The New York Guitar Festival is back with in-person performances after two years of being streamed online. The shows will be held in The Greene Space, WNYC’s multimedia performance venue in Soho from June 14 to 17. Featured performers include Bill Frisell, Vernon Reid, and more.
The festival was founded in 1999 by David Spelman, the Artistic Director of the festival, and WNYC’s John Schaefer, host of the “New Sounds” radio series. The main focus of the festival is the use of the guitar, and how it is in many different genres of music.
Glenn Jones has a background in rock and experimental music but is best known for keeping the flame of “American Primitive” music alive, which is a folk-based style. Jones’s music is full of unexpected textures through his uses of capos, half-capos, and a variety of tunings. Vieux Farka Toure is known as “the Hendrix of the Sahara,” with roots in playing West African music. He has released five solo albums rooted in the sounds and rhythms of West African blues.
Gyan Riley started his career playing with his father’s band Terry Riley and The All-Stars. Now, he works with Grammy-award-winning artists and plays different genres, from classical to spacey electric guitar excursions. Bill Frisell is regarded as one of the best guitarists of our time, and he is the subject of a new biography called Bill Frisell: Beautiful Dreamer. Luke Bergman is part of Bill Frisell’s Harmony Quartet and is a bassist, guitarist, and pedal steel player.
Badi Assad is a guitarist, singer, and percussionist who also uses the guitar as a percussion instrument. She was the co-curator of the 2014 edition of the New York Guitar Festival. Badi is also the younger sister of the great Brazilian guitar duo of Sergio & Odair Assad. Vernon Reid is one of Rolling Stone magazine’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. He gained fame as the main songwriter for the rock band Living Colour, and as a founder of the Black Rock Coalition. Laraaji has recently performed as a duo with Vernon Reid and is an ambient zither player,
June 17 at 7:30 P.M.- Marta Pereira da Costa and William Tyler
Marta Pereira da Costa plays Portuguese fado music and writes her own music and collaborates with other musicians. She is among the few women playing this type of music, as it is mostly dominated by men. William Tyler is a folk, indie, country, and electronic music artist. His work offers a gothic, often celestial take on American roots music.
Aussie psych-mavens King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard last played in Rochester almost exactly seven years ago, a half-full affair at the Bug Jar. Since then, they have put out an astounding 14 albums. In those same seven years, Water Street Music Hall, their venue of choice on their return to town Tuesday night, has been closed and opened under different names multiple times before finding it’s way back once again to Water Street Music Hall. This show sold out hours after going on sale and anticipation has been building ever since.
The line to get into the show stretched the full length of Water Street. Once inside, the sold-out crowd was bounding with potential energy, a powder keg waiting to be lit. Every test by every roadie for every instrument and every light and video screen was met with screams of excitement in the lead-up to the band’s arrival. “Gizzard” chants started, stopped, and started again.
Opening with “The Dripping Tap,” an 18 minute epic off of their just out Omnium Gatherum, the sextet quickly erupted into their frenetic guitar-heavy signature. The fireballs of energy shooting off the stage set the crowd afire. Everyone was bouncing off the floor, bouncing off each other and bouncing off the walls. It was kinetic.
A screen on stage displayed colorful and glitchy animations that perfectly matched the bonkers activity of the musicians in front of it. The wild off-kilter lyrics, the everything all at once onslaught of sound, spasms of motion and color. Senses were sated, the audience transported.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard smashed jams from no less than nine of their 20 albums into two near non-stop hours of energetic rock. Songs flowed effortlessly in and out of each other. Guitars, bass, harmonica, keys, electronics, flute and whoops and screams wove a thick mesh of sound that blanketed the vast music hall. Drummer Michael Cavanagh inhumanly kept the pace throughout, a gong seeming to serve as a protective shield for most of the night until it was finally crashed in a late set “Straws in the Wind.”
The band and the crowd running on fumes, King Gizzard slammed on the accelerator one last time, closing out the night with one of their more recognizable and more frantic tunes, “Rattlesnake.” There was still enough left in the tank, the crowd revved the energy back up to a fever pitch one last time.
