The Egg has started their search for a new executive director as long time head, Peter Lesser, steps away. Since starting in August 2000, Lesser has brought together a wide variety of entertainment, from musical performances to comedy shows.
Peter Lesser in front of The Egg, October 2000. Photo by Paul Buckowski for Times Union.
Over the span of almost 22 years, Lesser has worked tirelessly to provide the Capital Region with culture and entertainment from around the world. Before the pandemic caused theaters to close, the venue hosted over 200 events each year. He has helped The Egg overcome a number of challenges, including security issues after 9/11, reductions in state funding and competition from other venues.
Prior to taking over at The Egg, Lesser served as executive director of Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy from 1992 to 2000.
In addition to expanding the music, dance and family programming, Lesser has also been instrumental in creating special projects that focus on developing a statewide performing arts presenter network, commissioning new work and community outreach.
These initiatives have elevated The Egg’s stature as an invaluable cultural asset for the Capital Region and the State of New York, and I am appreciative of the Board’s support as we have worked to enhance our mission and achieve our goals.
Peter Lesser
Lesser’s love for The Egg is evident as he leaves behind not only a legacy, but the tools necessary for the continuation of programming at the venue. The strong foundation he helped to build will spur future administrations on for decades.
In a letter to the Board of Directors, Lesser explains that he is relocating to spend more time with his family, but he will continue to work with The Egg remotely until a candidate has been chosen and transitioned in. Applications for the position are being accepted through February. The job description and information on the application process can be found here.
While the Allman Betts Band tour has been postponed amid a hiatus, there is now a co-headlining tour with The Devon Allman Project and Samantha Fish Band in its place, with stops in Utica, Albany, Buffalo, Chester, New York City and Westhampton Beach.
Devon Allman.
The Devon Allman Project is a six-piece world-class band that has previously toured almost 20 countries. The band is led by Devon Allman, son of The Allman Brothers guitarist Gregg Allman. The band is known for gracefully blending genres and jam in the same way that the Allman family is known for.
photo by Brian Cornish
Samantha Fish is one of the most inventive artists in the blues scene, with her being placed in Guitar World Magazine’s list of “Top 10 Best Blues Guitarists in the World.”
Speaking of the tour, Devon Allman had this to say:
I can’t wait to get back out and spread some music around with my friends. I’ve known Samantha forever now and she’s such a phenomenal talent, her voice and guitar playing are smokin’ and her new band are world class…we’re gonna have some fun out there
The Devon Allman Project tour with Samantha Fish will be heading to multiple NY cities, and tickets can be found here.
THE DEVON ALLMAN PROJECT + THE SAMANTHA FISH BAND ON TOUR
Mar 3 @ The Kent Stage | Kent, OH Mar 4 @ Riverfront Live | Cincinnati, OH Mar 5 @ Robins Theatre | Warren, OH Mar 6 @ Kemba Live | Columbus, OH Mar 8 @ Jergel’s | Warrendale, PA Mar 9 @ Town Ballroom | Buffalo, NY Mar 10 @ Stanley Theater | Utica, NY Mar 11 @ HMAC | Harrisburg, PA Mar 12 @ Palladium | New York, NY Mar 13 @ Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center | Chester, NY Mar 16 @ Musikfest Cafe | Bethleham, PA Mar 17 @ Palace Theater | Manchester, NH Mar 18 @ Loos Center for the Arts | Woodstock, CT Mar 19 @ Cabot Theater | Beverly, MA Mar 20 @ Westhampton Beach PAC | Westhampton Beach, NY Mar 23 @ Academy of Music | Northampton, MA Mar 24 @ The Egg | Albany, NY Mar 25 @ Mayo Performing Arts Center | Morristown, NJ Mar 26 @ The Beacon Theatre | Hopewell, VA
THE DEVON ALLMAN PROJECT
Apr 1 @ Hawaii Theatre Center | Honolulu, HI Apr 2 @ Castle Theater | Maui, HA
Three of Central New York’s most notable Native American music artists were announced as nominees for the Native American Music Awards. Notable nominees include The Ripcords, Earl Slick, Pete McMahon and the West Side Social Club.
Irv Lyons Jr., of the Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan, is nominated for four Native American Music Awards, including “Best Rock Recording” and “Artist of the Year” for his EP, Private Invitation, not to mention nominations for “Best Male Vocalist” and “Song of the Year” for “Save The Planet.”
