Category: Genres

Rob Derhak Talks moe. Summer Tour, ADK Fest, Chuck and Playing with Nate and Suke

moe. begins a truncated summer tour this week, taking them across New York State, where they have made their mark for more than 30 years. The moe. lineup – Al Schnier, Rob Derhak, Vinnie Amico and Jim Loughlin – continues to feature Suke Cerulo and Nate Wilson, filling in for Chuck Garvey as he steadily recovers from a stroke he had in November 2021.

Chuck Garvey projected onto the walls of The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY – photo by Filip Zalewski

moe. bassist Rob Derhak and the band have spent time over the past two months rehearsing with Cerulo and Wilson at Big Blue North in Utica to prepare the sextet for their first real stretch of shows without Garvey.

The Chuck shows at The Cap in December with all the guest musicians, those guys (Suke and Nate) were part of the last set of the second night, and the set just really gelled. We had no time to rehearse with anyone beyond soundcheck; Suke had spent his time doing his homework, and Nate has sat in many times and knows a lot of songs, so when it came time to decide, it wasn’t that hard a decision. They can play really well and had a jump on the material, so both factors made it simple.
We’re very fortunate that those guys put the work in ahead of time and did their homework to learn the material, so it was a good fit and a good call in the end.
Rob Derhak, on Suke Cerulo and Nate Wilson

Derhak spoke to NYS Music shortly after Summer Camp Music Festival had wrapped its 21st year, where hosts moe. and Umphrey’s McGee performed 5 sets each over three days at their respective stages in Three Sisters Park. Derhak, along with Schnier, Amico and Loughlin threw Cerulo and Wilson some curveballs that they were still able to hit into play.

There was a 3-song sandwich – “Rebubula” > “So Long” > “Buster” > “Rebubula” – that was a situation where most people may not understand what’s going on but those guys got it. We talked about it ahead of time but never played through the whole thing with them. It came off without a hitch. Nate added a new keyboard intro for “Rebubula” that was really cool.
Rob Derhak

This was of course the first Summer Camp that Garvey had missed in the last two decades, and there was an emotional vibe with the band while they rehearsed and warmed up before the fest. From the Summer Camp Moonshine Stage, Derhak recalled how he felt two separate emotions during the weekend:

One is I keep looking over where Chuck would be, and he isn’t there, and it makes me feel weird and sad. And doing shots before a set, we would always wait for Chuck, and instinctively it’s kinda sad. I miss him, and it’s still not exactly right without him playing there.
Having Nate and Suke play at the same time, it’s almost a guilty feeling having this much fun, knowing Chuck would be loving this. Chuck did FaceTime with the band, saying he was jealous. It was bittersweet.
Rob Derhak

moe.rons can get a change to see Cerulo and Wilson with moe. a few times in July, as they will perform a free show at the Empire State Plaza on Wednesday, July 6 in Albany from 5:30-8:30 p.m., one that looks to have warm breezy weather for the show.

They’ll then head west to Buffalo where the band first had their genesis, performing on Thursday, July 7 at Seneca Casinos Outer Harbor Concert Series at the Lakeside Event Lawn, with gates opening at 6pm. Friday, July 8 they’ll be on the shores of Cape Cod for Levitate Music Festival, and Saturday they can be found at Great South Bay Music Festival in Patchogue, performing alongside fellow Buffalonians Aqueous and headliners Joe Russo’s Almost Dead.

Rob Derhak – photo by Filip Zalewski

That won’t be all for moe. this summer though – they have a trio of shows in the Northeast over Labor Day weekend, starting at Stateside Amphitheater in Jay, VT on Friday, September 2, then they head down to Lake George for the annual ADK Independence Festival for two nights of two set shows. Labor Day weekend and moe. go hand in hand, given the nearly 20 years of moe.down festivals held in Turin and Mohawk, NY.

