Author: perri sage

  • Magpie Marks 50th Musical Anniversary

    The Eighth Step at Proctors in Schenectady will present the award winning contemporary folk duo Magpie, celebrating their 50th year anniversary on Saturday, September 30th. Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalists Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner will perform a variety of instrumental harmony vocal originals with long time collaborator Ralph Gordon playing the acoustic bass.

    For 50 years, Leonino and Artzner have turned their harmonies towards themes of peace and justice: civil rights, politics, diversity and the environment with an emphasis on the Chesapeake Bay, the Hudson River, worker’s rights and a world at peace. They sing for justice with a joyous verve of 30’s swing and American folk to support social activism.

    “Terry and Greg are proud to be more links to the chain, dedicating their lives and music to leaving this world a better place.”

    – Pete Seeger

    Magpie has spent their musical career playing folk festivals, concert halls and more while gathering fans from independent stages large and small. The duo creates an instrumental sound that’s powerful, rich and moving inspiring people to come together through the art of song. Since 1973, they have brought their unique sound and remarkable versatility to audiences in the U.S. and abroad through their influential songs.

    The duo Magpie looks forward to celebrating their 50th anniversary and many more to come. For more information visit online at Eighth Step.

  • Celebrate Ten Years of Buffalo Iron Works with Melvin Seals & JGB this October

    Buffalo Iron Works plans to host an exclusive 10th anniversary party to celebrate a decade of success, featuring the renowned Melvin Seals & JGB on Thursday, October 19th, promising an unforgettable night to commend this milestone of intuitive, expressive, and soulful music.

    melvin seals buffalo iron works JGB

    Melvin Seals has had a remarkable three-decade career as a recording artist, performer and producer and will take center stage during the Buffalo Iron Works anniversary festivities. Melvin is celebrated for his electrifying performances on the keyboard and B-3 organ while accompanying the stage with Jerry Garcia Band. Both Melvin and JGB have played pivotal roles in the jam band music scene with a mix of blues, funk, rock, jazz, gospel and R&B that captivate an audience of all tastes.Their onstage chemistry fuels a psychedelic experience for concert goers that keeps them dancing, smiling and engaged in the rhythm of rock-gospel blues fusion.

    In addition to the performance with Melvin and JGB, Buffalo Iron Works 10 year anniversary party will feature drink specials, exclusive signed merchandise and more. The venue offers an intimate music lounge setting that hosts a diverse range of national, regional and local artists across various genres. Not only is it a haven for music but welcomes all types of events, from concerts, acoustic shows, and book signings, ensuring an inclusive and vibrant versatile cultural space.

    Join Buffalo Iron Works on Thursday, October 19th to celebrate a decade of music, community and unforgettable moments that have made BIW a cherished part of Buffalo’s cultural landscape. For more info visit here.

  • In Focus: Macklemore Brings ‘The Ben Tour’ to Pier 17 Rooftop

    Hip-Hop and rap artist Macklemore performed an unforgettable show at Pier 17 on Friday, September 22 welcoming all ages to take part in the long-awaited “Ben Tour.”

    Macklemore the Ben Tour pier 17 rooftop
    Perri Sage Photography

    Macklemore began his music career building his fanbase on the West Coast in 2000 as an independent artist born and raised in Seattle, Washington. In the early stages of his success, he released his first album in 2005, The Language of My World which led to the collaboration with DJ/Record Producer Ryan Lewis. The duo jumpstarted Macklemore’s music success producing the Grammy Award Winning album The Heist including fan favorites, “Can’t Hold Us,” “ThriftShop,” “Same Love,” and “White Walls.”

    Macklemore carved a huge name for himself in the rap community and is best known for his ability to storytell and create introspective lyrics that address social issues of consumerism, addiction, homophobia, and personal attributes that connect to his life growing up in Seattle.

    Macklemore the Ben Tour pier 17 rooftop
    Perri Sage Photography

    DJ Nick Beeba opened the show by stating, “I grew up in Seattle going to Macklemore’s shows in middle school, to just be here as an opener is truly amazing.” Beeba played remixes including hit songs “Wanna Be a Baller,” “No Scrubs,” “Pony,” and plenty of others to get the crowd dancing and cheering awaiting Macklemore’s appearance.

