The Pine Boys are an electric combination of alternative rock, funk and hip-hop from Albany releasing their new album Vacationland today, February 18th.
These artists provide such a unique musical interpretation with a blend of character-driven storytelling and memorable guitar riffs. The group was founded by multi-instrumentalists, Brett Maney and Andrew Cerone, in 2016. When they started playing live in 2019, they added their longtime friend Sam Lasky on the instrument, the keytar, since they have been together, they have released 6 albums and played all over Upstate NY, anywhere from basements to bars.
The Pine Boys Live
Many of their songs are part of an interconnected universe set in the fictional town of “Vacationland,” this is the groups hometown and place of origin. This is also the mindset that you need to have when you see them live. Seeing a live Pine show should serve as a time to take a vacation from your normal reality and temporarily venture into their world.
The Pine Boys “Vacationland”
Their top song on Spotify, “Electric Minnow,” provide a mixture of funky guitar riffs along with a catchy rhythm throughout the song. By blending a hip hop style of lyrics with indie sounds, the band creates a unique blend of music.
Other songs like “Fat Al” are melancholy but have a funny twist. Throughout listening to the song, the guitar has a shadowy feeling yet satisfying because of how beautiful it is played. “If Walls Could Talk,” “Enter the Sauce,” and “Duneman” have made their top 5 despite being all on different albums. Each provides different genre mash which they include throughout their peruana of “Vacationland.”
David Byrne’s American Utopia on Broadway has extended its run and conclude performances on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at the St. Theatre (246 West 44th Street).
Just days before its April 3 conclusion at the St. James Theatre on Broadway, David Byrne’s American Utopia will stage American Utopia Farewell!, a special benefit performance on March 30 with proceeds supporting Byrne’s non-profit, Arbutus.
Guests will receive premium seating for the show, entry to an exclusive post-performance conversation with Byrne and special guests and a gift bag. VIP-level ticket holders will receive signed copies of his new book, A History of The World (in Dingbats), published by Phaidon, and a vinyl LP of the David Byrne’s American Utopia original cast recording on Nonesuch Records. A significant portion of the ticket price is tax deductible. Tickets can be purchased here.
David Byrne’s American Utopia
Following its 2019 smash hit at the Hudson Theatre and the 18-month pandemic shutdown, American Utopia returns to Broadway on Friday, September 17, 2021. However, the show was honored with a Special Tony Award in September of 2021.
David Byrne’s original production began as an album released in 2018. Later that year, the theatrical concert played more than 150 dates in 27 countries. Additionally, the album includes songs from Talking Heads and Byrne’s solo career.
Often described as a “dazzling, jubilant and rapturous” production, the show features astonishing staging by choreographer Annie-B Parson. Along with Alex Timbers serving as production consultant, is “a joy to behold and a breathtaking celebration of life.”
furthermore, If you want to rediscover the joy of live music, community and connection, seeing this show live at Broadway’s St. James Theatre is the place.
Bryne’s production made its world premiere opening the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival and is currently streaming on HBO Max. The film is called “a life-affirming, euphoria-producing, soul-energizing sing-along protest film that’s asking us to rise up against our own complacency” (IndieWire) and “an all-time-great concert film” (Vanity Fair). The A.V. Club said, “David Byrne and Spike Lee found the spectacle in the performers simply performing.”
Nonesuch Records released the original 2018album and the cast album for American Utopia, with music and lyrics by David Byrne. Both albums are available digitally and on vinyl and CD: the cast album here, the original album here.
Prices start at $44 a seat, along with limited for each performance. Similarly, tickets are sold via digital lottery random drawing powered by Lucky Seat. Enter and find more information here.
All ticket holders must present proof of being fully vaccinated as well as a photo ID and are required to always wear a mask inside the theater. See further details and requirements regarding vaccinations, testing and safety protocols here.
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem proudly introduces their new exhibition to the public, “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure,” opening on Friday, Feb. 11th, coinciding with Black History Month. Additionally, the exhibition features the new Disney movie, SOUL.
