To commemorate and celebrate civil rights leader and icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., music scholar and artist Dr. Scot Brown has released his new single “King of Love: MLK.”
This uplifting fusion of R&B and classic soul conveys the spirit of the civil rights movement and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of love and community.
A Rochester native, artist, and author, Dr. Brown is also an African American Studies professor and music historian at UCLA. Currently, a visiting scholar at Colgate University, Dr. Brown has cultivated a distinct sound using the knowledge he’s gained analyzing the nuances of Black popular music–especially Funk and R&B history. On the heels of national news highlighting where change is still needed to continue Dr. King’s mission of social justice, togetherness, and change, Dr. Brown hopes to give listeners an inspirational MLK anthem.
“For this particular song, I drew inspiration from the awe I felt after hearing Dr. King’s words as a child,” explained Dr. Brown. “I felt an uplifting power in his words through his melodic preaching style – even before I could fully understand the messages and meaning.”
King of Love features a broad list of talented artists, including vocalists Kijana Crues, Alex Parris, and Funk pioneer Fred Wesley, former leader and trombonist of James Brown’s band. In addition, Dr. Brown brings his own unique sound to honor Dr. King. Wanting to capture the sensation felt when he first heard the “I Have a Dream” and “Drum Major Instinct” speeches, Dr. Brown brought in actor and MLK performer/voice-over artist Stephon Ferguson. On the track, it is Ferguson’s voice that is heard reciting passages, written by Dr. Brown, in a preaching style, reminiscent of Dr. King’s sermonizing voice. This version of “King of Love: MLK” was produced by artist and rapper O’hene Savant, who lent his multi-instrumental virtuosity to the song. Dr. Scot Brown is the executive producer, bassist, additional keyboardist [vibraphone], and songwriter (with Kalamu ya Salaam and Jerry Rescue).
“Over the years, I’ve gained an appreciation for the symmetry between Dr. King’s voice and his messages about the transformational power of love and his philosophy of social change.”
Dr. Brown believes the Civil Rights and Black Power movements were successful, in part, because they both emphasized the power of everyday people to make major changes in society.
“‘Freedom Now’, ‘We Shall Overcome,’ and ‘Power to the People,’ are all chants that express this idea,” said Dr. Brown. “As far as my own music goes, I believe that people are responding favorably to positive and empowering messages in music. With this song, I hope that listeners feel and activate their own expressions of Dr. King’s call for agape love – love for humanity.”
King of Love: MLK can be found now on digital platforms YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Roots band The Wood Brothers have announced their eighth studio album, titled Heart Is The Hero, which is set to be released on April 14 through Honey Jar/Thirty Tigers. The album will be supported by a tour, with stops in Buffalo, Ithaca, New York City, Accord, and Fairpoint. Prior to embarking on their tour, the band will release the first single from Heart Is The Hero in February.
From left to right: Chris Wood, Jano Rix, and Oliver Wood
The Wood Brothers consist of brothers, Chris and Oliver Wood, who grew up in Boulder, Colorado. Their “honorary sibling,” Jano Rix is also in The band. They focused more on the importance of performing rather than studio perfection for this album, resulting in an album that emphasizes the themes of presence, grace, and faith.
“The chorus of the album’s title track says, ‘the heart is the hero of every song.’ By no means was it intentional, but much of the material we were writing for this record seemed to come full circle to the idea of trusting in your heart in matters that you can’t control,” says Oliver Wood.
I’m looking forward to going on the road with these new songs from Heart Is The Hero and seeing how they evolve from night to night when performed in front of audiences. The recording process for this album was completely different from our last one, Kingdom In My Mind, where we had all the time in the world to experiment, tinker, and shape performances. For those sessions, I was living in Nashville close to Oliver and Jano, but I’ve since relocated to Canada, so our time to record together this time around had to be extremely focused and intentional.
Chris Wood
The Wood Brothers tour has New York shows that start this March. Dates and venues are available below. As of Jan. 26, artist pre-sale has begun. General on-sale started Jan. 27. Tickets can be purchased at thewoodbros.com.
