NYS Music 202​2

Category: News

  • Delaware Valley Arts Alliance Brings 2x2x4 Collaboration to Krause Recital Hall

    On February 12th, The Delaware Valley Arts Alliance will be presenting a performance of “2x2x4” at Krause Recital Hall. The experimental dance and music collaboration brings together dancer Charles Dennis and musician Sal Cataldi, otherwise known as Spaghetti Eastern Music. 

    Sal Cataldi

    During “2x2x4”, the duo will captivate audiences with their use of wooden 2×4’s, carefully building, destroying and creating landscapes for Dennis to dance through. This year’s performance will coincide with the exhibition “For the Love of Wood”, a group show with Eric Baylin and Bo Stevens. 

    Dennis, an interdisciplinary artist with many talents, has been an active participant in downtown NY dance and performance for many years. He has also cofounded Performance Space 122, one of the country’s most active presenters of new dance, along with creating and performing in several of its performances.

    Charles Dennis

    Cataldi, a Saugerties and NYC based multi-instrumentalist, is responsible for the creation of Spaghetti Eastern Music. This solo project takes musical notes from krautrock and jazz, which results in a sound that only Cataldi is capable of making. His live score for “2x2x4” has recently been released on Bad Egg Records.

    This event is produced in cooperation with the NY State Council on the Arts and is a centerpiece of the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance’s annual Salon Series. This year’s series focuses on the concept of creative construction and will be presented in person, as well as live streamed on the DVAA Facebook page.

    Capacity for this event is limited so advanced registration will be required. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test is needed for attendance, as well as masks. Registration and more information can be found here.  

  • 50 Years of King Crimson Celebrated in Forthcoming Documentary

    The mercurial Robert Fripp and his ever-changing band of prog-fathers will be the subject of In the Court of the Crimson King, a new documentary by director Toby Amies premiering at the 2022 SXSW film fest. 

    Named after King Crimson’s earthshaking 1969 debut disc, the 86-minute documentary aims to be the definitive celluloid document on the band’s 50-year history – charting the many ensembles and evolutions in style via interviews with Fripp and collaborators like Adrian Belew, Bill Bruford, Mel Collins, Ian McDonald, Woodstock’s own Tony Levin and many more. Amies produced the documentary by following the band on its recent 50th anniversary tour and securing the rights to some wonderful and rarely-seen archival footage.

    photo by Tony Levin

    According to notes provided by filmmaker Amies:

    “What began as a traditional documentary about the legendary band King Crimson as it turned 50 mutated into an exploration of time, death, family and the transcendent power of music to change lives.

    In the Court of the Crimson King is a dark, comic film for anyone who wonders whether it is worth sacrificing everything for just a single moment of transcendence. It explores the unique creative environment of King Crimson, one in which freedom and responsibility conspire to place extraordinary demands on the band’s members – only alleviated by the applause of an audience whose adoration threatens to make their lives even harder. It’s a rewarding and perilous space in which the extraordinary is possible, nothing is certain, and not everyone survives intact.”

    photo by Tony Levin

    Amies’ documentary comes on the heels of a successful summer 2021 tour by Fripp and his latest (and perhaps last according to the prog grapevine?) iteration of this legendary band.  This especially powerful music is featured on the new 2 CD live set, Music Is Our Friend, one capturing the band’s final performances in Washington D.C. and at The Egg in Albany.

    The Covid-19 Quarantine gave the ever-intense and oft misunderstood Fripp the chance to reveal his lighter side in a weekly series of “Sunday Lunch” videos made with his singer wife Toya Wilcox.  The couple first took to YouTube on Easter Sunday 2020 to share some sonic cheer and comedy.  In these vids, they don costumes to perform spirited and sometimes very goofy covers of tunes like “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Blitzkrieg Bop,” “Goldfinger,” “Sharp-Dressed Man,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and the like.  More than 60 videos can be found here.

    Fans who can’t wait for the film but want the truly definite facts on all things Crimson should also check out Sid Smith’s wonderful comprehensive book, In the Court of the Crimson King: An Observation over Fifty Years.  

    At over 600 pages of very small type, it has everything a fan could ever want – interviews with all the key players, critiques of their many albums and recaps of every gig the band performed, from its 1969 debut through 2003.  The book was originally published in 2001 and out of print for many years, until it was updated and republished in 2019.  When it comes to all things prog and Crimson, Smith is a true expert. He’s an intimate who has worked directly with the band in recent years, and a freelance writer whose articles are regularly featured in Record Collector, Prog, Uncut, Classic Rock, BBC Music and many others.

