Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz will host some of the biggest and most recognizable voices in blues this summer. It all starts on June 17 when Dawn Tyler Watson and Curtis Salgado visit downtown-venue Retro Live. Then, on July 7, Grammy-nominated blues and funk artist Sugaray Rayford will perform at The Strand Center for the Arts.
Both events are put on by Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J), a non-profit organization that looks to promote and cultivate the arts and music scene in the Plattsburgh area. PB&J has brought the likes of Kenny Neal, Southern Avenue, John Nemeth, and Vanessa Collier to shores of Lake Champlain.
Dawn Tyler Watson
Dawn Tyler Watson is a Canadian Jazz and Blues artist that has been making music since the early 2000s. Through her career she’s captivated audiences with her energetic and passionate onstage performances. Her 2019 project titled Mad Love earned a Juno Award for Best Blues Album. She’s also picked up six Maple Blues Awards and a BMA nomination for Best Vocalist. Watson brings an impressive vocal range and hints of R&B to her music to create a truly unique and powerful sound.
Curtis Salgado, Carlos Santana and Buddy Guy
Curtis Salgado
Salgado has established himself as one of the most notable and respected blues musicians in the world. Salgado has featured in several influential and important blues groups including The Nighthawks, The Robert Cray Band, and Roomful of Blues. He has won multiple awards including Soul/Blues Album of the Year at the 2019 Blues Music Awards for his album “Damage Control”. Salgado was also nominated for a Grammy in 2018 for Best Traditional Blues Album.
Sugaray Rayford
Sugaray Rayford is an American blues artist who has found the perfect balance between jazz, soul, funk, R&B, and of course blues. Rayford began singing in his local church at the age of 7, by 15 he was already the lead singer of San Diego band. His project Somebody Save Me was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. He’s also won three Blues Music Awards, including B.B. King Entertainer of the Year.
With summer right around the corner, locations all over New York are preparing to hold lively outdoor music entertainment for the public. Schenectady is no different as the city’s concert series “Jazz on Jay” is back for the summer of 2023 and is already well under way.
Jazz on Jay began on June 1st and performances are held every Thursday from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM on the cobblestone stretch of Schenectady’s beautiful Jay Street Arcade.
The concert series is completely free to the public and works to support the region’s talent as every performance will be carried out by working artists and educators. This year’s line up includes several special visits, including the swing of the well-established, fiddle and vocal-driven Teresa Broadwell Band; the Slam Stewart-inspired musings of the Tarik Shah Trio; the North Country Django Reinhardt fire of the 2022 Eddie Award-winning Hot Club of Saratoga; and the creative jazz of the Michael Bisio Quartet.
In addition to the soothing sounds of jazz, this year’s Jazz on Jay will introduce a new component in which local artists Heather Hutchison and Oscar Bogran will create artwork based on the music they hear being played during a specific performance. Hutchinson will be present for Mike Purcell & Company’s performance on June 22nd while Bogran will create his art on both August 10th and August 31st.
With a rule that performers cannot play “Jazz on Jay” consecutive years in a row, concert goers are in for a summer of fresh talent and smooth jazz.
The BMI Jazz Composers Workshop will present its work during the 34th Annual Summer Showcase at 7:30 p.m. on June 20 at Symphony Space on Broadway in Manhattan. The 17-piece modern repertory ensemble BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra will perform eight compositions that were developed in the previous workshop. This event is free and open to the public.
Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI) is a leader in music rights management, representing the public performance rights in over 20.6 million musical works. It helps negotiate music license agreements, distributing royalty fees to associated writers and publishers. While originally based in blues, jazz, country, and American roots music, BMI now serves all genres.
BMI is thrilled to present the Jazz Composers Workshop Summer Showcase once again alongside our incredible directors Andy and Alan. Every year we look forward to coming together to hear the remarkable works that are composed throughout the year and to award the Charlie Parker Prize to another deserving composer.
