Jazz WaHi has announced a full day of free events in Washington Heights on New Year’s Eve and Day, featuring family-friendly events and various musicians.
Jazz WaHi is a nonprofit organization promoting jazz performance and music education in Washington Heights. Their mission is to connect jazz musicians with an audience of jazz lovers, expanding it through accessible performances and educational opportunities. Washington Heights jazz musicians/educators Louise Rogers and Mark Kross founded Jazz WaHi in 2014.
Every year, Jazz WaHi puts on several events including the Washington Heights Jazz Festival, Jazz WaHi for Kids concert, The Jazz Vocal Series, and the Weekly Jazz Jam.
New Year’s Schedule
New Year’s Eve
Noon – 2: Hot Club Jazz (a la Django Reinhardt) at La CreParis on 187 with Ollie Soikkeli and Brad Brose.
3-3:45: an interactive, participatory performance for kids, focusing on the trumpet. The event will encourage the children to sing and dance, featuring Shareef Clayton, Louise Rogers, and Mark Kross at Le Cheile Upstairs.
5:30-6:30 pm: Making Space for Serenity at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine solo piano with Alec Castro.
6-8 pm: 181 Cabrini with flutist KAT modiano and bassist Maksim Perepilca.
7-9 pm: Jazz and Blues at Kismat with John Albin, Pete Venzel, Adam Asarnow, Rick Strong, and Jeff Potter.
9:30-midnight: Latin Jazz Party at Northend Food Court on Broadway.
New Year’s Day
Noon – 2: New Year’s Day Brunch at Le Cheile with Emiko Hayashi and Steve Marks.
JazzBuffalo has announced the 2024 Canterbury Woods Jazz Series, bringing three incredible concerts featuring award-winning jazz artists to the brand-new Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center.
JazzBuffalo is the d.b.a. and brand name for the Greater Buffalo Jazz Society, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to building jazz awareness and jazz appreciation in the WNY area. The organization promotes jazz and builds audience appreciation for jazz through jazz news, live performances, concerts, festivals, jazz series, event calendaring, ticketing, hosting internationally recognized jazz musicians, and jazz education.
On February 14, 2024, the 2024 Canterbury Woods Jazz Series presents A Cole Porter Valentines featuring Konrad Paszkudski and Pasquale Grasso. After receiving his jazz piano education in his native Australia, Konrad Paszkudski relocated to the U.S. where he embarked on extensive tours alongside jazz legends such as trumpeter James Morrison and the John Pizzarelli Quartet. Within just four years, he led over 1,000 performances. Konrad will be joined by rising star jazz vocalist, Olivia Chindamo, one of the most promising young jazz vocalists in the jazz scene, celebrating their love for Cole Porter and the Great American Songbook.
Kathy Kosins, an ASCAP Award-winning vocalist, is delighted to present her highly acclaimed project, “The Ladies of Cool,” at the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center on Friday, March 22 at 7:30 PM. It is a contemporary homage to the iconic West Coast School of Cool, celebrating the timeless artistry of Anita O’Day, June Christy, Chris Connor, and Julie London. Kosins brings classic songs to life with her smoky vocals and clever arrangements, exuding glamour, sophistication, and a sense of cool. Kosins’ album of the same name received accolades from international media outlets such as the Huffington Post and All About Jazz.
Finally, the 2024 Canterbury Woods Jazz Series wraps up on April 21, 2024, with “El arte Del Bolero” featuring Miquel Zenón and Luis Podermo. Renowned jazz artist and 11-time GRAMMY Nominee Miguel Zenón, a recipient of prestigious Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellowships, will present his two albums dedicated to the cherished Latin American art form of bolero. He collaborates with and will appear with the virtuoso Venezuelan pianist, composer, arranger, and educator, Luis Perdomo, a GRAMMY Nominated jazz artist based in New York, and a longtime partner in their musical endeavor.
