NYS Music 202​2

Author: Abigail Baughan

  • Guitarist Jeff Beck to Play at UPAC in October

    Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck will be playing at UPAC in Kingston on Oct. 13 at 7:30 P.M.

    Presented by the Bardavon, the guitarist returns to the region as part of his fall tour. Jeff Beck’s tour will begin at the end of Sept. in Austin, Texas, and end on Nov. 8 in Anaheim, California. The guitarist is fresh off a recent collaboration with actor Johnny Depp on their 13-track album, 18. 

    UPAC is located on Broadway in Kingston in the heart of the city. Originally known as The Broadway or Community Theatre, the venue hosts a variety of musical acts and is home to the Hudson Valley Philharmonic.

    Beck has long established himself as one of the most influential lead guitarists in the rock genre. Over the course of 50 years, he has played in multiple groups including The Yardbirds, and collaborated with talents such as Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, Jon Bon Jovi, Stanley Clarke, and Joss Stone.

    Beck is known for his aggressive style as a guitarist and his releases have spanned across genres. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has earned immense critical acclaim throughout his career. In 2011, Beck won Grammy awards for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for “Hammerhead” and Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Nessun Dorma”, off of his studio album, Emotion & Commotion.

    Tickets for the Jeff Beck concert in October at UPAC range from $85-$125 with members getting $5 off. For more information, visit the Bardavon website.

  • J Mascis’ Jigsaw Subscription Service Puzzle Heads Announces First Release

    J Mascis, of Dinosaur Jr., has announced the first puzzle from the newly launched Puzzle Heads, a jigsaw puzzle subscription service. J Mascis founded Puzzle Heads alongside graphic designer Aaron Draplin and 7S Management in January.

    Puzzle Head first puzzle with David Bowie album artwork.

    The puzzle subscription service will showcase classic rock ‘n’ roll images and album art. The first jigsaw puzzle will celebrate the 50th anniversary of David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars with its album cover as imagery. The inaugural release with the Bowie artwork will ship in December 2022, just in time for the holiday season.

    Many of us have always loved a good jigsaw puzzle and many of us became fans during the pandemic … I personally always had a puzzle on the table, and during the pandemic, I found myself searching for imagery that wasn’t available. I wanted puzzles to just show up at my doorstep so we decided to do it ourselves. All of us at Puzzle-Heads love puzzles and we love music. We happen to have day jobs in music and so we have the network to license some of the most iconic cover imagery and rock ‘n’ roll art out there. With J and Aaron helping to curate, we’ll make Puzzle Heads members come back for more. We hope all the Puzzle-Heads out there enjoy many hours of piecing our puzzles. Get It Together!

    – Brian Schwartz, Founding Partner at 7S Management. 

    Subscribers can receive a new jigsaw puzzle every other month. Upcoming puzzles will feature imagery from artists such as Dinosaur Jr., Joy Division, Bad Brains, Wilco, Sharon Van Etten & Angel Olsen, and more. Puzzle-Heads subscriptions are available now, including a 6-Puzzle subscription and a 3-Puzzle subscription. For every new subscription, the service will also donate a sensory necklace or sensory toy to benefit children with autism.

    For more information about Puzzle Heads, and to see future puzzle releases, visit the subscription service’s website.

  • Albany Latin Festival to Return For 25th Year

    The Albany Latin Festival will return to Washington Park in Albany on August 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with live music, dance, art, raffles, Latino craft and food vendors, and more.

    Albany Latin Festival Association logo with decorative writing and a sun.

    Ritmo Caliente will headline the Latin Festival music showcase with other performers in the lineup including Hip Hop Jibaro, Grupo Los Costeños, Bronte Roman with a Celia Cruz tribute, and R&B artist Mirage. The lineup includes a diverse set of Hispanic music genres for all to experience and enjoy.

