Bryant Park has shared new performers for their Picnic Performances this Sept. The free concerts highlight new and established acts from the classical, jazz, and global pop genres.
The first of the Picnic Performances begin on Sept. 9 with 20-year-old trumpeter Summer Camargo. Camargo currently studies at the Julliard School and is a rising star in the jazz music scene. She will be performing with her Sextet.
Trumpeter Summer Camargo
On Sept. 16, the Accordion Festival returns to Bryant Park after a two-year hiatus. The festival will feature bands and free reed instrumentalists who hail from various different backgrounds and cultures. Attendees can hear from Afghani musician Ahmad Fanoos alongside his sons, Ukrainian music from two ensembles, the experimental Balaklava Blues, and much more. The day will also hold the premiere of Cinco12: The Music of Selena which honors the music of the late artist with performances of some of her best hits.
Directly after the Accordion Festival, the American Symphony Orchestra will present a free concert on Sept. 17 to celebrate its 60 anniversary. The program features established composers showcasing works inspired by NYC. The three newly announced dates will add to the already busy September at Bryant Park. The New York City Opera, and a duet from jazz pianists Aaron Diehl and Orrin Evans, will occur earlier in the month.
Attendees to any of the Bryant Park Picnic Performances can bring food or enjoy a selection of options from local NYC vendors. Picnic chairs and blankets will also be provided at no cost for the performances.
On Sept. 21, the new variety theater Midnight Theatre will open its doors for the first time. Situated in midtown Manhattan, the performance venue will offer a great setting for music, magic, theater, and performance art.
Photo Credit: Brett Beyer Photography
Creative Director Warren Adcock conceptualized the 160-seat theater which will also be the first home for Mastercard’s innovative multisensory studio. The Midnight Theatre also includes a permanently installed 270-degree projection system that can digitally alter the appearance of the space to transport audiences anywhere. With animated environments that can react to the beat of a song, versatile audio-visual systems, and full live-stream capabilities, the venue is high-tech for the best entertainment.
In addition to the engaging offerings as an entertainment space, Midnight Theatre is home to the pan-Asian restaurant and bar, Hidden Leaf. The latest restaurant from Josh Cohen opened in July. The Midnight Cafe is also open bringing customers crafted cocktails with a high-energy, 70’s Italian disco soundtrack.
Photo Credit: Jason Greenspan
The venue will host shows of magic, music, and comedy in early Sept. as a sneak peek at what is to come in the fall and winter seasons. As part of the future lineup, a signature show, A Brief History of Magic, is set to premiere.
With the theater opening, this completes the dream of creating the ideal New York night out all under one roof. There’s been such a positive response to the opening of Hidden Leaf, and it’s been rewarding to see guests come enjoy the dining and cocktails that we have to offer. We are beyond excited to extend their experience inside the walls of the tech-enhanced Midnight Theatre with intimate, one-of-a-kind storytelling across magic, music, comedy and much more.
– Creative Director Warren Adcock
Photo Credit: Brett Beyer Photography
Stay tuned for when this next-level entertainment venue opens on Sept. 21. For more information, visit the Midnight Theatre’s website.
The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn will be closing its doors at the end of this month. Benny The Butcher’s Black Soprano Family played one of the final shows at the venue on Aug. 15. In a statement posted to Instagram, the venue’s management wrote “it is time for the Knit to (once again) reinvent itself.” The last show will be on Aug. 21.
BSF at the closing Knitting Factory
The Black Soprano Family (BSF) consists of Heem, Rick Hyde, El Camino, Loveboat Luciano, Fuego Base, and founder Benny The Butcher. The collective has been gaining a lot of momentum lately. Benny had released Tana Talk 4 back in March which included one of the best hip hop songs of the year, “Johnny P’s Caddy” featuring J. Cole and produced by Alchemist. On Sept. 9, Benny and the BSF crew are releasing Long Live DJ Shay, a tribute to their mentor and collaborator who died of Covid-19 in August of last year. The first single from that project is a song produced by DJ Premier called “Times is Rough.”
Their show at the packed Knitting Factory on Monday night was full of energy and emotion. Benny opened with 3 songs from his solo work including “Raw,” “97 Hov,” and “Survivor’s Remorse.” After that each BSF member had a chance to shine. Rick Hyde got into a track from his debut album called “Pandemic Flow” before he and Heem traded verses on “Da Mob” and “It’s Over” off the Respected Sopranos album. Then Rome Streetz made an appearance to perform “Poza” and “Peri Peri.”
