NYS Music 2023

Author: Daniel Meyers

  • Miley Cyrus is a Modern Day Wonder Woman on “Endless Summer Vacation”

    Miley Cyrus released her eighth studio album, Endless Summer Vacation, on March 10. The album, which Cyrus describes as her “love letter to LA,” was preceded by two singles, “Flowers” in January, and “River” on the same day as the album’s release. The former Disney star delivers again with her newest release, reminding her fans why they love and support her so much.

    miley cyrus Endless Summer Vacation
    A streaming special, Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions) was released in support of the album. Photo Credit: Good Morning America

    Miley Cyrus was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1992, originally as Destiny Hope Cyrus. While Cyrus has since made a new for herself in the music industry, she comes from a famous family, being the daughter of county singer Billy Ray Cyrus and his wife Tish, who has managed her daughter since the start of her career. She got her big break when she landed the starring role in Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, which made her into a teen icon and role model for young children while the show was airing from 2006 to 2011.

    In the early days of Hannah, Cyrus released her debut album, Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus, which doubled as the soundtrack album for the show’s second season, followed by her first solo album, Breakout, in 2011. She has since made a name for herself outside of Disney, shedding her “good girl” image as early as 2010 with her third album, Can’t Be Tamed, while still starring on Hannah Montana.

    Endless Summer Vacation starts out strong, stays steady throghout, and picks up again for the last few trakcs. Highlights from the album include “Flowers, “Jaded,” “Thousand Miles,” “Muddy Feet,” “Island,” and “Wonder Woman.”

    The album closes out with “Wonder Woman,” and perfectly so, reminding us exactly who Cyrus is: a modern day Wonder Woman. The singer was born to a famous father but has come to be known as much more than the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus, and was given a platform through Disney that spearheaded her to success, yet she was still able to break free from that “Disney bubble” that so many stars find themselves in. Endless Summer Vacation is sure to guarantee Miles Cyrus an Endless career in the music industry.

    Endless Summer Vacation is now streaming. In support of her album, Cyrus has again partnered with Disney, releasing a streaming special, Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions) on Disney Plus. A highly anticipated tour has yet to be announced.

    Listen to the official “Flowers” music video below.

  • Sammy Rae and The Friends to Perform in Ithaca on Headline Fall Tour.

    Brooklyn-based ensemble Sammy Rae and The Friends have announced they will embark on a fall headline tour, which includes a stop in Ithaca.

    On Sept. 24, the band will perform at the State Theatre of Ithaca, five days after beginning their tour on Sept. 19. After the fall headline tour ends, the band will head back to the UK, where they will have a headline show in London.

    Sammy Rae and The Friends

    More than a band, Sammy and The Friends are a family. The diverse group of performers flourishes in any environment with a combination of all-for-one and one-for-all camaraderie, palpable chemistry, deft virtuosity, and vocal fireworks. Their most recent singles include the soul-infused “Closer To You,” and last summer’s jazzy retro pop single “If It All Goes South.” The latter was accompanied by a music video starring Barbara Lochiatto, who appeared in Netflix’s 2020 documentary Some Kind of Heaven as a widow looking for love. Inspired by Lochiatto’s story, Sammy reached out to her to join the music video.

    Prior to the fall tour, Sammy and The Friends are scheduled to perform at Carnegie Hall on March 15, for the 18th annual Music Of fundraising performance, The Music of Paul McCartney. Other musicians scheduled to perform include Nancy Wilson, Lake Street Dive, Natalie Merchant, and more. The upcoming performance marks only the beginning of a jam-packed 2023 for the band.

    Summer will keep the group busy, as well. On June 15, they will make their debut appearance at Central Park Summer Stage, shortly followed by another debut at the Bonnaroo on June 18. At the Green River Festival on June 24, the band is scheduled to headline.

    If you’re interested in seeing Sammy Rae and Friends perform in Ithaca, tickets go on sale starting March 10.

