NYS Music 202​2

Category: News Desk

  • Festival of Possibilities to Begin on July 16 in NYC

    On July 16 and 17, The Foundation for New American Art will present the Festival of Possibilities to the Lower East Side at The Clemente Solo Velez Cultural & Education Center.

    Over the course of the two-day event, audiences can experience performances from artists all over the world, including from Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The festival is family-friendly and free for all to attend. On Saturday, July 16, the event will run from 7 pm to 10 pm and Saturday programming will run from 11 am to 5 pm.

    The first day of the festival includes Tamir Hargana, a Mongolian Throat Singer, Columbian vocalist Maria Raquel, and Salieu Suso, an “edu-tainer” from Africa. After each of the performances, Phoebe Legere, the President of the Foundation for New American Art, will interview the artists in Spanish and English as well as act as Master of Ceremonies during the entirety of the event.

    On Sunday, the festival continues with a full day of programming. There will be fun and educational activities and workshops for all. Some of the programs include Mongolian singing, Cumbia Villera, art workshops, drumming, Zen tango, puppets, dancing, and more. The finale of the event will see a performance from a pan-Latin Dance Orchestra.

    Foundation for New American Art in NYC is using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.

    -NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers

    The Foundation for New American Art is a nonprofit organization in NYC that is passionate about providing spaces for the artists of tomorrow. The multi-cultural arts, music, and educational Festival of Possibilities is a great way to do just that. For a full list of programming and more information, visit the organization’s website.

  • U.S. Postal Service Honors Pete Seeger with New Stamp

    On July 21, in Newport, RI, the United States Postal Service will honor folk musician Pete Seeger with a unique stamp as part of their Music Icon Series.

    The Pete Seeger Stamp from U.S. Postal Service

    Pete Seeger, known for his American folk music and social activism, was born in Manhattan in 1919.  Over the course of his long career, one of his most famous songs includes “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” which became a hit for its anti-war stance. Other songs of Seeger’s rose to popularity in the ‘60s, such as “If I Had a Hammer” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!”

    Seeger’s work as a musician and activist inspired many – including artists Bob Dylan and Tom Morello. His adaptation of the spiritual, “We Shall Overcome,” became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. The folk singer truly believed the power of song could transform and spur people into action for good and he continues to be a huge influence in music to this day.

    The Pete Seeger stamp will be the newest and 10th stamp in the U.S. Postal Service’s Music Icon series which began in 2013. Other musicians who have been honored include, in order, Lydia Mendoza, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Sarah Vaughan, John Lennon, and Marvin Gaye.

    The stamp is based on a photograph of Seeger taken in the early 1960s by his son, Dan Seeger. With his iconic banjo in hand, Seeger performs in the picture as he did for much of his life. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed this latest stamp issue and the black-and-white original photo was color-tinted by Kristen Monthei. 

    A recipient of multiple Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993, Seeger will long be remembered for his music and his contribution to American political activism.

    Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.

  • Deep In The Valley Festival Announces Lineup

    The Deep In The Valley Music Festival in Red Hook has announced its lineup. The festival will be held on August 20 at From The Ground Brewery.

    Deep In The Valley festival

    The festival is a one-day celebration of music featuring folk, psychedelic, experimental, jazz, and indie music, with local artists and more.

    From The Ground Brewery is a New York State Farm Brewery that is committed to using New York State grown ingredients. It will be a beautiful backdrop for the day of music.

    The lineup features a lot local and national artists. There are also a wide variety of genres going to be played during the day. Dominick & the Family Band will bring their country rock music to the stage while Joseph Allred will have a blend of soulful bluegrass and fingerpicked folk songs.

    Artists like Elkhorn will play deep psychedelic folk anthems, and Ashley Paul brings a mix of free jazz and shoegaze. The show will find Chris Forsyth pairing in a one-time trio with percussionist and perennial collaborator Ryan Jewell, and experimental luminary Bill Nace.

