NYS Music 202​2

Author: Abigail Baughan

  • Danger! Ken Releases Second Solo Album

    On Friday, July 22, Dan Gerken, known as Danger! Ken as a solo act, released his sophomore album, I’ll Do It Myself.

    The 8-track album is available now to stream and share on Bandcamp, before eventually going live in a few weeks on Danger! Ken’s music website. Hailing from Averill Park, the NY-based artist is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer. I’ll Do It Myself is full of original music and Danger! Ken played every single instrument on the record – an impressive feat considering the range of instrumentation on the project.

    The album begins with a synthesized dreamlike track, appropriately titled, “Intro,” that builds with percussion and backing vocals relying mostly on all instrumentation. Similar to the artist’s first track on his freshman album, Up is Down, this intro track allows listeners to get lost and focus on just the beats of the music. “Reach Out,” the second track on the album, begins with stretched-out vocals from Danger! Ken with interesting guitar riffs and drums underlying the lyrics. An electric guitar solo in the middle brings more energy to the song adding to its character.

    Other songs such as “Secrets of Your Life,” and “Are You Comin’ With?” would be great additions to any radio song list with catchy beats. The latter is more lyric-heavy than some of the album tracks, with Danger! Ken singing, “All the days / gleaming sun upon my face / tell me it doesn’t have to end” to begin.

    I’ll Do It Myself is a great representation of Danger! Ken’s talent and creativity as a solo artist. With the diversity in the instrumentation and elements of multiple genres, there is sure to be a favorite track for any listener on the album. Catch Danger! Ken at upcoming shows this summer, including at Ships Pub on August 19 and Slidin’ Dirty in Troy on September 3. 

    Take a listen to the full album on Bandcamp and more of Danger! Ken’s music is available to explore below. 

  • Brooklyn-based Artist Hannah Sumner Releases First Video in Monthly Plus One Series

    On July 26, Brooklyn-based alternative artist, producer, and performer, Hannah Sumner premiered the first video from her new monthly series, titled Plus One.

    hannah sumner plus one

    The series includes live in-studio duets with different instruments highlighted in each. The first video, “Moments,” features bassist Adam Neely. Neely contributes great sound which intertwines wonderfully with Sumner’s beautiful voice. The video, carefully shot by Studio 42 Productions, is simplistic in nature. Just featuring the two artists, a microphone, and bass with dim lighting, the video allows all the focus to be on the music and the talent behind it.

    Every month, Hannah Sumner will release more Plus One videos featuring various artists and instrumentation. Listeners can expect to hear harp from Jacqueline Kerrod, guitar from Shubh Saran, drums from Josh Bailey, cello from Justin Abrams, and piano from Christian Li alongside Sumner’s vocals.

    Earlier this past year, Sumner received a grant and residency from Nancy Manocherian’s The Cell Theatre. The Cell Theatre, founded in 2006, is a not-for-profit in Chelsea that helps artists from all career stages with creative works. The Plus One video series was born out of this experience and will be pressed to vinyl and available digitally. The Cell and Martin Finkle produced the series and Studio 42 recorded the shots.

    hannah sumner plus one

    Sumner has previously released works such as the single “Only You,” and two EPs: To The Almost and Guesthouse. The singer and songwriter has made quite the name for herself in the New York community, with performances at Barclays Center and National Sawdust.

    Fans of the “Moments” video with Adam Neely can expect more video releases in the next coming month with some amazing talent. Stay tuned for the release of the next Plus One video, and take a listen to the first one, available below.

  • Mannheim Steamroller Comes to Utica’s Stanley Theatre This December

    New-age music group Mannheim Steamroller will return to the Stanley Theatre in Utica for a great holiday tradition in December.

    The group, founded by Chip Davis, will celebrate more than 35 years of its annual Christmas concert tour. Audiences can expect Mannheim Steamroller to play their popular renditions of classic hits to ring in the holiday season. The show at the Stanley Theatre will begin at 7 p.m. on December 7. 

    With multimedia effects, live music, and joyous songs, the concert is sure to put all listeners in the perfect mood to lead up to the holiday season. The Grammy award-winning group is a favorite holiday tradition for many and released its first Christmas album in 1984.

    Mannheim Steamroller in concert with special effects.

