For the first time in 11 years, dance music pioneer Carl Cox is back for NYC’s Electric Zoo Festival. Known as the “last dance” of the summer season, Electric Zoo brings a variety of acts from the electronic music scene.
On Sep. 4, Cox will perform a rare US festival set and take over the Hilltop Area. As a part of the stage takeover, Cox curated a unique house and techno lineup, to bring all the energy to festivalgoers.
The highly-talented lineup includes DJ Holographic, Loco Dice, Charles Meyer, Chelina Manuhutu, and Andrea Olivia B2B Ilario Alicante.
Detroit-based DJ Holographic is known for her combination of House beats, R&B, Hip Hop, Disco, and of course, true Detroit techno. Loco Dice, hailing from Germany, frequently shares the stage with Carl Cox and has been a staple in the electronic music scene for years. NYC’s tech-house ambassador Charles Meyer’s music transforms, making him the perfect addition to the stage.
Chelina Manuhutu will join the stage all the way from Ibiza, a talented, strong feminine force and one of the most exciting artists in the underground music scene. To top off the lineup, Carl Cox will welcome Andrea Oliva B2B Ilario Alicante to the stage. The duo is sure to deliver an unforgettable set for the fans of Electronic Zoo with an exciting house and techno set.
Originally from the UK, Carl Cox exploded onto the British rave scene before making his own music with his debut hit “I Want You” in 1991. He continues to play shows all over the world, curates lineups, and even launched a new label, Awesome Soundwave in 2018. As part of his set, Carl Cox will also showcase new music from his forthcoming album, Electronic Generations for all festivalgoers to hear.
I have been curating lineups now for many years now, and for Ezoo, I wanted to have a very special lineup, which was all about the music that each DJ Artist represents. I know that this will be an amazing time for all that will see and hear us play, something which the party people in NYC will appreciate.
– Carl Cox
Single Day tickets for the event can be purchased here.
The Batavia Ramble Explore Art and Music Festival has been announced for July 2nd, including 25 bands, an Explore Art tent for kids, street performances, and much more.
For the past two years, the Ramble has been put on hold due to the pandemic. However, it is coming back this year, bigger and better than ever. The event will take place in Jackson Square and on Jackson Street in Batavia on July 2nd from 10am – 9pm.
We are so excited that the Ramble will be happening again this year! We wanted to make it the best one yet, so we partnered with our friends at GO ART! to help us not only grow the entire event but also bring more of a presence to the ‘arts’ side of the festival. It really is shaping up to be an incredible event. And I think everyone is going to love it!
-Paul Draper III
Batavia Ramble is an annual reunion of musicians, who have a connection to Batavia and the surrounding areas, which features a variety of musical genres. This year’s Ramble will consist of two stages; The Main Stage sponsored by Eli Fish in Jackson Square, and the Jackson Street Stage sponsored by Center Street Smoke House.
The tentative lineup is as follows:
Eli Fish Stage:
The Ghost Riders Groove Warren Skye and Friends Kissin’ Whiskey DriVen The Trolls 2.0 Lonesome Road Marnie Kay and the Nonblondes Beethoven’s Dream Group Sierra Noah Gokey Jostepa Trio The Bluesway Band Zackstreet Boys
Jackson Street Stage
Steve Krupper Tom Ryan and Friends PD3 Knaudt and Chua Vette Midnight Cruisers Brick Spare Parts High Pines The Remediators Bad Sign
In addition to all the music and activities, there will be vendors including artists, food, and beer. Guests are reminded to bring a chair or a blanket.
The 19th edition of the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival returns to Rochester’s East End June 17 to 25. For Rochester’s music fans there’s no better way to welcome summer. After two years bereft the best nine days of live music of the year, this year’s festival is going to feel extra special.
