Category: Regions

Electric Zoo 2022 Lineup Features CloZee, Mersiv, Redrum, Inzo

Electric Zoo 2022 has announced their theme and lineup for their annual three-day electric dance music festival. NYC continues to be the most popular, selling out year after year. Each time, this event turns the lush green Randall’s Island Park into every festival-goers dream. This unforgettable electric festival will take place on Labor Day weekend 2022, September 2-4.

NYC’s iconic EDM festival today shines the spotlight on new bass artist, CloZee, who is not only making her debut at Electric Zoo, but also is featuring some of the best bass-infused electronic acts at her Odyzey stage. She will be taking over the Riverside stage on Sunday, September 4th. CloZee has made a name for herself throughout the electronic music industry over the last few years. By cementing herself as a modern champion of genre-bending bass, Forbes praised her as creating her own “true CloZee style.”

Established in 2009 by Made Event, Electric Zoo Festival is one of New York City’s largest music festivals. This event features the most popular names in electronic music, bringing a wide variety of acts from around the world and across the spectrum of electronic music’s various sub-genres. Additionally, international editions of the infamous Electric Zoo have taken place in Mexico City, Tokyo, Shanghai and São Paulo.

I support the music I love in so many ways. Whether that be in my sets, with my label (Odyzey Music), at shows, or on social media. When I have input on the lineup, I feel a high level of responsibility for curating a full experience. It’s very meaningful to me.
– CloZee

On September 4, EZoo attendees will get to witness the debut of the Odyzey stage, which is packed with immense talent. Other artists will join such as Mersiv, whose music has a way of transmitting therapeutic and healing energy to listeners. Portland-based artist Redrum also joins the lineup with her bewitching magical music.

I have looked up to CloZee for years so having the opportunity to play Electric Zoo as a part of her takeover is such a dream! I love New York and I can’t wait to play there again, the lineup is insane I’m honored to be a part of it
Redrum

Joining the lineup as well are artists like INZO, Canvas, Tripp St., Wreckno, Rome In Silver, and more. All of these new elm artists have worked hard to make an exciting addition to the dm community, their mission is to make something beautiful for others to listen to.

Electric Zoo 3.0 will be a unforgettable Labor Day weekend at Randall’s Island Park. NYC’s premiere music festival today shines the another spotlight on one of the most iconic DJ’s around right now, Tchami, who will be making his return to Electric Zoo while also curating his very own stage in the name of his imprint, Confession. The Confession stage will feature some of house music’s most profound heavy hitters taking over the Hilltop Arena on Friday, September 2nd.

One look at this stage’s lineup is enough to get any fan of dance music excited. More unique edm artists will be featured at the Confession stage like Malaa, Matroda, Capozzi, Wax Motif and more. Tchami’s Confession parties have a history of selling out The Brooklyn Mirage in the past, making it all the more special that they will make their mark on the Hilltop Arena this year.

Fans can expect a stacked lineup featuring the most prominent names in electronic music. Each year, a crowd of 100,000 gathers in Randall’s Island Park annually with a record-breaking 107,500 attending in 2019. This year, EZOO 2022 will be another ambitious undertaking destined to transport its fans beyond musical boundaries.

This year, Electric Zoo 2022 will take EDM fans on a cosmic musical journey beyond their wildest imaginations with 3.0. For example, this new and improved version of EZOO features unexplainable phenomena and will open music fans’ minds to new sounds and experiences. Likewise, with a more convenient and suitable experience.

Digital wallets are becoming more practical and EZOO is entirely here for it. The trends of dance music are also changing and EZOO is determined to create their lineup to satisfy their community. Therefore, they have read wish lists and created a lineup based on the feedback and choices in the EZOO Artist List surveys.

Tickets go on sale soon, register for pre-sale access here.

July 12, 2022
In Focus: Michael Franti & Spearhead at MJN Convention Center

On June 30th, Radio Woodstock – WDST presented Michael Franti & Spearhead at the newly renovated MJN Convention Center in Poughkeepsie. Two-time Grammy Award winners Arrested Development were included on the bill.

