Category: News Desk

  • The Lumineers Announce 2022 World Tour, With Stops at SPAC, CMAC and Forest Hills 

    The Lumineers have returned with their “BRIGHTSIDE” 2022 World Tour. The extensive tour begins May 18th and features special guests James Bay, Caamp, Gregory Alan Isakov and Daniel Rodriguez.

    The Lumineers tour

    The tour follows the release of the band’s fourth studio album of the same name, available now on all streaming platforms. The Grammy nominated album was produced by longtime collaborator Simone Felice and engineered by David Baron during winter and spring of 2021 at Sun Mountain Studios.

    The band was credited with creating the world’s first climate positive tour back in 2020 and have continued this trend by collaborating with the environmental non profit REVERB to make the BRIGHTSIDE tour climate positive as well. The nonprofit has collaborated with a number of artists and bands to reduce environmental impact including Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Dave Matthews Band and Tame Impala.

    The Lumineers tour

    General ticket sales start on 2/18 at 10 AM. Advanced ticket purchasing starts 2/14 for select club and Citi card members. Ticket bundles and premium packages are also available. For complete ticket information, visit The Lumineers website.

    The Lumineers 2022 Tour Dates

    5/18 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place 

    5/20 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheater 

    5/21 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium 

    5/24  – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park 

    5/25 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion 

    5/27 – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC 

    5/28 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center 

    5/29 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center 

    6/1 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion 

    6/3 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center 

    6/4 – Camden, NJ – Waterfront Music Pavilion 

    6/7 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center 

    6/8 – Maryland Heights, MO  – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre 

    6/10 – Clarkston, MI  – Pine Knob Music Theatre 

    6/11 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage 

    6/14 – Noblesville, IN  – Ruoff Music Center 

    6/15 – Burgettstown, PA  – The Pavilion at Star Lake 

    6/17 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium 

    7/9 – Cleveland, OH – WonderStruck Music Festival

    7/12 – Boise, ID – ExtraMile Arena 

    7/14 – Portland, OR – Moda Center 

    7/16 – Quincy, WA – The Gorge 

    7/17 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena 

    7/20 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center 

    7/22 – Denver, CO – Coors Field 

    7/24 – Las Vegas, NV  – MGM Grand Garden Arena 

    7/26 – Glendale, AZ – Gila River Arena 

    7/27 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena San Diego 

    7/29 – Los Angeles, CA – crypto.com Arena  

    8/2 – Sacramento, CA – Golden1 Center 

    8/3 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center 

    8/6 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome 

    8/7 – Edmonton , AB – Rogers Place 

    8/9 – Saskatoon, SK – Sasktel Centre 

    8/10 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre 

    8/12 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center 

    8/13 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center 

    8/16 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center 

    8/17 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center 

    8/19 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center 

    8/20 – Austin, TX – Moody Center 

    8/26 –  Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena 

    8/27 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center 

    8/31 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center 

    9/1 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena 

    9/3 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field 

    9/6 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena 

    9/24-9/25 – Bridgeport, CT – Sound On Sound Music Festival

  • Albany Symphony Pianists Return in February for 3 Performances

    This month, just in time for Valentine’s Day, Albany Symphony pianists return for a verity of concerts. Wei Lou, piano soloist, will perform a Valentine’s concert on February 12th. Later in the month, Gershwin virtuoso and Kevin Cole will play Rhapsody in Blue in Troy. The Valentine’s Weekend program also includes Tchaikovsky’s expert Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique,” and New York City-based British composer Hannah Kendall’s The Spark Catchers

    Albany Symphony Orchestra
    Albany Symphony Orchestra

    Music Director David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony welcome back two favorite virtuoso pianists for weekends of thrilling music sure to make for a perfect Valentine’s romance. 

    Conductor David Alan Miller
    Albany Symphony Orchestra’s conductor, David Alan Miller

    Valentine Romance: Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique, Saturday, Feb. 12 at 7:30pm, Palace Theatre. 