    Sammy Rae & The Friends Confirmed Tour Dates

    Wed, Mar 15     New York, NY @ Carnegie Hall (The Music of Paul McCartney)
    Thur, June 15    New York, NY @ Central Park Summerstage
    Sat, Jun 24        Franklin County Fairgrounds (Northampton, MA) @ Green River Festival
    Sun, Jun 18       Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
    Tue, Sept 19     South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
    Wed, Sept 20    Portland, ME @ State Theatre
    Thur, Sept 21    Boston, MA @ Roadrunner
    Sun, Sept 24     Ithaca, NY@ State Theatre of Ithaca
    Tue, Sept 26     Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
    Wed, Sept 27 Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
    Thur, Sept 28    Toronto, ON @ HISTORY
    Sat, Sept 30      Bridgeport, CT @ Sound on Sound
    Sun, Oct 1         Millavale, PA @ Mr. Small’s Theatre
    Mon, Oct 2       Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
    Wed, Oct 4       Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
    Thur, Oct 5       St Paul, MN @ Palace Theatre
    Fri, Oct 6           Kansas City, MO @ Madrid Theatre
    Sun, Oct 8         Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
    Tue, Oct 10       Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
    Wed, Oct 11     Jackson, WY @ Center for the Arts
    Fri, Oct 13         Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
    Sat, Oct 14        Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
    Sun, Oct 15       Portland, OR @ McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
    Tue, Oct 17       San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
    Wed, Oct 18     Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
    Thur, Oct 19      San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
    Sat, Oct 21        Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
    Thur, Nov 16     London, UK @ Eventim Apollo
    Fri, Nov 17        Bristol, UK @ SWX
    Sat, Nov 18       Manchester, UK @ New Century Hall
    Sun, Nov 19      Glasgow, UK @ Queen Margaret Union

    Watch Sammy and The Friends perform live at Brooklyn Steel.

  • Oteil and Friends Headlining Rye Bread Music and Arts Festival

    Oteil and Friends will headline this year’s Rye Bread Music and Arts Festival, taking place from July 27 through July 29 in Schaghticoke, NY. Also scheduled to appear are Cool Cool Cool, Lespecial, Dogs In A Pile, Couch, DJ Logic & Friends, and many more. Additionally, guests can expect various collaborations between artists throughout the festival, making for a truly memorable weekend of live music.

    Oteil And Friends rye bread festival music
    Oteil and Friends. Credit: Oteil Burbridge

    Oteil and Friends will headline the Rye Bread Music Festival with a two-set performance. The band is an ensemble led by Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Company, The Allman Brothers Band) on bass. He is joined by longtime Jerry Garcia Band organist Melvin Seals, guitarists Steve Kimock and Tom Guarna, multi-instrumentalist Jason Crosby, drummer Johnny Kimock and vocalist Lamar Williams, Jr.

    Grammy-nominated rock band North Mississippi Allstars is also scheduled to perform at the festival this summer. On top of this year’s lineup of live music, the festival will feature food and craft vendors on site. Located at the spacious Schaghticoke Fairgrounds, guests will have plenty of space to stretch and walk around at the festival.

    In its 47th year, the Rye Bread Music and Arts Festival originated as a block party and has become a staple in Upstate New York. In addition to providing audiences with live music, the festival brings people together in a spirit of community and charity. To purchase tickets, please visit www.ryebreadfest.com.

    Watch Oteil and Friends perform live at the Capital Theatre on March 12, 2022.

  • Greenwich House Music School Sets Dates for Uncharted Concert Series

    Greenwich House Music School has announced the dates for its annual concert series, Uncharted, now in its ninth year. The spring concert series will run across six consecutive Thursdays this spring, beginning April 6 and ending May 11. Endea Owens and The Cookout will open the series, and Oran Etkin Duo with Sasha Berliner will close out.

    The annual Uncharted concert series at has been an invaluable resource for a number of New York-based musicians since 2014. It has given artists the opportunity to foster new material and debut their music to live audiences in a concert setting. Continuing on this legacy, co-founder, and Director of Greenwich House Music School Rachel Black said “This year’s cohort of musicians represents some of the most genre-diverse and creatively original performers to take part in our program.”

    Greenwich House Music School has provided New Yorkers with affordable, high-quality arts education since 1905. Students are taught by the renowned staff the beauty and transformative power of music, art, dance, and theater. GHMS is a member of the New York City Coalition of Community Schools of the Arts and The National Guild of Community Arts Education.

    The Uncharted Concert Series Lineup. Credit: Greenwich House

    Endea Owens is a Detroit-raised recording artist, bassist, and composer. In 2018, she graduated from The Juilliard School and quickly joined The Late Show with Stephen Colbert as a member of their house band, Stay Human. Owens’ work has won her an Emmy, Grammy Award, and a George Foster Peabody Award. She has used her talents to educate students across the United States, South America, and Europe. Owens’ debut album, Feel Good Music, is due for release in 2023.

    Conservatory-trained Keyanna Hutchinson, from Brooklyn, has a love for music and a remarkable packed recording and touring schedule supporting performers in the fields of rock, jazz, R&B and experimental composition. While she may be best known for her guitarist skills, Hutchinson is also a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer. Hutchinson plays to pay homage and to propagate the roots of black and indigenous sound.

