New York has passed new ticket regulations that state that ticket sellers must include fee costs upfront and resellers must disclose how much they spent on the original ticket. It will also be illegal to resell tickets if they were originally free.
New York’s assembly passed the ticket regulation bill on Friday, and now it awaits New York Governor Kathy Hochul to sign it into law. The ticket market, notably sites like Ticketmaster, are notorious for their hidden fees, and as John Oliver said “one of the most hated companies on Earth.”
NY’s ticket regulations will allow for better transparency so customers can make informed decisions on if they want to buy the ticket, and if they are being taken advantage of. New York State Senator James Skoufis, who sponsored the bill, spoke in a statement about it.
Information is power in this space as it is in any other marketplace. When we pass regulations like this, people will be able to know ‘am I getting a good deal or a bad deal.’ If they’re getting a bad deal and if they get marked up three, four, 10 times and they still want to buy the ticket, God bless them. But they deserve to know the answer to that fundamental question: Am I getting ripped off here or not?
New York State Senator James Skoufis
However, NY’s ticket regulations won’t stop predatory scalping and high fees prevalent in the industry. Skoufis says he wanted other improvements towards joint ticketing issues, like adjusting the high fees and preventing holdback (tickets a promoter holds on to that aren’t made publicly available for purchase).
AXS CEO Bryan Perez praised the new policy and said he is happy NY is implementing it in a statement.
We are very much a part of the official ticketing ecosystem, and we are always trying to do things that benefit the fan on behalf of performers, athletes and teams. The challenge in our industry is the fragmentation that if everyone who plays doesn’t play by the same rules, it creates a bad situation for all of us. The fact that New York can apply it to all ticketing sites that operate in New York we think is a good thing, and it’s exactly what needs to happen to create an even and fair playing field for the consumer.
AXS CEO Bryan Perez
New York’s new ticket regulations are a step in the right direction to help prevent common problems in the ticket industry. Be sure to use CashorTrade for face value tickets.
The Village of Lake George plays host to a number of music series throughout the summer, starting with Memorial Meltdown in May, ending with ADK Independence Fest in September, and free music series filling in the months between.
Free to the public in Lake George is the Fridays on Summer Concert Series at Shepard Park, starting on Friday, June 10. Eleven performances in all will be held, leading up to the finale on September 2.
The final Friday at the Lake of the season comes to Shepard Park on Friday, September 2, featuring two of the Northeast’s premier party bands: Kick (7:30-9:30) and The Schmooze (6:00-7:10). The Hartford Current newspaper music critic calls Kick “by far the best modern rock cover band I’ve ever seen.” Formed in 1996, Kick has a broad repertoire of over 400 songs covering many genres. This has allowed them to open in concert for such diverse national acts as Duran Duran, Staind (grunge rock), Reel Big Fish (ska) and Biz Markie (rap). They have played on the Las Vegas strip, the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Rentschler Stadium (University of Connecticut football games) and Madison Square Garden for the Stanley Cub Playoffs. They have played in casinos, arenas, stadiums and resorts nationwide.
Opening the show will be one of the region’s premier party bands for the past 15 years, The Schmooze. They will get the party rocking with their versions of rock, pop, dance and country cover tunes that will have the crowd dancing and singing along.
Kicking off the series on June 10 is an evening of classic rock, headlined by legendary regional favorites E.B. Jeb. The band is celebrating more than 40 years together and is the northeast’s “go to “ band for the Southern Rock genre. The eight piece band features two drummers, similar to the Allman Brothers’ configuration. E.B. Jeb has opened for many national acts, including Charlie Daniels, The Outlaws, Molly Hatchet and Blackfoot.
Opening on Friday, June 10 is The Blue Moon Band, a premier classic rock band from the Lake George region. Their music includes covers by Santana, Bob Dylan and classic/southern rock hits and will perform from 6:00-7:10, with E.B. Jeb playing from 7:30-9:30.
All shows are free to the public, and there will be vendors selling food and beverages.
