The award winning R&B Group Boyz II Men will be coming to Proctors in Schenectady at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 27. Michael McCary, Nathan Morris, Wayna Morris and Shawn Stockman found fame during the 1990s with Motown Records. The group is currently the best-selling R&B group of all time, selling over 64 million albums.
Boyz II Men dropped their debut album in 1991 called Cooleyhighharmony. The album sold over nine million copies and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The album included hits such as “Motownphilly” and “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.”
Since then, the 4-time grammy award winning R&B group went on to release mega-hits like “I’ll Make Love to You,” “End of the Road,” “One Sweet Day,” and many more. In 2011, Boyz II Men celebrated their 20th anniversary by releasing an album fittingly named Twenty. This album was the group’s first in nearly ten years.
On top of their Grammy awards, they’ve also won nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Awards, three Billboard Awards, and a 2011 MOBO Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, and many more iconic achievements.
Outside of their musical achievements, the group also started their own charity called Boyz II Men House. The charity was established to support individuals and organizations that focus on improving quality of life while contributing to those who are less fortunate.
Pre-sales for the August 27th show will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 15 with the official on-sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 18. Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors, in person or online at proctors.org.
On July 23rd, Flashback Funk Fest will take place at Kings Theatre, Brooklyn, featuring legendary artists like Morris Day & The Time and Cameo with SOS Band and The Dazz Band.
Morris Day and The Time & Cameo at Kings Theatre
Morris Day, legendary funkmaster and well known for playing the main role in the movie Purple Rain, returns with his energetic vocals and witty lyrics. Day is the lead singer of The Time, a musical group associated with Prince. Similarly, the two even attended the same high school in Minneapolis in 1974. Some of his biggest hits include “Jungle Love”, “Get It Up”, and “The Bird.”
Accompanying Morris Day & The Time, CAMEO celebrates 40 years & more than eighteen million albums. Larry Blackmon, the lead singer of CAMEO, composes such a unique funk sound thats played throughout time. Their hit songs are routinely placed in films, TV, video games, and commercials.
S.O.S Band, otherwise known as The Sounds of Success, is comprised of Jason Bryant, Billy Ellis, Willie “Sonny” Killebrew, Bruno Speight, John A. Simpson, James Earl Jones III, and Mary Davis.
Their greatest hits include, “Take Your Time (Do It Right) and “Just Be Good to Me.” After Davis’ retirement from touring in 2020, the band added two new vocalists, Marleen Thomas, and Chimere Scott, who have taken the torch in place of their former iconic original vocalist.
Led by Bobby Harris, The Dazz Band is comprised of Skip Martin (Lead Vocals & Trumpet), Marlon “The Magician McClain (Guitar), Donny Sykes (Vocals), Raymond Calhoun (Drums)Keith Harrison (Keyboards), and Alvin Frazier (Bass). Celebrating their 40th Anniversary, the band won a Grammy Award for Best Performance by an R&B Group or Duo for their smash hit “Let It Whip” in 1982.
The show will start at 7:30pm and doors open at 6:00pm. Tickets are on sale now here.
Happy Birthday to Long Island’s own Mariah Carey! Born March 27, 1969, the “Queen of Christmas” has reigned with her all time classic holiday song for almost 30 years. One of modern music’s most distinguished singer-songwriters, Mariah Carey has broken numerous records with the help of her five octave vocal range.
Grammy photoshoot
Although Carey has always had aspirations of being a singer, her childhood growing up in Long Island presented some challenges. Raised by an Irish-American mother and an Afro-Venezuelan father, Carey and her siblings faced a wall of discrimination and bullying during their childhood. She also had to deal with violence coming from within her own home. Despite these difficulties, she was able to gain support from her mother, who enrolled her in private singing lessons.
Carey worked tirelessly to create demos that would show off her vocal prowess and she finally struck gold after meeting then Sony Music exec Tony Mottola at an industry party. She was signed to Sony Music in 1988 and released chart topper after chart topper during her time there, including “Emotions,” “Daydream” and her biggest hit, “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
Following her departure from Sony Music and a tumultuous relationship with Mottola, Carey was able to spread her wings and fully develop her musical persona. The release of Butterfly helped her to transition from her more youthful pop to R&B and Hip Hop. The popular Rainbow followed in 1999.
After being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2001 and having to deal with the failure of her movie “Glitter”, Carey made her triumphant return with The Emancipation of Mimi. Released in 2005, her 10th studio album proved that she wasn’t going anywhere. E=MC2 and Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel continued this trend, with chart topping singles and memorable music videos.
