Category: Regions

  • Day One of Governors Ball 2022: Kid Cudi, Black Pumas, JPEGMAFIA

    The 2022 edition of the Governors Ball Music Festival got underway on Day One, June 10th, outside of Citi Field in Flushing, Queens. The festival has revamped itself in the new location with greater accessibility via mass transit, a dive bar area featuring intimate acoustic sets from artists on the bill, and more of a focus on local food vendors.

    Kid Cudi, Governors Ball, 6/10/22. Photo by Buscar Photo

    Friday was headlined by Grammy Award winning recording artist Kid Cudi who released Man On The Moon III: Chosen back in 2020 and is set to release his eighth LP later this year. Kid Cudi previewed the new record with “Do What I Want” as well as playing the all-time hit “Memories.”

    NYS Music photographers David Reichmann and Joseph Buscarello are on site all weekend covering Governors Ball. Other artists on Friday included Channel Tres, Black Pumas, JPEGMAFIA, and Jack Harlow. Lil’ Wayne was booked as a last minute replacement for Migos who dropped off the lineup earlier in the week. However, only a couple of hours before his set, the festival announced that due to “flight delays” Weezy would be replaced by Harlem native A$AP Ferg.

    governors ball black pumas
    Black Pumas, Governors Ball, 6/10/22. Photo by Buscar Photo

    Saturday is going to be a packed day with sets from Denzel Curry, DJ Diesel (Shaq), Dehd, Tove Lo, and Flume. Halsey headlines the Governors Ball Stage, making her return to the festival after last playing in 2018. Tune back in tomorrow for photos from those sets and more. 

  • “You Will See” from Prodigy Posthumously released

    The estate of esteemed rapper, Prodigy, has released his first posthumous single since signing a management deal to bring his solo catalog to streaming platforms. “You Will See” is the first single from Prodigy’s forthcoming posthumous project, The Hegelian Dialectic: The Book of Heroine.

    Embed from Getty Images

    The R&B laced track sees the “H.N.I.C.” at his story-telling best, as he details the inner-city lifestyle that littered his raps throughout his career. The “Keep It Thoro” MC did just that, sharing tales of his beloved Queensbridge along with the many vices that come with the street lifestyle.

    It’s hard to put into words the impact he had on the world — his sound completely changed the game and influenced so many that came after him. His legacy will live on forever through his music and we’re grateful his estate has entrusted ADA to bring his iconic catalog back where it belongs — with his fans.

    – ADA president Cat Kreidich

    Prodigy passed away in 2017 due to complications from his sickle cell anemia, he was 42-years-old. Listen to “You Will See” below.

  • Fiery Performance from Kamasi Washington Ignites New Season of BRIC’s Celebrate Brooklyn!

    Acclaimed jazz sax titan Kamasi Washington and his eight-piece band delivered a ferocious performance to herald the return of BRIC’s Celebrate Brooklyn!,  New York City’s longest running, free music festival at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park.

    kamasi washington brooklyn

    Like many good things, this world-class event was sidelined by COVID-19, with no performances in 2020 and a greatly scaled back schedule in 2021. 

    Now in its 44th year, the 2022 BRIC season will boast a lineup of heavy-hitting musical artists from Brooklyn and around the world. The roster includes: rapper Vic Mensa; Brooklynite, contemporary poet, writer, lyricist and activist aja monet; Nigerian Afropop phenom Yemi Alade; British reggae vocalist, Maxi Priest; genre-defying rock band, Chicano Batman; Grammy-winning contemporary blues artist Fantastic Negrito; Grammy-winning latin pop singer Fonseca;  San Francisco-based Kronos Quartet and filmmaker Sam Green, performing in tandem with “A Thousand Thoughts” documentary; indie-pop band, The Beths; American soul rock band Seratones and many more.  The season will also include ticketed benefit concerts featuring Indie-Rock singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers; American-born Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer Davido; Texas-based psych rock band Khruangbin and multi-Grammy-winning “Queen of Neo Soul” artist Erykah Badu. 

