Musician Rob Spampinato from Rockland County turned his multigeneration music program Rob’s School of Music into a virtual success despite the pandemic.
Credit: Rob Spampinato
Growing up in Rockland County served as the foundation for his love of music. “Rockland County was an incredible play to grow up for a young musician. I remember places to see and perform music for all ages. Some of my first live music memories were watching the bands play the Fourth of July Fireworks at RCC every summer with my whole family. My band heatedXchange actually played that same event back in 2017, which was an amazing full-circle moment for me,” said Spampinato.
When he was a teenager he would hang out and perform at the Nyack Center and Rockfest in New City. In high school, his band was the very first rock band that was allowed to host a show at the Suffern Community Center. In the early 2000s, they rented out the Antrim Theater and hosted sold-out events. The music scene in his younger years shaped him into the musician today. For adults and before COVID-19, he credits Rockland as a place where you could go to a bar in any town and see live music.
Spampinato has been a professional artist for over 20 years. He’s been on tour with bands In Question and Diecast as a guitarist. He is currently recording and performing with his band Heatedxchange. Spampinato has also worked with several corporations across the nation including Dos Equis, Mini Cooper, and Joe’s Crab Shack, to name a few. Rob’s School of Music is his current endeavor which he founded in 2017. It is a music education program for people of all ages to learn and achieve musical skills. The students can receive lessons in guitar, ukulele, drums, bass, piano, singing, violin, DJing and even audio production.
My mission statement with Rob’s School of Music is to give people the skills to play music forever. I tour extensively around the county in my 20s and when I opened the school I wanted to give that knowledge back to the community.
Rob Spampinato
Before the pandemic teachers went to different schools and hosted seminars within the county to discuss how music boosted confidence, dedication, and expressiveness. The students would perform live at Suffern Street fairs. When everything shut down in March 2020, Spampinato had to find a way to keep the school going. Rob’s School of Music became even more of a success as it went virtual. While it’s based in Suffern, students from all over the country take lessons leading to 4,500 virtual lessons since the beginning of the pandemic. Students in Rockland County and Bergen County in New Jersey receive in-person lessons.
New technology and software allow lessons to be designed for each individual student’s specific learning style. There are multiple cameras set up that allow students to see their teacher and receive guidance from all angles. In April 2020, an Instagram was made for Rob’s School of Music and now there is a Youtube interview series with notorious musicians to give students more guidance. Some guests include former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick and Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss.
Spampinato wants to eventually expand to a second physical location somewhere else in Rockland and continue to grow the virtual lessons. Students are able to focus more on playing their instruments from the comfort of their homes without other distractions.
When I say ‘My goal is the give people the skills to play music forever,’ my intention is to break down the preconceived notions of what music education is and make it a highly personalized, fun experience so that students have the skills to make music a part of their life forever.
Rob Spampinato
Although he is the teacher, he becomes inspired by his students and seeing their growth and reactions to achieving their musical goals, no matter what age. “Not only do I get to take people through their musical journey, but every day I get to play music and grow as a musician. Every day I learn something new while teaching which I then make part of my lesson programs,” said Spampinato.
First, we would like to congratulate our round two winners, as well as all of the bands who participated. March Madness has a stout lineup and you will not be disappointed. Make sure you give all the bands a listen below. Get sucked in to NYS and see what we’ve said about bands in round two.
Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness bracket delving into the musical harbors of our great state. As fans and musicians ourselves, we spotlight the great talent across New York in friendly competition and discovery. Its furry never looses sight of the underdog, a headliner’s humble beginnings, new musical discovery and rolling with the punches in our ever-changing industry.