What used to be called First Night Saratoga, the rebrand to Saratoga New Year’s Fest happened in 2022 as pandemic restrictions loosened. Festivities are planned from December 29, 2023, to January 1, 2024. This year’s events will feature more than 30 performers on nearly two dozen stages. In addition, there will be a 5K run, a fireworks show, a family-friendly pre-fireworks block party, and other events.
“This is a joint presentation: the city the Chamber, Discover Saratoga, the City Center, and myself,” said producer Robert Millis of the 398Group, during this week’s festival announcement. “We put this idea together last year to bring back First Night – and it worked. We met our milestones. It’s all part of a three-year plan to make this thing get bigger and bigger.”
For more information about the Saratoga New Year’s Fest and to purchase, visit here.
Saratoga New Year’s Fest Lineup
Friday, December 29
DJ Logic, 10 p.m. at Putnam Place
Saturday, December 30
The Nth Power, 7 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall
The Weight Band, 8 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall
Sunday, December 31
Afternoon
Kids Music Show, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Caffe Lena
TBA Band, 3 p.m. at the City Center “Jazz Room”
Will Pedicone, 2:30 p.m. at Impressions of Saratoga
Maurizzio & Kaos, 2:30 p.m. at Franklin Square Market
Pete Pashoukas, 3 p.m. at Sixth Generation Strings
Erin Powers, 3 p.m. at Overland on Broadway
Late Afternoon
Swing Docs, 4 p.m. at the City Center “Jazz Room”
Gibson Brothers, 4 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall
Toss The Feathers, 4:45 p.m. at The Parting Glass Irish Pub
Jeff Brisbin, 4:30 p.m. at The Holiday Inn
Erin Powers, 4:30 p.m. at The Coat Room
New Year’s Eve
Halfstep, 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at The City Center “Dead & Groove Room”
Country Kickers Line Dancing, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The City Center “Country Room”
Chris O’Leary with Tia Comedy Show, 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.at The Inn at Saratoga
Erin Powers, 5 p.m. at The Coat Room
Kristian Montgomery, 5 p.m. at Tap & Barrel
Shine On, 5 p.m. at Embassy Suites
Family Tree, 5 p.m. at Ellsworth Jones Place (outside of the City Center)
Tracy Bonham, 6:30 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall
Triskele, 7 p.m. at The Parting Glass Irish Pub
Robert Randolph, 7 p.m. at The City Center Main Hall
Double Barrel, 7 p.m. at Nashville of Saratoga
Ragged Company, 7 p.m. at Quarters
Toubab Krewe, 7:30 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall
Classic Rock Tent, 8 p.m. at The Ice House
Patrick Wisdom Stewart, 8 p.m. at Baileys
Organ Fairchild, 8:30 p.m. at The City Center “Dead/Groove Room”
Ward Hayden & The Outliers, 8:30 p.m. at The City Center “Country Room”
GA-20, 8:30 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall
Maggie’s Clan, 8:30 p.m. at The Parting Glass Irish Pub
Joan Osborne & Band, 9 p.m. at The City Center Main Hall
Legendary guitarist Bobby Weir of the Grateful Dead has wrapped up holdng a 5-night run at The Capitol Theatre with the Wolf Bros, featuring The Wolfpack.
The Wolfpack is made up of the Wolf Bros Don Was and Jay Lane, and Jeff Chimenti, who joined Wolf Bros in 2020 around the time of the forming of The Wolfpack, who are a string and brass quintet consisting of Adam Theis, Alex Kelly, Sheldon Brown, Brian Switzer, and Mads Tolling as well as Barry Sless on pedal steel.
The second night of the run, Wednesday, December 13, saw the night start off with just Bobby on stage playing an acoustic “Easy to Slip,” and was then joined by Jay & Don, still on acoustic, for a cowboy favorite, “El Paso.” Bobby switched to electric to play “Queen Jane Approximately” before Chimenti came out for a full electric “Hell in a Bucket,” a crowd favorite. The room was getting hot and The Wolfpack came out to play “The Music Never Stopped”, but for Bob Weir, the music has truly never stopped. The rest of set was joined by Ron Carter on stand up bass and featured a dark and psychedelic “Dark Star” and a roaring “Scarlet Begonias.”
