NYS Music 202​1

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  • Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett to Bid Farewell at Radio City

    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.

    lady gaga tony bennett
    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.

    lady gaga tony bennett

    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.

  • Eggy Served Up Westport: Beyond These Walls With Futuristic Dine In Or Take Out nugs.net Stream

    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 westport
    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.

    eggy westport
    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.”

    eggy westport
    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.

    eggy westport
    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.

    eggy westport
    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)

    Encore: Last of Kin, Upside Down

    CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO EGGY MUSIC

  • Schenectady’s Music Haven Announces 2021 Series

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

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

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

    Mona Golub, producing artistic director of Music Haven

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

    Albert Cummings

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

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

    Schenectady Symphony performing with the Octavo Singers in 2018

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

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

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

    Check out the schedule below:

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

    August 22: Liraz (w/ guest Firas Zreik)

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

    Liraz’s “Zan Bezan”

  • ‘Bands on the Bricks’ Concert Series Returns to Rochester

    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.

    Bands on the Bricks

    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.

    Bands on the Bricks
    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.

    Bands on the Bricks

    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)

    Kashmir performing Zep’s “No Quarter”

  • Spaghetti Eastern Music Collaborates with Charles Dennis Dance at Avant-Garde Arama in Woodstock

    Spaghetti Eastern Music, the musical alias of Saugerties-based multi-instrumentalist and NYS Music contributor Sal Cataldi, has been commissioned to provide a live solo guitar score to a performance of the dance piece “2 x 2 x 4” at Avant-Garde Arama Lands in Woodstock. 

    Avant-Garde Arama is a two-day festival of short works of dance, performance art, poetry and music that will take place at Mount View Studios in Woodstock, July 24 and 25 at 8 pm.

    Avant-Garde-Arama was originated in 1980 at the legendary East Village venue Performance Space 122 (P.S. 122) by performance artist/dancer Charles Dennis, who also co-founded this still vibrant cultural institution.  This is the first time the event will take place in Woodstock.

    Premiering in 1989 to raves in media like The Village Voice, Dennis’ movement piece “2 x 2 x 4” is a dramatic dance duet performed with fourteen wooden 2 x 4s, one whose mood will only be height by Cataldi’s atmospheric live loop & drone based guitar improvisations. 

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    Cataldi’s debut album under Spaghetti Eastern Music moniker, Sketches of Spam, is a 16-track, 69-minute, genre-surfing journey through contrasting moods, with instrumentals inspired by 70’s Miles, Krautrock, Ennio Morricone, Fripp & Eno and ECM’s icy guitar great Terje Rypdal giving way to bare-bones acoustic vocal tunes reflective of the influence of John Martyn and Nick Drake.

    In 2020, Cataldi followed this with a trio of critically-acclaimed atmospheric singles that have been heard around the globe, “Her Lemon Peel Raincoat – Because It’s Raining,” “Peace Within” and “And This is Their New Hoax,” a COVID-19 musical editorial featuring samples of President Trump’s most noted denials to Cataldi’s soundpainting guitars and synths. His latest release, “Blues for A Lost Cosmonaut,” is a nine-minute plus maxi single again in the ambient mode, one that will inform the live tracks he will perform to Dennis’ dance piece.  His music has received high praise from our site and other outlets including The New York Times, Time Out New York, Jazz Times, Huffington Post and many others.

    For information and ticket information for Spaghetti Eastern Music at Avant-Garde Arama in Woodstock, please visit the Facebook event page or .

  • Organ Fairchild releases “Cherry Tomatoes”, announce Sportsmens Tavern show in August

    Buffalo’s Organ Fairchild has released their latest single “Cherry Tomatoes” this past week, and announced an upcoming performance at Sportsmens Tavern on August 28.

    organ fairchild cherry blossoms

    “Cherry Tomatoes” is the second single from the forthcoming full-length debut release (coming in September 2021) from Buffalo jam favorites Organ Fairchild. The eight-minute single, mastered by fellow Buffalonian Alan Evans of Soulive, follows “Seepin’” which landed the band on the Jambands.com Radio Charts Top 30 list in February, 2021.