Patrick Cook, BMI’s Senior Director, Jazz & Musical Theatre
Returning for his 7th year to lead the program is Musical Director Andy Farber, working alongside Associate Musical Director Alan Ferber, a three-time Grammy-nominee. Farber has written arrangements for artists such as Shirley Horn and Jon Hendricks, as well as symphony orchestras including the Boston Pops Orchestra. He currently teaches jazz composition and arranging at the Julliard School.
During the event, the BMI Foundation will award the 24th Annual Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize, given to the writer of the best work from this year’s workshop as determined by three judges. In addition to the prize, the winning composer will also receive the Manny Albam Commission to create a new piece for the 2024 showcase.
JazzBuffalo is hosting a free event to commemorate the legendary jazz artist Phil DiRe on Sunday, June 25. The celebration will take place in Slee Hall at the University of Buffalo.
Before passing in May 2021, DiRe wrote and composed a collection of original music titled Legacy. Attendees will receive a free copy of the project at the event. A concert with many of DiRe’s fellow musicians and friends will also take place.
The performing ensemble will be under the direction of George Caldwell, and will feature the likes of Tim Clarke, Preston Brown, Risk Strauss, Wendell Rivera, Nelson Rivera, Sabu Adeyola, and John Hasselbeck Jr.
Throughout the years DiRe had the opportunity to share the stage with artists like Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Gerry Mulligan, and Dizzy Gillespie. Despite his success as a studio musician and as a member of the White House Jazz Quartet, DiRe was best known for the impact he had on others’ lives.
Phil DiRe was a pioneering force in Buffalo, founding the Buffalo Jazz Ensemble in the early 1970s. With the direction of DiRe, Buffalo was able to establish the non-profit Association for Jazz Performance. The organization looked to finance a series of concerts in parks, a cultural center, and a school in the city. Buffalo became one of the first cities in the nation to receive city, state, and federal funding for jazz performances.
Phil DiRe performing before an audience at the steps of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in 1975
Thanks to the contributions of DiRe, Buffalo has fostered some of the great jazz musicians over the years. The jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra, and artists Joe Ford and Sabu Adeyol all emerged in the city as a result of Buffalo’s commitment to the genre.
As DiRe began to age, he moved down to Florida where he continued to play and enjoy music. Between performing at reunion shows and for his friends, Phil DiRe recorded Legacy while in Florida.
“For the Music!” is a live music event created to help raise funds for Brooklyn non-profit Spoke The Hub. The fundraiser features performances from seven different musicians, many of whom are Brooklyn locals. The event gets underway on Saturday, June 10 at 6 p.m.
Spoke The Hub is an arts organization that offers classes, performance spaces, and community events for the Brooklyn community. Originally created in 1979, Spoke The Hub has helped to foster and nourish the arts scene in New York City throughout the years. The organization has contributed to the work of thousands of artists through their multiple different series.
Proceeds from “For the Music!” will go toward finding an upright piano to better serve musicians, vocalists and musical theater artists who want to rehearse and teach at Spoke the Hub.
Victor V. Gurbo and his band are known for their unique and multi-faceted folk music. While Gurbo’s sound is reminiscent of traditional American folk, there are unmistakable flavors of blues, jazz, rock and even ragtime. High in tempo and energy, Gurbo’s music is made for dancing.
Petra Jasmiina a Finnish singer-songwriter who has crafted her own lane and sound in New York City. Jasmiina’s music has the catchy and bubbly nature of modern indie-pop with the soulful features of folk. Cinema and storytelling are however the most pervasive influences through her work, helping to create songs that are perfect to sing along to.
Kathryn “Kat” Lewis enjoys playing mostly classic country songs but is also a fan of reggae and pop. She often performs with The Sheriff of Goodtimes at the Thompson Street Medicine Show, Billygoat, and her band Country City.
Guitarist and composer Carlos Pavan has been creating intricate and delicate music for over a decade. Despite the classical nature of his music, the sounds of guitars and strings help to bring a liveliness to each one of Pavan’s songs. He is currently the composer/artistic director of Trio Concertante & Park Slope Chamber Players.
