Brooklyn‘s Wilder Maker have just released two of their latest singles, “Static” (ft. V.V. Lightbody) and “Against Numbers” (ft. Katie Von Schleicher). The band is also preparing to release their latest album Male Models on July 29, the album tells tales of unrequited love, drunkenness, and desperation, and more.
Following up on previous singles “A Professional” and “Letter of Apology,” “Static” is the third track from their upcoming album. Gabriel Birnbaum says, “it touches on how violence in our culture tends to simmer under the surface in subtle ways that we overlook until they explode into something really horrific. It’s loosely inspired by a friend I had who used to get drunk and bait people into fights that he meant to lose. It features my friend V.V. Lightbody on vocals, an amazing singer and multi-instrumentalist from Chicago whose solo work I’m a huge fan of.”
Photo credit: Ebru Yildiz
We all listen to playlists a lot, even us album diehards. I’ve been keeping an ever-expanding playlist of songs that I never want to skip, with all of these different voices back to back. I wanted to make a record that sounded like a playlist in this way; it became a kind of songwriting challenge for me.
– Gabriel Birnbaum
Male Models can be described as Birnbaum’s tales of unrequited love, drunkenness, and desperation. The album feels almost voyeuristic, as if you were sitting in a crowded cocktail bar, sneaking glances at nearby tables.
Wilder Maker features a dynamic roster of musicians that includes singer-songwriter Gabriel Birnbaum, Nick Jost and Sean Mullins as the core trio. Male Models also features guest lead vocal spots from Adam Duritz (of Counting Crows fame), Katie Von Schleicher, Felicia Douglass (Dirty Projectors, Ava Luna), Alex Schaaf (Yellow Ostrich), V.V. Lightbody, and Mutual Benefit.
Male Models succeeds in truly capturing the energy of a crowded party and its accompanying playlist. Musically, it also changes shape constantly. The album has an electrified soul, featuring heartfelt folk songs, indie rock, and searing barn burners, all of which are expertly tethered by Birnbaum’s sardonic and doom-laden storytelling.
Bryant Park Picnic Performances continues August 12th with New York City Opera’s condensed version of Verdi’s classic, La traviata. The performance will last two hours with one 15-minute intermission. Bryant Park will continue to monitor and follow updated New York City and New York State COVID-19 guidelines throughout the summer, as necessary.
Photo Credit :Michael Cooper
On Friday, August 12th at 7pm, Bryant Park Picnic Performances presents an abridged adaptation of Verdi’s classic that inspired Moulin Rouge. The show has instantly recognizable tunes famously featured in Pretty Woman. La traviata tells the story of the tragic love between the courtesan Violetta and the romantic Alfredo Germont. Playing out against the hypocrisy of upper-class fashionable society, Alfredo and Violetta’s love threatens to shame his family.
‘The People’s Opera’ is thrilled to return to our summer home at Bryant Park, where we can continue our mission of free performances for New York audiences.
– Michael Capasso, General Director of New York City Opera
The 2022 Picnic Performances season is possible due to the generous support of Bank of America. “Bank of America is a long-standing supporter of the arts because we believe that a thriving arts and cultural community benefits both society and the economy,” said José Tavarez, President, Bank of America New York City. “So we are thrilled to once again sponsor Picnic Performances and combine our commitment to the arts with our partnership with Bryant Park. Together we’re helping New York City’s iconic cultural scene to thrive, while promoting green spaces and providing free access to live New York City music, dance and theater.”
On Friday, September 2nd, the performance Lucia di Lammermoor emerges. The story concerns fragile Lucy Ashton (Lucia) caught in a feud between her family. The setting takes place in the Lammermuir Hills of Scotland (Lammermoor) in the 17th century. Think Romeo and Juliet, but set in Scotland.
