Resurgence Brewing Company and Twenty6 Productions present the Rocks on Rocks Festival on Saturday, Aug 7. A full day and night festival featuring music, art, craft beer, food trucks, local artisans, busker stage, and much more. Featured artists include Aqueous who have two sets, Soul Patch, Grub, and Mom Said No.
Aqueous was born of a life-long friendship rooted in music, paired with an endless appetite for elevating and evolving their craft. Following several full-length studio albums, EP’s, and live releases, high profile performances at music festivals like Electric Forest, The Peach Music Festival, and Summer Camp Music Festival. With pop infused hooks, meaningful songwriting, and all out rock n’ roll, the band is a joyful listen. No strangers to improvisational music, the natural extension of many songs live is what makes every show unique. Blurring the lines between a multitude of styles and genres, Aqueous’ sound is explosive, fresh, and undeniably their own.
Soul Patch, Buffalo’s Premier 90’s Alternative Cover-Tribute Band, features members of Every Time I Die.
Grub, a multi-genre trio capable of delivering funk-driven madness, improvisational bliss, and shoe-gazing glitch-o-matic soundscapes. A true wildcard in today’s music scene from Niagara Falls, NY. With the intent of drawing in music lovers of all sorts, the boys continue to push the envelope in modern musical expression.
Grub’s original catalog can be described as uniquely inventive, adventurous, and welcoming to new listeners. Each song showcases a seamless blend of genres such as funk, psychedelic rock, electronic, hip-hop, metal, and reggae amidst a pop-esque composition, so there are elements on the table for all. A live Grub performance showcases their original tunes as well as their improvisational chops, while captivating the crowd by teasing dancy and nostalgic covers from over the decades.
Mom Said No has perfected its own brand of high-energy, dramatic, tuneful, and memorable alternative pop.
To learn more about Twenty6 Productions, please visit the website and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
The Rocks on Rocks festival is at Resurgence Brewing Co located on 55 Chicago St in Buffalo, NY. Gates open at 1:00 pm on Saturday Aug 7 and shows are from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The event is for everyone ages 21 and over.
Rocks on Rocks General Admission tickets are $35 when bought in advance and $50 day of show. VIP tickets are $85 when bought in advance and $100 day of show. VIP tickets include: Front of stage access, private bathrooms, VIP area, VIP bar, complimentary food/snacks, and a festival poster.
The energy was high in Trumansburg for the final weekend of Grassroots Live. The shows were switched to the Grandstand Stage at the fairgrounds due to damage to the infield stage but that didn’t keep the people or performers present from having a great time. Friday night brought two Grassroots Festival veterans, Jimkata and Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad and Saturday 90s rock group The Spin Doctors graced the stage.
Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad opened Friday night with powerful and unifying reggae vibes. The band’s traditional sound was layered with extra horns, percussion, and vocals from local Ithaca talent. A couple of dancers joined in for a majority of the show who mirrored and increased the joyful atmosphere. Lead singer, Chris O’Brian spoke about the power of reggae music in spreading from Jamaica to corners of the world like Rochester and Ithaca and bringing people together. The whole set contained originals and covers weaved together seamlessly. A highlight of the show was a bouncy rendition of Bob Marley’s “Soul Shakedown Party” that seemed to kick the crowd into high gear.
The anticipation and excitement for Jimkata’s return to the stage was palpable. The Ithaca born band went on hiatus in 2016 after treating audiences to dynamic sets at festivals and opening for bands like Papadosio. There were many people talking about the last time they saw Jimkata and many were decked out in band merch that they had clearly had for a while. Lead vocalist and guitarist Evan Friedell walked out to the stage to adjust his pedals and was greeted at the front of the stage by what seemed like old friends.
On the heels of their new album Bonfires the band launched into a set full of synth and vocal melodies and washed the crowd in light and sound. Weaving between new songs and recognizable classics, the audience never seemed to stop moving. One would have found it hard to not dance around a bit during the sequences of dreamy rhythmic jams. Jimkata always brought a cerebral experience kept lively by clean locked in musicianship and an emotionally fueled light show. This set was no different and felt like a triumphant return.
