Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from, Thom Powers and Friends, Sly Fox & the Hustlers, Thanks!, and many more!
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Sly Fox and The Hustlers – “ Find Someone”
John Popper of Blues Traveler called Sly Fox and the Hustlers, “one of the best bands I’ve seen in a long time!” The band has shared stages with Popper’s Blues Traveler, SmashMouth, Robin Trower and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, among others. The Hustlers have also been a mainstay at festivals and music events across the Northeast, including Alive @ 5, the Americade Bike Fest, Movefest and the CMJ Music Marathon in New York City, to name a few. The band will be releasing their third full-length album on 2-2-22.
Thom Powers & Friends – “RollerCoaster Show”
Thom Powers and Friends was established in the Summer of 2021 and consists of Thom Powers as lead vocals, rhythm guitar, Andy Doonan on bass, Andy Mollica on lead guitar, Tony Califano on keys, and Darryl Kniffen on Drums. These guys love rock and roll and love to play music – original music and their take on cover tunes.
Thanks! – “I choose You”
Thanks! has released “I Choose You,” their second single off their upcoming album, You’re Welcome on February 11th. The upcoming album that will be released in the summer of 2022 is the band’s first full-length album.
“I Choose You” was inspired by the special people in our lives. The ones we want to laugh with, cry with and most importantly, dance with. This is a celebration of how those people make us feel and how in a sea of a billion fish, we would choose them over and over again.
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
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.
Albany Symphony Orchestra’s conductor, David Alan Miller
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!”
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 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 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!”
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!”
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
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
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.
Bad weather be damned, the spirit of rock n’ roll was alive and well this past Friday night in downtown Albany. Snow. Freezing rain. Subzero temperatures. Widespread power outages. Mother Nature threw a little bit of everything at us last weekend, but despite nasty conditions throughout the northeast, live music at The Hollow never missed a beat thanks to Ampevene, Hilltop and Baked Shrimp on Friday, February 4, 2022.
Ampevene performing at The Hollow. Albany,, NY 2/4/22
Known for having a keen ear and an uncanny ability to spot young talent, Guthrie Bell Productions served up yet another winner on February 4th, bringing three of New York’s most buzz-worthy bands together for a triple stacked bill of hip shaking live music, impressive improvisation, psychedelic live art, and a triumphant return home for Albany’s own Ampevene.
Kicking off the icy evening was Capital Region based quartet Hilltop. Coming off a breakout year that saw them play their first festivals and secure opening slots for bands like Midnight North, The Jauntee and Annie in the Water, Hilltop has continued to evolve and only seem to get better and better with each performance. Showcasing their sense of humor and an eagerness to “jam,” the short but sweet set on this night shows a band with all kinds of untapped potential and left us wanting more!
Baked Shrimp outside The Hollow. 2/4/22
Keeping a close eye on conditions outside during set break, the heavy wet slushy snow was just beginning to freeze, but inside the venue things were just starting to heat up as the charismatic Long Island trio Baked Shrimp took the stage. Fresh off a celebratory 21st birthday bash at Nectar’s for drummer Jager Soss, the ambitious young band rode into Albany red hot, firing on all cylinders and kept the party going with a scorching set of high energy funk, blues, and psychedelic rock. Baked Shrimp, which also features Jared Cowen on guitar and vocals and Scott Reill on bass, is quickly earning a reputation for melting faces wherever they play, regardless of what’s on the thermostat.
Baked Shrimp’s Jared Cowen performing at The Hollow. 2/4/22 Albany, NY
It’s been a milestone year for the guys in Baked Shrimp. Now in their fifth year as a band, January saw the release of their third studio album, Pork Etiquette. On tour ever since andwith just two stops left on this Winter tour, it was clear the boys had no intensions of simply phoning it in. Taking the stage armed with confidence and playing every note with passion, for just three dudes, Baked Shrimp create a huge sound and routinely impress. Opening with the one-two punch of “Pig Hearts and Mechanical Parts” and “Penuche Took the Fudge,” Cowen’s blistering PRS guitar work instantly grabbed the attention of everyone in the room and never let go. “Molly Ann,” “Ollie Blue” and “The Narcissist” came next before the boys dusted of “Tail Fin” for the first time in 36 shows. Holding it down on the low end while also engaged in a constant battle to keep the hair out of his eyes, bass player Scoot Reill was in fine form on the evening. Between utilizing his vocal talents and consistently finding a rock solid groove to build on, it was around this point in the set where a glance around the room revealed nearly everyone who was there was finally up on their feet and dancing. The energetic set came to a close with a tune called “Can’t Cut The Mustard.
Baked Shrimp. 2/4/22
A tough act to follow perhaps, but you have to remember this was Albany, and that means it’s Ampevene country. It had been quite some time since the genre blending, prog-rock leaning juggernaut had last headlined The Hollow and even against the cold, rain, and snow, nothing was going to stop them from playing this homecoming throwdown. Typically a four-piece ensemble comprised of Gabe Stallman on guitar and vocals, Mack Hogan on bass, Ava Smith on keys and synth and Brian McKinney Fahey on drums, to help commemorate the occasion on this night however, Ampevene, invited a couple of friends to join in on the fun; recruiting both Adam Siegel and Bob Morris on Saxophone and percussion to help fill out the sound.
