On Saturday, November 5, Town Hall will present the New York premiere of Laura Kaminsky and Kimberly Reed’s new chamber opera, “Hometown to the World.”
Conducted by Tania León, directed by Kristine McIntyre, and presented in association with Santa Fe Opera, the opera focuses on the impact of the largest workplace ICE raid in U.S. history that took place in Postville, IA in 2008.
Postville greeting sign with the slogan Kaminsky/Reed’s opera was named after.
It highlights the multiculturalism of the small Iowa city before the raid of the town’s world-largest kosher meatpacking plant, and looks at the raid’s impact on Postville and families living in the town after the plant’s subsequent closure.
“Hometown to the World” brings together three characters from different communities affected by the raid: Linda Morales, a Guatemalan woman whose undocumented husband and son were deported but who remained to care for her U.S.-born baby; Abraham Fleischman, a gay Hasidic Jew, who, banished from his family, seeks refuge in Morales’ home; and County Commissioner Larsen, an American of Scandinavian descent, who despairs at the town’s downfall.
Performers include Cecilia Duarte, Blythe Gaissert, and Michael Kelly, the ensemble Sybarite5, and a chorus comprised of 100+ public high school students from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts.
Ripton, VT, artist Sarah King has recently just delivered a soulful new A/B sided release with “Always an Almost” and “You Were Wrong About Me.” There’s no arguing that King’s talents are being celebrated by some of the biggest names in music. Her music has a similar resemblance to artists like The Lumineers, Lana Del Rey, Lenny Kravitz, Michael Jackson, Shawn Mendes and more.
Sarah King A/B
Just off the heels of her most recent EP The Hour, Sarah King shows her newest releases exuding a clear contrast to her previous works. Most which were originally inspired by loss of loved ones, grief and the heavier feelings that she had carried with her for years. In her newest releases, each song can be both musically and lyrically versatility. King does this through dynamic vocal delivery and refreshing heart-on-sleeve storytelling.
Sarah King A/B
The track “Always an Almost” describes the sudden chances we thought we just missed, much like the relationships that didn’t last, and all of the dreams we struggle to let go of in order to make space for what is really meant for us. King sings heartfelt lyrics with tears streaming down her face, solidifying the fact that she had an undeniable hit in her hands.
“Almost thought I couldn’t let go, But the pain’s how you grow / It gets better I know, Always an almost” ~ Always An Almost
Followed by a fierce rock companion “You Were Wrong About Me,” this release offers a bit of modern rock n roll. This release looks back on the situations that didn’t work out from a place of strength, growth and confidence. Originally the song was written in about 10 minutes; the two-minute-long rocker was inspired by a music venue that rejected King to perform before even listening to her music. Thus, King has written one of her most simple, yet impactful tracks that musicians will be able to relate to.
“Don’t need your permission now, Didn’t want it anyhow / Live my life the way I please, You’ll never be the boss of me” ~ You Were Wrong About Me
On November 5, singer-songwriter Mary Fahl and her backing band will perform at the Auburn Public Theater in promotion of her July-released cover album Can’t Get It Out of My Head.
The record includes re-imaginations of songs from major influences for Fahl, with the track list including Electric Light Orchestra, The Rolling Stones, The Moody Blues, Nick Drake, The Mamas and the Papas, Neil Young, Pink Floyd, Judy Collins, George Harrison, and Richard & Linda Thompson.
Cover art and track list for Mary Fahl’s ‘Can’t Get It Out Of My Head.’
The Rockland County native first broke through as a musician as lead singer of 1990s NYC chamber pop group October Project, releasing two albums before the collective initially disbanded in 1996. Since then albums from Fahl include 2003’s The Other Side of Time, 2011’s Dark Side of the Moon, her song-for-song reconstruction of the heralded Pink Floyd record, and 2014’s Love and Gravity.
Recently having been recording and touring on her own label Rimar Records, Fahl has received awards for releases such as 2014’s Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera Housewhich won an Indie Acoustic Award for Best Live Album, as well as her holiday album Winter Songs and Carols which was awarded a 2020 Independent Music Award.
Mary Fahl’s new album can be listened to online or via streaming services.
New York Public Radio will host its annual gala on Nov. 9 to honor Brooke Gladstone, the host of WNYC’s On The Media.
The evening will be hosted by comedian Samantha Bee, a former correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and the former host of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee who was named one of TIME’s Most Influential People in 2017.
Samantha Bee is hosting this year’s New York Public Radio Gala. (Photo credit: James Macari)
The event also includes Kronos Quartet as a musical guest, a Grammy-winning collective whose nearly 50-year history includes thousands of concerts, over 70 recordings, and over 1,000 works from composers worldwide. The night will take place at Manhattan’s Plaza Hotel.
