Author: NYS Music Staff

  • Billy Strings Fall Tour 2023 to Close in Syracuse

    Billy Strings has announced a Fall Tour that takes him from Colorado to points west, a home-state Halloween show, a second trip to Europe in as many years, followed by a run of East Coast shows to round out the tour in Syracuse.

    photo by Zach Culver

    Billy Strings and his band get things started with two nights in Buena Vista, CO, then head to Idaho, before heading to Portland, OR., Seattle, WA, Sacramento, CA., Stanford, CA., Stateline, NV., and West Valley City, UT, Heading back east, the band makes a stop in Independence, MO. followed by a Halloween show in his home-state of Michigan, in Grand Rapids, with a venue yet to be announced.

    Following a successful string of European dates, Strings will then head to Europe to perform in Amsterdam, Antwerp, Cologne, Luxembourg, Munich, and Paris before heading to England with shows planned in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Birmingham.

    In December, Strings will make a trip up the East Coast, starting on December 6 in Greensboro, N.C., then head north to Baltimore, MD, Pittsburgh, PA, Wilkes-Barre, PA, and finally closing out the tour with a performance in Syracuse, NY at a venue yet to be named.

    Learn more about Billy Strings’ upcoming tour and where and when to get tickets here.

    April 29-30—Los Angeles, CA—Hollywood Bowl – Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday (SOLD OUT)

    May 11—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

    May 12—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

    May 13—Denver, CO—Mission Ballroom (SOLD OUT)

    May 17—Phoenix, AZ—Arizona Financial Theatre (SOLD OUT)

    May 19—Los Angeles, CA—Greek Theatre (SOLD OUT)

    May 20—San Diego, CA—Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre (SOLD OUT)

    May 21—San Diego, CA—Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

    May 24—Las Vegas, NV—Brooklyn Bowl (SOLD OUT)

    May 26—Napa, CA—BottleRock Napa Valley 

    June 2—Austin, TX—Moody Center

    June 3—Austin, TX—Moody Center

    June 7—Tulsa, OK—BOK Center

    June 9—St. Louis, MO—Chaifetz Arena

    June 10—Indianapolis, IN—TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park (SOLD OUT)

    June 11—Indianapolis, IN—TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park (SOLD OUT)

    June 13—Cleveland, OH—Jacobs Pavilion (SOLD OUT)

    June 14—Cleveland, OH—Jacobs Pavilion (SOLD OUT)

    June 16—Clarkston, MI—Pine Knob Music Theatre (SOLD OUT)

    June 17—Chicago, IL—Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island (SOLD OUT)

    July 13—Cary, NC—Koka Booth Amphitheatre

    July 14—Cary, NC—Koka Booth Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

    July 15—Cary, NC—Koka Booth Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

    July 19—Norfolk, VA—Chartway Arena

    July 21—Bridgeport, CT—Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater

    July 22—Essex Junction, VT—Midway Lawn at Champlain Valley Expo (SOLD OUT)

    July 23—Essex Junction, VT—Midway Lawn at Champlain Valley Expo (SOLD OUT)

    July 25—Boston, MA—Leader Bank Pavilion

    July 26—Boston, MA—Leader Bank Pavilion

    July 28—Portland, ME—Thompson’s Point (SOLD OUT)

    July 29—Portland, ME—Thompson’s Point (SOLD OUT)

    July 30—Newport, RI—Newport Folk Festival (SOLD OUT)

    August 7—Frankfurt, Germany—Batschkapp

    August 8—Berlin, Germany—Huxleys

    August 9—Hamburg, Germany—Grobe Freiheit 36

    August 11—Gothenburg, Vastra Gotaland County—Way Out West

    August 12—Oslo, Norway—Oya Festival

    August 24—Knoxville, TN—Knoxville Civic Coliseum (SOLD OUT)

