Whirlybird Music and Arts Festival have announced their stacked lineup featuring a wide variety of genres and bands! The festival returns to Downtown Jamestown from July 20-22.
Whirlybird Music & Arts Festival is a collection of carefully curated concerts that take place at a variety of venues across downtown Jamestown. Featuring three days of music with 20 artists scheduled, as well as live painting, comedy, dancing, and more, the festival has something for everyone. Headlining the festival will be jamtronica legends Jimkata along with Colorado-based festival favorite Magic Beans. Other acts include the Smackdab, Sophistafunk, Space Bacon, Miller & the Other Sinners, Charity Nuse & Friends, Grub, and many more. This years Grateful Dead tribute will be performed by Eberwine & Friends.
The Beer Snob and Jamestown Wine Cellar will play host to Whirlybird’s ticketed evening headliners; Sophistafunk, Space Bacon, Grub, Organ Fairchild, & Well Worn Boot. These shows are 21+ and require a Whirlybird Pass or Cover Charge to enter.
Free pop-up solo performances by the likes of Adam McKillip, SON, Kallie Williams, Ryan Buzzetto, Ion Sky, Catch Phrase, and more will be happening at Labyrinth Press Co, Brazil, 4 Below Haggy’s Bar and Grill, and Jamestown Public Market all throughout the festival.
For tickets, schedules, and information, please visit here.
Choreographer/performance artist Charles Dennis announced he is once again teaming with guitarist/composer Sal Cataldi (aka Spaghetti Eastern Music) for a three-hour performance of “Recycle Me” at Glasshouse Project in New Paltz on July 23 from 5:30-8:30 pm.
“Recycle Me”
“Recycle Me” imagines physical responses to the volume of plastic waste that is accumulating in our environment. Charles Dennis has collected plastic waste that has been consumed in his household and stored it for use in this performance. He physically interacts with the plastic and has choreographed a duet with it, building a sculpture of plastic garbage, creating a visual landscape that Dennis dances through. Accompanying the performance is a live musical score for solo electric guitar composed and performed by the acclaimed Spaghetti Eastern Music, the solo project of guitarist Sal Cataldi.
Born and raised in NYC, Charles Dennis is an award-winning choreographer/performance and video artist. He co-founded the legendary New York City performance venue P.S. 122 in 1980. His work is interdisciplinary, including elements of dance, theater, visual art, and media, described by Dancemagazine as “physical theater.” His work has been presented in art centers, colleges, community centers, and theaters worldwide.
Guitarist/composer Sal Cataldi (a.k.a. Spaghetti Eastern Music) has created an original score for solo electric guitar that will be played live to accompany the performance. The duo first collaborated on a reprise of Dennis’ well-known piece, “2x2x4” at the Avant-Garde-Arama Lands in Woodstock Festival of July 2021. Spaghetti Eastern Music’s recording of the three-movement scores of “2x2x4” was released in November 2021 on Bandcamp and other streaming services.
Sal Cataldi (a.k.a. Spaghetti Eastern Music). photo by Tracy Yarad.
“Recycle Me” is included in the “Present Continuous,” a unique summer festival of durational performance art works held over three, 24-hour sessions, a highlight of Upstate Art Weekend 2024 at Glasshouse Project in New Paltz. This program is free and open to the public with a suggested donation to support the artists. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP.
The Jungle Shakedown Music Festival just announced its lineup featuring a wide variety of acts, relocating to the lush landscapes of Costa Rica.
Jungle Shakedown Festival has become synonymous with unforgettable musical experiences and enchanting destinations. This year, the festival is elevating the adventure by embracing the captivating beauty and raw energy of the Costa Rican jungle. Set against the backdrop of the Vajra Jahra Retreat Center, this immersive experience promises to be the ultimate all-inclusive VIP getaway.
It promises not to just be a transformative musical experience, but also an adventure in Costa Rica, including spotting wildlife, longing on beaches, surfing, and picturesque sites of the jungle. Not your average festival, the experience allows you to hang out with the musicians, uniting the power of music, the beauty of nature, and the magic of community.