    I remember when I came out with my first Christmas album in 1984 followed by our first tour. Back then, many in the music industry said focusing on Christmas just wouldn’t work. Now, over 35 years later, we are still going strong. I want to thank our fans for making us part of their holiday tradition, especially after the hardships of the last few years. Today we often see multi-generational families join us during the holidays each year. 

    -Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Steamroller

    Mannheim Steamroller’s holiday tour begins on November 15 and ends on December 30. The group will also stop in Syracuse and Poughkeepsie on December 8 and 14, respectively. Tickets for the upcoming holiday show at the Stanley Theatre are available now via Ticketmaster.

  • The National Jazz Museum in Harlem Announces August Events

    Throughout the month of August, The National Jazz Museum in Harlem will offer five unique programs to celebrate the Afro-Latin roots of jazz music. From August 6 to August 30, attendees can listen, learn, and celebrate the long-lasting traditions of the genre.

    The National Jazz Museum in Harlem aims to “preserve, promote, and present jazz by inspiring knowledge, appreciation and the celebration of jazz” in all areas. With exhibits, educational programs, panels, concerts, and more the center continues its commitment to the genre. With Artistic Directors Jon Batiste and Christian McBride, the museum offers inspiring experiences.

    Starting on August 6 at 1 p.m., Jaambo will lead a city-wide dance party on the steps of the National Arts Club. Co-founded by percussionist Baba Don Eaton, Jaambo’s sound and groove will get you moving.  Baba Don Eaton currently also teaches African drumming and has previously recorded with jazz artists such as Donald Brown, Joe Henderson, and Jason Linder.

    Two bands will lead the programming on August 11: brass band Funky Dawgs and the Afro-Latin Jazz ensemble Uptown Royalty NYC. This energetic concert at the Harlem State Office Building will begin at 6 p.m. for a great night of dance music. 

    More August events include Colombian pro music from Martin Vejarano on August 25 at 2 p.m. followed by solo pianist Ahmed Alom at 7 p.m. Alom’s concert will explore early African-American ragtime and the Cuban danzon among other musical forms.

    The programmings and celebration of Afro-Latin Jazz will end on August 30 with a panel discussion led by Zack O’Farrill at 7 p.m. The event will include the insight and inspiration of young artists in the Afro-Latin genre and how they are honoring and expanding its music traditions.

    For more information about the August programs and exhibits, visit the museum’s website.

  • On this day in 1966, the Philadelphia Orchestra Begin Annual SPAC Residency

    On August 4, 1966, the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra took up residence at Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center (SPAC) for the very first time with Maestro Eugene Ormandy conducting. The maestro helped shape SPAC into the perfect venue for such a performance and brought the orchestra much acclaim throughout his 44 years as conductor.

    56 years later, the orchestra still continues to offer audiences classical entertainment with its programming and performances.

    Philadelphia Orchestra
    Adrian Siegel, courtesy of Adrian Siegel Collection/Philadelphia Orchestra Archives

    On the first Saturday of August, on a clear night, an estimated 5,100 attendees gathered inside the newly opened SPAC for the first show with another estimated 2,000 on the center’s lawns. The performance marked a first for the venue. The New York City Ballet’s July performances that year went beautifully, but how would the SPAC amphitheater sound hold with an entire symphony inside?

    According to the New York Times, which reported on the show at the time, the performance and acoustics held well and the enthusiastic crowd agreed. Maestro Eugene Ormandy chose an all-Beethoven program: the Ninth and Eighth Symphony and the “Consecration of the House” Overture in C Major. The Overture, featuring a march and much fanfare, made the perfect celebratory music for an opening night. Despite the distant sound interference of a freight train interrupting during the Eighth Symphony, the rest of the concert seemed to be a great success.

    The concert in no way would have been such a success without the preparation and intensity of its maestro. Eugene Ormandy and his Orchestra were careful, precise, and presented a wonderful concert to their audience. From the start, Ormandy predicted the venue would be “one of the great summer festivals of all time.” However, according to Times Union, before opening night, Ormandy made it clear that some things about the SPAC venue had to be changed.

    The waterfall behind the venue interrupted the music, and a dam was promptly built to rectify the situation. This solution did not last long, and groundsmen had to catch every last frog that resided in the resulting pond so Ormandy, and his audiences, did not hear any incessant croaking during the performance.

