NYS Music 2023

Author: Cara Denton

  • Hearing Aide: The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, Stephen Clair

    Stephen Clair released his newest album, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, on November 17. A one-man recording production, the record showcases 11 songs with complete performances, meaning no edits or post-production re-dos. 

    Stephen Clair's The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life

    Stephen Clair began releasing music in 1997, but his musical career began long before. Citing Johnny Cash as a childhood influence, Clair recorded his newest record as a solo production, with the performances being only him and his guitar or piano. His tenth studio record, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is not one to miss.

    The record’s fifth track, “Days Passed,” shows off Clair’s proficiency in guitar picking and instrumentation. The vocals are a distinct, contrasting note, with a higher melody and Dylan-like tone and rhythm. It stands out as a more confident spot on the album.

    The eighth track on the album, “I Imagined I Was An Elevator,” stands out creatively, with an intriguing title and subject. The melody falters at points, but the vocal style brings flair to a simple singer-songwriter track, with just Clair and his guitar.

    The tenth track, and another one not to miss, “Bubble Bath,” begins with a hopeful chord progression and soothing guitar melodies. Not only is the music soothing, but the lyrics describe an oasis away from the world, with a cozy bubble bath for the listener.

    Stephen Clair Photo Credit: Hillary Clements
    Photo Credit: Hillary Clements

    The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is Stephen Clair’s tenth full length album, available everywhere on November 17.

    Stephen Clair upcoming shows in New York State

    November 17 – Beacon – Howland Cultural Center

    November 18 – Roscoe – Catskill Brewery

    December 20 – NYC – Rockwood Music Hall

    Tickets and more information are available here.

  • Peter Hook & The Light Announce Commemorative Tour, Show At Brooklyn Steel

    Peter Hook & The Light announced a run of North American tour dates, scheduling for August and September 2024.

    Including a stop at New York City’s Brooklyn Steel, the former New Order and Joy Division bassist will have surprises in store for fans of all his music ventures.

    Peter Hook & The Light Upcoming Tour

    This run of tour dates will specifically feature performances of the Substance albums by Joy Division and New Order in full, revisiting and celebrating Hook’s previous projects. Hook first revisited Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures in 2010 for a commemorative charity show, and has since done so every year from the discography of both Joy Division and New Order.

    It still amazes me how enjoyable it is to play the Substance LPs. The contrast between Joy Division and New Order is very apparent but both complement each other very well. My only frustration is not being able to play more of our records each night. I am totally looking forward to the next phase. So, let’s enjoy some Substance and get ready for the future. Lots of love, Hooky.

    Peter Hook

    Peter Hook & The Light celebrated the Substance albums in London this past October with a commemorative show at the Eventim Apollo, a 5300-capacity venue known for hosting some of the world’s biggest names, including Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and more.

    Peter Hook onstage

    Venue pre-sale tickets will be available tomorrow, November 15 from 10am local time. General onsale will begin November 17 from 10am local time here: https://peterhookandthelight.live.

    Peter Hook & The Light Upcoming Tour Dates

    August 31 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY

    September 1 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club

    September 3 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club

    September 4 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer

    September 6 – New York, NY –  Brooklyn Steel

    September 7 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre

    September 10 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre

    September 11 – Austin, TX – The Far Out Lounge and Stage

    September 13 – Houston, TX – House Of Blues

    September 14 – Dallas, TX – House Of Blues

    September 16 – San Diego, CA – Humphreys Concerts By The Bay

    September 17 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

    September 20 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium

    September 21 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield

    September 23 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom

    September 25 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox

    September 26 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom

    September 28 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre

  • Porno For Pyros to Bid Farewell, Two March Dates in New York

    Alternative rock group Porno For Pyros announced a North American tour for this coming spring, originally breaking a 26-year touring hiatus, but now will be a farewell tour. Titled the “Horns, Thorns, En Halos Tour” includes two stops in New York State, Port Chester on March 7 and NYC on March 8, 2024.

    Porno For Pyros Upcoming Tour

    Porno For Pyros formed in 1992 in Los Angeles, following vocalist Perry Farrell and drummer Stephen Perkins’s departure from 90’s rock group Jane’s Addiction. Their first record, a self titled album released in 1993, charted immediately on Billboard’s Top 100. The group followed up with Good God’s Urge in 1996, and later disbanded in 1998.

