The Binghamton Philharmonic has announced its Wallenberg Festival, a joint concert with the Binghamton Youth Symphony and Binghamton Community Orchestra, coming up this Saturday, January 28.
This Festival is in celebration of orchestra founders Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg, and their lasting legacy of symphonic music in the Southern Tier. The program will include a side-by-side performance of the Youth Symphony and Philharmonic through works by Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky. The performance is scheduled for Saturday, January 28 at 7:30pm at the Forum Theatre.
Founded by Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg in 1955 as the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra presents an annual series of classical, pops, and chamber music concerts in Downtown Binghamton and throughout Broome County. The professional musicians of the Philharmonic, represented by Local 380 of the American Federation of Musicians, hail from the Southern Tier, New York City, and surrounding states. Maestro Daniel Hege was appointed Music Director in 2018.
A Night Of Classics
The show will be conducted by Daniel Hege, Evan Meccarello, and Barry Peters. The Binghamton Youth Symphony will perform pieces by Antonín Dvořák and Franz von Suppè. The Binghamton Community Orchestra will follow up with more Dvořák and works by Johannes Brahms, while the Binghamton Philharmonic will perform music by Edvard Grieg. The night will conclude with a joint performance by the Binghamton Youth Symphony and the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra.
All children 17 and under get in for free, courtesy of M&T Bank, Binghamton Philharmonic’s Classical Series Sponsor.
There will also be a Pre-concert Dinner to support the Philharmonic, held at the Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Binghamton. The dinner will be $35 per person and seating begins at 5pm the day of the show.
For tickets and more information, including Pre-concert dinner reservations, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org.
Hybrid/fusion act Pink Talking Fish have announced their 2023 spring tour, celebrating the 50 Year Anniversary of Pink Floyd’s album Dark Side Of The Moon.
Pink Talking Fish
A musical tribute fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish, the band will celebrate by performing the album in its entirety for every show of the tour. The incredible two set show will be dedicated to first to Dark Side Of The Moon, while the second set will be classic Pink Talking Fish combinations of their namesakes.
New York City’s stop will be held March 24, 2023 at Manhattan’s Sony Hall, located in Times Square. Known as Midtown’s Premier event hall, Sony Hall is equipped with Sony’s latest technologies throughout to provide an enhanced experience.
Pink Talking Fish will also be making a stop in Buffalo on April 13. The show will take place at Buffalo Iron Works, a live music venue & bar built into an early 1900s factory space.
The tour begins with an epic concept show on March 11 in Beverly MA which is being called “The Anniversary Show”. This performance will not only include Dark Side Of The Moon, but also have a full rendition of the Talking Heads album Stop Making Sense.
Indie-pop singer-songwriter-pianist Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness has announced a string of New York tour dates, in conjunction with the release of new studio album Tilt At The Wind No More.
Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness
The new album, which will release March 31st via Nettwerk. Celebrating the release of this new studio album, McMahon has scheduled intimate album release shows across the country including an Albany stop at Empire Live on May 16. This year also marks and is set to their debut at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on June 17.
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness features McMahon (lead vocals, piano), Bobby Anderson (guitar), Jay McMillan (drums), Mikey Wagner (bass) and Zac Clark (keys). Tilt At The Wind No More will mark the fourth full-length studio album for McMahon under his Wilderness moniker and his first collection for Nettwerk. The forthcoming album, produced by Tommy English (Kacey Musgraves, K.Flay, Børns) and Jeremy Hatcher (Harry Styles, Maggie Rogers, Lizzo), features his jubilant radio hit “Stars,” which peaked at #34 on the Alternative Radio chart, and recent singles “Skywriting,” co-written with K.Flay, the synth-pop “VHS,” and romantic ballad “Built To Last.”
Gorilla River has announced its newest live event with the Catastrophicon Rock’n’Roll Horror Convention debuting July 15, 2023 at Reid Castle in Purchase, NY.