The lineup for Jungle Shakedown features an impressive roster of renowned musicians from the jam band scene. Attendees can expect performances from music icons including Al Schnier and Vin Amico of moe., Jason Hann of The String Cheese Incident, Steve Molitz of Particle, Mark Joseph of The Big Wu, and Janis Wallin of Family Groove Company. These talented musicians form the supergroup The Dire Wolves! More acts are to be announced.
Villas for Jungle Shakedown are on sale now. At the time of release there are only ten villas remaining, each with space for two-four individuals.
Rochester-based indie band Joywave has announced they will play the New York State Fair at the Chevy Court Stage on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m.
Formed in 2010, Joywave started when lead vocalist, Daniel Ambruster, was writing and recording music in his parents’ basement. They gained traction with a series of online mixtapes that blended their original songs with material from other artists. The group’s debut studio album, How Do You Feel Now? peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Album chart, where their second album, Content, also cracked the Top 10. In 2014 they released the popular hit “Dangerous” with Big Data, and their most recent record Cleanse features a series of songs that explore life in the early 2020s.
Their infectious brand of indie rock and electronic elements has led them to perform at major festivals including Lollapalooza and Coachella. They have toured with Bastille, The Killers, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Bleachers, Foals, and more, and also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Watching Joywave’s performance is included with the price of Fair admission.
New York State Fair Lineup
Chevy Court
Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.- Chubby Checker
Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.- Salt-N-Pepa
Aug. 24 at 6 p.m.- Quiet Riot
Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.- Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure
Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.- Julio Iglesias Jr.
Aug. 27 at 1 p.m.- The Prodigals
Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.- Matt Stell
Aug. 28 at 1 p.m.- Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.- Anne Wilson
Aug. 29 at 1 p.m.- Tommy James and the Shondells
Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.- Bret Michaels
Aug. 30 at 1 p.m.- Danielle Ponder
Aug. 30 at 6 p.m.- Chapel Hart
Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.- The Fray
Sept. 2 at 12-9:45 p.m.- JAMS Funk Fest Featuring: Brick (6:45 p.m.) & Dazz Band (8:15 p.m.)
Sun. Sept. 3 at 1 p.m.- Disney Junior Live On tour: Costume Palooza
Sept. 4 at 12 p.m.- The High Kings
Suburban Park
Aug. 23 at 2 p.m.- Steven Page
Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.- Lainey Wilson
Aug. 24 at 8 p.m.- Theory of a Deadman
Aug. 26 at 8 p.m.- George Thorogood and the Destroyers
Electric Zoo, New York City’s esteemed electronic music festival, has announced its 2023 lineup featuring the festival debut of ‘Under Construction,’ the groundbreaking brand brought to life by house music heavyweights Chris Lake and FISHER.
Electric Zoo also announced its highly anticipated Hyperspace theme, coming to Randall’s Island Park Sept 1-3. With six fully curated stages from artists and event brands, the festival is proud to add ‘Under Construction‘ to the recently unveiled MegaMirage stage on Friday, Sept. 1. It will dazzle fans with an extraordinary showcase of Chris Lake & FISHER’S favorite artists plus a special B2B set.
Chris Lake and FISHER are two titans of the industry, each known for their distinct style in the studio, on the decks, and as label curators. Lake has earned numerous chart-topping hits such as “Turn Off The Lights” while also spearheading his widely acclaimed Black Book Records imprint. FISHER is the iconic Australian maestro known not only for his label Catch & Release but also for dancefloor anthems like his grammy nominated smash “Losing It,” along with multiple singles that dominated the charts, topped over a billion streams, and ignited countless raves worldwide.
Electric Zoo’s all-new immersive MegaMirage stage comes from the brilliant minds behind The Brooklyn Mirage, located on a secluded part of the expanded festival grounds with its own dedicated entrances and exits – without the need for a second ticket. Taking the stage is Cloonee, Mau P, Rebūke, Honeyluv, Yolanda Be Cool, and Charles Meyer.
