NYS Music 2023

Category: Folk/Americana

  • Five Can’t-Miss Shows in Rochester Area This June

    In Rochester, there are nine days in June that are, for many, the richest nine days of live music on the calendar, named the Rochester International Jazz Fest. But we’ll get to that in a separate post. There’s plenty of other live music to go around this month, so let’s get right to it!

    June 8, Deer Tick at Lincoln Hill Farms

    It’s summer, outdoor shows are king, and most of the outdoor venues are not in Rochester proper. So excuse us if we jump a little bit outside Monroe County here. Lincoln Hill Farms is a great little spot in Canandaigua, and with Dan Small Presents picking up the booking duties their calendar is filling out nicely. One show that has caught our particular attention is this little rock band that could from Providence, Deer Tick. They haven’t played these parts in a bit. Combining superb songwriting with reckless barroom energy, they’ll show you a great time. Rafay Rashid will open the show.

    The music will start at 630pm and tickets are $30.

    June 10, Surprise Chef at Photo City Music Hall

    Australia is exporting some fantastic music these days, across most any genre you can think of. Surprise Chef, a quintet out of Melbourne, is churning out some seriously good instrumental soul-funk like you’d expect from deep in Brooklyn or deep in the South. Catch their twist on things in their Rochester debut. Alanna Royale will open the show.

    Music gets started around 8pm and tickets are $15.

    June 11, The Wood Brothers at Perinton Center Park Amphitheater

    If you’ve seen live music at the Perinton Amphitheater before it was likely of the free community concert variety. But this year Rochester Events is trying it out as a big show venue, starting with Collective Soul on June 1. A week and a half later Rochester faves The Wood Brothers will grace the stage. Ever since a couple of raucous barn burners at the aforementioned Rochester International Jazz Fest some Junes ago, they’ve made Rochester a regular stop. Needless to say, many barns have been burned. They are returning again with another excellent new album in tow. Shovels and Rope open up this time around.

    Show starts at 7pm and tickets are $39.50.

    June 26, David Murray and Kahlil El’Zabar at Bop Shop Records

    Jazz Fest is not the only time of year to catch world-class jazz in Rochester. And even during Jazz Fest, it isn’t the only place to catch world-class jazz. Case in point, Bop Shop Records, one of the best places to catch adventurous music all year round, is bringing back the great Kahlil El’Zabar, who has appeared there so many times, he must be dubbed the Rusted Root of the Bop Shop (iykyk). This time around he is joined by the legendary tenor saxophonist, and his friend of over 40 years, David Murray. Together they are called the Golden Seas Duo and this is a golden opportunity to have your mind blown.

    Show will get started at 8pm and tickets are $25/$30 dos.

    June 30, Budos Band at Photo City Music Hall

    Tying this whole post up in a neat little bow, here is another instrumental soul band at Photo City Music Hall, another Jazz Fest alumnus, and another great jazz show butting up against Jazz Fest. Budos Band will probably start up late enough to come check it out after your Jazz Fest fun though, so we’d suggest partaking in both. Budos Band is on the supreme Daptone Records label and is one of the best things on the label. Heavy, funky, soulful, and as with everything else on this list, not to be missed! Sisters of Your Sunshine Vapor get the show started.

    Doors open at 7pm and tickets are $26.

  • Ballard Park In Westport Unveils Summer 2023 Concert Series

    Ballard Park in Westport will once again host a free, seven-week live music concert series. Performances will take place on Thursdays at 7PM, running from July 6 to August 17, 2023. This year’s lineup features everything from Beatles tribute bands to elite jazz musicians. 

    Ballard Park is perched atop a grassy hillside overlooking Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont. This year, the park will also be home to the Westport-Wadhams Day concert on July 1. 

    Ballard Park was once the location of The Westport Inn, an illustrious grand hotel located in the heart of the Adirondacks. After the 1967 demolition of the building, Anne Ballard (“Petey”) Cerf, a long-time summer resident purchased the property. In 1989 she established Ballard Park in honor of her parents. 

