NYS Music 2023

Category: Blues/Jazz

  • Jon Batiste Announces Uneasy Tour, To Stop in NYC

    Jon Batiste has announced his Uneasy Tour: Purifying The Airwaves For The People in support of his newly Grammy nominated album World Music Radio, with one stop in NYC.

    Batiste was born into a musical life being part of the musical dynasty, the Batiste family. He started playing percussion and drums at the age of 8 in the Batiste Brothers Band, and from there, he only developed his musical skills even further.

    Today, his tour announcement comes on the heels of Batiste’s six 2024 GRAMMY nominations, with five on behalf of World Music Radio. His nominations include Album of the Year, Record of the Year for “Worship” and Song of the Year for “Butterfly.” Additionally, he earned nominations for Best Jazz Performance for “Movement 18 (Heroes)” and Best American Roots Performance for “Butterfly” from the album, as well as a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for his collaboration with Lana Del Rey on her track “Candy Necklace.” Jon Batiste will make several appearances in support of the album in November including the world-famous Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade on November 23 and annual Root 100 Gala where he’ll be honored as the first “Voice and Vision” Award Recipient at the Apollo Theater on December 5.

    World Music Radio invites the world to experience the marriage of hard-hitting pop songs to a rich tapestry of international sounds, with Batiste collaborating with a diverse range of global talents including Lil Wayne, Lana Del Rey, Kenny G, Fireboy DML, J.I.D, Camilo, NewJeans and more. The album received critical acclaim upon its release, with NPR describing it as “a sprawling exploration of what global music can sound like” and NME praising Batiste for “reinventing his sonic wheel.”

    In 2020, Jon Batiste was honored with an Academy Award® for Best Original Score for his work on the Disney/Pixar film SOUL, which he shared with fellow composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The score won him a GRAMMY award and also garnered him a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, a NAACP Image Award, and a Critic’s Choice Award. Notably, Batiste became the second black composer in history, following the legendary jazz musician Herbie Hancock, to win an Academy Award for composition.

    Jon Batiste is the subject of Matthew Heineman’s moving documentary American Symphony, which will debut in select theatres on November 24 and via Netflix in partnership with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground on November 29. The film follows him beginning in early 2022, when he finds himself celebrated with 11 Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year. Amid that triumph, he is immersed in his most ambitious challenge yet: composing an original symphony for a performance at the storied Carnegie Hall. However, this extraordinary trajectory is upended when his life partner, NYT bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning journalist Suleika Jaouad, learns that her long-dormant cancer has returned.

    Batiste’s first-ever headlining tour will kick off February 16 at the Schnitzer in Portland, OR, and visit intimate theaters across North America and Canada, including one stop at Beacon Theatre in New York.

    Jon Batiste Uneasy Tour: Purifying The Airwaves For The People Dates:

    Date        City                       Venue

    2/16/24    Portland, OR             Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

    2/17/24    Seattle, WA              Paramount Theatre

    2/18/24    San Francisco, CA     The Fillmore (early and late shows)

    2/20/24    Denver, CO              Paramount Theatre

    2/22/24    Minneapolis, MN        First Avenue

    2/23/24    Madison, WI             The Sylvee

    2/24/24    Chicago, IL               Riviera Theatre

    2/26/24    Detroit, MI                The Fillmore 

    2/27/24    Indianapolis, IN         Murat Theatre

    2/28/24    Nashville, TN            Ryman Auditorium

    3/3/24      Atlanta, GA              Tabernacle

    3/12/24    Toronto, ON              Massey Hall

    3/13/24    Montreal, QC            MTELUS

    3/15/24    New Haven, CT         College Street Music Hall

    3/16/24    Boston, MA              Orpheum Theatre 

    3/17/24    Philadelphia, PA       The Fillmore

    3/19/24    New York, NY           Beacon Theatre

    3/21/24    Washington, DC        Warner Theatre

    3/22/24    Charlotte, NC           The Fillmore

    3/24/24    Knoxville, TN            Big Ears Festival 

    3/26/ 24   Dallas, TX                Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House

    3/27/24    Austin, TX                ACL Live – Moody Theater

    4/27/24    Miramar Beach, FL    Kaleidoscope Beach

    Artist presale began Tuesday, November 14 at 10AM (local), with venue/local presales having started Wednesday, November 15 at 10AM(local). Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, November 17 at 10AM (local). 

