian Mellencamp.
The festival will be an outdoor, open air event. While they are working closely with venue staff, State, and other public health officials to ensure that the most up-to-date safety guidelines are followed, the event is more than three months away from the event. Detailed protocols will be published on their website as the event date approaches.
For more information about the event visit the official Farm Aid website.
A limited number of pre-sale tickets will be available beginning at 10 am EDT on Wednesday, July 21. Tickets for Farm Aid 2021 go on sale July 23 at 10 am EDT. Ticket prices range from $65 to $305 and will be available for purchase at LiveNation.com.
Rochester twang bar king, Greg Townson, is back with another super fine collection of surf guitar instrumentals perfect for the hazy days of our post-COVID lockdown summer. Called Off and Running!(High Tide Recordings), it features a cast of stellar supporting musicians, including his bandmates from the world renowned Los Straitjackets and NRBQ. Expert players all, they jell together wonderfully to breathe new life into classics like “The Locomotion” and “Just One Look” and Townson’s authentically retro originals.
Greg has been making music most of his life, winning fans and making friends wherever he performs, from stages all across the United States to Europe, Scandinavia and beyond. In 1998, Townson formed The Hi-Risers, a trio that put the spotlight on his singing, guitar playing, production and songwriting talents. Since then, he has continued to record and tour prolifically with that band, issuing nine records to date. The band’s most recent release is the 45, Smooth Operator b/w Hot Banana, which came out last year on Hi-Tide Recordings.
2010 brought yet another dimension to Greg’s work when he was asked to join Los Straitjackets, the Mexican wrestling mask-wearing instrumental guitar greats. In 2012 he contributed songs to Jet Set, one of the strongest records in the band’s extensive catalog. He has since contributed his guitar and songwriting talents to five more of their releases. In 2015, Los Straitjackets and Townson teamed with legendary songwriter Nick Lowe. This dynamic union released several EP’s, toured the world and appeared on shows such as CBS This Morning and Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
As a continuation of his instrumental guitar work featured in Los Straitjackets, Greg teamed up with Hi-Tide Recordings for the Travelin’ Guitar series of his own guitar-based recording. 2017’s Travelin’ Guitar and its 2019 follow-up, More! Travelin’ Guitar, are now complemented by his latest, Off and Running!
The title track serves as a high-energy kick-off to the album. It boasts some cool stop-time drums, snapping leads and a very delicious ascending chordal bridge – a whole boatload of serious music, moods and fun clocking in at just shy of two minutes. Townson’s cover of the Jackie DeShannon-penned hit for The Searchers, “When You into The Room,” launches with a play on Ringo’s great intro drum beat from The Beatles’ “Ticket to Ride,” while his cover of the Little Eva then Grand Funk hit, “The Locomotion” is pure retro SoCal surf of the early 60s, something that could’ve come from the catalog of mighty The Ventures or The Trashmen.
Townson’s reimagining of Barbara Lewis’ 1963 R&B smash, “Hello Stranger” is one of my favorites and the most ambitious arrangements on the disc. It has an almost Space Age Bachelor pad vibe, with swirling organ and soft reeds (flutes and oboe?) that sound like a Brian Wilson Pet Sounds outtake. Spanish modes a la Los Straitjackets drive “Aztec,” while guesting background vocalists and a growly sax add pure fun to the straight-ahead surf of “Goin’ Wild” and “Go Go Power.”
On all these tracks, Townson is a master of taste, restraint and tone, the latter which must emanate from a garage-full of vintage gear and whole bunch of vintage vinyl digestion. The covers give you another reason to love these wonderful songs, and add Townson’s takes on them to your playlist. And his originals are all faithful to the era that he obviously loves – a gentler, kinder time when you could take on the world armed only with the sweet twang and reverbed roar of a Fender Strat and Twin Reverb.
KeyTracks: Off and Running!, When You Walk into The Room, The Locomotion, Hello Stranger
Long Island musicians and artists have taken the struggle of living through the Covid-19 pandemic and turned it into inspiration to launch a brand-new music festival known as Pine Barrens Jam.
