NYS Music 202​2

Category: Central NY

  • Utica Music Series Receives $90K Grant For 3 More Years

    Recently announced by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, Utica Music Series (Monday Nite in Utica) has been awarded a multi-year Levitt AMP Grant Award of $90K. Thus, in matching funds to present a free outdoor music series in 2023, 2024, and 2025.  

    Utica Music Series $90K Grant 3 More Years of Levitt AMP

    Since 2016, the Levitt AMP Utica Music Series has activated Kopernik Park in Oneida Square. By transforming it into a welcoming, inclusive destination and a venue where diversity is abounded from the stage to audience. 

    Utica Music Series $90K Grant 3 More Years of Levitt AMP

    The Levitt AMP Grant Awards is an exciting, multi-year matching grant opportunity bringing the joy of free, live music to towns and cities with a population of up to 250,000 people. The Levitt Foundation has expanded the program from an annual matching grant of $25K, into a three-year matching grant of $30K per year for a total grant award of $90K.  

    Utica Music Series $90K Grant 3 More Years of Levitt AMP

    “Emerging from the pandemic, we have all witnessed the importance of community and connection on our well-being, and free, live music in public spaces is a powerful way to bring people together of all ages and backgrounds. Expanding the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards into a multi-year, $90K grant and inviting additional towns and cities into the program was inspired in part by the positive impact Utica Monday Nite is having on the local community,” says Sharon Yazowski, Executive Director of the Levitt Foundation.  

    “We look forward to the continued impact of the Levitt AMP Utica Music Series, which has transformed Kopernik Park into a community destination beyond the free concerts, creating a joyful and welcoming space for the entire community, from new to lifelong residents alike.” 

    Sharon Yazowski, Executive Director of the Levitt Foundation

    From Main Street communities to rural towns in the heart of Appalachia to historic state capitals, the 18 returning Levitt AMP grant recipients hail from across the country including rural towns with populations of less than 10,000 like Whitesburg, Ky.; Galva, Ill.; Earlham, Iowa; Shenandoah Junction, W.Va.; Soldotna, Alaska; St. Johnsbury, Vt.; and Middlesboro, Ky.*; to mid-sized cities like Berea, Ky.; Carson City, Nev.; Gallup, N.M.; Ocala, Fla.; Sheboygan, Wis.*; Stevens Point, Wis.; Utica, N.Y.; and Woonsocket, R.I.; to larger cities spanning the country including Fort Smith, Ark.; Springfield, Ill.; and Trenton, N.J.* 

    Utica Music Series $90K Grant 3 More Years of Levitt AMP

    Berea, Kentucky (population: 15,773) 

    Carson City, Nevada (population: 55,244) 

    Earlham, Iowa (population: 1,382) 

    Fort Smith, Arkansas (population: 87,788) 

    Gallup, New Mexico (population: 21,637) 

    Galva, Illinois (population: 2,539) 

    Middlesboro, Kentucky (population: 9,242)* 

    Ocala, Florida (population: 60,021) 

    Sheboygan, Wisconsin (population: 48,153)* 

    Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia (population: 1,382) 

    Soldotna, Alaska (population: 4,705) 

    Springfield, Illinois (population: 167,601) 

    St. Johnsbury, Vermont (population: 5,815) 

    Stevens Point, Wisconsin (population: 26,144) 

    Trenton, New Jersey (population: 83,387)* 

    Utica, New York (population: 59,984) 

    Whitesburg, Kentucky (population: 2,215 

    Woonsocket, Rhode Island (population: 41,616) 

  • The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Presents American Journey, Opening September 24

    On Saturday, September 24 at 7:30pm, the Broome County Forum Theatre will once again host the kick off of the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2022-2023 Season with “American Journey,” a concert exploring classical music of the Americas.

    Binghamton Philharmonic

    Under the direction of Maestro Daniel Hege, the program will include: Seven O’Clock Shout, a 2020 tribute to healthcare workers by contemporary composer Valerie Coleman; George Gershwin’s renowned Piano Concerto in F performed with soloist Andrew Russo; Aaron Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo; and Arturo Márquez’s playful Danzón No. 2.