The Wood Brothers 2023 Tour
1/31 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern ^ (Sold Out) 2/1 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern ^ (Sold Out) 2/2 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Music Hall ^ 2/3 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater ^ 2/4 – Stateline, NV – Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino Resort ^ 2/6 – Santa Cruz, CA – Rio Theatre ^ 2/8 – Bend, OR – Midtown Ballroom ^ 2/9 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre ^ (Sold Out) 2/10 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall ^ (Sold Out) 2/11 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall ^ 2/24 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena ^^ 3/1 – Lexington, KY – Lexington Opera House 3/2 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre 3/3 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom 3/4 – Ithaca, NY – State Theatre 3/6 – Westerly, RI – The United Theatre 3/8 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live 3/9 – Rocky Mount, VA – Harvester Performance Center (Sold Out) 3/10 – Winston-Salem, NC – The Ramkat 3/11 – Chattanooga, TN – Walker Theatre 4/11- Scottsdale, AZ – Virginia G. Piper Theater – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 4/12 – Flagstaff, AZ – Orpheum Theater 4/14 – Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar Performing Arts Center 4/15 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom 4/17- Salina, KS – The Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts 4/18 – Fayetteville, AK – JJ’s Live 4/20 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom 4/21- Tilmon, TX – Old Settler’s Music Festival 4/22 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater 5/10 – Peoria, IL – Premier Event Center * 5/11 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed * 5/12 – Minneapolis, MN – Utepils Brewing Co. * 5/13 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theater * 5/15 – Akron, OH – Goodyear Theater * 5/16 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre * 5/18 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern * 5/19 – Raleigh, NC – North Carolina Museum of Art * 5/20 – Washington, DC – The Anthem * 5/21 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre * 6/7 – Portland, ME – State Theatre * 6/8 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner * 6/9 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17 * 6/10 – Accord, NY – Arrowood Farms * 6/11 – Fairport, NY – Perinton Center Park Amphitheater * 6/13 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall * 6/15 – Charlottesville, VA – Ting Pavilion * 6/16 – Williamsburg, VA – Virginia Arts Festival’s Williamsburg Live * 6/17 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mountain View Amphitheatre * 6/18 – Grand Rapids, MI – venue TBA * 6/23 – Greenfield, MA – Green River Festival 8/18-20 – Wellston, MA – Hoxeyville Music Festival – Wellston, MI
^ w/ Taylor Ashton ^^ w/ The Avett Brothers & Turnpike Troubadours * w/ Shovels & Rope
Primary Wave Music has announced their latest creation, a collaborative tribute album of New York/New Jersey legend Count Basie’s classics remixed by modern day artists. The first single, “Didn’t You” by Lettuce featuring Talib Kweli is now available on all platforms.
A keystone figure of the Harlem Renaissance, Count Basie’s name alone conjures images of late nights, and ever cool, hip, and fresh sounds. The world-famous jazz pianist and band leader helped redefine music several times over and set the preconditions for jazz innovations, rock and roll, and popular American music.
On April 7th, a whole new host of colorful talents will mix with Basie’s legendary sound and influence as part of a brand new album called Late Night Basie. This new album captures the essence of Count Basie and his music with each song a modern-day interpretation. For both the longtime fan and the new listener, surprise and delights await in this timely, important recording. And for those who may have never heard the magic of Count Basie, Late Night Basie is certainly intended to be a door into his plentiful catalog of music.
“Putting together this tribute album to Count Basie has been a labor of love over the last several years. As we strive to continuously develop fresh and tasteful approaches to celebrate (and create new IP) for our iconic song catalogs, this release will introduce Count Basie to new generations of music lovers while respecting his existing fanbase.”
Rob Dippold, Primary Wave President
Today, listeners can hear the first track from Late Night Basie, “Didn’t You,” performed by GRAMMY-nominated funk torchbearers Lettuce and hip hop trailblazer and activist, Talib Kweli. Written by saxophone great Frank Foster for Basie’s best selling album, April in Paris, this remix leaps out of the speakers with a leadoff, funky bass drum figure before the horns of Ryan Zoidis (alto sax) and Benny Bloom (trumpet) blend and bend the notes of the first chord on top of Erick Coomes’ chugging bass—all within the song’s first four bars.
Following Lettuce’s statement of the melody, Kweli flows over the rhythm section with a verse that manages to jump off the title and bridge his signature social commentary with a quick sweep of Basie’s life, making plain the link between hip-hop and Count Basie-swing.
Fans can check out “Didn’t You” by Lettuce (feat. Talib Kweli) right now and Late Night Basie can be pre-saved or pre-ordered ahead of its April 7th release right here. For more information, please visit CountBasie.com.
