NYS Music 202​2

Category: Special

  • Upstate Shares New Single “Lovers & Friends”

    Hudson Valley-emerged band Upstate shared their new single “Lovers & Friends” after a time of profound exploration and self-discovery in the last few years. They are returning with tours in New York State in July, August and October.

    Upstate is a band guided by clear ambitions: to write honest songs, play rich music, and “leave it all” on the stage and in the studio. Melanie Glenn, Mary Kenney lead as singers and guitarists, while Harry D’Agostino plays bass with percussionist/drummer Dylan Mckinstry. The band weaves traces of Americana, Jazz, Gospel, and R&B with their eyes towards music that tells the truth above all.

    Great changes happened to Upstate since the last new music in summer 2020. There’s been babies, marriages, engagements, relocations, new career paths, band members changed. Upstate has been writing and recording a fresh collection of songs and lately shared the first single, “Lovers & Friends”, a delicate yet soaring indie folk gem that explores the subtle intricacies of cherished relationships.

    Photography by Genesis Baez

    This is a tune that reflects on the different kinds of stakes wrapped up in our romances and intimate friendships, the ways that we know each other, and the ways that we don’t. The kind of honesty that can flourish in a genuine friendship, and the kinds of lies that romance often begets.

    Harry D’Agostino

    “Lovers & Friends” hints at Upstate’s creative rebirth which may arrive with their forthcoming album in Spring 2023. In the meantime, Upstate scheduled dates for tour in the remainder of this summer as followed with additional Autumn shows to be added shortly.

    Upstate Tour Dates

    7/16 – Sherman, NY – Heron Farm & Event Center
    7/29 – Cortland, NY – Main Street Music Series
    8/17 – Katonah, NY – Caramoor Center for Music & Arts
    10/15 – Geneva, NY – Smith Center for the Arts

  • Brooklyn-Based Artist PRONOUN Releases “roe vs gofvckurself”

    Brooklyn-based bedroom pop artist, PRONOUN, has released a new song called “roe vs gofvckurself,” detailing the utter frustration and hopelessness many are feeling with the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, which protects the right to get an abortion, among other things.

    PRONOUN
    Alyse Vellturo, aka PRONOUN.

    PRONOUN is the lovechild of Alyse Vellturo, and she is an American singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist making indie-synth music. Billboard named her as one of their breakout indie artists for 2019, and she is also the founder of Sleep Well Records.

    The song is very slow, and gradually picks up speed with guitars and electrifying bass lines. Vellturo encapsulates the dire feelings as she sings, “I was outside having a cigarette/When I first heard the news/Really hard for me to quit smoking/When it feels like i have nothing to lose.” It is short but sweet, as the only emotions that come to mind are anger and shock when hearing the news.

    The end of the song is the most emotional as she sings “And it’s the way you make us feel like nothing at all/Five years later/Burn it all/Burn it down.” Having the essential right to an abortion being taken away from you is scary, especially for women in states that aren’t allowing them and for low income people.

    Overall, PRONOUN encapsulates the emotional and dire feelings surrounding the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and how we all must fight and protest more than we have before to try and get the decision overturned.

  • NBT Bank Summer Concert Series Kicks Off

    The NBT Summer Concert Series is back in Norwich’s East Park, featuring artists hailing from all corners of the country, every Thursday night this summer.

    NBT Summer Concert Series

    Besides the fabulous music, East Park is the perfect place to set up some chairs and blankets, relax, and eat some good food.

    The summer concert series kicked off July 7 with Fruition from Portland, Oregon. They fuse acoustic, bluegrass, and rock and roll music, and just released their newest album Broken at the Break of Day.

    NBT Summer Concert Series Lineup

    July 14- The Travelin’ McCourys

    The McCoury brothers- Ronnie (mandolin) and Rob (banjo) -were born into the bluegrass tradition, with their father Del McCoury being one of the most successful musicians in the history of the genre. The group became the only group to have each member recognized with an International Bluegrass Music Association Award for their instrument at least once.  

    July 21- Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes

    Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes first achieved prominence in the mid-1970s, emerging from the same New Jersey area as his friend Bruce Springsteen. Their song “I Don’t Want To Go Home” became their signature song, a mix of horn-based melodic riffs and sentimental lyrics. Rolling Stone voted their album Hearts of Stone among the top 100 albums of the 70s and 80s.

    July 28- Shinyribs

    Shinyribs is a band based out of Texas, that blends Texas blues, New Orleans R&B, Memphis soul, and more. The nine-piece supergroup is led by Kevin Russell, who continuously swaps out an electric guitar for a ukelele. They were named Best Austin Band at the Austin Chronicle’s Austin Music Awards (2017, 2018), awarded Album of the Year for I Got Your Medicine (2017), and Best 2020-Themed Song for “Stay Home” (2020).

