NYS Music 202​2

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  • Westcott Theater has “Five on it” with The Luniz at It’s a Party Fest 2/18

    Sunday February 18 at the Westcott Theater is round two of “It’s a party fest” to keep the 2022 Winter festivals rolling. The event will be hosted by actor & artist JT Campos. He is featured on the NETFLIX series “Queen of the South” and has been a guest on BREAL’ TV’s show Smokebox. For the first time ever in Upstate New York the Luniz will be performing their hit song ” I got 5 on it”.

    The 1995 song “I got Five on It” by rap duo Luniz was released more than two decades ago and is still an anthem among the cannabis culture. On Christmas 2019 Academy award winner Jordan Peele dropped the trailer for “Us” that resurged the songs popularity through a new horror movie.

    It’s a Party Fest host & actor JT Campos told BREAL on his show that he when he reads a script he likes to vibe out and listen to music in the background. Westcott Theater will have that vibe on 2/18.

    I’m trying to get some stories told. Ya know? I’ts about telling your stories and sharing them, invigorating & motivating people to inspire them to tell their story

    JT Campos

    Other artists filling in the all day indoor music festival will be DJ Dice Brooklyn of Redman, YO$#!, Maddabber710, Jam Master J Son, Yukmouth of the Luniz, Michael Taylor, Richie Banks, Frank Stepanek, Justin James Bridges and friends, Shawn Seals SXM, Matt Romano, Ebb N Flow, Milly G, Ricky Versetti, Bob Holz and a vision forward, Sliksly, Aerolyn Mansion, N2, Mozay Calloway, Moe Betta The Goddess and more. Tickets are available here.

  • The Sembrich In Bolton Landing Announces Summer Festival Events

    This summer The Sembrich in Bolton Landing, NY, will be hosting a unique Reimagining the Classics, from the classics to the rhapsodies.

    The Sembrich

    Artistic Director Richard Wargo spoke about how delighted he is to present the festival.

    Reimagining the Classics will explore all manner of reinvention and present a variety of refreshing new takes on classical favorites. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to reimagine many aspects of life, including the way we present and experience music. This summer’s festival will incorporate the best of those bold reinventions, including the introduction of our new outdoor Promenade Series.

    The festival will explore reinvention, from arrangements and transcriptions of classics to rhapsodies and variations of popular composers.
    There are many highlights of the festival.

    Reimagining The Classics: Breaking Operatic Traditions – Michael Capasso, New York City Opera General Director, shares his insights on favorite works by Verdi and Puccini, and explores many productions and performance practices from the past 150 years.

    Promenade Series – New in 2022 – This is a new outdoor series, modeled after the famous proms of London, and features a lot of musical styles, like classical and jazz. Comedians will also be featured here as well.

    The Sembrich Film Series – This year’s films focus on reinvention and adaptations of the popular musicals Dear Evan Hansen (2021), West Side Story (2021), and In the
    Heights     (2021). Several films, including Dracula (1931) will have live musical scores.

    Masterwork Series – Performances for this series will be held in The Sembrich studio, with evening performances of monumental classical works.

    These, and more, will be happening at The Sembrich this summer, and tickets can be found here.

  • Waxahatchee Plays to a Sold Out Brooklyn Steel with Madi Diaz

    Continuing her 2022 North American Tour, Waxahatchee played a sold out night at Brooklyn Steel last week (February 10, 2022) with support from Madi Diaz. Waxahatchee released the critically-acclaimed record, “Saint Cloud” in 2020, topping number 2 on Billboard’s US Folk chart, and number 6 on US Alternative Albums.

    Waxahatchee
    Waxahatchee at Brooklyn Steel, Photographed by David Reichmann

    Madi Diaz opened the evening to an already-packed venue. She belted out songs from her great 2021 album, “History of a Feeling.” “Crying in Public,” which was recently remixed by MUNA, was a highlight of her performance.

    Waxahatchee
    Madi Diaz at Brooklyn Steel, Photograph by David Reichmann

    Madi briefly interrupted her set when she noticed a few fans struggling with finding something on the floor, asking if everything was alright. A fan shouted, “I dropped my phone,” which received a big laugh from the audience – and Madi. “Okay, good, so we don’t need a stretcher?” she replied, getting another big laugh before continuing her set.

    Waxahatchee

    Waxahatchee’s band mates took the stage to big applause. The lighting was dark and intimate as frontwoman Katie took the stage, and the cheers grew and then hushed once she started her set with “Oxbow” from her last record. Her set included many fan favorites and most of the tracks from her latest record. Madi Diaz joined her onstage to perform the song “Resentment (New Feelings Version),” which they released together in 2021. Waxahatchee closed out the show with fan (and my personal) favorite, her Dolly Parton cover of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”

    You can listen to Waxahtachee’s 2020 record, Saint Cloud here, follow her ongoing North American tour with support from Madi Diaz here.