Ari Lehman of “First Jason”
Sponsors Slasher.tv and Horror-tv.com describe Catastrophicon as a collectors show with an edge, and a convention fit for fans of horror, rock & roll, and pop culture in general. The convention will be a great event for people looking to build their collections through the joy of discovery, meet kindred spirits and enjoy a great atmosphere.
“We’re bringing something new to Westchester,” said Event Producer Dave Hoffman, a Mount Kisco resident. “This is a convention that is heavy on atmosphere and jam packed with the kinds of things that pop-culture superfans love.”
Fans will enjoy celebrity autographs from stars of horror movie classic’s at Catastrophicon Ari Lehman (Friday the 13th), Beatrice Beopple (Nightmare on Elm Street), Thomas G Waites (The Warriors), Alvin Alexis (Night of the Demons) , Brett Azar (Terminator) and Erika Anderson (Twin Peaks) with more to be announced soon. A full room of vendors will provide eager fans with the ability to discover new comic books, artwork, and collectibles.
An array of collectibles will be available
Cosplay group Amazing Spiderlings will be in attendance – paving the way for anyone who wants to dress up themselves. Vincent Disanti of Womp Stomp Films (Never Hike Alone) will present on a crowdfunding panel. Fans oftabletop role playing games will also get to try their hand at the independently produced Dungeon Born RPG throughout the day.
Catastrophicon will be held at the historic Reid Castle, located on the campus of Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. Located just 90 minutes from NYC, the french medieval style castle will be sure to add another layer of fantasy to the day.
Brooklyn-based MC Skyzoo has dropped his newest studio creation, told from the point of view of “Franklin Saint”, the series protaganist of FX’s Snowfall. The video for lead single “Straight Drop” has also been released.
Skyzoo Releases New Concept Album
Art Imitating Art
Across this new 10 song character study, Skyzoo puts himself in the mind of the character, and raps about the motivations, surroundings, and the reality of the drug epidemic.
“When making this album, I wanted to do something that creatively pushed a button. Something that served a purpose, while trying to understand both sides of the fence that it represents. The idea of a fictional character, Franklin Saint, and what his innermost thoughts could be when dealing with the worlds he’s caught in between. What makes it so intriguing is that his character and his world are mirrors of a time and era that really happened. The birth of one of the world’s most addictive drugs and how its ripple effect took on a life that may seemingly never die. The crack era was one of the worst chapters in black America’s story. Using the Snowfall series as a vehicle to delve into both sides was truly fascinating as an emcee”.
Skyzoo
This companion experience comes at a perfect time, as the sixth and final season of FX’s Snowfall begins airing on February 22, 2023.
The Mind Of A Saint, Now available
A Successful Partnership
For this LP, Skyzoo once again teamed with D.C based The Other Guys. The production duo of Mighty Joe and Isaiah “Insanate” Mensah follow have been collaborating with Skyzoo for years. Their music chemistry is palpable on this project, which has relatable themes, even to those not familiar with Snowfall. The songs feature thoughtful interludes, and Pete Rock/DJ Premier-style outro beats at the end.
While not new to the ‘conceptual album” as evident on his previous projects, this is definitely Skyzoo’s most ambitious, and often grueling project.
“It was one of the most intense projects I’ve ever written. The idea of becoming a fictional character, which represents actual real-life events, making sure to hit every detail, from both the show and our real world, was a writing exercise like no other” Skyzoo claims. “I’m honored to have been able to do so, and I’m honored that The Other Guys trusted me to step outside a box, and truly push the envelope with this. Enjoy, and remember, like they told us in the ’80s: Just Say No.”
Skyzoo’s The Mind Of A Saint is now available at all DSP’s via First Generation Rich/HiPNOTT Records.
Colton Ryan and Anna Uzele will star in the new Kander & Ebb musical New York, New York, which will begin previews at Broadway’s St. James Theatre March 24, 2023 prior to an official opening April 26, 2023. A love story set in post-World War II New York, Kander & Ebb’s newest venture will sure to delight.