    August 25—Huntsville, AL—Orion Amphitheater

    August 26—Huntsville, AL—Orion Amphitheater

    September 14—Louisville, KY—Bourbon & Beyond Festival

    September 22—Buena Vista, CO—venue announcing soon

    September 23—Buena Vista, CO—venue announcing soon

    September 27—Nampa, ID—Ford Idaho Center Arena

    September 29—Portland, OR—Moda Center

    September 30—Portland, OR—Moda Center

    October 1—Seattle, WA—WAMU Theater

    October 4—Sacramento, CA—Golden 1 Center

    October 6—Stanford, CA—Frost Amphitheater

    October 7—Stanford, CA—Frost Amphitheater

    October 8—Stateline, NV—Tahoe Event Center

    October 10—West Valley City, UT—Maverik Center

    October 13—Independence, MO—Cable Dahmer Arena

    October 14—Independence, MO—Cable Dahmer Arena

    October 31—Grand Rapids, MI—Van Andel Arena

    November 6—Amsterdam, NL—Paradiso

    November 7—Amsterdam, NL—Paradiso

    November 8—Antwerp, BE—De Roma

    November 10—Cologne, DE—Carlswerk Victoria

    November 11—Luxembourg—den Atelier

    November 12—Munich, DE—Neue Theaterfabrik

    November 14—Paris, FR—La Cigale

    November 15—London, UK—Roundhouse

    November 17—Manchester, UK—Manchester Academy

    November 18—Glasgow, UK—O2 Academy Glasgow

    November 19—Birmingham, UK—O2 Academy

    December 6—Greensboro, NC—Greensboro Coliseum

    December 8—Baltimore, MD—CFG Bank Arena

    December 9—Baltimore, MD—CFG Bank Arena

    December 12—Pittsburgh, PA—Petersen Events Center

    December 13—Pittsburgh, PA—Petersen Events Center

    December 15—Wilkes-Barre, PA—Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

    December 16—Syracuse, NY— The Oncenter

    December 29—New Orleans, LA—Uno Lakefront Arena

    December 30—New Orleans, LA— Uno Lakefront Arena

    December 31—New Orleans, LA— Uno Lakefront Arena

  • Sixties Spectacular Comes to Proctors Theatre on April 29

    The incredible four act Sixties Spectacular comes to Proctors Theatre in Schenectady on Saturday, April 29, featuring Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone as headliner.

    Sixties Spectacular proctors theatre

    Co-headlining the concert are Jay and the Americans.  The band started with four teenagers singing in Sandy Yaguda’s basement, and they are still going strong today.  In 1960, they were signed by the dynamic producer/songwriting team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller to United Artists and, starting in 1962, the group charted twelve top 10 records.  In 1962, “She Cried” went to #5 on the charts.  Jay Traynor, the first “Jay,” was the lead singer. Traynor worked in Schenectady for decades as a camera man for Channel 6.  He was replaced by Jay #2, Jay Black, who was lead singer on the rest of their hits.  In 1963, “Only in America” was a hit.  In 1964, “Come a Little Bit Closer” went to #2 on the charts, “Let’s Lock the Door (and Throw Away the Key)” was top 20, and Jay and the Americans were part of The Beatles first American tour, and they played at Carnegie Hall on the Rolling Stones tour. 

    From the age of fifteen, Peter Noone gained international fame as “Herman,” lead singer of Herman’s Hermits.  His classic hits have sold more than sixty million records and include #1 singles “I’m Into Something Good,” “I’m Henry VIII, I Am,” and “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter.”  Other hit singles are “Listen People,” “Silhouettes,” “Can’t You Hear my Heartbeat,” “A Must to Avoid,” “There’s a Kind of Hush” and “No Milk Today.”  In all, 14 singles and 7 albums went gold, and the Hermits were twice named Cashbox’s “Entertainer of the Year.”  Very photogenic, Peter graced the cover of nearly every international publication, including Time Magazine; performed on hundreds of top-rated television shows such as Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason, Dean Martin and Danny Kaye; starred in ABC’s musical “The Canterville Ghost” (Hallmark Hall of Fame’s presentation of the classic Pinocchio); and in three feature films for MGM. 