    In anticipation of the premiere, Amies has released a trailer that can be seen below.

  • WHEDco Receives $2.5 Million to Construct Bronx Music Hall

    The South Bronx non profit Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation, has recently received a $2.5 million grant to finish construction of the Bronx Music Hall. The grant was awarded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

    Bronx Music Hall

    The state of the art facility is 14,000 sq. ft. and will be the first music venue built in the borough in more than half a century. It is located on 438 East 163rd Street within WHEDco’s newest affordable housing development, Bronx Commons. The venue is currently capable of 250 occupants, and also contains a green room, studio, classroom and a lobby to host additional events. The Bronx Music Hall is capable of serving 20,000 in person audience members, post pandemic.

    Davon Russell, president of WHEDco, cites the new venue as a “community cultural asset” that will respond to historic inequities that the borough has experienced through the decades. It will also help to bring funds to the borough, and greater NYC area to assist in its economic recovery.

    Historians documented each wave of immigrants who settled in the Bronx spanning more than a century. The traditions and rhythms they carried have endured and inspired new generations and new forms of music. Inside and out, the Bronx Music Hall was designed to reflect and showcase today’s diverse contemporary culture

    Nancy Biberman, WHEDco Founder and President Emerita.

    The Mellon Foundation funding will allow for completion of the main elements within the music hall, including back end lighting, rigging and audio control, as well as cosmetic additions and necessary audience seating. 

    The Bronx Music Hall is scheduled to open later this year. For more information, visit the Bronx Music website. More information about the WHEDco organization can be found here.

  • Pink Talking Fish Spring Tour includes 4/20 show in NYC

    Pink Talking Fish, who perform the music of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish, have announced new tour dates for Spring 2022, the most notable of which will be in New York at the Gramercy Theater on April 20.

    The New York concert is part of the NYC Phish AfterParty series hosted by the NYC promoter CEG Presents. After major Phish concerts at Madison Square Garden several venues around the city host after parties for those who are still awake, as Phish fans keep the party going.

    And what better way to do that than by adding some Talking Heads and Pink Floyd to the mix.

    pink talking fish ithaca

    With the new Pink Talking Fish tour stop in New York, what is already a huge show as Phish returns to the Garden on rescheduled New Years dates, the dancing doesn’t have to end just because the concert did. Doors open at 11:30pm and tickets are now available online.

    Pink Talking Fish Drive-In

    Other than the Gramercy Theater show the new Pink Talking Fish tour will only have one other show in New York state proper, in Saratoga Springs on April 16. There are, still, several other shows in neighboring states: Hartford, CT on Feb. 18, Jay, VT on Feb. 19, and Burlington, VT on March 19.

    Other notable stops include a three day stint in Denver, Colo. for a special David Bowie and Prince show. Where they’ll cover songs of the two rock legends alongside guests Chuck Morris from Lotus and The Horn Section, made up of former members of Turkuaz.

    Tour Dates

    2/18: Hartford CT at Infinity Hall

    2/19: Jay VT at Jay Peak Resort

    2/26: Ardmore PA at Ardmore Music Hall w/s/g Qway

    3/11-12: Denver CO at So Many Roads Brewery

    3/13: Denver CO at So Many Roads Brewery – Prince/Bowie featuring PTF, The Horn Section, Chuck from Lotus + more

    3/19: Burlington VT at Higher Ground w/s/g Swimmer

    4/08: Ventura CA at Ventura County Fairgrounds – Skull And Roses Festival

    4/09: Seattle WA at Nectar Lounge

    4/16: Saratoga Springs NY at Putnam Place

    4/20: New York NY at Gramercy Theater – Phish AfterParty

    4/21-22: Ferndale MI at Otus Supply

    4/23: Chicago IL at Park West

    4/24: Columbus OH at Woodlands Tavern

  • Professor Louie’s Century Historic Blues Concert March 26th at the Paramount Hudson Valley Arts

    The Paramount Hudson Valley Arts in Peeksill, Hudson Valley, will feature Professor Louie’s Century Historic Blues Concert, a tribute to the many great blues artists in history for their contributions throughout the years.

    Joe Louis Walker
    Photo by Arnie Goodman

    Professor Louie’s Century will present Blues legends like Joe Louis Walker, Guy Davis, Professor Louie & The Crowmatix, and more. Music will be accompanied by a photographic retrospective Keeping the Blues Alive by Joseph A. Rosen. Hudson Valley Blues Society has partnered with these amazing artists to put on a show that will be the first of its kind. 

