Organ Fairchild, a funky jam band out from Buffalo, have released their new single, “Chamelonious Monk.” The band are previous winners of NYS Music’s 2021 March Madness and their new single holds to their name, with an organ undercurrent and a signature guitar riff to carry on through the song.
Organ Fairchild was formed in 2020 by Joe Bellanti (organ, keys), Corey Kertzie (drums) and Dave Ruch (guitar), members of a Grateful Dead cover band “White Nights.” Though they debuted right before the COVID-19 pandemic, the three-piece instrumental band has had a successful rise through sold out shows and performances across the Northeast.
“In Organ Fairchild’s world, chamelon (not chameleon) rhymes with HAM-a-LAHN and refers to a person of exceptional ability and taste. And if you’re a chamelon, well, things you do are chamelonious. So now we’re getting dangerously close to jazz musician Thelonious Monk’s first name, so we added the word Monk to the title and included some signature Monk-like dissonant chords in the climbing part of the song (chords containing half-step intervals for the musicians out there…).”
Dave Ruch, the band’s guitarist
Their new single was recorded and mixed by Justin Guip of Milan Hill Studio and mastered by Alan Evans of Soulive.
For nearly the whole of “Chamelonious Monk,” Bellanti’s organ acts as the cushion for the many highs of the song to fall back on. That is not to say that the organ does not get its chance to shine, but it often keeps the song flowing. Kertzie’s drums are the bridge between the organ and the guitar, cushioning when the organ cannot and leading when the guitar is not.
Ruch’s guitar has a signature riff through the piece, which often leads the song through its various phases. One of the best uses of the guitar comes in at around the three minute mark, where it briefly stands alone after a small crescendo. The organ rises behind it, slowly taking focus before the drums snatches it away.
To check out “Chamelonious Monk” by Organ Fairchild on various streaming services, check out this page. For more on the band and their upcoming shows, take a look at their website.
Governors Ball is in full swing over in Flushing Meadows Park with day 2 wrapping up on Saturday. Picture perfect weather settled in for the day, while a diverse lineup did their thing across the three stages, punctuated by a thunderous spectacle courtesy of Odesza.
Odesza, Governors Ball, 6/10/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
At the GoPuff Stage, KennyHoopla brought the energy. Fans were deeply invested in Hoopla’s rash, indie rock tone as his live band brought the lyrics to life. Kenny Beats rocked the Bacardà stage with a stellar DJ performance, mixing current favorites and old school classics. Before the set began, Kenny brought numerous fans onstage to enjoy his set from a platform behind him. Kenny Beats had the moshpit raving over his bass-heavy beats and high climax drops, frequently turning around and dancing along with the fans on stage.
Kenny Beats, Governors Ball, 6/10/2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Saturday also highlighted two of the biggest artists from South Korea and Japan who are making waves in the United States. The GovBallNYC Stage hosted Rina Sawayama earlier in the day. The Japanese singer dazzled the devoted fans with her energetic interpretive dance sequences and mega vocal prowess. Later on in the afternoon, fresh off throwing out the first pitch at a Yankees game, South Korean girl group Aespa brought their signature K-pop and hyper-pop music to the stage. Self-proclaimed “number one fans” flanked the barricade for their chance to see Aespa up close and personal.
Aespa, Governors Ball, 6/10/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
Back at the GoPuff Stage, Oliver Tree brought his wacky pop music to the festival stage. Utilizing a keytar, Oliver played unreleased music and got the fans rocking with his viral song “Miss You.” To close off the night at the GoPuff Stage, Lil Baby put on a show stopping performance. Baby circled his discography going through hits like “Drip Too Hard,” “On Me,” and “Yes Indeed.”
