After three years together, Rock ‘n Soul band FARROW, from Buffalo, is gearing up to release their first album, Agitate, on July 9. With joyous music and infectious melodies, this diverse group of musicians excels on this newest project.
Agitate will be the first of three EPs in a series. To accompany the sound component of the album, FARROW will have video releases for each song every month. These videos will be available to the Farrow Fan Club on Patreon.
FARROW is made up of seven talented musicians and artists. Led by André Pilette (producer/bass) and Michael Farrow (lyricist/singer), the band released two previous singles on Spotify, “Rise Up” and “Insoluble” in 2020. Other members feature Tim Webb (drums), Michael Ruopoli (percussion), Cory Clancy (guitar), Rufus “Breezy” Cole Jr. (keys), and Danielle Johnson (backing vocals).
The new album is filled with joyous, empowering lyrics and snappy beats. The second track, “Steal My Joy,” opens up with laughter and the lyrics “you ain’t gonna mess with me today!” – a phrase that seems to encapsulate a theme of the album.
Just one listen and it is easy to move to the rhythm. FARROW’s Agitate explores different beats and instrumentation on the album, and all 6 tracks are energetic and thought-provoking.
The group has a history of performing around Western NY, with other performances including Buffalo Iron Works, Sportsmen’s Tavern, Bowery Electric, Rockwood Music Hall, and more. In the future, they will extend their reach, including a performance at the North By Northeast Festival in Toronto.
To celebrate the release of their first album, FARROW will hold a party and concert at Sportsmen’s Tavern in Buffalo on July 9.
Key tracks: Steal My Joy, In This Place, Love Me For Me
FARROW is also performing at the following upcoming events:
June 18 – NXNE Music Festival – Toronto
June 26 – Elmwood Summerfest – Buffalo
July 7 – Thursday & Main – Buffalo
July 9 – Sportsmen’s Tavern – Buffalo
July 22 – Sunset at the Stables at Knox Farm State Park – East Aurora
Aug. 19 – The Erie County Fair – Hamburg
Sep. 17 – Borderland Music + Arts Festival – East Aurora
Despite the relief Jason Isbell felt not playing in 125 degree heat for once, it was hot and humid for the western New Yorkers settling in at CMAC on Wednesday night. Isbell, along with Sheryl Crow, and Waxahatchee, incredible songwriters across three generations, would prove their inter-generational appeal over the course of the evening. Each brought their arsenals of songs and their own bands to aid in fleshing them out to their full splendors.
Waxahatchee, the brainchild of Katie Crutchfield, won over the early attendees, stuffing her 40 minute set to the gills with a expansive overview of her material. Gently lilting folk songs that floated upon Crutchfield’s angelic voice. The catchy-as-heck “Lilacs” was dedicated to both Isbell and Crow. You could just imagine each of them stopping her backstage earlier in the day to let her know how great it is. A late set “Witches” had some big 80’s energy that could have easily threaded into Crow’s ensuing set while “Fire” added more modern splashes of electronic pop into the mix. Crutchfield and her five-piece confidently commanded the stage for what could be perceived as quite a difficult position.
Indeed when Sheryl Crow strutted out on the stage in her hot pink leather jacket and sparkling pink cowgirl boots 20 minutes later, with the aid of an engaging light show, a full house, 40 years of experience and a few #1 hits in her pocket, it wasn’t even a fair comparison. The eldest performer of the evening matched both her tour mates in youthful energy, sounding as good as in her prime, or maybe her prime is now. As Isbell correctly pointed out, seeing Crow perform was “just great song after great song after great song,” a deceptively deep catalog.
She hit the crowd early with two of her biggest hits, “Happy” and “All I Wanna Do,” then delved deeper into her catalog where she was more prone to delve deep into their exploration. She brought along a strong 5-piece backing band including the great Audley Freed on guitar, who ripped some mean guitar solos in “Steve McQueen” and “Cross Creek Road.” Aside from the great songwriting and beautifully aged (or not at all) voice, Crow also boasted some great musicianship. She picked up bass duties for “My Favorite Mistake” and “Soak Up the Sun,” strapped on the guitar and even blew some impressive harmonica. And just when you thought she had played all of her hits, she still had “Everyday is a Winding Road” waiting in the wings for the big set closer. She also endeared herself to the locals with tales of taking her kids to the Museum of Play, the Rochester Museum and Science Center and out for some Pittsford Dairy Ice Cream. What, no Wegmans?!
Nestled generationally between Waxahatchie and Crow, Isbell came out for the knockout closer set. Him and his 400 Unit band were of course well up to the task. “Dreamsicle” was an early set highlight, with guitarist Sadler Vaden slinking back into a nuanced groove above an infectiously watery bass line. “Be Afraid,” played for Isbells’s 6.5 year old daughter before she had to get to bed, featured some guitar pyrotechnics with both Isbell and Vaden dueling it out. Though bassist Jimbo Hart proved to be the MVP of the set, providing a consistently powerful presence throughout, blasting bass bombs left and right while more than ably directing the rock and roll traffic. His playing was particularly and uniquely noteworthy on “If We Were Vampires,” evoking deep spacey moans, building in both intensity and eeriness. A thing of beauty.
Isbell’s respects to Crow boomeranged around to describe his set just as well, “great song after great song after great song.” The night closed with his Drive-By Truckers classic “Decoration Day,” “an old one, written 20 years ago.” When Crow was 20 years into her career while Crutchfield was a preteen, possibly dreaming of the day she would one day share the stage with rock stars.