    Professor Louie and The CrowMatix will feature in Professor Louie’s Century
    Professor Louie and The CrowMatix

    Joe Louis Walker is a Blues Hall of Fame member and four-time Blues Music Award winner. Throughout his life, he has toured all around the world, preforming at mist renowned music festivals throughout the United States, Canada, Glastonbury, Notodden and Montreux. Along with this, he has toured for festivals in Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Ireland, Turkey, European festivals including The North Sea Jazz Festival, and Brazil.   

    Guy Davis has spent his musical life carrying his message of the blues around the world. He even holds the title of, “An Ambassador of the Blues,” because of his extensive travels from the Equator to the Arctic Circle. His work as an actor, author, and music teacher earmark him as a renaissance man of the blues. Davis often talks about how music and acting have similarities by saying, “…I don’t like people to see the challenging work and the sweat that goes in what I do. I want them to hear me and be uplifted.” 

    Professor Louie and The CrowMatix emerged from the music industry as the torchbearer of the true spirit of American Roots Music. As a live performer, prolific recording artist and versatile multi-instrumentalist, Professor Louie has the award-winning recording Producer and Engineer, capturing the talents of some of the world’s most highly acclaimed musicians. 

    The Concert will take place on March 26th, 2022, at 8:00 PM. All adult guests must be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter the theatre. Tickets will range from $25 to $40 dollars. To purchase tickets or for more information visit paramounthudsonvalley.com.

  • The Egg Searches For New Executive Director As Long Time Head Retires

    The Egg has started their search for a new executive director as long time head, Peter Lesser, steps away. Since starting in August 2000, Lesser has brought together a wide variety of entertainment, from musical performances to comedy shows.

    Peter Lesser the egg
    Peter Lesser in front of The Egg, October 2000. Photo by Paul Buckowski for Times Union.

    Over the span of almost 22 years, Lesser has worked tirelessly to provide the Capital Region with culture and entertainment from around the world. Before the pandemic caused theaters to close, the venue hosted over 200 events each year. He has helped The Egg overcome a number of challenges, including security issues after 9/11, reductions in state funding and competition from other venues. 

    Prior to taking over at The Egg, Lesser served as executive director of Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy from 1992 to 2000.

    In addition to expanding the music, dance and family programming, Lesser has also been instrumental in creating special projects that focus on developing a statewide performing arts presenter network, commissioning new work and community outreach.

    These initiatives have elevated The Egg’s stature as an invaluable cultural asset for the Capital Region and the State of New York, and I am appreciative of the Board’s support as we have worked to enhance our mission and achieve our goals.

    Peter Lesser

    Lesser’s love for The Egg is evident as he leaves behind not only a legacy, but the tools necessary for the continuation of programming at the venue. The strong foundation he helped to build will spur future administrations on for decades.

    In a letter to the Board of Directors, Lesser explains that he is relocating to spend more time with his family, but he will continue to work with The Egg remotely until a candidate has been chosen and transitioned in. Applications for the position are being accepted through February. The job description and information on the application process can be found here.

  • The Ripcords, Irv Lyons Jr. and West Side Social Club Among Nominees at Native American Music Awards

    Three of Central New York’s most notable Native American music artists were announced as nominees for the Native American Music Awards. Notable nominees include The Ripcords, Earl Slick, Pete McMahon and the West Side Social Club.

    Native American Music Awards

    Irv Lyons Jr., of the Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan, is nominated for four Native American Music Awards, including “Best Rock Recording” and “Artist of the Year” for his EP, Private Invitation, not to mention nominations for “Best Male Vocalist” and “Song of the Year” for “Save The Planet.”

    Irv Lyons at Blues Fest Native American Music Awards
    Irv Lyons Blues Fest

    Rex Lyons of the Onondaga Nation, Eel Clan., along with Irv Lyons and The Ripcords are also nominated for “Group of the Year” and “Best Blues Recording” for their album, “Unmasked (Live).” Along with this, they’re nominated for “Best Blues Recording” with the group West Side Social Club. This includes Earl Slick, Pete McMahaon and Liz Strodel. 

    The Ripcords in the studio Native American Music Awards
    The Ripcords in the studio

    The Ripcords are a musical collaboration from cousins, Rex and Irv Lyons. Along with members Jay Gould, Tom Witkowski and Steve Palumbo. They are a versatile group who can deliver various genres of music such as blues, rock, swing and jazz, they even write their own songs as well.  

