The Waddington Concert Series returns for its 14th year with “Rollin’ on the River!” Over the last five years the series has treated over 15,000 attendees to high quality performances by artists from across the state. This summer’s series will feature eight performances with concerts taking place directly on the St. Lawrence River at Island View Park Pavilion.
Waddington is located directly on the St. Lawrence River just along the US-Canada border. The town showcases some of the best sunsets in New York and has earned a reputation for its fishing and other wildlife opportunities. Surrounded by rolling fields, family farms, historic buildings, and dense forests, Waddington demonstrates the best of the North Country.
“Rollin’ on the River!” runs every Friday at 6:30 from July 7 to August 25 and is free to the public, however donations are always accepted. Attendees can enjoy the show from the pavilion or float by in a boat.
More and details and information about the Waddington Concert Series here.
Concert Lineup
July 7: Fritz’s Polka Band (Annual Memorial Dedication Concert)- everything from modern style polka to country to rock and even blues
July 14: Phil Hurley- a tasteful blend of country and rock
July 21: Double Axel- covering the classic tunes of Van Morrison, Bob Seager, The Beatles, and the Doobie Brothers
July 28: Bear Tracks- country and bluegrass with a hint of Roots rock
August 4: SFM- a premier party band specializing in 80s hits
August 11: Tas Cru- a unique take on Roots rock and blues
August 18: Mark Rust- classic covers and “sing alongs” played on guitar, fiddle, banjo and hammered dulcimer
August 25: Northbound- a variety of pop, rock, and folk favorites from the last five decades
May 2023 marked the 75-year anniversary of Folkway Records, delivering classic American folk albums since its founding in New York City by Marian Distler and Moses Asch in 1948.
From the talents of Woody Guthrie to the jazz swing of Mary Lou Williams, the label has pioneered some of the industry’s top artists in their respective genres.
Folkway Records’ Woody Guthrie
Releasing acclaimed albums from Elizabeth Mitchell, Our Native Daughters, Dom Flemons, Kronos Quartet, and many more, the past 75 years and present-day continue to undoubtedly shine a light on the label’s success.
On July 6, 2023, Smithsonian Folkways will present “Folkways at 75,” a program at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C.
Featuring performances from Jake Blount and No-No Boy, members of the newest wave of folk music on the label, and a screening of Early Abstractions, a series of short films by Harry Smith, “Folkways at 75” expects to be the perfect celebration for Folkway Records.
The slogan for Folkway Records from the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings website.
In addition to the July celebration, November 10-12, 2023 will see the label partner up with the Brooklyn Folk Festival, including performers, tributes to label members, workshops, etc. For details on this event, visit here.
Throughout the year, Smithsonian Folkways will continue to reissue and re-press many classic albums the record label has brought out over the years. The Sounds of North American Frogs by Charles Bogert will hit an LP for the first time since 1958, and re-presses of albums by Elizabeth Cotten, Doc Watson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and many others will be available for pre-order as well.
A new program called Friends of Folkways will give supporters the chance to stream a collection of Folkway Records classics for a minimum monthly donation of $5. Additional details surrounding the donation program will also be announced soon.
A music video for Jake Blount’s “Didn’t It Rain,” a member of Folkway Records who will be performing at “Folkways at 75.”
Nearing the end of a 29-date tour of North America that kicked off on May 6 in Canada, Dermot Kennedy visited Madison Square Garden – “The World’s Most Famous Arena” – on Wednesday, June 14. In the span of a just a few years, the crooner of his own emotionally charged folk-pop anthems has gone from busking on Grafton Street in his native Dublin to selling out arena after arena on The Sonder Tour. His second studio album of the same name, released in November of last year, has been described by Kennedy as “the realisation that each random passerby is living life as vivid and complex as your own.”
In a world where we are all connected by social media, it often seems like we have never been more separated from one another. But for at least two hours on a weeknight in Midtown Manhattan, we were 20,000 strong as his music united us all under one roof.
