Category: Features

Happy 518 Day!

Today is May 18, or, 518 Day. The 518 is a huge region of New York State, an area code established in 1947 and covering 24 counties.

Extending from the Mohawk Valley just west of Utica, to the Vermont and Massachusetts borders, and north to Canada, the 518 includes Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Glens Falls, Plattsburgh and the entire North Country, Saranac Lake and the entire High Peaks region, plus Schoharie, Catskill, Hunter and Caroga Lake.

Among this wide swath of the state is a great deal of music, from bands to venues, festivals to promoters, concert series and figures in the scene, the 518 has a rich amount of music, so much that we thought a great way to celebrate 518 Day (May 18), was to come up with a list of Five Hundred Eighteen things that make the 518 a great place for music.

But we only had a week, so in working with our friends at 518scene.com, we came up with at least a start – 51.8 (rounded up to 52) music venues, bands, promoters, series and more, that make the 518 so great. Read our list below and their list here.

1. Caffè Lena

Founded in 1960 by Lena Spencer, Caffè Lena is the oldest continually running coffee house in the country. Home to an incredible array of folk, Americana, blues and international acts, this Saratoga Springs institution is a must for any music lover in the 518 and beyond

2. The Waterhole

Nestled in the Adirondack town of Saranac Lake, The Waterhole is a staple of the community, with concert series such as Party on the Patio, Saturday Night at the Waterhole, plus a packed calendar of music during Winter Carnival each year. If you’re in the Adirondacks for vacation this summer, stop in to see Eric and Kiki and catch a show at the fabled venue.

3. Tupper Lake Summer Sunset Concert Series

Just west of Saranac Lake on Route 3, you’ll find the town of Tupper Lake, and with it a pair of summer concert series, held on Monday and Wednesday nights. You’ll find unbelievable sunsets on Tupper Lake, a backdrop for music that photos just don’t do justice.

4. Ominous Seapods

A band that calls the greater 518 home, Ominous Seapods have long praised the region with songs like “Leaving the Monopole” and “Pull from Adirondack Blue,” the group have reunited in recent years to great fanfare, including guitarist Dana Monteith flying in from Australia for the shows.

5. The Park Theater

Glens Falls is undergoing a renaissance as of late, with a great deal of businesses, shops and restaurants peppering downtown and Glen Street, with the Park Theater a centerpiece to it all. The venue brings in national artist, comedy acts, jazz acts, Third Thursday and much more, as well as an educational partnership with nearby districts, bringing in a new generation of sound and light technicians.

6. Memorial Meltdown

Coming up over Memorial Day Weekend, the Charles R. Wood festival commons in Lake George will host the second Memorial Meltdown, featuring Twiddle and Frends, Dogs in a Pile, TAUK, One Time Weekend, Annie in the Water and much more. Tickets are on sale now.

7. Palace Theatre

Opened during the height of the Great Depression, Albany’s Palace Theatre shines brightly, entering its 10th decade and continues to host artists from all genres in a beautifully restored venue.

Artwork by Kelly Garrett

8. Annie in the Water

With a fanbase that is spread to every corner of the 518, and well beyond, Annie in the Water have established their catchy Indie/Americana sound all throughout the state, with fresh songwriting and energetic live performances a hallmark of their New York presence.

9. Caroga Arts Collective and Caroga Lake Music Festival

Located northwest of Amsterdam, the quiet town of Caroga Lake has woken up in recent years thanks to the Caroga Arts Collective bringing in music nearly year-round, as well as revitalization efforts on the century old Sherman’s Amusement Park. The lineup for music this year at Caroga Lake Music Festival is eye-opening too.

10. Greg Bell/Guthrie-Bell Productions

Local promoter Greg Bell has established the Albany jam-scene since the early 1990s, giving bands like moe., Ominous Seapods, Peter Prince and Moonboot Lover and dozens (if not hundreds more) a chance to make their name in a town rife with live music venues and crowds.