Lil Baby, Governors Ball 6/10/23. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
While Lil Baby drew a big audience over at the GoPuff Stage, an eager crowd gathered at the GovBallNYC to catch Odesza’s headlining set. The Washington state electronic duo are known for larger than life production and they did not disappoint. The show opens with a drumline appearing out of thin air at the front of the stage followed by relentless stage pyro, sprawling laser shows, and an epic fireworks finale while driving electro-house keeps fans moving.
Odesza, Governors Ball, 6/10/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
Governors Ball wraps up today, Sunday with a much anticipated headlining performance from Kendrick Lamar. Black Midi, Pusha T, Lil Nas X, and Giveon fill out the day; a proper finale to another installment of New York City’s premier summer music festival. Stay tunes for Sunday’s recap and check out a gallery from Saturday below.
A week in advance of the release of their new album, Rhode Island folk-rock stalwarts Deer Tick visited Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua. It was a bit of a weird week in Western New York as smoke from Canadian wildfires filled the air, forcing people indoors and into masks once again. The air cleared enough to safely stage the show, and the show would go on.
But still, for Deer Tick, “it was a weird time to be alive,” according to guitarist and singer John McCauley. Not this era, decade, week, or day, but specifically the current time, 7:47pm. A hard curfew of 9pm, ensured the sun would be out for pretty much the whole show. It was an early set for the band more attuned to the late night bar crowd, even if they’ve outgrown their bar band days.
Weird as it was, Deer Tick stuffed their early-evening time with songs spanning their career, from some of their earliest tunes. like “Easy” and “Twenty Miles,” all the way up to their as-yet released material. It all flowed together seamlessly. The old tunes felt as fresh as ever, while the new ones had a well-worn quality like they had been there all along.
The new record, Emotional Contracts, was actually recorded not all that far away, in the similarly named Cassadaga, NY at Tarbox Road Studios. Kinda weird?
In their own weird way, they worked in some tributes to some of the rockers that helped paved their way. “Me and My Man” got a little bit of ZZ Top’s “La Grange” added at the front, which prompted McCauley to suggest they do that for all of their songs. So on the ensuing, “The Bump,” his band mates jokingly obliged with teases of Tom Petty’s “Running Down a Dream,” and The Beatles’ “Day Tripper.” When MCCauley’s monitor needed a battery change, the rest of the band settled into a nice little groove while waiting. This sounded like Santana and Rob Thomas’ hit “Smooth” to McCauley so he of course started singing what he could remember from that. Then on the tail end of “The Dream’s in the Ditch,” McCauley tacked on Santo and Johnny’s “Tear Drop,” with their signature languid slide guitar sound. They weren’t over a more traditional cover either, throwing in a rollicking rendition of Little Feat’s “Rocket in my Pocket” mid-set that featured searing solos from both McCauley and guitarist Ian O’Neill. Even the banter included tributes, with Cheap Trick’s famous line, “This is the first song off our new album!” appropriately introducing the new tune, “If I Try to Leave.”
The latest single, “Once in a Lifetime” was titled like a cover, but it was all original, getting down with Chris Ryan’s groovy bass line. As much fun as the band was having with their little asides, their original material ruled the day, or the early-evening rather. Drummer Dennis Ryan penned the new “Running From Love,” which came to him in a dream. The soul-inflected tune built and built, culminating in a fiery solo from McCauley on his orange guitar, with his matching orange pick, which he also thought was “weird.”
The set closed on “Mange,” tossing the previous 80 minutes together into a rock assault. A long intro set the scene, a grooving bass laid the groundwork, and a big “whoop” set the fuse. Then the band went all in with raging guitars, a big drum solo, and a drifting feedback jam. They put it all out there for a big rock show finish.
But of course there was more. They came back for a two-song encore that pushed right up to that 9pm curfew. The night closed with “the last song on our new album,” the slow oozing rocker “The Real Thing” that surely left everyone in attendance hotly anticipating their first listen to Emotional Contracts.
If you missed out, don’t fret, the band will be back in the area with a show at the Homer Center for the Arts on November 12.