    The June 8 season opener drew a packed house to Brooklyn that reveled in the sounds of Kamasi Washington and show opener Ravyn Lenae, the alt.R&B newbie riding high of the release of her massive 20-track Atlantic Records’ debut, Hypnos.  The classical-trained Chicagoite has been around since 2015, as a part of Zero Fatigue, a collective comprised of Smino, Jean Deaux and producer Monte Booker. 

    kamasi washington brooklyn

    Lenae and her tight quartet of backing musicians blazed through a set of both up-tempo neo-soul and ballads including her album’s standout tracks, including “Where I’m From,” “Skintight,” “Light Me Up,” “M.I.A,” the super slinky “Sticky” and the propulsive near rocker “Inside Out.”  Lenae is gifted with a great stage presence and a soaring falsetto, which she uses to great effect on many tracks.  The audience was full of Lenae fans, who pressed to the stage with cellphones drawn to capture the performance of this rising star.  My one complaint is that she did not introduce her tight backing musicians, an array which included a powerful female drummer who may or may not have been Nikki Glaspie of Beyonce and the great jam bands, Nth Power and Dumpstaphunk.

    Before Lenae and Washington’s sets, the crowd was fired up by the well curated spins from DJ Reborn.  A vision in magenta, she swayed, and had the crowd doing likewise, to selections including Samankwe’s “Happysong” and Leikeli 47’s “Money.”

    The energy hit a new level in Brooklyn when Kamasi Washington and his double-drummer ensemble hit the stage.  Unlike many of his album tracks, which heavily feature masses of strings and vocal choruses, Washington’s performance at Celebrate Brooklyn! had a fierce howling edge driven by his tight interplay of his all-virtuoso ensemble. 

    kamasi washington brooklyn

    The band kicked off its performance with an extended version of “The Garden Path,” Washington’s latest single.  The stage was set with an intro solo by keyboardist Brandon Coleman, who fuses straight-ahead jazz, hard core funk and P-Funk master Bernie Worrell-esque spaceisms in a wholly unique style.  Trumpeter Dontae Winslow followed, with the first of many searing solos that matched the mighty Washington in melodic architecture and excitement.  Likewise for flautist and soprano saxman Rickey Washington, Kamasi’s father. The elder Washington not only helped mold his son’s talent but kicked up every tune he soloed on during the set.

    Washington is both a superlative composer/arranger and a true titan of the art of tenor sax soloing. His extrapolation on the opening tune and all others in the performance build thoughtfully, from breathy balladeering to Tranesque sheets sound to a free jazz Pharoah Sanders scream and skronk.  Washington and his band heightened the pace with the next tune, “Street Fighter Mas,” a majestic-themed, funkified selection from his acclaimed 2018 disc, Heaven and Hell, with 12 million streams, his biggest hit on Spotify.

    The melodic “Sun Kissed Child” was one of the tunes that featured the singular soloing of bassist Miles Mosley. On this and several other tunes, Mosley clawed, sawed and thumped on his bass, giving it an otherworldly sort of post-Hendrix howl with judicious use of a harmonizer, fuzz and his bow.   Another standout band member was vocalist Patrice Quinn, who admirably recreated the vocal parts of Washington’s tunes that are, on record, performed by a chorus.   Kamasi’s performance also included crowd-pleasing tunes like “Blaxsploitation,” “Truth” from his awesome 2017 EP “Harmony of Difference” and the final track, “Fists of Fury.”

    With his floor length robe, big beard and crown of locks, Washington projects a biblical/prophetic presence. This is wholly appropriate as his performances are an almost religious experience for those who love jazz, classical music, funk and everything in between.  Keyboardist Coleman’s dabs of electronica and Washington and Mosley’s use of effects like delay give this jazz a futuristic feel that is missing from so much of the genre today – one which seems set on reproducing a music past from the likes of Coltrane that can never be matched.

    If you want to see a show that embraces all the many eras of jazz’s great past but with an eye to the future, catch Kamasi Washington.

    photos by Bettina Cataldi

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features Sabrina Trueheart, Jacob Shipley and more

    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, Sabrina Trueheart, Jacob Shipley 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.

    Sabrina Truheart – “Holding on to Something Good”

    On Friday, May 20, Albany folk singer Sabrina Trueheart released her debut EP, Holding Onto Something Good. The four-song project follows the release of singles “To Die Alone” and “Wait,” released in January and March respectively. The title track will be aired on EQXposure. Read more about Sabrina here.