    The park is open to the public and has both lake and beach access. In addition to the summer concert series, Ballard Park offers sledding and ice skating in the winter. 

    Organizers recommend that visitors bring blankets and low chairs. In the case of rain the concerts will switch over to the Whallonsburg Grange Hall.  More information and updates can be found here. 

    Ballard Park Summer Concert Series lineup

    July 1- STUDIO TWO, an early Beatles tribute band.                                  

    July 6- KAT WRIGHT, Vermont’s renowned blues and soul star.

    July 13- MYRA FLYNN, part of the “Roar of the Queen! Tour”, Flynn arrives to Ballard Park after headlining Burlington’s Discover Jazz festival.

    July 20- NICHOLAS EDWARD WILLIAMS, an American troubadour dedicated to preserving the songs and styles that shaped the United States .

    July 27- RAY VEGA, Vermont’s master of Jazz and a University Scholar at UVM

    August 3- MEADOWMOUNT SCHOOL OF MUSIC, Petey Cerf Memorial Concert— strings students from Westport’s renowned summer camp.

    August 10- PLOUGHMAN’S LUNCH, North Country musicians known for bluegrass, swing and covers.

    August 17- RYAN CLARK, from his hometown of Lake George to new home in Nashville, Ryan has received national acclaim for his talent and voice.

  • Brooklyn duo Robinson & Rohe set to perform in NYC as new album “Into the Night” releases

    Brooklyn might not be the place where you’d imagine the next great American folk band to come from, but Liam Robinson and Jean Rohe are looking to change that. The duo has been channeling the sounds of Appalachia and the soul of America since they met over 15 years ago. After exploring their musicality as individuals, Robinson and Rohe drop their next album Into the Night on Friday, May 26th.

    In a musical landscape that is often ripe with generic lyrics and songs made to “trend” on social media, Into the Night is a breath of fresh air. Punctuated by rhythmic guitar strums, bright banjo beats, passionate vocals, and simple but powerful drums, Into the Night does enough to stay engaging without straying too far away from its traditional influences. 

    Although the project is undeniably folk-inspired, elements of rock, bluegrass, jazz, and even pop are found throughout the 11-song album. The real standout element of Into the Night however is Robinson & Rohe’s writing and lyricism, which often comes across more like well-crafted lines of poetry than the lyrics of a song. 

    The album begins with the feel-good title track “Into the Night” which acts as the perfect introduction to the overall tone and atmosphere of the project. Robinson & Rohe put together one of their best and most harmonious vocal performances of the entire album. The pair’s soulful singing gives way to the steady beat of drums and the intricate sounds of a fiddle as the track reaches its climax. The first half of the album also features the songs “Off track” and “Where I’m Coming From”, which both help to demonstrate the project’s strong instrumentation and production. 

    Another gem is “One Last Waltz”, which invites the listener to reflect on time, love, and the brevity of life. Its poetic lyrics and powerful cascade of horns, drums, and guitars act as a comforting “goodbye” as the album nears its end. While Into the Night doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to contemporary folk music, Robinson & Rohe display their songwriting and arrangement skills on just about every track. Together, the duo crafts a project that is not only impressive in its musical value, but also approachable for anyone looking to hear something shaped by the heart. 

    Robinson & Roe will celebrate Into the Night in New York City at Rockwood Music Hall on June 4th. The full list of upcoming performances can be found below: 

    • May 31, 2023- Parlor Room/Northampton, MA
    • June 1, 2023- Passim/Boston, MA
    • June 2, 2023- The Word Barn/Exeter, NH
    • June 4, 2023- Rockwood Music Hall/New York, NY

  • Hearing Aide: Rob Beaulieu Band “Fade Just Right”

    Rob Beaulieu Band’s new album Fade Just Right features nine songs by the band, each one with a unique sound that compliments the overall feel of the album. Different members of the band get their opportunity to shine throughout the pieces, coming together into the album’s many harmonies.