    Joanne Shenandoah, Native American singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist based in the New York, is also on the Private Invitation EP for the song “Save The Planet” which received a “Song of The Year” nomination. She belonged to the Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan, and passed away November 22nd, 2021.

    Irv Lyons at Blues Fest
    Irv Lyons Blues Fest

    “I’m honored and excited to be up for a couple of NAMMY awards!” adds Rex Lyons. “We’ve been making original music for over 2 decades, hopefully 3rd times a charm and we bring home the hardware. Congrats to all my fellow nominees. Good luck!”  

    “To be nominated for the Native American Music Awards is an amazing honor and great privilege,” says Irv. “Private Invitation is my best work to date. The most complete in lyrics and music. It is a snapshot of my experiences in love, friendship and the heart. These songs are all radio ready as any of them could be on the charts now. My true labor of love that hopefully people will enjoy and play over and over.” 

    Voting for the Native American Music Awards is now available to the public now through March 31st here.

  • Bardavon Presents Announces Black History Month Events

    In honor of Black History Month, Bardavon Presents in Poughkeepsie has announced several events. Two of these events are announced as a way to educate and promote conversation surrounding race for kids and teens K-12, with other events celebrating Black history also scheduled.

    The first of these events is Virtual Step Afrika! The event is a 5-part series designed to educate the youth on stepping and its history. Stepping is a form of dancing that originated in African American colleges in the early 20th century. Steppers use their bodies as an instrument and often follow polyrhythmic time signatures. By doing so, the dance form created a way for people to musically express themselves through their bodies. Schools and teachers can register for Virtual Step Afrika! from now until Friday, February 18th.

    Step Afrika! Bardavon Presents
    Step Afrika!

    Bardavon Presents will also host Virtual Rhapsody in Black. The event is a one-man show written and performed by LeLand Gantt and developed at NYC’s Actors Studio by Estelle Parsons. The show follows Gantt’s personal journey to understand and eventually transcend racism in America. Teachers It seeks to stimulate deep and uncomfortable, yet necessary conversations about race. A free stream of the performance will be available starting Monday, February 7th til Friday, February 18th.

    Rhapsody in Black

    On Friday, February 25th, a dual screening of Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing, will be shown at both the Bardavon and Ulster Performing Arts Center. The classic 1989 film featuring Spike Lee, Martin Lawrence, Samuel L. Jackson, and Giancarlo Esposito, explores the racial tension in a Brooklyn neighborhood between African Americans and Italian-Americans. The movie has received unanimous positive reception in the way that it explores its themes, so much so that it has been admitted to the National Film Registry. Tickets for the screening start at just $6.

    Do the Right Thing Bardavon Presents
    Do the Right Thing

    On February 18th at 8 PM, BardavonPresents will host a free stream on their YouTube page. This stream will be a part of their HVP: Behind the Music series. The episode will focus on the Hudson Valley Philharmonic’s March 5th concert, which shines a spotlight on female composers. Notably, Composer Nkeiru Okoye will discuss her piece “Songs of Harriet Tubman,” dedicated to the abolitionist woman who helped free an estimated 70 slaves. The steam will also explore the broader title theme, Underground Figures. More information is available here.

    Nkeiru Okoye Bardavon Presents
    Nkeiru Okoye

  • A Little Bit Of Everything Happening At The Park Theater In Glens Falls This February

    The Park Theater, located in Glens Falls, is hosting a variety of shows in the month of February. From comedy shows to listening parties, there is going to be a lot of fun happening at the venue.

    The venue’s mission statement is that it would like to enhance the community and quality of life in Glens Falls by providing a venue for affordable entertainment and educational opportunities.

    park theater glens falls
    The outside of The Park Theater.

    The bigger shows happening include Damn Tall Buildings and The Wildmans making an appearance at the venue. On February 12, Damn Tall Buildings will be playing. With elements of bluegrass, blues, rock, and vintage swing, the band shares harmonies to make for one joyous night.

    Damn Tall Buildings.

    On February 26, The Wildmans will be coming. Having shared the stage with many artists, such as Béla Fleck and Billy Strings, the band are highly skilled in playing and combining jazz and blues to create a fresh new sound.

    The Wildmans.

    The Park Theater is hosting all and more of these shows in February, and tickets can be found here, with proof of vaccination required.

