NYS Music 202​2

Category: News

  • New Ownership Takes Over Nectar’s

    Legendary Burlington, VT bar and music venue Nectar’s is officially in a new hands thanks to a recent change in ownership. ElmThreeProductions founder Edward Maier, along with an investor group who shares a passion for music, have purchased Nectar’s with plans to not only preserve the history of this local landmark but also update the capabilities of the venue to current technology standards.

    Nectar's

    Under the new ownership Nectar’s and it’s connecting space Metronome will maintain its reputation for booking local, regional, and national musical acts. The technology upgrades are set to include new lighting, 4K streaming capabilities and a podcast studio partnering with Osiris Media.

    Maier and ElmThreeProductions are teaming up with Matt Kolinski, founder and agent at Omni Arts Group, who has an extensive history in the jam world, having worked with artists like Goose and Spafford previously. This merger will reestablish the Nectar’s Presents entity and bring in their talent buying, promotions, and management clients. Nectar’s Presents will now expand into a talent buying and management branch focused on emerging musicians as well as promoting musical acts in venues throughout the region.

    Nectar's

    Brett Fairbrother, former manager or Strangefolk, RAQ, guest service director of the Capitol Theater in Port Chester and talent buyer for Garcia’s bar, will also oversee the talent buying for Nectar’s and Metronome, further strengthening the venue’s musical ties.

    As a huge supporter of live music and Phish fan, I couldn’t think of a better venue to co-own, while leveraging the name for a new talent management agency with Matt Kolinski. Nectar’s and Metronome have been a staple in my life for catching a show and discovering artists.

    Ed Maier, managing partner for Nectar’s and Nectar’s Presents

    The talent management arm under the Nectar’s Presents umbrella will be called APON Artists and will
    include musicians from both the Omni Arts Group and A.F.T Artist rosters as well.

    ElmThree Productions is the creator of the “Jams on The Sand” for Asbury Park’s Convention Hall and
    has established itself as an independent promoter for venues such as Asbury Park, NJ’s The Stone Pony,
    Wonder Bar, The Saint and Atlantic City’s Bourbon Room (Formerly House of Blues Atlantic City).

    Jam On The Sand

  • Otsego County has Numerous Summer Concerts in the Mohawk Valley

    During the entire month of August, there will be numerous summer concerts held in Otsego County, from areas like Cooperstown to Richfield Springs and even Edmeston.

    otsego county music

    Otsego County is located in Central New York with a population of about 60,000. The county seat is Cooperstown, and the name Otsego is from a Mohawk or Oneida word meaning “place of the rock.” August brings a lot of music to the area, with different artists and bands featured all over the county.

    Richfield Springs

    Richfield Springs will continue its Wednesday evening “Concerts in the Park” series with free performances beginning at 7 P.M. in Spring Park on U.S. Route 20.

    Wednesdays in Spring Park

     August 3: New Horizons Barbershop Chorus and quartets (a capella singing in the barbershop style).

     August 10: Double Chase, playing old, new, and classic music.

     August 17: Cincinnati Creek (bluegrass)

     August 24: Rylee Lum Band (country)

     August 31: Salt City Brass (variety show)

    Cooperstown

    Cooperstown has many concerts coming up in August, in different locations. The Lakefront Concert Series begins Tuesday evenings at 6:30 P.M. at the bandstand in Lakefront Park.

    The Lakefront Concert Series

    August 2: Cooperstown Community Band

    August 9: Stoddard Hollow String Band (Appalachian mountain music)

    August 16: Jerry Dee and the Dovetones (early jazz, swing, classic rock, early soul, and ska)

    August 23: Bourbon and Branch (indie and alternative rock)

    August 30: Barnyard Saints (outlaw country)

    Cooperstown Community Band

    The Cooperstown Community Band will be playing in other locations in Otsego County, all concerts beginning at 7 P.M.

    August 9: Glimmerglass State Park

    August 16: Schuyler Lake

    Delhi

    Delhi will be hosting the Honest Brook Music Festival, which was founded in 1989 by Michael Cannon and the late Christopher Desler and has become a popular fixture of the classical music scene in Delaware County and the surrounding area. Performances are held in a converted dairy barn, with warm, resonant acoustics. To reserve a seat, go here.

    Honest Brook Music Festival

    August 7: Zhu Wang (pianist) at 3 P.M.

    August 14: Lun Li (violinist) and Ying Li (pianist) at 3 P.M.

