NYS Music 202​2

Category: NYC Metro

  • Pleasantville Music Festival Returns

    After a two-year COVID hiatus, the 16th Pleasantville Music Festival returned on July 9.  The all-day event featured a cornucopia of musical performances with 18 acts between three stages. 

    We try to check off as many boxes as we can so there is something on our stages that everybody will appreciate.

    Festival Director, Bruce Figler

    Under a bright blue sky, attendees moved freely between the Chill Tent, Pamnation Party, and main stages. With each location offered its own style of music.  Superb coordination of stage start times allowed most fans to catch most if not all of the performances.

    Platinum Moon

    Pleasantville music festival has prided itself on the promotion of local musicians. Staying true to their mission statement, the opening acts on each of the three stages were winners in the Lagond Music School ‘s 2022 “Battle of the Band” competition, where first place winners, Platinum Moon, were rewarded with opening the main stage. Rounding out the triumvirate of winners was Westchester based Noshows — who appeared on the Pamnation stage — along with Carter Quinn Tanis (hailing from Cromwell-on-Hudson) who performed in the Chill Tent.

    The Pamnation stage, set up between the Chill Tent and the main stage, offered a separate dance area. The Narrowbacks from Pearl River took full advantage by getting the crowd up and moving with their Irish rock. Pamnation stage closers, Illiterate Light, raised the bar with a guitar and drum duet from the Virginia natives. The audience roared along with enough liveliness to mimic an arena.

    The Narrowbacks

    Resembling a circus big top, the Chill Tent offered an oasis for acoustic performers. Located at the back of the festival grounds, the Chill Tent lived up to its name: benefiting from a constant breeze flowing through the performance area. Throughout the day solo, duo, and trios graced the stage. Paula Cole closed out this space backed by a three-piece band.  Under a subdued purple glow, Cole and band shared an intimate performance filled with songs and insights from her lengthy career.

    Glenn Tilbrook

    The main stage was not to be outdone. Highlights included Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze performing solo.  Tilbrook played a host of Squeeze songs including “Take Me I’m Yours” and “Black Coffee in Bed,” to the crowd’s enjoyment. Standing tall with his custom-made red Squire Telecaster, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears followed, sharing a powerful blues set.  Festival headliners, X Ambassadors, closed out the evening with lead singer Sam Harris singing and dancing from one end of the stage to another. Teenage girls lined the front of the stage giving their approval after every song.  The Ithaca band presented a dynamic performance of their music, capping a stellar day.

    X Ambassadors

    With its 16th event in the books, the Pleasantville Music festival has proven its sustainability, offering top-notch performers in a suburban setting while mixing in crafts, food and family-oriented activities. 

    Main Stage

    Platinum Moon
    Clare Maloney & The Great Adventure
    Glenn Tilbrook
    Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
    Crash Test Dummies
    X Ambassadors

    Pamnation Stage

    Noshows
    The Breaks Inc.
    Blankslate
    Sid Simons
    The Narrowbacks
    Illiterate Light

    Chill Stage

    Carter Quinn Tanis
    Chaz Kiss
    Greg Jacquin
    Riki Stevens
    Cole Quest & The City Pickers
    Paula Cole

  • Brunch on Sunday Welcomes Creatives to Cove Lounge in Harlem

    Every Sunday at Cove Lounge in Harlem, promoter Anthony Obas and DJ 500K serve as hosts for ‘Brunch on Sunday,’ bringing together creatives and small business owners to discuss entrepreneurship and innovation.

    Cove Lounge

    Cove Lounge is owned by Alyah Horsford Sidberry, who works with Obas and 500K to curate small events at the restaurant around their ideas to fulfill shared and individual goals. Brunch serves as the gathering place, the company each Sunday being the catalyst to help creatives and entreprenuers network with other business-minded peers.

    The event itself is free – only pay for the delicious food, found on the menu below. All are invited to Cove Lounge to celebrate and build a better community together.