It was an evening exhibiting song craft of the highest order. Each artist has a vision and a voice to share it with and we’re all the richer for it. Even so, they each saw fit to share an other’s song as well. To fit into a set with their own incredible works, they had to choose wisely, and that they did. Waxahatchee closed their set with a beautiful rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Light of the Clear Blue Morning,” strong enough to stick itself into your head across two sets and a night’s sleep. Crow tossed a cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Live With Me” in the middle of her set, culminating in a raging jam featuring her aforementioned impressive harmonica playing. Sadler Vaden led the 400 Unit through Isbell’s cover choice, “Honeysuckle Blue,” from Kevn Kinney’s great band Drivin’ N Cryin’, of which Vaden was a member. The song was also featured on Isbell’s 2021 release Georgia Blue, an all covers album benefiting voting rights in Georgia.
By the end of the night the only heat and humidity was emanating off the CMAC stage, though mother nature kept the entertainment going with a wild lightning display that lasted well into the wee hours.
Setlists:
Waxahatchee: Oxbow, Recite Remorse, Can’t Do Much, The Eye, Hell, Lilacs, Ruby Falls, Witches, St. Cloud, Fire, Light of the Clear Blue Morning (Dolly Parton)
Sheryl Crow: Happy, A Change Will Do You Good, All I Wanna Do, My Favorite Mistake, Leaving Las Vegas, Strong Enough, Forever, Steve McQueen, Live With Me (Rolling Stones), First Cut is the Deepest, Cross Creek Road, Soak Up the Sun, Everyday is a Winding Road
Jason Isbell: It Gets Easier, 24 Frames, Dreamsicle, Be Afraid, Hope the High Road, Alabama Pines, Elephant, Overseas, Honeysuckle Blue (Drivin N Cryin), If We Were Vampires, Super 8, Cover Me Up E: Tour of Duty, Decoration Day
The Batavia Ramble Explore Art and Music Festival has been announced for July 2nd, including 25 bands, an Explore Art tent for kids, street performances, and much more.
For the past two years, the Ramble has been put on hold due to the pandemic. However, it is coming back this year, bigger and better than ever. The event will take place in Jackson Square and on Jackson Street in Batavia on July 2nd from 10am – 9pm.
We are so excited that the Ramble will be happening again this year! We wanted to make it the best one yet, so we partnered with our friends at GO ART! to help us not only grow the entire event but also bring more of a presence to the ‘arts’ side of the festival. It really is shaping up to be an incredible event. And I think everyone is going to love it!
-Paul Draper III
Batavia Ramble is an annual reunion of musicians, who have a connection to Batavia and the surrounding areas, which features a variety of musical genres. This year’s Ramble will consist of two stages; The Main Stage sponsored by Eli Fish in Jackson Square, and the Jackson Street Stage sponsored by Center Street Smoke House.
The tentative lineup is as follows:
Eli Fish Stage:
The Ghost Riders Groove Warren Skye and Friends Kissin’ Whiskey DriVen The Trolls 2.0 Lonesome Road Marnie Kay and the Nonblondes Beethoven’s Dream Group Sierra Noah Gokey Jostepa Trio The Bluesway Band Zackstreet Boys
Jackson Street Stage
Steve Krupper Tom Ryan and Friends PD3 Knaudt and Chua Vette Midnight Cruisers Brick Spare Parts High Pines The Remediators Bad Sign
In addition to all the music and activities, there will be vendors including artists, food, and beer. Guests are reminded to bring a chair or a blanket.
The 19th edition of the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival returns to Rochester’s East End June 17 to 25. For Rochester’s music fans there’s no better way to welcome summer. After two years bereft the best nine days of live music of the year, this year’s festival is going to feel extra special.
The festival producers are constantly tweaking the formula every year, and this year is no different. The Hyatt Regency Ballroom joins as the new Club Pass venue this year and the Little Theater and Theater at Innovation Square (nee Xerox Auditorium) return after renovations. But the biggest change this year is the headliner program. Usually ticketed events held at the gorgeous Eastman Theater, this year they will be provided for free at Parcel 5. While we still maintain the best way to enjoy the festival is with a Club Pass (available in both 9- and 3-day options), we won’t fault anyone from going the free route this year. There are many great options, a whopping 130 free shows across five stages, ranging from fresh local talent to seasoned international megastars.
But as you head out to enjoy your free concerts, stick some cash in your pocket, say $30 or $60, and sneak in a club show or two. Tickets for the Club Pass concerts are $30 (or $35 for Kilbourn Hall) and can be purchased at the door right before showtime. Here are some can’t-miss artists you can catch before (or after) hitting the big outdoor shows.
All headliners are at the Midtown Stage at Parcel 5, unless otherwise noted.
Friday June 17 Chris Botti at 9pm, CMD at 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Giveton Gelin Max of Eastman Place, 6:15pm & 10pm
Young self-taught Bahamian trumpet player Giveton Gelin is a rising star, one of those you saw-em-when Jazz Fest stories you’ll be telling in a couple years to anyone that will listen.
The Cookers Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 10pm
Just across Gibbs Street, the exact opposite show will be happening, but no less riveting. A supergroup of well-seasoned players, Billy Harper, Cecil McBee, George Cables, Eddie Henderson, and Billy Hart, will present one of the most impressive collective resumes of the festival.
https://youtu.be/Gh-PL6OWfks
Saturday, June 18 Devon Allman Project (with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band) 9pm, Samantha Fish 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Ranky Tanky Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 10pm (also at the Hyatt Regency Rochester Ballroom Sunday June 19, 7:45 & 9:45pm)
This South Carolina-based quintet actually channel the music of West Africa adding in some American roots elements for a lively and infectious sound that is spiritual and uplifting.