Saturday, June 11 will feature a special night of music for Saturday on the Lake A special Saturday concert at Shepard Park will feature a night of classic rock as The Trilogy Tribute will take the audience on a musical journey to the 60s and 70s with tributes to Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, Jim Morrison of The Doors and Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane. The Trilogy performers recreate the persona of each icon while performing the hit songs that enshrined these legends into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Classic Rock Productions concerts like the Trilogy Tribute have headlined shows at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City for the past ten years, including “The Deckstock Festival” tribute to Woodstock.
Opening act Bluz House Rockers are celebrating their 26th year as a seven piece configuration that includes two keyboard players and six members singing lead vocals and harmonies. They have been inducted into the New York State Blues Hall of Fame, and Trish Anderson’s “Three Dollar Bill” went to #2 on the Top 100 charts in Denmark. They are well known in the Glens Falls/Lake George region, having played Summer Jam, Taste of the North Country, Balloon Fest and Save the Lake.
On July 1, Soul Session is the headline act for Friday at the Lake at Shepard Park in Lake George. Soul Session, featuring band leader and lead vocalist, Garland Nelson, has presented high energy junk and R&B renditions of your favorite hit songs. In 2019, Garland won Eddies Award for “Best R&B Vocalist” and Soul Session won “Best Band in the Capital Region.” Garland connects with the audience and creates an atmosphere of Live and Celebration at his shows. He just performed on SPAC’s main stage as part of the annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, and will perform at Friday at the Lake 7:30-9:30 pm.
Opening the show from 6:00-7:10 is the dynamic duo Yellow Dog. John Repko and Jason Young have been rockin the Capital District for 29 years and have the biggest sound of any duo and play a variety of classic hits that will have the audience singing along.
On Friday, July 15, the New York Players will perform from 7:30-9:30 pm at Shepard Park. The Players are widely recognized over the past many years as being the #1 dance band in the region. They have several vocalists who sing lead and harmonies and an awesome horn section. They have performed at many galas and corporate events and are sure to bring a non-stop party to Fridays at the Lake.
Opening the show from 6:00-7:10 are Tumblin Dice, a Rolling Stones tribute band led by Lake George favorite, Jonathan Newell. Get there by 6:00 pm to catch your favorite Rolling Stones songs. All Fridays at the Lake are free to the public, and there are food, beer and wine vendors on site.
Carmen and Life’s Guilty Pleasures headline Friday at the Lake at Shepard Park in Lake George on Friday, July 22 from 7:30-9:30. Carmen is making a name for herself throughout the region for her stunning vocals and unforgettable stage presence. She has been lead singer with Grand Central Station, the Silver Arrow Band and Band of Gold. Their mix of dance hits from the 50s to today will energize the crowd, and a few musical surprises will be part of the mix as well.
The Ultimates will open the show, performing from 6:00-7:10. While they are a fairly new band from Saratoga, they consist of musicians well known in the region (two from Bad Chaperones and one from Dealt the Blues). Singer/guitarist Travis Rockenstire leads the band, singing amazing covers from John Cougar to Ed Sheeran, Springsteen to Harry Styles.
Over August 5-7, the three day Rockin for Ronald Benefit Concerts will support Ronald McDonald House Charities who have served families whose children are fighting serious illnesses in area hospitals for decades. The three-day, eight band festival on August 5, 6 and 7 is designed to raise money and awareness about the role Krantz Cottage serves as a Ronald McDonald house for families. The festival raises funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Krantz Cottage in Lake George, a beautiful four bedroom home that offers a beautiful, natural setting where families can stay free of charge while their child is receiving medical care for serious illnesses in nearby hospitals.
Friday at the Lake on August 5th kicks off the three day festival with two of the region’s most popular and acclaimed bands. Skeeter Creek has not only been the undisputed #1 country band our region; they are arguably the number one band in the region regardless of genre. In the Metroland readers poll, they won Country Band of the Year eight different years; were recognized by the Northeast country Music Association in various categories, including vocal group of the year; won the Colgate Country Showdown in the Albany region; won Froggy 100.7’s Country Shootout multiple times; won the Times Union’s Readers Poll six times and was named the Best Local Band three times in the Daily Gazette’s Readers Poll. Skeeter Creek will perform from 7:30-9:30.
