Category: Special

Made in America 2022: Philly’s Largest Music Festival Returns

It may have been Philly, but the vibe was all “New York State of Mind” thanks to Jay-Z’s all-star lineup of the most influential acts for this year’s “Made in America” (MIA) festival. The festival took place on Benjamin Franklin Parkway on the 3rd and 4th of September. This year marked the 10th year of the festivals running and it was extraordinary. The Brooklyn rapper enlisted a hip-hop-heavy lineup, including Tyler, the Creator, Lil Uzi Vert, Don Toliver, and Bronx-born Pusha T. Although named “Made in America,” the festival featured acts from around the globe, including Nigeria, Sweden, Canada, Spain, Mexico, Colombia and The Dominican Republic.

Fans climbing light post at Made in America, Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

Named after Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Frank Ocean’s hit record “Made in America,” this festival “sums up the superstars’ feelings about black history, America, Jesus, and revisiting their respective rises to fame.” With their dedication to social action, MIA featured a “Cause Village” giving various charitable organizations a platform for their various causes. With free swag, fun games, and music, Cause Village was a lively part of the festival.

Cause Village, Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

Day-one headliner Tyler The Creator, fresh off his 2021 Grammy-winning album, Call Me If You Get Lost, performed songs new and old. Including fan favorites “WUSYANAME,” “Boredom,” and “Yonkers.” The West coast rapper felt at home on the East, as he exchanged his usual witty, dry humor with the crowd. Before departing, he made sure to state that this was the “last show for this era.” Marking the conclusion of his extravagant Call Me If You Get Lost run.

Tyler, The Creator at Made in America, Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

Day-two headliner Bad Bunny stopped at MIA amid his World’s Hottest Tour. Bad Bunny’s tour has already visited Yankee Stadium on August 27, where the demand for tickets was so high that they added a second show the next day. During the second Yankee Stadium performance Bad Bunny was presented with the MTV Video Music Award for Artist of the Year.

Bad Bunny at Made in America, Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

Bronx-born rapper Pusha T made an appearance this weekend. He recently released an album titled It’s Almost Dry, which featured production almost exclusively from Pharrell and Kanye West. The album also included a feature from festival curator, Jay-Z. Pusha performed many songs from the album, including the scratchy “Diet Coke”, which includes production from West and New York’s own 88-keys. Pusha played hits records throughout his discography, crowd favorites included his verses on “Runaway” and “I Don’t Like.”

Pusha T at Made in America, Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

Jay-Z called upon Lil Uzi Vert, Jazmine Sullivan, Zah Sosaa, and many others to represent Philadelphia at MIA. Uzi himself has been on a festival run as of late, having performed at Something in the Water, Rolling Loud Miami, and Outside Lands within the past few months. Uzi is also slated to appear in New York later this month at Rolling Loud NY.

Lil Uzi Vert at Made in America, Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

Full Festival Lineup: Bad Bunny, Tyler, the Creator, Lil Uzi Vert, Jazmine Sullivan, Burna Boy, Snoh Aalegra, Pusha T, Don Toliver, Tate McRae, Fuerza Regida, Toro Y Moi, Larry June, Babyface Ray, Rels B, Victoria Monét, Chimbala, Ryan Castro, Young Nudy, Kenny Mason, Coast Contra, GloRilla, Jeleel!, Jenevieve, Zah Sosaa, Ambré, Armani White, Kur, Kalan Fr.Fr.,Dixson, and Becca Hannah.

JELEEL! at Made in America, Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

JID at Made in America, Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

Tyler, The Creator at Made in America, Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

Burna Boy at Made in America, Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

Fans at Made in America, Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

September 6, 2022
Jazz at the Lake in Lake George Lineup Announced

The Lake George Arts Project’s Jazz at the Lake is back for 2022, with a lineup including some of the most outstanding performers in jazz.

The festival will take place from Sept. 16-18 in Shepard Park in Lake George. The free event will have a lineup full of great jazz performers, with eight acts over a few days.

Shepard Park is conveniently located in the Lake George village, with many nights of the week having free concerts and entertainment in the amphitheater overlooking the lake.

