NYS Music 202​2

Category: Genres

  • The Sembrich In Bolton Landing Announces Summer Festival Events

    This summer The Sembrich in Bolton Landing, NY, will be hosting a unique Reimagining the Classics, from the classics to the rhapsodies.

    The Sembrich

    Artistic Director Richard Wargo spoke about how delighted he is to present the festival.

    Reimagining the Classics will explore all manner of reinvention and present a variety of refreshing new takes on classical favorites. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to reimagine many aspects of life, including the way we present and experience music. This summer’s festival will incorporate the best of those bold reinventions, including the introduction of our new outdoor Promenade Series.

    The festival will explore reinvention, from arrangements and transcriptions of classics to rhapsodies and variations of popular composers.
    There are many highlights of the festival.

    Reimagining The Classics: Breaking Operatic Traditions – Michael Capasso, New York City Opera General Director, shares his insights on favorite works by Verdi and Puccini, and explores many productions and performance practices from the past 150 years.

    Promenade Series – New in 2022 – This is a new outdoor series, modeled after the famous proms of London, and features a lot of musical styles, like classical and jazz. Comedians will also be featured here as well.

    The Sembrich Film Series – This year’s films focus on reinvention and adaptations of the popular musicals Dear Evan Hansen (2021), West Side Story (2021), and In the
    Heights     (2021). Several films, including Dracula (1931) will have live musical scores.

    Masterwork Series – Performances for this series will be held in The Sembrich studio, with evening performances of monumental classical works.

    These, and more, will be happening at The Sembrich this summer, and tickets can be found here.

  • Waxahatchee Plays to a Sold Out Brooklyn Steel with Madi Diaz

    Continuing her 2022 North American Tour, Waxahatchee played a sold out night at Brooklyn Steel last week (February 10, 2022) with support from Madi Diaz. Waxahatchee released the critically-acclaimed record, “Saint Cloud” in 2020, topping number 2 on Billboard’s US Folk chart, and number 6 on US Alternative Albums.

    Waxahatchee
    Waxahatchee at Brooklyn Steel, Photographed by David Reichmann

    Madi Diaz opened the evening to an already-packed venue. She belted out songs from her great 2021 album, “History of a Feeling.” “Crying in Public,” which was recently remixed by MUNA, was a highlight of her performance.

    Waxahatchee
    Madi Diaz at Brooklyn Steel, Photograph by David Reichmann

    Madi briefly interrupted her set when she noticed a few fans struggling with finding something on the floor, asking if everything was alright. A fan shouted, “I dropped my phone,” which received a big laugh from the audience – and Madi. “Okay, good, so we don’t need a stretcher?” she replied, getting another big laugh before continuing her set.

    Waxahatchee

    Waxahatchee’s band mates took the stage to big applause. The lighting was dark and intimate as frontwoman Katie took the stage, and the cheers grew and then hushed once she started her set with “Oxbow” from her last record. Her set included many fan favorites and most of the tracks from her latest record. Madi Diaz joined her onstage to perform the song “Resentment (New Feelings Version),” which they released together in 2021. Waxahatchee closed out the show with fan (and my personal) favorite, her Dolly Parton cover of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”

    You can listen to Waxahtachee’s 2020 record, Saint Cloud here, follow her ongoing North American tour with support from Madi Diaz here.

    Photographs by David Reichmann

  • Angelique Kidjo Drops Music Video For ‘Do Yourself’ Featuring Burna Boy

    Angelique Kidjo is back with her new music video for ‘Do Yourself’ featuring Burna Boy. The Grammy nominated single is described as “an anthem for a new Africa.”

    Angelique Kidjo Burna Boy

    Directed by Meji Alabi, who has also worked with Wizkid and Beyonce, the music video perfectly showcases Kidjo’s vibrant energy as Burna Boy croons in the background. Citing Africa as “the birthplace of all humanity”, Kidjo proclaims her love for the continent and reminds us all of how strong Africa can be if we do our part. For change to be made, Kidjo says that you have to do it yourself. 

