Category: Genres

Schenectady Symphony Orchestra Announces Name Change

The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra in recent years has extended its reach beyond the city where it was founded and as a result has changed its name to Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra (SSSO).

The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra, now SSSO, also announced its 2023-2024 season. The decision to change the name “was about shifting energy from focusing on administrative concerns to more strategic needs. The announcement today is about building an audience as it has become apparent there is a real opportunity and need in Saratoga,” said Board President Robert Bour. SSSO has performed several concerts at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs since reopening to great acclaim, signaling they needed to expand beyond Schenectady.

Glen Cortese, artistic director and conductor of the SSSO said “The theme of the 2023-24 SSSO subscription season is ‘Heroes, Legends and Fairy Tales.’ On each program, we’ll explore legendary works, and how composers are inspired by historical and fictional heroes and legends and bring you incredibly talented soloists and guest artists. The repertoire includes traditional works, new works from the classical repertoire, Broadway, and film.”

SSSO 2023-2024 Season

Aug. 5 at 7 p.m.-“Legends of Broadway”

Under the baton of Artistic Director Glen Cortese, the SSSO returns with a selection from beloved Broadway musicals with guest artists Amy Decker and Casey Gray. It is a part of the Music Haven Concert Series at Schenectady’s Central Park.

Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 22 at 3 p.m.-“American Legends”

The SSSO launches their season with two concerts featuring guest trumpeter Robert Sullivan in Barber’s “Essay No. 2,” Cortese’s “Concerto for Trumpet Orchestra (Gabriel’s Signal),” music from John William “Lincoln” and the Suite from Copland’s “Billy the Kid.” The first concert is in Zankel Hall at Skidmore College, and the second is MainStage at Proctors.

Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.-Special Concert: “Poinsettia Pops”

Join the SSSO in the Great Hall at Universal Preservation Hall to kick off the holiday season as “Poinsettia Pops” returns for the fourth year, with special guests.

Jan. 21, 2024, at 3 p.m.-“Legends from Around the World”

The season continues on the MainStage at Proctors with Bethlehem Central High School senior William Lauricella, who won first place in the 2022 Capital District Council for Young Musicians’ Annual Chopin Piano Competition and SSSO’s Parillo Piano Competition. This concert includes Bartok’s “Dance Suite,” Ravel’s “Mother Goose Suite” and the great Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto #2 in C Minor.”

Feb. 24, 2024 at 8 p.m.-Special Concert: Animaniacs In Concert!

The Animaniacs perform with the SSSO, playing the world-famous songs from the beloved cartoon series backed by the orchestra.

March 17, 2024, at 3 p.m.-“A Legend of the Opera”

Join the SSSO at Zankel Hall for another collaboration with Skidmore College for Johann Straus’ English concert version of “Die Fledermaus.” Guest soloists are to be announced!

April 27, 2024, at 7 p.m. and 28 at 3 p.m.-“Vestiges, Heroes and Legends”

The SSSO makes an appearance at both Universal Preservation Hall and Proctors for the last concert of the season. Join them for Bernstein’s “Halil,” Mizzoli’s “Opheus Undone” (Proctors), Mozart’s “Ave Verum Corpus” (UPH), and the famous “Requiem.” Featuring special guest flutist Linda Chesis, Saratoga Voices, and the Albany Chamber Choir.

Subscriptions are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 7., and students (18 and under) are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. For more information, visit here.

May 26, 2023
Lil Durk to Perform At Barclays Center As Part Of “Sorry For The Drought” Tour

Chicago rapper Lil Durk visits New York to perform at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on August 5. The stop is part of the artist’s “Sorry For The Drought” tour, to go along with his upcoming album Almost Healed which is set to drop on May 26. He’ll be joined by Kodak Black, NLE Choppa, and DD Osama throughout most of the tour.

Lil Durk burst onto the mainstream rap scene in 2020 with two gold albums Just Cause Y’all Waited 2 and The Voice. Durk’s biggest success came in 2021 with his widely acclaimed joint album Voice of the Heroes with Atlanta trap artist Lil Baby. The project debuted atop the Billboard Top 200 chart, the first of Lil Durk’s albums to do so. In total 16 tracks off the album appeared on the Billboard Hot 100, propelling the album to platinum status by 2022.