Irv Lyons Blues Fest
Rex Lyons of the Onondaga Nation, Eel Clan., along with Irv Lyons and The Ripcords are also nominated for “Group of the Year” and “Best Blues Recording” for their album, “Unmasked (Live).” Along with this, they’re nominated for “Best Blues Recording” with the group West Side Social Club. This includes Earl Slick, Pete McMahaon and Liz Strodel.
The Ripcords in the studio
The Ripcords are a musical collaboration from cousins, Rex and Irv Lyons. Along with members Jay Gould, Tom Witkowski and Steve Palumbo. They are a versatile group who can deliver various genres of music such as blues, rock, swing and jazz, they even write their own songs as well.
Joanne Shenandoah, Native American singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist based in the New York, is also on the Private Invitation EP for the song “Save The Planet” which received a “Song of The Year” nomination. She belonged to the Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan, and passed away November 22nd, 2021.
Irv Lyons Blues Fest
“I’m honored and excited to be up for a couple of NAMMY awards!” adds Rex Lyons. “We’ve been making original music for over 2 decades, hopefully 3rd times a charm and we bring home the hardware. Congrats to all my fellow nominees. Good luck!”
“To be nominated for the Native American Music Awards is an amazing honor and great privilege,” says Irv. “Private Invitation is my best work to date. The most complete in lyrics and music. It is a snapshot of my experiences in love, friendship and the heart. These songs are all radio ready as any of them could be on the charts now. My true labor of love that hopefully people will enjoy and play over and over.”
In honor of Black History Month, Bardavon Presents in Poughkeepsie has announced several events. Two of these events are announced as a way to educate and promote conversation surrounding race for kids and teens K-12, with other events celebrating Black history also scheduled.
The first of these events is Virtual Step Afrika! The event is a 5-part series designed to educate the youth on stepping and its history. Stepping is a form of dancing that originated in African American colleges in the early 20th century. Steppers use their bodies as an instrument and often follow polyrhythmic time signatures. By doing so, the dance form created a way for people to musically express themselves through their bodies. Schools and teachers can register for Virtual Step Afrika! from now until Friday, February 18th.
Step Afrika!
Bardavon Presents will also host Virtual Rhapsody in Black. The event is a one-man show written and performed by LeLand Gantt and developed at NYC’s Actors Studio by Estelle Parsons. The show follows Gantt’s personal journey to understand and eventually transcend racism in America. Teachers It seeks to stimulate deep and uncomfortable, yet necessary conversations about race. A free stream of the performance will be available starting Monday, February 7th til Friday, February 18th.
Rhapsody in Black
On Friday, February 25th, a dual screening of Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing, will be shown at both the Bardavon and Ulster Performing Arts Center. The classic 1989 film featuring Spike Lee, Martin Lawrence, Samuel L. Jackson, and Giancarlo Esposito, explores the racial tension in a Brooklyn neighborhood between African Americans and Italian-Americans. The movie has received unanimous positive reception in the way that it explores its themes, so much so that it has been admitted to the National Film Registry. Tickets for the screening start at just $6.
Do the Right Thing
On February 18th at 8 PM, BardavonPresents will host a free stream on their YouTube page. This stream will be a part of their HVP: Behind the Music series. The episode will focus on the Hudson Valley Philharmonic’s March 5th concert, which shines a spotlight on female composers. Notably, Composer Nkeiru Okoye will discuss her piece “Songs of Harriet Tubman,” dedicated to the abolitionist woman who helped free an estimated 70 slaves. The steam will also explore the broader title theme, Underground Figures. More information is available here.
The Park Theater, located in Glens Falls, is hosting a variety of shows in the month of February. From comedy shows to listening parties, there is going to be a lot of fun happening at the venue.
The venue’s mission statement is that it would like to enhance the community and quality of life in Glens Falls by providing a venue for affordable entertainment and educational opportunities.
The outside of The Park Theater.
The bigger shows happening include Damn Tall Buildings and The Wildmans making an appearance at the venue. On February 12, Damn Tall Buildings will be playing. With elements of bluegrass, blues, rock, and vintage swing, the band shares harmonies to make for one joyous night.
Damn Tall Buildings.
On February 26, The Wildmans will be coming. Having shared the stage with many artists, such as Béla Fleck and Billy Strings, the band are highly skilled in playing and combining jazz and blues to create a fresh new sound.
