NYS Music 202​2

Blog

  • Dave Matthews Band Continues Summer Tour With Stop at Bethel Woods

    On a hot steamy Hudson Valley night, the Dave Matthews Band summer tour 2022 made a stop at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. The pavilion and its extended grass area were filled to the max on July 20 with excited fans who were treated to three glorious hours of DMB.  

    The band behind Dave included: Tim Reynolds on guitar, drummer Carter Beauford, Jeff Coffin on the saxophone, Rashawn Ross was the trumpet play, Stefan Lessard on the bass and Buddy Strong on keyboards. Beauford demonstrated incredible dexterity with his arm movement while on the cymbals while simultaneously keeping a heavy beat with his double drum pedals. Tim Reynolds demonstrated why he has been part of Dave’s crew for years with his guitar prowess. The horn section of Ross and Collins sprinkled jazz grooves taking previously released records in new directions. 

    If having a talented band was not enough, Dave Matthews Band audio tech Joe Lawlor joined the band on stage for “Cornbread”.  As soon as Lawlor plugged in, he cranked out the opening notes of “The Star Spangled Banner”, ala Jimi Hendrix, to pay homage to the hallowed grounds of the Woodstock festival.   

    With little to no banter from the stage, Matthews would occasionally speak directly to the crowd offering his humble thanks to everyone for spending the evening with them. The set of 21 songs was filled with DMB staples “Crush,” “Funny the Way it is” and “Stay or Leave.”  Throwing in a wild card, Dave pulled out Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer,” which proved to be a crowd pleaser.

    For the encore, Matthews came out solo to play “Some Devil.” The band then joined him to close out the night with “Ants Marching.”

  • Guards Release New “All I Have to Do is Dream” Cover

    Originating from NYC, indie-rock group Guards released “All I Have to Do is Dream,” a cover of The Everly Brothers’ 1958 hit. The revitalized track is the latest release off of the Guards’ upcoming covers album, More Cover Songs, out on August 23 via CGR.

    Guards takes the popular hit and makes it into a sound completely their own. Beginning with soft percussion before building with subdued vocals, and differing riffs, the band reimagines the track in a brand new way. 

    The group formed out of NYC in 2010, and consists of Richie Follin, Loren Humphrey, and Kaylie Church. The trio released their first single, “Resolution of One,” in December of 2010 and their first full-length album, In Guards We Trust, in 2013. Guards have been working on new music throughout the pandemic, including the forthcoming cover album, More Cover Songs.

    The Everly Brothers are one of our biggest inspirations for melody and straightforward songwriting. This song always seemed way ahead of its time while somehow being of that exact moment. I think the really special artists are the ones that inspire the artists that inspire even more artists to become artists…they are that kind of special artist. The slow songs are always harder to cover because you can’t hide behind the energy, but this cover felt natural and we were able to do some fun things on it.

    -Richie Follin

    Guards split time recording the album and their most recent single, “All I Have to Do is Dream,” in NY and LA. Adam Thein mixed the record in Austin, Texas. The upcoming album is sure to be a success if this newest release is any indication. 

    Previously, Guards opened for acts such as Queens of the Stone Age, MGMT, Two Door Cinema Club, Deertick, and played in festivals such as Coachella,  Lollapalooza, and Primavera Sound. Take a listen to more of their music, available below. 

  • David Loss of Aqueous Takes Time Off To Start a Family

    David Loss from the band Aqueous announced he is taking time away from the band to welcome his new baby into the world. Fans speculated a breakup but were met with a sweet and emotional announcement.

    david loss
    David Loss

    Aqueous is a Buffalo-based groove band with a loyal following who put on spectacular shows. David Loss is the guitarist and keyboardist who does vocals with the band and is gaining notoriety as one of the most skilled, actively touring guitarists in the industry. His sound is unmistakable and keeps fans coming back show after show.

    The band has been quiet lately and should have announced a fall tour, however, they proudly announced that Loss is welcoming a child with his wife. He is taking the rest of the year off to take care of his child. The pandemic has taught us life can be disrupted abruptly, and we take the little things for granted. Life is all about balance and being present, and Aqueous are taking this time to reevaluate the culture of the band by not touring as much to get back to their roots.

    David Loss spoke about the decision with me, and the band’s future.