Lil Durk has released a handful of singles and features over the last year, including his most recent track “All My Life” with J. Cole and has appeared on songs with Don Toliver and GloRilla. The Chicago native also helped to start the label and collective “OTF”, which featured the late drill artist King Von.

The tour gets underway on July 28. Presale tickets can be purchased beginning on Wednesday, May 17 with general tickets dropping on Thursday, May 18 here and here.

SORRY FOR THE DROUGHT 2023 TOUR DATES:

Fri Jul 28 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater

Sat Jul 29 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

Sun Jul 30 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

Tue Aug 01 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach

Thu Aug 03 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

Fri Aug 04 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

Sat Aug 05 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

Sun Aug 06 – Boston, MA – Xfinity Center

Tue Aug 08 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center

Wed Aug 09 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

Fri Aug 11 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Sun Aug 13 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center

Tue Aug 15 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

Wed Aug 16 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center

Fri Aug 18 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

Sat Aug 19 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center

Mon Aug 21 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

Tue Aug 22 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center

Wed Aug 23 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

Fri Aug 25 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

Sat Aug 26 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

Tue Aug 29 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Wed Aug 30 – Portland, OR – RV Inn Styles Resort Amphitheater

Fri Sep 01 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena

Sat Sep 02 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

Wed Sep 06 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

Thu Sep 07 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

May 25, 2023
Brooklyn duo Robinson & Rohe set to perform in NYC as new album “Into the Night” releases
Brooklyn might not be the place where you’d imagine the next great American folk band to come from, but Liam Robinson and Jean Rohe are looking to change that. The duo has been channeling the sounds of Appalachia and the soul of America since they met over 15 years ago. After exploring their musicality as individuals, Robinson and Rohe drop their next album Into the Night on Friday, May 26th.

In a musical landscape that is often ripe with generic lyrics and songs made to “trend” on social media, Into the Night is a breath of fresh air. Punctuated by rhythmic guitar strums, bright banjo beats, passionate vocals, and simple but powerful drums, Into the Night does enough to stay engaging without straying too far away from its traditional influences.

Although the project is undeniably folk-inspired, elements of rock, bluegrass, jazz, and even pop are found throughout the 11-song album. The real standout element of Into the Night however is Robinson & Rohe’s writing and lyricism, which often comes across more like well-crafted lines of poetry than the lyrics of a song.

The album begins with the feel-good title track “Into the Night” which acts as the perfect introduction to the overall tone and atmosphere of the project. Robinson & Rohe put together one of their best and most harmonious vocal performances of the entire album. The pair’s soulful singing gives way to the steady beat of drums and the intricate sounds of a fiddle as the track reaches its climax. The first half of the album also features the songs “Off track” and “Where I’m Coming From”, which both help to demonstrate the project’s strong instrumentation and production.

Another gem is “One Last Waltz”, which invites the listener to reflect on time, love, and the brevity of life. Its poetic lyrics and powerful cascade of horns, drums, and guitars act as a comforting “goodbye” as the album nears its end. While Into the Night doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to contemporary folk music, Robinson & Rohe display their songwriting and arrangement skills on just about every track. Together, the duo crafts a project that is not only impressive in its musical value, but also approachable for anyone looking to hear something shaped by the heart.

Robinson & Roe will celebrate Into the Night in New York City at Rockwood Music Hall on June 4th. The full list of upcoming performances can be found below:
- May 31, 2023- Parlor Room/Northampton, MA
- June 1, 2023- Passim/Boston, MA
- June 2, 2023- The Word Barn/Exeter, NH
- June 4, 2023- Rockwood Music Hall/New York, NY
May 25, 2023
ESYO Returns to Carnegie Hall this June

They’ve practiced, practiced, practiced, and Empire State Youth Orchestra’s (ESYO) Symphony Orchestra, a prominent youth ensemble, made it to Carnegie Hall. The concert marks the first time ESYO has performed at Carnegie Hall since the beginning of the pandemic, returning for the first time since 2017. The symphony orchestra will perform a joint concert with Norwalk Youth Symphony at Carnegie Hall on June 4, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

ESYO aims to inspire young musicians to excel in a progressive learning environment, offering high-level performance opportunities. Over 500 youth from New York’s Capital Region and western New England are selected by audition each year.

