Author: Haylee Farrell

Central Park Dance to Perform Nutcracker at The Capitol Theatre

Central Park Dance will return to The Capitol Theatre with their annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker on Sunday, December 11^th at 12:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. With more than 100 students from the school, professional dancers and young dancers from the surrounding communities, audiences will have two chances to enjoy this timeless tale.

In celebrating a legacy that has spanned across more than four decades, Central Park Dance has made its mark on the Westchester dance community. As a producer of original ballets, they invite their all levels to participate. Dancers of all ages will make up their large ensemble of performers, spanning from the littlest mouse to the blizzard of snowflakes.

This year, the production will welcome back American Ballet Theatre soloist Luciana Paris to dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, along with her Cavalier Jose Sebastian, who is currently a member of American Ballet Theatre’s corps de ballet as well as the director of ABT’s Incubator program.

“In our more than 40 years in Westchester, we have watched several generations of students dance through our doors,” explains Maria Bai and Mario La Strada, founder and directors of Central Park Dance Studio.

“We have made it our mission to offer students a well-rounded dance education that includes not only time in the studio, but opportunities to interact with and perform for our community. We are overwhelmed by the support we have received around our sold-out productions over the last 6 years, and we are so lucky to be able to expand the opportunity to more students and more families each year.”

One of the longest running and most respected dance studios in Westchester for 40 years, Central Park Dance offers classic and progressive styles of dance and fitness for both adults and children. Central Park Dance is also home to the Signature and Remixx performance companies as well as the Ballet Academy, which provides the aspiring dancer with pre-professional training, performance opportunities and mentorships.

The Nutcracker performances will take place on Sunday, December 11th at 12:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $45, $35 and $25 and are available by clicking the link here.

November 5, 2022
State Champs Release Acoustic Singles “Act Like That” and “Outta My Head”

Local to Albany, State Champs have released their newest acoustic single “Act Like That,” an energetic, bouncing track, and “Outta My Head,” with its stripped back guitar licks, both bringing vocal harmonies and breathing new life into the songs. Earlier this year, State Champs planted their flag firmly in pop-punk history with their 4^th studio album, Kings Of The New Age, out now via Pure Noise Records.

Kings Of The New Age includes hit singles “Eventually”, “Everybody But You” (ft. Ben Barlow), “Outta My Head”, and “Just Sound.” Alongside this, seven new tracks featuring additional guest vocalists Chrissy Costanza, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Four Year Strong.

“If any band were to be crowned royalty amongst the current generation of pop-punk acts, we have little doubt the honor would go to New York’s State Champs.”
– Beyond The Stage Magazine

Starting in bedrooms and basements in 2010, State Champs quickly ascended in the pop punk scene owing as much to early Fall Out Boy and Green Day as latter-day Warped Tour bands. In 2022, Kerrang! declared them “one of the most authentic and well-respected bands in pop-punk. Derek DiScanio, Tyler Szalkowski, Ryan Scott Graham, and Evan Ambrosio deliver a strong message throughout Kings Of The New Age.

State Champs delivered their music and heartfelt message on extensive tours with bands like Fall Out Boy, 5 Seconds Of Summer, A Day To Remember, and Simple Plan; three different Warped Tours; and a co-headliner with Neck Deep.

“With their pop-punk flag firmly planted, State Champs may have just provided us with the soundtrack to help remind us of the carefree days and the endless possibilities of a summer that could change our lives for the better.”
– Chorus.fm

On the highly anticipated release, the band shares, “Kings of The New Age is our fourth album, the one that we spent the most time on, and the one that makes the biggest statement. After writing over 30 songs, we narrowed it down to 11 that best represent our mission as a band, and sonically, match the energy level we wanted to captivate heading into this new chapter.”

“We had a short press week back in June where we did some in studio acoustic sessions,” explains guitarist Tyler Szalkowski. “We fell in love with the acoustic versions of Act Like That and Outta My Head. We knew we had to get these recorded and get them out to you all. Enjoy and see you all very soon on the Kings of the New Age tour.”

