NYS Music 202​2

Author: Abigail Baughan

  • Festival of Possibilities to Begin on July 16 in NYC

    On July 16 and 17, The Foundation for New American Art will present the Festival of Possibilities to the Lower East Side at The Clemente Solo Velez Cultural & Education Center.

    Over the course of the two-day event, audiences can experience performances from artists all over the world, including from Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The festival is family-friendly and free for all to attend. On Saturday, July 16, the event will run from 7 pm to 10 pm and Saturday programming will run from 11 am to 5 pm.

    The first day of the festival includes Tamir Hargana, a Mongolian Throat Singer, Columbian vocalist Maria Raquel, and Salieu Suso, an “edu-tainer” from Africa. After each of the performances, Phoebe Legere, the President of the Foundation for New American Art, will interview the artists in Spanish and English as well as act as Master of Ceremonies during the entirety of the event.

    On Sunday, the festival continues with a full day of programming. There will be fun and educational activities and workshops for all. Some of the programs include Mongolian singing, Cumbia Villera, art workshops, drumming, Zen tango, puppets, dancing, and more. The finale of the event will see a performance from a pan-Latin Dance Orchestra.

    Foundation for New American Art in NYC is using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.

    -NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers

    The Foundation for New American Art is a nonprofit organization in NYC that is passionate about providing spaces for the artists of tomorrow. The multi-cultural arts, music, and educational Festival of Possibilities is a great way to do just that. For a full list of programming and more information, visit the organization’s website.

  • U.S. Postal Service Honors Pete Seeger with New Stamp

    On July 21, in Newport, RI, the United States Postal Service will honor folk musician Pete Seeger with a unique stamp as part of their Music Icon Series.

    The Pete Seeger Stamp from U.S. Postal Service

    Pete Seeger, known for his American folk music and social activism, was born in Manhattan in 1919.  Over the course of his long career, one of his most famous songs includes “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” which became a hit for its anti-war stance. Other songs of Seeger’s rose to popularity in the ‘60s, such as “If I Had a Hammer” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!”

    Seeger’s work as a musician and activist inspired many – including artists Bob Dylan and Tom Morello. His adaptation of the spiritual, “We Shall Overcome,” became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. The folk singer truly believed the power of song could transform and spur people into action for good and he continues to be a huge influence in music to this day.

    The Pete Seeger stamp will be the newest and 10th stamp in the U.S. Postal Service’s Music Icon series which began in 2013. Other musicians who have been honored include, in order, Lydia Mendoza, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Sarah Vaughan, John Lennon, and Marvin Gaye.

    The stamp is based on a photograph of Seeger taken in the early 1960s by his son, Dan Seeger. With his iconic banjo in hand, Seeger performs in the picture as he did for much of his life. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed this latest stamp issue and the black-and-white original photo was color-tinted by Kristen Monthei. 

    A recipient of multiple Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993, Seeger will long be remembered for his music and his contribution to American political activism.

    Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.

  • Davide Pannozzo Releases Emotional Single “Be Blessed”

    Blues singer-songwriter Davide Pannozzo released his new single, “Be Blessed” on July 8, produced by Rolling Stones’ drummer and Grammy award-winning producer, Steve Jordan.

    The emotional five-minute ballad celebrates the love between a father and son with soulful instrumentation to carry the listener through. Contributors on the single feature Will Lee (bass), Clifford Carter (keys), and Davide Rossi on strings for a terrific combination of sound.

    Of the song, Pannozzo shares, “the song wants to be a message to anyone: an invitation to live without fear, embracing the constant changes in our lives with courage and boldness.” Even without relying on lyrics, audiences can get lost in the calming sound and understand the powerful message behind the piece.

    Davide Pannozzo is a NY-based artist with three albums and an EP available on Spotify. Some of Pannozzo’s musical influences include Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Jeff Beck, among others. The musician has studied classical guitar since the age of six, and critics have previously said he is one of the contemporary blues’ most interesting artists.

    The message of love is clear on a track that is beautifully arranged and carefully crafted and is a great addition to the artist’s discography. The talented guitarist is also active on social media, posting content for audiences to listen to and enjoy.