    To end the show, Wet Tuna brings their dubstep tunes contrasted with Jeffrey Alexander and The Heavy Lidders’ wiry psychedelic Americana and experimental blues. The legendary Laraaji will bring the show to a close with a sunset set.

    For more information about the Deep In The Valley Festival and to buy tickets, go here.

  • Unfiltered Jazz Festival Presented by Fotografiska New York Announced

    The inaugural Unfiltered Jazz Festival presented by Fotografiska New York announced its lineup featuring some of the international music scene’s leading voices at one of the most unique venues in NYC.

    Unfiltered Jazz Festival venue.
    Fotografiska New York

    Fotografiska is a museum experience founded in Stockholm in 2010. It is a place to discover world-class photography, broad-ranging programming, amazing dining options, and more. It produces dynamic and unparalleled rotating exhibitions, spanning various photographic genres, with the mission to inspire a more conscious world through photography.

    The Unfiltered Jazz Festival will happen on July 7, 14, 20, 21, and 22 and will be hosted in the museum’s stunning Loft space, celebrating New York City’s diverse musical heritage.

    July 7 Unfiltered Jazz Festival Night I

    Kicking off the festival is the record release for keyboardist/composer Erik Deutsch‘s eighth album La Nuit Blanche. The album translates as the white night and expresses what we all consider an all-nighter. The night will begin with Stuart Bogie’s newest improvising group, who was in the likes of Arcade Fire, Antibalas, JRAD, and more.

    July 14 Night II

    Night II includes a reunion show for Jennifer Hartswick’s beloved band of the 2000s, presented in
    collaboration with Dezron Douglas.

    I am thrilled to spend the evening with three of my dearest friends, Dezron Douglas, Conor Elmes, and Joe Davidian. We have all been making music with each other since childhood, but it’s been years since we were on the same bandstand together…it is sure to be an epic reunion.

    Jennifer Hartswick

    July 20 Night III

    Composer/trumpet player Jeff Beal returns to his roots in an evening of intimate chamber jazz, featuring world-renowned bassist John Patitucci and guitarist Steve Cardenas. Beal’s music has been featured in House Of Cards, having composed the score and played trumpet in the main title theme.

    July 21 Night IV

    Grammy-nominated harpist Brandee Younger and critically acclaimed Blue Note Records recording artist, vibraphonist Joel Ross. Younger is a classically trained musician and is known for expressive interpretations of traditional harp repertoire. Ross refines an expression true to himself and his generation, and in 2019 released Edison Award-winning Record KingMaker.

    July 22 Night V

    The final night features Brooklyn Raga Massive in a tribute to John McLaughlin with The Emerald Beyond. They continue to bring the world’s hottest fusion of Indian Classical and Jazz to Fotografiska.

    For more information about the Unfiltered Jazz Festival and to buy tickets, go here.

  • Runaway New York Presents “Nights”

    Runaway New York presents “Nights,” a micro festival for the youth, by the youth, taking place on Saturday, July 16th. With its current outreach mission, Runaway New York aims to share its platform with other budding creatives. You won’t want to miss what this event has in store. 

    Runaway New York Presents "Nights"

    Runaway New York is a fashion and lifestyle brand founded in New York City in 2018 by Jagger Walk, the brand’s CEO, and Creative Director. From creating apparel, fragrances, and jewelry, the brand prioritizes quality and values giving back to its beloved city. The band has even collaborated with Pharell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club. Overall, to Runaway New York, the sky is the limit.

    Runaway New York Presents "Nights"

    After their first Nights event in London, the brand wanted to bring the concept back to New York where it originally came from. The show is headlined by Laundry Day and a special guest, who will be announced leading up to the event.  