    Jacob Shipley – “Persimmon” 

    Born out of a short lived romance, Jacob Shipley wrote “Persimmon” hoping that things would have lasted longer, but knowing that it wasn’t in the cards. It’s for those hugs that feel like they’re sucking you back in the second you pull away, the drawn out kisses where the lips can’t seem to separate, and the days where you can’t keep your mind off of who was in your bed that morning. It is a love song for those who have to leave, but can’t bring themselves to go.

    This track was produced in remote collaboration with incredible singer/songwriter Sarah Gross who sings, plays synth, and mixed the track. The bass line is by Katrien Van Riel, the drums by Misia Vessio, and the violin by Erikka Walsh. Matthew Gregory mastered the track. The cover photo and art were done by Jacob Shipley.

  • Wooter Release Psychedelic New Single “Epigraph”

    Indie-electronic artist-producer Wooter releases his first single “Epigraph” this Friday, June 10th. “Epigraph” is a chill psychedelic pop track that may calm you down and drive you away from the current chaos.

    Wooter

    Wooter, also called Rowan Brind, is a Brooklyn-based artist and producer. He is an engineer and mixer while he also learned multiple instruments. Meanwhile, he is a prolific songwriter who works mainly on his laptop alone.

    However, in this signle, he collaborates with the experienced jazz drummer Caleb Estey. Followed his non-traditional songwriting process that first writing to a drum take, then inserting melody and lyrics, Wooter added new sounds in this new single as well.

    Wooter is fond of obscure, niche audio equipment and instruments, which gives his music a distinctive sound. His perfectionism in audio production and mixing improved the listening experience of his productions. His perfectionism and interest in sound also benefited his produce skills as an entirely self-taught producer. He always searches for new sounds and evolves with each album.

    “Epigraph” is the music shelter to escape from the daily hustle and bustle. Turn it on, and relieve the expectation and burdens on you for the two minutes and 44 seconds. This is music for those trying to break from the routine.

    The book The Sun Also Rises inspired Wooter to express the feelings of characters. They are living aimless lives and yet live happily unfazed by the world crumbling around them. For the sound design, Wooter composed his new album on the OP1 which has a lush sound of synthesizers during a trip to New Orleans. He absorbed the feelings of artists like Tame Impala, Mild High Club, and Gorillaz. And now it is time to enjoy the realm of Wooter in the “Epigraph”.

  • Fridays at the Lake Closes out Season at Shepard Park in Lake George on September 2

    The Village of Lake George plays host to a number of music series throughout the summer, starting with Memorial Meltdown in May, ending with ADK Independence Fest in September, and free music series filling in the months between.

    Free to the public in Lake George is the Fridays on Summer Concert Series at Shepard Park, starting on Friday, June 10.  Eleven performances in all will be held, leading up to the finale on September 2.

    fridays at lake george

    The final Friday at the Lake of the season comes to Shepard Park on Friday, September 2, featuring two of the Northeast’s premier party bands: Kick (7:30-9:30) and The Schmooze (6:00-7:10). The Hartford Current newspaper music critic calls Kick “by far the best modern rock cover band I’ve ever seen.” Formed in 1996, Kick has a broad repertoire of over 400 songs covering many genres. This has allowed them to open in concert for such diverse national acts as Duran Duran, Staind (grunge rock), Reel Big Fish (ska) and Biz Markie (rap). They have played on the Las Vegas strip, the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Rentschler Stadium (University of Connecticut football games) and Madison Square Garden for the Stanley Cub
    Playoffs. They have played in casinos, arenas, stadiums and resorts nationwide.

    Opening the show will be one of the region’s premier party bands for the past 15 years, The Schmooze. They will get the party rocking with their versions of rock, pop, dance and country cover tunes that will have the crowd dancing and singing along.

    Kicking off the series on June 10 is an evening of classic rock, headlined by legendary regional favorites E.B. Jeb.  The band is celebrating more than 40 years together and is the northeast’s “go to “ band for the Southern Rock genre.  The eight piece band features two drummers, similar to the Allman Brothers’ configuration.  E.B. Jeb has opened for many national acts, including Charlie Daniels, The Outlaws, Molly Hatchet and Blackfoot.

