Beak and Skiff kicked off their Summer Concert Series this past weekend with a pair of sold-out performances by The Avett Brothers on Friday May 19 and Saturday May 20.
The Avett Brothers hail from Concord, NC and consist of brothers Scott (vocals, banjo, guitar, piano and Seth Avett (vocals, guitar, piano) along with Bob Crawford (bass, double bass, violin), Mike Marsh (drums), Joe Kwon (cello), Bonnie Avett-Rini (piano) and Tania Elizabeth (fiddle). The band have built a devoted fan base with over two decades of touring, and more than ten studio albums.
While the weather could not have been more perfect during the day on Friday, as show time approached wind gusts and rainclouds moved over the venue. This did not dampen the spirts of thousands of concert goers as the early arriving sold-out crowd packed the standing area in front of the stage, while more fans spread lawn chairs out across the field. At 7:15, Scott Avett led the band to the stage and was greeting with a thunderous ovation.
The band jumped right into “Laundry Room”, a stand out track from 2009’s I and Love and You. Scott and Seth dazzled the crowd with their harmonious vocals. “Stop your parent’s car, I just saw a shooting star,” Scott sang, to another loud ovation from the crowd, as the song exploded with energy. Next was the folk classic “Old Joe Clark”, which built off the already existing energy. Each band member took their turn displaying their talents, and the song broke into instrumental duals between the various members. Scott and Seth took turns wandering to the front of the stage, and onto the speaker cabinets to further excite the crowd. The remainder of the evening featured several stand out songs from the band’s catalog, including “Headful of Doubt,” “Murder in the City,” and “I and Love and You”.
Night two began in similar fashion, albeit with heavier rains and cooler temperatures. The weather appeared to be clearing as show time approached, however heavy showers again moved in at showtime. The band took the stage armed with kazoos and immediately jumped into the upbeat instrumental piece “The D Bag Rag”. Next was “Talk on Indolence,” a track which dated back to the band’s early blue grass days. Brothers Scott and Seth hopped about the stage and the crowd, who at this point had forgotten about the heavy rains, danced along with them.
The band would roll through over two hours of career spanning tracks, and even included the Doc Watson Family cover, “Groundhog.” As the set came to a close, the band performed the upbeat “Ain’t No Man.” The song featured both brothers taking turns on vocals, as they strutted and danced about the stage. The audience’s pleas for an encore were honored by the band, who returned to perform four more songs. The band would close two days of stellar performances with “No Hard Feelings,” a heavy and emotional track about staying free from harboring enemies, sharing love and ultimately about accepting death.
In all, the Avett Brothers delivered two nights of incredible performances at Beak and Skiff, featuring unique set lists, with over forty different songs played. Despite the weather, it was truly a special start to the summer concert season.
St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater in Syracuse has revealed its 2023 Summer Concert lineup. Among the various artists performing at the venue are Chris Stapleton, Counting Crows, Shania Twain, and Phish.
This summer’s lineup features over 20 headlining acts, from a wide range of genres and musical eras. St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater has a 17,500-person capacity and has been hosting concerts since 2015, originally under the name Lakeview Amphitheater.
Born and raised in Kentucky, Chris Stapleton has earned himself numerous accolades en route to becoming one of the biggest names in country music. The eight-time Grammy winner has captivated listeners since his 2015 debut album Traveller with a blend of traditional country, American rock, and soulful lyrics. In addition to his work as a solo artist, Stapleton has helped to write numerous songs including Adele’s “If It Hadn’t Been for Love”, “Never Wanted Nothing More” by Kenny Chesney, and Darius Rucker’s “Come Back Song”.
Luke Bryan is a country music singer-songwriter and television personality. After moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 2001 the Georgia native quickly became a prominent songwriter. In 2007 Bryan released his hit-single single “All My Friends Say” to go along with his debut album I’ll Stay Me. He has earned over 50 major music awards an featured as a judge on American Idol since 2018.
Counting Crows are an American rock band that rose to prominence during the 1990s. The group’s 1993 album August and Everything After sold over seven million copies and featured hits like “Mr. Jones” and “Round Here”. Billboard ranked the band 8th in its list of the Greatest of All Time Adult Alternative Artists.
Shania Twain is a country music artist, known as the “Queen of Country Pop”. Twain is widely regarded as one of the most popular country music artists of all-time, selling over 100 million records. After four commercially successful albums, the Canadian released her Greatest Hits in 2004, which went quadruple platinum. She was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022.