Opening act, the Bluz House Rockers, are celebrating their 27th year in 2022. While they are honored to be members of the New York State Blues Hall of Fame, the Rockers have a varied repertoire, covering everyone from Frank Sinatra to the Allman Brothers. The fact that six of their seven members sing lead and/or harmony results in their ability to present a wide variety musical styles.
Headlining on Saturday is a fantastic tribute to the music of Steely Dan comprised of an all-star lineup of musicians, Reelin in the Years, a Woodstock based band led by drummer Jerry Marotta who has recorded and toured with Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Hall & Oates, Sarah McLachlan and the Indigo Girls. Guitarist Jesse Gress works with Todd Rundgren and Tony Levin and was former music editor of “Guitar Player.” Guitarist Matt Finck worked with Randy Brecker and John Medeski. Jennifer Maidman on bass performed with Boy George and Loudon Wainwright. David Jameson will be on keyboards. Vocalist Lindsey Skeye’s band “Skeye” has received over 12 million views on YouTube. Her cover of Radiohead’s “Karma Police” was included in HBO’s “Girls” and Fox’s “9-1-1.” The four-piece horn section includes Bill Harris (worked with Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen) and Don Mikkelsen, who worked with Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Peter Gabriel. This is a huge treat for music fans of all ages.
Saturday’s schedule
3:00-4:30 The Dirty Harri’s
5:00-7:00 The Newells
7:30-9:30 Reelin in the Years
Sunday’s Schedule
1:30-3:30 Jacquelin Mignot and the Family Band
4:00-6:00 Last Band Left
6:30-8:30 New York Players
The Newells are a family affair. Jonathan and Jennifer Newell are joined by teenage sons Brandon and Evan plus a rhythm section of Tommy Ryzuck on bass and Rye Wylie on drums. They will perform songs from the 60’-80’s by groups as diverse as Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Janis Joplin, Bruce Hornsby and 10,000 Maniacs.
The Dirty Harri’s start the festivities. They are a tribute to the music of George Harrison. Songs include Harrison’s hits with the Beatles, including “Here Comes the Sun,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Taxman.” The seven piece band also performs hits from George’s solo career, including “My Sweet Lord,” “What is Life” and “All Those Years Ago” as well as “Handle with Care” from his time with the Traveling Wilburys.
On Sunday, August 7, Rockin for Ronald is proud to bring New York Players back to Shepard Park. The Players are widely recognized over the past many years as being the #1 dance band in the region. They have four incredible vocalists who sign leads and harmonies and an awesome horn section. They have performed an many galas and corporate events and present a broad repertoire of your favorite hits.
Last Left is a cover band from Central New York. Their repertoire includes hits by Prince, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty as well as more current groups Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Chris Stapleton, Kings of Leon and the Killers. Their high energy set is guaranteed to have the audience dancing and singing along.
Opening the show on Sunday is Jacquelin Mignot and the Family Band. They opened for Ten Most Wanted earlier this summer at Friday at the Lake, and their R&B covers were well received. Her band is truly a family affair, featuring Jacquelin’s father Tony on drums and her brother Jaydon on bass. Jonathan Newell is on guitar and keyboards.
Admission to Rockin for Ronald is free all three days, and there will be food and beverage vendors on site.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNSEj5eo6FU
On Friday, August 12, TS ENSEMBLE will perform from 730-930pm. A fixture in our region for more than 40 years, this eight piece band is known for their high energy performances, great male and female vocals and a strong Brass Section. Their music covers the Motown Era to today’s dance hits. They have presented memorable performances at many galas, corporate parties and clubs and have opened for many national acts.
THE ULTIMATES will open the show, performing from 6:00-7:10. While they are a fairly new band, they performed an outstanding opening set at Shepard Park on July 22. Saratoga-based, they consist of well known musicians in the region (two from Bad Chaperones and one from Dealt the Blues). Singer/ guitarist Travis Rockenstire is young and impressive, singing amazing covers from John Cougar to Ed Sheeran.
Fridays at the Lake – Shepard Park, Lake George – 2022 Summer Schedule
Music begins at 6pm and ends by 930pm.