Not bad at all for a Wednesday night! Spirits were high and the second set certainly delivered, starting off strong with “Throwing Stones.” Bobby’s vocals really shined on “Viola Lee Blues” and “Corrina.” This was followed by “Come Together,” an unexpected Beatles cover. Following were delightful symphonic renditions of “China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider,” featuring top notch horn solos accompanied with Bob’s iconic rhythm guitar playing.
Following was a dark and somber “Wharf Rat” with the absolutely iconic Bobby song, “Sugar Magnolia” following. Weir absolutely wails at one point in that song, delivered beautifully but being careful not to blow his voice out before the next three nights at the legendary Capitol Theatre.
The encore was a rather rare “Liberty,” masterfully delivered. The band took a bow and received a small banner stating “Warning: Genius at Work.” A true spectacle of a night, seeing the legendary Grateful Dead guitarist produce a unique soundscape with familiar material, brining the music to new places and keeping it fresh.
Bob Weir and Wolf Bros., – Capitol Theatre, Port Chester – December 13, 2023
Set 1: Easy to Slip, El Paso, Queen Jane Approximately, Hell in a Bucket, The Music Never Stopped, Easy Answers, Dark Star, Scarlet Begonias
Set 2: Throwing Stones, Viola Lee Blues, Corrina, Come Together, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Wharf Rat > Sugar Magnolia
The sixth class of inductees for the Capital Region Thomas Edison (Eddies) Music Hall of Fame has been announced. Inductees include artists from a variety of genres like classical, folk, jazz, and electronic music, a pioneering hip-hop songwriter, and two individuals who chronicled the local music scene as journalists.
The late Jackie Alper, the late Nick Brignola, George Guarino, David Alan Miller, the late Pauline Oliveros, Margie Rosenkranz, Billy Waring, and Don Wilcock will be inducted into the Eddies Music Hall of Fame on Monday, March 25, 2024 at Universal Preservation Hall.
The Eddies ceremony is open to the public and includes musical performances, a social hour, videos on the musical career of each inductee, and acceptance speeches. This class brings the total number of inductees to 40 since 2019. An aluminum engraved plaque honoring each recipient is permanently hung at UPH. The 2024 slate was chosen by an advisory council made up of professionals in the local music field.
The induction ceremony precedes the annual Eddies Music Awards, which will be held on Sunday, April 21 at Proctors in Schenectady.
About the Eddies Inductees
Jackie Alper sang with the Almanac Singers, which included Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Burl Ives. After, she helped found the Weavers, introducing a 16-year-old Ronnie Gilbert to Pete, Lee, and Freddie Hellerman, taking part in the “Great Folk Music Scare of the 1950s and 60s.” Alper hosted WRPI’s “Mostly Folk for Mostly Folks” radio show for at least 25 years starting in 1971. She also turned her husband Joe Alper’s 30,000 music photographs into one of the folk revival’s most meticulously documented archives. Together, they played a key role in supporting Caffè Lena in its early years, often housing musicians including Bob Dylan at their Schenectady home. She passed away in 2007.
Troy native Nick Brignola was a well-respected baritone sax player in jazz, as well as a band leader. During his career, he shared the stage with jazz greats including Phil Woods, Woody Herman, Chet Baker, and Pepper Adams, and recorded 20 albums of his own. His 1981 album L.A. Bound was nominated for a GRAMMY, and has topped many annual DownBeat and JazzTimes critic and reader polls as “Best Baritone Saxophonist.” He taught jazz theory and history at several local colleges and helped start a jazz education program at the College of Saint Rose. He passed away in 2002.
