The Palace Theatre and Building on Love are partnering to present The Frank White Experience and special guest DJ TGIF live in the Palace Lobby on April 1, starting at 7 p.m.
Six-year-old Ezekiel McLean was always a happy, upbeat, loving, and supportive child. One day his parents received the news that he has stage 4 kidney cancer, and their world has been upside down ever since. To pay the medical costs, the Palace Theatre’s Community Engagement Initiative is hosting a fundraiser with Building on Love and all the proceeds will be used to support the McLean Family. Building on Love is a local non-profit with a mission of helping families in the community who have had their life altered by supporting a loved one with a recent life-altering medical diagnosis by giving them financial access to care and housing so they can focus on the health of their loved ones.
“Childhood cancer is a battle that no one should have to go through. As if the emotional toll was not enough, the financial toll on the families can be crippling,” said Kevin Johnson, Executive Director of the Palace Theatre. “We are pleased to be able to offer our space, time, and energy to be able to help the McLean family in any way possible.” The benefit will take place at the Palace Theatre, Albany’s iconic downtown landmark, bringing in the biggest names in entertainment to the Capital Region for the past eight decades. Built in 1931, it was originally for vaudeville acts, and feature films, becoming a civic auditorium before closing its doors in 1969. The mission of the Palace is to bring world-class arts and entertainment to New York’s Capital Region, greatly enhancing the area’s cultural and economic development.
The Frank White Experience is the genre leader in live Hip Hop tribute bands, bringing the sounds of NOTORIOUS B.I.G. and live instrumentation to the listener’s ears. FWE not only covers the music of Biggie Smalls but takes listeners on a journey back through the beloved soundscape of 1990s Hip Hop and R&B, sharing the stage with Rakim, Styles P, Lil Kim, Fat Joe, C.J. Wallace, Havoc, DJ Enuff, Sway Calloway, Lil Cease, Klept, and many more. Featured at the concert is DJ TGIF aka Craig Earle, one of Upstate New York’s most in-demand DJs, performing regularly to both late-night sold-out crowds and family-friendly events alike. He was recently awarded the honor of the Albany Business Review’s 40 Under 40.
Tickets to attend the benefit performance are $30 (Standard Admission) and $50 (VIP), on sale now at the Palace Theatre Box Office and online.
The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS) announced that Michael Thomas has been appointed Director of the NYYS Jazz program, beginning with the 2023/24 season.
Founded in 1963, the New York Youth Symphony is internationally recognized for its award-winning and innovative educational programs for talented young musicians. The symphony was awarded the 2023 Grammy for Best Orchestral Performance – Classical, the first youth orchestra to win a Grammy in this category. The NYYS has provided over 7,000 music students unparalleled opportunities to perform at world-class venues including Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, and The Times Center. Students gain valuable life skills like commitment, discipline, focus, collaboration, and friendships that last a lifetime.
Michael Thomas is an award-winning saxophonist, composer, and arranger, arriving in New York City in 2011, becoming an active member of the jazz community. He began his musical career as a pianist at age five, switching to saxophone at age nine because his father was also a saxophonist, and his mother a clarinetist. He has performed throughout the United States and abroad, including tours in Central and South America, Australia, Europe, Japan, and Russia. He can be heard on over 30 recordings, including three albums as a leader, and has been commissioned by schools and professional ensembles around the world. In addition to his own trio, quartet, and quintet, Michael Thomas also co-leads and writes for the Grammy-nominated Terraza Big Band.
Thomas follows Andy Clausen, who will step down from his position at the end of the 2022/23 season after seven seasons. The New York Youth Symphony Jazz is a 17-member swing ensemble dedicated to studying, rehearsing, and performing classic big-band jazz music from the 1930s and 40s, incorporating the music into current and emerging styles that define the genre for the present generation. “We are thrilled to have found Michael, who we are confident will be a worthy successor to Andy Clausen, who has brilliantly led the program for the last seven years,” explained Robert J. Levine, Senior Vice President of NYYS Trustees and Head of the Jazz Director Search Committee. “Michael’s experience and impressive knowledge of all aspects of the jazz repertoire and his strong ability to communicate with our young musicians were immediately evident in his live audition.”