Setlist: Forgiving Ties, If I Try to Leave, Me and My Man, The Bump > Easy, Rocket in My Pocket (Little Feat), If She Could See Me Now, Twenty Miles, Running From Love, Hope is Big > Tripping Up the Stairs (Traditional), Once in a Lifetime, Clownin’ Around, The Dream’s in the Ditch > Tear Drop (Santo & Johnny), Mange Encore: Jumpstarting, The Real Thing
Binghamton University’s Anderson Center for the Performing Arts announced its annual roster of summer concerts, featuring several opportunities for regional music lovers to get out and boogie.
The Anderson Center, located on the main campus of Binghamton University in Vestal, NY, aims to enhance the local community and support Binghamton University’s educational vision through enriching performances. This summer’s lineup is a testament to their commitment.
Friday, June 30
The Anderson Center presents The Temptations and the Four Tops, iconic Motown groups, for a night of solid gold hits.
The Temptations came to define Detroit’s Motown sound in the ’60s and ’70s with hits like “My Girl,” “Ain’t to Proud to Beg,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” The Temptations were ranked #1 “Greatest R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of All Time” by Billboard. Additionally, Rolling Stone hailed them as “the greatest black vocal group of the Modern Era,” highlighting their profound influence on the evolution of American music. The group is still touring with founding member Dr. Otis Williams.
The Four Tops emerged from the same Detroit neighborhoods as the Temptations, the Supremes, and Smokey Robinson. They too released their own string of chart-topping hits for the Motown label including “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “It’s The Same Old Song.” The Four Tops continue to tour with founding member Duke Fakir.
Friday, August 11
Melissa Etheridge’s tour bus rolls into campus later this summer for a stop on her Summer ’23 Tour. Etheridge’s confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals have made her a beloved singer-songwriter. Her string of ’90s hits solidify her enduring legacy. Familiar favorites include “Come to My Window,” “I’m the Only One,” and “I Want to Come Over.” Etheridge, who previously played at the Anderson Center in 2009 solo, will return with a full band this time.
Tickets and More Information
An additional concert by the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band, scheduled for Wednesday, June 28, has already sold out. However, tickets are available for The Temptations, The Four Tops, and Melissa Etheridge.
Tickets for the Temptations and the Four Tops cost $75/65/55 inside, $30 on the lawn. Tickets for Melissa Etheridge: Summer Tour ’23 cost $65/55/45 inside, $25 on the lawn.
A full 2023-24 season announcement is expected in mid-June. For more information, visit anderson.binghamton.edu, contact 607-777-ARTS, or stop by the Anderson Center Box Office between 12-4 p.m., Monday-Friday
Knockdown Center in Brooklyn hosted BONES, Eddy Baker, and Xavier Wulf on Friday, June 2. The “In Loving Memory” Tour brought an electrifying night of rap music to the iconic Knockdown Center in Brooklyn. Featuring the talented artists BONES, Eddy Baker, and Xavier Wulf. The concert showcased a unique blend of raw energy, skillful performances, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
On June 2nd, 2023 the doors opened and the crowd began to pour into Knockdown Center, Brooklyn eagerly anticipating an exceptional night of rap music. The audience was a diverse mix of dedicated fans, each bringing their own unique style and enthusiasm. The vibrant energy within the venue was palpable, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
First up was Eddy Baker, who wasted no time in capturing the crowd’s attention. With his dynamic stage presence and charismatic delivery, Baker immediately connected with the audience. His high-energy performance ignited the crowd, creating an electric atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of the night. Eddy Baker flawlessly delivered tracks from his discography, including fan favorites like “READY2RUMBLE” and “Telescopes” The crowd was fully engaged, vibing along with his energetic beats and intricate lyrics.