Phish is one of the most well-known and noteworthy American jam bands. Originally created by four students on the campus of the University of Vermont, the group cultivated an intensely loyal fanbase during the late 1980s into the 90s. Phish is known for its live improvisation, fusing together sounds of rock, funk, bluegrass, and jazz, with drummer Jon Fishman hailing from Syracuse.
Matchbox Twenty is a Grammy-nominated alternative rock band formed during the 1990s. The band’s debut album Yourself or Someone Like you has sold over 15 million copies, earning it diamond status. In 2004 the group was awarded the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Musical Group.
Created in Chicago, Illinois, Disturbed is a chart-topping heavy metal band. The group has found large-scale success since its inception in 1994, with five consecutive albums reaching the Billboard 200. In 2017 the band received the iHeartradio Music Award for Rock Artist of the Year. Disturbed released their most recent album titled Divisive in 2022, featuring the hit song “Hey You”.
The Goo Goo Dolls are an American rock group founded in Buffalo. The outfit began to garner attention in the 1990s and early 2000s thanks to albums like A Boy Named Goo and Dizzy up the Girl. The latter features the song “Iris” which spent close to a year on the Billboard charts. The track was named as the top pop song from 1992-2012 by Billboard.
Foreigner is a rock band whose popularity stretches back into the late 1970s. The band helped to define the genre of arena rock thanks to tracks like “I Want to Know What Love is” and “Cold as Ice”. The band boasts an impressive roster of 10 multi-platinum albums and has exceeded over 80 million album sales.
Sterling Stage Folkfest will mark its return from a three-year hiatus over May 25-28, bringing the Central New York kickoff to summer back to Sterling, NY for Memorial Day weekend.
Since 1995, Sterling Stage Folkfest has been a spirited kick off to summer at Sterling Stage Kampitheater and features a fun mix of folk, roots and jamband music as well as Artist’s Village, food and craft vendors, morning yoga, camping and more.
More than 20 acts are scheduled for the four-day event, including Southern Tier standouts Driftwood, who will headline with two sets on Saturday, May 27. Sunday nights will see headliner Hayley Jane, who will be playing two sets with an absolutely incredible band that she has assembled for the night, including Rob Compa, Chuck Jones, and Neal “Fro” Evans (3/4th of Dopapod) along with Josh Hobbs.
CNY jam faves Count Blastula get the party started on Thursday May 25 with two sets, and will also have the honor of christening a new main stage at the venue, the Artist’s Stage. Friday night will keep the CNY vibe going with the debut of Marilyn’s Cookies, featuring former members of Grateful Dead tribute band Pearly Baker’s Best, including lead guitarist Eric “EB” Brown who has been playing Sterling Stage since the inaugural event in 1995.
Other Folkfest highlights include Folkfaces from Western NY playing late night on Saturday and Rochester’s The Forest Dwellers late night on Friday; debuts from an eclectic mix of groups include The Sorters from Pennsylvania, Motherwort from Ithaca/Finger Lakes, and a funky new project from NY saxophone great Jesse Collins, called Honey Jar Habit.
The 2023 Sterling Stage Folkfest is the first of 3 multi-day music and camping events that Eric McElveen’s new company Elven Productions, is organizing at the Sterling Stage Kampitheater. Next up is 2023 Sterling Stage String Fling July 6-9 featuring a jam grass theme with Sicard Hollow and Sam Grisman Project headlining. Closing out the season and and the second year replacing the long running Last Daze of Summer festival is Happy Sterling Festival August 31-September 3.
All tickets include overnight camping and BYOB privileges. Coolers and campfires are allowed (no glass bottles). Advance festival passes are just $80 ($95 at gate) and space is limited. Tickets are available here.