The Wildmans.
The Park Theater is hosting all and more of these shows in February, and tickets can be found here, with proof of vaccination required.
Friday, February 4– Canceled due to Inclement Weather
The Park Theater presents ‘Rewind At The Park’ featuring “The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook Show: An Evening of Songs & Stories” presented by Aztec Two-Step 2.0 with narration by Tony Traguardo.
Thursday, February 10
The Park Theater presents ‘Live & Local’ featuring Troy, NY-based indie-rock group, Candy Ambulance.
Thursday, February 17
The Park Theater presents ‘Third Thursday Jazz’ with The Matt Niedbalski Trio featuring trombonist, Tyler Giroux.
Wednedsay, February 23
The Park Theater hosts Rochmon Record Club for a series of listening parties. Hosted by Chuck Vosganian, this listening party will focus on Janis Joplin’s final studio album, “Pearl” (1971).
Friday, February 25
The Park Theater presents ‘Comedy After Dark’ performance featuring acclaimed comedian, Casey James Salengo.
Nora Brown is not a regular teenager. The 16-year-old is quickly rising to stardom using her talent of one unorthodox instrument: the banjo. “It’s kind of a unique instrument compared to other stringed instruments,” she says in an interview with Brooklyn Magazine, “it has a very unique sound that I was drawn to.
Nora Brown
Unlike most teenagers her age, Brown finds musical enjoyment in traditional bluegrass music and her musicianship on the banjo pays homage to the greats before her. Moreover, the Brooklyn native was mentored by the late New York native and legendary Renaissance man John Cohen, and his mentorship shines through on the rising talent’s strings.
In her swift rise through the world of bluegrass, Brown has already collected a considerable amount of accolades. Her 2019 debut album, Cinnamon Tree, peaked at #7 on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts. Moreover, her second record, Sidetrack My Engine, was released last year and debuted at #6 on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts. Amazingly, the record was recorded in an underground brick arched cave under Brooklyn on an Ampex tape machine. The 16-year-old also has a Tiny Desk Concert on NPR Music, which is linked below.
The rising bluegrass talent has an exciting career ahead of her. She will be playing at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, Feb 12th from 8 PM to 10 PM. Tickets are available here.
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival 2022 kicks off on Friday, February 4 for the 125th anniversary event. With events outdoors, the Ice Castle and Parade on Saturday, February 12, the event bounces back with a theme of Totally 80s.
Poster by Saranac Lake native, Garry Trudeau
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival dates back to 1897, when the logging community in the Adirondacks, established already as a healing and rejuvenation location for sufferers of tuberculosis, sought to snap the winter chill and promote outdoor games and activities. The Pontiac Club initially sponsored a one day fancy dress carnival in the inaugural year, and has been held on and off until 1947-48 when the event was resurrected and been held annually ever since.
For full details, visit the Winter Carnival website, and check out the schedule of events below.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022
5:30 pm 21th Annual Past Royalty Mixer and Dinner – Open to Past Royalty Only (Red Fox Restaurant, 5034 Route 3, contact Marilyn Bigelow, 518-891-1286, $)
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm NEW Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)
7:30 pm *Women’s Civic Chamber Coronation of Winter Carnival Royalty–By Invitation Only this Year (Harrietstown Town Hall, 39 Main St)
8:30 pm *Waterhole Presents Annie in the Water wsg Chestnut Grove (48 Main St, $, Doors open at 7:30pm)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2022
10:00 am – 6:00 pm NEW Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)
1:00 pmNEW *Women’s Civic “Corn-A-Ment” Cornhole Tournament, registration forms found here (On the ice in front of Saranac Waterfront Lodge, $40 registration fee per 2-Player team, contact Deb Reilly at debreilly6@gmail.com for information)
** NO Annual Winter Carnival Spaghetti Dinner presented by Catholic Daughters of America — check back next year **
8:30 pm *Waterhole Presents High & Mighty Brass wsg The Reflexions (48 Main St, $, Doors open at 7:30pm)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022
10:00 am – 6:00 pm NEW Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)
5:00 pm *80’s Trivia at the Elk’s Lodge – Relive the decade of big hair and Ferris Bueller, Kids welcome (Elk’s Lodge #1508, 30 Bloomingdale Ave, Food available, Donation requested)
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm NEW Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)
7:00 pm *Community Celebration Service (St. Luke’s Church, 136 Main St)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm NEW Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)
3:30 pm *Scavenger Hunt for Middle School Students (Saranac Lake Youth Center, 29 Woodruff St)
5:00 pm Winter Carnival Grand Marshall Reception (Saranac Waterfront Lodge, 250 Lake Flower Ave, Cash Bar)
6:00 pm Winter Carnival Royalty Dinner (Saranac Waterfront Lodge, 250 Lake Flower Ave, $, RSVP required by 2/1, call 518-891-4367)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2022
11:00 am – 5:00 pm *”Totally 80s” Art Exhibit–Featuring Artwork Produced in the 80s plus More (Adirondack Artists’ Guild, 52 Main St.)