“[Kings Of The New Age] is full of engaging, high-velocity pop punk songs that are great for summertime listening.”
– New Noise Magazine

State Champs Upcoming Tour Dates

Nov 11 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues *

Nov 12 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live *

Nov 13 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel *

Nov 15 – Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theatre *

Nov 18 – Chicago, IL – Concord Music Hall *

Nov 19 – St. Louis, MO – Red Flag *

Nov 20 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater *

Nov 22 – Denver, CO – Gothic #

Nov 23 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union #

Nov 25 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues #

Nov 26 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues #

Nov 27 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren #

Nov 29 – Austin, TX – Empire Garage #

Nov 30 – Dallas, TX – South Side Music Hall #

Dec 2 – Orlando, FL – Plaza Live +

Dec 3 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore +

Dec 4 – Nashville, TN – Eastside Bowl +

Dec 6 – Richmond, VA – The National +

Dec 7 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom +

Dec 9 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner +

Dec 10 – Albany, NY – Empire Live +

To listen to State Champs release on Youtube, click the link here.

November 3, 2022
Hearing Aide: Harry Nichols Songs for the Rich and Beautiful

From his earliest days of musical self-expression, Harry Nichols has had deep passion for music and an ear for melody. He has released music independently since 2010 and continues to do so with his upcoming LP, Songs for the Rich and Beautiful.

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Currently living and playing gigs around Ithaca, Harry Nichols announces his first full length album in 8 years, Songs for the Rich and Beautiful. The record, conceived during COVID lockdown 2020, is the result of a challenge with fellow Ithaca songwriter Samuel B. Lupowitz.

Songs for the Rich and Beautiful came out an eclectic, beautiful meditation on friendship, and testament to the power of camaraderie in the face of great difficulties. Both agreed to create new records, song for song responses, to each other’s efforts from 2012.

Songs on the album like “What’s Eternity?” have deep meaning and a nostalgic vibe when listening to the lyrics. Nichols pours his heart out to his audience about his past experience of nostalgia of his childhood growing up.

The song “Mecca” has an upbeat vibe that is incredibly catchy, yet the lyrics are more hitting to the heart. When trying to find the meaning in life, there are a ton of ups and downs. Nichols sings, “nothing goes as planned,” throughout the chorus.

Others songs like “Breathstroke” and portray a lighter side to the album, Harry Nichols gives us heavenly vocals and bright guitar chords. The song “Space Girl” also has amazing vocals and meaningful lyrics paired with Nichols guitar melody. Likewise, “Heteromasculine Lovegame” is quite the opposite, giving us a more fun indie/alternative upbeat song about how love and relationships can be such a game.

To check out more of Harry Nichols music, click on the link here to find more of his music on Bandcamp.
<a href="https://harrynichols.bandcamp.com/album/songs-for-the-rich-and-beautiful">Songs for the Rich and Beautiful by Harry Nichols</a>

November 1, 2022
Sub Lights Release New EP ‘Half-Life’

NYC’s Sub Lights have just released their newest EP Half-Life, an album that describes how if you only live in the past or for the future, you miss the present. Thus, marking the duo’s second release following last year’s Medicine EP and a pair of successful debut shows in Manhattan.

The band has also released a new video for another track from this project, titled “Hell’s Kitchen Sink.”

To the artists, the challenge of making music as a duo has inspired them to put together a small studio in their new home in New York City, an effort that went into overdrive during the 2020 lockdowns. Their new Half-Life EP marks the duo’s second release, following last year’s Medicine.

“Big and brash electropop from this NY duo that centers blazing hooks amidst spiraling guitars and sizzling synths.”
Bandcamp New and Notable

“Music should be fun, it’s entertainment after all,” states Stephen. “But it’s also art and part of the purpose of art is to allow listeners to explore different ways of being. That’s our goal: to offer the chance to explore a bit of social consciousness along with fun.”

“Sub lights has a distinct electronic sound . . . sure to get you in your feels. . . . an incredible atmosphere. . . . creative and fun. More music from Sub lights is on the way; be on the lookout.”
Road Trips & Playlists

“The idea was to transform traditionally-written songs, mostly played on piano or acoustic guitar, into our indie-electronic style,” says the Stephen. “Lyrically, we wanted to try to capture the kind of social melancholy coming out of the pandemic and the Trump years, but then express that in a hopeful way. Like, life is tough and can be really sad, but even then people are amazing and able to find joy by connecting with each other. We also wanted to take our music seriously without taking ourselves too seriously—it’s a fine line, but I admire artists who can pull that off. But also I’m a college history professor and fairly politically active, so there’s always an element of the big picture mixed in there too, grand themes of what it means to be human and all that.”