Next, Xavier Wulf took the stage, continuing the wave of intense energy that had been building throughout the night. Known for his distinct voice and aggressive flow, Wulf commanded the attention of the audience from the moment he stepped foot on the stage. His dark and brooding beats combined with his relentless delivery captivated the crowd. Xavier Wulf treated fans to a mix of his hit tracks, including “Request Refused” and “Akina Speed Star.” The crowd responded with immense enthusiasm, moshing and rapping along, creating an atmosphere of pure exhilaration.
The anticipation reached its peak as BONES, a true master of his craft, emerged on stage. As the headliner, BONES brought his unique blend of introspective lyrics and haunting melodies to the forefront. The crowd erupted in excitement, showcasing their devotion to the artist. BONES effortlessly commanded the stage, delivering a captivating performance that transcended the boundaries of traditional rap music. With tracks like “RedAlert,” “AirplaneMode,” and “LooseScrew,” BONES guided the audience through a musical journey that was both introspective and deeply engaging. The crowd’s reaction was electric, as they rapped along with every word, forming a powerful bond with the artist.
The Knockdown Center proved to be the perfect venue for the “In Loving Memory” Tour. Its spacious layout and exceptional acoustics created an immersive environment, allowing the music to resonate throughout the venue. The stage setup, complete with vibrant lighting and visuals, enhanced the overall experience, adding an extra layer of intensity to the performances.
Overall, the “In Loving Memory” Tour at Knockdown Center in Brooklyn, was a night to remember. BONES, Eddy Baker, and Xavier Wulf brought their A-game, delivering powerful performances that left the crowd craving more. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and enthusiasm, as fans connected with the music on a deep and personal level. The combination of the diverse crowd, the exceptional talent of the artists, the venue’s ambiance, and the carefully curated music selections made this concert an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
The drill scene seemingly emerged from out of the gutter. Many will trace its roots back to Chicago – but for those who know – New York drill remains unparalleled. One small but mighty artist – Lola Brooke reps Brooklyn and continues to flood the airwaves with her boisterous bass-filled voice. Much like MC Lyte – she needs a roughneck.
Marcy Projects to be Specific
Reigning from Bedford Stuyvesant – the home of Biggie and Jay-Z – this artist remains unapologetically herself. Her name combines tomboy Space Jam character Lola Bunny with the place that gave her the flavor – Brooklyn. Seeing a Kriss Kross video at her grandmother’s house in Birmingham, AL at age eight sealed the deal. Rapper or bust.
Certainly, Lola experienced her share of turmoil en route to the limelight. Often times, she maximized her abilities by going straight to the studio after working her regular job. Eventually, her mom took notice of the work being put in and provided the security for her to quit her job and pursue a career in music full time. Lola earned her mother’s faith through consistent work, and experimentation with her craft. Today – her song, “Don’t Play With It” serves as the drill anthem for all of NYC.
Standing 4’9″, Lola likes to play up her petite pedigree. Cameramen capture her best angles and do not feel pressured to make her look tall. Rather, she embraces the juxtaposition between her fun-sized physical appearance and her larger than life persona. Hearing the inflection in her bass-filled voice would never lead one to imagine her miniature stature.
Breaking An Artist
The amazing part about her hit single, “Don’t Play With It” revolves around the fact that it took nearly two years to go viral. A major turning point for the trajectory of her career emerged when she performed the song on “From the Block.” All of the traction that the song garnered worked wonders for both the From the Block platform, Producer Dizzy Banko and Lola Brooke. Wins all across the board.
Lola’s voice booms with timbre and takes the listener by surprise. Thus, her tunes and tones carry seductive, masculine and argumentative vibrations. While completing her song process, LB tends to pace about the space, repeat a catchy phrase and let the energy marinade. Therefore, by the time she gets to the studio it is an absolutely explosive type K.O. moment.
Timbo Collabo
It seems as if the city of Brooklyn is synonymous with the Timberland boot. From “Stomping a b*tch out in her Timbo’s” to creating a customized shoe – Lola continues to climb. Seeing her musical aspirations materialize allows her to feel understood. Is it better to be lucky or good? Either way, for Lola – it is less important to be seen than it is to be understood.