11. Freedom Park Scotia series

The annual series at Freedom Park in Scotia is flanked by Jumpin Jacks (great ice cream and burgers), the Mohawk River (with waterski performances) and a calendar of music that stretches from May to September each year.

12. Parish Public House

In downtown Albany along Broadway, you’ll find no better place for live music and cajun food than Parish Public House. Housed in a historic building and section of Albany, the legacy of live music in the 518 starts at the Parish door for bands looking to build their name and make fans in Albany.

13. Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

Originally opened in the 1870s, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has some of the best sound in the region, hosting artists of all genres who praise the excellent acoustics of the room. The free Music at Noon series has recently returned, and is always worth checking out.

Artwork by Kelly Garrett

14. Mirth Films

The team at Mirth Films has been around for only five years, but in that time frame they’ve established themselves as the premier Audio/Video company, capable of covering shows in all corners of the Capital Region without blinking an eye. Its no surprise they recently won three Eddies Awards for their efforts. Check out their recent interview with harpist Mikaela Davis.

15. Indian Ladder Farming Man Festival

Returning in July for year two, Indian Ladder farms invites you to partake in great beer and cider, as well as great music and farm vibes at Farming Man Festival. This apple picking destination has the perfect summer getaway, well worth a trip towards the Heldeberg Escarpment.

16. moe.

You know moe. has made their name on the 518 when they get a street named after them, which is what happened in February on moe.day in Albany. Add in countless shows at Valentines, two snoe.downs in Lake Placid, and the roots established on Western Avenue in the 1990s, you’ll find members of moe. gigging around the 518 with BlueStar Radiation, Midnight Sun and more.

17. Putnam Place

Saratoga Springs is blessed with a wealth of history, but Putnam Place is where music history is written on a regular basis, as nationally touring bands are seen alongside regional artists, making the venue a must spot for fans looking for a break from the bars of Saratoga or just needing to see what the next big band is that’s touring through the area. Check out their calendar and don’t miss Prince/Bowie on May 20.

18. The Egg

Designed by Wallace Harrison, based on a concept from then-Governor Nelson Rockefeller (picture a half a grapefruit in a bowl, and you can see the origin), The Egg has two venues inside – The 900 seat Hart Theater, and the 450 seat Swyer Theater, both of which offer pristine acoustics for performances of all genres. Notably, Mike Gordon of Phish released a live album, The Egg, from a recording of a December 11, 2011 performance at The Egg.

19. Nanola

Looking for a quiet spot for loud music and great food? Malta is the spot for you, with Nanola located on Route 9, with excellent cajun food and a variety of musical offerings throughout the week and especially in the summer.

20. Lark Hall

The recently opened Lark Hall brings with it a century of music history, and has quickly established itself as a must-stop venue for musicans and fans alike. You’ll be able to catch performances of RENT in June, plus the reunion of Space Carnival on July 6, along with much more.

21. Cohoes Music Hall

Coming up on 150 years, the Cohoes Music Hall has been revitalized in the last 50 years, with renovations and restoration taking place, while welcoming musicals, live music, tribute bands and comedians.

22. MVP Arena

Whether you call it The Knick, The Knickerbocker, Pepsi Arena, Times Union Center, or MVP Arena, anyone in the 518 knows what you’re talking about. The downtown arena that opened in January 1990 and has played host to Billy Joel, Phish, NCAA Tournaments, demolition derbies, and even inaugurations of governors.

23. The Linda

Affectionately known as WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, The Linda is a restored 1926 art-deco bank that welcomes a widely-diverse roster of performing arts, concerts, debates, lectures, and also serves as a recording studio.

24. QE2

While not open under the name anymore, in the 1990s, the QE2 established Albany as a hotbed of the growing Alternative scene in the country. Grunge, hardcore and alternative rock acts could be found performing at the QE2 any given night in the ’90s. The venue has since been sold and renamed The Fuze Box, and continues to bring great music to the 518.

