NYS Music 2023

Category: Folk/Americana

  • Bryant Park Picnic Performances Continue With Accordions Around the World

    Bryant Park Picnic’s free, live performances presented by Bank of America, continue on Friday, Aug. 25 at 7 pm with Accordions Around the World. The performance promises a wide range of notable performers, featuring Diana Burco, Suistamon Sähkö, and Ragini Ensemble.

    This year’s festival, curated by Ariana Hellerman, includes the Latin Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Diana Burco, one of Colombia’s biggest stars, performing in the regional vallento style from the Atlantic Coast, Suistamon Sähkö, an innovative electronic quartet, blending Finnish traditional elements with techno, promising an exhilarating dance party, and the Ragini Ensemble, an all-women subgroup within the Brooklyn Raga Massive. They will enchant listeners with their rendition of traditional matrilineal music from the South Asian diaspora.

    Attendees to Bryant Park Picnic Performances are welcome to bring their own food, or purchase on-site food and beverages from venders near the Lawn. All performances promise exciting new dishes and classics from the five boroughs, with a rotating line-up of local artisanal venders curated by Hester Street Fair. Stout NYC offers giant pretzels, gourmet popcorn, amongst other snacks. Additionally, a selection of beet, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

    About the Performers

    Diana Burco, a singer, songwriter, and accordion player, is rising to the forefront of the explosive, multidimensional Colombian music scene. Burco has long held a passion for Colombia’s traditional music, playing and investigating the genre since childhood. Since then, she has taken her exploration to the next level, traveling throughout Colombia in search of the country’s varied forms and expressions, and has studied and collaborated with the masters that interpret them.

    Burco’s deep cultural fluency and wide-ranging contemporary explorations truly mark her as a 21st century troubadour – charting an original path rooted in Colombia’s deep heritage. She has participated in programs and platforms around the world including One Beat Colombia, Ethno World, and MAPAS (Artes Performativas del Atlantico Sur).

    The Arctic Etnotekno act Suistamon Sähkö from Finland gains momentum gig by gig and cheerfully moves through ethno techno and smoke shack sounds to the world of hip-hop. The group favors a boisterous rave atmosphere, synthesizer buzz, rap declarations, and a Soviet-made accordion, making the audience jiggle and the cottage floor shake. The Suistamon Sähkö rhythm universe is a rambunctious mix of primitive primordial force and experimental dance music. In addition to Finnish stages, the Suistamon Sähkö spark has also flown to international arenas in Germany, France, and Russia.

    During their short existence, the group has published three albums and a dozen music videos which have attracted attention. Suistamon Sähkö was selected as the opening act of the notable World Music Expo Womex Tampere 2019 and as the showcase act of the Folk Alliance International in New Orleans in early 2020. In 2022 the band performed as part of globalFest meets TinyDesk.

    Exploring a merging of diasporic songs, matrilineal folk songs, and beat-driven celebratory chutney anthems, the Ragini Ensemble, in partnership with Brooklyn Raga Massive, gathers songs born out of the South Asian diaspora spread wide, fragmented, and reforged in Reunion Island, Guyana and Trinidad.

    Speaking, or rather singing into the aesthetic body of work defined by the “Coolitude” movement, this set is inspired by the legacy of post-indentureship collective memory, nostalgia, and reclamation of joy in the gathering to sing, itself a cultural practice known as “baithak gana.” Tabla player/Electronic artist, Roshni Samlal, violinist/looper Natie, harmonium player/singer Pratima Doobay, and dholak player/singer Kajol Ji re-envision the sounds of their homeland and history.

    Bryant Park Picnic Performances Remaining Schedule

    August

    August 11 – Joe’s Pub: Shaina Taub

    August 18 – New York City Opera: From Vienna to Broadway!

    August 19 – New York City Opera: Alessandro Lora in Concert

    August 25 – Accordions Around the World: Diana Burco, Suistamon Sähkö, Ragini Ensemble

    August 26 – Roulette Intermedium: Immanuel Wilkins, 75 Dollar Bill, Ka Baird

    September

    September 01 – The Classical Theatre of Harlem

    September 07 – American Symphony Orchestra: American Expressions

    September 08 – New York City Opera: Romeo and Juliet

    September 09 – Drom: Gaye Su Akyol (U.S. Debut)

    September 14 – Harlem Stage: 40th Anniversary Celebration

    Additional Performance Information

    For the most current information please visit bryantpark.org/picnics.