    Binghamton Philharmonic
    Maestro Daniel Hege

    Enjoy a pre-concert dinner at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Binghamton for $35 per person, with 5:00pm, 5:30pm and 6:00pm seating times. Call 607-722-7575 ext. 1610 (ask for Patty) to make a reservation. Enjoy dinner and park for free while you enjoy the show.

    There will be a pre-concert chat at 6:30pm in the Recital Hall from Professor Sarah Gerk, PhD (Binghamton University) titled “I, Too, Sing America”: The Glorious, Messy, Difficult History of Composing American Music, and Why It Matters

    All children 17 and under get free admission, courtesy of M&T Bank, the Classical Series Sponsor for the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra.

    For tickets to “American Journey” and more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org.

  • Chestnut Grove Releases New Single, Announces NY Shows

    Chestnut Grove, a Pennsylvania-based rock band, is on the road in support of a new single, with some New York dates in the near future. “All For You” is now available on streaming platforms and the band plans to release an EP titled Can’t Stand The Music sometime early next year.

    Chestnut Grove

    Last month, Chestnut Grove performed a “revved-up” Free at Noon set at Philadelphia’s World Cafe Live for a lively audience who danced, sang along and got a preview of the new EP. Click here for pictures and an audio recording of the performance. This comes in advance of their scheduled gig this weekend in Camden, NJ for WXPN’s Xponential Music Festival on September 18.

    In late October and early November, Chestnut Grove will make their way throughout New York State. Shows in Syracuse and Saranac Lake are scheduled for October 28 and 29, respectively. And the band’s show on November 3 at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs will receive support from Consider the Source. Additional tour dates can be seen below.

    Chestnut Grove 2022 Fall Tour
     
    September 18th Xponential Music Festival, Wiggins Park – Camden, NJ
     
    September 24th Pro Re Nata Brewery – Crozet, VA
    w/ Disco Risque
     
    October 8th Pick Fest – Boyertown, PA
    w/ The Manatawny Creek Ramblers
     
    October 28th Funk N’ Waffles – Syracuse, NY
     
    October 29th Waterhole – Saranac Lake, NY
     
    November 3rd Putnam Place – Saratoga Springs, NY
    w/ Consider the Source
     
    November 17th Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA
    w/ Consider the Source
     
    November 23rd The Soundback – Phoenixville, PA
    w/ Hunter Root
     
    November 25th Jeremiah’s Banquet Hall – Williamsport, PA
     
    November 26th King’s Rock Club – Erie, PA
    w/ Medusa’s Disco

  • The State Theater Hosts Dinosaur Jr.’s Tour Opener in Ithaca

    With Beak and Skiff Orchards back to their bread and butter of serving up apples and apple-related products and activities, and Brewery Ommegang back to concentrating on brewing great beers, Dan Smalls Presents moves their shows back inside. The 2022-23 season at the State Theater of Ithaca opened on Friday September 9th with a show from rock veterans Dinosaur Jr.

    Nearing 40 years of existence, one wonders when they graduate to Dinosaur Sr. Though minutes into their tour-opening show, it was clear the youthful energy, vigor and drive to push their musical boundaries was still alive and well.

    Some observations of their show from a late-arriving newcomer.

    J. Mascis’ guitar, with the help of six gigantic Marshall stacks, shook the walls of the historical theater. Lou Barlow strummed his bass wildly, filling the space with a vortex that swirled around you, spit you out and sucked you right back in. Murph’s limbs flew every which way, pounding out rock-ready rhythms you felt as much as heard. Yep, Dinosaur Jr. delivers an ear-splitting full-body aural massage. That was no surprise. But behind the bombast, casualness and nuance ruled the day.

    Dinosaur Jr. just sauntered onto the stage, beating the house lights, which only went down after they started playing.

    The roadies spent the show just hanging out behind the amps, readying the load out about halfway through the show. During “The Wagon” one joined in on guitar while another took over a second drum set. The band’s on-stage demeanor was also more attuned to a hang with pals than a blistering rock show. In between songs, Mascis would often saunter off to the side of the stage to take a shot. Murph at one point walked off stage, returning just in time for the next song.