The festival producers are constantly tweaking the formula every year, and this year is no different. The Hyatt Regency Ballroom joins as the new Club Pass venue this year and the Little Theater and Theater at Innovation Square (nee Xerox Auditorium) return after renovations. But the biggest change this year is the headliner program. Usually ticketed events held at the gorgeous Eastman Theater, this year they will be provided for free at Parcel 5. While we still maintain the best way to enjoy the festival is with a Club Pass (available in both 9- and 3-day options), we won’t fault anyone from going the free route this year. There are many great options, a whopping 130 free shows across five stages, ranging from fresh local talent to seasoned international megastars.
But as you head out to enjoy your free concerts, stick some cash in your pocket, say $30 or $60, and sneak in a club show or two. Tickets for the Club Pass concerts are $30 (or $35 for Kilbourn Hall) and can be purchased at the door right before showtime. Here are some can’t-miss artists you can catch before (or after) hitting the big outdoor shows.
All headliners are at the Midtown Stage at Parcel 5, unless otherwise noted.
Friday June 17 Chris Botti at 9pm, CMD at 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Giveton Gelin Max of Eastman Place, 6:15pm & 10pm
Young self-taught Bahamian trumpet player Giveton Gelin is a rising star, one of those you saw-em-when Jazz Fest stories you’ll be telling in a couple years to anyone that will listen.
The Cookers Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 10pm
Just across Gibbs Street, the exact opposite show will be happening, but no less riveting. A supergroup of well-seasoned players, Billy Harper, Cecil McBee, George Cables, Eddie Henderson, and Billy Hart, will present one of the most impressive collective resumes of the festival.
https://youtu.be/Gh-PL6OWfks
Saturday, June 18 Devon Allman Project (with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band) 9pm, Samantha Fish 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Ranky Tanky Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 10pm (also at the Hyatt Regency Rochester Ballroom Sunday June 19, 7:45 & 9:45pm)
This South Carolina-based quintet actually channel the music of West Africa adding in some American roots elements for a lively and infectious sound that is spiritual and uplifting.
Kind Folk Wilder Room, 6pm & 10pm
A young group with no defined leader, this Brooklyn-based quartet fuses styles and melds their talents to create a four-headed monster of jazz.
Sunday, June 19 Tommy Emmanuel 9pm, Andy McKee 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Bill Frisell Temple Theater 7pm, 9:15pm
Despite returning for his festival-leading 9th time, he, his magical guitar, and whatever group he brings, will never not top our list of must-see shows. This year his trio will include Thomas Morgan and Rudy Royston.
Under the Surface Glory House International 7:30pm & 9:30pm
Heavily improvised and full of that mystical ethereal quality that seems to always emerge from the Global Jazz Now Series year after year, this multi-generational trio of Danish musicians is going to turn some heads at this year’s festival.
Monday, June 20 Spyro Gyra 9pm, Bill Tiberio Band 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Sammy Miller and the Congregation Kilbourn Hall 6pm & 9pm
Drummer Sammy Miller leads this septet that plays what they appropriately call, “joyful jazz.” If you want to leave a set with a smile on your face, this is your place.
Ana Egge Little Theater 7pm & 9:15pm
Egge is a singer-songwriter that has lived a life and isn’t afraid to sing about it, with some honest and rich folk tunes that will stick with you. She’ll round out her trio for these shows with Alison Shearer on sax and the RT’s Alden Harris-McCoy on guitar.
Tuesday, June 21 Robin Thicke 9pm, The Dip 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Oskar Stenmark Trio Glory House International 730pm & 930pm
Music is in his blood, literally tracing back to 1762. Trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn player Stenmark leads his trio fusing sounds of his native Sweden with those of his adopted home of New York City.
Jeremy Beck and the Heavy Duty Horns RIJF Big Tent 8:30pm & 10pm (also on Monday at Montage 6pm & 10pm)
Keyboardist Jeremy Beck brings an eight-piece horn-heavy band that blends gospel, soul and rock into a funky stew. The Big Tent will be jumping.