    Industry City is the perfect place to debut Nights in New York City for many reasons. From its location to the amenities, and general atmosphere, we felt this would be the most fitting setting for the event

    Jack Berk, one of the event’s organizers

    Partnering with artist Tyler Miller and his manager Jack Berk; the three have come together to bring Brooklyn a “micro” festival made by the youth for the youth. Tyler Miller, Carlo Redl, and Chad Nelson will open the show which will be accompanied by exclusive Runaway New York merchandise. 

    The show will take place at Industry City Courtyard 1/2 and tickets will be sold to the public for all ages. Food and drink will be available for purchase as well. The doors open at 6:00 PM and the show is expected to go on until 11:00 PM. 

    For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link here.

  • Cooperstown Summer Music Festival Returns

    The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival returns for its 24th season with five shows throughout August, following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

    Cooperstown Summer Music Festival

    Founded in 1999 by flutist Linda Chesis, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has been bringing world-class chamber music performances to the Cooperstown area. The festival has featured performances by the American, Juilliard, St. Lawrence, Jupiter and Jasper, String Quartets, and more.

    This season, we are offering the Cooperstown community a collection of performances spanning an exceptionally wide range of musical styles and traditions.

    Festival Founder and Artistic Director Linda Chesis

    The Cooperstown Music Festival Lineup

    Aug. 2, 7-9 P.M.- Imani Winds

    Grammy-nominated quintet Imani Winds are famous for their innovative programming and dynamic performances. They bring fresh energy and technical expertise.

    Aug. 8, 7-9 P.M.- Verona String Quartet

    The Verona String Quartet are multi-award winners and are returning to the festival with a program of Puccini, Beethoven, and Dvorak’s beloved “American” Quartet. 

    Aug. 16, 7-9 P.M.- Caroga Arts Ensemble: “Musical Kaleidoscope”

    Led by cellist Kyle Price, the Caroga Arts Ensemble will offer a program ranging from bluegrass and classical to jazz and pop. 

    Aug. 22, 7-9 P.M.- Violinist Danbi Um and guitarist Jiji

    Danbi Um and Jiji will join forces for a genre-spanning program that includes works by Corelli, Paganini, Piazzolla, and Ella Fitzgerald.

    Aug. 29, 7-9 P.M.- Trio da Paz

    Grammy-nominated Brazilian supergroup Trio De Paz will transport the audience to South America with an evening of jazz.

    For more information about The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival and to buy tickets, go here.

  • First Queens Rising Comes to a Triumphant Close

    The Queens Rising celebration that took place during the month of June has come to an end with much success. The first annual initiative in Queens celebrated the borough’s culture and creativity across the entire month. Nearly 250 events and exhibitions were held for the entire community to enjoy.

    Photo Credit: Lizzie Butler

    Queens Rising brought together more than 70 organizations – each showing diverse programs and interests. Programs such as dances, film screenings, street fairs, Juneteenth events, Pride programming, and more were offered in multiple languages for audiences of all ages to participate in.

    Each week Queens Rising also offered a networking happy hour for members of the borough’s arts and cultural community to connect throughout Queens. The last networking event was a success and took place on June 30 at the Culture Lab LIC.

    Photo Credit: Lizzie Butler

    The success of this initiative is truly a tribute to our mutual commitment to amplify the cultural vitality of our borough’s arts organizations and artists, and to draw local, national and international audiences to venues throughout Queens.

    -Jeffrey Rosenstock, Assistant Vice President for Governmental Relations & External Affairs at Queens College, and member of the Queens Rising Planning Committee

    The celebration is already looking forward to the future with plans for 2023.  Although much of this June’s programming was free, Queens Rising is partnering with Howard Gilman Foundation to further promote the celebration in Queens.

    Our foundation believes in the importance of a thriving and vibrant arts ecosystem in New York City, and Queens Rising’s vision and work is a terrific match with our mission … Queens Rising has had an amazing first year, and we’re very proud to support the initiative’s efforts in 2023 as it continues to grow and strengthen the arts community in the fabulous borough of Queens. 