“Half-Life has multiple meanings as it relates to the album,” continues Meredith. “It is one of the key lines in ‘Strange New Breed,’ and it is a way to describe how if you only live in the past or for the future, you miss the present, so essentially it feels like you are only experiencing half of your life at any given moment… It’s also my word for what deep depression feels like. All these missed opportunities, just watching life go by from your bed. ‘Black & White’ and ‘Rockville’ are songs about the past. ‘Traffic’ and ‘Hell’s Kitchen Sink’ are about living in the moment which is the only time we can experience the full interconnectedness of life, that we are all the same.”

“I think some of our songs conceptually resemble protest music,” says Merideth. “Common themes are anti-religion, anti-patriarchy, anti-unfettered capitalism, anti-fascism. Think for yourself, question things, wake up, be kind.”
<a href="https://submarinelights.bandcamp.com/track/strange-new-breed">Strange New Breed by Sub Lights</a>

October 28, 2022
Caffe Lena Presents Third Annual TrueSongs Concert

Caffe Lena will present the third annual TrueSongs concert on Sunday, November 12^th at 8pm, highlighting local lives changed for the better by Capital Region non-profits. The concert features previously untold redemption stories involving a local non-profit organization, each will be told in words and songs at Caffe Lena.

A young woman builds her life back after a stroke, two friends start a music shop in Haiti. A daughter finds peace and fulfillment in her final days with her mother, and a woman moves forward after homelessness. Each of these previously untold redemption stories involves a local non-profit organization, and each will be told in words and songs at Caffe Lena.

TrueSongs was created in 2019 by the Saratoga Springs music venue Caffe Lena to show how arts and social service organizations can work together to create a healthy, whole community. Now in its third year, TrueSongs will give five community members the chance to share their personal story with a live audience.

Each storyteller has been working with a songwriter who will follow the story with a compelling new song meant to bring out the emotional heart of the experience.

“We proudly partner with schools, churches and community centers throughout Haiti,” said Bill Cole, owner of Cole’s Woodwind Shop and founder of the non-profit Horns for Haiti. “The resilience of the Haitian people and their love of music has made it possible to implement projects during a very difficult time in this third world country. We’re providing musical instruments and supplies to hundreds of school children and also mentoring young entrepreneurs in starting their own sustainable businesses in the music industry.”

The TrueSongs Lyrics of Life concert will take place on Sunday, November 12^th at 8p.m. at Caffe Lena. Tickets bought in advance are $20 to the general public and $10 for students. Tickets bought at the door are $22 for the general public. Likewise, $5 student rush tickets will be sold at the door with valid ID. The concert will also be available to live stream for free on Caffe Lena’s YouTube channel. For more information and to purchase advance tickets, click the link here.

October 27, 2022
Fake Dad Release Alt-pop Single “New Machines”

Brooklyn alt-pop duo Fake Dad have just announced their newest aesthetic release “New Machines” out on November 10^th. The single is dreamy yet electrifying, overall capturing the nostalgic experience of younger generations who have grown up in a world characterized by tragedy and fear.

This particular single reflects on global stressors like climate crisis, “New Machines” channels a care-free sound reflective of the consistent lack of seriousness society seems to meet very real issues with. “New Machines” is also a powerful follow-up to their most recent single, “Painkiller,” that caught the attention of esteemed indie music tastemakers like Ones to Watch and A1234, who premiered the single.

“We hope that the upbeat sound on New Machines is motivating and empowering to anyone feeling dejected, anxious, and emotionally burdened. Most of all, we hope this makes every listener feel a little less alone in this scary mess of a world.”
– Fake Dad

Fake dad fans still obsess over their anthemic June single“How Do I Cry?,” which landed itself on eight major Spotify editorial playlists like All New Indie and Indie Arrivals. Fake dad release some of the most aesthetic songs and share their conceptual ideas with their listeners. Thus, their newest single “New Machines,” which is dreamy yet electrifying with a nostalgic taste, will surely do that.

