NYS Music 2023

Author: Gabriel Glynn-Habron

  • Bob Dylan Heads To Proctor’s Theatre, Rochester’s Auditorium Theatre, Capitol Theatre and Kings Theatre

    Legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan has announced that he and His Band will be making a pair of appearances in New York State this fall, with a show in Rochester on October 24 at Auditorium Theatre, and at historic Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady on October 30. The dates are part of the musicians’ “Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour.

    Dylan has added more dates in November to his tour calendar, with shows on November 7-8 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, and November 14-15 at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn.

    Dylan has been an iconic figure in American music for well over five decades. Born and raised in Minnesota, it was in Greenwich Village where the artists’ career started to blossom. Boasting an unparalleled writing style, Dylan rose to prominence for his ability to blend elements of folk and rock. Within just a three year span Dylan released the ever-influential albums Bringing It All Back Home, Highway 61 Revisited, and Blonde on Blonde.

    Read about Bob Dylan’s ‘Talkin’ New York’

    Widely recognized for crafting some of the most poignant and significant protest songs, Dylan is known for his social and political beliefs. The singers’ tracks became a symbolic part of the 1960s, touching on issues like segregation, authority, and societal norms. In 2016 Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his contributions to American poetry and music. Dylan has sold over 100 million records, won 10 Grammy Awards, and has been inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 

    Proctor’s Theatre was built in 1926 and hosts Broadway shows, cutting-edge film festivals, and music performances. The Arts Center & Theatre of Schenectady (ACT) stepped in to revitalize the theatre when the building faced destruction in the 70s. Since then, Proctor’s has become an integral part of the Capital Region’s arts scene. Past performers include Mariah Carey, Brittany Spears, Duke Ellington, and even comedian George Burns. 

    Here for tickets and more information about the Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour.

    Announced Tour Dates

    1 OCT- Kansas City, MO The Midland Theatre  

    2 OCT- Kansas City, MO The Midland Theatre  

    4 OCT- St. Louis, MO Stifel Theatre  

    6 OCT- Chicago, IL Cadillac Palace Theatre  

    7 OCT- Chicago, IL Cadillac Palace Theatre  

    8 OCT- Chicago, IL Cadillac Palace Theatre  

    11 OCT- Milwaukee, WI The Riverside Theater  

    12 OCT- Milwaukee, WI The Riverside Theater  

    14 OCT- Grand Rapids, MI DeVos Performance Hall  

    16 OCT- Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre 

    20 OCT- Cincinnati, OH The Andrew J. Brady Music Center  

    21 OCT- Akron, OH Akron Civic Theatre  

    23 OCT- Erie, PA Warner Theatre  

    24 OCT- Rochester, NY Auditorium Theatre  

    26 OCT- Toronto, ON Massey Hall  

    27 OCT- Toronto, ON Massey Hall 

    29 OCT – Montreal, QB Place des Arts – Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier  

    30 OCT- Schenectady, NY Proctors Theatre

    Nov. 1, 2023 — Symphony Hall — Springfield, MA

    Nov. 3, 2023 — Orpheum Theatre — Boston, MA

    Nov. 4, 2023 — Orpheum Theatre — Boston, MA

    Nov. 5, 2023 — Orpheum Theatre — Boston, MA

    Nov. 7, 2023 — The Capitol Theatre — Port Chester, NY

    Nov. 8, 2023 — The Capitol Theatre — Port Chester, NY

    Nov. 10, 2023 — Providence Performing Arts Center — Providence, RI

    Nov. 11, 2023 — Palace Theater — Waterbury, CT

    Nov. 14, 2023 — Kings Theatre — Brooklyn, NY

    Nov. 15, 2023 — Kings Theatre — Brooklyn, NY

    Nov. 19, 2023 — The Fillmore — Philadelphia, PA

    Nov. 20, 2023 — New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Prudential Hall, Newark, NJ

    Nov. 21, 2023 — New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Prudential Hall — Newark, NJ

  • Fridays at the Lake 2023 Concludes with Ten Most Wanted and The Schmooze

    Lake George’s annual “Fridays at the Lake” returns in 2023 with music for all ages and tastes, at Shepard Park Amphitheatre. The series starts on July 7 and runs until Sept. 1. The concerts are free to the public, with opening acts taking the stage around 6:00 PM and headliners following up at 7:00 PM.