    I knew it was the right decision for me to make. When my son is born it’s going to be such a life changing experience that I want to fully be there for all of it. I don’t want to miss a thing! A lot of first time things and time you just can’t get back later. I know my wife will be very happy to have me home more as well. She has always been so supportive of me in everything I’ve done, which makes me feel ever more that I need to be there with her as much as I can. The only hesitation that I had really was that I didn’t want to let anyone down. That includes all of our fans and friends as well as the rest of the band. Especially since the guys are some of my best friends. We’ve been doing this thing for a long time now! It’s tough to take that long of a break from playing shows, but again I knew it was what I had to do and I feel very lucky that everyone has been very supportive of my decision. I’m happy that the guys will be able to play a handful of shows without me too. So keep an eye out for those sets!

    David Loss

    It is beautiful to bring a child into the world, and even more complicated when you are a musician with a hectic touring schedule and music to make. Loss taking the time and being present for a while is something all father’s with hectic schedules should do. Fans may be sad they won’t be able to see Aqueous for a while, but the music is still there, and they also teased a new album for next year, as well as more tours.

  • New Trey Anastasio Acoustic Shows At The Beacon To Feature Innovative New Audio System

    MSG Entertainment has announced that two brand new Trey Anastasio solo acoustic performances have been scheduled next month at the artist’s unofficial home away from home, the legendary Beacon Theatre. The two shows will take place on August 19 and 20, with tickets going on sale to the general public on Thursday, July 28 at noon ET via Ticketmaster.com. These two shows are also being used as a dry run of sorts to test out the Beacon’s groundbreaking new sound system called Sphere Immersive Sound that promises to deliver targeted, crystal-clear and uniform audio to every seat in the house.

    February 10, 2009; Beacon Theatre in its final days of restoration.

    Sphere Immersive is being boasted as the world’s most advanced concert audio system, and was developed for MSG Sphere at The Venetian, which is scheduled to open in Las Vegas sometime in the second half of 2023. It uses uses 3D audio beamforming technology where sound levels remain consistent from point of origin to destination – ensuring every audience member experiences the optimal sound mix, regardless of where they’re seated. Anastasio’s August performances at The Beacon will mark the first time that this innovation is being integrated into a performance venue, as well as the debut of MSG Sphere technology to audiences. 

    Las Vegas Exosphere Render

    I was lucky enough to experience a demo of Sphere Immersive Sound, and it’s truly unbelievable. I am thrilled to be able to debut this cutting-edge technology at the Beacon Theatre, one of my favorite venues in the world.

    ~ Trey Anastasio

    Anastasio, a fellow Upper West Side resident, continues to build his ever-growing relationship with the historic Beacon Theatre, most recently playing there in June 2021 when he performed to the venue’s first full-capacity crowd in more than 450 days. In another first for the venue, Anastasio was tabbed for The Beacon’s first-ever virtual residency in October and November 2020 with “The Beacon Jams” – eight weekly shows that were streamed live to hundreds of thousands of fans over Twitch and raised more than $1 million for The Divided Sky Foundation.

    In addition to online sales, tickets will also be available in person beginning on Friday, July 29 at the Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre box offices. 

  • Cortland Repertory Theatre Announces Cancellation of “Orient Express”

    The Cortland Repertory Theatre has announced the cancellation of the remainder of their 2022 mainstage performances, including the remaining shows of Murder on the Orient Express due to positive COVID cases within the CRT company.

    Cortland Repertory Theatre

    CRT just presented their revival of Kiss Me, Kate for their 50 Anniversary Season, but now all mainstage shows are canceled as the ongoing situation with the COVID pandemic is evolving. The Bright Star Touring Company’s children’s productions of The Little Mermaid on July 28 at 10 A.M. and Upcycled Cinderella on July 29 at 10 A.M. will continue as scheduled. 

    In Cortland county, there are 84 active cases, and the new BA.5 subvariant is responsible for 125,000 new cases and more than 400 deaths each day in the United States, according to seven-day averages on The Washington Post’s covid tracker. The subvariant is causing 80% of infections and is more contagious than other variants by far.

    In order to stay safe during this unstable time, people need to get vaccinated, wash their hands, social distance, and wear masks, especially as the fall and winter approach. The Cortland Repertory Theatre has a special filtration system to help suppress airborne and surface microorganisms and pathogens including viruses (COVID and others), bacteria, and mold, and is encouraging people to wear masks and not attend shows if sick.

    The CRT Box Office staff will be contacting ticket holders to discuss options for refunds or ticket donations. For more information about the upcoming shows, and to buy tickets, go here.