    Edmeston

    Edmeston will be hosting Saturday afternoon concerts at the Pathfinder Pavilion. Pathfinder Village celebrates its 24 annual series of summer concerts with free, live performances starting at 2 P.M. The series is made possible from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the governor and the New York state Legislature.

    Saturday afternoons at the Pathfinder Pavilion

    August 6: Double Barrel (classic rock and country duo)

    August 13: Panther Creek (Americana and zydeco)

    August 20: Dirt Road Express (classic country and early rock)

    August 27: Small Town Big Band (swing orchestra with the big band sound)

    Oneonta

    Oneonta’s free summer concert series features area bands performing at the bandstand stage area of Neawha Park.

    Thursdays in Neahwa Park

    August 4: Off the Record

    August 11: Country Express

    August 18: Lucia & Levi

    Otsego County is hosting many different summer concerts throughout the county. For more information about the county and more events happening in the area, go here.

  • Schenectady Symphony Orchestra Joins Proctors Collaborative

    The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra (SSO) announced to be a member of Proctors Collaborative from August 1st, 2022. It will keep a separate board of directors and Glen Cortese remains its Artistic Director, while but Proctors Collaborative will provide administrative functions.

    Schenectady Symphony Orchestra by Stan Hudy

    The SSO was founded in 1934 and gave first concert on February 5, 1935, conducted by Kenneth G. Kelley, Supervisor of Music in Schenectady public schools. Their second concert was in a pioneering broadcast three months later, which beamed to South America on General Electric stations to be one of the first American orchestras to be heard overseas via short wave radio.

    “Proctors and the Schenectady Symphony have a long history in the community and with one another. This management plan intends to turn that history into a long-term relationship for the health of the arts in our community!”

    Philip Morris

    The orchestra is comprised of both professional and non-professional musicians from the local community, including teachers, engineers, physicians, and local business people.

    Glen Cortese will begin his fourth season for the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra with the 22-23 season, The Musical Time Machine. Meanwhile, the SSO will host concert, A Night at the Movies on August 13 at the Music Haven Concert Series in Schenectady Central Park.

    “This season’s program is designed to transport you in time and focus on specific musical eras. We will present new works, traditional favorites, works rarely heard as well as new ways to listen to favorite familiar pieces.

    Glen Cortese

    Visit schenectadysymphony.com for more information on the new season.

  • David Loss of Aqueous Takes Time Off To Start a Family

    David Loss from the band Aqueous announced he is taking time away from the band to welcome his new baby into the world. Fans speculated a breakup but were met with a sweet and emotional announcement.

    david loss
    David Loss

    Aqueous is a Buffalo-based groove band with a loyal following who put on spectacular shows. David Loss is the guitarist and keyboardist who does vocals with the band and is gaining notoriety as one of the most skilled, actively touring guitarists in the industry. His sound is unmistakable and keeps fans coming back show after show.

    The band has been quiet lately and should have announced a fall tour, however, they proudly announced that Loss is welcoming a child with his wife. He is taking the rest of the year off to take care of his child. The pandemic has taught us life can be disrupted abruptly, and we take the little things for granted. Life is all about balance and being present, and Aqueous are taking this time to reevaluate the culture of the band by not touring as much to get back to their roots.

    David Loss spoke about the decision with me, and the band’s future.

    I knew it was the right decision for me to make. When my son is born it’s going to be such a life changing experience that I want to fully be there for all of it. I don’t want to miss a thing! A lot of first time things and time you just can’t get back later. I know my wife will be very happy to have me home more as well. She has always been so supportive of me in everything I’ve done, which makes me feel ever more that I need to be there with her as much as I can. The only hesitation that I had really was that I didn’t want to let anyone down. That includes all of our fans and friends as well as the rest of the band. Especially since the guys are some of my best friends. We’ve been doing this thing for a long time now! It’s tough to take that long of a break from playing shows, but again I knew it was what I had to do and I feel very lucky that everyone has been very supportive of my decision. I’m happy that the guys will be able to play a handful of shows without me too. So keep an eye out for those sets!

    David Loss

    It is beautiful to bring a child into the world, and even more complicated when you are a musician with a hectic touring schedule and music to make. Loss taking the time and being present for a while is something all father’s with hectic schedules should do. Fans may be sad they won’t be able to see Aqueous for a while, but the music is still there, and they also teased a new album for next year, as well as more tours.