    The concert series helps to deliver entertaining and high-quality performances to the Capital region. Located at the base of the Adirondacks, Lake George is known for its pristine views and historical importance. Originally home to three military forts, the town now draws visitors from all over the Northeast.

    Along with Fridays at the Lake, there will also be a special benefit concert series for the charity Kelly’s Angels. The organization looks to help children in the capital region who have lost parents or siblings to cancer. “Summer-Lovin” will occur July 12-15 at Shephard Park in Lake George, featuring food trucks, crafts, and fireworks.

    This summer’s final Friday at the Lake at Shepard Park, Canada Street, Lake George hits the stage this Friday, September 1.  Ten Most Wanted is a powerhouse band based out of Saratoga that plays all your favorite classic R&B, Funk, Soul and Rock favorites.  The heart of the band is a soulful rhythm section complimented by four sizzling horns, all laying the foundation for sensational lead vocalists.  Ten Most Wanted’s mission is to provide unrivaled entertainment mixed with top notch arrangements, endless energy and superb musicianship.  The series will end on a high note with Ten Most Wanted.  They will perform from 7:30-9:30.

    The Schmooze open the show, performing from 6:00-7:10.  They have been one of the region’s premier party bands for the past 15 years.  They will get the party started with their versions of rock pop, dance and country cover tunes that will have the crowd dancing and singing along.

    All Fridays at the Lake are free to the public, and food and beverage vendors are on site. 

    fridays at the lake lineup

    Click here for more details and information.

    FRIDAYS AT THE LAKE 2023

    July 7-Yellow Dog, Soul Session

    July 13-Kelly’s Angels benefit: Jonathan Newell Band 4:40-5:50, Bluz House Rockers 6:10-7:25, Funk Evolution 7:45-9:45, fireworks

    July 14-Bluz House Rockers, New York Players

    July 21-Dirt Cheap, Vivid

    July 28-Flannel Kings, Aquanett

    August 11-Super 400, Cryin Out Loud

    Aug. 25-A Blast, Refrigerators

    Sept. 1-The Schmooze, Ten Most Wanted

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNSEj5eo6FU&ab_channel=TheAdirondackChick

  • Dogstar To Perform In Brooklyn Ahead Of Upcoming Album

    Rock outfit Dogstar have announced that they will be stopping in Brooklyn as part of the tour for their upcoming album Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees, the group’s first project in over 20 years. Dogstar is made up of Bret Domrose (guitar/vocals), Robert Mailhouse (drums), and notably, Keanu Reeves (bass). The band is set to perform at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on December 11.

    Founded in Los Angeles during the 90s, the group started to formulate their alt-rock sound with garage jam sessions. In 1994 Dogstar would depart on an extensive tour and a year later the collective opened for David Bowie. The band released just two albums together, Our Little Visionary in 1996 and Happy Ending in 2000. Due to the members’ other professional and artistic commitments, the group grew apart, last performing in 2002. However, Dogstar returned this year with the single “Everything Turns Around” off their upcoming album. 

    We are so excited to re-introduce Dogstar with our new single ‘Everything Turns Around.’ It feels like a fun summer song to us.

    In addition to “Everything Turns Around” the group recently released “Breach” off of Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees. Made for the summer, both of the albums’ singles channel the Southern California energy that the band has become synonymous with. Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees is slated to drop on October 6. 

    Dogstar’s upcoming tour includes over 25 dates and stretches from each coast of the United States. The tour started on August 10 and runs until December 21. In addition to their American performances, the group also has three shows scheduled in Japan. Click here for tickets and more information.