    Cove Lounge

  • NYC Artist MuMu Shares New Pro-Choice Anthem “Wrapped Up”

    MuMu, from Harlem, is a singer/songwriter who writes songs based on the guidance she received listening to spangled pop stars to feel less alone living in a home rife with addiction and mental illness.

    MuMu

    The new single “Wrapped Up” is about the overturning of Roe v. Wade which makes the right to an abortion constitutional. This essential procedure is now illegal for many people across the United States. The song retells the real stories of three women who faced the challenges of unplanned pregnancy and expresses how important the right to choose is, and the detrimental effects of those rights being taken away.

    MuMu wrote an essay talking about the single, and how important it is.

    Abortions have always existed and always will. They are part of our human herstory. There is written documentation of different abortion methods used all over the world. Archeologists have discovered instruments used to perform abortions that date back hundreds of years. Limiting abortion access does not prevent abortions from happening, it prevents them from being safe. An abortion is not an easy choice to make, but it’s an impossible choice to make for a stranger. And if we take away the right to safe reproductive care, people will suffer. People will die. 

    MuMu

    “Wrapped Up” explains what it feels like to go through an abortion for those who have never gone through it. The song is groovy and slow, and her vocals are reminiscent of Alanis Morissette. There are a lot of emotional and powerful lyrics like “He took her hand/And swore a lie/Until she opened up her thighs/When she went to the doctor/People screamed and rocks were thrown/They wanted a child/To have a child of her own.”

    The chorus is fiery and emotional as she sings “All the fear you give/And all the faith you hold Is heavy on her heavy heart of gold/All your virtue and strong beliefs WRAPPED UP in her destiny.” The rest of the song talks about the trauma an abortion can cause and the family struggles that come after it.

    Overall, the new single is well thought out, emotional, and backed with groovy guitars and MuMu’s sultry voice to speak about the ongoing struggle with the government handling women’s rights issues.

  • Brooklyn-based Band Stay Inside Release Intense EP Blight

    On June 3, Brooklyn-based emo band, Stay Inside, released their newest work and 5-track EP, Blight, via No Sleep Records.

    Stay inside Blight Album Cover

    Stay Inside consists of Bryn Nieboer (vocals/bass), Chris Johns (guitar/backing vocals), Chris Lawless (guitar/backing vocals), and Vishnu Anantha on drums. Blight is the band’s newest release since their critically acclaimed 2020 album, Viewing.

    Jon Markson of Drug Church and Koyo returns on production for the Blight EP which showcases a more intense side of the emo Brooklyn band. Although only totaling five songs, the lyrics and carefully executed instrumentation put the release on a caliber of its own.

    The opening track, “Eraser,” starts slowly, with an emotional rhythm and vocals to draw you in before an intense build with drums and guitar. “Hollow,” plays with a unique beat and engaging message, with the lyrics “so I just sit there with my arms wide / I think I used up all my good lies / Oh god you started losing everything before you try to tell yourself to stop.” The EP was written while NYC was experiencing intense lockdown, and it fully represents the extreme feelings of the time.

    Other tracks, such as “Fracture” and “Spore” are great additions to the EP, bringing even more depth and experimentation to the work with addictive drums and melodies. Stay Inside is surely growing and expanding with this most recent EP, Blight. 

    This summer, the post-hardcore band perform at the Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn on July 22. Be sure to keep up with the band on Instagram here and Twitter here, and take a listen to some more of their music, available below. 

  • Bryant Park Picnic Performances Presents La Traviata and More this Summer

    Bryant Park Picnic Performances continues August 12th with New York City Opera’s condensed version of Verdi’s classic, La traviata. The performance will last two hours with one 15-minute intermission. Bryant Park will continue to monitor and follow updated New York City and New York State COVID-19 guidelines throughout the summer, as necessary. 

    Bryant Park Picnic Presents La Traviata and Upcoming Performances
    Photo Credit :Michael Cooper

    On Friday, August 12th at 7pm, Bryant Park Picnic Performances presents an abridged adaptation of Verdi’s classic that inspired Moulin Rouge. The show has instantly recognizable tunes famously featured in Pretty Woman. La traviata tells the story of the tragic love between the courtesan Violetta and the romantic Alfredo Germont. Playing out against the hypocrisy of upper-class fashionable society, Alfredo and Violetta’s love threatens to shame his family. 

