Category: Genres

In Focus: 2022 SAMMY Awards Ceremony

The 2022 SAMMY Awards ceremony took place on March 4, 2022 at the Crouse Hinds Theater in Syracuse, with a red carpet treatment for nominees.

SAMMY AWARDS 2022 RED CARPET

Notable highlights included a performance by Lifetime Achievement Award winner Tom Kenny, who played with his band The High Seas. John Rogalia & The Swamp Boys played “A Little Too Country”, with Letizia and the Z Band following. The REal RAW BReed, who opened for Lil Tjay at The Westcott Theater this past October, served as the final performer of the night.

The Jack O Bocchino Award was given to the late Brian Cornish, a writer for NYS Music and 315 Music before his passing in January 2021, and was accepted by his brother.

Read a detailed recap from The Daily Orange here.

2022 SAMMY Award Recipients

Best Jazz – The Pietra Group, “People Chain”

Best Americana – The Ripcords, “Unmasked”

Best Other Styles – Fritz’s Polka Band, “The Hands of Time”

Best Jam Band – Count Blastula, “Strange Mutations”

Best Pop – River Westin, “Candy Cigarettes”

Best Hard Rock – Less Than Hate, “Less Than Hate”

Best R&B – Free Boody Institute, “The Feeling (Myths, Legends & The Hard Truth)”

Best Alternative – Trauma Cat, “Prepare to Apologize”

Best Rock – Not Robots!, “Not Robots”

Best Hip-Hop/Rap – VinnyVeg, “1104 Vol.2 The Leader Of Real shhh”

Best Country – Jon Rogalia, “Twenty Eight”

People’s Choice Best Artist or Band – Bryan Syrell

People’s Choice Best Academic or Musical Organization – Oswego High School Marching Buccaneers

People’s Choice Best Event or Music Series – John McConnell Virtual Tuesdays

People’s Choice Best Venue – Colloca Estate Winery

Best New Artist – Sydney Irving

Jack O Bocchino Award – Brian Cornish

Community Spirit Award – Raymond (Ray Ray) Darby Jr.

Founders Award – The Blacklites

SAMMYs Hall of Fame inductees: J. Avery Head – Music Educator, Los Blancos, Russ Tarby, Jeff Stockham, Robert “Bobby T” Tousignant, Lifetime Achievement – Tom Kenny

John Rogalia & The Swamp Boys

Letizia and the Z Band

March 9, 2022
Wake up to Kyngjo ‘Six in the Morning’

Queens crooner Kyngjo is back with his latest summer anthem with the Utopian single “Six in the Morning.” Featuring fellow afrobeat/hip hop artist, LAFROMNEWYORK, the Ghanian duo paint a blissful reminder of the entrapments of a passionate romance.

“Six in the Morning” is a catchy record that sees both artists showcase the kind of artistry that creates stars. Kyngjo starts off with his charmed delivery of a jaded womanizer.

“When she hit me on my line I can’t help but to count all me pesos. When she tell me she want diamonds I buy double cause I can’t really say no.”

“I could show you what it’s really like. 3 a.m. on the hill that’s my vibe. But baby I can’t stand the way that these girls lie,”

he whispers as he sets the tone for the well-known tale of men, women and money. LAFROMNEWYORK brings the afro inspired vibe full circle, seamlessly interloping with Kyngjo.

This is a strong effort as Kyngjo builds anticipation for his upcoming debut EP. The Lefrak native is hitting his stride, as he seems to be even more sure of his own sound. His best records have seen his show his most potential. Songs like “Need Em” and “I’m Good Luv” are both stolid records.

“Six in the Morning” has nice replay value as the summer nears.

March 9, 2022
Ladies Night at the Egg: Incredible Voices & Tricky Guitar with Aofie O’Donovan and Yasmin Williams

On Saturday, March 5th, Irish-American singer Aoife O’Donovan brought her glorious voice to The Egg. With special guest Yasmin Williams opening the show, it was all about incredible women in downtown Albany. They both blew me completely out of the water with their amazing voices and surprisingly unique talents.

Artist to Watch: Yasmin Williams

Having never heard of either of these artists, I didn’t have a clue what to expect. So when I walked in and saw Yasmin Williams with a guitar laying string-side up on her lap to say I was shocked would be an understatement. This lady plays guitar in a way I have never seen and didn’t even think possible. She played with both hands and even added other instruments throughout the set. She also used the guitar for percussion as well as a violin bow at one point. If she comes to a town near you, this one-woman show is not to be missed.