We joked last year it was like a little moe.down and after playing, it really was. I’m looking forward to it because it’s a great three days of music, perfect size and location, the vibe is amazing, and made me think of moe.down quite a bit when we did it.
Rob Derhak, on ADK Independence Music Festival

Derhak noted that following the fall shows, moe. will look to start working with Garvey in “sometime in September and getting back to where we gotta go.” With regular check-ins and FaceTime calls, the band hopes to get a better idea of where Garvey is in his recovery and look ahead with new hope for the new year.

moe. 2022 Summer Tour Dates

7/6 – Albany, NY
7/7 – Buffalo, NY
7/8 – Marshfield, MA (Levitate Music Festival)
7/9 – Patchogue, NY (Great South Bay Music Festival)
7/10 – Seaside Heights, NJ
9/2 – Jay, VT
9/3-9/4 – Lake George, NY (ADK Fest)
9/23-24 – St. Helena, CA

July 5, 2022
Broadway’s Essential Workers Get Wage Increase and Benefit Boosts

A new contract with theater owners and management allows hundreds of Broadway’s custodians, elevator operators, and restroom attendants to get a pay bump and an increased pension contribution from their employers.

Photo credit: Simon Davis-Cohen

In the new contract, the essential workers will get wage increases, increased pension contributions, and continued paid family healthcare 100% covered by their employers. The deal establishes a $15-per-week minimum payment to any workers who regularly do heavy lifting involving transporting playbills.

Lorraine Feeks who has worked on Broadway with Jujamcyn Theaters for 29 years spoke about the excitement of the new contract in a statement.

We have gone through a lot over the past two years. When Broadway returned, we were given all sorts of new cleaning duties. We do the hard jobs and we are risking infection, that makes us essential.

About 230 cleaners from four companies — Jujamcyn, Nederlander, Shubert, and Circle in the Square, which collectively manage 16 Broadway theaters — were represented by Local 32BJ in the contract negotiation. The contracts got pushed back because of the pandemic, and as a result, workers didn’t receive any wage increases in more than three years, despite their jobs becoming more demanding due to the pandemic.

Martha Aristizabal.

Martha Aristizabal, who has worked for the Shubert Company for more than 12 years, spoke about how more complicated their jobs have gotten, and the need for wage increases.

It can be hard to see the important work we do on Broadway, cleaning tirelessly to keep theatergoers safe. Since we came back to work, we have been asked to do a lot more to keep everyone safe. It feels good to get a new contract that reflects the contribution we have made during the pandemic. We deserve these raises, we deserve continued health coverage, and we deserve better retirement security!
– Martha Aristizabal, Shubert Company

This news comes just after The Broadway League announced that all 41 theaters on Broadway will go “mask optional” for the month of July and that the policy will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis going forward. Most theatres have also dropped their vaccine requirements.

July 4, 2022
Two Years Later and Electric Forest is Back

After two years off, the heavily anticipated Electric Forest Music Festival made a renowned comeback in Rothbury, Michigan. Musicians in various genres gathered on this 4-day event from June 23 to June 26 alongside people from all around the world.

Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Electric Forest goes beyond so-called norms that other music festivals are known for. In the seemingly middle of nowhere a sense of community is built. This festival has countless activities, events, and secret rewards that feel endless. It’s impossible to experience every single thing Electric Forest has to offer. Every hour of the day has something going on. From DJs playing until 6am, meditation sessions during the day, and secret sets popping off if you’re lucky enough to find them. The Forest does not disappoint and that’s why we compiled a list of some of the top things it has to offer.

Top 10 Things at Electric Forest

1. Saturday Night The String Cheese Incident Signature Shebang

The String Cheese Incident are no strangers to the event as they have been major contributors since Electric Forest was first beginning. It is because of this epic reputation they have built that they continue to play multiple sets throughout the weekend. However, it is their Saturday Night set that always draws the biggest crowd due to their signature “Shebang.” For EF 2022 they brought out other artists on stage, had lasers, giant inflatables, confetti, and fireworks. As if that already wasn’t enough, this year the band had a massive disco ball be lifted over the stage with a crane. This group definitely lives up to their reputation!

Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

2. The Brainery Events

All weekend a designated event center called the Brainery compiled a list throughout each day where numerous experiences were available to partake in. These included, crafts, yoga sessions, mediations, sound baths, CPR training, sharing circles and much more. This provided a great space to re-center and connect with others.

Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

3. The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree is located inside the festival where people get the opportunity leave and take various gifts of your choosing. From jewelry, to lighters, to whatever treasure you can find surrounding the area is open to communal sharing. This tradition has been around for a while and seems to be a popular one as individuals are constantly gathered around the tree.