2023 Sterling Stage Folkfest Lineup
DRIFTWOOD (2X Saturday) HAYLEY JANE (2X Sunday) w/Rob Compa, Chuck Jones, Neal “Fro” Evans, and Josh Dobbs MARILYN’S COOKIES (2X Friday) COUNT BLASTULA (2X Thursday) FOLKFACES THE FOREST DWELLERS THE SORTERS MOTHERWORT HONEY JAR HABIT SUPER SPICY PEPPER NATURAL MEDICINE OLD DEER ENSEMBLE HAL & PALS DUBIOUSLY DEAD ALLEN HARRIS CHAR DENNIS BAND KATIE ALESSANDRA (of Turkey Blaster Omega) SAM MONEY PAUL LECLAIR MOE MICHNICK DUFFY FRANK HARRIS AARON MEKKELSON
Sterling Stage Folkfest Schedule
ARTIST’S STAGE (MAIN)
Thursday May 25 10pm – 11:30pm – Count Blastula
Friday May 26 4pm – 5:10pm – Char Dennis Band 6pm – 7:10pm – Natural Medicine 8pm – 9:10pm – Marilyn’s Cookies 10pm – 11:30pm – Marilyn’s Cookies
Saturday May 27 2pm – 3:10pm – Allen Harris 4pm – 5:10pm – Honey Jar Habit 6pm – 7:10pm – The Sorters 8pm – 9:10pm – Driftwood 10pm – 11:30pm – Driftwood
Sunday May 28 2pm – 3:10pm – Old Deer Ensemble 4pm – 5:10pm – Hal & Pals 6pm – 7:10pm – Motherwort 8pm – 9:10pm – Hayley Jane 10pm – 11:30pm – Hayley Jane
SINATRA LOUNGE STAGE Thursday May 25 11:45pm – 1am – Allen Harris
Friday May 26 5:15pm – 5:55pm – Duffy 7:15pm – 7:55pm – Sam Money 9:15pm – 9:55pm – Sam Money 11:45pm – 12:30am – The Forest Dwellers 12:35am – 12:50am – Katie Alessandra 1:00pm – 2am – The Forest Dwellers
Saturday May 27 3:15pm – 3:55pm – Aaron Mekkelson 5:15pm – 5:55pm – Paul LeClair 7:15pm – 7:55pm – Dubiously Dead 9:15pm – 9:55pm – Dubiously Dead 11:45pm – Folkfaces
Formed nearly 20 years ago on the outskirts of Boston, Ward Hayden & The Outliers have released 9 albums, including South Shore, which was released on May 5. Promoting the album’s release, the band has embarked on tour, with stops this first weekend in May in Syracuse, Rochester, Cleveland, and Columbus.
The May 6 matinée in Rochester at Abilene was their third trip to the area in the past year as they hit up Abilene in the fall as well as playing to a joyous crowd at CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival last June. The Jazz Festival is the first place I had noticed these talented crooners and their sounds have stuck with me. Mellow, insightful, calming sounds that allow you to just sit back, relax and let your worries drift away.
The first release off of South Shore is “Breaking up With My Hometown.” A nice mellow number that many people can relate to as they move on from the only surroundings they know. In a recent interview, Hayden says “It was very hard to move on, but you have to leave home if you want to grow. It’s hard to tap into those emotions if you haven’t been anywhere else.”
With his “pillowy voice of 50s pin-up star” (according to Boston Globe) Ward Hayden & The Outliers 9th studio album is nothing short of spectacular. Starting with “I Can Write a Song About It” to get you deep into thought, South Shore continues with “Hush,” “South Shore,” “Crazy Love,” “Gasoline,” “Things These Days,” “Blink of an Eye,” “I Can’t Wake Up,” “(Breaking Up with) My Hometown,” and “The Great Unknown.”
Like previous albums every song tells a story, especially the title track “South Shore.” This is an ode to where Hayden grew up. Having moved numerous times, his family finally settled down in Scituate, about 30 miles from Boston. The song talks of his personal struggle of leaving Scituate to discover life and who he was and then having to return as the pandemic took a hold of the country. “The Great Unknown” is about life and all that nobody really knows, deep thoughts that Jack Handy would be proud of. Crazy Love is about just that, crazy love. Was it a first crush? First long term relationship? It doesn’t matter, we have all been there to certain degree.
And I left home for a while to see where I belonged. I searched high and low for a place to call home, but it all felt wrong. And people say, “You can never go home”, But I like to think that ain’t so ‘cause if it is I’ve got nowhere to go
The band includes Josh Kiggans on drums, Cody Nilsen on guitar & Pedal Steel, Greg Hall on upright & electric bass Ward Hayden Vocals & Guitar
Open to the public for the first time, the Hudson Valley Meadowlark Festival is set to take place from Sept. 8-10 at Stone Ridge Orchard & Farmers Market in Stone Ridge, NY, featuring some of the most storied names in Americana, indie rock, and experimental music.
Meadowlark Festival is a curated three-day experience celebrating American roots and independent music. This year the festival is open to the public, last year it was an invite-open event, featuring Mississippi bluesman RL Boyce and NYC singer/songwriter Jeffrey Lewis, among others. The venue is the picturesque Stone Ridge Orchard, operating for the past 200 years as a productive, diversified farm, raising a wide variety of sustainably-grown gourmet fruits and vegetables on 115 scenic rolling acres. The performance site will be under the shade of the farm’s iconic nearly 400-year-old oak tree, the jewel of Stone Ridge, next to a stand of some of the oldest apple trees in the region.
Meadowlark producer Daniel Leslie, who hails from the Hudson Valley region, graduated from Vassar College, and now resides in Brooklyn, describes its inspiration, “This grew out of a vision shared with some of my musician friends about blending traditional and experimental music in a special, secluded setting,” he said. “The Hudson Valley is such an epicenter of music culture, it’s the perfect setting for this type of experience we wanted to create that blends traditional music with an edgier counterculture vibe.” Besides music, the festival will feature many food trucks and vendors, from fresh produce from farmers’ markets to homemade cider donuts.
Saturday, Sept. 8, features New York singer-songwriter, harpist, and guitarist Lizzie No, one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary Americana music. Her 2017 debut album Hard Won was hailed as “simultaneously understated and fervent” by Billboard Magazine, and her 2019 album Vanity was a hit at college radio stations across the country, cracking the NACC Top Adds Chart. She is currently working on her third studio album, and this summer she joins the Basic Folk podcast team as guest cohost. Also featured is Brooklyn-based indie pop artist beccs, hailed as one of NYLON Magazine’s “favorite cool girls,” and Massachusetts-based singer-songwriter Cloudbelly, aka Corey Laitman. Accompanied by a rotating cast of inspired instrumentalists and friends, Laitmain makes music that includes poetic lyricism, stirring vocals, and a disarming stage presence.
Lizzie No.
Saturday, Sept. 9 features a wide array of artists, including headliners Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. The band is led by Alec Ounsworth, described by Pitchfork as, “musically adventurous… melodic, exuberant indie rock…” After nearly two decades Ounsworth remains one of music’s most distinctive voices. Jolie Holland has knotted together a century of American song, from jazz to blues, to soul, to rock and roll, into an indescribable sound. Taking inspiration from the likes of Mavis Staples or Al Green, her voice is immediately booming and gritty.
Continuing, Saturday also includes Chris Staples, who has garnered over a million streams on Spotify, creating indie rock music for the past 25 years. Ending the day is Hudson Valley’s own Babehoven. Maya Bon, the singer-songwriter behind the band, writes about the confusing and jarring aspects of life with emotional vulnerability, collaborating with producer Ryan Albert.
Alec Ounsworth aka Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.
The final day of the festival on Sunday features Grammy-nominated quartet Devotchka, described by the NY Times as “striking… attention-grabbing.” Formed in Denver by multi-instrumentalists Nick Urata (vocals, guitar, trumpet), Tom Hagerman (violin, accordion), Jeanie Schroder (sousaphone, bass), and percussionist Shawn King, Devotchka infuses modern indie music with a global flavor. Also featured is Chris Smither, described by the Associated Press as one of the absolute best singer-songwriters in the world, filling concert venue after concert venue with eager fans waiting to hear his electrifying folk and blues tunes.
Other performers on the final day include genre-defying New Orleans hard rockers Quintron & Miss Pussycat, creating 14 full-length records over the past 15 years that have the psychedelic soul of traditional New Orleans party music. Finally, Boston-based blues guitarist Ryan Lee Crosby performs, described by Aquarium Drunkard as “sometimes light and free-flowing, sometimes intense and heavy.” Other acts are to be announced.
Saratoga’s famous Caffè Lena has announced “Sing In The Streets”, a six stage music festival celebrating the 63rd anniversary of Caffè Lena’s opening on Sunday, May 21st.
Caffè Lena presents extraordinary music in an intimate setting steeped in history. It is widely recognized as the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States. The Library of Congress calls Caffè Lena “An American treasure,” and the Caffe has been recognized by The GRAMMY Foundation for their important contributions to the development of American music.
In staying true to Lena’s founding vision of simplicity, kindness to strangers, and art above profit, “Sing In The Streets” will take place for free at six stages around Caffè Lena’s neighborhood, making this festival a community event. Two artists will share each stage, with performances at Impressions of Saratoga, Library Terrace, Frog Garden, Caffè Lena’s Courtyard, Caffè Lena Upstairs, and Ben & Jerrys.
“SING IN THE STREETS’ LOCATIONS AND PERFORMERS:
IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA Steve Candlen is an Albany based drummer who has been performing both nationally and locally since the late 80’s and was the winner of the 2005 “Music For Miracles” Songwriting Contest.
Travis Gray – A virtuosic musician and songwriter, with masterful guitar work. In his 20+ years writing, recording and performing around the world, Gray’s work has ranged from contemplative singer-songwriter to fronting powerhouse 6 piece bands and back again
LIBRARY TERRACE Rick Bolton– From playing in garage bands on northern Lake George, to touring out west, only to return home and help launch a thriving music scene in Saratoga, Singer/Songwriter Rick Bolton is no stranger to the Caffe Lena neighborhood.
Rees Shad & the Conversations – Rees Shad & The Conversations refer to their sound as ‘Swinging Americana Done Right.” Those who know Shad’s catalog have come to refer to him as a wordsmith and a songwriter’s songwriter.
FROG GARDEN Bill & Finnegan Ackerbauer – Father and Son Folk duo Bill & Finnegan will bring their lighthearted family and children songs Bill and Finnegan made famous with virtual concerts through the Johnstown Public Library in a series called Singin’ in the Kitchen.
Novus Cantus– With a flair for storytelling and theatricality, these brothers have created a show for kids that draws on their love of world music, rock and classical. Parents will recognize nods to Jethro Tull, Rusted Root, Gypsy Kings and Metallica
CAFFÈ LENA COURTYARD Jimi W. – Jimi W. is a singer songwriter based out of the capital region of Upstate NY. His sound combines influences from songwriting legends such as James Taylor and Tom Waits with a modern eclectic indie-folk twist.
Keanen Stark & Orion Kribs – The Adirondack duo have brought their blend of modern yet classically old-timey sounds, blues, bluegrass, and classic americana tunes, and dabble at entertaining endless other influences and flights of fancy.
CAFFÈ LENA UPSTAIRS Angelina Valente – Valente’s singer/songwriter style strips music down to its bare bones with a folk/pop sound. Her soft piano and strong voice, along with honest lyrics, create an exceptional, emotional experience – a travelogue through folk, bluegrass and indie pop-rock.
Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band – Reese has quickly made a name for himself in the Capital Region music scene with his precocious songwriting and charming stage presence, while The Carriage House Band includes some of the finest and most versatile musicians in the Capital Region
BEN & JERRY’S Margo Macero Duo – Known to deliver unforgettable performances with passionate powerhouse vocals and impressive guitar solo and the ability to impact a wide audience, Macero is not only a genuine artist, but an inspiring and relatable person.
Blue Ranger – Here to remind us that there are small moments of magic in the everyday, Albany’s Blue Ranger create subtle, melodious folk stories that ruminate on universal introspection.
For More information on “Sing In The Streets”, please visit Caffè Lena’s website.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden will present a Heritage Farm Benefit concert featuring Gangstagrass, on Saturday, April 29 from 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM on the South Meadow of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden on Staten Island.
Snug Harbor’s Heritage Farm was established in October of 2011 to help feed, inspire, and educate the local community. The Heritage Farm is a 2.5-acre production farm that uses sustainable, low-till farming practices that focus on building soil health through the use of compost, crop rotation, intercropping, and cover cropping. The goal is to provide the Staten Island and NYC community with hands-on growing experiences, insights into NYC’s food systems, and access to fresh and local produce for years to come.
Snug Harbor is pumped up to bring Gangstagrass to Staten Island to perform on our outdoor South Meadow Stage. In the same way that Snug Harbor offers our visitors a blend of contemporary cultural events inside of classically historic architecture, Gangstagrass fuses together the sounds of bluegrass and hip-hop into an unexpected and energetic sound that creates a fantastically fun experience for concertgoers! And as a bonus: by purchasing a ticket to the concert, you’ll be directly helping our Heritage Farm inspire Staten Island’s community. Concert proceeds will go towards underwriting Heritage Farm hands-on workshops, growing experiences, and healthy eating opportunities.
Snug Harbor President Jessica Baker Vodoor
Kicking off the festivities will be MakerPark Radio DJ Tom Ferrie at 1:00 PM and Staten Island’s own Jazztronauts at 2:00 PM, with Gangstagrass taking the stage at 4:00 PM.
Gangstagrass is a band combining great American traditions of bluegrass, hip-hop, and beyond to create a whole new musical genre that is more than the sum of its parts. Known for the Emmy-nominated theme song “Long Hard Times to Come” from the FX television show Justified, they’ve developed a whole new genre. Their latest album “No Time for Enemies” climbed to #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass chart.
In addition to entertainment, food trucks and vendors will be onsite, including Valducci’s Pizza Truck, Melts & Soups, Egger’s Ice Cream, Celebrate at Snug Harbor, and Pig Island NYC. Drinks are sponsored by Kills Boro Brewing Company, who will also be pouring their unique signature beers at the event. This program is supported in part by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. All the proceeds benefit the Heritage Farm at Snug Harbor.
The Jazztronauts are Nutone Recording’s funkiest fusion band, hailing from Staten Island. Focusing on improvisational performances that incorporate their love of jazz, funk, hip hop, and electronic music, their sounds have been dubbed future jazz by listeners and their shows have quickly become a gathering place for music lovers and nightlife aficionados.
More information, including the schedule of events and tickets, can be found at Snug Harbor’s website.
On Thursday, April 20th the Fruit Bats returned to New York City, having not played on the island of Manhattan in three years. The East Village’s beloved Webster Hall slowly filled with an eclectic crowd.
Photograph by Emma Dowd
People of all ages mingled and spoke about their relationships to the band, as they sipped wine and other elixirs. The energy was timid and sweet, emulating the same experience the Fruit Bats create with their sound.
Photograph by Emma Dowd
Hums of conversation and the movement on the floor fell to a still hush when the openers, H.C. McEntire took to the stage. The lights glowed golden and a light fog rolled onto the crowd, as the lead singer transitioned the night into an experience. Slowly, each instrument organically introduced itself into the song. Multiple guitars, a bass guitar, and a percussion set melded together to create a culmination of bluegrass and folk. The audience was entranced as they drank in the band’s filling guitar riffs, and weighty vocals.
Photograph by Emma Dowd
When H.C. McEntire humbly exited the stage, they were rewarded with hoot and holler applause. After a half an hour set change, the Fruit Bats made their way onto stage. Each band member made themselves comfortable behind their instruments. The keyboardist, Frank LoCastro, even poured himself a tall glass of red wine. Multi-instrumentalist Josh Mease, bassist David Dawda, and drummer Josh Adams situated themselves as their lead singer, Eric Johnson, approached the mic. He greeted New York City warmly, expressing his gratitude for having returned to “the big island.”
The show commenced with Johnson’s raw voice dueting with the melody pulled by the guitar. The first lyric to be sung was from their song, “The Pet Parade”: Hello from me to all you out there. The crowd waved back to Johnson, their swaying hands casted a moving pattern of shadows across the notorious Webster velvet drapes that frame the stage.
The Fruit Bats’ sound felt like a location. It held a midwestern kindness that could not be missed, as they performed songs tributing their roots in Chicago, Illinois. Though, the music was transient. As Johnson told stories through his lyrics, the audience was brought along with him to his muses. The journey was a long one, given that the setlist expanded over a vast culmination of records dating back to 1997.
Photograph by Emma DowdPhotograph by Emma Dowd
The band performed songs from Johnson’s early career all through their newest record, “A River Running To Your Heart,” that was released last week. The record’s first debut to the world happened in New York City. Johnson asked if the crowd minded if they played something new. The audience welcomed the proposition with open arms and open minds, as they listened to the fresh record. He sang of “proverbial shame,” “chosen family,” and the thread of most albums “love.”
Photograph by Emma Dowd
The show concluded peacefully, the audience fulfilled and the Fruit Bats doused in gratification. Claps and utters of “thank you’s” vibrated in the crowd. Their goodbye was swift as they stilled their instruments and waved to their listeners as they made their way backstage. The stage emptied and the lights came on, but the crowd stayed awhile. Ushered to the bar, they stayed carrying on the story of the music they just heard.
The Caroga Arts Collective announced the complete Caroga Lake Music Festival (CLMF) 2023 programming, featuring more than 125 artists for over 35 concerts, starting May 27 and ending Sept. 15.
Photo by Kevin Bacon.
The Caroga Lake Music Festival features many performances, as well as the second annual edition of the CLMF Lesson & Ensembles Program, providing music workshops and individual or small group lessons, led by Caroga Arts Ensemble artists, to community members looking to learn new instruments or hone their talent. “We’re excited to bring a robust lineup of artists to Caroga Lake for our 12th summer season,” said Kyle Barrett Price, Founder and Artistic Director of the Caroga Arts Collective. “Our concerts will feature a diverse array of genres, classical, jazz, rock, and everything in between, presented lakeside at Sherman’s Park and at other beloved venues across the region.”