“A mixture of prog with aspects of jam, dub, and jazz give the group an eclectic sound that departs just enough from its classical music roots to create something exciting and new sounding.” Tortoise Forest
“An impressive musical and technical feat from start to finish. The opening track, “The Vision That I Can See,” is a jaw-dropping epic that really showcases the prowess of this band” – Baked Shrimp ‘Bubble Suit’
“oceanside, cozied up in warm vibes with a breeze in your hair. Manifesting in two forms, duo and full band.” –Cait Elizabeth
“Bred from Faulkner’s ‘murder your darlings,’ nothing stands on safe ground. At any moment an explosion of creative energy, or sound, propels the band into an epic dance-rock performance.” The Goodnight Darlings
“A personality that doesn’t give up; no matter what it takes. He fuels a refreshing positive outlook serving up a feeding frenzy of edgy heavy guitars, deep n gritty vocals.” Frank Palangi ‘Bring On The Fear’
“But before you close your eyes and float away, the band changes things up, shaking the listener from the dream state. On “Donye Wump,” Cadley (drums) turns the tempo up and brings everyone along.” Vaporeyes ‘Cantrips’
“It isn’t just the distinctive guitar riffs nor the infectious chorus, but the duo’s effervescence throughout the song that will likely coax listeners into joining them in sing-a-longs.” – Runitup Sho “Pressure”
“His inspiration came from his 4-year-old daughter during a hike when he saw her look to the sky and blow a kiss. She was blowing a kiss to the future. That accidental yet wholesome moment resulted in the song’s creation in 15 minutes.” – Gerald Slevin Begins Solo Journey
Polls are now closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 voting, beginning Thursday, March 11 at 8am!
“The psychedelic rock band with a heavy blues bent delivers heady grooves laden with symbolic imagery. It’s the kind of music that is best heard live – but if not live, then on a turntable in a room with curtains drawn and incense burning.”
“If there ever was a formula behind the iconic music of the 90s, many would say it would be “Guys with instruments & vocals” + “Guttural feelings” + “Garage.” While rock is not as dominant on today’s airwaves, Periodic Table of Elephants keep this classic formula alive and well.”
“A classic thou hard rock, with influences from band like Led Zeppelin to Rival Sons. Guitar riffing, a present bass and superb drumming, not to mention the powerful voice of Megan Brown” – ‘Whether or Not you Know’
“The gritty song features staple driving guitar riffs that the Pennies are known and loved for. It’s a more aggressive song…fueled by the times in which we are living.” Video Premiere: ‘I’m Your Man’
“Prepare yourself for an explosion of improvisational funk that will evoke dance moves you didn’t even know you had inside ya.” – Prepare for the Purple Stuff
“After harnessing the rawness of traditional bluegrass instrumentation, the band has taken the genre into an entire new dimension. The fast-fingered, high energy, cohesive group explores their live performance with an element of improvisation, gaining energy from their audience.” BOB Host a Halloween Bash
“At the intersection of Rock, Reggae, Funk, Blues and Jam written with a conscious dose of positive vibes, unique melodies and down to earth lyrics. The innate ability to fill an entire night with original music or cover in their signature style, fans share extraordinary experiences that can’t be seen anywhere else.” The Palace Sessions
“One goal in mind: create funky, dance-leaning tracks that leave the live crowd choice but to groove in their immediate proximity. “Take ‘Em Down” and “Can’t Fake the Funk” are full embodiments of dance anthems, an impressive horn section splashed throughout.” ‘Hartley’s Encore’
Polls are now closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 voting, beginning Thursday, March 11 at 8am!
“ShwizZ slams you against the blackboard in awe that all your basic math skills have fleeted. Not only does ShwizZ explore a multi-level, mixed-meter halfway house of genres, but also bulldoze your ear to the other end of the record collection.” Chuck DeFilippo on ‘Big Things
“On this classic Black Sabbath tune. Sarah King adds to the field of great artists who have brought a twist on this brilliant anti-war song.Sarah King’s acoustic rendition is chilling, and cuts to core of the song, a treatment so honest and pure that it is as powerful as the original.” Pete Mason on NXNES
“They pull inspiration from Son Volt, Wilco, Neil Young and other heavy hitters of the sixties folk-rock genre. Not many aspiring musicians make music like this anymore. Harmonic Dirt delivers that.” – Hearing Aide: ‘Anthracite’
Lo-Fi Hip Hop Rap. Sháquan on Soundcloud with “Long Time Coming (Prod. By Krs.)”