Gabe Stallman of Ampevene. 2/4/22
As local artists converged to compare progress of their live paintings, the music of Ampevene surely helped inspire their other worldly results. Opening the show with a pair of songs from their 2018 debut album Ephemagoria was the “Valencia” followed up by “Rometheu.” From there, fans were treated to a taste of some unreleased music with “The Chemistress” and then a song so new that it’s only been given a working title of “Mauve Crown.” A visceral mix of heavy layered riffs, psychedelic noodling, unique time signatures and jaw-dropping falsetto vocals, Ampevene is better heard than described. Purposely designed to trip you up and trip you out, Friday night at the Hollow the band went far out. All the way out until reaching “Dazed and Confused” territory during the song the “Enhancement” as awe struck fans roared in approval for perhaps the biggest crowd pleasing moment of the night. With time left for just one more, a ballsy decision to cover one of the bands biggest influences. The Mars Volta and their 2008 song “Goliath.” While very few would even attempt such a feat, front man and lead guitarist Gabe Stallman completely knocked it out the park, bringing the show to a cathartic and triumphant close.
Ampevene performing at The Hollow. Albany,, NY 2/4/22
While the ice storm of 2022 may have kept some people from coming out, there was something about the vibe on this Friday night that just felt special. Like something hip was starting to happen and you were lucky enough to have a glimpse into the future. From the artistry and creativity displayed on stage and off, to making eyes and sharing smiles with complete strangers; a musical community slowly rediscovering itself after a long hibernation. With so much talent and creativity right here in our backyard, it’s hard not to feel optimistic about how far some of these bands could potentially go, but rest assured dear reader, we here at NYS Music intend on keeping you covered every step of the journey.
Baked Shrimp – 2/4/2022 Albany NY / The Hollow
Pig Hearts and Mechanical Parts, Penuche Took The Fudge, Molly Ann, Ollie Blu, The Narcissist, Tail Fin*, Can’t Cut The Mustard
On Sunday, February 6, Tom Rush made his way down from Vermont to Saratoga Springs to perform at Caffe Lena with Matt Nakoa. The relatively warm weather brought out a packed crowd for the duo’s first of two shows on Sunday. Tom took the stage by himself to open the show with “Best of a Bad Situation’, and he set the tone for what was to come. The show was filled with masterful finger-picking on guitar, witty lyrics, and personal storytelling. And all of that was seamlessly accompanied by Matt Nakoa on the piano.
Rush and Nakoa were operating at exactly the same wavelength all night long. Intricate finger-picking on guitar was combined with beautifully delicate runs on piano. Neither musician stepped on the other’s toes, instead their parts danced in perfect unison. This chemistry was nothing new though, as was pointed out by Tom when he told a story about one of their first shows together. In the story, Tom and Matt arrived at a venue much later than anticipated, and were left with no time to rehearse. Despite this, Matt took the stage and accompanied Tom as though he had been playing his songs for years.
After a few songs, including covers of songs by Joni Mitchell and Sleepy John Estes, Tom left the stage while Matt took over for a few songs by himself. The lefty picked up a guitar and showcased his ability to play and sing beyond his role on piano. Nakoa, standing somewhere well above 6’3″, was exceptionally dexterous, fretting chords using all five fingers with total ease, a task which would cripple most guitarists.
Shortly after leaving the stage, Tom returned and performed his “big hit on YouTube” as he put it: ‘Remember Song.’ As the set drew to a close, the energy rose while Tom and Matt lost themselves in the music. The duo would end the night with songs including ‘Train Song’ by Murray Mclauchlan and Rush’s ‘River Song.’ ‘River Song’ was played as a part of the show’s encore, an encore which was not preceded by a stage exit. Only when you have been performing over the span of seven decades like Tom Rush has, do you get to decide whether or not an encore break is necessary. As the encore drew to a close, and the musicians’ final notes rang out, the crowd rose to their feet to applaud in a standing ovation.
Both Tom and Matt will be traveling the country and performing live in the coming months. You can find Tom’s upcoming shows, accompanied by Matt, on his website here. For Matt’s solo shows, you can find them listed on his own site. The two will be all over the Northeast mostly, with a two show trip out west to California. Be sure to check out their websites to stay up-to-date on all their happenings. And for future shows at Caffe Lena, check out the their website.
So many have already interviewed William “Tragedy” Yager about his purchase of Albany’s legendary night club Fuze Box (formerly the QE2) but I waited for all the other formal interviews to be over with so I could just have a nice conversation with the man. Rob Smittix from RadioRadioX met Yager in his office area at his Howard Street location of Patsy’s Barber Shop and had a nice chat.
RRX: The day we received the call that you bought the Fuze Box, I was speaking with a friend and I said, “man I wish someone would buy it”. It honestly hurt my heart to see the building just sitting there with a for sale sign on it. What was it that made you go ahead and make it official?