ESYO will conclude their 2022-2023 season at Carnegie Hall with Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary fifth Symphony and Verdi’s Nabucco Overture. Music Director Etienne Abelin described the upcoming performance as “emotional, powerful music,” resonating deeply with the young musicians. The young ensemble eagerly anticipates the incredible opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall. Principal double bass Orin Carlson-Lee described the momentus occasion as “not just a concert but a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the magic of music.”

While The Carnegie Hall concert will close ESYO’s 2022-2023 season, there are no shortage of ESYO events this summer. Encore Stage will celebrate graduating ESYO students on June 17. The event aims to showcase the senior class, their talent, and accomplishments. Senior-led groups will perform throughout the afternnoon, scholarships will be awarded, and an alumni speaker will offer words of wisdom to graduating members. Alum and founer of Bassworks, Colin O’Bryan, will offer the keynote address.

Additionally, starting on July 31, ESYO’s Summer Sessions begin. The sessions include myriad activities, from week-long intensives to workshops to concert picnic outings. Some events are open to the public, and encourage everyone to come together to make music. More information and registration are available here.

Another summer highlight involves talented CHIME musicians, selected to participate in National Seminario Ravina. These students will travel to Chicago in July for rehearsals and coachings with renowned conductors and musicians

Those interested in attending the Cargenie Hall concert or signing up for a summer opportunity can find more information here. Additionally, students interested in applying for the 2023-2024 ESYO season can find more information here.

May 25, 2023
Andy Frasco & The U.N. Release Uniting LGBTQ+ Video “You Do You”

Just in time for Pride month, LA’s Andy Frasco & The U.N. have announced the release of their eagerly awaited new album, L’Optimist, on Friday, August 11^th. Today, they have premiered the release of the ebullient first single, “You Do You,” with a hilarious music video to accompany it.

As a much-beloved live outfit renowned for unbridled improvisation, audience interaction, surprising covers, special guests, and animated antics unlike any other, Andy Frasco & The U.N. is unlike no other. Frasco’s sixth studio album L’Optimist is the most hopeful and enthusiastic collection thus far in his career.

The upcoming release now sees Frasco continuing to develop as a songwriter, band leader, and human being, his exploratory spirit giving way to something more firmly grounded yet no less adventurous. Having built a still-expanding career on forward motion, Andy Frasco remains positive in his determination to keep on keeping on, pushing himself and his music to grow and improve with every passing day.

“‘You Do You’ is basically a call to arms to myself,” Frasco says about the single. “Like, what is success? We built success through being outlaws and being ourselves. I did it my own way and it worked out for the best, I think. Could we have been way more successful if I just conformed? Maybe, but that’s boring. It sounds like cheating in a race and I’m not trying to cheat. I want to do it my way. Hopefully I’ll look back when I’m 80 and realize that, like Frank Sinatra, I did it my way.”

A testament to Frasco’s wide-ranging influences and boundless energy, L’Optimist sees the magnetic frontman continuing to chart his path of self-exploration and personal discovery through increasingly introspective lyricism and musical adventure. The album sees Frasco fully in command of his craft, more comfortable and confident than ever before, his notorious party-animal persona giving way to a wiser, but no less enthusiastic, artist and band leader.

Frasco once again challenged himself to explore difficult lyrical terrain, spanning relationships and chronic depression, empathy and alienation, inspired in part by his first real girlfriend. Songs like the deeply moving “Iowa Moon” touch on matters of the heart and mental health, emotional struggle and the sheer vulnerability of the human experience, all relayed through a wildly eclectic approach navigating funk, jazz, surf rock, blues, swing, gospel, reggae, exotica, and more with horn-blasted positivity and soulful power.

“With so much bad news in the world, why not try to figure out a way to get out of the darkness,” Frasco says. “We’re not going to be able to change the world, but at least we can change the mind state we have moving forward. We can at least help the process along by being optimistic that the future will turn itself around. And if everyone changes their mind state about the future, then maybe we can change the world.”