    Dogstar Tour Dates

    8-22 Napa, CA – Uptown Theatre

    8-23 Menlo Park, CA – The Guild Theatre

    8-24 San Luis Obispo, CA – Fremont Theater

    8-26 Ventura, CA – Ventura Music Hall

    8-27 Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up

    8-28 Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory

    9-05 Osaka, Japan – Zepp Namba

    9-06 Yokohama, Japan – KT Zepp

    9-07 Yokohama, Japan – KT Zepp

    11-30 Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour

    12-03 San Francisco, CA – The Great American Music Hall

    12-05 Sacramento, CA – Crest Theatre

    12-07 Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall

    12-08 Detroit, MI – The Majestic Theatre

    12-09 Toronto, Ontario – Lee’s Palace

    12-11 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg

    12-12 Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club

    12-14 Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts

    12-15 Washington, D.C. – The Howard Theatre

    12-16 Norfolk, VA – The NorVa

    12-18 Charlotte, NC – The Underground

    12-19 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage

    12-20 Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl

  • Nick Vanderwood Returns To Utica For New Single “Shimmy”

    Utica artist Nick Vanderwood dropped his latest single “Shimmy” accompanied by a music video on August 19. “Shimmy” ushers in the next phase of Vanderwood’s artistic journey, as the track signals the incoming release of his September EP Reload. The music video premiere and subsequent live performance headlined the opening ceremonies for the first annual Dreamland Theatre Music and Arts Festival.

    The release of “Shimmy” marks the second audio-visual collaboration between Nick and Utica-born filmmaker, Lukas Sunderlin. The two friends joined forces years ago for Nick’s project “Little Vacation.” Since then, the duo have moved to Los Angeles and have been consolidating their creative visions under their new media production label known as “Monomaniac.” 

    Reload has been in the works for many years, as Vanderwood has struggled with a chronic neck injury that has hindered his performance behind a microphone. “Shimmy” started as a product of Vanderwood’s efforts at putting together a debut album. Recorded at the artists’ home in New York Mills, the track escalated from a brief demo to a full seven-minute cinematic short film. 

    The project not only attests to the creativity of Sunderlin but also the strength of “Shimmy” as a song. Funky, syrupy, and full of attitude, the track is a masterful blend of guitar and bass. The song perfectly fits the mysterious sci-fi world that comes alive in the video. Directed by Sunderlin with cinematography from Scott Sweitzer, the short film is fun and genuine. The duo cultivates an intriguing and imaginative visual experience that helps to showcase Vanderwood’s unique artistic vision. 

    We didn’t want to just throw something together and do something cute. The new work Nick is creating has an amazing amount of energy behind it, so we wanted to make  this a truly cinematic experience that could represent it appropriately.

    Lukas Sunderlin

    Click here for more on Nick Vanderwood, and visit here to listen to “Shimmy.”

  • The Soul Rebels Slated To Perform Four Nights At The Blue Note Jazz Club

    The Soul Rebels are set to perform for four nights at the Blue Note Jazz Club from Sept. 21 through Sept. 24. The group will also be accompanied by a slew of special guests including Rakim & Big Daddy Kane. Comedian Tony Woods, New York icon Ja Rule, and rapper G-Eazy are all scheduled to host a different night. 

    A product of New Orleans’ rich musical history, The Soul Rebels is an eight-piece brass ensemble. The band has long been admired for its ability to fuse together elements of jazz, soul, hip-hop, pop, and rock. An artistic Swiss Army knife, The Soul Rebels have performed with the likes of Nas, Rakim, Katy Perry, Portugal. The Man, and even Metallica. 

    The eight-member collective has appeared on multiple major releases including G-Eazy’s “When You’re Gone” ft. Lil Wayne and Dave East and Nas’ “Godfather 4.” The ensemble’s 2019 album Poetry in Motion impressed listeners and spawned appearances on The Late Show and NPR’s Tiny Desk.

    Performing a Blue Note Jazz Club residency is the holy grail of artistic experiences for our band. This opportunity brings together our favorite artists including our long-time friends and collaborators Rakim and G-Eazy and marks our debut performances with Big Daddy Kane and Ja Rule. This Blue Note engagement is truly monumental within our career and in culture. We are going big this year for the 50th anniversary of hip hop.

    Drummer and co-founder, Lumar Leblanc.