Flushing Town Hall has announced their Black History Month celebration, with the return of their Black History Trilogy.
This three-part series featuring outstanding performers paying tribute to influential African American musicians, dancers, and entertainers. Taking place over the next few weeks at Flushing Town Hall, these Black History Trilogy performances will pay tribute not only to their performers, but to their New York history that makes them unique.
I am very excited about the lineup of artists. The music presentations are soulful tributes to Chuck Berry, Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Al Green, Otis Redding, and music from a few of the greatest African American film soundtracks. There will also be an astonishing dance tribute to the Lindy Hop and dances from the Savoy Ballroom.
Clyde Bullard, curator for the Trilogy.
The Trilogy kicks off on Friday, February 3 at 8PM with The Chuck Berry Rock & Roll Concert Party, featuring an energetic performance from premier vocalist and blues guitarist Keith “The Captain” Gamble, in celebration of one of the founding fathers of Rock & Roll.
A singer/songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player, Keith “The Captain” Gamble’s heart and soul are rooted in blues music. He serves as a guest instructor with Jazzmobile in Harlem and guest artist for the LaGuardia Community College lecture series on the Blues. He is also the co-writer of From the Root to the Fruit – A Chronicle of the Blues, a documentary film that was later staged as a musical production. The Captain has toured throughout Europe and to Zambia and Ghana, commissioned by the US State Department, and he served as lead guitarist and male vocalist for ABC’s “The View” house band, the Mile High Club.
The Trilogy continues on Friday, February 10 with The Challenge to Defy Gravity. Audiences will travel back in time to the 1920s Savoy Ballroom to celebrate the gravity-defying contributions of dancers Frankie Manning and Norma Miller, known for their famous Lindy Hop and air steps. Music director Frank Owens teams up with choreographer and dance historian Mickey Davidson to present a dance experience like no other. Audiences will learn swing-era dance moves at the 7PM pre-concert workshop, which they can put into practice at 8PM while enjoying a lively dance performance and concert with special guests Theara J. Ward, Music Director Patience Higgins, The Savoy Swingers, and Harvest Moon Hoppers.
Mickey Davidson is primary choreographer and director for Mickey D. & Friends, a group of dancers and musicians that explores and performs the interlocking relationship between music and dance. From 1993 to 2013 Davidson led the arts-in-education Okra Dance Co., presenting multicultural dance programs in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. She’s taught jazz dance and tap and has served as a visiting lecturer at Wesleyan University for seventeen years.
Davidson has been affiliated with Lindy Hop since 1985 when she started rehearsing with Norma Miller and her Jazz Dancers. Since Norma’s return to Las Vegas, Mickey has maintained the group under the name “Savoy Swingers.” Davison teaches special Lindy Hop and Lindy-related workshops nationally and internationally and frequently partners with Lindy Hop legend Frankie Manning in workshops, live performances, and televised presentations. She was one of three choreographers for the European Tour of the Broadway production of Black and Blue. Davidson. sets and maintained the Swing and Blues choreography inherited from Mr. Manning.
The Trilogy concludes on Friday, February 24 at 8PM with Soul Men: The Music of Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and More. Extraordinary vocalist Billy Cliff will lead audiences through a fun and funky mix of cinema and soul music history, featuring the works of Isaac Hayes’ composition for Shaft, Curtis Mayfield’s soundtrack for Super Fly, and Marvin Gaye’s film score for Trouble Man.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx, Billy Cliff first emerged in the music industry as a background singer for famed vocalist Angela Bofill and platinum recording artist Freddie Jackson. He has also performed with Dianne Reeves, Will Downing, The Shop Boys, and David Byrne of The Talking Heads. He has toured as lead vocalist with the mega rhythm & blues pop grop Kool & The Gang.
In-person tickets for each Black History Trilogy performance are $15 or $12 for Members, Seniors, and Students with ID. Flushing Town Hall is accessible by car, bus, train and foot – located a short distance from the 7 train – at 137-35 Northern Blvd., in Flushing, Queens. Access for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility is available.
For Ticket purchase and more information, please visit Flushing Town Halls website
City Winery has announced they will be hosting Covenant Winery’s 20th anniversary Sunday, February 5th at City Winery from 2:30 PM to 5 PM with a jazz concert led by winery founder and proprietor, Jeff Morgan.