  • Hearing Aide: Mick Fury Releases New Album ‘1981-1996’

    Syracuse-born, Nashville-based artist Mick Fury dropped his latest project earlier this summer titled 1981-1996. In a popular music landscape congested with hollow lyrics, cheap sentiments, and reused sounds, the album stands out for its conceptuality and thematic elements. Focused on the trials and tribulations of millennials across the United States, the album touches on topics and ideas usually avoided by mainstream stars. 

    We’re the most open-minded, hard-working-for-beans, thoughtful generation yet, and we’ve watched the American Dream be snatched away from us like bullies taking a kid’s lunch money

    Mick Fury

    Takeaways

    The album’s Nashville influence is inescapable: from Fury’s country-rock tone, to the up-tempo and twangy guitar patterns, and even to the country references of dirt, whiskey, roads, and rust. Despite 1981-1996’s country leanings, Fury, along with Max McKee (bass, guitar) and Nate Felty (drums, percussion), also incorporates elements of rock, alt-rock, and even post-grunge into the project. While the instrumentation and arrangement on the album is not the centerpiece, the trio do a good job at giving space for Fury’s lyricism to shine.

    With ten songs and a 33-minute runtime, 1981-1996 wastes no time getting into the topic of the project. The album opens with a 42-second recording of sensationalized claims about millennials in the style of a cable news broadcast titled “The Perception.” Angry voices yell out phrases like “snowflakes” and argue that “they want to demand respect that they don’t deserve” or that “they have traded achievement for victimhood”. The track helps tune the listener in for what Fury wants to address in the ensuing songs. 

    Fury begins the music by inspecting his childhood and the innocence of youth with the song “Bright Eyed Dumb Kid.” The tune is reflective in nature and touches on a topic that many listeners can relate to. Its palatable drums and calm country guitar strums make the song an easy listen. Despite the track’s clear focus, its lyrics differ from the harsh and poignant sentiments espoused on “The Perception.” 

    Highlights

    As the album continues, Fury finds his groove with “Can’t Let Go” and “State of the Union.” The former perfectly demonstrates the singer’s smooth and comfortable delivery, helping to lull the listener into a foot-tapping trance. Fury’s lyrics about being lost and stuck without a purpose match perfectly with the songs’ alt-rock rhythm. “State of the Union” on the other hand is a fast paced track filled with attitude and frustration. The song is arguably where Fury is his most critical and thoughtful on the album. The artist highlights many of the flaws in American society with lyrics like, “Go to school for years to get your degree, get out and get a job then hopefully, we’ll get you out of debt and get you out of this town, you’ll be paying that off until you’re in the ground.” 

    “We go looking for hope, some kind of savior, pills, presidents, conspiracies, creators, trying to find the way through the dark but it keeps getting later”

    Mick Fury on “State of the Union”

    “Broken Highway” is most likely Fury’s most ambitious song on 1981-1996. The track features a blend of rock, country, psych-rock, and alt-rock to create a sound that channels the atmosphere of early 2000s radio anthems. The song is ripe with layered production and features some of the best instrumentation on the project. 

    Following up “Broken Highway” is “Burnin’ It Down,” which is a pleasant return to Fury’s country-rock sound. The track showcases the artist’s creativity as Fury plays with the idea of a traditional country song. Positioned as a classic “America-first” hit, the track takes aim at many of the problematic elements associated with the nation. Mick Fury sings, “Everyday there’s another threat, from some enemy I ain’t never met, we got money for missiles and fuck-all for the vets.” The artist goes on to critique the narrow-minded view that many Americans have. He writes “nothing’s wrong and nothing’s right, you ain’t looking past your own life.” 

    mick fury panama

    1981-1996 is conceptually profound and highlights the ingenuity and creativity of Mick Fury. While the album doesn’t reinvent the wheel sonically, Fury sounds right at home on just about all the tracks. The singer’s lyricism and writing is ultimately what drives the project. What the album lacks in nuance and specificity, it makes up for in digestibility and familiarity. In all, the album is a breath of fresh air as it looks to address a topic often untouched by others in the same lane.