    Aug. 4- The Garcia Project with guest Maria Muldaur

    The Garcia Project’s performances are recreations of full, classic Jerry Garcia Band set lists from 1976-1995, using thoughtful arrangements and proper instrumentation. Maria Muldaur is best known worldwide for her 1974 mega-hit “Midnight at the Oasis,” which received several Grammy nominations. She has worked closely with Jerry Garcia and joined the band officially from the fall of 1977 through 1978. 

    Aug. 11- Blair Crimmins & The Hookers

    Blair Crimmins began his music career in Atlanta, Georgia, with the determination to bring Ragtime and 1920s-style Dixieland Jazz to new audiences. He has toured the country playing large venues and has opened for acts such as Mumford & Sons and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

    Aug. 18- Mike Zito’s Big Band

    Mike Zito is an American guitarist, singer, record producer, and songwriter from St. Louis, Missouri. He is regarded as one of the most lauded artists in the contemporary blues genre today, he has won BMAs in the categories of Blues Rock Artist as well as Blues Rock Album of the Year.

    Aug. 25- Trigger Hippy

    Trigger Hippy’s music has roots in country, Delta blues, R&B, gospel, and Southern rock. Made up of Steve Gorman and Nick Govrik, the group hit it off when they first met, and have been unstoppable since.

    Also happening in the area is the 29th Norwich Rehab Chenango Blues Fest, held August 19 and 20 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. Tickets for that are found here.

  • Karine Hannah Releases Music Video For “Hysteria”

    On July 6, New York-based pop artist Karine Hannah released a new music video for her cover track, “Hysteria.”  The music video is powerfully simple, relying on Hannah’s compelling vocals and the song’s captivating lyrics rather than overly complex visuals.

    Karine Hannah in her music video

    Hannah’s music video and cover of “Hysteria” gives new life to Def Leppard’s title track from their 1987 album.  With bass, a higher-pitched piano riff, and reverberative piano chords, the end result of Hannah’s cover is ethereal. She revives the original song with wonderful vocals over top unique instrumentation and released the track earlier this summer.

    Hannah has been in the pop-music genre for years, catching her big break when her performance on a Canadian television show caught the attention of the international star Celine Dion. Hannah would later go on to perform at Dion’s wedding. Most recently, Karine Hannah has made a name for herself reimagining classic songs, covering beloved tracks in her own style.

    With vocal influences including Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Holiday, and European artists she heard as a child, Hannah molded her inspirations into a sound that is entirely her own. It shows with this latest musical release and video.

    After signing a new management deal with Heart Songs Music Group in 2022, Hannah is currently working on the relaunch of her successful Barbara Streisand tribute tour. Take a listen to Karine Hannah’s reimagined version of “Hysteria” and the accompanying music video below.

  • Grassroots 30 Annual Festival Lineup Announced

    The 30th annual Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg is back with over 80 performers on five stages during July 21-24 at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds.

    Grassroots Festival

    The festival is held at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds in Trumansburg which is located about 10 miles north of Ithaca on the west side of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region of Central New York. Since the birth of the festival, the guiding quote has always been “to create joy in the midst of crisis is a powerful thing and brings magic to the table.”

    Grassroots was founded by Donna the Buffalo, and is a mission-based organization that focuses on nurturing local artists and talent while reaching around the globe to bring world music and culture to new audiences to inspire creativity and foster community building. Four days before the festival there is a Culture Camp, which helps community building by having attendees going to four days of music and dance workshops led by regional and national artists.

    Grassroots grandstand
    Grandstand of Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance.

    Headliners for this year’s festival include Donna The Buffalo, The Infamous Stringdusters, Galactic, Cory Henry, Marty Stuart, John Brown’s Body, Dobet Gnahore, DakhaBrakha, and more. There is music from every genre, including bluegrass, country, old-time, Latin, world beat, and more.

    For more information about the festival and to buy tickets, go here.

  • Festival of Possibilities to Begin on July 16 in NYC

    On July 16 and 17, The Foundation for New American Art will present the Festival of Possibilities to the Lower East Side at The Clemente Solo Velez Cultural & Education Center.

    Over the course of the two-day event, audiences can experience performances from artists all over the world, including from Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The festival is family-friendly and free for all to attend. On Saturday, July 16, the event will run from 7 pm to 10 pm and Saturday programming will run from 11 am to 5 pm.