Buffalo native Don Militello is a jazz pianist and educator who has done just about everything in his musical career. Besides going on an international tour, Militello has shared the stage with Etta Jones and performed at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. Alongside Militello, bassist Charles Ruble will also be performing. Ruble is currently a member of the High School Jazz Academy at Lincoln Center.
A longtime friend of Spoke, David Goddy will also be performing as part of the fundraiser.
Celebrating 30 years as a band, the original quartet of Schleigho will hit the road for select shows in New York and Pennsylvania in June and August.
Schleigho (pronounced shlay-ho) is a NYC four-piece that came together while attending Boston’s Berklee School of Music in the early 1990s. Drummer Erik Egol, flutist/guitarist Suke Cerulo, jazz pianist Jesse Gibbon, and bassist Drew McCabe became entranced with jazz early on and molded a sound similar to the likes of Bela Fleck and Medeski, Martin, & Wood.
Traveling the Northeast college circuit in the 90s led to them being regulars at the Knitting Factory in NYC and played with jazz aficionados Fleck, Maceo Parker, and Galactic. Schleigho will take you on a musical journey through edgy improv, hypnotic vibey grooves, and intricately composed and heady, progressive originals spanning three decades.
It’s a great feeling to enter a fresh creative cycle as we enter a fourth decade of playing together. We have so much new material and so many new ideas as a result of individual growth as musicians and humans that we can’t work on it all at once. It’s a blessing and we’re really excited about sharing our new Schleigho songs and sounds.
It’s also great to play songs we wrote in a basement in 1993 which makes the whole current Schleigho experience feel like past, present and future all at once. It’s surreal at times and pretty damn cool. We are grateful for our fans and families for the love and support for all these years and we are grateful and excited to share some special nights with you
– Drew McCabe
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of the best of the early 90’s jam band scene as they debut new material and reflect on three decades of making music together.
Schleigho 30th Anniversary Tour Dates
Friday, June 9 – Parish Public House, Albany, NY Saturday, June 10 – Upstate Boogie Fest, Hemlock, NY Friday, August 4 – TBA, Buffalo, NY Saturday, August 5 – Erie’s Blues and Jazz Fest, Erie, PA
NYC’s City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage is back for another year of concerts and entertainment. This season the series features everything from folk music icons to some of hip-hop’s most innovative voices. Most of the notable concerts will take place at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. 12 different neighborhood parks across all five boroughs of NYC will also serve as venues. Concerts begin on June 3 and run until September 30.
Since its inception in 1986, SummerStage has established itself as one of New York City’s premier concert series. With 80 shows Summerstage showcases a diverse set of artists from various genres week after week. Apart from some ticketed benefit concerts, SummerStage events are usually open to the public and free.
In addition to concerts, Central Park will also screen films and host a multitude of different celebrations. The iconic greenspace has become an inseparable from NYC, hosting some of the most well known artists throughout the years. Curtis Mayfield, Elvis Costello, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Jazmine Sullivan have all graced the stage in Central Park.
The other parks and outdoor spaces hosting SummerStage in 2023 include Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, Von King Park and The Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, Crotona Park in the Bronx, Stapleton Waterfront Park in Staten Island, and SummerStage’s flagship venue at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park.
This year SummerStage will celebrate hip-hop as the genre celebrates its 50th anniversary. The series aims to highlight not only its significance to NYC but also the impact it has had worldwide.
As part of the celebration, a special edition showcase will take over Coney Island on August 6. The event will feature artists Special Ed and many more, hosted by Ralph McDaniels. Frankie Cutlass and Black Sheep’s Dres will join the festivities on August 12 in Staten Island. A day later DJ Funk Flex will bring his birthday celebration to Brooklyn on August 13.
SummerStage’s 2023 roster boasts several international musicians but also tries to celebrate some of the city’s local artists. Argentina’s TRUENO and Puerto Rico’s Villano Antillano highlight the influence of Caribbean and reggaetón. Meanwhile Brooklyn-based artist Nick Hakim looks to bring his soulful R&B sounds back to his hometown.