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm NEW Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)
8:00 pm *Waterhole Presents Kat Wright wsg Giovanina Bucci (48 Main St, $, Doors open at 7:00pm)
THURSDAY, February 10, 2022
11:00 am – 5:00 pm *”Totally 80s” Art Exhibit–Featuring Artwork Produced in the 80s plus More (Adirondack Artists’ Guild, 52 Main St.)
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm NEW Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm NEW Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm NEW Coakley Home and Hardware Open Skate with Free Hot Chocolate (Right after the Skating Races, Saranac Lake Civic Center, 213 Ampersand Ave)
TBD Firefighter’s Broom Ball (Saranac Lake Civic Center, 213 Ampersand Ave)
6:00 pm NEW Saranac Waterfront Lodge Snow Ball — Return of the classic formal dinner and dance (Saranac Waterfront Lodge, 250 Lake Flower Ave, $, Details to come)
8:30 pm *Waterhole Presents The Mallett Brothers Band wsg Folkfaces (48 Main St, $, Doors open at 7:30pm)
SATURDAY, February 12, 2022
10:00 am – 6:00 pm NEW Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)
10:00 am *CanAm Snow Rugby (Saranac Lake High School Track Field, 79 Canaras Ave, Call 518-524-5841)
11:00 am – 5:00 pm *”Totally 80s” Art Exhibit–Featuring Artwork Produced in the 80s plus More (Adirondack Artists’ Guild, 52 Main St.)
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm NEW Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop–Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)
1:00 pm *The Village Mercantile Winter Carnival Shoebox Float Judging and Prizes (The Village Mercantile, 97 Main St, drop off your Shoebox Floats anytime February 4-12, call 518-354-7183 for more information)
Summer Camp Music Festival has announced the second round of performers for the 2022 edition of the Midwest fest. Headliners include Smashing Pumpkins, Little Feat (performing their classic album, Waiting For Columbus), Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, STS9, Zeds Dead, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, as well as host bands moe. and Umphrey’s McGee. The festival will take place from May 25 -29, 2021 at the Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois.
Summer Camp Music Festival first took place back in 2001 and brought about 1,000 patrons to enjoy over 15 bands on two stages during the 2-day event at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, IL. Over the years the festival has transformed the grounds annually, making it possible to welcome more fans, more fun and way more music. The festivities take place across Memorial Day Weekend and multiple stages, different genres, and even camping.
The current announced line up includes moe., Umphrey’s McGee, The Smashing Pumpkins, Zeds Dead, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Little Feat, STS9, NGHTMRE, Liquid Stranger, Big Wild, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Shpongle (Simon Posford Live Set), Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Whethan, Cory Wong, Cherub, Malaa, Moon Taxi, Peekaboo, Manic Focus, OPIUO, Kasbo, Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass ft. The Hillbenders, The Infamous Stringdusters, Leftover Salmon, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Motet, Victor Wooten, Here Come the Mummies, Cory Henry, Andy Frasco & The U.N, TAUK, and Everyone Orchestra.