Next Loveboat Luciano stepped up to perform “Grams In Da Water,” “Lovey,” and “Parole.” Fuego Base got to show off his skills on three of his tracks “First Day Out,” “9.37,” and “Narcan.” Then newest BSF member El Camino came out to perform “India” with Benny and “Josh Allen” off his collaboration album with Chase Fetti titled Bethlehem.
Next Benny brought out the “first lady” of Griselda, Armani Cesar. She performed “Drill A Rama” and Mac 10s for Everybody” off her album The Liz. Armani is releasing the sequel to this album titled The Liz 2 on Sept. 2. Stove God Cooks also made a quick appearance to perform “Back 2X ” with Benny. The show ended with a few more Benny songs including “Legend” from his Burden of Proof album produced entirely by HItboy, “5 to 50” and “Johnny P’s Caddy.”
BSF Knitting Factory Setlist: Rubber Bands and Weight, 97 Hov, Survivor’s Remorse, Pandemic FLow, Da Mob, It’s Over, Poza, Peri Peri, 430, The Realest, Fell In Love With the Streets, Grams in Da Water, Lovey, Parole, Shine, Madonna, Wins & Losses, First Day Out, 9.37, Josh Allen, Money Feel Better, Drill A Rama, Mac 10’s Sunday School, Back 2X, Times is Rough, 18 Wheeler, Legend, One Way Flight, 5 to 50, Johnny P’s Caddy
The UAlbany Performing Arts Center has announced its 2022-23 season performance schedule including the previously announced Dance in Albany and Creative Life series, spotlighting local artists, events celebrating Hmong culture and other diverse touring artists’ performances.
Godspell at Univeristy at Albany
A local trio consisting of flamenco guitarist Maria Zemantauski, dancer La Nina and percussionist Brian Melick will perform Flamenco Rhythms on September 28 to celebrate of National Hispanic Heritage month. The guitarist and dancer will also offer Tacones y Manos Calientes on September 29 & 30 for high school student groups.
In October, Captial Trio, UAlbany’s ensemble-in-residence will offer two programs on October 25th to celebrate its 25th anniversary. They will also offer high school student groups Life Hacks: Classical Music Edition, as well a public concert. On February 8 & 9, there will be several screenings of The immersive film a love letter to Brian, Lesley and Michelle will be screening in Februrary. Director and Skidmore College faculty member Hettie Barnhill will lead a discussion after each of the screenings. Original contemporary Iran play White Rabbit, Red Rabbit will perform in March to clebrate the World Theater Day.
In late October and early November, the project Celebrating Hmong Culture through the Arts will take place. It includes Paj ntaub in cooperation with the Hmong Museum in St. Paul from October 24 through November 4, Hmong culture film Being Hmong Means Being Free, and a Literature to Life verbatim stage adaptation The Latehomecomer.
More music performances will also be held in this season. UAlbany Physics professor Keith Earle and local choreographer Ellen Sinopoli will collaborate on the ChoreoPhysics: Demonstrating Concepts through Dance the PAC’s annual artist-in-residence exchange program will host the Stockton Chamber Players on February 22.
Other fascinating performances such as Pang!, the triptych of live radio plays by Dan Froot and Company which involved a forest of microphones, sound effects, props and musical instruments. Selected Shorts, Public Radio International’s wildly popular series and podcast, will be offered on April 29 as a unique evening of literature in performance.
Tickets for those events with admission charges can be purchased through the UAlbany Performing Arts Center’s web site at www.albany.edu/pac.