The concert will feature a walk around wine tasting of older and current vintages of Covenant, and doors open at 2:30 PM, with the concert kicking off at 3:30 PM.
Musician Jeff Morgan owns the Covenant winery with his wife and CEO Jodie and has a deep history with music as a performer, specifically as a saxophone player. After a formal education at the French National Music Conservatory in Nice, France Jeff became a co-band leader for the house band in Monte Carlo at Prince Rainier’s Grand Casino in Monaco. He took a hiatus from playing music for the last 25 years, but because of the pandemic, he had some time on his hands and returned to his saxophone again. After a full year of practice and hosting a summer concert series in 2022 at the Tasting Patio of their urban winery, Jeff has regained his playing chops.
The wines of Covenant have received wide international acclaim and the Morgans have collaborated on ten cookbooks together, refining the approach to food and wine pairing. Elegant and approachable, books such as the Covenant Kitchen, the Dean & Deluca cookbook and the Domaine Chandon cookbook have delighted foodies with their fresh, ingredient driven recipes. Their informed and no-nonsense food pairings take the guesswork out of entertaining challenges, allowing the chef to relax and enjoy the journey of cooking and wine pairing.
Baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan from Bethpage, New York is a gifted multi-instrumentalist whose music career began on the alto saxophone in his teen years on Long Island. Today, Smulyan is critically acclaimed and recognized as the major voice on the baritone saxophone. Smulyan is known for his aggressive rhythmic sense, his intelligent and creative harmonic approach and a strong and incisive wit.
While still in high school, he had the chance to sit in with major jazz artists such as legendary trumpeter Chet Baker, saxophonist Lee Konitz, trombonist Jimmy Knepper and violinist Ray Nance. He studied at Hofstra University before working with Woody Herman and leads a trio with bassist Ray Drummond and drummer Kenny Washington.
Gary Smulyan is a multiple winner of the DownBeat Critic’s and Reader’s Polls and numerous other official polls, including the Jazz Journalists Award for Baritone Saxophonist of the Year. He is a six-time Grammy Award winner for his work with B.B. King, Lovano, Holland, and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.
Smulyan has recorded and performed worldwide with Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Tom Harrell. Cedar Walton, George Coleman, Joe Henderson, Joe Lovano, Tommy Flanagan, Chick Corea, Diana Ross, Clark Terry, Kenny Wheeler, Charles McPherson, James Moody and Slide Hampton, among others.
Rob Smittix from Xperience Monthly spoke with Smulyan on a range of topics
Rob Smittix: Where are you based out of?
Gary Smulyan: I live in Yonkers, New York. Just north of New York City.
RS: Oh yeah New York City’s hat, I’m familiar, it’s like the extra piece of the Bronx.
GS: Yeah, we’re just north of Riverdale which isn’t very far, just near the Bronx border.
Every time I come up to Troy, the pressure is on because that’s Nick Brignola’s home territory. Bring your best game every time you play in Troy because the spirit of Nick Brignola is hovering all over the place up there.
RS: That’s right!
GS: It’s an inspiring place to play.
RS: And Troy is really up and coming, a lot is starting to happen there.
GS: A lot of it is Joe Barna too. Joe’s the real deal. He creates things and makes music happen. He finds places to play, he finds musicians to play with, he creates venues, he creates opportunities for musicians, both who live there and from out of town. Joe is making it happen. I tip my hat off to him for all of the hard work that he’s doing.
RS: Oh, absolutely. We have an award show called the “Listen Up Awards” and Joe actually won that and he had a fantastic speech. Ever since that I’ve really been in Joe’s corner for sure.
GS: So, what was that award for?
RS: He won the favorite jazz musician award for the region.
GS: Okay, that’s well deserved.
RS: It was favorite too, it wasn’t the best, so it shows that people like him.
GS: Well, you know I think a big part of it is that Joe is providing places for people to hang out and listen to music. Especially now, I think it’s incredibly important. After COVID happened, people are getting more comfortable with going out now and they’re getting excited about hearing live music, supporting live music and being able to get out of the house. To have venues like what Joe is doing, I think is really appreciated by the public. They’re really glad that he’s doing it and they’re very happy to support it and get out for a night and hear some music.
RS: What’s really cool too is that he’s leading the jazz scene, but the goal is to link various genre scenes together here. It’s something that hasn’t been done in a really long time.