    Shortly after, Organ Fairchild won NYS Music’s March Madness of Bands competition and being invited to perform at the prestigious Borderland Festival of Music and Arts alongside Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, The Revivalists, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Infamous Stringdusters and many more.

    You’ll be up and moving to “Cherry Tomatoes” in no time – this funky, organ-driven single looks to shine at live performances. Written by guitarist Dave Ruch, “Cherry Tomatoes” was arranged by the band (Joe Bellanti, Corey Kertzie, Dave Ruch) and recorded and mixed at Kertzie’s home studio. Stream the new single on all platforms here.

    The band’s upcoming show at Sportsmens Tavern will take place on Saturday, August 28 at 8pm, with tickets $15 available here, Fetauring Organ Fairchild – Joe Bellanti (organ), Corey Kertzie (drums) and Dave Ruch (guitar). Thanks to the recording studio located next door to Sportsmens, Joe will be playing a Hammond B3 organ (with Leslie Speaker) during the show this evening.

    organ fairchild cherry blossoms

    Listen to the last time Organ Fairchild performed at Sportsmens Tavern, back in early 2020.

  • Kate Vargas Shares New Album “Rumpumpo”

    “Junkyard-Folk” artist Kate Vargas has released her newest project, Rumpumpo, the fourth studio album for the New York City-based New Mexico native.

    Vargas was set to record just weeks before the pandemic struck. After periods of creative block resulting from isolation, she began seeking inspiration and fresh life perspectives through yoga, meditation and clean eating.

    Gotta make the levee break, let the tonic take, double-stroking in a swim-or-syncopation/Well you won’t if you don’t get to doing, it’s Newtonian.

    Vargas also drew upon a conversation with a friend in which they discussed Newton’s first law: “An object in motion stays in motion and an object at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by an outside force.” This law ended up being a motivating mantra as Vargas grew to move past feelings of stagnation. She sings about this Newtonian logic in Rumpumpo‘s title track.

    Rumpumpo has received high critical praise, especially surrounding Vargas’s lyricism and poetic storytelling.

    Vargas’ work is marked with deep intention, frequently emerging as some of the most “honest, authentic” in the Americana scene.

    American Songwriter

    Growing up in the artist and farming village of Corrales, New Mexico, storytelling was a natural part of Vargas’s childhood. The community was rich in folklore and oral histories, including tales of witches, devils and fights between good and evil. Rumpumpo features the previously released singles “Church of Misdirection,” and “Glorieta to the Holy Place” as an ode to her home and its rich traditions.

    It was a strange and wonderful place that I’ve really come to appreciate as an adult. There was a culture of storytelling, and the stories were often dark—the way I write songs now is rooted in that tradition. The paranormal and the supernatural always seem to make their way in. It was a great place for an imagination to run wild. If I told my mother I was bored, she’d tell me, ‘Go outside and pretend something.’

    Kate Vargas

    After the success of her 2018 album For the Wolfish & Wandering, Vargas performed on NPR’s Mountain Stage, shared an official showcase at Nashville’s AmericanaFest, played the 30A Songwriters Festival, and had her songs appear on television shows Stumptown (ABC), Midnight, Texas (NBC) and Good Trouble (Freeform).

    Rumpumpo is sure to make a splash in the folk scene and continue to cement Vargas as one of the great rising names in the genre. It is now available to stream (see below) and order on CD/vinyl. Connect with Kate Vargas on her Instagram, Facebook and Twitter pages.