In the meantime, Frasco will spend the summer traveling America on a wide-ranging itinerary that features headline dates, top-billed festival appearances, and an eagerly awaited double bill supporting Slightly Stoopid set for August 13^th at Morrison, CO’s famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Additional dates will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N. TOUR 2023

MAY

19 – Beaufort, NC – Beaufort Music Festival *

20-21 – Garrettsville, OH – Tropidelic’s Sunny Days *

28 – Chillicothe, IL – Summer Camp Music Festival *

JUNE

1-3 – New River Gorge, WV – Mountain Music Festival *

16 – Swanzey, NH – Northlands Music & Arts Festival *

17 – Wellfleet, MA – Beachcomber

18 – Nantucket, MA – The Chicken Box

21 – Charlotte, NC – Visulite Theatre

22 – Isle of Palms, SC – The Windjammer

23 – Black Mountain, SC – Pisgah Brewing Company

24 – Kill Devil Hills, NC – Outer Banks Brewing Station

25 – Kill Devil Hills, NC – Outer Banks Brewing Station

27 – Roanoke, VA – 5 Points Music Sanctuary

28 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle & Cork

29 – Virginia Beach, VA – New Realm Brewing Co.

30 – Baltimore, MD – Union Craft Brewing

JULY

1 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival *

2 – Amagansett, NY – The Stephen Talkhouse

14 – Buffalo, NY – Cobblestone Live! *

26 – Victor, ID – Knotty Pine

27 – Salmon, ID – Sweet Water Hollow

28 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge

29 – Ketchum, ID – Argyros Performing Arts Center

AUGUST

1 – Durango, CO – Animas City Theatre

2 – Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater

4 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Snow Bowl Steamboat

5 – Telluride, CO – Sheridan Opera House

6 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up Aspen

10–12 – Yuba, WI – People Fest *

13 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre +

SEPTEMBER

9 – Indianapolis, IN – All In Music & Arts Festival *

10 – St. Louis, MO – Music At The Intersection *

28 – E. Lansing, MI – Hall 224 ^

OCTOBER

1 – Washington, DC – Atlantis ^

4 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Ballroom ^

8 – Portland, ME – Bayside Bowl ^

11 – Richmond, VA – The Broadberry ^

NOVEMBER

2 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl †

4 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse †

5 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre †

DECEMBER

5 – Little Rock, AR – Revolution Music Hall –

6 – Tulsa, OK – The Vanguard –

7 – Austin, TX – Mohawk –

8 – Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum Art Co. –

9 – Houston, TX – Last Concert Cafe –

10 – Baton Rouge, LA – Chelsea’s Live –

16 – Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic Lounge #

* Festival Appearance

+ w/ Slightly Stoopid

^ w/ Special Guest Cool Cool Cool

† w/ Special Guest Doom Flamingo

– with Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers

# with Maggie Rose

To watch “You Do You,” click the link here.

For more details about the tour and ticket information, please visit the link here.

May 25, 2023
New York State Invests $5 Million Towards Alive Downtowns! Initiative

On May 8th, New York State confirmed an investment of $5 million for local arts organizations and centers. Alive Downtowns!, a coalition of 13 historic performance arts centers across Upstate New York, received the funding with open arms as they thanked New York legislators in various press releases.

Alive Downtowns! was formed in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on performing arts centers. Today, upstate theaters remain understaffed and are continuing the fight to reach the expanse of pre-pandemic audiences. Representatives from the coalition have been meeting with New York State legislators and the Governor’s office to discuss the importance of the performing arts and the theaters to urban education opportunities, economic viability, and a city’s attractiveness.

The 13 facilities welcome and serve over five million people annually and have an average age of nearly 100 years. Together, the theaters have a yearly economic impact of $900,000,000. Their goal has always been to receive capital support from the state and have now secured a place in this year’s state budget.

The members of the coalition ranging from Jamestown to Poughkeepsie, not only bring diverse performances and shows to their areas but are a beacon that brings together local communities with arts and education.

Members of Alive Downtowns!

Bardavon 1896 Opera House of Poughkeepsie

Clemens Center in Elmira

Palace Performing Arts Center in Albany

Proctors Collaborative of Schenectady, Albany, and Saratoga

The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown

Rochester Broadway Theatre

League’s Auditorium Theatre in Rochester

Shea’s Performing Arts Center of Buffalo

The Smith Center for the Arts in Geneva

Stanley Theatre in Utica

State Theatre of Ithaca

Syracuse Area Landmark Theatre

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

Ulster Performing Arts Center in Kingston

May 25, 2023
In Focus: Waterparks Play TLA In Philly

Waterparks, pop punk/modern rock icons, brought the house down at Philadelphia’s legendary Theatre of Living Arts (TLA). It was the 6th show of their East Coast leg on the Intellectual Property Tour, and boy, did they deliver an unforgettable performance.

