NYS Music 2023

Author: Davani Melendez

  • Rochester New Wave Duo The Heroic Enthusiasts Reimagine 80’s Classic ‘Tears Run Rings’

    In a thrilling collision of musical generations, New York’s own The Heroic Enthusiasts have teamed up with producer Stephen Hague to breathe new life into a timeless classic. Their latest single, ‘Tears Run Rings,’ is a reimagining of Marc Almond’s 1988 hit, and it’s nothing short of a musical revelation.

    The Heroic Enthusiasts, a dynamic New Wave duo, take us on a mesmerizing journey into the past with their rendition of ‘Tears Run Rings.’ Guitarist Thomas Ferrara reveals the profound impact that Marc Almond and Soft Cell had on their musical upbringing. “It was a magical awakening—a whole fresh and beautiful world opened up for us in lyrics, instrumentation, and production,” Ferrara explained.

    To bring their vision to life, The Heroic Enthusiasts enlisted the expertise of renowned producer Stephen Hague, known for his work with Pet Shop Boys, New Order, and Blur, among others. The result is a rich and textured soundscape featuring layered synth lines and pulsating drum beats.

    Hague previously produced the duo’s two EPs, and their collaboration reached new heights with the reimagining of ‘It’s A Sin,’ a chart-topping hit originally produced by Hague for Pet Shop Boys in 1987. Speaking about their collaboration, Hague notes, “So much of what I’m sent these days is basically beats with hooks, but the Heroic’s stuff was a breath of fresh air—I was taken by their songcraft and musicality.”

    With ‘Tears Run Rings,’ The Heroic Enthusiasts continue to deliver their emotionally charged brand of New Wave/synth-pop to a global audience. The song captures the essence of their unique musical identity while honoring the artists who inspired them.

    The Heroic Enthusiasts’ reimagining of ‘Tears Run Rings’ is a nostalgic journey infused with new energy, showcasing their commitment to preserving the essence of classic hits while infusing them with their distinctive style. As they continue to redefine the New Wave genre, The Heroic Enthusiasts remind us that great music is both timeless and ever-evolving.

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    Download The Heroic Enthusiasts – EPK

  • Samara Joy, Grammy Winner for Best New Artist, Announces ‘A Joyful Holiday’ EP

    Bronx native and two-time GRAMMY winner Samara Joy is set to release A Joyful Holiday, a 6-song EP of beloved seasonal favorites.

    Photo credit: Ambe J. Williams

    This extension of her latest album, Linger Awhile, features accomplished jazz musicians and includes singles like “O Holy Night,” “Warm in December,” and a new take on Stevie Wonder’s “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me.”

    A Joyful Holiday, produced by Matt Pierson, will drop on October 27 via Verve, with an exclusive emerald green color variant LP available.

    The holiday EP comes after an extraordinary year for Samara Joy, who clinched the prestigious Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album awards at this year’s Grammys.

    Samara Joy has shared a delightful rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” which you can listen to here.

    “Singing alongside my family has always been a special time kept between us, but this December, I’m excited to share that special feeling with you all! This holiday season, it brings me great joy to present my first role models, the McLendon Family, on a month-long tour throughout the US. Join us for a show you’ll never forget!”

    Samara Joy

    Samara Joy has also announced the Verve Vinyl Collection, comprising her three Verve LPs, Linger Awhile, Linger Awhile Longer, and A Joyful Holiday. This collection will hit the shelves on November 17 and can be pre-ordered here.