    The Latino culture, specifically music, art and dance are beautiful. Some friends and I came up with the Albany LatinFest years ago to develop an event to share the culture, but more importantly an event that Latino families would be proud to experience. We knew from the beginning that this would not only be a celebration of art and culture, but also a statement of inclusion because the Latin Fest is for everyone.

    -Pedro Diaz, founder and President of the Albany Latin Festival Association

    The Albany Latin Festival Association aims to promote and develop Hispanic cultural events in the capital region. The Latin Festival is one way for the organization to honor the contributions of Hispanic performing artists and promote an appreciation for multi-cultural diversity. 

    Previous talents at the festival have included Bachata Heightz, Don Sonero, Tony Vega, Ray de la Paz, Jorge Blanco, Raulin Rosendo, Hector Tricoche, Alex Torres & his Latin Orchestra, Tito Rojas, Tony Swing, Anissa Gathers, Michael Stuart, Ismael Miranda, among many others.

    In the case of rain, the festival will be held near the Corning Preserve Boat Launch. For more information, and upcoming events, visit the Albany Latin Festival Association website.

  • Bethel Woods Center for the Arts: Keeping the Woodstock Dream Alive 53 Years Later

    Nestled in the heart of the Catskills, on the land where the iconic Woodstock music festival took place, stands the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Aug. 15, 1969, marks 53 years since the festival, and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts continues to preserve, develop, and discover more about the event every day.

    With 800 acres, a 16,000-seat amphitheater, Event Gallery, Conservatory, and museum, the cultural institution offers programming for all ages in the scenic area. As part of the National Register of Historic Places since 2017, the institution, and the award-winning Museum at Bethel Woods, work to keep the spirit of the legendary festival alive. 

    The Museum at Bethel Woods holds a permanent Woodstock exhibit showcasing 20 films, five interactive productions, 164 artifacts, over 300 photographic murals, and much more. The 6,728 square feet museum allows attendees to truly get a glimpse into the festival which changed the music scene forever and launched the careers of beloved artists. 

    Dr. Neal Hitch, the senior curator at the Museum at Bethel Woods, works diligently to bring more information about Woodstock to the public. Currently, the museum is two years into a five-year plan to collect as many oral histories as possible from those who attended the festival to put them into a searchable database. In 2023, the museum plans to hold pop-ups across cities such as New Mexico, Los Angeles, and Columbus, to hear from even more attendees.  

    I think that the story that wasn’t written very often is the story of why somebody came, what happened to them when they came and how that has affected their life since attending Woodstock. For many people, Woodstock was a defining moment, something that we still talk about 50 years later.

    -Dr. Neal Hitch on the Oral History Initiative

    To mark Woodstock’s 53rd anniversary, the museum is hosting events throughout the week, including a behind-the-scenes tour and a look into how the festival was planned, and how the site is now managed and preserved. The public-facing program allows for a unique look at the current research happening on-site.

    Hitch continues to learn more about the festival throughout his work, and every new fact keeps the spirit of the festival alive. Four young men spent nine months planning Woodstock which would become a message of peace and the staple for festivals after it. “If you go to Coachella or Bonnaroo, you’re really seeing the result of this dream that people had of seeing music in this artistic environment,” Hitch said.

    Visit the grounds of the Woodstock festival at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, and celebrate with some of the people who know it best. For more information about the cultural institution, programs, and events, visit the center’s website.

  • Chautauqua Institution President Michael E. Hill Releases Statement

    The president of Chautauqua Institution, Michael E. Hill, released a statement in light of the recent stabbing of author Salman Rushdie on Aug. 12. Rushdie was set to give a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution before he was attacked on stage. Read the full remarks from President Hill below.

    chautauqua institution
    Sean Smith/The Chautauquan Daily

    “By now you have likely heard we suffered a terrible tragedy at Chautauqua yesterday. What we experienced is unlike anything in our 150-year history. It was an act of violence, an act of hatred, and a violation of one of the things we have always cherished most: the safety and tranquility of our grounds and our ability to convene the most important conversations, even if those conversations are difficult.