We are thrilled to present another vibrant season filled with captivating artists from around the world and introduce music fans to their diverse sounds
Erika Elliott, Executive Artistic Director of SummerStage.
Saturday, June 3, 7 p.m., Central Park – Hippo Campus & Gus Dapperton – Benefit Concert
Sunday, June 4, 6:30 p.m., Central Park – Indigo Girls – Benefit Concert
Saturday, June 10, 6 p.m., Central Park – Opening Night American Blues – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 14, 7 p.m., Central Park – New York Sings Yiddish! – FREE Concert
Thursday, June 15, 7 p.m., Central Park – Sammy Rae & The Friends – Benefit Concert
Saturday, June 17, 4 p.m., Central Park – The Aussie BBQ – FREE Concert
Sunday, June 18, 6 p.m., Central Perk – Buddy Guy’s Damn Right Farewell Tour – Benefit Concert
Monday, June 19, 4 p.m., Central Park – Park Jams, a Juneteenth Celebration – Benefit Concert
Tuesday, June 20, 7 p.m., Central Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Gabriella Reyes / René Barbera / Will Liverman and Dimitri Dover – FREE Concert
Friday, June 23, 7 p.m., Brooklyn Bridge Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Gabriella Reyes / René Barbera/ Will Liverman / Dimitri Dover – FREE Concert
Saturday, June 24, 5 p.m., Central Park – Stanley Clarke N 4ever / Kenny Garrett / Brandee Younger / DJ Logic in Association with Blue Note Jazz Festival – FREE Concert
Saturday, June 24, 7 p.m., Jackie Robinson Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Sunday, June 25, 3 p.m. – Dreamland – Pride in Central Park – Benefit Concert
Monday, June 26, 6 p.m., Williamsbridge Oval – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 28, 6 p.m., Socrates Sculpture Garden – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 28, 7 p.m., – Michael Franti & Spearhead – Benefit Concert
Friday, June 30, 7 p.m., Clove Lakes Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 1, 5 p.m., Central Park – Andy Shauf / Leith Ross / Yves Jarvis in association with the Consulate General of Canada in New York – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 2, 5 p.m., Central Park – Andy Shauf / Leith Ross / Yves Jarvis in association with the Consulate General of Canada in New York – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 8, 5 p.m., Central Park – Catalan Sounds On Tour: Queralt Lahoz / Marala / Lia Kali with DJ sets by DJ Trapella in association with the Institut Ramon Llull – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 9, 5 p.m., Coney Island – Tuff Gong Takeover feat Skip Marley & Friends – FREE Concert
Monday, July 10, 6 p.m., Central Park – Noel Gallagher & High Flying Birds and Garbage – Benefit Concert
Wednesday, July 12, 6 p.m., Central Park – Juanes / Conexion Divina in association with LAMC – FREE Concert
Thursday, July 13, 5 p.m., Central Park – Bastille Day: Joachim Garraud & Marie Berson / Passi / Bénabar / Adèle Castillon in association with Consulate General of France – FREE Concert
Thursday, July 13, 7 p.m., Von King Park – Works & Process at SummerStage: The Masterz at Work Dance Family with Courtney Washington – FREE Concert
Friday, July 14, 6 p.m., Von King Park – Nick Hakim / June McDoom / Evan Wright – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 15, 4 p.m., Von King Park – MIKE’S Young World III: Noname / Georgia Anne Muldrow / 454 – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 15, 5 p.m., Central Park – TRUENO / Villano Antillano / Dawer x Damper / KEXP’s El Sonido with Albina Cabrera ft. Camola DJ set in association with LAMC – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 16, 4 p.m., Coney Island – GOLDEN OLDIES ON THE BOARDWALK 2023 feat. The Duprees / The Coasters / Charlie Thomas’ Drifters w/ Jeff Hall / Bobby Wilson / Stan Zizka’s Del Satins / Vito Picone & The Elegants / The Chiclettes and More / Hosted by Joe Causi with DJ Vinnie Medugno in association with Fever Productions and Brian Rosenberg – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 16, 6 p.m, Von King Park – dead prez / th1rt3en / Large Professor DJ Set – FREE Concert
