NYS Music 2023

Category: Genres

  • Hearing Aide: Smoke DZA Drops “Smoke Sessions v2”

    Smoke DZA serves the rap game as a mainstay & staple type New York artist. Certain lyricists put forth so much groundwork that they are cemented throughout underground for generations. Roc Marciano and Curren$y come to mind when conceiving the kingship achieved by lowkey legends. There is something special about artists like Your Old Droog that just continue to sharpen and fine tune their penmanship. Furthermore, we set out to place real hip-hop lyricists on your radar for as far our reach yields. 

    In Mid-May, Smoke DZA dropped Worldwide Smoke Sessions Volume 2 presented by The Smoker’s Club an NYC based lifestyle brand founded by Jonny Shipes, Smoke DZA and Shiest Bubz.

    It’s just something about second versions of mixtapes that allow the artist to carefully construct and improve upon the first edition. Hear me out – on this tape – there’s a track reminiscent of Mos Def “Travellin’ Man.” Is it a stretch to consider those two within the same breath? Even if that rings true, real audioheads may hear the resemblances.

    Pinpointing

    Consequently, a real journalist carries the audacity to auspiciously sense when songs might utilize similar types of flows/cadences. Thus, it just so happens that DZA cleverly pieced together a very smooth collection of songs. The first Worldwide Smoke Sessions dropped in 2019. Since, DZA’s vision continues to clairvoyantly depict relatable scenes and scenarios. Entering into this listening experience in an open-minded manner served the ultimate purpose for v2.

    More times than not – if a mixtape passes the “car test” it proves authentic. Sound engineers like Mike Dean recommend playing the mastered product in the car to formulate final decisions. Eventually, the car test combined with a stereo sound bar and a speaker boombox hit for the trifecta when it comes to immersing within an album. Regardless, this DZA tape creates such a genuine vibe that we were taken aback by its phenomenal nature. 

    Growing Roots

    Some projects take longer than others to develop wings and truly begin to move someone. For instance, “Nacksaw Jim Duggan” – a Griselda Records Estee Nack Debut – took several listens to grow roots. It’s clear to understand that greatness comes over time by trying your hand over and over again, or in this case, training your ear to absorb the album within different environments.

    Smoke DZA laid the foundation very precisely throughout his endeavors as a New York artist. Without a doubt, his name holds weight within musical circles associated with meditative properties. Hence, listening to Worldwide Smoke Sessions Volume 2 by Smoke DZA creates a multilayered onset effect for the listener. This mixtape comes complete with boatloads of relaxation, variety and tunes good for cruising along.

    Key Tracks: House of Blues, Kobe, Back 2 the Crib

  • The Hold Steady Present Positive Jam Music Festival at Arrowood Farm

    This summer, Brooklyn based rock band, The Hold Steady will be presenting an all-star music festival, Positive Jam. The inaugural event will be held on August 5th at Arrowood Farms, a local festival hot spot in the small town and agricultural hub of Accord, New York.

    The Positive Jam festival will serve as another commemoration of the rock band’s 20 year anniversary which passed this January. On top of the band headlining the event themselves, they will be joined by a line up of close friends and idols including, Guided By Voices, The Tallest Man On Earth, Laura Stevenson, I Get Wild (plays Talking Heads), and Oceanator.

    The event, presented in association with Impact Concerts and Ground Control Touring, will kick off at 5 PM on August 4th with THS Positive Jam Prelims Pool Party. The welcome gathering will be located at the INNESS Luxury Hotel and Resort and will feature DJ sets from The Hold Steady along with a collection of fun activities for festival goers to participate in.

    On the 5th, the star-studded lineup will be accompanied by Arrowood Farms locally inspired craft beers and comfort food, along with diverse Hudson Valley-based food trucks, clothing, and arts vendors.

    Positive Jam is just one event of a multitude of planned appearances by the rock band for the summer and autumn of 2023. The Hold Steady will play their live show at various locations across the country and will appear in their home-base of Brooklyn four times.