    The first day of the festival includes Tamir Hargana, a Mongolian Throat Singer, Columbian vocalist Maria Raquel, and Salieu Suso, an “edu-tainer” from Africa. After each of the performances, Phoebe Legere, the President of the Foundation for New American Art, will interview the artists in Spanish and English as well as act as Master of Ceremonies during the entirety of the event.

    On Sunday, the festival continues with a full day of programming. There will be fun and educational activities and workshops for all. Some of the programs include Mongolian singing, Cumbia Villera, art workshops, drumming, Zen tango, puppets, dancing, and more. The finale of the event will see a performance from a pan-Latin Dance Orchestra.

    Foundation for New American Art in NYC is using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.

    -NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers

    The Foundation for New American Art is a nonprofit organization in NYC that is passionate about providing spaces for the artists of tomorrow. The multi-cultural arts, music, and educational Festival of Possibilities is a great way to do just that. For a full list of programming and more information, visit the organization’s website.

  • Davide Pannozzo Releases Emotional Single “Be Blessed”

    Blues singer-songwriter Davide Pannozzo released his new single, “Be Blessed” on July 8, produced by Rolling Stones’ drummer and Grammy award-winning producer, Steve Jordan.

    The emotional five-minute ballad celebrates the love between a father and son with soulful instrumentation to carry the listener through. Contributors on the single feature Will Lee (bass), Clifford Carter (keys), and Davide Rossi on strings for a terrific combination of sound.

    Of the song, Pannozzo shares, “the song wants to be a message to anyone: an invitation to live without fear, embracing the constant changes in our lives with courage and boldness.” Even without relying on lyrics, audiences can get lost in the calming sound and understand the powerful message behind the piece.

    Davide Pannozzo is a NY-based artist with three albums and an EP available on Spotify. Some of Pannozzo’s musical influences include Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Jeff Beck, among others. The musician has studied classical guitar since the age of six, and critics have previously said he is one of the contemporary blues’ most interesting artists.

    The message of love is clear on a track that is beautifully arranged and carefully crafted and is a great addition to the artist’s discography. The talented guitarist is also active on social media, posting content for audiences to listen to and enjoy.

  • Cooperstown Summer Music Festival Returns

    The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival returns for its 24th season with five shows throughout August, following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

    Cooperstown Summer Music Festival

    Founded in 1999 by flutist Linda Chesis, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has been bringing world-class chamber music performances to the Cooperstown area. The festival has featured performances by the American, Juilliard, St. Lawrence, Jupiter and Jasper, String Quartets, and more.

    This season, we are offering the Cooperstown community a collection of performances spanning an exceptionally wide range of musical styles and traditions.

    Festival Founder and Artistic Director Linda Chesis

    The Cooperstown Music Festival Lineup

    Aug. 2, 7-9 P.M.- Imani Winds

    Grammy-nominated quintet Imani Winds are famous for their innovative programming and dynamic performances. They bring fresh energy and technical expertise.

    Aug. 8, 7-9 P.M.- Verona String Quartet

    The Verona String Quartet are multi-award winners and are returning to the festival with a program of Puccini, Beethoven, and Dvorak’s beloved “American” Quartet. 

    Aug. 16, 7-9 P.M.- Caroga Arts Ensemble: “Musical Kaleidoscope”

    Led by cellist Kyle Price, the Caroga Arts Ensemble will offer a program ranging from bluegrass and classical to jazz and pop. 

    Aug. 22, 7-9 P.M.- Violinist Danbi Um and guitarist Jiji

    Danbi Um and Jiji will join forces for a genre-spanning program that includes works by Corelli, Paganini, Piazzolla, and Ella Fitzgerald.

    Aug. 29, 7-9 P.M.- Trio da Paz

    Grammy-nominated Brazilian supergroup Trio De Paz will transport the audience to South America with an evening of jazz.

    For more information about The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival and to buy tickets, go here.

  • Staten Island-born Louyah Drops New Single “Peter Pan”

    Staten Island-born singer-songwriter Louyah dropped his newest music with a single release called “Peter Pan” on June 24.

    Louyah

    Growing up in southern New Jersey, Louyah, also known as Louis Attillio Vigorito, found his passion for music. He began as a vocalist and guitarist in popular metal bands and now is breaking away to form a solo career with a growing fanbase.

    The artists’ music blends together with alt-pop, rock, and elements of R&B is something completely Louyah’s own. “Peter Pan” brings listeners over a two-minute journey of energetic beats, empowering lyrics and vocals, a catchy melody, and leans more into incorporating hip-hop.

    Peter Pan is honestly a shot at the labels. I’ve been ducked/pushed and always set back as an artist. I’ll never let anyone judge me for what I am and who I’m supposed to be. It’s fine they don’t want the music now. I’ll keep pushing and making my dreams come true!