  • In Focus: Amy Helm and The Sea The Sea at Alive at 5

    On Wednesday, July 14th, Albany’s Alive at 5 concert series featured two acts native to upstate New York, indie folk-pop duo, The Sea The Sea, and Folk-rock, multi instrumentalist Amy Helm.

    amy helm alive at 5

    For the third week in a row, the concert was held at the Rain location under the 787 overpass. Despite the uncooperative weather, attendance was near capacity. Check out the setlists and photo gallery below.

    Alive at 5 returns this week, Wednesday, July 21, with Hartley’s Encore and YAM YAM.

    amy helm alive at 5

    Setlists from Alive at 5 with Amy Helm and The Sea The Sea

    The Sea The Sea: I’ll be loving you, Rainstorm, A thousand years, Broken, In the altogether, Back to the wild, Not the same as goodbye, The meaning of love, This is the way, Love we are we love, Let our Kites Fly, Nothing Brighter, The Art of Feeling, I’m so Lonesome, Stumbling Home, Everybody, Fall before the climb

    Amy Helm: This Too Shall Light, Heat Lightning, Breathing, Rescue Me, Roll The Stone, Carry It Alone, Calling Home, Cotton On The Cane, Running Out Of Love, Wait For The Rain, Terminal B, He Called Me Baby, Atlantic City, Didn’t It rain, Sweet Mama

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    • amy helm alive at 5

  • Newport, Time to Get Your Folk On!

    The lead-up to Newport Folk Fests in recent years have generally been shrouded in a bit of mystery. Surprises are the norm, leaving fans with clues to decipher and history-making to anticipate. This year, for all the obvious reasons, the mystery has been deeper, more secretive, and has been unraveling for well over a year. Starting with the most basic and obvious question that fans began to ponder starting as soon as the 2020 festival was cancelled.

    Will there be a Newport Folk Festival in 2021?

    Yes! But more technically, no. Amid the uncertainty of planning anything during a global pandemic, the producers decided they didn’t want whatever they put together in 2021 to be held up to the standard of expectations that the label “Newport Folk Festival” carries with it. This year, things would be different. So instead, they are holding two separate 3-day events titled, Folk On. Still held at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, the fun gets started this weekend, July 23-25 and continues with the second event in the weekdays immediately following on July 26-28. The events will be held somewhere around half-capacity so splitting in two allowed more fans to return to the Newport experience after the unscheduled year off.

    newport folk

    Who is playing?

    This is always the biggest question. In a normal year the lineup is released in a slow drip of announcements over months, with many surprises left unannounced. This year the festival left it up to each artist to self-announce. The amount of detail provided by each performer varied greatly. We still don’t know what day, what stage, what time, or with whom many of the sets are taking place. Add to that what will certainly include some special one-off sets of collaboration and likely tribute. What we do know is listed below.

    Friday, July 23
    Margo Price
    Marcus King Band
    Ida Mae
    Grace Potter
    Black Joe Lewis
    Lucy Dacus
    Shakey Graves
    Resistance Revival Chorus

    Saturday, July 24
    Jimbo Matthus & Andrew Bird
    Randy Newman
    Yasmin Williams
    Natalie Hemby
    Jason Isbell

    Sunday, July 25
    Billy Strings
    Devon Gilfillian plays “What’s Going On”
    Tre Burt
    Kevin Morby
    Caamp
    Tommy Prine
    Elijah Wolf

    Monday, July 26
    Billy Strings
    Aoife O’Donovan
    Sunny War
    Hiss Golden Messenger
    Fruit Bats
    Middle Brother
    Courtney Marie Andrews
    Erin Rae
    Ben Gibbard
    Andrew Von Kampen

    Tuesday, July 27
    Allison Russell
    Steve Gunn and William Tyler
    Bonny Light Horseman
    Langhorne Slim
    Vagabon
    Sharon Van Etten
    Beck

    Wednesday, July 28
    Deer Tick
    Watchhouse
    Julien Baker
    Katie Pruitt

    Artists with no confirmed performance date
    Joy Oladokun
    Lake Street Dive
    Celisse
    Dimmer Twins
    Early James
    Jonathan Russell
    S.G. Goodman
    Waxahatchee
    Yola
    Sierra Ferrell
    Emma Swift

    What else will be different?