Kind Folk Wilder Room, 6pm & 10pm
A young group with no defined leader, this Brooklyn-based quartet fuses styles and melds their talents to create a four-headed monster of jazz.
Sunday, June 19 Tommy Emmanuel 9pm, Andy McKee 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Bill Frisell Temple Theater 7pm, 9:15pm
Despite returning for his festival-leading 9th time, he, his magical guitar, and whatever group he brings, will never not top our list of must-see shows. This year his trio will include Thomas Morgan and Rudy Royston.
Under the Surface Glory House International 7:30pm & 9:30pm
Heavily improvised and full of that mystical ethereal quality that seems to always emerge from the Global Jazz Now Series year after year, this multi-generational trio of Danish musicians is going to turn some heads at this year’s festival.
Monday, June 20 Spyro Gyra 9pm, Bill Tiberio Band 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Sammy Miller and the Congregation Kilbourn Hall 6pm & 9pm
Drummer Sammy Miller leads this septet that plays what they appropriately call, “joyful jazz.” If you want to leave a set with a smile on your face, this is your place.
Ana Egge Little Theater 7pm & 9:15pm
Egge is a singer-songwriter that has lived a life and isn’t afraid to sing about it, with some honest and rich folk tunes that will stick with you. She’ll round out her trio for these shows with Alison Shearer on sax and the RT’s Alden Harris-McCoy on guitar.
Tuesday, June 21 Robin Thicke 9pm, The Dip 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Oskar Stenmark Trio Glory House International 730pm & 930pm
Music is in his blood, literally tracing back to 1762. Trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn player Stenmark leads his trio fusing sounds of his native Sweden with those of his adopted home of New York City.
Jeremy Beck and the Heavy Duty Horns RIJF Big Tent 8:30pm & 10pm (also on Monday at Montage 6pm & 10pm)
Keyboardist Jeremy Beck brings an eight-piece horn-heavy band that blends gospel, soul and rock into a funky stew. The Big Tent will be jumping.
Wednesday, June 22 Sheila E. 9pm, Sy Smith 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Arturo O’Farrill Quintet Kilbourn Hall 6pm & 9pm
Grammy winner and founder and director of the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, O’Farrill most often plays with his Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, he brings his smaller Quintet to the festival, but we still imagine there will be plenty of chair dancing.
Stephane Wrembel Theater at Innovation Square 6:30pm & 8:30pm
A Rochester favorite, Wrembel is one of the leading curators of Gypsy jazz guitar and other than just plumbing and recreating it’s history, he also redefines it with incredible guitar wizardry. If you seen him before, you won’t miss it, if you haven’t, here’s your chance get aboard.
Thursday, June 23 Booker T Presents: A Soul Stax Revue 9pm, Soul Stew 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Big Lazy Montage Music Hall 6pm & 10pm (also on Friday at the Little Theater 7pm & 9:15pm)
A trio of guitar, bass and drums, Big Lazy has honed their craft in the small spaces of New York City, arriving at a sound that overextends their number and instrumentation, simultaneously noir and pastoral, gothic and modern.
Itamar Borochov Quartet Wilder Room 6pm & 10pm
Israeli-born trumpet player blends influences, both religious and secular, from the Middle East and North Africa with more traditional jazz for a uniquely satisfying sound.
Friday, June 24 New Power Generation 9pm, Con Brio 7pm (also at MLK Park: The Bacon Brothers 9pm, Julia Nunes 7pm)
Recommended club shows:
Jonathan Scales Fourchestra Montage Music Hall 6pm & 10pm
Has there been a steel pannist at the festival before? Regardless, Jonathan Scales will be the best to have played it, and it won’t be a mere novelty act either. This might be your favorite discovery of the festival.
The Huntertones RIJF Big Tent 8:30pm & 10pm (also on Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Rochester Ballroom 7:45pm & 9:45pm)
The Huntertones return to the festival with their horn-heavy big sound funk party that seems custom built to fill the RIJF Big Tent.
Friday, June 24 G. Love and Special Sauce 9pm, Danielle Ponder 7pm (also at MLK Park: Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors 9pm, Ward Hayden and the Outliers 7pm)
Recommended club shows:
Immanuel Wilkins Temple Theater 7pm, 9:15pm
Wilkins’ debut was named the #1 jazz album of the year by the New York Times, and his 2022 follow-up with the same quartet was described by Pitchfork as “ocean-deep jazz epics.” This is a young saxophonist with a lot to say and contribute to the jazz world, an apt artist to close out the festival with.
Kurt Elling “Super Blue” with Charlie Hunter Kilbourn Hall 6pm & 9pm
Seasoned and renowned jazz vocalist Kurt Elling will be featuring his new blues-based project, Super Blue, featuring none other than Charlie Hunter on his custom bass/guitar.
If you’re searching for the eternal sound of summer, the alternative indie punk-pop outfit the Wrecks might be just the thing you need to remember the season is here. The Wellsville, NY band’s sophomore full-length album Sonder drops on June 10 across all streaming platforms via Big Noise Music Group.
Eleven tracks nod to the quintessential pop/punk sound of the early 2000’s paying homage to the pioneers of the genre. But in Sonder, the Wrecks have developed their own unique 2020’s twist incorporating elements of current pop trends and new wave style synth to the mix.