  • Cortland Repertory Theatre Announces Cancellation of “Orient Express”

    The Cortland Repertory Theatre has announced the cancellation of the remainder of their 2022 mainstage performances, including the remaining shows of Murder on the Orient Express due to positive COVID cases within the CRT company.

    Cortland Repertory Theatre

    CRT just presented their revival of Kiss Me, Kate for their 50 Anniversary Season, but now all mainstage shows are canceled as the ongoing situation with the COVID pandemic is evolving. The Bright Star Touring Company’s children’s productions of The Little Mermaid on July 28 at 10 A.M. and Upcycled Cinderella on July 29 at 10 A.M. will continue as scheduled. 

    In Cortland county, there are 84 active cases, and the new BA.5 subvariant is responsible for 125,000 new cases and more than 400 deaths each day in the United States, according to seven-day averages on The Washington Post’s covid tracker. The subvariant is causing 80% of infections and is more contagious than other variants by far.

    In order to stay safe during this unstable time, people need to get vaccinated, wash their hands, social distance, and wear masks, especially as the fall and winter approach. The Cortland Repertory Theatre has a special filtration system to help suppress airborne and surface microorganisms and pathogens including viruses (COVID and others), bacteria, and mold, and is encouraging people to wear masks and not attend shows if sick.

    The CRT Box Office staff will be contacting ticket holders to discuss options for refunds or ticket donations. For more information about the upcoming shows, and to buy tickets, go here.

  • View in Old Forge hosts Concerts in the Courtyard each Wednesday

    View proudly announced the series “Concerts in the Courtyard” in Old Forge each Wednesday since August 6th. The concerts will feature Martin and Kelly band, Terry Barber, Hanna and the Blue Hearts, and John Lloyd Young.

    View

    View is a dynamic Center for Arts and Culture based in the Adirondack Region whose mission is to enrich, educate, entertain, and inspire. The Arts Guild of Old Forge was founded by Miriam Kashiwa in 1951 and growing steadily to become a year-round multi-arts organization through the past years. In 2011, the Arts Center/Old Forge moved across New York State Route 28 into its new facility, and was branded “View.”

    Concerts in the Courtyard series are free events from 5-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday that take place outside under a tent with a cash bar available in August. Audience are allowed to bring a blanket or chair or use those provided by the View.

    August 6th – Martin and Kelly band

    Jilly Martin & Ryan Brooks Kelly’s songs bridge the boundary between traditional and new country. They’ve made their mark with highly-acclaimed original music and are winning over audiences each and every time they perform.

    August 11 – Broadway Meets Opera with Terry Barber and the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

    Terry will perform his unique interpretation of everyone’s favorite hits from the Broadway superstar’s most celebrated musicals. Selections include: The Music of the Night (Phantom of the Opera), High Flying Adored (Evita), As If We Never Said Goodbye (Sunset Boulevard), and so on.

    August 14th – A musical revue Beguiled Again: The Music of Rodgers and Hart

    The remarkable partnership of composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Lorenz Hart spanned twenty-four years, resulting in the scores for thirty stage musicals and nine films. Beguiled Again illuminates the astonishing breadth of their output with a musical menu offering nearly fifty selections from the incomparable Rodgers and Hart songbook.

    August 19 – Hanna and the Blue Hearts

    Hanna and the Blue Hearts channel a wide variety blues, boogie, and swing. It is a perfect show to dance along with and swing.  Cash Bar and hors d’oeuvres will be available. Seating will be cabaret style. (Tables and Chairs)

    August 26 – John Lloyd Young: Mostly Soul

    Tony and Grammy Award winner John Lloyd Young leaves virtually no stone unturned as he interprets the greatest hits of Little Anthony, The Platters, Sam Cooke, Smokey, Luther and, yes, some Jersey Boys, too. He also played the original Frankie Valli is Jersey Boys on Broadway.

    More performances and information about View are available at their website www.viewarts.org.

  • John Petrucci Announces First Headlining Solo Tour

    Grammy Award winning guitarist John Petrucci announced his first headlining solo tour performing material from his solo albums, Terminal Velocity and Suspended Animation. The tour will run through October and November and the first three shows are scheduled for Boston, MA on October 7th, New York City on October 13th and Washington, DC on October 15th.

    John Petrucci by Rayon Richards

    Known for his work in the prog-metal band Dream Theater, John Petrucci is respected for his variety of guitar styles and skills. Then he recorded Terminal Velocity with former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy since Mike left the band in 2010. Now, John will take his instrumental trio on the road performing live with Mike Portnoy, and bassist Dave LaRue in an on-stage reunion that has been 12 years in the making.