    For starters, all the music produced by the above will take place on just two stages, down from the usual four. The small indoor Museum Stage will not be active this year, nor will the Harbor Stage, which will alleviate the traffic jam that usually occurs there. The main Fort Stage has been renamed the Lawn Stage and will be reconfigured with a new position and new tent, providing a more intimate atmosphere for the reduced capacity crowd. The Quad Stage inside the Fort will pushed back to allow more space to spread out on the grounds. Additionally a third stage will reside next to the Lawn Stage providing a space for open-mics in the morning and workshops and surprise pop-up performances sprinkled throughout the day.

    Surprise will be the name of the game even more than usual this year, the full mystery won’t be revealed until the events are in the rear view. Fortunately, NYSMusic will be there covering both events, so check back here for our full report.

    newport folk

    Will there be after parties?

    Officially, no, there are no festival-produced after parties. But after the Fort goes quiet for the evening, there will still be music to be had in the city of Newport. The Newport Playhouse will play host to a few shows during the Folk On events. Shows start at 8pm and will be held on an outdoor stage with food trucks and a bar.

    July 23
    Maggie Rose with Dylan Hartigan, Ali McGuirk

    July 24
    Old Jack’s Newport Nights: Will Dailey, Lonely Lisa and the Lost Cowboys, Charlie Marie, Oldjack, Mary-Elaine Jenkins, Senseless Optimism

    July 26
    What’s Up Newport RI Folk Showcase: Dan Blakeslee, Avi Jacob, Allysen Callery, John Fusek, Cardboard Ox, Beth Barron, Jodie Treloar Sampson, and Jen Long w/the Whale Guitar

  • Oswego Announces Summer Concert Series in Water Street Square

    City of Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow has announced the schedule for the 2021 Oswego Summer Concert Series at Water Street Square downtown pocket park and “Rockin the River” at Veteran’s Stage in West Linear Park.

    The free summer concerts are held on Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Veteran’s Stage and Friday night’s from 7:00-9:30 pm at Water Street Square on Water Street. “Rock The Docks” in Oswego is making a big return with some great bands lined up.

    Oswego Summer Concert Series
    Oswego Concert Series Flyers

    National recording Jazz artist Nancy Kelly will do a one-off Friday night concert on August 27th. Nancy was twice named “Best Female Jazz Vocalist” in the Downbeat Reader’s Poll. She has recorded 6 critically acclaimed CDs and is hailed as one of the premier jazz vocalists of our times.

    It was also announced that concertgoers are allowed to bring chairs and coolers to Veteran’s Park. At Water Street Square, during concerts, the open container ordinance will be lifted to allow patrons from nearby businesses to attend the concerts. For additional information, contact the City of Oswego Economic Development Office at (315) 343-3795.

    2021 Concerts Series at Water Street Square – 7:00-9:30 pm

    Friday, July 2nd – Mike Shiel

    Friday, July 9th – Mix Tapes Duo

    Friday, July 16th – Cam Caruso

    Friday, July 23rd – Double V

    Friday, July 30th – One Night Stand

    Friday, August 6th – Cool Kids

    Friday, August 13th – The Hepcats

    Friday, August 20th – Triple Threat

    2021 Oswego Summer Concert Series Schedule at Veteran’s Stage – 6:00-9:00pm

    Thursday, August 5th – Off the Reservation

    Thursday, August 12th – Ruby Shooz

    Thursday, August 19th – The Billionaires

    Thursday, August 26th – Music of the Stars

    *Friday, August 27th – Nancy Kelly

    Thursday, September 2nd – Prime Time Horns

    Thursday, September 9th – Nik & the Nice Guys

    Thursday, September 16th – Infinity