    ‘The People’s Opera’ is thrilled to return to our summer home at Bryant Park, where we can continue our mission of free performances for New York audiences.

    – Michael Capasso, General Director of New York City Opera

    The 2022 Picnic Performances season is possible due to the generous support of Bank of America. “Bank of America is a long-standing supporter of the arts because we believe that a thriving arts and cultural community benefits both society and the economy,” said José Tavarez, President, Bank of America New York City. “So we are thrilled to once again sponsor Picnic Performances and combine our commitment to the arts with our partnership with Bryant Park. Together we’re helping New York City’s iconic cultural scene to thrive, while promoting green spaces and providing free access to live New York City music, dance and theater.”  

    On Friday, September 2nd, the performance Lucia di Lammermoor emerges. The story concerns fragile Lucy Ashton (Lucia) caught in a feud between her family. The setting takes place in the Lammermuir Hills of Scotland (Lammermoor) in the 17th century. Think Romeo and Juliet, but set in Scotland.

    Bryant Park Picnic Presents La Traviata and More
    Photo Credit: Ryan Muir

    Complete Bryant Park Picnic Performances:

    July 

    July 15: Carnegie Hall Citywide: Squirrel Nut Zippers 

    July 22: Carnegie Hall Citywide: The Broadway Sinfonietta 

    July 23: Jazzmobile: Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band 

    July 28: Ailey II Performance and Ailey Extension Dance Class 

    July 29: Carnegie Hall Citywide: The Hot Sardines Featuring Nellie McKay 

    Bryant Park Picnic
    Photo Credit: Ryan Muir

    August 

    August 5: Greenwich House Music School: Mireya Ramos and Alea 

    August 12: New York City Opera: La traviata 

    August 19: Asian American Arts Alliance: Rafiq Bhatia and Ian Chang 

    August 26: Habibi Festival: Esraa Warda & The Châab Lab, Firas Zreik, Yacine Boularès, and AJOYO 

    August 29: The Town Hall: Eighth Blackbird Celebrates John Cage 

    September 

    September 2: New York City Opera: Lucia di Lammermoor 

    September 8: Steinway Artists Aaron Diehl and Orrin Evans 

    September 9: Classical Theatre of Harlem 

    September 16: Accordion Festival: Heart of Afghanistan and More 

    September 17: American Symphony Orchestra 

    For the additional information please visit the link here.

  • GWAR Announced “The Black Death Rager World Tour” with Halloween at Irving Plaza

    American heavy metal band GWAR are pleased to announce the fall leg of “The Black Death Rager World Tour,” in support of their new album “The New Dark Ages”. The tour starts off September 10th in Alton, VA and runs through November 3rd in Baltimore, MD.

    The band will vist Niagara Falls at Rapids Theater on October 22nd and New York City at Irving Plaza on October 31st.

    The Black Death Rager World Tour

    Prior to the Fall tour, GWAR are headed overseas on the European leg of “The Black Death Rager World Tour.”  This run kicks off July 29th in Tilburg, NL and runs through August 18th in London, UK.

    The new album The New Dark Ages chronicles GWAR’s adventures in the Duoverse, which will be out on CD and digital. The album and the show concepts are tied to a companion graphic novel, “GWAR In the Duoverse of Absurdity” released by Z2 Comics which depict the battle of the band with their evil twins and the specter of rogue technology as they were sucked off into an alternate univers.

    “Long ago, GWAR broke the frame of what a rock concert can be. We’ve pushed the envelope of live performance for decades, but this time around, we wanted to do something different. This is the first GWAR show conceived to go along with a graphic novel and an album, all working together as one massive hunk of hot steaming shock rock performance ART! A can’t-miss cavalcade of chaos, a trash culture trilogy, a shocking extravaganza that will leave you utterly spent, soaking wet, and bawling uncontrollably. We’ve got the coolest storyline, unbelievable new characters, more blood, gore, and gags than ever before. Come, unload your worries, human scum, and let GWAR transport you to the Duoverse of absurdity just in time for the NEW DARK AGE!” 