  • First-Ever Wild In The Trees Music & Skate Festival Announced in Lake George

    The first-ever Wild In The Trees Music and Skate Festival hosted by Mirth Films will happen from October 1-2  on the grounds of the Lake George Skate Plaza in Lake George.

    Wild In The Trees

    The musical artists range from punk and jam bands to alternative rock and feature well-known artists like Annie in the Water, Glass Pony, Neon Avenue, El Modernist, and more. Also included during the two-day festival is a skateboarding competition at the Lake George Skate Plaza, with competitions including a spot-based jam session, best trick, high ollie, game of S.K.A.T.E, and Skate -or- Dice.

    The festival was born as a way to pay homage to all efforts made to raise money to build the Lake George Skate Plaza while embracing all the local talent. The skate plaza came about in 2008 when local skateboarders brought to the attention of the town the need to have a skate park. Through town board meetings and the creation of a skateboard committee, the town came together and raised over $100,000.

    By 2014, the park was designed with oversight from the local skaters, and in 2015 it was finally done. The Lake George Skate Plaza attracts skateboarders from all across the northeast and beyond each year and gives them a safe place to skate and have fun without getting into trouble.

    For more information about The Wild In The Trees festival, go here. To buy tickets to the festival, happening October 1-2, go here.

  • Rage Against the Machine’s Tour Rips Buffalo to Shreds

    On Monday July 25th, Rage Against the Machine (RATM) stopped in Buffalo for one of their many stops on their current tour. After an eight-year hiatus, Rage Against the Machine announced in November 2019 that they were reuniting for a world tour, which was initially scheduled to start in 2020, but was ultimately postponed to 2021, and then to 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The opener of the show was Run the Jewels, an American hip-hop super-duo comprised of EL-P and Killer Mike.

    photo credit- Mike Miller

    Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles during 1991. RATM consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello, and drummer Brad Wilk.

    It has been many years since RATM has played in Buffalo, but on their current tour they just played Toronto, Canada on July 23. A fan jumped on stage and security tackled the guitarist Tom off the stage in error. Luckily for everyone he was ok and able to continue playing shows. Earlier in the tour the singer Zack injured his foot and has had to sit during each performance now. This tour will be visiting 12 countries, 40 cities and 51 shows in total.

    photo credit- Mike Miller

    The whole night the crowd was filled with energy and singing along to all of their hits. “Testify”, “Killing in the Name Of”, and “Bulls On Parade” were some of the songs the crowd was seen screaming along and head-banging to.

    photo credit- Mike Miller

    August 8th through the 14th, Rage Against the Machine will be playing as MSG in New York City

    Rage Against The Machine – Keybank Center, Buffalo – July 25, 2022

    Setlist: Bombtrack, People of the Sun, Bulls on Parade, Bullet in the Head, Testify, Take the Power Back, Wake up, Guerrilla Radio, Close Your Eyes, Down Rodeo, Know Your Enemy. Calm Like a Bomb. Sleep Now in the Fire, War Within a Breath, The Ghost of Tom Joad, Freedom, Township Rebellion, Killing in the Name

  • AFROPUNK Festival Returns Home to Brooklyn This Fall

    On September 10 and 11, AFROPUNK Festival returns with headliners The Roots and Burna Boy. This fall homecoming marks the first time the fest has come back to Brooklyn since 2019.

    AFROPUNK began as a single-day event in Brooklyn in 2004 before evolving into a worldwide phenomenon. This year’s lineup brings some of the most exciting artists to Commodore Barry Park for two days of celebration.

    The legendary hip-hop band The Roots will headline night one. Their expansive set will cover decades of the bands’ music as they celebrate 30 years together. On the night of the 11th, Burna Boy will close the festival and promote his upcoming album Love, Damini. 

    Other performers include TDE rhymer Isaiah Rashad, Lucky Daye, Freddie Gibbs, Tierra Whack, Earl Sweatshirt, and many more. AFROPUNK also welcomes Brooklyn-based artists to the lineup, including rapper Rodney Chrome, R&B artist Alex Mali, and hip-hop artist Talia Goddess.

    AFROPUNK aims to highlight the diverse talent and depth of the Brooklyn Black music community. Audiences can expect performances from various genres and origins including rock, R&B, AfroBeats, and more. 

