Category: News Desk

  • Brooklyn Artist Guy Blue Shares New Single “No Vision”

    Brooklyn-based singer Guy Blue announced his debut EP, Arms Wide, and a new music video/game featuring his new single “No Vision.”

    Uniquely, he has a brand new project, titled Bluepoint which is a video game in collaboration with Shea Stadium. The game takes you through the stadium, and you can interact with staff and regulars. While the player is going through the game, Guy Blue’s new single “No Vision” plays.

    Guy Blue, photo by Alice Plati.

    The band is a music project by Jack Ladd. Ladd creates electronic indie dance music, taking inspiration from the visual landscapes of 90s video games, like Zelda and Pokémon. Originally, Ladd fronted an indie rock band called LADD at Wesleyan University, and they gained a big campus following. Now, he is free to explore a new palette of sound and do his own thing.

    The new single “No Vision” is sonically textured, with a patchwork of guitars, samples, and drums to create a beat-driven track. Speaking about it, Ladd had a lot to say.

    I wrote ‘No Vision’ when I was knowingly making a lot of bad decisions in my life. I was trapped in a self destructive loop, and that spiraling momentum definitely found its way into the track. I think it’s a story a lot of people will relate to. We’re all compelled by destructive urges that have real consequences for those around us. There’s a reference to Tony and Carmela Soprano in the track. In the Sopranos, we see the horrifying consequences of Tony’s impulses, and yet he’s still  an incredibly compelling and relatable character. I think it’s because seeing those darkest desires played out allows us to reflect on our own urges and actions. I hope the track accomplishes something similar.

    Guy Blue’s new single “No Vision” is available on all streaming services and his new video game can be played here. Also, his debut EP Arms Wide will be released on June 3.

  • Premiere: Long Island Artist Logan Whaley Releases Old-School Single “Funky Tonight”

    Long Island artist Logan Whaley is releasing his new old-school style single “Funky Tonight” on March 4, and a planned full-length album. NYS Music today premieres the single below.

    Best known for performing all over NYC and his work with Vana Liya, Logan Whaley continues to make a name for himself as a solo performer and mesmerizing stage presence and deeply-felt lyrics.

    His music refuses to be categorized, as it is a fusion of multiple genres at once, utilizing pop, rock, classical, and R&B.

    Logan Whaley
    Logan Whaley’s new single cover “Funky Tonight.”

    Whaley’s new single “Funky Tonight” comes a little after a year since his debut album On The Cusp. With a live line-up secured, he was ready to go into the studio. After working on an old project, he decided he was ready for something fresh. Magic was born in the studio with this one, and after performing it live, it became an instant favorite.

    NYS Music contributor Nick Codina shared the following thoughts on “Funky Tonight”:

    When the music is too loud to exchange words, musicians and their fans exchange facial expressions. A simple smirk or stank face speaks volumes by silently saying, “I dig this, I’m here for it and want more of it.”

    While listening to the new single by Logan Whaley I found my self in that stank face expression. From the first note to the last horn, the perfect combination of funky peaks and breakdowns flow seamlessly into eachother and make for a perfect formula of eccentric surprises and delights. From the synthesizer chords to the perfectly placed horn section this new single has the makings of a funk classic. If you’re looking for a groove to make you move and get you into that dancing mood, “Funky Tonight” will not disappoint.

    Accompanying the album release, an Indiegogo is launching which will serve as a pre-order for his brand new album, also titled Funky Tonight. The money from the preorder will go towards merch and touring.

    Also accompanying the release of the single and new album announcement, the band will be playing three shows in NY.

    Logan Whaley’s new single “Funky Tonight” will be released March 4 on all streaming platforms. Listen below now exclusively on NYS Music.

  • TroutStock 2022 Features Dirtwire, Magic Beans, and more, August 5-7 in Coeymans Hollow

    Coming this summer, the TroutStock 2022 festival is celebrating a full weekend of music. Along with 20 different musical acts, more vendors and a larger capacity compared to last year. This unforgettable event will be held from August 5th-7th in Coeymans Hollow, just a 30 minute drive from Albany and 45 minutes from Kingston.

    TroutStock 2022
    Coming summer 2022

    The grassroots festival will be held at Magic Forest Farm, Coeymans Hollow, NY, 225 acres of forested land nestled in the foothills of the Catskills near Albany. Likewise, featuring artists like Dirtwire, Magic Beans, Leon Trout, Bella’s Bartok, Strange Machines, and more. 