    Opening on Friday, June 10 is The Blue Moon Band, a premier classic rock band from the Lake George region. Their music includes covers by Santana, Bob Dylan and classic/southern rock hits and will perform from 6:00-7:10, with E.B. Jeb playing from 7:30-9:30.

    All shows are free to the public, and there will be vendors selling food and beverages.

    fridays at lake george

    Saturday, June 11 will feature a special night of music for Saturday on the Lake A special Saturday concert at Shepard Park will feature a night of classic rock as The Trilogy Tribute will take the audience on a musical journey to the 60s and 70s with tributes to Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, Jim Morrison of The Doors and Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane. The Trilogy performers recreate the persona of each icon  while performing the hit songs that enshrined these legends into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Classic Rock Productions concerts like the Trilogy Tribute have headlined shows at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City for the past ten years, including “The Deckstock Festival” tribute to Woodstock.

    Opening act Bluz House Rockers are celebrating their 26th year as a seven piece configuration that includes two keyboard players and six members singing lead vocals and harmonies.  They have been inducted into the New York State Blues Hall of Fame, and Trish Anderson’s “Three Dollar Bill” went to #2 on the Top 100 charts in Denmark.  They are well known in the Glens Falls/Lake George region, having played Summer Jam, Taste of the North Country, Balloon Fest and Save the Lake.

    On July 1, Soul Session is the headline act for Friday at the Lake at Shepard Park in Lake George.  Soul Session, featuring band leader and lead vocalist, Garland Nelson, has presented high energy junk and R&B renditions of your favorite hit songs.  In 2019, Garland won Eddies Award for “Best R&B Vocalist” and Soul Session won “Best Band in the Capital Region.”  Garland connects with the audience and creates an atmosphere of Live and Celebration at his shows.  He just performed on SPAC’s main stage as part of the annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, and will perform at Friday at the Lake 7:30-9:30 pm.

    Opening the show from 6:00-7:10 is the dynamic duo Yellow Dog.  John Repko and Jason Young have been rockin the Capital District for 29 years and have the biggest sound of any duo and play a variety of classic hits that will have the audience singing along. 

    On Friday, July 15, the New York Players will perform from 7:30-9:30 pm at Shepard Park. The Players are widely recognized over the past many years as being the #1 dance band in the region. They have several vocalists who sing lead and harmonies and an awesome horn section. They have performed at many galas and corporate events and are sure to bring a non-stop party to Fridays at the Lake.

    Opening the show from 6:00-7:10 are Tumblin Dice, a Rolling Stones tribute band led by Lake George
    favorite, Jonathan Newell. Get there by 6:00 pm to catch your favorite Rolling Stones songs. All Fridays at the Lake are free to the public, and there are food, beer and wine vendors on site.

    Carmen and Life’s Guilty Pleasures headline Friday at the Lake at Shepard Park in Lake George on Friday, July 22 from 7:30-9:30.  Carmen is making a name for herself throughout the region for her stunning vocals and unforgettable stage presence.  She has been lead singer with Grand Central Station, the Silver Arrow Band and Band of Gold.  Their mix of dance hits from the 50s to today will energize the crowd, and a few musical surprises will be part of the mix as well.

    The Ultimates will open the show, performing from 6:00-7:10.  While they are a fairly new band from Saratoga, they consist of musicians well known in the region (two from Bad Chaperones and one from Dealt the Blues).  Singer/guitarist Travis Rockenstire leads the band, singing amazing covers from John Cougar to Ed Sheeran, Springsteen to Harry Styles.

    Over August 5-7, the three day Rockin for Ronald Benefit Concerts will support Ronald McDonald House Charities who have served families whose children are fighting serious illnesses in area hospitals for decades. The three-day, eight band festival on August 5, 6 and 7 is designed to raise money and awareness about the role Krantz Cottage serves as a Ronald McDonald house for families. The festival raises funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Krantz Cottage in Lake George, a beautiful four bedroom home that offers a beautiful, natural setting where families can stay free of charge while their child is receiving medical care for serious illnesses in nearby hospitals.