Water Street Music Hall has been an important piece of the Rochester live music scene for decades. From the show announcement to the final notes of the show, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard helped revive the venue to it’s former glory. A sellout show that won’t soon be forgotten.
NYC-based singer-songwriter Rachel Bard has released a new track, “The Buildings Are Fake,” her third song to be put on streaming services.
Having written it in 2018 after visiting Los Angeles as a first year film student, the track “is a heartbreak song about the City of Angels.”
Cover art for “The Buildings Are Fake.”
Produced by Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey, the song takes a stripped down garage rock approach. Almost Pixies-like it sets a nice quiet-loud contrast between its imagery-driven verses and disillusioned, anthemic choruses as the track builds towards a loud finish.
As for Bard’s vocal performance, comparisons that ring strongly include Nico and Dan Bejar of Destroyer. Her gloomy, vibrato-laden delivery faithfully match the song’s cynicism and rise to meet the track’s energy during louder moments.
In “The Buildings Are Fake,” Bard is quite visual in how she delivers her ideas. During the verses she muses about pushing “through crowds of teardrops and sunscreen” and “watching the stars all over the floor,” picturesquely reflecting the excited curiosity of a young film student.
It’s all for nought however. “The buildings are fake, and so is your job,” Bard shouts on the hook, comparing the glamorous facade of Los Angeles and the artificial nature of movie sets to that of a dishonest romantic partner, enforcing the track’s general sense of disappointment.
While Rachel Bard doesn’t stray from being artsy and metaphorical in “The Buildings Are Fake,” its message never fails to be clear. This air of let down and heartbreak is conveyed in full articulation over a solid slacker-rock backdrop, making for a fine new addition to Rachel Bard’s resume.
On Tuesday May 24th 2022, MVP arena in Albany hosted Knotfest Roadshow, featuring Slipknot and Cypress Hill with Ho99o9 (Horror) as the opening act. Slipknot is currently on leg two of their roadshow that runs until June 18th in the USA. Slipknot is an American heavy metal band formed in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1995. This show marked 12 years since the passing of their original bassist Paul Grey on May 24th 2010.
Large welcome sign inside the front doors of MVP Arena. Photo credit- Mike Miller
Slipknot played many of their hits including Wait and Bleed, Psychosocial, Duality and Spit it out. Throughout the show Slipknot used pyrotechnics, many flame throwers and use of special effect lighting that was blinding at times to people in the front. The crowd in the front rows could feel the heat radiating from the flames bursting in the air. Crowd surfing and mosh pits were expected but their Albany fans brought more energy and raw emotion to the floor than other cities have their singer Corey Taylor said. Security was on point and ready to respond to any issues that arose and escorted any crowd surfers back to the floor section very quickly.
The fans against the barricade. Photo credit Mike Miller
To keep their look fresh, Slipknot has new masks this year. Their image is always changing slightly to stay aligned with their new music. They are expected to release their seventh album sometime this year. There was also VIP tickets for sale that included a walk through the Slipknot traveling “Museum”. It featured instruments of band members, and prior masks used, fans could view and interact with. New York hosted Knotfest Roadshow multiple last year in Syracuse and Darien Lake.
Singer Corey Taylor. Photo Credit- Mike Miller
Setlist: Disasterpiece, Wait and Bleed, All Our Life, Sulfer. Before O Forget, The Chapeltown Bag, Dead Memories. Unsainted, The Heretic Anthem, Psychosocial, The Devil and I, Snuff, Vermillion, Duality, Spit it out, People = Sh*t, Surfacing.
It’s been almost seven long years since Rush played what would become their final NY Metro area shows at Prudential Center in NJ and Madison Square Garden in NYC as part of their 40th anniversary tour. The talent of the trio – Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and the late Neil Peart – has left remarkable influences on many musicians touring today. Primus has been on the road performing their own songs as well as an entire set dedicated to performing Rush’s A Farewell to Kings in its entirety; the tour appropriately billed as “A Tribute To Kings.” A few of those recent stops were in Albany and this past weekend, The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. Check out our coverage of Primus’ Albany show here.