    Additional ticket information is available here. For more information on Jon Batiste, visit his website.

  • Dave Mason and Joe Bonamassa Share Reimagined “Dear Mr Fantasy”

    Rock n Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason of Traffic has unveiled a new, re-released version of the band’s timeless hit, “Dear Mr. Fantasy.” Alongside blues rock icon, Joe Bonamassa, the two created a reimagining of the 1967 track that both honors the original arrangement, while infusing new creativity into the music.

    Dave Mason and Joe Bonamassa's Dear Mr Fantasy

    Traffic released “Dear Mr. Fantasy” in 1967 on the Mr. Fantasy album, the band’s debut release. Original band members Dave Mason, Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood collaborated on Traffic’ discography throughout the 60s and 70s. The band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

    ’Fantasy’ has been a favorite song of mine since its release in 1967. I’ve played it live for years in a number of different arrangements. As I’ve often said, there are no old songs, just good songs, and ‘Dear Mr. Fantasy,’ in my mind, is one of the finest examples around.

    Dave Mason

    Joe Bonamassa, who lent his guitar and vocal skills to the new track, is a blues rock musician hailing from New Hartford, NY, a suburb of Utica. Having opened for B.B. King at the age of twelve, Bonamassa released his first album in 2000. Since then, the 3-time Grammy nominee has since released a total of 16 solo records.

    To have the opportunity to incorporate one of the modern-day great guitar players, Joe Bonamassa, is as exciting to me as playing with Jimi Hendrix. He is the first person I wanted to include on this new version of ‘Fantasy.’

    Dave Mason
    Dave Mason and Joe Bonamassa
    Dave Mason (left) and Joe Bonamassa (right)

    Alongside the new release of “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” Mason and Bonamassa released an animated music video, with bright graphics and lyrics to accompany the reimagined track. Watch the new music video below.

  • The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert To Be Held at The Middle Ages Brewing Beer Hall After Christmas

    The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 will take place on December 26 at The Middle Ages Brewing Beer Hall. With various performances from modern blues artists, the concert will also commemorate past artists that had a lasting effect on the entirety of the blues genre, including Savoy Brown, Kim Simmonds, Ann Peebles, and Skip James.

    Mark Westers, Facebook

    The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert is an annual event held the day after Christmas. A series of 10 GREAT Salt City BLUES Concerts will be presented. This is concert #7, and each concert has been performed in front of a full capacity audience.

    Previously held at The Palace Theatre in Syracuse, The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 will be a held at one of the Salt City’s newest venues, The Middle Ages Brewing Beer Hall— a new 8,000 square-foot area reserved for music and events on the second floor of the Middle Ages Brewing Co.

    Every one of The Great Salt City BLUES Concerts is unique and never to be repeated, with a changing line-up of performers featuring some of the area’s greatest musicians. Each concert is a thematic show honoring some of our greatest Blues Artists with participating musicians chosen specifically because they are best fitted for the show.

    Savoy Brown’s website

    This year, the GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 will be paying a special tribute to Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown, the Blues/Rock institution formed in London, England in 1965 by band leader and guitarist, Kim Simmonds.

    Savoy Brown was a big part of the British Blues boom of the 60‘s, along with Fleetwood Mac, Cream, John Mayall, and the Bluesbreakers, The Yardbirds and a host of other U.K. bands that brought the Blues back to popularity in both Europe and the United States.

    Savoy Brown was a huge touring concert attraction in the States after breaking out in Detroit on their first U.S. tour in 1969. They stayed based in London until the late 70’s when Kim Simmonds moved to the States where Savoy Brown’s popularity was the greatest. The late 80’s found Kim moving to the Central New York area and finally settling down in Oswego after marrying Oswego native Debbie Lyons. Together, they resided in Oswego while raising a daughter, Eve Simmonds. Kim lived in Oswego until his untimely passing on December 13th, 2022.