Recognition, spiritual fruition and a whole lot more than “100 Bands” currently surround Lola Brooke, who told Gothamist, “When you wake up in the morning and you know you still look good without knowing how you look — that’s what I want my music to give off. Supreme confidence.”
Colombian singer-songwriter Mónica Giraldo announced a four show tour with performances in Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington DC. The tour will stop at the Lincoln Center on June 15.
Giraldo has been nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best New Artist. She also received two Billboard Awards as a singer-songwriter. She has six recorded works, including albums such as Muy Cerca (Very Close), Todo da Vueltas (Everything Turns), and Que Venga la Vida (Let Life Come).
With past concerts in the United States, Mexico, France, Japan, and other countries, Mónica Giraldo is an experienced world traveler. She also worked as an architect at CBT Architects in Boston as well as at other leading architecture firms in Spain and Colombia. Furthermore, Giraldo is an Ambassador of the Berklee College of Music in Colombia. Additionally, she has collaborated with Totó La Momposina and Mafalda Veiga, among other artists.
Governors Ball kicked off the 2023 edition on Friday, June 9th, showing off their new digs in the sprawling in Flushing Meadows Park. After many years on Randall’s Island, and a brief stint in the parking lot of Citi Field, Governors Ball made the long anticipated move to the famed Queens park. Nestled amongst the giant trees and iconic landmarks, the festival feels right at home in the World’s Borough. The Canadian wildfire smoke cleared out entirely for the day, letting perfect weather shine for most of the day.
Lizzo, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
On the GovballNYC stage, Saba set the tone with his early afternoon performance. He got the crowd going with hits like “Ziplock” and “Photosynthesis.” Over at the GoPuff stage, Tai Verdes kept it cool with “A-O-K” to get the crowd ready for Brooklyn’s own Joey Bada$$. Joey went through songs across his entire discography and made sure to let his hometown crowd feel his energy. Joey made a tribute to XXXTENTACION by performing their song “infinity (888).”
Joey Bada$$, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
The GoPuff stage did not disappoint with later sets from Ice Spice, Metro Boomin, and Lil Uzi Vert. Ice Spice drew one of the biggest crowds of the day, and took the house down with her viral songs “Much” and “In Ha Mood.” Metro Boomin’ followed up Ice Spice’s performance with an intricate DJ set. Rain started to pour but that didn’t stop the fans from screaming every word, bar for bar, during Metro’s performance. Over on the Bacardi stage, the brief rain shower made for an even raunchier set than normal from pop icon Kim Petras.
Kim Petras, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
Lil Uzi Vert closed out the night with a bang. Interacting with fans throughout the set, he even announced that the highly anticipated “Pink Tape” will drop at the end of the month. Uzi went through the hits, brought out Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely and ended the night with their latest hit “Just Wanna Rock.”
Lil Uzi Vert, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Meanwhile, over on the GovBallNYC stage, Lizzo dominated the stage with her larger than lifer performance. Flanked by a sea of dancers, backup vocalists, a killer live band, and several outfit changes, Lizzo’s powerful voice reverberated through Flushing Meadows.
Lizzo, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
Day 2 gets going today, with sets from Finneas, Snail Mail, Rina Sawayama, Lil Baby, and Odesza. Stay tuned for our Saturday recap tomorrow morning.
Nestled amongst the backdrop of the Catskill mountains, just an hour outside Albany, Foothills Performing Arts Center (PAC) is a non-profit entertainment and civic center that serves the cultural, educational, and community needs of the Otsego, Delaware, and Chenango tri-county region.
Centered in the eclectic university community in Oneonta, Foothills PAC originally opened in 2005 and has become the region’s go-to venue for live entertainment for both national and local acts such as Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Gordon Lightfoot, Bernie Williams, Rusted Root, Tanya Tucker, John Michael Montgomery, Joe Diffie, and Thompson Square.