WTY: I thought I was saving it from the wrecking ball or a Starbucks or something of that nature. I know the developers that were looking at it, were actually looking at maybe even having to move it because it’s on the National Historic Registry as one of the last five White Tower Hamburger buildings in the country. My formative years were there. I’d like to say I grew up in there but I didn’t grow up anywhere, I haven’t grown up yet. I feel like as soon as you grow up God’s like, ‘good, you’ve grown up, get the f**k up here and play a harp or something’. I wanted other kids to have what I was able to have from (previous owners) Charlene and David Shortsleeve and from what they have built. They orchestrated such an amazing vibe and this is way before the Internet. Char had given us her blessing, which is amazing!
I built the Fuze Box in the back of The Power Company (across the way from the current location), that was mine, so I felt like it came full circle. And I don’t know if being back at the beginning of the circle you started at is a good thing or not but I positioned myself (I guess) to probably be the only person that could do it.
This is the building part. This is supposed to be the fun part getting the calendar together and what the nights are going to be. Wednesday night we want to do industry night, kind of like the old Alibi’s. Thursdays I want it to be emo night, because emo is huge right now. Friday is going to be the normal QE2ian/Fuze Box Goth night. Hex is the first Friday of the month and the third Friday of the month is Resist The Club. Now we’re structuring where other DJ nights might fall in. So, my vision now is kind of like the original QE2, where it’s live music until 10 P.M. and club night from 10 P.M. on. A smooth transition of music, so people can stay as late as they want as new people come through the door. That’s the vision. Saturdays will be house, EDM and all those different genres of an electronic DJ style. These things are for the young folks, so they can be the new us!
It’s not just about us remembering when this was the QE2. We can’t do that, we’re old. (Laughs) We’re going to make a cool viable space for the new generation.
RRX: I had so many great memories there as a young adult. Of course, we’d love to relive those days but making it a place for the next generation, I think that’s a great way to put it.
WTY: That’s what the goal is. The Fuze Box/QE2, the Q Z Box 2 or whatever the f*** it is, has to remain a safe place for everybody in our community. When I say community, I’m talking about punk, gay, trans and everybody down the line. A comfortable place for them to be them and us to be us.
RRX: I respect that, safety is key. Now, I’m sure you saw as soon as the news broke that you purchased the club how happy the community was.
WTY: That’s great to have all of that support but getting them out of their houses is another thing. We own barber shops, tattoo shops, laundromats and The Bull and Bee Meadery. The nature of business and how business is conducted has changed. It used to be consistency is everything and location, location, location, it’s not like that anymore. Now it really depends on social media, marketing and branding. As long as your cyber presence is there, that’s what the new location is.
RRX: In the heyday of the club there wasn’t social media at all back then. Times sure have changed.
WTY: We own fuzeboxalbany.com but it’s as much the QE2 as it is the Fuze Box to me. Although the Fuze Box is my thing, the QE2 is what I see when I walk in there. It’s even hard for me to call it the Fuze Box, I’m still that old guy. I bought the Q, I mean the Fuze Box, I mean… what do I own?
(Both laugh)
RRX: Yeah, I think we, “the older generation” all call it the Q.
WTY: Generation Q.
So, we’re trying to book local acts mostly, we want to support the local scene but also want the local scene to support itself.
Things are different. Lucky for me, I’m very open-minded and very malleable. This is how it is now, fine let’s make it work the best we can. It’s a build, so now we’re building the business that was already there. We have a good foundation and a good reputation and a lot of support from the community. Now to get them to turn that support into showing up. I’ve got a lot of great press; it hasn’t always been that way for me in my life. You’re only one step away from being a sh**heel again so… I keep that in mind. Everybody’s like you’re a hometown hero. I’m like, ‘uhhh, no don’t do that to me, you’re setting me up to fall’. So, we’ll support the people that support us and everybody else whether they like it or not. We’re hoping on having a nice symbiotic relationship with Lark Hall, Empire Live and all the venues. Kip from Pauly’s reached out, that was nice of him. It has to be an all for one, one for all situation, otherwise you won’t get that scene back.
Originally published in The Xperience Monthly, written by Rob Smittix
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
Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Glass Pony, Victory Soul Orchestra,W.Y. Huang and many more!
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Glass Pony from Albany released “Day Dream” this past fall. Don’t miss their show with Organ Fairchild at Lark Hall on February 19.
Watch “Northbound” from Glass Pony at Cohoes Music Hall in December, 2021.
Victory Soul Orchestra “Shoot Your Shot” can be heard on EQXposure. The band along with JB threw a party in Foster House Studios and recorded some songs, “Shoot Your Shot” being the first in a series of live recordings.
From Singaporean singer-songwriter W. Y. Huang is his latest, ‘Living With Ghosts.” Writing on Instagram, Huang said “It’s about growing older, dealing with pain, regret and letting go of the past, of fear. “I’ve not written something so personal in a long time… maybe ever. When I wasn’t in a good place, writing this song helped me [through] it.”
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.