George Guarino created Albany’s music television show Real George’s Backroom (1981-91) and Buzz magazine (1985-95). He was passionate about spotlighting original music bands of that era while introducing the dance floor to 80’s new wave, punk, industrial, and indie music as a featured DJ at Albany’s infamous 288 Lark (1981-87) and QE2 (1987-90) clubs. He was also a DJ at WRPI. Guarino has developed a reputation since 2005 as one of the area’s prominent clinical hypnosis practitioners.
Seven-time GRAMMY nominee David Alan Miller has been music director and conductor of the Albany Symphony Orchestra since 1992. During his tenure, the ASO has released more than 30 albums, with two winning GRAMMYs. In 1994, he founded Dogs of Desire, an 18-member ensemble that has commissioned over 150 new works from emerging American composers. He has guest conducted with most major U.S orchestras, as well as many in Europe, Australia, and the Far East, and serves as artistic advisor to the Little Orchestra Society (NYC) and the Sarasota Orchestra (Fl.).
Pauline Oliveros was an American composer, accordionist and central figure in the development of post-World War II experimental and electronic music. A Houston native, she relocated to Upstate NY in 1981 after many years teaching and performing in California. She developed a ground-breaking music theory called “Sonic Meditations” and founded the term Deep Listening, a practice of profound sonic awareness that came from her childhood fascination with sounds. Known for her works in composition, improvisation, and electro-acoustics, she was a Distinguished Professor of Music at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she founded the Center for Deep Listening. She passed away in 2016.
Margie Rosenkranz has been the executive artistic director of the Eighth Step Coffee Housesince 1987. Founded in 1967 in the basement of the historic First Presbyterian Church in Albany, the organization is renowned nationally for its presentation of top contemporary singer-songwriters, as well as social justice work, now seen at Proctors. The Schenectady native, born into a musical family, is an accomplished vocalist and has also served as artistic director of the Great Hudson River Revival, a long-standing music and environmental summer festival.
An unsung hero of hip-hop,Harlem native William “Billy Bill” Waring began his musical career as a b-boy with longtime friends Kurtis Walker and producer Danny Harris. He got his first taste of hip-hop music at DJ Kool Herc parties and from 1980-84 he penned the classic songs “Hard Times,” “Basketball,” “You Gotta Believe” and “Games People Play,” and co-wrote much of the Fat Boys’ first album. His music has been used in films and television shows such as Krush Groove, Empire, Black Monday, Hip Hop Uncovered, and more.
Finally, Don Wilcock has spent a career elevating the New York Capital Region arts scene into international recognition. Founder and president of the Northeast Blues Society, he helped boost the careers of local artists Albert Cummings and Tas Cru to worldwide touring success and produced the Fleet Blues Festival, a three-stage event featuring the world’s hottest blues stars. He founded “Kite,” the area’s first arts weekly, in 1970. His biography of Buddy Guy, Damn Right I’ve Got The Blues, helped propel Guy from a club act to the biggest living star in the genre.
Tickets for the Eddies Music Awards are on sale now through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at (518) 346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., or online.
Returning to the vibrant heart of New York City, Stephen Sanchez brought his magnetic presence back to the city that never sleeps, echoing his last unforgettable performance at Irving Plaza in February. The anticipation hung in the air as fans, eagerly awaiting this reunion, gathered at Terminal 5.
Sanchez’s return was not just a concert; it was a homecoming, a testament to the enduring connection between the artist and the city that has played witness to his musical evolution. As the first notes reverberated through the venue, it was evident that this wasn’t merely a performance; it was a celebration of the artist’s journey, marked by growth, passion, and a profound connection with the diverse tapestry of New York’s music-loving community.
Stephen Sanchez’s concert at Terminal 5 unfolded as a captivating saga, weaving together the artist’s soulful melodies and a profound connection with his dedicated fanbase. Earlier in the day, Sanchez set the tone with a fan meetup and popup in Brooklyn, creating an intimate space for admirers to engage with the artist whose music had become the soundtrack to their lives.