    In the 1970s, Noone composed songs and produced records for David Bowie and Debby Boone; played the leading roles in full-scale theatrical productions of “Aladdin,” “Sinbad the Sailor” and, in the 1980s, stared on Broadway as the dashing hero Frederic in the New York Shakespeare Festival’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance” and then reprised the role at the world-famous Drury Lane Theatre in London.  For four years, Peter was the host of VH1’s “My Generation” and the PBS Special, “The British Invasion Returns.”  He was a guest star on many prime time tv shows such as “Married with Children,” “Quantum Leap,” “Too Close for Comfort” and most recently starred in the recurring role of Paddington on the forever popular CBS Soap opera “As the World Turns.”  In 2007, he sang “There’s a Kind of Hush” on  American Idol and mentored the male contestants. 

    Dennis Tufano was the original lead singer on all The Buckinghams’ hits.  Born in Chicago, Dennis inherited his musical talents from his father, a singer who also played violin, sax and harmonica.  The Buckinghams had a string of hits, including the #1 smash “Kind of a Drag.”  Other hits include “Don’t You Care,” “Hey Baby, They’re Playing our Song, “ “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” and “Susan.”  A true Renaissance man, Dennis Tufano spent his years in Los Angeles as an actor, voiceover artist, stuntman, producer and co-founder of the renowned improv voice-ensemble LA MadDogs.  He also toured with Olivia Newton-John, performing duets on such songs as “Suddenly” and “You’re the One That I Want.”  Part of his show is a tribute to one of his hero’s, Bobby Darin.  Dennis still looks and sings great as he recreates his many hit songs. 

    Opening the show will be the 1910 Fruitgum Company.  They defined “bubble gum pop” in the 60s.  Their hits included “Simon Says” (#4 US/#2 UK charts), “1,2,3 Red Light” (#5) and “Indian Giver” (#5).  All three gold records sold over a million copies, with “Simon Says” selling almost 5 million.  Their other hit was “May I take a Giant Step.”  Let by original lead singer, Frank Jeckell, they are a fun, exciting way to open the Sixties Spectacular.   

    Four great acts will bring back joyful memories at the Sixties Spectacular at Proctors Theatre.  Tickets are available at the Protors Box Office, by phone at (518)346-6204 or on the web at proctors.org.

  • In Memoriam: Buffalo Jazz Vocalist Mary McMahon

    The jazz scene in Western New York lost a legend last month, with the passing of vocalist Mary McMahon. A staple of the jazz community in Buffalo, her family’s music background, her years as an educator and her presence are eulogized here by JazzBuffalo Executive Director Tony Zambito, who shares the following tribute to McMahon.

    When the endearing and lovely jazz vocalist Mary McMahon became part of a performance, you can always count on lots of smiles, pleasantries, joy, a gathering of friends and family, and her warm encouragement to bandmates. These characteristics are what always accompanied her exceptional talent and qualities as one of the finest jazz vocalists in the Buffalo region. Mary succumbed on March 30th of this year to the battle of facing cancer at the age of seventy-four.

    Mary McMahon, August 30, 1948 – March 30, 2023

    Mary’s effervescent smile became a staple for the community. Especially during the seven consecutive years of JazzMondays on the Tappo Rooftop Patio that featured My Cousin Toné. Where Mary took the microphone in her hands as the jazz vocalist for the jazz ensemble. We simply do not have enough fingers on our hands to count the many occasions of joy and outstanding performances by Mary in the seven-year run.

    Mary McMahon was part of My Cousin Toné for nearly a dozen years. Serving as a platform for her return to performing after a hiatus of teaching and raising a family. In addition, Mary performed in special projects with several of the region’s most notable jazz musicians such as Dave Schiavone, Tim Clarke, Rick Strauss, Bobby Jones, Wayne Moose, Bud Fadale, Abdul-Rahman Qadir, Stu Weissman, and John Hasselback, Sr.