    The Blue Note Jazz Club continues to attract artists from a multitude of musical backgrounds. A Manhattan staple, the institution has been up and running since 1981. The Soul Rebels will be joined onstage by an all-star cast of jazz musicians. Louis Cato, Ray Angry, Elena Pinderhughes, and James Carter are all scheduled to be part of the band’s four-night run of performances. 

    Blue Note owns and operates New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club, Sony Hall, and Arthur’s Tavern; D.C.’s The Howard Theatre; and Blue Note Jazz Clubs Worldwide, which includes venues in Milan, Italy; Honolulu, HI; Beijing and Shanghai, China; Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan; Napa, CA; and Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil.

    Here for tickets and more information about the performances.

  • Troy Savings Bank Music Hall To Debut New Event ‘Kaleidescape’

    The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall will unveil a brand new event, Kaleidescape: A Sonic Journey, on October 14. The event will feature over 15 artists and is set to be a musical experience unlike anything the venue has ever hosted before. The venue has commissioned seven artists to create an original piece of work that will debut at Kaleidescape.

    Originally part of a historic bank, the Music Hall has become an artistic staple in Troy and the surrounding area. The Music Hall will serve as the central artistic inspiration for the new pieces of music . The mission of Kaleidescape is to celebrate the local musicians and fans who have helped to support Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. 

    Curated by Organ Colossal, Kaleidoscope will feature performances from Buggy Jive, Sara Ayers, Ohzhe, Zan and the Winter Folk, Sam Torres, and composer Patrick Burke. The event will also include multiple special guests like Julia Alsarraf and Girl Blue. 

    Kaleidescape will continue the venue’s mission of keeping music open and accessible. To ensure that cost is not a barrier, the organization has announced that there will be a limited number of free tickets. The Troy Redevelopment Foundation is sponsoring the Community Ticket Bank. To inquire or reserve these tickets contact Troy Savings Bank Music Hall by email, by phone at (518) 273-0038, or by visiting the box office.

    Click here for a full list of performers, and visit here for paid tickets and more information.

  • Colin Barkell and Todd Meredith To Perform Two Shows At Little York Pavilion

    Colin Barkell and his band King Vaudeville are set to perform two concerts at the Little York Pavilion in Preble on Sept. 6 and 14. Todd Meredith and special guest Kyle Lacy are also scheduled to appear. The shows are part of Cortland Repertory Theatre’s (CRT) 51st summer of programming at the venue. 

    Since appearing at CRT in 2019, Colin Barkell has gone on to make his Broadway debut and form the group King Vaudeville. His performance will feature impassioned covers of classic Johnny Cash, Elvis, and Chuck Berry tunes. Barkell will also mix in some of his original music, which reflects his upbeat personality. 

    Todd Meredith is no stranger to CRT either, appearing in Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story back in 2013. The Albany artist also performed in Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash and Million Dollar Quartet. Meredith and guest guitarist Kyle Lacy will perform an acoustic mix of classic and contemporary pop songs. With both musicians being prolific songwriters, the show will also include some of their own work.

    Todd Meredith

    Dr. James Palmer, associate director of theatre at SUNY Cortland, opened the Cortland Repertory Theatre in 1972. Since then, the organization has only grown, expanding to downtown in 2010. Past CRT performers and volunteers include Academy Award-winner Holly Hunter, Tony-winning director Joe Mantello, and renowned actor Stephen Borgardis.

    Tickets for both concerts are available here, at the CRT downtown Box office, or by calling 800-427-6160.  Click here for more information about these and upcoming shows and events at CRT Downtown this fall.

  • Joe Marcinek Band Set To Appear At Iridium Jazz Club

    The Joe Marcinek Band will take the state at Iridium Jazz Club in NYC on Aug. 26. The evening will also feature multiple guest musicians who look to compliment the vibrant and engaging sounds of the band. 

    Uniquely, the Joe Marcinek band is a carousel of different musicians and set lists. Each performance is made to be its own individual experience. The music varies from the psychedelic tones of the Grateful Dead to the brassy sound of Chicago Blues. 

    Joe Marcinek Band Facebook.

