NYS Music 202​2

Category: Genres

  • In Focus: The Last Waltz at Proctors Theatre

    The Last Waltz 2022 concert tour with Warren Haynes kicked-off with two excellent shows on November 3rd & 4th at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. I was determined to see at least one show on the tour. Looking at the schedule, that show had to be at Proctors Theatre on Saturday, November 5 in Schenectady.

    Proctors is one of the nicest theatres I have been to in New York State and may even be one of the nicest theatres in the US. The architecture, the history, the restoration, the sound quality, the staff, everything about Proctors Theatre makes it a special venue to see a performance such as The Last Waltz.

    last waltz proctors

    Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Garth Hudson and Robbie Robertson were The Band. Their Thanksgiving concert 1976 was filmed live at the Winterland Arena in San Francisco and the concert became a celebration. The film became The Last Waltz. If you’re a fan of The Band, if you want to see & hear great timeless music, you just know, the music & songs from The Last Waltz, it’s going to be special.

    The Last Waltz 2022 at Proctors Theatre included Warren Haynes, Jamey Johnson, Kathleen Edwards,
    Anders Osborne, Dave Malone, John Medeski, Cyril Neville, Terence Higgins, Bob Margolin and Mark
    Mullins & the Levee Horns. The band will be joined by Taj Mahal & Don Was and other musicians at
    future dates. The song selections and arrangements were both familiar and unique.

    My friend mentioned that he thought the 2022 horn arrangements closely followed the original 1976 Last Waltz horn charts arranged by Allen Toussaint. The Levee Horns played true to the New Orleans sound. The set lists will vary slightly from show to show. The concert highlights are far too many to count. Terence Higgins on drums is extraordinary. For me, Jamey Johnson’s vocals, especially on ‘Georgia’, Kathleen Edwards multi-instrumental musicianship & and her vocals on Bob Dylan’s ‘Forever Young’ were heart felt and everyone together on Dylan’s ‘I Shall Be Released’, that was excellent.

    The tour continues November 9 the at the Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT and wraps-up on December 4 the at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. Along the way, there will be performances in Boston, DC, Richmond, Atlanta, Florida and Oakland, CA. This is one of those must-see 2022 concert performances. If you’re local or within travelling distance, this concert should not be missed. Find more on the Last Waltz 2022 concert series here.

  • Tank & The Bangas Announce Norah Jones, Big Freedia and more guests for Blue Note Residency

    Tank and the Bangas will kick off their six-night residency at New York’s iconic Jazz club Blue Note New York on November 11, and bring with them special guests, starting with GRAMMY winning singer and pianist Norah Jones. This will mark the first show Norah has done with Tank & the Bangas since 2017, aside from their performance on her podcast.

    In addition to Jones, other special guests announced include Keyon Harrold, Big Freedia, Kat Edmonson, Brandee Younger, Isaiah Sharkey as well as surprise sit-ins. Tank and the Bangas will also spend two nights covering The Music of Green Balloon and The Music of Red Balloon.

    Coming from New Orleans, Tank and the Bangas are surrounded by plenty of grand musical traditions. And the five-piece group has a rare knack for combining various musical styles- fiery soul, deft hip-hop, deep-groove R&B and subtle jazz- into one dazzling, cohesive whole that evokes the scope of New Orleans music while retaining a distinctive feel all its own. “It’s music that can’t really be put in a box,” says singer and poet Tarriona “Tank” Ball. 

    Blue Note New York is located at 131 West 3rd St in Manhattan

    Tank & The Bangas norah jones

    Tank and the Bangas Blue Note Residency Lineup

    FRI NOVEMBER 11 – THE MUSIC OF GREEN BALLOON + NORAH JONES – 8 PM & 10:30PM ET

    SAT NOVEMBER 12 – THE MUSIC OF RED BALLOON + SURPRISE GUESTS – 8 PM & 10:30PM ET

    SUN NOVEMBER 13 – KEYON HARROLD – 8 PM & 10:30PM ET

    FRI NOVEMBER 18 – BIG FREEDIA – 8 PM & 10:30PM ET

    SAT NOVEMBER 19 – KAT EDMONSON & BRANDEE YOUNGER – 8 PM & 10:30PM ET

    SUN NOVEMBER 20 – ISAIAH SHARKEY – 8 PM & 10:30PM ET

  • In Focus: The Machine performs Pink Floyd at Homer Center for the Arts

    The Center of The Arts in Homer hosted an astounding show on Saturday, November 5 with well known tribute band The Machine performing Pink Floyd. With a 30+ year legacy of extending the voice of Pink Floyd, The Machine continues to carry on the reputation of the British rock band that began in 1965.