Lyrics are relatable; the kind of lyrics you can apply to your life without knowing original context or origin story. “I’d say our lyrics have always been honest and vulnerable,” noted Wreck’s vocalist/producer Nick Anderson, “and not only was I able to depend on that narrative compass once again, but I found it taking me to a whole new place this time creatively.” Anderson’s vocals shine. There is a powerful delicate balance to his vocal performance, a beautiful dichotomy that fits the band’s musical vibe – soft and tepid to robust and commanding and back again with a natural ease.
The album’s lead single, “Sonder” is a musical punch. Musically, the tune is sharp and demands attention. The chorus’s unexpected hook warrants a “car windows down, singing at the top of your lungs like no one is next to you at the red light” type of moment. “Where Are You Now” showcases a different side to the band’s sound – acoustic guitar and ethereal vocals create an unexpected ballad early in the track listing. The album’s latest single “Lone Survivor”, a flashy earworm, closes the album with a dance heavy bass groove that justifies using the repeat button for a few listens.
The Wrecks are currently touring in support of Sonder with a 33-show tour this summer. New York stops include dates in Buffalo at the Rec Room (June 29), Albany at the Empire Underground (June 30) and Webster Hall in New York City (Jul 8). Full tour dates can be found here.
Key Tracks: Sonder, Where Are You Now, Lone Survivor, I Love This Part
Darien Lake Amphitheater has announced its 2022 summer performances including various shows and tours. Located in the Western New York town of Darien, the venu was opened in 1993 as a replacement for Lakeside Amphitheater, the venue has a capacity of 21,600, with 6,410 seats under pavilion.
The Northern California born rock and roll band The Doobie Brothers are on their 50th anniversary tour. Their touring lineup are including Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston as guitars/vocals, John McFee on Guitars, Pedal Steel, Dobro, Fiddle, Vocals, Bill Payne on Keyboards, Marc Russo on Saxophone, Ed Toth on Drums, and John Cowan on Bass/Vocals. They take theDarien Lake Amphitheater stage on June 18th at 7:30 P.M.
Country artist Morgan Wallen will bring his 10th performance of his tour to Darien Lake Amphitheater of his latest album Dangerous at 7:00 PM on Jun 25, which won Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music.
GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter, and actor Josh Groban is returning with his album Harmony to the Darien Lake Amphitheater at 7:00 P.M. on the first day of July.
The pop music boy band Big Time Rush will make their debut at the Darien Lake Amphitheater of their reunion tour on July 2nd at 8 P.M. After their 7 years’ hiatus, they officially came back with new songs and tours.
The vocal harmony group Backstreet Boys are scheduled to resume their tour which was delayed due to the pandemic. Their third tour performance in July will be put on at Darien Lake Amphitheater at 7:30 P.M., July 3rd.
The outstanding athletes from Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning docuseries CHEER are bringing inspiring stunts and stage performances in the creative format of live concert to Darien Lake Amphitheater at July 5th, 7: 30 P.M.
Dierks Bentley is an American country music singer and songwriter. His most recent release, a compilation EP titled Make My World Go Black, was released in 2021.
Train – AM Gold Tour presented by Save Me San Francisco Wine Co — Jul 9, 6:30 PM
Train is an American rock band from San Francisco, formed in 1993. As of 2022, the band consists of Pat Monahan (lead vocals), Taylor Locke (guitar, vocals), Hector Maldonado (bass, vocals), Jerry Becker (keyboards, guitar), Matt Musty (drums), Sakai Smith (backup vocals), and Nikita Houston (backup vocals).
Thomas Rhett: Bring The Bar To You Tour — Jul 15, 7:30 PM
Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhettis an American country music singer-songwriter and the son of singer Rhett Akins. He won the Male Artist of the Year of Academy of Country Music Awards in 2021.
The Billboard ranked the 45th Top Artist of the 2010s and the 24th Top Latin Artist of the 2010s Pitbull is on his Can’t Stop Us Now tour across the country. He will perform at Darien Lake Amphitheater with Iggy Azalea and Sirius XM’s Globalization DJ Yuna.
Also Performing
Outlaw ft: Willie Nelson, ZZ Top, Zach Bryan, Charlie Crockett & More — Aug 14, 4:00 PM
Encanto: The Sing Along Film Concert — Aug 20, 7:30 PM
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason has announced his summer “World In Changes Tour,” with coast-to-coast dates scheduled across the next two months.
The tour begins June 8 in Carmel, CA and pauses July 25 in Denver, with three west coast dates slated for November. Mason’s first New York stop will be at Hammondsport’s Point of the Bluff Winery on June 19, followed by performances at The Stephan Talkhouse in Amangansett on June 25 and the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center on July 2.
Dave Mason. (photo credit: Chris Jensen)
Joining the english artist will be longtime band members Johnee Sambatoro on guitar/vocals and drummer Alvino Bennett, along with the newcomers Bill Mason on keyboards/vocals and bassist/vocalist Ray Cardwell.
Best known as a founding member of 1960s and 70s rock band Traffic, Mason has also recorded an album with Cass Elliot of Mamas and the Papas fame, played rhythm guitar on Jimi Hendrix’s renowned version of “All Along the Watchtower,” recorded with Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones, and had a short stint with Fleetwood Mac in the 90s.
Mason’s most recent album release was 2020’s Alone Together Again, a reimagining of his 1970 debut record Alone Together.
Information regarding tickets & more can be found on his website.