    “Chautauqua is a community of people of all faiths and none. Our collective family is holding Salman Rushdie and Henry Reese, as well their families, close in prayer and close to our hearts. We have been in touch with their loved ones, and I was grateful to spend a very brief amount of time with Mr. Reese yesterday evening. 

    “But yesterday was also an attack on an ideal we cherish: that freedom of speech and freedom of expression are hallmarks to our society and to our democracy, they are the very underpinnings of who we are and what we believe, what we cherish most. 

    “We are called to take on fear and the worst of all human traits – hate.  And let’s be clear: what many of us witnessed was a violent expression of hate that shook us to our core. We saw it with our own eyes and in our faces. 

    “But we also saw something else that I don’t want us to forget. We saw some of the best of humanity in the response of all those who ran toward danger to halt it. 

    “I watched a member of our staff hurl themselves at the attacker.  

    “I saw Chautauquans rush the stage to help secure the perpetrator, making it possible for police to remove him. 

    “I saw Chautauquans who are doctors and nurses rush to provide selfless care while the ambulance arrived. 

    “I saw what our Chaplain of the week, Terri Hord Owens, called us to possess: a generous, radical love for each other and this community. 

    “So where do we go from here? How do we think about the days that follow? When hatred shows its ugliness… 

    “The response must be love, of course, but also action. We must return to our podiums and pulpits. We must continue to convene the critical conversations that can help build empathy; obviously, this is more important now than ever. 

    “There will be time in the days and weeks ahead to reflect on all we’ve experienced, and we have already been working on how to adapt to yesterday’s horror to ensure our conversations continue. We will soon share operational details about how we will proceed through the remainder of the 2022 Summer Assembly.

    “At this time, we are called to double down on our prayers for Mr. Rushdie and Mr. Reese and all those who love them. We are called to stand witness that this Chautauqua has but one choice: to ensure that the voices that have the power to change our world continue to have a home to be heard. That is ours to do. 

    “We can take the experience of hatred and reflect on what it means. Or we can come together even more strongly as a community that takes what happened yesterday and commits to not allowing that hatred to be any part of our own hearts.  

    “I know this community and I know that you will make a choice for hope and goodness.”

    Police identified the attacker as 24-year-old Hadi Matar who has been charged with attempted murder and assault. Rushie, 75, is currently in critical condition from the tragic attack. Henry Reese, who was to moderate the discussion, also suffered a minor injury to the head. To stay up to date with the stabbing news, visit the Chautauqua Institution’s website. 

  • Buffalo’s Timothy Alice & the Dead Star Band Release “Winning Number” Ahead of New Album

    Buffalo-based Timothy Alice & the Dead Star Band is back with another excellent music release. The band released “Winning Number,” on Aug. 12 as the first single off of their upcoming album, Used Cars.

    Formed in 2018, the band consists of longtime friends Timothy Patrick Henderson, Matt DiStasio (drums), and Bub Crumlish on bass. The trio released their debut album, SpaceStation AM500, in 2019, and is set to release their sophomore record, Used Cars, later this season.

    As a single, “Winning Number,” showcases the passion, talent, and promise of what is to come from the upcoming Timothy Alice & the Dead Star Band release. With Alice’s raspy vocals, guitar riffs, and settled drums, the classic rock single shines. 

    Alice’s lyricism intricately molds the story of a relationship through the eyes of a partner who wants more for both of them. The melody gets one singing along as Alice heads into the chorus, “I swear you’re gonna see what I mean, ‘cause I bought a winning number and they’re gonna call it out tonight.” Alice’s vocals and lyrics make it easy to imagine the vivid scene he paints as the instrumentation contributes to the longing feeling.