    -Laura Aden, President and CEO of the Howard Gilman Foundation
    Photo Credit: Lizzie Butler

    For more information about the June celebration, or ways to get involved in the future, click here.

    2022 Queens Rising Collaborators: 

    A Better Jamaica | AIMI | Allure Art Studio | American Folk Art Museum | APAC | Art House Astoria | Artist for Artist | Art Retail Therapy | Astoria Music Collective | Astoria Park Alliance | Back to the Lab | Bayside Village BID | The Blue Bus Project | Bowne House Historical Society | Center for the Women of New York | The Chocolate Factory | The Church-in-the-Gardens | Culture Lab LIC | Dance Entropy/Green Space | Diverse Streets Initiative  | Dancing Classrooms | Eckerd Connects | FitzgeraldArt | Flushing Town Hall | Forest Hills Choir | Forest Hills Stadium | Friends of Crocheron & John Golden Park | Friends of Maple Grove | The Garage Art Center, Inc. | Glow Community Center | The Godwin-Ternbach Museum | Greater Astoria Historical Society | Indo-American Arts and Cultural Forum | Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning | Juneteeth in Queens | King Manor Museum | Kings County Fiber Festival | Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc. | Kupferberg Center for the Arts | LaGuardia Performing Arts Center | Lewis Latimer House Museum | Local Project Art Space | Long Island City Partnership | Louis Armstrong House Museum | Make Music New York | Maspeth Squash | MoMA PS1 | Museum of the Moving Image | Musica Reginae Productions | New York Hall of Science | NYC Department of Transportation | QED | The Queens Borough President’s Office | Queens Botanical Garden | Queens Chamber of Commerce | Queens Economic Development Corporation | Queens Historical Society | Queens Museum | Queens Night Market | Queens Public Library | Queens Symphony Orchestra | Queens Theatre | Queens Tourism Council | Queens Underground International Black and Brown Film Festival and The Artist Market NYC Live | Queens World Film Festival | Queensboro Dance Festival | Queensborough Performing Arts Center | Random Access Music | RISE Rockaway | School of Rock Queens | SEQ Cleanup  | Socrates Sculpture Park | South East Queens Artist Alliance| South Queens Women’s March | Thalia Spanish Theatre, Inc. | Theatre Beyond Broadway | Voelker Orth Museum | VP Music Group | Wild Heart Performing Arts Studio | Woodhaven BID | Women in Comics Collective International | Yeh Art Gallery, St. John’s University

    Video produced by Colibri Workshop

  • The Mars Volta Release ‘Graveyard Love’ From Upcoming LP, Extend Reunion Tour

    Only a couple of weeks after releasing their first new song in over a decade, The Mars Volta have given fans a second taste of their forthcoming album with “Graveyard Love”. Check out the new song over on the band’s BandCamp page and watch the accompanying short film below.

    “Graveyard Love” short film, by The Mars Volta

    Earlier this week, the band unveiled a digital version of L’YTOME HODORXÍ TELESTERION, the immersive cube that first appeared in Los Angeles ahead of the release of lead single “Blacklight Shine”. Aside from experiencing the cube in AR form, fans were guided on a digital scavenger hunt, finding pieces of the “Graveyard Love” cover art.

    The song shows The Mars Volta continuing their evolution while providing fans with a diverse look into their new sound. Lead single “Blacklight Shine” fully embraced a Latin-pop fusion with driving bongo percussions and choppy salsa-laced guitars all backed by vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s Spanish storytelling. “Graveyard Love” slows it down a touch with eery synths and bass tones shimmering behind a mysterious ballad before the beat picks up and Cedric’s “I don’t want to remember…” mantra battles a swirling retro synth. While describing the story behind the song, Cedric says “They will seek your ruin, and burn your lands, because if they can’t have you, no one can.”