25. The Sembrich

The Marcella Sembrich Opera Museum, also known as The Sembrich, is an historic teaching studio located at Bolton Landing in Warren County. Built from 1922-24 as a teaching studio for New York Metropolitan Opera diva Marcella Sembrich, the 2023 “Trailblazers” Music Festival will celebrate the music of David Smith, Marin Alsop, Alma Mahler and Philip Glass.

26. Proctors Theatre

Originally a vaudeville theater, this Schenectady venue has welcomed legends of the stage and screen, as well as musicians to the stage. Proctors is nearing its centennial year in 2026, and always has the greatest hits from Broadway for fans looking to stay local as they take in a musical or play.

Artwork by Kelly Garrett

Ed note: new area code 838 is popping up in the 518, and we welcome a challenge to find Eight Hundred Thirty Eight things that make this region the best for music, but let’s take this one area code at a time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD9SY0Mfgas

May 18, 2023
In Focus: Andrew McMahon Headlines Syracuse’s Food Truck Battle

Summer festival season could not have kicked off with a more perfect start on Saturday, as the Syracuse Food Truck Association hosted their third annual Food Truck Battle at the New York State Fairgrounds. The event featured over fifty local and regional food trucks as well as a day filled with local and national music alike, culminating with a headlining set from Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.

Andrew McMahon performs at the 2023 Syracuse Food Truck Battle

Festival attendees were treated to a line up of over fifty local and regional food truck of varying cuisine. The trucks lined the road ways around the Fair’s Chevy Court. Happy festival goers packed the streets, hoping to try some of their long standing favorites, or perhaps venture into a new cuisine. A panel of local celebrity judges sat stage side, sampling fare from each truck, and would later present several awards. Festival goers were also encouraged to vote for their favorites.

Quality food wasn’t the only thing on the menu, as the day’s agenda featured a diverse mixture of both local musicians and national touring acts. The day’s music kicked off with a set by local favorite, Just Joe. Just Joe, formerly of heavy metal band Brand New Sin, delivered a set of classic rock covers played entirely on the piano. His set was followed by a high energy performance by My So Called Band, who played a set of 90’s rock covers. Fondu was up next, and by now the festival grounds were starting to pack in with the afternoon crown. The area around the stage began to fill with dancing concert goers, who were enjoying the disco-party atmosphere provided by Fondu. The Brownskin Band followed, delivering a set of R&B music. Finally, Hard Promises wrapped up the local music portion of the day, with a set of 70’s classic rock covers.

Fondu performs at the 2023 Syracuse Food Truck Battle

Following an intermission to present the day’s awards, national touring act Michigander took the stage. Led by lead singer Jason Singer, the four piece band performed a set of indie pop-rock tracks. They opened with “Superglue”, the catchy first single off the band’s latest EP, It Will Never Be the Same. The song’s chorus is one everyone in attendance could sing along with, even if they had never heard it before. The band’s set had fans dancing and swaying in the area surrounding the stage. One group off to the side danced and sang along to every word and even caught the attention of Jason Singer. “You guys are awesome. When you play a new city, you never know if anyone will show up. Thank you so much.”

Michigander performs at the 2023 Syracuse Food Truck Battle

After a short stage change over, it was time for Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. The area surrounding the stage had filled in almost entirely by this point with fans of McMahon, both young and old. Taking the stage promptly at 8:30pm, the band launched into the high energy “Stars”, off their latest release Tilt at the Wind No More. McMahon, who sings and plays piano, bounced around the stage between stints on the piano. He danced on top of the piano, at times leaping into the air. He ran through the crowd singing, without missing a beat. In all, the band delivered 90 minutes of stand out tracks spanning McMahon’s career, one that has seen him play in three different bands. The crowd, who packed the area in front of the stage, sang and danced along the entire set. They pleaded for an encore, one which McMahon quickly obliged. Returning to the stage with guitarist Bob Anderson, the two delivered a haunting rendition of “Nobody Tells You When You’re Young” followed by “Cecilia and the Satellite” the later which was written for McMahon’s daughter, who frequently accompanies the band on tour. It was a climactic ending to a wonderful day of food and music.