Bred in NYC, The Spin Doctors had an extremely successful run in the 90s and have continued to put on one hell of a show. Lead singer Chris Barron charismatically introduced each song with anecdotes and banter that kept the audience engaged. The humorous interplay between bassist Mark White and Chris during the banter kept things light. Mark would roll his eyes, shoot rubber bands at Chris, and even took a seat and pretended to make a phone call during a particularly long story.
Musically, the band still holds up after all these years. The vocals sound honed in and each member of the band excels at their craft. Chris’s voice carries the familiar tunes, guitarist Aaron Comess brings clean classic rock tone and licks to the stage, Mark’s funky and energetic style is nestled perfectly in with the rest of the sound, and drummer Eric Schenkman carries the band on his hard hitting beats. The band played their hits such as “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” and “Two Princes” and even played some new material. The audience went nuts and sang along whenever the hits were played but both jammed out moments and new songs were equally as danceable and welcomed.
As the lights went down at the end of the show, the last attendees of the year at Grassroots left the fairgrounds smiling. It was clear in the smiles and stories of the past few weekends that Trumansburg was treated to some wonderful moments of light and sound in July.
Friends and family gathered at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Long Island on Monday, August 2 to bid farewell to music legend Biz Markie, with a funeral attended by hip hop icons including Busta Rhymes, Kid Capri, Treach (Naughty by Nature), Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, Ice-T and more. The eulogy was delivered by the Rev. Al Sharpton.
Markie was born in Harlem but raised on Long Island. He is best known for his 1989 single “Just A Friend.” His career took off after that. He acted, performed comedy, DJ’d and produced music for numerous artists. He also had a radio show on SiriusXm on LL Cool J’s Rock the Bells Radio.
In April 2020, Markie was hospitalized for complications of Type 2 diabetes. He died at a Baltimore hospital surrounded by family on July 16th at age 57. R.I.P. Biz!
The Great New York State Fair has released lineup of concerts and music performances for 2021 to be held in Syracuse at the State Fairgrounds from August 20th through September 6th.
The Fair was founded in 1832 by a group of farmers for agricultural improvement and local fairs. It wasn’t until the 1950s-1960s the fair was used for entertainment where singers came to perform.
Artists performing at the 2021 edition of the Great New York State Fair include the following national and local artists:
Radio & TV personality Bobby Bones brings his musical comedy band Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots to the Great New York State Fair on opening day, Friday, August 20. The New York Times bestselling author and host and executive producer of his own breakout television series Breaking Bobby Bones on National Geographic will perform at 2 p.m. on the Chevy Park stage in the New York Experience festival grounds. All Chevrolet Music Festival concerts are free with $3 Fair admission.
Hart-topping country duoLOCASH will open what will be the largest slate of national touring band concerts ever presented at the Great New York State Fair on the Chevy Park Stage Friday, August 20. The band behind hits such as “I Know Somebody” and “I Love This Life” will perform as part of the Chevrolet Music Festival. All concerts are free with Fair admission.
Hard-rockin’ California band Ratt will take the Chevy Park audience “Round And Round” Saturday, August 21 at the Great New York State Fair as part of the Chevrolet Music Festival. The band, known for its steady stream of rock hits as well as its appearance in a funny commercial for GEICO insurance, will perform at a time to be announced. All concerts are free with Fair admission.
The men of R&B pop supergroup 98 Degrees will bring their hits, including “Give Me Just One Night” and more to the Chevy Park stage Saturday, August 21 at 8 p.m. during the 2021 Great New York State Fair. It’s the group’s second appearance, following a concert in 2001. All concerts are free with $3 Fair admission.
Brothers Osborne bring their hard-driving, good-time country to the 2021 Great New York State Fair’s Chevy Park stage Sunday, August 22 at 8 p.m. as part of the Chevrolet Music Festival. TJ and John Osborne have had big hits with “Stay A Little Longer” and “It Ain’t My Fault,” as well as a hit collaboration with Dierks Bentley, “Burning Man.”
Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra August 23, 2021 at 2p.m.
Grammy-winning group Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra will bring an afternoon of high-energy polka music to the 2021 Great New York State Fair at 2 p.m. Monday, August 23. Sturr and his band won the Grammy for Best Polka Music 18 of the 24 times the prize was awarded.
Bishop Briggs will perform on the Chevy Park stage at the Chevrolet Music Festival at the 2021 Great New York State Fair Monday, August 23. The Scottish-born, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter hit the alternative and rock charts with songs such as “Wild Horses” and “River.”
One of the most popular rock bands of all time, Foreigner, will perform on the Chevy Park stage at the Chevrolet Music Festival at the 2021 Great New York State Fair Monday, August 23 at 8 p.m. Founding member Mick Jones leads the band that scored nine Top 10 hits on the Billboard charts, including “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Feels Like The First Time” and “Cold As Ice.” It will be the fourth appearance for Foreigner at the Fair, following shows in 1994, 2006 and 2011.
The Spinners, the legendary soul group behind unforgettable hits such as “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love?” and “Rubberband Man,” will return to the Great New York State Fair with a 2 p.m. performance Tuesday, August 24 at a venue to be announced. It will be the seventh appearance for The Spinners, stretching back to 1985.
DSL* Dire Straits Legacy, which features musicians who performed and recorded with the band during its days atop the world’s music charts plus top class musicians such as Trevor Horn, will perform at the 2021 Great New York State Fair as part of the Chevrolet Music Festival.
Train, the San Francisco-based band behind the hits “Meet Virginia,” “Drops of Jupiter” and “Hey, Soul Sister,” returns to the Great New York State Fair with an 8 p.m. performance Tuesday, August 24 at the Chevy Park stage as part of the Chevrolet Music Festival.
Jameson Rodgers takes the Chevy Park stage at the 2021 Great New York State Fair’ Wednesday, August 25 at 2 p.m. as part of the Chevrolet Music Festival.
Country music star Russell Dickerson will make his Great New York State Fair debut on the Chevy Park stage at the Chevrolet Music Festival Wednesday, August 25. Dickerson owns four #1 singles: “Yours,” “Blue Tacoma,” “Every Little Thing” and “Love You Like I Used To” as well as a handful of awards nominations from the Academy of Country Music, CMT and iHeart.
Arena rock superstars REO Speedwagon return to the Great New York State Fair’s Chevrolet Music Festival with an 8 p.m. show Wednesday, August 25. The band behind classic hits such as “Ridin’ The Storm Out,” “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” will make its sixth appearance at the Fair.
In the years 1969 through 1974, no other group achieved more top 10 hits, moved more records or sold more concert tickets than Three Dog Night. Their hits wind through the fabric of pop culture today, whether on the radio where they are heard day in and day out, in TV commercials or in major motion pictures — songs like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come)”, “Joy to the World”, “Black and White”, “Shambala” and “One” serve to heighten our emotions and crystallize their continuing popularity.
Additional New York State Fair concerts later in August and early September 2021
Updated on August 17, 2021: The NYS Fair announced on August 12, 2021 southern rock band Jackyl will be replacing Dire Straits Legacy in the line up at the Chevy Court Stage on August 24 at 7 PM.
Jazz saxophone great David Murray will perform a unique solo performance, complimented with live painting by artist Nancy Ostrovsky, August 7 at Rustic Ridge View Farm in Ulster County.
A titan of the tenor sax and bass clarinet who came to prominence in the mid-70s, David Murray has recorded dozens of albums that merge free jazz with the mature style of classicists like Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster. He was a founding member of the World Saxophone Quartet and has performed or recorded with luminaries like Henry Threadgill, Elvin Jones, James Blood Ulmer, Olu Dara and the Grateful Dead, for whom he recorded a tribute album with his Octet in 1996. In 1989, Murray won a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance for his album, Blues for Coltrane: A Tribute to John Coltrane, along with a Guggenheim Fellowship. The Village Voice named him “Musician of the Decade” in 1980.