  • Staten Island-born Louyah Drops New Single “Peter Pan”

    Staten Island-born singer-songwriter Louyah dropped his newest music with a single release called “Peter Pan” on June 24.

    Louyah

    Growing up in southern New Jersey, Louyah, also known as Louis Attillio Vigorito, found his passion for music. He began as a vocalist and guitarist in popular metal bands and now is breaking away to form a solo career with a growing fanbase.

    The artists’ music blends together with alt-pop, rock, and elements of R&B is something completely Louyah’s own. “Peter Pan” brings listeners over a two-minute journey of energetic beats, empowering lyrics and vocals, a catchy melody, and leans more into incorporating hip-hop.

    Peter Pan is honestly a shot at the labels. I’ve been ducked/pushed and always set back as an artist. I’ll never let anyone judge me for what I am and who I’m supposed to be. It’s fine they don’t want the music now. I’ll keep pushing and making my dreams come true!

    -Louyah

    The track deals with Louyah’s want to live life unapologetically, with uplifting and empowering lyrics clearly sharing that message. He firmly sings that’s just how I roll / putting on for my team, we gone / lost you in the smoke on the closing lines.

    With music influences such as Young Pwavy, Kevin Boris, Gervs, Dakun and Nick Zullo, as well as the people he surrounds himself with, Louyah has crafted an impressive career thus far. His recent 13-track debut LP, 6FEET hit No. 4 on the iTunes Pop Charts, and based on this new single, this is just the start for the up-and-coming artist.

  • First Queens Rising Comes to a Triumphant Close

    The Queens Rising celebration that took place during the month of June has come to an end with much success. The first annual initiative in Queens celebrated the borough’s culture and creativity across the entire month. Nearly 250 events and exhibitions were held for the entire community to enjoy.

    Photo Credit: Lizzie Butler

    Queens Rising brought together more than 70 organizations – each showing diverse programs and interests. Programs such as dances, film screenings, street fairs, Juneteenth events, Pride programming, and more were offered in multiple languages for audiences of all ages to participate in.

    Each week Queens Rising also offered a networking happy hour for members of the borough’s arts and cultural community to connect throughout Queens. The last networking event was a success and took place on June 30 at the Culture Lab LIC.

    Photo Credit: Lizzie Butler

    The success of this initiative is truly a tribute to our mutual commitment to amplify the cultural vitality of our borough’s arts organizations and artists, and to draw local, national and international audiences to venues throughout Queens.

    -Jeffrey Rosenstock, Assistant Vice President for Governmental Relations & External Affairs at Queens College, and member of the Queens Rising Planning Committee

    The celebration is already looking forward to the future with plans for 2023.  Although much of this June’s programming was free, Queens Rising is partnering with Howard Gilman Foundation to further promote the celebration in Queens.

    Our foundation believes in the importance of a thriving and vibrant arts ecosystem in New York City, and Queens Rising’s vision and work is a terrific match with our mission … Queens Rising has had an amazing first year, and we’re very proud to support the initiative’s efforts in 2023 as it continues to grow and strengthen the arts community in the fabulous borough of Queens. 

    -Laura Aden, President and CEO of the Howard Gilman Foundation
    Photo Credit: Lizzie Butler

    For more information about the June celebration, or ways to get involved in the future, click here.