Ryan (Girl From The North Country, The Girl From Plainville) will play Jimmy Doyle with Uzele (Dear Edward) as Francine Evans. Additional cast and creative team members will be announced at a later date.
Inspired by the 1977 film of the same name, New York, New York, marks the first new John Kander & Fred Ebb musical to open on Broadway since 2015’s Tony Award Nominee, The Visit. This project will reunite Kander with director and choreographer Stroman, book writer Thompson, and co-writer Washington, who collaborated with Kander and the late Ebb on Broadway’s The Scottsboro Boys, which was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Additional lyrics will also be by Academy Award nominee Lin-Manuel Miranda, while direction and choreography will be headed by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman.
Jimmy Doyle will be played by Broadway alum Colton Ryan. Ryan is perhaps most recognizable from his performance in Girl From The North Country for which he received the 2019 Theatre World Award for Outstanding Debut Performance. Viewers from the silver screen will recognize Ryan from the film adaptation of “Dear Evan Hansen”, reclaiming his role from the stage production.
Colton Ryan, Broadways newest Jimmy Doyle
New York New York’s female lead will be played by actress Anna Uzele. Uzele is most famously know for originating the role of ‘Catherine Parr’ in the Broadway debut of Six. She and the cast were recently nominated for a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. Though she has passed her crown on, fans of Uzele will sure to be delighted with her ‘Francine Evans’.
ANNA UZELE to star as Francine Evans
Performances begin Friday, March 24, 2023 at Broadway’s St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street). Tickets are on sale now at NewYorkNewYorkBroadway.com
The JazzBuffalo community has weighed in on their favorite Jazz acts for 2022. The 8th Annual JazzBuffalo poll saw nearly 1900 ballots submitted in 36 categories, including voters favorite jazz artists, groups, performances, and supporters.
Winners Of The 2022 JazzBuffalo Poll
Celebrating the Buffalo Jazz Community
“The JazzBuffalo Poll allows the community to be engaged with jazz in a unique way. Strengthening the bond between audiences and jazz performers,” said the founder of JazzBuffalo Tony Zambito. “The poll is reflective of how the jazz community continues to evolve as an integral part of the city’s growing arts and cultural scene.“
This years awards include the John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year Award, which recognizes an individual that has made a substantial contribution to jazz in Greater Buffalo and contributions to the Greater Buffalo community. This years winner is George Caldwell. “Since moving to Buffalo more than a decade ago, George has made a measurable impact on the jazz community as a performer, bandleader, mentor, educator, community supporter, and advocate for jazz” says Zambito.
Other notable accolades include Jazz Crusader of the Year, won by Jack Zuff for his photography skills, which captured the most memorable performances in 2022. Dave Schiavone is the winner in both the tenor and alto saxophone categories for the first time since the poll began. Ed Croft returns as the winner not only in the bass categories but also as this year’s Rising Star of the Year. Alex McArthur repreats once again as a favorite and winner of Jazz Female Vocalist of the Year. As did Zach Carr for Jazz Male Vocalist of the Year. Donny Frauenhofer and his trio, DF3, made an impact in the genres of fusion and funk, winning in both categories. Dozo My Lady featuring Carolyn Lansom became a first-time winner in the Jazz-Pop category.
Donny is determined, so talented, and so inspiring. Every time I have seen Donny and any project he is in, it has been truly amazing. He is so so good, and strives to make the Buffalo music scene a better place!
JazzBuffalo Voter
Full List Of Winners and Runner Ups
Jazz Tenor Saxophone – Dave Schiavone
Runner-up: Nelson Rivera
Jazz Alto Saxophone – Dave Schiavone
Runner up: Bobby Militello
Jazz Baritone Saxophone – Laura Anderson
Runner-up: Ken Kuriscak
Jazz Trumpet – Tim Clarke
Runner up: Griffith “Kaz” Kazmierczak
Jazz Trombone – Brendan Lanighan
Runner up: John Hasselback, Jr.