NYC-based duo Battles, who formed back in 2002, put on an intriguing opening set as an excellent compliment to the rest of the evening. In some ways, the duo seemed like a live performance of a DJ, minus the turntables. Using samples, they crafted remixes and improvised jams on guitar, synths, and drums, and certainly held the attention of The Cap.
Primus took to the stage to the immediate delight of the full house crowd (which seemed to be nearly sold out at a quick glance of the room). Les CLaypool’s driving bass sound led a signature role through the first set as the band navigated through their repertoire, including the recently crafted ode to Volodomyr Zelensky, “The Man With The Iron Balls.” Proceeds from sales of that song, when released April 2022 went to benefit non-profit organization Nova Ukraine.
Donning bit of the spacey glam garb as a nod to 1978, Primus returned for the second set to perform Rush’s A Farewell to Kings in its entirety. The anticipation for this moment of the show was visible even before entering The Cap; the sheer number of Rush album and tour t-shirts in the crowd might make one wonder if they were actually at a Rush fan convention. But in fairness, for the loyal Rush fans it certainly felt that way.
Claypool noted his experience attending a Rush concert in his younger years, looking up to Geddy Lee as a tremendous influence and dreaming about someday playing bass on stage. Almost note for note, Primus recreated the album with remarkable precision to dynamics, tone and style, although Claypool joked about how difficult it was to mimic Geddy Lee’s high octave range (which he pulled off the few instances where he reached for that range).
Rounding out the night, Primus returned for an extended encore to dive back into their own songs.
Primus – The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester – May 20, 2022
Set 1: Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers, Lacquer Head, Groundhog’s Day, Polka Dot Rose, American Life, HOINFODAMAN, Conspiranoia, Professor Nutbutter’s House of Treats, Hamburger Train, Harold of the Rocks, The Man With the Iron Balls
Set 2: (A Farewell to Kings): A Farewell to Kings, Xanadu, Closer to the Heart, Cinderella Man, Madrigal, Cygnus X-1
Encore: On the Tweek Again, Over the Electric Grapevine, Jerry Was a Race Car Driver, Tommy the Cat, Follow the Fool
On Saturday, Sound Mind Live hosted their fourth annual music Sound Mind Live Music Festival, an event which aims to raise awareness and support for mental health programs.
Held in Central Park, performers included Outkast’s Big Boi, rock bands Cold War Kids and American Authors, KAMAUU, Wrabel, and Allison Russell.
Cold War Kids frontman Nathan Willett promoted the event in a CNN interview on Saturday.
Speakers at the festival included Talinda Bennington, widow of Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington who passed away from suicide in 2017, New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Ann M. Sullivan, Matt Kudish, the Executive Director of NAMI-NYC (National Alliance on Mental Illness NYC), and Chris Bullard, the Executive Director of Sound Mind Live.
Sound Mind Live Executive Director Chris Bullard speaking during the event.
“Sound Mind is based on the premise that collectively our voices are stronger, and that by amplifying artists who are speaking openly about their mental health, we can elevate the conversation and build a community and culture that breaks the stigma that exists today,” reads the “Our Vision” page on Sound Mind Live’s website.
Non-profit partners of the organization include The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, the Trevor Project, and several others.
Big Boi of Outkast fame.Cold War Kids performing Saturday.American Authors lead man Zac Barnett.American Authors performing Saturday.Kamau Mbonisi Kwame Agyeman, better known by his stage name, KAMAUU.KAMAUU performing Saturday.Stephen Wrabel, professionally known by just his last name.Wrabel performing Saturday.Canadian singer-songwriter Allison Russell.Russell performing Saturday.Talinda Bennington, widow of Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington.Bennington speaking during the festival.New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Ann M. Sullivan.Matt Kudish, the Executive Director of NAMI-NYC speaking during the festival.Chris Bullard speaking during the festival.
The longevity of the hip hop era has yet to cease. Its influence within the music industry, as well as the significant role it plays in cultural shifts worldwide is ever-growing. With the help of stellar records, powerful performances, captivating music videos and the puissant storytelling, hip hop has become engrained in everyday life, down to basic communication. Over decades it has been fragmented into sub-genres with its origins deriving globally, with one of the most bodacious being drill music. It may have first originated from Southside Chicago, but nonetheless has extensively embedded itself within the rap game forever.
