Tag: folk

The Great New York State Fair has a Stellar lineup of music in store for 2021

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:

Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots August 20th at 2p.m.

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.

LOCASH August 20th at 7p.m.

Hart-topping country duo LOCASH 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.

Nas August 20th at 8p.m.

Rap legend Nas will come to the Fair’s Chevy Park stage for an 8 p.m. show.

Ratt August 21, 2021 at 8p.m.

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.

98 Degrees August 21, 2021 at 8p.m.

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 August 22, 2021 at 8p.m.

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 August 23, 2021 at 7p.m.

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.”

Foreigner August 23, 2021 at 8p.m.

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 August 24, 2021 at 2p.m.

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 August 24, 2021 at 7p.m.

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 August 24, 2021 at 8p.m.

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 August 25, 2021 at 2p.m.

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.

Russell Dickerson August 25, 2021 at 7p.m.

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.

REO Speedwagon August 25, 2021 at 8p.m.

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.

Three Dog Night August 26, 2021 at 7p.m.

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

CNCO Friday, August 27, 2021 at 7p.m.

Great White and Vixen Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 7p.m.

The Oak Ridge Boys Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 2p.m.

Jamey Johnson Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 7p.m.

Halestorm Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 8p.m.

Sheena Easton Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 2p.m.

Blue Öyster Cult Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 7p.m.

Nelly Wednesday September 1, 2021 at 8p.m.

Starship featuring Mickey Thomas Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 7p.m.

Third Eye Blind Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 8p.m.

Uncle Kracker Friday, September 3, 2021 at 2p.m.

Blues Traveler Friday, September 3, 2021 at 7p.m.

AJR Friday, September 3, 2021 at 8p.m.

Cold War Kicks Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 2p.m.

The Mavericks en Español Sunday, September 5, 2021 at 2p.m.

Jesse McCartney Sunday, September 5, 2021 at 2p.m.

The Mavericks Sunday, September 5, 2021 at 7p.m.

Sheff G. & Sleepy Hollow Sunday, September 5, 2021 at 8p.m.

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Monday, September 6, 2021 at 6p.m.

Resurrection: A Journey Tribute Monday, September 6, 2021 at 7p.m.

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.

August 3, 2021
EVVAN Shares New Single, Personal Essay for Non-Binary Day

Alt-folk singer/songwriter EVVAN is marking this year’s International Non-Binary Day (July 14) with a personal essay about her journey to come out, as well as a live video for a previously unreleased song, “Falling Into You.”

The Long Island native is known for her distinctive voice, textured melodies and layered harmonies. She is inspired by the works of Fleetwood Mac, Foy Vance, and Brandi Carlile. She evokes a nostalgic spirit through her use of delicate guitars and ethereal vocal lines.

Released today, “Falling Into You” is the first song of her series written about the phases of a relationship.

This song is about falling completely into the person you’re pursuing and all that goes with that, the good, the bad, and everything in between. For me, part of what I perceived as ‘bad’ was my inability to understand who I was at that point.
EVVAN on “Falling Into You”

The second part of the series is “Falling Over You,” featured on EVVAN’s April 2021 EP, Home, which explores the experiences of dealing with unrequited love and the inability to let go of the feelings expressed in “Falling Into You.”

EVVAN’s Home EP reflects a period of personal awakening during which she used to revamp her writing style and artistic identity. The lyrics discuss themes of sexuality and gender, self-discovery and acceptance, and relationships both beginning and ending.

When I look at myself, I see someone lighter, someone who can act how she wants and dress how she wants, and not care about whatever pushback comes along with it. I finally found myself and instead of wearing countless masks, as I have in the past, I can just be simply me.
EVVAN

The heartfelt and airy sounds of “Falling Into You” is sure to strike an emotional chord, beautifully expressing the frustrations of finding oneself and moving forward. Although growing from misfortune is difficult, EVVAN’s signature folky-voice reassures listeners that good comes from change.

My journey coming out as non-binary was a long one and it was full of worry that I’d never live a life without judgment, mainly judgment of myself. Over a year after writing this song and coming out, we filmed a live performance and just watching it fills me with courage.
EVVAN on coming out

Read more about EVVAN’s journey through her self-reflective essay “Taking the Mask Off” here. A live performance of “Falling Into You” is available to watch on YouTube.