Fake dad, also known as Andrea de Varona and Josh Ford, have made music together in their studio apartment since 2018. The duo had designated their roles within the band and have worked with a variety of up and coming artists. Both artists come from different musical backgrounds, but they do share one common goal. And that goal is to create something that understands the listener. Both Andrea and Josh wanted to create music that comforted people, especially if the listener had a rough day in life, stated in a previous article from NYS Music.

To listen to Fake dad’s newest release “New Machines,” click the link to Soundcloud here.

And to read more about Fake dad from NYS Music, click the link here.

October 27, 2022
Hammerhedd Opens At The Chance in Poughkeepsie on October 27th

Kansas City progressive metal trio Hammerhedd is playing at The Chance in Poughkeepsie as the opener for Swedish juggernauts, In Flames, on Thursday, October 27th. The heavy metal band from Brighton, Michigan, has also just released their first full-length LP, Grand Currents, in July of 2020.

The band, which first started playing together about a decade ago, is comprised of 19-year-old Henry (vocals, guitar), 16-year-old Eli (drums), and 14-year-old Abe (bass). The boys were 4, 7, and 9 years old when the band was formed.

Together, the Ismert brothers have amazed fans with their high-level, technical playing, which has drawn comparisons to modern metal icons similar to artists Gojira, Meshuggah, and Mastodon. Especially for their age, the band is much more than the sum of their influences, They rock the house every time they have played.

In Flames is a Swedish heavy metal band, formed by guitarist Jesper Strömblad in Gothenburg in 1990. Alongside At the Gates and Dark Tranquillity, In Flames pioneered the genres known as Swedish death metal and melodic death metal. In Flames tickets for the upcoming concert tour are on sale at StubHub. Likewise, for Hammerhedd’s tour information can be accessed by clicking the link here.

You can check these fantastic metal bands at The Chance Theater, which is an old concert and theater complex located in downtown Poughkeepsie. The venue has featured big-name and up-and-coming rock acts throughout it’s lifetime since being built in 1912. The vibes at this venue are unforgettable, and it has a long history of now-famous musicians that have played there.

To watch Hammerhedd’s song “Tunnel,” click here. For more information on the event at The Chance Theater and to purchase tickets for this upcoming event, click here.

October 21, 2022
Arctic Monkeys Announce 2023 North American Tour

English rock band Arctic Monkeys have announced their North American tour for Summer 2023 with support from acclaimed Irish band Fontaines D.C. The tour includes two nights you won’t want to miss at New York’s Forest Hills Stadium and a quick stop at The KIA Forum in Los Angeles.

The Arctic Monkeys announced a UK stadium tour for Summer 2023. Along with this, they have just released “Body Paint” – the second song to be released from their forthcoming 7th album The Car (October 21st on Domino). They returned to the stage of 30 Rock’s Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon for their first TV performance since 2019’s Austin City Limits.

The last time the Arctic Monkeys made stops in New York was back in 2018 when they played at Forest Hills Stadium and in Canandaigua. In honor of being in their inspiration’s hometown, The Strokes, the band covered one of their most popular songs “Is This It” exclusively for their New York fans.

Fans can register by clicking the link HERE for Ticketmaster Verified Fan Presale now through October 4th at 10am EST. Presale will begin October 6th at 10am local and general on sale starts Friday, October 7th at 10 am local. Purchase tickets by clicking the link HERE.

ARCTIC MONKEYS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:

Friday, August 25, 2023 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory

Sunday, August 27, 2023 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Tuesday, August 29, 2023 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

Wednesday, August 30, 2023 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

Saturday, September 2, 2023 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre

Sunday, September 3, 2023 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

Tuesday, September 5, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann

Thursday, September 7, 2023 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion

Friday, September 8, 2023 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium

Saturday, September 9, 2023 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium

Monday, September 11, 2023 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater

Friday, September 15, 2023 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

Saturday, September 16, 2023 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena

Monday, September 18, 2023 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Arena

Friday, September 22, 2023 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Saturday, September 23, 2023 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum

Sunday, September 24, 2023 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

Wednesday, September 27, 2023 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center

Friday, September 29, 2023 – Inglewood, CA – The KIA Forum

October 20, 2022
Malian Musician Oumou Sangaé to make Apollo Theater Debut on October 29

On Saturday, October 29^th, the World Music Institute present Malian musician and GRAMMY Award winner Oumou Sangaré for an incredible one-night-only performance at the world-famous Apollo in Harlem. Being one of West Africa’s most celebrated vocalists, Sangaré infuses her music with traditional African percussion, distinctive vocals, and progressive social criticism. Thus, creating a unique sound that has propelled her onto the international stage.