Wednesday, June 22 Sheila E. 9pm, Sy Smith 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Arturo O’Farrill Quintet Kilbourn Hall 6pm & 9pm
Grammy winner and founder and director of the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, O’Farrill most often plays with his Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, he brings his smaller Quintet to the festival, but we still imagine there will be plenty of chair dancing.
Stephane Wrembel Theater at Innovation Square 6:30pm & 8:30pm
A Rochester favorite, Wrembel is one of the leading curators of Gypsy jazz guitar and other than just plumbing and recreating it’s history, he also redefines it with incredible guitar wizardry. If you seen him before, you won’t miss it, if you haven’t, here’s your chance get aboard.
Thursday, June 23 Booker T Presents: A Soul Stax Revue 9pm, Soul Stew 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Big Lazy Montage Music Hall 6pm & 10pm (also on Friday at the Little Theater 7pm & 9:15pm)
A trio of guitar, bass and drums, Big Lazy has honed their craft in the small spaces of New York City, arriving at a sound that overextends their number and instrumentation, simultaneously noir and pastoral, gothic and modern.
Itamar Borochov Quartet Wilder Room 6pm & 10pm
Israeli-born trumpet player blends influences, both religious and secular, from the Middle East and North Africa with more traditional jazz for a uniquely satisfying sound.
Friday, June 24 New Power Generation 9pm, Con Brio 7pm (also at MLK Park: The Bacon Brothers 9pm, Julia Nunes 7pm)
Recommended club shows:
Jonathan Scales Fourchestra Montage Music Hall 6pm & 10pm
Has there been a steel pannist at the festival before? Regardless, Jonathan Scales will be the best to have played it, and it won’t be a mere novelty act either. This might be your favorite discovery of the festival.
The Huntertones RIJF Big Tent 8:30pm & 10pm (also on Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Rochester Ballroom 7:45pm & 9:45pm)
The Huntertones return to the festival with their horn-heavy big sound funk party that seems custom built to fill the RIJF Big Tent.
Friday, June 24 G. Love and Special Sauce 9pm, Danielle Ponder 7pm (also at MLK Park: Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors 9pm, Ward Hayden and the Outliers 7pm)
Recommended club shows:
Immanuel Wilkins Temple Theater 7pm, 9:15pm
Wilkins’ debut was named the #1 jazz album of the year by the New York Times, and his 2022 follow-up with the same quartet was described by Pitchfork as “ocean-deep jazz epics.” This is a young saxophonist with a lot to say and contribute to the jazz world, an apt artist to close out the festival with.
Kurt Elling “Super Blue” with Charlie Hunter Kilbourn Hall 6pm & 9pm
Seasoned and renowned jazz vocalist Kurt Elling will be featuring his new blues-based project, Super Blue, featuring none other than Charlie Hunter on his custom bass/guitar.
Inclusion Festival returns for 2022, from July 15-17 at Kempton Fairgrounds in Kempton, PA with daily programming from 11am to 11pm. The festival features various activities, music, workshops, camping and art, which are accessible experience for all ages and abilities.
Inclusion Festival
Debuted in 2018, Inclusion Festival became the nation’s first festival designed to accommodate disabled people. Since then, the festival has grown to spread inclusion as a state of mind through year-round events, experiences, consultation and training, as well as an online magazine. This year’s festival will offer virtual components to increase accessibility for those unable to attend the live event.
Inclusion Festival (credit to Wendy Dolof)
Presented by the non-profit Accessible Festivals and proudly supported by Rex Foundation and Mimi Fishman Foundation, Inclusion Festival offers sensory-friendly live music, a wide variety of educational and recreational workshops, camping, collaborative art, relaxation areas, a community resource fair, and more, all presented in an environment designed to be accessible for all.
