NYS Music 2023

Category: Genres

  • Hearing Aide: Setting Sun ‘The Feelings Cure’

    Hudson Valley-based indie rock group Setting Sun released their first album in ten years, The Feelings Cure, looking back on who they were, what they are now, and the journey they have gone through as a band.

    Setting Sun

    Led by frontman and primary songwriter Gary Levitt, the sixth studio album by Setting Sun, The Feelings Cure, was recorded carefully, as Levitt says “I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get in the creative zone with set times of having to turn creativity on and off like a switch. I used to write and record in creative blasts when I felt it come on like a wave or virus. Having kids forced me to write, record, and mix within the gaps of being a father. The maturity shows on this record.” Over ten tracks, the group comments on changing yourself as time goes on, all while utilizing upbeat instrumentals, and melancholic lyrics.

    Feelings Cure is slow and free-flowing as it starts with the opening track “Cool,” fading into the more upbeat track yet still slow “Sometimes,” featuring prominent guitar solos and the good ol’ indie rock feel. Things get increasingly experimental on “Can’t Send It Back” with 80s-inspired synths, with Levitt repeating the chorus multiple times, singing “Now it’s gone by the way/Don’t expect me to stay/Somebody tried to keep their eye on mine.” One of the most enjoyable tracks “Good Die Young” blends Levitt’s personal endeavors as a comedian into the witty lyrics, citing it is the “closest [he’s] ever gotten” to blending the two areas. The song is short and simple yet makes the listener feel happy and carefree.

    The album becomes slower beyond this point, featuring a country vibe on “Up and Away,” showcasing Levitt’s talents with experimenting with different genres. “Same Face” has a female singer prominently singing background vocals, adding a lighter tone to the song, as well as a return of those 80s synths. Overall, the record brings you into Levitt’s personal journey as a father and band member and the difficulty he faced balancing both. It is a classic slow indie rock record with a twist, featuring intricate genre blends, melancholic lyricism, and driving rhythms.

    Key Tracks: Can’t Send It Back, Good Die Young, Feelings Cure.

    Setting Sun’s new record Feelings Cure is available on every streaming platform. They are performing at the Harmonies on the Hudson Concert Series in Germantown on June 15 and at Opus 40 in Saugerties on July 16. Tickets are available here.

  • The Mansion of Saratoga’s Summer Dinner Concerts

    The Mansion of Saratoga is returning with its “supper club” format of dinner and a show for six Thursdays this summer. Performances range from Joe Posa’s Joan Rivers impersonation comedy show to “Aladdin” Broadway star Adam Jacobs singing songs from various Broadway hits.

    mansion of saratoga supper club
    Credit: Sawicki Studios

    The Mansion of Saratoga was originally built in 1866 by George West. West made his wealth as the inventor of the folded paper bag, and would eventually go on to serve in both the New York State Legislature and the United States Congress’s House of Representatives. The Mansion acted as his primary residence for over a decade before it became his summer home in 1875.

    For the Mansion of Saratoga’s “supper club” format, Executive Chef Rick Bieber will be creating a 3-course meal, with seating beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the tented deck of the mansion. Three entrée choices will be offered.

    At 7:30 p.m., guests will continue to the Mansion Carriage House Theatre for the 8:00 p.m. performances. Prior to dinner, during dinner, and in the rear of the carriage house, there will be a full cash bar available.

    Performances for Summer 2023

    “The B**ch is Back for Her 90th Birthday!” – June 8

    As a tribute to Joan Rivers for what would have been her 90th birthday, award winning actor and celebrity impersonator Joe Posa will be performing a 90-minute comedy concert. Posa was River’s favorite impersonator, and the pair kept in touch after first meeting in 2006. The event is 18+.

    Branden & James – June 22

    A celloist and a tenor vocalist seen on “America’s Got Talent.” Also featured will be Effie Passero, a special guest of “American Idol” fame.

    Stella Katherine Cole – July 13

    Performing covers of Sara Vaughan, Judy Garland, and Ella Fitzgerald, the 23-year-old Stella Katherine Cole first went viral on TikTok.

    Elizabeth Ward Land – July 27

    The event, “Still Within the Sound of My Voice,” features Broadway veteran Elizabeth Ward Land. She has been regarded as a perfect vocal match for the Songs of Linda Ronstadt. The performance includes rock, folk, light opera, and mariachi.