    Their landmark 20th anniversary will further be commemorated by the upcoming publication of The Gospel of The Hold Steady: How a Resurrection Really Feels, a new oral history by Michael Hann and The Hold Steady, which will be available to the public on July 25.

    “We’ve talked about our ideal festival for many years, and we’re excited to make it a reality to celebrate our 20th year as a band,” says The Hold Steady frontman Craig Finn. “We are thrilled to have some of our favorite artists joining us to make an incredible day of music and community in a beautiful location.”

    Ticket pre-sales for Positive Jam are now open for purchase with the password: PROGRESS. General sales will be available Friday, June 2nd at 10 AM. You can find further details about the festival and ticket options here. 

    The Hold Steady – LIVE 2023

    June 3 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater

    June 28 – Louisville, KY – WFPK Waterfront Wednesday (FREE SHOW)

    June 30 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed (SOLD OUT)

    July 1 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed (SOLD OUT)

    July 2 – Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle (SOLD OUT)

    July 29 – Newport, RI – Newport Folk Festival

    August 4 – Accord, NY – Positive Jam Prelims Pool Party @ INNESS Luxury Hotel and Resort

    August 5 – Accord, NY – The Hold Steady Presents Positive Jam

    September 2 – St. Paul, MN – Minnesota State Fair

    September 22 – Jersey City, NJ – White Eagle Hall

    September 23 – Philadelphia, PA – XPoNential Music Festival

    October 7 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas

    October 8 – Las Vegas, NV – Bowling/Football Watch Party @ Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas

    November 29 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl

    November 30 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl

    December 1 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl

    December 2 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl

  • Boston Calling – Food, Fun & Lots of Music at Harvard On Memorial Day Weekend

    Beginning in the afternoon on Friday, May 26 through the late evening on Sunday, May 28, the 12th installment of the beloved Boston Calling music festival returned to its home at Harvard University in Boston (Allston), Massachusetts this past Memorial Day weekend.

    For three straight days, more than 40,000 fans of all ages passed through the gates into the Harvard Athletic Complex where they were welcomed daily to engaging activities such as a ride on a 100-foot Ferris wheel, delicious food served up by 29 local vendors, and of course, great music performed by 51 artists (17 each day) across four outdoor stages dubbed the Green Stage, the Happy Valley Red Stage, the Blue Stage and the Tivoli Audio Orange Stage, which championed acts with local ties to New England.

    Paramore | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Inaugurated in 2013, the acclaimed Boston Calling festival is produced by Boston Calling Events, owned in part by Boston-based Crash Line Productions, whose hallmark of bringing new sounds each and every year was on full display again. In step with the festival’s commitment to securing an iconic mix of musical performances, headlining the festival on Day 1 (Friday) were Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Foo Fighters. Having played in New Hampshire two days prior, this would only be their second official concert following drummer Taylor Hawkins’ tragic death in March 2022. The Lumineers, soulful alternative-folk rockers from Denver, Colorado, headlined Day 2 (Saturday) of the festival. Day 3 (Sunday) of the festival was headlined by indie rock darlings Paramore, formed in Franklin, Tennessee in 2004. Paramore, having already performed at the festival back in 2018, made their triumphant return on the heels of releasing their sixth studio album, This is Why.

    Foo Fighters | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Boston Calling also featured renowned co-headliners on each day, including The National and Boston natives Dropkick Murphys on Day 1, the latter who quickly stepped in for the art-punk trio Yeah Yeah Yeahs due to an undisclosed illness announced the day prior. The Celtic punk band’s frontman, Ken Casey, would announce to the crowd during their blistering set, “The Yeah Yeah Yeahs said ‘no no no,’ but we never say no!” Day 2 saw seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette take the Red Stage, playing her first show in Boston since 2012. Queens of the Stone Age, alternative metal rockers from Seattle, Washington, brought their hard-pounding musicianship to Day 3 of the festival. Having recently announced their long-awaited eighth studio album, In Times New Roman, they thrilled their die-hard fans with two new tracks from this forthcoming release (June 16), including “Emotion Sickness” and “Negative Space.”