4. The Outfits

Walking around the forest feels as if you entered a new world! People are dressed in such cool outfits that it makes it feel like a constant party. Performers walk around in groups as well, some even on stilts. The funny coordinated group outfits are a great addition too.

Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

5. Exploring the Forest at Night

Electric Forest lives up to their name but specifically at night. The lighting, buildings, lasers, and art installations are overflowing throughout the woods. Walking around during the day compared to the night is two different experiences. Night time brings a sense of magic into the air as the colors fill the skies and trees. Even laying down in your hammock is entertaining as you stare up into the fairy oasis of lights.

6. Carousel Club

Various musicians performed at Carousel Club which was a fun stage surrounded by entertaining stands. The walkway to Carousel Club was filled with a golf course, massage areas, a hairstyling room, and a tattoo shop. Seeing a set inside the Carousel Club made for even more fun due to the hot air balloons going up around it and sand filling half of the venue.

RKS at EF Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

7. The Scavenger Hunt

Every year the forest has a secret scavenger hunt. People get to explore the performance stages, phone booths, secret fairy houses, and hush rumors to figure out the puzzles. Collaborative teams can go around trying to find the missing pieces which honestly is a lot harder than it sounds, but it makes for a fun time.

8. Statues

Each year of Electric Forest has a designated statue. These sculptures are massive and beautiful to look at. A new one comes every year but they still display the ones from past years throughout the woods you just have to find them.

Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

9. DJ Sets at the Observatory

The observatory is a festival and environment stage located in the middle of the lit-up forest. This makes it a prime spot to catch new artists whether your dancing on top of the tall stairs beside it or swinging in your hammock next to it. The stage is built like a castle and is surrounded by art installations. The visuals in this area are a must see.

GRiZ at EF Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

10. The Community

The forest brings so many people from different walks of life and perspectives together in one place. The way this environment is able to strip stresses from real life away and open the door for connection is unlike no other. Everyday presented new experiences and significantly those where you’re always interacting with strangers. Electric Forest is a place for love and connection to flourish. The community it is able to establish is incomparable to any other and really unexplainable. But it’s something that keeps drawing people back every year.

All Photos by Maddie McCafferty

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GRiZ

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Louis The Child

Surf Mesa

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Disco Biscuits

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Goth Babe

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Big Gigantic

Marcus Schultz

Marcus Schultz

July 4, 2022
Moon Walker Releases Confrontational New Single and Video “The Price of Life Itself”

Brooklyn-based alt-rock artist Moon Walker has released his newest single, “The Price of Life Itself,” off of his upcoming sophomore album, The Attack Of Mirrors, set for release on October 21, 2022.

Photo credit: Madison McConnell

With reverberated vocals, electric guitar, and gritty lyrics, the new track sheds light on injustices in American society. Moon Walker, also known as Harry Springer, wrote the track in the midst of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 after seeing first-hand the militarized response to a peaceful protest.

Moon Walker shares that the track is one of his most proud moments lyrically. The music video, directed by returning Madison McConnell, conveys an uneasy sense of reality to its viewers, channeling the themes of Alice in Wonderland. Taking place in a house covered in ivy, with warm outfits, hazy lighting, and a fish-eye lens, the music video combines groove and defiance into one.

It was a moment where I really realized how much my sense of safety, freedom and protection was a facade. Our country’s institutions are all so deeply broken and flawed, that not only do none of them actually accomplish what they set out to, they likely have the opposite effect. The entire ethos of the song can be summarized in one of the final lyrics: ‘We can stay above the water, while still lending a hand to those who sink.’ That is the price of life itself.
– Moon Walker

Harry Springer coined Moon Walker at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, passing the time by selling songs to various sound libraries. All of his music is composed, produced, and performed in his bedroom, but the sound is fit for much more than that.

Photo Credit: Madison McConnell

After sudden success on the viral video-making app Tik Tok, Moon Walker’s first seven-track album, Truth to Power, rose to light. Artists such as Justin Hawkins praised Moon Walker for his work, and he is back with his sophomore effort on The Attack of Mirrors out early this fall.

The second album from Moon Walker will see a more maximalist, experimental approach than compared to his previous work. With powerful, thought-provoking lyrics and a unique sound, the new album is sure to have success.