Brook Gladstone, the host of WNYC’s On The Media. (Photo credit: Matthew Septimus)
Gladstone examines the worldly impact of media with On The Media, a weekly production. She started her career in public broadcast at National Public Radio in 1987 as senior editor of Scott Simon’s Weekend Edition, later working on the station’s flagship news program All Things Considered.
She joined WNYC in 2000 to host On The Media, and during her tenure, the program has won two Peabody awards, became the first national public radio show to be offered as a podcast, and now airs on 425 public radio stations.
Information regarding tickets and more can be found here.
NYC‘s Baby Got Back Talk, one of AfroPunk’s “Top 8 Punkest Bands on the Planet,” have just announced their new debut EP Existential Shred. The EP will be dropping later this Summer 2022 on Wiretap Records. They have been named one of Alternative Press’s ’17 black alternative bands leading the next generation.
Photo: Kate Hoos
Formed back in 2017, Baby Got Back Talk initially consisted of vocalist/bassist G’Ra Asim, synth op/vocalist Rhiana Hernandez, and lead guitarist/vocalist Jake Lazaroff. After years of sharing bills with local compatriots like Choked Up, Universe Ignore Her, and Gibbons (acts that were all anchored by the propulsive stick work of drummer Wes Ruiz) Baby Got Back Talk welcomed Ruiz into the fold. Now, they are an inseparable pair named one of The Utah Daily Chronicle’s top 5 Black Alternative Bands You Need to Know in 2021.
“We’re what punk looks like in the 2020s: driven by a DIY ethic, conversant with social issues–especially as they pertain to gender and race, enabled by inter-web, bankrolled by day jobs, powered by a rad likeminded community, resonant with the most venerable iterations of rock ‘n’ roll but firmly committed to injecting some new flavor into the mold.”
“On their upcoming EP Existential Shred New York pop punk band Baby Got Back Talk delve into the very nature of human existence. They tackle death, life changes, and the state of the world with excellent literary lyrics, plenty of synths, and a healthy dose of hope.”
– Punk News
Baby Got Back Talk is a D-I-why?-because-we-gotta punk party from New York City. The band teamed with producer John Naclerio (Just Surrender, The Audition) at Nada Recording Studios for their latest EP, ‘Existential Shred’ due out later this Summer 2022 on Wiretap Records.
“A catchy pop punk hook-fest that throws the middle finger to anyone claiming that being marginalized is “in” these days. “Model Minority” could become an anthem of importance for queer folks and POC in the punk scene today.”
– Tuned Up
The band has released a pair of EPs in 2017’s Take This The Wrong Way and 2018’s Up In Open Arms. Their full-length debut, 2020’s Genre Reveal Party, was mixed by Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, Senses Fail, Yellowcard).
Interviewing a band is like opening a wrapped present, you never know what you’re gonna get until you unwrap the gift. Having interviewed dozens of musicians over the past year, I am cautious about questions that can kill a conversation. I’m conscious about the third rail question,, “…so what do you do for a living?” The fear of going off the rails put aside, I became intrigued with each member of the band, Out East. This group of artists from East Hampton keep on giving through each creative moment, whether in the studio, on stage or through their work. Let’s open the box. Catch the full conversation on The Long Island Sound podcast.
The Trio Expands to a Foursome
Established three years ago in the Hamptons, Out East has grown to a foursome with the addition of a fantastic vocalist, and singer/songwriter, Starlight Tyler. Ms.Tyler’s sound is described as “a soulful singer blending the classic sounds of jazz with the earthiness of the blues”. The band’s music is as diverse as their day jobs as we get acquainted with the stories behind the artists.
Their original music spans the gamut, from Fusion to Reggae, with a foundation of Blues and the influence of Latin rhythms. The song “Flower Power” sparks the colors of psychedelia, which would be a welcomed theme song for any CBD/Cannabis shop poised to open in New York.
“So What Do You Do For A Living?”
John Jinks, the main songwriter and guitarist in the group, cut his teeth as a Commercial Illustrator in New York City. This transplant from the Midwest had artist reps in the USA and Japan, and has worked on national campaigns. Clients such as Perrier, Warner Brothers, Estee Lauder, USPS among others have added John’s art to their brands. Upon transplanting from the city to East Hampton, John got into computers taking his artistic eye creating documentaries and motion graphic work.
Besides his music work as the drummer in the band, Gerry Giliberti established himself as a print-based photographic artist, creating abstract and surrealistic images to bring us into his world. Gerry’s ability to see simple images in complex textures has established him as a notable artist on the East End.