    Dropkick Murphys | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
    Queens of the Stone Age | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Joining these headlining and co-headlining acts were well-established artists such as Noah Kahan, Bleachers, The Flaming Lips (who celebrated the release of Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots by performing the 2002 album in its entirety), King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (the psychedelic rock band from Australia who were forced to bow out of last year’s festival due to COVID-19), Mt. Joy, Maren Morris and many more.

    Bleachers | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
    Mt. Joy | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
    The Flaming Lips | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    The holiday weekend also offered its patrons plenty of performances from up-and-coming talent, including Razor Braids, The Beaches, The Aces and The Linda Lindas (an all-girl quartet ranging in age from 13 to 19 who easily won over the crowd after a personal introduction to their set by the Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu), to name just a few.

    The Beaches | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
    The Linda Lindas | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Although the temperature each day of the festival was not as hot as it could have been for this time of the year, the sun did take its toll on some of the audience members who were not adequately hydrated. I witnessed firsthand at least five people who appeared to faint due to heat stroke, all of whom required to be quickly pulled out of the crowd by security and whisked away for treatment by EMT personnel.

    The only critique that I have for this year’s festival is also the same as 2022’s festival, the merchandise tent line was long, exceedingly long. As I talked to fans who were proudly wearing their new t-shirt or hat, I learned that time spent in line (and away from the stages) was a minimum of two hours! Often, the sought after merch had already been sold-out. However, fans were at least able to complete an order form for the requested item to be shipped at a later date.

    Fans soaking in the action at the Red Stage (Day 2) | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    No festival experience is considered complete without first meeting and interacting with fellow fans. My own personal encounters included talking to Paul from Toronto, Canada in front of the Green Stage for most of Friday afternoon. I learned that he and his 16-year old son drove for eight hours Thursday night and into the wee morning hours to see the Foo Fighters for the first time. Paul emotionally shared with me that his son “will always remember this, so it was well worth it.” On Friday, I also met Kirby from Danbury, Connecticut, an avid fan of all music genres, as well as a talented drummer and guitarist. He revealed to me that he was dealing with painful plantar fasciitis in both feet, so when I saw him again on both Saturday and Sunday along the rail of the Red Stage, I was glad he was able to still see the artists he loves up close and personal. Being a graduate of the University of Connecticut (UCONN), it was also a pleasure to spend time speaking with Seth for a few hours, a UCONN professor for nearly 20 years and an amateur live music photographer.

    Shane Hawkins Joins Foo Fighters Onstage | Video Credit: Michael Dinger

    During a festival filled with three days and nights of highlights, it’s easy for me to pick out my favorite one. Throughout the Foo Fighters’ two hour set, Dave Grohl’s devastation by the loss of his friend and bandmate was palpable – on his face and in his speeches to the audience. So, when Grohl welcomed to the stage “one of [his] favorite drummers in the world,” 17-year old Shane Hawkins, it was truly a goosebumps moment. With Shane taking a couple of minutes at the drum kit to adjust the stool height left for him by the Foo Fighters newest member, Josh Freese, Grohl stalled for time. “Hello Boston, how’s it going over there? Earlier, I was in my dressing room and I heard the audience going absolutely fucking bonkers for someone. And I was like, who the fuck is playing that someone is going [this crazy]? It was Niall Horan [of One Direction fame], is that his name? How’s it going there Shane? Oh my God, there is a curfew Shane. This is an old song from our first record and when we play it . . .” Abruptly, in came Shane with a thunderous drum roll to launch “I’ll Stick Around.”