    This is a 3-day camping and music filled event that will have local food, craft and art vendors accompanied by top of the line sound and music.

    Magic Forest Farms

    Originally starting out as just a backyard party, TroutStock festival quickly progressed. With the support of their fans and friends, they transformed into what it is today. With their first event last August, TroutStock decided to go for round two and expand the festival. Overall, their goal is to celebrate the friendships they have gained over the years by bringing everyone together to showcase their amazing talents. 

    Magic Forest Farms Camping

    The location of the festival, Magic Forest Farm, is a beautiful spot that allows for freedom and creativity. Furthermore, giving attendees plenty of personal space while camping and in the crowd.  

    The goal of this festival is to keep this an intimate experience year after year with a headliners and local acts. Additionally, for attendees to get an up close experience of their favorite bands without fighting the crowd.  

    Live Music Schedule

    Friday August 5th – 10:30am-2am
    Saturday August 6th – 10:30am-2am
    Sunday August 7th – 10:30am-4:00pm 

    For all guests, the festival grounds will need to be 100% cleared by 5pm on Sunday August 7th.

    To purchase tickets, visit and for more additional information, please visit 

  • Chautauqua Institution In Jamestown Announces Summer Amphitheater Shows

    The Chautauqua Institution in Jamestown has announced its 2022 Amphitheater shows, with a huge lineup of artists and comedians.

    chautauqua institution summer
    Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater.

    Prominently, singer Sheryl Crow will be playing on July 12, bringing hits like “All I Wanna Do” and “Soak Up the Sun” to the Amphitheater. Her openers will be five-time Grammy-winning bluesman Keb’ Mo’ and blues band Southern Avenue.

    Sheryl Crow.

    On July 11, Cuban pianist and composer Aldo-López-Gavilán will be performing. Excelling as a recitalist and performer, he will also be joined by his brother Ilmar Gavilán, who is a child prodigy and began his career at age 14.

    The Gavilán Brothers.

    July 15 brings ABBA The Concert, said to be the most authentic tribute to ABBA. They will play all the songs that made ABBA great, including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes All,” and “Waterloo.”

    On July 16, Chautauqua School of Music faculty members Aaron Berofsky, Kathryn Votapek, and Felix Wang with pianist Phillip Bush will be performing.

    Aaron Berofsky, Kathryn Votapek, Felix Wang, and Phillip Bush.

    On July 23, pianist Brian Zeger and the members of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and School of Music will be performing. Zeger appears regularly as guest faculty at the Chautauqua Opera Conservatory and is widely recognized as one of today’s leading collaborative pianists.

    Brian Zeger and other members of the Orchestra.

    On August 5, Brett Eldredge will be performing. He is a country music star, with seven number one radio hits, nine gold and platinum-certified singles, two gold-certified albums, and multiple CMA, ACM, and CMT Music nominations and wins.

    On August 8, there will be a dynamic ensemble filled with America’s top brass players, called Seraph Brass, performing. They are winners of the 2019 American Prize in Chamber Music.

    Seraph Brass.

    On August 17, jazz pianist and organist Matthew Whitaker will be at the Amphitheater. Profiled on shows such as 60 Minutes and The Today Show, Whitaker has played at places like Carnegie Hall and with artists like Jason Moran and Jon Batiste.

    Matthew Whitaker.

    There are loads of other events happening at the Chautauqua Amphitheater including comedian Jay Leno, The Voice winners Girl Named Tom, The Avett Brothers, and Stars of the Peking Acrobats.

    This summer’s shows at the Chautauqua Amphitheater in Jamestown will be packed with loads of talent, from musicians to comedians to even acrobats. Tickets can be found here.

  • NYS Music’s March Madness 2022: Round 1

    Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness competition that spans all the musical harbors of the Empire State. As fans and musicians, the NYS Music team aims to spotlight the great talent found across New York in a friendly contest, bringing broader attention to the next generation of artists and bands on the rise. March Madness 2022 highlights 64 bands and artists you might not know, but should know, as these homegrown talents are making waves through the New York State.

    A little March madness may complement and contribute to sanity and help keep society on an even keel

    Henry V. Porter, 1939

    Porter coined the term “March Madness” that went dark for four decades. As we know it today, March Madness is commonplace in sports and bracketing, and NYS Music is here to put a musical namesake on March Madness 2022.

    With the aide of our sponsors, NYS Music March Madness is a medium for these artists to be heard, grow and discovered. Go Listen. Go Vote. And let the Madness begin.

    NYS Music has partnered with businesses across New York State to highlight these 64 up and coming bands. Regional sponsors include Funk n Waffles, a premiere music venue in Syracuse established in 2007 with a unique take on the culinary and entertainment industries, offering a wide variety of gourmet waffles and breakfast food, as well as offering live music every night! Bearsville Theater in Woodstock is where Americana was born – where Dylan took folk music and married it to Rock & Roll. where folk went electric, and where Janis took a breath and recuperated, before launching her hurricane energy and heart stopping songs out into the world. Renovated in 2019-2020, Bearsville Theater has an impressive calendar of shows for Hudson Valley music lovers.

    DSP Shows based in Ithaca, NY and Northampton, MA, is one of the leading independent concert promoters in America, with shows at venues including State Theatre of Ithaca, Hangar Theatre, The Haunt, Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, Brewery Ommegang, Asbury Hall, The 9th Ward at Babeville, and Daryl’s House among others. The Helping Friendly Hemp Company offers a wide variety of industry leading products including tinctures, soft chews, and hemp flower, using only USA grown hemp extract.

    The winners of each region will be rewarded with a collection of prizes worth $3000. Partners for NYS Music’s March Madness 2022 include Mirth Films from Albany, a music news/entertainment outlet that specializes in original video content and live streaming, with news coverage ranging across the whole country, who will provide a professional multi-camera recording session at a prestigious venue in Albany for the winning band, premiering exclusively on Mirth Films.

    March Madness 2022

    The XPerience Monthly is the greater Capital Region’s alt-monthly newspaper, bringing independent music and thought provoking articles to the area. The XPerience Monthly will feature the winning band in a newspaper profile and interview this summer.

    Enter your email address, meet the bands and vote for your favorites on Page 2!

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  • Celebrate Women’s History Month at Flushing Town Hall

    Women’s History Month this March at the Flushing Town Hall will showcase four unique artists with their performances that celebrate the music history of iconic women. The four shows will be on Friday March 4th, Thursday March 10th, Saturday March 19th, and Thursday March 31st at Flushing Town Hall.

    Flushing Town Hall, educates the global communities of New York City and Queens which is celebrated as the home of Jazz due to their quality Jazz performances. Rosena Hill Jackson, Barbara Rosene, Akua Allrich, and Deborah Resto are the four women that will perform this March to celebrate the iconic women in music history.

    The series showcases commemorating Jazz, Pop, and Latin music icons Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee, Nina Simone, Celia Cruz, and others.

    “The month will be jam-packed with extraordinary women, past and present! There will be some truly powerhouse vocals on our stage, interpreting some of the most beloved songs of the last few decades,”  

    Ellen Kodadek, Flushing Town Hall’s Executive & Artistic Director.

    Rosena Hill Jackson, Broadway veteran and vocalist kicks off Women’s History Month at Flushing Town Hall on Friday, March 4th at 7pm. Rosena Hill Jackson has performed with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, with The New York Philharmonic for PBS, and with the Long Island Philharmonic which helped to create a large amount of vocal soloist performances throughout her career.

    Vocalist Barbara Rosene takes the stage for the second performance for Women’s History Month with her tribute to The Peggy Lee Songbook who helped to redefine what it meant to be a female singer. The passionate vocalist has hit the stages internationally at Montreal Jazz Festival and Lake Como, Italy and many others. Barbara Rosene hits the stage on Thursday, March 10th at 7PM, where she’ll interpret the great music of the 1920s and 30s.

    “We are overjoyed to be welcoming artists like Akua Allrich, whose original performance date in March 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic lockdown. This month’s celebration of women artists will inspire and delight our audiences!”

    The distinct style of blues, soul, jazz, and panAfrican are seen throughout Akua Allrich music. Quickly making a name for herseslf, Akua Allrich tributes Nina Simone & Miriam Makeba on Saturday, March 19th at 8PM as the third artist to perform for Women’s History Month.