Wilber Wright Atrium
Foothills consists of multiple venues on its property, from its grand two story Wilber Wright Atrium, perfect for weddings and large events, to its Bettiol Theatre for smaller productions. The center also offers two smaller production spaces, The Loft and The Production Center.
As part of Foothill’s community engagement initiative, Foothills is also home to the Oneonta Farmers Market, providing the local community with fresh, home grown produce and artisanal crafts.
The Loft Performance Space
Recently appointed Executive Director Geoff Doyle has spent the better part of the last two years investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into renovations for Foothills, as part of his initiative to turn Foothills into a more diverse and utilized space for the local community. When Foothill’s closed at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Doyle took that time to write grants and to fundraise. Having found themselves with an empty building, as well as a surplus of funding from grants and generous donations, the Foothills Board used that time and those resources to finally do the work that had needed to be done for many years.
Bettiol Theatre
Taking both comments and critiques from the local community, renovations have included updated lighting and sound equipment for productions, to infrastructure improvements of the performance spaces.
We’ve become more than an arts center over the years. People donate blood here. They vote here. They attend weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, conferences, speaking engagements, fundraising events and so much more. We’ve been partners with SUNY Oneonta’s Music Industry program for a decade now, providing internships for many students in that time, and even hiring recent grads.
Geoff Doyle, Executive Director
Foothills Performing Arts Center is also home to Black Hole Studios, a fully equipped recording studio local artists can book for recording, mixing and mastering. With a top-ten Music Industry program located just down the street at SUNY Oneonta, the addition of Black Hole Studios has allowed student artists to have yet another resource to utilize their art.
Atrium Entrance
Upcoming events include this fall’s “Foothill’s Fringe Festival”. The brainchild of newest board member, Allie Church, Foothills Fringe takes inspiration from similar festivals around the world, and will be the centers newest annual event. Taking place over two days this September, Foothill’s Fringe will offer plays, film screenings, musical productions, stand-up comedy and more. With over 30 acts already booked, Fringe Festival is sure to draw in hundreds of spectators, artisans, and vendors.
In celebration of Pride Month, Foothills will also be hosting an 18+ Alice In Wonderland themed “Pride Prom” in collaboration with the Otsego Pride Alliance. The Prom, taking place June 30th, will feature dancing, face painting, specialty cocktails, prizes, fashion, and drag performances by local drag artists.
For more information, or to book an event space, please visit Foothills Performing Arts Center’s website.
Music Haven 2023 in Central Park in Schenectady announced its summer lineup, kicking off its 33 season of “traveling the world one concert at a time.”
Music Haven 2023 will take listeners 50,000 miles and back while presenting music and performing arts from Ghana, Andalusia, Ireland, Texas, Gambia, Louisiana, South Asia, Georgia, Stratford-upon-Avon, and beyond. “This summer, our musical journeys will cross seven distinct bodies of water—The Atlantic and Indian Oceans; the Alboran, Black, Mediterranean, and Arabian Seas; and the Bay of Bengal” says Eddie Award-winning Producing Artistic Director Mona Golub. “We’ll gather to hear spectacular global artists who have not played these parts before, welcome back some old friends who have dazzled the world since they last graced our stage, and showcase, as special guests, some of the finest talents our region has to offer.”
Each show features a variety of food and beverages available for purchase at all shows beginning at 6 p.m. on 7 p.m. concert nights and throughout festivals and special events. Michele’s Charcoal Pit and Ben & Jerry’s return with food and dessert available for purchase. Reflecting tradition, international offerings showcasing the locales from which the global artists come will be sold at the concession stand. Proctors is the official rain site for concerts on July 9 – July 23 and Aug. 20, with Niskayuna High School serving as the rain site July 30–Aug. 13. Shows scheduled on Aug. 11, 25, and 26, will take place in the park rain or shine. All concerts start at 7 p.m. unless noted otherwise.