    Friday at the Lake on August 5th kicks off the three day festival with two of the region’s most popular and acclaimed bands.  Skeeter Creek has not only been the undisputed #1 country band our region; they are arguably the number one band in the region regardless of genre.  In the Metroland readers poll, they won Country Band of the Year eight different years; were recognized by the Northeast country Music Association in various categories, including vocal group of the year; won the Colgate Country Showdown in the Albany region; won Froggy 100.7’s Country Shootout multiple times; won the Times Union’s Readers Poll six times and was named the Best Local Band three times in the Daily Gazette’s Readers Poll.  Skeeter Creek will perform from 7:30-9:30.

    Opening act, the Bluz House Rockers, are celebrating their 27th year in 2022.  While they are honored to be members of the New York State Blues Hall of Fame, the Rockers have a varied repertoire, covering everyone from Frank Sinatra to the Allman Brothers.  The fact that six of their seven members sing lead and/or harmony results in their ability to present a wide variety musical styles.

    Headlining on Saturday is a fantastic tribute to the music of Steely Dan comprised of an all-star lineup of musicians, Reelin in the Years, a Woodstock based band led by drummer Jerry Marotta who has recorded and toured with Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Hall & Oates, Sarah McLachlan and the Indigo Girls.  Guitarist Jesse Gress works with Todd Rundgren and Tony Levin and was former music editor of “Guitar Player.” Guitarist Matt Finck worked with Randy Brecker and John Medeski.  Jennifer Maidman on bass performed with Boy George and Loudon Wainwright.  David Jameson will be on keyboards.  Vocalist Lindsey Skeye’s band “Skeye” has received over 12 million views on YouTube.  Her cover of Radiohead’s “Karma Police” was included in HBO’s “Girls” and Fox’s “9-1-1.”   The four-piece horn section includes Bill Harris (worked with Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen) and Don Mikkelsen, who worked with Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Peter Gabriel.  This is a huge treat for music fans of all ages.

    Saturday’s schedule

    3:00-4:30   The Dirty Harri’s

    5:00-7:00   The Newells

    7:30-9:30   Reelin in the Years

    Sunday’s Schedule

    1:30-3:30 Jacquelin Mignot and the Family Band

    4:00-6:00 Last Band Left

    6:30-8:30 New York Players

    The Newells are a family affair.  Jonathan and Jennifer Newell are joined by teenage sons Brandon and Evan plus a rhythm section of Tommy Ryzuck on bass and Rye Wylie on drums.  They will perform songs from the 60’-80’s by groups as diverse as Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Janis Joplin, Bruce Hornsby and 10,000 Maniacs.

    The Dirty Harri’s start the festivities.  They are a tribute to the music of George Harrison.  Songs include Harrison’s hits with the Beatles, including “Here Comes the Sun,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Taxman.”  The seven piece band also performs hits from George’s solo career, including “My Sweet Lord,” “What is Life” and “All Those Years Ago” as well as “Handle with Care” from his time with the Traveling Wilburys.

    On Sunday, August 7, Rockin for Ronald is proud to bring New York Players back to Shepard Park.  The Players are widely recognized over the past many years as being the #1 dance band in the region.  They have four incredible vocalists who sign leads and harmonies and an awesome horn section.  They have performed an many galas and corporate events and present a broad repertoire of your favorite hits.

    Last Left is a cover band from Central New York.  Their repertoire includes hits by Prince, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty as well as more current groups Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Chris Stapleton, Kings of Leon and the Killers.  Their high energy set is guaranteed to have the audience dancing and singing along.

    Opening the show on Sunday is Jacquelin Mignot and the Family Band.  They opened for Ten Most Wanted earlier this summer at Friday at the Lake, and their R&B covers were well received.  Her band is truly a family affair, featuring Jacquelin’s father Tony on drums and her brother Jaydon on bass.  Jonathan Newell is on guitar and keyboards.

    Admission to Rockin for Ronald is free all three days, and there will be food and beverage vendors on site.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNSEj5eo6FU

    On Friday, August 12, TS ENSEMBLE will perform from 730-930pm. A fixture in our region for more than 40 years, this eight piece band is known for their high energy performances, great male and female vocals and a strong Brass Section. Their music covers the Motown Era to today’s dance hits. They have presented memorable performances at many galas, corporate parties and clubs and have opened for many national acts.