The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure
American pianist, band leader, and jazz musician, Jon Batiste, provides the original jazz compositions and arrangements for “Soul,” and shares his excitement for “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure.”
National Jazz Museum emphasizes a vision “to make jazz accessible to everyone on the planet,” one echoed by Carmen Smith:
Like the film that inspired this exhibit, ‘The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure’ is a tribute to the human experience. It was here in Harlem that jazz not only became an international sensation, but a vehicle for social change. The genre’s enduring influence is a palpable example of the barriers that can be broken when ambition and artistry meet passion and purpose. We’re proud to partner with the National Jazz Museum to preserve and celebrate that special kind of magic.
Carmen Smith, Senior Vice President, Creative Development – Product/Content & Inclusive Strategies.
In the Harlem Museum, the exhibit will include a unique collection of artifacts including items highlighting the career of pianist and jazz icon, Dr. Billy Taylor. Additionally, appearances of characters Joe Gardner and Dorothea Williams, and virtual experiences on the Play Disney Parks app.
The National Jazz Museum
The overall mission of National Jazz Museum in Harlem’s is to “preserve, promote and present Jazz by inspiring knowledge, appreciation and the celebration of jazz locally, nationally and internationally.” To further promote the educational purposes of jazz music and history, the museum offers four Core Programs: Education; Exhibits & Collections; and Partnerships & Collaborations.
The National Jazz Museum
Free reserve-time ticketing is required, no walk-ins allowed. However, you can reserve tickets up to one month in advance. As well, The National Jazz Museum in Harlem is open Thursday to Saturday from 12PM to 5PM, and proof of vaccination is required for all visitors 5 years of age and older. To reserve tickets, times are available at Eventbrite.
This month, just in time for Valentine’s Day, Albany Symphony pianists return for a verity of concerts. Wei Lou, piano soloist, will perform a Valentine’s concert on February 12th. Later in the month, Gershwin virtuoso and Kevin Cole will play Rhapsody in Blue in Troy. The Valentine’s Weekend program also includes Tchaikovsky’s expert Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique,” and New York City-based British composer Hannah Kendall’s The Spark Catchers.
Albany Symphony Orchestra
Music Director David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony welcome back two favorite virtuoso pianists for weekends of thrilling music sure to make for a perfect Valentine’s romance.
Albany Symphony Orchestra’s conductor, David Alan Miller
At the Palace Theatre and streaming live online, Wei Luo performs Serge Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Luo made her acclaimed premiere with the Symphony in 2017.
“I am beyond excited to be back with Albany Symphony to perform this masterpiece,” said Luo. “The Prokofiev Third Piano Concerto is one of the most powerful yet beautiful concertos of all time with touching melodies, percussive sounds, and electrifying rhythms. It will be a blast!”
Albany Symphony Pianist, Wei Lou
“I’m thrilled to welcome Wei Luo back to play one of my all-time favorite piano concertos, Prokofiev’s glorious Third, along with the most romantic, passionate, life-affirming Russian symphony in the repertoire, Tchaikovsky’s Sixth, the ‘Pathétique,’ Miller said. “We’re also delighted to feature a brilliant recent work by composer Hannah Kendall. All the music on this program crackles with warmth and love; it is the perfect antidote for a cold winter’s night, and a musical Valentine you won’t want to miss.”
Albany Symphony Pianist, Wei Lou
Gershwin in the Roaring 20s, Saturday, Feb. 26 at 7:30pm and Sunday, Feb. 27 at 3pm at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
Kevin Cole, the foremost interpreter of the music of George Gershwin, makes his long-awaited return for a special program including a rare presentation of an iconic favorite.
Albany Symphony Pianist, Kevin Cole
“We’re delighted to welcome Kevin Cole back for a gorgeous evening of Gershwin classics from the 1920s, including ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ performed in its seldom heard original jazz band version, and some of Kevin’s own dazzling Gershwin improvisations,” Miller said. “Don’t miss this concert; it will be unforgettable!”