The lineup includes the Chembo Corniel Quintet, composed of percussionist and Grammy nominee Wilson “Chembo” Corniel on Sept. 16 at 6 P.M. That night there will be many musicians playing around Lake George, including Hot Club of Saratoga , the Scott Hopkins Jazz Trio, and James Rissacher.

On Sept. 17 at 1 P.M. is the Gilad Hekselman & Far Star Trio, who has played with legendary musicians in the NYC jazz scene, and played at major venues like the Blue Note, The Jazz Standard, Dizzy’s Club, and Smalls. At 3 P.M. comes Samara Joy, with a voice as smooth as velvet. At 5 P.M. Ike Sturm and HEART perform, and at 7 P.M. Camille Thurman & the Darrell Green Quartet will perform.

On the last day, Sept. 18, the Grammy-award-winning Zack Brock Quartet featuring Aaron Goldberg, Yasushi Nakamura, and Clarence Penn will be playing at 1 P.M. At 3 P.M. comes Vanderlei Pereira & Blindfold Test, then closing off the festival at 5 P.M. is Elio Villafranca & The Jass Syncopators, who have received a GRAMMY Nomination in the Best Latin Jazz Album of the Year category.

The Jazz at the Lake festival in Lake George will be happening from Sept. 16-18 at Shepard Park for free.

September 4, 2022
Khruangbin and Vieux Farka Touré Release “Tongo Barra” off Upcoming Album

Musical trio Khruangbin and Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré have released “Tongo Barra,” a preview of their upcoming collaborative album Ali. The project honors Vieux’s late father, Ali Farka Touré, who helped shape African desert blues throughout his career.

Photo Credit: Jackie Lee Young

Over five minutes long, “Tongo Barra,” is accompanied by a visualizer of hypnotic patterns. Sung in the Malian Songhai dialect, the single is engrossing and captivating. “Tongo Barra” is a fuse of blues, dub, and groove, as is the highly anticipated album which releases on Sep. 23.

The single release is the newest from the pairing, with the lead single “Savanne,” released earlier this year with widespread acclaim. All 8 songs included on Ali pay homage to Ali Farka Touré, with a renewed West African blend that Khruangbin and Touré hope reaches new generations and audiences. Ali Farka Touré’s music touched so many and is consistently ranked as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Cover art based on the original work ”Homme Du Sahel” by Abdoulaye Konaté, 2015. Courtesy of Primo Marella Gallery, Milan.

Prior to the album’s release, the collaborators announced listening sessions at SEY in Brooklyn and Fringe in Paris. Attendees can immerse themselves in the music and enjoy bespoke tea in a respectful setting. Attendees will be selected at random through a ticket lottery with winners chosen on Sep. 9. The pairing will not be in attendance but the event will have voiceover introductions from the artists. For a chance to attend, visit here.

“Tongo Barra” from Khruangbin and Vieux Farka Touré solidifies the group’s creativity and commitment to honoring a late musical legend. The single pulls you in and the album, Ali, is sure to include tracks created to do the same. Stay tuned for when the full album releases on Sep. 23.

September 4, 2022
In Focus: 24kGoldn at The New York State Fair

24kGoldn headlined at The Great New York State Fair on Friday, September 2. Following performances on Wiz Khalifa and Logic’s Vinyl Verse Tour, the rapper debuted on the Chevy Park stage within the New York Experience Festival Grounds. Under the yellow stage lights, 24kGoldn presented an incredible show to a large interactive audience.

A San Francisco native, 24kGoldn burst into the music industry with the success from the release of his single “Valentino” in January 2019, receiving over 371 million streams on Spotify. His music genre ranges from punk and alternative to pop and rap. Driven by a TikTok viral trend, 24kGoldn’s song with Iann Dior, “Mood,” set music chart records by becoming the first song ever to top four Billboard Music Charts at the same time.

@24kgoldn
#stitch with @cameronghassemi i knew i felt sumn in there!
♬ original sound – 24kGoldn

The lights dimmed and 24kGoldn ran on stage full of energy to “Valentino.” Immediately, fans in the crowd jumped out of their seats. He worked each side of the stage equally, especially during the performance of “Coco,” featuring DaBaby where he assigned each side of the audience to chant “Coco” or “Chanel.”