The venue is important to the wider community, notes Dr. William Crankshaw, Caroga Arts board member and Superintendent of Schools at the Greater Johnstown School District. “Caroga Arts is breathing life into musical arts in our communities, and even in our schools. The potential to offer students the opportunities to experience a wide variety of world-class musical programs, not to mention exposure to string instruments and summer ensembles, excites me. There have been hundreds of educators in our region who have been pining for these types of opportunities, which, until now, were only available to communities with the resources and affluence to do so.”
Over the course of its five-week season, the Caroga Lake Music Festival 2023 will feature more than 20 touring guest artists and ensembles at Sherman Park. Well-known names include Grammy-nominated folk singer Judy Collins, group Baha Men, known for the Grammy-award-winning song “Who Let The Dogs Out,” husband and wife duo The War and Treaty, the Zac Brown Tribute Band, Queen tribute band: Almost Queen, and many more. CLMF will also highlight up-and-coming artists such as Laufey, an Icelandic musician and songwriter who recently ranked #1 on Billboard’s Alternative New Artist Chart. Returning performers include Eddie Barbash, performing at Sherman’s Jazz Fest; The Ultimates, back for a Labor Day concert with fireworks; and Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra at Fiesta Caroga, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
For the second time in its 12-year history, this year’s festival will include a full symphony performed conductorless by the Caroga Arts Ensemble, Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony on Aug. 11. Also happening are two world premieres, including “27 Steps,” an immersive theater experience presented in partnership with Utica Dance and family-friendly “Louie the Loon,” composed by Brian Shank based on a short story by Julian Muller, which will be performed at a Kids Carousel Concert. Caroga Arts will return with its five-week-long artist-in-residence experience, 100+ musicians living amongst the community and curating unique chamber music and orchestral collaborations as part of the Caroga Arts Ensemble. These artists hold positions as leading soloists, chamber musicians, and orchestral musicians from across the country, performing in the Met Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Verona Quartet, KASA Quartet, and more.
In addition to collaborations at Sherman’s Park, CLMF resident artists will be featured at partnering venues and festivals across the region in the CLMF on Tour performances. These include Little Falls at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, the Johnstown Midsummer Concert Series at Charles Jenner Memorial Band Shell, Barge Concert at Canada Lake Store & Marina, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival at Otesaga Resort Hotel, shows at the Glove Theatre, and more.
Barge Concert at Canada Lake Store & Marina.
For the first time ever, Caroga Arts are offering a 2023 season pass, with discounted premium seats. To learn more about Caroga Arts and the Caroga Lake Music Festival 2023, as well as reserve tickets, visit here.
2023 SEASON SCHEDULE
Sherman’s Concerts
Sat, May 27 @ 7 PM – Zac Brown Tribute Band
Sun, June 4 @ 3 PM – Alex Moffat and Friends: A Comedy and Music Block Party
Sat, July 1 @ 2 PM – SAUNDERSFEST, artists to be announced
Sat, July 15 @ 7 PM – Tommy V Live
Wed, July 19 @ 7 PM – The Gibson Brothers
Fri, July 21 @ 5 PM – Caroga Arts Collective Gala, featuring Tony DeSare and the Caroga Arts Ensemble
Sat, July 22 @ 7 PM – Baha Men
Wed, July 26 @ 7 PM – Rich with Caroga Arts Ensemble
Fri, July 28 @ 7 PM – “27 Steps” World Premiere – Caroga Arts Ensemble, Utica Dance
Sat, July 29 @ 7 PM – Almost Queen: A Tribute to QUEEN
Sun, July 30 @ 7 PM – “27 Steps” – Caroga Arts Ensemble, Utica Dance
Wed, August 2 @ 7 PM – Laufey with Caroga Arts Ensemble
Fri, August 4 @ 7 PM – Musical Kaleidoscope: A Tribute to Jonah Poplove
Fri, August 4 @ 9:30 PM – “Dime-a-Dance” with Kyle Athayde Dance Party
Sat, August 5 @ 11 AM – Kids Carousel Concert – WARP Trio
Sat, August 5 @ 5 PM – Sherman’s JazzFest – Kyle Athayde Dance Party, Eddie Barbash with KASA Quartet, WARP Trio, Miriam Elhajli