On a gorgeous late-spring evening, the first of two female opening acts was Laila Mach, a pop singer and local native from New Paltz. Best known for her Season 19 appearance as a 16-year old contestant on American Idol (2002), Mach released her first music in 2020 via a six-song EP dubbed Lessons Learned. The following year, the singer/songwriter who also plays the piano and guitar released her debut studio album, Stuck on You.
Also providing support for Kennedy was Sasha Alex Sloan, born in Russia and who was discovered at the age of 18 when one of her Reddit posts went viral. Having moved to Los Angeles the following year, working at a coffee ship to support her music aspirations, it was not long before Sloan was penning lyrics for major pop artists such as Dua Lipa and Charli XCX. Her debut album released in October 2020, Only Child, was met with critical acclaim. Sloan released her sophomore studio album, Blame the World, in May 2022.
At 8:40 pm, the house lights went down and Kennedy’s set commenced with the large black screen at center stage suddenly appearing with a series of white handwritten text penned by Kennedy himself. The messages read as follows:
I know that you can feel it, magic hangs in the air. I’ve heard if you can make it here, you’ll make it anywhere. I had a dream, and it came true, so will you celebrate with me? Guide me home, keep me warm, hold me tight New York City.
Suddenly, appearing in the dark shadows of the stage were the backing quintet of Elize Kellman (backup vocals), James Bradshaw (backup vocals, keyboards), Benjamin Keys (keyboards), Kieran Jones (guitar) and Micheál Quinn (drums). The sell-out crowd, already at a fervent pitch, somehow took it up another level when Kennedy finally arrived on stage, opening with “Blossom” (Sonder, 2022). “Power Over Me” (Without Fear, 2019) came next, Kennedy’s second single from his debut studio album that essentially launched him into stardom and winning him the world’s collective ear.
A quartet of tunes (“One Life,” An Evening I Will Not Forget,” “Lost” and “Young & Free”) composed over the span of five years by the Irish singer-songwriter subsequently transpired. The chorus refrain of each one of these songs was belted out by Kennedy’s faithful fans, filling up the iconic venue to its rafters where only the retired jerseys of past NY Knicks and Rangers legends have dared to soar. Next, the romantic folk rocker whose tracks often include a collision with the rap genre performed a sublime rendition of “Dreamer,” another gem taken from Sonder. As the song neared its climax, it segued into a speech by Michael D. Higgins, the President of Ireland, encouraging everyone to pursue their dream of creating art.
“Moments Passed” and “Glory,” each presented by Kennedy from his self-titled compilation album released in 2019, were succeeded by him taking a seat at his piano stage left for solo, heartfelt deliveries of “Rome” (Without Fear) and “Innocence and Sadness” (Sonder). Speaking of the heart, in between these songs – when a pin could be heard dropping – a young woman exclaimed “I LOVE YOU!” from the top of her lungs, immediately after which the entire arena erupted into laughter and applause.
Well into the second half of his 19-song set, Dermot Kennedy bestowed upon his legion of enthusiastic supporters a few more numbers dating to 2019, including fan favorite “Outnumbered,” “After Rain” and “Without Fear.” As the epic night entered its home stretch, the roof of The Garden was officially torn off with a goose bump inducing assemblage of five selections from Sonder – all of which are deemed classics despite their infancy – comprised of “Better Days,” “Don’t Forget Me,” “Homeward,” “Kiss Me” and “Something to Someone.” The last of which, accompanied by blasting canons that filled the sky with confetti bombs, was a fitting conclusion to the highly emotional show for everyone who bore witness. The night’s crowning moment saw Kennedy repeatedly serenading his fans with the chorus, and vice versa, “Once upon a time, I was something to someone.”
The excitement did not end when the house lights came back up at MSG. Immediately following his first ever headlining show in The Big Apple, Kennedy made a short trip downtown to the Swift Hibernian Lounge (his favorite Irish pub in Gotham) where he climbed atop the bar to thrill the punters with an acoustic rendition of “The Parting Glass,” a traditional ditty often sung at the end of a gathering of friends.