    The recently reunited all-female metal band Meanstreak will be the special guest openers for the tour. Meanstreak is comprised of guitarists Marlene Portnoy and Rena Sands, vocalist Bettina France, bassist Martens Myung and drummer Yael.

    Meanstreak by Scryer Photo NY (Marissa Ann)

    More shows will be announced in the near future and tickets for the announced shows will be on sale to the general public on Friday, July 15th. For more information on all shows and to purchase tickets, fans can head over to https://johnpetrucci.com.

    John Petrucci Solo Tour Dates

    October 7th – Boston, MA – Berklee Performance Center

    October 13th – New York, NY – Town Hall

    October 15th – Washington, DC – Lincoln Theater

    More dates will be announced

  • Smoke Jazz Club in NYC Announces Reopening and Expansion

    The Smoke Jazz Club, one of New York City’s premier live music venues, announced its long-awaited reopening.

    smoke jazz club

    Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side at the junction of Broadway and 106th Street (aka Duke Ellington Boulevard), the club offers classic and modern jazz performances. Created in 1999, the club is internationally recognized with top-notch programming and rising stars. It has survived economic crashes, fires in the building, and more but the pandemic proved to be much more difficult.

    For the past two years, the club has had to change the way they did things to make sure it was done safely. These include modified operations like live streams, sidewalk concerts, and outdoor dining. Although indoor performances were closed, Smoke has survived with a newly expanded space.

    Smoke Jazz Club has so much history. Despite the struggles of the last few years, we just knew that the music couldn’t stop here. The past couple of years have not been easy for anyone, but having live music back in the club with everyone together, musicians and listeners, seems like a turning point. We are very excited to take this next step.

    co- owners Paul Stache and Molly Sparrow Johnson.

    The club will add smaller combined spaces to operate safely, serving as an attached lounge featuring the relocated, historic, full-length bar providing more space for audiences and a larger stage for performers in the main listening room.

    smoke jazz club

    There was a grand reopening concert to kick off the revamp, and a slew of artists are set to perform in the near future including Charles McPherson, Vijay Iyer, Mary Stallings, Bill Charlap, Bobby Watson, and more. For more information about the Smoke Jazz Club and to buy tickets to the many events happening, go here.

  • Brunch on Sunday Welcomes Creatives to Cove Lounge in Harlem

    Every Sunday at Cove Lounge in Harlem, promoter Anthony Obas and DJ 500K serve as hosts for ‘Brunch on Sunday,’ bringing together creatives and small business owners to discuss entrepreneurship and innovation.

    Cove Lounge

    Cove Lounge is owned by Alyah Horsford Sidberry, who works with Obas and 500K to curate small events at the restaurant around their ideas to fulfill shared and individual goals. Brunch serves as the gathering place, the company each Sunday being the catalyst to help creatives and entreprenuers network with other business-minded peers.

    The event itself is free – only pay for the delicious food, found on the menu below. All are invited to Cove Lounge to celebrate and build a better community together.

    Cove Lounge

  • Aqueous Sets Last Show Of The Year With Buffalo’s Inaugural Great Flamingle

    Aqueous has announced one last final appearance before year’s end and the band is making the very most of it. The Buffalo natives have just announced the inaugural The Great Flamingle which is scheduled to take place Saturday, September 3 at the outdoor lot stage at Jack Rabbit in the band’s hometown. The event, with music, vendors and other experiences curated by the band will mark the last full band show on record for 2022, with keyboardist David Loss set to take paternity leave shortly.

     The Great Flamingle will feature two sets from Aqueous as well as performances from lespecial and The Talking Dead Heads, plus supporting acts from fellow locals Space Junk and Tortoise Forest on an outdoor lot stage.

    This is something we’ve wanted to do forever…We’re all very excited to throw a unique, AQ-curated experience from the music, the vendors, the fan experiences, and beyond! We’re looking forward to building on The Great Flamingle in the years to come, too.

    ~ Aqueous guitarist Mike Gantzer

    Tickets for The Great Flamingle, this last scheduled Aqueous gig of 2022, are on sale now here with both VIP and general admission options available. VIP ticket holders will have access to an intimate indoor performance along with a meet and greet with Aqueous plus complimentary food and two drinks from the Jack Rabbit Kitchen and Bar.