    THE ULTIMATES will open the show, performing from 6:00-7:10. While they are a fairly new band, they
    performed an outstanding opening set at Shepard Park on July 22. Saratoga-based, they consist of
    well known musicians in the region (two from Bad Chaperones and one from Dealt the Blues). Singer/
    guitarist Travis Rockenstire is young and impressive, singing amazing covers from John Cougar to Ed
    Sheeran.

    Fridays at the Lake – Shepard Park, Lake George – 2022 Summer Schedule

    Music begins at 6pm and ends by 930pm.

    June 10 Blue Moon with opener EB JEB

    June 17 Stony Creek Band with opener Alex Torrez Latin Kings

    June 24 Jacquelin Mignot and Ten Most Wanted with opener the Family Band

    July 1 Yellow Dog with opener Soul Session

    July 8 Jett Screamer with opener The Refrigerators

    July 15 Tumblin Dice with opener New York Players

    July 22 The Ultimates with opener Grand Central Station

    July 29 Dirt Cheap with opener The Accents

    August 5 Bluz House Rockers with opener Skeeter Creek

    August 12 The Ultimates with opener TS Ensemble

    August 26 Jonathan Newell with opener Band Vivid (from Connecticut)

    September 2 The Schmooze with opener Kick

  • Arthur’s Tavern Celebrates Grand Reopening With Kermit Ruffins

    On Wednesday June 8th, Arthur’s Tavern located in the West Village had it’s long awaited grand reopening with New Orleans legend Kermit Ruffins headlining. The historic jazz club first opened its doors in 1937, but was forced to close in 2020 due to the pandemic. Arthur’s has hosted performances as well as long term residencies over the years by some of the biggest names in jazz such as Charlie Parker, Mabel Godwin, Al Bundy and The Grove Street Stompers.

    kermit ruffins
    Kermit Ruffins at Arthur’s NYC

    Jazz trumpeter Ruffins had the honor of performing at the reopening. His band includes Yoshitaka “Z2” Tsuji on piano, Kevin Morris on bass and Jerry Anderson on drums.

    I’m just a small jazz player from New Orleans, and all of a sudden I’m sitting right here. It’s full circle to be sitting here knowing the history of this place and I’m so excited.

    Kermit Ruffins, just before going on stage

    Ruffins, born in New Orleans, is not only a trumpeter, but a singer, composer and actor. His influences include Louis Armstrong and Louis Jordan. He plays himself in the HBO Series Treme and also owns a bar in his hometown called Kermit’s Treme Mother-In-Law Lounge. Ruffins has also sat in with Jon Batiste and Stay Human on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

    Arthur’s has a very intimate atmosphere and offers live music every night with no cover charge. The staff is also very friendly and accommodating. It’s one of the best spots in the village and has a very “Old New York” vibe. You can see all of their upcoming events here.

  • Blues Ignition Band Returns to the New York State Blues Festival

    After a multi-year hiatus, the Blues Ignition Band will start up opening day performances for the 2022 New York State Blues Festival from Saturday June 16 to 18.

    The free event, which reaches its 30th anniversary this year, will take place at Chevy Court inside the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

    Blues Ignition Band
    Reggie Seigler, the coordinator of this year’s Blues Ignition Band.

    The Blues Ignition Band is part of the festival’s youth development program, along with the K.J. James Memorial Scholarship and Blues In The Schools. Blues Ignition offers kids 18 and younger the opportunity to audition for spots in the group, and those selected are led by an instructor heading up to the day of their performance.

    The Blues Ignition Band’s leader in 2022 band is Reggie Seigler, the coordinator of JAMS. (Joined Artists, Musicians, Singers, Inc.) A 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Syracuse, JAMS’ mission “is to enhance the local arts scene through the offerings of diverse creative artists.” Seigler is also a columnist for The Stand, a publication which covers news and current events in Syracuse’s South Side.

    More information about the festival’s upcoming program and their youth development program can be found on the New York State Blues Festival website.