    A Joyful Holiday Tracklist

    “Warm In December”
    “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me ft. Sullivan Fortner”
    “The Christmas Song”
    “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
    “O Holy Night”
    “The Christmas Song (Live)”

    Samara Joy 2023 Tour Dates

    9/28 – 10/1 – Seattle, WA @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley Jazz

    10/4 – Davis, CA @ Mondavi Center

    10/6 – 7 – New York, NY @ Rose Hall at The Lincoln Center

    10/14 – Kansas City @ Folly Theater

    10/15 – Denver, CO @ Newman Center

    10/18 – Easton, PA @ Williams Center for the Arts / Performance Series

    10/20 – Storrs, CT @ Jorgenson Center

    10/22 – Brookville, NY @ Tilles Center

    10/24 – Columbia, MO @ Missouri Theater

    10/25 – Iowa City @ Hancher Auditorium

    10/27 – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Symphony Orchestra

    11/3 – Zurich, Switzerland @ TVD

    11/5 – Athens, Greece @ Megaron Athens

    11/7 – Hamburg, Germany @ Elb Philharmonic

    11/8 – Berlin, Germany @ TBD

    11/12 – Paris, FR @ Le Trianon

    11/17 – Bologna, Italy @ TBD

    11/18 – Milan, Italy @ TBD

    11/19 – London, UK @ Barbican Center, London Jazz Festival

    12/3 – Austin, TX @ Bass Concert Hall, UT Austin

    12/4 – Nashville, TN @ Nashville Symphony

    12/7 – Los Angeles, CA @ Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts

    12/8 – Santa Barbara, CA @ The Granada Theater

    12/12 – Chesterfield, MO @ The Factory

    12/14 – 12/15 – New York, NY @ Apollo Theater

    12/19 – Atlanta, GA @ Atlanta Symphony Hall

    12/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kimmel Center

    12/23 – North Bethesda, MD @ Strathmore

  • Geddy Lee Announces Exclusive New York Date for “My Effin’ Life” In Conversation Tour

    Geddy Lee, the iconic Canadian musician and Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Famer, is set to electrify New York City on Monday, November 13 with a one-of-a-kind event, “My Effin’ Life” In Conversation.

    This highly anticipated evening will take place at The Beacon Theatre, a legendary venue for music enthusiasts. Geddy Lee’s special appearance is not just a performance, it is a journey into the heart and soul of one of the most legendary figures in rock history.

    geddy lee my effin life in conversation

    The event will coincide with the release of Geddy Lee’s eagerly awaited memoir, “My Effin’ Life,” which hits the shelves on November 14, courtesy of Harper Collins. This intimate evening promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to connect with Geddy Lee and delve into the stories that have shaped his extraordinary life and career.

    As the curtain rises at The Beacon Theatre, Geddy Lee will offer a rare glimpse into the tapestry of his life, from heartfelt reflections on his family and childhood to a deep dive into the history of Rush alongside lifelong friends and bandmates, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart.

    Joining Geddy Lee on stage will be a special guest interviewer who will guide the conversation, providing fans with an intimate and unfiltered look at the man behind the music. Geddy Lee will read select passages from “My Effin’ Life” and share insights and anecdotes from his incredible journey.

    Furthermore, fans will have the unique opportunity to participate in a special Q&A session, where they can directly engage with Geddy Lee and have their burning questions answered.

    “Being in a band all those years was reassuring because it was an ongoing thing. It felt like it was forever. There was always unfinished business: the next record, the next set design, the next tour. It’s been the theme of my life. But you need a lot more determination to proceed in the world of music without the comfort of your bandmates, and I can only hope that finishing this book will release me to return to what I do and love best.”

    Geddy Lee

    General ticket sales for this event begin on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 10 am, exclusively on Ticketmaster. Every ticket purchase includes a complimentary copy of Geddy Lee’s “My Effin’ Life,” which will be provided to ticket holders upon entry to the venue. Please note that there is a four-ticket limit per person.

    In addition to the excitement surrounding the event, Geddy Lee’s “My Effin’ Life” tour is giving back. $1 from every ticket sold will contribute to the Neil Peart Memorial At Lakeside Park fund. The success of this project and its timeline depends on raising the $1 million fundraising goal set for the project. Fans and supporters can make donations of any size towards the memorial project online at www.stcatharines.ca/neilpeart. Geddy Lee’s “My Effin’ Life” tour will be a 14-city journey, beginning in New York City and spanning the United States and Canada.