Wednesday, July 19, 5 p.m., Central Park – Julia Jacklin / Y La Bamba / Black Belt Eagle Scout -FREE Concert
Thursday, July 20, 5 p.m., Central Park – Horsegirl / Iceage / Water From Your Eyes / Lifeguard – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 22, 5 p.m., Central Park – Michael Brun Presents BAYO – Benefit Concert
Saturday, July 22, 5 p.m., Flushing Meadows Corona – Kool and the Gang – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 23, 5 p.m., Central Park – Taiwanese Waves: Waa Wei / The Dinosaur’s Skin / Mandarin Homework (DJ Mr. Skin) – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 23, 6 p.m., Flushing Meadows Corona Park – DJ Rekha’s Basement Bhangra Bacchanal: DJ Rekha / Malkit Singh with live band / DJ Ana / Sikh Knowledge / Rolex Rasathy / Param Singh / Dholi Anuradha and guests – FREE Concert
Thursday, Aug 3, 6 p.m., Crotona Park – Ted Smooth’s Freestyle Jam ft. TKA and Judy Torres – FREE Concert
Friday, Aug 4, 5 p.m., Crotona Park – “Birth of a Culture” Grandmaster Flash and Friends – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 5, 5 p.m., Central Park – The Originals: Stretch Armstrong / Rich Medina / Tony Touch / Clark Kent / D-Nice – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 5, 7 p.m., Crotona Park – Stonebwoy in association with Ghanafest-NY Crotona Park – FREE Concert
Sunday, August 6, 4 p.m., Coney Island – Hip-Hop 50: SPECIAL EDITION: Nice N Smooth / Special Ed /Buckshot of Black Moon / Masta Ace / CL Smooth / Rah Digga / Rampage / Black Sheep Dres / Sweet Tee / Joeski Love / Sparky D / Hosted by Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) – FREE Concert
Wednesday and Thursday, Aug 9 & 10, 7 p.m. Mt. Joy – Benefit Concerts – Sold Out
Saturday, Aug 12, 5 p.m., Waterfront Park – Frankie Cutlass / The Original Cover Girls / Cynthia / Black Sheep / DJ Millo and DJ Medina in Association with Maker Park Radio Stapleton Waterfront Park – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 12, 5 p.m., Central Park – VP Records Presents Roots Reggae Review – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 13, 5 p.m., Coney Island – Funk Flex & Friends Birthday Concert Featuring Raheem DeVaughn, Rob Base & More – FREE Concert
Aug 13, 5 p.m, Waterfront Park – Las Cafeteras / Natu Camara / Justy / DJ Kitty the Disc Jockey in Association with Maker Park Radio and La Isla Bonita Stapleton – FREE Concert
Thursday, Aug 17, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Works & Process at SummerStage: The Missing Element with The Beatbox House / LayeRhythm – FREE Concert
Friday, Aug 18, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Jason Moran and the Big Bandwagon: James Reese Europe and the Harlem Hellfighters: From the Dancehall to the Battlefield in Association with Jazzmobile – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 19, 5 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Mixtape (Film Screening) / DJ sets by Ron G / Doo Wop / Mister Cee / Tony Touch / Brucie B – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 19, 5 p.m. – Cautious Clay, Wet, Christian Kuria, and Zindelphia – Benefit
Sunday, Aug 20, 4 p.m., Coney Island – Jose Alberto “El Canario” / The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra: The Music Of Machito, Tito Rodriguez and Tito Puente – FREE Concert
Aug 20, 5 p.m., Central Park – Everyday People – FREE Concert
Aug 20, 5 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Hip-Hop 50: Native Tongue Edition: Monie Love / Black Sheep Dres / Chi Ali / DJ Red Alert hosted by Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) – FREE Concert
Wednesday, Aug 23, 4:30 p.m. – Manchester Orchestra and Jimmy Eat World – Benefit Concert
Thursday, Aug 24, 8 p.m. – Regina Spektor – Benefit Concert
Friday, Aug 25, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band featuring Dianne Reeves / T.K. Blue in association with Jazzmobile – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 26, 3 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: The Cookers / Endea Owens and the Cookout / Nduduzo Makhathini Trio / Akua Allrich and The Tribe – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 27, 3 p.m., Tompkins Square Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Charles McPherson with Terell Stafford / Something Else! Vincent Herring Septet / HERA feat. Chelsea Baratz and Andromeda Turre / Michael Mayo – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 27, 5 p.m., Central Park – Palmwine Festival: Show Dem Camp and Friends in association with Move Forward Music – FREE Concert