    Timothy Alice & the Dead Star Band recorded the single and upcoming album in the middle of a Buffalo snowstorm during the pandemic. The area has always impacted the group’s music, but Timothy Alice described this record as “distinctly Buffalo” with its tone, sound, and concept. 

    Timothy Alice & the Dead Star Band single cover art with a house and parked car.

    With catchy hooks, a unique combination of sound, and authentic lyricism, “Winning Number,” shines and Used Cars is sure to as well. Stay tuned for when the full album releases later this year for more and keep up to date with the Buffalo-based band on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Bandcamp. 

  • Summer Hoot Festival Returns for its 10th Year

    The 10th annual Summer Hoot Festival will return to Olivebridge, NY, from Aug. 26-28 for three days of music, food, nature, and community. The festival will feature nearly two dozen musical performances in a family-friendly environment.

    Folk-roots musicians Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar Merenda of The Mammals together produce and host the event. The duo started the Hoot Festival back in 2013 with friends and hold the event twice a year in the winter and summer to celebrate music and nature. 

    This year’s lineup features the talents of NY-based Naiika Sings, Catalan instrumentalist Lau Noah, Hudson Valley’s What?, dancers City Stompers, The Mammals, and many more. The Hoot has long attracted some amazing acts, including previous performances from Pete Seeger, David Bromberg, Natalie Merchant, Ani DiFranco, and Amy Helm, among others. 

    The Summer Hoot Festival promotes environmental sustainability alongside its intention to spread a love of music. The festival is completely powered by solar energy and uses reusable pint cups to reduce waste. Additionally, festival proceeds will benefit the year-round cultural and environmental education programs at the Ashokan Center.

    It’s not every day that people of all ages can safely explore nature and enjoy new music together, but here at the Hoot that’s just the beginning. This festival lets us share the joy and freedom I was privileged to experience in my own childhood at Ashokan, and keep the party going for generations to come.

    – Ruth Ungar Merenda, Hoot Event Producer and Director of Community Outreach for the Ashokan Center

    The Summer Hoot Festival musical acts will take place across two stages with speakers in between sets offering talks on nature, nutrition, fitness, and more. Guided hikes to the Ashokan Center’s Cathedral Gorge and historic Covered Bridge will also be made available. 

    Information about ticket prices, additional programming, camping, and more, can be found on the festival’s website. The Summer Hoot Festival will take place at the Ashokan Center, located at 477 Beaverkill Road in Olivebridge, New York.

  • Twiddle Announces Frendsgiving 2022

    Twiddle has announced that their annual Frendsgiving concerts will return to the Capitol Theatre on Nov. 25 and 26. The jam band’s Thanksgiving tradition continues into its fifth year, and this time will feature support from Dogs in a Pile on night one and Neighbor on night two.

    Crowd watches Twiddle Frendsgiving concert inside theatre.
    Photo Credit: Filip Zalewski

    Vermont-based Twiddle began the tradition in Port Chester at the Capitol Theatre in 2017. The band is comprised of Zdenek Gubb on bass and vocals, Ryan Dempsey on keyboards and vocals, Mihali Savoulidis on guitar and lead vocals, and Brook Jordan on percussion and vocals. Since then, the tradition has lasted bringing great sets from the jam band known for their jaw-dropping performances. The quartet is currently in the middle of a summer tour and the Thanksgiving show will bring them back to NY after other stops in Pennslyvania, Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, and Florida.

    Twiddle recently released their fifth studio album, Every Last Leaf on Aug. 12. The 15-track album explores the “cyclical nature of life” and includes elements of funk, jazz, rock, and more. Listeners should expect songs that tackle all the aspects and emotions of the human condition. 

    Tickets for the Frendsgiving concerts are on sale now. To purchase tickets, and for more information, visit the Twiddle website. 

  • The Lemonheads Announce Tour Dates With NY Stop at LPR

    Alternative rock band, The Lemonheads, have announced North American tour dates to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their acclaimed album, It’s a Shame About Ray. The tour’s lone stop in NY at the Le Poisson Rouge will occur on Dec. 15.