July 3, 2022
Northwest Jazz Festival Returns In 2022 With Exciting Lineup

After a two-year hiatus, Northwest Jazz Festival returns celebrating 20 years in Historic Lewiston. This year the festival will highlight local, international, and North American jazz artists including Sally Terrell, John di Martino, Stacey Kent, and more.

Northwest Jazz Festival in Historic Lewiston, NY returns after a two-year hiatus celebrating 20 years.

The last Northwest Jazz Festival took place in 2019 with a two-year break due to NYS (New York State) COVID-19 restrictions. In 2021 there was not a full festival, however, local musicians were hired to perform in Lewiston. This year’s event brings live music to Center Street with a selection of the region’s finest food and beverage vendors including local wineries, distilleries, and breweries.

Jazz Vocalist / Pianist Sally Terrell with acclaimed jazz pianist/arranger John di Martino

“The headliners this year are all incredibly shining stars in the jazz world who have demonstrated creative resourcefulness in overcoming the pandemic. We are excited to have Grammy® Nominees and a Juno Award winner on the Main Stage this year,”
states Tony Zambito.

“This year we will celebrate the festival’s 20th anniversary and we could not be happier to welcome Joey DeFrancesco back to the Niagara Falls region where his father, Papa John, cemented the DeFrancesco legacy. In addition, we welcome back jazz vocalist Sally Terrell, who is also from this area and has a fabulous new album being released with jazz pianist extraordinaire John di Martino. We are excited to share that we will have a rare appearance and debut performance by Grammy® Nominee and jazz vocalist Stacy Kent. If anyone embodied perseverance during the pandemic, it was Emmet Cohen, and we are excited to have him, and the trio perform. Having Juno Award winner, the Allison Au Quartet from Canada is a chance to welcome our Canadian fans back to the festival. We are also delighted to have the opportunity to showcase an up-and-coming jazz vocalist, Corinne Mammana.”

2019 American Pianist Award Winner and “Live from Emmet’s Place”, Emmet Cohen Trio

Each year, the festival relies on the support of donors and sponsors to remain the largest free jazz festival in the region alongside hosting an annual fundraiser in the Spring.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support we have already received from the generosity of sponsors to make sure a 2022 event takes place. We are hard at work on the anniversary celebration and plan to give you another two days of spectacular entertainment featuring international stars as well as some of our own local super talents. It is clear that everyone loves and misses the jazz festival and wants it to continue to be a success” says Carol Calato, the Chairwoman of the Jazz Festival Board of Directors.

5-Time Grammy® Nominee and Downbeat Critic’s Poll #1 Jazz Organist, Joey DeFrancesco.

The Jazz Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, May 1 from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Brickyard Brewery in Lewiston, NY. The event will feature music by the Stu Weissman Trio, Saranaide, and the Buffalo Dolls.

Tickets for the Fundraiser are available at the festival website linked here.

For more information about the fundraiser and the festival, as well as, to sign up for alerts on the jazz festival news, please visit the link here.

July 3, 2022
Cortland Repertory Presents “Kiss Me, Kate” For 50th Anniversary Season

Cortland Repertory Theatre proudly presents the third show in their 50^th Anniversary season, the well-known backstage musical Kiss Me, Kate. The show was last produced at this theater in 1984, Kiss Me, Kate is a hilarious and tuneful show with music and lyrics by Cole Porter.

Jahmar Ortiz as Fred Graham and Briana Gantsweg as Lily Vanessi in Cortland Repertory Theatre’s production of Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me, Kate”, running from July 6 – 16.

Sparks fly both onstage and off when actor/director Fred Graham attempts to mount a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew with his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi in the leading role. Added to the mix is a flirtatious ingenue, her gambler boyfriend and some musically inclined gangsters, creating a sharp, witty and riotous evening of big laughs, dancing and some of Cole Porter’s most classic tunes.

Familiar favorited tunes by include Cole Porter include “So In Love,” “Too Darn Hot,” “Always True to You (In My Fashion),” and “Tom, Dick or Harry.” You won’t want to miss this high energy musical.

See all show dates and times below.