Tour Dates:
Wed Jun 08 2022 Carmel CA Sunset Cultural Center
Thu Jun 09 2022 Petaluma CA Mystic Theatre
Sat Jun 18 2022 Boston MA City Winery
Sun Jun 19 2022 Hammondsport NY Point of the Bluff Winery
Tue Jun 21 2022 Derry NH Tupelo Music Hall
Wed Jun 22 2022 East Greenwich RI Greenwich Odeum
Fri Jun 24 2022 Augusta NJ Rock, Ribs & Ridges
Sat Jun 25 2022 Amangansett NY The Stephan Talkhouse
Tue Jun 28 2022 Ocean City NJ Ocean City Music Pier
The Great Blue Heron Music Festival in Sherman, NY, will happen once again during the first weekend of July. For nearly 30 years, the festival has drawn in thousands of fans from across the U.S. and has remained a tradition for people young and old to celebrate self-expression and music.
This year, the festival will expand the summer music series and implement “Beyond The Blue,” which will be weekend events running from the middle of July through Labor Day Weekend. The diverse and eclectic lineup will carry over into these “Beyond The Blue” events. Julie Rockcastle, festival’s co-founder, spoke about this new addition to the festival.
Our goal of this season, and the future, is to create a vibrant Great Blue Heron experience that honors both the traditions of the past and the land, by operating at a scale that doesn’t over-stress the natural and human resources we are entrusted to care for. The genre-focused Beyond the Blue mini-festivals present diverse and family-friendly experiences all summer long that enable us to welcome more people who share our passions for music, the outdoors, and sustainability.
Beyond the Blue I starts July 16 and is full of funky bluegrass, soulful rhythms, and sweet harmonies with artists like Dirty Blanket, Folkfaces, and Bella’s Bartok. Beyond The Blue II starts July 30 and it will be a full day of progressive Reggae beats, island music, and Native American sounds. The event headliner Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad, will play on the main stage, along with Keith Secola, Root Shock, and Mosaic Foundation.
On August 20, Beyond the Blue III will have electrifying funk and electro-rock jams with headliner Jimkata. They are based in Ithaca, and Los Angeles that use bold arrangements and synthesizers to create their music.
To end the season, Beyond The Blue IV will happen on Labor Day weekend with more than 20 artists, including old-time country blues band Pokey Lafarage. Also headlining is acclaimed singer/songwriter Ryan Montbleau, who has spent much of his life going across the globe on a search for meaning and purpose, shown through his music.
The Great Blue Heron Music Festival sits on top of an award-winning campground. Voted the #1 campsite in the U.S. by HipCamp, The Heron is open daily for seasonal camping from May through October along with the Green Heron Growers Farm Store. For more information on the festival, go here.
PRIDE is back, and New York State has dozens of celebrations, parades and events across the state. Celebrating PRIDE in also 2022 means live music and in person events, with a huge slate of events in all parts of the state. Kick off your summer with PRIDE month gatherings from Albany to Buffalo, Watertown to Long Island and NYC and all points in between.
Albany
June 12, 12-5pm – The signature Capital Region Pride event – the Capital Pride Parade & Festival – is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Northeast. The parade kicks off on State Street at noon, with Pride Fest held in Washington Park with live music, theatrical performances, and Albany’s Annual Drag Revue.
June 11, 12-5pm – In Our Own Voices will hold their 16th Annual Say It Loud! Black & Latino Gay Pride Celebration, an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ persons of color in the Capital Region. The main celebration will be held in Washington Park in Albany with performances from London Jae Precise, Aja, Jewel the Gem, and more.
Schenectady
June 4 – 2:30-6pm – Schenectady Pride will host their 10th annual festival at Gateway Plaza where the Rainbow Pride Arches are next to SUNY Schenectady. The Pride Festival features live entertainment, DJ RVMBA, Schdy Musical Theater & Drag Show, with food, drink and merchandise vendors along with local non-profits and more.
Binghamton
June 4 – Noon – Pride 2022 in Binghamton begins with a ceremonial flag raising by Mayor Jared Kraham.
June 4 – 4:30pm – join the Pride Protest Party at Peacemakers Stage, organized by Black queer and trans organizers from Binghamton. This year features local speakers, musicians, food/drinks, kid’s activities and the main event of the night, a Drag Show hosted by Vivi Nox.
June 11 – 12-6 PM. Pride-Palooza is held in Otsiningo Park. Bring blankets and chairs while listening to live entertainment with a drag show and The Binghamton Pride Idol Contest.
Hudson Valley
June 2, 7:30 pm – Rainbow flag-raising ceremony at Hudson City Hall (520 Warren St., Hudson)
June 3 – 6-9PM – Hastings-on-Hudson Friday Night Pride Parade will be held on Warburton Avenue.
June 4 – 2pm – Parade (from 7th St. Park to the end of Warren at Front Street, Hudson)
June 4 – 12 noon – Duchess County Pride Center Youth Pride Picnic, Bowdoin Park (85 Sheafe Rd, Wappingers Falls)
June 5, 12 – 5 pm – Hudson Valley Pride Coalition Pride March (New Paltz Middle School, 196 Main St, New Paltz) and Festival (Hasbrouck Park, Mohonk and Tricor Avenues, New Paltz).
June 5 – 4 pm – Out Loud Hudson Valley Pride Tea Dance, Featuring local DJ Bill Coleman, The Hudson House & Distillery (1835 Rte 9W, West Park)
June 5 – 11:30 AM-5 PM –Westchester Pride is back with host for the day, Olivia Lux, a former contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race. The day-long celebration happens in downtown White Plains, kicking off with a flag raising in Renaissance Plaza. There is a pet parade and there will be a Family Zone with special games and treats and Broadway Sings for Pride returns with Broadway stars and local performers belting out showtunes. Speakers throughout the day will discuss challenges the LGBTQIA+ community continues to face.