    Photographs by David Reichmann

  • Angelique Kidjo Drops Music Video For ‘Do Yourself’ Featuring Burna Boy

    Angelique Kidjo is back with her new music video for ‘Do Yourself’ featuring Burna Boy. The Grammy nominated single is described as “an anthem for a new Africa.”

    Angelique Kidjo Burna Boy

    Directed by Meji Alabi, who has also worked with Wizkid and Beyonce, the music video perfectly showcases Kidjo’s vibrant energy as Burna Boy croons in the background. Citing Africa as “the birthplace of all humanity”, Kidjo proclaims her love for the continent and reminds us all of how strong Africa can be if we do our part. For change to be made, Kidjo says that you have to do it yourself. 

    The single is fresh off her critically acclaimed album Mother Nature, released in June, which tackles prevalent issues like the climate crisis and the struggle for freedom. Her joyful sound mixed with these heavy topics creates a unique listening experience for new and old fans, while showing exactly why she deserves her “icon” status. Mother Nature features many young African artists including Mr. Eazi, Sampa The Great and Yemi Alade.

    With three Grammy nominations under her belt, including Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance and Best Global Music Performance for ‘Blewu’, it is clear that Kidjo is in a league of her own. The New Yorker called her the “towering figure of cross cultural music” and it’s not hard to understand why. She has also performed at the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony, sold out Carnegie Hall and is performing alongside Viola Davis in the film “The Woman King” later this year.

    Tickets for Kidjo’s 2022 tour, as well as more information, can be found here.

    3/4 – MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA

    3/5 – MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA

    3/8 – L’Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium

    3/10 – Carre Belle-Feuille in Boulogne-Billancourt, France

    3/11 – La Faïencerie in Creil, France

    3/16 – Musikverein in Vienna, Austria

    3/17 – Festspielhaus St. Pölten in St. Pölten, Austria

    3/19 – Theater of Chelles in Chelles France

    3/24 – Theatre of the Vesinet in Le Vésinet, France

    3/25 – Arsenal in Metz, France

    4/2 – Soka Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo, CA

    4/5 – Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA

    4/7 – Rialto Theater in Tucson, AZ

    4/9 – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in Scottsdale, AZ

    4/14 – The Broad Stage Theatre in Santa Monica, CA

    4/15 – The Broad Stage Theatre in Santa Monica, CA

    4/16 – The Broad Stage Theatre in Santa Monica, CA

    4/23 – Cal Performances Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley, CA

    4/29 – Hopkins Center for The Arts in Hanover, NH

    4/30 – Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH

    5/10 – McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, NJ

    5/12 – Bass Concert Hall in Austin, TX

    5/26 – Africa Festival in Würzburg, Germany

    6/4 – Theatre Femina in Bordeaux, France

    6/9 – Dresden Music Festival in Dresden, Germany

    6/10 – Abbaye de Saint-Riquier – Baie de Somme in Saint-Riquier, France

    6/11 – Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris France

  • Broadway Musicals Aladdin, Waitress, and The Prom coming to Proctors Theatre

    From Broadway to Proctors Theatre, musicals Waitress and Aladdin are set to launch in February and October of 2022, respectively.

    Broadway Aladdin

    Aladdin

    Based on the Academy Award winning film, Aladdin is a well known musical that first appeared on Broadway back in March 20, 2014. This North American tour will begin this upcoming October in Schenectady at Proctors Theatre, marking the first time Aladdin will be shown outside of New York City in almost two years.

    Aladdin‘s crew will consist of 75 professionals with an additional 40 locals in each city visited during the tour. These cities include Austin, Kansas City, and San Antonio.

    Certainly we are thrilled to have Disney return to create a new national tour, but I have to say, Aladdin has been asked for by the people of the Capital Region of New York ever since it first opened on Broadway eight years ago! We are ecstatic to have it here. 

    Proctors Collaborative CEO Philip Morris

    The full itinerary will drop at a later date, along with casting and ticket information. However, it has been confirmed for the tour to play in 36 cities. To be updated about future information regarding the tour visit  Aladdin The Musical.

    Waitress

    Waitress is a musical that was developed by an all female creative team. It will play at Proctors Theatre from February 25-27. In addition to using original music, others lyrics were made by Sara Bareilles who is a six time Grammy nominee, author Jessie Nelson, choreography by Lorin Latarro and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus. 

    Waitress the musical, which is inspired by an Adrienne Shelly film, is about a waitress and an expert pie maker. The main character, Jenna wishes for a better life out of her small hometown and distraught marriage. Fortunately for her, a baking contest nearby and the town’s new doctor may be able to grant her wish for happiness and a fresh start.