    Baltimore’s renowned Dennis Chambers will be on drums during the evening. A longtime fixture in the East Coast jazz scene, Chambers began performing at just six years old. Despite lacking formal training, he has gone on to share the stage with the likes of John Scofield, Santan, Mike Stern, and Parliament/Funkadelic. As a teenager the drummer was recruited to be a part of the storied Sugar Hill Label. Chambers will be joined by legendary harmonica figure Howard Levy. Backing them all up is percussionist Jason Hann, who cut his teeth with The String Cheese Incident.

    Lending his keys to the night is jazz pianist Jesus Molina. The Columbian-born artist has made a name for himself in the world of jazz. Originally a saxophonist, Molina transitioned from saxophone to piano as a teen. Cincinnati vocalist Reilly Comisar and bassist Ola Timothy will also be performing during the evening. 

    Click here for more information on the event and ticket details.

  • Indigo Girls To Perform Benefit Show At Capitol Theatre

    The Indigo Girls will perform at the “Raising the Bar Benefit Concert” at Capitol Theatre on Nov. 3. The Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC) hosts the event each October as it commemorates Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

    Amy Ray and Emily Saliers

    Consisting of Emily Sailers and Amy Ray, the Indigo Girls are one of the most iconic acts in folk music. The pair has released 16 studio albums and sold over 15 million records. In 1990 the duo earned a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album with their self-titled project Indigo Girls. The opening track on the album, “Closer to Fine” has gone on to solidify itself as one of the most popular songs in folk music. 

    Along with their successful music career, the Indigo Girls are widely recognized for their social and political activism. Champions of LGBTQ+ rights and protecting the environment, the group has incorporated their advocacy into both their music and shows. 

    We are thrilled and honored to have the Indigo Girls perform for our benefit concert to raise awareness about domestic violence.

    Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director for PWJC.  

    The Pace Women’s Justice Center is a non-profit legal center located at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law. The organization provides free legal services to over 3,500 victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. PWJC also hosts and participates in hundreds of training and outreach events. 

    Capitol Theatre

    Each October, the nonprofit honors an individual who has dedicated themselves to supporting the PWJC mission and its clients with the Making a Difference Award. This year PWJC selected Daniel Seymour, President of Cannae Advisors LLC.

    The Raising the Bar Benefit Concert is a nod to PWJC’s mission to increase access to justice and to provide free legal services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The funds raised will allow PWJC to continue helping their clients on their journeys toward empowerment and healing. Click here for information on individual tickets and sponsorships. 

  • Love In Exile Set For NYC Debut At The Town Hall

    World Music Institute recently announced that Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad Ismaily will be stopping at The Town Hall in Manhattan on September 14. The event will be a performance of the group’s self-titled 2023 album titled Love In Exile. Together, the trio concoct mesmerizing music by incorporating sonic elements from around the world. 

     Brooklyn-based vocalist Arooj Aftab burst onto the scene with her captivating debut project Bird Under Water in 2015. Since then, the Pakistan-born artist has been making waves for her alluring voice and varied musical range. With Love In Exile, Aftab partnered with esteemed pianist Vijay Iyer and instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily to create a project unlike many others. 

    Jazz and South Asian traditions help to influence the sound of Love In Exile. Despite the album’s footing, it is a swirling and genreless piece of music. The project is as eerie as it is entrancing, and is truly a unique listening experience. As a group Love In Exile aims to deliver a spellbinding live show. The trio dips into the improvisatory soul of jazz and the Urdu poetic tradition to create a performance full of “timeless beauty and sudden surprise”. 

    What Is World Music Institute?

    World Music Institute was founded in 1985 and has long stood as one of the pillars of American music and dance. The non-profit looks to bring the best music from around the world to venues throughout New York City. WMI attempts to foster awareness and appreciation for the cultural traditions of people across the globe through performances and conversations. The New York State Council on the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs partially support the program.

    Kalia Vandever, a Brooklyn trombonist and composer, will open the show. Vanderver’s nuanced approach to the trombone is distinctive and defined by her resounding tone and lyrical improvisational voice. We Fell In Turn, her debut solo album,  released back in March and featured works for trombone, voice, and electronics. 

    Here for tickets and more information about Love in Exile.