    Mary McMahon came from a robust musical family. Her mother was a classical pianist and organist. Her father sang for musical theaters in Michigan, and one brother played the jazz organ. At one point, all members of her family were playing at various clubs in Buffalo. One of Mary’s favorite things to do was to reminisce about these times in conversation with others.

    mary mcmahon

    After earning degrees in Music and Elementary Education, and before teaching in Buffalo for 25 years as well as raising a family, Mary played in a Top 40s group with jazz pianist Tom Paladino and jazz guitarist Ralph Fava. She then joined jazz pianist legend Bobby Jones for a long engagement with his group, Things To Come. Several can attest to the many times someone might evoke the “remember when” phrase about Mary’s time as a young woman singing in these groups.

    After Mary retired from teaching, she began singing classic jazz standards with the jazz ensemble group My Cousin Tone’, which became her most prominent presence in the last dozen years. Mary’s love for the jazz standards was deeply passionate. She poured her heart into rehearsing and making songs by the likes of Cole Porter and Gershwin uniquely her own with warm tones and captivating storytelling. She was well known by audiences for at first mentioning the song, the composer, the year, and any little story she may have gathered about the jazz standard she was about to sing.

    In addition to singing with My Cousin Toné, Mary performed special themed shows. Such as appearing at MusicalFare Theatre for a show devoted to the Great American Songbook and Quiet Nights – The Music of Jobim. In addition, The Mary McMahon Project performed at Pausa Art House, the Hotel Henry, and the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY. Mary performed at the jazz festival in Lewiston, NY with My Cousin Toné, including a memorable performance by her on the Main Stage.

    In the early days of the newly launched JazzBuffalo Poll, Mary was a favorite to the emerging jazz audiences beginning to support jazz anew. Winning in 2014 as the favorite in the nascent JazzBuffalo Readers and Fan Poll for Female Vocalist of the Year. At the same, giving of her time generously to help mentor the up-and-coming young vocalists during that time and in the past few years. She was especially fond of mentioning the band named, My Cousin Toné, and how the band earned similar recognition in the JazzBuffalo Poll for Favorite Large Jazz Ensemble of the Year.

    To Mary’s bandmates in My Cousin Toné, which include previous and current members Jim Matteliano, Bill Basil, Bill Savino, Pete Dauphin, Andy Peruzzini, Dalton Sharpe, Tony Zambito, Karen Russo, Tim Martin, and Tom Marinaro, her loss will be profoundly felt. Especially, when the music and the joy on the Tappo Rooftop Patio return once again.

    Mary’s loving presence, we are assured, will be felt by bandmates and audiences alike.

    Mary was the cherished companion for 10 years to Paul Guglielmo; adored mother of Kevin D. McMahon and Katie (Mitch) Grennell; beloved grandmother of Molly, Clara, and Rosalie McMahon, and Charlotte and Jacob Grennell; loving sister of Thomas (Natalie) and the late Skip (late Kathy) Beiring. A constant ray of light and love, Mary leaves behind a tremendous and diverse community of family and friends.

    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to two causes that were near and dear to her heart: The Special Olympics of New York and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at DenglerRobertsPernaKenmore.com.

    Originally published by JazzBuffalo.

  • Acclaimed Australian-British Jazzer Keyna Wilkins Makes NYC Debut at Williamsburg Music Center

    Pioneering Australian/British composer, pianist and flautist Keyna Wilkins will mark her first American “mini-tour” tour with a Big Apple debut at Brooklyn’s Williamsburg Music Center on April 20 at 9 p.m.