Wednesday, Aug 30, 7 p.m. – Vance Joy with Dan Sultan – Benefit Concert
Thursday, Aug 31, 6 p.m., Central Park – In Our Own Sweet Time Tour: Vance Joy / Dan Sultan Subaru Music Series – Benefit Concert
Sunday, Sep 3, 5 p.m., Central Park – Emicida / Goyo / Screening: AmarElo: It’s All for Yesterday / in Association with 27th Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival – FREE Concert
Thursday, Sep 14, 5 p.m., Central Park – Tanya Tucker / Nikki Lane Subaru Music Series – FREE Concert
New York-based jazz drummer Ilya Dynov released his debut album Bridges on April 16th, 2023. The album features Alex Norris on trumpet, Jihee Heo on piano, Lonnie Plaxico on bass, and Ilya Dynov on drums. Ilya Dynov reveals himself as an outstanding contender on the jazz scene. The album blends different jazz styles, balancing tradition and virtuosity with creative freedom. Thus, it showcases a mature harmony and expressive creativity.
Bridges consists of Dynov’s all original compositions and features an array of world class talent out of New York. Alongside Dynov on drums are the legendary bassist Lonnie Plaxico, extraordinary trumpeter Alex Norris, and exceptional pianist Jihee Heo. Bridges comprises 9 tracks: four in a piano trio setting, three as a quartet with trumpet, and two flavorful drum solos as “Intro” and “Finale” statements.
In terms of composition and exposition, the album exceeds typical expectations of a drummer-led band. It combines harmonically challenging pieces with convincing melodies brought to life with integrity, and a respect for American jazz tradition. Dynov’s excellent drumming technique is paired with a deep connection with the harmonic and melodic contributuons of his band mates. Through this, the result i s a exploration of a contemporary palate that, at the same time, respects the music of the forefathers.
The record consists of a wide range of compelling pieces. The “Intro” statement is immediately captivating to listeners and serves as a reflection of Dynov’s expertise. A suspenseful drum solo drifts in and out of intense crescendos and decrescendos, keeping the listener on the edge of their seat in anticipation. The short, somehow mysterious intro track, holds promise of a unique record to follow. The raw sound of the drum and interesting composition encourages the audience to listen to the next track.
The first ‘official’ song of the album, “Constellation,” opens with a compelling, raw base, which then leads to an exciting, smooth jazz melody. A riveting trumpet leads the bass, drums, and piano ensemble. “Constellation” largely embodies what jazz is truly about – listening to the song was akin to listening to an exciting conversation that one can’t help but be entirely invested in. Each instrument has its own voice and unique role within the song, and yet they all work together to create one coherent melody. The song ebbs and flows, taking the listener through fast and slow sections. Through rhythm, tone, and style changes, “Constellation” was extremely engaging, and embodied the instrumental conversation that is jazz.
“Drum and Berries,” the second track on the record, presented a smoother, slower melody than the previous tracks. Rather than an intense argument between instruments, “Drum and Berries” exemplified a flowing, cohesive conversation. The track opens with a gentle piano, accompanied by bass and drum. Throughout the slow jazz tune, the piano expertly navigated through the constraints posed by an ensemble, playing off the base while also embodying a classic jazz sound. Halfway through the song, the bass takes over, playing the tune set up by the piano in the first half. An exciting, raw drum solo follows, serving as a reminder of the intro track.