Michael Franti & Spearhead

The tour, in support of Michael Franti & Spearhead’s latest release Follow Your Heart, will continue through the summer. The night included a short video sharing Michael Franti’s experiences at his home in Bali during the Covid years. Sharing what he encountered, discarded, and is now looking forward to in the future, offering an optimistic tone for evening.

Hip-hop pioneers Arrested Development opened the show. The band offered up a nonstop dance set including songs from the 2021 album For the Fkn Love. Formed as an alternative to gangsta rap, Arrested Development put positivity in the spotlight. They capped their set by reaching back to their beginnings with the iconic “Tennessee.”

Arrested Development

With “Stay Human” emblazoned on his guitar strap and “Don’t Give Up” on his t-shirt, Michael Franti backed by Spearhead took to the stage. Over the course of two- and one-half hours the night resembled a preacher with his flock, engaging everyone in a heartfelt love fest.

On multiple occasions, Franti stepped down from the stage, singing his way through the crowd to one of the two mini stages located in the house. Once there, Michael stood tall and spread his arms wide open, inviting people up to harmonize along with him.

Michael Franti

Spearhead’s four members, including Franti’s longtime collaborator Carl Young on bass, generated a powerful musical backdrop. Throughout the night, the band moved from electric to acoustic and back without missing a beat.

As the night concluded and after taking their bows, Michael and members of the band headed into the crowd to taking selfies and sign autographs. If there was ever a way to say thank you to an audience, this was it.

Michael Franti & Spearhead

Arrested Development

July 12, 2022
Karine Hannah Releases Music Video For “Hysteria”

On July 6, New York-based pop artist Karine Hannah released a new music video for her cover track, “Hysteria.” The music video is powerfully simple, relying on Hannah’s compelling vocals and the song’s captivating lyrics rather than overly complex visuals.

Hannah’s music video and cover of “Hysteria” gives new life to Def Leppard’s title track from their 1987 album. With bass, a higher-pitched piano riff, and reverberative piano chords, the end result of Hannah’s cover is ethereal. She revives the original song with wonderful vocals over top unique instrumentation and released the track earlier this summer.

Hannah has been in the pop-music genre for years, catching her big break when her performance on a Canadian television show caught the attention of the international star Celine Dion. Hannah would later go on to perform at Dion’s wedding. Most recently, Karine Hannah has made a name for herself reimagining classic songs, covering beloved tracks in her own style.

With vocal influences including Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Holiday, and European artists she heard as a child, Hannah molded her inspirations into a sound that is entirely her own. It shows with this latest musical release and video.

After signing a new management deal with Heart Songs Music Group in 2022, Hannah is currently working on the relaunch of her successful Barbara Streisand tribute tour. Take a listen to Karine Hannah’s reimagined version of “Hysteria” and the accompanying music video below.

July 12, 2022
In Focus: As I Lay Dying Return from Hiatus to The L in Horseheads

On June 26, As I Lay Dying brought their Two Decades of Destruction Tour to a brand new venue in Horseheads, The L, which has been on a roll with shows since it opened.

This was a show to get to early as it nearly sold out and you had a bit of a walk from the parking lot. Brand Of Sacrifice opened up and came out swinging, the heavy metal band from Canada taking command of the stage.

Next up was Shadow Of Intent, hailing from Connecticut, who kept the energy going. Originally the band began as a two piece and started off with Halo-themed music, then transitioned to the deathcore sound they have now.

Shadow Of Intent

Rolling up after them was Whitechapel, a band that is a staple in the deathcore community and probably could be considered the heaviest on the tour. Finally, to close out the night was As I Lay Dying, who had been on hiatus since 2014, having formed in 2000 in San Diego, California.

There was a bit of a hiccup before the tour as a few band members stepped down but the show went on and the place was filled, with Ryan Neff from Miss May I stepping in; he’ll be back at The L in September with another stacked lineup.