Carlos Barrios plays Bass in the band and is a notable Master Luthier (Master Instrument builder). Born in Guatemala, Carlos emigrated to the United States, spent his early years in LA and they traveled to Long Island. His father’s influence as a carpenter set him on a firm foundation to become a luthier. He makes basses and guitars and repairs all sorts of instruments. His clientele includeG.E. Smith, and Nancy Atlas, among others.
Carlos on Bass
A New Documentary on Carlos’s Craftsmanship
A documentary featuring Carlos’ Master Skill in Guitar Building will premiere this fall at The Church,(Eric Fischil’s Art Gallery) in Sag Harbor.
Many musicians branch out to the visual arts; all are craftsmen in “wood-shedding” their instruments, and on this occasion, we meet a master builder, an artist-illustrator and an abstract conceptualist photographer. I will always be intrigued about professional musicians and their stories, I become envious of their skill, dedication and performance. Maybe it’s my own lack of skill or the excuse of “maybe someday, I’ll get to it” that insulates me from becoming a better musician or artist.
For the most part, Out East, plays the music scene out East. You can check them out when they play Best Pizza Dive Bar in Amagansett on Sept. 30 and Stephen Talkhouse on Oct. 28.
The awe of the craft, comforts music lovers everywhere as we experience the electricity of joy pulsating from a live performance. We traverse the roads of discovery among local neighborhoods, and music scenes abroad, forever searching. I’ll bet most of us will testify that music brings us joy, especially live music. If we are to heal the world through music, we’ll need to support our musicians and be generous with the joy we’ve received.
If you long for great music and art, my suggestion: head Out East!
This September, Glenn Tilbrook of the critically lauded and much beloved 80s band Squeeze will embark on his first solo tour of the U.S. in years. While in New York, he’ll perform on September 15th at City Winery Hudson Valley, the beautifully restored factory on the Wallkill river in Montgomery.
Glenn Martin Tilbrook is the lead singer and guitarist of the English band Squeeze, a band formed in the mid-1970s who broke through in the new wave era at the decade’s end. Tilbrook has earned his place at pop’s top table as one of our most cherished singers, guitarists, and songwriters. Not to mention, an in-demand and endlessly endearing live performer.
Squeeze made their recording bow with the Packet Of Three EP in 1977. Those three tracks led to such Tilbrook written pop classics as “Tempted,” “Take Me I’m Yours,” “Pulling Mussels From A Shell,” “Up The Junction,” and “Black Coffee In Bed,” not to mention landmark albums like Argybargy, East Side Story and Some Fantastic Place.
When the band went on pause in 1998 Glenn embarked on a solo career that spawned the albums, The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook (2001) and Transatlantic Ping-Pong (2004). Thus, showcasing an ever-maturing songwriting talent (his first major works) without the input of lyricist Difford.
Tilbrook then formed his new band, The Fluffers, who recorded Pandemonium Ensues (2009). Armed with ready wit, raucous vibes, and a shedload of grin-inducing great songs, there are few musicians able to connect with their audience on such an immediate and warm level.
The show will be located at City Winery Hudson Valley on the outskirts of the small village of Montgomery. The venue has a lovely atmosphere in an historic and beautifully restored factory on the river. Wooden beams, antiques, wine casks and everything is spotlessly clean. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Wallkill River, with good drinks and vibes, enjoy a great performance by Glenn Tilbrook.
On Sept. 9, alt-rocker Andrew Thomases released his newest single, “Two Sides.” With varying instrumentation, the song explores the line between leading an energetic existence and needing time to yourself.
Hailing from just north of NYC before making the move out to San Francisco, much of Andrew Thomases’ music draws on personal experiences, and this “Two Sides” release is no different. The artist picked up the bass guitar at the age of 12 and continued to pursue music with cover bands in high school and as a DJ at a radio station in college. During the pandemic, Thomases recently picked up his passion again, sharing music and recording new work.
Andrew Thomases’ newest single shines with his enthralling vocals and relatable lyricism. He sings, “I wonder why I can’t be that guy who always arrives with fun in his eyes, always happy, now that isn’t me, why can’t I see, happiness ain’t free.” The switch between a slow acoustic guitar and the upbeat rock portions of “Two Sides” really drives Thomases’ message to his audience and listeners straight home.
Do you ever feel torn between wanting to have an always-effervescent personality and just wanting to hang out alone? Do you long to be the life of the party sometimes, while other times, you just want to stay at home with a good book or show? Does this split depend on your mood at the time? I certainly have these competing desires, so I decided to write a song about it. “Two Sides” explores this split, both in its lyrics and in its music. The song varies between a slow acoustic guitar portion and a more upbeat rocking portion, with driving bass and guitar lines. In the end, the song explains that it is ok to have different personalities at different times.
– Andrew Thomases
“Two Sides” is the perfect single and reminder for the ambiverts of the world. The accompanying lyric video also illustrates the sentiment exactly with fun and engaging graphics. With this newest track, Andrew Thomases shares a relatable and genuine experience many people can resonate with.
Utilizing retro-rock rhythms and melodies that pay homage to the music of the ‘80s and ‘90s alongside conscious lyricism, Thomases’ music captivates. Much of Thomases’ work reflects on our world and society, where he breaks up serious topics with the occasional satire and a keen sense of humor.
Fans of Thomases’ sound can find him on his website, as well as on Instagram and Facebook. Take a listen to some more of Andrew Thomases’ music with the video below.
On Sept. 9, Albany-based rock band Doctor Baker will release their album, Trespassers, produced by Don Fury at Don Fury Studios in Troy.
Consisting of Ed Schwarzschild (guitar, vocals), Iggy Calabria (guitar, vocals), Chris Gockley (bass), and Danny Goodwin (drums, percussion), Doctor Baker originally started as an acoustic duo before expanding. The complete band brings a strong sound to audiences within the Capitol Region and beyond.
An award-winning short story writer and novelist, Schwarzchild’s lyricism on Trespassers is evocative and compelling. The band’s sound on the album spans various emotions with the first single and lyric video, “Exhausted,” released on Aug. 30.
The album is like a story collection, but they’re stories that fit in with what’s going on in the world at the moment … the songs on the album acknowledge that there are some real problems, but we’re trying to stay lit up, we’re still trying to love, still trying to figure out what love is, still trying to maintain relationships with the people we’re close to.
– Ed Schwarzschild
The title of the album, Trespassers, came to Gockley and Schwarzchild after a performance by Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy. The duo got lost on the way back to Albany and found themselves in a remote spot with “NO TRESPASSING” signs and the name of the album came to them. Of the title, Schwarzchild shares, “‘Hey we’re all trespassers now, let’s try to do things together, see each other clearly, see ourselves clearly.’”
Legendary producer Don Fury propelled the band’s sound forward, with the 11 songs ranging in instrumentation and tone. Backing vocals from Zan Strumfeld (Zan and the Winter Folk) and Melissa Thorne (Fol Chen) also strengthen the songs on the record.
Doctor Baker’s Trespassers includes heavily distorted tracks such as the title track and slows to pieces such as “Holiday Lights” as a change of pace. The instrumentation of the album at times sounds light and cheerful but after closer inspection of the lyrics, the band adds depth to each of the tracks including vivid descriptions and reflections of politics, climate change, and the human condition. There is a relatable song for every listener on this album.
In celebration of Trespasser’s release, Doctor Baker will be performing at The Linda on Sept. 10, and Albany Distilling Company on Sept. 23. Fans of the band can keep up with them on Instagram, here.
The 34th annual Byron Bay Bluesfest Festival’s initial lineup has been revealed. Featuring international artists for the first time since 2019’s pre-pandemic festival, the first lineup released features over 40 artists.
Set for April 6-10, Bluesfest will see some of the finest contemporary and legendary blues, roots, soul, rock, hip hop, r&b, world and americana artists take the stage. This will be the first original style Bluesfest since the world re-opened. Last year primarily featured Australian and New Zealand Artists. Among those making their way down under are Utica’s own and renowned blues guitarist, Joe Bonamassa, bluegrass music innovators Greensky Bluegrass and jam-band favorites, Southern Avenue.
Bluesfest 2022 daytime
What is Bluesfest All-About?
Bluesfest is held over five days at the Byron Events Farm each easter long weekend. Event facilities include seven performance stages, nine licensed bars and two undercover food courts. There are many independent food vendors, car parking for over 7,000 vehicles and camping for up to 6,500 people.
In the coming weeks, Bluesfest will release more of the line-up, along with artist performance dates so that both day-trippers and 3-day ticket holders can make an informed choice. There will also be further announcements on two special satellite events happening in Melbourne and Perth.
And more good news is that ticket prices, camping and VIP tickets remain the same as 2022’s prices. That’s despite the significant increase in cost of international flights and freight logistics, with artist fees also on the rise. Bluesfest will also invest in upgrading the VIP area in order to give its supporters the best experience possible. For the campers that seek a“class above” experience you can upgrade to the Rainbow Tipi accommodation this year.
Whilst there are still plenty of Aussie artists listed in this first and upcoming announcements it is wonderful to once again in 2023, after four long years be able to bring back some of the greatest Blues, Roots, Soul, Rock, Hip Hop, R&B, World and Americana artists (and so much more) back to our shores after so long. As well as, of course, the stars of tomorrow.
– Peter Noble, Festival Director
Tickets for Bluesfest are now available and can be purchased on their official website. While only the 5-day passes are on sale for now, Bluesfest also offers 3-day and single-day passes.