Deeply textured and enthralling in their execution, Nancy Ostrovsky’s paintings are, just like the music itself, free improvisations inspired by and at one with the resonant vibrations and spirit created by a musician in a live performance. Her spontaneous method of smearing, dripping, squeezing and manipulating paint onto canvas, in real-time as compelled by the music, is electrifying to witness.
Over the years, the Accord, NY-based artist has collaborated at concerts with some of the jazz world’s leading names, including Roswell Rudd, Butch Morris, Michael Gregory Jackson, Michael Bisio and Murray. She has performed her live painting to music at many prestigious venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston and the Eastman School of Music.
The event will take place Saturday, August 7 at Rustic Ridge View Farm, 15 Old Kings Highway, Kerhonkson, New York. Suggested donation is $20. It is recommended that patrons bring their own chairs or pillows for seating at this outdoor event. Refreshments will be available.
More of Ostrovsky’s work and videos of her unique live painting performances can be seen here.
On May 18, Mister Rajers’ Neighborhood dropped the new trippy summer anti-anthem “Cinco Uno Eight“ a psychedelic song about the Capital Region of Upstate New York.
“Cinco Uno Eight” is originally written, composed, and produced by L Niño. An idea to combine various local artists he had previously worked with in order to properly honor the 518 led to the development of this song. Whether it be the appearances of Mike Guagliardo and Showerpanther adding a distinctive synth sound, to including soothing ambient noises from artists from the local area.
Perhaps the highlight of the track however are the two local MC’s, Justin Sedefian aka SavandWord ClassakaMajor Capers. “Each individual layered on an instrumental or vocal to create a truly odd, strange, ode to our beautiful homeland.”
Cameos were also made by Will Fredetteof the Albany band El Modernist. The final edition of Kevin Lovely, who has known L Niño since they both attended Guilderland High School, took over mixing duties, while sound engineer legend David Tyo refined the track as the mastering engineer.
L Niño wrote the initial song and produced it and left “gaps” for people to spit verses on, and then had friends each add “layers” which which was chopped up and collaged by L Niño.
“L Niño” isa singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer based out of Troy, NY. He remained in the underground scene until achieving some local traction in the Albany area for his work with Major Niño which was recently in the running for an Eddie Award.
L Niño played violin all throughout highschool. But really didn’t start getting into production, until returning to Troy around 2015. He has taught himself guitar, bass, drums, and production. “My favorite thing to do is produce though, so this was a really neat opportunity to “produce” other musicians and have them spit on a track that was designed to be uh….spitted on?”
He has released music under numerous monikers and projects such as L Niño, Mister Rajers’ Neighborhood, Major Niño, and Jacques in the Bag. Featured in the Times Union and Floated Magazine with features on 102.7 WEQX-FM and local radio stations such as WCAA-LP 107.3 FM, L Niñohas also played at well-known local Capital Region venues such as The Fuze Box, The Low Beat, and Troy Kitchen.In the wake of Covid, as venues start to open back up, L Niño hopes to bring more compositions from different projects and artists to the stage.
In L Niño’s other video, “Trumpistani Breakfast,” he compares peoples obsessions with McDonalds to others obsession and fascination with Trump in this wacky video.
“I guess the tongue-in-cheek metaphor would be like…imagine if there was an individual or a whole group of individuals who for some reason thought that McDonald’s makes the BEST burger ever! Which works since Trump LOVES McDonalds. (Not saying that there’s anything wrong with a McDonalds burger, there’s a time and place where it sure hits the spot, but to believe that it’s THE BEST EVER is uh….is something) So the video was just trying to convey being disturbingly obsessed with McDonalds…..or other things.”
L Niño
You can stream the new single here and find out more by visiting the label’s website.
L Niño will be returning to gigging this summer and will begin doing small shows around the Capital Region as things start opening back up.
Ithaca-natives X Ambassadors have shared a new song called “Okay” in preparation for their third album, The Beautiful Liar, which is set for release on September 24. X Ambassadors have also announced their upcoming U.S./European Tour, including a stop at Webster Hall in October.