    The group has been teasing a full return since 2013, and is set to release a brand new EP next year. Their most recent release, a single titled “Agua,” released on November 16. The new track is inspired by environmental concerns, and reminiscing memories from surfing trips the group took in the 90’s.

    Now we’re here, and that same heart, that same desire to make music together, has returned. Getting together with these guys has been some of the most fun, the happiest times in my life

    Perry Farrell, vocalist

    Porno For Pyros will play two shows in New York State on their upcoming tour, in Port Chester and NYC. The group will play The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on March 7. Finally, they will make a stop at NYC’s Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom the following day on March 8.

    Porno For Pyros band

    Tickets will be available for presale as early as 12 pm on November 15, with the general on-sale taking place on Friday, November 17 at 10 AM at LiveNation.com. 

    PORNO FOR PYROS – HORNS, THORNS EN HALOS FAREWELL TOUR DATES: 

    Tue Feb 13 – Santa Ana, CA – Observatory Orange County

    Thu Feb 15 – San Diego, CA – Observatory San Diego

    Sat Feb 17 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Theater

    Sun Feb 18 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco

    Wed Feb 21 – Aspen, CO * – Belly Up Aspen

    Thu Feb 22 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium 

    Sat Feb 24 –- Omaha, NE – Astro Theatre

    Mon Feb 26 – Chicago, IL – Salt Shed

    Tue Feb 27 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit 

    Thu Feb 29 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY 

    Sat Mar 02 – Philadelphia, PA – Parx Casino

    Sun Mar 03 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring 

    Tue Mar 05 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

    Thu Mar 07 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre 

    Fri Mar 08 – New York, NY – Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom 

    Sun Mar 10 – Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater

  • Dave Mason and Joe Bonamassa Share Reimagined “Dear Mr Fantasy”

    Rock n Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason of Traffic has unveiled a new, re-released version of the band’s timeless hit, “Dear Mr. Fantasy.” Alongside blues rock icon, Joe Bonamassa, the two created a reimagining of the 1967 track that both honors the original arrangement, while infusing new creativity into the music.

    Dave Mason and Joe Bonamassa's Dear Mr Fantasy

    Traffic released “Dear Mr. Fantasy” in 1967 on the Mr. Fantasy album, the band’s debut release. Original band members Dave Mason, Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood collaborated on Traffic’ discography throughout the 60s and 70s. The band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

    ’Fantasy’ has been a favorite song of mine since its release in 1967. I’ve played it live for years in a number of different arrangements. As I’ve often said, there are no old songs, just good songs, and ‘Dear Mr. Fantasy,’ in my mind, is one of the finest examples around.

    Dave Mason

    Joe Bonamassa, who lent his guitar and vocal skills to the new track, is a blues rock musician hailing from New Hartford, NY, a suburb of Utica. Having opened for B.B. King at the age of twelve, Bonamassa released his first album in 2000. Since then, the 3-time Grammy nominee has since released a total of 16 solo records.

    To have the opportunity to incorporate one of the modern-day great guitar players, Joe Bonamassa, is as exciting to me as playing with Jimi Hendrix. He is the first person I wanted to include on this new version of ‘Fantasy.’

    Dave Mason
    Dave Mason and Joe Bonamassa
    Dave Mason (left) and Joe Bonamassa (right)

    Alongside the new release of “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” Mason and Bonamassa released an animated music video, with bright graphics and lyrics to accompany the reimagined track. Watch the new music video below.

  • Photo City Music Hall and RootsCollider to present Rave Against the Machine 5 post-Thanksgiving

    RootsCollider, the ever-popular EDM dance-rock group from Rochester, have announced their 5th annual Rave Against The Machine, this year sporting the Glitch Hop Edition.

    The event will take place on November 24 at Rochester’s Photo City Music Hall with rotating music performances from 7PM until late into the night.

    Rave Against The Machine 5

    The event hosts six performing groups: Sophistafunk, RootsCollider, Subsoil, Éclat Vibes, Junkyard Theory, and Ampbition, in addition to numerous special guests. Appearances will be made by Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Gunpoets, Mosaic Foundation, Personal Blend, The Buddhahood, Helium Bubble and more throughout the night.

    The six performing groups will rotate on two stages throughout the night, playing multiple sets each. Headlined by Sophistafunk and RootsCollider, the night will feature all flavors of EDM, hip-hop, fusion rock, and more.