    At the Palace Theatre and streaming live online, Wei Luo performs Serge Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Luo made her acclaimed premiere with the Symphony in 2017. 

    “I am beyond excited to be back with Albany Symphony to perform this masterpiece,” said Luo. “The Prokofiev Third Piano Concerto is one of the most powerful yet beautiful concertos of all time with touching melodies, percussive sounds, and electrifying rhythms. It will be a blast!” 

    Pianists Wei Lou
    Albany Symphony Pianist, Wei Lou

    “I’m thrilled to welcome Wei Luo back to play one of my all-time favorite piano concertos, Prokofiev’s glorious Third, along with the most romantic, passionate, life-affirming Russian symphony in the repertoire, Tchaikovsky’s Sixth, the ‘Pathétique,’ Miller said. “We’re also delighted to feature a brilliant recent work by composer Hannah Kendall. All the music on this program crackles with warmth and love; it is the perfect antidote for a cold winter’s night, and a musical Valentine you won’t want to miss.” 

    Albany Symphony Pianists, Wei Lou
    Albany Symphony Pianist, Wei Lou

    Gershwin in the Roaring 20s, Saturday, Feb. 26 at 7:30pm and Sunday, Feb. 27 at 3pm at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

    Kevin Cole, the foremost interpreter of the music of George Gershwin, makes his long-awaited return for a special program including a rare presentation of an iconic favorite. 

    Albany Symphony Pianists, Kevin Cole
    Albany Symphony Pianist, Kevin Cole

    “We’re delighted to welcome Kevin Cole back for a gorgeous evening of Gershwin classics from the 1920s, including ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ performed in its seldom heard original jazz band version, and some of Kevin’s own dazzling Gershwin improvisations,” Miller said. “Don’t miss this concert; it will be unforgettable!”   

    Kevin Cole
    Albany Symphony Pianist, Kevin Cole

    The original event was one scheduled as a one-night-only performance, but a Sunday afternoon matinee was recently added to Gershwin Weekend and a virtual livestream has also been added for the Saturday night performance by popular demand. According to Cole, the appreciation is mutual: 

    “Every time I perform with Conductor David Alan Miller and Albany Symphony it’s an electrifying event! We have always been in syncopated synchronization with Gershwin. After more than 20 years of David and I performing together we’ve found a beautiful balance of lush romanticism layered with roller coaster thrills!” 

    David Alan Miller
    Albany Symphony Orchestra’s conductor, David Alan Miller

    Albany Symphony Orchestra presents a classical series throughout the region. Throughout leading Albany Symphony to its success, David Alan Miller has established a reputation as one of the leading American conductors of his generation. Often recognized as one of the American’s most innovative and creative orchestras, the two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Albany Symphony is renowned for accomplished performances featuring classic orchestral favorites, lesser-heard masterworks, and an array of contemporary music from emerging voices of today. 

    Albany Symphony Orchestra
    Albany Symphony Orchestra

    Founded in 1930 in New York’s Capital Region, the Albany Symphony serves a diverse regional in the creation, performance, and recording of new orchestral music. The Albany Symphony is constantly reshaping the nation’s musical legacy. The Albany Symphony celebrates our living musical heritage through its adventurous programming, commissioning, and recording of new work, and broad community engagement beyond the concert hall.  

    Albany Symphony Orchestra
    Albany Symphony Orchestra

    Tickets range from $20 to $62; livestream tickets are on sale now for $37 at (518) 694-3300 and albanysymphony.com. Saturday night Gershwin availability is limited. 

  • Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival Lineup for 2022 Released

    The Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival will return to a live format this July 13-17 in Oak Hill, NY. With over 40 bands, six stages, dozens of performances, hands-on workshops, dancing, camping, jamming, kids activities, ethnic/festive foods, excellent vendors and top luthiers, fans will be guaranteed a memorable weekend of bluegrass music.

    Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival

    Thousands of fans from over 30 states and across the world attend this festival every year, to let loose in the Catskill Mountains. This festival features a multitude of genres consisting of traditional and contemporary bluegrass, jam bands, old-time, swing and cajun.

    Advance Full Festival Tickets are now available for $275, including camping from 7am Wednesday, July 13 through 5pm Sunday, July 17. Considering this is a family friendly event, kids 12 and under are free with a ticketed adult. Additionally, Advance Day Passes are available for $85 for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with entry beginning at 8am and ending at about 1:30am. For the connivence of all fans, the festival is ensuring free day parking and shuttle busses. Lastly, Senior day passes (62+) will be available at the gate, with ID, for $80.

    This year there will be two new camping options: RV Electrical Hookups in Generatorville and the High Meadow Glamping Village. Only those with full festival tickets can camp on the grounds and must follow safety and health guidelines. To learn more information about the bands, lodging, tickets and activities visit Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival site.

    2022 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival Artists and Days of Performance

    Alison Brown (Thurs)

    Balsam Range (Fri)

    Barbaro (Sat)

    Bela Fleck My Bluegrass Heart (Fri)

    Charm City Junction (Thurs)

    Circus No. 9 (Sat)

    Compton & Newberry (Fri)

    Country Current / U.S. Navy Band (Sat/Sun)

    Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band (Fri)

    Del McCoury Band  (Fri)

    Della Mae (Sat)

    Donna The Buffalo (Fri)

    Dry Branch Fire Squad / Host Band (TFSS)

    Dustbowl Revival (Fri)

    Fireside Collective (Sat)

    Gangstagrass (Fri)

    Gibson Brothers (Thurs)

    Giri & Uma Peters (Sat)

    Grain Thief (Fri)

    Jerry Douglas / Artist-in-Residence (Thurs/Fri/Sat)

    Jim Gaudet & Railroad Boys     Thurs/Fri

    Mark Schatz & Bryan McDowell (Fri)

    Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (Fri)

    Mr. Sun (Sat)

    Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy (Fri)

    Peter Rowan & Los Texmaniacs (Sat)

    Quickstep Featuring John Kirk & Trish Miller (T/F/S)

    Rhonda Vincent and The Rage (Thurs)

    Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley (Sat)

    Robin & Linda Williams (Thurs)

    Sam Bush Band (Fri)

    Serene Green (Fri)

    Sierra Hull (Thurs/Fri)

    Steep Canyon Rangers (Fri)

    Steve Earle & The Dukes (Sat)

    Stillhouse Junkies (Thurs)

    The Hillbenders (Thurs)

    The SteelDrivers (Thurs)

    The Wildmans (Sat)

    The Travelin’ McCourys (Fri)

    We Banjo 3 (Sat)

    Yonder Mountain String Band (Sat)

  • MasterVoices to Celebrate 80th anniversary with Carnegie Hall performance of “Anyone Can Whistle”

    MasterVoices, the acclaimed chorus based in New York City, will celebrate it’s 80th anniversary with a performance of the Stephen Sondheim musical Anyone Can Whistle at Carnegie Hall on March 10.

    MasterVoices is an interracial, interfaith chorus based in New York City.

    The musical tells the story of a corrupt, small-town mayor in 1960s America. Vanessa Williams stars as the aforementioned mayor who fabricates a miracle to attract tourists. The cast also features Tony Award winner, Santino Fontana, as  J. Bowden Hapgood, a stranger who comes to town during the mayor’s scam and may or may not help uncover it.

    The show is directed by Ted Sperling the Artistic Director of MasterVoices. Prior to his role at MasterVoices Sperling directed the New York Philharmonic, New York City Opera, and was Principal Conductor of the Westchester Orchestra.

    anyone can whistle
    View of American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim onstage during an event at the Fairchild Theater, East Lansing, Michigan, February 12, 1997. (Photo by Douglas Elbinger/Getty Images)

    “Steve was a friend, a great colleague and a mentor,” Sperling said. “He was delighted we were revisiting Anyone Can Whistle, which has one of his favorite songs, ‘With So Little to Be Sure Of,’ and he had agreed to help us with the project. The month ahead will be a labor of love, and we know his spirit will be with us.”

    carnegie hall michael dorf
    The rarely performed musical’s notable songs include “There Won’t Be Trumpets,” “Anyone Can Whistle,” “Everybody Says Don’t” and “With So Little to be Sure Of”.

    Sondheim, and his long-time creative partner, Arthur Laurents, who wrote the book, conceived the story as a treatise on the importance individuality in 1960s America. In particular, when faced with the inherent contradiction of attempting to remain sane in an increasingly insane society.

    While a product of the 1960s the show has been lauded for its timelessness. Specifically for its portrayal of an unscrupulous leader and the consequences that occur should a community decide to follow one. The musical also satirizes religion and science, examining their ties to political power.

    This is the first performance of Anyone Can Whistle in New York City since the Encore! series at City Center in 2010.

    Tickets

    Anyone Can Whistle will play at Carnegie Hall for one night only on March 10. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling 212.247.7800, or in person at the box office. Guests must show proof of vaccination to attend the performance.

     
  • Jazz at Lincoln Center Embarks on “Songs We Love” Tour

    Jazz at Lincoln Center will head out on a “Songs We Love” tour featuring rising stars in New York City jazz. The tour features Riley Mulherkar as Musical Director, with Vuyo Sotashe, Brianna Thomas and Shenel Johns on vocals with Julian Lee, Mariel Bildsten, Mathis Picard, Barry Stephenson and TJ Reddick. 

    "Songs We Love" Tour
    Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents “Songs We Love”

    Today’s rising stars in jazz music are to preform “Songs We Love,” from March 3-19. The tour will feature a journey through the first 50 years of jazz music under the musical direction of Riley Mulherkar, along with three guest vocalists who will join the band of New York’s rising stars. By combining their unique talents, the group will perform their way through decades of music, beginning with the early blues, the jazz of the 1920s, and then ending in the early 1950s. With this, Iconic singers included such as Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland.  

    Jazz at Lincoln Center Tour
    Riley Mulherkar “Songs We Love” Musical Director

    The “Songs We Love” tour will kick off in March with nine shows throughout the north, east and south coasts. The tour was first presented as the 2016 Season opener at Lincoln Center in New York City. For over three decades, Jazz at Lincoln Center has been a huge advocate for genres such as jazz, culture, and arts education globally. With the help of Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and many guest artists throughout the generations, this venue produces thousands of performances, education, and broadcast events for people around the world.  

    By providing new opportunities to present great jazz programming, the Jazz at Lincon Center can feature up and coming musicians who are rising in fame. This allows for their mission ““to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy.” 

    Jazz at Lincoln Center Tour
    Riley Mulherkar “Songs We Love” Musical Director

    Musician Riley Mulherkar has been recognized as a “smart young trumpet player” by The New York Times, along with being praised by The Wall Street Journal as a “youngster to keep an eye on.” By being a founding member of the band, The Westerlies, Riley helps create a hybrid genre of music that can be both “folk-like, lovely and intellectually rigorous” (NPR Music). Riley works with many leading and up-and-coming artists today, he was born and raised in Seattle, but later moved to New York to study at The Juilliard School, later receiving the Knowles Prize for Jazz and the Peter Mennin Prize for “outstanding achievement and leadership in music.” 

    In 2011, Riley was named a “rising jazz artist” by Wynton Marsalis in JET magazine, and in 2014 was the first recipient of the Laurie Frink Career Grant at the Festival of New Trumpet Music. He is serving as an ambassador for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “Jazz for Young People” program in both New York and St. Louis. All of this experience and accolades position him as the perfect musical director for Songs We Love. 