    Geddy Lee ‘My Effin Life’ Tour Dates:

    Mon Nov 13 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

    Wed Nov 15 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia

    Fri Nov 17 – National Harbor, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor

    Sat Nov 18 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre presented by Citizens

    Sun Nov 19 – Cleveland, OH – State Theatre at Playhouse Square

    Tue Nov 21 – Montréal, QC – Théâtre Maisonneuve

    Thu Nov 23 – Vancouver, BC – The Centre in Vancouver

    Fri Nov 24 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre

    Sun Nov 26 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic

    Tue Nov 28 – Los Angeles, CA – Orpheum Theatre

    Thu Nov 30 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre

    Sun Dec 03 – Chicago, IL – Auditorium Theatre

    Mon Dec 04 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit

    Thu Dec 07 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall

  • Tim McGraw Announces Additional Dates for ‘Standing Room Only Tour’ 2024, Including Buffalo and Belmont

    Country music icon Tim McGraw is extending his highly anticipated 2024 Standing Room Only Tour with the announcement of 11 new tour dates, including a stop at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo on May 4 and UBS Arena in Belmont Park on May 5.

    The Standing Room Only Tour is set to kick off on March 14, 2024, and will cover over 40 cities across the United States and Canada. Joining Tim McGraw as a special guest on all tour dates is Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Carly Pearce.

    Tim McGraw’s Standing Room Only Tour promises to deliver high-energy live shows, featuring his greatest hits and tracks from his latest album, Standing Room Only, released on August 25. The title track of the album, “Standing Room Only,” is currently climbing the Country Radio charts and marks McGraw’s 92nd career chart entry.

    McGraw has been a dominant figure in the music industry for over three decades, amassing 69 Top 10 hits and holding records for the most weeks at #1 with all titles, totaling 73 weeks. His enduring success places him just behind George Strait for the second-most #1 albums in the U.S.

    This tour expansion provides fans in New York and surrounding areas with the chance to witness one of country music’s biggest stars live in concert. As Tim McGraw’s music continues to resonate with audiences across the nation, this event promises to be a memorable night for country music enthusiasts.

    Tickets for these newly added tour dates are now on sale.

    Tim McGraw – Standing Room Only Tour 2024 

    March 14                  Jacksonville, FL                       VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

    March 15                  Tampa, FL                                  Amalie Arena

    March 16                  Orlando, FL                               Amway Center

    March 21                  Des Moines, IA                        Wells Fargo Arena

    March 22                 St. Louis, MO                          Enterprise Center

    March 23                 Columbus, OH                        Nationwide Arena

    March 27                  Vancouver, BC                         Rogers Arena

    March 29                  Seattle, WA                               Climate Pledge Arena

    March 30                  Eugene, OR                                University of Oregon – Matthew Knight Arena

    April 4                      Denver, CO                                Ball Arena

    April 5                      Salt Lake City, UT                   Delta Center

    April 6                      Boise, ID                                    Boise State University – ExtraMile Arena

    April 11                   Austin, TX                                 Moody Center

    April 13                    Tulsa, OK                                   BOK Center

    April 18                    Indianapolis, IN                       Gainbridge Fieldhouse

    April 19                    Milwaukee, WI                         Fiserv Forum

    April 20                    Saint Paul, MN                         Xcel Energy Center

    April 25                    Nashville, TN                           Bridgestone Arena

    April 26                    Knoxville, TN                           Thompson-Boling Arena

    April 27                   Pittsburgh, PA                         PPG Paints Arena

    May 2                       Montreal, QC                          Bell Centre

    May 3                       Ottawa, ON                             Canadian Tire Centre

    May 4                       Buffalo, NY                              KeyBank Center