The lineup for Electric Zoo is a star-studded affair, featuring performances and exciting collaborations from GRiZ, who will take the stage for three unique sets throughout the weekend, including a headlining live set, and an epic B2B with Zeds Dead. Electronic music legends Deadmau5 and Kaskade will join forces for the New York City debut of Kx5. Joining these iconic acts are chart-toppers such as Galantis, Alison Wonderland, Marshmello, The Chainsmokers, Gryffin, The Blessed Madonna, The Desert Hearts Crew, J. Worra, Big Gigantic, and plenty more.
Tickets for Electric Zoo 2023 are on sale now. For more information, visit here.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9 pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Gozer and Grandstand Jockeys.
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Gozer-“The Beast That Lies”
Gozer are a band also from Albany, consisting of members Mykah Dillenger, Sean Murphy, Nick Kossor, and Seth Maset. They are an original hard rock band and music contributors to various podcasts/movies. Their track “The Beast That Lies” from their March 2023 release The Far Realm will be played on EQXposure.
Grandstand Jockeys-“Change”
Grandstand Jockeys is a group from Waterford, New York, combining hard-edge rock with pop sensibilities. Their EP Place is out now, and their song “Change” from the EP will be played on EQXposure.
Lil Uzi Vert just announced they will embark on their “PINK TAPE TOUR,” in honor of their recent release of album Pink Tape, coming to the Barclays Center on Nov. 20.
In addition to Lil Uzi Vert’s 2018 Grammy nomination as “Best New Artist,” the artist also received the “Breakout Artist of the Year Award” and the “Breakthrough Artist” award during Billboard’s 2017 Touring Awards. The rap superstar has also been featured on several record-breaking tracks. In 2020, Uzi dropped the deluxe edition of Eternal Atake, which includes part two of the album, titled LUV vs. The World 2, reaching #1 on the Billboard 200.Eternal Atake would go on to gain RIAA Platinum certification and was nominated for favorite rap/hip hop album at the 2020 American Music Awards. Uzi made their 2022 return a strong one with a flood of national festival performances and the release of the EP Red & White. Now 2023’s The Pink Tape becomes the first hip Hop album to debut at #1 on the Billboard charts.
Just recently, Uzi opened the 2023 BET Awards with an electrifying performance of “Spin Again” and “Just Wanna Rock” from Pink Tape. Earlier this year, they delivered dazzling performances at the 2023 Grammys, Wrestlemania 39, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
The “PINK TAPE TOUR” marks their first headlining tour since 2018. Tickets are available now.
LIL UZI VERT 2023 TOUR DATES:
Sat Oct 21 — Minneapolis, MN — The Armory
Mon Oct 23 — Chicago, IL — Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Tue Oct 24 — Cincinnati, OH — The Andrew J Brady Music Center
Wed Oct 25 — Detroit, MI — Fox Theatre
Tue Oct 31 — Boston, MA — MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Thu Nov 02 — Hampton, VA — Hampton Coliseum
Fri Nov 03 — Raleigh, NC — PNC Arena
Sun Nov 05 — Birmingham, AL — Avondale Brewing Company
Mon Nov 06 — Atlanta, GA — Coca Cola Roxy
Wed Nov 08 — Dallas, TX — South Side Ballroom
Thu Nov 9 — Austin, TX — Moody Center
Fri Nov 10 — Houston, TX — 713 Music Hall
Mon Nov 13 — Denver, CO — Fillmore Auditorium
Thu Nov 16 — Los Angeles, CA — The Kia Forum
Sat Nov 18 — San Francisco, CA — Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Mon Nov 20 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center
Wed Nov 22 — Philadelphia, PA — Wells Fargo Center
Shooter Jennings just announced he will celebrate the late, great Warren Zevon with the first-ever East Coast performance of SHOOTER JENNINGS AND THE WEREWOLVES OF LOS ANGELES DO ZEVON, a very special evening of wall-to-wall Zevon songs set for Nov. 1 at Brooklyn Made.
