Category: News Desk

  • Adirondack Wind Ensemble to Celebrate 20 years on Sept. 25

    The Adirondack Wind Ensemble (AWE) will celebrate the occasion of its 20th anniversary on Sunday, September 25 at 2pm in the E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium at SUNY Plattsburgh. AWE will be joined by Allan McMurray, guest conductor, who is the former graduate advisor of AWE director Daniel Gordon.

    adirondack wind ensemble

    Adirondack Wind Ensemble is a professional musical ensemble of wind and percussion instruments comprised of music educators and other outstanding community musicians from around the North Country. Its performers represent every public school district in Clinton County as well as several communities beyond and they gather in AWE to share in the joy of making music. AWE is dedicated to providing quality concert performances by members of this community for this community.

    The two worked together at the University of Colorado at Boulder in the early 1990s making the concert a joyous reunion for the two musicians. McMurray, widely considered one of the leading wind ensemble directors in the country, will conduct a program of music by Percy Grainger (Children’s March, Irish Tune from County Derry, and Lincolnshire Posy) and Gustav Holst (Hammersmith and First Suite in E-flat).

    This project is made possible with funds from the Plattsburgh College Foundation Eleanor Marcus Music
    Endowment; 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
    and administered by the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts; the SUNY Plattsburgh Student Association
    through the Campus Arts Council and the Music Department; and Stewart’s Shops.

    Admission is $10, free for all students.

  • SPAC Announces Event With Karen Brooks Hopkins

    SPAC announces the return of its WAMC@SPAC series with “BAM! And Then It Hit Me with Karen Brooks Hopkins” on Sept. 26 at 6 P.M. in the Nancy DiCresce Room at The Pines@SPAC facility. 

    SPAC
    Photo credit: Bob Klein

    Karen Brooks Hopkins is the president emerita of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, where she worked for 36 years, serving 16 of those as president. Hopkins was presented the National Medal of the Arts, the highest award given to artists and arts organizations by the U.S. government, on behalf of BAM by President Obama in 2014.

    We are so proud to be presenting Karen Hopkins at SPAC. She has been a powerhouse and an icon in the industry, someone who was instrumental in the evolution of the Brooklyn Academy of Music into one of the most important presenting and producing organizations in the world. BAM’s fierce commitment to contemporary artists and new work made Brooklyn a magnet for anyone who cared about the arts. I myself moved from Manhattan to Brooklyn precisely to be right there in BAM’s orbit, a mere walking distance from a great cauldron of creativity. Both lovers of the performing arts and the uninitiated will be compelled by Karen’s ‘behind-the-scenes’ storytelling from 36 years at the helm of the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

    Elizabeth Sobol, President & CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    “BAM! And Then It Hit Me” is a memoir of Hopkins’ life and her 36 years at America’s oldest performing arts center. It is an inspiring and constructive read for any not-for-profit organization or local arts center detailing key strategies for institutional success. Visual elements highlighting behind-the-scenes moments from BAM’s legendary performances over the years will also be shared with the public for the first time.

    The book event is a part of SPAC’s growing LiteraryArts@SPAC initiative, which includes WAMC@SPAC events and conversations with renowned authors and poets, like Presidential Inaugural Poet Richard Blanco, journalist Chris Cox, New York Times columnist Pamela Paul, and more.

    The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is known for its summer concerts, as well as for hosting residencies from the New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

    “BAM! And Then It Hit Me with Karen Brooks Hopkins” is free to attend, however, seating is limited. Go here to reserve seating, there will also be a book signing following the event.

  • Flyday Music Festival Releases Schedule, Single Day Tickets

    Flyday, a music festival community that celebrates life and creativity, spirit, heart and soul, returns to the Catskills on September 29 for three days of music, art and movement from 22 regional and national bands on two stages.

    flyday music festival

    Taking place at the 100 + acre Blackthorne Resort (with more than 80 rooms and plenty of camping and RV sites), the music over September 29-October 1 at Flyday Music Festival will include funk, fusion, electrojazz, prog, rock, jamband, bluegrass, reggae, and comedy artists. And that’s in addition to a pool and tiki bar, creek, hiking, a bar and restaurant, a playground and play fields, and even a Haunted House.