By 2011, Carey was married and had two kids, but this didn’t stop her from continuing her craft. She has continued to release music throughout the years, with her latest effort being a return to her holiday roots. In 2020, Carey worked with Apple TV to create her own holiday special, “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special”.
She has also collaborated with some of today’s brightest stars, including Khalid, Miguel and YG. Fans can also look forward to Carey’s feature on Latto’s upcoming remix for ‘Big Energy’, out March 28th. Happy Birthday to Mariah Carey!
Taylor Hawkins, the drummer for the Foo Fighters, died unexpectedly at 50 years old. A statement released on the band’s Twitter confirmed his death shortly before they were scheduled to perform in Bogotá, Colombia.
Photo by Michael Dinger, MSG June 20, 2021
Hawkins, known for his signature long blond hair and technically proficient drumming, joined the band in 1997. Foo Fighters founder Dave Grohl first met Hawkins backstage at a concert in the ‘90s. After playing drums himself on the band’s first two albums he decided to call Hawkins to see if he would be willing to step in. As soon as he, got the call Hawkins accepted.
At the time he was on tour with Alanis Morrissette with her record setting album, Jagged Little Pill. Once the tour was over, he joined the Foo Fighters for their third album There is Nothing Left to Lose.
Hawkins grew up in Southern California after moving there from Fort Worth with his family. He started playing drums at 10 years old. At home he cites his mother as his biggest supporter.
Taylor Hawkins at Madison Square Garden, June 20, 2021 – photo by Michael Dinger
“When I first got drums, she was the one who would watch me play,” Hawkins said in an interview with the New York Times last year. ”She was a big supporter and told me I’d make it.”
His most important influence musically was Queen. In particular, a show he attended as a 10 year, having recently started to play drums.
“It changed everything, and I was never the same because of it,” he said in the same New York Times interview. “It was the beginning of my obsession with rock ’n’ roll, and I knew that I wanted to be in a huge rock band.”
Taylor Hawkins at Sonic Temple Festival, May 2019 – photo by Joshua Davis
His career started in his native Southern California where he would end up playing in the band for the singer Sass Jordan. His big break came when he landed the tour gig on Alanis Morrissette’s drummer.
Ultimately, it was his personal relationship with Grohl that would convince him to leave her band and join the Foo Fighters. Hawkins would later contribute songwriting and, even, did some vocals on a few songs. As a member of the Foo Fighters he was nominated for 29 Grammy Awards, winning 12. The most recent a 2018 win for Best Rock Song for their song “Run”.
A cause of death has not been announced, although Variety has reported that various drugs were found in Hawkins’ system by Colombian authorities. He is survived by his wife Alison and their three children.
In 2017, the Washington Post published a story entitled “The Death of the Electric Guitar.” But you wouldn’t know it from the sell-out crowd that packed Colony Woodstock this past Monday night, March 21, for a masterclass in six-string sorcery by the acclaimed Nigerian guitarist/singer Mdou Moctar.
For those not in the know, Moctar has been turning heads with his unique brand of African blues/psych rock since his 2008 debut disc, Anar. This astounding collection achieved popularity not via a savvy record company marketing blitz, but when it went viral over African cellphone music trading networks and when two of its tunes were included on the globally-distributed compilation, Music from Saharan Cellphones: Volume 1 (Sahel Sounds). Moctar is the latest exponent of Tuareg Guitar Music, also known as Desert Blues, a fusion of rock, blues, psychedelia and ethno modal music popularized by tribal musicians in the Saharan region, particularly Mali, Libya, Algeria, Burkina Faso and Niger. He is furthering a sound that first gained global popularity via the critically-acclaimed works of Ali Farka Toure and Tinariwen.
Moctar is concluding a 25-concert North American tour in support of his sixth album, 2021’s Afrique Victime (Matador Records). This fiery collection has garnered rave reviews from the likes of NPR Music, Rolling Stone, Paste, Pitchfork and many more. Matador has just dropped an expanded edition with nine additional tracks, including a variety demos and live offerings, the setting where Moctar truly soars.
Moctar’s set at Colony Woodstock was heavily weighted with tracks from his new album. The show commenced with the album opener and its most streamed tune, “Chismiten.” Like many of the songs performed, this kicked off with some unaccompanied guitar, before the band joined in to propel Moctar’s vocals and lengthy solos with pulsing and very hypnotic beats.