For more information about the NYYS and upcoming events, visit here.
13 downtown historic performing arts centers from Jamestown to Poughkeepsie have come together to form Alive Downtowns! The coalition, having met virtually since the start of the pandemic, is seeking $20 million in operating support from the state.
Bardavon, photo by Tim Lee.
Alive Downtowns! main goal is to encourage the lawmakers of New York to think of historic theatres in the same way they do aquariums and zoos, which are shown to have a significant public benefit. It is an affiliate corporation to the Upstate Theater Coalition for a Fairgame, established eight years ago in response to the creation of casinos in the eastern and southern tiers of the state.
Ulster Performing Arts Center, photo by Em Walis.
The historic theatres of Upstate New York are essential to each city’s urban education opportunities, economic viability, and continuing attractiveness. John Parkhurst, Chief Operating Officer of the Rochester Broadway Theatre League commented, “The COVID-19 shutdown of nearly two years has impacted us greatly as an industry. We are coming back, all of us, but, frankly without this coalition it would have been much harder.” The coalition is helping these places become recognized, and be bettered.
Proctors Theatre interior, photographed by Erica Miller.
These facilities combined have an average age of nearly 100 years and are keystones to the downtown areas of the cities they are in. They serve over 5 million people annually including thousands of students. Their economic impacts for upstates major downtowns exceed $350 million and their aggregate budgets exceed $100 million.
The Smith Center for the Arts, photo by Joe Booth.
In a meeting with local legislators and the Governor’s office, the response has been very supportive. The coalition is grateful for that response and hopes to reach all state elected officials to assure an annual appropriation that will allow its members to continue to be part of growing upstate downtowns guaranteeing accessibility for all citizens for years to come.
The Stanley Theatre.
Chris Silva, long-time Executive Director of the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie added, “This group of performing arts centers are economic, educational, and cultural engines in Upstate. We are hoping the state can make a modest investment in us that will pay huge dividends.” Upon meeting with local legislators and the Governor’s office, the response has been very supportive for the coalition’s efforts.
The legendary Newport Jazz Festival returns for the summer at Fort Adams State Park in Rhode Island from Aug. 4-6, featuring legendary talents like Herbie Hancock and Diana Krall, and newcomers like Bronx native Samara Joy.
The Newport Jazz Festival returns for its 69th anniversary at Fort Adams State Park, one of the most important and enduring cultural institutions in America. Fans and artists alike return each year to the venue to experience the joy of this long-running tradition of diversity, discovery, and artistic virtuosity. The festival is produced by The Newport Festivals Foundation (NFF), a non-profit organization with the goal to offer opportunity, inspire through exposure and facilitate the collection of resources needed for musicians to celebrate and innovate. This year’s festival features many legendary artists, including a thrilling new class of GRAMMY winners and nominees.
This year’s festival lineup features artist legendary keyboardist, NEA Jazz Master, and 14-time Grammy winner Herbie Hancock and Canadian jazz pianist and singer known for her contralto vocals and for selling 15 million albums worldwide, Diana Krall. Charles Lloyd, NEA Jazz Master who plays tenor saxophone and flute, and Vijay Iyer, Grammy-nominated and multi-award winning composer, and pianist also make an appearance.
Some of today’s most virtuosic artists and cultural leaders like Jon Batiste and Kamasi Washington will perform at the festival as well as GRAMMY winners and nominees including Best New Artist Samara Joy, DOMi & JD Beck, and the first Pakistani to win a Grammy Award, Arooj Aftab. The lineup also includes bounce legend Big Freedia, musical polyglots Thundercat, and DJ Pee .Wee (aka Anderson .Paak). Big Gigantic and Alfa Mist, as well as songwriters Cautious Clay, Durand Jones and The War & Treaty, perform as well. Special ensembles include Newport Jazz artistic director Christian McBride’s annual Jam Jawn, MoodSwing, Scary Goldings featuring John Scofield, Superblue, Orrin Evans Quintet, and the Bill Charlap Trio.
Tickets are on sale now, with specially priced three-day tickets and student tickets available. Children ten and under are free, and single-day and two-day tickets go on sale at a later date. For more information about the Newport Jazz Festival and to purchase tickets, visit here.