    Friday, February 4 – Canceled due to Inclement Weather

    The Park Theater presents ‘Rewind At The Park’ featuring “The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook Show: An Evening of Songs & Stories” presented by Aztec Two-Step 2.0 with narration by Tony Traguardo.

    Thursday, February 10 

    The Park Theater presents ‘Live & Local’ featuring Troy, NY-based indie-rock group, Candy Ambulance.

    Thursday, February 17

    The Park Theater presents ‘Third Thursday Jazz’ with The Matt Niedbalski Trio featuring trombonist, Tyler Giroux.

    Wednedsay, February 23 

    The Park Theater hosts Rochmon Record Club for a series of listening parties. Hosted by Chuck Vosganian, this listening party will focus on Janis Joplin’s final studio album, “Pearl” (1971).

    Friday, February 25

    The Park Theater presents ‘Comedy After Dark’ performance featuring acclaimed comedian, Casey James Salengo.

  • 2022 Summer Camp Music Festival Announces Final Lineup, Schedule

    Summer Camp Music Festival has announced the second round of performers for the 2022 edition of the Midwest fest. Headliners include Smashing Pumpkins, Little Feat (performing their classic album, Waiting For Columbus), Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, STS9, Zeds Dead, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, as well as host bands moe. and Umphrey’s McGee. The festival will take place from May 25 -29, 2021 at the Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois. 

    2022 Summer Camp

    Summer Camp Music Festival first took place back in 2001 and brought about 1,000 patrons to enjoy over 15 bands on two stages during the 2-day event at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, IL. Over the years the festival has transformed the grounds annually, making it possible to welcome more fans, more fun and way more music. The festivities take place across Memorial Day Weekend and multiple stages, different genres, and even camping.  

    The current announced line up includes moe., Umphrey’s McGee, The Smashing Pumpkins, Zeds Dead, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Little Feat, STS9, NGHTMRE, Liquid Stranger, Big Wild, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Shpongle (Simon Posford Live Set), Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Whethan, Cory Wong, Cherub, Malaa, Moon Taxi, Peekaboo, Manic Focus, OPIUO, Kasbo, Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass ft. The Hillbenders, The Infamous Stringdusters, Leftover Salmon, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Motet, Victor Wooten, Here Come the Mummies, Cory Henry, Andy Frasco & The U.N, TAUK, and Everyone Orchestra.

    Additional artists, in alphabetical order include 1788-L, Aqueous, Big Something, Daily Bread, Death Kings, Dirt Monkey, Doom Flamingo, Dopapod, DRAMA, Ghost Light, Jantsen, lespecial, Maddy O’Neal, Maggie Rose, Magic Beans, The Main Squeeze, Mersiv, Monophonics, Moore Kismet, Mungion, Sammy Rae & The Friends, Saxsquatch, SoDown, Steady Flow, SUSTO, The Werks and Wreckno,

    And more artists in alphabetical order: A Hundred Drums, Aaron Kamm & The One Drops, BLVK JVCK, Caleb Johnson, Canabliss, Chicago Farmer & The Fieldnotes, The Claudettes, Cofresi, Con Brio, Couch, DOGMA, Dogs In A Pile, Family Groove Company, Goodnight, Texas, The Horn Section, James Maslow x Eugene Ugorski, Kick The Cat, Kitchen Dwellers, Little Stranger, Neighbor, The North 41, Old Shoe, Ravenscoon, Sun Stereo, TK & The Holy Know-Nothings and, Yam Yam

    Further artists include, in alphabetial order, APO10, Biomassive, Brainchild, BUTTA’, Dizgo, Eggy, Fauvely, Formerly The Fox, Kuh Nives, Miles Over Mountains, Stan P Band, Still Shine, Tand, Trash Angel (Emo Set), The Tripp Brothers, Vintage Pistol and Zoofunkyou, with even more bands to be announced.

    The latest round of artists announced for Summer Camp 2022 include Big Gigantic, SNBRN, returning fan favorite DJ Paul (Three Six Mafia), Magic City Hippies, and a slew of other great artists set to perform this Memorial Day Weekend.

    Tickets are on sale now including a variety of ticketing options. There are 3-Day GA Passes, Thursday Pre-Party Passes, VIP Upgrades, & RV / Car Camping Spots. Convenient Payment Plans are offered for those who need a little extra time to purchase their festival ticket. The plans are broken up into multiple installments to offer manageable monthly payments. To learn more about all Summer Camp Ticket Options, click here.

    For more information on the 2022 Summer Camp Music Festival visit their website.