    Keyna Wilkins Williamsburg Music Center

    A two-time finalist for the Australian Art Music Awards, Wilkins is the writer of over 60 compositions that have been performed internationally – in solos, with small ensembles and orchestras. Her eclectic music is informed by her passion for human rights, astronomy, Indigenous culture, jazz, intuitive improvisation and existential quests. As an innovative soloist on piano and flute and leader of cutting-edge ensembles, she has been heralded by UK’s Jazz Journal as a “powerhouse player”and “fine and nuanced playing”by Limelight Magazine and is described by Australian Jazz as being “unconstrained by labels and is constantly exploring new ways to express herself musically.” She has composed 4 major orchestral works including “Celestial Emu”, a didgeridoo concerto in collaboration with indigenous didgeridoo player Gumaroy Newman for The Metropolitan Orchestra, and a triple flute concerto “Solar Triumvirate” which was described by Sydney Arts Guide as “sensational,.. with incredible freshness of gesture”. 

    Wilkins’ tour was made possible via a collective effort of artists who are involved with Music for Musicians, MFM. MFM is an advocacy group for musicians’ rights founded by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi, whose board, supporters and membership includes leading names like Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman and Dr. Cornell West. 

    When the organization’s members found out that Wilkins, one of its first international members, was seeking to tour the U.S., they combined forces to help her find and promote gigs.

    For the April 20 show at Williamsburg Music Center, Wilkins will be joined on the bill by two active MFM members, Dawoud the Sufi Renegade and NYSMusic.com book reviewer/feature writer Sal Cataldi (aka Spaghetti Eastern Music).  The trio will perform solo sets and also collaborate.  For info, visit the Eventbrite page here.

    Hudson Valley music-lovers will be able to catch Keyna on April 22 at an intimate concert in the home of another MFM member, pianist/composer Peter Wetzler, at his studio in Kingston, N.Y.  Wetzler will also perform at the event, along with poet-artist Julie Hedrick. For info, visit here.

    Wilkins will conclude here New York performances on April 25 at 9 pm with a solo performance at the Downtown Music Gallery.  Info here.

    Wilkins has released 9 albums of original music on all streaming platforms including 4 solo albums. Her latest album in 2021, “Set Me Free”, a collaboration with a 9-year innocent detained refugee poet-artist, Jalal Mahamede.

  • Nominations Announced for Fifth Annual Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards

    The Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards announced nominees for the fifth annual honors, with soul-rock singer-songwriter Buggy Jive leading all nominees with four nominations of his own.

    Six artists have three nominations, including Brick By Brick, Jim Gaudet & The Railroad Boys, Jocelyn & Chris, Michael Eck, Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band and Sydney Worthley. In all, 209 artists and organizations have been nominated in 34 categories.

    The annual ceremony is 6 p.m. Sunday, April 30 on the MainStage at Proctors. Tickets are available now at proctors.org. A slate of performers will be announced in mid-April.

    In addition to the finalists in the categories below, several honorees will be announced in the Merit Award category. “These are recognizing unique initiatives led by members of the music community in the recent past that don’t fit neatly into any other category,” explained Jim Murphy, Eddies Music Awards producer and founder. Judges–members of the 518-music community nominate and vote on all recipients annually.

    With this year’s ceremony, more than 450 different individuals, groups and organizations have been nominated in the Eddies’ first five years. In addition, the Eddies have established a regional music Hall of Fame at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs. Eight were inducted in a two-hour ceremony March 30: Martin Benjamin, Mike Campese, Felicia Collins, Wanda Fischer, George Frayne, Smokey Greene, Sister Mary Anne Nelson, CSJ and John Tichy.

    “Our mission is to shine a light on as many people as possible; we’ve inducted 32 individuals into the Eddies Music Hall of Fame and have seen roughly 45 artists perform at our events. If you include the members of the bands and the staff of the organizations that have been nominated, it represents several thousand individuals.”

    Jim Murphy, Eddies Music Awards producer and founder

    Musical performances will be held by six of this year’s nominees. The line-up represents a range of musical styles including mainstream and indie rock, funk, singer-songwriter, outlaw country and jam band sounds. The emcee for the 6 p.m. show is Albany-based comedian/actor/producer Greg Aidala. Hosts are Eddies founder Jim Murphy and Eddies administrator Kelly Auricchio.