The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN) has announced guitarist Gretchen Menn will be honored at the 11th annual She Rocks Awards, among other musical legends.
Photo of Gretchen Menn by Larry DiMarzio
Founded in 2012, the Women’s International Music Network unites women who work within all facets of the music and audio industries, honoring female artists, industry executives, and media personalities throughout the music landscape. The WiMN provides a community for women within the industry while enriching their careers and musical experiences through networking and sharing. The She Rocks Awards honors trailblazing women from all areas of the industry– from educators, to label execs, manufacturers, non-profits, media, performers, engineers, and more.
Laura B. Whitmore, founder of the WiMN said that she is “incredibly excited to celebrate 11 years of honoring women in music. This year will present opportunities for new surprises and loads of inspiration both in person and online.”
Honored at this year’s award ceremony is Gretchen Menn, guitarist and a founding member of Zepparella, the acclaimed Led Zeppelin powerhouse. She has performed as a solo artist throughout the U.S. and in guitar festivals in Switzerland and Germany, releasing her first record Hale Souls in 2011, full of original, instrumental works. Her second release, Abandon All Hope in 2016 combines modern and classical instruments to bring the listener on a musical journey. She is currently working on her third solo album. “Being honored with the Inspire Award means the world to me. If I have encouraged or inspired anyone along their musical paths, I consider that a huge achievement,” she shares.
Along with Menn, several other women will be honored at the She Rocks Awards. Judy Collins, a platinum-selling singer/songwriting icon will be honored at the award ceremony. Other honorees include Noelle Scaggs, co-frontperson for multi-platinum band Fitz and the Tantrums and founder of Diversify the Stage, Shelly Peiken, Grammy-nominated, chart-topping hit songwriter, Mary Spender, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and Youtube star, Michelle Bell, VP of Creative for Roc Nation. Also included in the list of honorees is the Chief Operating Officer for the School of Rock, Stacey Ryan, the Chief Operating Officer for Audiotonix, Helen Culleton, VP of Marketing for Roland and drummer Katherine Wing, and photographer and author of 108 Rock Star Guitars and Immortal Axes, Lisa S. Johnson.
Judy Collins photo by Shervin Lainez.
This year’s event is co-hosted by former She Rocks Awards honoree Lisa Foxx, radio host for myFM and iHeartRadio, and Aijia Grammer, LA-based, pop songwriter, vocal producer, and musician. This year’s opening performer will be Canada’s own Juno award-winning alternative act, The Beaches. Their latest single, “Grow Up Tomorrow,” spent seven-plus weeks at Number 1 on Alternative Radio, and Elton John described their last album as “The best rock album of last year.”
To learn more about the She Rocks Awards, purchase tickets, and find out how to watch the live stream the evening of the awards, visit here.
There is a sense of belonging within the community of the Rochester DIY Scene, with loyal fans showing up to gigs to see their favorite bands live, as well as accountability, those with bad behavior never get off with a slap on the wrist. There are ups and downs, as with any scene, but it holds itself together with the great talent booming out of the area.
Muck Duck Studio in Rochester.
The Rochester DIY Scene is expansive, successful, and most importantly: diverse. Rochester has a population of a little more than 200,000, full of culture and diversity, hosting a variety of local and international musicians, and festivals like the International Jazz Festival, the Greek Festival, The Lilac Festival, East Ave Festival, Fringe Festival, the Irish Festival, the Ukrainian Festival, and more, pulling in thousands of people to the city each year. Sort of hidden in the shadows of big venues and festivals are those trying to make a name for themselves, playing to local fans right in their hometown of Rochester weekly.
Jackson Cavalier was born and raised in Rochester, playing music around town in open mics and dive bars, starting ten years ago, going through the motions from a hobbyist musician to part-time to full-time. His bands include The Big Dead Waltz and the Anarchist Zen Collective, as well as just him solo. He plays a variety of Americana, including punk, rock, folk, bluegrass, and more, while also booking bands and musicians in the area for the past few years.
He has advocated for good industry practices and has seen the issues that have arisen since becoming a musician, from bad venue owners to unethical practices and bands being paid close to nothing. He says that “the past couple of years I’ve spent time working with venues and bands to get everyone on the same page as to what a fair pay rate is for musicians and things that you should and should not tolerate as a musician just in hopes to make things positive and good for the community.”