Photo Credit: Ryan Muir
Complete Bryant Park Picnic Performances:
July
July 15: Carnegie Hall Citywide: Squirrel Nut Zippers
July 22: Carnegie Hall Citywide: The Broadway Sinfonietta
July 23: Jazzmobile: Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band
July 28: Ailey II Performance and Ailey Extension Dance Class
July 29: Carnegie Hall Citywide: The Hot Sardines Featuring Nellie McKay
Photo Credit: Ryan Muir
August
August 5: Greenwich House Music School: Mireya Ramos and Alea
August 12: New York City Opera: La traviata
August 19: Asian American Arts Alliance: Rafiq Bhatia and Ian Chang
August 26: Habibi Festival: Esraa Warda & The Châab Lab, Firas Zreik, Yacine Boularès, and AJOYO
August 29: The Town Hall: Eighth Blackbird Celebrates John Cage
September
September 2: New York City Opera: Lucia di Lammermoor
September 8: Steinway Artists Aaron Diehl and Orrin Evans
September 9: Classical Theatre of Harlem
September 16: Accordion Festival: Heart of Afghanistan and More
September 17: American Symphony Orchestra
For the additional information please visit the link here.
Peter Hook & The Light embark on a cross-continental journey that takes them across the United States and Canada in August and September 2022 for their biggest and most extensive trek to date, “Joy Division: A Celebration.” The North American tour launches August 11th in Toronto.
Since announcing the tour last summer both Chicago shows at Metro are sold-out and joining as special guests will be El Ten Eleven in Chicago (both shows), Boston, Silver Springs, MD, Philadelphia, New York, San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
“So yeah, from that point of view, it’s actually nice to bring the two albums together [live]: you can see the contrast quite vividly when we play them. I do get some very almost teary moments. It has been quite interesting because Closer really does have a big effect on people, from an emotional point of view. Unknown Pleasures is very aggressive, it’s very punky, so live, it really rocks. Whereas Closer is almost the exact opposite: it’s very melancholic. It draws you in, and I must admit not only does it get a very emotional response from us while playing it, but you get an emotional response from the audience.”
Around twenty-six dates overall, the tour takes place across five weeks. The band returns to some venues and debuts at others to perform Joy Division’s seminal two albums Unknown Pleasures and Closer in full.
The Light Live At 02 Academy Leeds July 1, 2022 | Cr: Neil Chapman / Unholy Racket
Additionally, the tour will feature Joy Division rarities and an opening set of New Order material. The tour follows the debut UK dates for “Joy Division: A Celebration” which commemorates the 40th anniversary of Joy Division and Ian Curtis’ continuing influence.
“’Love Will Tear Us Apart’ is a masterpiece that has stood the test of decades, and is the perfect ending to a superb event…”
– Yorkshire Post
Returning for his ninth tour of the States with Peter Hook & The Light, Hooky comments: “Definitely one of the highlights/lowlights of my profession is the travelling. It was amazing what a blessing it was not to have to do it over lockdown but amazing again how soon you missed seeing all these wonderful places the world has to offer. You lot in America are so lucky to have such a varied and wonderful country. I can’t wait to get back there, and my mouth is watering at the thought of going to my first ‘Coffee Shop’ breakfast. I am easily pleased.”
The Light Live At O2 Academy Brixton July 10, 2022 | Cr: Richard Gray
The first few dates were originally scheduled for May 2020, but due to the pandemic have only just taken place in the UK and across France to great reviews and reactions from fans and critics alike to The Light’s dedication to and passion for the catalogue across what is a near three-hour show.
About the reaction on returning to live concerts, Hooky added; “The gigs so far have all been wonderful and the fans and the band have been wonderful too! It does nothing for my imposter syndrome; I am very grateful that we have all risen back to this after what we have been through these past few years. Thank you all. We have a lot to be thankful for. Ian Curtis R.I.P.”
Because of the Ian Curtis death, Joy Division had to cancel their US Tour. Thus, also resulting in the death of Joy Division itself. But, later on as a new trio, create with Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris played as New Order and stopped through New York in 1981.