Aoife O’Donovan — The Voice of an Angel

Next up was Grammy Award-winning artist Aoife O’Donovan. This lady absolutely has the voice of an angel. She was playing with a four-piece band and although the crowd had to stay in their seats, it was obvious the entire audience was in a trance. The musical accompaniment was simple but it was a perfect backdrop for Aoife’s glorious pipes. She is on tour pretty much all the time and this is one show you shouldn’t miss again. Check out her tour dates here.

March 9, 2022
Savak, A Brooklyn Post-Punk Quartet, Release “Empathy”

SAVAK have shared their newest track “Empathy” from their upcoming fifth album, Human Error / Human Delight, which releases on April 15, 2022. “Empathy” debuted via New Noise Magazine, who contemplated “SAVAK’s fascination with the balanced, and sometimes polarizing, nature of being alive.”

Human Error / Human Delight

The Brooklyn Post-Punk Quartet have also added to their upcoming run of U.S. 2022 tour dates, visiting places in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC and more. In addition, performing with the band Jawbox, see below for the full list of currently announced dates. The band wrote and recorded Human Error / Human Delight completely over Zoom, having crafted an honest album on living in our present moment.

Photo credit: Taylor Sesselman

SAVAK consists of Sohrab Habibion and Michael Jaworski, with Matt Schulz on drums. Additionally, Habibion and Jaworrski both share singing and songwriting duties since the band’s creation in 2015. Though SAVAK’s members have done time in bands like Obits, Edsel, Holy Fuck and more, their current position is the best in which they have been.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Fri. Mar. 4 – Providence, RI – Union Station Brewery – with Jets Can’t Land & DJ Ted Leo

Sat. Mar. 5 – Northampton, MA – Bishop’s Lounge – with Zwei Null Zwei

Wed. Mar. 16 – SXSW – The Side Bar – 1:55PM (Outdoor Stage)

Thu. Mar. 17 – SXSW – Breakaway Records – 3:15PM

Thu. Mar. 17 – SXSW – Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company – 6PM

Thu. Mar. 17 – SXSW – The Green Jay – 10PM

Fri. Mar. 18 – SXSW – The Side Bar – 2:30PM

Fri. Mar. 18 – SXSW – Soundspace at Captain Quack’s – 9:15PM

Thu. Apr. 7 – Brooklyn, NY – Littlefield – with Chris Brokaw & Upper Wilds

Fri. Apr. 8 – Kingston, NY – Tubby’s – with Chris Brokaw & Cathedral Ceilings

Sat. Apr. 9 (early show) – Lowell, MA – The Town and the City Festival – The Worthen House – with Colleen Green

Sat. Apr. 9 (late show) – Boston, MA – Midway Cafe – with Chris Brokaw & Lupa Citta

Fri. May 13 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Government Center – with Upper Wilds & Gotobeds

Sat. May 14 – Washington, DC – Quarry House Tavern – with Upper Wilds & Bed Maker

Wed. Jul. 20 – New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge – with Jawbox

Fri. Oct. 21 – New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge – with June of 44

March 9, 2022
Ukrainian Band BlazerJacket Release New Single “Get Out”

Ukrainian band BlazerJacket is quite literally living with explosions and Russian armed forces nearby. Despite the hardships they are facing, they have released their new single and video for “Get Out.”

BlazerJacket’s cover art for “Get Out.”

According to the NYTimes, NYC is home to over 150,000 Ukrainian Americans, the largest community of its kind in the country. The situation in Ukraine might cause this number to rise, with an influx of refugees. NYC is a melting pot of different music and musical influences as cultures have come together over the past four centuries.

As one would imagine, “Get Out” has taken on a new meaning as of late. Originally, the song was about being drawn into Stockholm Syndrome and its effects, about trying to get out of an abusive and parasitic society. Now, it could be interpreted of having Ukraine be peaceful again, and how the events are affecting the band.

BlazerJacket was formed in Kyiv by Denis Cherryman (The Cherry Men / Dirty Bird 13) and Hybri Mod. Their aesthetic is based on their love for science fiction novels. They combine different elements of rock and electronics to transform their sound.

The song and video are dark and loud with a lot of electronic beats happening as the singer screams “get out!” It is a song you can dance to and really absorb its message. The video is unique in that it was first performed at the Comic Con Ukraine music stage in 2021. They captured the moments of that performance and inserted them into the video.

BlazerJacket’s new song “Get Out” is out now, and is both important and influential considering current events in Ukraine right now.