As the night descended, Terminal 5 pulsed with anticipation. The setlist, featuring gems like “Something About Her” and “I Need You Most of All,” became a tapestry of emotions, each note echoing the artist’s journey. Sanchez’s stage presence was magnetic, drawing the audience into his world, especially the adoring fangirls who swooned with every nuanced movement. The unexpected covers of “Oh, Pretty Woman” and “Unchained Melody” showcased Sanchez’s ability to infuse timeless classics with his unique, soul-stirring style.
The concert reached its zenith during the spirited performance of “Shake,” where the venue echoed with the energy of both the artist and his ardent fans. The soulful ballad “Death of the Troubadour” revealed the depth of Sanchez’s songwriting, creating a poignant contrast in the midst of energetic numbers. The night concluded on an emotional crescendo with “Until I Found You,” leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who witnessed Sanchez’s musical brilliance. This wasn’t just a concert; it was an immersive experience, a testament to the profound connection between an artist and the community that cherishes his every note.
Setlist: Something About Her, Evangeline, I Need You Most of All, Only Girl, No One Knows, Doesn’t Do Me Any Good, Be More, [Oh, Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison cover)], High, Shake, Death of the Troubadour, Send My Heart With a Kiss, Howlin’ At Wolves, Unchained Melody (Hy Zaret & Alex North cover), The Pool, Until I Found You
The 47th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival will return for a full two-day and two-stage exhilarating festival experience this summer at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Founded in 1978 by jazz impresario George Wein, Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is the fifth longest-consecutive-running jazz festival in North America. Initially founded as “the Newport Jazz Festival at Saratoga,” the weekend event was renamed Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival in 1998. With an inside seating capacity of 5,200, and lawn seating of 20,000, the two-day, two-stage festival continues to be one of the largest jazz music events in North America, beloved by audiences for both the remarkable annual line-up of international jazz talent and the spectacular setting at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in the idyllic Saratoga Spa State Park.
Featuring a roster of twenty-two musical groups and ten festival debuts, the 47th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival line-up is co-headlined by four premier contemporary artists: Lake Street Dive, Norah Jones, Laufey, and Samara Joy; alongside jazz and blues legends Stanley Clarke with his band N*4Ever, Terence Blanchard Sextet and Coco Montoya. Also highlighting the line-up is the next generation of jazz stars Yussef Dayes, Joey Alexander, Miguel Zenon, Tia Fuller, Theo Crocker, Helen Sung and Sara Caswell, and today’s most electrifying Afro-Cuban and funk bands Cory Henry, Cimafunk, The New Orleans Groove Masters and Pedrito Martinez Group.
From jazz to roots, funk, blues, pop, indie and beyond, the festival will bring its signature blend of world-class artists and ensembles, solidifying its place as an international destination and a ‘must-stop’ on the 2024 festival trail.
Headliner Lake Street Dive will make their highly anticipated festival debut on Saturday with their spirited eclecticism and joyously soulful music. As heard on their critically acclaimed album Obviously, the Boston-bred band possesses a keen talent for combining sociopolitical commentary with immediately catchy pop gems.
Returning following her triumphant festival debut in 2023 is “Silky-voiced rising jazz star” (New York Times) Samara Joy, a two-time GRAMMY winner and the second jazz performer in history to win the award for best new artist.
Returning by popular demand to headline the festival on Sunday is multi-GRAMMY winning singer and pianist Norah Jones, who played the festival in 2019. Named the top jazz artist of the 2000-2009 decade by Billboard, Norah has won nine GRAMMY Awards, including five for her 2002 solo debut, Away with Me. “The one to watch” on Sunday’s line-up for her festival debut is Laufey, a 24-year-old Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter whose modern jazz sound has won her both a GRAMMY nomination and millions of fans on TikTok. Her new album Bewitched reached more than 5.7 million streams on its first day and set a Spotify record as the biggest debut for a jazz album. Most recently, Norah and Laufey collaborated on a new two-track single Christmas With You, which was released on November 10.
