NYS Music 202​2

Author: Kamra Wint

  • Isaac Mizrahi Returns to Cafe Carlyle With New Show, ‘In Person’

    Isaac Mizrahi will return to Cafe Carlyle in NYC for his annual residency, running March 1-12. The classic jazz restaurant has previously hosted a number of notable performers including legends like Eartha Kitt, Elaine Stritch and Debbie Harry. 

    Isaac Mizrahi
    Photo Credits – Gregg Richards

    Mizrahi’s new show, In-Person, will run for two weeks and features an array of covers, ranging from Billie Eilish to Stephen Sondheim. There will also be social commentary about everything going on in the modern world, from social media to pandemic headlines. 

    His previous residencies have racked up a myriad of critical acclaim, with the New York Times saying, “He qualifies as a founding father of a genre that fuses performance art, music and stand-up comedy.” 

    Mizrahi has directed theatre productions in St. Louis, as well as directed and narrated his production of Peter and The Wolf at The Guggenheim Museum. The multi talented performer has also been the subject and co-creator of Unzipped, which focuses on the making of his award winning Fall ‘94 collection. 

    Isaac Mizrahi
    Photo Credit – David Andrako

    Adding to his long list of accomplished work, Mizrahi has created his own production company, Isaac Mizrahi Entertainment, which he uses to produce several projects.

    Tickets are available for purchase here and additional information can be found here.

  • Thomas Nicholas Announced For Newest Palace Sessions

    The newest edition of The Palace Sessions features actor, director and singer Thomas Nicholas, along with his band. The Palace Sessions are a series of performances featuring local NY groups as well as national acts, held at the Palace Theatre in Albany.

    thomas nicholas

    The Thomas Nicholas band, borrowing its name from its creator, has spent the last ten years experimenting with music and touring around the world. Over the course of 700 shows, they have impressed audiences with their special blend of pop and rock. 

    The band has released six albums, and are currently working on their 7th. Outside of those official releases, Nicholas makes new singles every six weeks on Patreon.  

    The Palace Theatre serves as one of Albany’s most iconic landmarks and during its lifetime has hosted many artists, ranging from Wurliday to The Ill Funk Ensemble. Built in 1931, the theatre was originally used to show vaudeville acts and films. It had a resurgence in 1984 when The Palace Performing Arts Center was created. 

    thomas nicholas

    This historic location may have decades of history, but its overall mission has never changed. The Palace strives to bring world class entertainment and culture to the Capital Region, while also helping the community. 

    The session will be live streamed on The Palace Theatre’s youtube channel on 2/1 at 7 PM courtesy of Mirth Films. During the stream, donations can be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This organization is dedicated to saving lives and bringing support to those affected by suicide.

  • Governors Ball 2022 Lineup Announced: Featuring J.Cole, Roddy Rich, Halsey and more

    Governors Ball is back for 2022 and another year of star studded performers, featuring big-hitters like Kid Cudi, J. Cole and Halsey. The three-day event begins Friday, June 10 and concludes Sunday June 12 at the Citi Field complex in Queens.

    Governors Ball 2022

    After celebrating their 10-year anniversary this past fall, Governors Ball has returned with the perfect kick-off to the summer. The festival returns to its traditional early June dates and welcomes fans with performances from Migos, Jack Harlow, Roddy Rich, Skepta, Joji, Kaytranada, Clairo, Playboi Carti, Jazmine Sullivan, Japanese Breakfast, and many others. 

    This year’s Governors Ball will also have its signature line up of New York City’s best food, craft beers, surprise performances, stunning art installations and much more.

    Working in close coordination with the Mayor’s Office, the festival’s health guidelines for fans, artists and staff have been updated to stay in line with NYC requirements. A negative COVID test or full vaccination is required to attend. 

    As an added show of support for the city, Founders Entertainment, the organizers behind Gov Ball, will be making a $25,000 donation to the Mayor’s fund to help the victims of the Bronx apartment fire. Festival goers can also show support by donating to the relief effort here.

    Tickets are on sale starting 1/27 at 12 PM EST on GOVBALL.COM. Citi Cardmember presale runs from 1/25 at 10 AM to 1/27 at 11:59 AM. 

  • Keanu Reeves, Trey Anastasio, Gogol Bordello and more to perform for 35th Annual Tibet House US Benefit concert

    On March 3rd, The Tibet House US Benefit Concert will make its annual return with a jam packed line up. This event will be a virtual celebration of artistic director and composer Philip Glass’ 85th birthday.

    tibet house

    This year’s benefit will showcase Glass’ expert curation of artists, while also having special greetings from punk rock legend Iggy Pop and Joy Division founder, Bernard Sumner. The diverse line up includes performances from Keanu Reeves, Trey Anatasio, Gogol Bordello, Laurie Anderson, Margo Price, Patti Smith, Laurie Anderson, Nathaniel Rateliff, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Angélique Kidjo, Punch Brothers, The Fiery Furnaces, Tenzin Choegyal, Rubin Kodheli, The Scorchio Quartet as well as special greetings by Iggy Pop, and Bernard Sumner.