  • Maria Muldaur’s Announces Retrospective Tour, Way Past Midnight

    This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Maria Muldaur’s chart-topping hit “Midnight at the Oasis.” To celebrate this milestone, she and her band will be embarking on a special tour with stops throughout New York, presenting Muldaur’s multi-media retrospective show, Way Past Midnight, which will chronicle her 60-year musical journey.

    In this one-of-a-kind multi-media retrospective, Mulduar chronicles her 60-year musical journey through American Roots Music, to The Oasis and Beyond. Mulduar and her band will perform her iconic hits, such as “Midnight at the Oasis,” “I’m A Woman,” and more. They will also play many oft-requested fan favorites from the 43 albums she has recorded in the last 50 years.

    Mulduar will treat audiences to previously unseen photos and videos and will share fascinating, often humorous personal stories from every stage of her 60-year career, spanning from her early days in the 60s with The Jim Kweskin Jug Band to her years of pop stardom, and on to her continuing exploration of the many forms of American Roots Music – Blues, Bluesiana, Jazz, and Gospel.

    Way Past Midnight tells Maria Muldaur’s story in words, pictures, videos, and songs. Through this, she allows fans insight into her personal encounters, friendships, and collaborators, including many notable names in music: Bob Dylan, Doc Watson, Taj Mahal, Dr. John, Aaron Neville, John Sebastian, David Grisman, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder, Hoagy Carmichael, and Benny Carter, amongst others.

    Tour Dates and More Information

    Friday, September 8, at 8 pm at My Father’s Place

    3 Pratt Blvd, Glen Cove, NY, Tickets $40 ADV/$50 DOS.

    For tickets and venue information, visit this link.

    Thursday, September 14, 8:30 pm at The Iridium

    1650 Broadway, New York, NY, 10019, Tickets: $35.56 – $49.

    For tickets and venue information, visit this link.

    Saturday, September 16, 7 pm at The Vogel – Count Basie Center for the Arts

    99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ, 07701, Tickets: $39+.

    For venue information, visit this link. Find tickets for the event on ticketmaster.

    Sunday, September 17, 4 pm at The Turning Point

    468 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, NY, 10968,Tickets: $31.80.

    For venue information and tickets, visit this link.

  • The Catamount Resort Summer Series Continues In August

    The Catamount Resort Summer Series is wrapping up a jam-packed season of programming with three shows in August. Taking place over multiple weeks, the series started back on July 7 and will run until August 18. Each concert takes place on Friday from 4:30pm to 8:00pm at Catamount Mountain Resort in Hillsdale. 

    Boasting a lineup of local and regional bands, the Catamount Resort Summer Series looks to bring quality music to the beautiful Taconic Mountains. Past performers from this year include Sister Funk, Hedtrip, and Eric Harpe and the Delta Swingers. 

    Along with music, the series will also have a variety of tasty food and drink options. Organizers encourage guests to bring their own lawn chair however there are picnic tables available at the venue. Multiple of the resort’s outdoors activities will also operate with extended hours during the series, including a Zip Tour, Aerial Adventure Park, and Scenic Chairlift Rides. 

    The Catamount Resort Summer Series is free and open to the public. Here for more details and information about the event. 

    August Schedule 

    Aug. 4- The Silver Chain Band

    Based out of Albany, The Silver Chain Band has performed across the country. From playing gigs at local New York hotspots to rocking venues down in Memphis, the group delivers impassioned performances wherever they are. Silver Chain builds on a solid foundation of Blues Folk, with elements of electric blues, and a sprinkle of rock. Their music is influenced by ZZ Top, Sonny Boy Williamson, JR Wells, Paul Butterfield, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddy King, Albert King, and Bill Perry, just to name a few.

    Aug. 11- Victrola

    Led by vocalist Victoria Palagy, Victrola is known for their creative covers of pop, rock, and blues tracks. Victoria is joined onstage with Ray Palagy, Patti Richardson, John Keane and Leo Brennan Jr. 