With a belly full of Guinness, Dermot Kennedy headed to Boston for a pair of dateson June 16 and 17, before moving onward to Saratoga Springs for an outdoor gig slated for June 19. The North American leg of The Sonder Tour culminates at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey on June 20, after which Kennedy will fly back home for a pair of outdoor shows at Marlay Park in Dublin on June 23 and 24. Ensuing the Emerald Isle performances will be an appearance on the main stage at Rock Werchter (Belgium) on July 2.
Setlist: Blossom > Power Over Me > One Life > An Evening I Will Not Forget > Lost > Young & Free > Dreamer > Moments Passed > Glory > Rome > Innocence and Sadness > Outnumbered > After Rain > Without Fear > Better Days > Don’t Forget Me > Homeward > Kiss Me > Something to Someone
From the coffeehouses of Greenwich Village to the stage at Woodstock, folksingers were a powerful force shaping the culture and attitudes of the 1960s. Marrying music and politics, tradition and innovation, romance and righteousness, these were singular tunesmiths of the most literate and informed order – a coterie of chordal preachers who put a mirror to the political upheavals and spiritual awakenings of this halcyon era. Richie Havens, Peter, Paul & Mary, John Sebastian, Phil Ochs, Roger McGuinn, Melanie, Janis Ian, Leonard Cohen, Peter Tork and later arrivals, like The Roches and Suzanne Vega, all cut their teeth and catapulted to stardom from a handful of clubs in the narrow streets of NYC’s West Village.
The life and times of 19 of the most impactful artists who emerged from New York City’s folk scene are profiled in The Bleecker Street Tapes (Trouser Press), the latest from veteran music journalist Bruce Pollock.
As stated in the introduction, Pollock was an eyewitness who became a chronicler of many of the most important names in folk in writings for outlets like The New York Post and Entertainment Weekly. Pollock lived in four apartments in Greenwich Village from 1966 – 1975 and had been frequented clubs like the legendary Gaslight nightly since the early 1960s.
Pollock’s book is interesting because of the timing of the interviews. Most of the quotes in these profiles come from the mid ‘70s – mid ‘80s when the commercial fervor for folk was waning. In many, it shows artists in reduced financial and professional circumstances stubbornly plugging away before modest cult audiences. Many are pondering the failures of the Age of Aquarius and its idealism as American approaches the conservative swing to the Reagan era.
Pollock’s begins with Dave Von Ronk, the bearish man who ruled the roost at the Gaslight Café’s open mics, an early champion and inspiration for Dylan and many who came after.
Von Ronk is captured heading to a scarcely attended club gig in 1982. He reflects on his “few good earning years” and how he always seemed “on the brink” of something bigger. He tells how he passed up the opportunity to be the “Paul” in the folk mega group, Peter, Paul & Mary (that went to Noel Stookey, a Village comedian whose act ended with him imitating a toilet flushing!), and of his failed audition for Dylan’s manager-to-be Albert Grossman. This was after a winter hitchhike to his club in Chicago, something borrowed for the Coen Brothers’ wonderful folk music film, Inside Llewelyn Davis.
In his interview with Phil Ochs, we learn that his decision to become a songwriter came while in jail for vagrancy in Florida. Ochs’ political powered anthems were an outgrowth of his first desired career – journalism. Phil was writing about Vietnam in 1962, way before any songwriter was penning war protest songs. And, contrary to popular belief, he shares that he didn’t think less of his longtime rival Bob Dylan’s decision to stop writing about politics and social causes. He also reveals, perhaps in jest, that his favorite cover of one of his songs was former beauty queen and anti-gay activist Anita Bryant’s of “Power & Glory.”