With HUNNY and Elliot Lee warming up the crowd, the energy was off the charts. TLA was packed with their devoted fanbase, affectionately known as “parxies,” who created an electric atmosphere. Waterparks’ signature style and intense electric sound had the audience mesmerized and electrified throughout the night. It was an absolute blast, and a testament to their status as one of the leading bands in the pop punk scene.

A New York native, Elliot Lee is a visionary musician who has been rewriting the rules of pop music since bursting onto the scene. With her unmistakable blend of haunting melodies, poetic lyricism, and a voice that resonates with raw emotion, Elliot Lee has captivated audiences worldwide. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Elliot’s ethereal vocals filled the venue, intertwining seamlessly with the hypnotic melodies. The crowd was transported to a realm where emotions ran deep, where vulnerability and strength coexisted. It was a transcendent experience, as Elliot bared their soul through their music.

Standout moments included the hauntingly beautiful performance of “Easy To Be You,” where Elliot’s voice soared effortlessly, carrying a weight of raw emotion that left the audience breathless. The pulsating beats and shimmering synths of “Fun” had everyone moving to the rhythm, surrendering to the cathartic release of the music.

Elliot Lee Setlist: Upside Down, Sicko, Drama Queen, Pill for Happiness, Solo, Happy Face, Fun, 54321, Easy to Be You, Pink (Freak)

HUNNY is a dynamic indie rock band that emerged from the vibrant music scene of Southern California. Formed in 2014, this five-piece ensemble quickly garnered attention for their infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics. The band’s during the show consisted of lead vocalist and guitarist Jason Yarger and bassist Kevin Grimmett. With their unique blend of dreamy melodies, gritty guitars, and introspective storytelling, HUNNY swiftly captivated the audience. As the frontman, Yarger’s charismatic persona commanded attention, effortlessly navigating between vulnerable introspection and explosive bursts of passion.

The band’s seamless chemistry created an irresistible atmosphere, driving the crowd into a frenzy. The setlist was a carefully curated journey through their discography, combining fan favorites like “Vowels (And the Importance of Being Me)” and “Televised” with newer gems from their latest album. Each song resonated deeply, with the band’s infectious hooks and infectious melodies washing over the audience.

HUNNY Setlist: Natalie, Saturday Night, Vowels (And the Importance of Being Me), Halloween, JFK, Shy, Loser, Good Will Hunting Song, action –> reaction, Lula, I’m Not Mad, Televised, Sports With Strangers

Waterparks (not to be confused with an aquatic amusement park) is a pop punk band from Houston, Texas. Made up of frontman Awsten Knight, drummer Otto Wood, and guitarist Geoff Wigington, the trio quickly gained a reputation for their captivating live performances and clever songwriting since they formed in 2011. Blending elements of pop, rock, punk, and electronic music, they have carved a unique niche for themselves in the music industry. With their infectious melodies, high-energy performances, and fearless attitude, Waterparks has become a defining voice in modern pop-rock, inspiring a new generation of music lovers and proving that they are just getting started.

During the opening chords of ST*RFUCKER and Awsten’s debut in a giant red parka, the audience became a living, breathing entity, swaying and jumping in unison. The surge of adrenaline in the room was palpable, as fans eagerly embraced the band’s electrifying sound.

Awsten effortlessly commanded the stage with his charismatic presence. He engaged the crowd with his patented fan interaction strategies which included affectionately bullying the crowd and airdropping a photo from their photographer’s (Jawn Rocha) phone to random fans. The connection between the Waterparks and parxies was undeniable, as cheers and chants filled the venue.

As the energy reached its peak, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of excitement, with people crowd surfing their way towards the stage. Waterparks’ music created a sense of unity and exhilaration, as fans supported each other, riding the wave of excitement and joy.

Amidst the chaos, Waterparks skillfully navigated through their setlist, flawlessly transitioning from one hit to the next. Tracks like “Numb,” “Stupid for You,” and “Group Chat ” ignited the crowd. Parxies went absolutely wild when the band played “Crave”, the one song that called for Geoff to sing a verse.