    Featured artists are E.R.I.E., Annie in the Water, Jim Gaudet & The Railroad Boys, Heard, Sydney Worthley and Victory Soul Orchestra. Worthley will perform twice–with her own band and accompanying E.R.I.E.

    You can’t have a music awards show without exciting musical performances. And we have no shortage of amazing local artists to choose from. It is both one of the most enjoyable tasks and one of the hardest decisions because there are always way more artists we would like to present than is possible.

    Jim Murphy, Proctors Collaborative

    New this year is an Eddies Advisory Council, created late last year, that will meet 5-6 times annually with Murphy and Eddies administrator Kelly Auricchio. Members from the music community are Julia Alsarraf, Greg Bell, Wanda Fischer, Andy Gregory, Mario Johnson, Jason Keller, Pete Mason, Matt Mac Haffie, Kevin McKrell, Keith Morales, Steve Nover, Truemaster Trimingham, Al Quiglieri, Paul Rapp, Zan Strumfeld, Alex Torres, Chris Wienk and Don Wilcock. Murphy adds that blues artist Thomasina Winslow, who passed away Jan. 13, was an inaugural council member. “She was very supportive of the Eddies Music Awards and remains in our thoughts.”

    The Eddies Music Awards and Hall of Fame are an initiative of Proctors Collaborative. See a full list of nominees for the Fifth Annual Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards at theeddiesawards.com.

  • Surviving Beatles to tour with Boy George and Elton John

    A collaboration no one expected will tour this summer as ‘The New Beetles.’ Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the two surviving members of The Beatles, will be joined by Boy George and Elton John, which, according to Starr, will allow “A new generation to be able to say they saw John, Paul, George and me, Ringo.”

    boy george surviving beatles

    The New Beetles say they will perform classic songs from the original Beatles catalog and Boy George songs, as well as new classics such as “Instant Karma Chameleon,” “Can You Feel the Love Me Do,” “A Day in the Wind,” “Cry Baby Crying Game,” “I’m Still Seeing her Standing There,” “Do You Really Want To Hold My Hand,”  and many more.

    “I’m most excited to play “Goodbye Yellow Brick Submarine” and “Get Back, Honky Cat,” said Elton John. “I always felt like my songs could use a little influence from the Fab 4, and here we are, rehearsing “The Bitch Is Back In The USSR.” It’s really quite fascinating.”

    The New Beetles tour is sponsored by the 2023 Volkswagon Beetle. Tickets for the surviving Beatles on tour with Boy George and Elton John are available exclusively at this Sam Goody located on Long Island.

  • Ellen Pieroni to Celebrate Release of Debut Album “The Encyclopedia of Soul, Vol. I” at Sportsmens Tavern

    Ellen Pieroni, a Buffalo based saxophone player, multi-instrumentalist, music educator + promoter, will release her debut album, The Encyclopedia of Soul, Vol. I, on Friday, March 31st at Sportsmens Tavern. The record presents a refreshing brand of smooth-infused soul jazz, for fans of Grover Washington Jr., Freddie Hubbard, King Curtis, and the Crusaders. 

    Pieroni has been playing the saxophone since she was 8 years old, and has been a sidewoman in a multitude of bands for about a decade, including Folkfaces and Intrepid Travelers, to name a few.

    The Encyclopedia of Soul ellen pieroni

    The Encyclopedia of Soul, Vol. I boasts 6 original compositions by Pieroni, as well as two “soul standards”. The sound is driven by earworm melodies and thoughtful improvisation from all members over deep pocket grooves. After a solid year of hitting the pavement as an ensemble, there is an undeniable musical chemistry between the musicians. 

    “Catch The End” is the debut single from the new album is available now on all streaming platforms, and the digital album pre-order is available for purchase on Bandcamp.