    Closing out the month on Thursday, March 31st at 7PM is New York-born, Hispanic artist and musician, Deborah Reso. Deborah Reso has recorded as a background vocalist for artists like Christina Aguilera, Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesias, Paul Simon, Ricky Martin, and more.

    To purchase tickets to any event in this series or to register for the livestreams: www.flushingtownhall.org/women-history-month

    In adherence with New York City’s Covid policy for performance venues, Flushing Town Hall will require all visitors, performers, and staff to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 with matching identification. Additionally, masks will be required at all times. For more details on Flushing Town Hall’s Covid-safety measures and vaccine requirements, please visit: www.flushingtownhall.org/covid-safety

  • Trombone Shorty Summer Tour Makes Stops in NYC and Lewiston, Shared first singles off “Lifted”

    After five years, New Orleans musical icon Trombone Shorty has announced a new album Lifted, set to release on April 29th. Alongside this announcement, Trombone Shorty has announced that he will be on tour this summer in support of the album as well. The artist will play the SummerStage in New York City’s Central Park and in Lewiston as a part of Artpark’s Tuesdays in the Park Concert Series.

    Trombone Shorty

    Trombone Shorty speaks on the album: 

    [My mother] passed recently, but she continued to inspire me right up until she transitioned, and that’s why I put a picture of her holding me up at a second line on the cover of this album. She lifted me up my whole life.

    In this album, Trombone Shorty hopes to mimic the electrifying feel of a live performance.

    I think Lifted is the closest we’ve ever gotten to bottling up the live show and putting it on a record. This time around I told everybody to really cut loose, to perform like they were onstage at a festival.

    Trombone Shorty

    Trombone Shorty’s lead single below exemplifies intoxicating vocals, beautiful instrumentation, and an unfathomable amount of personality.

    For tour and album pre-order information visit tromboneshorty.com

    Trombone Shorty 2022 Tour dates: 

    February 19, 2022 – Shorty Gras in New Orleans, LA

    February 24, 2022 – Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale, FL

    February 25, 2022 – Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale, FL

    February 26, 2022 – Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series in St. Augustine, FL

    February 27, 2022 – Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, FL

    April 23, 2022 – Double Decker Arts Festival in Oxford, MS

    April 30, 2022 – Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, LA

    May 8, 2022 – New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans, LA

    May 20, 2022 – Academy 2 in Birmingham, UK

    May 21, 2022 – SWG3 Studio Warehouse in Glasgow, UK

    May 23, 2022 – Roundhouse in London, UK

    May 24, 2022 – O2 Ritz Manchester in Manchester, UK

    May 26, 2022 – Mojo Club in Hamburg, Germany

    May 27, 2022 – 013 Poppodium in Tilburg, The Netherlands

    May 28, 2022 – Salle Pleyel in Paris, France

    May 30, 2022 – Huxley’s in Berlin, Germany

    May 31, 2022 – Muffathalle in Munich, Germany

    June 1, 2022 – Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium

    June 3, 2022 – Barcelona Guitar Festival in Barcelona, Spain

    June 4, 2022 – Kapital in Madrid, Spain

    June 10, 2022 – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in Hampton, NH

    June 11, 2022 – Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston, MA

    June 13, 2022 – SummerStage in Central Park in New York, NY

    June 14, 2022 – Tuesdays in the Park Concert Series in Lewiston, NY

    June 15, 2022 – Massey Hall in Toronto, ON

    June 17, 2022 – Bold Point Park in East Providence, RI

    June 18, 2022 – Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA

    June 19, 2022 – Ting Pavilion in Charlottesville, VA

    June 21, 2022 – Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, NC

    June 22, 2022 – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park in Atlanta, GA

    June 24, 2022 – Venue TBA in Grand Rapids, MI

    June 25, 2022 – The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre in Detroit, MI

    June 26, 2022 – Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL

    June 28, 2022 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO

    June 29, 2022 – Venue TBA in Salt Lake City, UT

    July 1, 2022 – KettleHouse Amphitheatre in Bonner, MT

    July 2, 2022 – Venue TBA in Seattle, WA

    July 3, 2022 – Edgefield in Troutdale, OR

    August 10, 2022 – Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA

    August 11, 2022 – Mountain Winery in Saratoga, CA

    August 12, 2022 – Oxbow River Stage Concert Series in Napa, CA

    August 13, 2022 – Santa Barbara Bowl in Santa Barbara, CA

    August 14, 2022 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in San Diego, CA

  • Comedy finds a home in CNY at Funk n Waffles

    Central New York Comedy has found a home at Funk n Waffles in Syracuse. For the past few months, NYC comedian Brian Enck has put together well-received and hilarious shows in Downtown Syracuse, in a music venue of all places. 