    Day 1 (Friday)

    RAZOR BRAIDS

    THE BEACHES

    DROPKICK MURPHYS

    FOO FIGHTERS

    Day 2 (Saturday)

    NEEMZ

    THE ACES

    MT. JOY

    THE FLAMING LIPS

    Day 3 (Sunday)

    JUICE

    THE LINDA LINDAS

    BLEACHERS

    QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE

    PARAMORE

    The Fans & The Grounds

  • Barker Park Kids’ Series Returns to Troy for Summer 2023

    Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has announced the return of the Barker Park Kids’ Series for the summer of 2023. The free concerts will take place every Thursday at 11 AM starting July 6th to August 24th at the Barker Park playground in Troy.

    Troy Music Hall is strongly committed to supporting education in the arts as well as enriching the community, and this concert series is one of many events in which they offer free and discounted performances for students and kids. Additionally, as a way to further assist the Troy community, this year’s Barker Park Kids’ Series will also be partnering with local organization, Sidewalk Warriors, a group of volunteers who support individuals in need. Throughout the series, the park will serve as a drop off location for items to be donated especially shampoo, boxes of cereal, and more.

    Along with their mission of education and enrichment, the Music Hall aims to foster diverse cultural experiences for their audiences. Thus, the partners will present a lineup of musicians spanning a multitude of genres including historic jazz and traditional West African music.

    Barker Park Kids’ Series LineUp

    July 6th – JORDAN TAYLOR HILL

    Jordan is an artist rooted in traditional music from West Africa and the diaspora combined with today’s sounds. His early influence in song writing and performance is coupled in a unique way meant to equally inspire and entertain. 

    July 13th – RAGTIME WIND JAMMERS

    The “Ragtime Windjammers” play historic tunes meant to illustrate several facets of Jazz music as it developed in America around the turn of the 20th century. Audience participation is encouraged and several volunteers are used to visually illustrate several acoustic ideas. 

    July 20th – ELLEN SINOPOLI DANCE COMPANY

    31-year-old not-for-profit arts organization located in NYS’s Capital Region. ESDC’s commitment to CREATE, COLLABORATE, EDUCATE and PARTNER remains in the forefront as it shares its work with diverse audiences through concerts, showcases, residencies, workshops, educational and community outreach. 

    July 27th – ANDY THE MUSIC MAN

    Popular children’s musician renowned for the special way he connects with his audiences. A talented guitarist, mandolin player and songwriter, Andy mingles traditional and original songs and novelty, delighting and involving kids through sing-a-longs, dancing, play-acting and storytelling. 

    August 3rd – HEARD

    A collective of musicians that bring their skills and passion for world music, jazz and improvising together to create irresistible grooves set in a unique sonic tapestry. Together for a decade, their vibrant sound incorporates influences from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and beyond. 

    August 10th – DJ HollyW8D

    Originally from Brooklyn, DJ HollyW8D energizes crowds throughout the Upstate New York Capital Region. He has always gravitated to music throughout his life and hopes to bring versatility in his music mixing wherever he goes. Drawing inspiration from many including his mother, Sean P. Diddy Combs and DJ Puffy, HollyW8D aims to inspire others with his daily grind and optimistic energy.

    August 17th – WATCH REGGIE RUN

    Formed in 2017 by Dave and his son Luke who has autism, WATCH REGGIE RUN, is named after how they spend their time when not making music (watching Luke’s sister Reggie run in Track and XC meets). The father/son duo shares a love of music and has found it to be a great way of connecting despite Luke’s limited communication skills. The songs were all inspired by Luke. It’s fun music for ALL AGES! 

    August 24th – Safety Day

    Learn all about safety with helpful tips and a bit of fun.

  • MSG Entertainment and Billy Joel Announce the End of Historic Run of Shows

    On June 1st, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp held a press conference in Chase Square at MSG to announce the end of Billy Joel‘s decade long residency. Joel has logged 136 shows at the Garden and holds the longest consecutive show streak in the venue’s history at 90 (as of 6/1/23). The residency will continue until July 2024, when Joel will reach 150 lifetime shows at The Garden.