Albany Symphony Pianist, Kevin Cole
The original event was one scheduled as a one-night-only performance, but a Sunday afternoon matinee was recently added to Gershwin Weekend and a virtual livestream has also been added for the Saturday night performance by popular demand. According to Cole, the appreciation is mutual:
“Every time I perform with Conductor David Alan Miller and Albany Symphony it’s an electrifying event! We have always been in syncopated synchronization with Gershwin. After more than 20 years of David and I performing together we’ve found a beautiful balance of lush romanticism layered with roller coaster thrills!”
Albany Symphony Orchestra’s conductor, David Alan Miller
Albany Symphony Orchestra presents a classical series throughout the region. Throughout leading Albany Symphony to its success, David Alan Miller has established a reputation as one of the leading American conductors of his generation. Often recognized as one of the American’s most innovative and creative orchestras, the two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Albany Symphony is renowned for accomplished performances featuring classic orchestral favorites, lesser-heard masterworks, and an array of contemporary music from emerging voices of today.
Albany Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1930 in New York’s Capital Region, the Albany Symphony serves a diverse regional in the creation, performance, and recording of new orchestral music. The Albany Symphony is constantly reshaping the nation’s musical legacy. The Albany Symphony celebrates our living musical heritage through its adventurous programming, commissioning, and recording of new work, and broad community engagement beyond the concert hall.
Albany Symphony Orchestra
Tickets range from $20 to $62; livestream tickets are on sale now for $37 at (518) 694-3300 and albanysymphony.com. Saturday night Gershwin availability is limited.
Jazz at Lincoln Center will head out on a “Songs We Love” tour featuring rising stars in New York City jazz.The tourfeatures Riley Mulherkar as Musical Director, with Vuyo Sotashe, Brianna Thomas and Shenel Johns on vocals with Julian Lee, Mariel Bildsten, Mathis Picard, Barry Stephenson and TJ Reddick.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents “Songs We Love”
Today’s rising stars in jazz music are to preform “Songs We Love,” from March 3-19. The tour will feature a journey through the first 50 years of jazz music under the musical direction of Riley Mulherkar, along with three guest vocalists who will join the band of New York’s rising stars. By combining their unique talents, the group will perform their way through decades of music, beginning with the early blues, the jazz of the 1920s, and then ending in the early 1950s. With this, Iconic singers included such as Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland.
Riley Mulherkar “Songs We Love” Musical Director
The “Songs We Love” tour will kick off in March with nine shows throughout the north, east and south coasts. The tour was first presented as the 2016 Season opener at Lincoln Center in New York City. For over three decades, Jazz at Lincoln Center has been a huge advocate for genres such as jazz, culture, and arts education globally. With the help of Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and many guest artists throughout the generations, this venue produces thousands of performances, education, and broadcast events for people around the world.
By providing new opportunities to present great jazz programming, the Jazz at Lincon Center can feature up and coming musicians who are rising in fame. This allows for their mission ““to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy.”
Riley Mulherkar “Songs We Love” Musical Director
Musician Riley Mulherkar has been recognized as a “smart young trumpet player” by The New York Times, along with being praised by The Wall Street Journal as a “youngster to keep an eye on.” By being a founding member of the band, The Westerlies, Riley helps create a hybrid genre of music that can be both “folk-like, lovely and intellectually rigorous” (NPR Music). Riley works with many leading and up-and-coming artists today, he was born and raised in Seattle, but later moved to New York to study at The Juilliard School, later receiving the Knowles Prize for Jazz and the Peter Mennin Prize for “outstanding achievement and leadership in music.”
In 2011, Riley was named a “rising jazz artist” by Wynton Marsalis in JET magazine, and in 2014 was the first recipient of the Laurie Frink Career Grant at the Festival of New Trumpet Music. He is serving as an ambassador for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “Jazz for Young People” program in both New York and St. Louis. All of this experience and accolades position him as the perfect musical director for Songs We Love.