There have been many great shows at this venue but this one was definitely one for the books and with no signs of slowing down with the lineups that have already been announced, The L is making itself well known in the Northeast music scene.

Brand Of Sacrifice

Shadow Of Intent

Whitechapel

As I Lay Dying

July 12, 2022
Flushing Town Hall Announce “Gospel Meets Côte d’Ivoire” Concert on July 24

Flushing Town Hall’s popular series, Mini-Global Mashups, will present another installment this summer on Sunday, July 24 at 1 PM with its Gospel Meets Côte d’Ivoire concert. Featuring American gospel singer Joshua Nelson and Côte d’Ivoire traditional dance and drum master Vado Diomande with additional accompanist drummer Moussa Drame, this concert will maintain the popularity and high quality of the series.

Joshua Nelson and Vado Diomande

Flushing Town Hall (FTH), a Smithsonian affiliate, presents multi-disciplinary global arts that engage and educate the global communities of Queens and New York City, in order to foster mutual appreciation. As advocates of arts equity since 1979, we support local, immigrant, national, and international artists, developing partnerships and collaborations that enhance our efforts.

Audiences will enjoy the unique performing collaboration of two solo musicians with distinct musical and cultural backgrounds when American gospel singer Joshua Nelson and Ivory Coast traditional dance and drum master Vado Diomande on stage. After the performance there will be a Q+A conversation between the artists and the audience.

Joshua Nelson is both a Jewish Gospel singer in the tradition of Mahalia Jackson and a full-time Hebrew teacher when he is not on the road. He is director of music at Hopewell Baptist Church in Newark, NJ, which is housed in the building of a former synagogue (the former B’nai Jeshurun). Nelson has performed with musical legends including Wynton Marsalis, Aretha Franklin, Stephanie Mills, and Billy Preston, as well as gospel singers Albertina Walker, the Barret Sisters, and so on.

Since the age of four, Vado Diomande has learned the Mahouka dance and drum traditions. Vado learned over 60 ethnic dance and drumming traditions from the Ivory Coast and other West African countries. His repertoire elevated his career to eventually choreographing and touring extensively throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia. His troupe’s goal is to inspire joy and understanding through the power of dance and drum, promoting the exchange of culture worldwide. He continues to strengthen his experience as a choreographer, artistic director, teacher, and performer.

Our Mini-Global Mashups are always a great experience – and Gospel Meets Côte d’Ivoire will be another ride of discovery for our audience. Joshua Nelson and Vado Diomande are extraordinary talents and it will truly be an honor for them to grace our stage.
Flushing Town Hall Executive & Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek

In-person tickets are $12 for Flushing Town Hall members and $15 for non-members. A free livestream is available. For more information, please visit this link.

July 12, 2022
In and Out of the Orchard They Go: Phil & Friends at Beak & Skiff

Seeing the Grateful Dead on a hot summer night is a quintessential live music experience. That not being an option these days, seeing a founding member construct a crack team of musicians to recreate their music on a hot summer night will have to suffice. And at 82 years young, Phil Lesh is still trucking along doing just that.

Seeing a big summer show plopped right in the middle of an apple orchard might not be a quintessential live music experience, but for Central New Yorkers it is quickly becoming one. Beak and Skiff Orchards, booked by Dan Smalls Presents, is a hot destination for some of the areas biggest shows this summer and on this night, Phil Lesh and his Friends, among them his son Grahame Lesh, Stu Allen, Jason Crosby, Cody Dickinson and Amy Helm, brought their lowercase-f friends to the orchard to join in the communion of live Grateful Dead music. The apple trees immediately bordering the concert field were well fumigated at this show. Keep an eye out for a special THC-infused apple variety this fall.

It wasn’t even seven o’clock and the crowd was deep and grooving to “Reuben and Cherise” while the band was showing the tightness of a group that had been together for decades, not days. All 5 members were improvising at a high level and then reined it back in for a tight and tidy finish.