    Kim Simmonds, Wikipedia

    Kim Simmonds was a big part of the Central New York music scene and often employed many local area musicians in the ever changing line-up of Savoy Brown. These included such local legends as former Kingsnake, Pete McMahon, vocalist extraordinaire Joe Whiting, the late drummer Dave Olsen of The Robert Cray Band fame, as well as bass player Pat DeSalvo and drummer Garnet Grimm, the latter two still being members of Savoy Brown at the time of his passing and the rhythm section of Savoy Brown the last two decades. Grimm and Whiting will also be taking part in the GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 paying tribute to their former band mate.

    Savoy Brown’s legacy will continue to live on with a catalog of over 40 albums recorded, including two albums on Baldwinsville’s Blue Wave label, who also released three of Kim’s solo albums. With his hand print enshrined on Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame, Kim Simmonds will always be considered one of the greatest Blues/Rock guitarists of all-time.

    Blue Wave Records’ website

    The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 will also be paying tribute to Memphis Soul’s great Ann Peebles, who is best known for writing and singing the classic hit song, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” made most popular by Tina Turner in 1984. Ann Peebles retired from touring after suffering a stroke in 2012. Vocalists Marcia Hagan and Donna Colton will be handling the vocals on seven of Ann’s greatest songs at the GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7.

    Wikipedia

    On the acoustic stage, The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 will pay tribute to the Delta Bluesman Skip James, a Blues Hall of Fame artist who recorded in the 1930’s and continued to record in the Blues revival of the 60’s after being rediscovered. Skip James passed in 1969, but his songs live on, including his often covered gems, “I‘m So Glad“ (covered most famously by Cream), “Devil Got My Woman,” and “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues.” Woodstock native and New York Blues Hall of Fame artist, Elly Wininger, will be performing four of Skip James’ classics at The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 .

    The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 7 participating musicians are:

    Tas Cru

    Morris Tarbell

    Mark Doyle

    Joe Whiting 

    Mark Westers

    Donna Colton

    Marcia Hagan

    Rolland Brunet

    Dan Morison

    Jeff Stockham

    Rod Zajak

    Garnet Grimm

    Don Williams

    Dave Schneider

    Rob Hoston

    Mira Grimm

    Scott Ebner

    Elly Wininger

    Tickets available online at ticketweb.com. They are $30.00 advance / $40.00 at door (if available), and went on sale November 1.

    For more information, visit their website or follow The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert on Facebook.

  • Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center Announces Fall Programming

    Jazz at Lincoln Center have announced the fall programming at Dizzy’s Club featuring a range of artists from diverse backgrounds celebrating mentors and musical heroes; debut performances, Latin-influenced sets, and more.

    Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center celebrates the community for jazz through performance, entertainment, education and advocacy, encouraging personal freedom and individual expression. Welcoming the fall program for October and November, packed with artists including vocalist  Ashley Pezzotti whose repertoire allows her to take stylistic risks that elevate her artistry and spotlight her warm, resonant tone.

    The month of November highlights the Louis Hayes Quintet featuring Abraham Burton, Steve Nelson, David Hazeltine, and Dezron Douglas and pianist and composer Bill O’Connell. The Quintet delivers a high energy performance intercutting clave, bebop, lyrical ballads, and surprising critically acclaimed arrangements with a heavy ensemble of master practitioners and legends including Randy Brecker, Craig Handy, Santi Debriano, and Billy Hart. 

    The Fall programming also features first-time appearances at Dizzy’s including sets by drummer and composer Lenny White and singer-songwriter Antonia Bennett who will perform songs from her recent album in addition to tunes she performed with her father Tony Bennett. Late Night Sessions also return with a packed weekly lineup of established and emerging talent.

    dizzys club lincoln center
    Artiste : Jacques Schwartz Bart Groupe : Festival : Caraib in Jazz Festival 2010 Date : 23/01/2010 Lieu : Paris – l’Olympia

    OCTOBER 2023

    Oct 23 – Juilliard Jazz Ensembles: Mary Lou Williams: The Secular and the Sacred

    Oct 24 – Julius Rodriguez

    Oct 25 – Ashley Pezzotti

    Oct 26-29 – Wycliffe Gordon & Friends

    Oct 30 – Lou Donaldson’s 97th Birthday Celebration ( 7pm )

    dizzys club lincoln center

    NOVEMBER 2023

    Nov 1 – Ron Blake Quartet: Mistaken Identity Album Release

    Nov 2 – Claudia Acuña

    Nov 3-5 – Sonido Solar: A Tribute to Eddie Palmieri featuring special guests Brian Lynch, Conrad Herwig, Nelson Gonzalez and Little Johnny Rivero 