On Thursday, March 10 at 8pm, The City Winery in New York City will put on a benefit concert for Ukraine through the Come Back Alive foundation, the largest foundation providing support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The benefit concert will be hosted by Ukrainian singer Eugene Hütz his band Gogol Bordello. There will also be performances by The Hold Steady’s Craig Finn & Franz Nicolay, Jesse Malin, Lady Lamb, Marc Roberge from O.A.R., Matisyahu, Patti Smith, The Magnetic Fields’ Stephin Merritt, Suzanne Vega, and more.

Ukraine belongs to Ukrainians! We are an ancient independent nation distinctly and forever different from this criminally insane neighbor. The proof you all see now in the fierce mind-blowing battle that the world is witnessing, a battle of Ukrainian people’s choice of freedom and democracy against psychotic totalitarian regime next door. Please help us to win this battle, help us to end this catastrophe immediately and bring the intruder to justice. Please stand with Ukraine in the battle for its democracy and freedom. Please Donate and Fundraise with us. Ukraine needs all of you. All your support counts.
Eugene Hütz

Tickets are sold out but there is a waitlist. Additional donations may be made here. Additionally, City Winery will produce a limited edition, custom labeled wine which will be available at the benefit concert and online.

h/t Jambands

March 9, 2022
In Focus: Ace Frehley Plays Patchogue Theatre

Lead guitarist and co founding member of Kiss, Ace Frehley played the historic Patchogue Theatre For The Performing Arts Centre on Long Island Thursday night March 3rd. The setlist was mostly KISS classics like “Parasite”, “Detroit Rock City” and “Shock Me”. Ace also did a few covers including “Emerald” by Thin Lizzy, “Never in My Life” by Mountain and Russ Ballard’s “New York Groove” which has been a staple of Frehley’s shows since the 80’s.

Ace’s current band includes Ryan Spencer Cook (guitar, vocals), Jeremy Asbrock (guitar, vocals), Philip Shouse (bass), and Matt Starr (drums). His newest album, Origins Volume 2 was released in September 2020. It is a covers album which features guest appearances from Lita Ford, John 5, Robin Zander, Rob Sabino and former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kullick.

The Patchogue Theatre has been part of the community for close to one hundred years. When it opened in 1923 it was the largest theatre on Long Island. It has over 1100 seats and is still the largest theatre in Suffolk County. Since it opened, it has gone through many renovations, most recently in 2016 including the addition of a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. For more information on the theatre visit here.

Setlist: Rip it Out, Parasite, Strutter, Emerald, Rocket Ride, Rock Soldiers, Never In My Life, Good Times, Bad Times, Detroit Rock City, Hard Times, New York Groove, Strange Ways, Shock Me, Cold Gin/Black Diamond, Deuce

March 9, 2022
All That Remains to stop in Niagara Falls on March 14

All That Remains will be bringing their “Fall of Ideals” 15th anniversary tour to The Rapids Theater in Niagara Falls on Monday, March 14. The other bands that have joined the tour as supporting acts are: Miss May I, Varials, and Tallah (with Max Portnoy, son of drummer Mike Portnoy). The tour will end on May 19th in Huntington NY at the Paramount. The last time All That Remains were in Western New York was opening for In Flames in 2015.

2022 tour poster

Since their formation in Massachusetts during 1998, All That Remains have built an undeniable legacy upheld by airtight song craft, knifepoint precise metallic instrumentation, and stadium-size hard rock hooks. As a result, they’ve outlasted trials, tribulations, and trends to stand tall as as one of this century’s most consistent purveyors of heavy music with a bulletproof canon of arena-worthy anthems.

In addition to packing houses as a headliner, they’ve practically burned down festival stages everywhere from Rock on the Range to Welcome to Rockville. In 2018, the quintet—Philip Labonte [lead vocals], Jason Richardson [lead guitar], Mike Martin [rhythm guitar], Jason Costa [drums], and Matt Deis [bass, backing vocals]— perfect their patented pummeling by wasting no time or energy at all on their ninth full-length album, Victim of the New Disease [Fearless Records]. Visit here for tickets

March 9, 2022
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Stops by Blue Note New York

Mayor Eric Adams visited the Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village on Monday, March 7, to watch Braxton Cook’s live set. Mayor Adams took a moment to deliver remarks on New York City’s suspension of Key to NYC requirements as well.

Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Introduced by Steven Bensusan, President and Owner of Blue Note Entertainment Group, the Mayor shared a few inspiring words with the audience to celebrate the end of the city’s indoor vaccine mandates and the suspension of Key to NYC rules. View the video below.