Jackson Cavalier
Notable venues in the Rochester DIY scene include Muck Duck Studio, Bug Jar, Lux Lounge, and more. Muck Duck Studio is showing the most growth potential right now because it is an inclusive and diverse venue, hosting music, yoga, events for mental health, and more. Cavalier commented that the crowd is there to listen and, “it is almost kind of scary because you don’t get it anywhere else. During songs, people aren’t talking and after it is over, people clap and they’re equally silent, waiting for the next song. It is the most bizarre and beautiful thing.” It is a shining star of the DIY movement in Rochester right now for those reasons.
Bug Jar and Lux Lounge have been cited as top places to attend by many because they allow musicians a space to perform. After COVID, Cavalier says, house shows have died down a bit, but the positive is that these spaces turned into outlets for those to come to. They also allow a wide variety of people to come play, from punk to grassroots, something you don’t see every day.
Among the notable acts, besides Cavalier’s projects include Jimso Slim, fronted by Shane Joyce, with an almost Mac DeMarco vibe to his music, indie with the right touch of emotion. Brand new group Bellwether Breaks is taking the scene by storm with almost a 60s soul revival sound, and singer/songwriter Sally Louise, brings a modern Joni Mitchell touch to her music. One thing these acts have in common is that they all have ambitions, to put out music and play the hell out of it, something that is refreshing to see in a smaller city. Also, these acts showcase just a small part of the scene, showing that there is diversity present, with a little bit of something for everyone, and it is in the hands of the artists to make it go in the direction they want.
Described as successful, the Rochester DIY scene has a lot of potential and room for growth, but the biggest issue plaguing the scene is that a lot of acts have hit the ceiling. Cavalier says that “we’re all making albums and we have a fan base and everyone is doing their own thing. We get to a point where it is impossible to grow further in Rochester because the major venues and stages that aren’t part of the DIY scene and who may not even know about it are booking only tribute or cover bands.” Venues are taking a cash-grab approach, regardless of what they are doing or thinking about how they represent the community and culture.
Rochester is not the only scene where venues are showing less concern for patrons. It is hard to become a successful artist when the industry is filled with people who don’t know or appreciate these incredibly talented smaller artists, but would rather give their attention to those that already have their attention grabbed by dozens of others. It is up to the audience to decide where they want to go and who they want to see, and that might change this dynamic to bring lesser-known artists to the surface. The most important part of any scene is saying something if you see something. If a venue owner is being toxic, there are hundreds of other venues you can perform at to not give them any business.
I just ask my associates to think and say ‘does my performance at this place do good things for the community, or bad things?’ The same thing goes for the audiences too…Make your dollar count because as long as you go to places that have allowed hateful things to happen, you’re telling them that it’s okay for that behavior to continue. It is very easy to boycott a place when there’s quite literally hundreds of places you can go and see muisc in the greater Rochester region.
Jackson Cavalier
Make your dollar count, the point that is hardest hit home. Everybody has a choice on where they want to go, and with a place that is so diverse like the Rochester scene, there’s a home for everybody from anywhere. From bluegrass to folk to punk to pop, there is a wide variety of genres and venues for people to check out, just keep in mind who you support and be mindful of others.
The second annual edition of the Hudson Valley Follow The Arrow festival presented by Marco Benevento at Arrowood Farms in Accord lineup has been announced for June 17.
Follow The Arrow Festival was created by Marco Benevento along with his record label Royal Potato Family and Impact Concerts in 2022. The festival featured performances by Antibalas, The Slip, and Mikaela Davis, among others. It is centered around the importance of self-expression and maintaining one’s values, all while listening to great music and enjoying a sense of joy and positivity.
Woodstock-based artist Benevento has toured the world for his eight studio albums, amassing a devoted fanbase, while drawing praise from tastemakers far and wide. The Los Angeles Times said, “it’s safe to say that no one sees the keyboard quite like Marco Benevento’s genre-blind mashup of indie rock, jazz, and skewed improvisation.” His songwriting is infectious and earthy, yet at the same time is pumped full of dance-rock energy. On his latest album Benevento, he dives deep down a psych funk rabbit hole, reimagining the negative times we are living in with optimistic groove tracks like “At The End Or The Beginning,” “Winter Rose” and “Do You Want Some Magic?”