    Jazz at Lincoln Center Tour
    Riley Mulherkar Musical Director

    Vocalists on tour include South African jazz vocalist Vuyo Sotashe, who moved to NYC in 2013 after being awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to pursue Master of Music at William Paterson University. Since then, he has gone to win numerous awards including first prize at the very first Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival Vocal Competition in 2014, and more recently, he won the Audience prize award and placed second over-all at the Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition in 2015. 

    Brianna Thomas is another vocalist who has described by The NY Times stating, “Ms. Thomas has a strong voice and a big range, descended from Sarah Vaughan and Betty Carter and routed through Dianne Reeves, with clarity and confidence and a little dirt.” 

    Paring with these vocalists with a voice that embodies passion and a personal style that sways effortlessly from jazz, to R&B, to gospel is Shenel Johns, who has emerged as one of the shining stars of her generation. 

    Accompanying Riley Mulherkar and the three guest vocalists is Julian Lee, who quickly established himself as one of the most versatile saxophonists of his generation. Lee is the beneficiary of the 2017 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award from Jazz at Lincoln Center and has performed both internationally and nationally with a wide array of critically acclaimed artists.  

    Along with these well-astounded artists, Mariel bildsten will also join on the trombone. She is known as the lead trombonist in Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra and tours internationally with the rock band, Brass Against. Mariel has performed at Carnegie Hall, Radio City, O2 Arena, Birdland Jazz Club, the Apollo Theater, the Chicago Jazz Festival, Perth International Arts Festival, Caramoor Jazz Festival, Smalls Jazz Club, and Smoke Jazz Club, and many more. 

    On piano is French-Malagasy pianist Mathis Picard, who has recently released his new album Live at the Museum, showcasing his diverse talent. Considered one of the most sought-after bassists on the scene today, Barry Stephenson also joins the tour with his raw talent. On drums is TJ Reddick, already a world traveler, who has performed in many countries including France, Brazil and Belize. TJ is an energetic musician ready to light up any stage. 

    Together, these musicians are bringing a young dynamic vibe to each performance that you won’t want to miss. 

    The Jazz at Lincoln Center Tour dates, tickets and showtimes can be found on their website.

  • Alicia Olatuja to give voice to 60 years of Female Artists at Flushing Town Hall on February 19th

    On Saturday, February 19 at 8 PM, Flushing Town Hall is hosting Alicia Olatuja, an amazing singer who came into the national spotlight as the featured soloist of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir at President Barack Obama’s Second Inauguration in 2013. 

    “We are overjoyed to welcome Alicia Olatuja to Flushing Town Hall and excited to hear her lush vocals,” says Executive & Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek. “Audiences are in for a real treat, be they fans of jazz, folk, rock, or pop. Olatuja crosses genres seamlessly and is known for her regal presence and stunning voice.” 

    Alicia Olatuja
    Photo By Harrison Weinstein

    Olatuja’s show, Intuition: From the Minds of Women, will celebrate esteemed, female composers and draws from her 2019 sophomore album. Along with this, includes her interpretations of the music of Sade, Tracy Chapman, Kate Bush, Linda Creed, Angela Bofill, and Brenda Russell. This event is an in-person event but is also streaming for free on Flushing Town Hall’s YouTube channel. 

    Along with Olatuja’s performance, Flushing Town Hall hosts a Black History Trilogy for the celebration of Black History month. The trilogy will feature award-winning performers paying tribute to influential African-American artists, entertainers, and musical traditions. 

    Though she is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Olatuja grew up immersed in a wide range of musical styles, including gospel, soul, jazz and classical. Shortly after, she assembled her own jazz-based ensemble and recorded her first solo album, Timeless (2014).  

    Praised by DownBeat for her “full-bodied tone, precise pitch, and personal engagement at the lowest whisper or highest wail,” Olatuja’s first came into the national spotlight in 2013 when performing as the featured soloist with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir at President Barack Obama’s Second Inauguration.