This year’s lineup includes The Mantras, a Greensboro-born rock band, Yam Yam, a vibrant band from Harrisburg, PA, NYC-based award-winning blind recording artist and advocate Lachi, funky Philadelphia brass band Snacktime featuring disabled musician Ryan Gilfillian, and many more.
All donations received from the event will directly benefit the non-profit organization Accessible Festivals, dedicated to making communities stronger by ensuring music and recreation is accessible to all abilities.
To purchase tickets, donate, or get involved, visit inclusionfestival.com.
Ithaca Reggae Fest returns to Stewart Park on June 17th and 18th, 2022, with full day of reggae, yoga, water education, skateboarding, art, food, dance and more. Dedicated to the protection of Cayuga Lake through a conscious celebration of Ithaca’s legendary reggae community and its history, this festival returns after three years of being apart.
This year’s festival is culminating with headlining performances from internationally renowned Ithaca-based roots reggae & dub masters. Featuring revolutionary artists like 10 Ft. Ganja Plant mixed by legendary Jamaican producer Scientist and Kabaka Pyramid, both making their Ithaca debuts. Saturday’s lineup includes some of the best reggae bands from throughout New York State.
Dedicated to protecting Cayuga Lake, throughout the day Ithaca Reggae Fest features Education Village, which will showcase numerous water protectors from throughout New York and the United States including the Audubon Society, Community Science Institute, Cayuga Nature Center, and many others with interactive exhibits for all.
Youth Village presented by the Childhood Development Council will feature youth programming throughout Saturday from family yoga and storytelling to drum circles and a special performance by Hangar Theatre’s “Three Little Birds.”
And focusing on art, Ithaca Reggae Fest is excited to partner with the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) and famous artist Jay Stooks to host its Art Village featuring numerous local, regional and national artists creating art throughout the day Saturday raising proceeds to benefit the 50th Anniversary of GIAC.
Throughout all of this, in collaboration with USA Skateboarding and Etnies shoes, Ithaca Reggae Fest presents Skateboard Village hosting the 1st Annual Flat Attack US Pro/Am Championships of Flatland Freestyle Skateboarding. Free to attend and open to all to register, Qualifying Rounds take place on Friday, June 17 from 11 AM to 5 PM before the Championships on Saturday, June 18 from 2pm to 7pm at the Tennis Courts in Stewart Park.
Bringing the community together, tickets to the triumphant return of the 4th Annual Ithaca Reggae Fest is on sale now with children under 16 admitted free of charge with a parent or guardian. Tickets and more information linked here.
The Adirondack Independent Music Festival will once again take place in Lake George at the unofficial end of summer on Labor Day weekend. The festival will return to the Charles R. Wood Festival Commons and take place Friday, September 2 through Sunday, September 4.
Pink Talking Fish
This year’s headliners are moe. who are playing four sets over two nights and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong who will play two sets as well, returning to the festival for the first time since 2019.
In addition to lots of great music, the festival will also feature a variety of food and craft vendors as well a great view of the fireworks at Lake George on Saturday evening. $175 General Admission Weekend (3-day) tickets are on sale now at the Adirondack Music Festival website. There is also a special VIP option available, which includes admission to all three days, a meal each night, free snacks, half-priced adult beverages, $2 water / soft drinks, a private viewing area (with private bar) and access to private bathrooms.
Also featured on this year’s bill are Dopapod, Pink Talking Fish, Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime, Ryan Montbleau Band, lespecial, Dogs in a Pile, Neighbor, Hayley Jane & The Primates and Freekbass & The Bump Assembly (featuring former members of Turkuaz).
Music in the Festival Commons will begin at 1pm on Friday and 12:00pm on Saturday and Sunday and run continuously across two side-by-side stages until 11pm each night. The event is open to attendees of all ages and children 12 and under are free.
Levitt AMP 2022 in Utica, NY has announced the lineup for the summer music series. The artists will perform at Kopernik Park this summer. Concerts will take place on Monday nights from 6-9 P.M. from June 20 to August 29.