    The Machine Pink Floyd
    Perri Sage Photography

    The Machine is a New York based group of four, expanding the Floyd reputation of the 1970’s. The band consists of drummer Tahrah Cohen, electric guitarist Ryan Ball, pianist Scott Chasolen and lead singer and guitarist Chris Deanglis. The group performs in memory of Joe Pascarell, who founded the band back in 1988.

    Perri Sage Photography

    The Machine put on a show and performed some of Pink Floyd’s top hits, “Comfortably Numb,” “Wish You Were Here,” and many others from album Dark Side of The Moon, released in 1973. The album was conceived as a concept of mental health regarding former original band member Syd Barrett who left the group in 1968.

    The Machine Pink Floyd
    Perri Sage Photography

    Overall The Machine performs Pink Floyd plays with such accuracy, it’s truly outstanding the band has been able to continue the legacy and importance of Pink Floyd which has greatly impacted the music community. Playing all around the world, sold out shows and growing their audience. The Machine has truly become a tribute phenomenon.

    The Machine Pink Floyd
    The Machine Pink Floyd

  • Paramore Announces 2023 Tour with Stop at Madison Square Garden

    The infamous Paramore has announced a huge North America tour for 2023 taking place in 26 cities with support from Bloc Party, Foals, The Linda Lindas and Genesis Owusu. They will be making stops in one of NYC’s most iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden Tuesday, May 30th, 2023. 

    Paramore Announces 2023 Tour Live At Madison Square Garden

    When Paramore revealed they were recording together in January 2022 the response from music fans around the world was immediate and celebratory. Paramore’s hotly anticipated sixth studio album This Is Why will be released via Atlantic Records on February 10, 2023.  

    Paramore have become more popular than ever with a lot of their newest songs blowing up on social medias like Tiktok.  Over the last few years Paramore’s influence and popularity has snowballed, as the age of streaming organically propelled them into a position as one of the world’s biggest, most culturally compelling rock bands.

    For the band, who formed as teenagers in Tennessee, their 20-year trajectory has seen them grow from youthful outsiders to bone-fide pop culture icons. They currently have been permeating the musical landscape by inspiring a new generation of musical talent.Their forthcoming sixth album, This Is Why, is set for release on February 10th. 

    PARAMORE IN NORTH AMERICA TOUR DATES: 

    Tue May 23 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center*×

    Thu May 25 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena*×

    Sat May 27 – Atlantic City, NJ – Adjacent Festival!

    Tue May 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden*×

    Fri June 02 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena*×

    Sun Jun 04 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse*×

    Mon Jun 05 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse*×

    Wed Jun 07 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena*×

    Thu Jun 08 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena*×

    Sat Jun 10 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center*×

    Sun Jun 11 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paint Arena*×

    Tue Jun 13 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center*×

    Wed Jun 14 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live*×

    Thu Jul 06 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center+°

    Sat Jul 08 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena+°

    Sun Jul 09 – Austin, TX – Moody Center+°

    Tue Jul 11 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center+°

    Thu Jul 13 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena+°

    Sun Jul 16 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena+

    Wed Jul 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum+

    Sat Jul 22 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center+

    Mon Jul 24 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena+°

    Tue Jul 25 – Portland, OR – Veterans Memorial Coliseum+°

    Thu Jul 27 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Arena+°

    Sat Jul 29 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center+°

    Sun Jul 30 – St Louis, MO – Enterprise Center+°

    Wed Aug 02 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center+°

    *With Support Bloc Party

    +With Support from Foals

    °With Support from The Linda Lindas

    ×With Support from Genesis Owusu

    !Festival Performance

    Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday, November 11th at 10am here.

  • NYC Artist Alexa Dark Releases Old Hollywood Inspired Single “Cool For You”

    NYC-based artist Alexa Dark released her new Old Hollywood-inspired indie rock single “Cool For You” from her upcoming debut EP.

    Alexa Dark
    Photo by West Webb.

    Alexa Dark is a Spanish/American multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter raised between Barcelona, Munich, London, and NYC. Her music takes inspiration from her multi-background upbringing. She started writing music and poetry at a young age. Dark began performing live in London, then moved to NYC and released her first song “Fade to Black and Blue” in 2021.

    Her upcoming EP will focus on her villain origin story through the lens of a ’60s, Bondlike, French new wave film, where the singer goes from heartbroken starlet to a dark feminine, mysterious siren. Through this new era, Dark comments on the nature of feminity and the shadows of oneself, where the enemy is someone’s life is actually them.