EVVAN has also announced her return to live performances with a show at the Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 3) on July 28. More information can be found here.

July 14, 2021
Judy Collins Debuts “Since You’ve Asked” Podcast

Folk singer Judy Collins has released her newest project, a podcast series called Since You’ve Asked, named after her 1977 single of the same title. The podcast’s first episode aired on July 8 with guest Julia Cameron.

Collins began her musical career in the early 1960s playing folk music in clubs around Colorado and Connecticut. She is known for covering crucial protest songs of ’60s, like Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” and being an multi-faced public activist. She made her way to Greenwich Village and released her first album A Maid of Constant Sorrow in 1961. Collins worked with iconic musicians throughout her career, including Stephen Stills, Randy Newman, and Joni Mitchell.

Collins was nominated for one Academy Award for co-directing the film Antonia: A Portrait of the Woman as well as six Grammy Awards for “Best Folk Performance.” She won one Grammy with “Both Sides Now” and has multiple Gold and Platinum Record certifications.

Collins is just as active in her career today, releasing over 15 live albums and EPs since 2000. With her podcast, Collins aims to use her honest and upfront personality alongside her personal experiences to host riveting conversations with public figures and fellow musical artists. She has most recently shared a discussion with best-selling author Julia Cameron, best known for her self-help book, The Artist’s Way.

In the episode, Collins and Cameron discuss the struggles and joys of sobriety, communicating with those that have passed on, Cameron’s relationship with director/actor Martin Scorcese, and “starter husbands.”

The podcast series is expected to continue into this fall. New episodes debut every two weeks and past episodes are available to stream on Simplecast.

Since You’ve Asked – Episode Schedule:

July 8: Julia Cameron

July 22: Jeff Daniels

August 5: Ben Harper

August 19: Pat Allerton

September 2: TBD

September 16: TBD

September 30th: TBD

October 14th: TBD

Collins performing her song “Since You’ve Asked”

July 14, 2021
Esquela Releases Fully Remote Produced New Album “A Sign From God”

Based in Bovina, NY, Esquela released their fifth studio album A Sign From God on June 25th. The album features 10 tracks, produced by Eric “Roscoe” Ambel, and was recorded entirely remotely throughout the COVID-19 pandemic which prevented members from getting together to record during the Spring and Summer of 2020.

Esquela, via bandsintown.com

Over the course of several months, Finn wrote all the songs on the record, except the final track, “Wait For Me” which utilized a poem by Konstantin Simonov and was arranged musically by Becca Frame and Brian Shafer. He then sent bits of songs to Roscoe, involving Keith Christopher on bass, Brian Shafer on guitar, Becca Frame on vocals and Matt Woodin on guitars and mandolin, and Mike Ricciardi on drums with the audio engineering accompaniment of Jeff Stachyra. Their individual parts were woven together by their brilliant engineer, spinning a 70’s style overdub in a completely remote 2020 world.

Once the reality of COVID 19 hit us, nobody knew what was going to happen and for how long our normal routines would be disrupted. Since I was homebound for the duration – I decided that I should get my home recording studio up and running again. After weeks of technical frustration– I was finally able to get my home setup cobbled together with a Universal Audio Apollo interface and my MacBook, using Protools recording software.
Bandleader John “Chico” Finn

Amidst a race war and global pandemic, the album captures the cultural conversation surrounding the time, including addressing sensitive topics that unfolded during the year like racism, sexual assault and climate change. The first track on the album, which premiered ahead of the others, addresses climate change and humanity’s impact on Earth. “Not In My Backyard” was inspired by a conversation that transpired between Finn and a friend about fracking in West Virginia. Between the rhythmic guitar riffs and pulsing drum beat, a larger message lies at the core of the song.

The bottom line is that energy is cheap right now…in order for the climate to improve will mean people will have to pay more for their energy source, and I am afraid it won’t happen anytime soon, sad to say.
John “Chico” Finn

Premiering as Esquela’s first album since 2017, the band chose to tackle pressing issues about the world, spreading a message while telling a narrative throughout each song. The last song, “Wait For Me,” has a more stripped sonic atmosphere with soft acoustic guitar and less processed vocals. The song tells the story of Konstantin Simonov and a poem he wrote as a homesick Russian soldier during World War II. Esquela uses the poem as a vessel to acknowledge racism in the deep South, much like the French village of Oradour Sur Glane destroyed by Nazis within the poem.