    The show itself was not only a concert to remember but a full-blown production with on-stage dancers, a full band crew including trombone, trumpet, drums, guitar, and keyboard plus several impressive outfit changes. With blue bedazzled capes, headbands, and sparkly vests, Macklemore does it all. During the show, Macklemore made time in between songs to thank the people for coming authentically as themselves to come have fun and spread love. “We’re here to dance, so let’s dance New York!” he stated.

    Macklemore the Ben Tour pier 17 rooftop
    Perri Sage Photography

    To close the show, Macklemore gave a huge thanks to his band members for all the hard work that has paid off over the years. This encourages fans to come to their shows and experience something more than just a concert but a place to allow fans to be authentic, dance, and have a good time. The final song “Can’t Hold Us” encouraged the crowd to jump, dance, and shout, “We put our hands up, like the ceiling can’t hold us,” leaving the concertgoers in awe and ecstatic to see when Macklemore would visit New York next.

  • Electropop Artist Ladytron Begin Fall Tour at Irving Plaza

    On Wednesday September 20 at Irving Plaza, English Band Ladytron returned to perform the first show of their Fall 2023 Tour. This was a highly anticipated tour for fans since their last appearance in NY back in 2019 at the Brooklyn Steel.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Ladytron has defined the electropop movement of the early 2000’s using synthesizing sounds to encompass a unique psychedelic, ethereal and electronic rock performance. Irving Plaza was the perfect venue to highlight the bands ambience with sparkling chandeliers, hanging disco ball, dim-lit standing room and balcony to illuminate the show goers atmospheric experience.

    As the band walked on stage the crowd cheered and danced to express their enthusiasm for Ladytron and the performance of fan favorites and new album release Times Arrow. With Strobe lights, polka dots and dream-like psychedelic visuals enhancing the hard bass driven beats, contemporary melodies, synth tones and female vocals. Ladytron put on quite an invoking show to kickoff the Fall tour.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Alongside the exciting Time’s Arrow release their soundscapes and innovative music leaves fans in awe while they are able to create visual narratives within their songs, Ladytron attendees leave with an unforgettable experience. Following their Irving Plaza show, Ladytron plans to continue the long awaited tour with their next stop on Friday, September 22 in Los Angeles, California at The Belasco.

    LADYTRON 2023 TOUR DATES

    Fri Sep 22 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco

    Sat Sep 23 – San Diego, CA – Crossroads at House of Blues

    Thu Nov 16 – Austin, TX – The Mohawk

    Fri Nov 17 – Dallas, TX – The Granada Theater

    Sat Nov 18 – Houston TX – Numbers Night Club 

    Sun Nov 19 – Mexico City, MX – Corona Capital Festival

    Ladytron – Irving Plaza, NYC – Wednesday, September 20

    Setlist: City of Angels, Faces, Ghosts, Deadzone, True Mathematics, The Animals, Flight From Angkor, Soft Power, USA vs. White Noise, Misery Remember Me, International Dateline, Fighting in Built Up Areas, The Island, Paper Highways, Discotraxx, Ace of Hz
    Encore: California, Playgirl, Seventeen, Destroy Everything You Touch

  • Ladytron arrives in NYC this week at Irving Plaza

    Electronic pop band Ladytron has announced their Fall Tour, revealing their first pit stop at Irving Plaza on September 20th.

    Ladytron irving plaza

    The band formed in Liverpool, England in 1999 with members including vocalists Helen Marnie and Mira Aroyo, electric guitarist Daniel Hunt and synthesizer Reuben Wu.

    Ladytron blends sounds of electronic pop, new wave, distorted chimes and hallucinogenic soundscapes, exploring voices and sound that inhabit a dreamy optimistic feel. The tour celebrates the most recent album release Time’s Arrow with ten songs and video release of top hit “Misery Remember Me”. The song has flourished among the electro pop community and encapsulates the theme that defines Time’s Arrow. The focus of the album balances between experimental sounds and pop structures.

    Helen explains, “we must embrace the now, but always allow ourselves to dream. ‘Misery Remember Me’ encapsulates this ethos.