Amy Helm came on from her watching perch just behind the stage a few songs in to lead the band on Bob Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece.” She was a splash of color breaking through the grays and dark blues, slinking about among the statuesque guitarists. Such a beautiful voice, the only regret from the evening was that she was not utilized more fully. There was a great mix of vocals throughout the night with Stu, Phil, Grahame, Phil, and Amy all taking leads. Still, a bit more from Amy would have been welcome.

After a solid warmup set, the band came out of the gates for part two with a magnificent “Playing in the Band.” All five musicians playing circles in and around each other, listening and reacting, as they carried it through multiple distinct sections, rocking, groovy, spacey. Through it all, a highlight machine emerged from the back, Cody Dickinson on drums. Not typically seen anchoring such free form improvisation, he was a constant flurry of activity, holding the pieces together while maintaining a long leash with which to flourish himself.

“Cassidy” followed and was also an unexpected highlight, going where “Cassidy” is not typically known to go. Crosby moved to the electric piano which got it grooving with some late-70’s Dead energy and behind more stellar drumming and playing from everyone, it just launched into the stratosphere for one hell of a jam.

“Mountains of the Moon” similarly went atypically off the beaten path. Phil and Grahame had a nice father and son catch, passing the ball back and forth, guitar and bass lines playing off each other. Crosby grabbed his fiddle to mix it up further and the whole thing eventually dove into a deep oozing rumble. Phil hit on a nice dub groove and just sat with it for a few minutes and things got pretty groovy and interesting before fizzling right into a fun and bright “China Cat Sunflower”>”I Know You Rider” that had all the Friends on vocals, and friends too, in a big old singalong.

Prior to the “Eyes of the World”, “Brokedown Palace” encore that would send everyone back home with huge smiles, Phil came out to encourage everyone to become organ donors, as he’s been doing for 24 years. 24 extra years we’ve all had to enjoy his incredible music. “You give us the hope and the heart, and we give you the music,” he said.

Phil and Friends – Beak and Skiff, Lafayette, NY – July 8, 2022

Set 1: Dupree’s Diamond Blues, Rubin and Cherise, Minglewood Blues, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Dire Wolf, Casey Jones, Ripple

Set 2: Playing in the Band, Cassidy, St. Stephen > Born Cross-Eyed, Mountains of the Moon, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider

Encore: Eyes of the World, Brokedown Palace

July 12, 2022
The New York Coffee Festival Begins This Fall in NYC

For the first time since 2019, The New York Coffee Festival will return to New York City from October 7 to 9 at the Metropolitan Pavillion.

All coffee lovers can enjoy the event which will offer the best coffee, food, cocktails, live music, coffee exhibitors, art, and more. The festival will additionally host The Lab program, The Coffee Music Project, and The Coffee Art Project, all of which will showcase the creativity of people from NYC and beyond.

The New York Coffee Festival will announce its The Coffee Music Project 2022 line-up in the near future, but previous lineups included the talents of American Idol finalist Kayln Marie, Hollie Rogers, Scott Krakoff, and more.

The Coffee Music Project began in 2015 and helps showcase emerging songwriting talent in the London, New York, and Los Angeles music scenes. All genres are welcome, but performers must include original works and the project offers prizes for those who wish to build their careers in the industry.

Other events and activities that attendees can enjoy at The New York Coffee Festival include an energetic barista tournament, live latte art, coffee-related independent films, and a complete sensory experience designed to expand one’s perception of flavor. This year’s festival will also be partnering with New York’s Best Barista competition where the winning contestant will have a chance to travel abroad.

All of the profits raised from the New York Coffee Festival will be donated to Project Waterfall, which will partner with an NYC-based nonprofit called charity: water to deliver life-changing water projects in coffee-growing regions.