    Morgan James – Aug. 10

    Returning from their performance at the Mansion of Saratoga from last year, Morgan James will be performing fresh off of the release of her new album, “Memphis Magnetic,” alongside her husband, Doug Wamble, a renowned Memphis blues guitar player. The album features new arrangements of Memphis classics by Al Green, Otis Redding, Ann Peebles, Sam & Dave and Elvis.

    Adam Jacobs – Aug. 24

    A family-friendly event with Broadway star Adam Jacobs. Jacobs starred in both the original “Aladdin” on Broadway and as Simba in the “Line King” on Broadway. He will be singing hits from “Aladdin,” “Hercules,” “Newsies,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and more.

    Travers Saturday Wine Pairing Dinner – Aug. 26

    A “bonus” event, taking place on a Saturday instead of the normal Thursday dates. The dinner will feature Edmund Bagnell, a violinist and Broadway singer.

    Beyond the main events, there are more events between these performances at the Mansion of Saratoga. Starting June 4, brunch will be served on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. On Wednesday night, beginning May 17, is “Dog Nights Out” from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering dog-friendly dining.

    Excluding the concert nights and starting in July, Thursdays will have “Thursdays are a Drag,” a trivia night with a drag queen. Starting in June on Friday nights will be a nightclub in the Mansion Carriage House called “Before Midnight.” This is exclusive to those over 30.

    For more information, menus, and tickets, visit the Mansion of Saratoga‘s website.

  • Fivio Foreign Releases Surprise EP ‘Without Warning’ With Ye as Sole Feature

    Fivio Foreign surprised fans with an unannounced 8-track EP titled, Without Warning. The unplanned mid-week release features Ye — formerly Kanye West — as the only guest on the song “Concussion.” Executive produced by managers Elliott Hardaman & Kahran Reefer, this latest project seems to have been strictly for his die-hard fans. In like manner, the free EP is only available on Soundcloud and Youtube and no other DSPs.

    Along with the EP, Fivio and his team released a 15-minute “Without Warning” documentary where the “City of Gods” rapper shared the thought-process behind this surprise release. In addition, Fivio pays ode to his fallen friend TDott Woo, who was fatally shot in the Brooklyn neighborhood both artists frequented. The album’s opening track is titled “T DOT BACC,” sees him pay tribute to his friend by angrily rapping “how many opps I got to kill? I’m trying to bring TDott back.”

    All in all, Without Warning sees Fivio return to his roots of sorts. Consequently, the catchy samples and expensive features that littered throughout his debut are not there. Rather, the project is laced with the fast-paced drill beats that have become synonymous with Fivio. Additionally, Fivio maintains his charisma, flow and contagious dialect that has made him the preeminent representative of New York hip hop culture.

  • Noah Kahan Brings Stick Season to Artpark 

    Popular folk artist Noah Kahan began his Stick Season tour for a sold out crowd at Artpark on May 26. This tour is celebrating Noah’s third studio album Stick Season which was released at the end of 2022. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Opener Joy Oladokun kicked off the night with her mix of R&B, folk, and rock tunes. Her influences as a queer woman of color has given her powerful lyrics and connective albums a new meaning. Joy converted new fans that night as she spent her set connecting and singing with people about mental health. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Noah later took the stage with his whimsical visuals and groovy band members. The group first played the popular hit “All My Love” which immediately had fans hyped up. Despite this being the Stick Season tour he brought back his roots when playing classics off his old EP Cape Elizabeth. These included “Glue Myself Shut,” and “Maine.” 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Addressing Mental Health

    Noah is no stranger to mental health issues. In fact he not only writes about it in his songs but even discusses it on stage with countless people listening. That night at Artpark he talked with everyone how important therapy is and being okay with asking for help. Noah helps break the stigmatization around metal health issues and alcohol abuse. After his heavy hitting speech he sang “Growing Sideways” which examines the distraught feeling of being stuck.  

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The artist took a moment on stage to play some acoustic songs which brought an ease over the crowd. Fans really became excited though when Noah played several tracks off his unreleased deluxe edition of Stick Season including “No Complaints” and “Dial Drunk.”

    This night was special for Noah Kahan considering it was the first time he was playing certain songs live and the start of a tour that is about to sweep the nation. His music discography has already left a mark on the internet space but his live show is what will make people coming back for more. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Artpark’s Summer concert series is a must see for both the music and the environment. Make sure to check out upcoming shows here. Young The Giant is coming June 13 and Michael Franti & Spearhead perform June 21. 