    Mafer Bandola’s alias is inspired by her love for her favorite instrument, the bandola llanera, an instrument indigenous to Venezuela. A self-taught composer and educator, Bandola brings a unique perspective to the largely male-dominated bandola llanera. Mafer is a co-founder and performer with the band LADAMA, a collective of four female musicians each from a different Latin and North American country.

    Singer-songwriter Nour Harkati, born in Tunisia, has explored the lands and disparate sounds of North Africa, Europe and New York City. At this years concert, Harkati will blend ambient spiritual sound with heavily rhythmic and unusually structured vocal lines. Additionally, Harkati’s performance is co-presented with Habibi Festival.

    Tickets for this year’s Greenwich House Music School Uncharted concert series start at $20 or less for general entry to all shows, and 100% of sales go directly to the artists. Advance ticket sales include an open wine and beer bar.

    Watch Alea perform at the 2022 Uncharted concert.

  • See Plus Release Thrilling New Single “Waiting For You”

    Indie-pop band See Plus released their exciting new single, “Waiting For You” in February. The title is fitting, because fans, as the lyrics describe, have been “patiently waiting,” for the band’s new music. The song comes nearly a year since the release of their last single, “The Sun.”

    see plus waiting for you
    See Plus members, from left to right: Alex Fiume, Miles Dellaha, Jake Linsalata, and Claire Guillermo. Credit: Instagram

    It was definitely worth the wait, and See Plus don’t disappoint with their latest track. Not only does “Waiting For You” encompass everything the band stands for, but it also lasts long enough for fans to enjoy. At four and a half minutes, the band’s newest single takes fans on a journey from the beginning, middle, to end. Of course, that journey is a subjective one. Whether you’re waiting for the return of a significant other, close friend, or family member, most fans will be able to relate to this track.

    Originating in New Jersey, See Plus consists of Miles Dellaha, Jake Linsalata, Claire Guillermo, and Alex Fiume. The group started out playing in a basement, beating the odds of the “garage band cliche” and slowly achieved mainstream success. Their main inspirations are the Arctic Monkeys, Jack White, and Weezer, by whom they learned to play songs. They released their first digital album, Pool of Tar, in Dec. 2018, a tale of guilt and a failed relationship. The and is currently preparing to release an EP, Better in Person.

    “Waiting For You” is now available for download. Additionally, See Plus will be performing in New York City on Feb. 25. Read more for ticketing and other information.

    Watch See Plus perform “I’m So Cold.”

  • KeyBank Center in Buffalo is the Only New York Stop on Adam Sandler’s Tour

    Actor and comedian Adam Sandler is continuing his critically acclaimed comedy tour this spring, with shows in seven US cities, including Buffalo at the KeyBank Center. Kicking off on April 13, Sandler will make his Buffalo appearance on April 16, as the tour will be a short-lived one, ending on April 21.

    KeyBank Center Adam Sandler buffalo
    Adam Sandler at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Credit: Instagram

    Born in Brooklyn, Adam Sandler is famous for his comedic work, including 1999’s Big Daddy and the 2010 film Grown Ups, just to name a few. The actor’s theatrical releases have grossed more than $3 billion worldwide, and his Netflix original movies have been some of the most successful releases on the streaming service. His latest film, Hustle, was released last June, becoming a favorite among critics and audiences. Sandler began transitioning to Netflix as early as 2016, when his 2018 comedy special 100% Fresh, his first in 20 years, was released on the service.

    For his work in stand-up and films, Sandler has won a number of awards, most recently a Kid’s Choice Award for King of Comedy at this year’s ceremony, and a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role at the 2023 Screen Actor’s Guild Awards.

    Tickets for Adam Sandler’s live spring comedy show are now available. For more information about the Buffalo KeyBank Center, visit their website.

    ADAM SANDLER LIVE TOUR DATES: 

    Thu Apr 13 — Newark, NJ — Prudential Center

    Fri Apr 14 — Philadelphia, PA — Wells Fargo Center

    Sun Apr 16 — Buffalo, NY — KeyBank Center

    Mon Apr 17 — Detroit, MI — Little Caesars Arena

    Tue Apr 18 — Louisville, KY — KFC Yum! Center

    Wed Apr 19 — Cleveland, OH — Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

    Fri Apr 21 — Baltimore, MD — CFG Bank Arena

  • Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Zakir Hussain Announce Tour Supporting New Album, Shows in Troy, NYC

    Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Zakir Hussain, along with Rakesh Chaurasia, have announced a US tour supporting their upcoming album, As We Speak. The group will tour throughout April and May, with a performance at The Town Hall in New York City on May 4, and the Troy Saving Bank Music Hall on May 5. Their upcoming album is scheduled for release on May 12, through Thirty Tigers.

    Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Zakir Hussain, along with Rakesh Chaurasia,
    From left to right: Bela Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia. Credit: Jeremy Cowart

    As We Speak showcases the quartet’s various abilities and the wide range of influences at their command. Consisting of 12 songs, the album combines the complexity of Indian rhythm with the groove of a funky bass line. The show is sure to be one you’re not going to want to miss.

    The album’s first piece, “Owl’s Misfortune” was written by Fleck. The song is intended to “echo the different worlds we all come from,” according to Fleck. “I imagined creating a world where classical language could live alongside Indian musical rhythmic ideas—and since I wrote it, bluegrass lives there too,” Fleck added.

    The core trio was formed while Fleck and Meyer were searching for a third member for their triple concerto, to mark the opening of Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Zakir came to mind, who was eager to write for an orchestra. The three then collaborated on Fleck’s 2009 album The Melody of the Rhythm, recorded with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin.

    The trio then met Chaurasia while in India on tour for The Melody of the Rhythm. Hussain already knew Chaurasia through his uncle, Indian flute legend Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, and invited him to sit in on their tour, and their chemistry shined. “I think we wanted to see if we could do something a little more organic with just a small group,” says Meyer. “What I think is good about this quartet is that everybody has to stretch in the direction of the other people,” added Fleck.

    Pre-order / pre-save As We Speak here. Tickets for the group’s tour are on sale now. In addition to the quartet’s performance at The Town Hall in New York City and the Troy Saving Bank Music Hall on May 5, a November US tour is to follow.

    As We Speak Tour Dates

    April 19  Nashville, TN  Schermerhorn Symphony Center

    April 20  Atlanta, GA  Emory University 

    April 21  Germantown, TN  Duncan-Williams PAC 

    April 22  Boone, NC  Appalachian State University 

    April 23  North Bethesda, MD  The Music Center at Strathmore 

    April 25  Charleston, SC  Charleston Gaillard Center

    April 27  Danville, KY  Norton Center for the Arts

    April 29 Cutler Bay, FL  The Moss Center at South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center

    April 30  Charlotte, NC  Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

    May 2  Munhall, PA  Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall 

    May 3  Norfolk, VA  Virginia Arts Festival

    May 4  New York, NY  The Town Hall 

    May 5  Troy, NY  Troy Saving Bank Music Hall 

    May 6  Boston, MA  Celebrity Series of Boston at Berklee Performance Center

    May 7  Waterville, ME  Waterville Opera House 

  • Dogboy Debut First Two Singles, One More to Come

    Indie rock band Dogboy released their first single, “That’s What We Wanted” on February 10. Their next single, “Cowboy Killer”, was released on March 3, and the third, “Rush” will be released on March 31, respectively. They recently finished recording their five-track EP, produced by Kit Conway, at Fraser Studios.

    dogboy

    Dogboy formed in early 2022, and their musical style is inspired by artists like Shel Silverstein, the Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Jean Dawson, and Briston Maroney. They have performed their original songs throughout venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn. With grinding guitars and propulsive percussion, the band is a surf rock-inspired poetic pop punk band setting out to capitalize on their huge catalog of original songs, but more importantly, put on engaging, high-energy live shows.

    “That’s What We Wanted” is the perfect title for the band’s debut single. After all the hard work and dedication the band put into their music, they got just what they wanted, making it big with their first single being released publicly. The song’s strength is in its versatility, allowing any listener to be able to identify with its message. It can be taken literally, for audiences that want to take a sigh of relief after finally getting something they wanted after pouring their heart and soul into it. For others, it can allow them to have a moment of self-reflection, remembering that they got just what they wanted, even if it’s not what they imagined.

    “Cowboy Killer” has more of a soft-rock feel. It has the vibe, in all the best ways, of a classic ’90s song by rock legends such as the Beach Boys, Arctic Monkeys, and the Strokes. It has something for everyone, providing all rock fans with their fix and giving an extra level of nostalgia for those fans that love the classics.

    Dogboy have appearances schedules with Radio Free Brooklyn – NFP providing community radio for Brooklyn, NY, and Flowstate Series – PBS All Arts documentary series by Cyprian Films New York. They’ll also be on two podcasts soon, Stern Chats – NYU Stern Graduate School Podcast, and No Suggestion – Improv Comedy Talk Show Based in Brooklyn.

    “That’s What We Wanted” and “Cowboy Killer” are now available to listen to now on Spotify.