“Swing That Maximus” has a full two-minute instrumental intro. With tempo changes up the wazoo throwing the listener from dance-y beats that make you want to get up and boogie, to slow sections you would barely move.” Hearing Aide: Glass Pony ‘Glass Pony’
Since 2015, Our Common Roots is an alternative rock band bringing a blend of nostalgic blues vibes with a modern rock feel; OCR is committed to providing a fun atmosphere that will keep you dancing through the night.
“The harp has been known since antiquity in Asia, Africa and Europe, early as 3000 BCE. ‘Learning Live Dead was really fun and difficult, we rehearsed like twice a week for a month because we really wanted to play through like the record with no stops,’” Mikaela Davis.
“Levee’s production is rooted in thumping bass, drum-machine-style loops and carefully developed songs. His compositions only seem simple: Every note, every drum hit, is calculated for maximal impact. He’s profane, clever and full of tight flow patterns.” Justin Boland, Seven Days, on Antwon Levee
Polls are now closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 voting, beginning Thursday, March 11 at 8am!
“Elements of rock, pop, and jazz are accompanied by their soft vocals and smooth harmonies. Music has allowed the sisters to form a strong bond.” – Kelly and Kat on NYS Music
“Vocals bring something unique with their bluegrass, Americana sound. Playing a mix of original music, “Stuck In the Middle With You” by Stellars Wheel, they had the crowd wound up.” – RSC at Oak Mountain Bluegrass
“Complemented by drums and guitar, the upbeat tempo of “Match” creates an eccentric mood. The beat leaves listeners toe-tapping and wanting to get up and dance. Violins match fast-paced tempo and create a new level of fire through Novak’s singing.” “Standing Now”
“This recording session was among the most rewarding and creatively fulfilling projects I’ve ever been a part of – self producing these tracks has the band energized and excited for more!” Adam Bronstein Intrepid Travelers
“Jan. 2021 marks the release of single, “Seepin’,” from long-time Buffalo jam band veterans Organ Fairchild. Members have a history on the jam scene dating back 40 years.” Debut Single”Seepin”
Hey! Listen! Dodongo is more than a jam collective. It’s a way of life. It’s also a lizard-like creature in Zelda. Jams from Brooklyn .
“Laying down funky New Orleans-style street beats across the United States and Canada. Formed in 2014 at the University at Buffalo, The Brass Machine provides a unique blend of hip hop, funk, and R&B, all in an infectious and energetic package.”
“Over a heady Three Heads beer at theirBrewery, we discussed* Flowfest, Night Lights Music Festival, The Great Blue Heron Music Festival and Cobblestone live. Also, birth of the band, their long-term growth and a few influences.”
*A “Rochester Groovecast” podcast with tracks, “Back Door” and “Time Will Tell.” – Functional Flow
Polls are now closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 voting, beginning Thursday, March 11 at 8am!
Central New York promoters Creative Concertsbring together fans at venues, stretching from Albany to Rochester and Syracuse to Utica. Lark Hall is the soon to open mid-sized venue in Albany that will host bands of all sizes, events and more. If you need to market your show, event, band or brand, Rochester’s Balbert Marketing has you covered. Need merchandise? Homegrown Eastern New York’s 518 Prints makes quality goods for local, regional and national bands or tours. High Peaks Event Production is a team with years of experience, aiding in all your stage, lighting and sound demands.JamCast proves high quality streams for bands, podcasts and much more. Between these companies, bands will find a great deal of what they need, and support businesses from across New York and the Northeast.
We’re also proud to present a bracket designed by the good folks at Wook+ Media, who have been keeping brackets going strong throughout the year, with unique topics and incredibly artistic designs. Check out the Round 2 graphic below:
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 Luminous Crush, Girl Blue, and many more.
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 is Luminous Crush, celebrating the release of their new creative album Luminous Inc. The duo of Laura Molinelli and Ben Campbell create music defined by Ben as “original bluegrass outlaw country post-punk psychedelic fusion indie dream pop.” Each song is a sonic journey into electric glitch and layers upon layers of instrumental treatment making for some unbelievably interesting music.