    Ladytron continues to push boundaries among the music scene while using conceptual space and time to achieve their conceit of electronic music. Irving Plaza welcomes Ladytron this Wednesday opening doors at 7:00pm, for ticket info visit here

  • Binghamton Philharmonic Hosts their First Family Symphony Session with “Shaker Songs”, Beethoven’s Fifth to Follow

    This Fall, the Binghamton Philharmonic presents their first Family Free Symphony Session for “Shaker Songs” at The Forum Theatre on September 28th.

    Tree of Life (Shaker Drawing c. 1848)

    The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra assembles to celebrate the old tradition of Shaker music producing a family friendly environment for all ages with an opening piece of Copland’s version ‘Simple Gifts’, the enchanting variation on a Shaker Melody. ‘Simple Gifts’ was originally sung by The Shakers and was made best known by composer Aaron Copland in Pulitzer Prize winning Ballet Appalachian Spring.

    The family free symphony sessions are made possible by The Community Foundation for South Central New York granting friends and families to come together as a community to commend The Shakers and their music. The Shakers music was shared through oral tradition between many communities and created religious folk music with lively dance tunes, anthems and hymns.

    On Saturday, September 30 at 7:30pm at the Broome County Forum Theatre, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra will open its 2023-2024 season with “Beethoven’s Fifth,” a concert exploring masterworks of the classical music tradition. Under the direction of Maestro Daniel Hege, the orchestra will present Aaron Copland’s quintessentially AmericanVariations on a Shaker Melody, Edward Elgar’s moving Cello Concerto in E minor (as featured in the film Tár) with soloist Annie Jacobs-Perkins, and Beethoven’s towering Fifth Symphony

    All Children 17 and under get in for free, courtesy of M&T Bank, our Symphonic Series Sponsor. For tickets and more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org.

    In addition, the Orchestra is presenting several FREE community events in advance of opening night:

    September 28, 2023, 2pm, Kilmer Mansion: Lecture-demonstration with cello soloist Annie Jacobs-Perkins and Dr. Julia Grella O’Connell: “Nostalgia, Loss and the Great War in Elgar’s Cello Concerto

    September 28, 2023, 6:30pm, Forum Theatre: Family Symphony Session, “Shaker Songs,” a tour of the Forum Theatre and a family-friendly chat about Shaker music and dance

    September 30, 2023, 5:30pm, DoubleTree by Hilton: “Ties and Tutus,” an opportunity for Binghamton City School students to enjoy a pre-concert dinner, a visit with Maestro Daniel Hege and guest cellist Annie Jacobs-Perkins, and a night at the symphony, courtesy of our sponsor IBM

    September 30, 2023, 6:30pm, Forum Theatre: Pre-concert chat, “Music and Utopia,” with Dr. Julia Grella O’Connell, Director of Education and Community Engagement

    The Forum Theater also offers a behind the scenes tour included as the orchestra prepares to rehearse, kids attend for free while first time adult concert-goers receive complementary tickets to the Philharmonics concert on September 30 to kick off the upcoming fall season.

    To learn more visit Family Symphony Sessions: Shaker Songs

  • Blues Traveler Fall Tour Includes Upcoming Show in Port Chester

    Grammy Award-Winning Rock Band, Blues Traveler has announced their upcoming Fall 2023 Tour and plans on stopping at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on October 26.

    Blues Traveler is an American rock band that originally formed in 1987 in Princeton, New Jersey. Best known for blues alternative rock music they have become an influence to the reemerging jam band scene since the 1990’s. Members include singer John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, bassist Bobby Sheehan, drummer Brendan Hill and keyboardist Ben Wilson. The band experienced commercial success in the modern rock community after releasing the top hit “Run-Around” and hit the Billboard Top Ten in 1995 later going platinum six times while also receiving The Best Traditional Blues Album Grammy Award for album “Traveler Blues” in 2022.