The signature of Moctar’s style is the switchblade bite emanating from his white Fender Stratocaster. Though he slings it lefty like Hendrix to whom he is frequently compared, his trebly tonality may be even more reminiscent of that of Telecaster-powered blues legend Albert “The Ice Man” Collins or the Lebanese born, modal-minded pioneer of surf guitar, Dick Dale – both inspirations to Jimi. Mdou Moctar also brings to my mind the great Black Rock Coalition associated guitarist Jean-Paul Bourelly (for more guitar thrills, check out his incredible disc, Rock the Cathartic Spirit). Moctar’s sound is heavily phased and overdriven via a modest array of stomp boxes and his retro Roland Jazz Chorus amp, something not seen much since Andy Summers’ days in The Police.
Moctar’s melodic style mixes Eastern-sounding modal scales with the blues punched up with psych/rock scream. There are plenty of slurs, trills, hammer-ons and pull-offs, single string climbs and even some tapping, in a percussive more so than melodic Van Halen style. The most unique visual aspect of his style may be his picking. This seems to be accomplished solely with his index finger, which plucks away at the strings like a mad chicken one moment, then becomes an indecipherable blur when he unleashes rapid-fire passages.
The hour-long set at Colony Woodstock was a Saharan shred-fest. Many of the tunes again began with Moctar solo and featured him improvising at length and repeatedly, greatly stretching out of the songs featured on his newest album to the delight of the audience. His music would not be anywhere near as powerful without the support of his band. Drummer Souleyman Ibrahim and guitarist Ahmoudou Madassane provided a powerful steady and unflagging rhythmic platform upon which Moctar soared. Bassist Michael “Mikey” Coltun, who has also served as Moctar’s producer since 2017, laid down a rich bottom with his Fender bass, just like Billy Cox in Hendrix’s Band of Gypsies. Kudos to Colony’s Max Siegel for providing impeccable sound and to owners Neil and Alexia Howard and booker Mike Campbell for bringing this intriguing offering to this intimate space.
Mdou Moctar and band brought the evening to a close with an extended version of their new album’s title track, “Afrique Victime.” The track showcased the band’s tight unison playing on melody and stop-time passages and its hypnotic impact, as the tune stretched towards the 10-minute mark, with the rhythm section underpinning Moctar’s most frenetic, noisy and adventurous soloing of the night.
Marco Benevento has announced a brand new full-length studio album, Benevento, which drops June 10th via Royal Potato Family. Accompanying this exciting news, Benevento’s newest single, “Marco & Mimo,” is available for streaming now.
Additionally, Benevento has announced that they will be touring this April and June with a stop at Abilene Bar and Lounge in Rochester.
“Marco & Mimo,” the first single from the album, contains three songs. On it, Benevento blends groovy funk bounce with psychedelia, creating a beautiful blend of these two formative 80s genres. The vocals on the tracks further transport you into this window of time Benevento creates, transporting the listener back forty years. The single reeks of personality only Benevento can create and his talent shines through. My personal favorite, Winter Rose, has snappy instrumentation, mind-bending keys, and entrancing vocals that make for a magnificent listen.
The entire album was recorded in Woodstock at Fred Short Studios during the pandemic, and the sounds emitted from Marco & Mimo pay homage to Woodstock’s iconic psychedelic culture and history.
In addition to his new album, Marco Benevento has also announced a list of upcoming shows:
4/7 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
4/8 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
4/9 – Fairfield, CT – Stage One
6/22 – Rochester, NY – Abilene
6/23 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird
6/24 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
6/26 – Rothbury, MI – Electric Forest Festival
7/1 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival
7/3 – Quincy, CA – High Sierra Music Festival
9/3 – Portland, ME – Ghostland Festival
Tickets and limited edition bubblegum pink and classic black 180-gram vinyl are available at marcobenevento.com.
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, Blur Beside You, New American Cuisine, 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.
Blur Beside You – “Nothing Feels Real”
Shoegaze indie rock trio from New York and Florida. Features 3 founding members of South Florida band, Mindlikewater, Jim Wells, Joseph Butera & Joseph Beaty. Check out “Nothing Feels Real” as well on EQXposure
New American Cuisine – “Drop”
Five-piece Saratoga Springs band New American Cuisine has two singles named after flowers: “Lily of the Aztecs” and “Daffodil.” The band met in high school, and while they’ve since graduated and gone to different colleges, they continue to collaborate on winter and summer breaks. Both singles have chill guitar riffs and catchy vocal hooks, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Brand-new Brooklyn-based trio, Say She She, have released their sophomore single “Blow My Mind.” The song follows their debut single and video “Forget Me Not” – both tracks have earned early support from KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic. Both tracks will be released together as a 45 via Colemine/Karma Chief Records.