July 6, 2022 7:30 pm

July 7, 2022 7:30 pm

July 8, 2022 2:00 pm

July 8, 2022 7:30 pm

July 9, 2022 7:30 pm

July 10, 2022 2:00 pm

July 12, 2022 7:30 pm

July 13, 2022 2:00 pm

July 13, 2022 7:30 pm

July 14, 2022 7:30 pm

July 15, 2022 7:30 pm

July 16, 2022 7:30 pm

George Sidney’s terrific film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical “Kiss Me, Kate”

Tickets may be purchased by calling 800-427-6160 or by visiting the CRT Box Office at 24 Port Watson Street in Cortland. Visit the link here to purchase tickets online.

Visit the link here for more information on all upcoming performances.

July 2, 2022
Billy Strings Confirms Fall Tour Dates with Stops in NY

Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician Billy Strings is set to continue his North American Tour and has recently announced more New York tour dates for the fall.

Photo Credit: Joshua Wilkins Black

Strings will be back in the NY area on September 18, with a show for the Outlaw Music Festival at Saratoga Performing Arts Center alongside Willie Nelson & Family and The Avett Brothers, among others. After multiple shows all across the U.S., the famed musician will also stop in Rochester and Uniondale in early November.

This most recent tour promotes Strings’ highly-acclaimed 16-track album, Renewal, whose bluegrass rhythms and engaging hooks landed it a well-deserved spot upon several “Best of 2021” lists. Strings also performed “Hide And Seek” off of the album during the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.

Album Cover for Renewal

Strings is originally from Michigan and is now based in Nashville, TN where his music has taken off – much to critics’ notice. He was awarded “Best Bluegrass Album” at the 63rd Grammy Awards, and has performed on shows show as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Bluegrass Underground, and most recently on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

https://youtu.be/NS6WrFex1uY

A musician with respect in multiple genres, Strings has worked and collaborated with artists such as Bill Kreutzmann, Luke Combs, Del McCoury, Fences, RMR, and others. Renewal gave the singer experience across genres, with a mix of elements of rock, metal, and psychedelic music while still honoring the genre of Bluegrass music.

Many of the tickets go on sale on Friday, July 1 at 10:00 am local time. See below for the full list of US tour dates.

June 30 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival

July 2 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion (SOLD OUT)

July 3 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion (SOLD OUT)

July 22 – Louisville, KY – Iroquois Amphitheater (SOLD OUT)

July 23 – Louisville, KY – Iroquois Amphitheater (SOLD OUT)

July 24 – Louisville, KY – Iroquois Amphitheater (SOLD OUT)

July 27 – Chicago, IL – Metro (SOLD OUT)

July 28 – Chicago, IL – Lollapalooza

July 29 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park

July 30 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park (SOLD OUT)

August 4 – Saint Charles, IA – Hinterland Music Festival

August 5 – Minneapolis, MN – Surly Brewing Festival Field (SOLD OUT)

August 6 – Moorhead, MN – Bluestem Amphitheater

August 9 – Bonner, MT – Kettlehouse Amphitheater (SOLD OUT)

August 10 – Bonner, MT – Kettlehouse Amphitheater (SOLD OUT)

August 12 – Troutdale, OR – McMenamins Edgefield (SOLD OUT)

August 13 – Troutdale, OR – McMenamins Edgefield (SOLD OUT)

August 14 – Redmond, WA – Marymoor Park

August 27 – Tisbury, MA – Beach Road Weekend

September 9 – Alpharetta, GA – Outlaw Music Festival at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

September 10 – Charlotte, NC – Outlaw Music Festival at PNC Music Pavilion

September 11 – Virginia Beach, VA – Outlaw Music Festival at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

September 13 – Bridgeport, CT – Outlaw Music Festival at Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater

September 16 – Boston, MA – Outlaw Music Festival at Xfinity Center

September 17 – Asbury Park, NJ – Sea.Hear.Now Festival

September 18 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Outlaw Music Festival Saratoga Performing Arts Center

September 23 – Buena Vista, CO – Renewal at The Meadows

September 24 – Buena Vista, CO – Renewal at The Meadows

September 28 – Sacramento, CA – Sacramento Memorial Auditorium

September 30 – Stanford, CA – Frost Amphitheater at Stanford

October 1 – Dana Point, CA – Ohana Fest

October 2 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern

October 7-9 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits 2022

October 14-16 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits 2022

October 15 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion

October 29 – Asheville, NC – ExporeAsheville.com Arena

October 30 – Asheville, NC – ExporeAsheville.com Arena

October 31 – Asheville, NC – ExporeAsheville.com Arena

November 3 – Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center

November 4 – Saginaw, MI – Dow Event Center

November 5 – Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center

November 9 – Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena

November 11 – Uniondale, NY – Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

November 12 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met

November 13 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met

November 16 – Richmond, VA – Virginia Credit Union LIVE!

November 18 – Washington, DC – The Anthem

November 19 – Washington, DC – The Anthem

July 2, 2022
Wilder Maker Release New Single “A Professional” Featuring Felicia Douglass

Brooklyn-based indie-rock band Wilder Maker released their newest single, “A Professional” on June 27 from their upcoming album, Male Models, out on July 29 via Western Vinyl. The single features guest lead vocalist Felicia Douglass of Dirty Projectors and Ava Luna.

Photo credit: Ebru Yildiz

Made up of musicians Gabriel Birnbaum, Nick Jost, and Sean Mullins, Wilder Maker began with a series of self-releases and home recordings before debuting music such as “New Streets” (2017), and Zion (2018) to much acclaim. Their upcoming Male Models album was live-recorded over several days and includes an impressive lineup of guest vocalists.

The track, “A Professional” is one of twelve songs on Male Models. Although the lead vocalist and songwriter of Wilder Marker, Birnbaum, does not sing on the track, Douglass’ vocals shine right in the start. Her voice carries the song’s message of isolation with feeling. With simple chords eventually overlaid with drum beats and other instrumentation, the track blends together beautifully.

’A Professional’ dips into the feeling of digital isolation … the way the physical world has become less real and more ghostly, less mysterious and more quantifiable. It’s inspired by this recurring experience I have, usually traveling, where I’ve been alone all day and I suddenly want to connect very badly with people I care about. I fire off several texts and sit there waiting for the phone to light up, with this strange feeling that everyone I know might have vanished. As soon as I imagined Felicia singing this song, I knew she’d be perfect for it, and she was. I’m so happy and grateful she was able to do it.
– Songwriter Gabriel Birnbaum

The upcoming Male Models features more guest lead vocalists, including an impressive line-up of Adam Duritz (Counting Crows), Katie Von Schleicher, Felicia Douglass, Alex Schaaf (Yellow Ostrich), V.V. Lightbody, and Mutual Benefit. Across the 12 songs on the album, audiences will find electrified soul, heartfelt folk songs, indie rock, and more.

Birnbaum drew from a wide array of inspirations for the album, including everything from American novelist James Salter, the NBA playoffs, to Thin Lizzy and the topic of masculinity. After making music for nearly a decade together, Wilder Maker is set for the release of yet another energetic album – stay tuned for July 29.

July 2, 2022
Flushing Town Hall Celebrates Jazz Jam All-Stars Concert on July 16

On July 16 at 7:30 PM, Flushing Town Hall will celebrate Louis Armstrong’s jazz legacy with its second annual Jazz Jam All-Stars Concert. Featuring the high-caliber musicians from all ages, they will be backed by the Jazz jam house band led by Carol Sudhalter, with Joe Vincent Tranchina, Scott Neumann and Eric Lemon.

Jazz Jam All-Stars Concert

Flushing Town Hall (FTH), a Smithsonian affiliate, presents multi-disciplinary global arts and supports local, immigrant, national, and international artists to advocate of arts equity. FTH celebrates the history of Queens as the home of Jazz, by presenting the finest in Jazz performance. They are committed to arts education and hands-on learning, for the arts-curious, arts enthusiasts, and professional artists.

The concert will begin at 7:30 PM, opening with a Louis Armstrong tune played by the jazz house band led by Carol Sudhalter. After that, each All-Star will perform two tunes with the band. The evening will close with a finale with everyone on stage to perform another Armstrong tune.

In 2016, Carol Sudhalter took over the monthly jam as leader of Flushing Town Hall’s house band. In 2019, Flushing Town Hall hosted its first-ever Jazz Jam All-Stars concert. However, due to the pandamic, Sudhalter led virtual jams, attracting more than 7,000 viewers and 200 musicians Zooming in from over a dozen countries worldwide, including New Zealand, Italy, and South Africa.