June 10 Blue Moon with opener EB JEB
June 17 Stony Creek Band with opener Alex Torrez Latin Kings
June 24 Jacquelin Mignot and Ten Most Wanted with opener the Family Band
July 1 Yellow Dog with opener Soul Session
July 8 Jett Screamer with opener The Refrigerators
July 15 Tumblin Dice with opener New York Players
July 22 The Ultimates with opener Grand Central Station
July 29 Dirt Cheap with opener The Accents
August 5 Bluz House Rockers with opener Skeeter Creek
August 12 The Ultimates with opener TS Ensemble
August 26 Jonathan Newell with opener Band Vivid (from Connecticut)
Borderland Festival returns to Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora, just 30 minutes southeast of Buffalo, over September 17-18, 2022. The unique music experience rooted in community brings headliners The Flaming Lips, Portugal. The Man., Michael Franti and Spearhead and many more for an end to summer gathering in Western New York.
The two-day festival will host more than 20 bands across three stages with a diverse mix of national and regional, rock, country and Americana artists performing at the historic and picturesque Knox Farm.
Additional artists include Keller Williams’ Grateful Gospel – featuring an eight-person Gospel Choir that accompanies Keller as he performs Grateful Dead songs; The Infamous Stringdusters, Grammy Award winners for Best Bluegrass Album in 2018; Donna the Buffalo, Buffalo’s own beloved bluegrass and rock band, Driftwood, the New York-based and female fronted bluegrass band and The Big Easy of Buffalo presenting Dumpstaphunk, a storied funk and jam band from New Orleans.
We went a little out of the box this year with our headliners. This is the 4th year for Borderland and every year we aim to make it better and more memorable for both our loyal fans and newcomers. We know the talent we have lined up will bring an unparalleled energy to the stage, and throw in a few surprises along the way. We are always looking to expand and grow and can’t wait to share this with Western New York. We are so proud to host this festival, supporting local business, local artists and as always environmental awareness.
Jennifer Brazil, festival producer and owner
In addition to live music, you’ll find local artisans, vendors, a Sunday football zone near the Homespun Stage with local bands performing, live painting, local craft beer, food and culinary experiences. A curated kids area with face painting, games and music is free for all kids 10 and under.
Two-Day General Admission tickets for the 2022 Borderland Festival are for $149 with 2-Day & 3-Day VIP tickets available. The 3-Day Trailblazer VIP Ticket includes a Friday Night reception at the Knox Mansion, featuring live music from Borderland artists, culinary experience, and a cash bar featuring local craft beer and spirits. Kids 10 and under are free with a parent or guardian.
After a multi-year hiatus, the Blues Ignition Band will start up opening day performances for the 2022 New York State Blues Festival from Saturday June 16 to 18.
The free event, which reaches its 30th anniversary this year, will take place at Chevy Court inside the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
Reggie Seigler, the coordinator of this year’s Blues Ignition Band.
The Blues Ignition Band is part of the festival’s youth development program, along with the K.J. James Memorial Scholarship and Blues In The Schools. Blues Ignition offers kids 18 and younger the opportunity to audition for spots in the group, and those selected are led by an instructor heading up to the day of their performance.
The Blues Ignition Band’s leader in 2022 band is Reggie Seigler, the coordinator of JAMS. (Joined Artists, Musicians, Singers, Inc.) A 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Syracuse, JAMS’ mission “is to enhance the local arts scene through the offerings of diverse creative artists.” Seigler is also a columnist for The Stand, a publication which covers news and current events in Syracuse’s South Side.
The City of Albany and Albany Parking Authority are holding a free Father’s Day celebration at Washington Park on June 19 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Albany Dad Fest celebration will feature a classic car show, live music, great food, and family fun. Washington Park, settled in the Capital Region of Albany, has abundant amentities and is surrounded by a variety of bars and restaurants.
The Classic Car Show will be presented by Albany Parking Authority. During the show, 32 trophies produced whenever will be awarded. There will also serve great food, live bands, vendors, and a Radio Station with DJ. Registration $15 day of the show. Benefiting Henry Johnson Vet House.