    This year, Flyday Music Festival steps out of the jam-band box and has curated a lineup for a true music festival featuring truly original, creative, and virtuosic artists in the progressive, jazz-rock fusion, and funk genres.

    flyday music festival

    Artists performing over the weekend at Flyday Music Festival include Ghost-Note, Yam-Yam, Black Rock Funk All Stars (members of Kung-Fu, Deep Banana Blackout and Schleigho, Gnarbot, Screaming Headless Torsos, ShwizZ, Ampevene, Honker, Baked Shrimp, Glass Pony, The Magnetic Pull, Level: Memory, Dr Jah and the Love Prophets, Eugene Tyler Band, Children of the Judge, Laura Leigh & Denise Parent, Sungazer, Now vs Now, and K-Weef.

    These artists and special guests will perform on two stages, side-by-side for continuous music throughout the day and night. Among vendors you’ll find Veggie Oasis, Z’licious Caribbean Kitchen, Back Barn Brewery, a masseuse, Earth Tribe artisan vendors, workshops on glass blowing, tie dye and yoga, plus art installations, black light art galleries and live painting.

    Arrive on Thursday night for a early arrival funk dance party with improv jams and special guests.

    Tickets are $115 for a weekend pass, $60 for Friday only and $70 for Saturday only. Camping costs $25 per person for the weekend (with free showers, flush toilets and a charging station), with RV passes and rooms available via Blackthorne Resort.

    If you’re a music lover and dig creative, uber-talented original bands, do not miss Flyday. Tickets available here.

  • SNL Returns For Season 48 with Musical Guests Kendrick Lamar, Willow and Megan Thee Stallion

    SNL returns for season 48 on October 1st with the announcement of the first three hosts and musical guests, which include Kendrick Lamar, Willow, and Megan Thee Stallion. Four new cast members also join the cast as featured players.

    SNL Season 48
    New cast members. From left to right, Marcello Hernandez, Molly Kearney, Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker.

    This marks the first non-COVID Saturday Night Live season since Season 45 in Fall 2019. Four new cast members are being welcomed, including Marcello Hernandez, Molly Kearney, Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker. Hernandez is a Cuban/Dominican stand-up comedian, actor, and writer who has opened for comedians like Jim Breuer and Gilbert Gottfried.

    Kearney is the first non-binary cast member in the show’s history. They recently had a part in Amazon Prime Video’s “A League of Their Own” TV series. Longfellow was recently featured in the “Netflix Is a Joke: The Festival,” as a notable up-and-comer. Finally, Walker has writing credits that include Netflix’s “Big Mouth” and Phoebe Robinson’s “Everything’s Trash.”

    This season saw the departure of multiple SNL veterans, including Staten Island native Pete Davidson and cast member Kate McKinnon. Recently, Chris Redd announced his departure from the show. During his time on the series, Redd scored a Primetime Emmy for outstanding original music and lyrics in 2018 for the song “Come Back Barack.”

    SNL Season 48
    Chris Redd, photo by Jeff Kravitz.

    In a statement, Redd said “Being a part of SNL has been the experience of a lifetime. Five years ago, I walked into 30 Rock knowing that this was an amazing opportunity for growth.”

    The season premieres on Oct 1 with host Miles Teller, and musical guest Kendrick Lamar. Teller makes his hosting debut, after a successful summer staring in the blockbuster sequel Top Gun: Maverick. Lamar has been a musical guest twice before, and is supporting his recent album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, which came out in May.

    Miles Teller and Kendrick Lamar kick off the season.

    On the Oct. 8 episode, renowned Irish actor Brendan Gleeson, star of The Banshees of Inisherin, will also make his hosting debut. The musical guest is Willow, daughter of Will Smith, who has amassed a large following with her hit songs “Wait a Minute!” “Meet Me At Our Spot,” and “emo girl” with Machine Gun Kelly.

    The final announcement is for the Oct. 15 episode, where Megan Thee Stallion will pull double duty as the host and musical guest. This isn’t her first time on the show, but her first time doing double duty. She will be supporting her new album Traumazine which came out Aug. 12.

