The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College has announced a public series of talks, screenings, performances, and more this fall. The series is in collaboration with the new exhibition “Forms of Awakening: Selections from the Jack Shear Collection of Himalayan Art.”
“Forms of Awakening” displays traditional Tibetan objects from the Jack Shear Collection alongside work from contemporary Tibetan artists. Together, the works reveal how such objects change our perspectives and bring light to aspects of reality unnoticed in daily life.
“Forms of Awakening” is open from August 19 through December 10. The exhibition is organized by Benjamin Bogin, Associate Professor of Asian Studies, Skidmore College; Rachel Seligman, Malloy Curator, Tang Teaching Museum; and Ariana Maki, Associate Director of the Tibet Center and Bhutan Initiative at the University of Virginia.
The Museum and Art Gallery’s new series includes a two-day symposium, with a focus on contemporary poetry and translation, featuring visiting poets and scholars. Featured guests include Sonam Tsomo Chashutsang, Lekey Leidecker, Tsering Wangmo Dhompa, and Dominique Townsend on Sept. 22–23; concerts by musician and activist Tenzin Choegyal on Oct. 13 and singer-songwriter Techung and singer-artist YESH on Dec. 2; a screening of four films by exhibiting artist Tenzin Phuntsog on Oct. 16; a dialogue between Phuntsog and Mary Kate Donovan, Skidmore College Associate Professor of Spanish and Director of Media and Film Studies, on October 19; and a tour with the exhibition curators and artist Palden Weinreb on Oct. 21.
All events are free and open to the public. For the latest information, visit tang.skidmore.edu.
A year since its inception, Midtown Manhattan’s Midnight Theatre has announced its Grand Opening date of September 22. For the official opening, the Dolphin Entertainment, Inc. investment rolled out a robust lineup of resident acts and concepts for the 2023-24 season.
The announcement includes an official Opening Week, showing off numerous acts from Monday, September 18.
The official Opening Week kicks off on Monday, September 18 with The Moth StorySLAM, an open-mic storytelling competition, which will continue to be featured each month.
On Wednesday, September 20, the talented Freestyle+ will put on an interactive showcase, celebrating hip-hop with some of New York’s top improv performers.
Thursday, September 21 will feature Samantha Bee’s Wits End, a star-studded live trivia game show hosted by Adam Kesner with Kenice Mobley.
Friday night’s opening party at the Midnight Theatre will host Dez Duron, frontman of NBC’s The Voice, showcasing his signature sound with hits from American songbook classics to genre-bending performances.
Special guests throughout the week will include David Cross and Eugene Mirman.
Indie rock singer-songwriter Stephen Artemis Jr. announced his new single, “Pale Blue,” released on September 15. The new track is a classic American murder ballad, as Artemis channels country, rock, and indie veins to fuse his newest release.
“Pale Blue” is a lively Americana track from Artemis, showing his signature harmonica skills and a strong following melody. It has a full, busy arrangement, which is not to it’s detriment, but instead emphasizes the pressure and drama of the murder ballad storyline. With inspiration of dark, true crime media, Stephen Artemis Jr. creates a searing look into Americana folk-rock tunes and steadily marks his place among them.
I really like true-crime podcasts. I watched way too much true-crime TV over the pandemic, so I think that’s how the song’s concept crept into my brain. I wanted to test myself to see if I could write something dark, like a true-crime podcast, but in my preferred medium; music’s version of true-crime is “the murder ballad” and Americana music is particularly rife with that type of song, but I felt that nobody had written a proper murder ballad in a long time.
Stephen Artemis Jr.
No stranger to the New York music scene, Stephen Artemis Jr was born and raised in New York’s Capital Region. In 2006, he moved to New York City and now operates out of Brooklyn. As a former member of Brooklyn-based The Falling Birds, Artemis now leads his own solo project, with two albums under his belt so far. “Pale Blue” marks the beginning of his new project, with more announcements to come.
“Pale Blue” is available on streaming services and for download on BandCamp. Find more information and announcements to come at stephenartemis.com.
Grammy Award-winner Olivia Rodrigo announced her highly anticipated GUTS World Tour in support of her recently released sophomore studio album GUTS. Including four stops at New York’s Madison Square Garden on April 5, 6, 8, and 9, the tour spans 57 dates across Europe and North America from February through August 2024.
Following the critical success of her 2022 debut SOUR Tour, the GUTS World Tour will be Rodrigo’s first arena run, including notable iconic venues such as London’s The O2, The Kia Forum, and New York’s own Madison Square Garden. Supporting acts on select dates include The Breeders, PinkPantheress, Chappell Roan, and Remi Wolf.
As one of the most anticipated albums of the year, GUTS arrived as the follow-up to Rodrigo’s 4x Platinum 2021 debut SOUR. GUTS features her two most recent hits “vampire” and “bad idea, right?,” both critically acclaimed since their single releases earlier this year. The music video for “bad idea, right?” was also released last month, drawing rave reviews for its clever storyline and 2000s inspiration.
In conjunction with the GUTS World Tour, Olivia Rodrigo is launching “Olivia Rodrigo’s Fund 4 Good,” a global initiative committed to building an equitable and just future for all women and girls. “Fund 4 Good” will directly support community-based non-profits that champion girls’ education, support reproductive rights, and prevent gender-based violence. A portion of the proceeds from all ticket and VIP sales from the GUTS World Tour will go to the organization.
Verified Fan Presale for the GUTS Tour begins on September 20 and 21. American Express Early Access presale begins on September 20 at 3 p.m. Fans can register up until September 17 for a chance to win presale access for the North American tour here and the European tour here.
Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour will also be featuring Silver Star Tickets, a program releasing select seats at $20 each (or equivalent local currency). Silver Star Tickets will be available in pairs of two for pickup at the local box office and will be available at a later date, with fans not knowing what seats they will receive. Rodrigo began the program to increase accessibility and affordability for fans on her upcoming tour.
Mexican music group Marca MP announced additional dates to their upcoming tour, including a show at NYC’s Palladium on March 9. The first leg of the 11-city tour kicks off on October 6 in Atlanta, GA, with the second leg beginning on March 1 in Sacramento, CA.
Marca MP, a romantic and old-fashioned yet daring musical group, consists of Chato (vocals/guitar), Omar Valdivia (guitar), and Ernesto Franco (tuba). With their simple arrangement of guitars, bass, and tuba, the band’s style shines through with the minimalistic framework.
The upcoming tour is in support of their most recent single, “Déjame Ser,” now available on all streaming platforms.
The general on-sale for Brindo Tour will start on Friday, September 8 at 10 AM at LiveNation.com.
BRINDO 2023/2024 TOUR DATES:
Fri, Oct 6 — Atlanta, GA — Coca-Cola Roxy
Sun, Oct 8 — Charlotte, NC — Ovens Auditorium
Fri, Oct 13 — El Paso, TX — Plaza Theatre
Sat, Oct 14 — Houston, TX — 713 Music Hall
Fri, Oct 20 — San Jose, CA — SAP Center
Sat, Oct 28 — Palm Desert, CA — Acrisure Arena
Sat, Nov 4 — Phoenix, AZ — Footprint Center
Fri, Mar 1 — Sacramento, CA — Golden 1 Center
Sat, Mar 2 — Las Vegas, NV — The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas
Fri, Mar 8 — Rosemont, IL — Allstate Arena
Sat, Mar 9 — New York, NY — Palladium Times Square
The Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) announced civic alliances in advance of opening later this month, as part of its mission to enrich the lives of New Yorkers through the arts. Executive Director Khady Kamara and Artistic Director Bill Rauch made the announcement as the group prepares to open the performing arts center at the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan.
Perelman Performing Arts Center designed by REX. Image Iwan Baan
PAC NYC is partnering with a number of organizations to further their commitment to collaborating and building alliances with the community. They have established anchor alliances with the Borough of Manhattan Community College, Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York, Interfaith Center of New York City, and The New York Immigration Coalition. In addition, PAC NYC has formed a foundational alliance with the Lenape Center.
The anchor alliances are relationships across multiple years with organizations that share a commitment to involving constituents in both PAC NYC and the allied group’s programs. Project-based alliances will spark dialogue and create programming around specific PAC NYC events, performances, and productions, and will allow both groups to reach new communities. Through these alliances, PAC NYC will collaborate closely with organizations with deep experience serving the city of New York across a variety of areas.
Building a performing arts center in this location was a promise to all of New York City. From the day we began working on the artistic programming, we also began developing relationships and creating dialogue around our events and performances. These partnerships will invite and include our neighbors from all five boroughs, connect people across differences, and help us discover how art can continue to inspire and heal.
Bill Rauch, PAC NYC Artistic Director
In addition, PAC NYC has announced a new exhibit in collaboration with new foundational alliance partner The Lenape Center. The exhibit is titled “Kishux,” and features a curated presentation of 12 large format photographs by Devin Pickering.
Perelman Performing Arts Center designed by REX. Image Iwan Baan.
“Kishux” shows photographs from over a period of five months, from all times of day, telling the story of the ancestral seeds return home to Lenapehoking, the Lenape name for their homeland. The Lenape people have historically inhabited a region across the eastern US, spanning much of what is now known as New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, New York’s Hudson Valley and the NYC metropolitan area. The exhibit at PAC NYC will run from September 23 through October 9, and is free for all.
PAC NYC tickets and memberships are available now at PACNYC.org or by phone at 212.266.3000. Tickets begin at $39 and memberships start at $10. For more information or to learn how to support PAC NYC, visit PACNYC.org.
NYC’s The Shed announced a new collaboration with West Side Fest, an upcoming celebration on September 30 from 3-7pm. The West Side Fest brings together the best of arts and culture on Manhattan’s West Side. For the inaugural celebration, all ages can enjoy free admission to participating museums and cultural institutions. In addition, the fest will have free indoor and outdoor activities including crafts, artmaking, and much more.
The celebratory block party will feature dance sets by The Dragon Sisters in partnership with Poster House, and Ladies of Hip-Hop in partnership with Chelsea Factory. The day will also have ongoing DJ sets from Riobamba, BEARCAT, and Ashley Venom.
Other organizations participating in West Side Fest include the Whitney Museum of American Art, Poster House, Hudson River Park, Westbeth Artists Residence, Little Island, West Village Rehearsal Co-op, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center, the New York City AIDS Memorial Park, The Kitchen, the Rubin Museum of Art, the High Line, and the Center for Art, Research and Alliances (CARA).
Photo: Jean Coleman
The West Side Cultural Network is a group 19 museums, parks, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. The network is located within a half-mile portion of historic New York along the west edge of Manhattan.
The Shed is a multimedia arts space in Hudson Yards, Manhattan. An independent non-profit, the venue works to bring together artists in fields including classical music, pottery, dance, digital media, and more. The Shed is located at 545 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001. For more information visit The Shed’s website.
Hailing from New York’s Finger Lakes Region, The Endless Mountain Derelicts released their third full-length EP in August, titled Good Got Damn. The group is an all-original blend of alternative, country, classic rock, folk, and punk, or a self-described mountain rock. EMD cites a blue collar, original yet familiar sound as inspiration for Good Got Damn. The EP features six tracks, all distinct yet with a strong style indicative of their passion and intensity.
The opening track, “State Lines,” starts out strong with energized, gritty vocals. The minor key and consistent backing vocals create a depth to the track that shows the group’s skill and unity.
The EP’s second track, “Ain’t It A Shame,” follows with an acoustic base and melancholy lyrics, leading into another energized, belting chorus. The vocals stay reserved during verses, but the energy and passion is released in the strong chorus.
“Light That Fuse” stands out creatively as a key track on the record. In this track, the group shows off their versatility in structure. The song has a strong, memorable hook in the chorus’s “light that fuse and run.”
Overall, The Endless Mountain Derelict’s Good Got Damn is a strong display of their unique style and passion. Their use of drums and creative syncopation is a key component that stands out across the board, as the arrangements strongly feature percussion. Additionally, the vocals show off an intense grit, which is a strong way to add character to a track, but finds its way to being a hallmark of EMD’s style.
The group carries an ethos of blue collar, lively inclusivity, which shines through in both their lyrics and sound. The group’s third full length release, Good Got Damn is a passionate combination of soulful lyrics and skilled musicianship.
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall announced an addition to their fall schedule: Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop. The night on Friday, October 27 at 7:30 PM will feature performances to highlight the history of hip hop with classic tracks and the genre’s favorite artists.
Live shows feature JB!! aka Dirty Moses, Ohzhe, KATANI, DJ Nate da Great, Shiloh the Messenger and Mundy.
The performers will be joined by Albany’s Victory Soul Orchestra. The horn funk favorite cites influence from classic New Orleans brass bands, as well as artists including Galatic and the Dap Kings.
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is thrilled to celebrate a half century of rhythm, rhyme, and revolution, with the beats of our local, talented artists in a timeless tribute to our community’s cultural evolution.
Jon Elbaum, Executive Director, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
JB!! aka Dirty Moses
Capital Regions 2022 & 2020 Eddies award winner for HipHop/Rap Artist of the year. JB!! aka Dirty Moses is on a mission to educate and enlighten others through music. This is your invitation to JB!! aka Dirty Moses World: a world of rhythm and rhyme; a world of love and inspiration: and a world of energy and music. This is where you’ll find JB!! aka Dirty Moses’s photos, music, videos and much more. For over twenty years JB!! aka Dirty Moses’s unique and methodical style has awakened the joy of music in thousands, young and old, all over the world.
Ohzhe
Albany native rapper with southern roots is marking his territory in the rap game with powerful lyrics, a diverse flow, and confidence that is undeniable. From being Eddie award nominated as best HipHop artist in his city, to creating opportunities for the youth Ohzhe stands true to his goal, to inspire the world and push forward the culture.
KATANI
Anti-misogyny, pro-black, community uplifting raptivist duo comprised of Amani O+ & Kat SoPoetic. Kat + Amani = KATANI. Best friends who began collaborating in 2016 as a response to the corruption, abuse and silence we experienced and observed locally and nationally. We found ourselves alchemizing our rage and disappointment into visionary medicine and inspiration.
DJ Nate da Great
DJ, turnt-tablist, thinker, maker, coder, etc… Been doing this DJ thing for 30+ years. Been doing this human-being thing for 40+ years. First and foremost I’m a creative thinker. I appreciate artistry, thinking outside the box and the creative process. I prefer to take the path less traveled. That actually happens sometimes.
Shiloh the Messenger
Located in Upstate New York, Shiloh The Messenger is a rapper, producer, and writer who pours his soul into his musical passion. Originating with a background of reggae and calypso, he’s found solace in hip hop, and over the years has continued to hone his skills and elevate his mastery of the craft.
Victory Soul Orchestra
Victory Soul Orchestra is a hometown horn funk favorite. The dirty sounds of New Orleans brass drive their sound with some influences including Galactic as well as the Dap Kings. You can also find them fronted by Albany’s own JB aka Dirty Moses and singer Dali Soto.
Tickets for Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop are on sale via phone at (518) 273-0038, in person at the box office, or online at troymusichall.org. The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Box Office is located at 30 Second Street, Troy. Hours are Monday through Thursday 10AM-3PM.
More information on the venue and other upcoming programs area available at troymusichall.org.
Strange Weather, the Brooklyn-based genre-bending group, has been slowly rolling out their newest record, The Fool’s Journey. The record is a concept piece, with one track released each month as the full story of the album unfolds. The most recent track to debut is “The Last Man Alive,” inspired by the classic Rip Van Winkle folk tale.
“The Last Man Alive” follows a story format about a man who wakes up to find himself, as one could guess, the last man alive. With lively vocals and whimsical tones, the track is truly an entertaining story in itself. The song breaks into guitar solos and maintains a bouncing musical undertone as the protagonist’s story unfolds.
The Fool’s Journey follows a protagonist as he falls down the rabbit hole of love, leaving his private sunny abode. Throughout the album, he faces challenges, riddles, romance, and hardship. Through it all, however, The Fool learns to face those hardships and comes to represent many facets of the human condition.
Strange Weather cites bombastic 90s rock, 70s Afrobeat, and spaghetti western, among others, as inspiration for their indie rock project. Strange Weather is led by songwriter and producer Sean Brennan, and includes Callie Brennan (vocals), Paul Peglar (keys and vocals), Philip Ambuel (bass), Alex Beckmann (drums and percussion), Isaac Gardner (drums and percussion), Evan Hamaguchi (saxophone), and Ethan Fox (tablas).