Peter Hook & The Light’s ‘Joy Division: A Celebration’ Tour Dates:
August 11 – The Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, ONT
August 12 – The Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, ONT
August 13 – Club Soda – Montreal, QC
August 15 – Royal Oak Music Theatre – Royal Oak, MI
August 16 – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA
August 18 – First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
August 19 – Metro – Chicago *SOLD OUT
August 20 – Metro – Chicago *SOLD OUT
August 22 – The Pabst Theatre – Milwaukee, WI
August 23 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA
August 25 – The Fillmore Silver Spring – Silver Spring, MD
August 26 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA
August 27 – Terminal 5 – New York, NY
August 29 – The Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ
August 30 – Mohawk – Austin, TX
August 31 – Mohawk – Austin, TX
September 2 – House Of Blues Houston – Houston, TX
September 3 – House Of Blues Dallas – Dallas, TX
September 5 – Ogden Theatre – Denver, CO
September 6 – Humphreys Concerts by the Bay – San Diego, CA
September 8 – The Theatre At Ace Hotel – Los Angeles, CA
September 9 – The Theatre At Ace Hotel – Los Angeles, CA
September 10 – The Warfield – San Francisco, CA
September 12 – Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR
September 13 – The Showbox – Seattle, WA
September 14 – Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC
For more details and to purchase tickets, click the link here.
Electric Zoo 2022 has announced their theme and lineup for their annual three-day electric dance music festival. NYC continues to be the most popular, selling out year after year. Each time, this event turns the lush green Randall’s Island Park into every festival-goers dream. This unforgettable electric festival will take place on Labor Day weekend 2022, September 2-4.
NYC’s iconic EDM festival today shines the spotlight on new bass artist, CloZee, who is not only making her debut at Electric Zoo, but also is featuring some of the best bass-infused electronic acts at her Odyzey stage. She will be taking over the Riverside stage on Sunday, September 4th. CloZee has made a name for herself throughout the electronic music industry over the last few years. By cementing herself as a modern champion of genre-bending bass, Forbes praised her as creating her own “true CloZee style.”
Established in 2009 by Made Event, Electric Zoo Festival is one of New York City’s largest music festivals. This event features the most popular names in electronic music, bringing a wide variety of acts from around the world and across the spectrum of electronic music’s various sub-genres. Additionally, international editions of the infamous Electric Zoo have taken place in Mexico City, Tokyo, Shanghai and São Paulo.
I support the music I love in so many ways. Whether that be in my sets, with my label (Odyzey Music), at shows, or on social media. When I have input on the lineup, I feel a high level of responsibility for curating a full experience. It’s very meaningful to me.
– CloZee
On September 4, EZoo attendees will get to witness the debut of the Odyzey stage, which is packed with immense talent. Other artists will join such as Mersiv, whose music has a way of transmitting therapeutic and healing energy to listeners. Portland-based artist Redrum also joins the lineup with her bewitching magical music.
I have looked up to CloZee for years so having the opportunity to play Electric Zoo as a part of her takeover is such a dream! I love New York and I can’t wait to play there again, the lineup is insane I’m honored to be a part of it
Redrum
Joining the lineup as well are artists like INZO, Canvas, Tripp St., Wreckno, Rome In Silver, and more. All of these new elm artists have worked hard to make an exciting addition to the dm community, their mission is to make something beautiful for others to listen to.
Electric Zoo 3.0 will be a unforgettable Labor Day weekend at Randall’s Island Park. NYC’s premiere music festival today shines the another spotlight on one of the most iconic DJ’s around right now, Tchami, who will be making his return to Electric Zoo while also curating his very own stage in the name of his imprint, Confession. The Confession stage will feature some of house music’s most profound heavy hitters taking over the Hilltop Arena on Friday, September 2nd.
One look at this stage’s lineup is enough to get any fan of dance music excited. More unique edm artists will be featured at the Confession stage like Malaa, Matroda, Capozzi, Wax Motif and more. Tchami’s Confession parties have a history of selling out The Brooklyn Mirage in the past, making it all the more special that they will make their mark on the Hilltop Arena this year.
Fans can expect a stacked lineup featuring the most prominent names in electronic music. Each year, a crowd of 100,000 gathers in Randall’s Island Park annually with a record-breaking 107,500 attending in 2019. This year, EZOO 2022 will be another ambitious undertaking destined to transport its fans beyond musical boundaries.