    The single is fresh off her critically acclaimed album Mother Nature, released in June, which tackles prevalent issues like the climate crisis and the struggle for freedom. Her joyful sound mixed with these heavy topics creates a unique listening experience for new and old fans, while showing exactly why she deserves her “icon” status. Mother Nature features many young African artists including Mr. Eazi, Sampa The Great and Yemi Alade.

    With three Grammy nominations under her belt, including Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance and Best Global Music Performance for ‘Blewu’, it is clear that Kidjo is in a league of her own. The New Yorker called her the “towering figure of cross cultural music” and it’s not hard to understand why. She has also performed at the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony, sold out Carnegie Hall and is performing alongside Viola Davis in the film “The Woman King” later this year.

    Tickets for Kidjo’s 2022 tour, as well as more information, can be found here.

    3/4 – MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA

    3/5 – MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA

    3/8 – L’Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium

    3/10 – Carre Belle-Feuille in Boulogne-Billancourt, France

    3/11 – La Faïencerie in Creil, France

    3/16 – Musikverein in Vienna, Austria

    3/17 – Festspielhaus St. Pölten in St. Pölten, Austria

    3/19 – Theater of Chelles in Chelles France

    3/24 – Theatre of the Vesinet in Le Vésinet, France

    3/25 – Arsenal in Metz, France

    4/2 – Soka Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo, CA

    4/5 – Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA

    4/7 – Rialto Theater in Tucson, AZ

    4/9 – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in Scottsdale, AZ

    4/14 – The Broad Stage Theatre in Santa Monica, CA

    4/15 – The Broad Stage Theatre in Santa Monica, CA

    4/16 – The Broad Stage Theatre in Santa Monica, CA

    4/23 – Cal Performances Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley, CA

    4/29 – Hopkins Center for The Arts in Hanover, NH

    4/30 – Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH

    5/10 – McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, NJ

    5/12 – Bass Concert Hall in Austin, TX

    5/26 – Africa Festival in Würzburg, Germany

    6/4 – Theatre Femina in Bordeaux, France

    6/9 – Dresden Music Festival in Dresden, Germany

    6/10 – Abbaye de Saint-Riquier – Baie de Somme in Saint-Riquier, France

    6/11 – Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris France

  • Broadway Musicals Aladdin, Waitress, and The Prom coming to Proctors Theatre

    From Broadway to Proctors Theatre, musicals Waitress and Aladdin are set to launch in February and October of 2022, respectively.

    Broadway Aladdin

    Aladdin

    Based on the Academy Award winning film, Aladdin is a well known musical that first appeared on Broadway back in March 20, 2014. This North American tour will begin this upcoming October in Schenectady at Proctors Theatre, marking the first time Aladdin will be shown outside of New York City in almost two years.

    Aladdin‘s crew will consist of 75 professionals with an additional 40 locals in each city visited during the tour. These cities include Austin, Kansas City, and San Antonio.

    Certainly we are thrilled to have Disney return to create a new national tour, but I have to say, Aladdin has been asked for by the people of the Capital Region of New York ever since it first opened on Broadway eight years ago! We are ecstatic to have it here. 

    Proctors Collaborative CEO Philip Morris

    The full itinerary will drop at a later date, along with casting and ticket information. However, it has been confirmed for the tour to play in 36 cities. To be updated about future information regarding the tour visit  Aladdin The Musical.

    Waitress

    Waitress is a musical that was developed by an all female creative team. It will play at Proctors Theatre from February 25-27. In addition to using original music, others lyrics were made by Sara Bareilles who is a six time Grammy nominee, author Jessie Nelson, choreography by Lorin Latarro and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus. 

    Waitress the musical, which is inspired by an Adrienne Shelly film, is about a waitress and an expert pie maker. The main character, Jenna wishes for a better life out of her small hometown and distraught marriage. Fortunately for her, a baking contest nearby and the town’s new doctor may be able to grant her wish for happiness and a fresh start.

    It’s an empowering musical of the highest order!