Joined the crew at the @BlueNoteNYC because New Yorkers hit the right notes. You did the work. You got vaccinated and kept our city safe. And thanks to you, #NYCisBack. pic.twitter.com/fdF9FICkBM
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) March 8, 2022

Upcoming shows at Blue Note include Keyon Harrold (3/8-3/13), Rex Orange County (3/12), Quincy Jones Presents: Sheléa (3/14), Robert Glasper (3/15-3/20), Ron Carter (3/22-3/27), and An Intimate Evening with GZA and His Live Band (3/29-3/30).

Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

March 9, 2022
Lady Gaga Presents The Chromatica Ball 2022 Summer Tour With A Stop at Met Life Stadium

Academy Award, Golden Globe and 12-time Grammy-winner, Lady Gaga, is finally ready to provide fans with The Chromatica Ball tour of a lifetime this upcoming Summer. The tour will consist of stops at 14 cities worldwide including Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, of the Grammy winning album Chromatica, as well as fan favorites.

For this upcoming tour, Lady Gaga added 8 new shows in addition to her rescheduled shows in Paris (7/24), London (7/29), Toronto (8/06), East Rutherford (8/11), Chicago (8/15) and Boston (8/19). For these specific dates, tickets are on sale now and fortunately for fans who have already bought tickets, will still be set to use them for this Summer’s The Chromatica Ball. However, tickets for the newly added shows go on sale starting Friday, March 11 in Arnhem as well as London and on Monday, March 14 in all additional markets at Ticket Master.

Although Lady Gaga cannot wait to perform for her fans once again, some of her proceeds, specifically $1.00 from each ticket sold shall be donated to the Born This Way Foundation, an organization started on behalf of the singer and her mother to aide in the fight for the wellness of the youth.

For fans who would like a more access to amenities and add on to concert experience, VIP packages are available on Vip Nation. These packages may include premium tickets, VIP parking and exclusive access to a pre-show lounge, special entry and more.

On Citi Entertainment, Citi card members will have access to presale tickets from Tuesday, March 8 at 10 AM until Friday, March 11 at 5 PM through the Citi Entertainment program. More information about The Chromatica Ball are on Live Nation’s and Lady Gaga’s website.

Lady Gaga – The Chomatica Ball Tour Dates

7/17                             DÃ¼sseldorf. DE                                   Merkur Spiel- Arena

7/21                             Stockholm. SW                                   Friends Arena

7/24                             Paris, FR                                             Stade de France

7/26                             Arnhem, NL                                        GelreDome

7/29                             London, UK                                         Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

7/30                             London, UK                                         Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

8/06                             Toronto, ON                                        Rogers Centre

8/08                             Washington, DC                                 Nationals Park

8/11                             East Rutherford, NJ                            MetLife Stadium

8/15                             Chicago, IL                                         Wrigley Field

8/19                             Boston, MA                                         Fenway Park

8/23                             Dallas, TX                                           Globe Life Field

8/26                             Atlanta, GA                                         Truist Park

9/8                               San Francisco, CA                             Oracle Park

9/10                             Los Angeles, CA                                 Dodger Stadium

March 8, 2022
Oteil and Friends Arrive at the Capitol Theater March 11-12

Dead & Company and Allman Brothers Band bassist Oteil Burbridge will be joined by numerous Friends this weekend at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, playing songs from the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers Band catalogs, and much more.

The pair of shows are scheduled for March 11-12 and will feature Eric Krasno (guitar, Lettuce, Eric Krasno Band), Jason Crosby (keys, Assembly of Dust, Robert Randolph and the Family Band), Jennifer Hartswick (trumpet/vocals, Trey Anastasio Band), Natalie Cressman (trombone/vocals, Trey Anastasio Band), James Casey (saxophone/vocals, Trey Anastasio Band, Lettuce), Tom Guarna (NYC guitarist), and Pete Lavezzoli (drums/percussion, Melvin Seals and JGB).

The show also marks James Casey’s return to the stage after undergoing treatment for colon cancer.

Burbridge, a two-time Grammy winning bassist has been in the music business touring and recording for over three decades. His first step into the national spotlight came in 1991 when he became a founding member of the Aquarium Rescue Unit featuring Col. Bruce Hampton, a cult classic that has stood the test of time. That led to his membership in the classic rock group The Allman Brothers Band. In 2012, Oteil received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his 15 year contribution to the Allman Brothers Band as the longest running bassist in the band’s history.

The Capitol Theatre run will be the first set of shows taking place in 2022 for Oteil & Friends, with more dates to be announced.

Tickets are on sale now.

March 8, 2022

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