    Setlist: All My Love, Everywhere Everything, She Calls Me Back, False Confidence, New Perspective, No Complaints, Glue Myself Shut, Growing Sideways, Maine, Northern Attitude, Dial Drunk, Carlo’s Song, You’re Gonna Go Far, Orange Juice, Homesick, The View Between Villages, Stick Season, Mess 

  • Beacon’s Strawberry Festival on June 11 Promises Music and More

    Beacon’s Sloop Club will be holding their annual, family-friendly Strawberry Festival on Sunday, June 11. With free admission, the Strawberry Festival promises food, fruit, vendors, educational activities, and live music right on the shores of the Hudson River.

    The Beacon Sloop Club is a volunteer organization originally founded by folk singer and activist Pete Seeger. Through advocacy, education and celebration, the Beacon Sloop Club has dedicated itself to the preservation, protection and restoration of the Hudson River. They hold free music festivals throughout the year, such as the Strawberry Festival, the Corn Festival, and the Pumpkin Festival.

    Performances will be held on the Beacon Sloop Club’s two solar-powered music stages, and entertainment features both storytellers and musicians. This year’s lineup includes Arm of the Sea, Beacon High School Chorus, Beacon Songsmiths, Bindlestick Bill, Cosby Gibson, Ken Miller, April Mae & The June Bugs, Jonathan Kruk, Judith Tulloch, Restless Wanderer, Trouble Sisters, Rob May, Spook Handy, and Patrick Stanfield Jones with Laurie Siegel & Joe Boggess.

    Some of the educational activities featured this year are “Come Grow With Us! Seed Babies,” “Ask a Master Gardener,” and the Environmental Tent. The first, “Come Grow With Us!” has a potting station where children can learn to take care of a marigold seed. The second is tied to it, with anyone able to ask a “Master Gardener” for clarification. The Environmental Tent has hands-on science experience for children and their parents, explaining the state of the Hudson River, what it means, how it can improve, and more.

    Other activities for children are Compass Arts and Vincent’s Eat Paint Love.

    The sloop itself, the Woody Guthrie, will be taking guests on free sails from the Beacon Harbor. The vessel is a replica of the popular gaff-rigged Hudson River sloop from centuries prior and was launched in 1978 to support the message of its predecessor, the Clearwater. Both vessels were made to help promote the clean-up of the Hudson River by Pete Seeger.

    The Beacon Sloop Club recommends that visitors bring a blanket or chair. Sign-ups for the sloop itself will begin at noon, weather permitting, at the festival’s T-shirt booth. More information on both the organization and the event can be found on the Beacon Sloop Club’s website.

  • NBT Summer Concert Series in Norwich Releases Artists

    Thursdays in Norwich, New York’s East Park are a highlight of the summer season, and for good reason. Every Thursday in July and August, NBT Summer Concert Series shows attract an all-ages crowd of locals and out-of-towners alike, bringing people together to enjoy great music and great food.

    Sponsored by NBT Bank and local foundations, all shows are free, beginning on July 6th and ending on August 31st.

    This season will feature some artists appearing for the first time, along with returning favorites. Highlighting the new comers will be the Southern tock legends, The Outlaws. Known as “The Florida Guitar Army” by their fans, achieved worldwide acclaim through gold and platinum hits like “Green Grass and High Tides” and “There Goes Another Love Song.” After more than forty years, their live performances continue to burn hotter than ever.

    The Outlaws are not the only performance you won’t want to miss. Southern Avenue will kick off the summer series on July 6th. New to East Park, Southern Avenue wowed admirers at last year’s Chenango Blues Fest. Additionally, Canada’s own Bywater Call is a newcomer that might become your next favorite band. Another artist making their series debut is contractually bound to secrecy. Stay tuned for details!

    In addition to new artists, the return of some exceptional acts promises a great deal of exciting performances. The Travelin’ McCourys never fail to draw large crowds of bluegrass fans, but their music appeals to many through its roots in Americana music. Additionally, The Garcia Project is returning with their faithful recreation of classic Jerry Garcia Band performances. This year will also see the return of Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, whose performances nod to the two-step music of South Louisiana. Mr. Sipp will perform the unofficial kick-off of the 30th Chenango Blues Fest on August 17th. The series will conclude on August 31st with Shinyribs, one of the best performers touring today and a stalwart of the Austin music scene.