    Lorne Michaels, creator of SNL, spoke about the new season at the Primetime Emmy Awards saying that season 48 is “a transition year, and the change years are always difficult. There are new people, and things are changing, and a different generation comes into the show.” The show won its sixth straight Emmy in the Variety Sketch Series category.

  • The Egg to host Leo Kottke, Albert Cummings and Jorma Kaukonen this Fall

    In its ongoing “American Roots & Branches” concert series The Egg will host Leo Kottke on October 28, Albert Cummings on November 19 and Jorma Kaukonen of Hot Tuna and Jefferson Airplane on December 13. The Egg is postponing Tommy Malone’s show, scheduled October 15, to a date unannounced at time of print. 

    Jorma Kaukonen, coming to The Egg on December 13.

    Leo Kottke – Friday October 28, 8pm

    Leo Kottke’s dextrosity on six and 12 string guitars has been developed and refined over more than four decades of musicianship. The acoustic gutairist’s lyrics, though scarce, are witty and eccentric, delivered in a deep baritone. In his most recent album, Noon, Kottke and frequent collaborator, Mike Gordon of Phish, layer their unconventional guitars and converging voices. Known for his stage presence and storytelling, Leo Kottke’s show at The Egg promises good humor and great guitar. 

    Albert Cummings – Saturday November 28, 7:30pm

    Returning to The Egg with Scot Sutherland and Warren Grant is New England blues guitarist and singer Albert Cummings. The artist’s newest album “TEN,” explores panging romance and subdued emotionality, paired with consistently impressive guitar stylings.  

    Jorma KaukonenTuesday December 13, 7:30pm

    For over half a century, Jorma Kaukonen has been a prolific force in American roots music, blues and rock. His career started as a back-up singer for Janis Joplin but Kaukonen found fame as a founding member of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. The guitarist is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of fame and is a Grammy recipient. Expect an intimate performance of traditional blues and Kaukonen’s originals.

    Tickets are currently on sale online at www.theegg.org, by telephone at 518-473-1845, or in person at The Egg Box Office Monday – Friday from 11 AM – 3 PM.  

  • Postmodern Jukebox “Life In The Past Lane” Tour makes 4 Stops in NY in 2023

    Postmodern Jukebox embarks on their “Life In The Past Lane” Concert Tour this fall, celebrating the greatest 20th century musical genres, fused with the recognizable hits of our own modern era, for the perfect patina of “vintage” and “modern.” The group brings the PMJ Universe to life with a cast full of exciting vocalists, instrumentalists, and tap dancers, leading to a top-shelf entertainment experience for which PMJ is known.

    Postmodern Jukebox

    When New York City pianist Scott Bradlee created Postmodern Jukebox out of a basement in Queens in 2011, his goal was simple: to remake the pop hits of today into the classic sounds of the legends of yesterday. Miley Cyrus became The Platters. Bruno Mars became Frank Sinatra. The Spice Girls became The Andrews Sisters. Guns ’n’ Roses became Bessie Smith.

    Nearly a decade later, Postmodern Jukebox has grown to become a pop culture mainstay in its own right, having played over a thousand shows on six continents worldwide — including acclaimed venues like Radio City Music Hall, Sydney Opera House, and Red Rocks Amphitheater. In the process, PMJ has introduced audience to many of the world’s greatest singers, dancers, and instrumentalist — many of whom have gone on to become stars in their own right.

    Postmodern Jukebox

    No matter your age, catch Postmodern Jukebox for a ride and an unforgettable trip through 100 years of timeless music.