Additional artists, in alphabetical order include 1788-L, Aqueous, Big Something, Daily Bread, Death Kings, Dirt Monkey, Doom Flamingo, Dopapod, DRAMA, Ghost Light, Jantsen, lespecial, Maddy O’Neal, Maggie Rose, Magic Beans, The Main Squeeze, Mersiv, Monophonics, Moore Kismet, Mungion, Sammy Rae & The Friends, Saxsquatch, SoDown, Steady Flow, SUSTO, The Werks and Wreckno,
And more artists in alphabetical order: A Hundred Drums, Aaron Kamm & The One Drops, BLVK JVCK, Caleb Johnson, Canabliss, Chicago Farmer & The Fieldnotes, The Claudettes, Cofresi, Con Brio, Couch, DOGMA, Dogs In A Pile, Family Groove Company, Goodnight, Texas, The Horn Section, James Maslow x Eugene Ugorski, Kick The Cat, Kitchen Dwellers, Little Stranger, Neighbor, The North 41, Old Shoe, Ravenscoon, Sun Stereo, TK & The Holy Know-Nothings and, Yam Yam
Further artists include, in alphabetial order, APO10, Biomassive, Brainchild, BUTTA’, Dizgo, Eggy, Fauvely, Formerly The Fox, Kuh Nives, Miles Over Mountains, Stan P Band, Still Shine, Tand, Trash Angel (Emo Set), The Tripp Brothers, Vintage Pistol and Zoofunkyou, with even more bands to be announced.
The latest round of artists announced for Summer Camp 2022 include Big Gigantic, SNBRN, returning fan favorite DJ Paul (Three Six Mafia), Magic City Hippies, and a slew of other great artists set to perform thisMemorial Day Weekend.
Tickets are on sale now including a variety of ticketing options. There are 3-Day GA Passes, Thursday Pre-Party Passes, VIP Upgrades, & RV / Car Camping Spots. Convenient Payment Plans are offered for those who need a little extra time to purchase their festival ticket. The plans are broken up into multiple installments to offer manageable monthly payments. To learn more about all Summer Camp Ticket Options, click here.
For more information on the 2022 Summer Camp Music Festival visit their website.
Buffalo’s Organ Fairchild, winner of NYS Music’s March Madness in 2021, will head out on tour this winter for 10 stops over February and March, 9 of which are in New York. They’ll kick off their tour on Thursday, February 3rd at Hickey Tavern in St. Bonaventure, then perform at Duende at Silo City on Friday, February 4.
One year ago, the band marked the release of single, “Seepin’,” from the long-time Buffalo jam band veterans, whose members have a history on the jam scene dating back 40 years. Joe Bellanti (organ and keyboards), Corey Kertzie (drums and percussion) and Dave Ruch (guitar) make for a mean trio that has been years in the making.
They’ll also link up with Syracuse’s Sophistafunk for a pair of shows in early March. With additional shows in Rochester, Ithaca, Albany, the Adirondacks and Southern Tier, there’s no shortage of shows for New Yorkers to get down with Organ Fairchild’s tasty Buffalo funk and grooves.
Irish singer-songwriter Gareth Dunlop recently dropped ‘Look Back Smiling’, a new single and accompanying video, off his upcoming album, Animal, due out on March 18th. The first part of his US Tour comes to Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock on May 6th and 7th, followed by shows in New York City and Cortland.
Taking advantage of his time during the global pandemic, Gareth Dunlop was set to record the long-waited second album Animal with Sycamore Studios. Collaborating with friends and fellow Northern Irish musicians Foy Vance and Lee Rogers to help produce new music. Vance, Rogers, and Dunlop are heading out on tour this year together with an additional duty from Gareth Dunlop as a member of Vance’s live band.
Recognized as an accomplished talent after the BBC’s in 2010, has led Gareth Dunlop into the next decade with success. Releasing several singles, EPs showing his highly soulful voice, and several of his songs being used in hit TV series Nashville and movie Best of me.
When I was young I couldn’t wait to grow up, and now that I’m older I’d give anything to go back and be a kid again.
-Gareth Dunlop
Picking up a guitar at the age of 14 began the journey of a young kid with inspirations from icons The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Tom Waits.
The diverse set of songs on the new album Animal is shown with first single ‘Look Back Smiling’ that evokes the ’80s yet justify a timeless atmospheric “Sorrow.” Gareth is set to hit the road with Foy Vance who is currently signed under Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records.
US TOUR DATES WITH FOY VANCE
May 6 @ Levon Helm Studios – Woodstock, NY
May 7 @ Levon Helm Studios – Woodstock, NY
May 8 @ Theatre of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA
May 10 @ Birchmere – Alexandria, VA
May 11 @ Webster Hall – New York, NY
May 13 @ Royale – Boston, MA
May 14 @ Center for the Arts – Homer, NY
May 17 @ Memorial Hall – Cincinnati, OH
May 18 @ James K. Polk Theater, Tennessee Performing Arts Center – Nashville, TN
May 20 @ The Cedar Cultural Center – Minneapolis, MN