Something worth noting about the album is that each song is entirely unique, with its own personality. Following the first three tracks, “For Those We Love” plays off a more classic jazz sound than the other songs. A trumpet solo immediately engages listeners within the first few beats of the song, soon leading into a classical jazz melody. The tone of the trumpet, accompanied by a well-blended pairing of piano and drums, creates a somber, almost romantic energy. Unlike previous tracks, the trumpet takes the spotlight overpowering notes and rhythms. Rather, the simple notes and melody are compelling in their sim[licity and rawness.
“For Those We Love” seems to tell a story through the trumpet – the mood shifted throughout the song, sometimes embodying a somber narrative, other times presenting itself as bright and optimistic. Like previous tracks, instruments within the ensemble each took over the musical conversation in a contemporary jazz fashion.
A theme that was present throughout the album was the compelling and dramatic drum solo. The fifth track, “Blue” continued the suspenseful drum solos from the intro and “Drum and Berries.” A wonderfully unsettling, compelling, and raw drum solo emerged following a highly suspenseful, gradual crescendo. Through dramatic crescendos and decrescendos, the drums presented a contemporary mix of all sorts of sounds working together. The song itself seemed to ebb and flow, emerge and remerge, and changed throughout the track. The drums grew increasingly more spunky, ultimately resulting in an edgy tune with an upbeat melody, led by piano. “Blue” transitioned into a fast, compelling, and bright piano melody, the second half of the song completely different than the introduction.
Another highlight within the album is “68th Street,” a song largely reminiscent of classical jazz. The song emulates a beautiful ballad through its well-rounded, blooming melody. The piano seemed to convey a story about love. The bass and piano both act as soloists throughout the song, and effectively convey a calm, gorgeous melody that one can’t help but fall in love with.
Overall, “Bridges” is a highly versatile album that embodies all that is wonderful about jazz. Each song is compelling in its own right, and the album in its entirety serves as a valuable addition to the world of jazz.
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has announced the return of the Barker Park Kids’ Series for the summer of 2023. The free concerts will take place every Thursday at 11 AM starting July 6th to August 24th at the Barker Park playground in Troy.
Troy Music Hall is strongly committed to supporting education in the arts as well as enriching the community, and this concert series is one of many events in which they offer free and discounted performances for students and kids. Additionally, as a way to further assist the Troy community, this year’s Barker Park Kids’ Series will also be partnering with local organization, Sidewalk Warriors, a group of volunteers who support individuals in need. Throughout the series, the park will serve as a drop off location for items to be donated especially shampoo, boxes of cereal, and more.
Along with their mission of education and enrichment, the Music Hall aims to foster diverse cultural experiences for their audiences. Thus, the partners will present a lineup of musicians spanning a multitude of genres including historic jazz and traditional West African music.
Barker Park Kids’ Series LineUp
July 6th – JORDAN TAYLOR HILL
Jordan is an artist rooted in traditional music from West Africa and the diaspora combined with today’s sounds. His early influence in song writing and performance is coupled in a unique way meant to equally inspire and entertain.
July 13th – RAGTIME WIND JAMMERS
The “Ragtime Windjammers” play historic tunes meant to illustrate several facets of Jazz music as it developed in America around the turn of the 20th century. Audience participation is encouraged and several volunteers are used to visually illustrate several acoustic ideas.
July 20th – ELLEN SINOPOLI DANCE COMPANY
31-year-old not-for-profit arts organization located in NYS’s Capital Region. ESDC’s commitment to CREATE, COLLABORATE, EDUCATE and PARTNER remains in the forefront as it shares its work with diverse audiences through concerts, showcases, residencies, workshops, educational and community outreach.