    Philadelphia Orchestra
    Adrian Siegel, courtesy of Adrian Siegel Collection/Philadelphia Orchestra Archives

    According to SPAC, the amphitheater was specifically built with the Philadelphia Orchestra in mind. In addition to his work as maestro, Eugene Ormandy played a huge role in ensuring that the venue would be the perfect summer home for such a major orchestra, known as one of the “Big Five.”

    Although founded in 1900, the Philadelphia Orchestra would grow immensely in reach under Ormandy. One of the first orchestras to record music, many of the most popular recordings of the organization were under the conduction of Ormandy. 7 years after the first show at SPAC, the orchestra would travel to the People’s Republic of China, one of the first tours to the region from a Western orchestra in decades. 

    Ormandy expanded the reach of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the prominence of Saratoga Performing Arts Center during his long career. The Philadelphia Orchestra has returned to the venue consistently since that first summer evening show in August of 1966. 56 years later, the people of Saratoga Springs and visitors can enjoy the talents of the Philadelphia Orchestra, which will hold multiple performances at SPAC this August.

    The orchestra will play a mix of traditional classical music and more contemporary takes. Beginning on August 10, the current Music Director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, will return for four programs. Highlights include the return of world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Joshua Bell, among the performances. For tickets to upcoming concerts, visit the SPAC website for more information.

  • The 29th Annual Chenango Blues Fest Returns on August 19

    The annual Chenango Blues Festival will return for its 29th year on August 19 and August 20. The festival features Blues Hall of Fame inductee and multiple Grammy-winning guitarist Jimmie Vaughan, who returns after last year’s cancellation.

    The Chenango Blues Festival is a family-friendly event open to all at the County Fairgrounds in Norwich. The Friday performances will kick off with the Rock N’ Roll band the Hi-Jivers from 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm. Canadian singer Angel Forrest takes the stage next, with an impressive career spanning over three decades. To close out the first day of the festival, blues rocker Popa Chubby will perform. The parking gate opens at 4 pm and the festival gate at 5 pm with music starting at 5:30 pm. 

    On Saturday, at the Infield Stage, festival gates open at 11:00 am with Massachusetts-based Misty Blues playing at 11:30 am. Duo Annika Chambers band will be performing next bringing blues fused with influences of gospel music.  Altered Five will follow from 2:45 pm to 4:00 pm and then fest favorite Nick Moss returns from 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm. To close out Saturday’s Infield Stage performances, Jimmie Vaughan will perform an exciting set of songs from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

    The Chenango Blues Festival’s Tier Pet Tent Stage also includes even more performances on Saturday.  The first act, Corey Harris and Cajun fiddler Cedric Watson, will open the stage from 1:45 pm to 2: 45 pm.  Americana and blues band EG Kight Trio will play next followed by Los Angeles-based Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps.  The tent stage, and the entire festival, will be closed out in style by the returning Grammy-nominated band Southern Avenue, who average 150 shows in a typical year. 

    Attendees of the festival can enjoy food from different vendors, and on-site camping in addition to the great live music. The Chenango Blues Association also presents a series of free shows in East Park every Thursday in July and August and will feature the Mike Zito Big Band on August 18.  This show is the unofficial kickoff to Blues Fest weekend.  Attendees of the Blues Fest can spend the day exploring the area before heading to the fairgrounds for the concert and the official start on August 19.

     For further information on tickets, camping, vendors, and artists you can visit the Chenango Blues Festival website at here.

  • Irish Arts Center Announces Fall Programming

    On July 28, tickets for the upcoming fall programs at the renowned Irish Arts Center in NYC went on sale to the general public. The Irish Arts Center will offer multiple entertainment opportunities, including theater, dance, live music, and more.

    irish arts center

    Irish band PIllow Queens will stay in residence at the center from September 13 to 18. The indie rock band hails from Dublin, formed in 2016, and recently released a new album, Leave the Light On, available to listen to below. 

    The Irish Arts Center will also host the Irish Traditional Music Archive in October of 2022. The event exhibits New York-related Irish traditional music from the late 1800s to the late 1900s. Attendees can take in rare recordings, stories, and photographs that showcase the city’s rich Irish musical history.

    Ragas to Reels combines Indian classical and Irish traditional music for a riveting performance reflecting identity and connectivity from November 17 to 19. The performance also includes composer Linda Buckley, flute, whistle and sax player Sam Comerford, vocalist Ganavya, tabla player Nitin Mitta, and poet Sahar Romani.