This year, Electric Zoo 2022 will take EDM fans on a cosmic musical journey beyond their wildest imaginations with 3.0. For example, this new and improved version of EZOO features unexplainable phenomena and will open music fans’ minds to new sounds and experiences. Likewise, with a more convenient and suitable experience.
Digital wallets are becoming more practical and EZOO is entirely here for it. The trends of dance music are also changing and EZOO is determined to create their lineup to satisfy their community. Therefore, they have read wish lists and created a lineup based on the feedback and choices in the EZOO Artist List surveys.
Tickets go on sale soon, register for pre-sale access here.
Runaway New York presents “Nights,” a micro festival for the youth, by the youth, taking place on Saturday, July 16th. With its current outreach mission, Runaway New York aims to share its platform with other budding creatives. You won’t want to miss what this event has in store.
Runaway New York is a fashion and lifestyle brand founded in New York City in 2018 by Jagger Walk, the brand’s CEO, and Creative Director. From creating apparel, fragrances, and jewelry, the brand prioritizes quality and values giving back to its beloved city. The band has even collaborated with Pharell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club. Overall, to Runaway New York, the sky is the limit.
After their first Nights event in London, the brand wanted to bring the concept back to New York where it originally came from. The show is headlined by Laundry Day and a special guest, who will be announced leading up to the event.
Industry City is the perfect place to debut Nights in New York City for many reasons. From its location to the amenities, and general atmosphere, we felt this would be the most fitting setting for the event
Jack Berk, one of the event’s organizers
Partnering with artist Tyler Miller and his manager Jack Berk; the three have come together to bring Brooklyn a “micro” festival made by the youth for the youth. Tyler Miller, Carlo Redl, and Chad Nelson will open the show which will be accompanied by exclusive Runaway New York merchandise.
The show will take place at Industry City Courtyard 1/2 and tickets will be sold to the public for all ages. Food and drink will be available for purchase as well. The doors open at 6:00 PM and the show is expected to go on until 11:00 PM.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link here.
After a two-year hiatus, Northwest Jazz Festival returns celebrating 20 years in Historic Lewiston. This year the festival will highlight local, international, and North American jazz artists including Sally Terrell, John di Martino, Stacey Kent, and more.
Northwest Jazz Festival in Historic Lewiston, NY returns after a two-year hiatus celebrating 20 years.
The last Northwest Jazz Festival took place in 2019 with a two-year break due to NYS (New York State) COVID-19 restrictions. In 2021 there was not a full festival, however, local musicians were hired to perform in Lewiston. This year’s event brings live music to Center Street with a selection of the region’s finest food and beverage vendors including local wineries, distilleries, and breweries.
Jazz Vocalist / Pianist Sally Terrell with acclaimed jazz pianist/arranger John di Martino
“The headliners this year are all incredibly shining stars in the jazz world who have demonstrated creative resourcefulness in overcoming the pandemic. We are excited to have Grammy® Nominees and a Juno Award winner on the Main Stage this year,”
states Tony Zambito.
“This year we will celebrate the festival’s 20th anniversary and we could not be happier to welcome Joey DeFrancesco back to the Niagara Falls region where his father, Papa John, cemented the DeFrancesco legacy. In addition, we welcome back jazz vocalist Sally Terrell, who is also from this area and has a fabulous new album being released with jazz pianist extraordinaire John di Martino. We are excited to share that we will have a rare appearance and debut performance by Grammy® Nominee and jazz vocalist Stacy Kent. If anyone embodied perseverance during the pandemic, it was Emmet Cohen, and we are excited to have him, and the trio perform. Having Juno Award winner, the Allison Au Quartet from Canada is a chance to welcome our Canadian fans back to the festival. We are also delighted to have the opportunity to showcase an up-and-coming jazz vocalist, Corinne Mammana.”