    May 9                        Belmont Park, NY                 UBS Arena

    May 10                     Boston, MA                              TD Garden

    May 11                      Wilkes-Barre, PA                     Mohegan Sun Arena

    May 16                      Greenville, SC                          Bon Secours Wellness Arena

    May 17                      Charlotte, NC                           Spectrum Center

    May 18                      Charleston, WV                       Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

    May 30                      Toledo, OH                                Huntington Center

    May 31                      Chicago, IL                                United Center

    June 1                        Grand Rapids, MI                    Van Andel Arena

    June 6                        Sioux Falls, SD                        Denny Sanford Premier Center

    June 7                        Omaha, NE                                CHI Health Center

    June 8                        Kansas City, MO                     T-Mobile Center

    June 13                     Biloxi, MS                                 Mississippi Coast Coliseum

    June 14                     Atlanta, GA                              State Farm Arena

    June 15                     Lexington, KY                         Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center

    June 20                     Philadelphia, PA                      Wells Fargo Center

    June 21                     Baltimore, MD                          CFG Bank Arena

    June 22                     Raleigh, NC                               PNC Arena

    June 27                     Phoenix, AZ                              Footprint Center

    “Standing Room Only” By Tim Mcgraw

    For more information about the Standing Room Only Tour and ticket sales, visit www.timmcgraw.com.

  • Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Celebrates 25 Years with JoAnn Falletta

    This year, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) has every reason to celebrate as they mark the 25th anniversary of JoAnn Falletta’s tenure as Music Director. Taking on this pivotal role in 1999, Falletta achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to lead a major American orchestra, a momentous step forward in the world of classical music.

    Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

    As the BPO embarks on this anniversary season, it promises a lineup of symphonic works, guest performers, and special events that pay tribute to Falletta’s dedication and passion for music. The celebration begins with a spectacular performance this Saturday, featuring the renowned violinist Gil Shaham in Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” It’s a fitting start to a season that promises musical excellence.

    Over the past 25 years, JoAnn Falletta has become a cultural pillar of Western New York. Her contributions have been pivotal in elevating the BPO to its current stature. Let’s delve into her journey with the BPO and the impact she’s had on the orchestra and the community:

    Collaborative Leadership: Falletta’s collaborative leadership style has been instrumental in fostering strong partnerships. Her work with the Naxos record label has transformed the BPO into a leading recording orchestra, with numerous albums recorded for international distribution.

    Beau Fleuve Records: In 1999, she co-founded Beau Fleuve Records with the orchestra, resulting in the production of 30 albums. Many of these recordings are now available on digital streaming platforms worldwide.

    Championing New Works: Falletta’s commitment to promoting new works is evident in the premieres of 22 new orchestral compositions with the BPO, including world premieres.

    Commissioned Works: She has commissioned eight major new works for the orchestra by esteemed composers. These works have not only enriched the BPO’s repertoire but also showcased BPO musicians as soloists.

    Global Talent: Under her guidance, the BPO has had the privilege of hosting some of the world’s most celebrated solo musicians, fostering connections between international talent and the local community.

    International Tours: Falletta led the orchestra on its first international tour in three decades, bringing Buffalo’s artistry to audiences around the world. Additionally, the BPO has embarked on several successful tours of Florida and performed at Carnegie Hall.

    Community Engagement: Falletta’s commitment to community engagement is reflected in her collaborations with regional arts and community organizations. She has used music as a medium to address social issues and promote unity following tragic events in Buffalo.

    Educational Initiatives: Falletta has worked closely with academic institutions, including SUNY Fredonia’s School of Music, the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, Canisius University, and the Mannes School of Music.

    Advocacy for Diversity: She has been a passionate advocate for underrepresented conductors, composers, and musicians in Buffalo and beyond.

    The celebration of JoAnn Falletta’s remarkable career begins this Saturday with the BPO’s Opening Night program, featuring Gil Shaham. For more details and to secure your tickets, please visit bpo.org/opening-night. Additionally, information about pre and post-concert Gala festivities can be found at bpo.org/gala.