    RootsCollider
    RootsCollider

    The Rave night is themed and inspired by the recent Barbie movie, so attendees are encouraged to wear all pink, or dress up at their favorite characters from the hit movie. 

    Rave Against The Machine is an 18+ event. Tickets are general admission and are available here. The event will take place at Photo City Music Hall in Rochester, NY on November 24 at 7PM.

  • Hearing Aide: Ian McCuen “What It Means To Be Young, Sad, and Alone”

    Ian McCuen’s sixth album and the longest by far, What It Means To Be Young, Sad, and Alone is a melancholy, transcendent record. It opens with the repeated line, “Funny how it feels like an art, the way things always fall apart. But eventually, so it goes, we all die alone.” With this air of self-aware critique, McCuen crafts a soothing, yet gut-wrenching depiction of truly what it means to be young, sad, and alone.

    What It Means To Be Young, Sad, and Alone

    Based in Buffalo, Ian McCuen’s first album came in 2017, with three volumes of Songs of Fleeting Permanence over the next few years. They operate relatively solo, writing, composing, and arranging all their own tracks across a wide range of instruments. What It Means To Be Young, Sad, and Alone includes over nine unique instruments, including a harmonica, saxophone, mandolin, banjo, and the ever-present electric guitar.

    Ian McCuen

    The full record, boasting an impressive 20 tracks and amassing 80 minutes, follows a distinct style both musically and lyrically. McCuen creates an ethereal soundscape, with delicate vocals that are whispering and soothing. 

    The first track on the record, “A Reprise For The Lonely,” acts as an introductory point, both sonically and lyrically, for the rest of the record. However, it creates a strong introduction. The organ-like keyboard commands attention, and the backing vocals and whisper-like spoken word are sad, yet hypnotising. 

    Another song to pay attention to, “Checkerboard Purgatory,” comes as the 11th track on the record. Halfway through the massive tracklist, it easily gets lost among the masses, but it distinguishes itself with a catchy guitar track. 

    The 19th track on the record, “Vicissitude (So It Goes),” is an impressive 8 and a half minutes. Its vocals are subtle, whispering, and generally mellow, but the melody takes a minor shift halfway through. 

    Overall, What It Means To Be Young, Sad, and Alone is truly overwhelmingly sad. However, as a self-described “purveyor of sorrow,” this is exactly what McCuen aims to produce. For those that can indulge in the intense emotional experience of their monumental album, it’s a soothing display of poetry and ambient musicianship.

  • The Park Theater Introduces November Lineup And New Education Program

    The Park Theater in Glens Falls has compiled an exciting November 2023 lineup for the region’s music-goers, as well as announced the second installment of their education initiative, involving local schools to expand music and technology education programs.

    Education Program at The Park Theater

    November 10 will see the TAKE3 trio at The Park Theater, combining rock and classical music. The group brings their rigorous classical music background, combined with an energetic rock show to music fans.

    The Park Theater Foundation will present the Live & Local series, a run of intimate performances by some of the Capital Region’s most beloved singer-songwriters. The Theater will host The North & South Dakotas, an alternative bluegrass band, on November 9, and folk-acoustic Troy group Hold On Honeys on November 30.

    In addition, the Park Theater will host the Rochmon Record Club in a series of listening parties. On November 29, the club will focus on Bruce Springsteen’s 1978 record, Darkness on the Edge of Town.

    The Third Thursday Jazz series will continue with the Matt Niedbalski Trio on November 16, featuring Matt Niedbalski, Matt Knoegel, and Steven Kirsty playing some of the region’s best jazz programs.

    The North & South Dakotas

    Finally, the Park Theater will welcome Katie Boyle, a NYC-based Irish comedian as part of the Comedy After Dark series. She is the host of The Shift Podcast, and will present her new show, “Terapy,” on her upcoming tour.

    In addition to their upcoming shows, the Park Theater Foundation is launching the second installment of their involvement with the Lake George Central School District, beginning on November 7. The program will complement Lake George High School’s existing music program, and bring comprehensive instruction, demonstration, and teaching of audio technology and instruments. The program will involve local musicians, including Matt Niedbalski, Tyler Giroux, Dylan Perillo, and Chris Reed Jr.

    For more information and tickets to the upcoming performances, visit parktheatergf.com.