Music icons returning to the festival include jazz and blues legends Stanley Clarke with his exciting new band N*4Ever, which is a celebration of his long-time collaborator Chick Corea and their time together in Return to Forever; seven-time GRAMMY winner, two-time Oscar nominee and Opera composer Terence Blanchard with his Sextet, performing the music from his 2005 GRAMMY nominated album Flow, and blues guitar virtuoso and vocalist Coco Montoya. Representing the next generation of jazz talent on the stage is captivating composer and drummer Yussef Dayes, fan-favorite jazz pianist Joey Alexander who will celebrate his 21st birthday at the festival, 2021 Guggenheim Fellow and jazz pianist and composer Helen Sung, and GRAMMY-nominated jazz violinist Sara Caswell.
Highlighting the weekend is also today’s most electrifying Afro-Cuban and funk bands including progressive R&B artist Cory Henry, GRAMMY-nominated Afro-Cuban rockstar Cimafunk for his festival debut, The New Orleans Groove Masters featuring Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis & Shannon Powell, GRAMMY-nominated Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez with his band for his fifth festival appearance,and hard-grooving, soulful crowd-pleaser Olatuja!, which reunites Alicia and Michael Olatuja in music.
2024 FREIHOFER’S SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL LINE-UP
SATURDAY, JUNE 29
Amphitheater:
Lake Street Dive*
Samara Joy
Yussef Dayes*
Joey Alexander Trio with special guest Theo Croker
Cimafunk* with special guest Pedrito Martinez
The New Orleans Groove Masters* featuring Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis &
Shannon Powell
Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage:
Tia Fuller
Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra*
Theo Croker
Coco Montoya*
Harold Lopez-Nussa*
Sara Caswell Quartet*
SUNDAY, JUNE 30
Amphitheater:
Norah Jones
Laufey*
Stanley Clarke N*4Ever
Terence Blanchard Sextet
Cory Henry
Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage:
Pedrito Martinez Group
Miguel Zenon Quartet
Olatuja!
Helen Sung presents Quartet+*
Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars Centennial Celebration of Max Roach, Bud Powell & J.J. Johnson featuring Clay Jenkins, Steve Wilson, Steve Davis, Mike Moreno, Bill Cunliffe, Todd Coolman & Dennis Mackrel
In addition to two non-stop days of great music on two stages, fans can also enjoy a host of amenities including a new craft beer tasting village, in partnership with New York State Brewers Association, new and diverse food offerings, a fine arts and crafts fair, and artist CD signings. Guests are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages, as well as blankets, tents and lawn umbrellas. Parking for the event is free. Performances will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 29 and at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 30.
Tickets for the festival start at $80 and will be available online here beginning January 5 at 10am to the general public and starting on December 14 at 10am to SPAC members (tiered by level). Members will also receive a discount of 15-20% (depending on level) on their ticket purchase. Two-day passes are also available for a savings of $20 off per pass (offer ends 6/15 and can’t be combined with other discounts). Children 12 and under receive 50% off tickets in the amphitheater and are free on the lawn. Full-time students with a school issued ID receive 25% off tickets in the amphitheater, or $28 on the lawn (student ID must be presented at will call).
SLC Arts has announced their second annual “A North Country Christmas” Holiday Music Tour, performed by Josh Barkley.
SLC Arts musician Josh Barkley will present a holiday music tour featuring organ and piano this December. Four performances during the week of December 18th will begin at 6:00 PM and take place at different churches in St. Lawrence County.
Josh Barkley was born and raised in Madrid, NY, and is a graduate of The Crane School of Music, holding his Bachelors in Music Business. He currently works with SLC Arts through the Creatives Rebuild New York Artist Employment Program. Performing in many local venues, Josh has years of experience behind the keys as well as organ and bass. He is a prolific solo performer, in addition to performing with many bands since high school. He supplies bands with sound equipment and often does live sound for the regional ensembles.
The tour is free to the public, and performances will not include a religious service.