June 11 – 12 – 5 pm – PKGO Pride Parade and Festival in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County Pride Center, PKGO Pride Parade and Festival, Parade: At Market and Main Streets in front of the Bardavon Theater, Poughkeepsie, Festival: Waryas Park (Main St, Poughkeepsie)
June 11 – 7:30 pm – 1 am – Peekskill Pride, Dramatic Hall (900 Main St, Peekskill)
June 12 – 12-5 PM – Celebrate Rockland Pride with a day of music, dancing, and fun for the whole family. Downtown Nyack will close its streets to traffic to allow for strolling, shopping, and dining, with live performances by Frankie D and The Boys and special guests, plus the crowning of Mx. Rockland County Pride.
June 12 – 1 PM – Celebrate the third annual PUTNAM PRIDE in Brewster Village. The event begins at 1 Main Street with a march to Wells Park, 98 Oak Street, with speakers, vendors, and music to follow, with Angel Elektra and Shay D’Pines! Park at the Metro North train station as there is limited accessible parking at Wells Park. Bring a blanket/chairs, but no pets.
June 18 –12 – 4 pm – Newburgh Pride in the Park, Downing Park (123 Carpenter Ave, Newburgh)
June 1 – 12 PM– Saratoga Flag Raising, Saratoga Springs City Hall
June 11 – 12PM – Flag Day Parade – Join Saratoga Pride to march in the annual parade down Broadway in Saratoga Springs.
June 24 – 8:30 PM – late night – PRIDE Party at Putnam Place
June 26 – 2-5 PM – Saratoga Pride Festival, High Rock Park, Live Music, Family Activities, Community Groups and More.
June 26 – 5-7 PM – Pride After-Party – Solevo Kitchen + Social, 55 Phila St, Saratoga Springs.
Syracuse
June 9 – 6:35pm – The Syracuse Mets show their Pride at the annual Pride Night at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse. The first 500 fans to arrive at the game (against Scranton) will receive a Syracuse Mets Pride Jersey and the first 1,000 get a Pride flag. A portion of the proceeds of tickets purchased from this link will go to CNY Pride. Fans can take their seventh-inning stretch at the 315 Bullpen Bar, where DJ Joe Driscoll will be spinning tunes.
Watertown
June 17-19 – Celebrate Pride in the Thousand Islands all weekend long and beyond! Watertown Pride (New York) is three-days of celebrations around the historic downtown core of the small (20,000 residents) city along the Black River. It starts on Friday’s at the kickoff party at the historic Paddock Arcade, with The Paddock Club supplying food and drink specials. Then check out drag show performances at Savory Downtown. Saturday hundreds turn out for the annual Pride flag raising at City Hall, then head up to historic Olmstead-designed Thompson Park overlooking the city to be part of “Out in the Park,” a family-friendly event with live music and the popular 5K Color Run. Saturday night ends with a traveling Drag show and a majestic fireworks display at Duffy Fairgrounds. Sunday winds the weekend down with the annual Tea Dance at Garland City Beer Works, a local LGBTQIA+-owned brewery.
June 18 – 9 AM-3PM – River Pride features celebrations taking place all along the St. Lawrence River in communities like Cape Vincent, Clayton, and Alexandria Bay.
Rochester
July 16 – parade 1 PM, free, festival 2-8 PM, general admission: $5. VIP: $50 – After a two-year absence, the Rochester Pride Parade is back, thanks to the ROC Pride Collective, to mark the 50-year anniversary of Rochester’s first organized Pride events. The parade begins at 1 PM on Park Avenue and ends at Cobb Hill Park, where the celebration of Pride and community continues with Pride Fest with food trucks, wine and beer for sale, vendor tables, games and activities, and a designated play area for kids. There will be live music all day long, with surprise performances.
Catskills
June 18 – 1-6 PM– The hamlet of Callicoon comes together for Catskills Pride 2022. Entertainment will take place at several venues and local businesses will offer special food, drinks, and activities. Party like it’s prom night at The Callicoon Marketplace, whose merchants are coming together to provide 1970s dresses and tuxedos, and photo booths to capture you in those stylish threads. Callicoon Theater will feature LGBTQIA+ films and programming all day long. There’ll also be an event to honor the 20th anniversary of the Day to be Gay Foundation, a non-profit founded locally to support LGBTQIA+ youth.
The entire hamlet will be visually transformed by a professional event designer who is curating it with a Pride aesthetic. The focal point of events is Celebration Station, connecting Upper Main to Lower Main Street activities. This is where attendees can regroup and grab some shade, water, and snacks. The Catskills Pride afterparty will take place at the Delaware Youth Center from 8-11:30 PM. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. All ages are welcome.
Finger Lakes
June 4 – 11 AM-4 PM – Pride festivities begin in Centerway Square in Corning with Drag Queen Story Hour at 11 AM. At noon, radio personality Ally Payne will host activities, live trivia, and giveawayswith a DJ taking over to spin tunes until 4 PM. The Pride Car Parade begins in Elmira at noon and the caravan of cars and trucks, adorned in Pride-themed regalia, make their way down Market Street around 12:45 PM. Corning businesses are celebrating Pride, with shops, restaurants, and cafes on Market Street holding sales and special events like karaoke. The Corning Museum of Glass and The Rockwell Museum offer free admission (June 4-12) to everyone who attends the Car Parade.