    It’s an empowering musical of the highest order!

     Chicago Tribune 

    Ticket information is available through the Box Office at Proctors in person or through their website Proctors. 

    The Prom, is a musical where everyone can feel celebrated and now the producers and co-presidents of the Prom Committee are bringing the show to Proctors Theatre, from Friday, March 1 to Sunday, March 6. This show features a book by Tony Award winner Bob Martin and Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin. 

    Not only has The Prom, won the 2019 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical, but Ryan Murphy (Tony, Emmy, Golden Globe and Peabody Award Winner), transformed The Prom into a film for the popular streaming platform, Netflix. This movie event stars Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman and a variety of other notable actors. 

    Smart and big-hearted. Genuine joy rolls off the stage in this musical full of witty delights, irrepressibly energetic tunes, winking lyrics and a cheeky book. I seldom stopped laughing. It’s a damn good time! Did I shed several tears in The Prom’s final scene? Maybe I did.”

    New York Magazine

    The musical has a different cast compared to the film by Ryan Murphy. In fact these stars are: Kaden Kearney (they/them) as “Emma, High School Student, Banned from the Prom,” Kalyn West as “Alyssa Greene, Head of Student Council with a Secret,” Courtney Balan as “Tony Award Winner Dee Dee Allen,” Patrick Wetzel as “Drama Desk Award Winner Barry Glickman,” Emily Borromeo as “Angie Dickinson, Broadway Chorine,” Bud Weber as “Trent Oliver, Esteemed Julliard Graduate/Cater Waiter,” Sinclair Mitchell as “Mr. Hawkins, High School Principal,” Ashanti J’Aria as “Mrs. Greene, President of the PTA” and Shavey Brown as “Sheldon Saperstein, Broadway’s Press Agent with a Plan.” 

    To learn more information about the musical or to buy tickets visit Proctors.org or the Box Office at Proctors Theatre. 

  • In Focus: Goose Close Winter Tour in Pittsburgh

    The Connecticut-based band Goose ended their two and a half week winter tour in Pittsburgh after spending most of their time on the road out west this time. A cold Saturday night in Pittsburgh at Stage AE seemed like the perfect place to celebrate, the venue was packed with fans new and old and a free stream was even offered to all those who couldn’t make the show.

    Wether you were in attendance or not there will be plenty of opportunities to see the band in the coming weeks starting with the rescheduled Goosemas taking place on Saturday February 26th at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.

    Goose – 2/12/22 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE

    Set 1: Silver Rising, Butter Rum, Turned Clouds, Red Bird, Tumble

    Set 2: Rockdale, Seekers On The Ridge Pt. 1 > Pt. 2, American Woman, Empress Of Organos, Slow Ready

    Encore: Praise You

  • Jimmy Buffett to Perform at Jones Beach and Bethel Woods this Summer

    Attention Parrotheads! Jimmy Buffett is coming to New York this summer, with a show on Tuesday, August 4 at Bethel Woods. He’ll also make a stop at the all too familiar Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater this summer, on Tuesday August 9th, 2022.

    jimmy buffett

    Heading into his 50th anniversary of his singer-songwriter career and turning 75 this year, Jimmy Buffett has much to celebrate in 2022. Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band continue to hit the road performing with the ‘Life on the Flip Side’ Tour which this year has created deeper meanings.

    We’re thrilled to welcome back Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band. Jimmy is one of the most requested acts from the Bethel Woods audience and we are as excited as ever to have him perform at the historic site of the original 1969 Woodstock festival. You don’t want to miss this one!

    Eric Frances, Chief Executive Officer of Bethel Woods

    Latest release from Jimmy Buffett’s 2020 debuted #2 on the Billboard with album ‘Life on the Flip Side’ and another album ‘Songs You Don’t Know By Heart’ which showcased lesser played songs with an acoustic sound.

    We can’t wait to have the Parrot Heads flock to Jones Beach for what will be the party of the year – do not miss out!

    General Manager Adam Citron

    With over 40 tours under his belt from his first tour back in 1976, ‘Pink Crustacean’ Buffett has landed the phrase with his concerts “The Big 8” for his hit songs Margaritaville, Come Monday, Fins, Volcano and many more.

    Jimmy Buffett detoured off the music path to become an author and write three number-one best sellers: the short-stories collection, Tales From Margaritaville, the novel, Where is Joe Merchant?, and biography, A Pirate Looks at Fifty.

    Tickets for Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band go on sale Friday, February 18th at 9am EST.

  • Band Together Buffalo Launches into Third Season with Grub, Leroy Townes and more

    Band Together Buffalo, featuring local musicians from across Western NY, is into their third season of highlighting rising artists from the region. Made in response to the pandemic shutting down live touring, the show helps spotlight musicians who may have lost live touring jobs and helps provide tips for artists, like how to make a music video.

    band together buffalo
    Band Together Buffalo’s Season 3 logo.