    Postmodern Jukebox “Life In The Past Lane” Concert tourdates

    10-Mar-23 | Fri | Owensboro, KY | River Park Center
    | 15-Mar-23 | Wed | Troy, NY | Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
    | 16-Mar-23 | Thu | Keene, NH | Colonial Performing Arts Center
    | 17-Mar-23 | Fri | Great Barrington, MA | The Mahaiwe Theatre
    | 18-Mar-23 | Sat | Portland, ME | State Theater
    | 19-Mar-23 | Sun | Plymouth, NH | The Flying Monkey
    | 24-Mar-23 | Fri | New Haven, CT | College Street Music Hall
    | 25-Mar-23 | Sat | Bayside, NY | Queensborough Performing Arts Center
    | 28-Mar-23 | Tue | Akron, OH | EJ Thomas Hall
    | 30-Mar-23 | Thu | Poughkeepsie, NY | Bardavon
    | 31-Mar-23 | Fri | Verona, NY | Turning Stone
    | 4-Apr-23 | Tue | Charlotte, NC | Knight Theatre
    | 5-Apr-23 | Wed | Greensboro, NC | Piedmont Hall
    | 6-Apr-23 | Thu | Virginia Beach, VA | Sandler Center
    | 7-Apr-23 | Fri | Myrtle Beach, SC | House of Blues
    | 8-Apr-23 | Sat | Atlanta, GA | Woodruff Arts Center
    | 10-Apr-23 | Mon | Greenville, SC | Peace Center
    | 13-Apr-23 | Thu | West Palm Beach, FL | Kravis Center
    | 14-Apr-23 | Fri | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Parker Playhouse
    | 15-Apr-23 | Sat | Clearwater, FL | Ruth Eckerd Hall
    | 18-Apr-23 | Tue | Melbourne, FL | King Center
    | 19-Apr-23 | Wed | Jacksonville, FL | Florida Theater
    | 23-Apr-23 | Sun | Sarasota, FL | Van Wezel
    | 24-Apr-23 | Mon | Orlando, FL | Disney Hall

  • Billy Joel Announces 87th Monthly Show At Madison Square Garden

    Madison Square Garden Entertainment have announced that legendary musician and MSG’s first-ever music franchise, Billy Joel, has added another show as part of his record-breaking residency at the world’s most famous arena. Set for Friday, January 13, 2023, the show will mark 133rd lifetime concert at the Garden.

    Billy Joel had turned the garden into his personal residency

    In December 2013, Billy Joel was named the historic venue’s first-ever music franchise. In doing so, he joined the ranks of other monumental MSG franchises, the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. The record-breaking residency began in January 2014 with Joel playing one show every month at the Garden, “as long as the demand continues.”

    Fittingly, Billy Joel is one of the world’s biggest draw, having sold out arenas and stadiums across the globe. The grammy-winning musician is the sixth best-selling recording artist of all time and the third best-selling solo artist. Having sold over 150 million records and scoring 33 consecutive Top 40 hits. In 2016, the Library of Congress selected his debut North American single “Piano Man” for preservation in the National Recording Registry for its “cultural, historic, and artistic significance.”

    Billy Joel has been mesmerizing the Garden for decades.

    All in all, Billy Joe’s residency at the Garden is no accident. Joel brings prestige to an already prestigious venue. Fans of the “piano man” have watched him ascend to legendary status. Joel has been inducted into the Songwriter’s and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Mr. Long Island also received a TONY award for “Movin’ Out,” a Broadway musical based on Joel’s music.

    Ticketing Information

    Citi cardmembers will have first access to presale tickets. Beginning Monday, September 19 at 10:00 a.m. through Thursday, September 22 at 10:00 p.m. via www.citientertainment.com.

    Tickets will be available for purchase by the general public beginning at 10:00 a.m. (east) on Friday, September 23 via www.ticketmaster.com. Due to congestion and high-demand, it can be difficult to purchase tickets right away, so continue to check Ticketmaster throughout the day.

  • Charlie Puth Announces “One Night Only” Tour, Beacon Theatre Show in October

    Singer/songwriter/producer Charlie Puth has announced he will bring his forthcoming third studio album, CHARLIE, to fans around across North America with the ‘One Night Only’ tour. A run of only eight shows North America and Canada this fall, the run of intimate underplay shows will kick off in New Jersey on October 23 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts followed by a performance at the Beacon Theatre on October 25, 2022.

    charlie puth

    Gearing up to release his highly anticipated third studio album CHARLIE, due October 7th via Atlantic Records, Puth has taken his fans along every step of the way. With the ‘One Night Only’ tour, he welcomes them up close and personal as puts his most personal body of work to date on display. 

    Releasing his newest track, “I Don’t Think That I Like Her,” Puth leans into a heavily voice-led melody while Travis Barker holds down a robust beat on drums to create a high-energy punk-style refrain.

    Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, September 23 at 10 AM. To access presale and find further ticket details head to charlieputh.com/tour

    charlie puth

    Despite being weeks out from its’ release, CHARLIE, has already surpassed one billion global streams with the help of  latest releases “Smells Like Me,” “That’s Hilarious,” “Light Switch” and current single “Left and Right [feat. Jung Kook of BTS] which has garnered over 370 million streams alone and stands as Puth’s most successful chart debut to date. Continuing that momentum, he recently dropped a dynamic remix of the hit collaboration track with the help of GRAMMY-nominated electronic music duo Galantis.

    ‘One Night Only’ Tour Dates:

    10/23/22 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center for the Arts

    10/25/22 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

    10/27/22 – Toronto, ON, CAN – Massey Hall

    10/29/22 – Washington, DC – Warner Theatre

    10/31/22 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre

    11/3/22 – Chicago, IL – Auditorium Theatre

    11/7/22 – San Francisco, CA – Davies Symphony Hall

    11/9/22 – Los Angeles, CA – The Theatre at Ace Hotel

  • Phil Lesh and Friends Lineups for October at Capitol Theatre Announced

    The lineup for three weekends of Phil Lesh and Friends at The Capitol Theatre this October have been announced, featuring some familiar names, some familial names, and some newcomers to the Phil and Friends family.

    phil lesh and friends

    The first weekend begins on Friday, October 14 when Phil will be joined by John Scofield, Eric Krasno, Karl Denson, Phil’s son Graham Lesh, Ivan Neville (October 14 + 16), Steve Molitz (October 15), and Alex Koford. This eclectic group of all-star rockers is the perfect group to bring everyone together for a weekend of dancing and jamming.

    Next up, Phil Lesh will invite Friends for a star-studded lineup featuring Rick Mitarotonda of Goose, Grahame Lesh, James Casey, Natalie Cressman, and Jennifer Hartswick, best known for their work in the Trey Anastasio Band, and John Medeski, and John Molo for an incredible psychedlic weekend October 21, 22 + 23.

    Lastly, Phil-o-Ween’s stacked roster features new members to Phil’s Capitol bands with Marcus King (October 28 + 29), Duane Betts (October 31), and longtime favorite collaborators Eric Krasno, Grahame Lesh, Nicki Bluhm, Jason Crosby, and Tony Leone!

    Get tickets to the Phil and Friends shows at The Capitol Theatre here and don’t miss another legendary run this October!

  • Snarky Puppy Release Single “Belmont” off Upcoming Album “Empire Central”

    Snarky Puppy has released their new instrumental track “Belmont” and has announced the release of an album titled Empire Central, paying homage to NYC, which made the band who they are today.

    snarky puppy

    The group are four-time Grammy award winners and are one of the most respected names in the instrumental music industry. Formed in 2004, the group is led by bassist Michael League. The group combines a variety of jazz idioms, rock, world music, and funk.

    Snarky Puppy has always been a band that prioritizes the sound of the music. On this record there was some collaboration in the writing process but when a song goes to the band and the players start making suggestions or changing things our collective feeling really comes through. The songs ended up being a lot more direct and funkier than those on our previous records. I think it reflects the many moods of the city’s scene.

    Michael League

    Their new single “Belmont” is a funky ballad, featuring many different people and instruments, like a tenor sax, flugelhorn, drums, distorted violins, and percussion. The track is over six minutes long but goes by so quickly. It was arranged beautifully, with rises and falls, and one can’t help but sway to the music. The sound engineers were also amazing here, as each instrument is isolated and you are able to hear each one clearly.

    The album Empire Central references NYC, and is a 16-track record recorded live in front of a studio audience at the Deep Ellum Art Company in Dallas, TX over eight nights. On the record, there are over 20 artists, including three guitarists, four keyboardists, two brass, two reeds, a violinist, multiple percussionists and drummers, and League on bass.

    Snarky Puppy is also going on tour to support the album, with shows in Buffalo at the Town Ballroom on April 6, NYC at the Beacon Theatre on April 13, and Ithaca at the Cornell University Concert Series on April 16. Tickets for those shows are on sale here. The new record comes out Sept. 30 and will be available on all streaming platforms.