    Amidst the hang, some real inter-song magic came via short tuning jams that frequently popped up. What started as casual noodling could evolve into a three-way improv. After “The Wagon”, Mascis started riffing out some power chords and Murph tossed in some nice rumbling drums. A particularly tasty nugget, with some jazz undertones, nestled between an anthemic and bombastic “Been There All The Time” and monster rocking “Raisans.” Before the encore, Mascis dropped a blink-and-you-miss-it “London Bridges” teaser, a subtle tip of the hat to the Queen perhaps?

    The show started and ended similarly. After strolling on stage they came out swinging on a big rocking “Thumb.” 80 minutes later, after a blistering “Gargoyle,” they again just casually walked away, without fanfare, the final notes still crackling though the walls. Sandwiched in there they mixed a variety from the full breadth of their catalog. Melodies pushed through on “Garden” and “Feel the Pain,” funk-tinged wah work highlighted “Little Fury Things” and “Start Chopping” and spine-melting shredding sparked in “Mountain Man.” Is it possible to finally fall for a band already four decades into their career?

    By shows end, Barlow’s shirt was fully sweat through, a different shade of grey. Murph’s sweatiness, however, was masked by the black tour tee Ryley Walker provided, just as Walker had advised him it would. Walker’s support wasn’t reserved to wardrobe advice though, he was also the show’s opener.

    With his drummer unable to make the show, and his bass player’s instrument lost in transit, Walker called an audible and presented a set of “guitar fuckery” and “type 2 jams” with bassist Andrew Scott Young joining in on second guitar. For 45 minutes without stopping, their guitars danced around each other in beautiful cosmic weirdness. It was spacious and free, but mostly remained accessible. Walker worked his pedals and loops while Young played it straight and unfiltered, at times settling into a bass-like groove. Experimental rhythmic squeaks, eerie textures, droid-like bleeps and bloops… a thrilling opening set.

  • In Focus: COIN make an appearance at The New York State Fair

    COIN, a band of three, put on quite the show on September 3rd at The New York State Fair. The group, formed back in 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee as an indie pop/alternative rock band, includes lead vocalist and keyboardist Chase Lawrence, drummer Ryan Winnen and bassist Zach Dyke.

    Perri Sage Photography

    The band released their first album Saturdays in 2012 soon after COIN first formed. In 2015 one of their hit lead singles ‘Run’ finally gave them the attention and recognition they truly deserve. Although COIN has performed various shows in New York, Chase described during the show “it was their very first performance done in Syracuse.” This show was not one, but one of many. COIN has played various festivals, their next festival appearance is in Lake George at WIld in the Trees – Music and Skate Festival 2022.

    Perri Sage Photography

    An indie pop/alternative band sensation they definitely have a groove and put on quite the show as Chase dances and jumps on stage, encouraging the fans to jump, scream and feel the beat. Ryan and Zach rock on as well, the three keep the vibe and entertainment towards their fans at an all time high. Especially while performing some of their top hits ‘Talk Too Much’, ‘Malibu 1992’, and ‘Crash My Car’. Following with other hit songs from albums How Will You Know If You Never Try released in 2017 and their most recent Uncanny Valley released in 2022. 

    Perri Sage Photography

    By the time the show soon came to an end the crowd was standing with excitement, praise and support for COIN. Only their first show stop in Syracuse, the band made it more than memorable. These three truly know how to put on a unique show, keeping the fans dying to hear what’s next as they celebrate 10 years together.

  • Rising Artist Lizzy McAlpine performs at The 2022 New York State Fair

    Rising star Lizzy McAlpine made an appearance this past Friday at The Great New York State Fair 2022. The 22-year-old McAlpine enjoyed a significant rise of attention once her music went viral on TikTok. Her debut album Give me a Minute was released in August 2020 and has since garnered her a following.

    Perri Sage Photography

    McAlpine was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and started getting into music in middle school. She began studying music and songwriting in college at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating from Berklee College she continued to pursue her music career, leading to her internet fame.