    New additions to the lineup as of February 9 include Queens’ own Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Stephen Colbert, Jesse Paris Smith and Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra. Additional artists will continue to be announced.

    The Tibet House is a non profit educational institution and cultural embassy that was formed at the request of the Dalai Lama in 1987. It strives to share and preserve Tibetan culture through educational programs and events for the general public. 

    Over the years, the Tibet House US Benefit concerts have been a massive success, with previous concerts having artists like David Bowie, FKA Twigs and Phoebe Bridgers. The biggest and brightest names in the music industry continue to lend their voices to the institution to help with their cause. 

    The virtual event will be live streamed on Mandolin at 8 PM EST and tickets, along with additional information, can be found on their website. All proceeds raised will go towards supporting the work of Tibet House US.

  • Toubab Krewe Announces Spring 2022 Tour, with Shows in Saranac Lake and Port Washington

    North Carolina group Toubab Krewe are back and have announced their Spring 2022 tour. Over 18 dates, the band will showcase their full potential and bring fans more of the sound they love.

    toubab krewe tour

    The Asheville natives have made a name for themselves by mixing traditional West African music with rock, jam and Appalachian elements, resulting in a unique sound that could capture anyone’s attention. Inspiration for their music is drawn from African greats like Ali Farka Toure, Orchestra Baobab and Salif Keita, while still maintaining their own identity.

    Formed in 2005, they group has spent more than ten years together, perfecting their craft and going on trips to learn more about their main source of inspiration, Africa. They have journeyed to places like Guinea, the Ivory Coast and Mali.

    The group has made appearances at a number of festivals including Bonnaroo, Rothbury and even Mali’s Festival In The Desert. They also continued to make music throughout the pandemic and have filmed a PBS ‘Echo Sessions’ special which is due to air later this year.

    Tickets are available on their website. All shows require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. 

    Toubab Krewe 2022 Tour Dates

    3.4  – Nederland CO – Caribou Room

    3.5 – Denver CO – Cervantes 

    3.6  – Vail CO – Shakedown Bar

    3.9 –  Mammoth Lakes CA – Liberty Bar 

    3.10 – Sacramento CA – Torch Club 

    3.11 – Santa Cruz CA – Moe’s Alley 

    3.12 – San Francisco CA – Boom Boom Room

    3.13 – Nevada City CA – Crazy Horse Saloon 

    3.25 – Port Washington NY – Landmark on Main St

    3.26 – Saranac Lake NY – Waterhole

    3.27- Portsmouth NH – The Press Room 

    3.30 – Baltimore MD – 8 x 10 

    3.31- Vienna VA – Jammin Java 

    4.1 – Roanoke VA – 5 Points Music Sanctuary 

    4.2  – Charlotte NC – Heist Barrel & Arts 

    4.13- Charleston SC – Charleston Pourhouse 

    4.15 -Asheville NC – Salvage Station 

    4.16- Raleigh NC – The Pourhouse 

  • From Budapest to Brooklyn, The Hellfreaks stun with cover of Beastie Boys’ ‘Sabotage’

    Hungarian Punk-Metal band The Hellfreaks are here to prove themselves with their cover of ‘Sabotage’ by NYC legends, the Beastie Boys. 

    cover art

    Following their recent signing to Napalm Records and the release of their single ‘Old Tomorrow,’ the group have focused on finding ways to showcase their full potential. ‘Sabotage’ serves as the kickstart to their upcoming full-length album.

    The four members of the group worked hard to find a sound that would work for all of them and they struck gold after agreeing to do a Beastie Boys cover. The song perfectly encapsulates each member’s musical prowess while allowing them to incorporate their own special twist.

    We love to challenge ourselves and see this mindset as the oil for our engine, that is why we decided to do something we never did before – to cover a song that represents a legendary piece of rock music history. 

    The Hellfreaks

    Instead of recording each part of the song instrument by instrument or section by section, it was recorded with all the members together. The method of live recording ensured that they would keep the essence of the Beastie Boys without making an exact replica of their hit song. As homage to the rap icons’ hometown pride, The Hellfreaks recorded the music video in their hometown of Budapest.

    ‘Sabotage’ is now available on youtube, all streaming platforms and at Napalm Records.

  • Midlake Release New Single “Bethel Woods,” Set to Perform in Manhattan and Woodstock

    Folk-rock veterans Midlake are back with their new single ‘Bethel Woods’ from their upcoming album For The Sake of Bethel Woods. The official music video stars actor Michael Pena and is directed by filmmaker Brantley Gutierrez, who has also worked with the likes of Paul McCartney and Diplo.

    midlake bethel woods

    Inspiration for “Bethel Woods” came after the discovery of a documentary still of Midlake keyboardist Jesse Chandler’s father, Dave, at Woodstock 1969. Combining this photo with the idea of an eternal paradise, the song was written from Dave’s point of view with a hopeful message that we might all one day return to our special places to be with the ones we love.