    2022 Queens Rising Collaborators: 

    A Better Jamaica | AIMI | Allure Art Studio | American Folk Art Museum | APAC | Art House Astoria | Artist for Artist | Art Retail Therapy | Astoria Music Collective | Astoria Park Alliance | Back to the Lab | Bayside Village BID | The Blue Bus Project | Bowne House Historical Society | Center for the Women of New York | The Chocolate Factory | The Church-in-the-Gardens | Culture Lab LIC | Dance Entropy/Green Space | Diverse Streets Initiative  | Dancing Classrooms | Eckerd Connects | FitzgeraldArt | Flushing Town Hall | Forest Hills Choir | Forest Hills Stadium | Friends of Crocheron & John Golden Park | Friends of Maple Grove | The Garage Art Center, Inc. | Glow Community Center | The Godwin-Ternbach Museum | Greater Astoria Historical Society | Indo-American Arts and Cultural Forum | Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning | Juneteeth in Queens | King Manor Museum | Kings County Fiber Festival | Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc. | Kupferberg Center for the Arts | LaGuardia Performing Arts Center | Lewis Latimer House Museum | Local Project Art Space | Long Island City Partnership | Louis Armstrong House Museum | Make Music New York | Maspeth Squash | MoMA PS1 | Museum of the Moving Image | Musica Reginae Productions | New York Hall of Science | NYC Department of Transportation | QED | The Queens Borough President’s Office | Queens Botanical Garden | Queens Chamber of Commerce | Queens Economic Development Corporation | Queens Historical Society | Queens Museum | Queens Night Market | Queens Public Library | Queens Symphony Orchestra | Queens Theatre | Queens Tourism Council | Queens Underground International Black and Brown Film Festival and The Artist Market NYC Live | Queens World Film Festival | Queensboro Dance Festival | Queensborough Performing Arts Center | Random Access Music | RISE Rockaway | School of Rock Queens | SEQ Cleanup  | Socrates Sculpture Park | South East Queens Artist Alliance| South Queens Women’s March | Thalia Spanish Theatre, Inc. | Theatre Beyond Broadway | Voelker Orth Museum | VP Music Group | Wild Heart Performing Arts Studio | Woodhaven BID | Women in Comics Collective International | Yeh Art Gallery, St. John’s University

    Video produced by Colibri Workshop

  • Farming Man Returns to Indian Ladder Farms on July 16

    The Farming Man Fest returns to Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont on Saturday, July 16, from 2 pm to 11 pm.

    The celebration paused due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but is back and better than ever, offering attendees hours of live music and craft beverages. The fest will celebrate with 28 breweries, 4 distilleries, 7 bands, and 4 DJs over the course of 9 hours.

    Farming Man, formerly known as Bottle Share, began in 2014 with about 10 breweries with the aim to help the industry grow and network. After just a few years, the fest has successfully grown after being first opened completely to the public in 2018.

    Visitors can take in the scenery of the century-old Indian Ladder Farms orchards as they make their way to the back of the farm where the fest will take place overseeing views of the Helderberg Escarpment. Producers from all over New York State will meet them there with brews and ciders to enjoy as they take in the live music.

    This year’s featured bands include The Jagaloons, Televisionaries, The Abyssmals, Bruel County Bad Boys, BattleaXXX, Mystery Girl, The College Farm, and DJs Big Ed, Ritz Carlton, and Spacewolf with Masterpeace.

    Another highlight of the festival will be the premiere of “Farming Man the Beer,” which Indian Ladder Farms Cidery and Brewery Head Brewer, Scott Veltman, will taste on the day of the festival. Multiple breweries collaborated with Indian Ladder Farms, including Common Roots Brewing, Plan Bee, Wayward Lane, and others.

    Tickets for those who wish to just enjoy music and food are $25. General Admission for those 21+ are $30, and includes a commemorative pint glass. Kids under 13 years of age are free. For more information and tickets, click here.

    The full list of participating breweries and distilleries can be found below.

    Arrowood Farms Brewery, Artisanal Brew Works, Big aLICe Brewing, Bolton Landing Brewing, Bound By Fate, Brewery at CIA, Brooklyn Cider House, Browns, Common Roots Brewing, Community Beerworks, Creature Comforts, Frog Alley, Helderberg Mountain Brewing, Mixed Breed Brewing, Nine Pin, ONCO Fermentations, Paradox, Rare Form, Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company, Rockaway Brewing, Saint James Brewery, Single Cut Beersmiths, Strong Rope Brewery, Unified Beerworks, Wayward Lane, Whitman Brewing Company, Woodstock, and The Warbler Brewery, Albany Distilling Co., Four Fights Distillery, Kings County Distillery, and New Scotland Spirits.

  • Palace Theatre Announces Free Summer Movie Series

    The Palace Theatre in Albany has announced its Summer in the City Movie Series which will begin on July 12. Over the course of the summer, the theatre will host eight free, family-friendly movies for the community to enjoy.