One of the more interesting profiles, one that truly captures the low-rent, pre-Gentrification splendor of the era, is that of Tuli Kupferberg of the infamous The Fugs. Tuli was in his mid-40s and divorced when he teamed with writer Ed Sanders to marry rock music, poetry and racy lyrics in a group named after a Norman Mailer term for intercourse. Gentrification be damned, as Tuli relates renting a six-room apartment of Avenue D for $12 a month in 1965. It was all about fun, poetry, revolutionary theatre and orgies. “We weren’t worried about writing for the ages,” he declares.
Buffy St. Marie relates how her writing of classics like “Universal Soldier” was the product of “channeling words and music that come at once, like a radio station.” The most romantic folk star of the Gaslight era, Eric Andersen, believes his songs survived because he didn’t get too political. Don McLean tells of the impact of Pete Seeger on his work and personal life, namely his adventures as a part of the original crew of Seeger’s ecological boat, The Clearwater, in 1969. Also, how his mega-hit, “American Pie,” ruined his career by branding him a “sellout” and how the fortunes from it bought him a Mercedes Benz and not a Chevy he would drive to the levy. Both Loudon Wainwright III and Leonard Cohen reveal they turned to songwriting because it was easier than writing novels.
Pollock calls folkie-turned-Monkee Peter Tork “a rock-n-roll Maynard G. Krebs.” He captures Tork in 1981 when he had lost all his Monkees’ money but is content in his move back to the East Coast and playing gigs that provide him and his daughter with “three hots and a cot.” His 1982 interview with Roger McGuinn provides a pocket history of folk and country rock, two genres birthed by his band, The Byrds. McGuinn also reveals how he was the catalyst for Beatle George’s interest in both Ravi Shankar and Eastern Religion.
The most interesting and lengthiest profile is that of Lovin’ Spoonful singer/songwriter John Sebastian.
Unlike anyone else here, aside from his early bandmate/friend Maria Muldaur, Sebastian was born and raised in Greenwich Village. He was raised on Bank Street in a family headed by a renowned classic harmonica virtuoso father who would have friends like Woody Guthrie and Burl Ives drop by. Sebastian traces his woodshedding days, playing as a teenager with Lightnin’ Hopkins, doing sessions with Bob Dylan and Tom Rush, his time in the Even Dozen Jug Band before forming the Lovin’ Spoonful. Their lengthy residency at The Night Owl Café was the event that ushered in a bit of rock raucous to the high-minded acoustic scene.
Sebastian recounts the Spoonful’s run of huge hits and their eventually breakup in the wake of a drug bust, the fits and starts of his solo career and disillusionment with the business. Sebastian would move to L.A. and live in a tent for two years before remarrying, having a son and moving into, then flipping, a couple of houses. “I would make as much from real estate as songs in the early ‘70s,” he says. Of course, there’s talk of his unscheduled performance at Woodstock, something done with a borrowed guitar and on a “triple acid trip,” and how it both helped and hurt his career. Some other interesting bits – a cameo by the real-life Frank Serpico of movie fame who would revive drug O.D.s among the scene . There’s also discussion of the invitation to join Crosby, Stills & Nash as their drummer in the early days when they were getting their act together out at Sebastian’s place in Sag Harbor.
Sebastian credits some of his longevity to seeing his dad hustle a career in the not so lucrative world of classical music. “He wasn’t afraid to get his tux dirty,” quips Sebastian. Shortly before this 1982 interview, Sebastian would find himself back on top with a number one hit he wrote on order and almost forget. It was the theme to the TV series, “Welcome Back Kotter.” For the past few decades, he’s been living a happy and unironic life in Woodstock.
Pollock’s book concludes with a playlist featuring the works of 70 artists who influenced or emerged from Greenwich Village’s folk scene.
The third annual Brewster Summer Music Series returns with seven straight weeks of programming. Organized by the Town of Southeast Cultural Arts Coalition (CAC), the concerts will run every Wednesday from June 14 through July 26.
All of the performances will take place at the Veterans Park Gazebo in Brewster. The concerts will also feature contests, raffles, and food. The artists performing come from a diverse set of genres including rock, pop, jazz, and more.