May 16, 2023
The Syncopated Times looks to bring Jazz, Ragtime and Swing to the Next Generation

The only national publication devoted to traditional jazz, ragtime, and swing, The Syncopated Times, has persevered over the past decade, bringing with it a great deal of music history from these specific genres of music. Based in Utica and published by Andy Senior, The Syncopated Times looks to the future as the paper moves into the digital age.

In June 2015, Andy Senior found himself writing for The American Rag, which at that time was based in Apple Valley, CA and had been publishing for 20 years, the successor to an even earlier publication, The West Coast Rag. In December 2015, Senior made an offer for the fading paper, which was “grudgingly accepted.” From there, Senior set out to relaunch the paper as The Syncopated Times, publishing from his home in Utica, where he has resided nearly his whole life. The first issue of the new paper was published in February 2016, and earlier this year was the publication of the 87th issue of The Syncopated Times.

Andy Senior in 1987

Senior shares the origins of his interest in jazz:

I’ve had a lifelong interest in music and discovered jazz early on. After familiarizing myself with the music of my father’s generation (the Big Band era) I worked my way back into the earlier decades of the 20th century. I started collecting 78s when I was in elementary school, so I’ve been at this well over 50 years. In my teens I took up guitar and then piano, and wrote songs.

Starting in 1987, I worked for a decade as a piano technician in the Utica area. I performed locally as a pianist, a guitarist, and a singer-songwriter since the early 1990s. In 2005, I started RADIOLA!, a broadcast of 1920s-1930s pop and jazz on WHCL-FM at Hamilton College in nearby Clinton. In 2010 I began producing the program entirely at home with my own transfers and restorations of 78s, and posting it online. The program has been in sporadic production since I launched The Syncopated Times in February 2016.
Andy Senior

The pandemic led to the closure of many of the jazz festivals the monthly magazine counted on as advertisers, ultimately making a for-profit model no longer feasible. Senior has been covering losses since March 2020 out of his limited retirement savings.

Andy Senior at his home in Utica

A Go Fund Me has been set up, with a goal of $60,000, to support the launch of a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Syncopated Media and allow the new organization to start with a large enough budget to sustain operations until further funding can be secured. This will allow for the Syncopated Times to expand beyond a monthly paper to cover the jazz scene and jazz history in visual and audio formats that engage a modern audience. While The Syncopated Times in print (and online at syncopatedtimes.com) will remain the core focus, the new organization will be able to secure grant funding to produce documentaries for YouTube, compile albums for Bandcamp, create podcasts, and resurrect Syncopated Times Radio. The Go Fund Me campaign is expected to run through the end of July.

To add to the broader jazz community, Senior intends to recruit a large and experienced board to pilot the new nonprofit and greatly extend their reach, especially into school and community music programs. This board will ensure that the future of professional coverage of traditional jazz, ragtime, and swing is not dependent on a single owner-operator, but a reflection of the community itself. Included in issues of The Syncopated Times are artist profiles, interviews, historical articles, columns, essays, CD reviews, book reviews, and concert and festival reviews. Articles vary in gravity, with humorous articles and scholarly pieces mixed in each issue.

In April 2022, The Jazz Journalists Association announced its class of 28 Jazz Heroes, among the honorees was Syncopated Times publisher Andy Senior.

Andy Senior speaking at The Jazz Journalists Association

Six years ago, Associate Editor Joe Bebco created SyncopatedTimes.com, a full-service website that archives all the editorial content of the paper and includes web-specific content, including hosting a revival of the much-loved Red Hot Jazz Archive.

The Syncopated Times will retain a subscription model, but nothing will change for current subscribers. Please join NYS Music in supporting The Syncopated Times in their mission.