    This in-person performance will take place on Saturday, February 19 at 8 PM. Tickets can be purchased here ($15/$12 members). Lastly, all visitors, performers and staff are required to show proof of vaccination, masks will be required at all times as well. 

    This concert will stream live for FREE on Flushing Town Hall’s YouTube Channel

  • Long Island Hip Hop Singer Carly X Releases “A Dark Frequency”

    Long Island singer Carly X has released her new project called A Dark Frequency, featuring two songs “Lowkey” and “Don’t Mind Me.”

    Growing up, she was influenced by a variety of artists, from SugarHill to McFadden & Whitehead, and also Marvin Gaye. She started writing music at age six, and once she discovered female rappers like Nicki Minaj and Queen Latifah, she started writing her own rap verses.

    Carly X
    Carly X.

    After being hand-selected by Doritos and Busta Rhymes to complete a rap competition, she was the youngest and only female to touch the stage, when she was only 19. She opened for Wiz Khalifa and was featured in Billboard Magazine.

    Her newest piece of music, A Dark Frequency is about the silent battles she faces alone in the dark.

    No matter how bright a light may seem to shine, it’s only a matter of time until darkness arrives. Sometimes we pretend everything is ok, sometimes we let the darkness consume us, and sometimes we fight to see the light again.

    Carly X

    The two songs featured in the project, “Lowkey” and “Don’t Mind Me” both encompass strong beats and melodic backing tracks as she spits verses down. The songs are reminiscent of older rappers, like Biggie or Tupac, but also give a modern rap feel. These are songs that everyone could add to their playlists and be able to vibe with.

    Carly X is taking names and is here to stay and make her mark in the industry. She officially started releasing music in 2020 and has no plans to stop. Her new project A Dark Frequency is available to stream here.

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

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

    Sal Cataldi

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

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

    Charles Dennis

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

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

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

  • Rachael Sage Announces New Single And Tour With 9 NY Dates

    NYC-based artist Rachael Sage is coming out with her new single “Revelation Ground” and tour, with nine shows across New York State.

    Rachael sage
    Rachael Sage. photo by Blue Roses.

    Sage has been touring for decades among the likes of Judy Collins, Eric Burdon, and Ani DiFranco and a six-time Independent Music Awards winner who founded her record label, MPress Records two decades ago. She has been described as “The Carole King of her generation…” by Blurt Magazine, and by artist Judy Collins herself as “A great gift…of incredible talent and beauty.”

    Rachael Sage is going on tour and will have support from Howard Jones at the select show. She will perform songs from her recent Billboard Charting album Character, along with select pieces across her discography of 14 albums and her new collaborative side-project, Poetica. Tickets to the tour can be found here.

    Rachel Sage Tour Dates
    2/10/22 – Beacon, NY – The Dogwood (Winter Residency)
    2/11/22 – Ithaca, NY – Hangar Theatre*
    2/12/22 – Saratoga, NY – Universal Preservation Hall*
    2/14/22 – Boston, MA – City Winery*
    2/15/22 – Norwalk, CT – Wall Street Theater*
    2/17/22 – Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House*
    2/18/22 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount*
    2/19/22 – New York, NY – Sony Hall*
    2/20/22 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater*
    2/21/22 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere*
    2/22/22 – Richmond, VA – The Tin Pan*
    3/1/22 – New York, NY – Joe’s Pub (Single Release Show)
    3/4/22 – Beacon, NY – The Dogwood (Winter Residency)
    4/9/22 – Binghamton, NY – Atomic Tom’s

    * appearing with Howard Jones

  • 50 Years of King Crimson Celebrated in Forthcoming Documentary

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

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

    photo by Tony Levin

    According to notes provided by filmmaker Amies:

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

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

    photo by Tony Levin

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

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

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

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

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