    JoAnn Falletta’s 25-year journey with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is a testament to her unwavering dedication and her enduring impact on the world of classical music. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to musicians, conductors, and classical music enthusiasts worldwide.

    To learn more about JoAnn Falletta, please visit joannfalletta.com.

    Explore the rich history of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, its distinguished conductors and musicians, and its commitment to IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) by visiting the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s official website.

    This week, JoAnn Falletta joined Jacquie Walker on WIVB News 4 to share her thoughts on her anniversary and the upcoming season

  • Kyle Gordon Releases Bossa Nova Parody “Ugliest Girl On The Beach”

     Kyle Gordon, the multi-talented New York-based comedian, actor, writer, and improviser, is once again turning heads with the release of “Ugliest Girl on the Beach” featuring Antonio Frankfurt.

    ugliest girl on the beach kyle gordon

    “Ugliest Girl On The Beach” is not only a hilarious parody but also a window into Gordon’s unique creative universe. His upcoming album, Kyle Gordon Is Great, is a collection of musical genre parodies, each featuring different characters Gordon has created. The debut hit single, “Planet of the Bass” featuring DJ Crazy Times and Ms. Biljana Electronica, already went viral with over 5.5 million streams and 250 million views across social media platforms.

    “Ugliest Girl On The Beach” is a delightful parody of early 1960s Bossa Nova, humorously poking fun at luminaries of the genre like Antonio Carlos Jobim and Frank Sinatra. The song also marks the introduction of Gordon’s new character, Antonio Frankfurt, an artist from Germany who relocated to Brazil in 1945. In the early 1960s, Antonio Frankfurt made a name for himself performing in nightclubs and bars in his hometown of Praia de Pipa, quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most passionate musicians in Brazil. Interestingly, this single, recorded in 1963 at the legendary Miami jazz club, The Sapphire Lounge, is actually an English-language rendition of his original Brazilian hit, A Mulher Nojenta.

    The album itself is a cleverly constructed journey through various musical genres (not just bossa nova) with interstitial fake radio broadcasts tying it all together. Gordon explains,

    “This album is the culmination of years of work – writing and testing these songs in front of hundreds of audiences. So in many ways, this first album is kind of like a collection of my greatest hits. I titled the album Kyle Gordon Is Great, and to me, great comedy is a) unique, b) accessible, and c) most importantly, really, really funny. My goal on this album was to make great comedy music!”

    Kyle Gordon

    Kyle Gordon’s debut album, Kyle Gordon Is Great, will be available on November 10 via BMG. In the meantime, be sure to catch him live as he embarks on US and UK tour dates this fall.

    Tour Dates and Ticket Information

    UK Dates:

    • 10/26 – London, England @ Leicester Square Theatre
    • 10/28 – Manchester, England @ Home Theatre
    • 10/29 – Glasgow, Scotland @ Glee Club

    US Dates:

    • 11/02 – Boston, MA @ City Winery (7pm)
    • 11/02 – Boston, MA @ City Winery (9:30pm)
    • 11/07 – St. Louis, MO @ Helium Comedy Club
    • 11/08 – Indianapolis, IN @ Helium Comedy Club
    • 11/09 – Columbus, OH @ Woodlands Tavern
    • 11/11 – Philadelphia, PA @ PhilMOCA
    • 11/30 – Rutherford, NJ @ Bananas Comedy Club
    • 12/02 – Brooklyn, NY @ Bell House

    Get ready to laugh, groove, and appreciate the art of parody when Kyle Gordon Is Great drops on November 10. Until then, enjoy the catchy hilarity of “Ugliest Girl on the Beach” and mark your calendars for his upcoming tour dates.

    Kyle Gordon – Ugliest Girl On The Beach (feat. Antonio Frankfurt)