    Performance by Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials during the 2019 New York State Blues Festival.
  • Albany’s Dad Fest Lineup Announced for June 19

    The City of Albany and Albany Parking Authority are holding a free Father’s Day celebration at Washington Park on June 19 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Albany Dad Fest celebration will feature a classic car show, live music, great food, and family fun. Washington Park, settled in the Capital Region of Albany, has abundant amentities and is surrounded by a variety of bars and restaurants.

    Dad Fest

    Classic Car Show — 10:00am – 2:00pm

    The Classic Car Show will be presented by Albany Parking Authority. During the show, 32 trophies produced whenever will be awarded. There will also serve great food, live bands, vendors, and a Radio Station with DJ. Registration $15 day of the show. Benefiting Henry Johnson Vet House.

    Erin Harkes — 11:00am – 12:00pm

    Erin Harkes

    Singer-songwriter and standup comedian Erin Harkes will convey the power in her music to the Dad Fest audiences. Erin is regularly voted Best Singer/Songwriter, Solo Musician and Comedian in the Capital Region by the Times Union Reader’s Poll, The Alt and the Metroland.

    Sydney Worthley — 12:30pm – 2:00pm

    Sydney Worthley

    Albany-based singer-songwriter Sydney Worthley will bring her performance to the Washington Park from 12:30pm to 2:00pm. With the power released in her songs, she has two nominations at the Eddie’s Music Awards, a feature on NPR’s Heavy Rotation list, and a new project right around the corner.

    The Wheel — 2:30pm – 4:00pm

    Grateful Dead tribute band, The Wheel, is going to perform for the Dad Fest in Washington Park. The group consists of rhythm guitarist and bandleader Andy Morse, bassist Dave Pallas, drummer Joe Sorbero and percussionist Pete Andriakos.

    The Wheels

    Attendees to Dad Fest should know that glass containers are not allowed in the park. Animals or pets are also not allowed. Please do not record performances in the festival. All City of Albany parks are now tobacco-free.

    For more information on Dad Fest and all of the City of Albany’s free, family-friendly events, visit www.albanyevents.org. As for parking information, visit www.parkalbany.com.

  • Fozzy Announces Dates For Save The World Fall Tour

    Atlanta metal band Fozzy has announced dates for their Save The World tour this fall across the U.S. and Canada.

    The tour, which features No Resolve and GFM as guest acts, begins September 8 in Columbus, OH and finishes October 10 in Virginia Beach. It includes two New York dates, with stops at the Lost Horizon in Syracuse on October 2 and October 8 at Empire Live in Albany. Tickets will go on sale Thursday.

    Fozzy frontman Chris Jericho waves to the crowd during a show.
    Chris Jericho, Fozzy frontman and famed pro wrestler. (Credit: David A. Smith/Getty Images)

    The tour is in promotion of Fozzy’s new record Boombox, released on the 6th. Their eighth studio album in a 20+ year career, Boombox entered the Neilson Current Hard Music Albums chart at #5 and the Current Rock Albums and Current Digital Albums charts at #19, having amassed nearly 14 million streams.

    The record also features three top 20 singles on Nielsen’s Mainstream Rock National Airplay chart, “I Still Burn,” “Nowhere to Run,” and “Sane.”

    Tour Dates:

    Thursday, September 8          Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs

    Friday, September 9                Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom

    Saturday, September 10         Flint, MI @ Machine Shop

    Sunday, September 11             Pittsburgh, PA @ Jergels

    Monday, September 12           Grand Rapids, MI @ Intersection

    Thursday, September 15        Bloomington, IL @ Castle Theater

    Friday, September 16              Hobart, IN @ The Art Theater

    Saturday, September 17         Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave

    Sunday, September 18            Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts

    Monday, September 19           Charlottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theater

    Thursday, September 29        Charlotte, NC @ Underground

    Friday, September 30              Richmond, VA @ Canal Club

    Saturday, October 1                 Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage

    Sunday, October 2                    Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon

    Monday, October 3                   New Bedford, MA @ The Vault

    Thursday, October 6                Montreal, QC @ Foufounes Electriques

    Friday, October 7                      Toronto, ON @ Opera House

    Saturday, October 8                 Albany, NY @ Empire Live

    Sunday, October 9                    Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl

    Monday, October 10                Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27