    Blues Traveler is proud to announce the upcoming Fall Tour, the band plans to perform a variety of hit singles over the span of three decades of music release. As well as new songs from the forthcoming album “Travelers Soul” which marks their 15th album drop. Accompanying Blues is special guest, American songwriter and singer Jono Manson

    For more information Blues Traveler Fall Tour 2023

    Oct 19              Rocktoberfest at MCAS Cherry Point                              Cherry Point, NC

    Oct 20              Sweetland Amphitheatre                                                LeGrange, GA

    Oct 21              Deep Roots Festival                                                      Milledgeville, GA

    Oct 23              West Virginia University-Creative Arts Center                  Morgantown, WV

    Oct 25              Santander Performing Arts Center                                  Reading, PA

    Oct 26              The Capitol Theatre                                                      Port Chester, NY

    Oct 27              Grunin Center For The Arts                                            Toms River, NJ

    Nov 3                Crystal Grand Music Theatre                                         Wisconsin Dells, WI

    Nov 9                Manchester Music Hall                                                  Lexington, KY

    Nov 11              Brown County Event Center                                          Nashville, IN 

    Nov 12              SKYPAC                                                                      Bowling Green, KY

    Nov 14              Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall                                      Fort Worth, TX

    Nov 16              Downstream Casino Resort                                           Quapaw, OK 

    Nov 17              Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort                                      Hot Springs, AR

    Nov 18              IP Casino Resort & Spa                                                 Biloxi, MS

    Nov 20              Montgomery Performing Arts Center                              Montgomery, AL 

    Nov 21              Ryman Auditorium                                                        Nashville, TN 

  • Discover the New Fall Music Lineup at the Waterhole Music Lounge

    The Waterhole Music Lounge in Saranac Lake has filled their calendar with live music offering top touring acts starting this September all the way through to New Year’s Eve this fall season.

    Music enthusiasts can expect a wide range of genres from folk music Fridays, a collection of tribute acts and a handful of side projects from big name acts including String Cheese Incident, EOTO, and Turkuaz The Brazilian Girls. Waterhole Lounge indulges attendees to parties on the patio a venue bar and an incredible scene perfect for live music.

    To kick off the start to the fall music season, The Seapods and Raisinhead plan to perform September 9th following will feature triple header Mal Maiz on Thursday for Party on the Patio. The fall lineup also includes many talented tribute acts including The Dave Matthews Tribute Band a 5 member ensemble who match the excitement, intimacy and intensity of a live DMB show. Another highlight during the season is the annual Halloween Bash with funky music and costume contest where hip-hop jam band Sophistafunk from Syracuse plan to shake things up with opening act Chestnut Grove known for their rock n’ roll.

    To close out the season The New Year’s Eve Bash will be headlined by The Mallet Brothers Band, a well admired alternative rock country band from the woods of Maine. New York looks forward to what Waterhole Lounge has in store this season that will bring audiences talented acts nationwide that they won’t get enough of. For more information visit The Waterhole Website.

  • Two Rochester Ensembles Collaborate to Present “Old & New: Sephardic Reflections”

    Two Rochester based ensembles, showcasing Sephardic music will perform back to back performances of “Sephardic Reflections,” taking place in Syracuse on October 21 and at Rochester’s Temple Beth El Synagogue on October 22.

    The production ‘Old & New: Sephardic Reflections’ brings a taste of medieval flute and electric guitar, offering a contrast of contemporary music with versions of old and new songs. This medieval mix is interpreted by members of fivebyfive and Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque. The clash of ensembles explore the sounds of flute and electric guitar to present a new experience for the audience.

    Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque

    Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque will perform using recorders, lute, duduk, shawm, harp and percussion which stay true to the early music of Sephardic traditions in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Members of the chamber music ensemble will us flute, clarinet, bass, piano and electric guitar which heavily influence the new tradition.

    This is an exciting journey for both ensembles, to focus on music from a certain period but in our own styles. All of our musicians are world-class artists, experts in their chosen instruments, and we look forward to collaborating on this kaleidoscopic musical event.

    Pegasus/NYS Baroque Director Deborah Fox.

    “We are thrilled by the variety of sounds that will be shared in this concert,” said Artistic Director, Laura Lantz of fivebyfive.

    fivebyfive

    Tickets can be purchased online at pegasusearlymusic.org and fivebyfivemusic.com or purchased at the door. Upstate New York looks forward to see what they have in store for the double ensemble collaboration “Old & New: Sephardic Reflections”.