Schedule for UAlbany Performing Arts Center 2022-23 season
Urban Bush Women – 9.20 & 9.21 7:30pm Urban Bush Women lec/dem for high school student groups- 9.21 10am Flamenco Rhythms – 9.28 7:30pm Tacones y Manos Calientes for high school student groups -9.29&9.30 10am MOMIX at The Egg – 10.6 7:30pm The Creative Life: A Conversation with Lucy Sante – 10.18 7pm Limón Dance Company – 10.21 8pm Display of Paj ntaub (Hmong story cloths) – 10/24 thru 11/4 various Life Hacks: Classical Music Edition for high school student groups – 10.25 10am Capital Trio – 10.25 7:30pm Being Hmong Means Being Free – 10.27 4:30pm The Latehomecomer – 11.3 7:30pm The Latehomecomer for high school student groups – 11.4 10am ChoreoPhysics for high school student groups – 11.9 10am La Serpiente – 11.13 7:30pm The Creative Life: A Conversation with Maira Kalman – 11.16 7pm ODC/Dance – 1.27 7:30pm a love letter to Brian, Lesley and Michelle for high school student groups – 2.8&2.9 10am a love letter to Brian, Lesley and Michelle – 2.9 7:30pm New York Theatre Ballet with Bridgman|Packer Dance – 2.17 8pm Stockton Chamber Players – 2.22 7:30pm Paul Taylor Dance Company – 3.4 8pm Dublin Irish Dance – 3.18 7:30pm White Rabbit, Red Rabbit – 3.26 7:30pm White Rabbit, Red Rabbit for high school student groups 3.27 10am Pang! for high school student groups – 4.20&4.21 10am Pang! – 4.20&4.21 7:30pm SaViON GLOVeR and The CeLeBRaTeD ORCHeST’DaNCE RA – 4.22 8pm Selected Shorts – 4.29 7:30pm Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company – 5.13 8pm
Just two days removed from the Here and There Festival bringing four female-fronted bands to Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards, The Wild Hearts Tour landed with three more incredible women artists: Sharon Van Etten, Angel Olsen, and Julien Baker. All three would have fit perfectly well in Courtney Barnett’s lineup, but they were on their own mission with it’s own purpose.
There’s was borne of a common bond, a post-pandemic search for connection to like-minded souls. The cross-country trip brought them closer together and felt “like summer camp,” the bands enjoying a game Scattergories pre-show. More importantly lifetime bonds were solidified.
Before the show could begin, the ashes and destruction left behind after Barnett’s barn-burning set Sunday night needed to be washed away. Mother Nature obliged with an afternoon deluge. The rains delayed the venue’s opening, cancelled Quinn Christopherson’s opening set and everyone else’s soundchecks. The crews worked hard to get the show prepped regardless and they were thanked profusely throughout the night.
Sharon Van Etten was blown away by how many came out to see them play in LaFayette New York, in what was likely her first ever show at an apple orchard. The feelings were mutual, and the crowd was also feeling enormously lucky to get the opportunity, repeated opportunities in the grander scheme, to see such world-class talent in an area that isn’t known to consistently draw bigger shows.
The rain subsided, the sun was on its way toward the distant hills, the crowd assembled, ears pricked, and the stage was set and ready to go, a grey velvet curtain draped along the back, ready to absorb whatever light came it’s way.
Julien Baker got the Wild Hearts night rolling with her emotive indie-rock. “Heatwave” and “Ringside” were early opportunities for Baker to show her vocal range, her mouth gaping open as her keenly observant lyrics spilled out like she was saying them for the first time. She allowed herself to let loose in short bursts on her guitar, but finally burst the dam on set-closing “Ziptie,” her instrument finally meeting the power of her voice. She prepared us for the rest of the evening, “Sharon and Angel will come melt your faces… in a tasteful way.” She wasn’t wrong.
Olsen and her band arrived next. Guitar, bass, drums, keys, cello and fiddle all there to help color in Olsen’s beautiful songs, and each outfitted brightly to emphasize that. “Right Now” filled in the blue from the organ and backing vocals. “Shut Up And Kiss Me” getting a splash of green guitar. “Lark” with streaks of hot pink and lavender from the string section before getting ignited with color as it all builds together. Olsen, in bright yellow, brought a palette all her own, her buttery voice melting into each song. A country twang coming through in “Big Time,” sultry and soulful on “Go Home,” deep and rich like the darkening and colorful hues in the skies around the venue.
Contrasting with the Angel Olsen’s colorful display, Sharon Van Etten arrived to a darkened stage, only illuminating once the band fully launched into “Headspace.” Van Etten stood out like a flame in the midst of her all black clad band. Distant lightning strikes provided a nice addition to their more extensive light show.
Van Etten showed off the range of her songwriting throughout the set. The funky crunch of “No One’s Easy to Love” gave way to the slow drawn out “Used To It.” The nice slow build in “All I Can” contrasted with the upbeat and poppier “Every Time the Sun Comes Up.” The set burst into a dance party by the end, on stage and off, closing out with the disco beat of “Mistakes” and infectious “Seventeen.”
The night ended with Van Etten bringing Olsen back on stage to join on their co-written song “Like I Used To.” A wonderful way to close out the show, though it did leave us regretting that the camaraderie between the three leading ladies offstage didn’t produce more sparks on it. Perhaps we’ll have to wait for the Wild Hearts Tour 2023?
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience and showcases new music on EQXposure. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Teddy Bear Savage-“Me and My Friends.”
Teddy Bear Savage is an indie rock band from Balston Spa, formed in 2019. The group is composed of bassist and singer Paul Lambert, lead guitarist Zak Westbrook, guitarist Ryan Halpin, and drummer Mike Atwood. One of their newest singles “Me and My Friends” will be played on EQXposure on Sunday night.
Elephant Back-“Kiss the Sky”
Elephant Back describes itself as “triumphant, original, magnificent, unique, and creatively logical.” They are playing a show at Pauly’s Hotel in Albany on Aug. 20, and their song “Kiss the Sky” will be on EQXposure on Sunday.
Vevo, the world’s leading music video network, has announced Pusha T as the next artist in their Ctrl. series with performances of “Dreamin of the Past” and “Brambleton” from his critically-acclaimed album It’s Almost Dry. Pusha T has previously worked with Vevo for a “Vevo Presents” performance in 2011. In 2018 he gave Vevo an exclusive interview focusing on the making of his Grammy-nominated album called, “How The Purple Tape Shaped Daytona.”
Pusha T gave a live video performance of his record “Brambleton”
Vevo’s Ctrl series highlights the work of hard-hitting, cutting-edge musicians making an impact in today’s music scene – both emerging and established. These artists demand attention, and Vevo’s Ctrl shines a deserving spotlight. Pusha T’s performances follow sessions from Rick Ross, Common, Rapsody, Fat Joe, Jeezy, Jadakiss, Fabolous, A$AP Ferg and more.
It’s Almost Dry arrives as the highly-anticipated follow up to 2018’s highly touted Daytona. In a recent interview with Charlamagne The God, Pusha explained, ”
I had the best of both worlds in regards to production and in regards to two people that actually understand who I am and they like two different things from me that I feel are both really great…this body of work is untouchable because it doesn’t lean too heavy on either side…you get the whole spectrum. It’s my most well-rounded body of work.
Sonically, this album was a change of pace for Pusha T. He experimented by combining his luxury rap style with contemporary melodies and flows, with features from Don Tolliver, Lil Uzi Vert and Kid Cudi. Nothwithstanding, It’s Almost Dry still provided some of what made Daytona such an excellent album. Records like “Dreaming of the Past” — where Pusha T blends his eccentric drug kingpin persona with real life anecdotes — are now a staple of his discography and the Kanye West assisted song is one of the highlights of the album. Whereas “Brambleton” sees Pusha T get a bit more personal, with stories of his days in Virginia and addressing figures from his past.
We was out in Brambleton after Pooh got hit Club Entourage in that new drop six
The second ever Catskill Mountain Jubilee took place this past weekend. Nestled within the Catskill Mountains at the Blackthorne Resort, the festival provided a great mix of nature and comfort. There was a pool with DJs playing throughout the weekend, several stages, including a late night rave hangar, lakes, cabins, even a haunted house!
Aqueous & Friends ft Craig Broadhead at The Hangar Stage
The music was phenomenal throughout the whole weekend. Sit ins included Aqueous & Friends featuring Craig Broadhead, DJ Logic & Friends as well as Star Kitchen featuring James Casey and Natalie Cressman, and DrFameus featuring Glyfiks were the musical sets that stood out to me. Put a saxophone in my face and I’m hooked!
Craig Broadhead
Dark Star Orchestra played four sets over the course of both nights with the first night being a recreation of 6/3/76. Highlights included a “Might As Well” opener, “Lazy Lightning,” “Dancing in the Streets,” and a thumping two-song encore featuring “The Wheel” and “The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion).” The second night proved to be much slower and the “Drums” jam was going nowhere. An incredible “White Rabbit” encore brought life back into the crowd, but not without the sound dropping out for a bit.
Dark Star Orchestra
After the main shebang there was much to do, late night shows were aplenty. DJ Logic with Craig Broadhead, James Casey, & Natalie Cressman was my favorite late night shindig but I also enjoyed Baked Shrimp at 3 a.m.
Marc Brownstein with Natalie Cressman during Star Kitchen
Laura Lee’s gospel set was soul touching and right during that Sunday morning church time. Marc Brownstein made a funny crack about how shorts aren’t showbiz appropriate as he mustered through the hot sun in jeans at the Star Kitchen set.