Kid Flvsh
This sub-genre of music began in the early 2010s and was pioneered by the notable, King Louie and Chief Keef. Nonetheless, drill has yet to falter, as it has grown from underground to mainstream music, preeminently within New York and the United Kingdom. Every drill song has a storyline, centered around gun violence, disses, and gang culture which touch upon the realities of surviving the streets. Its raw nature is what also connected people, as well as led rappers from a life of poverty, a higher degree of institutionalized racism, and crime within the hood, to a better life with riches and fame. After consummating such accomplishments, many take on the role of the hero within their hometowns and devote their time, as well as their money to giving back.
Fivio Foreign, Alicia Keys, and Ye, also known as Kanye West, are the three prominent artists who collaborated to create the timeless song, “City of Gods”. Considering the trio’s hometowns are New York City and Chicago, the cultures from both were intertwined to perfection.
In an interview with DJ Clue on 105.1, Foreign compared his song with another credible record by Keys and Jay Z, “Empire State of Mind”, which is a New York classic. The idea for “City of Gods” was first established by none other than musical genius Ye. When Foreign first received the beat, it was a sample from The Chainsmokers’ 2015 song, “New York City“. Soon after creating his verse, he shared everything with Ye, who then envisioned a new path for it. Ye not only mixed up the beat, but also encouraged the drill rapper to alter some of his lyrics to further reinforce his message. After adding in his own verse, the only thing missing was the chorus and Ye knew undoubtedly, the one person who could tie this masterpiece together was Keys.
At first I had said ‘ain’t no King of New York, nobody really in charge’ and Ye like ‘yo you gotta say you the King of New York, you the one that’s in charge.’
Fivio Foreign
Not only did Foreign tribute “City of Gods” to New York City, especially his hometown of Brooklyn, but he dedicated it to his friend and fellow drill rapper, TDott Woo, who was fatally shot soon before the record was released. This tragedy is a prime example of the message behind the passionate lyrics, “New York City please go easy on me tonight. New York City please go easy on this heart of mine.” These are more than just lyrics for another hit song but are words that electrify the hearts of so many who experience the same livelihood of violence and crime within their neighborhood.
Kid Flvsh’s vision, for the cover art of “City of Gods”, was to make a statement with the vibe of New York City, as well as all of the emotions from the song. The drawing is in honor of TDott Woo who mirrored what drill is all about.
“City of Gods” is a biblical term that refers to Heaven, which is why Foreign chose it to represent the city that means the absolute world to him. Additionally, the drill rapper shares this nostalgia with New York City natives, Nas, and Jay Z, who are viewed as “gods” within the world of hip hop. All-embracing, Foreign knows the massive impact his city holds, regarding the rap legends it birthed.
Throughout the record, Foreign continued to shed light on how much he appreciates love from his city and is always considering ways to improve its livelihood, especially for people of color. Nonetheless, he spoke of its terrors and how to survive them, which correlates to his album title B.I.B.L.E., Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
On Ye’s verse he mentions “It’s a Sunday Service in Brooklyn”, which refers to the time when him along with his gospel group, performed at DMX’s Memorial in Brooklyn. Sunday Service was recognized globally after their appearance at Coachella on Easter of 2019.
Ye proceeds with a juxtaposition, “It’s the city that come with the lights. I’m with the drillers that come with the night.” The first line describes the city that never sleeps, specifically Brooklyn and how it is a city of light. However, the next line emphasizes how dark and gloomy it is at nighttime, considering all the violence that occurs. This topic is nothing new to Ye, as he once bared witness to the crimes of Chicago growing up.
New Yorkers continuously support and respect Ye’s music, cultural influence, and commitment to his artistry. Resultantly, every chance Ye receives he praises New York, hence his reference to Frank Sinatra, “I feel like Sinatra in these streets.” Sinatra is accoladed with being one of the greatest musicians of the 1900s, which Ye compares to how the world views himself in this generation. Additionally, the 20th century singer once created a record in honor of the city, called “New York, New York“.