    The anniversary tour kicks off in Lititz, PA, in mid-November and includes stops in cities such as Cleveland, Omaha, Seattle, San Francisco, before ending in Boston, Massachusetts, in December. The Lemonheads will perform the entire album during the nights in concert, and multiple special guests will join them on specific nights on the road.

    The Lemonheads’ album It’s a Shame About Ray was released in 1992 and is the group’s fifth studio album. Produced by The Robb Brothers, the album was a breakthrough for the band and its reissue and addition of the band’s cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson” brought much attention.

    For the NY show at LPR in December, former band member Juliana Hatfield will return as support. Hatfield as the bassist and backing vocalist contributed to the band’s album, It’s a Shame About Ray, before starting her own band and solo career. Other guests expected on the tour include Rusty, The Nils, Bass Drum of Death, and On Being An Angel.

    Tickets are on sale Aug. 12 via Ticketmaster. Before their North American run, The Lemonheads will play shows across Ireland and the UK. For the full list of North American tour dates, see below.

    It’s a Shame About Ray Anniversary Tour Dates:

    11.17 Lititz, PA Mickey’s Black Box

    11.18 – Toronto, ON – Phoenix Theatre

    11.19 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop

    11.20 – Bloomington, IN – The Castle Theater

    11.21 – Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room

    11.23 – Billings, MT – Pub Station

    11.25 – Seattle, WA – Showbox 

    11.26 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall 

    11.28 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall 

    11.29 – Sacramento,- CA Harlow’s 

    12.1 – San Diego, CA – House Of Blues 

    12.2 – Santa Ana, CA – Observatory

    12.3 – Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues 

    12.4 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex 

    12.5 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theatre 

    12.7 – Kansas City, MO – Madrid Theatre

    12.9 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue 

    12.10 – Chicago, IL – Metro 

    12.11 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall 

    12.12 – Washington, D.C. – 9.30 Club 

    12.14 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer 

    12.15 – New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge 

    12.16 – New Jersey, NJ – White Eagle Hall

    12.17 – Boston, MA – Paradise 

    11.18 w/ Rusty, The Nils

     11.25 – 12.9 w/ Bass Drum Of Death

    11.25 – 12.17 w/ On Being An Angel

    12.9 – 12.17 w/ Juliana Hatfield

  • Brooklyn-based zannie Releases Hopeful ‘get that star’ Ahead of Debut Album

    Zannie Owens, a Brooklyn-based artist, has released their title track “get that star” ahead of their upcoming debut album, out Aug. 19 via Kill Rock Stars. Under the moniker, zannie, the artist has crafted a space-inspired single with a captivating music video to accompany it. 

    zannie crafted their new single based on the inspiration from the Voyager One Golden Record which Carl Sagan and Lynn Margulis sent into outer space in 1977. The Brooklyn singer-songwriter lyrically explores an alien who is trying to return home, and intertwines that story with a message of hope about human connection.

    With warm guitars, layered vocals, and whimsical instrumentation, “get that star” carries over hard-hitting but hopeful truths and lyrics of the human experience. zannie’s beginning vocals and dictation slowly draw you in before the melody takes off as the song builds. Despite being recorded in zannie’s bedroom, the video’s unique lighting effects, and focus on zannie, transform listeners into another space as they ponder over the song’s message.

    The single is just a glimpse at what may be to come off of zannie’s upcoming album, How Do I Get That Star. Written over the course of four years, zannie explores the unknown, the mystical, and more. During the process, they listened to artists such as Judee Still and Prince, and the album reflects some of those inspirations.

    If the single is any hint for what is to come on How Do I Get That Star, then listeners are in for some great new music to add to playlists on Aug. 19. To keep up with zannie as an artist, follow them on social media here. Listen to another single, “for a while,” off of the artist’s upcoming album, available below.