    On November 20, the Irish Arts Center will host the closing performance of the New York Trad Fest with fiddler and Irish traditional musician Tony DeMarco. The festival showcases traditional dance, music, and song in NY. 

    The Irish Arts Center holds a long history in the city, dating back to its founding in 1972. The center serves as a home for artists and audiences who hold an appreciation for the Irish culture and holds programming throughout the year for people to enjoy.

    Just recently, the center finished on a brand new $60 million-dollar building to continue to bring the best education and entertainment. Singer-songwriter Declan O’Rourke commemorated the 100th performance in the new center with a stay from July 15 to July 17.

    For a full list of upcoming fall programs and tickets, including literature, theater, dance, music, education, and more, visit the Irish Arts Center website. 

  • Beyonce Drops 7th Album ‘Renaissance’

    On Friday, July 29, Beyoncé dropped her seventh studio album, Renaissance, to the delight of her fans worldwide. The album is the first act of a trilogy project from the singer, who dedicated the record to her family, via Instagram.

    Beyonce album cover
    Renaissance Album Cover

    Renaissance, just as Beyoncé penned to fans, is surely an album of empowerment, exploration, and creativity full of hype songs to let loose to. The famous performer and mother wrote the album during the COVID-19 pandemic in the hope it would provide a safe space “to scream, release, [and] feel freedom.” With the 16 songs coming in at just over an hour, the new album does just that.

    The first track, “I’m That Girl,” opens a hint at the album, providing listeners with multiple overlays, repetitive chants, and Beyoncé’s familiar vocals and empowering lyrics. “Cozy,” brings an entirely sultry new beat, where Beyoncé passionately sings, “comfortable in my skin / cozy with who I am.”  Much of the album celebrates self-love and incorporates and honors so many different styles of dance music.

    The popstar unapologetically explores multiple genres on her album – the first full release since her critically acclaimed Lemonade release – with inspiration from hip-hop, trap, techno, rap, and much more. “Break My Soul,” the first single released off the new album dropped in June and gives listeners a taste of her house music style with a sample of Robin S’s “Show Me Love” hit.

    In addition to different samples from various artists, the album also features a great line-up. Fans can listen in for the collaborations of Grace Jones, Beam, and Tems. Beyoncé plays with her sound, lyrics, and creative inclusions, making the album the perfect release for the rest of the summer. It would not be surprising to see snippets of the album start trending across social media platforms. 

    The record is varied, offering the best beats to energize and dance in front of the mirror no matter who is watching. With a vocal range and energetic sound which fans have come to hope for from the star, Beyoncé continues to assert her domination in the industry with this newest release. 

    Key tracks: Break My Soul, Virgo’s Groove, I’m That Girl

  • Mindy Davey and Her Inspirational Story Behind Single “Destiny”

    Buffalo-based recording artist Mindy Davey released her newest pop and hip-hop single, “Destiny,” earlier this summer which grew out of her story of addiction and eventual recovery. The artist and full-time mom hopes her music inspires people to find purpose and brings about more awareness.

    Davey began playing music before the age of 10. Her love of the craft helped her through some of the toughest times, including her four-year battle with opiates and arrest for possession in 2012. The singer-songwriter found out she was pregnant with her daughter while in rehabilitation. This experience pushed her forward, led her back to music, and she now dedicates her time to helping others. In a few short months, Davey will celebrate 10 years of sobriety.

    Mindy Davey and her daughter, who saved her life. Photo Courtesy of Mindy Davey

    Davey began writing the energizing and inspirational track “Destiny” with producer and vocal coach Mama Jan. The duo worked on the piece with weekly video calls until the track was ready to be recorded and finalized in Atlanta, Georgia, at Jan Smith Studios. Jesse Owen Astin also contributed to production on the track.

    Davey in 2012 after her arrest. Photo Courtesy of Mindy Davey

    Davey graciously took the time to answer some questions about her music and her story, via email. Here are some of her thoughts.

    Abigail Baughan: What advice do you give to those maybe going through tough times or struggling with addiction? 