    Berserker Blothar

    “The Black Death Rager World Tour” With Light The Torch, Nekrogoblikon and Crobot

    9/10 – Alton, VA @ Blue Ridge Rock Fest*
    9/11 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
    9/13 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
    9/14 – Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
    9/15 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
    9/16 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr Smalls
    9/17 – Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest*
    9/19 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
    9/20 – Little Rock, AR @ The Music Hall
    9/21 – Columbia, MO @ Blue Note
    9/23 – Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life
    9/25 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
    9/26 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater
    9/27 – Casper, WY @ Gaslight Social Outdoors
    9/28 – Billings, MT @ Pub Station Outdoors
    9/30 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
    10/1 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
    10/3 – Vancouver, BC @ The Vogue#
    10/4 – Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
    10/6 – Boise, ID @ Revolution Concert House
    10/7 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock*
    10/8 – Ventura, CA @ Ventura Theater
    10/9 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco
    10/10 – Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl
    10/11 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
    10/12 – Flagstaff, AZ @ Pepsi Amphitheater
    10/14 – Dallas, TX @ Amplify
    10/15 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
    10/16 – Austin, TX @ Empire Live
    10/18 – Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl
    10/19 – Orlando, FL @ The Beachum
    10/20 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
    10/22 – Niagara Falls, NY @ Rapids Theater
    10/23 – Detroit, MI @ The Crofoot
    10/26 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
    10/28 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
    10/29 – Philadelphia, PA @ Franklin Music Hall
    10/30 – Richmond, VA @ The National
    10/31 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
    11/2 – Toronto, ON @ The Phoenix
    11/3 – Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage
    *Festival
    #Without Light the Torch

    For more information click here.

  • Dead and Company’s Grand Slam Tour Finale Hits Citi Field

    A perfect summer night greeted Dead and Company as the group returned to Citi Field for their two-night tour closing run in Queens over July 15 & 16. After a quick introduction by Bravo Network’s Andy Cohen (also Anderson Cooper’s New Year’s Eve television sidekick and huge Grateful Dead fan), the show kicked off with a high energy version of “Bertha” which set the tone for the weekend.

    dead and company citi field

    Drummer Billy Kruetzman had been sitting out most of Dead & Co.’s summer tour due to some back issues but made a humble return for the tour closers. The crowd’s raucous cheers every time the cameras focused on him brought out a smile on his face. Jay Lane had been filling in for Kruetzman for most of the tour and came back out during Saturday’s show to join the band on stage.

    Dead & Co.’s setlist was orchestrated with the perfect ebb and flow of leisurely moments and dancing feet while maintaining full speed ahead. Set 2’s “Terrapin Station,” “Standing on the Moon,” and drums/space blended brilliantly with heaters “China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider,” “Not Fade Away,” “Sugar Magnolia,” and the extended jam evolving “Space” into “The Other One.”

    dead and company citi field

    With Dead & Co.’s summer tour grand finale at Citi Field, here’s looking forward to what we hope to be more tours from the band. Check out photos from Friday’s show below, as well as setlists from both nights.

    Dead and Company – Citi Field – Queens

    Friday July 15:

    Set 1: Bertha -> Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo. Shakedown Street -> Sugaree, Tennessee Jed, Bird Song -> Don’t Ease Me In

    Set 2: Althea. Viola Lee Blues, Terrapin Station, China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider -> Drums -> Space  -> The Other One -> Standing on the Moon, Not Fade Away

    Encore: Sugar Magnolia

    Saturday July 16:

    Set 1: Playing in the Band -> Uncle John’s Band, Dear Mr. Fantasy -> Hey Jude, Ramble On Rose, Brown-Eyed Women, Jack Straw

    Set 2: Truckin’, Wang Dang Doodle -> Scarlet Begonias -> Franklin’s Tower, St. Stephen -> William Tell Bridge -> The Eleven -> Drums (with Jay Lane) -> Space -> All Along the Watchtower, Morning Dew, Deal -> Playing in the Band Reprise

    dead and company citi field
    dead and company citi field
    dead and company citi field
    dead and company citi field
    dead and company citi field
    dead and company citi field