CAC is a non-profit group that aims to create and preserve the cultural arts of the Town of Southeast and nearby communities. Along with the Summer Music Series, the organization is also involved with a space to showcase local art and the renovation of Southeast’s Old Town Hall.
Brewster is a village located in southeast Putnam County and is part of the town of Southeast. The village made a name for itself as it was a prominent stop on the railroad line that ran from New York City.
The Brewster Summer Music Series is free and open to members of the public. Details and more information is on the website.
Summer Lineup
June 14- Jake Wildhorn (Rock, Pop, Americana) and Genevieve Faivre (Latin, New Orleans Jazz)
June 21- George Gierer (folk) and Artie Tobia Band (Roots Rock)
June 28- George Mallas (singer-songwriter) and ⅓ of Sophie (Funk)
July 5- Francine Tesler and Jay Prince & Friends (Rock, Funk)
July 12- Bob Stanhope and North Country Band (Country, Western, Americana)
July 19- Ivan Polanco (singer-songwriter) and Santa Barbara Jazz Quartet (Jazz, Soul, Latin)
July 26- Erik Rabasca and The Song Island Band (Acoustic Rock)
The late Col. Bruce Hampton once referred to The Quebe Sisters as “un-bee-leivable” with a Texas swing sound, that he remarked was a bright light in music, where he saw “the music of today as horrifying.” With that simple recommendation in 2016, I discovered the sound of The Quebe Sisters, who will make their Caffe Lena return on June 22 in Saratoga Springs.
This trailblazing trio offer a modern day take on country and Western Swing, doing so steadfastly and free of frivolous fanfare. Siblings Grace, Sophia, and Hulda are hardly newcomers, but rather harnass sensibilities coalesced as seasoned performers. The Dallas-based trio have spent the last 17 years merging three-part harmony and triple fiddles to put a youthful, jubilant spin on Bob Wills’ classic genre.
The sisters’ four studio albums – 2003’s Texas Fiddlers, 2007’s Timeless, 2014’s Every Which-A-Way, and 2019’s The Quebe Sisters – serve as sonic proof that these ladies are fearless interpreters and innovators. There’s certainly no boxing the Quebe Sisters. Grace, Sophia, and Hulda Quebe see western swing as an ocean of possibilities.
Bob Wills was all about experimentation – melding just about every style he heard. He hired the best musicians playing regionally traditional instruments, as well as players interested in experimenting on what were the cutting-edge instruments of the day. This spirit formed what we today call western swing, and it needs to be an ingredient in current iterations of western swing to keep the style fresh and vibrant for the present and future. So, for us it’s authentic to the style to introduce our own originals.
Grace Quebe
For these trailblazing women, performing before enthusiastic crowds means the deep, connected roots of country and western swing will be in full display. The Quebe siblings grew up in Texas surrounded by fiddles, bows, microphones, stages, and western swing tunes. Texas is the very reason Grace, Sophia, and Hulda Quebe ended up playing triple fiddle, Grace says. But in true trailblazing fashion, Texas couldn’t contain such immense talent and dedication. The Quebe Sisters took their sound beyond the boundaries of the Lone Star state into North America, Europe, and even Russia.
I think our central ambition in playing music is to touch people’s hearts and souls—to make them feel beauty, to make them hear colors, to make them forget worries and have fun, to make them think about God. There is no time in history or culture that doesn’t need music in this way!
Hulda Quebe
Grace sees nothing odd about their progressive brand of western swing connecting with foreign audiences. “Nostalgia and curiosity play some role,” she says, “but particularly the syncopation and dance elements of the music we love and play make it timeless and universal. Everyone resonates with music that has a good feel. If it uplifts you and makes you want to dance, then we are doing our job right.”
The trio’s current tour, dubbed “Bye, For Now,” wraps up at the end of 2023. After that? Well, as Sophia says, it is, “much-needed R&R and time off the road. For now, we are taking an undetermined hiatus. This isn’t retirement for us, just a nice break.”