May 16, 2023
Cannastock NY 2023 – It’s more than just Weed

The Spring Cannastock NY 2023 Festival was held at the MJN Convention Center in Poughkeepsie on Saturday May 13. This is year two for the festival which identifies itself as a cannabis consumption – friendly immersive experience for the industry, consumers and those who are canna-curious.

In New York State, recreational marijuana became legal in 2021 and available for sale in 2022. Last year’s inaugural festival was held at The Colony in Woodstock.  The event sold out, prompting the move to the MJN Center to handle the capacity demand.  A wise move by the promoters.  With VIP and pre-event tickets selling out again, the increase in available space enabled day of event ticket sales. VIP attendees were given early access and treated to a swag bag with all the necessities a consumer would need, including a bud of flower grown in New York.

Once inside, attendees could view products and gather information from 50+ exhibitors from the NY area. From farmers, to dispensaries, to paraphernalia, if it pertained to cannabis, it was here. Throughout the day stilt walkers strutted through the convention center, hula hoopers performed, and an air hockey tournament was held adding to the festivities.

You could not purchase cannabis at the event, but the opportunity to sample some of NY’s finest was available. Being “consumption friendly”, a lounge was set up outside the building to offer that opportunity. Stepping into the lounge area, you were greeted by a table with multiple bongs for people to try.  Farther in, sampling of flavored THC seltzers was offered. In the back, a covered space with chairs and tables encouraged you to roll one, smoke, and chill. The upstairs balcony had a Dab bar offering samples of the concentrated form of THC.  You could even take a chance on a prize wheel to win a freshly rolled joint.

On the face of this it sounds like a stoner’s heaven. It was certainly all that. But this year’s festival also had its eye on the future. With legalization, this is now an industry. Speakers from the business side of cannabis spoke throughout the day. Topics included launching a brand, compliance, marketing, and design.  Insights to the legal aspects of a regulated industry where shared. Jojo Simmon s (son of rapper Reverend Run of Run DMC) spoke about the community surrounding and supporting cannabis sales and consumption.  The Department of Labor even offered a session about creating a resume to work in the industry.

With two years in and no end in sight, Cannastock NY is setting it’s hopes high on an industry that has stepped out of the shadows and into the mainstream. So, pass the Dutchie.

May 16, 2023
Ukrainian Artist Nora Polinnia Shares Spirited Singles “Gotham” and “Midnight Boy”

Ukrainian singer-songwriter, Nora Polinnia, dropped three new singles over the past few months. She released her debut single, “Gotham,” last October, followed by “Late Love,” and her most recent song, “Midnight Boy,” which dropped on April 28th.

These songs are heavily influenced by the singer’s adolescent experiences and the hardships of love and life during wartime. The up and coming artist currently resides in NYC and has lived there since the fall of 2022.

Polinnia co-created her debut single, “Gotham,” with her long-time friend Martin Nikov, as a part of an artistic movement to support Ukraine. The single itself, takes listeners on an eerie and haunting trip into the artists’ perspectives on the destruction of their home. It compares the country’s condition with the dark, fictional city of Gotham. The lyrics, at times over-literal with this metaphor, express a sense of hopelessness and pain. The strong, pulsating beat and rhythm contrastingly emphasize the singer’s anger, allowing it to become an anthem of rebellion and discontent.

Her newest single, “Midnight Boy” strays drastically from the mood of her first release, as it takes on the genres of disco and funk. The song describes a reckless type of man that has the ability to make others do what he wants through his surface-level charm. The fun, upbeat listen calls on women to discard these types of men and focus on their own independence.

Polinnia is currently working on publicity for “Midnight Boy” which includes a comedic and upbeat music video that will be released at the end of the month. Alongside the video, the artist is in the process of launching a TikTok dance challenge for the single. She hopes to get as many people involved around the world as she can, especially highschool students.

The singer’s recent singles are a part of her debut EP, Past Chronicles, which addresses the more careless and oblivious years of her youth. Following its completion, the artist plans to release two additional EP’s called Present Chronicles and Future Chronicles in order to create a trilogy. Present Chronicles is set to be released at the end of June this year which will address the challenges of living in the current state of the world.