Music Haven 2023 Lineup
July 9—Rocky Dawuni
**moved to Proctors.
Groove to the rhythms of Ghanaian multi-Grammy-nominated “Afro Roots,” a mixture of Reggae, Afrobeat, Highlife, and Soul music, artist Rocky Dawuni. An international star and champion of social causes, Dawuni straddles Africa, the Caribbean Islands, and the United States, and is a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa. Opening for him is Zorkie Nelson and Umoja Drummers, thumping out beats on authentic handmade instruments.
July 13—La Banda Morisca
La Banda Morisca, an Andalusian sextet, pays homage to their ancient Al-Andalus cultural heritage while rocking it forward with rich sonic accents from North Africa’s Maghreb Desert and the Middle East. Opening for them is Maria Zemantauski, a master of the Flamenco guitar.
July 16—Joey Alexander
Returning for the first time since 2015, Joey Alexander has appeared at some of the world’s most prestigious festivals and events, wowing audiences with his proficient mastery of the piano. Opening is Joe Barna and Sketches of Influence who similarly appraise jazz with one eye on the past and the other on the future.
Joey Alexander.
July 22 from 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.—NipperFest Music & Arts Festival
Celebrating all things 518, the festival features 16 bands on two stages, including Billboard AAA Top 40 artists Jocelyn and Chris, an artist pavilion, food trucks, and craft beer.
July 23—Sona Jobarteh
Gambian singer, educator, and activist Sona Jobarteh is the first professional female Kora virtuoso to hail from any of the great West African Griot dynasties. She will mesmerize listeners with her distinctively modern riff on an ancient African groove. Opening for her is Heard.
Sona Jobarteh.
July 30 from 5-9 p.m.—Blues BBQ featuring Vanessa Collier, Johnny Sansone, and Jontavious Willis
July concludes with Music Haven’s annual Blues BBQ featuring Blues Music Award’s reigning Contemporary Female Blues Artist, Vanessa Collier, New Orleans multi-instrumentalist Johnny Sansone and Taj Mahal protégé Jontavious Willis.
Aug. 5—Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra
August kicks off with the newly renamed Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra. Under the baton of Artistic Director Glen Cortese, the SSSO returns with “Legends of Broadway,” selections from beloved musicals including West Side Story, Les Miserables, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more.
Aug. 6—Eileen Ivers
The original star of “Riverdance,” a founding member of Cherish the Ladies, and a nine-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, Eileen Ivers has played with Sting, The Chieftains, and Symphony Orchestras alike and has been called “The Future of the Celtic fiddle.” Opening for her are The McKrells, blending Celtic and bluegrass to create a sound enjoyed around the world.
Aug. 11 from 5-9 p.m.—In the Heights
Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for creating the hit musical Hamilton is celebrated with a Latin Block Party featuring live music by Taina Asili and Latin food, followed by a screening of the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights.
Aug. 13—Aditya Prakash Ensemble
The Aditya Prakash Ensemble fuses South Asian Karnatik vocals with jazz and funk. One of the youngest musicians to ever perform with sitar legend Ravi Shankar, Prakash is a master of South Indian Karnatik singing. Opening is the SUNY Schenectady Jazz Faculty Combo, comprised of the region’s most talented players and educators.
Aug. 20—Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole
Cedric Watson is a four-time Grammy-nominated fiddler, singer, accordionist, and songwriter, and one of the brightest young talents to emerge in Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco over the last decade. Opening are Old-Fashioned Aces who will wow audiences with their deeply-rooted traditional Cajun sounds.
Aug. 25–26—Will Kempe’s Players
The Capital Region’s own traveling Shakespearean troupe Will Kempe’s Players, closes the 2023 season with back-to-back repertory performances of the Bard’s The Taming of the Shrew and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Period music by Andy Rutherford on lute and Yvonne Hansbrough on flute.
For more information about Music Haven 2023, visit here.