Tonight, Pearson will be playing “Stagg,” “Radio Kills Zombies,” “One That Got Away” and “Dragons.” Listen below for a preview of the album.
As we shared yesterday, Girl Blue has released a brand new single called, “Heaven.” A bright acoustic foot tapper describing the dangers of cell-phone addiction. Here is what she says in her own words:
“Heaven” is a light, grooving, harmony-drenched pop track juxtaposed by dark, introspective and sometimes scathing lyrics about cellphone addiction. It makes a statement about how our relationship with technology has come to replace deep connection with spirituality, other people, the earth, and ourselves. The song does this while using very natural and organic instrumentation and production that make you want to bop your head and dance along in spite of yourself.
The Bardavon is excited to announce that they are holding the 48th Annual Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition virtually on March 14, 2021 at 3pm. The event will be lived streamed on the Bardavon Youtube channel.
The Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition is often credited for launching the careers of world-renowned orchestral and solo string musicians. Many previous winners have gone on to illustrious classical music careers. Previous notables include: violist Marcus Thompson ’67, Boston Chamber Players; violinist Ani Kavafian ’73, Lincoln Center Chamber Players soloist; violinist Adela Pena ’85, Eroica Trio; and violinist Judith Ingolfsson ’96, 1998 Indianapolis International Violin Competition winner.
The judges for this years competition are: Daniel Phillips, a violinist and resident at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center; Lucie Roberts, a violinist and a professor at the Manhattan School of Music and the Mannes College of Music; and Susan Seligman, a cellist and a professor at SUNY New Paltz. The 2021 first-prize winner will receive $4000, a solo performance with the HVP during its 2021-22 Season, and a solo performance at the “Musical Landscapes of Italy” festival in August.
The Bardavon is the oldest continually operating theatre is the state of New York, dating all the way back to 1986. The Bardavon offers affordable, world-class arts education programs, music, dance, theater, Live in HD broadcasts, and classic films for the diverse audiences of the Hudson Valley. The company also partners with others local venues such as the Mid-Hudson Civic Center and Kingston’s Ulster Performing Arts Center.
More information can be found on the Bardavon website.
On February 26th, Brooklyn-based pop artist Love Lola Love dropped a vibrant new single, “How I Do It,” hoping to capture the feeling of self-love in musical form. Described as “straddling the line between brat pop and swagger,” Love Lola Love carries an anti-pop sound that hopes to squash previous misconceptions about the pop genre.
Anyone who’s lived in NYC knows how tough it can be. I def have had a love/hate relationship with it. This song was inspired by Lizzo’s ‘Good As Hell’ which is one of my fav self-love anthems. Living loud with absolutely zero fucks.
Love Lola Love, on “How I Do It”
Alongside Lizzo, some of her musical influences include Charli XCX and Gwen Stefani. Music of hers has landed spots in an Old Navy commercial and a Chanel commercial, the newest addition being “How I Do It” in a Samsung commercial.
Artist Love Lola Love pictured above.
If you as well are in need of a funky pop song that focuses on self-love during the pandemic, this is a must-add to your playlist, and Love Lola Love could be a rising artist that you catch before she blows up. You can keep track of her work on Spotify, where you can listen to “How I do It,” “Bang!,” and “Bold.”
Today, Rochester indie-rockers Old Fame release their second EP Nowhere to Be, a collection of four songs written in response to the pandemic, the media, family disfunction, shame, and division amongst families over politics. Or, as the band puts it, “All the fun stuff!”
On “Act II,” Old Fame demonstrates influences of psychedelic post-rock and emo. Previously, the band released singles “Short Cub” and “Cumberland” with the final track, “Slevin” debuting today with the release of the full EP.
“Short Cub” and “Cumberland” were written in 2019, while “Act II” and “Slevin” were written during the pandemic, thus, neither of the latter two tracks have been performed live. Recorded at Wicked Squid Studios is located in Rochester, the alt-rock tones are impressive, leading to much build-up and flowing seamlessly together.