Nora Polinnia, an artist with a unique sound, uses her fresh singles as a way to express herself as well as deal with her past, present, and future struggles. The artist remarks, “There’s no concrete explanation for how music and art makes people feel. However, it is something that connects us all and allows fleeting moments to be encapsulated.”

May 15, 2023
In Focus: Lewis OfMan rocks Elsewhere

Lewis OfMan brought the crowd to their feet with a dynamic performance at Elsewhere on Friday, May 12. The French musician and producer curated a thoughtful setlist that left the audience begging for more, with a mesmerizing light show that added to the overall experience.

As the lights dimmed and the crowd grew excited, OfMan opened the show with his groovy track “Boom Boom,” accompanied by strobes and dynamic lighting. The audience was instantly hooked, dancing and singing along to the infectious beat.

OfMan showcased his musical prowess on the keys, blending live instrumentation with electronic beats to create a unique sound. His live band added an extra layer of energy to his already electrifying performance.

OfMan’s setlist included his most popular tracks, like “Such a Good Day,” “Dancy Boy,” and “Las Bañistas,” among others. The groovy dance music combined with the captivating light show created an immersive atmosphere, transporting the audience to another world.

The performance peaked with OfMan’s biggest hit, leaving the audience wanting more. The captivating light show and groovy dance music made for an unforgettable experience.

Overall, Lewis OfMan’s performance at Elsewhere was nothing short of amazing, showcasing his unique blend of electronic and acoustic sounds and his high-energy stage presence. The immersive atmosphere created by the light show had the audience hooked from start to finish. Fans of OfMan’s music will eagerly anticipate his next performance, while newcomers to his sound will surely be hooked after experiencing his live show.

OfMan’s performance demonstrated his ability to create a dynamic atmosphere, with his live band and the mesmerizing light show elevating the groovy dance music. It was an experience that left the crowd buzzing with energy and excitement, and one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

May 15, 2023
Lloyd Banks’ Natural Progression: The Course of The Inevitable 3, A Review

Much like the regional differences between rappers from differring coasts, New York MC’s are often the representation of a larger community’s ethos. For instance, Cam’ron‘s slick-talking, flamboyance embodied Harlem, Jay-Z‘s sharp, hustler mentality derived from Brooklyn, while Nas’ profound, thought-out and laissez-faire style is a Queens thing. In that regard Lloyd Banks is a lot like Nas. The veteran rapper has taken the long-winding road to artistic nirvana and his latest project, The Course of the Inevitable 3: Pieces of My Pain, sees the Queens native at his songwriting best, while capturing the essence of New York City’s underbelly.

Widely recognized as the punchline king, Banks’ cultural relevance within hip hop often relied on his hard-hitting punches. However, the platinum-selling rapper has re-emerged and reinvented himself through his COTI series, showcasing never before seen vulnerability and earnestness. Through a hue of sinister, 90’s inspired boom-bap production, Banks plays the role of philosopher and commentator. After all, the rap game has changed drastically since Banks released his platinum-selling debut, The Hunger for More.

Invariably talented, the knock on Lloyd Banks has been his indifference to the promotional aspects of a rap career. While that apathy played a part in Banks not releasing a studio album for over a decade, the boom bap sound’s re-emergence in niche form was the perfect opportunity to return to the scene and Banks struck while the iron was hot. “I was like, ‘Yo, it’s time for me to attack now.’ he reveals. “The boom bap wave was kind of reemerging. I was like, “Yo, it’s no better time than now.” “Let me get my feet wet.”