  • Three Brooklyn-based Acts Release Collaborative Single “Straws”

    On July 1, Dogwood Last, Fysics, and Rose Porn – three acts from the Brooklyn area – released their single “Straws” on July 1 via Dogwood Last, Fysics, and Rose Porn

    The single was written and produced remotely over the last 12 months and combines the aesthetics of all three Brooklyn acts’ sounds. Dealing with some serious topics such as depression, a lost love, and more, the single combines a feel-good groove with hard-hitting lyricism.

    Kory Burrell, a member of the band Dogwood Last, developed “Straws” with signature drum programs and synthesizers as Zach Rosenberg of Rose Porn worked on the production. The outstanding lyrics and many of the vocals come from Josef Lamberti, of the band Fysics.

    Long before the groups worked on “Straws,” they were friends first and foremost. Of the track, the group shares, “We spent over a year crafting this song and the production, knowing we were getting at something greater than the sum of our parts. It was the dream quarantine collaboration.”

    And a dream quarantine collaboration it was. The “Straws” single will surely draw the attention of fans of popular artists such as Frank Ocean, Jim-E Stack, and Dijon. With a calming opening mixing in tech beats and warped vocals, the song continues to develop into a track meant for indie-pop playlists and your next emotional summer drive.

    Fysics

    We feel like it’s the summer banger Lil Peep would have made if he were a successful liberal arts undergrad.

    – Dogwood Last, Rose Porn, and Fysics on “Straws”

    If you are interested in hearing more of this music live, on stage, and right in the moment, catch one of the three acts off of the “Straws” single, Dogwood Last, on August 19 at Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn. To hear more music from some of these talents, see below.

  • Peekskill Music Festival Will Kick off on July 23

    Peekskill Music Festival will kick off on Saturday, July 23, 2022 in Downtown Peekskill, from 4pm to 10pm. Seven Bands will perform live on two stages which is free and open to the public. In addition, there will be kids activities, food trucks, indoor and outdoor dining options at participating restaurants, arts, crafts and community vendors, and a wide selection of cold draft beer for purchase.

    Peekskill Music Festival

    Downtown Peekskill today is Westchester’s most vibrant downtown community, unique in its mixture of historic architecture, ethnic diversity, bustling nightlife, foodie hot-spots, and community of artists, craftsmen and entrepreneurs. Peekskill Music Festival is sponsored by The Peekskill Business Improvement District: The Peekskill Business Improvement District, which was founded in 1996 and works to promote the growth and development of downtown Peekskill as an attractive place to live and do business.

    “We are so excited to have such an amazing music line-up and that we can invite such world class performers to Downtown Peekskill. It will be great to see residents and visitors dancing in the streets again and supporting our local business community.”

    Bill Powers

    Peekskill Music Festival Lineup

    Days of Wild at 4pm

    Days of Wild is a combination of friends from different bands from around the tristate/New York City music scene. With an ever-changing lineup of musicians from around the world, DOW is renowned worldwide, and members are known for their skill, positivity, and dedication to funk.

    Anthem Reggae Band at 5:15pm

    Anthem Reggae Band comprised of talented musicians who all sing lead as well. Since uniting their efforts in 2000, the members of the group have captivated fans with their signature sound that has taken the music scene by storm. They has played with international reggae artists and has also been featured with Sister Carol on the Conan O’Brian show.

    Alex Smith at 6:30pm

    Alex Smith is a four-time Grammy-winning pianist, organist, composer, arranger, and educator. She is the keyboardist and arranger for Lady Gaga’s jazz quintet. He will join a band on Hammond Organ, with Tony Jefferson on drums, Vanessa Perea on vocals, and Ron Affif on guitar.