    The Palace Theatre began the series in 2015 as a way to give children the opportunity to experience the excitement of the theatre, and fun and safe ways to participate in the arts. Since 2016, the SEFCU has been a proud sponsor of the event. Each show will begin at 1 pm, with educational activities one hour before showtime. 

    Since the series began in 2015, over 35,000 people have enjoyed a movie at the Palace Theatre thanks to the Summer in the City Movie Series. This year’s lineup features popular movies with something for everyone to enjoy.

    From Sing 2, Raya the Last Dragon, Luca, Space Jam: A New Legacy, and more, the movie offerings are packed with entertainment for all ages. The Palace Theatre is also offering free popcorn for children under 12 for the full movie experience.

    On August 30, after the showing of the popular Disney musical Encanto, audiences can enjoy the finale of the series with a special ice cream social – a great way to beat the summer heat. There will be giveaways, activities, and free ice cream courtesy of Stewart’s Shops.

    Free tickets are available in advance at the Palace Theatre Box Office or can be reserved . For the full series schedule, see below.

    2022 Summer in the City Schedule

    For all events, doors open at noon for activities; movies begin at 1:00 p.m.

    July 12     Raya and the Last Dragon

    July 19     Sing 2

    July 26     Ron’s Gone Wrong

    Aug. 2      Clifford The Big Red Dog

    Aug. 9      Trolls World Tour

    Aug. 16    Space Jam: A New Legacy

    Aug. 23    Luca

    Aug. 30    Encanto

  • Great South Bay Music Festival Returns for 14th Year

    After nearly a two-year hiatus, the Great South Bay Music Festival returns this year to Shorefront Park from July 7 through July 10 with over 60 performers across three stages.

    The four-day music and arts festival was previously postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic and is excited to return for its 14th anniversary. Known as Long Island’s largest and longest-running festival, GSB has entertained audiences and families for years.

    Acts span multiple genres including classic and contemporary rock, blues, indie, jam, pop, Americana, country, reggae, and funk. Alongside multiple drinks and wine tents, craft markets, and food courts, the festival returns back and is bigger than ever.

    On Thursday, July 7, indie-rockers Grouplove and Manchester Orchestra will co-headline on the festival’s main stage. On Friday, July 8, reggae band Rebelution will take the stage to headline with Steel Pulse supporting. 

    Typically, the third day of the festival is known as “Jam Day,” but 2022 brings something new.  Headlining the main stage will be Joe Russo’s Almost Dead – one of the Grateful Dead’s most popular tributes. Returning to the festival includes moe., Galactic, and guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer as well as the Weight Band and Aqueous.

    On Sunday, July 10, the closing acts for the highly-anticipated festival include The Tedeschi Trucks Band and the “Wheels of Soul Tour” which features a two-hour set and the festival is their only metro NY summer appearance. Los Lobos, and Gabe Dixon and his Band will also grace the main stage for the last day of the festival.

    Part of the Great South Bay Music Festival’s goal is to feature up-and-coming artists across multiple genres. This year, the festival will present over 30 talented, original artists for their audiences to enjoy. New artists for this year include Quarter House, Oogee Wawa, Samsara, and Whatever We Are.

    Ticket prices can be purchased here and children 10 and under are free. GSB will continue to donate $1 from every ticket sold to the GSB-Stony Brook Cancer Center Fund with over a quarter of a million dollars raised to date. 

    Festival Times:

    Thursday, July 7: Doors at 3:00 pm, music until 10pm

    Friday, July 8: Doors at 3:00PM, music until 11pm

    Saturday July 9: Doors at 1:00pm, music until 11pm 

    Sunday July 10: Doors at 2:00pm, music until 10pm

  • Opera Saratoga Presents Sky on Swings

    On July 7 at 7:30 pm, Opera Saratoga will present a Sky on Swings at The Egg in Albany with a second performance on Saturday, July 9, at 2:00 pm.

    Sky on Swings, directed by Artistic and General Director of Opera Saratoga Lawrence Edelson and conducted by Emily Senturia, is an opera about the different stages and challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease. Meredith Arwady and Phyllis Pancella play Martha and Danny, who are two women with the disease and develop a bond over their experiences.