Shooter Jennings and the Werewolves of Los Angeles – which includes multi-instrumentalist Brian Whelan (Dwight Yoakum, Jim Lauderdale) alongside longtime Jennings collaborators drummer Jamie Douglass, bassist Ted Russell Kamp, and guitarist John Schreffler, will celebrate the iconic Warren Zevon on this special night.
This last year we had a blast doing two separate shows paying tribute to one of my favorite artists of all time, Los Angeles legend Warren Zevon. When Zevon was picked to be potentially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year we, along with millions of Zevon fans, were hoping that he would finally get his due in the halls of Rock & Roll History. Unfortunately, Zevon didn’t make it in this year and won’t be honored on November 4, 2023, in New York City at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. Upon hearing this news, the Werewolves of Los Angeles gathered in our Wolfcave to discuss what we could do about it. We decided that even though Warren wasn’t going into the Hall of Fame, we could take a special trip up to New York City that weekend and do our own celebration of Warren’s bad-ass music.
Shooter Jennings
Jennings, a three-time Grammy award winner, has defied expectations while constantly expanding the parameters of country, rock ‘n’ roll, and beyond. He is a truly limitless artist whose ambitious experimentation spans myriad genres and creative platforms, from releasing eight solo LPs, and countless EPs, and founding his label and multimedia outlet, Black Country Rock, as well as much more. Named “Hot New Producer” in Rolling Stone‘s 2020 “Hot List” issue, Jennings honed his production skills by helming sessions from such iconic artists as Jamey Johnson, Wanda Jackson, Billy Ray Cyrus, and his mom, Jessi Colter, and has kept up the pace with several acclaimed productions.
Shooter Jennings and the Werewolves of Los Angeles will make their first ever East Coast performance on Nov. 1 at Brooklyn Made. Tickets are on sale now.
Weezer delivered an electrifying performance on their Indie Rock Roadtrip tour at CMAC on July 3, catering to audiences new and old with their expansive and iconic discography. For almost thirty years Weezer has been churning out hit after hit, including the notable “Buddy Holly” to “Island In The Sun,” as well as their infamous cover of “Africa” by Toto.
Photo by Jamie Mohr for NYS Music.
With storms earlier in the day, the clouds lightened up and the beautiful hot sun pounded down on those ready to see a night full of great indie music. Punk rock band Joyce Manor was the first opener of the night, with their grunge-esque sounds and aesthetic, the group kept the audience engaged and in the mood for the night ahead.
The second opener, Future Islands, was a whole different vibe and experience than the band before it. With their futuristic-sounding instrumentals, unique and intimidating vocals, and a stage presence like no other, the almost 20-year-old band pulled from their extensive and creative discography for a set like no other. Lead singer Samuel T. Herring put on quite the show with his immersive and passionate performance, moving all around the stage and even falling to the floor a few times.
Future Islands, photo by Jamie Mohr for NYS Music.
Finally came the moment everyone was waiting for, Weezer taking the stage. Founded in 1992, the band features Rivers Cuomo (lead), Patrick Wilson (drums), Scott Shriner (guitar), and Brian Bell (bass). Since its inception, Weezer has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide, finding fame with their 1994 record Weezer, dubbed “the Blue Album.” When the curtain fell to start the show, the stage emerged into a car, with the radio and wheel, and graphics showing different roads throughout the whole night, very fitting to the Indie Rock Roadtrip name.
Photo by Brian Ferguson for NYS Music.
Weezer opened with “My Name Is Jonas” an iconic and nostalgia-infused track from their first record. The crowd immediately started jumping and moving back and forth as the music started, with the band just as hyped. Quickly moving through tracks, the band performed one of their most famous tracks “Beverly Hills,” featuring the audience screaming the lyrics, “Beverly Hills/That’s where I want to be.”
Photo by Jamie Mohr for NYS Music.