As the set reached its crescendo, Waterparks returned for an encore that left the crowd in awe. “REAL SUPER DARK,” “Turbulent,” and “Funeral Grey” ignited a final surge of energy. The audience erupted, jumping and singing along with unbridled enthusiasm. The band poured their hearts into every note, reciprocating the crowd’s unwavering energy.

Their ability to connect with the audience through their music created an electric atmosphere, leaving everyone craving for more. The sight of people crowdsurfing and the collective euphoria of the concert will forever be etched in the memories of those lucky enough to experience the magic of Waterparks live in Philadelphia.

Waterparks Setlist: ST*RFUCKER, Numb, Rare, Stupid for You, Crave, Brainwashed, 2 Best Friends, Fuck About It, War Crimes, [Reboot], Royal, Telephone, Ritual, High Definition (Acoustic snippet), I Miss Having Sex but at Least I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore, Group Chat, Closer, A Night Out on Earth

Waterparks Encore: REAL SUPER DARK, Turbulent, Funeral Grey

The North America portion of the Intellectual Property Tour will keep going all the way until June 14th when they finish in Los Angeles. If you find yourself abroad, you can catch Waterparks in Europe (with support from Stand Atlantic) and in Australia later on in the year. Stay tuned to their website and socials for more information on those dates.

HUNNY will be following Waterparks till the end of the line so be sure to follow Kevin and Jason’s adventures on tour (and for future endeavors).

Elliot Lee will be departing after the show in Georgia. Be sure to follow them on socials and check their website for any performances that they play when they get back home to NY.

May 25, 2023
Corning GlassFest Announces Lineup and Event Schedule

GlassFest in Corning has announced the hlineup for the weekend of May 25-28, featuring many free events around Corning, and a wide variety of music.

Downtown Corning will host GlassFest 2023 from May 25-28, celebrating the rich history of world-class production. The festival features four days of live musical performances, glass exhibits, art vendors, mouthwatering food and drinks, and special shopping promotions. People can stroll down historic Market Street for pop-up entertainment, dining, shopping, and family activities. Headlining acts will be at the Rock The Park stage in Riverfront Park, including Fuel and Classic Albums Live.

GlassFest Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 25

The kickoff to the GlassFest will be at 5:30 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Corning Museum of Glass will have free admission, open to the public from 6-8 p.m. No music is scheduled for this day.

Friday, May 26

Friday brings a lot of events to Corning, including live glassblowing at the Centerway Stage, a National Poppy Day ceremony, Yoga in the Park from 9-9:50 a.m., Guided Public Art Tours, and more. Dance & Dine on Market Street has local and regional bands from 4-6 p.m. including WOJA, Gilmuir Girls, StratCat Willie and the Strays, K@t & Keef Beats, and Sean Holland. The Rock the Park stage features the Houston Baker Trio, singer/songwriters from north central Pennsylvania who put creative focus on life from 6-6:45 p.m. Bad Bear, a premier classic rock/funk band from the Finger Lakes area, performs from 7-8 p.m., and headlining the evening is the multi-platinum award-winning hard rock band Fuel from 8:30-10 p.m.

Saturday, May 27

Events for Saturday include the Wineglass 8K run at Corning High School at 8 a.m., more live glassblowing, face painting, magic acts, art tours, and more. The Marich Music Stage hosts a variety of acts including Chris Harper from 10-11 a.m., PM Benandy from 11-12:30 p.m., Sandy & Lauren- In The Moment from 1-2:30 p.m., A Gloomy Business, a smart, crafty, original rock band, from 3-4:30 p.m., and finally Amongst The Monks, a three-piece funk rock trio formed in Upstate New York from 5-7 p.m. The Rock the Park stage hosts Classic Albums Live, covering the well-known Pink Floyd album, Dark Side of the Moon, celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Sunday, May 28

The final day of GlassFest has more glassblowing and magicians, on-street vendors, public art tours, Yoga, and more. The Rock the Park Stage starts early at 9 a.m. with Slow Vinyasa and includes acoustic Americana band The Sorters from 12:45-2:15 p.m., Memorial Day Salute from 2:30-3 p.m., and the night ends with American Idol Season 21 contestant and Elmira native Isaiah Smallwood.