    Plan to bring a lawn chair to enjoy wonderful performances every Thursday. For more information, visit the Chenango Blues Association website here.

  • Organ Fairchild’s ‘Dead of Summer’ Tour Coming to Albany and Greenlawn

    Organ Fairchild has announced a special themed ten-date summer tour titled “Dead of Summer,” coming to Albany and Greenlawn at the end of July and early August.

    Organ Fairchild created their first original music together in 2020. Jam scene mainstays Joe Bellanti, Corey Kertzie, and Dave Ruch met in 1983 as members of Buffalo Grateful Dead cover band Wild Knights, a group that still plays reunion shows. Their debut gig was just a month before the COVID shutdown, and since then the group has won NYS Musics’ March Madness, supported Anders Osborne and Jackie Greene, Andy Frasco & the U.N., Sophistafunk, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and more, and have each played with Bob Weir, Rob Wasserman, Robbie Krieger (The Doors), Nels Cline, Tony Rice, moe., and more.

    Fresh on the heels of a four-set appearance at last weekend’s Summer Camp Music Festival in Chillicothe, IL, the trio announced their “Dead of Summer” tour, featuring one set of the band’s award-winning original instrumental music followed by a full set of Grateful Dead songs performed funky organ-trio style. Band guitarist Dave Ruch said, “It’s been so much fun to take the parameters of our new organ trio format (no singing and no bass player!) and revisit some of our favorite Dead tunes. Fresh and funky is how it’s feeling, and the setlists will be unique each night!” The tour will hit Beau’s Bar in Greenlawn on July 29 and Lark Hall in Albany on Aug. 1.

    Tickets go on sale here on June 5 at 10 a.m.

    Dead of Summer Tour

    July 28 The 8×10 Club, Baltimore MD
    July 29 Beau’s Bar, Greenlawn NY
    July 30 Weekend at Bertha’s Festival, Townsend DE
    July 31 The Nest House Concerts, Ironia NJ
    August 1 Lark Hall, Albany NY (Jerry Garcia’s birthday!)
    August 2 ZenBarn, Waterbury Center VT
    August 3 Orlando’s, Burlington VT
    August 4 TBA
    August 5 Bear’s Picnic Festival, Blain PA
    August 6 Electric Haze, Worcester MA

  • Bobby Blue & George Sáenz Release “Por Un Amor/For A Love”

    NYC’s Costa Rican American singer songwriter Bobby Blue have released a duet with George Sáenz titled “Por Un Amor/For A Love,” on June 2nd. The combination is an ethereal trip of a very simple love song.

    Por Un Amor, which means “For A Love,” is a classic Ranchera written by Gilbert Parra Paz in 1940 about the worst break up a heart could handle. Using his elegant vocals, Bobby Blue collaborates with George’s baritone voice playing the Guitarron. 

    Bobbys mother came from a ranch in the central valley of Costa Rica, heavily influenced by spirit, music, and imagination. Growing older, Bobby Blues’ imagination and independence could make for a hard time. A teacher once threatened to beat out his sissiness with his fists, but music kept him going. From age four he always had the lead solo parts in choirs, and from ten years old he started composing songs for recitals. He eventually made enough money and moved to NYC. 

    Once Bobby Blue moved to NYC he immediately started performing at open mics, independent art galleries and late-night underground circuses. His charming stage presence and big voice made him known as a powerful performer.  

    Bobby was deemed “not All American / too gay” and that his voice was freakish. Fortunately, the stage kept calling and he kept writing. Bobbys first album, a folky-electro album provided his first releases.  

    International DJs discovered his originals and turned several of them into dance remixes. In A Song was discovered by Junior Vasquez and it climbed the Billboard Dance Chart for 15 weeks. 

    Although, while settling into NYC he dived into his mother’s Latin music and his father’s old Country music, as well as his original songs. Bobby had so much fun singing these lovely folk melodies that he felt this music was more fitting for his voice and his soul. On any given evening you can see Bobby slaying audiences at NYC clubs like Joes Pub, The Knitting Factory, on the porches of Brooklyn Victorian homes, the streets of the East Village, and at several festivals around the country. 

    Bobby Blue & George Sáenz Release “Por Un Amor/For A Love”

    Listen to ‘Por Un Amor” by clicking the link here. 

    For more music by Bobby Blue, click the link here. 