Keeping up with the pace, the band grooved to their instrumental track “Return to Ithaka,” and brought out some oldies including “The Good Life,” “Pork and Beans,” “Pink Triangle,” and “El Scorcho.” During “You Gave Your Love to Me Softly,” Weezer brought out the lead singer of Joyce Manor, Barry Johnson, to sing, adding more vocals to the already perfected harmonies the band has. At this point, I was already spent from dancing and singing, but I carried on because the show was so energetic and infectious.
Things got softer in the middle of the show to give the audience the much-needed break, with Rivers Cuomo performing solo acoustic tracks like “I’m Just Being Honest,” the live debut of the track, and the infamous “Only in Dreams,” bringing out the rest of the members for the songs long instrumental break.
Photo by Brian Ferguson for NYS Music.
The rest of the concert was exciting and fun with more popular tracks like “Island in the Sun” bringing out new stage effects like a giant sun, and other tracks like “Say It Ain’t So,” seeing the crowd at their loudest. My favorite part of the night was the encore because the crowd was the most hype they had been so far, with songs like “Surf Wax America,” and “Buddy Holly,” ending the most perfect evening. Overall, Weezer’s Indie Rock Roadtrip was exciting, fun, and very tame, leading to a great experience full of amazing music.
Set: My Name Is Jonas, Beverly Hills, Return to Ithaka, The Good Life, Pork and Beans, Pink Triangle, El Scorcho, You Gave Your Love to Me Softly, Blast Off!, Undone – The Sweater Song, I’m Just Being Honest, Susanne, Only in Dreams, The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn), Island in the Sun, Perfect Situation, All My Favorite Songs, Say It Ain’t So, Run, Raven, Run (instrumental only), Hash Pipe, and Thank You and Good Night.
Encore: The Waste Land, Surf Wax America, Buddy Holly.
The Sphere in Las Vegas has officially lit its exterior for the first time, the world’s largest LED screen, transforming the Vegas skyline.
Credit: Sphere Entertainment.
Dubbed the Exosphere, the outside portion of the Sphere was lit on July 4, introducing a new global landmark where artists, partners, and brands can showcase impactful content to audiences from around the world. The Exosphere consists of approximately 1.2 million LED pucks, spaced eight inches apart. Each puck contains 48 individual LED diodes, with each diode capable of displaying 256 million different colors. The Fourth of July production was just the beginning for the Exosphere, as it will continue to display creative activations in coordination with major events in Las Vegas, with more content planned throughout the month.
David Hopkinson, President, and Chief Operating Officer of MSG Sports, who oversees global marketing and brand partnerships across Sphere Entertainment and the MSG family of companies, said: “Sphere’s Exosphere is a 360-degree canvas for brand storytelling that will be seen around the world, offering our partners an unparalleled opportunity to become part of the greatest show on Earth. There’s nothing comparable to the impact from displaying innovative brand and immersive content on the world’s largest video screen. The extraordinary experiences we can create are only limited by imagination, and we’re thrilled to finally share with the world the spectacular potential of the Exosphere.”
The Sphere is becoming the next-generation entertainment medium, bringing wonder to the world and redefining the future of live entertainment, where artists, creators, and technologies will create extraordinary experiences, taking storytelling to a new level. The venue will transform the concert-going experience with innovative technologies that include a 16K x 16K LED display inside the main venue bowl that wraps up, over, and around the audience, creating a fully immersive visual environment. The Sphere also has the world’s most advanced concert audio system, featuring crystal-clear audio and 10,000 immersive seats including a system that utilizes deep vibrations so guests can feel the rumble of thunder or a roaring motorcycle.
Sphere at The Venetian (courtesy MSGE).
Later this year, the Exosphere will be prominently featured as part of Sphere’s opening in September with U2: UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere, as well as during the first Sphere Experience, Postcard from Earth directed by Darren Aronofsky, in October. For more information about the upcoming shows and to purchase tickets, visit here.