    Rob Beaulieu founded Rob Beaulieu Band, a deeper dive into Americana when compared to other projects, mixing in blues and soul alongside it. He is also a founder and member of the bands Raisinhead and Stone Revival Band. Beaulieu plays guitar and provides vocals for the band, with other members including: James Kirk (bass and vocals), Chad Ploss (drums and vocals), Dave Spadaro (Guitar), Sherry Jean Waite (Vocals), and Tony Perrino (Organ).

    The album opens with “Ghosts,” which sets the standard for the rest of the album. About the dedication of lovers throughout their lives, even when they have been separated, “Ghosts” has Rob Beaulieu Band’s signature harmonies and organ acting as a haunting undercurrent for the piece.

    Each song brings in a new element to mix up things a little bit. The titular song “Fade Just Right” has a much slower piece than most of the album, and uses a xylophone-like sound in one of its motif’s, a sound unique to the piece. In songs such as “Searchin for Paradise” and “Light from the Shoreline,” Sherry Jean Waite takes the role of lead vocalist, a performance that shines through in the album.

    While the songs all have different stories to tell, “Ghosts” and “Spooky” have a haunting theme. “Spooky” in particular latches onto this, with a slower pace and emphasis on a long, mournful note that echoes throughout the piece. The song creates its own phantoms with these notes, the ghosts of “Spooky” occasionally joining in with the harmony through these “phantom calls.”

    The final song, “Sweet Marie” is an energetic conclusion to the album, ending it on a high note. The song’s love letter-like nature is enhanced by its clean rhymes, making it sound almost like a love poem. All the instruments in this piece are tuned for the upbeat finale and are given space to play without the vocalists.

    The band will be playing at The Hollow in Albany on June 23 at 8:00 p.m. alongside Aiko the Dog. For more information and to RSVP for their next show, check out Rob Beaulieu Band’s website.

    The album, Fade Just Right, can be found on Spotify and on Apple Music.

  • In Focus: The Avett Brothers Deliver Two Nights of Sold Out Performances At Beak and Skiff

    Beak and Skiff kicked off their Summer Concert Series this past weekend with a pair of sold-out performances by The Avett Brothers on Friday May 19 and Saturday May 20.  

    The Avett Brothers hail from Concord, NC and consist of brothers Scott (vocals, banjo, guitar, piano and Seth Avett (vocals, guitar, piano) along with Bob Crawford (bass, double bass, violin), Mike Marsh (drums), Joe Kwon (cello), Bonnie Avett-Rini (piano) and Tania Elizabeth (fiddle).  The band have built a devoted fan base with over two decades of touring, and more than ten studio albums.

    While the weather could not have been more perfect during the day on Friday, as show time approached wind gusts and rainclouds moved over the venue.  This did not dampen the spirts of thousands of concert goers as the early arriving sold-out crowd packed the standing area in front of the stage, while more fans spread lawn chairs out across the field.  At 7:15, Scott Avett led the band to the stage and was greeting with a thunderous ovation. 

    The band jumped right into “Laundry Room”, a stand out track from 2009’s I and Love and You.  Scott and Seth dazzled the crowd with their harmonious vocals.  “Stop your parent’s car, I just saw a shooting star,” Scott sang, to another loud ovation from the crowd, as the song exploded with energy.  Next was the folk classic “Old Joe Clark”, which built off the already existing energy.  Each band member took their turn displaying their talents, and the song broke into instrumental duals between the various members.  Scott and Seth took turns wandering to the front of the stage, and onto the speaker cabinets to further excite the crowd.  The remainder of the evening featured several stand out songs from the band’s catalog, including “Headful of Doubt,” “Murder in the City,” and “I and Love and You”.