    Opera Saratoga, formerly Lake George Opera, opened with its first production in 1962. The opera renewed its commitment to the community by offering productions that engage critical issues to promote meaningful connection and dialogue among audiences. Sky on Swings is one such production that aims to encourage understanding and empathy.

    Helena Colindres, Meredith Arwady, and Phyllis Pancella during Sky on Swings. Photo credit: Gary David Gold

    Sky on Swings’ world premiere occurred in Philadelphia, where Opera Saratoga’s Lawrence Edelson was in attendance. As someone whose family was personally touched by Alzheimer’s, the artistic director at first was hesitant to see the show before experiencing the opera in its entirety.

    I’ll admit that I attended SKY ON SWINGS with some reluctance, in part because I knew the story would likely impact me, but also because I wasn’t sure how the journey of someone with Alzheimer’s could be portrayed in opera without making it feel artificial or sensationalized. But experiencing the opera was cathartic and deeply moving. The score is remarkable in how it both creates the sound of memory and also portrays the experience of two women and their children living through different stages of the disease.

    -Lawrence Edelson, Opera Saratoga Artistic & General Director

    Following the performances on July 7 and July 9, Opera Saratoga will hold a discussion including Elizabeth Smith-Boivin, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York; composer Lembit Beecher; members of the cast and creative team. 

    Photo Credit: Gary David Gold

    After almost a two-year delay due to the pandemic, the opera will also be launching a full-time therapeutic music program for those in the region living with the disease. As Edelson’s last production as director, Sky on Swings and the music program are both particularly touching: “this, for me, is what an opera company should be all about. We entertain. We enrich. We educate. And we enhance the lives of those who need us, and whom we have the ability to help in a deeply meaningful way.”

    Tickets to the shows range from $50-$125 and more information can be found here. The show is an important one for so many and is a must-see.

  • Ticonderoga Festival Guild’s Summer Series Begins 42nd Season

    The Ticonderoga Festival Guild is kicking off its 42nd season of free summer concerts and children’s programs for all to enjoy beginning on July 6.

    The children’s program, “Art Trek” will run every Wednesday starting at 10:15 am at the Knights of Columbus Pavilion, with Michael Caduto opening. The children’s concerts will include a wide variety of entertainment from professional artists, including opera, theater, music, stories, dancing, unicycling, fire-eating, and juggling. 

    The summer concert series, known as “Summer In The Park,” will begin on Tuesday nights at 7 pm at the pavilion starting off with the ADK Jazz Repertoire Ensemble on July 12. Musicians from genres such as bluegrass, jazz, country, folk, Americana, Irish, and rock will also be putting on exciting performances for audiences to relax and enjoy throughout the summer. 

    The Ticonderoga Festival Guild was established in 1980 as a non-profit organization that aims to showcase and advance performing arts in the town. The guild offers a diverse program in the region year-round for the community to take part in.

    The Ticonderoga Festival Guild has provided programming for decades in the area which lies right between Lake George and Lake Champlain. Ticonderoga is well-known for its fort of the same name, which was prominent during the French and Indian War, and the Revolutionary War during the Saratoga Campaign. Ticonderoga in its entirety has a rich history and is a beautiful place to visit. 

    The full schedule for the Summer In The Park and Art Trek programs can be found below and will happen rain or shine. Audiences are invited to bring chairs and enjoy the programs. The 2022 season is also dedicated in memory of dear friend and organizer of the Guild, Jim Beaty.

    Art Trek Children’s Program

    July 6 – Michael Caduto

    July 13 – Seagle Festival – The Three Bears

    July 20 – Kitty Jones – Mysteries of Ancient Egypt

    July 27 – Richard Stillman – Loopy Hawaiian Luau

    August 3 – Ron Carter – Rockin Ron the Friendly Pirate

    August 10 – Ned Gelfars – The Ned Show

    Summer In The Park Concert Series

    July 12 – ADK Jazz Repertoire Ensemble

    July 19 – The Ruta Beggars

    July 26 – Little Jack

    August 2 – Rich Ortiz

    August 9 – Too Tall String Band

    August 16 – Ashley Sophia

    August 23 – Emish