James Casey sitting in with Star Kitchen
Catskill Mountain Jubilee has something going for it; the grounds are really enjoyable. With every event there’s issues and problems that need to be solved but seeing how well it’s done for it’s second year, I think this festival has a bright future ahead. It has a good mix of live and electronic music, activities, chill spots, amenities, and a good crew.
Northeast, Ohio natives, The Vindys, continue on their upwards trajectory with a Stage 3 performance at New York City’s Rockwood Music Hall on Monday, August 22. Having recently performed on the West Coast for the very first time, the band is brimming with confidence.
“We are so excited to be returning to New York City for the fourth time,” says the band.
The Vindys West Coast expedition saw them play a series of shows with a full band plus a horn section (trumpet, saxophone, trombone) in Oceanside, L.A., San Francisco and Carson City, where they performed in front of well over 3,000 people.
The Vindys have been touring the West Coast.
The Ohio natives are led by singer-songwriter and guitarist, Jackie Popovec, while John Anthony serves as lead guitarist, with Rick Deak on rhythm guitar. All are classically trained musicians who combine their skills, Popovec as the primary songwriter, while collaborating on musical arrangements, resulting in an in-depth and intricate sound that is mature, yet relatable.
The Vindys Rockwood Music Hall performance comes as they continue to tour off their latest album, Bugs, which has garnered rave reviews. They released a series of singles ahead of their album including the title track “Bugs,” with its mesmerizing and throbbing beat, mixed by Ryan West. Other tracks include the tempting groove “Want Your Heart,” the sweltering ballad “Morning Light,” and the anthemic “Are You Ready.
Northeast, Ohio radio station WKSU called the album “a 10-track rock ‘n’ roll triumph that fuses the group’s vintage jazz aesthetic with a more straightforward blues-rock sound.”
Brad Savage, program director of The Summit 91.3 FM (OH), explains, “They’ve got depth and substance and are instantly likable. Their songs get stuck in your head after one listen.”
Rockwood Music Hall has been such a wonderful place to play. The energy that the club brings every time is so amazing!
The 7 p.m. performance will see The Vindys share the stage with singer-songwriter, Claire Vandiver. Tickets for the performance can be found here.
The Park Theater announced it will host the Glens Falls Arts / Business District Street Festival & Creative Economy Panel Discussion event sponsored by the ACE (Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy). The event is scheduled for August 18, from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M.
The Park Theater – ACE! Glens Falls Arts / Business District Street Festival & Creative Economy Panel Discussion Event
The Park Theater is a premier theater, concert, and event destination just a short drive away from Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Lake George located on Park Street in Glens Falls. It is supported by a non-profit organization The Park Theater Foundation, which is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Glens Falls community by providing a venue for quality and affordable entertainment and educational opportunities in the performing arts.
This event will include an outdoor festival celebrating Glens Falls arts and culture featuring members of the Arts District of Glens Falls and Glens Falls Collaborative. Thoughtful exhibitions will be available such as the interactive thought piece by The Hyde Collection, a live Plein air painting by North Country ARTS, and a “FolkLife” Exhibition preview by the Crandall Library. Additionally, there will be guided tours provided of Park Street Hospitality’s new development, “Park & Elm,” along with a walking tour of the new downtown Glens Falls mural program.
Taste buds could also be satisfied with Raul’s Mexican Grill, Mean Max Brew Works, and Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, along with small plates and a beer garden highlighting regional beverages provided by Doc’s Restaurant. The food is fresh since they are locally produced and donated by Sunset Farm.
The event will also include a distinguished panel to discuss organizational synergies that allow for place-making innovation that builds community and sustainability including for-profit and not-for-profit businesses and institutions. The panel invited a selection of professionals including Jeff Mead (President, Business Operations, and General Manager of Adirondack Thunder and Cool Insuring Arena), Monica Kurzejeski (VP Property Management at Redburn Development), Ben Miller (Operations Manager at Park Street Hospitality) and Sam Parker (Capital Region Representative for Governor Hochul). Panel moderation will be handled by Judie Gilmore (Director of the Opalka Gallery, Russell Sage College).
“Glens Falls is creating an energy that is increasingly helping anchor the upstate Creative Economy. The infrastructure improvements and collaborative nature of important stakeholders is creating the perfect environment to drive awareness and attraction from a place making perspective. ACE! feels it’s important to share that story with other cities in our region.”
Corey Aldrich
This event is open and free to the public, with a special thanks to the Glens Falls Collaborative for helping to underwrite this event.