    Billy Joel speaking at his MSG Press Conference. Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

    To date, the residency has racked up more than 1.6 million tickets sales to fans from all 50 states and over 120 countries. The legendary musician and New Yorker was joined on stage by Mayor Eric Adams, Rangers Legend Henrik Lundqvist, Executive Chairman and CEO of MSG Entertainment James L. Dolan, Executive Vice President of Live at MSG Entertainment Josephine Vaccarello, and Q104.3 host Jim Kerr.

    I’m kind of flabbergasted that it lasted as long as it did. My team tells me that we could continue to sell tickets, but ten years, 150 shows – all right already!

    Billy Joel.

    The 6-time Grammy winner and 23-time nominee’s first performance at MSG dates back to December of 1978, where he performed on three consecutive nights during the 52nd street tour and 45 years later the curtains are closing.

    Billy Joel and Eric Adams at Billy Joel x MSG Press Conference. Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

    “There’s only one thing that’s more New York than Billy Joel – and that’s a Billy Joel concert at MSG,” said NYC Mayor Eric Adams. “For more than 50 years, Billy’s music has defined our city and brought us together. On behalf of 8.5 million New Yorkers, congratulations, Billy, on a historic run of sold-out shows at MSG, and thank you for a lifetime of bringing joy to us all.”

    Henrik Lundqvist praised Joel’s icon status, “Throughout my career I remember so many moments being on the ice looking up to the rafters and seeing all of these legends names, Knicks Legends, Rangers Legends and of course Billy Joel.”

    The first of the final ten shows in Billy Joel’s MSG franchise run will take place on October 20, 2023. Due to demand, a special date was added on Thanksgiving Eve – November 22, 2023, marking his 96 monthly and 142 lifetime show at The Garden. Tickets will be available for purchase by the general public beginning at 10:00AM (ET) on Friday, June 9 via ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available at the Madison Square Garden box office on Saturday, June 10.

    Henrik Lundqvist speaking at Billy Joel x MSG Press Conference. Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

  • In Focus: Tatiana DeMaria Celebrates Release of “Open Wide” at Mercury Lounge

    Tatiana DeMaria played her first full band show since the pandmic on May 30th at the Mercury Lounge in New York City, celebrating the release of her new single “Open Wide.”

    Tatiana DeMaria Live at The Mercury Lounge, NYC
    Tatiana DeMaria Live at The Mercury Lounge, NYC

    A notorious live wire on stage, British-born Tatiana DeMaria started her career as a young teen founding and fronting rock band ‘TAT’, playing over 1000 shows and writing two charting singles by age 18 as well as producing underground UK hip hop. She quickly garnered a fan base on both sides of the Atlantic, US radio play and became a Warped Tour fan favorite playing over 1000 shows worldwide.

    In mid-2018, Tatiana launched her solo career, going in a different direction sonically, channeling all of her influences from Alt Pop, R&B, and Hip Hop into her signature sound. She is a prolific songwriter and producer who has written and produced commercials and theme songs for brands such as 7UP and Pepsi, and soundtracks for movies and television shows such as American Pie Presents: Girls’ Rule, Blue Crush 2, and Pretty Little Liars.

    Tatiana DeMaria Live at The Mercury Lounge, NYC
    Tatiana DeMaria Live at The Mercury Lounge, NYC
    tatiana demaria
    tatiana demaria
    tatiana demaria
    tatiana demaria

  • 2023 Drama Desk Award Winners Revealed

    The winners for the 67th Annual Drama Desk Awards have been announced. The Drama Desk Awards are recognized as being the only major NYC theater award show that puts Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway productions in the same categories. This year it was all about Some Like it Hot and Life of Pi, with each coming out on top in over three categories.

    Drama Desk Awards

    Awards are voted on and bestowed by critics, journalists, editors, and publishers covering theater. The Drama Desk Awards honor all aspects of New York’s professional theater.