Old Fame is Ben Armes (vocals, guitar), Doug Kelley (drums), Evan Clark (guitar), Jay Asarese (bass). Members of the band have played in Rochester area projects including Like Vintage, Alberto Alaska, Emulet, and Heavy Lies the Crown.
Listen to the latest EP from Old Fame below or on Bandcamp.
Club Helsinki Hudson announces it’s virtual open mic best of EXTRAVAGANZA night highlighting a full evening of curated performances of favorite video submissions from this last “pandemic year” on March 16, 2021 at 7PM. This will be the one year anniversary ‘virtual-style’ for the open mic night.
Photo courtesy of Club Helsinki Hudson’s website.
Club Helsinki Hudson, located in Hudson, NY and closed back in March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic along with The Restaurant at Helsinki Hudson and their event space. The open mic night has been a tradition since the creation of the venue more than 20 years ago.
Cameron Melville, co-owner of Helsinki has been the host for the open mic night for many years. He has found a way over the years to keep the well known and loved weekly event a good experience for both performers and online audiences. A whole year later and the Helsinki virtual open-mic has become a vital, well attended weekly offering, about to celebrate one year of virtual streaming— 52 shows hosting nearly 800 performances with an audience of thousands.
Filmmaker Randall Martin of Martin’s Digital Media, has leant his hand as producer on the project. Melville speaks on the project in the press release saying, “The authenticity of our submissions really blows my mind. As well as our wonderful regulars, we now get submissions from all over the country, all over the world.”
This best of EXTRAVAGANZA will host some of the best performances that have come in over the year. The open mic night will feature poetry, performance art, music, interview, pandemic journaling and On-the-Street videos, political marches and celebrations from an extraordinary year. People can stream the event live on Helsinki Open Mic Facebook page as well as the clubhelsinki.live website on Tuesday, March 16, at 7 pm EST.
For more information on the Open Mic, visit Club Helsinki Hudson’s website.
The latest single from the Capital Region songstress Girl Blue, “Heaven” was released today, the second single off her uupcoming full length album, slated for release in Fall 2021. The warm, uplifting single is well timed for spring, with a late 80’s indie-pop feel, and follows “Just a Dream,” the first single, released in February.
“Heaven” was written and produced by Girl Blue and recorded at White Lake Studios in Albany. Girl Blue is joined on the track by Albany’s Dark Honey – Jimi Woodul (electric guitar), Dan Dekalb (piano), Ben Woodul (bass) and Josh Morris (acoustic drums).
The light, grooving, harmony-drenched pop track is juxtaposed by lyrics that are dark, introspective and sometimes scathing about cellphone addiction. Making a statement about how our relationship with technology has come to replace our deep connection with spirituality, other people, the earth, and ourselves, the song will have you singing along and bobbing your head with ease.
Arielle O’Keefe (Girl Blue) satirically celebrates the fact that “No one can stop me from hating myself, nothing can make me forget it,” and deems herself “the queen of my cellphone” in an angelic, serene tone of voice that only hints ever so slightly at the loneliness inherent in those statements.
It has been one year since the 2020 SAMMY Awards took place in Syracuse, at the Palace Theater in Eastwood. So much has changed since that night, with this annual event taking place just two weeks before the music industry, and seemingly the world, shut down.
2020 was certainly a challenging year, especially in the music industry with virtually no concerts taking place and the beginning of live streaming shows as a form of entertainment.
MBK Music Group
A year later, we are starting to see signs of life, with festivals popping up down south and venues getting the green light to let in limited capacity crowds.
The 2020 SAMMY Awards set records for the number of artists submitted, as well as the votes for the winners. The full list of nominees/winners can be seen here. In preparation for the new virtual SAMMY Awards for 2021, check out NYS Music’s photo gallery and revisit the good memories of that night, one that showcases why the Syracuse music scene is one of the best in the state.