Riley Mulherkar Musical Director
Vocalists on tour include South African jazz vocalist Vuyo Sotashe, who moved to NYC in 2013 after being awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to pursue Master of Music at William Paterson University. Since then, he has gone to win numerous awards including first prize at the very first Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival Vocal Competition in 2014, and more recently, he won the Audience prize award and placed second over-all at the Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition in 2015.
Brianna Thomas is another vocalist who has described by The NY Times stating, “Ms. Thomas has a strong voice and a big range, descended from Sarah Vaughan and Betty Carter and routed through Dianne Reeves, with clarity and confidence and a little dirt.”
Paring with these vocalists with a voice that embodies passion and a personal style that sways effortlessly from jazz, to R&B, to gospel is Shenel Johns, who has emerged as one of the shining stars of her generation.
Accompanying Riley Mulherkar and the three guest vocalists is Julian Lee, who quickly established himself as one of the most versatile saxophonists of his generation. Lee is the beneficiary of the 2017 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award from Jazz at Lincoln Center and has performed both internationally and nationally with a wide array of critically acclaimed artists.
Along with these well-astounded artists, Mariel bildsten will also join on the trombone. She is known as the lead trombonist in Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra and tours internationally with the rock band, Brass Against. Mariel has performed at Carnegie Hall, Radio City, O2 Arena, Birdland Jazz Club, the Apollo Theater, the Chicago Jazz Festival, Perth International Arts Festival, Caramoor Jazz Festival, Smalls Jazz Club, and Smoke Jazz Club, and many more.
On piano is French-Malagasy pianist Mathis Picard, who has recently released his new album Live at the Museum, showcasing his diverse talent. Considered one of the most sought-after bassists on the scene today, Barry Stephenson also joins the tour with his raw talent. On drums is TJ Reddick, already a world traveler, who has performed in many countries including France, Brazil and Belize. TJ is an energetic musician ready to light up any stage.
Together, these musicians are bringing a young dynamic vibe to each performance that you won’t want to miss.
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Tour dates, tickets and showtimes can be found on their website.
On Saturday, February 19 at 8 PM, Flushing Town Hall is hosting Alicia Olatuja, an amazing singer who came into the national spotlight as the featured soloist of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir at President Barack Obama’s Second Inauguration in 2013.
“We are overjoyed to welcome Alicia Olatuja to Flushing Town Hall and excited to hear her lush vocals,” says Executive & Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek. “Audiences are in for a real treat, be they fans of jazz, folk, rock, or pop. Olatuja crosses genres seamlessly and is known for her regal presence and stunning voice.”
Photo By Harrison Weinstein
Olatuja’s show, Intuition: From the Minds of Women, will celebrate esteemed, female composers and draws from her 2019 sophomore album. Along with this, includes her interpretations of the music of Sade, Tracy Chapman, Kate Bush, Linda Creed, Angela Bofill, and Brenda Russell. This event is an in-person event but is also streaming for free on Flushing Town Hall’s YouTube channel.
Along with Olatuja’s performance, Flushing Town Hall hosts a Black History Trilogy for the celebration of Black History month. The trilogy will feature award-winning performers paying tribute to influential African-American artists, entertainers, and musical traditions.
Though she is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Olatuja grew up immersed in a wide range of musical styles, including gospel, soul, jazz and classical. Shortly after, she assembled her own jazz-based ensemble and recorded her first solo album, Timeless (2014).
Praised by DownBeat for her “full-bodied tone, precise pitch, and personal engagement at the lowest whisper or highest wail,” Olatuja’s first came into the national spotlight in 2013 when performing as the featured soloist with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir at President Barack Obama’s Second Inauguration.
This in-person performance will take place on Saturday, February 19 at 8 PM. Tickets can be purchased here ($15/$12 members). Lastly, all visitors, performers and staff are required to show proof of vaccination, masks will be required at all times as well.
This concert will stream live for FREE on Flushing Town Hall’s YouTube Channel
The Mommyheads’ Swiss Army Knife has never had a proper release. Trapped in obscurity, the long-awaited album will be out February 11th, 2022, for fans to enjoy.