    The Encyclopedia of Soul, Vol. I features Adam Bronstein (guitar), James Benders (bass), Tyler James (piano, Fender Rhodes, organ), Isaiah Gethers (drums, auxiliary percussion), as well as Pieroni on saxophone and flute. The album was recorded at GCR Audio in Buffalo and engineered/mixed/mastered by Brad Lauchert. 

    The album release party will take place on Friday, March 31st at Sportsmens Tavern, presented by Lavender Haze Collective. The band that evening features all of the musicians from the album’s session, better known as the Encyclopedia of Soul or EoS. The show kicks off a mini-tour for EoS, as they will play shows in Syracuse, Rochester, and NYC in the following week.

    CDs and vinyl pre-orders of the album will be available for purchase at the show. 

    Tickets are $10 and are available here and at the door.

  • State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine to Perform “Cinderella” at UPAC in November

    Bardavon in Poughkeepsie has announced the November arrival of The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, performing Cinderella, at Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC).

    ukraine ballet ukraine ballet cinderella

    The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine will present their captivating two-act performance of Cinderella, one of the most beloved stories of all time. The full-scale production follows the beautiful maiden’s story as she seeks her handsome Prince Charming.

    With the help of a little magic, she discovers that dreams really can come true. Featuring graceful dancers, enchanting music, and beautiful costumes, this classic fairy tale is a treat the whole family will enjoy.

    This stunning and unique production of featuring the music by Sergei Prokofiev, includes virtuoso solo parts, famous characters and dynamic music.

    ukraine ballet ukraine ballet cinderella UPAC

    This particular Cinderella ballet was created by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine to give audiences an unforgettable experience, immerse them in a fairy tale and help them believe in miracles.

    Working on the ballet, they primarily focused on the children in the audience. Therefore, the costumes, scenery, and props turned out to be exciting, bright and colorful. Their main goal is to make a child, having seen this ballet, want to come to the theater again.

    The performance will take place on Friday, November 10 at 7:30pm at UPAC. Member tickets are on sale Thursday, March 23 at 10:00am and a General Public on sale begins Friday, March 24 at 10:00am. Tickets start at $51

    Purchase your tickets in person at the Bardavon Box Office, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie: (845) 473-2072 or in person at the UPAC Box Office, 601 Broadway Kingston: (845) 339-6088 or email the Bardavon Box Office boxoffice@bardavon.org, or purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com.

  • Binghamton Philharmonic Presents “Pops at the Forum” on March 25

    The Binghamton Philharmonic returns on Saturday, March 25 at 3pm at the Broome County Forum Theatre with “Pops at the Forum,” a fun performance filled with cherished classics for the whole family. 

    Featured at Pops at the Forum are Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story; Rodgers and Hammerstein’sThe Sound of Music; Hans Zimmer’s Pirates of the Caribbean Suite; and Georges Bizet’s Carmen Suite. The performance will also include Leroy Anderson’s quirky The Typewriter, featuring soloist Sam Lazzara. 

    Sam Lazzara, a typewriter soloist, has had a career that has taken him to concert halls around the country and throughout the world. He is principal percussionist with the Binghamton Philharmonic played with opera star Jesseye Norman, pop/theater legends Carol Channing, Skitch Henderson, Rita Moreno, John Pizzarelli, Lucie Arnaz, Susan Lucci, Marnie Nixon, Suzanne Vega, Bob Newhart, Don Rickles, Steven Rieneke, Megan Hilti, the Singing Nun Christina Scuccia, Annie Golden and The Irish Tenors.

    Sam has toured the country with the New York City Opera, performed with The Mark Morris Dance Company and toured the Czech Republic and Poland performing the music of Karlhein Stockhausen. His work has been broadcast nationally on NPR and heard on the TV show Grey’s Anatomy. Sam can be seen on the big and small screen in the HBO mini-series Mildred Pierce, Wall Street 2, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, The Good Shepherd, and recently in the indie film, 40 Winks. The New York Times wrote, “Sam Lazzara is a firm and stabilizing presence on percussion. (Anne Midgette).”