    “Cool For You” is a dark indie rock anthem, with Dark’s haunting vocals shining through. The song is produced by Matt Chiaravalle, who has worked with the likes of Warren Zevon and Debbie Harry. The lyrics are vampy and set the tone of the Old Hollywood scene. The lyrics “You’re nostalgia/In a black velvet suit/I pick my persona/Like you pick your shoes,” help create a scene in your mind as you listen. Dark tries to be an interesting person to the other person she is describing as she sings “I try to be cool for you/I try not to break in two/But I do.”

    Alexa Dark is making a name for herself coming up on her new EP, as she is creating a cult following on apps like TikTok and Instagram, and she doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon.

  • An Interview with NYC Artist Craig Greenberg

    Native to New York City, Craig Greenberg has been heavily involved in the region’s music scene for over a decade and a half. Greenberg has channeled the spirit of classic alternative and soul musicians, such as Billy Joel, Ben Folds and Randy Newman, while blending their influences with new narratives concomitant to his experiences, in his music.

    Craig Greenberg

    While his performances on stage in New York City-based venues have harnessed crowds of music fans in the Metro area, the timeline of his works begins in 2007, after the release of his rock debut EP The World and Back. Three years later, his second debut EP Spinning in Time receiving national airplay helps to conjure momentum to his career, following his third release (as well as his first full length album) The Grand Loss & Legacy being covered by Huffington Post and ranking the top of RELIX’s Top 30 Radio albums chart.

    2015 “The Grand Loss & Legacy” Album Cover

    His 2020 album Phantom Life carries tracks conveying a blend of sounds derived from pop and rock, and lyrical sentiments wielding an axis on life obstacles and opportunities. The Between the Sea and the Sky EP is set to be released on December 16, 2022.

    Greenberg’s most recent piece is his single “Quarantine Queen” from September, 2022, which emerged from the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and touches on the frustrations he experienced in his dating life, living in NYC. Craig sat down with NYS Music to discuss his discography and upcoming release of Between the Sea and the Sky.

    Heather Occhino: I came across your website and I was reading your bio just to find out more about your background as an artist, so I wanted to ask you, what made you initially pursue a career in music?

    Craig Greenberg: Well I actually feel the path chose me..  When I graduated from college and I was mainly just a guitar player I didn’t think I was up for the lifestyle of being a musician.  I tried out other creative areas (including comedy writing) and also considered studying creativity for a graduate degree in psychology.  It wasn’t until I finished my first few full songs that it started to click in my head that I could actually do it.  And then a couple years later when I got my first gig singing in bars (while living abroad in South America), that was my no turning back point.

    HO: I read in your bio that your independent work of pop/Americana music started with your ‘The World and Back’ EP back in 2007. What drove you to make music within that genre (were you involved in that music scene growing up?)

    CG: I didn’t set out to make music in that genre.. I just got labeled that way.  I actually think “Americana” is used as a default when there isn’t a more apt description or if the reviewer is lazy (lol).  As far as the “pop” description, I think I’ve always had a good sense of writing hooky melodies, so maybe that’s where that came from.  

    HO: Going more into your biography on your website, I also saw that your debut album, “The Grand Loss & Legacy” was included in a publication by the Huffington Post and received national airplay and was ranked in another publication as being in the Top 30 Radio albums. (Congratulations) How did that momentum impact you and what did it mean for your career, moving forward from that point? 

    CG: Well it certainly put me on the map in terms ofindustry recognition.. especially from the singles “That Girl is Wrong for You”, and “Death on the Liberty Line” that got praise from the HuffPost and Relix magazine and received airplay around the country.   And that album also gave me confidence to move closer to what my band sounds like live, a more raw and rocking sound. That was rewarding and liberating!

    HO: Your latest single that came out last month on the 30th is called “Quarantine Queen”. Is it intended to be about anyone in particular, perhaps someone dear to you in your life? 

    CG: Well, sometimes my songs are true stories, sometimes they’re based on a true story, and sometimes they’re complete fiction. Quarantine Queen would fall in the last category.  It came out of a lonely period during the early days of the pandemic in NYC.  I was frustrated with the reality of dating during those weird times and wrote a song about my dream companion to spend lockdown with.

    HO: Is this song set to be part of your upcoming EP to be released in December?

    CG: Yes

    HO: I read that your music reflects the experiences you are going through. That leads me into my next question, which is, do you find that the emotional tones you inject in your music are part of a more spontaneous creative process or do you usually plan prior on what type of energy a project is going to deliver?

    CG: I find that the emotional feeling in my songs can come out of my experience, but also could be just a mood I’m in, but for sure it’s never planned in advance–I never sit down and say I want to write a song about this or that topic.  Generally I sit at the piano (or guitar) and just see where the feeling in the moment takes me.  Though when making an album, the songs I choose to record may be based on wanting to have a variety of mood and energy to give it range.