     Chicago Tribune 

    Ticket information is available through the Box Office at Proctors in person or through their website Proctors. 

    The Prom, is a musical where everyone can feel celebrated and now the producers and co-presidents of the Prom Committee are bringing the show to Proctors Theatre, from Friday, March 1 to Sunday, March 6. This show features a book by Tony Award winner Bob Martin and Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin. 

    Not only has The Prom, won the 2019 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical, but Ryan Murphy (Tony, Emmy, Golden Globe and Peabody Award Winner), transformed The Prom into a film for the popular streaming platform, Netflix. This movie event stars Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman and a variety of other notable actors. 

    Smart and big-hearted. Genuine joy rolls off the stage in this musical full of witty delights, irrepressibly energetic tunes, winking lyrics and a cheeky book. I seldom stopped laughing. It’s a damn good time! Did I shed several tears in The Prom’s final scene? Maybe I did.”

    New York Magazine

    The musical has a different cast compared to the film by Ryan Murphy. In fact these stars are: Kaden Kearney (they/them) as “Emma, High School Student, Banned from the Prom,” Kalyn West as “Alyssa Greene, Head of Student Council with a Secret,” Courtney Balan as “Tony Award Winner Dee Dee Allen,” Patrick Wetzel as “Drama Desk Award Winner Barry Glickman,” Emily Borromeo as “Angie Dickinson, Broadway Chorine,” Bud Weber as “Trent Oliver, Esteemed Julliard Graduate/Cater Waiter,” Sinclair Mitchell as “Mr. Hawkins, High School Principal,” Ashanti J’Aria as “Mrs. Greene, President of the PTA” and Shavey Brown as “Sheldon Saperstein, Broadway’s Press Agent with a Plan.” 

    To learn more information about the musical or to buy tickets visit Proctors.org or the Box Office at Proctors Theatre. 

  • In Focus: Goose Close Winter Tour in Pittsburgh

    The Connecticut-based band Goose ended their two and a half week winter tour in Pittsburgh after spending most of their time on the road out west this time. A cold Saturday night in Pittsburgh at Stage AE seemed like the perfect place to celebrate, the venue was packed with fans new and old and a free stream was even offered to all those who couldn’t make the show.

    Wether you were in attendance or not there will be plenty of opportunities to see the band in the coming weeks starting with the rescheduled Goosemas taking place on Saturday February 26th at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.

    Goose – 2/12/22 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE

    Set 1: Silver Rising, Butter Rum, Turned Clouds, Red Bird, Tumble

    Set 2: Rockdale, Seekers On The Ridge Pt. 1 > Pt. 2, American Woman, Empress Of Organos, Slow Ready

    Encore: Praise You

  • “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” Exhibit opens at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem

    The National Jazz Museum in Harlem proudly introduces their new exhibition to the public, “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure,” opening on Friday, Feb. 11th, coinciding with Black History Month. Additionally, the exhibition features the new Disney movie, SOUL.

    The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure
    The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure

    American pianist, band leader, and jazz musician, Jon Batiste, provides the original jazz compositions and arrangements for “Soul,” and shares his excitement for “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure.”

    National Jazz Museum emphasizes a vision “to make jazz accessible to everyone on the planet,” one echoed by Carmen Smith:

    Like the film that inspired this exhibit, ‘The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure’ is a tribute to the human experience. It was here in Harlem that jazz not only became an international sensation, but a vehicle for social change. The genre’s enduring influence is a palpable example of the barriers that can be broken when ambition and artistry meet passion and purpose. We’re proud to partner with the National Jazz Museum to preserve and celebrate that special kind of magic.

    Carmen Smith, Senior Vice President, Creative Development – Product/Content & Inclusive Strategies.

    In the Harlem Museum, the exhibit will include a unique collection of artifacts including items highlighting the career of pianist and jazz icon, Dr. Billy Taylor. Additionally, appearances of characters Joe Gardner and Dorothea Williams, and virtual experiences on the Play Disney Parks app. 