Singer-songwriter and standup comedian Erin Harkes will convey the power in her music to the Dad Fest audiences. Erin is regularly voted Best Singer/Songwriter, Solo Musician and Comedian in the Capital Region by the Times Union Reader’s Poll, The Alt and the Metroland.
Albany-based singer-songwriter Sydney Worthley will bring her performance to the Washington Park from 12:30pm to 2:00pm. With the power released in her songs, she has two nominations at the Eddie’s Music Awards, a feature on NPR’s Heavy Rotation list, and a new project right around the corner.
Grateful Dead tribute band, The Wheel, is going to perform for the Dad Fest in Washington Park. The group consists of rhythm guitarist and bandleader Andy Morse, bassist Dave Pallas, drummer Joe Sorbero and percussionist Pete Andriakos.
The Wheels
Attendees to Dad Fest should know that glass containers are not allowed in the park. Animals or pets are also not allowed. Please do not record performances in the festival. All City of Albany parks are now tobacco-free.
For more information on Dad Fest and all of the City of Albany’s free, family-friendly events, visit www.albanyevents.org. As for parking information, visit www.parkalbany.com.
Atlanta metal band Fozzy has announced dates for their Save The World tour this fall across the U.S. and Canada.
The tour, which features No Resolve and GFM as guest acts, begins September 8 in Columbus, OH and finishes October 10 in Virginia Beach. It includes two New York dates, with stops at the Lost Horizon in Syracuse on October 2 and October 8 at Empire Live in Albany. Tickets will go on sale Thursday.
Chris Jericho, Fozzy frontman and famed pro wrestler. (Credit: David A. Smith/Getty Images)
The tour is in promotion of Fozzy’s new record Boombox, released on the 6th. Their eighth studio album in a 20+ year career,Boombox entered the Neilson Current Hard Music Albums chart at #5 and the Current Rock Albums and Current Digital Albums charts at #19, having amassed nearly 14 million streams.
The record also features three top 20 singles on Nielsen’s Mainstream Rock National Airplay chart, “I Still Burn,” “Nowhere to Run,” and “Sane.”
Tour Dates:
Thursday, September 8 Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs
Friday, September 9 Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom
Saturday, September 10 Flint, MI @ Machine Shop
Sunday, September 11 Pittsburgh, PA @ Jergels
Monday, September 12 Grand Rapids, MI @ Intersection
Thursday, September 15 Bloomington, IL @ Castle Theater
Friday, September 16 Hobart, IN @ The Art Theater
Saturday, September 17 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
Sunday, September 18 Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts
Monday, September 19 Charlottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theater
Thursday, September 29 Charlotte, NC @ Underground
Friday, September 30 Richmond, VA @ Canal Club
Saturday, October 1 Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage
Sunday, October 2 Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon
Monday, October 3 New Bedford, MA @ The Vault
Thursday, October 6 Montreal, QC @ Foufounes Electriques
Friday, October 7 Toronto, ON @ Opera House
Saturday, October 8 Albany, NY @ Empire Live
Sunday, October 9 Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl
Monday, October 10 Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27
The Robert Randolph Foundation announces Juneteenth Unityfest 2022, a national experience uniting diverse voices in commemoration and celebration of Juneteenth and Black culture.
Juneteenth is an important holiday to celebrate in the black community because it is the day when the last enslaved people were made aware of the Emancipation Proclamation.
The celebration will have many different entertainment, education, and activism events featuring performances by some of the world’s leading gospel artists, including Tye Tribbett, Deborah Cox, Israel Houghton, Mali Music, and more. It will celebrate black artists and provide a platform to unite a coalition of charitable grassroots organizations.
Grammy-nominated African-American artist Robert Randolph, founder of the Robert Randolph Foundation spoke about the importance of celebrating Juneteenth in a statement.
Juneteenth is a day to remember America’s past, recognize the resilience and strength of Black people, and celebrate the progress we have made. This year, given that Juneteenth falls on Sunday and on Father’s Day, we also wanted to celebrate the role that gospel music and the church have had in uplifting the Black community over the years, and celebrate the stories of Black fathers who are working to uplift their own communities and families at home.