The 2022 season will feature headlining artists from New Orleans, Nashville, Chicago, Iowa, Virginia, Rhode Island, Canada, and New York State. The concerts also feature opening local and regional acts and youth intermission acts.
The series brings in the most diverse audience in the city in a family-friendly, non-alcoholic, joyful, welcoming environment. The music series also helps add to the economy in Utica and promotes communal bonding.
The New Respects were named the Levitt Foundation’s National Touring Band for 2022. They are a mix of pop, soul, and rock and deliver a high energy and funky music. Through their music, you hear their inspirations like The Rolling Stones and Lenny Kravitz.
Roberta Lea is a rising artist, described as having “a voice like cinnamon and a pen-like butter.” She plays a mix of classic country, country soul, country rock, and pop country, and has no limits to expressing herself through her songs.
Walter and Wagner Caldas, are 31-year-old identical twins better known as the Brazilian 2wins or “B2wins.” Their instrumental music ranges from pop to hip hop and iconic classics reimagined. Each song drips originality and youthful exuberance. Their mission is to make the world smile after growing up very poor in Rio de Janeiro.
Argonaut & Wasp are a blend of indie, alternative, edge, and funk grooves described as the perfect soundtrack to NYC. They formed over a love for house/dance music and bring in 70s fashion, 80s synths, and 90s culture to their band.
Curley Taylor and his band, Zydeco Trouble use soulful, bluesy vocals along with zydeco beats to create their unique musical style. Curley began his music career at 16 playing drums in his father’s band, and since then has always had a passion for music.
Bassel & the Supernaturals tells the story of Bassel Almadani’s experience as a first-generation Syrian-American using funk-inspired rhythms, soulful melodies, and lyrics regarding love, loss, and the war in Syria. They have performed at major festivals, performance halls, and more while also working closely with organizations on events and residencies that build awareness and empathy for Syrian refugees.
The Big Takeover Band is a seven-piece New York band that plays original music that is rooted in the genres of Jamaican pop, reggae, rocksteady, and ska. They also cross lines between genres and blend traditions. They connect the spirit of Motown and the sophistication of the 21st-century retro-soul scene.
New York hip-hop artist Miranda Writes is known for her modern sound with strong lyrics and diversified beats. She is not signed to a major label, however, her 2018 single “Too Blessed” rose to No. 5 in the Digital DJ Pool charting alongside Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, and Ciara. She is the first biracial female hip-hop artist to cross over into the snowboarding market.
Ariel Posen is “one of the most exciting guitar players around” with show-stopping extended solos. His influences are electrified Americana, R&B, Beatles-inspired pop, and rock and roll. He has spent his childhood on the road with his musical parents, and found himself doing his own gigs traveling the world.
Shawnee Taveras is a Dominican-American singer-songwriter who brings heat to the stage with high-energy salsa accompied by a band creating music that is impossible not to dance to. In 2019, Taveras was awarded the Premio Conga de la Salsa in the Dominican Republic for best new musical act. She has had top ten singles in the Dominican Republic and has toured extensively in that country.
The Levitt AMP 2022 summer concert series is free to all those who attend and is happening from June 20 to August 29.
Borderland Festival returns to Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora, just 30 minutes southeast of Buffalo, over September 17-18, 2022. The unique music experience rooted in community brings headliners The Flaming Lips, Portugal. The Man., Michael Franti and Spearhead and many more for an end to summer gathering in Western New York.
The two-day festival will host more than 20 bands across three stages with a diverse mix of national and regional, rock, country and Americana artists performing at the historic and picturesque Knox Farm.
Additional artists include Keller Williams’ Grateful Gospel – featuring an eight-person Gospel Choir that accompanies Keller as he performs Grateful Dead songs; The Infamous Stringdusters, Grammy Award winners for Best Bluegrass Album in 2018; Donna the Buffalo, Buffalo’s own beloved bluegrass and rock band, Driftwood, the New York-based and female fronted bluegrass band and The Big Easy of Buffalo presenting Dumpstaphunk, a storied funk and jam band from New Orleans.