Jazz Guitar – Jared Tinkham
Runner up: Rick Strauss
Jared Tinkham is an amazing educator and musician and has inspired multiple students like me, I got into my dream arts college and will be moving to New York City, If it weren’t for Jared Tinkham’s passion for music I would have never discovered the same emotion in my artistry, he is highly respected and definitely my favorite teacher through my years of middle and high school.
JazzBuffalo Voter
Jazz Piano – George Caldwell
Runner up: Jim Beishline
Jazz Organ – Doug “Trigger” Gaston
Runner up: Jim Beishline
Jazz Upright Bass – Ed Croft
Runner up: Stephen Parisi
Jazz Electric Bass – Ed Croft
Runner up: Jack Kulp
Jazz Vibes – Alec Dube
Runner up: Jamie Sunshine
Jazz Drums – John Bacon, Jr.
Runner up: John Anderson
Jazz Percussion – Wendell Rivera
Runner up: Joey Gonzalez
Jazz Female Vocalist – Alex McArthur
Runner up: Cheryl Ferris
Jazz Male Vocalist – Zach Carr
Runner up: Dalton Sharp
Zach is a quintessential artist who takes vocal performance, preparation, and health very seriously and treats every performance like the most important one, whether he’s addressing a few people or a packed audience. He is wildly talented and yet humble and kind, supporting other artists and performers.
JazzBuffalo Voter
Jazz Classic Group – Bobby Militello Quartet
Runner up: My Cousin Toné
Jazz World – Hot Club of Buffalo
Runner up: The Paper Rose Band
Jazz Trad/NOLA/Swing – Buffalo Dolls
Runner up: Back Room Jazz Band
Jazz Fusion – Donny Frauenhofer Trio (DF3)
Runner up: Damone Jackson Outcome
Latin Jazz – Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble
Runner up: The Joey Gonzalez Collective
Jazz Big Band – Anderson Big Band
Runner up: East Street Big Band
Jazz Large Ensemble – Brendan Lanighan Octet
Runner up: My Cousin Toné
Jazz Soul/Funk – Donny Frauenhofer Trio (DF3)
Runner up: Universal Phunk
Jazz Pop – Dozo My Lady
Runner up: Miller and The Other Sinners
Jazz Venue – Pausa Art House
Runner up: Sportsmen Tavern
Jazz Major Performing Arts Center – Kleinhans Music Hall
Runner up: UB Center for the Performing Arts
Most Memorable Jazz Performance – A Charlie Brown Christmas: Ed Croft Trio – Seneca One Auditorium
Runner up: Summer Wind: Zach Carr Tribute To Frank Sinatra – Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY
Most Memorable International Jazz Performance – Herbie Hancock at Kleinhans Music Hall
Runner up: Emmet Cohen, Mark Whitfield, Troy Roberts, Kyle Poole – Tribute to Joey DeFrancesco at the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY
Jazz CD/EP Release – The Mark Filsinger Chamber Big Band – “Groovin’ High”
Runner up: Jay/Sharp-tet – “For You My Love”
Middle School/High School Educator – Brendan Lanighan
Runner up: Jared Tinkham
College/University Educator – John Bacon, Jr.
Runner up: Bobby Militello
Jazz Rising Star – Ed Croft
Runner up: Brendan Lanighan
Jazz Ex-Pat – Chris Ziemba
Runner up: Don Menza
Jazz Crusader – Jack Zuff – Photographer / JazzBuffalo Contributor
Runner up: Linda Appleby – Historic Colored Musicians Club
John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year – George Caldwell
Venezualachian music duo Larry & Joe are headed to Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs on Wednesday, January 25 as part of their first ever tour to the Northeast.
Duo Larry & Joe
Larry & Joe is the latest project of Joe Troop, founder and bandleader of former GRAMMY-nominated Latingrass ensemble Che Apalache, and Larry Bellorín, a powerhouse of Llanera music who’s also an asylum-seeking migrant.