I’m from the Chi but I’m always New York. In the city, they treat me like Jesus is walkin.
Ye
Although, many claim drill music to be detrimental to the culture and that it supports ongoing violence, Foreign is an advocate of the contrary. In fact, he firmly believes this style of music provides people with the freedom to express themselves and discuss what their ferocious world entails daily. Furthermore, rising to stardom, provides an opportunity for monetary gain, which leads to a better life and keeps more Black men off the streets. Notwithstanding this perspective, he discusses that many artists do not write their own lyrics, and according to Foreign, would make it unjust for laws to be used against them based on the messages relayed.
As a respected voice of this generation, Foreign is currently planning to unify distinguished artists in support of one another to cultivate change. Those he mentioned who were already in agreement are Ye, Jay-Z, Dave East, 2 Chainz, Fabulous, Jim Jones and more. Moving forward, Foreign would love for younger artists to connect and take part in this brotherhood.
Essentially, no matter how much recognition and fame Foreign receives worldwide, he knows that his home will always be right here in the “City of Gods”.
“City of Gods” Lyrics
New York City, please go easy on me tonight New York City, please go easy on this heart of mine
Nigga, this my shit Welcome to the city of Gods Pop was the king of New York Now I’m the nigga in charge Only the drillers, the city is ours We found out the opps and we pick ’em apart I give ’em my time so I give ’em my heart If the city love me, then I’m really a star New York City, please go easy on me tonight New York City, please go easy on this heart of mine ‘Cause I’m losing my lover to the arms of another New York City, please go easy on me
Yeah, look, this is the city of money and violence Everything we do is gon’ come with a challenge Every bitch you fuck is gon’ come with a balance Every shooter with me is coming in silence And you niggas better pick a side You niggas side hoppin’ If I want ’em to not let you come into the city, it’s my option This is the home of the fly shoppin’ This where the bitches gon’ watch pockets When I’m on TV, I gotta look good ‘Cause I know the whole block watchin’ If you chill with the opps, we is not vibin’ If I see ’em in person, we Fox 5 ’em Yeah, the police is on us, we not stoppin’ (Yeah, the police is on us, we not stoppin’, nah)
This is the town of the big drip (big drip), smooth talk (smooth talk, ha) Milly Rock (Milly Rock), Shmoney Dance (Shmoney Dance), Woo Walk (Woo) You will not survive being too soft Been a long time, we took a new loss Shooters shootin’ ’til we got a new corpse If we stop then we lettin’ it cool off
New York City, please go easy on me tonight New York City, please go easy on this heart of mine ‘Cause I’m losing my lover to the arms of another New York City, please go easy on me
We went off the grid We ain’t watch the throne, we took it We went viral on ’em, they lookin’ It’s a Sunday Service in Brooklyn It’s the city that come with the lights I’m with the drillers that come with the night They ain’t do four years in college But they’ll do 25 to life
We make money every night Never too big of a price After I buy the Chicago Bulls Imma go link with Mike And if I let ’em have my wife, niggas should thank me With this Balenciaga and Balenci’ boots and a new blue Yankee
This is Ye, I’m so focused, throw on a mask, no COVID Imma turn your life to a meme, let Justin LaBoy post it You got an album? Postpone it I drop two and they both going I got a feeling they in they feelings They filmin’ a show, but won’t show it
You gotta watch me in slow motion, I’m in that wide-body Benz I go back to college, do an album, and then drop out again Took me a minute to get here, my vision is crystal clear Ayy, Fivi’, excuse me, but this the feature of the year
I feel like Sinatra in these streets Me and Drizzy, we at peace This the backpack with the Polo and the first Jesus piece I’m from the Chi’ but I’m always New York In the city, they treat me like Jesus is walkin’ I been through the pain and all of the torment I’m sayin’ His name, I make that important
Now it’s time to give ’em hell Ask my staff, I pay ’em well This afternoon, a hundred goons pullin’ up to SNL When I pull up, it’s dead on arrival They act like they love you, they don’t even like you They throw a party, won’t even invite you I seen the same thing happen to Michael
You black and you rich, they sayin’ you psycho It’s like a cycle If you text me anything hype You better text back and say it’s a typo The city of Gods, no city is like you This the new New York, Ye is the GOAT Fivi’ is viral and this is the B.I.B.L.E.