“When we held our first Jazz Jam All-Stars concert in 2019, we were excited to make this an annual celebration of our wonderful and faithful jammers who show up month after month and really keep this alive! We are so thrilled to finally be able to host our second annual All-Stars concert, especially after such a long break due to Covid. The musicians joining us on July 16th are all incredibly talented, dedicated, and part of our wonderful community. I am honored to share the stage with them to celebrate Louis Armstrong’s legacy.”
Carol Sudhalter

Flushing Town Hall’s committee has selected a stellar lineup of ten musicians to perform at the July 16th concert—including one as young as 15 years old—who were chosen for their high-caliber musicianship, cooperative spirit, and dedicated participation in the Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jams.

Young musicians are also actively participating in Jazz Jams. The youngest All-Star began participating in the jam since 12 and grew his musical talents with the support of the community of musicians and aficionados. The 15-year-old All-Star drummer Ezra Kessler said that he is still learning from this incredible house band. And he had showcase with the saxophonist Jeff Coffin (DMB, Bela Fleck) at a virtual jazz jam last year.

In contrast to the regular Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jam, participation in the Jazz Jam All-Stars concert is by invitation only. Audiences are invited to listen to the honorary jammers in-person or virtually on Saturday, July 16 at 7:30 PM ET. Cost for general in-person audience is $25, $20 for members and $15 for students. Those unable to attend the All-Stars concert in person can still join the livestream and tune in for free on YouTube or Facebook.

July 1, 2022
The 16th Annual Pleasantville Music Festival will be held on July 9

The Pleasantville Music Festival will be held on July 9 at Parkway Field in Pleasantville N.Y. The festival’s Main Stage headliner this year will be X Ambassadors – current hit makers from Ithaca, NY with hugely popular songs like “Renegades”, “Unsteady” and “Boom.” “Renegades” was featured recently in a national Jeep advertising campaign. Other performances on the Main Stage will include Tarrytown native Clare Maloney & her band the Great Adventure. She and her band perform regularly at Garcia’s and are favorites of the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane crowds. She’ll be followed by a solo performance by the legendary Glenn Tilbrook; founding member and lead sing of the band Squeeze. Next up on the Main Stage will be Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears, performing their funk and R&B mix, often channeling James Brown. They’ll be followed by ’80s and ’90s icons 10,000 Maniacs featuring Mary Ramsey, a band that has come to be known for hit songs like “What’s the Matter Here”, “Like the Weather”, “Trouble Me” and “These are Days.”

This year, the Chill Tent Stage will feature performances from Cornwall on Hudson’s Chaz Kiss; singer-songwriter Greg Jacquin, originally from Sleepy Hollow; Riki Stevens , a singer-songwriter from Norwalk, CT; and Cole Quest & the City Pickers – a five-piece bluegrass band. The band’s founder and namesake, Cole Quest, a Mt. Kisco native, is Woody Guthrie’s grandson. The Chill Tent’s schedule will culminate with a performance from the Chill Tent Stage’s headliner, singer-songwriter Paula Cole, known for huge hit songs in the ’90s like “I Don’t Want to Wait” and “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone.”

The Party Stage this year will feature The Breaks Inc. , a retro rock band with a Beatles vibe featuring guitarist Adrian Cardenas from Croton on Hudson; Blankslate , a Denver-based alt-rock trio with partial roots in Armonk; Sid Simons , alt-rockers from Brooklyn featuring the Simons brothers from Mamoroneck; and The Narrowbacks – Rowdy Irish rockers hailing from the Bronx and Pearl River. The Party Stage will close out with headliner’s Illiterate Light, a talented Virginia-based duo known for their recent radio hit “Better Than I Used To.”

“We do our best to appeal to a wide variety of musical tastes and demographics. We try to check off as many boxes as we can so there is something on our stages that everybody will appreciate,” says festival Director Bruce Figler. “Some come to see the headliners. Some come to see artists they have never heard. We’ve got something for every one. After two years off, we are super pumped to get the festival back up and running, and I think our audience is pretty pumped too.”

The Pleasantville Music Festival, presented by Northwell Health, is known as New York’s Backyard Jam. It’s become a must-attend summer event for the whole family, with great local food and drink, a warm positive vibe, and of course, world-class rock. Tickets to the Pleasantville Music Festival are available through Ticketweb and the Festival Box Office located in the Pleasantville Rec Center. More information about the event and links to the performers can be found at www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com

July 1, 2022

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