We went a little out of the box this year with our headliners. This is the 4th year for Borderland and every year we aim to make it better and more memorable for both our loyal fans and newcomers. We know the talent we have lined up will bring an unparalleled energy to the stage, and throw in a few surprises along the way. We are always looking to expand and grow and can’t wait to share this with Western New York. We are so proud to host this festival, supporting local business, local artists and as always environmental awareness.
Jennifer Brazil, festival producer and owner
In addition to live music, you’ll find local artisans, vendors, a Sunday football zone near the Homespun Stage with local bands performing, live painting, local craft beer, food and culinary experiences. A curated kids area with face painting, games and music is free for all kids 10 and under.
Two-Day General Admission tickets for the 2022 Borderland Festival are for $149 with 2-Day & 3-Day VIP tickets available. The 3-Day Trailblazer VIP Ticket includes a Friday Night reception at the Knox Mansion, featuring live music from Borderland artists, culinary experience, and a cash bar featuring local craft beer and spirits. Kids 10 and under are free with a parent or guardian.
After a multi-year hiatus, the Blues Ignition Band will start up opening day performances for the 2022 New York State Blues Festival from Saturday June 16 to 18.
The free event, which reaches its 30th anniversary this year, will take place at Chevy Court inside the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
Reggie Seigler, the coordinator of this year’s Blues Ignition Band.
The Blues Ignition Band is part of the festival’s youth development program, along with the K.J. James Memorial Scholarship and Blues In The Schools. Blues Ignition offers kids 18 and younger the opportunity to audition for spots in the group, and those selected are led by an instructor heading up to the day of their performance.
The Blues Ignition Band’s leader in 2022 band is Reggie Seigler, the coordinator of JAMS. (Joined Artists, Musicians, Singers, Inc.) A 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Syracuse, JAMS’ mission “is to enhance the local arts scene through the offerings of diverse creative artists.” Seigler is also a columnist for The Stand, a publication which covers news and current events in Syracuse’s South Side.
The City of Albany and Albany Parking Authority are holding a free Father’s Day celebration at Washington Park on June 19 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Albany Dad Fest celebration will feature a classic car show, live music, great food, and family fun. Washington Park, settled in the Capital Region of Albany, has abundant amentities and is surrounded by a variety of bars and restaurants.
The Classic Car Show will be presented by Albany Parking Authority. During the show, 32 trophies produced whenever will be awarded. There will also serve great food, live bands, vendors, and a Radio Station with DJ. Registration $15 day of the show. Benefiting Henry Johnson Vet House.
Singer-songwriter and standup comedian Erin Harkes will convey the power in her music to the Dad Fest audiences. Erin is regularly voted Best Singer/Songwriter, Solo Musician and Comedian in the Capital Region by the Times Union Reader’s Poll, The Alt and the Metroland.
Albany-based singer-songwriter Sydney Worthley will bring her performance to the Washington Park from 12:30pm to 2:00pm. With the power released in her songs, she has two nominations at the Eddie’s Music Awards, a feature on NPR’s Heavy Rotation list, and a new project right around the corner.
Grateful Dead tribute band, The Wheel, is going to perform for the Dad Fest in Washington Park. The group consists of rhythm guitarist and bandleader Andy Morse, bassist Dave Pallas, drummer Joe Sorbero and percussionist Pete Andriakos.
The Wheels
Attendees to Dad Fest should know that glass containers are not allowed in the park. Animals or pets are also not allowed. Please do not record performances in the festival. All City of Albany parks are now tobacco-free.
For more information on Dad Fest and all of the City of Albany’s free, family-friendly events, visit www.albanyevents.org. As for parking information, visit www.parkalbany.com.