Early-bird tickets to the festival are now on sale online. For more information about the festival, and to see the 2022 lineup once it is announced, please visit: www.newyorkcoffeefestival.com

July 12, 2022
moe. Returns To Its Roots In The Outer Harbor

New York jam icons moe. continued their recent revival on Thursday, July 7 with a headlining gig in their old hometown of Buffalo. As part of the Seneca Casinos Outer Harbor Concert Series, moe. played at the Lakeside Event Lawn in the outer harbor. With founding member Chuck Garvey still on the sidelines, Suke Cerulo filled in on guitar while Nate Wilson was also added on keys for this tour.

moe. kept it fairly old school this evening, in the community in which it grew up as a band. A “Kyle’s Song” > “Seat Of My Pants” got the evening started off right. The first set also offered up the newer composition “Prestige Worldwide” before “Time Ed” later closed out the set.

An even older tune “Johnny Lineup” opened up the second set, followed close behind by other legendary moe. tunes like “Timmy Tucker” and “Sensory Depravation Bank.” A powerhouse combination of “Recreational Chemistry” > “Meat” to close out the set preceded the all too fitting “Skitchin’ Buffalo” encore.

moe. Outer Harbor Drive – Buffalo, NY 7/7/22

Set 1: Kyle’s Song > Seat Of My Pants, Haze, Prestige Worldwide > Rickey Marten > Time Ed

Set 2: Johnny Lineup > Timmy Tucker, Sensory Depravation Bank, Meat > Recreational Chemistry > Meat

E: Skitchin’ Buffalo

July 11, 2022
Cortland Repertory Theatre Presents Revival of “Kiss Me, Kate”

Cortland Repertory Theatre presents a “revival” for the third show in their 50 Anniversary season, the well-known show “Kiss Me, Kate,” running from July 6-16.

Kiss Me, Kate is about actor/director Fred Graham trying to mount a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew with his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi in the leading role. Also included in the mix are musically inclined, gangsters. Featured will also be Cole Porter’s most classic tunes, “Another Openin’ Another Show,” “So in Love,” “Too Darn Hot,” and “Always True to You.”

Jahmar Ortiz as Fred Graham and
Briana Gantsweg as Lilli Vanessi.

Maclain Rhine and the company.

Leading the cast as Lily Vanessi is Briana Gantsweg, previously seen on the CRT stage in Born Yesterday and Rough Crossing. Playing Fred Graham is Jahmar Ortiz, who also continues their role as Director of Culture and Inclusion as they did for CRT’s production of Hair earlier this summer. Many different CRT interns perform in the production as well.

Kiss Me, Kate is directed by Mark Reynolds, who previously won the SALT award for Newsies (Best Musical), CRT’s record-breaking production of Footloose, Born Yesterday, The Rat Pack Lounge, The Kitchen Witches, and more. Choreographer Bryan Knowlton returns for a third summer after working on Mamma Mia! and Saturday Night Fever in the past.

Jahmar Ortiz as Fred Graham with Company.

The Cortland Repertory Theatre will also offer a “Friday Night Talk Back” after the evening performance on July 8th, with a Q&A session with the actors, director, designers, and crew. Tickets are also on sale for the rest of the summer season, which includes Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express and Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins.

July 11, 2022
Grassroots 30 Annual Festival Lineup Announced

The 30th annual Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg is back with over 80 performers on five stages during July 21-24 at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds.

The festival is held at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds in Trumansburg which is located about 10 miles north of Ithaca on the west side of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region of Central New York. Since the birth of the festival, the guiding quote has always been “to create joy in the midst of crisis is a powerful thing and brings magic to the table.”

Grassroots was founded by Donna the Buffalo, and is a mission-based organization that focuses on nurturing local artists and talent while reaching around the globe to bring world music and culture to new audiences to inspire creativity and foster community building. Four days before the festival there is a Culture Camp, which helps community building by having attendees going to four days of music and dance workshops led by regional and national artists.

Grandstand of Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance.

Headliners for this year’s festival include Donna The Buffalo, The Infamous Stringdusters, Galactic, Cory Henry, Marty Stuart, John Brown’s Body, Dobet Gnahore, DakhaBrakha, and more. There is music from every genre, including bluegrass, country, old-time, Latin, world beat, and more.

For more information about the festival and to buy tickets, go here.

July 11, 2022