    Aug. 18- The Saints

    The Saints are an experienced band that has been together for 25 years. The group loves to get the crowd moving with feel-good dance music. Perfect for the summer months, enjoy the Saints as they close out The Catamount Resort Summer Series.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGGaj0qHGJQ

  • Willie Nelson brings Outlaw Music Festival to Western NY

    On July 30, Darien Lake Amphitheater played host to a festival of Americana, when Willie Nelson and Friends rolled into the venue as part of the Outlaw Music Festival. Joining him was his son, a.k.a. The Particle Kid, as well as Kathleen Edwards, Gov’t Mule, and Nathanial Rateliff & The Night Sweats.

    A perfect summer afternoon for some rustic Americana music, fans were trickling into the concert venue, situated directly behind a Six Flags amusement park. The open spaces near the entrance were taken up today by various vendors for hemp products, tie dyed shirts, bucket hats, beer cozies shaped like boots, and vodka from Wheatley Vodka, a sponsor of the Music Festival. The smells of carnival type foods were permeating all around. Fried Oreos, fried dough, and hand cut fries were all available as soon as you entered the venue. Pretty smart marketing, if you know what I mean.

    Concert goers continue to flow in as The Particle Kid, better known as Micah Nelson, hits the stage around 3:45 p.m. Yes, that is the son of the Nelson you’re thinking of. The younger Nelson played for roughly 30 minutes, comfortably seated in a chair in front of a microphone. With only a guitar to assist him, you couldn’t help but notice some nuances that really made you realize what blood line this kid comes from. The voice, simple and smooth, almost distinguished. The body language and handling the guitar made you think you were watching the elder Nelson, 60 years prior. Later on, playing alongside his father, Micah really belted out the lyrics and put rest any doubt of who his father is.

    Following up The Particle Kid was Kathleen Edwards. Coming from Canada, she talks jokingly about how it took a team of lawyers and such to make it possible for her to be there on stage. Regardless of the size of the team or if it really happened that way, Edwards is elated to be on this tour, her second time around, with the everlasting Willie Nelson.

    Musically, Edwards played for close to an hour belting out ten songs and telling some stories along the way. Releasing her first EP in 1999, she hit the Billboard top 200 albums with first three albums and her fourth album, Voyager, hit number 40 on the same charts. Although she hit the scene hard and impressed many prominent names in the business who called her a force to be reckoned with, Edwards eventually had to walk away from music for bit. Taking some time for mental health and revitalization, Edwards opened a little café with a former supervisor from a famous Seattle coffee icon. Known for puns and plays on words, the café was named Quitters, reminding her everyday about leaving the music business. Over time, Edwards began writing again, and subsequently got her passion for music back. The café has since been sold and music is now hers to enjoy all over again.

    With vocals that carry hints of Suzanne Vega or k.d. Lang, Edwards can put together some pretty solid and thought-provoking lyrics. Who knows where she would be if the passion was never gone or if the café was never opened up. For now, though, let’s be grateful that we can experience this talented Canadian.

    I’m a Ford Temple, you’re a Maserati
    You’re The Great One, I’m Marty McSorley
    You’re the Concord, I’m economy
    I make the dough, but you get the glory

    I Make the Dough, You Get the Glory

    Following Edwards was the classic Americana/folk voices of Gov’t Mule. Mule, as fans call them, was formed in 1994 as side project of Allman Brothers members Warren Haynes and Allen Woody, which lends to the sounds that fans keep coming back for. With inspiration from early bands like Cream and Mountain, it’s obvious why these guys have developed quite the following. Such is the case for the guy I watched play the air drums damn near perfect in a few songs. Hit for hit, this fan was in tune with the band for a good portion of the set. Mule recently announced a visit to a nearby Rochester theatre, not far from Darien Lake, definitely worth a look.

    These next musicians know how raise the roof, as they demonstrated for this crowd and many that before them. Nathaniel Rateliff and his R&B influenced back up band The Night Sweats, hit the stage and the fans were almost immediately energized. Playing a 20 set prior to a guy named Willie Nelson can be intimidating, but Rateliff and his Night Sweats were definitely up for the challenge and boy did they deliver. The songs became progressively heavier and louder through the set, and fans responded accordingly.

    While the crowd was noticeably into the current music, when Rateliff played “S.O.B.” the fans under the tent went absolutely nuts, singing along (more like screaming) to every word like it was their song. At one point, Rateliff held his mic out for the crowd and they nailed the lyrics in style. One of their more popular tracks, “S.O.B.” was made as sort of a joke or satire. Listening to the song, you realize it is about addiction and the sobering process and temptations that come along with it. A subject that can be quite taboo to talk about, let alone sing about. However, the instant popularity led to a studio recording, and now it is one the biggest songs during their sets.

    Next up was the iconic Willie Nelson. Touring for over 60 years, with song after song, album after album, accolades, awards, etc. It is 2023 now, and what can be said about this Outlaw musician that hasn’t been said already? I cannot think of anything. He was in a band called the Highwaymen, he played the Grand Ole Opry, and he organized Farm Aid in 1985.

    What I can say is this. I have been going to concerts for about 30 years now. There was something different about this one, though. It had a feel to it that you don’t see at other shows. As Willie Nelson broke into song, the crowd went almost silent. There was no hootin’ and hollerin’, there was no cheering or obnoxious singing. There was silence in the crowd during every song. The fans let Willie Nelson perform as he has since 1960. Much respect is given to this outlaw that is now “On The Road Again” heading to his next stop on this journey.

    For over 60 years, Willie Nelson has done his thing, he has done it his way for the most part, and he has lived a seemingly happy life. He moved from record label to record label to keep more control over what he does. He moved from Nashville back home to Texas to get away from the polarizing grip of record companies. Nelson is now 90 and seems to have little to no regret about life choices, including anything marijuana related.

    Sitting on stage for a set of 20+ songs, Nelson sat within arm’s reach of his son Micah, aka The Particle Kid, and surrounded by a few bandmates. The two played every song together and told a few stories that acted as segways to next song, or maybe tidbit for the previous song. A story from Micha becomes the segway for a song he wrote, at the urging of dad. He talks about dying while high, and if he does, he is either half way to heaven or looking at a long fall down. Originally just a thought of Micah’s but soon realized it would be an awesome song and needed someone to record it with him. The younger Nelson sings the song through the eyes of his legendary father, and you could almost hear a pin drop.

    While PR team did not allow photos of Willie Nelson, I assure you he looks the same as has for the past 30 years. If you have seen any photos of him, that is the same person that was on stage at Darien Lake. I assure you, he sounds the same, he still smokes the good stuff, and he loves to be stage. I was bummed about not getting photos, however, looking back, being able to sit there and listen a living legend is good enough for me. Seeing the respect that fans gave him for nearly 90 minutes of stage time, was unreal and well deserved. If you ever have a chance to see someone like this, even if you aren’t a superfan, I strongly urge you to make it happen. It will take your appreciation of music to new heights.

    The Outlaw Music Festival continues through October 15, finishing in Pelham, Alabama.

    Setlist: Whiskey River / Stay a Little Longer, Still Is Still Moving to Me, I Never Cared for You, Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys, Die When I’m High (Halfway to Heaven), Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground, On the Road Again,You Were Always on My Mind, Georgia (On My Mind), I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train, Everything Is Bullshit, Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die, Still Not Dead, Write Your Own Songs, Move it On Over, I Thought About You Lord, I’ll Fly Away, Will The Circle Be Unbroken, It’s Hard to Be Humble

  • Gregory McLoughlin Drops Uplifting New Single ‘Woody Guthrie’

    Gregory McLoughlin has ended the month of July in an incredible way as he just released his uplifting new track “Woody Guthrie.” The songwriter’s 13th single as a solo artist came paired with an exclusive video premiere on YouTube following his regular Monday Night Livestream.

    McLoughlin is a multitalented artist based in Jersey City whose expertise as a bass player and songwriter makes him a man of many musical occupations. On top of writing and recording his own music as a solo artist and working as a freelance upright and electric bass player around the New York City area, McLoughlin also takes time to write music for other musicians and bands including BuzzUniverse, Julia Kirk, Beeman and Bannon, Ana Oh, Anthony Tamburro, Ross Sandler, and many more. McLoughlin has also been able to spread his love of music through live-streaming, performing virtual concerts every Monday Night at 8:00 PM on his YouTube Live page.

    As fans now know after his latest live stream, McLoughlin’s recent single, named after and inspired by the legendary American Folk artist Woody Guthrie, is not only a dedication to the incredible musical powers that have come before but also declares that even though life is difficult, there is always a new day ahead with a silver lining. The track is a fast-paced, upbeat tune that includes a contagious melody allowing the words to match the instrumentals. Although the folk style and somewhat strange lyrics may not be for everyone, the single is worth a listen and is guaranteed to get even the stingiest critiques tapping their feet and grasping a message “that reflects the sound of Woody Guthrie.”

    Gregory McLoughlin explains, “Woody Guthrie is a song about reconnecting with loved ones, finding your true self through pain and hardship, and realizing that there is such thing as a new day.” The single is now available to stream on YouTube, Spotify, and more!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxXx7qzVndk

  • In Focus: Grassroots Festival, A Memorable Celebration of Music, Arts, and Community

    From the moment you stepped foot into the Grassroots Festival grounds, you were transported to a world of creativity, community, and culinary delights. This year’s festival, held in Trumansburg, NY, was a true testament to the power of music and the arts in bringing people together for an unforgettable experience.

    Families of all ages were greeted with a plethora of arts and crafts activities that sparked creativity and imagination. From face painting and tie-dye workshops to interactive art installations and collaborative mural projects, there was something for every member of the family to enjoy. The festival organizers went above and beyond to ensure that kids and adults alike could engage in enriching and entertaining experiences, fostering an atmosphere of togetherness and joy.

    Of course, the heart of Grassroots Festival was the music, and what a lineup it was! Spread across multiple stages, bands from all corners of the US delivered electrifying performances that left the audience in awe. The Thursday night performances set the bar high, with explosive sets by performers and bands like Laila Belle, Sophistafunk, Donna the Buffalo, Maddy Walsh and Blind Spots, Laila Belle, Gunpoets, and Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad. Their energy and passion set the tone for an unforgettable weekend of musical journeys.

    Sophistafunk

    Friday’s lineup continued to impress, with dynamic performances by the Fall Creek Brass Band, Kevin Kinsella, Jupiter & Okwess, The Rollin Rust, Motherwort, The Mavericks, Jimkata and Double Tiger. Each act brought their unique sound and style to the stage, ensuring that every musical taste was satisfied.

    Jimkata

    Saturday was a highlight of the festival, featuring sensational performances from Rising Appalachia, Watchhouse, Sona Jobarteh, Ryan Montbleau Band, and The Comb Down. The eclectic mix of genres, from folk to world music, had the crowd dancing, singing, and swaying in harmony, creating a unified atmosphere of joy and celebration into the late night underneath the stars.

    Watchhouse

    As the festival approached its closing day, Sunday, the anticipation was palpable. A highlight moment was the Happiness Parade that made its way through the grounds. The Legendary Ingramettes delivered a powerful and soulful performance. Sim Redmond Band, DahkaBrakha, Driftwood, and the All-Star Jam with Donna the Buffalo were the perfect conclusion to a weekend filled with musical magic.

    In addition to the outstanding music, the Grassroots Festival treated its attendees to a diverse array of delectable foods from vendors representing different cuisines from around the world. From Caribbean delights to pizzas, mouthwatering Thai dishes to comforting pasta plates, there was an endless variety of flavors to satisfy any craving.

    In conclusion, the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg was an unparalleled celebration of arts, music, and culinary delights that left a lasting impression on all who attended. The remarkable performances, the engaging arts and crafts, and the mouthwatering food options came together to create an experience that celebrated the richness of human creativity and connection. As the festival came to a close, attendees left with full hearts, new friendships, and an enduring appreciation for the magic of music and community. Until next year, Grassroots Festival – thank you for an unforgettable experience!

  • Howlin’ At The Moon Concert Series in Rotterdam Junction Highlights Regional Artists

    The Schenectady County Historical Society is bringing live music to the Capital Region all summer with the Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series. Hosted at the Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction, the series runs June 1 to October 5. Shows are on Thursdays at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 

    The Howlin’ at the Moon concert series looks to deliver an “authentic musical experience” for visitors and performers alike. The event showcases local and regional artists from a diverse set of genres including bluegrass, Americana, folk, indie, and more. Organizers hope that the series can act as a platform for people to discover and share new ideas and music. 

    One of the main features of Howlin’ at the Moon is the historic venue in which it takes place. Mabee Farm was originally built in 1705 and is widely regarded as the oldest farm in the Mohawk Valley. The property is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site includes a 17th century house, brick building, Dutch barn, English, barn, and a cemetery. The Dutch barn hosts all concerts, or, in case of rain, the pavilion behind the George E. Franchere Education Center serves as the alternative venue.

    Everesy Rising

    Local band Everest Rising acts as the musical host for each performance. Helping to curate the concert lineup, the group also serves as the opening act all summer long. Bill Flanagan, Pete Gernert-Dott, Dale Wade-Keszey, Trevor Wood, and Mark Baptiste make up bluegrass and Americana outfit.

    All Howlin’ at the Moon shows are $10 at the door (cash only). For more details and information click here. 

    Remaining Concert Lineup

    Arius Photography

    Sara Milonovich & Daisycutter

    w/ Everest Rising

    Thursday, August 3, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00PM

    Sara Milonovich has been a professional musician for over 25 years. She has experience with everything from folk and bluegrass to celtic music and symphony orchestra. Milonovich has performed on Broadway, and even toured Eastern Europe as a State Department musical ambassador. She received the “Americana Artist of the Year” award at the Capital District Thomas Edison Music Awards in 2022.

    Big Fez & the Surfmatics

    w/ Everest Rising

    Thursday, August 31, 2023 “Blue Moon Spectacular” | 7:00 PM – 9:00PM

    Big Fez & the Surfmatics are a four-man group specializing in classic surf and beach music from the early 1960’s and beyond. Their repertoire includes songs by The Ventures, Dick Dale and the Del-Tones, The Trashmen, The Chantays, The Surfaris, and Duane Eddy. Big Fez also performs many of the great vocal hits of the surf era as well, highlighting classic tunes from The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, The Challengers, The Rivieras, and many more.

    Julie Meeker photo

    The Moon Shells w/ Everest Rising

    Thursday, October 5, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00PM

    The Moon Shells are made up of Maggie Shar, Brian Slattery, Laura Murawski, Molly Merrett, and Charlie Shaw. The group’s sound is a pleasurable concoction of  traditional music from Appalachia, Louisiana, West Africa and elsewhere. Whether performing as an acoustic stringband, a stripped-down trio, or a contemporary five-piece band, the Moon Shells are sure to move hearts and feet.

  • Graham Nash To Be Honored at 43rd Annual John Lennon Tribute

    Theatre Within’s Annual John Lennon Tribute event has announced they will honor two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Graham Nash with the 2023 John Lennon Real Love Award at the 43rd anniversary on Dec. 2 at Town Hall in NYC.

    Graham Nash will be honored at John Lennon Tribute.
    Graham Nash poses during a portrait session at the Cambridge Folk Festival 2019 at Cherry Hinton Hall on August 02, 2019 in Cambridge, England.Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images.

    Theatre Within’s Annual John Lennon Tribute celebrates John Lennon’s life, music, and highest values of peace and love. “With its joyful Annual John Lennon Tribute and John Lennon Real Love Project, Theatre Within is furthering the vision that John and I shared for a better world,” said Yoko Ono. Graham Nash is the ninth recipient of the John Lennon Real Love Award. Previous recipients include Natalie Merchant, Patti Smith, Ani DiFranco, and Donovan.

    This is a very special award. I thank Yoko [Ono] and the Theatre Within for thinking of me. Over many years, I watched John and Yoko ‘fight the good fight’ for many whose voices were not being heard, a fight that Yoko continues to this day. I’m proud to be associated with the many fine artists who were previously honored with the John Lennon Real Love Award.

    Graham Nash.

    Nash’s remarkable career spans from the British invasion with the Hollies to the legendary Laurel Canyon scene with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, for which he won a Grammy, to his still vibrant solo concerts and recordings. He is a two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, once for CSN in 1997 and once for The Hollies in 2010.

    Nash will play some of his favorite Lennon/Beatles classics and will be joined by several acts. These include folk legend Judy Collins, who will make her first Tribute appearance in over a decade. Rosanne Cash will perform for the third time, the first since she was chosen as 2018’s John Lennon Real Love Award honoree, and Grammy award-winner Rita Coolidge will make a rare live appearance, her first ever at the long-running benefit concert. Finally, drummer/percussionist Rich Pagano, a founding member of the Fab Faux, will serve as Music Director for the 15th consecutive year.

    Proceeds from the Tribute support Theatre Within’s ongoing free workshops in creative expression and mindfulness, including the John Lennon Real Love Project songwriting program. Theatre Within is also providing 200 free workshops for children and adults impacted by cancer through the Red Door Community (formerly Gilda’s Club NYC) and other regional cancer support communities.

    Tickets for Theatre Within’s 43rd Annual John Lennon Tribute on Dec. 2 go on sale starting July 22.

  • Rye Bread Festival Brings Oteil and Friends and many more to Schaghticoke Fairgrounds July 27-29

    We’re less than a week from the 47th edition of Rye Bread Festival, held in the Eastern New York hills of Schaghticoke, a gathering of musicians from across the Northeast and beyond, headlined by none other than Oteil Burbridge and Friends over July 27-29.

    rye bread festival

    Rye Bread has been a unique experience since inception, when it was initially held on an island in the Mohawk River, being an event that started as an ‘in the know’ gathering for live music and camping – Neal and Alan Evans performed there in the years prior to forming Soulive – before evolving into a full on festival set in the Capital District at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds. What started as a backyard party nearly 50 years ago, Rye Bread has steadily grown, from the ground up, into Upstate New York’s premier music and arts festival.

    rye bread festival

    But Rye Bread is more than just a concert festival – this is a family with generations of deep roots, bringing people together through music in a spirit of community and charity, and of course good times for all. Thousands more will be welcomed into the Rye Bread Family with open arms, in their 47th year.

    Al Schneir performing at Rye Bread Festival

    With Burbridge (Dead & Company, The Allman Brothers Band) on bass, the group also features longtime Jerry Garcia Band organist Melvin Seals, Steve Kimock and Tom Guarna on guitar, vocalist Lamar Williams, Jr., John Morgan Kimock on drums and multi-instrumentalist Jason Crosby rounding out a stellar lineup.

    ryebreadfest.com

    Also joining the Rye Bread Festival lineup are the legendary North Mississippi Allstars, led as always by brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson, Cool Cool Cool, Lespecial, Dogs In A Pile, Couch, DJ Logic & Friends, Talkpeck Soundsystem, Brown Eyed Women, Baked Shrimp, Neon Avenue, The Seapods, The Billy Walton Band, Muscle Tough, Super 400, The Nolanauts, Fungkshui, The Rob Beaulieu Band, Mushroom Men, Dr. Jah & The Love Prophets and The Rye Bread Family Band.

    Attendees can expect plenty of unique collaborations between artists throughout the course of the festival, making for a truly memorable weekend of live music.In addition to the stellar lineup of live music, the Rye Bread Music and Arts Festival will feature food and craft vendors on site and festival goers can enjoy plenty of room to stretch out and feel comfortable at the spacious Schaghticoke Fairgrounds, centrally located just minutes north of Albany and south of Saratoga Springs.

    Two -day passes are $125, with single day Friday passes $69 and single day Saturday for $79. Full ticketing info and more can be found at ryebreadfest.com

    Camping Information

    Tenting / Car Camping

    Campsites are 10′ x 30′
    One or two campers per site. $80.00 Three or four campers per site. $150.00
    All campers must arrive at the same time.
    Camping passes are two day only.
    For tent camping, one car is allowed per site, and your car will remain on your campsite.

    Family Camping

    Family camping is on a separate part of the fairgrounds as tenting/car camping with quiet hours between 11:00pm and 7:00am
    Campsites are 10′ x 30′
    One or two campers per site. $80.00 Three or four campers per site. $150.00
    All campers must arrive at the same time.
    Camping passes are two day only.
    For tent camping, one car is allowed per site, and your car will remain on your campsite.

    RV Camping

    Campsites are 16′ x 40′.
    Six campers per site.
    One RV per site (34′ maximum).
    50 AMP Service – No Pigtails (30 amp adapters) Available).
    Full hookups on site.
    All campers must arrive at the same time.
    Camping passes are two day only.
    One tow vehicle allowed per site, and your vehicle will remain on your campsite.
    Additional companion vehicle pass included. Remember all campers must arrive at the same time

    Parking

    Single day pass on-site parking is available for one day pass holders. $20.00. Two day pass on-site parking is available for festival goers that are not camping. $30.00. Companion pass on-site parking is available for RV campers that bring additional vehicles.