We’re so excited to invite everyone back to Follow The Arrow this summer. As anyone who attended last year will tell you, it was a magical day. Everyone partied and had an amazing experience, but it was also family friendly vibes where you could bring your kiddos and relax because they were having as much fun as everyone else. This year’s line-up includes some of my all-time favorite musicians and we’ll be revealing a few exciting additional artists and plans for the day in the coming weeks. We’re still feeling it from last year, so you know we’re only gonna build on it and have ourselves an absolute blast.
Marco Benevento
This year’s festival features Marco Benevento and his band as well as indie rock groups Rubblebucket, The Barr Brothers, and Scott Metzger, with a second round of artists and special guests to be announced in early April. Rubblebucket is a spunky art-pop and indie-rock band from Brooklyn, featuring members Kalmia Traver and Alex Toth. Their performances are high-energy, with an engaged crowd that sings every note, grooving back and forth to their music. The duo’s sixth record Earth Worship explores love songs for and from the natural world, featuring infectious melodic complexity, hooky vocals, and shimmering beats.
The Barr Brothers is an indie folk band founded in Montreal in 2006, consisting of brothers Andrew and Brad Barr, as well as bassist Morgan Moore, pedal steel guitarist Brett Lanier, and harpist Eveline Gregoire-Rousseau. Scott Metzger has performed extensively all over the United States, Europe, Japan, and Australia and has recorded projects of all styles. He is a full-time member of the critically acclaimed, increasingly popular Joe Russo’s Almost Dead.
The second round of artists includes heavy groove trio LaMP featuring guitarist Scott Metzger with keyboardist Ray Paczkowski and drummer Russ Lawton who are best known for their work with the Trey Anastasio Band, Beacon, NY-based indie folk band Upstate, and jam rock meets indie pop dynamo Karina Rykman and her band. In addition, Marco Benevento and friends will cap the night off with Let’s Dance: A Tribute To David Bowie, with special guests Duane Betts, Stuart Bogie, Mikaela Davis, and Sister Sparrow.
Tickets go on sale on March 24 at 10 a.m., including an allotment of discounted early bird tickets. For more information about Follow The Arrow Festival and to purchase tickets, visit here.
The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival has announced the lineup for the 20th anniversary, happening from June 23-July 1 at 19 venues across the Flower City featuring over 1,700 artists.
Photo by Eli Stein.
Founded in 2002, the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival is one of the world’s leading jazz festivals, held annually in Rochester with over 210,000 attendees. Over nine days, there are 300 shows with more than 1750 artists from around the world, traveling from places like Australia, Benin (West Africa), Canada, Cuba, Denmark, England, Finland, Japan, and more. The festival is produced by RIJF, LLC, a privately held company owned by John Nugent and Marc Iacona.
In a blink of an eye, we find ourselves producing our 20th Jazz Festival. Sustaining an event of this magnitude has been realized thanks to hundreds of thousands of appreciative fans, talented musicians, overwhelming community support, collaborative corporate and government sponsorship support, and an enthusiastic team that goes above and beyond every June to make this Jazz Fest succeed. We are so appreciative of them all. We are committed to presenting a unique combination of Grammy Award-winning musicians for our Headliner Series, Club Pass Series, and free concerts. The power of the unity, community, and positive energy created during these nine days is second to none! We are blessed to be able to celebrate these memorable two decades and focus on ‘Jazz in June’ for many years to come!
Marc Iacona, Producer and Executive Director.
More than 100 free shows and events will be presented on nine free stages including 49 shows on the City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation, 16 free shows in the new Wegmans Pavilion on East at Chestnut, Squeezers Nightly Jam Sessions presented by the DiMarco Group at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, 8 shows on the Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, 2 shows on the City of Rochester Stage at East & Chestnut, 5 Jazz workshops for music students, and more.