    -Louyah

    The track deals with Louyah’s want to live life unapologetically, with uplifting and empowering lyrics clearly sharing that message. He firmly sings that’s just how I roll / putting on for my team, we gone / lost you in the smoke on the closing lines.

    With music influences such as Young Pwavy, Kevin Boris, Gervs, Dakun and Nick Zullo, as well as the people he surrounds himself with, Louyah has crafted an impressive career thus far. His recent 13-track debut LP, 6FEET hit No. 4 on the iTunes Pop Charts, and based on this new single, this is just the start for the up-and-coming artist.

  • First Queens Rising Comes to a Triumphant Close

    The Queens Rising celebration that took place during the month of June has come to an end with much success. The first annual initiative in Queens celebrated the borough’s culture and creativity across the entire month. Nearly 250 events and exhibitions were held for the entire community to enjoy.

    Photo Credit: Lizzie Butler

    Queens Rising brought together more than 70 organizations – each showing diverse programs and interests. Programs such as dances, film screenings, street fairs, Juneteenth events, Pride programming, and more were offered in multiple languages for audiences of all ages to participate in.

    Each week Queens Rising also offered a networking happy hour for members of the borough’s arts and cultural community to connect throughout Queens. The last networking event was a success and took place on June 30 at the Culture Lab LIC.

    Photo Credit: Lizzie Butler

    The success of this initiative is truly a tribute to our mutual commitment to amplify the cultural vitality of our borough’s arts organizations and artists, and to draw local, national and international audiences to venues throughout Queens.

    -Jeffrey Rosenstock, Assistant Vice President for Governmental Relations & External Affairs at Queens College, and member of the Queens Rising Planning Committee

    The celebration is already looking forward to the future with plans for 2023.  Although much of this June’s programming was free, Queens Rising is partnering with Howard Gilman Foundation to further promote the celebration in Queens.

    Our foundation believes in the importance of a thriving and vibrant arts ecosystem in New York City, and Queens Rising’s vision and work is a terrific match with our mission … Queens Rising has had an amazing first year, and we’re very proud to support the initiative’s efforts in 2023 as it continues to grow and strengthen the arts community in the fabulous borough of Queens. 

    -Laura Aden, President and CEO of the Howard Gilman Foundation
    Photo Credit: Lizzie Butler

    For more information about the June celebration, or ways to get involved in the future, click here.

    2022 Queens Rising Collaborators: 

    A Better Jamaica | AIMI | Allure Art Studio | American Folk Art Museum | APAC | Art House Astoria | Artist for Artist | Art Retail Therapy | Astoria Music Collective | Astoria Park Alliance | Back to the Lab | Bayside Village BID | The Blue Bus Project | Bowne House Historical Society | Center for the Women of New York | The Chocolate Factory | The Church-in-the-Gardens | Culture Lab LIC | Dance Entropy/Green Space | Diverse Streets Initiative  | Dancing Classrooms | Eckerd Connects | FitzgeraldArt | Flushing Town Hall | Forest Hills Choir | Forest Hills Stadium | Friends of Crocheron & John Golden Park | Friends of Maple Grove | The Garage Art Center, Inc. | Glow Community Center | The Godwin-Ternbach Museum | Greater Astoria Historical Society | Indo-American Arts and Cultural Forum | Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning | Juneteeth in Queens | King Manor Museum | Kings County Fiber Festival | Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc. | Kupferberg Center for the Arts | LaGuardia Performing Arts Center | Lewis Latimer House Museum | Local Project Art Space | Long Island City Partnership | Louis Armstrong House Museum | Make Music New York | Maspeth Squash | MoMA PS1 | Museum of the Moving Image | Musica Reginae Productions | New York Hall of Science | NYC Department of Transportation | QED | The Queens Borough President’s Office | Queens Botanical Garden | Queens Chamber of Commerce | Queens Economic Development Corporation | Queens Historical Society | Queens Museum | Queens Night Market | Queens Public Library | Queens Symphony Orchestra | Queens Theatre | Queens Tourism Council | Queens Underground International Black and Brown Film Festival and The Artist Market NYC Live | Queens World Film Festival | Queensboro Dance Festival | Queensborough Performing Arts Center | Random Access Music | RISE Rockaway | School of Rock Queens | SEQ Cleanup  | Socrates Sculpture Park | South East Queens Artist Alliance| South Queens Women’s March | Thalia Spanish Theatre, Inc. | Theatre Beyond Broadway | Voelker Orth Museum | VP Music Group | Wild Heart Performing Arts Studio | Woodhaven BID | Women in Comics Collective International | Yeh Art Gallery, St. John’s University

    Video produced by Colibri Workshop
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