Wed, August 9 @ 7 PM – Concert by Candlelight: An Evening of Encores
Fri, August 11 @ 7 PM – Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony
Sat, August 12 @ 11 AM – Kids Carousel Concert – “Louie the Loon” World Premiere – Composed by Brian Shank
Sat, August 12 @ 7 PM – Judy Collins with Caroga Arts Ensemble
Wed, August 16 @ 7 PM – Grace Kelly Quartet
Fri, August 18 @ 7 PM – The Coda: A Chamber Music Round-robin
Sat, August 19 @ 7 PM – The War and Treaty
Sat, September 2 @ 7 PM – The Ultimates (with fireworks)
Fri, September 15 @ 7 PM – Fiesta Caroga: Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra
Caroga Lake Music Festival on Tour
Thur, July 20 @ 7 PM – CLMF on Tour: Caroga Chapel
Sun, July 23 @ 3 PM – CLMF on Tour: SVAN at Mayfield Presbyterian Church
Thur, July 27 @ 7 PM – CLMF on Tour: Little Falls at Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Sun, July 30 @ 2 PM – CLMF on Tour: Pecks Lake at Pecks Lake Marina
Thur, August 3 @ 6 PM – CLMF on Tour: Johnstown Midsummer Concert Series at Charles Jenner Memorial Band Shell
Sun, August 6 @ 6 PM – CLMF on Tour: Barge Concert at Canada Lake Store & Marina
Thur, August 10 @ 7 PM – CLMF on Tour: The Glove Theater
Sun, August 13 @ 2 PM – CLMF on Tour: Lorenzo State Historic Site
Tue, August 15 @ 6 PM – CLMF on Tour: Cooperstown Summer Music Festival at Otesaga Resort Hotel
Thur, August 17 @ 7 PM – CLMF on Tour: Arkell Museum
Sun, August 20 @ 12 PM – CLMF on Tour: Brunch Concert at Paul Nigra Center for the Creative Arts
Sun, August 20 @ 6 PM – CLMF on Tour: Caroga Museum
Sat, August 26 @ 6 PM – Caroga Arts Ensemble: Maverick Concerts
Alternative country band Divining Rod just released a new single, “GOAT” in support of their latest studio album, Santa Monica & Other Golden Classics, due for release on May 19.
The sound of “GOAT” is reminiscent of Southern Rock’s golden age, due in large part to the song’s exhilarating vocals by founding member Miyuki Furtado. Santa Monica & Other Golden Classics marks Divining Rod’s first major release since the pandemic first hit the United States.
The cover of Driving Rod’s new album, Santa Monica & Other Golden Classics. Credit: Sean Joyce.
Divining Rod started out as a solo project for Hawaiian native Miyuki Furtado, originally of the rock band the Rogers Sisters. After the Rogers Sisters broke up, Furtado left his beloved Brooklyn neighborhood with his family for greener (and less crowded) pastures. “My wife and I bought a small, beat-up house north of the city and settled down.” With the help of guitarist/vocalist Patrick Harmon, Furtado began playing shows handling guitar, vocals, and drums, utilizing his homemade drumset while Harmon added his unique guitar playing and harmonies to the mix. Second drummer John Malone and bassistMatt Svigalsround out the band.
“GOAT” may be one of the ‘greatest’ songs by Divining Rod of all time. If the rest of Santa Monica & Other Golden Classics is anything like its latest single, Divining Rod is sure to have a long career ahead of themselves, and future releases by the band will be music you certainly won’t want to miss. Before Santa Monica & Other Golden Classics is released, stream Divining Rod’s latest hits.
When discussing their latest single “GOAT“, band frontpersonMiyuki Furtadowrites:
I’m sometimes asked if my songs are fiction or based on something that actually happened to me in real life. My songs are often based on experiences I’ve had or on stories I’ve heard from friends and acquaintances. It is not uncommon for the subject matter to be a combination of several people. There are times, however, when I’ll write about a specific person; like this one. A pretty terrible person is being portrayed in this story: selfish, dishonest, and cruel at times. GOAT is an appropriate title for the song. Despite this, I wonder if I am subconsciously writing about my negative qualities, given that I was raised Buddhist. In Buddhism, people are a reflection of the individual, so it could be my own embarrassment about my own negativity. The question is still fresh in my mind, I guess – Yeesh!
Divining Rod’s new single, “GOAT” is now streaming, and their new album Santa Monica & Other Golden Classics is out May 19.