Update 7/8/21 – The Divided Sky Foundation’s purchase has been approved the rehabilitation center in Ludlow, VT. More than 280 full time Ludlow residents and over 18,000 signatures from across the country, allowing petitioners to attend Development Review Board meetings and represent those in need.
Update3/13/21: a few residents of Ludlow, VT have filed a petition, noting concerns about crime and drug use that may result from the arrival of The Divided Sky Foundation substance abuse disorder treatment center. This is despite the fact that drug use and crime are already rampant in the area, and the treatment center would stem these issues, not add to them.
Support The Divided Sky Foundation via Tiltify and sign a Change.org petition in support of the treatment center here.
The Divided Sky Foundation, founded by Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, today announced the purchase of a facility in Ludlow, VT that will be developed into a non-profit substance use disorder (SUD) treatment center.
Launched in 2020, the Divided Sky Foundation is dedicated to delivering quality care and compassionate treatment to those affected by alcoholism and addiction.
The future home of the Divided Sky Fund’s SUD treatment center.
The as-yet-unnamed center will be managed by Ascension Recovery Services, which has created successful, inclusive treatment programs in 23 states. Acquiring the facility site is the first step in a plan that also includes building renovations and program development. The center is tentatively slated to open by the end of 2021.
Vermont currently ranks 11th in the nation for overdose rates but only has four state-certified residential treatment facilities for substance use disorder. The proposed Ludlow center would help bridge the gap between need and existing services, with a goal to be a local asset not only for treatment, but for giving back to the community. The non-profit center plans to serve people from all income levels.
Thanks in great part to funds raised from Anastasio’s The Beacon Jams this past Fall, fans ultimately contributed more than $1.2 million over the eight-week run.
Anastasio, himself 14 years sober, launched the Divided Sky Foundation to deliver help to those affected by substance use. Vermont, his adopted home state, is a natural place to begin this chapter of his own giving back.
Like so many people in America and so many in Vermont, I became addicted to opiates. I was extremely lucky to have access to care, and I know how important it is to be part of a recovery community. I’m grateful that we can help provide that opportunity for others.
Substance use disorders affect people from all walks of life, and the problem is intimately linked with isolation – whether that’s isolation due to the pandemic or for any other reason. The Beacon Jams helped us find a way to connect people and get this project off the ground. To be able to do that together during this difficult year touches my heart.
Trey Anastasio
Performed without a live audience, The Beacon Jams saw Anastasio reimagining music from across his three-decade career including new, never-performed songs, Trey Anastasio Band favorites and unexpected versions of classic Phish songs. The Beacon Jams also served as a virtual gathering for fans everywhere, allowing a rare opportunity for personal interaction between Anastasio and his fans. Over the course of eight Fridays, he showcased his compassion, humor, and natural positivity, engaging with fans via Twitch as well as with his fellow musicians on stage.
The virtual run proved another example of Anastasio’s affirmed commitment to bringing the Phish fan community together during these extraordinary times, from his solo performances on Instagram in the early days of lockdown to Phish’s ongoing Dinner and a Movie live archival video series. That series has raised over $750,000 for Phish’s Waterwheel Foundation, which was distributed to more than two-dozen organizations working on issues such as hunger, health, the environment, and social justice.
Care services being planned include multiple pathways to entering and maintaining recovery, with plans and programs tailored to individual guests’ needs. In addition, the center plans to offer job training and workforce reintegration. Education opportunities are planned to prepare guests who need them with certification in skills and trades.
None of this would be possible without the hard work and generosity of so many people. I want to personally thank Madison Square Garden Entertainment for hosting the shows at the Beacon Theatre, and Twitch for sending The Beacon Jams out across the world. I also want to personally thank all the people who supported the Divided Sky Foundation so generously, and the fans who contributed everything from donations to well wishes. It means so much to me, and it’s going to mean so much to the families that will benefit from this treatment center.
Trey Anastasio
Watch Anastasio speak with Burlington’s WCAX about the future treatment center.
If you or someone you know needs help for a substance use disorder, contact SAMHSA.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357) to find a treatment center near you.