A North Country Christmas Tour Schedule
Monday, December 18: Potsdam United Methodist Church. 26 Main St. Potsdam, NY
Tuesday, December 19: Waddington First Presbyterian Church. 13 Fenton St. Waddington, NY
Wednesday, December 20: Ogdensburg United Methodist Church. 627 Caroline St. Ogdensburg, NY
Thursday, December 21: Massena First United Methodist Church. 189 Main St. Massena, NY
SLC Arts is the administrator of the New York State Council on the Arts’ Statewide Community Regrants (SCR) Program in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. Through this program, $160,000 in state funding is distributed to municipalities, libraries, 501(c)3 organizations, individual artists and collectives, for the purpose of arts programming. Initiatives may include (but are not limited to) concerts, exhibitions, theatrical performances, readings, screenings, art classes, public art and more. Grants are project-based, and support community-centered projects in any artistic discipline.
The Waterhole Music Lounge has announced the live music lineup for their most renowned concert series, Winter Carnival at the Waterhole.
Over the course of 10 days, The Waterhole will bring 13 live musical acts to the Upstairs Music Lounge to keep Carnival goers moving & grooving as our community celebrates the 127th annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival.
The 2024 lineup features 13 different bands including a plethora of fan favorites, and pairs them up with unbelievably talented opening acts that are sure to entertain and excite.
Things kick off on Friday, February 2 with Annie in the Water, well known for excitable, high energy jams, funky tones, and chill vibes. Special guests Organ FairChild from Buffalo, NY will open up the evening. This old-school organ trio has dance-heavy grooves and adventurous jamming.
Joslyn & The Sweet Compression make their first Winter Carnival appearance on Saturday, February 3. This groove-hardy trip of soul music filtered through a vivacious, and sometimes lush, modern lens, a psychedelic soundscape that exemplifies truth in music’s ability to shake up the establishment. This band will make the journey to the North from their hometown in Lexington, Kentucky, a follow up appearance at The Waterhole after the crowd fell in love with their sound at a Party on the Patio performance in 2023.
Los Blancos are the perfect compliment to the Saturday night bill. This band has been playing the Waterhole since the creation of the Upstairs Music Lounge in 1991. They rip through blues, soul, zydeco, and with their bottomless bag of tricks they always get the party started.
Wednesday, February 7 Hayley Jane returns to the Waterhole with her new band. Known for her emotive and memorizing performances, her vocals have a delicacy that touches the heart and also a raw power that can drive one into a frenzy. Open and honest, she chooses words that are both brazen and playful as she spills secrets onto the stage, spinning them into a web of burred lines.
Giovanina Bucci, who was born and raised in Plattsburgh and a dear friend of Hayley Jane will open up the night. Her musical style is nothing short of eclectic. Rooted in blues, soul, and folk, she writes about the intimate experiences that have shaped her as a human and as a songstress showcasing her unique guitar style and sultry delivery.
Thursday, February 8 features The Strictly Hip: Masters of The Tragically Hip. The band takes an almost academic approach to performing the music of Canada’s most popular band, performing with reverence, respect and accuracy.
Friday, February 9 Bellas Bartok & Folkfaces partner up for an energetic and bedazzling co-bill that is sure to keep concert goers dancing the night away. Bella’s Bartok live shows are a theatrical mix of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ and the ‘Rocky Horror Picture’ show with a mesmerizing mix of Eastern European, Americana, punk and pop music. Folkfaces are a rowdy, roots quartet that takes its influence from weird old American music, offering an energetic variety show and traveling music review. The band explores a wide range of genres including country, blues, traditional jazz, rock & roll, honkey tonk, western swing, bluegrass, old-time, jug band and more.
Saturday, February 10 features two different shows – the first being the Post Parade Party. This day time show takes place immediately after the parade ends, and is well known as the biggest dance party of the entire year, plus its a free show headlined by another fan favorite, The Big Takeover.
Led by the powerhouse, Jamaican-born singer and songwriter NeeNee Rushie, The Big Takeover’s horn-powered global blend reveals deep fluency in reggae and world music, hints of soul and Motown, and their own infectious brand of pop classicism. Saranac Lakers will recognize The Big Takeover from their late night performance at the 2022 Northern Current Community Music Festival.