  • Bad Mary Releases New Punk Rock EP “Trash and Glamour”

    Long Island based band Bad Mary released their new EP Trash and Glamour on May 16. Much like Bad Mary’s other work, Trash and Glamour consists of impressive guitar riffs, beating drums, and powerful vocals.

    /* In-Read – Nysmusic.com */ (function() { var opts = { artist: “”, song: “”, adunit_id: 100005083, detect_artist: true, div_id: “cf_async_” + Math.floor((Math.random() * 999999999)) }; document.write(‘
    ‘);var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== ‘undefined’)c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement(“script”),s=document.getElementsByTagName(“script”)[0];r.async=!0;r.src=”//srv.tunefindforfans.com/fruits/apricots.js”;r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if(“loaded”==r.readyState||”complete”==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })();

    Bad Mary released their first album, Better Days in 2013. They followed it up with three EPs: Killing Dinosaurs (2016), We Could Have Saved the World (2016), and Glitter Bomb (2017). In 2019 Bad Mary released their second full length album, The Return of Space Girl. It was a 33 minute punk rock space opera then followed by an award-winning animated movie of the album.

    The band consists of lead vocalist Amanda Mac, Mike Staub on bass, Bill Mac on drums, and David Henderson on guitar. Based in New York, Bad Mary has played classic venues including The Highline Ballroom, The Knitting Factory, Arlene’s Grocery, and the Bowery Electric. On the road, they also played The Vans Warped Tour, The Dewey Beach Music Conference, Launch Music Conference, and Musikfest. In 2019, Bad Mary toured Japan and played to packed-out venues with a motley gang of local punk bands.

    Bad Mary Goes Back to Their Roots

    On Trash and Glamour, vocalist Amanda Mac said, “With this EP we really wanted to get back to thrashy/trashy rock and roll. In a way we’re back at our roots with simple and fun songs and hit the ground running right away. After a concept album and two cover EPs we felt the need to strip things down a little and get punchy again. We think we were able to achieve this and we’re really proud of these new songs.”

    Additionally, assist Mike Staub called Trash and Glamour, “a small celebration of everything we’ve done. We’ve got some straight-up blistery, punky tunes like “Are You With The Band?” and “Light It Up” but also fun and weird songs that really embrace our personality like, “The Floor Is Lava”. We’re never afraid to be ourselves and T&G really shows that. It’s All Trash and we mean that with all the love.”

    Bad Mary also hosts livestreams on Twitch every Tuesday at 8 pm EST, which can be found here.

  • Brooklyn Public Library Announces “Night in the Library: The Philosophy of Hip Hop”

    As a part of their celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, Brooklyn Public Library will be holding a free event called “Night in the Library: The Philosophy of Hip Hop.” The event will take place on Saturday, June 17 and will feature performances, keynote addresses, music, discussions, debates, and activities that have been inspired by the genre.

    This year’s event was modeled after the “Night of Philosophy and Ideas,” which received 7,000 attendees between 2018 and 2022. The entire Central Library building will be taken over for the night from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m..

    We are thrilled to once again welcome New Yorkers to join us for Brooklyn’s most exciting celebration of culture and exchange of ideas. On the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re proud to honor the legacy of the genre and take a deep dive into this multifaceted art form that has transcended music and had a tremendous influence on our cultural fabric on a global scale.

    László Jakab Orsós, Brooklyn Public Library’s Vice President of Arts and Culture

    “Night in the Library” will include several Roc Nation artists, such as Grammy-nominated rapper Rapsody, Johnny Cocoa, HDBeenDope, and Reuben Vincent. There will be several notable speakers, such as: Honorary Dr. Gloria Carter of the Shawn Carter Foundation; Mitchell S. Jackson, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer; Emerson Sykes of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU); hit rapper Topaz Jones; Naima Cochrane, Founder of Hip-Hop Sermon; and Bill Adler, Def Jams’ first publicist.

    The event will be co-curated by the Founder of Really Just Hip-Hop, LeBrandon Smith, as well as Kelly Harrison, and April R. Silver, founder of Akila Worksongs. Additionally co-curating is MACRO, a company that represents the voice and perspectives of Black people and persons of color.

    Hip-Hop has outgrown anything imagined, as it continues to evolve culturally and musically. Arguably the most influential artform in the world, it has permeated all parts of society including fashion, media, sports, language and even politics.

    LeBrandon Smith, Founder of Really Just Hip-Hop

    For more information and to register for the event, visit the Night in the Library’s website.