GS: So, what do you mean like clubs are supporting each other?
RS: Yeah finally. People are starting to get out of their little groups and are starting to get out and support each other. There’s still a lot of work to do and we’re starting to see a difference.
GS: That’s important, everyone’s successful if you do that.
RS: Yeah, we’re finally scratching the surface.
GS: Wow that’s great news. To be so separated and protective of your little scene, doesn’t really help the scene as a whole.
RS: I’ve been saying it for years.
GS: No. I agree with that. Especially in a place like Troy, you know? Because it’s not New York City, it’s a smaller scene, so you really have to do that to ensure the success of everybody. It’s not just about one place or two places, it’s about everybody being successful and the only way to do that is to support everybody. It’s important, man. So, for me because I haven’t been to this new venue yet. I’ve played in the region quite a few times, so to discover a new place and to see how people come out and react and support; I’m excited about seeing what it is and what the scene is going to turn into. I hope it really is successful.
RS: I don’t know if you actually change this on your ID or your passport but how long has it been since your first name became Grammy-Winner?
GS: I don’t know, I don’t think of myself like that. I’m just trying to play music and get better, I don’t know. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of a number of projects that have won Grammys. It’s been an honor and a thrill but I don’t focus a lot on that honestly. The bottom line is that it’s the work that’s important right? So, Grammy winner, the thing is other people do that I don’t add that, when I talk about myself. I’m happy other people do it and maybe it helps sell a few tickets or something, but I don’t think of myself in that way.
RS: It’s like when I’d bring somebody to town and you never would’ve known they used to be in such and such a band, so you throw it on the flier and it helps put butts in the seats.
GS: Oh yeah, of course, from an advertising point of view you have to do that.
RS: Right.
GS: I actually don’t talk about myself like that at all. I’m just happy to have been a part of these projects over the years. I’ve been really fortunate and in the right place at the right time and I’ve been really fortunate to have played on these beautiful records.
RS: That’s the thing, it’s really about the music and the end product. I’m just really feeling bad for the kids these days. When I say kids I mean the generation that never knew the world without the internet.
GS: Yeah, I think about that all of the time. With cellphones and computers and not really having the opportunity to go record hunting. There are so many distractions today that take young people away from the essence of trying to learn music. I agree with you. I think it’s very hard and also the opportunity to go play. I was with Woody Herman’s band when I was 22. I left school and went on the road for two years and that’s where I really honed my craft. Those big bands that toured all of time, it’s kind of over. On the flip side though, young musicians are really learning to use social media to further their careers, which is something that I’m not very good at. I’m an old guy, I’m 66 and I find that very challenging. The world is shifting from going on the road to posting a video of you playing something and having people look at it and that’s how you get hired now. That’s the platform where young people are getting gigs now. It’s fascinating to me but it’s a world that I find mystifying, I don’t have my head wrapped around it yet. You know? Putting up a video and seeing how many hits you get and all of that. But some young musicians really have that down, really get it and use it in a positive way to further their careers. Whether they’re teaching, performing or both, that’s where the scene is going now.
Jazz pianist, bandleader and composer Isaiah J. Thompson has dropped his new lead single “The IT Department” from his upcoming debut album.
Hailed as “a young musician and composer with a mature touch and rare combination of talent, creativity, humility and honesty” by NPR, pianist Isaiah J. Thompson is an emerging generational talent. This March 17th, his first live album—The Power of the Spirit—will be released digitally and as a CD on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s in-house record label, Blue Engine.
The lead single “The IT Department” is a play on his initials, but also a tribute to Isaiah’s father.
I don’t come from a particularly musical family, but they have always supported me. When someone would ask my parents if they had been involved in my musical education, my father would respond by saying, ‘music is his department’.
Isaiah J. Thompson
The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center is to entertain, enrich, and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy. Captured in front of a rapturous audience at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club, The Power of the Spirit finds Thompson’s seasoned quartet delivering a locked-in performance of their repertoire. On full display are the pianist’s stunning dexterity and soulful original material; combining crisp technicality with a gospel-inflected sound, Thompson nods to forebears like Bobby Timmons, Phineas Newborn Jr., and Cedar Walton while blazing a trail of his own.
Thompson has played with legends including Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Steve Turre, John Pizzarelli, and Buster Williams. He’s had his own NPR Tiny Desk concert, been a part of Jazz Night in America’s Youngblood series, and been a special guest on the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s Handful of Keys.