    Brian is a nationally touring comedian who’s been in dozens of comedy fests, hosted award shows, podcasts and anything else you can think of. But his new home is here in Syracuse and his new favorite show is the monthly at Funk & Waffles.

    Honestly I didn’t think I’d be able to get them. To be real, Funk & Waffles was my target college and my grades were not good enough. They’re known for being this very cool music venue with amazing bands coming through and I walk up with my dumb face and go ‘Hey how about I bring you some comedians?’ We talked for a few weeks, tweaked out the details till we made it work.  We’ve had two of the past three shows sold out, and the comics love the space, so it must’ve been the right call.

    Brian Enck

    Enck, originally from Webster, outside of Rochester, moved to NYC once he started getting paid gigs freshman year of college in 2010. For over a decade Brian made stand up not just his passion but his career drawing on his influences like Dave Chappelle, Monty Python, Lenny Bruce, Patton Oswalt, Maria Bamford and others. “I moved from Upstate because there wasn’t a scene around here, it was just angry recently divorced 50 year olds yelling about their ex wives and giving me a hard time because I was working out jokes.” Now the whole state has a great network of talented comics in well run rooms. From the clubs, to bar shows, to little pop up rooms, or monthlies in a place that had a heavy metal band the night before it’s like a renaissance for the New York comedy.” Brian also spent his last few years as a comedy producer for a TV Network. “I loved being able to work on scripts, talk out characters with actors, and making a budget work with the accountants, actually no that part sucked but the rest was fun.” 

    Brian’s shows have had the same outline grab the funniest people and turn on the microphone. 

    Because of COVID, he would take some time to work remotely and spend time with his family. That summer Brian met his now wife and made the move from Brooklyn to Syracuse and hasn’t looked back.

    With a goal of drawing NYC comedians north, and Rochester, Buffalo and Albany each having ripe comedy centers, Syracuse fits right in the middle of that I-90 corridor and would benefit CNY comedy fans in need. Turning Syracuse into a city that is great for comedy is Enck’s plan, just as Madison, WI is great for comedy just because it decided to be; there is no reason Syracuse can’t be the same, given how close it is to NYC.

    Though Brian thought choosing a music venue was going to be a long shot, it has worked out perfectly for a comedy series. Every comedian wants to be a musician and vice versa, to quote Seinfeld “Musicians and Comedians are like Chimps and Orangutans, we know we have something in common we just can’t place it.”

    Working with the clubs, comedians, and other venues the next plan is for a Central New York comedy festival. With each city hosting comics from all over in the great rooms that already exist here and now. 

    Upcoming Comedy Nights at Funk n Waffles

    March 10th

    April 7th

    May 11th

    Summer dates to be announced soon.

    syracuse comedy
  • Necronomicon Will Stop at Montage Music Hall During North American Tour

    Canadian death metal group Necronomicon will arrive in North America for a tour this Spring. They will co-headline with a fellow metal group, The Convalescence between April and June.

    Necronomicon

    This musical journey will embark on April 29 in Kalamazoo, MI at Papa Pete’s and will move throughout the states, making a stop in Rochester Montage Music Hall on June 1. Necronomicon will perform their latest album “UNUS”, which can be streamed or downloaded here.

    I think I don’t need to mention how hard these last years have been for everyone, and it’s about time that we get back to a healthy music scene. We are more than happy to be back in the U.S. We really hope you guys will come and support us as we bring you ‘Vivus Verum’ on this run. Hail to all of you.

    Rob The Witch

    The music group was founded in 1988 by guitarist and singer Rob “The Witch”. Since their first full length album “Pharoah of Gods” dropped in 2002, Necronomicon has evolved over time. In 2019, they became the second band ever since VOIVOD to receive a certificate of honor for over 30 years of being in the music industry.

    “UNUS” is a dark and black metal album that brings about darkness, brutality and elegance all in one. Along with machine like drums there is a special feature by Geirlioz (Dimmu Borgir) on Piano in ”From Ashes Into Flesh”. Necronomicon cannot wait to put on the performance of a lifetime for their American fans.