In her Apollo debut, Oumou Sangaré, “The Songbird of Wassoulou,” will perform music that spans traditional Wassoulou music. She will do this by using contemporary sounds coming out of Africa as well as songs from her recent critically acclaimed album, Timbuktu.

We’re thrilled to have Oumou, make her Apollo debut during our Next Movement season. Over the past eight decades the Apollo has amplified Black voices and used its platforms to create an intersection of art and activism, so having Oumou perform a range of music from Wassoulou music to contemporary sounds is exactly the kind of artistic conversation that we champion.
Kamilah Forbes, Executive Producer at The Apollo

Oumou Sangaré is considered an ambassador of Wassoulou, she is praised for being an activist, businesswoman and global icon. Throughout the world, her music has been inspired by the music and traditional dances of the region. She does this by writing and composing her songs which often include social criticism, especially concerning women’s low status in society.

Similar to legendary performers like Grace Jones, Nina Simone, and Aretha Franklin, Oumou Sangaré has been praised by stars including Beyoncé and Alicia Keys for her powerful voice and unwavering commitment to the betterment of women. Sangaré infuses her music with traditional African percussion, distinctive vocals, and progressive social criticism, creating a unique sound that has propelled her career.

Ticket will range from $30-$75 per seating arrangement. For more information on Oumou Sangaré and to purchase tickets via the Apollo Theater, click the link here.

October 20, 2022
Consider The Source Releases “I Am Inevitable”; Maxx Power Tour Stops Announced for Lake Huntington, Saratoga Springs and Brooklyn

Sci-fi fusion trio Consider the Source releases their newest album “I Am Inevitable” as they start to gear up for their Maxx Power Tour. The band is ready to get back to the electric shows they have become known for. Their upcoming Maxx Power Tour will feature material from throughout the band’s history, bringing back songs from the very beginning and some electric tracks from their latest effort “Hybrid Vol.1: Such As A Mule.”

With their blend of progressive rock and improvisatory jazz Consider the Source defy easy categorization. A relentless touring schedule has earned them a close following around the world, with fans ranging from tie dye covered hippies to metalheads.

“Manipulating the juxtaposition between light and dark frequently, the song tells a story of conflicting emotions which paradoxically need each other to exist. We wanted to surprise and challenge the listener by shifting these moods harmonically and dynamically. Playing with contrasts in this way gives each section its own platform. The title comes from Marvel Comics super villain Thanos however in classic CTS fashion, we took the quote out of context and when you read these words and then listen to the song, it conjures hope rather than destruction which was the initial intention. We know…we are nerds” states CTS.

MAXX POWER TOUR

10.13 Baltimore, MD – The 8×10 !
10.14 Damascus, VA – Between the Vines
10.15 Burkeville, VA – Fly High CROPtober Fest
10.29 Lake Huntington, NY – CollaboWeen #
11.04 Portland, ME – Bayside Bowl $
11.05 Hartford, CT – Arch Street Tavern %
11.10 Saratoga Springs, NY – Putnam Place ^
11.11 Burlington, VT – Nectar’s
11.12 Asbury Park, NJ – Wonder Bar *
11.17 Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater ^
11.18 Pembroke, MA – Soundcheck Studios +
11.19 Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Made *
12.01 Charlottesville, VA – The Southern
12.02 Asheville, NC – Asheville Music Hall
12.03 Charlotte, NC – Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts !!
12.08 Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar ##
12.09 Raleigh, NC – The Pour House Music Hall $$
12.10 Boone, NC – Boone Saloon %%
12.30 Brattleboro, VT – The Stone Church +
12.31 Worcester, MA – Electric Haze ^^

For more information on Consider the Source Releases, tickets, and the show, click the link here.

October 18, 2022