The ticketed headliner shows return to Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre this year. On June 23, Pat Metheny‘s Side-Eye will perform at 8 p.m. Metheny is an American jazz guitarist and composer, leader of the Pat Metheny Group, and is also involved in duets, solo works, and other side projects. Metheny’s new Side-Eye project will be an unforgettable encounter spotlighting two sensational rising stars: pianist Chris Fishman and drummer Joe Dyson.
On June 24 at 8 p.m., five-time Grammy-award blues musicians Keb’ Mo’ performs. He is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter, writing much of his own material, applying his acoustic, electric, and slide guitar skills to jazz and rock-oriented bands. The next day brings Omara Portuondo on her farewell tour at 4 p.m. She is a Cuban singer and dancer and a founding member of the popular vocal group Cuarteto d’Aida. During her long career, she has collaborated with many important Cuban musicians and won many prestigious awards.
Keb’ Mo’.
Finishing out the ticketed headliners is a sold-out show with Bonnie Raitt on her Just Like That…Tour. Raitt is a 13-time Grammy award winner, receiving 30 nominations, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She has been ranked No. 50 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time,” and ranked No. 89 on the magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
The free headliners for Rochester’s International Jazz Festival will perform at the Wegmans Stage at Parcel. Kicking off the events on June 28 is Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, playing a mix of folk rock, bluegrass, Southern rock, and more. Hornsby has won three Grammy Awards, including a 1987 Grammy Award for Best New Artist with Bruce Hornsby and the Range, a 1990 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, and a 1994 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.
The next day brings Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes at 9 p.m. Founded by the Jersey Shore, the group is closely associated with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, recording and performing several Springsteen songs. He also made an appearance on their Better Days album in 1991. June 30 brings the Artimus Pyle Band Celebrating Lynyrd Skynyrd. Since his departure from Skynyrd Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Artimus Pyle’s career has led him down an amazing path of solo records and projects culminating into one the finest tributes to southern rock royalty. Artimus Pyle, Brad Durden, Jerry Lyda, Dave Fowler, and Scott Raines come together to deliver hit after hit, with some of the most seasoned musicians in the southeast.
Ending the five free headliner shows on July 1 is Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at 9 p.m. Trombone Shorty is a Grammy-nominated NOLA icon, blurring the lines between funk, soul, R&B, and psychedelic rock. His latest release Lifted contains bold lyrics full of self-assurance, standing up to hard times and loss with grit and determination.
The Festival’s signature Club Pass Series will present 192 shows in 11 venues. Enjoy unlimited access with a 3 or 9-Day Club Pass, or $30, $35 (Kilbourn Hall) cash at the door. For more information on other events happening at the International Jazz Festival and to purchase club passes, go here.
2023 Full Lineup
78 RPM Big Band, Airmen of Note, Akiko Tsuruga Organ Group, Al Chez & the Brothers of Funk, Albino Mbie, Alexi Tuomarila Quartet, All in Brass Band, American Patchwork Quartet, Artimus Pyle Band Celebrating Lynyrd Skynyrd, Atlas Band, B.D. Lenz Group, Bassel & the Supernaturals, Big Lazy, Bill Frisell Trio, Bill Goodwin Trio, Bill Tiberio Band, Blue Moon Marquee, Bonnie Raitt: Just Like That…Tour 2023, Brockport Big Band, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, Camille Thurman with Darrel Green Quartet, Catherine Russell, Celebrating Toots Thielemans With Kenny Werner & Gregoire Maret, Chris Lewis & the Jon Ballantyne Trio, Chris Minh Doky All Stars, Chris Whiteman Trio, Christian Sands, Christian Sands Trio, Corner House, Cory Weeds Quartet, Curtis Stigers, Damon Fowler, Dave Restivo Trio + Christine Jensen, David Hazeltine, David Hazeltine Quartet, Dawn Thomson & Gary Versace, Deanna Witkowski