Currently based in the Triangle of North Carolina, both men are versatile multi-instrumentalists and singer-songwriters on a mission to show that music has no borders. These two will bring their unique fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music to the Capital Region, with an electric show that is sure to be a treat for all ages. The duo fuse their respective Venezuelan and Appalachian folk traditions (hence, Venezualachian) on the harp, banjo, cuatro, fiddle, upright bass, guitar, and maracas. Their bilingual program will include storytelling, humor, and singalongs. This show will feature both distinct blend of their musical traditions as well as storytelling about the ways that music and social movements coalesce.
Fusion Duo Larry & Joe
Tickets are $20 for general admission, $18 for members, $10 for students and children, and $5 for livestream. Tickets available on Eventbrite and at the door. Doors for seating open at 7 pm, show begins at 7:30 pm. All ages encouraged to attend. For more information, visit www.larryandjoe.com
Taking place in the stunning mountains of Hudson Valley, Mohonk Mountain House has announced their 32nd annual Jazz On The Mountain weekend, taking place January 20-23rd, 2023.
Meticulously planned by curator Pete Malinverni, this all inclusive weekend, located just 90 minutes from New York City, is the ultimate celebration of Jazz for fans of any age.
This years schedule of events includes performances by a diverse range of Jazz artists and instrumentalists. Event favorites, including Grammy Award winner GarySmulyan, New York City Opera’s Scott Robinson will be returning to the mountain. New faces include SUNY Purchase College’s Ella Fitzgerald scholars, Sage Myers and Anaïs Reno, as well as Wayne Tucker of The Bad Mothas.
Guests of Jazz On The Mountain can expect a weekend of diverse sounds and spirited performances, as well as Mohonk Mountain Resort’s many included amenities. Packages include three meals a day, as well as access to ice-skating, skiing, and spa services. Mohonk Mountain House is conviently located just 90 minutes from New York City
Allow the music to carry you away, as this is sure to be an unforgettable weekend you will mark on your calendar for years to come.
For a full list and schedule of events, and to book your experience at Mohonk Mountain House, visit their website.
After a lengthy four month blind audition process, the Binghamton Philharmonic has announced the selection of five new musicians.
The Binghamton Philharmonic
Joining this prestigious community of musicians are:
Brianne Lugo, Assistant Principal Viola – Recognizable from her performances at both Carnegie Hall and Saturday Night Live, Ms. Lugo is also a member of Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and Punta Gorda Symphony.
Junheng Chen, Assistant Principal Violin II – Well Traveled with performances in Asia and Europe, Ms. Chen will balance Philharmonic duties while pursuing her Doctoral degree at the Eastman School of Music.
John Shuo Zhang, Section Violin – Hailing from Guangzhou, China, Mr. Zhang has taken his Juilliard education across the United States with the Juilliard String Quartet. When not in the States, he holds an assistant concertmaster position in Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra.
Yi-Ting (Joy) Kuo, Section Violin – Coming to the Southern Tier from the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Ms. Kuo received both her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at the New England Conservatory and is currently a member of The Orchestra Now.
Shawn Hutchison, Oboe II / English Horn – A Graduate of the Yale School of Music and recipient of The Presser Foundation Graduate Music Award, Mr. Hutchinson is also a member of The Orchestra Now.
Binghamton Philharmonic
The Binghamton Philharmonic is the Southern Tier’s largest and longest-serving symphony orchestra. Founded in 1955 as the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society, the Philharmonic has provided the Southern Tier of New York with live, full-scale orchestral works ever since.
Acting on its mission to build community through the power of live music, the Philharmonic serves over 10,000 people annually through engaging and affordable programming. Music Director Daniel Hege hopes to continue with their goal of connecting professional musicians with audiences to stimulate the economy and expand listenership and education with the 2023 season.
For more information about the Binghamton Philharmonic, and to see a schedule of events, please visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org