    Video of live performance of “That’s What We Wanted” at Rockwood Music Hall

  • Capital Region Native DJ Hollyw8d and Friends Drop First Single “Revelation”

    Capital Region native DJ Hollyw8d has collaborated with fellow artists from the area to bring fans his debut single, “Revelation.” The single, featuring vocals by Chaz Money, who has worked with rappers such as Jadakiss (“What If”), and singer L.Y.S., is DJ Hollyw8d’s first of many songs to come. Speaking to the power of hope and perseverance, “Revelation” is a modern-day gospel that many will want to sing along to.

    DJ Hollyw8d
    Listen to Revelation here

    The first single by the Capital Region native is sure to leave fans wanting more. The track is a unique kind of rap that can put audiences in touch with their soul and feelings, not just put them in a party mood. Artists had the following to say about their experience with DJ Hollyw8d:

    It says a lot about you as an artist when you can collectively come up with something while maintaining your character and style. It usually takes one to take the lead during a collaboration and DJ Hollyw8d to that lead and set us up with a very dynamic catchy hook.

    – Chaz Money

    Originally from Brooklyn, Hollyw8d performs for crowds all throughout the Upstate New York Capital Region. He hosts a radio segment on WCDB 90.9 FM to promote the arts and music. In honor of his dedication and commitment to the Capital Region music scene, DJ HollyW8d was the recipient of a 2022 4th-annual Capital Region Thomas Edison Merit Award. Presented by local legend DJ Trumastr, the award gave recognition to the impact HollyW8d and his organization, More Music Less Violence, has made on the community since its conception.

    Trying to find the notes with such a contrast of voices was actually a little hard but I’ve always loved a challenge and working with Chaz and Mario on this was not only a pleasure but a privilege. This piece of work, (like all my art) is special to me, but this one especially reflects on the journey and where I’m personally at now.

    – L.Y.S.

    “Revelation” comes on the heels of DJ Hollyw8d’s first successful Annual Gala for his organization More Music Less Violence. Filmed in Cohoes, the bare church setting emphasizes the single’s message of hope it seems like nothing else is left. Ultimately, the song is set to inspire and uplift those at their lowest.

    I Feel when other people see just as much value in your beats as you do, it can boost your confidence tremendously. But the meat and potatoes are when the producer, artist, and engineer get in one room and just lock in. That is when the magic happens.
    -Producer Phantom ODE

    Stay tuned for more information about DJ Hollyw8d, including the announcement of an upcoming East Coast Tour. Watch the “Revelation” music video on Youtube.

  • The Lumineers Tour Stops include Performances at Catbird Festival, Jones Beach and Darien Lake this Summer

    The Lumineers, an alternative folk band, announced their summer 2023 tour dates, including performances at three New York venues. Their first New York performance will take place in Wantagh at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 18, followed by a performance at the Catbird Festival in Bethel on Aug. 19. The Lumineers’ last New York performance will be at the Darien Lake Amphitheater on Aug. 22.

    The two-time Grammy-winning band’s tour is in support of their 2022 fourth album, Brightside. The album reached the top 10 in both the U.S. and Canada, with its title track reaching the number one spot on Billboard’s Alternative National Airplay and Adult Alternative Airplay charts. This feat marked the sixth time the band topped the latter chart in less than 10 years.

    The first edition of The Lumineers Brightside tour last year sold more than 750,000 tickets across five continents. The album was recorded throughout the winter and spring of 2021 at Baron’s Sun Mountain Studios in Boiceville, NY. Produced by longtime collaborator Simone Felice and engineered and mixed by David Baron, who also provided input on producing, the nine-song collection sees The Lumineers’ co-founders/co-songwriters Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites performing virtually all of the instrumentation.

    Current members of The Lumineers: Wesley Schultz (mic) and Jeremiah Fraites. Credit: Instagram

    Schultz and Fraites are from New Jersey and played at various venues throughout New York in the 2000s. In 2010, they relocated to Denver and met former band members Neyla Pekarek, Maxwell Hughes, and Ben Wahamaki. Their self-titled debut album was released in the spring of 2012. Shortly after, their debut single, “Ho Hey” was released. Before the release of their debut album and single, “Ho Hey” was featured in a December 2011 episode of The CW’s Hart of Dixie.

    The Lumineers are continuing their partnership with environmental nonprofit REVERB to reduce the environmental footprint of this year’s tour. The band will help fund a REVERB-vetted climate project that aims to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Fans are encouraged to join the band’s efforts at every show in the REVERB Action Village.

    Artist presale for The Lumineers’ summer tour begins Monday, March 6 at 12 p.m. General on-sale begins Friday, March 10, at 10 a.m. More information is available here.

    Watch the Brightside music video: