NYS Music 2023

Author: Cara Denton

  • Pop-Punk Group Gone Stereo Drops New Single “I’m So Sick”

    Gone Stereo, the Long Island native pop-punk band has released their brand new single, “I’m So Sick,” promoting their upcoming sophomore album.

    Gone Stereo's I'm So Sick

    The new track, “I’m So Sick,” builds on the classic, early-2000s pop punk anthem. The song rides the band’s energy and hook-driven catchiness from previous tracks, and features artwork by punk rock legend Mark DeSalvo.

    The group is signed to Negative Progression Records, a punk, emo, and indie label established in 1996. Gone Stereo worked on “I’m So Sick” alongside John Naclerio (Knuckle Puck, Real Friends, Bayside) and Chris Badami (The Starting Line, The Early November).

    Gone Stereo

    Videos for both “I’m So Sick” and the group’s new B-Side track “Cool Kids” are set to debut on BlankTV, where the band’s previous videos have garnered over 5,000 plays. Tune into SiriusXM’s Faction Punk to hear “I’m So Sick” and more from the group’s sophomore album debuting this fall.

    “Cool Kids” is about coping with cliques, feeling left out, and how unpleasant it feels. You think that you want to be a part of it, but you refuse to be pressured to conform to their standards. In the end, those cliques will all fade away.

    Matty Lupinacci, vocals

    UPCOMING SHOWS
    September 29 – 89 North Music Venue, Patchogue, NY (supporting Roderik)

  • Comedy-Bluegrass Show “FOIA Love” Makes Troy Debut

    FOIA Love: A Comedy and Bluegrass Show About Public Records, is making its one-night Troy debut on October 22 at the Arts Center of the Capital Region. The show is a comedy and music performance, with all humor inspired by actual public documents, such as FCC complaints about Big Bang Theory being too violent, FBI profiles of sports stars, and misguided visa rejections.

    Foia Love

    The show’s musical performances feature Grammy-nominee Tristan Scroggins, Martha McDonnell (Broadway’s Girl From the North Country), and BB Bowness (winner of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize). The show was written by Curtis Raye, who spent eight years working in Washington D.C. and on Iowa’s presidential caucus. This gave his access to observe the inherent comedy in public records, spanning school board meetings and court testimony, to real White House menus.

    Tristan Scroggins was recently featured on the Grammy-nominated The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project, Vol. 1. A native of Albequerque and Denver, he is now based in the historical music city of Nashville, where he is a leading voice of bluegrass and mandolin music. 

    Tristan Scroggins
    Credit: Nico Humby

    FOIA Love has had successful shows at landmark spots across the country, from Los Angeles’s UCB Theater, to the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Performers will read from real, unintentionally funny public records, as elite musical talents add their skill to tunes inspired by topics revealed in the documents.

    FOIA Love: A Comedy and Bluegrass Show About Public Records will be on October 22, 2023 at 6pm at the Arts Center of the Capital Region, located at 265 River St, Troy, NY 12180.

    Tickets start at $25 and are available at foialove.com. For questions or inquiries contact foiacomedy@gmail.com.

  • Watch: “Here Lies Love” Goes In-Depth with new L-ISA Acoustic System

    L-Acoustics released a video piece about the use of the pioneering audio technology L-ISA in the Broadway production of Here Lies Love. Featuring interviews with musical legend David Byrne (concept, music & lyrics), sound designers Cody Spencer and M.L. Dogg, and scenic designer David Korins, the video goes in depth on how L-ISA is used in the show and what it means in the context of Broadway productions.

    Here Lies Love

    Here Lies Love is a revolutionary Broadway show with a rock-pop pedigree, creating a demand for a sufficient sound system to do justice to the Byrne-Fatboy Slim musical. The L-ISA spatial sound system brings an essential sense of immersion to the production, with over 220 speakers in configuration around the theater.

    Here Lies Love tells the story of former Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos’ astonishing rise to power and subsequent fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution. The show features the first all-Filipino cast to perform on Broadway, and opened in July to raving reviews.

    Here Lies Love

    Developed and directed by Tony Award-winner Alex Timbers and choreographed by Olivier Award-nominee Annie-B Parson, the show uses creative choreography and movement to immerse the audience in not only the music, but the dancing and thrill of the Broadway experience.

    TICKETING INFORMATION

    Visit herelieslovebroadway.com/tickets/ for the most current performance schedule.

    Tickets are on sale at Telecharge.com, by phone at 212-239-6200, or in person at the Broadway Theatre box office (1681 Broadway at 53rd Street). For information on groups of 10+, contact Broadway Inbound at broadwayinbound.com or call 866-302-0995.

    Rush tickets are available in-person at the Broadway Theatre box office on the day of the performance for $35 each. Tickets are limited to a maximum of 2 per person and are subject to availability.

    Digital lottery entrants can register for the chance to purchase up to 2 tickets at $39 each. Entries for the Here Lies Love digital lottery start at 12 AM, one day before the performance, and winners are drawn the same day at 10 AM and 3 PM. Visit rush.telecharge.com for more information and to register. Drawings only appear when they are open for entries.

  • Adequate Phil Drops New Psychedelic Track “Peaches”

    Adequate Phil, the self-described freak-folk group hailing from Troy, released “Peaches,” their brand new track on August 20. The song is a dreamy, lo-fi tune with a rap verse that takes the group in a new direction.

    Adequate Phil
    Credit: Sarah Straight @sarahestraight

    “Peaches” features harmonizing, distorted vocals reminiscent of the group’s cited influences from classic psychedelic acts like Animal Collective, The Beatles, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Radiohead. Synth lines and beats create the backtrack of the song, ensuring a consistent tone and rhythm for listeners to dance and sway to.

    Adequate Phil
    Credit: Headless Relatives @headlessrelatives

    Adequate Phil is a four-piece group, comprised of L Nino (guitar, vocals, percussion, production), Showerpanther (effects, synths, vocals), Phil (bass, guitar, vocals, mixing, production), and Andrew Golden (drums, percussion). 

    The group recently participated in the Jive Hive Live Halloween Special, an upcoming mini video releasing on October 31, Halloween Day. Jive Hive Live is an intimate studio facility built for live recordings and livestream productions.

    Upcoming Shows

    September 27 – No Fun, Troy, NY (supporting Activity)

    September 28 – El Dorado, Troy, Ny (supporting Heathmonger)

    Stream “Peaches” from Adequate Phil below.

  • Bushwick Film Festival Celebrates Its Sweet Sixteen This October

    The Bushwick Film Festival is set to celebrate its 16th anniversary this fall, with the festival taking place from October 25-29th. Inspired by the notion of the “Sweet Sixteen,” a time of growth, self-discovery, and newfound independence, this year’s festival theme revolves around exploring and embracing our passage into life’s next chapter, through cinema. 

    Bushwick Film Festival

    The festival continues its partnership with Williamsburg Cinemas, where all festival films will be screened. To celebrate its Sweet 16, this year’s films will explore themes of coming-of-age, self-realization, and the quest for personal freedom, captured through the cinematic lens. 

    Turning 16 traditionally symbolizes growth and discovery, but these transformative moments are not bound by age. We find defining moments at every juncture and during every transition. As we usher in the 16th Bushwick Film Festival, we’re celebrating more than just cinema; we’re embracing the journey, the lessons, and the stories that have brought us here. Here’s to life’s defining chapters and the many stories that intertwine with them.

    Kweighbaye Kotee, Founder

    The festival features not only an exciting lineup of films, but also a range of special events. The Opening Night Red Carpet Reception will take place at Brooklyn Borough Hall on October 25. In addition, the Movie Industry Conference will feature a full day of panel discussions, conversations, and networking opportunities for industry professionals and filmmakers. Finally, a lively Sweet 16 Party will be held at Lot 45.

    Tickets to the 16th Anniversary Bushwick Film Festival, and film programing highlights can be found below, as well as at www.bushwickfilmfestival.com:  

    Halloween-inspired movie night: Campy Horrors, Thrillers and Supernartural 

    NY Stories

    Social Justice 

    Stories about Love 

    Must See Features

  • Lukas Nelson & POTR Announce MSG, Rochester, and Kingston Shows on Upcoming Fall Tour

    Grammy Award-winning artist Lukas Nelson and his longtime band, Promise of the Real (POTR), have announced an extensive headline tour this fall including stops at New York’s Madison Square Garden on September 29, Kingston’s Ulster Performing Arts Center on November 25, and Rochester’s Water Street Music Hall on November 26The tour is in support of Nelson’s recent album, Sticks and Stones.

    The group will embark on their tour on September 15 in Pryor, OK, with stops including Kansas City, MO, Boston, MA, Austin, TX, and Asbury Park, NJ.

    Self-produced by Lukas Nelson and POTR, Sticks and Stones was released last month on 6ACE Records/Thirty Tigers and is currently top 5 on the Americana Albums charts. With the record, Nelson continues to garner success at radio as his single, “Sticks and Stones,” is currently #1 on the Alt Country chart and top 10 on the Americana Singles chart.

    Written solely by Nelson, Sticks and Stones is filled with upbeat energy and fun. He explores universal human experiences of love, celebration, longing and humor, while also capturing the musical power and electricity of the band’s live performances. Lukas Nelson and POTR is Lukas Nelson, Anthony LoGerfo, Corey McCormick, Logan Metz, and Tato Melgar.

    Tickets for the new shows are on sale now. Details can be found at www.lukasnelson.com/tour. Additional headline dates to be announced.

    September 20—St. Louis, MO—Delmar Hall

    September 21—Bloomington, IL—The Castle Theatre

    September 24—North Adams, MA—FreshGrass

    September 27—Boston, MA—TD Garden*

    September 29—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden*

    October 6-8—Gretna, LA—Gretna Heritage Festival

    October 13—Austin, TX—ACL Live at the Moody Theatre

    October 14—Midland, TX—The Tailgate

    October 15—San Antonio, TX—The Espee

    October 18—Abilene, TX—The Paramount Theatre

    October 19—Fort Worth, TX—Tannahill’s Tavern

    October 21—Oklahoma City, OK—Tower Theatre

    October 24—Little Rock, AR—The Hall

    October 25—Memphis, TN—Minglewood Hall

    October 26—Oxford, MS—The Lyric

    October 28—Atlanta, GA—Buckhead Theatre

    October 30—St. Petersburg, FL—Jannus Landing

    November 1—Fort Lauderdale, FL—Parker Theatre

    November 4—Sanford, FL—Tuffy’s Music Box

    November 5—Fort Myers, FL—The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon

    November 8—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium

    November 9—Asheville, NC—Orange Peel

    November 11—Raleigh, NC—The Ritz

    November 12—Washington, DC—9:30 Club

    November 14—Charlottesville, VA—Jefferson Theatre

    November 15—Asbury Park, NJ—Stone Pony

    November 16—Philadelphia, PA—Brooklyn Bowl

    November 19—Providence, RI—The Strand

    November 24—Burlington, VT—Higher Ground

    November 25—Kingston, NY—Ulster Performing Arts Center

    November 26—Rochester, NY—Water Street Music Hall

    November 28—Toronto, Ontario—Concert Hall

    November 29—Cleveland, OH—House of Blues

    November 30—Pittsburgh, PA—Stage AE

    December 2—Cincinnati, OH—Bogarts

    December 3—Columbus, OH—Bluestone

    December 5—Chicago, IL—Joe’s Live

    December 6—Milwaukee, WI—The Rave

    December 7—Minneapolis, MN—First Avenue

    *supporting Tedeschi Trucks Band

  • Disney Jazz Tribute “When You Wish Upon A Star” To Play Corning Museum of Glass this October

    When You Wish Upon a Star – A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney is coming to Corning’s Museum of Glass on October 28 as part of their upcoming national tour. The tour will also make a stop at Newark, NJ’s Victoria Theatre at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

    The show features musical direction by Sean Mason and the brand new house band of The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, as well as Kim Nalley and Sasha Dobson as vocalists.

    When You Wish Upon A Star - A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney

    Director Sean Mason leads the touring show, as one of the premier talents of his generation. Mason has performed and toured with jazz legends including Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, and Herlin Riley, and as a recent Julliard graduate, he is rolling out his upcoming debut album The Southern Suite. As a native North-Carolinan turned New Yorker, the record explores his southern roots from his current vantage point at the heart of the NYC music scene.

    Sean Mason, director
    Credit: Martina DaSilva

    Philanthropist and vocalist Kim Nalley will join the show, boasting a 3½ octave range and stunning performances. As the “Most Influential African American in the Bay Area,” Nalley has performed with greats such as Rhoda Scott, David “Fathead” Newman, and the San Francisco Symphony. In addition to Nalley, Sasha Dobson will join the show on vocals. A critically acclaimed performer, she is one-third of the hit triop Puss n’ Boots, alongside Catherine Popper and Norah Jones. 

    Together with band members Ahmad Johnson on drums, Corentin Le Hir on bass, Alicyn Yaffee on guitar and Anthony Hervey on trumpet, the musicians will bring the jazz arrangements of Disney’s popular soundtracks to the stage on the nationwide tour this fall.

    As shown in their vast collection of animated feature film soundtracks, Disney has always had an affinity for jazz music. In 2009, Disney released an album of reimagined songs based on their soundtrack catalog. With over 600 songs to choose from, the album features some of the most talented contemporary jazz stars of the age, as well as rising up-and-comers. This fall, the new generation of emerging talent will perform the live touring version, titled When You Wish Upon a Star – A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney.

    Although not associated with Disney, When You Wish Upon A Star will feature fan favorite tunes from iconic movies such as Snow White, Lady and the Tramp, Mary Poppins, and Toy Story. The reimagined songs have been arranged and recorded by Disney music fans such as  Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Dianne Reeves. 

    The touring band personnel is Sean Mason (piano, bandleader), Kim Nalley (vocals), Sasha Dobson (vocals), Ahmad Johnson (drums), Corentin Le Hir (bass), Alicyn Yaffee (guitar), and Anthony Hervey (trumpet).

    Upcoming Tour Dates

    • Sept. 29, 2023 –Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, Livermore, CA 
    • Sept. 30, 2023 – Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, Tracy, CA 
    • Oct. 1, 2023 – Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA
    • Oct. 3, 2023 – Brigham Young University Performing Arts Series, Provo, UT 
    • Oct. 4, 2023 – College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID
    • Oct. 6, 2023 – CU Presents – University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 
    • Oct. 7, 2023 – SF Jazz, San Francisco, CA 
    • Oct. 8, 2023 – Carpenter Performing Arts Center at CSU Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 
    • Oct. 10, 2023 – Numerica Performing Arts Center, Wenatchee, WA
    • Oct. 12, 2023 – Pepperdine University, Smothers Theatre, Malibu, CA
    • Oct. 14, 2023 – Fox Tucson Theatre, Tucson, AZ 
    • Oct. 15, 2023 – Chandler Center for the Arts, Chandler, AZ 
    • Oct. 17, 2023 – Traverse City Opera House, Traverse City, MI 
    • Oct. 18, 2023 – Michigan State University, Wharton Center, Pasant Theatre, East Lansing, MI
    • Oct. 19, 2023 – Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 
    • Oct. 20, 2023 – Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, Bloomington, IL
    • Oct. 21, 2023 – College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center, Glen Ellyn, IL 
    • Oct. 22, 2023 – Door Community Auditorium, Fish Creek, WI 
    • Oct. 24, 2023 – The Grand Theater, Wausau, WI 
    • Oct. 27, 2023 – Millersville University, The Ware Center, Millersville, PA
    • Oct. 28, 2023 – Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY 
    • Nov. 1, 2023 – Newberry Opera House, Newberry, SC 
    • Nov. 2, 2023 – Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville, NC
    • Nov. 4, 2023 – Alden Theatre at McLean Community Center, McLean, VA
    • Nov. 5, 2023 – Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis, MD
    • Nov. 9, 2023 – Corsicana Palace Theatre, Corsicana, TX 
    • Nov. 10, 2023 – Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, Richardson, TX 
    • Nov. 11, 2023 – Geiger Performing Arts Center, Spring, TX 
    • Nov. 13, 2023 – Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA
    • Nov. 14, 2023 – Heymann Center, Lafayette, LA 
    • Nov. 15, 2023 – Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge, LA 
    • Nov. 17, 2023 – New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Victoria Theatre, Newark, NJ 
    • Nov. 18, 2023 – Ocean County College, Grunin Center for the Arts, Toms River, NJ 
    • Nov. 19, 2023 – Weinberg Center for the Arts, Frederick, MD

  • The New York Latino Film Festival Returns To NYC

    The New York Latino Film Festival (NYLFF) will be held on September 15-24 at New York City’s Regal Union Square. With an impressive roster of 116 films from nearly 20 countries, the festival marks the 25th celebration since its inception in 1999. With musical tribute films, brand new biopics, and the return of long-time favorite actors and directors, the festival has something for everyone.

    New York Latino Film Festival

    The festival will open with the NYC premiere of Amazon Prime’s Cassandro (2023, 99min, USA). Starring Gael Garcia Bernal, the film follows the true story of a gay wrestler from El Paso who rose to international stardom. Directed by Roger Ross Williams, the feature film also stars global music sensation Bad Bunny.

    Cassandro (2023, 99min, USA)

    “Amidst this historic moment in the entertainment industry, NYLFF continues to uphold the importance of stories as a powerful and important tool for collective social change. The Festival, for 23 years, has and will continue to offer Latino filmmakers and content creators a platform to highlight our stories. More than ever, we been ready

    Calixto Chinchilla, Founder, New York Latino Film Festival

    In addition, the NYLFF will screen Aristotle Torres’ debut feature Story Ave (2023, 94min, USA). Starring Puerto Rican-New Yorker Luis Guzman, the film follows an MTA worker held up by young graffiti artist Kadir (Asante Blackk) in a robbery gone right. Luis Guzman, known for hit films such as Punch-Drunk Love (2002), The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009), and the new hit series Wednesday (2022) as Gomez Addams, was raised in New York’s Greenwich Village and Lower East Side.