Plays Mary Lou Williams, Dear Marian: Laura Dubin Trio Plays Marian McPartland, Diana Herold & Helium, Doc Robinson, Durham County Poets, Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra w/ Herb Smith, Eastman Community Music School (ECMS) Faculty w/ Special Guest Vocalists!, ECMS Jazz Alumni, ECMS Jazz Combos Directed by Bob Sneider, Eddie 9v, Eldorado Slim Featuring Scott Sharrard of Little Feat, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Erez Aviram Ensemble, Eri Yamamoto & Bruce Barth, Eastman School of Music-RIJF, Fred Costello, Gabrielle Cavassa, Gate Swingers Big Band, Glen David Andrews, Greece Jazz Band, Harold Danko, Harry Allen Trio, Helen Sung Quartet+, Helen Sung Solo, High School Jazz Bands, Houston Person & Eric Person, Houston Person & Eric Person “Person2Person,” iGNiTE, Joe Beard Band, Joe Robinson, Joel Frahm Trio, Joey Alexander Trio, Joona Toivanen Jazz & Flyfishing, Jonatavious Willis, Juliet Lloyd, Keb’ Mo’, Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet, Latriste Fulton & The Frequencies, Lionel Loueke & Gretchen Parlato, Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra, Luis Deniz Quartet, Mambo Kings, Marc Broussard, Mark Guiliana Quartet, Mark Kelso & the Jazz Exiles, Matthew Whitaker, Melody Masters Big Band, Mike Kaupa’s Ecms Ensembles! Saturday Ensemble & Junior Jazz, Miss Tess, Ms. Lisa Fischer w/ Taylor Eigsti, Music Educators Big Band, Nancy Kelly, Nathan Paul & the Admirables, Nduduzo Makhathini, Neil Swainson Trio, Nellie McKay, New Horizons Big Band Directed by Priscilla Todd Brown, New Horizons Jazz Band Directed by Don Sherman, Nick Finzer Sextet, NYChillharmonic, Oddgeir Berg Trio, Okan, Olli Hirvonen Group, Omara Portuondo “Vida,” Pat Metheny Side-Eye, Pedrito Martinez, Penfield Big Band, Peter Johnstone & Tommy Smith, Phylicia Rae Sealy, Ralph Alessi & This Against That, Rich Thompson Trio, Richie Goods & Chien Chien “Connected,” Rochester Metro Jazz Orchestra, Samara Joy, Soul Stew, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, St Paul & the Broken Bones, Steve Smith & Vital Information, Syndicate Jazz Octet, Tatiana Eva-Marie, The Baylor Project, The Bossa Nova Wave Diego Figueiredo + Ken Peplowski, The Buddahood, The Clements Brothers, Tia Fuller Quintet, Tom Guarna Trio, Tommy Gearhart, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Twisted Pine, USP, VickiKristinaBarcelona, Victoria Victoria w/Charlie Hunter, Vince Ercolamento & Friends, Vincent Peirani, Violet Mary.
The Sembrich in Bolton Landing announced the 2023 Summer Festival Trailblazers, celebrating the singular achievements of outstanding individuals in arts and culture, beginning on June 11 and running through Aug. 30.
The Sembrich Museum.
Those who attend The Sembrich can experience music, history, and nature all at once, with museum exhibitions and an annual summer festival. It was once the teaching studio of Polish soprano Marcella Sembrich, one of the most famous musicians at the turn of the 20th century. Visitors can discover her legacy, which includes over 400 performances at the Metropolitan Opera and faculty positions at both the Juilliard Graduate School and the Curtis Institute of Music. The summer festival includes an exciting mix of world-class musicians, noted musical scholars, and a free film series.
Recently, The Sembrich received a total of $120,400 in grant funding from New York State to support new and ongoing initiatives, awarded through two agencies, the NYS Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and I LOVE NY/New York State’s Division of Tourism. Director of Institutional Advancement Caleb Eick said “these funds will allow us to continue to grow and expand our programs and presence in our community. We are excited to undertake new initiatives and further solidify The Sembrich and our region as a world-class cultural destination.”
The 2023 Summer Festival Trailblazers showcases singular achievements of outstanding individuals in arts and culture, from David Smith to Marin Alsop and Alma Mahler to Philip Glass, there will be 23 individual events throughout the summer months beginning on June 11 and running through Aug. 30. The Sembrich’s Artistic Director Richard Wargo spoke on the itinerary for the festival, showcasing an exciting series of programming.