Celebrating one of Eastern Long Island’s iconic natural treasures, Pine Barrens Jam will feature live music, art, local food, and more set in the East End’s unique landscape. Long Island’s first crowdfunded festival has gathered like-minded and hardworking local businesses and creatives to donate their time to put on this first-year event. Everyone involved with Pine Barrens Jam, from the producers to the performers, are from Long Island, showcasing what the region has to offer. This intimate yet socially distanced event will be held on Sept 18 at Ringhoff Farm in Center Moriches. The gates will open at noon.
Drop The 4, a high-energy funk-fusion group, will be headlining the Jelly Jam main stage. Alternating with the main stage will be the Lantern Sound Recording Rig acoustic stage, with a lineup of songwriters including Pete Mancini and Rorie Kelly. Local poets such as Bruce “AllOne” Pondolfo will be reading their pieces on the poetry & arts stage, curated by Melissa Marie Imagery, and local artists will be selling and creating work on the site. The fireside acoustic after party will feature The Belle Curves, Anne O’Rourke, and Sarah Gross swapping original songs. Throughout the day, food trucks and vendors will be selling everything from macarons to handmade embroidery.
The festival welcomes support from businesses, artisans, and anyone who would like to play a part in putting on this inspiring, collaborative event. This is the start of an exciting new tradition in Long Island music and arts.
The village of Colonie, located just north of Albany, has been running an outdoor concert series sure to be fun for the whole family.
The series kicked off on July 8 and runs every Thursday from 6-8 PM. Shows are held at the Crossings of Colonie, which was named the Capital Region’s #1 Best Park in 2018. The Crossings is over 130 acres and features scenic walking and biking trails, a tranquil pond, playgrounds for the kids, and grassy meadows for picnics or other gatherings.
Admission to the concert series is free. Audiences are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and of course, their favorite dance partners.
Colonie is the most populous suburb of Albany, with more than 83,000 residents, so it is no surprise the village has much to offer. Whether it be the bustling farmers’ market (also held in the Crossings) or extensive shopping at the nearby Colonie Center mall, there are countless options for summertime entertainment. Colonie also has a strong music and arts scene, evidenced not only by the concert series but also by the numerous galleries and art shows across town.
The Thursday concerts are rain or shine in the Crossings Park gazebo. For more information contact Laura Archambault (518-783-2760, ext. 2101 or ArchambaultL@colonie.org). The full lineup is listed below.
The iconic Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg is back, opening its doors to the public on September 8. The venue also announced an eclectic lineup of over 50 shows, including some dates rescheduled from pandemic cancellations.
To kick-off the re-opening, Brooklyn Bowl is hosting a performance from the reggae outfit, The Wailers, with special guest SunDub, presented by Pacifico. There is truly something for everyone in this new lineup. Fan favorites include Drive-By Truckers, The New Mastersounds, TAUK, moe., and so many more. All tickets will be available for purchase on the Brooklyn Bowl website. The full lineup can be found below.
After getting through the past year in New York City, we’re all ravenous for outstanding live music and a communal experience – not to mention some beer and a little bowling.
Charley Ryan, co-founder
Located in Williamsburg’s beautiful, 19th-century Hecla Iron Works building, Brooklyn Bowl has cemented its status as a world famous venue. Over the years, Brooklyn Bowl has hosted countless memorable performances from artists like Guns N’ Roses, The Roots, Lauren Hill, and Elvis Costello, as well as socially conscious gatherings like voter registration drives. It was even ranked the #1 busiest club in NYC, proving to be a great spot for a lively night out. True to its name, Brooklyn Bowl features 16 lanes of bowling, complete with a bar featuring locally crafted beers and food by the acclaimed Blue Ribbon restaurant group and special events.
Brooklyn Bowl’s superlative, wide-ranging lineup has something for everyone, and we can’t wait to give our fans the magic feeling that only a live show can give.
Peter Shapiro, co-founder
Photo by Marc Millman/NY Post
BROOKLYN BOWL FALL 2021 AND SPRING 2022 LINE-UP:
2021
Wed, Sept 8 — Pacifico Presents: The Wailers (SunDub)
The quaint town of Homer, located just thirty minutes outside of Syracuse, has four exciting shows left in their 2021 summer concert series, “Homer on the Green”.
The concerts take place Wednesdays on the Village Green (28 S Main St) from 7-8pm. In the event of rain, performances are moved indoors to the Center for the Arts (just down the road at 72 S Main St).
Photo from Homer’s official website
The series kicked off in June right at the official start of summer with a set by Gary Carpentier. Carpentier, an Oswego native, appeared on The Voice as a member of Adam Levine’s team. The remaining roster of performers are sure to be entertaining. Next up is Travis Rocco, a laid back guitarist with a John Mayer-like style. The music video for his original song “Wonder Why” is below.
If you find yourself in the area, admission is free. These shows are a great chance to relax midweek and enjoy some casual live music.
Superstars and native New Yorkers Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett will share the stage one last time at NYC’s famed Radio City Music Hall for two nights only to celebrate a decade of music and friendship.
The shows, titled “One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga”, will take place on August 3 and 5, the former of which is Bennett’s 95th birthday. This two night stint will be Gaga and Bennett’s only shared public concert appearances this summer as the two get ready to release a new collaborative album later this year.
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
The pair released their multi-platinum #1 Grammy winning album, Cheek to Cheek back in 2014. Earlier this year it was sadly revealed that Bennett, a 19-time Grammy winner himself, has been struggling with age related dementia since 2016. Fortunately, despite his diagnosis, Bennett has completely retained his ability to sing the songs that he has devoted his life to performing, including touring and taking to the recording studio. However, it has been acknowledged that the concerts at Radio City will be the last NYC performances of Bennett’s career, set appropriately at a venue that he has enjoyed a multi-decade run of sold-out shows.
We couldn’t be prouder to host such a special engagement with two of the most iconic entertainers of our time. Both Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga are synonymous with New York City, making the Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall the perfect place to honor their decade long friendship and celebrate Mr. Bennett’s 95th birthday.
Darren Pfeffer, Executive Vice President, Live, Madison Square Garden Entertainment.
All guests will need to be fully vaccinated and provide proof upon entry of having received their final vaccine dose no later than 14 days before their event date. The only exception is for children under the age of 16, who may provide proof of a negative antigen or PCR COVID-19 test or full vaccination and are accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult. For more information, please visit Radio City Music Hall FAQs.
Per the artists request, Yondr pouches will be used for this event. No cellphones, cameras or recording devices will be permitted. Upon arrival, all phones and smart watches will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be unlocked at the end of the event. For more information on this process, visit OverYondr.com.
The performances at Radio City will feature song renditions from the Great American Songbook of popular and jazz standards that Bennett and Gaga have claimed as part of their legacy over the past decade. The Tony Bennett Quartet and the Brian Newman Quintet will be joined by a big band and orchestra conducted by Michael Bearden.
Citi cardmembers will have exclusive access to presale tickets starting July 21 at 10am local time on CitiEntertainment.com. General tickets are on sale starting July 22 at 10am local time on LiveNation.com.
On Thursday, July 15, Eggy demonstrated precision and class on the precipice of a new era for live music at Levitt Pavilion in Westport, CT, continuing to carry momentum outside the pandemic incubator.
Eggy Levitt Pavilion Westport, CT
Beauty in venue, music, fashion, and love between the tight community of attendees had fans feeling the warmth of hope; regardless of the viewer’s GPS coordinates. Most importantly, Eggy has acted as path leaders for many to forget the beast we might have been and focus on all that we are capable of with dedication and practice.
Goose fans enjoyed playing a game of “Where’s Ted?” for each drone shot
The nugs.net stream and drone footage made a case for Levitt Pavilion as one of the most beautiful venues of any northeastern live stream to date.Nugs.net held it down with visually enticing imagery of the stunning venue. The live stream experience could arguably be preferred by some. It provides a solution for those that do not want to be physically taxed by consuming live music. For those who like to consume their music without the distraction of chatty neighboring fans, the stream had excellent audio quality as well. Endless playback allows for this to be revisited any time. For those that love the social aspect, but need to wake up early, there was an active chat going through the whole stream.