    Chico Alvarez and RAN KAN KAN at 7:45pm

    Chico Alvarez will perform with his Latin dance band, Ran Kan Kan. Chico Alvarez is a multi-talented Afro-Cuban musician, radio host, and Latin Jazz USA lifetime achievement awardee. Born in Brooklyn, grew up in Cuba, and has performed as a singer throughout the New York tristate area for the last four decades. He has directed several bands and orchestras including his 10-piece conjunto, Mafímba.

    Soul Synergy at 9pm

    The Soul Synergy Collective is a five – eight member ensemble comprised of artists from unique bands from the Tri-State area. The ensemble has performed at the Inaugural Ball for President Barack Obama with Hugh Masekela and more. The music of Prince, Chaka, and Luther comes to life with the sounds of real R&B.

    Soul Synegy

    Ahlfabet Swing Band at 4:30pm on Esther Street

    The Ahlfabet Jazz Band plays traditional swing jazz in the various stylings of artists. Their music is rooted in the Jazz tradition taking elements from Ragtime, Blues, Swing, Dixieland, and Be-Bop to get a unique blend of sounds.

    Premik’s World Music Ensemble at 6pm on Esther Street

    Premik, a composer, recording artist, instructor and accomplished multi-instrumentalist performs on various flutes, soprano, alto and tenor saxophones, wind synthesizer and lap steel guitar. For the Peekskill Music Festival, the band will feature styles from classical to jazz to East/West fusion and lots in-between. Premik’s World Music Ensemble consists of: Premik on axohones, flutes, wind synth; Steve Sandbergon piano; Anupam Shobakar on guitar; Michael O’Bria on bass, Patrick Carmichael on drums.

    Premik Russell Tubbs

    Parking is free at on-street meters and at metered spaces in surface lots and garages. And for more information about Peekskill Music Festival please visit www.discoverpeekskill.com.

  • Kronos Quartet Soundtrack Live Documentary at Celebrate Brooklyn!

    The Kronos Quartet have a long history of creating unique and visceral music for a variety of different platforms. Last week, the San Francisco based string quartet came to the Lena Horne Bandshell and performed their live documentary, A Thousand Thoughts for the Celebrate Brooklyn! summer series. Directed by Sam Green, the documentary chronicles the string quartet’s history, various member lineups, and takes a deeper look into the musical theories behind some of the group’s more iconic work.

    kronos quartet
    The Kronos Quartet at Celebrate Brooklyn! 7/14/22. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    The show began with Sam Green introducing the concept of the “live documentary” and how he went about convincing the group to take part. As the band took the stage, they also appeared one-by-one on the screen behind them as part of their interviews for the film. They each joked and seemed confused about the concept of performing music for a documentary live. As the show went on, the uniqueness of the presentation became more apparent. Seeing Dave Harrington and others talk about the music on screen while they were performing on stage in front of you truly gave you new perspective to the music.

    kronos quartet
    The Kronos Quartet at Celebrate Brooklyn! 7/14/22. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    Green talked about the persistence of natural music in our every day lives and even had the audience take a full minute to sit in silence and tune into our surroundings at the start of the show. Described as a “meditation on music itself-the act of listening closely to music, the experience of feeling music deeply” the film tends to focus on how the members of the group discovered various musical styles that caught their attention. Hank Dutt told a story about how he discovered throat singing from a CD he packed for a long international flight, becoming fixated on one song for the entire trip, and the urge to find that artist in order to learn more and collaborate.

    kronos quartet
    The Kronos Quartet at Celebrate Brooklyn! 7/14/22. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    The documentary began with a history of recorded music, including the first known audio recording called “The Lost Chord.” The presentation shifted between bits of interviews with the quartet members, anecdotes about the creation of some of their projects, and their perception as a “modern string quartet” that were breaking the rules and revolutionizing what a string quartet could be.

    kronos quartet
    The Kronos Quartet at Celebrate Brooklyn! 7/14/22. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    A Thousand Thoughts is only performed as a live documentary, and the screening for Celebrate Brooklyn! was the last scheduled performance this year. Alongside the interviews of the members quartet, the film also well known collaborators of the group such as Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, Steve Reich, and more. The group has been performing since the premiere of the film in 2018, so keep an eye on their website for future screenings next year.