The art world has always had trailblazers, those unique individuals who forged a route through the wilderness for others to follow. Our festival this summer is built around a number of these innovators…modernist sculptor David Smith, conductor Marin Alsop, musicians Grigor Piatigorsky and Alma Mahler, composers Franz Liszt, Philip Glass and Lin-Manuel Miranda, to name just a few. A number of our featured performers can be said to be “trailblazers” in their own right: guitar and cello duo Boyd Meets Girl, the all-female horn quartet Genghis Barbie and Hub New Music, whom the Boston Globe praised as ‘contemporary chamber trailblazers.’
The Sembrich’s Artistic Director Richard Wargo
The highlights of the festival begin with “In the Footsteps of Piatigorsky,” a studio talk and performance by cellist Evan Drachman, dedicated to his celebrated grandfather, Gregor Piatigorsky, one of the pre-eminent string players of the twentieth century. The music featured includes Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, and Rubinstein, happening June 17 at 2 p.m. The Sembrich’s lakeside subscription Promenade Series enters its second season with an exciting lineup of groups including the Adirondack Jazz Repertory Ensemble, guitar and cello duo Boyd Meets Girl, and the leading post-feminist all-female horn group Genghis Barbie.
Genghis Barbie.
A staple in The Sembrich’s Summer Festival, World Music Wednesdays brings cultural traditions from across the globe to the shores of Lake George. Featured this year includes tango traditions with the Latin-Grammy artist Pedro Giraudo and his Tango Quartet, Celtic dances with Poor Man’s Gambit, and Georgian polyphonic singing with acclaimed choral group Iberi. The Sembrich’s Film Series this year features CODA (2021), Koyaanisqatsi (1982), The Conductor (2021), tick…tick…BOOM! (2021), and Elvis (2022).
The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing on July 15 is a presentation with vintage photos by Betty Spinell about forbidden love, jealousy, and mental instability that resulted in a shocking, cold-blooded murder. The ensuing “trial of the century” mesmerized the public and helped close the curtains on America’s Gilded Age. Discover the life and inspirations of turn-of-the-century muse and femme fatale, Alma Mahler on July 19 at 2 p.m. featuring quotes from her diary and music by Mahler, Strauss, and Schoenberg performed by Robert Osborne, bass-baritone and Tammy Hensrud, mezzo-soprano.
Featuring some of the finest concert artists in the classical music scene, the Alfred Z. Solomon Masterwork Series celebrates monumental figures in arts and culture including sculptor David Smith, Jean Francaix, Franz Liszt, and more. Artists performing include 25-year-old virtuoso pianist Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, the trailblazing quartet HUB New Music, and members of The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner
On Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. The Sembrich brings “Hamilton: The Man, The Musical, The Cultural Phenomenon,” to the venue, featuring musical theater historian John Kenrick and a lively studio talk that explores New York native Lin-Manuel Miranda’s trailblazing blend of hip-hop and Broadway styles in the revolutionary musical Hamilton. Finally on Aug. 26 at 6 p.m., there will be an elegant cantina-style gala performance on the lakeshore featuring rising operatic star, tenor Leonardo Sánchez, titled “Mi México Querido” (“My Beloved Mexico”). The performance includes the color, tradition, and passion of his beloved Mexico, featuring instruments like the guitar, guitarrón, vihuela, and accordion – pillars of traditional Mexican music.
For a full listing of events, or to purchase tickets visit here.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. 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 Ampevene, Tops of Trees, and Simplemachine.
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.
Ampevene is a fresh, experimental fusion of original Progressive Rock, Psychedelic, and other genres based out of Albany. The group is currently comprised of Gabe Stallman (guitar and vocals), Mack Hogan (bass), Ava Smith (keys and synth), and Brian McKinney Fahey (drums). They take inspiration for their free-form frenzy, jagged riffs, and hypnotic rhythms from groups like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, TOOL, and more.
Simplemachine – “Ingloria”
Simplemachine just released the anti-suicide anthem “Ingloria,” urging those to get help if they are struggling. The song tugs on your heartstrings as they sing “I never saw it coming/then through the haze/the hum of distant drumming.” The song utilizes powerful vocals and somber violin strings to get the message across that help is available to you, and to please seek it before doing anything drastic.
Tops of Trees – “Frontline”
Tops of Trees are a newly budding original music group based out of Upstate, NY, with a modern interpretation of soulful music steeped in early R&B, funk, and blues.