Later that evening, another show awaits Carnival goers. Fan favorite, West End Blend returns with funk and SOUL. Fronted by vocalist Erica Tracy Sullivan, WEB plays homage to classic throwback sounds while adding their own distinct vibe and flair. Behind her, the blend packs a four-piece horn section, two guitars bass, keyboards, and drums onto stages every night. From humble beginnings in an epic sweaty funky basement dance party, the Blend’s goal has always been to bring that same atmosphere to every show ever since.
Opening up for WEB will be All Night Boogie Band – hailing form the Green Mountains of Vermont, this band closed out the 2023 Party on the Patio 2023 season with a bang, and were thus invited to play during Winter Carnival. Think massive soulful vocals, big horns; and a powerfully tight rhythm section that creates a powerful and emotional blues that will make you shake your hips.
And last but certainly not least, Jatoba returns to the Carnival Lineup on Bloody Mary Sunday, February 11. This free day time show happens in the downstairs bar and will mark the band’s first Waterhole show since 2014. Jatoba sounds like groove-grass with quick bluegrass tempos driven by thumping and rockabilly-like bass lines, accentuated with soaring three part vocal harmonies. On top of this, they add effect-driven guitar solos, heavy rhythmic improvisation, beat boxing and even the occasional sitar interlude.
If you don’t want to miss a single beat of Winter Carnival at The Waterhole, consider purchasing a Week Pass for $76. This pass guarantees access to every ticketed event and saves you $24. Tickets are available for purchase on the Waterhole website saranaclakewaterhole.com and in person by stopping into the bar. As always, the Waterhole is a 21+ venue.
Isaac Mizrahi returns to the famed Café Carlyle in Manhattan with his show, “Mizrahi on Ice,” from February 6-17, 2024.
Accompanied by his band of jazz musicians led by Ben Waltzer, Mizrahi will perform a range of tunes from Arthur Freed to Grace Jones. His previous residencies in the room were sellouts, receiving widespread critical acclaim.
The New York Times noted, “he qualifies as a founding father of a genre that fuses performance art, music and stand-up comedy.”
Isaac Mizrahi has worked extensively in the entertainment industry as a performer, host, writer, designer and producer for over 30 years. Along with his annual residency at Café Carlyle, Isaac has performed at various venues across the country such as Joe’s Pub, The Regency Ballroom, several City Winery locations nationwide and comes to the Carlyle fresh from a United States tour and his run as Amos Hart in the Broadway production of CHICAGO.
He is the subject and co-creator of Unzipped, a documentary following the making of his Fall 1994 collection which received an award at the Sundance Film Festival. He hosted his own television talk show, “The Isaac Mizrahi Show” for seven years, has written three books, and has made countless appearances in movies and on television. He served as a judge on Project Runway: All-Stars for the series’ entire seven-season run and. is just completing his first season of his record breaking podcast, HELLO ISAAC. The series can be streamed on iHeart radio, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Café Carlyle is located in The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel (35 East 76th Street, at Madison Avenue). Tucked behind a Madison Avenue doorway, Café Carlyle welcomes its guests into a classic cabaret setting where incredible talent and music are paired with New York elegance and style, yet in an updated way. Originally opened in 1955, Café Carlyle is known for headlining incredible talent through the years – from classic performers such as Elaine Stritch and Eartha Kitt to more modern-day acts such as Jon Batiste, Isaac Mizrahi, Jeff Goldblum, Jill Kargman, Katharine McPhee, Dianna Agron, Alan Cumming, Debbie Harry and Rita Wilson. Café Carlyle, the New York City bastion of classic cabaret entertainment, continues to draw socialites, politicians and celebrities into its distinguished and glamorous setting.
Tickets are available online via Tock. General Seating: $140 per person / Premium Seating: $190 per person / Bar Seating: $110 per person.