The Park Theater Foundation has announced their February schedule of events for the 2022/23 season. Featuring acts from a wide variety of genres, there is sure to be something for audiences of all ages. All shows are scheduled to be performed at The Park Theater in Glens Falls.
The Park Theater opened in 1911 as the first movie theater in the town of Glens Falls. In 1937 the theater was converted into a printing plant for the Glens Falls Post, before returning again to its original purpose as a center for performing arts in 1984. After a renovation headed by Miller Mechanical in 2014, The Park Theater officially reopened in 2018.
The Park Theater Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Glens Falls community by providing a venue for quality and affordable entertainment and educational opportunities in the performing arts.
The Park Presents Series
An Evening with The Gibson Brothers (The Darkest Hour Tour) February 2nd
Back by popular demand! The Park Theater Foundation presents ‘The Park Presents’ featuring award-winning bluegrass duo, The Gibson Brothers. They will be performing material from their latest album, Darkest Hour. Highly acclaimed musicians, performers and songwriters, The Gibson Brothers are the real deal. This is a show you won’t want to miss! Tickets: Early Bird – $30.00 | Day Of Show – $35.00. Doors: 6:30pm | Showtime: 7:00pm.
Ariel Posen (The Solo Tour) February 17th
Back for a return solo performance! The Park Theater Foundation presents ‘The Park Presents’ featuring virtuoso guitarist and performer, Ariel Posen. Posen’s music occupies the space between genres. It’s a rootsy sound that nods to his influences — heartland rock & roll, electrified Americana, blue-eyed soul, R&B, Beatles-inspired pop — while still moving forward, pushing Posen into territory that’s uniquely his own. Tickets: Early Bird – $20.00 | Day Of Show – $25.00. Doors: 7:00pm | Showtime: 7:30pm.
Soggy Po’ Boys February 18th
New Orleans jazz fusion group, Soggy Po’ Boys, will perform live on February 18th. Back for a return performance, this high-energy collective thrives on the interplay and group dynamics that bring their music to life. An absolute joy to watch on stage – don’t miss this show! Tickets: Early Bird – $20.00 | Day Of Show – $25.00. Doors: 6:30pm | Showtime: 7:00pm.
Additional Events At The Park Theater
Rewind At The Park featuring The Corvettes Doo-Wop Revue-February 3rd.
The Corvettes Doo-Wop Revue is dedicated to preserving and performing the greatest music ever made – the music of the 1950’s Doo-Wop era. Enjoy a “rollicking ride through the good old days of rock ‘n roll!” Tickets: Early Bird – $20.00 | Day Of Show – $25.00. Doors: 6:45pm | Showtime: 7:30pm.
Rewind At The Park’ featuring The Bell Bottom Blues – February 4th
Considered the Eric Clapton Experience. Through its evolution, The Bell Bottom Blues band has been carefully constructed to create the essence of the Clapton sound, from his guitar arrangements to his distinctive vocal sound. Tickets: Early Bird – $25.00 | Day Of Show – $30.00. Doors: 7:30pm | Showtime: 8:00pm.
Live & Local: Songwriter’s Showcase’ – February 9th
An intimate evening featuring some of the Capital Region’s favorite songwriters. Hosted by performer, producer and engineer, Josh Morris, these ‘artist-in-the-round’ performances will give audiences the opportunity to hear local musicians’ songs and the stories behind them. The first Songwriter’s Showcase features Josh Morris, Girl Blue, Ryan Leddick and Jimi W. Tickets: Early Bird – $10.00 | Day Of Show – $15.00. Doors: 6:30pm | Showtime: 7:00pm.
Third Thursday Jazz’ with The Matt Niedbalski Trio -February 16th
The Matt Niedbalski Trio Featuring pianist, Oscar Williams II. Experience some of the best jazz music in the Capital Region! Tickets: $10.00. Doors: 7:00pm | Showtime: 7:30pm.
Comedy After Dark – February 24th
Featuring highly-acclaimed New York City based stand-up comedian, Carmen Lagala. The kind of comic you’d have a wild late-night conversation with, Carmen’s darkly frolicsome humor leaves no topic off-limits. She has performed on such shows as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Comedy Central and more. Enjoy an evening of laughter and fun with family and friends! Tickets: Early Bird – $22.00 | Day Of Show – $25.00. Doors: 7:30pm | Showtime: 8:00pm.