2019 American Pianist Award Winner and “Live from Emmet’s Place”, Emmet Cohen Trio
Each year, the festival relies on the support of donors and sponsors to remain the largest free jazz festival in the region alongside hosting an annual fundraiser in the Spring.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming support we have already received from the generosity of sponsors to make sure a 2022 event takes place. We are hard at work on the anniversary celebration and plan to give you another two days of spectacular entertainment featuring international stars as well as some of our own local super talents. It is clear that everyone loves and misses the jazz festival and wants it to continue to be a success” says Carol Calato, the Chairwoman of the Jazz Festival Board of Directors.
5-Time Grammy® Nominee and Downbeat Critic’s Poll #1 Jazz Organist, Joey DeFrancesco.
The Jazz Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, May 1 from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Brickyard Brewery in Lewiston, NY. The event will feature music by the Stu Weissman Trio, Saranaide, and the Buffalo Dolls.
Tickets for the Fundraiser are available at the festival website linked here.
For more information about the fundraiser and the festival, as well as, to sign up for alerts on the jazz festival news, please visit the link here.
Cortland Repertory Theatre proudly presents the third show in their 50th Anniversary season, the well-known backstage musical Kiss Me, Kate. The show was last produced at this theater in 1984, Kiss Me, Kate is a hilarious and tuneful show with music and lyrics by Cole Porter.
Jahmar Ortiz as Fred Graham and Briana Gantsweg as Lily Vanessi in Cortland Repertory Theatre’s production of Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me, Kate”, running from July 6 – 16.
Sparks fly both onstage and off when actor/director Fred Graham attempts to mount a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew with his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi in the leading role. Added to the mix is a flirtatious ingenue, her gambler boyfriend and some musically inclined gangsters, creating a sharp, witty and riotous evening of big laughs, dancing and some of Cole Porter’s most classic tunes.
Familiar favorited tunes by include Cole Porterinclude “So In Love,” “Too Darn Hot,” “Always True to You (In My Fashion),” and “Tom, Dick or Harry.” You won’t want to miss this high energy musical.
See all show dates and times below.
July 6, 2022 7:30 pm
July 7, 2022 7:30 pm
July 8, 2022 2:00 pm
July 8, 2022 7:30 pm
July 9, 2022 7:30 pm
July 10, 2022 2:00 pm
July 12, 2022 7:30 pm
July 13, 2022 2:00 pm
July 13, 2022 7:30 pm
July 14, 2022 7:30 pm
July 15, 2022 7:30 pm
July 16, 2022 7:30 pm
George Sidney’s terrific film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical “Kiss Me, Kate”
Tickets may be purchased by calling 800-427-6160 or by visiting the CRT Box Office at 24 Port Watson Street in Cortland. Visit the link here to purchase tickets online.
Visit the link here for more information on all upcoming performances.
The Batavia Ramble Explore Art and Music Festival has been announced for July 2nd, including 25 bands, an Explore Art tent for kids, street performances, and much more.
For the past two years, the Ramble has been put on hold due to the pandemic. However, it is coming back this year, bigger and better than ever. The event will take place in Jackson Square and on Jackson Street in Batavia on July 2nd from 10am – 9pm.
We are so excited that the Ramble will be happening again this year! We wanted to make it the best one yet, so we partnered with our friends at GO ART! to help us not only grow the entire event but also bring more of a presence to the ‘arts’ side of the festival. It really is shaping up to be an incredible event. And I think everyone is going to love it!
-Paul Draper III
Batavia Ramble is an annual reunion of musicians, who have a connection to Batavia and the surrounding areas, which features a variety of musical genres. This year’s Ramble will consist of two stages; The Main Stage sponsored by Eli Fish in Jackson Square, and the Jackson Street Stage sponsored by Center Street Smoke House.
The tentative lineup is as follows:
Eli Fish Stage:
The Ghost Riders Groove Warren Skye and Friends Kissin’ Whiskey DriVen The Trolls 2.0 Lonesome Road Marnie Kay and the Nonblondes Beethoven’s Dream Group Sierra Noah Gokey Jostepa Trio The Bluesway Band Zackstreet Boys
Jackson Street Stage
Steve Krupper Tom Ryan and Friends PD3 Knaudt and Chua Vette Midnight Cruisers Brick Spare Parts High Pines The Remediators Bad Sign
In addition to all the music and activities, there will be vendors including artists, food, and beer. Guests are reminded to bring a chair or a blanket.