Friends supporting friends
Despite technology and all of its improvements, there was an absolute magic to attendance. To feel the love between attendees towards each other and the band was the stuff we have been dreaming about since shutdown. The sunset and the venue evoked a feeling of dreaminess and provided cheerful, yet soothing for all we have been through.
Dani Batatt
Eggy keyboard/vocalist Dani Batatt introduced a song called “BeyondThese Walls.” Written during the throws of shutdown about imagining what “after” might look like while simultaneously appreciating the gift of time spent with loved ones.
After sharing space during shutdown, Dani and Jake share keyboards.
During shutdown, many of us were forced to push ahead without the input of our usual critiques and cheerleaders. Not having it clearly created access to new pathways of thinking with complete authenticity for Eggy.
Jake Brownstein’s debut with this new addition to the Eggy Family
Far from single note show, the tightened up band showed enough comfort to switch instruments, and play styles of music ranging from Crosby, Stills and Nash all the way to deep grooves peppered with what streamer Gleb described as, “some serious stank on [that] jam.” It kept the whole show filled with engagement.
Bassist Mike Goodman glistening in the cinematic golden hour… heat.
Eggy has grown as a band from a place of abundance, In the words of bassist/vocalist Mike Goodman’s mom, “We were so worried, but look at them now. They shot right out of the box.”
Preferred is the discussion.
This show and stream felt like a real glimmer of hope for musicians after they have endured so much. What a relief for the many months of secret admirers to finally attend an Eggy show and for the band to see how much they are loved.
Green Eggs and Fam.
The shutdown incubator yielded an opportunity for the band to practice more than just their music. They clearly have worked on themselves as individuals and as a team to create a vision that is sophisticated in its technicality and product, but never too serious.
Breaking out of the egg?
Eggy – Levitt Pavilion, Westport, CT – July 15, 2001 Setlist: 12 Pounds Of Pain, Between You And Me, Time Loves A Hero (Little Feet), Finding And Losing, Broken Bluff, Beyond These Walls, Beauty And The Beast (Alan Menken), Teach Your Children (Crosby Stills, Nash & Young), Moments Passed, Interior People (King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
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)
Live music has taken over Rochester‘s Public Market once again. The annual “Bands on the Bricks” concert series has made a comeback with a lineup of popular tribute bands and local groups, beginning July 16.
The Rochester Public Market, located on 280 North Union Street, has hosted community events since 1905. “Bands on the Bricks” is one of their most popular summer events, bringing crowds from all over the area. All shows are 6-10 p.m. every Friday night until August 13.
On Friday, July 16 the Zac Brown Tribute Band rocked the market, delivering the “true Zac Brown Band experience” for Rochester locals. Check out a live stream recording of their set from the ZBTB Facebook.
ZBTB
There are five free city-owned Market parking lots available for use. Railroad Street, Union Street, a large lot across Union Street from Market grounds (accessible from Trinidad or Scio Streets), and two small lots at the corners of Pennsylvania/First, as well as Pennsylvania/Union. Public street parking and paid private lot parking are also available in the surrounding Market District.
A market trolley circulates around the grounds and to/from parking lots from May through October, and a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Union Street is available to and from the Trinidad/Scio Street lot. Carpooling, walking, or bicycling is encouraged, but bikes are not permitted beyond the market gates. Download a parking map pdf here.
Gates open 5:30 p.m., shows start at 6 p.m., all shows are free of charge. Attendees are permitted one sealed bottle of water per person, no other food or beverages is allowed. Seating is limited so personal folding chairs and blankets are suggested. More information can be found on the City of Rochester website.
“Bands on the Bricks” Upcoming Shows:
July 23: Into the Now (Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones, the Doors tribute band), Dinner and a Movie (Phish Tribute Band)
July 30: The Taint (local cover band), Appetite for Voltage (Guns N Roses, AC/DC tribute band)
August 6: Latino Night (annual partnership with Puerto Rican Festival featuring an array of local Latin music groups)
August 13: M 80’s (80s tribute band), Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute band)