    HO: When and where do you plan on performing next?

    CG: Rockwood Music Hall, Dec 21st – it will be the EP release show!

    HO: In the last part of your bio, I read that you performed with prominent musicians such as Mike Gordon of Phish, Jackson Browne and Victor DeLorenzo from Violent Femmes. Do you plan on working with musicians like the ones just mentioned again and what has the experience of performing with big names given you?  

    CG: Well, I would jump at the chance to perform with any of them again.  Aside from Jackson Browne, who I’ve had the extreme privilege of getting to know a bit and performing with a few times over the years, the others were more random occurrences.  Victor DeLorenzo was at a songwriting event I attended for many years in the mid-west, and we have many musical friends in common, so there’s a decent chance our paths will cross again.

  • Gene Casey’s Alt-Country Music Captivates

    The simple definition of a troubadour is that of a poet bringing lyrics to song. Gene Casey’s music has been captivating the East-end of Long Island for decades. During the first week in November, I had the honor to interview Gene Casey on The Long Island Sound podcast. A self-defined Roots-Rock, Alt-Country musician, Casey and the Lone Sharks deliver a show to behold. Gene’s deep baritone voice smoothly moves between covers of Cash and Presley to his vast catalog of original songs. 

    Gene Casey

    The Lone Sharks – The Bar Band of the Hamptons

    Most of my interviews are done virtually, which provides a speed-dating type of vibe, which allows a deep dive into the artist behind the music. As luck would have it, Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks were playing in my backyard, at a venue in Bay Shore, called Fire Island Vines. The crowd thoroghly enjoyed the show and could not wipe the smiles off their faces.

    Well-known as the “Bar band of the Hamptons” Gene and his troupe ventured West. The Lone Shark’s lineup includes Chris Ripley (drums), Tom Hopkins (Upright Bass), Paul Scher (Tenor Sax)  and Gene Casey (Lead Guitar). Gene’s performance harkened my mind back to a time when a 1950’s  four-piece could provide the big sound and the simplicity of arrangement that draws you into another time and place, allowing you to forget the troubles of the day. 

    Stellar Performance

    I was captivated by Friday night’s performance. Gene is a master entertainer, connecting and cajoling the audience as several danced to his Rockabilly rhythms. His song, “I love what I do”, is a memorable diddy well worth the download. 

    The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame

    During Gene’s podcast episode, we were able to gaze into his songwriting process, his sojourns to Nashville, and adventurous career.

    In 2014, Gene and the Long Sharks received the Long Island sound Award by the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, “for contributions to the Island’s musical landscape.”  Over the years, Gene’s music has been on the soundtracks of television shows and featured films. Gene Casey has shared the bill backing legends of Rock & Roll acts such as The Band, Wanda Jackson and Bo Diddley

    Songwriting Style

    I queried Gene about his Alt-Country and Roots-Rock writing style:

    Writing a country song. And I liked that, because, you know, just get to the point, back up the point and move along. Lyrically, yep. And it’s not easy to do. Because there’s no filler, no waste, you got to be every syllable, every syllable in a Hank Williams song is there for a good reason. There’s nothing, no waste.

    Gene Casey

    Gene and the Lone Shark’s dance card is full these days. Besides the various gigs and shows Gene hosts “Down Home Country” on WUSB 90.1FM, as the alternate host for this long running radio program covering a century of Country Music every other Sunday. 

    If you want to Rock the Town during the holiday season, there’s one Rock & Roll Christmas show not to be missed at the Suffolk Theater in Riverhead, NY. This annual holiday event dubbed “A Rockabilly Christmas” features the great Jason D. William, his pumpin’ piano along with Gene and the Lone Sharks.

    You can find Gene Casey’s music right here on Spotify. Be sure to visit Gene’s website to find out where he’s playing next, and enjoy his episode on The Long Island Sound podcast. 

  • Fifteen year-old Ukranian Refugee to play at Carnegie Hall with NYYS

    For most 15-year-old musicians, playing Carnegie Hall is a feat, marked by years of strife, effort, apprehension and excitement. It’s the event of a lifetime, a venue that represents decades of tradition in music and excellence. Most 15-year-olds won’t know the pressure of playing Carnegie Hall. But for bassoonist Dmytro Tishyn, playing Carnegie Hall on November 20 with the New York Youth Symphony is far from the first thing on his mind. In February 2022, Dmytro Tishyn hoisted a backpack and his bassoon onto his back and boarded a 24-hour train ride to Poland as a refugee, leaving his Ukranian home, parents, grandparents and brother behind. 