Ithaca
June 26 – Pride Week Kick Off at Buffalo Street Books** – Check out special book lists for all ages at the bookstore and join us in kicking off the celebration of our LGBTQIA+ Community!
June 27 – Planned Parenthood PreP Meet and Greet on the Commons for HIV Testing Day
June 28 – 7-9pmCinemapolis Stonewall Anniversary Documentary Screening – Pay It No Mind: The Life and Times of Marsha P Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, Trans Movement Founder
July 2 – 11 am-1 pm – Youth Drag/Fashion Show, partnered with Tompkins County Public Library LGBTQIA+ Youth Programming attendees, coordinated by Regina DeMauro/TCPL Youth Programming.
July 2 1-5 pm – Music/Performances/Circus on the Bernie Milton Pavilion
July 2 – 6-8 pm – Drag Show*with host: Kyla Minx, Performers: Nigel Lestat, Femme de Violette, more TBD
July 3 – 2pm-6pm Family Picnic in Dewitt Park performances by the Ithaca Gay Men’s Chorus, AFAB4, and Jonah Hirst.
Buffalo
June 1 – Flag-raising ceremonies will be held at Artpark (9 AM), Niagara Falls State Park (10:30 AM), Niagara Falls City Hall (12 PM), and Lockport City Hall (2 PM).
June 1 – Niagara Falls will be lit up with Pride colors this evening.
June 5 – 11 AM-7PM – The week of celebration culminates with the Pride Parade. Bring your friends, family and chosen family to watch the floats march down Elmwood Avenue in celebration of our history and all who make up our vibrant LGBTQ+ community here in Western New York.
June 5 – 1-7 pm – Immediately following the Pride Parade, head to Canalside for a vibrant celebration of Western New York’s LGBTQ+ community, featuring entertainment, family-friendly activities, food and beverages, live performances as well as nonprofit and retail vendors.Tickets are available for purchased at buffaloprideweek.com
June 24 – 7:30pm – The rock-confessional musical, ¡Oso Fabuloso & The Bear Backs!, which tells the story of a queer Latine Bear named Oso Fabuloso (C. Julian Jiménez), who has recently been dumped by a two-timing Daddy bear. Oso seeks the help of his therapist Dr. Calvo (P.K. Variance), who convinces him to sing the blues away. Oso goes on tour with his therapist and his two best friends, Gummy (Vasilios Leon) and Grizz (Joseph Distl), hoping it will cure him of his romantic woes.
June 25 – 7:30pm – A heartfelt and hilarious one-woman show by Maureen Muldoon travels the journey of coming out as transgender from the point of view of the mother of a transgender child. The goal of Trans-Parent Love is to promote conversations that help people talk about the questions, concerns, and commonalities we have with each other. A discussion is held after the show where a panel of parents can share their stories. Tickets for both shows are available here.
New York City
June 4 – 12-7 PM – Open Streets + Brooklyn Pop-Up. The Fifth Avenue BID in Park Slope holds Brooklyn Pop-Up from Union Street to Sterling Place, bringing in over 50 vendors with everything from cards and ceramic art to roti and African baskets. DJ Disco Czech will be setting the vibe; find him on 5th between St Johns and Sterling Place.
June 5, 7, 8, 10 – Rufus Wainwright will hold a “Rufus Does Judy” residency on four nights in the first half of June at City Winery.
June 5 – Queens Pride with the Queens Public Library, Queens
June 10 – 6pm, June 12 – 5pm – ChamberQUEER Pride Festival Part of The Future Is… Festival ChamberQUEER is a multifaceted organization with the mission of highlighting historically underrepresented queer figures in western classical music and providing an intersectionally inclusive space within western classical music for artists and audience. ChamberQUEER 2022 opens their two-show engagement at National Sawdust on June 10. The concert weaves musical worlds together through reflective improvisations that converse with multifaceted experiences of queerness across the centuries. Confirmed performers for June 10 include violinist Mazz Swift and baritone vocalist Lucas Bouk alongside the core ChamberQUEER ensemble of Jules Biber, Danielle Buonaiuto, Brian Mummert and Andrew Yee.
The June 12 performance highlights Gay Guerrilla by iconoclastic queer composer Julius Eastman, in a new arrangement for string septet by Jessie Montgomery, and featuring the arranger on violin. The program traces lines to queer modernism of the earlier 20th century, including Benjamin Britten’s Les Illuminations, to the poetry of the visionary Arthur Rimbaud. Confirmed performers for June 12 include Montgomery and soprano vocalist Melissa Wimbish alongside the core ChamberQUEER ensemble of Biber, Buonaiuto, Mummert and Yee. $25 in Advance, $29 Day of Show
June 11 – 11 AM-5 PMCelebrate Brooklyn Pride with a week of exciting events, including Comedy Night at Branded Saloon and Pride Night with the Brooklyn Cyclones at Maimonides Park. Brooklyn Pride Day is Saturday, June 11 with a street festival and entertainment stage, and the twilight Brooklyn Pride Parade starting at 7:30 PM. Bring the kids out on Sunday for Brooklyn Pride’s first-ever Youth Pride.
June 11 – 2-8 PM Yonkers Pride Celebration will be held on Main Street in Downtown Yonkers. The Yonkers Pride Festival is an outdoor event showcasing celebrity entertainment, food, merchandise, activities, and numerous community organizations and will be held rain or shine.