    The Drama Desk was founded in 1949 and began presenting its awards in 1955. The organization was originally created to explore pivotal issues in the theater and to bring together critics and writers in an organization to support the development of theater in New York.

    broadway reopen

    This year the Drama Desk Awards will take place at Sardi’s Restaurant in Manhattan on June 6th from 3:00 – 6:00pm. Tony and Emmy Award winner Mandy Patinkin and 2-time Obie Award winner Kathryn Grody will host the ceremony. More details about the event and awards can be found here.

    List of Winners

    Outstanding Play

    Leopoldstadt, by Tom Stoppard

    Outstanding Musical

    Some Like it Hot

    Outstanding Revival of a Play

    The Piano Lesson

    Outstanding Revival of a Musical

    Parade

    Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play

    Jessica Chastain, A Doll’s House & Sean Hayes, Good Night, Oscar

    Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical

    Annaleigh Ashford, Sweeney Todd & J. Harrison Ghee, Some Like it Hot

    Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play

    Miriam Silverman, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, Brooklyn Academy of Music & Brandon Uranowitz, Leopoldstadt

    Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical

    Kevin Del Aguila, Some Like it Hot & Alex Newell, Shucked

    Outstanding Direction of a Play

    Max Webster, Life of Pi

    Outstanding Direction of a Musical

    Thomas Kail, Sweeney Todd

    Outstanding Choreography

    Casey Nicholaw, Some Like it Hot

    Outstanding Music

    Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, Shucked

    Outstanding Lyrics

    Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, Some Like it Hot

    Outstanding Book of a Musical

    Matthew López and Amber Ruffin, Some Like it Hot

    Outstanding Orchestrations

    Charlie Rosen and Bryan Carter, Some Like it Hot

    Outstanding Music in a Play

    Suzan-Lori Parks, Plays for the Plague Year, The Public Theater

    Outstanding Scenic Design of a Play

    Tim Hatley, Life of Pi

    Outstanding Scenic Design of a Musical

    Beowulf Boritt, New York, New York

    Outstanding Costume Design of a Play

    Emilio Sosa, Ain’t No Mo’

    Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical

    Gregg Barnes, Some Like it Hot

    Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play

    Natasha Chivers and Willie Williams (video), Prima Facie

    Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical

    Natasha Katz, Sweeney Todd

    Outstanding Projection and Video Design 

    Andrzej Goulding, Life of Pi

    Outstanding Sound Design of a Play

    Ben & Max Ringham, A Doll’s House

    Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical

    Scott Lehrer and Alex Neumann, Into the Woods

    Outstanding Wig and Hair

    Mia M. Neal, Ain’t No Mo’

    Outstanding Solo Performance

    Jodie Comer, Prima Facie

    Unique Theatrical Experience

    Peter Pan Goes Wrong

    Outstanding Fight Choreography

    B.H. Barry, Camelot

    Outstanding Adaptation

    A Doll’s House, by Amy Herzog

    Outstanding Puppetry

    Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, Life of Pi

    Special Awards: 

    Harold Prince Lifetime Achievement Award

    Stephen McKinley Henderson has been bringing in-depth, gripping portrayals of memorable characters to the stage for over 40 years. With his return to Broadway this season as Pops in Between Riverside and Crazy, which was nominated in 2015, this year’s Harold Prince Lifetime Achievement Award marks Henderson’s role in this powerful production as a celebration of his brilliant career.

    Ensemble Award

    The cast of Soho Rep’s Public Obscenities – Tashnuva Anan, Abrar Haque, Golam Sarwar Harun, Gargi Mukherjee, NaFis, Jakeem Dante Powell, and Debashis Roy Chowdhury – embodied the transnational world of Shayok Misha Chowdhury’s bilingual play with memorable authenticity, remarkable specificity, and extraordinary warmth.

    Sam Norkin Off-Broadway Award

    From his standout performance in american (tele)visions, to writing and performing the autobiographical Dark Disabled Stories, Ryan J. Haddad’s work this season has expanded on and interrogated what the idea of “accessibility” really means. Whether riding a shopping cart like a throne, or relating his experiences on a “gay, pink bus,” Haddad shared with audiences an unabashed queer fabulosity that was both unforgettable and deeply human.