    The festival offers more entertainment than just a place to enjoy live music. Attendees will be able to peruse local foods from NYC chefs and food trucks at AFROPUNK’s Bites ‘n Beats. The Spinthrift Market will also operate, providing event goers with makers and curators from the area.

    After hosting festivals around the world, including Miami, Atlanta, Bahia, and Johannesburg, AFROPUNK’s long-awaited return to Brooklyn is sure to be one to remember. More additions to the lineup, as well as more entertainment with added activations, are set to be announced. Stay tuned with the festival on Instagram here, and visit their website for tickets, here.

  • In Focus: Phish Cast A Wave of Hope in Hartford

    Phish tour rolled on from Bethel to Hartford on Sunday, July 24, as thousands of fans flocked to Central CT with the mantra ‘Never Miss a Sunday Show’ proving true once again.

    The first set began with “Cars Trucks Buses,’ a nod to the Traffic that surrounded the former Meadows Music Theatre. A surprise Big Boat track ‘Breath and Burning’ followed in the two-slot, taking more of a stroll that fans may have expected. The sustained energy from the next four tunes – “The Final Hurrah,” “Free,” “Yarmouth Road,” and “Plasma” – made way for thr highlight of the set, a 17 minute-plus “Sigma Oasis” that before closing with “Limb x Limb” and “Sand.”

    Set two was a tale of two halves. The first half of “A Wave of Hope” > “A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing” > “Blaze On” clocked in at a combined 55 minutes, with the first two songs blasting off with heavy Type II improvisation and magnificent drumming from Jon Fishman who propelled the band through the jam. The second half of the set kept the energy going with “The Wedge,” “Farmhouse,” “Backwards Down the Number Line” all of which on paper may seem like a snoozfest but when the heat is set so high, a cool down is in order. Yet the heat was ramped up again to close the set with “Character Zero” and a rare “Tube” > “First Tube” encore.

    Phish rolls into Jones Beach on Tuesday and Wednesday for the first time since 2013

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Phish – Xfinity Theatre, Hartford, CT – July 24, 2022

    Set 1: Cars Trucks Buses, Breath and Burning, The Final Hurrah, Free, Yarmouth Road, Plasma > Sigma Oasis, Limb By Limb, Sand

    Set 2: A Wave of Hope > A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing > Blaze On > The Wedge, Farmhouse > Backwards Down the Number Line > Character Zero

    Encore: Tube > First Tube

    Trey teased Mr. P.C. in Tube

    Photo gallery by Filip Zalewski

  • The Glimmerglass Festival Announces Artistic & General Director’s Final Season

    The Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown will return indoors to its theater after presenting this past summer’s performances outdoors in “Glimmerglass on the Grass.” The 2022 season will run from July 8 to August 21 in the Alice Busch Opera Theater.

    glimmerglass festival

    Artistic & General Director Francesca Zambello has announced the 2022 Festival will be her 12th and final season with the company.

    My years with The Glimmerglass Festival have been the best of my life. I got married and built a home here with Faith and our son, Jackson, and the Cooperstown community has become an integral part of our lives. I am so proud of this company and all we have accomplished over the last decade. This is not goodbye; it is a time of transition and excitement for this company I adore. I am excited to witness and support the beginning for the next era of the ever-evolving Glimmerglass Festival/

    Francesca Zambello

    She has done a lot during her time at the company. She initiated the annual appointment of Artists in Residence, including internationally-renowned stars Bill Burden, Christine Goerke, and more. During her tenure, the Festival added original youth operas to the summer season, established an Attica Correctional Facility initiative, and introduced second-stage events with adaptations of classics, cabarets, gospel and klezmer concerts, and more.

    Francesca Zambello.

    Zambello will remain in her position through the conclusion of the 2022 Festival and will continue her role as Artistic Director at Washington National Opera and as an independent opera and theater director.

    The 2022 Festival will feature productions of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, as well as Bizet’s Carmen,  directed by 2022 Artist in Residence Denyce Graves. In August, she will also reprise her role in an extended version of The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson in a two-night-only presentation.

    Following the festival will be the releases of the Festival’s first two commissioned works on film: The Knock, by Aleksandra Vrebalov and Deborah Brevoort, which is about military wives; and On Trac I<, a dance piece, composed by Nicolas Lell Benavides and choreographed and performed by Amanda Castro, which looks at the intersection of human and machine in rural America.

    The 2022 festival is happening right now, and tickets are on sale here.

Built in Breakdance