    The National Jazz Museum
    The National Jazz Museum

    The overall mission of National Jazz Museum in Harlem’s is to “preserve, promote and present Jazz by inspiring knowledge, appreciation and the celebration of jazz locally, nationally and internationally.” To further promote the educational purposes of jazz music and history, the museum offers four Core Programs: Education; Exhibits & Collections; and Partnerships & Collaborations. 

    The National Jazz Museum
    The National Jazz Museum

    Free reserve-time ticketing is required, no walk-ins allowed. However, you can reserve tickets up to one month in advance. As well, The National Jazz Museum in Harlem is open Thursday to Saturday from 12PM to 5PM, and proof of vaccination is required for all visitors 5 years of age and older. To reserve tickets, times are available at Eventbrite.

  • In Focus: Plush Debut New Album at Empire Live

    This past Friday, February 11, Plush headlined their first show in the Northeast for a sold out Empire Live crowd. The band, led by Capital District native, Moriah Formica, were marking the release of their debut self-titled album. Plush’s lineup also includes Brooke Colucci on drums, Bella Perron on guitar, and Ashley Suppa on bass. The young rock band’s set included 12/13 songs from the album and a fantastic cover of Heart’s Barracuda.

    plush

    Empire Live’s Underground space was packed from wall to wall, and there were fans of every generation present, from old metal heads all the way down to kids who could have been at their very first shows. Plush’s songs resonate with all types of listeners; their lyrics often touch on the struggles of heartbreak while being driven by heavy instrumentals and powerful harmonies. For their entire set, Plush was cheered on by a high energy crowd that recognized the talent they were witnessing. This talent included a a solo drum intro by Brooke that you can see below.

    Plush released their first single ‘Hate’ back in February of 2021, and the song went on to reach as high as number 24 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart. You can listen and watch the music video on YouTube. Since releasing ‘Hate,’ Plush has been on the road opening for acts like Evanescence, Halestorm, and SevenDust. For this show though, the band had Vendetta Rose and Alborn opening in front of Moriah’s hometown crowd.

    In the coming weeks, Plush will be hitting the road with rock and guitar legend Slash. Their tour currently has Northeastern stops set for New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. You can find Plush’s upcoming tour dates on their website.

    plush

    Setlist: Athena, Champion, Found A Way, Sober, Sorry, Bring Me Down, Walk Away, Don’t Say That, Better Off Alone, Will Not Win, I Don’t Care, Hate

    Encore: Barracuda (Heart)

  • Sly Fox and the Hustlers release “Find Someone,” Perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day

    Albany band Sly Fox And The Hustlers today release their newest single, “Find Someone,” perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day. The new single is the lead off their upcoming album which drops in May. “Find Someone” is a groovy rock tune that will get you moving on your feet, the basis of the which goes into Sly’s story on how to get over your past failed relationships in search for your true soul mate.

    Sly Fox and The Hustlers

    Sly Fox And The Hustlers are a very multidimensional rock band as they bring different variations of the genre to the table. Their prior songs such as “Forever Young,” “Home by Mornin’,” and “Heart and Soul” exemplify all different tempos within the rock genre while blending some country, funk, and blues influence. These three songs will definitely build your anticipation for their new upcoming single.

    “Find Someone” was mixed by Tim Lynch from The Recording Company and mastered by Brian Lucey from Magic Garden Mastering, and will be available on all streaming platforms. You can catch Sly Fox and the Hustlers this May in Philadelphia at The Fire, and on May 21 at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC. For more info, visit Sly Fox and the Hustler’s website.

  • Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Nominates Three of New York’s Best

    The time has finally come for the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame to announce their 2022 nominees. For these artists or bands to be eligible for a nomination they must have released their first commercial recording 25 years ago.

    From the 17 nominees, 7 have been nominated for the first time: A Tribe Called Quest, Beck, Pat Benatar, Kate Bush, Devo, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Fela Kuti, Judas Priest, MC5, The New York Dolls, Dolly Parton, Rage Against the Machine, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon and Dionne Warwick.