Juneteenth Unityfest Schedule
JUNETEENTH UNITYFEST Block Party Location: Under the K Bridge, Greenpoint, Brooklyn Time: 2pm-7pm EST Partnership: In partnership with Heal America, KeiStar Productions, NAACBurners, and House of Yes
JUNETEENTH UNITYFEST Concert at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Location: Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park – Brooklyn Time: 7:30pm-10pm EST Partnership: In partnership with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn and Heal America
JUNETEENTH After Party Experience Location: Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn) Time: 10:30-12am EST
Woodsist Records has announced the return of its festival for 2022 at Arrowood Farms in the Hudson Valley town of Accord, with 15 acts across two days from September 24 to 25.
In addition to music played between two different stages during the weekend, the event will also include craft beer along with food from local Hudson Valley-based vendors. The gates open at noon both days, with activities closing 9:30 PM on the 24th and 9 PM on the 25th.
Promotional poster for the Woodsist festival. (art credit: Gabe Schneider)
Prominent acts from the 24th include Ohio indie rock icons Guided By Voices and Brooklyn folk band Woods, which is led by Jeremy Earl, the man behind Woodsist. The day also features Les Filles De Illighadad, Myriam Gendron, Pachyman, The Reds, Pinks, and Purples, as well as DJ Jocelyn Romo.
Bigger names from the 25th include Waxahatchee, the project of indie artist Katie Crutchfield, and The Sun Ra Arkestra, the eponymous longtime band of the late experimental jazz artist which has been active for over 60 years. Other performers of the day are Medeski & Martin, Laraaji, Mind Maintenance, Mary Lattimore, Bonny Doon, and Tubby’s DJs.
Information regarding tickets, parking, and more for the June 2022 event can be found on the Woodsist Festival website.
Northern Current, a free annual music festival based in the northern Adirondacks, will return for its third time this Labor Day Weekend. Hosted on September 4 in Saranac Lake’s Riverside Park, the event will feature six different acts from noon to 9:30 PM.
Promotional poster for Northern Current.
Having held its inaugural celebration in 2019, Northern Current replaced Hobofest, a community festival held annually on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend for the decade prior until the organizers’ retirement.
With North Current being cancelled in 2020 and holding a “pared down” event in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 marks the return of a full fledged festival. In addition to music, the day will include kid-oriented activities and sale from local food vendors.
Headlined by TEKE::TEKE, a female-fronted Japanese psych-rock band from Montreal, Northern Current states that its mission “is to enrich the cultural diversity of the town by celebrating a myriad of musical heritages.”
Supporting TEKE::TEKE are female-led reggae band The Big Takeover, Brooklyn ten-piece funk group Ghost Funk Orchestra, Ithaca country/bluegrass band Rose & the Bros, New Jersey roots rock group The Outcrops, and the ukulele-led Crackin’ Foxy, a local Saranac Lake band.
Additional information about Northern Current’s partners, location and more can be found on their website.
The Long Island Music Hall of Fame has announced its 2022 Music Scholarship Winners: four Long Island high school graduating seniors from Dix Hills, Manhasset, and Woodbury. These distinction in Music Award Scholarships were awarded to graduating high school seniors who has college plan in music study and further career pursuing.
This year’s winners are Gioianna DiGiorgio and Andrew Arloro, both from Half Hollow Hills High School; Emily Wei from Great Neck North High School; and Stephanie Massimo from Syosset High School.
The Long Island Music Hall of Fame is honored to have the opportunity to support and acknowledge accomplished high school seniors who are pursuing a future in music. The talent that exists on Long Island is something we at LIMHoF want to celebrate. In addition to following their own dreams, we believe these students will encourage and inspire others.
Tom Needham, LIMHoF Education Chairman
Gioianna DiGiorgio from Dix Hills (Half Hollow Hills High School West)
Gioianna DiGiorgio (credit to Long Island Music Hall of Fame)
Gioianna found her passion in music since a young age. She believes that music is a connection to nature and other people and a beautiful way to tell a story and to express yourself and your emotions.
“As soon as I was old enough to understand the concept of theater, I was enamored with the idea of being on stage, and wanted to be a part of that world. My life-long passion for theater inspires me to push through the challenges so that I can pursue my passion.