    There will be a pre-concert Organ Recital from 2:30-2:50pm. Nancy Wildoner from the Binghamton Theater Organ Recital will be playing a pre-concert recital on the 1922 Rober-Morton IV/24 Theatre Pipe Organ.

    All children 17 and under get in for free, courtesy of season sponsor Visions Federal Credit Union. For tickets and more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org

  • Performers Announced for 5th Annual Capital Region Music Hall of Fame Ceremony

    The line-up of performers for the fifth annual Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held on Monday, March 27 at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs has been announced.

    The “Eddies” have previously announced five music artists – Mike Campese, Felicia Collins, George Frayne, Smokey Greene and John Tichy – as well as photographer Martin Benjamin, educator Sister Mary Anne Nelson, CSJ and radio host and folk musician Wanda Fischer, will be inducted during the ceremony.

    capital region music hall of fame ceremony

    Confirmed performers for the Capital Region Music Hall of Fame ceremony include Michael Eck, Arlin Green and Scott Greene, Margo Macero, and Graham Tichy.

    Michael Eck of Albany is performing a song representing Fischer’s folk career. He has led many musical lives—performing songwriter; roots scholar; multi-instrumentalist working with Aimee Mann, Pete Seeger, Patti Smith and 10,000 Maniacs; serial band member, from the punk of The Plague to the folk of Ramblin Jug Stompers and Lost Radio Rounders; nationally recognized cultural critic and guitar brand editor; concert/radio/album producer; Caffe Lena board member; publicist; painter; bouncer; roadie; record store clerk and more. He was inducted into the Eddies Music Hall of Fame in 2022.

    Arlin Greene and Scott Greene, siblings, are performing music representing their father, inductee Smokey Greene. Both got their start playing bluegrass festivals around the Northeast with their dad. Since then, Arlin Greene has played pop, rock and jazz music in East Africa, and folk, rock, country and bluegrass music across the U.S. and Canada. Arlin has worked in bands with such notables as Bill Keith, Dan Tyminski and James “D Train” Williams and has recorded with several artists. He is now the bass player with The McKrells, The Trophy Husbands and the Greene Brothers. Scott Greene has played country, bluegrass, rock and pop music with many local bands including Johnny and the Triumphs, Chip and Chan and Stony Creek. He has toured the country playing bluegrass with Burnt Toast and multi-GrammyTM winner Dan Tyminski.

    Margo Macero will perform twice, playing music representing Campese and Collins. The vocalist/guitarist is a country and rock artist from the Glens Falls region. Active as a performing artist since age 12, she attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. She has performed for judges on ABC’s “American Idol” and NBC’s “The Voice” and has worked in the film industry with James Franco, Pete Davidson, Jon Bernthal, Timothy Whidbee and others. Joining her on stage at the Hall of Fame ceremony will be Dave Goldenberg (drums), Jeff Madden (second guitar, harmonies) and Martina Louise (bass, harmonies).

    Graham Tichy will perform a medley of two songs–one each representing George Frayne’s and his dad John Tichy’s career in Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airman – with band members Mike Kelley, Don Young and Chris Osborn. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and guitar instructor for over two decades, Tichy has been active with regional artists Doc Scanlon’s Rhythm Boys, the Lustre Kings, Johnny Rabb, Reggie’s Red Hot Feetwarmers and Rocky Velvet, as well as national acts including Los Straitjackets, Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen and two Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, The Coasters and Wanda Jackson. He currently leads a diverse range of musical projects around the U.S. and Europe including GOONS! (1960s garage/soul/punk), The Swingin’ Palms (Hawaiian) and Beachcombers (early 1960s surf).

    The Eddies Music Hall of Fame and UPH are part of Proctors Collaborative.