New York City folk-pop trio, Morningsiders, release their newest album, I’ve Got A Song on June 17. Known for their unique style of indie music, this album encompasses a set of their latest quirky tunes. Their sound is often described as music that bridges the gap between virtuosic, intimate live moments and gorgeously atmospheric studio-produced pop.
The Morningsiders are NYC-based, having met and formed at Columbia University. The band is comprised of Magnus Ferguson (vocals/guitar), Reid Jenkins (fiddle/vocals), and Robert Frech (piano).
The band has evolved from an Americana-collective into today’s guitar-fiddle-piano trio more focused on song craft and production. Originally, the band was comprised of rotating members and improvisatory performances.
Morningsiders had first made a name for themselves on a national level when their song “Empress” went viral, topping Spotify’s Viral 50 in 2015. Shortly after, they ended but being featured in a Starbucks commercial featuring Oprah Winfrey. “Empress” now has over 44 million streams on Spotify to this day.
Songs like “Hang the Cedar” and “Bowery Ballroom” have an emotional yet upbeat melody, with pop-punk highlights. The lyrics are heartfelt and gentle, making us reminisce about a past or current relationship.
This album has quite a few gentle melodies, “This Could Be Good” has a beautiful guitar riff with motivating yet gentle lyrics. Yet, “Four Faced Liar” pokes at our heartstrings with a beautiful symphony and chorus.
Currently, the trio are set to expand their popularity using their quirky sonic maneuvering, while still retaining the moments of brilliant musicianship. I’ve Got A Song encompasses this new style overall, making it an easy hit.
Overall, “I’ve Got A Song” encompasses a gentle yet pop-punk side to the Morningsiders. They have evolved from an Americana-collective into today’s incredible guitar-fiddle-piano trio, you won’t want to miss out on this new album.
To download I’ve Got A Song, click the link here and watch “Hang The Cedar” below.
Ithaca Reggae Fest returns to Stewart Park on June 17th and 18th, 2022, with full day of reggae, yoga, water education, skateboarding, art, food, dance and more. Dedicated to the protection of Cayuga Lake through a conscious celebration of Ithaca’s legendary reggae community and its history, this festival returns after three years of being apart.
This year’s festival is culminating with headlining performances from internationally renowned Ithaca-based roots reggae & dub masters. Featuring revolutionary artists like 10 Ft. Ganja Plant mixed by legendary Jamaican producer Scientist and Kabaka Pyramid, both making their Ithaca debuts. Saturday’s lineup includes some of the best reggae bands from throughout New York State.
Dedicated to protecting Cayuga Lake, throughout the day Ithaca Reggae Fest features Education Village, which will showcase numerous water protectors from throughout New York and the United States including the Audubon Society, Community Science Institute, Cayuga Nature Center, and many others with interactive exhibits for all.
Youth Village presented by the Childhood Development Council will feature youth programming throughout Saturday from family yoga and storytelling to drum circles and a special performance by Hangar Theatre’s “Three Little Birds.”
And focusing on art, Ithaca Reggae Fest is excited to partner with the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) and famous artist Jay Stooks to host its Art Village featuring numerous local, regional and national artists creating art throughout the day Saturday raising proceeds to benefit the 50th Anniversary of GIAC.
Throughout all of this, in collaboration with USA Skateboarding and Etnies shoes, Ithaca Reggae Fest presents Skateboard Village hosting the 1st Annual Flat Attack US Pro/Am Championships of Flatland Freestyle Skateboarding. Free to attend and open to all to register, Qualifying Rounds take place on Friday, June 17 from 11 AM to 5 PM before the Championships on Saturday, June 18 from 2pm to 7pm at the Tennis Courts in Stewart Park.
Bringing the community together, tickets to the triumphant return of the 4th Annual Ithaca Reggae Fest is on sale now with children under 16 admitted free of charge with a parent or guardian. Tickets and more information linked here.