    Mindy Davey: Honestly, the biggest thing for me was getting rid of anyone or anything that triggered me to use or brought me down in any way. When we’re going through tough times the last thing we want is toxic people or an environment to make things even worse. So finding that positive outlet, surrounding yourself with good people, and a good environment that will inspire, keep you grounded and bring you up is key to happiness and change within your life. 

    AB: How has music contributed to your healing process and the way you view the world?

    MD: It was everything to my healing process. If I had any urge to use at all I’d pick my guitar up and write about it. I’d just sing and use music to really take away those urges. So music is truly everything to me and I firmly believe music can heal the world.

    AB: What do you hope audiences take away from listening to the track?

    MD: I really hope people feel happy and inspired in some way. I wrote it about everything that’s happened along the way from my addiction, recovery, my daughter, and just who I am as a person. I hope when people listen to it, it helps them find their own destiny and understand their own path and journey to what they’re meant to be.

    Davey in the recording studio. Photo Courtesy of Mindy Davey

    To listen to more of Mindy Davey’s music, and keep up with her story, follow her on Facebook and Instagram. She is currently working on her upcoming album, Destiny, out later this year, and planning a show at Lost Music Studios in Jamestown for September 17. Audiences can expect a performance of new music, covers, and celebration.

  • Charlie Burg Releases “Ohh! Sumthin’ New” Ahead of Debut Album

    On Friday, July 29, indie and alternative R&B artist Charlie Burg released his newest single, “Ohh! Sumthin’ New” from his upcoming debut album, Infinitely Tall, out on August 19.

    Photo credit: Dannah Gottlieb

    The artist was born in Detroit, Michigan but previously studied at Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music, and is now based out of Brooklyn. His upcoming album, Infinitely Tall, takes place across three spaces: Burg’s childhood home in Detroit, his beloved college house in Syracuse, and finally his experiences in NYC. 

    In the single, “Ohh! Sumthin’ New,” Burg explores the story of a character yearning for fresh and authentic experiences. With upbeat instrumentation and lyrics which critically examine the world around him, the track entices while simultaneously offering deeper meaning.

    Of the track, Burg shares that it “celebrates and laments the rootlessness of youth … the world of social media makes the protagonist feel like a poser and a fraud, mostly because of how much they subscribe to and partake in its evils. The protagonist desperately wants a change of pace, which is ironic in the face of their desire for solid ground to stand on.”

    Painting: Charlie Burg / Editing: Corinne Ferman

    With soft vocals and acoustic guitar suddenly transformed by the sounds of electric guitar,”Ohh! Sumthin’ New” takes listeners through a whirlwind. Burg incorporates unexpected backing vocals, sounds, and lyrics to keep you guessing and embodies the phrase “a change of pace.”

    Burg’s previous releases, including “Channel Orange in Your Living Room” and “I Don’t Wanna Be Okay Without You,” garnered him much attention, but his upcoming release marks a new shift in sound and ambition for the artist. The young 25-year-old expands on his previous works and leaves nothing behind in this new record.

    Burg will hit the road this fall across the EU, UK, and North America in support of the upcoming release from September through November. Get tickets now via charlieburg.world. To see the complete list of U.S. tour dates, see below.

    Charlie Burg Fall Tour 2022 (U.S. Leg)

    Oct. 12 – Washington DC – Union Stage

    Oct. 14 – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry

    Oct. 15 – Syracuse, NY – Westcott Theater

    Oct. 18 – Nashville, TN – The Basement East

    Oct. 19 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade

    Oct. 21 – Dallas, TX – Club Dada

    Oct. 22 – Austin, TX – Empire Control Room & Garage

    Oct. 25 – Phoenix, AZ – Rebel Garage

    Oct. 26 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey

    Oct. 28 – Oakland, CA – The New Parish

    Nov. 1 – Portland, OR – Holocene

    Nov. 2 – Seattle, WA – Barboza

    Nov. 4 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court

    Nov. 5 – Denver, CO – Globe Hall

    Nov. 8 – Lawrence, KS – Bottleneck

    Nov. 10 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry

    Nov. 11 – Des Moines, IA – xBK Live

    Nov. 12 – Chicago, IL – Chop Shop

    Nov. 13 – Detroit, MI – El Club

    Nov. 15 – Toronto, ON – Velvet Lounge

    Nov. 17- New York, NY – Irving Plaza

    Nov. 21 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club

    https://youtu.be/Jl3tR4djMk4