X Ambassadors made their full-length debut in 2015 with VHS, that transitioned the band from Ithaca alt-rockers and Brooklyn-indie-scene outsiders to Billboard chart-toppers. Now certified platinum, VHS delivered X Ambassadors’ popular hits “Unsteady” and “Renegades,” which launched them into mainstream success. Most recently, the band released EP Belong, inspired by ’60s and ’70s soul and R&B, in March 2020 as well as three-song project (Eg) in January 2021.
“Okay” follows the June release of their darkly cinematic track “My Own Monster” whose black-and-white visual finds lead vocalist Sam Harris performing a choreographed routine with his own shadow. Both songs will be featured on the band’s third studio album The Beautiful Liar.
“Okay” marks the start of a compelling new lyrical direction for X Ambassadors. With the same emotional intensity as 2015’s “Unsteady,” “Okay” adds deeper poeticism with verses like “We’ll make no mistake, whatever may come… We’ll rise up, it’s true and we go down this road…”
Written during a period of such uncertainty, “Okay” has the ability to connect with and validate the worries of today while sending the reassuring message that things will work out eventually.
Life is unpredictable… things happen that are out of control all the time. We all are living in a constant state of uncertainty. And yet… I say it all the time. ‘Everything’s gonna be okay.’
Sam Harris, lead vocalist
“Okay” is now available for streaming on all major platforms. Preorder The Beautiful Liar album here.
Tickets are on sale now for X Ambassadors’ “The Beautiful Liar” tour, which will hit New York’s Webster Hall on October 27. Scarypoolparty and Taylor Janzen will open the show on all North American dates. For ticket information, visit xambassadors.com/tour.
Check out their U.S. tour schedule below:
X Ambassadors 2021 “Beautiful Liar” Tour
Scarypoolparty direct support, Taylor Janzen will open.
October 15 – House of Blues / San Diego, CA
October 16 – Phoenix AZ / Marquee
October 18 – Tulsa, OK / Cain’s
October 19 – Austin, TX / Emo’s
October 22 – Nashville, TN / Brooklyn Bowl
October 23 – Louisville, KY / Mercury Ballroom
October 25 – Asheville, NC / Orange Peel
October 27 – New York, NY / Webster Hall
October 28 – Boston, MA / Big Night Live
October 29 – Philadelphia, PA / Theatre of the Living Arts
October 30 – Washington, DC / Lincoln Theater
November 1 – Toronto, ONT / Danforth
November 2 – Detroit, MI / St. Andrew’s
November 4 – Chicago, IL / Vic
November 5 – Indianapolis, IN / Deluxe
November 6 – Milwaukee, WI / Rave
November 8 – Kansas City, MO / Truman
November 9 – Minneapolis, MN / Varsity
November 11 – Denver, CO / Ogden
November 12 – Salt Lake City, UT / The Depot
November 13 – Boise, ID / Revolution Concert House
The City Parks Foundation has announced that the 2020 SummerStage Jubilee benefit concerthas been nominated for a New York Emmy. The documentary film shows off the impacts of the City Parks Foundation free programs in New York City parks, which was originally aired in September 2020 on WABC-TV, as well as digitally streamed. The Emmy nomination is for the Documentary Cultural Category.
The film follows the story of a young girls journey throughout the five boroughs while enjoying musical performances by Sting, Norah Jones, Trey Anastasio, Rufus Wainwright, Leslie Odom Jr., Rosanne Cash, Emily King and PJ Morton with appearances by comedian Louis Black and musical artists H.E.R., Paul Shaffer, Jimmy Fallon and many more.
Along with the City parks Foundation, SummerStage founder Joe Killian is nominated as the Executive Producer of the film. SummerStage has been around for 35 years and is a music and entertainment powerhouse.
Oscar winning producer and now Emmy-nominee Jonathan Olson breathes life into the SummerStage Jubilee at a time when public programs were halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. NYC parks remained open as some of the only public areas available to all.
Donations to SummerStage help ensure New York’s largest free outdoor performing arts festival is able to remain free and available to all New Yorkers, giving residents a chance to converse and hang out with others while attending this terrific event. For more information, visit www.SummerStage.org.