It is certainly a well-earned respite. The Dallas-based Quebe Sisters have steadfastly, completely free of frivolous fanfare, elevated the country and western swing genres for more than two decades. The Quebe Sisters stretched the boundaries of an old-timey style and made it newly relevant for fans of all generations.
There is still plenty of time to bask in those Quebe originals onstage. Grace, Sophia, and Hulda have dates in the books through October 2023. More dates will be announced soon. For a detailed list of concert performances, check out their website. Do these ladies wish fans would come out in droves to catch them onstage before they take a little downtime?
“Yes! We hope our fans will have a chance to come out and see us as we wrap up our touring through the end of 2023.”
Hulda Quebe
Modern, creative, and talented women that stretch the boundaries of country and western swing music become beacons. They light the path taking audiences on a trip to the past while keeping them firmly in the present and giving them a glimpse into the future.
Doors will open at 6:30pm for a 7pm show on Thursday, June 22. Tickets cost $5-$28 for this all ages shows. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Quebe Sisters “Bye, For Now” Tour
6/15: Murfreesboro, TN @ Hop Springs 6/17: Floyd, VA @ Floyd Country Store 6/20: New York, NY @ Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2) 6/22: Saratoga Springs, NY @ Caffe Lena 6/23: Portsmouth, NH @ The Music Hall Lounge 6/24: Brownfield, ME @ Stone Mountain Arts Center 6/25: Shirley, MA @ Bull Run Restaurant 7/22: Denton, TX @ Dan’s Silverleaf 7/23: Dallas, TX @ Cafe Momentum 7/24: Tomball, TX @ Main Street Crossing 8/22: Berwyn, IL @ Fitzgerald’s 8/23: Milwaukee, WI @ The Back Room at Colectivo 8/24 & 8/25: Minneapolis, MN @ Minnesota State Fair 8/27: Berthoud, CO @ Newell Farm Concert 9/9: Decatur, GA @ Eddie’s Attic 9/10: Bristol, TN @ Bristol Rhythm & Roots 9/11: Nashville, TN @ City Winery 9/12: St. Louis, MO @ City Winery 10/21: Greenville, TN @ Greenville Municipal Auditorium 10/28: Mountain City, TN @ Heritage Hall Theatre
On May 31st, Hayley Kiyoko took over Irving Plaza in the heart of NYC, igniting a firestorm of excitement and pure musical magic. This show was incredible and energetic as she played Irving Plaza for the second day in a row on “The Panorama Tour”; delivering one breathtaking performance after another.
To make the night even more unforgettable, the incredibly talented Allison Ponthier opened her the night, adding an extra layer of brilliance to an already sensational evening. With Irving Plaza’s intimate setting, the energy in the room was palpable as fans eagerly awaited a night they knew would leave a lasting impact on their hearts and souls.
Allison Ponthier, the mesmerizing singer-songwriter hailing from Texas, has been making waves in the music scene with her unique sound and captivating storytelling. In a serendipitous turn of events, Ponthier’s journey took a remarkable leap forward when she shared her heartfelt song “Harshest Critic” on social media platforms, catching the attention of listeners around the world. Her raw vulnerability and haunting melodies struck a chord with audiences, leading to a growing fanbase and critical acclaim.
With her debut EP Faking My Own Death released in 2021, Ponthier showcased her introspective lyrics and ethereal vocals, solidifying her place as an artist to watch. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the human condition, Allison Ponthier’s evocative music resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of those who listen.
Allison Ponthier Setlist: Autopilot, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hardcore, Crash Test Dummy, Cowboy, Faking My Own Death, I Lied, Character Development
Hayley Kiyoko, the charismatic 28-year-old artist hailing from California, has been making waves in the music industry with her unwavering talent and unapologetic authenticity. In an unanticipated but welcomed turn of events, Kiyoko’s journey took a remarkable pivot from acting when she released her breakthrough single “Girls Like Girls” in 2015. The empowering anthem not only resonated deeply with audiences but also caught the attention of major influencers in the industry.
Garnering a devoted following, Kiyoko continued to captivate hearts with her distinct sound and emphasis on sharing queer stories. With each subsequent release, including her debut album Expectations in 2018, Kiyoko solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with. Embracing her role as an LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, she fearlessly uses her platform to champion self-acceptance and love. Hayley Kiyoko’s undeniable talent, combined with her unwavering dedication to authentic expression, has firmly established her as a rising star, destined to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.
Kiyoko’s electrifying performance left the audience in a state of pure euphoria. From the moment she took the stage and launched into the opening chords of “Found My Friends,” the crowd was swept up in a whirlwind of energy and emotion. Kiyoko’s magnetic presence and infectious enthusiasm had everyone dancing and singing along, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration.
In a surprise moment, Kiyoko treated the crowd to a nostalgic rendition of “Determinate,” a throwback to her performance as a main character in the Disney Channel Original Movie, Lemonade Mouth, which had the entire audience belting out the chorus. As a dedicated fan named Jennifer was called out, Kiyoko dedicated a heartfelt rendition of “Pretty Girl” to her, further solidifying the connection she has with her dedicated fanbase.
As the familiar notes of “Girls Like Girls” rang out, the energy reached its peak, with the crowd erupting in a chorus of voices, an amazing start to Pride month, and affirming Kiyoko’s impact as an LGBTQ+ icon. The introspective and empowering “Gravel to Tempo” followed, further solidifying Kiyoko’s message of self-acceptance and authenticity.
The night drew to a close with the poignant “Well…” and the empowering anthem “For the Girls,” leaving the audience with a sense of empowerment and unity. However, the crowd’s fervent cheers and applause brought Kiyoko back for an unforgettable encore, culminating in the breathtaking “Panorama.” As the final notes echoed through the venue, there was a collective understanding that this was a performance that would be etched in their memories forever.
Hayley Kiyoko’s show at Irving Plaza was a masterclass in connecting with an audience and creating an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and celebration.
In terms of upcoming shows, “The Panorama Tour” has come to a close, but updates for any future Hayley Kiyoko shows can be found on socials, and her website. The same goes for Allison Ponthier, and you can find her socials and website linked here.
Hayley Kiyoko Setlist: found my friends, luna, sugar at the bottom, What I Need, underground, deep in the woods, Greenlight, flicker start, Curious, Determinate [Lemonade Mouth song], Pretty Girl (Dedicated to Jennifer, fan from crowd), forever, Sleepover, demons, Girls Like Girls, Gravel to Tempo, Hungry Heart [Steve Aoki, Galantis feat. Hayley Kiyoko], well…, for the girls, panorama
Remember the days before Spotify and Apple Music? The feeling of huddling besides a radio as you waited for your favorite song to maybe come buzzing across those tinny speakers? Even if you don’t, you can find a bit of that old-time magic by listening to the Lost Radio Rounders, an acoustic-Americana trio giving a bit of polish and shine to historic tunes.
From left to right, Michael Eck, Tom Lindsay and Paul Jossman – The Lost Radio Rounders
The Lost Radio Rounders are composed of Michael Eck, Tom Lindsay and most recently Paul Jossman, who joined the band in 2021. Together, they play a range of instruments from banjo, to mandolin and even a dobro (a type of resonator guitar).
But it’s their collective voices that are the star attraction, more specifically the songs they sing and the stories they tell.
The Lost Radio Rounders have carved out a niche with shows that are presented as “themed programs,” each of which covers different aspects of America’s rich and varied musical history.
“We wanted to do something a little different, which was present these collections of songs, themed programs that sort of told a story,” band member Tom Lindsay said.
One such program titled, “Cowboy Songs and Frontier Ballads” finds the band pulling western ballads and folk music from the ranch and tv shows depicting the lone rancher life. “Song of Our Empire State” pulls listeners from the Big Apple to the relaxed rolling hills of upstate.
Politics and Patriots is another unique program featuring American presidential campaign songs.
“White House Blues” as performed by the Lost Radio Rounders.
“We look back to the early 1800s and there’s no PA system, there’s no TV, there’s no radio when the politicians were trying to get their message out,” Lindsay explained. “They would create these little pamphlets called songsters and they’d have sent some lyrics in them about how great their candidate is and how terrible the other guy is.”
None of the songs or programs feature original tunes; rather they’ve been passed down through the generations. Lindsay has also served as a teacher of New York State cultural and music history among other things. He has devoted much of his free time to cataloging old songs typically passed through word of mouth or through books.
“What we’re trying to do is keep the songs alive to keep the viewpoints of those people who created them alive,” Lindsay said.
But he also isn’t opposed to making a few stylistic tweaks of his own.
“With 20 verses of a song, we’re going to look at that song, we’re going to say which six of these verses tell the story in the best and linear way,” he said. “We are not going to be “Mr. Authentic” and bore audiences in 2023.”
The Lost Radio Rounders performing live.
The band still keeps some “old-timey” traditions though. When they play live, all three members huddle round a single condenser microphone to give a vintage sound.
But covering American folk tunes isn’t where Eck or Lindsay saw themselves nearly half a century ago. The two met on the local gig circuit and collaborated on a punk rock album in the 80s.
Now their audience is a bit different. The Lost Radio Rounders mostly play private shows, a lot of which are at senior centers and libraries.
“I think that if you talked to Michael and I, when we were 18 and told us we’d be doing this when we’re older, we’d be horrified,” Lindsay admitted. “But it’s wonderful, because you go in, and you play for these people … and the focus is on you.”
The Lost Radio Rounder’s first album, released in 2009.
Put simply, the raucous energy of a crowded bar isn’t conducive to their play style, Lindsay said, which relies on giving a detailed history of the song’s origins.
“We will not get the attention in a bar and nightclub situation most of the time, to give context to material … and we just feel that that’s our strongest point,” Lindsay added.
A private audience on the other hand is more open to the holistic experience the Lost Radio Rounders offer.
“They want to hear more than just the songs,” Lindsay said. “In other words, it’s our philosophy, a good song is nice, but a good song with a good story behind it is even better.”
The band took a brief hiatus when member Michael Eck suffered a stroke in 2021. This prompted the addition of Paul Jossman on banjo, who like Eck is an inductee to the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame.
Jossman’s addition added new life to the band’s sound, Lindsay said.
“It really injected new life and took us to some places we hadn’t been before and maybe made us look at how we arranged older songs and arrangements,” Lindsay explained. “Quite frankly, after Michael had the stroke, Paul Jossman saved us. He’s the guy who pretty much saved this duo and made it a trio.”
“The Bluestone Quarries” as performed by the Lost Radio Rounders
Eck still holds his own however. Although he needs to sit down at times during live performances, his playing is just as strong as it once was.
“Michael is one of those human beings who have to play music, you know, it’s like, it’s like oxygen for him,” Lindsay added.
But if you are interested in hearing Lost Radio Rounders live, they have a few public shows on the agenda. The band will be playing at the Bennington Museum in Vermont on June 9th at 5pm. On August 27th, they will play at The Linda WAMC Performing Arts Studio in Albany at 8pm. And just announced, they’ll be back at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on October 10.
The band also has four studio albums, the most recent of which was released in 2016.
Upcoming Lost Radio Rounders shows Friday, December 22 @ 8:00 – Caffe Lena
Rounders co-founder Michael Eck can’t wait for the bands December 22 Caffe Lena presentation of the Holiday Sampler, a program he says is “A wonderful mix of songs about the winter season, sacred and secular Christmas carols, familiar tunes and hidden gems.” Banjo man Paul Jossman added that “Tom has created a musical setting Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” that people will really enjoy, and all in all, it will be a great way to close out the musical year!”
“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.
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