The Mommyheads (Adam Elk, Michael Holt, Dan Fisherman, Jason McNair) are an indie pop band from Brooklyn, who played from around 1987 through 1998. They disbanded for a decade, and then reformed in 2008. After the death of original drummer, Jan Kotik, The Mommyheads re-united for a tribute show in New York City. Shortly after, they decided to reform and record a new album, “You’re Not A Dream.” In 2021, Big Takeover Magazine dubbed Adam Elk and Michael Holt, “two of the best songwriters currently active.”
“Four decades later and the Mommyheads are still undisputed godfathers of Baroque Prog Pop.”
Relix
Swiss Army Knife displays vocals from the wild creativity of Mommyheads songwriter, Adam Elk, who independently recorded these tunes on four-track during his teen years in Brooklyn. The album is striking in it’s eccentricity: schizophrenic wordplay, mind-bending chord structures, acoustic mayhem, and DIY experimentalism all meld together within these colorful song fragments.
Swiss Army Knife, The Mommyheads
When listening to the album, the manic creative energy is infectious throughout. There is an unrelenting playfulness to this set that makes it so enjoyable to listen to. Tracks such as “They Call it Accident,” have a playful, plucking bassline paired with sublime vocals that overall make the track a fun one to listen to.
“If you wanna do music, you have to have a really thick skin. You have to really wanna take the abuse of not making money for years and years.”
says Adam Elk
That most unique aspects of this album are its use of unusual use of instruments and vocals that make the album feel so raw featured in songs like “Freak Out Jam,” “I Won’t Eat Anymore,” and “They’ve Finally Landed.” Other tracks like “Lemon Merengue People” have fun melodies of guitar and vocals that pair with each other.
Another song, “We Are Intertwined,” can be described as having a waltz, up-beat and psychedelic sound. “Canoe Driver” is also another gorgeous piece of baroque pop with glorious melody. The Mommyheads Swiss Army Knife is a masterpiece of 90s-sounding baroque progressive pop.
Swiss Army Knife is available to listen to on Soundcloud.
Professor Louie’s Century will present Blues legends like Joe Louis Walker, Guy Davis, Professor Louie & The Crowmatix, and more. Music will be accompanied by a photographic retrospective Keeping the Blues Alive by JosephA. Rosen. Hudson Valley Blues Society has partnered with these amazing artists to put on a show that will be the first of its kind.
Professor Louie and The CrowMatix
Joe Louis Walker is a Blues Hall of Fame member and four-time Blues Music Award winner. Throughout his life, he has toured all around the world, preforming at mist renowned music festivals throughout the United States, Canada, Glastonbury, Notodden and Montreux. Along with this, he has toured for festivals in Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Ireland, Turkey, European festivals including The North Sea Jazz Festival, and Brazil.
Guy Davis has spent his musical life carrying his message of the blues around the world. He even holds the title of, “An Ambassador of the Blues,” because of his extensive travels from the Equator to the Arctic Circle. His work as an actor, author, and music teacher earmark him as a renaissance man of the blues. Davis often talks about how music and acting have similarities by saying, “…I don’t like people to see the challenging work and the sweat that goes in what I do. I want them to hear me and be uplifted.”
Professor Louie and The CrowMatix emerged from the music industry as the torchbearer of the true spirit of American Roots Music. As a live performer, prolific recording artist and versatile multi-instrumentalist, Professor Louie has the award-winning recording Producer and Engineer, capturing the talents of some of the world’s most highly acclaimed musicians.
The Concert will take place on March 26th, 2022, at 8:00 PM. All adult guests must be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter the theatre. Tickets will range from $25 to $40 dollars. To purchase tickets or for more information visit paramounthudsonvalley.com.
Three of Central New York’s most notable Native American music artists were announced as nominees for the Native American Music Awards. Notable nominees include The Ripcords, Earl Slick, Pete McMahon and the West Side Social Club.
Irv Lyons Jr., of the Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan, is nominated for four Native American Music Awards, including “Best Rock Recording” and “Artist of the Year” for his EP, Private Invitation, not to mention nominations for “Best Male Vocalist” and “Song of the Year” for “Save The Planet.”