For more information about the 2023 GlassFest, visit here.

May 25, 2023
Michael Ian Cummings of Skaters Announces Debut Solo EP, Releases Single “Contemporary Me”

Infamous lead singer/songwriter of NYC’s Skaters, Michael Ian Cummings, has just announced his debut solo EP Oldest Troubles, out May 26^th. To tease the upcoming release, he has decided to release a single from the album titled “Contemporary Me.”

10 short years have passed since Skaters’ formation in Lower East Side Manhattan. Within months of forming and a self-released EP, the band was signed to Warner Brothers Records. They toured around the world, had global critical acclaim from NME to the New York Times. And two years later, they released their debut album, self-released their sophomore album Rock n Roll Bye Bye independently, and then disappeared.

It was a whirlwind ride for the band that came at one of the most difficult transitions in the music industry, the exact time digital downloads plummeted, and streaming had not yet reached the masses. Skaters were caught in the shuffle, and broke up.

Now, after years of reevaluation and new inspiration, working an array of day jobs and night jobs for that matter, Michael Ian Cummings has rediscovered his muse. He has something special to show for the struggle, returning just a bit wiser with the debut solo EP titled Oldest Troubles.

“There are things in everyone’s life that will haunt them forever,” he writes of the EP’s title track. “Whether it stems from internal or external influences from our past that have marred, mamed, and influenced the way we handle life. No matter how far we try to run from them they always find us. This song is about welcoming those relentless “troubles” in, confronting them, and beginning to make yourself stronger. Or, at the very least, learning to live with them.”

“I love having autonomy over how and when I release music. Making decisions and moving on,” Cummings continued. “Reminds me of when I was a teenager. Just make things because they are worth making. Move forward and try not to look back too much.”

To accompany his new release, Michael Ian Cummings will perform at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn on May 31 (7:00 PM).

To listen to “Contemporary Me,” click the link here.

Tickets and more information about the show can be found HERE.

May 24, 2023
Hearing Aide: Rob Beaulieu Band “Fade Just Right”

Rob Beaulieu Band’s new album Fade Just Right features nine songs by the band, each one with a unique sound that compliments the overall feel of the album. Different members of the band get their opportunity to shine throughout the pieces, coming together into the album’s many harmonies.

Rob Beaulieu founded Rob Beaulieu Band, a deeper dive into Americana when compared to other projects, mixing in blues and soul alongside it. He is also a founder and member of the bands Raisinhead and Stone Revival Band. Beaulieu plays guitar and provides vocals for the band, with other members including: James Kirk (bass and vocals), Chad Ploss (drums and vocals), Dave Spadaro (Guitar), Sherry Jean Waite (Vocals), and Tony Perrino (Organ).

The album opens with “Ghosts,” which sets the standard for the rest of the album. About the dedication of lovers throughout their lives, even when they have been separated, “Ghosts” has Rob Beaulieu Band’s signature harmonies and organ acting as a haunting undercurrent for the piece.

Each song brings in a new element to mix up things a little bit. The titular song “Fade Just Right” has a much slower piece than most of the album, and uses a xylophone-like sound in one of its motif’s, a sound unique to the piece. In songs such as “Searchin for Paradise” and “Light from the Shoreline,” Sherry Jean Waite takes the role of lead vocalist, a performance that shines through in the album.

While the songs all have different stories to tell, “Ghosts” and “Spooky” have a haunting theme. “Spooky” in particular latches onto this, with a slower pace and emphasis on a long, mournful note that echoes throughout the piece. The song creates its own phantoms with these notes, the ghosts of “Spooky” occasionally joining in with the harmony through these “phantom calls.”

The final song, “Sweet Marie” is an energetic conclusion to the album, ending it on a high note. The song’s love letter-like nature is enhanced by its clean rhymes, making it sound almost like a love poem. All the instruments in this piece are tuned for the upbeat finale and are given space to play without the vocalists.

The band will be playing at The Hollow in Albany on June 23 at 8:00 p.m. alongside Aiko the Dog. For more information and to RSVP for their next show, check out Rob Beaulieu Band’s website.

The album, Fade Just Right, can be found on Spotify and on Apple Music.

May 24, 2023