Closing the show, 24kGoldn performed “Mood,” and the crowd sang along. His stage presence is outstanding, with an effortless way of working an audience.

September 3, 2022
The Great New York State Fair hosts All-Time Rockers Foreigner

At The Great New York State Fair this past Saturday, all time rockers ‘Foreigner’ came ready to rock. Syracuse was one of many stops on their 2022 Tour. The group formed in the Mid- 70’s in New York, New York 1976 and soon became a well known rock and roll band.

Photo by Perri Sage

Foreigner skyrocketed in the 1970’s after releasing some of their top hits which still stand to this day. Such as, ‘Feels like the First Time’, ‘Cold as Ice’ and ‘Long, Long Way from Home’ back in 1977. Their first album was also released in 1977 by the name “foreigner”. Although, Foreigner hasn’t released since 1984 their performance and energy still puts on a stunning show. The crowd brought in not only the older generation but the younger generation as well which keeps their music alive.

Kelly Hanson – Photo by Perri Sage

One of the most memorable songs from the concert was “Juke Box Hero”. The song originated from a story of one of their fans who stood in the rain for hours just to see the show. That feeling stands today with foreigner’s fans urging to get the best view in hopes to see the all time rockers up close. Kelly Hanson (lead vocals) mentioned in the show that the band had just hit their 45th year anniversary since their first release in 1977. A proud moment not only for the band but the fans supporting the history they’ve created with rock and roll.

Bruce Wotson – Photo by Perri Sage

Overall, Foreigner has done an outstanding job keeping their music alive. Since celebrating the 45th anniversary, foreigner fans look forward to the years ahead for the band. Moving forward, the band continues their tour at their next stop in Bluffs, Iowa on September 2nd, 2022.

FOREIGNER – The New York State Fair

September 1, 2022
In Focus: Chevelle Performs at Opening Day of the New York State Fair

On August 24, the New York State Fair opened its gates up for the annual fair that runs through Labor Day. Many come from all over the state and even out of state to Syracuse for the food, the exhibits and rides, but plenty come to Central New York for State Fair music acts at Chevy Park and Chevy Court, including opening day act, Chevelle.

At the State Fair, there is plenty to do, see, and even eat, especially those deep fried Oreos but one event that attracts so many, is the free concerts that take place at Chevy Park. A while back, the fair had grandstands but eventually removed them in place of an open field with a few bleachers in front of the stage. On the opening day of the State Fair, the band to close out the night was a very well known rock band, Chevelle. They played for over an hour and played a wide variety of hits from many of their albums.

After the band’s performance, an opening day special, fireworks for the end of the night, which could be seen throughout the fairgrounds. There are still many other performances lined up, along with other events. The State Fair’s last day is on Labor Day, September 5th.

September 1, 2022
Tim Eletto Drops New Single “For a Second”

Long Island singer/rapper Tim Eletto has released his fifth 2022 single “For a Second,” an ode to positivity and personal honesty while dealing with anxiety and depression.

It’s a bright and poppy song that reflects the Hofstra University student’s life experience through the construction of two conversations with fictional people across the song’s pair of verses. “I took all of the patterns that I see in people that struggle with this stuff (mental illness) and combined them to make two characters that I think everyone is very familiar with,” says Eletto of “For a Second.”

Artwork in promotion of the single.

Citing AJR has a major influence, Eletto’s musings about his emotional ups and downs are cast over a light piano melody that keeps the song feeling hopeful even when he drops his moodier lines in the track. The highlight of “For a Second” though is the chorus with its very catchy melody. “I been in the left lane with my eyes closed, ’cause life is too fast but I see it too slow,” he sings.

Eletto’s other four singles released this year also can be found on Spotify.

In this song, Tim Eletto has no qualms about letting the listener see his full self. His lyrics are straightforward, his melody is optimistic, and the track’s themes are genuine and personal. “For a Second” is a successful exercise in using music as a therapeutic outlet.