New York City, please go easy on me tonight New York City, please go easy on this heart of mine ‘Cause I’m losing my lover to the arms of another New York City, please go easy on me
Don’t leave me, go easy, go easy, go easy Don’t leave me, go easy, go easy, go easy Don’t leave me, go easy, go easy, go easy
Chuck Garvey shared a health update this week on Podcrash as he continues to recover from a stroke he suffered in November 2021.
A new podcast from the band, Podcrash features all members addressing all things moe. In the new episode, Harvey shared that he was first and foremost ‘getting some speech going on’ as the most important part of recovery. Garvey went on to say “I just wanted to talk. When I woke up I just wanted to see everyone that I’ve ever known.”
It was great to see you guys, but I couldn’t say what I wanted to say so that was hard. Working on the speech is because I want to talk to everybody and now all the stuff … getting back on my feet was a big thing so I could get out of a chair was the next thing. And then the next thing was getting my hand to work so I could play.
Chuck Garvey
“Working on everything to get the fine motor skills on my hand is really big because I want to play again,” explained Chuck. “I want to play with the band. I want all the fun things that we can do with music is … I want to try that again.”
Chuck Garvey will miss moe.’s upcoming shows this summer, including at Summer Camp Music Festival this weekend, with Suke Cerulo (Schleigho) and Nate Wilson (Assembly of Dust, Percy Hill) filling in. Discover how their recent Monkeys on Ecstasy show at Empire Underground in Albany unfolded.
moe. 2022 Summer Tour Thurs, May 26 – Sun, May 29 – Chillicothe, IL – Summer Camp Music Fest Fri, June 10 – Norfolk, VA – HarborFest Sat, June 18 – Philadelphia, PA – City Bisco 2022 Wed, July 6 – Albany, NY – Empire State Plaza Concert Series Thurs, July 7 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Outer Harbor Fri, July 8 – Marshfield, MA – Levitate Music Festival Sat, July 9 – Patchogue, NY – Great South Bay Music Festival Sun, July 10 – Seaside Heights, NJ – Live at the Heights, The Beach Stage Fri, September 2 – Jay, VT – Jay Peak Resort Sat, September 3 – Sun, September 4 – Lake George, NY – Adirondack Music Festival^ Fri, September 23 – Sat, September 24 – St. Helena, CA – Blue Note at the Charles Krug Winery
On Saturday, May 21, the Dirt Farmer Festival returned to the Arrowood Farms. The day was beautifully clear, hot and picture perfect. This is the second Dirt Farmer Festival to be held at Arrowood Farms. This festival has deep roots in the Hudson Valley. The first festival was originally held at the Arrowood Farms on August 19, 2018 and for several years prior, the Levon Helm Band played a series of free fall concerts at Gill’s Farm, just a few miles up the road, in Stone Ridge, NY.
This concert festival was greatly anticipated and the show was everything anyone could possibly hope it would be, and then some. This day, this festival belonged to Amy Helm and it also belongs to Levon Helm and his legacy of supporting the local farming community. Amy made the day special. It’s not easy to look glamorous when the sun is strong enough that you can overheat just standing in place. How does Amy Helm do it? She does it with poise, a warm smile, a love of the music and the musicians, her friends and family and everyone in attendance. From the main stage, introducing Oliver Wood, Amy suggested that everyone should drink lots of water available at the bar area water station and stay hydrated.
Arrowood Farms is a huge field with several buildings, hops growing on the west side, a brewery with an excellent locally brewed beer selection, an open air bar area and a relaxed easy going atmosphere. For this event, there were two concert stages, one is a permanent main stage and the second stage, a mobile stage wagon brought in for the event. There were nine scheduled performances alternating between the two adjacent stages.