  • In Focus: New York EDM Maxes Out at Electric Zoo 2023

    The 2023 edition of Electric Zoo Music Festival took a turn into the history books this past weekend, with fans encountering hours-long Will Call lines, a main stage still under construction on Friday, and an overflow of attendees on Sunday.

    Add in allegations of overselling the event by a reported 7,000, according to Mayor Eric Adams, and EZoo joins the ranks of Fyre Fest, AstroWorld, Curveball, and Woodstock 99 in the lore of music festivals gone awry.

    It’s unfortunate that the organizers wanted to turn our city into a zoo, and we were not going to allow that to happen. And we will be dealing with them in the next few days based on their behavior and actions.

    NYC Mayor Eric Adams

    Electric Zoo 2023 was produced by Billy Bildstein of Avant Gardner and Cityfox, who bought EZoo creator Made Events, in July 2022 through an investment group for $15 million.

    The weekend started on a low note for promoters, with the stage being deemed unsafe by New York authorities, leading to the full Friday of music being canceled, and refund information shared by Electric Zoo. In a statement, the promoters said,

    Despite our tireless efforts and round-the-clock commitment, we have made the painful decision to cancel the first day of Electric Zoo. This year has presented unparalleled challenges for everyone. The global supply chain disruptions have impacted industries worldwide, and, sadly, our beloved festival has not been immune. These unexpected delays have prevented us from completing the construction of the main stage in time for Day 1.

    Among artists whose sets were canceled on Friday were The Chainsmokers, Excision, Griz and New York born and raised, Eli Escobar.

    Saturday saw the festival delayed gates opening until 230pm, with crowds waiting for five hours (if not longer) for Will Call tickets. Some fans were not able to get into the venue on Randall’s Island until nearly 8pm, leading one outlet to ask, “Is Electric Zoo the new Fyre Festival?”

    Although the EZOO team reassured fans, “Your patience and dedication mean the world to us, and we cannot thank you enough for being part of this incredible community,” fans were not placated, with some having flown in from around the country and world, nowhere to turn but to head home.

    Then on Sunday evening, piggybacking off a cancellation and incredibly long wait times, promoters said the festival was full and could not accommodate any additional patrons. Fans crashed the gates, passing security checkpoints, nearly destroying the entry way on Randall’s Island, frustrated by the actions of the promoters.

    After the disappointment from the cancellation of Day 1, Electric Zoo kept the show running on Day 2, opening the gates two hours later than initially posted. Headliners Timmy Trumpet, Gryffin and the closing finale of Zedd left attendees smiling from ear to ear.

    Perri Sage Photography

    From glitter to sequins, fish nets and strobe light sunglasses, the fans inside were enlightened with character despite the issues outside the gate, showing their love for the electronic dance community.

    To close out Saturday, German DJ and producer Zedd put on an outstanding finale with a crowd full of thousands screaming, clapping and dancing among themselves to some of his hit remixes “Alive by Empire of the Sun – Zedd Remix” and “Break Free” by Ariana Grande (feat. Zedd).

    Perri Sage Photography

    On Day 3 the festival was up and ready to go when the gates opened for attendees at 1pm. While the days prior led to confusion, frustration and disappointment, EZOO was determined to turn it around. The main stage known as Convergence added two more columns to the overhead screens which illuminated the overall feel and experience of the final day.

    However, with more tickets sold than Randall’s Island could accommodate, promoters announced at 6:30pm that no more fans would be allowed to enter, even if they had a ticket. And with this, fans frustration hit its peak, and the gates were stormed.

    Headliners included Tiesto, Major Lazor, a combined set of both well known artists Dom Dolla and John Summit, and leading finale Marshmellow. The on stage visuals of all artists performing reached with psychedelic imagery, strobes of color and front stage flames, smoke and fireworks enhanced the fans’ experience.

    By this point, all stages were flooded with fans from front to back, savoring their last moments of Electric Zoo 2023 and not letting the oversold event and actions of promoters stifle the finale of what was intended to be a magnificient weekend for thousands of EDM fans.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Even with the delays and frustration, EZOO kept the show running for Day 2 and Day 3 to the best of their ability. The event performances left fans ecstatic, and for some the festival was worth the wait, while for others a weekend without music, but for all attendees, it was a weekend for the history books.