Album’s Best

With a New York-centric supporting cast, the 16-track, 54-minute project was curated to capture New York City’s hardened nature. Hence, Banks alternates between first person tales and analysis of the state of the culture. Furthermore, the PLK’s more descriptive form of songwriting led to a few vulnerable album cuts. Records like “Voices,” “Pieces Of My Pain,” “Daddy’s Little Girl” and “Deceitful Intentions” provide insight into Banks’ mental state. Meanwhile, songs like “Automatic Pilot,” “101 Razors,” “Money Machine” and “LSD” sees the veteran rapper provide commentary on the current state of street ethics, making numerous mention to the current trend of recording one’s death and disrespecting the dead that has been brought about by drill culture. Moreover, Banks’ improved beat selection and swift, hard-hitting rhymes make for a incredible coherent project with plenty of replay value.

My album’s flawless for your rap genius to scrutinize
They told me sharks was in that water, watch me scuba dive
– Lloyd Banks, “Money Machine”

Album’s Worst

If there can be a knock on this project, it would be the redundancy in Lloyd Banks’ voice. While the songs vary enough in beats, flows and rhyme patterns, Banks’ grizzled, monotone voice remains a constant. Established fans should have no issue with this, while first-time listeners may be thrown off by the lack of variance in Banks’ pitch. Correspondingly, Banks featured a host of New York rappers throughout the album, making it a very east-coast friendly project. Moreover, Vado and Dave East hold their own in supporting roles, while Method Man delivers one of the album’s best verses on “101 Razors.” However, it was lackluster features from former G-Unit cohort Tony Yayo and Rochester native, 38 Speech, that left more to be desired. The duo share the stage on the album’s 10th track, “Red Alert.” While 38 Spesh came with potent rhymes, the lack of chemistry between the two was apparent. Meanwhile, Tony Yayo’s verse began decently enough, but quickly tales off as his flow did not mesh with the beat.

May 15, 2023
In Focus: Sabrina Carpenter’s Birthday Show at Terminal 5

Sabrina Carpenter recently played her second New York show at Terminal 5 this past Thursday, May 11th. Fans sporting sparkly tops, cowboy hats and boots, and the color pink flocked to see Carpenter for her sold out emails i can’t send tour. Thursday’s show was especially memorable as it was her birthday show, and included many features like a “birthday button,” her first live performance of her pop-hit “Skin,” and two special guests of whom she brought on stage.

Sabrina Carpenter during her performance of “emails i can’t send”

The 24-year-old pop-artist first began her career at age 10 and rose to fame through her many roles in Disney shows. Carpenter has been releasing music since 2014 but recently gained widespread recognition because of recent album release, emails i can’t send. Featured songs like “Nonsense,” “Tornado Warnings,” and “because i liked a boy” touch on past relationships, dealing with heartbreak and hate, and growing as a result of it.

The Terminal 5 concert was Sabrinas’s 34th show of her tour, and she has five more scheduled in her North American leg. She is set to begin her European tour in June of 2023.

Sabrina’s show was truly magical. Featuring opener Blu DeTiger from New York City, she opened the set with incredible bass-playing skills and vocals. Whipping her rockstar-blonde hair across the stage and encouraging the crowd to jump along to beat, DeTiger created an almost-tangible energy in the audience of three-thousand.

Carpenter’s decorated stage featured a giant heart-shaped mirror and a tall pedestal in which she first entered singing “emails i can’t send.” During “skinny dipping,” she pushed the “birthday button” and the entire crowd joined in to sing her happy birthday. Fans turned on their phone lights during “how many things,” and towards the middle of it her band stopped and put on a quick “hype” performance to get the audience’s energy up before finishing the song.

Blu DeTiger opening the show

As in every one of her past shows, Sabrina picked a random audience member and gave them the microphone with the freedom to talk about any past relationship experience. The chosen fan detailed her struggle in working with long-distance, recounted the increasing tensions that studying abroad created, and described her eventual moving on from that relationship.

During her encore, Sabrina sang a beautiful renditions of “Nonsense” and “because i liked a boy.” During “Nonsense,” she brought out her two friends Whitney Peak and Paloma Sandoval, both of whom were dressed as the characters they played in Carpenter’s “Nonsense” music video. During the high note of this performance, pink confetti shot out of cannons and pink balloons dropped from the ceiling, inciting a huge roar of excitement from the crowd. She does not have any more New York dates, but the rest of her tour schedule can be found here.