    Director Gutierrez plays with these ideas in the music video by incorporating a ghost story concept, allowing for Michael Pena to showcase the emotions people experience when running through old memories.

    midlake bethel woods

    Midlake will also be embarking on an extensive world tour, including NA, UK and European tour dates. Tickets and more information are available here.

    Midlake 2022 Tour Dates

    5/8 – Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley

    5/10 – Washington, DC – Union Stage

    5/11 – Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live (Downstairs)

    5/13 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios

    5/14 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom

    5/16 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall

    5/17 – Lexington, KY – Headliners Music Hall

    5/19 – St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway

    5/20 – Kansas City, MO – recordBar

    5/21 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall

    The single is available now at all DSP’s and on all streaming platforms.

  • Binghamton Philharmonic Honors Founding Conductor

    On January 26, the Binghamton Philharmonic and AudioClassics will be honoring Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg with a presentation of historic performance recordings. Wallenberg was the founder of the orchestral group, which would eventually come to be known as the Binghamton Philharmonic.

    Fritz Wallenberg conducting Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society
    Fritz Wallberg conducting the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society

    Originally referred to as The Community Symphony Society, and later the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society, Wallenberg would help it grow into the renowned organization it is today. Past orchestra members and students of Wallenberg have named him as an integral part of the community and someone who has reached many people during his time as a conductor.

    The twenty years of recordings were given to the Philharmonic during Summer 2020 and the organization has worked to raise funds to digitize the recordings for open access to the public. There are currently a number of recordings available on the Wallenberg Legacy youtube channel and fundraising efforts for the campaign are still underway.

    current bing philharmonic

    Made by Marvin Fred Kelly, Jr of Custom Recording Studio, the recordings range from a Christmas performance in 1958 all the way through to 1978. The presentation will take place during a benefit at the Kilmer Mansion. Tickets, as well as more event information, are available here.

  • Carole King ‘Live From Central Park’ Vault Release Announced

    The latest release from Third Man Records is Carole King – Home Again, recorded live on the Great Lawn of Central Park on May 26, 1973. This special concert was released in conjunction with Ode Records and Sony Music, and showcases songs from multiple albums including Tapestry and Fantasy.

    Carole King vault collection

    Many musicians have graced the stage within Central Park, from Simon and Garfunkel to Elton John, and on May 26, 1973, more than 100,000 fans gathered on the Great Lawn to enjoy Carole King’s homecoming concert. Actor Jack Nicholson was among the crowd of awe struck fans, quoted saying that King’s performance was “one of only two current events “proper” to be seen at in public.” 

    The first portion of the performance focuses on songs from Tapestry, produced by long time collaborator, Lou Alder. King glides her way through songs like ‘Beautiful’, ‘Smackwater Jack’ and “It’s Too Late” as fans enjoy their time in the park.

    New York has given me such an awful lot – stimulus, ideas, feelings to write – the concert is just a small way of giving something back.

    Carole King

    The concert was further electrified by the appearance of King’s 11-piece band, highlighting songs from her album Fantasy and adding to the already lush feeling within the park.

    Carole King Central Park
    King Performing on the Great Lawn

    The historic event ended with a beautiful dedication to close friend, James Taylor, and a resounding sense of joy.

    The vault package includes two LPs, a gatefold jacket with photos from the performance, the professionally filmed performance on DVD and two covers performed by long-time fan Lucy Dacus. Sign up ends January 31 at midnight.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mefvCRU22oY

  • The Super 20 Marks Their Debut With Single ‘The Good Life’

    New York hornsman Lee Hamilton recruited sensational artists to create the group The Super 20. The curation of this group is marked by the January 7 release of their debut single ‘The Good Life.’ Their debut album, Winds of Wareika, is scheduled to come out in the spring on Color Red.

    the super 20

    The group consists of performers that have worked along side artists like Chicago Jazz Underground,  Debo Band and Jeff Parker. While still having their own sound, inspiration is pulled from greats such as Rico Rodriguez, Tommy McCook and Quantic. Hamilton personally cites literature as another source of inspiration, with Paulo Coelho’s book “The Alchemist.”

    The album is a collaborative effort between Hamilton and renowned producer and engineer, Craig Welsch at Rear Window Studio in Boston. Welsch is cited as a “crucial piece of the puzzle” when it came down to exactly how the ideas of this single would come to fruition.

    The two started collaborating in the early days of John Brown’s Body with Hamilton forming the horn section and Welsh serving as the band’s sound engineer. The two share a common idea of what “feels good” about creating music.

    the super 20
    Lee Hamilton on tenor saxophone

    The Good Life’s sound is something that tries to transcend genres. The track’s ideas of optimism and positivity towards the future blend perfectly with the reggae and afrobeat inspiration, as the horns keep you captivated. 

    Hamilton’s saxophone provides a strong base for the entire song and it’s easy to see just how well his curation of this group worked out.