  • Norah Jones Announces Concerts & Cultural Experience in Cuba

    Norah Jones has announced a concert program in Havana, Cuba as part of a four-day cultural experience in February. The program, titled Vive En La Habana, celebrates Cuban culture through music, education, and more, with two headline shows at Havana’s historic Teatro Martí.

    Norah Jones: Vive En La Habana Cuba

    An NYC native, Norah Jones launched her solo career in 2002, winning Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best New Artist following her debut album, Come Away With Me. Most recently, she re-released the deluxe version of her 2012 album, Little Broken Hearts. Jones began her newest project, a podcast titled Norah Jones Is Playing Along, in 2022, where she explores creative collaborations, conversation, and connection.

    Norah Jones will play Havana’s Teatro Martí on February 17 and 18. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the artist, watch soundcheck, and sit-in on a seminar session with Jones and musicians from Institute Superior De Arte, Cuba’s leading arts university. The program aims to celebrate Cuban cultural and musical heritage, as well as provide an educational experience for attendees visiting the country.

    Teatro Martí

    In addition to Vive En La Habana, Norah Jones will take the stage at NYC’s The Town Hall at Rufus and Martha Wainwright’s Not So Silent Night, a Christmas concert special featuring Norah Jones, Debby Harry, Sean Ono Lennon, and more. Tickets are on sale now, available here.

    Attendees at Vive En La Habana will experience all things Norah Jones: tickets to both shows at Teatro Martí, Q&As, a Cuban music masterclass, accommodation, excursions, and more. The program runs from February 15-19, 2024. Tickets are available now at norahinhavana.com. Attendees can register by November 27 for a 10% discount.

  • Catch Putnam Place’s Exciting November Lineup

    Saratoga Springs’ Putnam Place has an exciting lineup for this month, featuring a number of jam bands, indie pop, folk, and more. The venue will continue weekly open mics, game nights, and local artist spotlights with the Family Tree series.

    Consider The Source
    Consider The Source

    Beloved NY sci-fi fusion group Consider The Source will play at Putnam Place alongside Bella’s Bartok, a Massachusetts-based folk group. The two extraordinary music groups are known for exciting performances, and are sure to impress Saratoga on November 9.

    On November 10, Putnam Place will host Bearly Dead, a Grateful Dead tribute band. The group boasts over 230 songs in their repertoire, and constantly rotate them for a unique concert experience for each crowd.

    Bearly Dead
    Bearly Dead

    Blue Star Radiation will play Putnam Place on November 16 alongside Al Schnier and Rob Derhak of moe. The collaboration between the musicians will feature classic rock covers, band originals, and more for an exciting performance.

    Putnam Place will continue to offer their weekly events this fall. Every Monday, the venue will host Family Tree, a performance featuring Steve Candlen, Kenny Hohman, Lori Friday, Chris Carey and Chad Ploss, joined each week by a special guest from the regional music scene. In addition, Mondays will be Sly Fox’s Open Mic Night, immediately following the Family Tree performance. In addition, Wednesdays will see Game Night and Karaoke with Eric C.

    Tickets and more information for shows at Putnam Place are available at putnamplace.com.

    November Shows at Putnam Place

    11/9 – Consider The Source + Bella’s Bartok

    11/10 – Bearly Dead

    11/12 – Ripe w/ Hoko

    11/16 – Blue Star Radiation w/ Al & Rob moe.stly acoustic

    11/17 – Eggy w/ Funky Dawgz

    11/24 – Formula 5 w/ Hilltop 

    11/30 – Karina Ryman w/ Coyote Island

  • New York Youth Symphony To Debut ‘Crescendo’ At The Kaufman Center

    The New York Youth Symphony has debuted a brand new orchestra, Crescendo, set to play their first concert titled Breaking New Ground on November 20 at Merkin Hall at The Kaufman Center. Directed by Tanya Chanphanitpornkit, the youth orchestra is a free program for New York City students.

    New York Youth Symphony

    The New York Youth Symphony provides NYC students access to music in an immersive and educational experience. Crescendo, the new orchestra group for string players aged 10-18, will play a selection of six pieces at Merkin Hall, including Mendelssohn, Bologne, and more.

    Crescendo

    The Kaufman Music Center presents music programs for students, performers, and audiences alike. Merkin Hall is the center’s most intimate venue, hosting workshops, performances, and competitions throughout the year.

    Crescendo will debut Breaking New Ground on November 20 at 7PM at Merkin Hall at The Kaufman Center. Tickets are available here.