June 17 – 7pm – Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America continues on June 17 with New York City Opera’s annual celebration Pride in the Park. City Opera will also be joined by the LaGuardia High School Choir, directed by Jeanne Cascio. Michael Capasso, General Director of New York City Opera, says, “‘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.” First-Come, First-Served Entry (All Bryant Park Picnic Performances Are FREE)
Elsewhere in Brooklyn has a series of events planned for Pride Month:
June 25 – 5pm –Dyke March (a protest march, not a parade). The March is a demonstration of the First Amendment right to protest and takes place without permits or sponsors. Thousands of Dykes take the streets each year in celebration of our beautiful and diverse Dyke lives, to highlight the presence of Dykes within our community, and in protest of the discrimination, harassment, and violence we face in schools, on the job, and in our communities.
June 25 – 12-6 PM – Celebrate Pride in the historic neighborhood of Harlem in New York City. Festival-goers will be entertained all day long with live performances, celebrity hosts, and DJs to get everyone up and dancing. This is an event for the whole family. Food and retail vendors will be on hand and there’ll be face painting and a Drag Queen Story Hour. While it’s a day of celebration, Harlem Pride will also be providing practical resources for the community; attendees will find referrals for health, legal, and financial services. Medical testing and health screenings will also be available.
June 25-26 – The premiere LGBTQIA+ music festival experience of Pride Weekend is Pride Island. For the first time ever, celebrate at the new location on Governors Island. Kim Petras headlines NYC Pride’s Pride Island while Lil’ Kim headlines Saturday Pride Island lineup, joining Shenseea, Netta, Raye, and Papi Juice.
June 26 – PrideFest at 11 AM, Parade at 12 PM The NYC Pride March is back for its 53rd year and it’ll be hosted by a slew of celebrity Grand Marshals includingSaturday Night Live’s Punkie Johnson. The parade kicks off at noon at 25th Street and 5th Avenue. NYC PrideFest, the LGBTQ street fair, is back at 4th Avenue between 13th and 9th Streets in Manhattan for musical performances, entertainers, food, activities, and Pride gear from unique vendors.
July 8 – New York City-based Japanese producer and musician rei brownhas released his second single, “Thinking Bout You,” featuring fellow rising Japan-born musician, Joji, where they yearn to be closer to their loved ones. Along with the single, rei brown announces the release of forthcoming full-length album, Xeno, due out July 8, with a sold-out North American tour with keshi underway.
August – Composer, actor and vocalist Boychik, the musical moniker of Ben Levi Ross, recently released their layered, piano-driven single, “Bombed Out Building,” following the debut single “Dust After Rest,” a track that frees Boychik of any gender constraints, and is filled with hope, gratitude and profound authenticity. A full album is expected in August.
Check out even more NYC Pride events below taking place in the days leading up to and following the Pride March and PrideFest. Events range from a circuit party to a symposium to a Broadway Sings concert honoring Taylor Swift.
June 4 – 12pm – The first ever East Hampton Village –and the Hamptons’– first Pride Parade!
June 12 – 12-6 PM – Long Island Pride is back and happening in the Village of Farmingdale for the first time, with 1000s of revelers expected to fill Main Street where the festivities will take place. The day-long celebration will include concerts and a festival with vendors, dancing, live performances, and plenty of food and drinks. The 32nd annual Pride Parade is back in full swing and fully in person for the first time since 2019.
Folk rock legends The Lumineers made a stop in Canandaigua on Friday, May 27, on their heavily anticipated world tour. Popular Upstate NY venue CMAC had a packed crowd despite the on and off rain storm that carried on all day.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The Lumineers opened up the amphitheater’s debut concert series and left people wanting more. It was only right that another on the rise folk band open up the night and Caamp did just that. These Ohio natives are composed of Evan Westfall, Taylor Meier, Matt Vinson, and Joseph Kavalec. The group played some hits that the crowd seemed very familiar with including “Hey Joe,” “By and By,” and “Vagabond.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The Lumineers fans’ have waited many years for new music. Luckily, at the beginning of 2022 the band released their fourth studio album BRIGHTSIDE. Following that they announced their worldwide tour. The joyous nine-song collection is co-written by Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites. On stage they join countless other musicians to give fans the full experience of their music.
In addition to the intricate projecting screens and lighting effects, The Lumineers entered the stage with their uplifting dance beats. They opened with popular songs “BRIGHTSIDE,” “Cleopatra,” and “Ho Hey.” All of which had the crowd dancing from the front aisles to the back of the lawn. The gratitude to be back with their fans had The Lumineers pumped up and even spread the love with their fans as Wesley walked into the crowd throughout his set.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Although this was the BRIGHTSIDE tour it did not let the band shy away from playing their much-adored songs off of their older albums III, Cleopatra, and The Lumineers. They even managed to play some covers and bring Caamp back out on stage for a group performance.
They finished their set with songs that the lead singer said reminded him of the many obstacles that everyone endured during the pandemic and the perseveration that we all held on to. With a heavy heart the crowd collectively screamed the lyrics to “Stubborn Love.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
CMAC is welcoming many more artists this summer including Kenny Chesney, Fitz and the Tantrums, and more. Don’t miss out!
The Lumineers – CMAC, Canandaigua, NY – May 29, 2022
Setlist: BRIGHTSIDE, Cleopatra, Ho Hey, Flowers in Your Hair, Angela, A.M. Radio, Dead Sea, My Cell, Slow It Down, Charlie Boy, NEVER REALLY MINE, Gloria, Sleep on the Floor, Ophelia, Leader of the Landslide, ROLLERCOASTER, WHERE WE ARE, Walls (Circus), Big Parade
Encore: Donna, Submarines, BIRTHDAY, REMINGTON/REPRISE, Stubborn Love