    “I think [Berklee] did shape my music, but not because of the classes. The main thing I got out of Berklee was the people that I met, and the people I surrounded myself with who definitely influenced my music. I don’t think you need to necessarily understand music theory to be a good musician. If you have a good ear, you don’t need to know all the harmonies to write a good song.”

    Perri Sage Photography

    Syracuse was one of many stops for McAlpine, as part of her first official tour. Lizzy’s raw and stunning voice had her fans singing along to every song. The audience was visibly enthralled by the performance as they swayed and danced with friends. Some of her top hits such as “ceilings” and “hate to be lame” her latest album Five Seconds Flat drew the best reactions. McAlpine also performed songs from her breakthrough project, Give Me A Minute. Songs like “Pancakes for Dinner,” “Means Something” and “To the Mountains.” all made the setlist.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Overall Lizzy McAlpine has become a leading figure at a young age. Inspiring young girls and other young artists to pursue their dreams.

    Lizzy’s next show takes place on September 11, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Fine Line Music Cafe. We look forward to seeing what’s next for McAlpine and what the future holds for her.

  • In Focus: City Girls at The New York State Fair

    City Girls headlined at The Great New York State Fair on Sept. 4. The bold rap duo and hip-hop stars debuted on the Chevy Park stage within the New York Experience Festival Grounds, sponsored by Chevrolet. Despite the light rain throughout the set, City Girls presented a remarkable show to a large-scale audience. 

    Miami-based rap duo, City Girls, consists of JT and Yung Miami. They made an abrupt entry into the music industry by making a guest appearance on Drake’s top charting single “In My Feelings,” in 2018. Currently, City Girls are touring with Jack Harlow for the Come Home The Kids Miss You Tour.

    The City Girls DJ, Fat Boy Rhymer warmed up the crowd to popular rap songs including, “Mo Bamba,” by Sheck Wes, “F.N.F. (Let’s Go),” by Hitkidd and GloRilla, and “Super Gremlin,” by Kodak Black. The crowd went absolutely wild when Rhymer asked, “are you ready for City Girls?!”

    DJ Fat Boy Rhymer kept the beats rolling as City Girls ran out on stage to “Take Your Man.” Those in the crowd sitting, stood up recording on their cell phones with the flash on, and cheered for the duo. While rapping and dancing, Yung Miami and JT alternated working each side of the stage. The audience remained excited and danced throughout the act.

    Near the end of the set, the duo brought a few fans on the stage to dance with them. Don’t miss City Girls when they stop at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on October 7. Check out their full tour dates below!

    City Girls Tour Dates

    Sep. 05 – Andrew J Brady Icon Music Center – Cincinnati, OH

    Sep. 06 – Nashville Municipal Auditorium – Nashville, TN

    Sep. 08 – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory – Irving, TX

    Sep. 10 – 713 Music Hall – Houston, TX

    Sep. 11 – Moody Center – Austin, TX

    Sep. 13 – Arizona Federal Theatre – Phoenix, AZ

    Sep.16 – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA

    Sep. 17 – Viejas Arena – San Diego, CA

    Sep. 20 – Kia Forum – Los Angeles, CA

    Sep. 23 – Wamu Theater – Seattle, WA

    Sep. 24 – Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC

    Sep. 25 – Veterans Memorial Coliseum – Portland, OR

    Sep. 27 – Maverik Center – Salt Lake City, UT

    Sep. 28 – 1stBank Center – Broomfield, CO

    Sep. 30 – The Armory – Minneapolis, MN

    Oct. 01 – Credit Union 1 Arena – Chicago, IL

    Oct. 02 – Fox Theatre – Detroit, MI

    Oct. 05 – Coca-Cola Coliseum – Toronto, ON

    Oct. 07 – Barclays Center – Brooklyn, NY 

    Oct. 08 – The Liacouras Center – Philadelphia, PA

    Oct. 10 – MGM Music Hall at Fenway – Boston, MA

    Oct. 11 – The Anthem – Washington, DC

    Oct. 14 – FPL Amphitheatre at at Bayfront Park – Miami, FL

    Oct. 15 – Yuengling Center – Tampa, FL

    Oct. 16 – State Farm Arena – Atlanta, GA

  • In Focus: 24kGoldn at The New York State Fair

    24kGoldn headlined at The Great New York State Fair on Friday, September 2. Following performances on Wiz Khalifa and Logic’s Vinyl Verse Tour, the rapper debuted on the Chevy Park stage within the New York Experience Festival Grounds. Under the yellow stage lights, 24kGoldn presented an incredible show to a large interactive audience.

    A San Francisco native, 24kGoldn burst into the music industry with the success from the release of his single “Valentino” in January 2019, receiving over 371 million streams on Spotify. His music genre ranges from punk and alternative to pop and rap. Driven by a TikTok viral trend, 24kGoldn’s song with Iann Dior, “Mood,” set music chart records by becoming the first song ever to top four Billboard Music Charts at the same time.

    @24kgoldn

    #stitch with @cameronghassemi i knew i felt sumn in there!

    ♬ original sound – 24kGoldn

    The lights dimmed and 24kGoldn ran on stage full of energy to “Valentino.” Immediately, fans in the crowd jumped out of their seats. He worked each side of the stage equally, especially during the performance of “Coco,” featuring DaBaby where he assigned each side of the audience to chant “Coco” or “Chanel.”

    Closing the show, 24kGoldn performed “Mood,” and the crowd sang along. His stage presence is outstanding, with an effortless way of working an audience.

  • In Focus: Chevelle Performs at Opening Day of the New York State Fair

    On August 24, the New York State Fair opened its gates up for the annual fair that runs through Labor Day. Many come from all over the state and even out of state to Syracuse for the food, the exhibits and rides, but plenty come to Central New York for State Fair music acts at Chevy Park and Chevy Court, including opening day act, Chevelle.

    chevelle state fair

    At the State Fair, there is plenty to do, see, and even eat, especially those deep fried Oreos but one event that attracts so many, is the free concerts that take place at Chevy Park. A while back, the fair had grandstands but eventually removed them in place of an open field with a few bleachers in front of the stage. On the opening day of the State Fair, the band to close out the night was a very well known rock band, Chevelle. They played for over an hour and played a wide variety of hits from many of their albums. 

    chevelle state fair

    After the band’s performance, an opening day special, fireworks for the end of the night, which could be seen throughout the fairgrounds. There are still many other performances lined up, along with other events. The State Fair’s last day is on Labor Day, September 5th.

    chevelle state fair
    chevelle state fair
    chevelle state fair

  • NY State Fair: Chevy Court Brings the Boogie with ‘The Jacksons’

    On Saturday, August 27, The Jacksons came to ‘Blame it on the Boogie’ at the Great New York State Fair. Including three of the brothers `Tito, Jackie and Marlon’ which had originated from ‘The Jackson 5’ after Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, the group had taken their last tour with all together back in 1984. It was truly an honor for them to continue to play music and live out Michael’s dream as well as their own.

    photo by Perri Sage

    The Jacksons are originally from Gary, Indiana, and today a family of pop culture royalty and a rare group to see live. The group toured much more back in the 1960s and 70s, and have had various concerts across New York. As of this year, the group have made a comeback, with a few more shows ahead of them to continue their 2022 tour, heading towards Montreal, Quebec for a performance on September 9.

    Jackie Jackson – photo by Perri Sage

    The Jacksons performed some of their top hits such as “Blame it on The Boogie”, “Shake Your Body” from their Destiny album released back in 1978. Their groove and funk really brought the crowd to a roar as “Can You Feel It” was performed. Not only did the brothers perform their own songs but managed to honor their brother Michael with a few of his hits, including an amazing performance of “Billie Jean” that took the fans from sitting to standing in seconds. 

    Tito Jackson – photo by Perri Sage

    A combination of contemporary soul, R&B, funk and groove, The Jacksons put on a fantastic show at ease. This was such a special evening for those who attended and more than a night to remember. With over 50 years performing, New York is ecstatic to see what comes next for The Jackson Family.