  • In Focus: Lee Brice kicks off 30th season at Tags Summer Stage in Big Flats

    Popular Southern Tier music venue Tags Summer Stage of Big Flats, NY kicked off their exciting 30th season of music with a sold out show featuring Lee Brice and Cole Swindell.

    Lee Brice got the night going as the first of two headlining shows for the highly anticipated event. The success of the first show was evident with a sold out venue. 

    Brice was touring in support of his latest album “ Hey World” his fifth album to date from Curb Records.  Playing with Brice is his band of many years Travis Bettis on guitar. Micheal Gray on drums, Paul Rippee on bass, and Reginald Bradley Smith on Keyboard.  The current tour will take Brice as far west as California and north into Canada. Brice will return to the Empire State on this tour Oct. 19th & 20th in Westbury NY at the NYCB Theatre. 

    For Tags the excitement for their 30th season continues on July 2nd with Rodney Atkins & Sammy Kershaw, and recently announced, Dustin Lynch & Dylan Scott on Aug. 11th.  For more info on all the events for Tags 30th anniversary season go to www.tagstickets.com

    For more info on Lee Brice fans can to his website www.leebrice.com loaded with ticket and tour info. 

  • Five Can’t-Miss Shows in Syracuse in June

    By now, Memorial Day has come and gone, the days are getting longer, the sun is shining, and summer concert season is officially underway.  As always, Syracuse has an impressive mix of individual concerts and multiple day festivals to look forward to over the summer months. Here are five can’t miss shows around Syracuse for the month of June.  

    June 9, Meshell Ndegeocello at Homer Center for the Arts

    Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello comes to the Homer Center for the Arts for a performance on Friday June 9th.  The singer-songwriter and bass guitarist is known for blending elements of rap, hip hop, funk and soul in her music.  She has been nominated for a Grammy Award 11 times, taking home the award for best R&B song in 2021.  

    The show starts at 8pm with tickets starting at $40.

    June 15-17,  New York State Blues Fest at NYS Fairgrounds

    The New York State Blues Festival returns to Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds for a three day affair.  The star studded line up features headliner and blues rock legend Buddy Guy, with direct support from Samantha Fish.   The remainder of the three day festival features an impressive line up of both NYS artists and national touring bands.  The daily schedule can be found here.  

    Daily admission is free, however VIP packages are available.

    June 21-25, Syracuse Jazz Fest

    The Syracuse Jazz Fest once again returns to Clinton Square and its surrounding areas for a five day celebration.  This will be the 37th incarnation of the event, which will be co-headlined this year by 14-time Grammy Award winning artist Herbie Hancock and 7-time Grammy Award Winner Gladys Knight.  Hancock will headline the Clinton Square Stage on Friday, June 23 at 9:15pm, with Knight taking the stage on Saturday, June 24 at 9:15pm.  Additional support will include Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, who bring their vintage sound to the Clinton Square Stage on Friday evening, at 7:30pm.  In addition, the five-day festival will feature over 26 additional performances at various clubs, bars, and restaurants, highlighting local artists and other performers with New York State ties. 

    All performances are free and open to the public.  A full schedule can be found here.

    June 25, 95x Locals Only Fest at The Finish Line Bar & Grill

    Curated by Syracuse music legend and local music connoisseur Scott Dixon, 95x is hosting the Locals Only Fest at The Finish Line Bar & Grill.  Headlined by Central New York sensation Sydney Irving and the Mojo, the one day festival will feature a talented line up Central New York musicians.  The line up includes Professional Victims, The Flashing Astonishers, Not Robots, Can’t, Mattydale Music Collective, Everneau, No Bush, and Cooled Jets.  The festival will also showcase an assortment of local artists with proceeds of each ticket sale benefiting the Syracuse Arts Project.  