– Gioianna DiGiorgio
Gioianna raised her career aspiration from her perform experience in local community theater productions. She became interested in being a soprano singer in musical theater and later a performer for the stage and screen.
As for the further plan, Gioianna DiGiorgio will be attending Baldwin Wallace University. She is intend to gain the BFA in their Acting program and a music minor. She is expecting to learn music theory and strong skillset to aid her professional life after college with the scholarship from LIMHoF.
Andrew Arloro from Dix Hills (Half Hollow Hills High School East)
Andrew Arloro (credit to Long Island Music Hall of Fame)
Andrew Arloro is a 17-year-old musician who lives on Long Island, New York. He is a recent graduate of Juilliard Pre-College and a current student at Half Hollow Hills High School East.
He has studied the French Horn under fanmous French Horn musicians such as Jen Montone and Jeff Lang, Principal Horn and Associate Principal Horn of the Philadelphia Orchestra; and currently studies with Erik Ralske and Brad Gemeinhardt, Principal Horn and Acting Principal Horn of the Metropolitan Opera.
Andrew is recognized by the Discovery Competition for Children’s Orchestra Society. He also has extensive performing experience from a dozen times’ solos at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and tours in China, Spain, and Italy. He has been awarded the title of Principal Horn in various ensembles, including Juilliard Pre-College, All-State, SCMEA, Children’s Orchestra Society, Gemini Youth Orchestras’ Festival Winds and Symphony, and Cross Campus Wind Ensemble.
Next year, he will continue his studies with Erik Ralske at The Juilliard School, pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Performance on the French Horn.
I would like to thank the Long Island Music Hall of Fame for the amazing opportunity to work with them, create with them, and share with the world the Joy of Music.
Andrew
Tiantian “Emily” Wei from Manhasset (Great Neck North High School)
Tiantian “Emily” Wei (credit to Long Island Music Hall of Fame)
Emily Wei, also called Tiantian Wei, is a graduating Senior at Great Neck North High School. She has been playing both the piano and violin since age 5. In 2021 she went to the Fete De L’ Alto LaSalle Summer Festival (France) and had master classes with Christophe Giovaninetti.
As the German poet E.T.A. Hoffmann said: ‘Where the language stops, the music begins.’ Music has no boundaries. It has unlimited possibilities and tremendous potential to be created and performed to express one’s unique understanding of music and sentiments, and to be shared with other people who may relate and empathize. I think that is the soul, and one of the missions of music is that it inspires and attracts people. It is an honor to be a LIMHoF recipient, I appreciate the recognition from Long Island Music Hall of Fame.
Emily Wei
Emily has won numerous awards for her music talents and has participated in a wide range of performances with various music organizations, including the New Jersey Youth Symphony Orchestra, NYSSMA, All County and All State Symphony Orchestras and more. Her most recent performances are with Great Neck North High School Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall and also violin recitals at Oprea America Music Hall and Episcopal Church.
In this fall, Emily will attend Mannes School of Music. She explained her expectation of future that entering the New York Symphony Orchestra or forming her own chamber music group, performing in concert halls all over the world to show the beauty of music and expressing my unique understanding of music.
Stephanie Massimo from Woodbury (Syosset High School)
Stephanie Massimo (credit to Long Island Music Hall of Fame)
Stephanie Massimo, a Trombonist graduating from Syosset High School. She started playing the Trombone in second grade. She also plays the bass trombone and baritone horn. Throughout the years, she gained rich ensemble experience in Syosset, Nassau Suffolk, All-County, All-State, All National, and various summer camps.
I genuinely loved performing with these groups and meeting new people. Music has always been an important part of my life. It wasn’t until recently, though, that I decided to study music in college.
– Stephanie Massimo
In the fall, Stephanie plans to attend the Trombone major in University of Tampa (UT) to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Music. She hopes to further advance her skills in both music and performance with the scholarship from the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. Her plans in college is to participate in some UT bands/ensembles then eventually return to NY. She hope to work in a Broadway pit orchestra which allows her to use everything she learn in college while enjoying the music she likes best.