With Esquela, challenge brings creativity. The album is a true testament that challenge breeds creativity amidst the pandemic. Even prevented from taking a band photo all together for the cover art, they crafted a creative solution to replicate images of them in a fun illustration pictured below. While COVID-19 forced the members to send over the tracks individually, the cohesiveness of these tracks expands beyond Roscoe’s phenomenal work as a producer. These songs tell a narrative about what we need to change as a society in 2020 (and now, its roots have spread into 2021).

The album is now available on Bandcamp or Spotify, with a music video for “Not In My Backyard” on Youtube.

July 7, 2021
Happy Birthday, Carly Simon!

Prolific singer-songwriter Carly Simon celebrates a very happy 76th birthday today, June 25. The quintessential 70s songwriter now lives in Martha’s Vineyard, but has many ties to the state of New York throughout her career.

Born in the Bronx in 1943, Simon was raised surrounded by music. Her father, Richard, was the founder of publishing company Simon & Schuster and an avid classical pianist. Her mother, Andrea, was a singer and civil rights activist.

Music and arts talent definitely runs through the Simon family. Carly Simon has two sisters and a brother. Both sisters, Joanna and Lucy, spent time in the music industry. Joanna had a brief stint as an opera singer in the New York City Opera, while Lucy had her own folk-rock career and became a Tony Award-winning Broadway score writer. Her brother, Peter, is a photojournalist.

Simon entered the music scene in the mid-1960s as a duo act with her older sister Lucy Simon. The pair released three albums, including popular songs “It Rains in My Heart” and “Wynkin’, Blynkin’, and Nod,” and toured until Lucy took a break from the music scene in 1967.

“Older Sister,” a song released in her 1974 album Hotcakes, is about Lucy and their sibling relationship.

The Simon Sisters Credit: Peter Simon

Simon’s self-titled debut album was shared in 1971 and found immediate success. From Carly Simon, she won her first Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” and a Top-10 Single from the song “That’s the Way I Always Heard it Should Be.”

Even Art Garfunkel and George Harrison showed up so support Carly Simon!

Simon married folk-rocker James Taylor in 1972, shortly after her solo career began. The pair moved into a New York City apartment on the Upper West Side and had two children.

Taylor and Simon often performed duets during their marriage and released multiple tracks together. “Devoted to You” and “Mockingbird” were two popular duets of theirs on Simon’s albums Boys in the Trees and Hotcakes, respectively. The pair got divorced in 1981.

Carly and James singing “You Can Close Your Eyes”

Simon reached peak success in 1973 with her breakthrough album No Secrets. Standout single “You’re so Vain” is on this release, which propelled Simon into the #1 spot on American, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand charts. “You’re so Vain” is #92 on Billboard’s “Greatest Songs of All Time” and even includes lyrics connected to her New York roots, mentioning upstate staple Saratoga Race Course.

Well I hear you went up to Saratoga… And your horse naturally won
“You’re so Vain” – Carly Simon

“No Secrets” Album Advertisement

With all of its popularity, “You’re so Vain” had peak media interest. The public buzzed with rumors about who the exposÃ©-like song was about. Simon revealed one inspiration for the hit was actor and notorious womanizer Warren Beatty, but won’t tell who the others are. To Simon, her songs are all too true to life to share all the details – so much for No Secrets!

I wanted to be discreet to a certain level…I ended up not being terribly discreet.
Carly Simon on USA Today

Besides being a 70’s pop-folk icon, Simon is responsible for many television and film scores, including 2003’s Piglet’s Big Movie, 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, as well as Working Girl in 1988, which she won a Grammy, Golden Globe, and an Oscar Award for.

Singer-songwriter Carly Simon photographed in June 1971. Credit: Jack Mitchell/Getty Images

Simon’s voice has matured beautifully over the decades, always having a soulful and deep register, but now holding a jazzy, raspier tone. Her most recent album, 2015’s Songs from the Trees, is a “musical memoir” of sorts. The album shares remasters of fifteen songs, including “You’re so Vain,” “Boys in the Trees” and “Mockingbird.”