    Over the past few years, the group has featured over 60 live-streamed concerts. In 2021, they held the “Shutdown Showcase” which featured over 150 musical artists.

    The new season includes videos produced by the Band Together Buffalo team and will have various self-produced videos that have been submitted by local artists. They will be featuring 128 music videos over 16 weeks, 64 being produced by the team.

    We’re thrilled to bring back Season 3, featuring 70 local artists in the Buffalo music scene over 16 weeks. It’s taken a huge team effort, countless hours, and generous sponsorship to pull this off. We’re excited to offer this platform to showcase all the amazing talent in our city, and we hope you enjoy the show!

    André Pilette

    Viewers have the opportunity to win concert tickets from local music venues while watching as well. Some featured artists include Leroy Townes, Farrow, Grub, and more.

  • “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” Exhibit opens at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem

    The National Jazz Museum in Harlem proudly introduces their new exhibition to the public, “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure,” opening on Friday, Feb. 11th, coinciding with Black History Month. Additionally, the exhibition features the new Disney movie, SOUL.

    The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure
    The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure

    American pianist, band leader, and jazz musician, Jon Batiste, provides the original jazz compositions and arrangements for “Soul,” and shares his excitement for “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure.”

    National Jazz Museum emphasizes a vision “to make jazz accessible to everyone on the planet,” one echoed by Carmen Smith:

    Like the film that inspired this exhibit, ‘The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure’ is a tribute to the human experience. It was here in Harlem that jazz not only became an international sensation, but a vehicle for social change. The genre’s enduring influence is a palpable example of the barriers that can be broken when ambition and artistry meet passion and purpose. We’re proud to partner with the National Jazz Museum to preserve and celebrate that special kind of magic.

    Carmen Smith, Senior Vice President, Creative Development – Product/Content & Inclusive Strategies.

    In the Harlem Museum, the exhibit will include a unique collection of artifacts including items highlighting the career of pianist and jazz icon, Dr. Billy Taylor. Additionally, appearances of characters Joe Gardner and Dorothea Williams, and virtual experiences on the Play Disney Parks app. 

    The National Jazz Museum
    The National Jazz Museum

    The overall mission of National Jazz Museum in Harlem’s is to “preserve, promote and present Jazz by inspiring knowledge, appreciation and the celebration of jazz locally, nationally and internationally.” To further promote the educational purposes of jazz music and history, the museum offers four Core Programs: Education; Exhibits & Collections; and Partnerships & Collaborations. 

    The National Jazz Museum
    The National Jazz Museum

    Free reserve-time ticketing is required, no walk-ins allowed. However, you can reserve tickets up to one month in advance. As well, The National Jazz Museum in Harlem is open Thursday to Saturday from 12PM to 5PM, and proof of vaccination is required for all visitors 5 years of age and older. To reserve tickets, times are available at Eventbrite.

  • In Focus: Plush Debut New Album at Empire Live

    This past Friday, February 11, Plush headlined their first show in the Northeast for a sold out Empire Live crowd. The band, led by Capital District native, Moriah Formica, were marking the release of their debut self-titled album. Plush’s lineup also includes Brooke Colucci on drums, Bella Perron on guitar, and Ashley Suppa on bass. The young rock band’s set included 12/13 songs from the album and a fantastic cover of Heart’s Barracuda.

    plush

    Empire Live’s Underground space was packed from wall to wall, and there were fans of every generation present, from old metal heads all the way down to kids who could have been at their very first shows. Plush’s songs resonate with all types of listeners; their lyrics often touch on the struggles of heartbreak while being driven by heavy instrumentals and powerful harmonies. For their entire set, Plush was cheered on by a high energy crowd that recognized the talent they were witnessing. This talent included a a solo drum intro by Brooke that you can see below.

    Plush released their first single ‘Hate’ back in February of 2021, and the song went on to reach as high as number 24 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart. You can listen and watch the music video on YouTube. Since releasing ‘Hate,’ Plush has been on the road opening for acts like Evanescence, Halestorm, and SevenDust. For this show though, the band had Vendetta Rose and Alborn opening in front of Moriah’s hometown crowd.

    In the coming weeks, Plush will be hitting the road with rock and guitar legend Slash. Their tour currently has Northeastern stops set for New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. You can find Plush’s upcoming tour dates on their website.

    plush

    Setlist: Athena, Champion, Found A Way, Sober, Sorry, Bring Me Down, Walk Away, Don’t Say That, Better Off Alone, Will Not Win, I Don’t Care, Hate

    Encore: Barracuda (Heart)

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