    From the nominees, New York Dolls, Carly Simon, A Tribe Called Quest, and Pat Benatar comprise of the New York grown bands we hold close to our hearts. 

    The New York Dolls are pioneers of punk rock and began a wave of influential punk music introducing punk music to those who weren’t yet in the know. After forming in 1971, the Dolls configured a sound that replicated influences from the Rolling Stones, David Bowie and T. Rex, and the Stooges. You might remember “Personality Crisis,” “Looking for a Kiss” or “Trash”. Glitter rock anthems steered the Dolls to glory with the help from the classic lineup of Johnny Thunders and Sylvain on guitar, Arthur Kane on bass, and Jerry Nolan on drums. 

    Carly Simon rocked us in the 70s emerging as a gifted storyteller born into an affluent New York City family. Winning the Best New Artist Grammy in 1971 for “That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be”, Simon garnered gorgeous melodies over matters of anguish and heartbreak. After finding love with James Taylor their duet “Mockingbird” earned them a Number Five hit in 1974. Simon’s influence on today’s artists like Taylor Swift keep her legacy thriving. 

    Straight out of Queens and right out of high school, A Tribe Called Quest served us all throughout the 90s. They brought abstract philosophy and were not afraid of confronting social issues while carrying a jazz-rap revolution. Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Jarobi White, and Ali Shaheed nurtured hip-hop incorporating flavors of jazz and alternative rock. The Native Tongues New York collective heaved a musical movement rooted in Afrocentric ideals. A Tribe Called Quest is a stranger to nobody, Pharrell Williams even claimed himself, J Dilla and Ye as “his sons.”

    Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo yielded the sonic landscape that was the 1980s. Neil Giraldo’s distorted guitar style with Benatar’s rigorous voice produced “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”, “Treat Me Right” and “Heart Breaker”. Practically dominating the Grammys in the late 80s Benatar went on to win four consecutive awards and amounted a total of nine nominations. You might recall that Benatar was the first woman while Giraldo was the first guitarist to air on MTV. Their partnership lasts to this day, as their entertainment company Bel Chiasso has kept them performing throughout the years.

    The general public can vote (every day) at vote.rockhall.com and can help in selecting the top five artists for the “fan’s ballot”. The “fan’s ballot” will be factored into the selection of the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees. 

  • New York Youth Symphony Releases Debut Recording

    The New York Youth Symphony have worked throughout the pandemic to create their first studio recording, set to release on April 8th. The recording features four pieces by Florence Price, Valerie Coleman and Jessie Montgomery. 

    The New York Youth Symphony has achieved something remarkable by creating and releasing their first studio recording. It features a number of member premieres, as well as work from three talented Black women composers. Recorded in the midst of the pandemic at the DiMenna Center in Manhattan, the orchestra had to be socially distanced, with one section recording at a time. The set up was created by Grammy winning producer, Judith Sherman. 

    A majority of the recording centers itself around different aspects of the Black experience. Price’s pieces blend African American folk with the European Romantic tradition she was trained in. Coleman transformed a simple song meant for a women’s chorus into an orchestral piece while maintaining the feel of a traditional drum circle. NYYS alum, Montgomery drew inspiration from MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech to create her piece, ‘Soul Force’.

    The symphony is made up of some of the most talented young musicians available, ranging from ages 12 to 22. While focus is on the performance aspect of the orchestra, at its’ core, the NYYS is here to contribute to the musical education of young musicians. Executive Director, Shauna Quill cites the recording process as “an important and invaluable skill” for students to learn.

    “We put a lot of thought and energy into creating a special project that NYYS students could accomplish during this difficult time. I couldn’t be prouder to have led this amazing orchestra in these performances, and for the resiliency of the students who always play at such a high level and with incredible spirit.”

    Conductor Michael Repper

    In addition to the new release, NYYS will be returning to the stage with performances at Dizzy’s Club on 3/7,  Carnegie Hall on 3/13, Scandinavia House on 5/4 and the Times Center on 5/9. More information can be found here.

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