Setlist: emails i can’t send, Read your Mind, Feather, Vicious, Already Over, Bad for Business, skinny dipping, things i wish you said, Tornado Warnings, opposite, bet u wanna, The Sweet Escape (Gwen Stefani cover), how many things, Fast Times, Paris, Honeymoon Fades, Sue Me, Skin, decode

Encore: Nonsense, because i liked a boy

May 15, 2023
Jess Jones and E.R.I.E. Featured on This Week’s EQXposure

Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Jess Jones and E.R.I.E.

WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

Jess Jones- “Souvenier”

Jess Jones is a free spirit born and raised in Esperance. She studied classical voice and guitar at the Crane School of Music and has performed at venues such as the Hotel Cafe, the Orange County Fair, the 2019 NAMM Show, and Rockwood Music Hall. She loves to borrow the picking styles of Paul Simon, James Taylor, and John Denver.

E.R.I.E-“Bad Mans World”

E.R.I.E. is a Capital region-based indie rock quartet. What began as a passion project developed by singer/songwriter TJ Foster has turned into a fully formed quartet, bringing energetic live shows to eager audiences. Their most recent album Suburban Mayhem is out now.
<a href="https://abandcallederie.bandcamp.com/album/suburban-mayhem">Suburban Mayhem by E.R.I.E.</a>

May 14, 2023
Emily King Releases R&B LP “Special Occasion”

NYC native and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Emily King has just released her newest album Special Occasion. The album is the follow-up to King’s critically-acclaimed Scenery LP and is her first full release in four years.

“I’ve called this a breakup-to-makeup-to-breakup-again album, but really, it’s about trying to find joy in trying times—trying to celebrate who you are in your quietest moments, rather than in relation to someone else,” King explains. “For me that’s still very much a work-in-progress, but I hope these songs will help people to find some hope and relief.”

The album’s title track highlights King’s songwriting prowess and her ability to dig into life’s deepest sorrows and uncover unexpected beauty, shifting her focus on the little things that make life fun and worth celebrating. Across eleven dynamic tracks, including “This Year,” “Medal,” “False Start” (a collaboration with Nick Hakim), “Bad Memory” (featuring Lukas Nelson)”, and “The Way That You Love Me” (in collaboration with Rob Moose).

Coinciding with the album release, King kicks off her North American headlining tour tonight in South Orange, NJ. Over the next few weeks, King, supported by Joseph Solomon, will visit esteemed venues across the country including Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Los Angeles’ Wiltern, New York’s Terminal 5, and more. The tour will conclude on June 1^st in Boston.

King shows off her “smart, catchy songs that blend soul, R&B and pop” throughout the new album release (WNYC Soundcheck). Earlier this week she performed “Special Occasion” on Live with Kelly and Mark. Next Tuesday, fans across the country can catch King on CBS Mornings as she sits down with Anthony Mason for a conversation about the new album.

2023 North American Tour Dates

Fri, May 5 – South Orange, NJ – South Orange Performing Arts Center

Mon, May 8 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall

Tue, May 9 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues

Thu, May 11- Chicago, IL – House of Blues

Fri, May 12 – Madison, WI – Barrymore

Sat, May 13 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line

Tue, May 16 – Seattle, WA – Crocodile

Wed, May 17 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall

Fri, May 19 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore

Sat, May 20 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern

Tue, May 23 – Austin, TX – The Paramount

Wed, May 24 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater

Fri, May 26 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium +

Sat, May 27 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre

Sun, May 28 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel

Tue, May 30 – Washington, DC – The Howard

Wed, May 31 – New York, NY – Terminal 5

Thursday, June 1 – Boston, MA – The Royale

Special Guests: Joseph Solomon, Devon Gilfillian+

To listen to Special Occasion, click the link here.

For more information on the upcoming tour, click the link here.

For more music by Emily King, click the link here.

May 13, 2023