Irv Lyons Blues Fest
Rex Lyons of the Onondaga Nation, Eel Clan., along with Irv Lyons and The Ripcords are also nominated for “Group of the Year” and “Best Blues Recording” for their album, “Unmasked (Live).” Along with this, they’re nominated for “Best Blues Recording” with the group West Side Social Club. This includes Earl Slick, Pete McMahaon and Liz Strodel.
The Ripcords in the studio
The Ripcords are a musical collaboration from cousins, Rex and Irv Lyons. Along with members Jay Gould, Tom Witkowski and Steve Palumbo. They are a versatile group who can deliver various genres of music such as blues, rock, swing and jazz, they even write their own songs as well.
Joanne Shenandoah, Native American singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist based in the New York, is also on the Private Invitation EP for the song “Save The Planet” which received a “Song of The Year” nomination. She belonged to the Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan, and passed away November 22nd, 2021.
Irv Lyons Blues Fest
“I’m honored and excited to be up for a couple of NAMMY awards!” adds Rex Lyons. “We’ve been making original music for over 2 decades, hopefully 3rd times a charm and we bring home the hardware. Congrats to all my fellow nominees. Good luck!”
“To be nominated for the Native American Music Awards is an amazing honor and great privilege,” says Irv. “Private Invitation is my best work to date. The most complete in lyrics and music. It is a snapshot of my experiences in love, friendship and the heart. These songs are all radio ready as any of them could be on the charts now. My true labor of love that hopefully people will enjoy and play over and over.”
The Mike Block Trio is back again for their first tour of 2022 and they plan to play at Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, on February 11th. This American Roots group recorded an album last month and have lots of new tunes to share.
Mike Block Trio Press Photo
The trio consists of Joe K. Walsh (mandolin/vocals), Zachariah Hickman (bass/vocals), and led by Mike Block (cello/vocals), they are a supergroup of unique and virtuosic players. Using their American roots music with contemporary and international influences, they bring a personal perspective to their acoustic music. For example, all members of the band are heavily experienced in music and have brought an equally professional perspective their songs. Their music is artfully compoed and pleasant to listen to.
Mike Block Trio Press Photos
Mike Block is a pioneering cello player, singer, composer, and educator. He is committed to inspiring individuals and connecting with individuals across communities. Using his patented design, The Block Strap, Mike was the first standing cellist to perform at Carnegie Hall. Touring extensively throughout the world, he has been featured in shows as a cellist and vocal soloist. Likewise, he has contributed arrangements and compositions, and even earned a Grammy Award in 2017 for the album, “Sing Me Home.” The NY Times characterized the performance as, “Breathless … Half dance, half dare.”
Joe K. Walsh is a Bluegrass mandolin player and singer known for his work with the legendary Gibson Brothers band. Furthermore, the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has named The Gibson Brothers Band winner of awards for Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, and Song of the Year. After being the first mandolinist to graduate from the Berklee College of Music on the mandolin, Joe returned to Berklee in 2011 as both a mandolin instructor and as a Managing Director of the “American Roots Music Program.”
Mike Block Trio Press Photos
Zachariah Hickman is a double bassist, singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer based out of Boston, MA. In addition, he received his formal training in jazz performance and composition from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Similarly, as a producer, Zachariah as made records with many talented singers including Rose Cousins (for which he won a Canadian JUNO award), Mark Erelli, Laura Cortese, Miss Tess, and his own bluegrass band Barnstar. He has even made Television appearances including five David Letterman appearances, Conan O’brien, Ellen Degeneres, and Late Night with Jools Holland for the BBC.
The Mike Block Trio has also collaborated with musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, a popular American cellist. Mike is a member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble (SRE), having joined in 2005 while a student at The Juilliard School.
Mike Block Trio are working alongside the finest venues to do everything they can to make sure it’s safe for their fans to go out to their upcoming shows. As a result of these safety precautions, all shows will require masks and proof of vaccination. Tour dates and more info can be found on their website. Tickets to the Caffe Lena show can be found here.