July 27th – ANDY THE MUSIC MAN
Popular children’s musician renowned for the special way he connects with his audiences. A talented guitarist, mandolin player and songwriter, Andy mingles traditional and original songs and novelty, delighting and involving kids through sing-a-longs, dancing, play-acting and storytelling.
August 3rd – HEARD
A collective of musicians that bring their skills and passion for world music, jazz and improvising together to create irresistible grooves set in a unique sonic tapestry. Together for a decade, their vibrant sound incorporates influences from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and beyond.
August 10th – DJ HollyW8D
Originally from Brooklyn, DJ HollyW8D energizes crowds throughout the Upstate New York Capital Region. He has always gravitated to music throughout his life and hopes to bring versatility in his music mixing wherever he goes. Drawing inspiration from many including his mother, Sean P. Diddy Combs and DJ Puffy, HollyW8D aims to inspire others with his daily grind and optimistic energy.
August 17th – WATCH REGGIE RUN
Formed in 2017 by Dave and his son Luke who has autism, WATCH REGGIE RUN, is named after how they spend their time when not making music (watching Luke’s sister Reggie run in Track and XC meets). The father/son duo shares a love of music and has found it to be a great way of connecting despite Luke’s limited communication skills. The songs were all inspired by Luke. It’s fun music for ALL AGES!
August 24th – Safety Day
Learn all about safety with helpful tips and a bit of fun.
By now, Memorial Day has come and gone, the days are getting longer, the sun is shining, and summer concert season is officially underway. As always, Syracuse has an impressive mix of individual concerts and multiple day festivals to look forward to over the summer months. Here are five can’t miss shows around Syracuse for the month of June.
Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello comes to the Homer Center for the Arts for a performance on Friday June 9th. The singer-songwriter and bass guitarist is known for blending elements of rap, hip hop, funk and soul in her music. She has been nominated for a Grammy Award 11 times, taking home the award for best R&B song in 2021.
The show starts at 8pm with tickets starting at $40.
The New York State Blues Festival returns to Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds for a three day affair. The star studded line up features headliner and blues rock legend Buddy Guy, with direct support from Samantha Fish. The remainder of the three day festival features an impressive line up of both NYS artists and national touring bands. The daily schedule can be found here.
Daily admission is free, however VIP packages are available.
The Syracuse Jazz Fest once again returns to Clinton Square and its surrounding areas for a five day celebration. This will be the 37th incarnation of the event, which will be co-headlined this year by 14-time Grammy Award winning artist Herbie Hancock and 7-time Grammy Award Winner Gladys Knight. Hancock will headline the Clinton Square Stage on Friday, June 23 at 9:15pm, with Knight taking the stage on Saturday, June 24 at 9:15pm. Additional support will include Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, who bring their vintage sound to the Clinton Square Stage on Friday evening, at 7:30pm. In addition, the five-day festival will feature over 26 additional performances at various clubs, bars, and restaurants, highlighting local artists and other performers with New York State ties.
All performances are free and open to the public. A full schedule can be found here.
Curated by Syracuse music legend and local music connoisseur Scott Dixon, 95x is hosting the Locals Only Fest at The Finish Line Bar & Grill. Headlined by Central New York sensation Sydney Irving and the Mojo, the one day festival will feature a talented line up Central New York musicians. The line up includes Professional Victims, The Flashing Astonishers, Not Robots, Can’t, Mattydale Music Collective, Everneau, No Bush, and Cooled Jets. The festival will also showcase an assortment of local artists with proceeds of each ticket sale benefiting the Syracuse Arts Project.
Music starts at 12:00pm with tickets starting at $15.
Fresh off the heels of a spring tour which saw sold out performances in Buffalo and Ithaca, Snarky Puppy once again return to Upstate New York. The multi-grammy award winning band, known for its blend of jazz-rock fusion boasts an impressive line up of talented musicians. Led by founder Michael League, the instrumentalist band features a rotation upwards of twenty-five members, with nightly performances featuring eleven musicians.
Doors open at 5:00pm with tickets starting at $30.