    Nov 6-7 – Louis Hayes Quintet

    Nov 8 – Bill O’Connell Quintet

    Nov 9 – Jacques Schwarz-Bart Presents “The Harlem Suite”

    Nov 10-11 – The Heavy Hitters with Mike LeDonne and Eric Alexander

    Nov 12-13 – Papo Vázquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours

    Nov 14 – Terell Stafford: Between Two Worlds

    Nov 15 – Will Calhoun

    Nov 16-18 – The Musical World of Lenny White*

    Nov 19 – Songbook Sundays: Cy Coleman

    Nov 20 – Rufus Reid Presents Caelan Cardello (7:30 pm)

    Don Braden’s 60th Birthday Celebration (9:30 pm)

    Nov 21 – Armstrong Now: Louis at Newport with Sean Jones, Bruce Harris and Giveton Gelin

    Nov 22-26 – Herlin Riley Quintet

    Nov 27 – Manhattan School of Music Jazz Ensembles

    Nov 28-29 – At Play: Romero Lubambo, Helio Alves, Edu Ribeiro and Reuben Rogers

    Nov 30 – Antonia Bennett

    For more information visit here.

  • Studio Projects to be Presented at the Art of Jazz Series Season in Buffalo

    Get ready for an exciting jazz season as the highly anticipated Art of Jazz series returns to the newly transformed Buffalo AKG Art Museum for the 2023–2024 season. This season promises to be a remarkable journey, featuring a phenomenal lineup of emerging talents and legendary jazz icons.

    What sets this season apart is the unique concept of bringing studio mastery to the live stage. For over two decades, the Art of Jazz series has been a beacon of excellence in North America, and now, it makes its triumphant return to Buffalo AKG.

    The Art of Jazz series showcases captivating musical projects presented by Grammy® Award winners, nominees, and some of the most skilled artists, composers, and arrangers in jazz. The goal? To capture the essence of studio perfection and bring it to the live stage. In the upcoming season, the series will spotlight four remarkable “art of the project” concepts, promising unforgettable and distinctive experiences for jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

    Let’s take a closer look at these four exceptional projects:

    Gary Smulyan, “Tadd’s All, Folks” featuring Anaïs Reno (November 10, 2023)

    The season kicks off with a fresh and captivating approach to the timeless music of legendary jazz composer Tadd Dameron. The extraordinary quintet, featuring Gary Smulyan, explores Dameron’s compositions through mesmerizing vocal performances. Anaïs Reno takes the spotlight, delivering each song’s emotional depth and nuance. The project offers a unique perspective on Dameron’s modern musical language, showcasing his compositions’ enduring power.

    Diego Rivera Quintet, “Bridges” (February 4, 2024)

    Embark on a musical journey celebrating multicultural influences and the blending of Mexican roots with the jazz world. Led by internationally acclaimed saxophonist Diego Rivera, the quintet transcends borders and genres, creating a harmonious fusion of Latin America’s traditional rhythms and jazz improvisation. The performance promises to transport you to a world where cultural boundaries dissolve, and the universal language of music reigns supreme.

    Dan Wilson, “Things Eternal” (March 10, 2024)

    Guitarist/composer Dan Wilson takes the stage with his awe-inspiring project, “Things Eternal.” The project pays tribute to the unwavering spirit of humanity through heartfelt dedications and masterful reinterpretations of iconic songs. Wilson’s profound understanding of Brazilian music shines through as he seamlessly blends Brazilian composers’ influence with his creative genius. The concert promises an unforgettable experience filled with soul-stirring melodies and impeccable musicianship.

    Rodney Whitaker—”Oasis: The Music of Gregg Hill” (April 12, 2024)

    Prepare to be captivated by multiple Grammy® Award-nominated bassist, Rodney Whitaker and his quintet, as they present the music of jazz composer Gregg Hill. This ensemble, featuring Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield, Bruce Barth, Dana Hall, and Rockelle Fortin, grooves to infectious melodies that pay homage to the beloved hard bop era. The project showcases the ensemble’s award-winning artistry at the highest level in jazz.