Photo by Milton Arellano
Named as a silent nod to Nile Rodgers (C’est chi-chi!: It’s Chic!”), Say She She, an all-female “discodelic” soul band. Their unique sound is inspired by late 70’s girl groups with the three strong female lead voices of Piya Malik (featured in El Michels Affair, and backing singer for Chicano Batman), Nya Gazelle Brown, and Sabrina Cunningham.
Artwork by Alyssa Boni
The Brooklyn-based three-part harmony girl group have been making their way throughout the New York City scene for a couple of years now. Their sophomore song is about returning to reignite the fire of a former flame/love you still have. “‘Blow My Mind’ is about a love that you can’t seem to get rid of and you can’t quite get enough of,” explains Say She She member Nya Gazelle Brown.
The pandemic inspired the band, after spending time recording their LP on old tape machines in the basement studios of friends, the Summer of 2022 will see their much-awaited debut album. As they raise in popularity, their songs have garnered over 8.8 million streams, you will not want to miss out on this dynamic trio.
As Say She She, they have appeared in Brooklyn Paper and Bushwick Daily. Separately, the members of the band have been covered in: The Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Billboard, Pitchfork, NPR, Pop Matters, Paste Magazine, Brooklyn Vegan, American Songwriter, have toured extensively with Chicano Batman as backing singers doing everything from Coachella to Tiny Desk, and performed at Gilles Peterson WorldWide Awards in London.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) will partnering with Skidmore College this upcoming April 14 at 7:30 p.m. for a night of music with Lara Downes at the Arthur Zankel Music Center. During this time Downes, will play homage to underrepresented American composers, including Florence Price, Scott Joplin, and Billie Holiday. She will also tap into the honorary George Gershwin and Morton Gould to bring to life their music from the 1900s.
Coming from a civil rights background, Downes is not only a high demand performer, but also hosts her own series on NPR called “Amplify”. On her show she discusses with BIPOC artist what it is like to be in the music industry, with focuses on shaping the identity of a new era with bold vision, powerful mission and the inspiring energy of a transformative time. However, her work does not end there. In fact, Downes is a Billboard Chart-topping recording artist, producer, curator, activist, and arts advocate.
Furthermore, her work with Skidmore College will begin on April 13 during her piano masterclass for music majors at 5:30 p.m.
What a thrill for our students to witness Lara’s great artistry and experience a one-of-kind program in our beautiful performance space. And, how lucky for them to also participate in a masterclass with her.
Evan Mack, professor of music at Skidmore College
Tickets for Downes’ performance at the Arthur Zankel Music Center will be $30 for general admission and $10 for all collegiate students and faculty with a valid school ID. However, Skidmore students enrolled in the music program will have free admission. Skidmore College plans to follow COVID-19 protocol and strongly encourages guests to be fully vaccinated and masked at the performance. For tickets or more information click here or visit Spac.
Downes’ following visit to Saratoga will be towards the end of the Summer on August 4. She will perform two premieres: The Strayhorn Concerto and Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement, during her Saratoga Performing Arts Center debut. For more information visit SPAC.
Brooklyn-based band Le Big Zero released their third single, “Coda,” off the anticipated album A Proper Mess that is set for release on April 8, 2022.
The forthcoming album is filled with a high-energy cocktail of garage rock and off-kilter punk. Le Big Zero’s previous album was released back in 2019 called Ollie Oxen Free. Since the prior album, Michael Pasuit and Carolina Aguilar the vocalists of the band continued to explore the humorous energy of monotony and anxiety in the modern age for the new album.
The new album gives the outlook of uncertainty of a messy love-letter and the ability to just keep moving forward. The third single, “Coda” comes from the story of Michael Pasuit’s previous band, X-Ray Press’s discarded track with correspondence to band breakups such as Fleetwood Mac, the Clash, or Oasis.
With “Coda” we were looking to create a live band concept that didn’t take place in a traditional venue and had a bit of a playful vibe. The creative process for the video was pretty collaborative with Michael and I sharing ideas back and forth before landing on the final concept of Le Big Zero playing their hearts out for an underwhelmed kid.
-Jeanette D Moses (Music Video Director)
Le Big Zero’s second album is a blend of ’90s garage rock with a twist of poppy structures. The band was originally founded by Michael Pasuit (vocalist and guitarist) and later Carolina Aguilar joined him an additional vocalist.
Prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, the band began recording the new album. The tracks on the album are paired together, fo example the first two singles that have been released “Horror Movie Pie Fight” and “Beach Seance” both give a sense of absurdity and abstraction. The uniqueness of the album, “A Proper Mess” offers an edge that can’t be broken down.