    NECRONOMICON (w/ The Convalescence):
    04/29: Kalamazoo, MI @ Papa Pete’s
    04/30: Toledo, OH @ Main Street Bar & Grill
    05/01: Chicago, IL @ WC Social Club
    05/02: Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon
    05/03: St. Paul, MN @ Amsterdam Bar & Hall
    05/04: Sioux Falls, SD @ Big’s Bar
    05/05: Denver, CO @ The Venue
    05/06: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Loading Dock
    05/07: Boise, ID @ The Shredder
    05/08: Spokane, WA @ The Big Dipper
    05/09: Seattle, WA @ The Funhouse
    05/10: Portland, OR @ Dante’s Theater
    05/11: San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
    05/13: San Diego, CA @ Brick by Brick
    05/14: Scottsdale, AZ @ Pub Rock Live
    05/15: Gallup, NM @ Juggernaut Music
    05/16: El Paso, TX @ Rockhouse Bar & Grill
    05/17: Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live
    05/18: Dallas, TX @ Amplified Live
    05/20: San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
    05/21: Houston, TX @ Acadia Bar & Grill
    05/22: Crestview, FL @ Jimmy’s Jukebox
    05/24: Tampa, FL @ Brass Mug
    05/25: Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits
    05/26: Winter Park, FL @ The Haven Lounge
    05/27: Jonesboro, GA @ Furnace 41
    05/28: Knoxville, TN @ The Concourse
    05/29: Wilmington, DE @ Bar XIII
    05/30: Worcester, MA @ Ralph’s Rock Diner
    05/31: Portland, ME @ Geno’s Rock Club
    06/01: Rochester, NY @ Montage Music Hall
    06/02: Mechanicsburg, PA @ Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
    06/03: Fort Wayne, IN @ Rockstar Lounge
    06/04: Chesterfield, MI @ Diesel Concert Lounge

  • Spa City Guitar Festival Takes Over Universal Preservation Hall this March

    The first Spa City Guitar Festival will be held Friday, March 18 to Sunday, March 20 at Universal Preservation Hall. This debut will become an annual event in Saratoga Springs and will provide audiences with a three day guitar extravaganza full of concerts, masterclasses, workshops, guitar displays and vendors. 

    Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been cancelled.

    Spa City Guitar Festival

    The Performers

    Badi Assad

    The first in line to perform is none other than Brazilian guitarist Badi Assad, whose specialty is to mix her culture’s music with ethnic sounds from across the world. Therefore, she defies the idea of sticking to one genre of music. Her singing is known to be vibrant, while as a guitarist she is known to be innovative, inspiring, and breathtaking. Assad has moved the masses not only with her unique voice, but her fingers as well. She will perform at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 18.

    Germán López

    Next up on the itinerary is Germán López, who is known internationally as one of the most notable and outstanding guitarists. He adheres to Canary folk music traditions, Spanish Flamenco, West African rhythms, the flourishing spirit of jazz, as well as his own original approach to “island music.” Having performed nearly 100 times while on tours globally, the Spa City Guitar Festival will only elevate his career. He will take part in a Spanish folk performance featuring Antonio Toledo at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 19.

    Mark Lettieri

    The festivals third performance is by Grammy-nominated guitarist Mark Lettieri. He has experience not only professionally playing the guitar, but as a composer, producer, and instructor as well. Unlike many, Lettieri does not stick to one style of music, but rather a multitude of them, whether he works with an independent or a major label artist. As a composer and producer, he creates original music of his own. Additionally, he is highly known to play in Snarky Puppy since 2008, a music group that combines jazz, rock, world and funk. His work with the group has resulted in four Grammy Awards. Lettieri will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 19.

    Gary Hoey

    Last but not least, is 21 album and chart-topping guitarist Gary Hoey, who will perform at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 20. With his hit for hit catalog, Hoey secured himself a spot as one of the top 100 guitarists of all time. He is known for his fiery vibe and amazing connection with his audience. Hoey was first discovered by Ozzy Osbourne in 1987 and has excelled ever since. He is known to perform thrilling solos that are comparable to Clapton or Stevie Ray at their peak.

    Passes available consists of the $35 single day pass, $45 single day pass and masterclass, $75 festival pass, and the $150 VIP Pass. For more information about the passes, as well as to purchase them visit the Universal Preservation Hall website.