    Music starts at 12:00pm with tickets starting at $15.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wgr4LZ9pE9c

    June 25,  Snarky Puppy at Sharkey’s Event Center

    Fresh off the heels of a spring tour which saw sold out performances in Buffalo and Ithaca, Snarky Puppy once again return to Upstate New York.  The multi-grammy award winning band, known for its blend of jazz-rock fusion boasts an impressive line up of talented musicians.  Led by founder Michael League, the instrumentalist band features a rotation upwards of twenty-five members, with nightly performances featuring eleven musicians. 

    Doors open at 5:00pm with tickets starting at $30.  

  • David Byrne’s Musical Opposed by Broadway Musicians Union

    Labor unions representing Broadway musicians have announced they are opposing the production of David Byrne’s musical Here Lies Love, citing that it breaks the union contract that requires live performers for musicals.

    Conrad Ricamora in the musical “Here Lies Love” during its run at the Public Theater in New York. Ricamora is returning to the Broadway production. Credit Sara Krulwich/The New York Times.

    The musical — an immersive, dance-driven musical about Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines — is scheduled to start previews on June 17 and to open on July 20 at the Broadway Theater. Byrne co-wrote the music with Fatboy Slim. First conceived 17 years ago, every production has been performed to a prerecorded track but has only been performed at off-Broadway locations.

    The decision to have Here Lies Love be a fully prerecorded musical has caused quite an uproar online as many people are outraged as it is single-handedly undermining the 157-year history of live music on Broadway. Audiences are paying full price for a show may feel ripped off, only to discover a live Broadway show is accompanied by a pre-recorded soundtrack.

    Thus, professional musicians are losing jobs due to this decision by Byrne. The American Federation of Musicians’ Local 802 claims the production violates the union’s contract with the Broadway League by using pre-recorded tracks instead of a live band. In a statement, they said:

    A show with no live music and just pre-recorded tracks is absolutely an existential threat to Broadway- and is a cultural threat to musical theater worldwide. For generations, audiences have experienced Broadway shows with live music performed by the best musicians in the world, and by using just pre-recorded tracks it not only cheapens the art it’s putting jobs and livelihoods at risk. Our musicians are heartbroken that David Byrne – a legend  – is attempting this and we strongly hope he reconsiders.

    Local 802

    Local 802 went on to say that Here Lies Love violates union Broadway rules, which require the use of 19 musicians for musicals at the Broadway Theater. The union says it is seeking to preserve jobs for musicians and quality for theater lovers. “We’re not going to stand by and let this happen,” said Tino Gagliardi, the local’s president and executive director. “It’s not fair to the public.”

    In a statement, Bryne and the show said “Here Lies Love is not a traditional Broadway musical. The music is drawn outside of the traditional musical genre. The performance of the live vocals to pre-recorded, artificial tracks is paramount to its artistic concept. Production has ripped out the seats in the theater and built a dance floor. There is no longer a proscenium stage.”

    David Byrne, March 2023 (Mike Coppola/Getty Images).

    While Byrne says the show is special and there is a reasoning behind this, his decision violates union agreements, which have been in the news as of late with the Writers Guild striking for better and fairer wages and working conditions. In 2017, David Byrne proudly wrote that “investment in the arts doesn’t cost us money – it makes us money.” Now, Byrne is deinvesting in the arts by using recorded music instead of professional live musicians. This ongoing issue may influence crowds for Here Lies Love with many angry at this decision, prominent musicians and theatergoers alike.

    An update as of June 9- a statement from Local 802 NYC Musicians Union President and Executive Director Tino Gagliardi on agreement with Here Lies Love says “After negotiation, we have reached an agreement that will bring live music to Here Lies Love with the inclusion of 12 musicians to the show. Broadway is a very special place with the best musicians and performances in the world, and we are glad this agreement honors that tradition.” The group is made up of nine musicians and three musician actors, and all will be Local 802 members.