    The 2023-2024 Art of Jazz Series promises an exceptional season filled with distinctive projects that celebrate the art of jazz. From the timeless compositions of Tadd Dameron to the multicultural fusion of Diego Rivera, from the heartfelt dedications of Dan Wilson to the infectious grooves of Rodney Whitaker, each concert offers a unique musical experience. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this remarkable journey, and support the return of the Art of Jazz series to the Buffalo AKG. It’s a season that promises to captivate, inspire, and celebrate the beauty of jazz.

    Get your season subscription and tickets here to secure your spot at these extraordinary concerts. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or simply curious about the power of music to bridge cultures, this season has something special in store for you.

  • The Allman Brothers Band & Owsley Stanley Foundation to Release Exclusive 2-LP “Orange Sunshine” Vinyl

    The Allman Brothers Band in tandem with the Owsley Stanley Foundation is offering a special release exclusive 2-LP limited run of electric “Orange Sunshine” vinyl on November 3.

    Presented by the Owsley Stanley Foundation and The Allman Brothers with members including Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Johanny Johnson and Butch Trucks. The vinyl displays a collection of restored and mastered recordings of the ABB’s performances at New York City’s Fillmore East captured by the legendary Grateful Dead soundman Owsley ‘Bear’ Stanley.

    The 2-LP exclusive “Orange Sunshine” vinyl is essential to listen to for Allman Brothers fans, showcasing the original tapes from the Owsley archive, a seven-song set blues masterpiece featuring “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “Statesboro Blues”, the spin-off of Donovan’s “Mountain Jam,” and the ominous Gregg Allman composition “Whipping Post.”

    I had no prior experience with mixing their music, so I hope you don’t mind the rough edges in my mixes here. There was a wonderful feeling at these concerts that made the shows a lot of fun for us all…I had a good time working at these shows, and I hope you will have a good time listening to this historic early Allman Brothers Band.

    – Owsley “Bear” Stanley

    The Allman Brothers were on the brink of stardom in the 1970s and became best known for a wicked blend of rock, jazz, and R&B creating a unique groundbreaking sound. While only together for 11 months, promoter Bill Graham booked them in San Francisco and New York, inviting them back to the Fillmore East on a triple bill with Grateful Dead and Love. Fortunately for us, the Dead’s soundman Owsley “Bear” Stanley had his tapes rolling.

    Bear’s Sonic Journals: Allman Brothers Band Fillmore East February 1970 tracklist:

    LP Side 1:

    In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed 9:22

    Hoochie Coochie Man 6:04

    Statesboro Blues 4:16

    LP Side 2:

    Trouble No More 4:11

    Outskirts Of Town 8:29

    Whipping Post 8:11

    LP Side 3:

    Mountain Jam 15:20

    LP Side 4:

    Mountain Jam (continued) 15:46

  • Watch North Mississippi Allstars Revel at Cohoes Music Hall

    On a fall Saturday night in Cohoes, the blues were alive and well at Cohoes Music Hall, with North Mississippi Allstars bringing their patented Hill Country sound to a lively, packed audience that hung on every note.

    The power trio of brothers Luther (guitar) and Cody (drums) Dickinson were joined by bassist Berry Oakley Jr. this evening. Dickinson’s hypnotic guitar sound was on display this evening, particularly on “Outside,” off Set Sail, and featuring Lamar Williams Jr. on the studio version. A pair of songs with Cody Dickinson on vocals – “Let Me In” and “KC Jones” peppered the first set, ending with the 1969 R.L. Burnside classic “Po Black Maddie” that the Allstars have brought to a new generation with their amped up version.

    Set 2 began with a double dose of southern rock, as the Hernando, Mississippi trio performed a 17 minute version of Allman Brothers Band‘s “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.” You’ll want to watch this one:

    The rest of the set featured classic NMAS songs “Goin Down South” and “All Night Long,” the latter sung by Cody Dickinson who took over guitar duties while Luther switched to bass and Berry hopped on the kit, followed by Cody taking an extended drum solo under a purple hue.

    There was nary a flaw in the show this evening, the band members dialed in and playing songs from across their extensive catalog. They’ll be back next year, if not sooner, with an audience that continues to fill in to hear this wonderful Mississippi Hill Country sound.

    Listen to a recording of the show via Live Music Archive and be sure to support the Internet Archive!

    North Mississippi Allstars – Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, NY – Saturday, October 14

    Set 1: Up and Rolling, Shake (Yo Mama), Mean Ol’ Wind Died Down, Let Me In, Outside, Ship, Meet Me in the City, K.C. Jones, Po Black Maddie
    Set 2: In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, Goin Down South, Rabbit Foot, Mississippi Bollweevil, Otha’s Bye Bye Baby, Bumpin’, All Night Long > drum solo, Shame Em on Down, Mean Old World
    Encore: Didn’t We Have a Time (Luther solo)

  • 22-Year-Old Blind Piano Prodigy Matthew Whitaker To Host Benefit Concert for Local Music School On October 17

    22-year-old music prodigy Matthew Whitaker is giving back to the school that shaped his future. Hailing from Hackensack, New Jersey the jazz-pianist, whose been blind since birth, has been performing around the world for nearly a decade. However, the Emmy-nominated composer has overcome the challenge of being blind with the help of The Filomen M. D’ Agostino Greenberg Music School. 

    This Manhattan based non-profit stands as one of the only community music schools in the country dedicated to helping people with vision loss or blindness. In turn, Matthew Whitaker is giving back to the school where under director of music studies, Dalia Sakas, his talent blossomed at 5-years-old and later performing around the world by his pre-teens.

    Over the years Whitaker has made appearances on numerous network television programs showcasing his talents, including CBS’s 60 Minutes, NBC’s Ellen and FOX TV’s Showtime at the Apollo. Nevertheless, Whitaker his prodigy status has been carved out with performance at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, the Apollo Theater.

    Benefit Concert

    Set for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17th at Peter Norton Symphony Space in Manhattan, Matthew Whitaker’s FMDG Benefit Concert will help raise funds and awareness to support the school and its students. He will be performing along with his quartet and a select group of teen students from “The Fil.”

    Since its inception, FMDG has helped more than 25,000 students, including notable talents such as jazz piano prodigy Matthew Whitaker and Grammy Award-winning musician and singer-songwriter Jose Feliciano. In light, the show will also feature the premiere of a new short film highlighting the FMDG Music School. Tickets are on sale on the Symphony Space website

  • Five Can’t-Miss Shows in Syracuse In October

    While things have certainly cooled off outside around Central New York lately, there is no shortage of indoor concerts to warm your spirit. Here are five can’t-miss shows in Syracuse for the month of October.

    October 12: Sydney Irving at Maplewood Inn

    Central New York star Sydney Irving returns to Syracuse with a performance at the Maplewood Inn on October 12.  The concert should be quite the celebration, as the show serves as the album release party for Irving’s newest album, Unfashioned Creatures, which will be available on all streaming services on October 10.  The 20 year-old singer songwriter has been turning heads all across New York State for several years. She recently opened for Gavin Degraw at this year’s Spiedie Fest in Binghamton.  Irving will again be joined by her backing band, “The Mojo” for the release party.  You won’t want to miss this special performance.  

    October 15:  F.I.R.E. Festival at Oswego Music Hall

    An impressive lineup of female musicians take the stage October 15, as F.I.R.E. Festival once again returns to the Oswego Music Hall.  F.I.R.E., which stands for Females Inspire Rock Empower, showcases not only music, but also female led businesses and art.  The event, which was curated by Jess Novak, was designed to serve as an alternative to the many male dominated music festivals. The day of music will feature area talents such as Jess Novak, Amanda Rogers, Stress Dolls, Starting Off Red and many more.  See the full line up of music and vendors here.  

    Tickets are $10 at the door and music starts at 1pm.

    October 22:  The Furious Bongos at The Westcott Theater

    The sounds of Frank Zappa will once again ring about Westcott Street, as renowned Zappa tribute band The Furious Bongos return to the Westcott Theater on October 22.  The band played before a passionate audience of Zappa fans in March of this year. The band will be joined on this tour by Chad Wackerman, a legend in his own right, whose resume includes drumming for Frank Zappa himself, as well as James Taylor and Stevie Vai.  

    Tickets are $20. Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm.