For the full performance listings or to purchase tickets, visit www.parktheatergf.com.
We can’t predict if there is ever going to be any significant snow in Rochester this winter, but we can predict you’ll have a blast if you follow our recommendations for live music in February. As much as we’d like to have at least some of the white stuff to enjoy, hopefully not enough to impede your access to any of these shows or to cause any weather-related cancellations. Get out there and support your local bands and venues.
Moving Mountains is a quartet from right here in Rochester. If you like your rock progressive, then these guys will scratch that itch with aplomb. The path from point a to point b is rarely a straight line, and the journey is a wild ride. They’ll be joined by Extended Family and The Ribbon Project. /each band has members with February birthdays, so maybe there will be cake?
Drummer Kahil El’Zabar returns to Bop Shop Records with his Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, including Cory Wilkes on trumpet and Alex Harding on saxophone. You will be transported, inspired, moved and touched spiritually, and that will just be the first song. Adventurous mind-expanding jazz doesn’t just come to Rochester for one week in June. Come explore some new sounds.
Indie-folk rock stalwarts The Mountain Goats come to Water Street Music Hall as a semi-annual reminder to the music lovers of Rochester that not every big show passes us over for Buffalo, Syracuse, and Ithaca. Touring behind their 2022 release, Bleed Out, they’ll bring those and others from their decades-long career for you to sing along, rhythmically bob your head, and perhaps shuffle your feet. Don’t make the mistake of arriving too late to hear opener Lily Hiatt.
This one is a short drive out of town down in Lima, but totally worth it. Fanatics is a small bar that hosts good blues bands from near and far. On this night, Nashville guitarist JD Simo comes through on his duo tour with drummer Adam Abrashoff. Simo isn’t a straight blues man, mixing in rock, jazz and soul to concoct a unique sound that eventually lead to face-melting jams. He’s got a new album just out this month, Songs from the House of Grease, that’ll do good to warm you up for the show.
Rochester’s The Moho Collective, Kurt Johnson on guitar and pedal steel, Justin Rister on bass, and Ryan Barclay on drums and percussion, “collect” musical styles from across the globe, combining them in new and mystifying ways. On this night they will be joined by The Mighty High and Dry’s Alan Murphy on keys which is an addition with exciting possibilities, fleshing out their material in new and interesting ways.
Joe Bonamassa and Sixthman Festivals have announced the Keeping the Blues Alive At Sea Mediterranean III lineup. Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Laura Cox, and When Rivers Meet are the latest to join the star-studded lineup on the third European voyage of Bonamassa’s world-famous floating blues-rock party at sea.
Photo Credit: Robert Sutton
Keeping the Blues Alive At Sea Mediterranean III sails August 17-22, 2023, traveling from Athens, Greece to Dubrovnik, Croatia and Santorini, Greece aboard the luxurious Norwegian Jade.
This five-night music festival at sea will feature performances from 20+ amazing blues artists. Cruisers can expect two unique sets from Bonamassa along with dozens of electrifying live performances and once-in-a-lifetime collaborations that can’t be seen anywhere else.
In addition to the non-stop music, Keeping the Blues Alive At Sea Mediterranean III guests will enjoy an array of unique activities and special programming geared towards the ultimate blues enthusiasts. Wine tastings, exclusive raffles, and opportunities to interact with Bonamassa and other artists onboard are just a few of the unique experiences guests will enjoy at sea. Shore excursions will be available to purchase until 4-6 weeks prior to sailing.
Keeping the Blues Alive At Sea Mediterranean III will once again benefit the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA), dedicated to providing students and teachers the resources and tools needed to further music education. Founded in 2011, KTBA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to fuel the passion for music by funding programs and scholarships for students and teachers who possess the desire but lack the resources or access to achieve their potential within music education. KTBA has reached over 70,000 students in all 50 states through the funding of over 450 unique projects. For more information, please visit keepingthebluesalive.org.
Joe Bonamassa Kenny Wayne Shepherd Blackberry Smoke Christone “Kingfish” Ingram Ruthie Foster King King Jimmy Vivino Laura Cox Kirk Fletcher Vanessa Collier Henrik Freischlader Cardinal Black Bywater Call Johnny A. When Rivers Meet Eddie 9V Dom Martin The Cinelli Brothers True Strays Alice Armstrong