    Night two began in similar fashion, albeit with heavier rains and cooler temperatures.  The weather appeared to be clearing as show time approached, however heavy showers again moved in at showtime.  The band took the stage armed with kazoos and immediately jumped into the upbeat instrumental piece “The D Bag Rag”. Next was “Talk on Indolence,” a track which dated back to the band’s early blue grass days.  Brothers Scott and Seth hopped about the stage and the crowd, who at this point had forgotten about the heavy rains, danced along with them. 

    The band would roll through over two hours of career spanning tracks, and even included the Doc Watson Family cover, “Groundhog.”  As the set came to a close, the band performed the upbeat “Ain’t No Man.”  The song featured both brothers taking turns on vocals, as they strutted and danced about the stage.  The audience’s pleas for an encore were honored by the band, who returned to perform four more songs.  The band would close two days of stellar performances with “No Hard Feelings,” a heavy and emotional track about staying free from harboring enemies, sharing love and ultimately about accepting death.  

    In all, the Avett Brothers delivered two nights of incredible performances at Beak and Skiff, featuring unique set lists, with over forty different songs played.   Despite the weather, it was truly a special start to the summer concert season.  

  • Sterling Stage Folkfest Lines Up Driftwood, Hayley Jane and more for Memorial Day Weekend Bash

    Sterling Stage Folkfest will mark its return from a three-year hiatus over May 25-28, bringing the Central New York kickoff to summer back to Sterling, NY for Memorial Day weekend.

    Since 1995, Sterling Stage Folkfest has been a spirited kick off to summer at Sterling Stage Kampitheater and features a fun mix of folk, roots and jamband music as well as Artist’s Village, food and craft vendors, morning yoga, camping and more.

    More than 20 acts are scheduled for the four-day event, including Southern Tier standouts Driftwood, who will headline with two sets on Saturday, May 27. Sunday nights will see headliner Hayley Jane, who will be playing two sets with an absolutely incredible band that she has assembled for the night, including Rob Compa, Chuck Jones, and Neal “Fro” Evans (3/4th of Dopapod) along with Josh Hobbs.

    CNY jam faves Count Blastula get the party started on Thursday May 25 with two sets, and will also have the honor of christening a new main stage at the venue, the Artist’s Stage. Friday night will keep the CNY vibe going with the debut of Marilyn’s Cookies, featuring former members of Grateful Dead tribute band Pearly Baker’s Best, including lead guitarist Eric “EB” Brown who has been playing Sterling Stage since the inaugural event in 1995.

    sterling stage folkfest

    Other Folkfest highlights include Folkfaces from Western NY playing late night on Saturday and Rochester’s The Forest Dwellers late night on Friday; debuts from an eclectic mix of groups include The Sorters from Pennsylvania, Motherwort from Ithaca/Finger Lakes, and a funky new project from NY saxophone great Jesse Collins, called Honey Jar Habit.

    The 2023 Sterling Stage Folkfest is the first of 3 multi-day music and camping events that Eric McElveen’s new company Elven Productions, is organizing at the Sterling Stage Kampitheater. Next up is 2023 Sterling Stage String Fling July 6-9 featuring a jam grass theme with Sicard Hollow and Sam Grisman Project headlining. Closing out the season and and the second year replacing the long running Last Daze of Summer festival is Happy Sterling Festival August 31-September 3.

    All tickets include overnight camping and BYOB privileges. Coolers and campfires are allowed (no glass bottles). Advance festival passes are just $80 ($95 at gate) and space is limited. Tickets are available here.

    2023 Sterling Stage Folkfest Lineup

    DRIFTWOOD (2X Saturday)
    HAYLEY JANE (2X Sunday) w/Rob Compa, Chuck Jones, Neal “Fro” Evans, and Josh Dobbs
    MARILYN’S COOKIES (2X Friday)
    COUNT BLASTULA (2X Thursday)
    FOLKFACES
    THE FOREST DWELLERS
    THE SORTERS
    MOTHERWORT
    HONEY JAR HABIT
    SUPER SPICY PEPPER
    NATURAL MEDICINE
    OLD DEER ENSEMBLE
    HAL & PALS
    DUBIOUSLY DEAD
    ALLEN HARRIS
    CHAR DENNIS BAND
    KATIE ALESSANDRA (of Turkey Blaster Omega)
    SAM MONEY
    PAUL LECLAIR
    MOE MICHNICK
    DUFFY
    FRANK HARRIS
    AARON MEKKELSON

    Sterling Stage Folkfest Schedule

    ARTIST’S STAGE (MAIN)

    Thursday May 25
    10pm – 11:30pm – Count Blastula

    Friday May 26
    4pm – 5:10pm – Char Dennis Band
    6pm – 7:10pm – Natural Medicine
    8pm – 9:10pm – Marilyn’s Cookies
    10pm – 11:30pm – Marilyn’s Cookies

    Saturday May 27
    2pm – 3:10pm – Allen Harris
    4pm – 5:10pm – Honey Jar Habit
    6pm – 7:10pm – The Sorters
    8pm – 9:10pm – Driftwood
    10pm – 11:30pm – Driftwood

    Sunday May 28
    2pm – 3:10pm – Old Deer Ensemble
    4pm – 5:10pm – Hal & Pals
    6pm – 7:10pm – Motherwort
    8pm – 9:10pm – Hayley Jane
    10pm – 11:30pm – Hayley Jane

    SINATRA LOUNGE STAGE
    Thursday May 25
    11:45pm – 1am – Allen Harris

    Friday May 26
    5:15pm – 5:55pm – Duffy
    7:15pm – 7:55pm – Sam Money
    9:15pm – 9:55pm – Sam Money
    11:45pm – 12:30am – The Forest Dwellers
    12:35am – 12:50am – Katie Alessandra
    1:00pm – 2am – The Forest Dwellers

    Saturday May 27
    3:15pm – 3:55pm – Aaron Mekkelson
    5:15pm – 5:55pm – Paul LeClair
    7:15pm – 7:55pm – Dubiously Dead
    9:15pm – 9:55pm – Dubiously Dead
    11:45pm – Folkfaces

    Sunday May 28
    3:15pm – 3:55pm – Frank Harris
    5:15pm – 5:55pm – Moe Michnick
    7:15pm – 7:55pm – Katie Alessandra
    9:15pm – 9:55pm – Katie Alessandra
    11:45pm – Super Spicy Pepper

  • Second Annual Sullivan County Music Festival to Showcase Local Talent

    The second annual Sullivan County Music Festival, presented by the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) will be held on Sunday, June 4, from 12 pm to 8 pm. The event will be held on the lawn of Tango Café and Fireman’s Park, Main Street, Hurleyville.

    Sullivan County Music Festival
    Faith Kelly Performs at the 1st Annual Sullivan County Music Festival, June 4, 2022. Photo by Douglas Shindler. Image Courtesy Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre.

    Sullivan County Music Festival is a free community event, with a suggested donation of $10 to support local musicians and vendors. A donation of $10 will get you three complimentary raffle tickets for a chance to win exciting door prizes. Raffle announcements will occur just before the final performance at 7:10 pm.

    This year’s lineup includes 15 performances, all showcasing the incredible diversity of local talent in the the Southern Catskills. Sullivan County Music Festival will also highlight 15 non-profit organizations doing remarkable work within Sullivan County. Attendees can enjoy original music all day, along with an array of vendors, raffles, and door prizes generously provided by local businesses.

    This festival provides a vital platform for the incredible diversity of talent we have right here in our region. It’s an honor to celebrate and support our local musicians, vendors, and non-profit organizations that contribute so much to our community.

    Co-Executive Director of HPAC, Ellyane Hutchinson

    Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair to relax on the grass in front of Tango Café. Several local businesses, including The Hurleyville General Store, Tango Café, Pickled Owl, La Salumina, and Casa Mia, will offer a variety of delicious food options. Additionally, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle will give guests the opportunity to win cash and prizes from local restaurants, vendors, and businesses.

    The Sullivan County Music Festival is a family-friendly event, and will include a bouncy house and face painter. Ample parking is available in two large municipal lots on Main Street and Railroad Avenue in Hurleyville. The venue is wheelchair accessible, with restrooms available in HPAC and Tango Café.

    WJFF Radio Catskill is the official local media sponsor, while NYS Music serves as the official NY state media sponsor. The Sullivan County Music Festival is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Artist fees for the festival are supported in part by STEAM Fund’s Mission One Gig At A Time (MOGAAT). Catskill Brewery is the official beverage sponsor and Upstate D Tours is the official transportation sponsor. Other event sponsors include Funky Hippy Chic Boutique, Liberty Fine Furnishings & Upholstery, DJ Gteaze, Savory Sweet Eatery, American Storage Buildings, and Zeke1r.

    For more information, visit hurleyvilleartscentre.org.

  • Ward Hayden rolls into Rochester on ‘South Shore’ release tour

    Formed nearly 20 years ago on the outskirts of Boston, Ward Hayden & The Outliers have released 9 albums, including South Shore, which was released on May 5. Promoting the album’s release, the band has embarked on tour, with stops this first weekend in May in Syracuse, Rochester, Cleveland, and Columbus.

    The May 6 matinée in Rochester at Abilene was their third trip to the area in the past year as they hit up Abilene in the fall as well as playing to a joyous crowd at CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival last June. The Jazz Festival is the first place I had noticed these talented crooners and their sounds have stuck with me. Mellow, insightful, calming sounds that allow you to just sit back, relax and let your worries drift away.

    The first release off of South Shore is “Breaking up With My Hometown.” A nice mellow number that many people can relate to as they move on from the only surroundings they know. In a recent interview, Hayden says “It was very hard to move on, but you have to leave home if you want to grow. It’s hard to tap into those emotions if you haven’t been anywhere else.”

    With his “pillowy voice of 50s pin-up star” (according to Boston Globe) Ward Hayden & The Outliers 9th studio album is nothing short of spectacular. Starting with “I Can Write a Song About It” to get you deep into thought, South Shore continues with “Hush,” “South Shore,” “Crazy Love,” “Gasoline,” “Things These Days,” “Blink of an Eye,” “I Can’t Wake Up,” “(Breaking Up with) My Hometown,” and “The Great Unknown.”

    Like previous albums every song tells a story, especially the title track “South Shore.” This is an ode to where Hayden grew up. Having moved numerous times, his family finally settled down in Scituate, about 30 miles from Boston. The song talks of his personal struggle of leaving Scituate to discover life and who he was and then having to return as the pandemic took a hold of the country. “The Great Unknown” is about life and all that nobody really knows, deep thoughts that Jack Handy would be proud of. Crazy Love is about just that, crazy love. Was it a first crush? First long term relationship? It doesn’t matter, we have all been there to certain degree.

    And I left home for a while to see where I belonged.
    I searched high and low for a place to call home, but it all felt wrong. And people say, “You can never go home”,
    But I like to think that ain’t so ‘cause if it is I’ve got nowhere to go

    The band includes Josh Kiggans on drums, Cody Nilsen on guitar & Pedal Steel, Greg Hall on upright & electric bass Ward Hayden Vocals & Guitar

    Follow along with Ward Hayden & The Outliers as they tour with their own honky-tonk sounds.

  • In Focus: Mikaela Davis Kicks Off Spring Residency At Funk ‘n Waffles In Syracuse

    A quick walk through Syracuse’s Armory Square on the evening of Thursday, May 4 would have provided an astute listener the sounds to give hope that another winter was behind us.  Conversation drifted from sidewalk tables, birds sang from nearby trees, and the music of Mikaela Davis poured from Syracuse’s Funk ’n Waffles, as the band kicked off their “Here Comes Sunshine” spring residency.  This was the first of three scheduled performances at Funk ‘n Waffles for the band.

    Davis, a native of Rochester, is a classically trained harpist who has toured extensively over the last decade.  She has built the reputation of being one of the brightest rising stars in the music industry.  In 2018 she released her debut solo album, Delivery.  Soon after the release, she joined forces with her backing band Southern Star.  The band, who consist of brothers Shane (bass guitar) and Cian McCarthy (guitar), Alex Cote (drums) and Kurt Johnson (pedal steel, guitar), have compiled an impressive touring resume. They have previously shared the stage with artists such as Bob Weir, Bon Iver, Lake Street Dive, and will tour with The Mountain Goats and later this year.  The five members have contributed to the band’s unique and refreshing sound.

    Of late, the band has become known for their seasonal residency concerts;  three concerts over consecutive weeks in the same city.  The concert consists of two sets of music; one set of original music, and a second set of Grateful Dead covers. After selling out many residency shows across New York State this past winter, the band have again returned for a spring slate.  

    Shortly after 8pm the band took to the stage and launched into the groovy “Don’t Stop Now”.  The song’s drum and bass rhythm would soon be joined by the familiar sounds of Davis’s harp plucking and the night would be under way.  The first set would consist of tracks from 2018’s Delivery as well as offerings from the band’s upcoming release And Southern Star.   The songs placed Davis’s talents on full display, with her vocals and signature harp style blending beautifully with the band’s accompaniment.  A highlight of the first set would be the band’s performance of “Far From You”, the the hauntingly beautiful first offering off of And Southern Star.

    After a short intermission, the band would return to the stage for a set consisting entirely of Grateful Dead covers.  The stage, which was draped in bohemian decor, offered a fitting backdrop for the remainder of the evening.  During this portion of the evening, the band’s musical talent’s were really able to shine.  Grateful Dead classics turned in to musical jam sessions, while the near capacity audience filled the area closest to the stage and danced along.  During one jam session, Davis abandoned her seat at the harp, and each band member took a different percussive instrument.  They led the audience on an extended drum solo jam, much to the audiences’ delight.  

    After a brief encore, the band returned to the stage and closed out the evening with their rendition of Grateful Dead’s “Bird Song”.  The combination of Davis’s vocals and harp playing allowed for the classic track to soar to new heights.  The evening’s combination of original music along with Grateful Dead classics make for an evening of must see music.  Be sure to catch the band on one of their upcoming residency shows.  

    Mikaela Davis Residency Shows

    5/8 – Ithaca NY – Deep Dive

    5/9 – Buffalo NY – 9th Ward at Babeville

    5/10 – Albany NY – Parish Public House

    5/11 – Syracuse NY – Funk ‘n Waffles

    5/15 – Rochester NY – Lilac Festival

    5/16 – Buffalo NY – 9th Ward at Babeville

    5/18 – Syracuse NY – Funk ‘n Waffles

    5/19 – Albany NY – Parish Public House

  • Maverick Concert Series in Woodstock Returns this July

    Maverick Concerts, the oldest continuous summer chamber music festival in America, located on Maverick Road in Woodstock along the serene Catskill Mountains, has announced its summer 2023 season, which begins July 1 and continues until Sept. 10.

    The 2023 performance schedule includes recurring events like Maverick Family Saturdays, Maverick Saturday evenings, and Maverick Chamber Festival Sundays. In celebration of the summer 2023 season, Maverick will host a special open house on June 3 from noon to 5 p.m. 

    The Pablo Ziegler Jazz Tango Trio, from left to right: Hector Del Curto, Pablo Ziegler, and Claudio Ragazzi, will open the season on July 1. Credit: Maverick Concerts.

    The Maverick Concert Series in Woodstock begins with Maverick Family Saturdays on July 1. Finishing out the night, Maverick welcomes the Grammy Award-winning Pablo Ziegler Jazz Tango Trio (Ziegler, Hector Del Curto, and Claudio Ragazzi.) The virtuoso pianist featured on Astor Piazzolla’s late masterpiece Tango: Zero Hour, Ziegler has forged on in the master’s Nuevo Tango vein, evolving its blend of Argentinian tango with jazz values and modern chamber music.

    Finishing out the opening weekend on July 2, Cuarteto Latinoamericano returns to Maverick, performing string quartets from three great mid-century Latin American composers: the Brazilian master Heitor Villa-Lobos and his two great Mexican contemporaries, Silvestre Revueltas and Carlos Chavez.

    The Maverick Concert Series in Woodstock concludes at the end of summer, shortly after labor day on Sept. 9 and 10. Saturday will welcome Happy Traum with Cindy Cashdollar and friends for a performance. Sunday celebrates the 80th birthday of Afro-Cuban American composer and conductor Tania Leon, who will participate in a pre-concert talk, and the final concert of the series welcomes the Cassatt String Quartet and the American pianist Ursula Oppens.

    Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the uniquely charming rustic Maverick Concerts has superb acoustics and is the ideal venue for an intimate encounter with chamber music. Maverick presents concerts by internationally renowned classical, jazz, and contemporary music ensembles from July through early September. Its founder, Hervey White, built the historic concert hall in 1916 and opened his land and hospitality to artists, musicians, and the community, and his vision is still sustained today.

    For tickets and additional information on the Maverick Concerts 2023 season, visit maverickconcerts.org.

    Maverick Concerts in Woodstock full 2023 schedule:

    Saturday, July 1:

    Maverick Family Saturdays

    Chief Baba Neil Clarke

    Jazz at the Maverick

    Pablo Ziegler Jazz Tango Trio

    Sunday, July 2:

    Cuarteto Latinoamericano

    Saturday, July 8:

    Maverick Family Saturdays

    The Wayfinder Experience

    Mak Grgic, guitar

    Sunday, July 9:

    Miro Quartet

    Saturday, July 15:

    Maverick Family Saturdays

    The Blues and Beyond with Andy Stack

    Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams

    Sunday, July 16:

    Escher String Quartet

    Saturday, July 22:

    Maverick Family Saturdays

    Birds of Prey with Ravensbeard Wildlife Center

    Steve Gorn, Vinay Desai, and Samir Chatterjee

    Sunday, July 23:

    Manhattan Chamber Players with David Fung

    Saturday, July 29:

    Maverick Family Saturdays

    Tracy Bonham and Melodeon

    Adam Tendler, piano with Alexander Platt

    Sunday, July 30:

    Danish String Quartet

    Saturday, August 5:

    Priscilla Navarro

    Sunday, August 6:

    Verona Quartet

    Saturday, August 12:

    Maverick Family Saturdays

    Dali Quartet

    Jazz at the Maverick – Arturo O’Farrill Quartet

    Sunday, August 13:

    Dali Quartet

    Saturday, August 19:

    Maverick Family Saturdays

    Jason Vance Storyteller and One-Man Band

    Jazz at the Maverick – Nilson Matta Brazilian Voyage

    Sunday, August 20:

    Catalyst Quartet with Gabriel Cabezas

    Saturday, August 26:

    20th Anniversary Chamber Music Concert – Canoga Arts Ensemble w/Simone Dinnerstein, piano

    Sunday, August 27:

    Borromeo String Quartet

    Saturday, September 2:

    Jazz at the Maverick – Bill Charlap Trio

    Sunday, September 3:

    Ames Piano Quartet

    Saturday, September 9:

    Happy Traum with Cindy Cashdollar and friends

    Sunday, September 10:

    Cassatt Quartet with Ursula Oppens, piano; Tania Leon composer