    October 27:  Brandon Santini at 443 Social Club

    Fresh off a blistering performance at the 2023 New York State Blues Festival, Brandon Santini brings his soulful blues sounds to the 443 Social Club & Lounge on October 27.  Santini turned many heads at this years Blues Fest, as he displayed his tremendous talent on the harmonica.  This intimate performance at the 443 Social Club & Lounge is certainly one you won’t want to miss.  

    Tickets start at $23 and music starts at 7pm.

    October 29:  The Accountant & All Thumbs at Funk ’n Waffles

    Central New York’s college talent will be on full display on October 29 at Funk ‘n Waffles, as The Accountant & All Thumbs perform. The Syracuse University funk/hip-hop group are sure to have the club bouncing when they take the stage. The four piece band has quickly become known for their high energy sets which blend elements of funk, hip-hop, and rock. They will be joined by singer-songwriter Nancy Dunkle as well as Le Moyne College’s own Champagne Blondes.

    Tickets are $13 with doors opening at 8pm.

  • Samara Joy, Grammy Winner for Best New Artist, Announces ‘A Joyful Holiday’ EP

    Bronx native and two-time GRAMMY winner Samara Joy is set to release A Joyful Holiday, a 6-song EP of beloved seasonal favorites.

    Photo credit: Ambe J. Williams

    This extension of her latest album, Linger Awhile, features accomplished jazz musicians and includes singles like “O Holy Night,” “Warm in December,” and a new take on Stevie Wonder’s “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me.”

    A Joyful Holiday, produced by Matt Pierson, will drop on October 27 via Verve, with an exclusive emerald green color variant LP available.

    The holiday EP comes after an extraordinary year for Samara Joy, who clinched the prestigious Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album awards at this year’s Grammys.

    Samara Joy has shared a delightful rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” which you can listen to here.

    “Singing alongside my family has always been a special time kept between us, but this December, I’m excited to share that special feeling with you all! This holiday season, it brings me great joy to present my first role models, the McLendon Family, on a month-long tour throughout the US. Join us for a show you’ll never forget!”

    Samara Joy

    Samara Joy has also announced the Verve Vinyl Collection, comprising her three Verve LPs, Linger Awhile, Linger Awhile Longer, and A Joyful Holiday. This collection will hit the shelves on November 17 and can be pre-ordered here.

    A Joyful Holiday Tracklist

    “Warm In December”
    “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me ft. Sullivan Fortner”
    “The Christmas Song”
    “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
    “O Holy Night”
    “The Christmas Song (Live)”

    Samara Joy 2023 Tour Dates

    9/28 – 10/1 – Seattle, WA @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley Jazz

    10/4 – Davis, CA @ Mondavi Center

    10/6 – 7 – New York, NY @ Rose Hall at The Lincoln Center

    10/14 – Kansas City @ Folly Theater

    10/15 – Denver, CO @ Newman Center

    10/18 – Easton, PA @ Williams Center for the Arts / Performance Series

    10/20 – Storrs, CT @ Jorgenson Center

    10/22 – Brookville, NY @ Tilles Center

    10/24 – Columbia, MO @ Missouri Theater

    10/25 – Iowa City @ Hancher Auditorium

    10/27 – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Symphony Orchestra

    11/3 – Zurich, Switzerland @ TVD

    11/5 – Athens, Greece @ Megaron Athens

    11/7 – Hamburg, Germany @ Elb Philharmonic

    11/8 – Berlin, Germany @ TBD

    11/12 – Paris, FR @ Le Trianon

    11/17 – Bologna, Italy @ TBD

    11/18 – Milan, Italy @ TBD

    11/19 – London, UK @ Barbican Center, London Jazz Festival

    12/3 – Austin, TX @ Bass Concert Hall, UT Austin

    12/4 – Nashville, TN @ Nashville Symphony

    12/7 – Los Angeles, CA @ Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts

    12/8 – Santa Barbara, CA @ The Granada Theater

    12/12 – Chesterfield, MO @ The Factory

    12/14 – 12/15 – New York, NY @ Apollo Theater

    12/19 – Atlanta, GA @ Atlanta Symphony Hall

    12/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kimmel Center

    12/23 – North Bethesda, MD @ Strathmore