More recently, Simon shared on Billboard Magazine that she is preparing to release a remastered version of her iconic 1995 concert at Grand Central Station. She also had a digital performance at the Rock ‘n’ Relief Concert, supporting Coronavirus pandemic recovery this past March.

Happy birthday and here’s to another fruitful year of music, Carly Simon! “Nobody Does It Better” than you.

June 25, 2021
Beak & Skiff Orchard to Host Summer Concerts in CNY

Starting in June, DSP Shows will be at Beak & Skiff in Lafayette, blessing CNY with tons of live music. Groups such as Lake Street Dive, Indigo Girls, 10,000 Maniacs, and Fitz & The Tantrums will be featured, among others. “Pod” tickets for safely-distanced performances are on sale now here.

Beak & Skiff is a family-owned-and-operated orchard with over 350,000 apple trees located among the rolling hills and valleys of Lafayette, NY. Now in its fifth generation of business, Beak & Skiff upholds the traditions of the previous generations, while continuing to innovate and expand the company’s portfolio of both fresh and alcoholic beverages. Their Apple Hill Campus, established in 1975, is now home to the 1911 Established Tasting Room and Tavern, in addition to the Beak & Skiff General Store, Bakery, CafÃ© and Pick Your Own area.

Lake Street Dive

Fri. June 4, Sat. June 5, Sun. June 6, 2021:

3:30pm Beak & Skiff Campus Opens // 5pm Concert Grounds Open // 8pm Showtime

Lake Street Dive successfully blends contemporary skills with retro sounds through their wonderful taste in pop, rock, and R&B.

10,000 Maniacs ft. Mary Ramsey

Fri. June 11, 2021

3:30pm Beak & Skiff Campus Opens // 5pm Concert Grounds Open // 7pm Showtime

10,000 Maniacs is an especially adored group that has helped create the alternative rock genre over the last forty years. This performance will be their first since February 2020.

Rising Appalachia

Sat. June 12, 2021

3:30pm Beak & Skiff Campus Opens // 5pm Concert Grounds Open // 7pm Showtime

Rising Appalachia’s southern roots combined with their global influences create a genius folk sound that is displayed on their album, Leylines. Their passionate fans have led them to appear in many major festivals across the country.

Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers

Wed. June 16, 2021

3:30pm Beak & Skiff Campus Opens // 5pm Concert Grounds Open // 7pm Showtime

Bruce Hornsby is the lead pianist as well as the singer-songwriter of the group. He has reimagined American roots through his jazz music.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

Fri. June 18, Sat. June 19, 2021

3:30pm Beak & Skiff Campus Opens // 5pm Concert Grounds Open // 7pm Showtime

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong is a psych-funk group from Baltimore. They are best known for their festival, Domefest, and they recently earned their first arena headlining performance.

Indigo Girls (and special guest Lucy Wainwright Roche)

Fri. June 25, Sat. June 26, 2021

3:30pm Beak & Skiff Campus Opens // 5pm Concert Grounds Open // 7pm Showtime

Indigo Girls, the duo of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, have an unmatched chemistry that make them a crowd favorite. They are masters in folk-tinged pop duets.

Fitz & The Tantrums

Fri. July 9, 2021

3:30pm Beak & Skiff Campus Opens // 5pm Concert Grounds Open // 7pm Showtime

Fitz & The Tantrums are known for their infectious high energy levels that come to life on the stage. They are LA-based and have a single, “Handclap” that has been certified 2x platinum.

The Wood Brothers (with special guest Valerie June)

Fri. August 13, 2021

5pm Concert Grounds Open // 7pm Showtime

Hailing from Nashville, The Wood Brothers consists of Chris and Oliver Wood as well as multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix. They have been deemed masters of soulful, American folk.

Old Crow Medicine Show

Wed. August 25, 2021

5pm Concert Grounds Open // 7pm Showtime

Old Crow Medicine Show is an Americana string band that makes folk, old-time, and alternative country music. Their album Remedy won them the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album in 2015.

June 5, 2021