    Dmytro Tishyn,

    Instead of looking at it as an evacuation, Tishyn looked at his three month departure from Ukraine — the days long train ride, the cab ride across Poland’s border, the three month long stay in Berlin — as an adventure. 

    That adventure has culminated with Tishyn taking the stage with the New York Youth Symphony, under Music Director Micahel Repper, with violinist Francisco Fullana. The concert will feature Gabrieela Lena Frank’s “Escaramuza,” Édouardo Lalo’s “Symphonie Espagnole,” featuring Fullana, Ari Sussman’s First Music Commission “I hope this finds you well” and Georges Bizet’s “L’Arlésienne Suite 1 & 2.”

    The show is on Sunday, November 20 at 2 p.m. and tickets are starting at $18. Even though Carnegie Hall is a long way from Ukraine, Tishyn still manages to keep his family close. When he takes the stage on Sunday, it will be with his father’s bassoon.

  • moe. Announces The Return Of Chuck Garvey For New Year’s Eve

    Fans of moe. got a dose of good news about beloved guitarist Chuck Garvey the other night at the band’s show at The Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO. In his customary pre-encore “Al.nouncements,” guitarist Al Schnier read a note from Chuck, who suffered a stroke last November, proclaiming that he would sit-in as a “special guest” for a portion of the band’s NYE performance at the Fillmore Philadelphia for the first time in over a year. As expected, the news was met with much delight.

    The announcement came exactly one year to the day since Chuck Garvey suffered his stroke, and his return appearance with moe. is also significant since the Fillmore Philadelphia was the last venue he performed at on Halloween 2022. The band has yet to announce plans for Chuck to return to the band on a full-time basis.

    Thank you for your well-wishes and your donations, without which my recovery would not have happened. This year has been a really long, difficult one for me, but a rewarding one, in that I learned what a person needs to do to achieve goals.

    ~ Chuck Garvey

    The NYE performance will include an opening set by the New Haven, CT based 4-piece Eggy, and also feature The Horn Section, a 3-piece horn group featuring former members of Turkuaz, who will be performing with moe. throughout the night. The concert will follow moe.’s appearance at the North Beach Music Festival in Miami Beach, and a handful of Rob & Vinnie shows with BlueStar Radiation through the remainder of 2022.

    For ticketing and show info, please visit https://moe.org/tour

    moe. Chuck Garvey

  • Flipturn Brings Indie Back to Buffalo

    Indie legends Flipturn made a stop in Buffalo on November 4 on their Shadowglow tour. The fun-filled night at Buffalo Ironworks was kicked off in true alt music fashion with The Brazen Youth. They played well-known classics as well as their hit song, “Center of Gravity.” The group got the crowd even more hyped up with the obvious Buffalo crowd pleaser: a Bills chant. 

    Flipturn
    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    When Flipturn took over the stage there was a shift in infectious energy and warmth. No matter how small or large the venue is, Flipturn always knows how to perform. There’re no limitations when this group takes over the stage. All that’s obvious is their connection with their fans. This band is built up by Dillon Basse (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Tristan Duncan (lead guitar), Madeline Jarman (bass), Mitch Fountain (synth), and Devon VonBalson (drums). 

    Flipturn
    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Flipturn opened up their set with “The Fall” and “Playground,” off of their most recent album Shadowglow. Even though this album was just released a few months ago, fans at Buffalo Ironworks knew the latest lyrics top to bottom. 

    Flipturn manages to take their listeners on a journey when they play their music. Through summer drives and youthful bliss, there’s something cinematic in the experience of a Flipturn song. This band has grown up together in Florida and now plays songs that deal with the heavily relatability at being at a crossroad between young lust and the pressures of adulthood. 

    Flipturn
    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The live experience only adds to the depth of their introspection between the head and the heart. This coalition Flipturn creates with their fans is one that is hard to pull away from. Even so, they closed out the night with fan favorites, “August,” and “Nickel.” It also happened to be Madeline’s birthday which was another layer of excitement for everyone. 

    Flipturn is continuing their tour and making another stop in NY at The Bowery Ballroom on November 9. They’re definitely a must see for indie/alt lovers! 

    Buffalo Ironworks has a lot of upcoming events including Nefesh Mountain on Novemebr 10 and Buku & G-Rex on Novemebr 11. 

    Setlist: The Fall, Playground, Chicago, Whales, Sad Disco, Halfway, Hippies, Six Below, Glistening, Goddamn, Take Care, Space Cowboy
    Encore: August, Nickel

    All Photos by Maddie McCafferty

    Flipturn
    Flipturn
    Flipturn
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