August 31, 2022
Sweats Release “Lose My Mind” Off of Upcoming Album

On Aug. 26, rock band Sweats released their latest single, “Lose My Mind,” off of their forthcoming album, I End Where You Begin, due for release in the coming weeks.

Different in theme from their previous single release earlier this summer, Sweats grapples with a sense of anger at the state of America today. Of the track, the band shares, “the song is born to a nation where patriotism has become pantomime and division dominates compromise.”

The political stance of the single is clear to listeners of “Lose My Mind.” With intense rock instrumentation, the emotional turmoil of the track envelops you. Electric guitar riffs, upbeat percussion, and vocals from Travis Durfee along with lyrics pull you in.

Durfee passionately sings, “He’s got an open carry and closed mind / He’s at the rally / He’s feeling fine.” The lyricism paints a vivid message true to the theme of the song. The single also varies in sound and creative choices on vocals and synth to keep audiences guessing at what may be next.

From the Finger Lakes region, Sweats consists of Travis Durfee (vocals, guitar), JM Sincock (drums), Rob Kurcoba (bass), Tony DeLuca (keys), and Nick D’Aloisio (guitar). The band channeled the ethos of Rage Against the Machine and Queens of the Stone Age for “Lose My Mind” which was produced in collaboration with Mike Capporizzo of Pyramid Sound in Ithaca.

“Lose My Mind,” as the newest release from the Sweats, is a must-listen. The track is available now on all streaming services. The upcoming album, I End Where You Begin, is also available for pre-order here.

August 31, 2022
NY State Fair: Chevy Court Brings the Boogie with ‘The Jacksons’

On Saturday, August 27, The Jacksons came to ‘Blame it on the Boogie’ at the Great New York State Fair. Including three of the brothers `Tito, Jackie and Marlon’ which had originated from ‘The Jackson 5’ after Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, the group had taken their last tour with all together back in 1984. It was truly an honor for them to continue to play music and live out Michael’s dream as well as their own.

photo by Perri Sage

The Jacksons are originally from Gary, Indiana, and today a family of pop culture royalty and a rare group to see live. The group toured much more back in the 1960s and 70s, and have had various concerts across New York. As of this year, the group have made a comeback, with a few more shows ahead of them to continue their 2022 tour, heading towards Montreal, Quebec for a performance on September 9.

Jackie Jackson – photo by Perri Sage

The Jacksons performed some of their top hits such as “Blame it on The Boogie”, “Shake Your Body” from their Destiny album released back in 1978. Their groove and funk really brought the crowd to a roar as “Can You Feel It” was performed. Not only did the brothers perform their own songs but managed to honor their brother Michael with a few of his hits, including an amazing performance of “Billie Jean” that took the fans from sitting to standing in seconds.

Tito Jackson – photo by Perri Sage

A combination of contemporary soul, R&B, funk and groove, The Jacksons put on a fantastic show at ease. This was such a special evening for those who attended and more than a night to remember. With over 50 years performing, New York is ecstatic to see what comes next for The Jackson Family.

August 30, 2022
Cory Singer Shares Single and Video “I Still Love You”

NY/NJ-based singer-songwriter Cory Singer has released his newest single and video for “I Still Love You.” Released on Aug. 5, the visuals of the video capture the emotional experience of reminiscing over a love that got away.

The lyrics tackle the turmoil of looking back on past relationships, with Singer vocalizing, “I don’t need another once upon a time / the one and only thing I want in the whole wide world is you.” With a powerful presence, gentle backing piano, and strings, “I Still Love You” brings nostalgia and longing to listeners.

This is the most vulnerable song I have ever written. It is my true story of Love and Heartbreak.
– Cory Singer

The music video is purposefully simple, allowing viewers to focus on Singer as he reflects and sings about his heartbreak. The song’s message is brought to life in the accompanying music video, with Singer’s emotive expressions driving the theme home.

“I Still Love You” is the latest release from Cory Singer, who has built a name for himself as a sensation on TikTok. The artist promotes positivity and inspires others by sharing his personal experiences with autism. Singer is also on the I Am Able Foundation‘s board of directors and an ambassador for the Sound Mind Network.

Take a listen to the latest release from Singer, below, and follow him on social media.

August 29, 2022

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