    “Graveyard Love” Cover Art

    Just like the short film for “Blacklight Shine”, this new film also takes place in Puerto Rico. The video highlights small elements of life and culture on the island, with a focus on the people. A couple minutes into the film, the song plays before fading out and allowing the video to continue to show life on the island. In the description, there is a historical timeline of many of the natural and man-made events that hindered Puerto Rico’s advances toward independence with the final entry reading “2022 STILL A COLONY.” Coupled with this film, the mysterious lyrics of the song try to paint a picture of Puerto Rican life rich in culture, yet dark and oppressed in history.

    The Mars Volta have always been a mysteriously complex band with their musical compositions, vocal story-telling, and imagery. Each of their six previous albums are prog-rock odysseys with deeply emotional stories and extremely dense and layered instrumentals. Hailed as a masterpiece by devoted fans and music critics, their 2003 debut album De-Loused In The Comatorium reshaped what progressive, post-hardcore, and art-rock could be in the new millennium.

    Omar and Cedric have fronted several bands together (At The Drive-In, The Mars Volta, and Antemasque) and Omar has more than 50 albums credited to his various solo projects. Their collective music has evolved and cycled for over 25 years as a parade of extraordinarily talented musicians joined the backing bands for all of these various projects. Not all of these projects were fully realized into albums and tours, but in the 2010s the Omar Rodríguez-López Group was reborn. Several tours with large and small bands occurred and in 2016 Rodríguez-López cleared the backlog by releasing one album a week for months.

    The Mars Volta was quite consistent with their first four LPs up until Octahedron was released in 2009. Described by Omar as the band’s “acoustic album,” Octahedron is the shortest of the catalog and did see a sharp change in sound, favoring acoustic guitars and ballads while surrounding them with layered prog-rock bangers. Noctourniquet came three years later which also attempted to bring something new to the mix. With shorter and more accessible song structures, the band crafted a futuristic and psychedelic landscape backed by the loosest and most avant-garde drumming style courtesy of Deantoni Parks.

    While details for the yet-to-be-named seventh album have not been announced, it is clear from the lead singles that The Mars Volta are about to release the most unique part of their discography. Currently in the music industry, we are being inundated with legacy and long-standing bands putting out new music to mixed results. What has become clear is that bands who try and reinvent their debuts often release mediocre albums that fade away quickly after release. The Mars Volta on the other hand, are trying to write music that reflects where the band is in 2022. Rather than revisiting 15-minute long, mind-numbingly complex prog-rock screamers, Omar and Cedric are embracing their Latin-pop roots and reimagining it with modern flare. While on first listen “Blacklight Shine” and “Graveyard Love” seem alien to Volta die-hards, the more you dig in the more classic Volta elements you hear under the surface. After a decade-plus hiatus The Mars Volta have returned, matured by age but as rooted as ever.

    Omar Rodríguez-López (left) and Cedric Bixler-Zavala (right). Photo by Fat Bob

    The band kicks off their reunion tour in late September, with their first show in 13 years happening in Dallas, Texas at The Factory in Deep Ellum. The Mars Volta will be in New York City for two sold-out shows at Terminal 5 on September 29th and 30th. Head over to the band’s website for full tour details.

  • Farming Man Returns to Indian Ladder Farms on July 16

    The Farming Man Fest returns to Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont on Saturday, July 16, from 2 pm to 11 pm.

    The celebration paused due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but is back and better than ever, offering attendees hours of live music and craft beverages. The fest will celebrate with 28 breweries, 4 distilleries, 7 bands, and 4 DJs over the course of 9 hours.

    Farming Man, formerly known as Bottle Share, began in 2014 with about 10 breweries with the aim to help the industry grow and network. After just a few years, the fest has successfully grown after being first opened completely to the public in 2018.

    Visitors can take in the scenery of the century-old Indian Ladder Farms orchards as they make their way to the back of the farm where the fest will take place overseeing views of the Helderberg Escarpment. Producers from all over New York State will meet them there with brews and ciders to enjoy as they take in the live music.