    Story Ave (2023, 94min, USA)

    We are thrilled to shine a light on independent film production in NYC by once again supporting the New York Latino Film Festival. This year’s opening night film, Story Ave, directed by up-and-coming NYC filmmaker Aristotle Torres, is the perfect example of why this festival, and others like it, are so important; to provide a global platform to amplify diverse storytelling.

    Pat Swinney Kaufman, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment

    Music lovers can enjoy NYLFF’s screening of feature film Carlos (2023, 88min, USA), that follows Santana’s journey from 14-year-old street musician to 10-time Grammy-winning global sensation. After the rock group’s legendary performance at New York State’s Woodstock Festival in 1969, Santana shot to global fame with their unique blend of salsa, jazz, and rock music.

    Carlos (2023, 88min, USA)

    The New York Latino Film Festival will close with a free outdoor event in Washington Heights’ Quisqueya Plaza, featuring live music and food.

    For more information on the festival, and a full list of featured films and shorts, visit nylatinofilmfestival.com.

  • Saratoga Performing Arts Center Announces Return of Caffè Lena @ SPAC Festival

    In partnership with Caffè Lena, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced that the popular Caffè Lena @ SPAC Festival will return for a free 1-day concert on Saturday, October 7 from 12-5:30pm. Taking place at SPAC’s Charles R. Wood stage, the festival will feature five bands, exploring genres including rock, bluegrass, jazz, reggae and more. 

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    The featured performers will include Upstate, Los Sugar Kings, Soggy Po’ Boys, Amythyst Kiah, and The Clements Brothers. The Caffè Lena @ SPAC Festival highlights an ongoing collaboration between the arts center and the folk music venue in Saratoga Springs. 

    Upstate will close out the night with their signature blend of folk, bluegrass, jazz, and soul. The Woodstock-based collective is known throughout the state for their passionate songwriting, vulnerability, and stellar instrumentation.

    This event combines the intimacy and style of Caffè Lena with the expansive outdoor setting of SPAC. Our organizations have had a great time collaborating on this project and the crowd has gotten bigger every year. This year’s line-up is really exciting featuring five inspiring artists, including our first GRAMMY nominee.

    Sarah Craig, executive director of Caffè Lena.

    The collaboration between SPAC and Caffè Lena first launched in 2017, resulting in jointly curated programs at both venues. Guests are welcome to bring food, drink, blankets, and lawn chairs for the concerts. Food concessions will be available. The concert will take place rain or shine. 

    For more information, visit spac.org and caffelena.org for details.

  • Binghamton University’s Anderson Center To Host Step Afrika!

    Binghamton University’s Anderson Center for the Performing Arts announced a performance by Washington, DC’s Step Afrika!, as part of its upcoming 2023-24 Center Series. Step Afrika! is a professional dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, scheduled to perform at the Anderson Center on September 30 at 7:30 p.m.

    Step Afrika!

    Ranked as one of the top ten African-American dance companies in the country, Step Afrika! combines percussive dance styles historically practiced by African American fraternities and sororities, traditional Western and South African dances, as well as an array of contemporary dance and art forms. Together, they create a cohesive, compelling artistic experience for audiences. Step Afrika!’s performances blend songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation to create a unique act.

    Step Afrika! promotes stepping as an educational tool for young people, with a focus on teamwork, academic achievement, and cross-cultural understanding. The company reaches tens of thousands of Americans each year through tours and its unique position as Washington, DC’s only Cultural Ambassador. Their accolades include the Mayor’s Arts Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education (2005), among others, as well as performances for former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

    Step Afrika!

    The company is featured at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History & Culture with the world’s first interactive stepping exhibit. In 2017, Step Afrika! made its Off-Broadway debut with the critically acclaimed production, The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence.

    Tickets for the general public range from $25-60, with a 10% discount on premium seats for seniors, veterans, and Binghamton University faculty/staff and alumni. Student and child tickets cost just $10 for any seat in the house. 

    Tickets are on sale now through the Anderson Center Box Office, online at Anderson.binghamton.edu, or by calling 607-777-ARTS. 

    For more information, visit stepafrika.org.