Following an exhilarating sold-out show at Nublu in New York City earlier this month and performance at Newport Jazz Festival on Sunday, August 1, The Bogie Band, led by saxophonist Stuart Bogie has combined musical talents with the legendary Joe Russo, releasing their new single, “The Witnesses.”
Leaders and founders of the 10-piece ensemble are Bogie and drummer Joe Russo. Members of The Bogie Band hail from a litany of groups, including Antibalas, The Dap Kings, Red Barat, Arcade Fire, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, David Byrne’s American Utopia, St. Vincent, The Budos Band, and Superhuman Happiness. “The Witnesses” signifies a triumphant musical synergy. In a thrilling collaboration between old friends, Bogie’s horn arrangements meet Russo’s propulsive drumming to create an explosive combination of woodwind and brass instruments – reimagining wind music in bold and dynamic new ways.
Stuart Bogie and Joe Russo
“‘The Witnesses’ speaks to the urgency of the times in a musical language that laid the groundwork for the Bogie Band featuring Joe Russo. The brass knocks you right and left, the saxophones scream, and the drums keeping you running for your life.”
Stuart Bogie on “The Witnesses”
This band is just getting starting and will surely bring more live music – like their jam-packed Nublu debut – as we head into the fall. Be sure to catch The Bogie Band featuring Stuart Bogie and Joe Russo as they hit the stage to perform live at the Newport Jazz Festival, it will be a performance fans will not want to miss. To stay updated on the band’s upcoming events, projects, and exciting new releases check out their Instagram HERE.
Listen to “The Witnesses” via Spotify and YouTube Below:
Located in Fulton County. Northville welcomes the return of acoustic music with their Summer Concert Series on Fridays and Saturdays from 7-9pm. The downtown district is a great place to enjoy unique shops, good food, and live music.
The town of Northville offers many exiting events, ranging from Ski centers to waterfront parks. The small village located in the town of Northampton offers residents a peaceful rural area, along the shores of the Great Sacandaga Lake. Also along the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Northville is filled with sights to see.
The Northville-Placid Trail
After the first settlement in the 1780s, the village of Northville was the home to a successful lumbar industry, which led to a, “Strong economy and rich cultural life.” Being so close to the “Great” Lake and along the entrance to the Southern Adirondack Mountains, Northville became a destination for tourists and travelers alike. The inclusion of cultural arts programs, Camping grounds and a ski resort makes the village of Northville so special, while keeping its history of being a small historic village.
The town’s population continues to grow, and The Northville Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The return of live music located on Main Street, and Center Street makes the Summer Concert Series a destination spot for music lovers and travelers.
Friday Night Concerts will be held on Main Street from 7 – 9 pm, and Saturday Night Concerts will be held on Center Street from 7 – 9 pm
Friday, July 30 – Sam Van Wagoner Saturday, July 31 – Matthew Shannon
Friday, August 6 – Nick and Keelan Saturday, August 7 – Ryan Racine
Friday, August 13 – Steve Taylor Saturday, August 14 – Ken Mobley
Friday, August 20 – Acoustic Ash Saturday, August 21 – Plymouth Philharmonic
Friday, August 27 – Uc3 Saturday, August 28 – Alex Mandenall
Friday, September 3 – Sheila Landis Saturday, September 4 – Nick Fugedi
Friday, September 10 – Al Carmichael Saturday, September 11, Mike Bass
Friday, September 17 – Mike Ball Saturday, September 18 – Ryan Racine
Friday, September 24 – Nick and Keelan Saturday, September 25 – Geff Phillips
Friday, October 1 – TBD Saturday, October 2 – Acoustic Ash
Friday, October 8 – Kevin Bouton Saturday, October 9 – Adam Plomaritas
Friday, October 15 – 2xl duo Saturday, October 16 – Plymouth Philharmonic
Friday, October 22 – Mike Freeman Saturday, October 23 – Ryan Racine
Friday, October 29 – Nick and Keelan Saturday, October 30 – Kate Hinote
To explorer more of the Village of Northville, visit the link here.