The performances ranged from full-on electric high energy dancing and boogie music to acoustic relaxed, let’s sit down, kick-back, enjoy the beautiful day and the live music. The show highlights, and there were a ton of great musical moments, but if one stood out, it was #1 Mavis Staples and #2 Mavis Staples and also, make no mistake, it was Mavis Staples. She is loved and adored. Her voice is strong and she played to her audience knowing she had full command of the stage. For the final song of her set, the crew and all the musicians in attendance piled into the front of the stage area to share the moment. You could feel the love, you could see the love. Seeing Mavis perform, everyone knew this was a special moment.
The load-out and load-in between the Connor Kennedy Band and the final performance of the festival, the Midnight Ramble Band, was like watching organized chaos come together in a massive effort to get it right and do it on the fly. The musicians and stagehands, the sound crew, were all participating, unwinding cables, plugging-in and checking the sound. When you see Teresa Williams moving her own monitor, you know the division of labor went right out the window and it’s an all hands on deck effort. This was very clearly a local one-off concert and nothing like watching a national tour stage set-up. This one was for friends and family and it all came together for the Midnight Ramble Band’s set.
The day absolutely belonged to Amy, but of course she could have not have done this all by herself. To all of the Levon Helm Studios staff and to everyone that worked diligently to make the Dirt Farmer Festival a successful event, thank you. The effort is greatly appreciated. Arrowood Farms, let’s do it again next year.
Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow has released the schedule for three free music series in The Port City of Central New York this summer. Free Public Music series will be held on Wednesdays at Brietbeck Park, Thursdays at Veteran’s Stage on the Oswego River, and Fridays at Water Street Square.
The Oswego Summer Concert Series has grown each and every year, drawing larger and larger crowds and new musical acts. We have an exciting lineup of bands this year, with local fan favorites and several new groups to the Oswego area. We have exciting things happening in downtown Oswego and I hope the Summer Concert Series will draw both residents and visitors alike, to enjoy quality live music, experience downtown, our Farmer’s Market and see our beautiful waterfront.
Mayor Billy Barlow
Wednesdays
The Sunset Concert Series at Brietbeck Park will feature Concert Bands and Jazz Bands. Music begins at 7 or 7:30pm, and is sponsored by the City of Oswego and the Oswego County Musicians Collaborative.
Thursdays
Free concerts are held on Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Veteran’s Park on the Oswego River. Concertgoers are allowed to bring chairs and coolers to Veteran’s Park. The open container ordinance is lifted for the event.
2022 Oswego Summer Concert Series Schedule
June 30th – Off the Reservation
July 7th – The Swooners
July 14th – The Sky Coasters
July 21st – Tink Bennet & Tailor Made
July 28th – No Concert – Harborfest
August 4th – The DeSantis Band
August 11th – Long Time Coming
August 18th – Billy Joel Guys – Tribute to Billy Joel
August 25th – Menage A Soul
Fridays
Mayor Barlow also has announced the “Concerts @ the Square” schedule and lineup for Summer 2022. The concert series will be held at the Water Street Square downtown pocket park located between Water Street and West First Street in Oswego.
Before the pandemic interrupted the “Concerts @ the Square” concert series, the new pocket park was serving as a great venue for live music and other outdoor programming opportunities since we built and opened in 2019. Now, we hope to restart and grow the series, bringing more people downtown to experience our improvements and support small businesses. The concerts at Water Street Square provide a great opportunity to hear some live music from local musicians and enjoy all downtown Oswego has to offer.
Mayor Billy Barlow
Beginning in July, live music will be held in the park on Friday evenings from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. All concerts are free and open to the public. The concert area falls within the newly created “social district” in the city so alcohol purchased from nearby establishments will be permitted.
Water Street Square “Concerts @ the Square” 2022 Schedule
Friday, July 1st – Mike Shiel
Friday, July 8th – 1 Night Stand
Friday, July 15th – Double V’s
Friday, July 22nd – Domicolo-Barlow Band
Friday, August 12th – 3 of a Kind
Friday, August 19th – Justin Blackwell Band
Friday, August 26th – Rob Auler
Limited seating is available and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs. No coolers are permitted. The Water Street Square pocket park was built in 2019 as part of the city’s downtown revitalization plan and has been host to several concerts, wedding ceremonies and other events since opening.
For additional information, please contact the City of Oswego Economic Development Office at (315) 343-3795.