    This year’s featured bands include The Jagaloons, Televisionaries, The Abyssmals, Bruel County Bad Boys, BattleaXXX, Mystery Girl, The College Farm, and DJs Big Ed, Ritz Carlton, and Spacewolf with Masterpeace.

    Another highlight of the festival will be the premiere of “Farming Man the Beer,” which Indian Ladder Farms Cidery and Brewery Head Brewer, Scott Veltman, will taste on the day of the festival. Multiple breweries collaborated with Indian Ladder Farms, including Common Roots Brewing, Plan Bee, Wayward Lane, and others.

    Tickets for those who wish to just enjoy music and food are $25. General Admission for those 21+ are $30, and includes a commemorative pint glass. Kids under 13 years of age are free. For more information and tickets, click here.

    The full list of participating breweries and distilleries can be found below.

    Arrowood Farms Brewery, Artisanal Brew Works, Big aLICe Brewing, Bolton Landing Brewing, Bound By Fate, Brewery at CIA, Brooklyn Cider House, Browns, Common Roots Brewing, Community Beerworks, Creature Comforts, Frog Alley, Helderberg Mountain Brewing, Mixed Breed Brewing, Nine Pin, ONCO Fermentations, Paradox, Rare Form, Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company, Rockaway Brewing, Saint James Brewery, Single Cut Beersmiths, Strong Rope Brewery, Unified Beerworks, Wayward Lane, Whitman Brewing Company, Woodstock, and The Warbler Brewery, Albany Distilling Co., Four Fights Distillery, Kings County Distillery, and New Scotland Spirits.

  • Inaugural “Relix Rock Camp” With Phil Lesh and John Scofield, Announced for October

    Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp has partnered with Relix for inaugural Relix Rock Camp in New York City, to be held October 27-30. Featuring legendary bassist Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead), guitarist John Scofield (Miles Davis) and sacred steel guitarist Robert Randolph (Robert Randolph and the Family Band), this is a once in a lifetime change to jam and spend four days jamming with these musicians and more.

    Relix Rock Camp
    Relix Rock Camp

    Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp was created 25 years ago to provide real people the once-in-a-lifetime
    experience of connecting and jamming with their musical heroes. The Camp has provided unforgettable
    memories, advice and feedback for attendees worldwide. Camp events span over four jam packed days
    where campers join a band mentored by today’s top touring musicians, and work up to final
    performances with the headliner rockstars at legendary venues from Abbey Road Studios in London, to
    Hollywood’s Whisky A Go Go, to the Atlantic resort in The Bahamas.

    Relix Fantasy Camp is a musical experience for musicians and vocalists to take their skills and confidence to the next level, realize their dreams are possible, and create bonds and friendships for life with fellow aspiring musicians. The camp features four full days of jamming, masterclasses, instruction and exclusive Q&A’s in a private studio to prepare campers to jam. Finally the Camp holds a final showcase performance in front of family, friends, and jamband fans at The Cutting Room in NYC.

    I’m so excited to offer campers the opportunity to jam with the legendary original bass player of the Grateful Dead Phil Lesh and so many other incredible musicians. On top of it, to partner with Peter Shapiro and the entire Relix team for this camp is an honor. In the past we have had the pleasure of having Mickey Hart, Jeff Beck, Brian Wilson, Roger Daltrey, Bill Wyman, Alice Cooper and more at our Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camps, and we are excited to welcome these new first time artists joining us at this camp.

    Rock Camp founder David Fishof

    Rockstar mentors include Gary Hoey, Derek St. Holmes, Scott Sharrard (Little Feat / Gregg Allman Band), Alex Koford & Ross James (Terrapin Family Band), Tony Leone (Little Feat), Tash Neal (London Souls), Steve Leisman (Stella Blues Band), Lo Faber (God Street Wine), Leslie Mendelson, Michael Falzarano (Hot Tuna), Fuzz (Deep Banana Blackout) and more. For more information, visit Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp.