Ukrainian singer-songwriter, Nora Polinnia, dropped three new singles over the past few months. She released her debut single, “Gotham,” last October, followed by “Late Love,” and her most recent song, “Midnight Boy,” which dropped on April 28th.
These songs are heavily influenced by the singer’s adolescent experiences and the hardships of love and life during wartime. The up and coming artist currently resides in NYC and has lived there since the fall of 2022.
Polinnia co-created her debut single, “Gotham,” with her long-time friend Martin Nikov, as a part of an artistic movement to support Ukraine. The single itself, takes listeners on an eerie and haunting trip into the artists’ perspectives on the destruction of their home. It compares the country’s condition with the dark, fictional city of Gotham. The lyrics, at times over-literal with this metaphor, express a sense of hopelessness and pain. The strong, pulsating beat and rhythm contrastingly emphasize the singer’s anger, allowing it to become an anthem of rebellion and discontent.
Her newest single, “Midnight Boy” strays drastically from the mood of her first release, as it takes on the genres of disco and funk. The song describes a reckless type of man that has the ability to make others do what he wants through his surface-level charm. The fun, upbeat listen calls on women to discard these types of men and focus on their own independence.
Polinnia is currently working on publicity for “Midnight Boy” which includes a comedic and upbeat music video that will be released at the end of the month. Alongside the video, the artist is in the process of launching a TikTok dance challenge for the single. She hopes to get as many people involved around the world as she can, especially highschool students.
The singer’s recent singles are a part of her debut EP, Past Chronicles, which addresses the more careless and oblivious years of her youth. Following its completion, the artist plans to release two additional EP’s called Present Chronicles and Future Chronicles in order to create a trilogy. Present Chronicles is set to be released at the end of June this year which will address the challenges of living in the current state of the world.
Nora Polinnia, an artist with a unique sound, uses her fresh singles as a way to express herself as well as deal with her past, present, and future struggles. The artist remarks, “There’s no concrete explanation for how music and art makes people feel. However, it is something that connects us all and allows fleeting moments to be encapsulated.”
NYC native and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Emily King has just released her newest album Special Occasion. The album is the follow-up to King’s critically-acclaimed Scenery LP and is her first full release in four years.
“I’ve called this a breakup-to-makeup-to-breakup-again album, but really, it’s about trying to find joy in trying times—trying to celebrate who you are in your quietest moments, rather than in relation to someone else,” King explains. “For me that’s still very much a work-in-progress, but I hope these songs will help people to find some hope and relief.”
The album’s title track highlights King’s songwriting prowess and her ability to dig into life’s deepest sorrows and uncover unexpected beauty, shifting her focus on the little things that make life fun and worth celebrating. Across eleven dynamic tracks, including “This Year,” “Medal,” “False Start” (a collaboration with Nick Hakim), “Bad Memory” (featuring Lukas Nelson)”, and “The Way That You Love Me” (in collaboration with Rob Moose).
Coinciding with the album release, King kicks off her North American headlining tour tonight in South Orange, NJ. Over the next few weeks, King, supported by Joseph Solomon, will visit esteemed venues across the country including Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Los Angeles’ Wiltern, New York’s Terminal 5, and more. The tour will conclude on June 1st in Boston.
King shows off her “smart, catchy songs that blend soul, R&B and pop” throughout the new album release (WNYC Soundcheck). Earlier this week she performed “Special Occasion” on Live with Kelly and Mark. Next Tuesday, fans across the country can catch King on CBS Mornings as she sits down with Anthony Mason for a conversation about the new album.
2023 North American Tour Dates
Fri, May 5 – South Orange, NJ – South Orange Performing Arts Center
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.
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.
American Soul band St. Paul & The Broken Bones have announced their newest tour. The run of dates finds the southern octet playing SummerStage in Central Park, Port Chester’s Capitol Theatre, Saratoga Performing Arts Center and more.
The upcoming performances celebrate St. Paul & The Broken Bones’ acclaimed album Angels In Science Fiction, out now on ATO Records. Produced by Matt Ross-Spang (Jason Isbell, John Prine, Elvis Presley) and recorded at Sam Phillips Recording Studio in Memphis, Angels In Science Fiction was written in the span of a few weeks after bandleader Paul Janeway learned that his wife was pregnant with their daughter, Marigold. Following the examples set by greats like Aristotle, William James and John Steinbeck, Janeway penned the album as a series of letters to his then-unborn daughter.
Founded in Birmingham, Alabama in 2011, St. Paul & The Broken Bones consists of Paul Janeway (vocals), Jesse Phillips (bass), Browan Lollar (guitar), Kevin Leon (drums), Al Gamble (keyboards), Allen Branstetter (trumpet), Chad Fisher (trombone) and Amari Ansari (saxophone). The eight-piece ensemble burst into the world with their 2014 debutHalf the City, establishing a sound that quickly became a calling card and landing the band a slew of major festivals including Lollapalooza, Coachella and Glastonbury. Critical praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, SPIN and NPR followed, leading to shared stages with some of the world’s biggest artists—Elton John and The Rolling Stones among them—and launching an impressive run of headlining tours behind what Esquire touted as a “potent live show that knocks audiences on their ass.”
The group has continued to expand their sound with every record, branching out well beyond old-school soul into sleek summertime funk and classic disco on albums like 2018’s Young Sick Camellia. Their latest LP, Angels In Science Fiction, stretches their limbs further afield, building on the shadowy psychedelia and intricate, experimental R&B of 2022’s The Alien Coast. The new record finds Janeway at his very best. With Angels In Science Fiction, St. Paul & The Broken Bones have crafted their most moving, comprehensive work—spanning their entire sonic and emotional scope.
TOUR DATES
May 20-21—Knoxville, TN—Southern Skies Festival May 21—Greenville, SC—Peace Center Concert Hall May 23—Augusta, GA—Miller Theatre May 25—Wilmington, NC—Greenfield Lake Amphitheater May 25-28—Cumberland, MD—DelFest May 25-28—Martinsville, VA—Rooster Walk 13 June 10—New York, NY—SummerStage in Central Park June 17-18—Los Angeles, CA—Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival June 18—Napa, CA—Blue Note Summer Sessions June 23—Greenfield, MA—Green River Festival June 25—Saratoga Springs, NY—Saratoga Performing Arts Center July 8—Saskatoon, Canada—Sasktek Saskatchewan Jazz Festival July 9—Calgary, AB—Calgary Stampede July 23—Stuttgart, Germany—Jazz Open Stuttgart August 11—Telluride, CO—Telluride Jazz Festival 2023 August 17—Minneapolis, MN— Bauhaus Brew Labs August 25—Tisbury, MA—Beach Road Weekend September 23—Louisville, KY—Old Forester’s Paristown Hall September 24—Bloomington, IL—Castle Theatre September 26—Indianapolis, IN—Murat Theater September 27—Kalamazoo, MI—State Theater September 29—Chicago, IL—Riviera Theater September 30—Milwaukee, WI—Pabst Theater October 1—Detroit, MI—Royal Oak Music Theatre October 3—Toronto, ON—Queen Elizabeth Theatre October 5—Boston, MA—Emerson Colonial Theatre October 6—Montclair, NJ—Wellmont Theater October 7—Port Chester, NY—Capitol Theatre October 9—Huntington, NY—The Paramount October 10—Washington, D.C.—Warner Theatre October 11—Durham, NC—Carolina Theatre October 13—Charlotte, NC—Knight Theater October 14—Charleston, SC—Charleston Music Hall October 29—Pelham, TN—The Caverns October 30—Memphis, TN—Minglewood Hall October 31—Wichita, KS—Wave November 2—Dallas, TX—Majestic Theatre November 3—Austin, TX—Paramount Theatre November 4—Austin, TX—Paramount Theatre November 6—Tuscon, AZ—Fox Theatre November 8—San Diego, CA—The Magnolia November 10—San Luis Obispo, CA—Fremont Theater November 13—Portland, OR—Crystal Ballroom November 14—Vancouver, BC—Vogue Theatre November 15—Seattle, WA—Moore Theatre November 17—Salt Lake City, UT—Capitol Theater November 18—Denver, CO—Ellie Caulkens Opera House November 19—Aspen, CO—Belly Up Aspen November 20—Cheyenne, WY—Cheyenne Civic Center
Brooklyn-based R&B/Soul band 79.5 has had a busy year – their new single, “Long Term Parking,” was released with an accompanying music video ahead of their self-titled sophomore LP out May 5 .
The band’s tour will make a stop at their home base at Brooklyn Made on June 2. The summer-ready record has earned support from KCRW’s “Today’s Top Tune”, Under The Radar, CABBAGES, SPIN, Ones To Watch, and more.
Cover art for “Long Term Parking” the single 79.5 released ahead of their self-titled second LP with a supporting music video. Credit: Charm School Media.
The band’s self-titled LP takes fans on a magical journey from start to finish, and it’s safe to say 79.5 will relay this same energy live on their tour. “Club Level” starts the LP off perfectly, with a disco sound that makes you want to get up and dance. “Long Term Parking,” perfectly portrays the feeling of being in a relationship so powerful and complicated, that even with a tragic ending, the love forever remains. Other highlights include “B.D.F.Q.,” and “Feel Like Dancin’.” Brooklyn’s 79.5 are sure to have a long and successful career ahead of them.
Named after an imaginary radio station, Brooklyn’s 79.5 was formed in 2010 by Kate Mattison, who was later joined by singer and rapper Lola Adanna and sax player/flautist Izaak Mills with drummer Caito Sanchez and bassist Andrew Raposo rounding out the rhythm section. The sound of 79.5 is full-bodied and straight from the heart—recalling the thrilling work of Patrice Rushen and the type of dance music that’s been the beating heart of New York City for centuries. Prior to their upcoming self-titled LP, 79.5 self-released an album, Predictions, in 2018.
Music by 79.5, including their upcoming self-titled LP, is now streaming, and tickets for their upcoming tour, which includes a show at Brooklyn Made, is out now.
Tickets to see the five-time Grammy award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, author, dancer, philanthropist and much more, Janet Jackson at MSG were selling fast. Luckily, the global icon has added a second show in NYC for her North American Tour, “Together Again.” Jackson will be joined by Ludacris, who’s whitty lyrics and entertaining hits defined the 2000s music scene, and continues to stay relevant today.
Due to a potential New York Knicks Eastern Conference Semifinal Game 5 against the Miami Heat in the NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden, Janet Jackson’s concert scheduled for Wednesday, May 10, 2023, has been rescheduled to Monday, May 8, 2023. The concert originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 9 will proceed as usual. All tickets purchased for the Wednesday, May 10 concert will be honored on Monday, May 8. If you cannot commit to the rescheduled show date, you can request a refund anytime between now and Sunday, May 7 at 10:00 PM ET through your Ticketmaster account page.
The tour celebrates Janet Jackson’s 50th anniversary in entertainment and spotlights two other milestones in her career — 25 years since her album, The Velvet Rope, and 30 since Janet. Find tickets here, and see the full list of tour dates below. Tickets for the MSG shows can be found here.
Janet Jackson Together Again Tour Dates
April 14 2023 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live Arena
April 16 2023 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live Arena
April 19 2023 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center
April 21 2023– Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena
April 22 2023 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena
April 25 2023 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena
April 26 2023 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
April 27 2023 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
April 29 2023 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum
April 30 2023 – St Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
May 02 2023 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
May 04 2023 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
May 06 2023 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
May 08 2023 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
May 09 2023 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
May 12 2023 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
May 13 2023 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
May 14 2023 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
May 18 2023 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center
May 19 2023 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
May 20 2023 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
May 23 2023 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
May 24 2023 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
May 26 2023 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
May 27 2023 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Chicago
May 28 2023 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
This summer Jodeci will be headlining one of the biggest R&B tours of 2023 known as the Summer Block Party. The tour will also feature the legendary R&B vocal trio Sisters With Voices (SWV) and R&B group Dru Hill. On August 4 the icons will make a stop at the Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn, New York. Fans will be able to enjoy a night of generational smashes and instantly recognizable R&B hits.
Recognized as “The Bad Boys of R&B,” Jodeci is one of the most influential R&B groups of all time. The band consists of K-Ci, DeVante Swing, JoJo, and Mr. Dalvin. The band quickly established themselves as trendsetters through their signature style, soulful harmonies, and chart-topping hits. Together they have sold over 20 million global records and achieved three #1 albums on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.
Jodeci’s 1991 debut album “Forever My Lady” ranked #1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart in its first week of release. Additionally, the album’s hits “Come & Talk To Me,” and “Stay,” topped the charts reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The group gained more success with their albums “Diary Of A Mad Band”, “The Show, The After Party, The Hotel”, and a hit single, “Cry For You”. The albums ranked #1 album on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and the single landed #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks chart.
In 2021, Jodeci reunited and signed with P Music Group for management by Founder and CEO Michael Paran. To deliberate their reunion, Jodeci united with Charlie Wilson and New Edition for a 30-city tour in 2022. Following the tour, Jodeci gave an exceptional performance at the 2022 BET Awards paying homage to Diddy with a medley of their famed hits.
Sisters With Voices is a New York City based R&B vocal trio featuring the members Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Tamara “Taj” George and Leanne “Lelee” Lyons. Growing up, the vocalists perfected their harmonies singing in church that later became synonymous with the group in the 1990s. Kenny Ortiz, a Grammy-nominated record executive heard the girl’s early demo and quickly signed them to RCA. Ortiz introduced SWV to Brian Morgan who wrote and produced songs on their debut album, “It’s About Time”. The album was a huge success making double platinum within its first year of release.
The album features hit songs “Right Here/Human Nature” and “Weak” both of which went to #1 on the R&B Billboard charts. Additionally, their song “Weak” peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop chart and was certified Gold. SWV’s follow-up albums, “New Beginning” and “Release Some Tension” were certified Platinum and Gold, containing hit singles “Rain,” “Someone,” “You’re The One,” and “Use Your Heart.” The trio has made significant achievements by being honored on VH1’s “100 Greatest Women in Music” list, nominated for an American Music Award and Source Award. They also won the Soul Train “Lady of Soul” award, landed #7 on Billboard’s list of Top R&B acts and #2 on Billboard’s Top Selling/Airplay R&B Female Group of the 1990’s.
Dru Hill was founded in 1992 and was discovered by their manager Kevin Peck. The members Mark “Sisqó” Andrews, Larry “Jazz”Anthony, Tamir “Nikio” the N-Tity” Ruffin, and James “Woody Rock” Green engraved themselves into the legacy of R&B music and brought a dynamic sound to the ever-changing industry. The superstars given the world music for the ages with hits like “Tell Me,” “In My Bed,” “Never Make a Promise,” and “How Deep Is Your Love”
Over the years, Dru Hill has received multiple awards, performed across the world, topped the Billboard Music charts multiple times, and has sold over 40 million records worldwide. Dru Hill continues to solidify their legacy as one of the greatest groups of all time. The band was recently awarded with an Urban Music Icon Award presented by Black Music Honors.
Artist presale goes live on Tuesday, April 25 and lasts until April 27. The general on-sale begins on Friday, April 28 at 10 am. Tickets can be found here.
TOUR DATES
7/28 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
7/29 Baltimore, MD CFG Bank Arena
7/30 Greensboro, NC White Oak Amphitheatre at Greensboro Coliseum Complex
When I think of Blues music, the basic, common names come to mind. The likes of BB King, Muddy Waters, Blind Boy Fuller, and Buddy Guy. These are the classic staples of Blues genre. Another staple with the Blues is a nice pour of bourbon/rye/whiskey, straight up or on the rocks, it pairs well with the classic or modern sounds of Blues. This was the thought process of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, Neil Giraldo as he founded Three Chord brand of bourbons in 2017. Fast forward to 2023, Giraldo’s company was a presenting sponsor of the 2nd annual Buffalo Blues and Roots Festival.
Taking place on April 22, Buffalo Riverworks Buffalo’s Best Sports Bar & Entertainment hosted 10 acts of amazing Blues talent, each playing approximately 40-minute sets, with the two headliners getting bonus stage time. Oh, and they were doing bourbon samples, too, pretty much a win-win.
Opening the festival was Buffalo’s own Henry’s Summer Kitchen (Henry’s Summer Kitchen | Buffalo NY | Facebook). This unique quartet plays a wide range of tunes, ranging from classic Merle Haggard to current original songs, twangy, old-school country sounds with modern twists. You never know what you are going to get, but you will never be disappointed.
Taking over the stage after Henry’s cleared out his kitchen, Tonemah was ready to jam. Darryl Tonemah (Tonemah)is not your typical musician, let’s make that clear. Not only does Tonemah record and perform music, but he also carries a Ph.D. and has appeared in 3 well-known movies. To boot, he performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics, holding quite the resume.
Performing in Buffalo, though, this full-blooded Native American (Kiowa/Comanche/Tuscarora) was wowing the Riverworks crowd with family on stage with him as a seven piece band. Playing mostly original music, Tonemah shook the stage for about 40 minutes and used every second to make their presence known.
Next up was The Growlers (Growlers Blues Band | Buffalo NY | Facebook) Featuring Jon Lewandowski on vocals and harp, Dan Shurtleff on drums, Rob Enderle on guitar, Ed Croft on bass with guest guitarist Rusty Fisher. Western NY based, these guys came to play, and play they did. With smooth riffs on the bass, Jon doing his best John Popper impression on the harp, and Dan crushing the drums, The Growlers came across as seasoned vets on more of a blues rock set. At this point, a nice bourbon was really hitting me.
Coming to the stage around 315 was The X-Statix with Sharon Bailey (The X-STATIX | Facebook). Bailey hits the stage as a very well-known and regarded funk/blues/jazz voice in the Buffalo area. Punk band vibes, her voice is a little Joan Osborne, a little Etta James, and a little Dusty Springfield. Rounding out X-Statix is Joel Slazyk on bass (who happened to have color-coordinated shirts and guitar), Bob Granfield on vocals and percussion, and Rick Militello on vocals/bass.
Bourbon? Nope, not yet. Three Chords was setting up a table right near the VIP entrance, however, and I was on watch now.
Ok, this is where I admit some fault. Coming into this festival, I searched on the world wide web for all these acts. I knew some of them and had heard of a couple of othersâall with great feedback. Patti Parks was a new name for me so I looked her up as I did everyone else. I made a decision beforehand that this was going be my rest time as I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the set as much as the others, get some pizza and beverage and just sit back and enjoy the show. Patti, I am sorry I doubted you at all as I couldn’t have been more wrong on this. Patti and her ensemble were incredible as they rocked the stage with a brass section, bass, percussion, and her own vocals. For me, this set was mind-blowing, to say the least. Go give Patti Parks a listen and see for yourself why she is a member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.
Ray Barry, the name behind Barry Entertainment, is the event organizer/promotor. Not only does he set up this superb event in downtown Buffalo, NY, he is also a scheduled performer and he brought the troupe out to perform the music of The Band. Like every other act on this stage doing covers, these guys put their own style to some Americana classics without hindering the effects of the song. Ending with a staple, The Weight, and Ray Barry and Friends had a large group of VIP patrons dancing stage front for the entire 40-minute set.
Tommy Z takes the stage at 545, with bourbon pouring at 545. Tommy Z has a rich history with blues, starting out when he backed up Pinetop Perkins and worked with many of the biggest names including Buddy Guy, Jimmy Vaughn, and Robert Cray. On top of his illustrious recording career, which has included weekly shows on Buffalo-based blues radio stations, Tommy has managed to do shows for US troops around the globe, sometimes in tumultuous areas, since 2003.
It’s bourbon time. While I am not a bourbon snob, I enjoy a few things in life including a nice sipping drink. Three Chord was offering up 2 varieties to sample: Kentucky Straight Bourbon, aged in pinot noir barrels as well as Amplified Rye. I had to sample both and damn were they tasty. While I enjoyed the Rye at 95 proof, the Kentucky straight was a little smoother and definitely had me looking for a bottle to take home. Again, I am not a bourbon snob or reviewer, I simply enjoy a nice pour with some solid music in the background.
Moving back to the music, Miller and the Other Sinners took the stage for their set. Buffalo-based and well-known around Western NY and the Finger Lakes, Miller (who also is involved with Three Chord Bourbon) and his Sinners came out firing on all cylinders with the funk and soul sound they have been producing since 2015. Over the years Miller has played with great names such as Shamekia Copeland, Susan Tedeschi, and Joe Bonamassa. 730 is the time I have been looking forward to because Selwyn Birchwood jumps on stages Just as I did for all the other acts, I looked into this young man. It didn’t much for me to get hooked. A little Jimi Hendrix, a dash of Prince, and Some Buddy Guy, that is Selwyn Birchwood, who burst onto the scene in 2014.
A song I took to immediately was “Living in a Burning House.” Deep lyrics and smooth vocals make this a perfect song to listen to while sipping Three Chord bourbon. When he played this song in Buffalo, the crowd was ready for it and you could see many of them singing along. Another artist new to me, for now, it was clear that Birchwood made his presence known around Buffalo as he rocked the crowd for a little over an hour.
Rounding out the festival was Colin James. From Saskatchewan, Canada, James brought 30 years of music, 8 Juno awards, and nearly 30 Maple Blues awards to Buffalo Riverworks. Who knew this could happen to a guy whose first performance was opening up for Stevie Ray Vaughn with only a few hours notice? While the venue and crowd may not be what James is used to, he had the entire crowd into the music. For some, it was just sitting there bopping their head to the beat or tapping their toes, while others were in full dance party mode. With over 20 albums of music to select from, James played for nearly 90 minutes and seemed to love every second of it. Colin James is on tour, with shows coming up in Ontario.
For nine hours, Buffalo Riverworks was rocking some blues, roots, and Americana sounds. Arts and crafts, the aforementioned bourbon, as well as rustic surroundings outside all were perfect compliments of each other and Barry Entertainment put together a great day of family fun in Downtown Buffalo.
Henry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenTonemahThe Growlers Blues BandThe X-StatixPatti Parks BandRay Barry and FriendsTommy ZMiller and the Other SinnersSelwyn BirchwoodColin James
Unknown Mortal Orchestra continued their four show run at New York City’s Webster Hall this past Friday night, April 14. Continuing through Sunday to complete their New York stop on The V Tour.
Throughout the night, the group led by Ruban Nielson, blasted through songs from all of their albums, self-titled to the recently released V.
The show slowly ramped up with only a solo keyboardist playing a minimal piano track, leading into the rest of the band coming out on stage to perform the newest album’s opener, The Garden. Some songs seamlessly transitioned between one another, leading to a perpetual sense of musical cohesion.
The whole night felt like a family get together. From the familial themes sung about on V to Ruban’s brother Kody on drums, even their Dad regularly emerging to play saxophone, among a variety of other brass instruments.
Alongside their original material, two memorable covers joined the setlist. The group played The Grateful Dead’s “Shakedown Street” and Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out,” the latter being a first. The band’s unique melding of psychedelia, rock, and funk blended astonishingly well with these two songs.
The V tour continues on in North America this week, concluding in Boston, before traveling overseas for the remainder of the summer.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra | Webster Hall | New York, NY | April 15, 2023
Setlist: The Garden, From the Sun / Secret Xtians, Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark), Weekend Run, The Opposite of Afternoon, Thought Ballune / Little Blu House, Necessary Evil / Monki, Ministry of Alienation, In the Rear View, Nadja, So Good at Being in Trouble / Waves of Confidence, Layla, Multi-Love
Encore: Meshuggah, Shakedown Street (Grateful Dead cover), Like Acid Rain, Movin’ Out (Billy Joel cover), That Life, Hunnybee, Can’t Keep Checking My Phone
(Note: The tour had a film-only policy for photographers)
Snarky Puppy took to the stage at Buffalo’s Town Ballroom on Thursday, April 6th to a sold out crowd. They gave an electrifying performance that left no doubt as to why they are one of the most exciting and innovative bands in the music industry today. Led by bassist and composer Michael League, the 12-piece ensemble showcased their exceptional musicianship. With each member contributing to the vibrant and complex sound that has made them a fan favorite.
From the moment they hit the stage, Snarky Puppy had the crowd on their feet with their unique blend of jazz, funk, and world music. The opening number, “Trinity” set the tone for the evening, with its infectious groove and intricate melodic lines. The band’s energy and enthusiasm were infectious, and their seamless and intuitive interaction created a rich and dynamic performance.
The rhythm section was tight, with drummer Robert Searight and percussionist Marcelo Woloski providing the perfect foundation for the band’s melodic and harmonic explorations. Michael League’s bass playing was exceptional, laying down deep grooves and leading the band with his melodic and harmonic sensibility.
The setlist featured a mix of old favorites and new material, all delivered with the band’s trademark energy and flair. “Thing of Gold,” another standout track, was a tour-de-force of jazz-funk fusion, with its driving beat and virtuosic solos. “What About Me?” was another highlight, with its funky bassline and catchy melody.
Throughout the evening, each member of the ensemble was given the opportunity to shine with captivating solos. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music was a testament to their exceptional musicianship and creativity. Michael League’s leadership was particularly noteworthy, guiding the ensemble with precision and passion.
Snarky Puppy’s live show was an unforgettable experience that showcased their exceptional musicianship and creativity. Their unique fusion of jazz, funk, and world music is a breath of fresh air in the music industry. Their live performance left no doubt as to why they are one of the most exciting and innovative bands around. If you have the chance to see Snarky Puppy live, do not hesitate – it’s an experience that you won’t soon forget.
Snarky Puppy has five more tour stops in New York this year.
Snarky Puppy Tour Dates 2023
April 13 – Beacon Theatre – New York, N.Y.
April 14 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, Pa.
April 16 – Cornell University Concert Series at Bailey Hall – Ithaca, N.Y.
April 19 – Warner Theatre – Washington, D.C.
April 20 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, Pa.
April 21 – Newport Music Hall – Columbus, Ohio
April 22 – PromoWest Pavillion at Ovation – Newport, Ky.
April 24 – Ritter Amphitheater – Huntington, W.Va.
