NYS Music 2023

Category: Genres

  • Levitt AMP Utica Music Series 2023 Lineup Announced

    The lineup for the free Levitt Amp 2023 Utica Music Series has been announced, featuring a wide variety of artists performing at Kopernik Park. Concerts will take place on Monday nights starting at 5:30 p.m., from June 19 – August 28 (no concert on the 3rd of July).

    Photo by Lynne Brown.

    Levitt AMP 2023 will feature headlining artists from Ireland, Wisconsin, Iowa, Toronto, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and right here in New York State, with local and regional acts opening. The diverse lineup spans genres like bluegrass, pop, rock, gospel, instrumental, Irish rock, and more.

    The series brings in the most diverse audience in the city in a family-friendly, non-alcoholic, joyful, welcoming environment. The music series also helps add to the economy in Utica, promotes communal bonding, and serves as a creative training ground for youth with their Levitteen Internship Program and each week a youth performer is showcased at intermission.

    The concert schedule is as follows: 5:30 p.m. opening bands, 6:30 p.m. youth intermission acts, and 7:00 p.m. headliner bands.

    Levitt AMP 2023.

    Levitt AMP 2023 Lineup

    June 19–Harlem Gospel Travelers

    Levitt AMP is proud to once again be a part of the five-day Juneteenth Celebration in the City of Utica. The Harlem Gospel Travelers from New York City will kick off the seventh season, drawing deeply on the gospel quartet tradition of the 1950s and 60s, bringing a timeliness, uplifting sound to the park. Local singer Amos Donnell, who auditioned for The Voice and America’s Got Talent, will kick off the night as the opener.

    June 26-Brandon “Taz” Niederauer

    Brandon “Taz” Niederauer drew Levitt AMP Utica’s biggest audience ever back in 2019, bringing in over 1,000 people to the park. The 20-year-old guitar genius will be back this summer in a rare repeat performance for the series. Nicknamed “Taz” for his ferocious guitar playing, he has performed in some of the most legendary venues in America, was cast in Broadway’s School of Rock, and has been hailed as the “next Jimmy Hendrix.” Jimmy Wolf, local blues legend, Native American Music Awards winner, and an inductee in the New York State Blues Hall of Fame, will be opening. 

    July 10-Joe Samba

    Levitt AMP is excited to welcome Massachusetts-based reggae singer, songwriter, and guitarist Joe Samba to Utica. He finds the sweet spot between Caribbean bliss and punk energy, matched with his dynamic vocals. The opener is The Old Main, a local favorite that delivers everything from sentimental folk ballads to foot-stomping rock and bluegrass. 

    Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, photo by Brian Cole

    July 17-Funky Dawgz Brass Band

    Hailing from Connecticut, Levitt AMP 2023 will welcome the internationally touring band Funky Dawgz Brass Band. Their horn section has played with bands to sold-out shows in Madison Square Garden, closed out The Peach Music Festival, and has been featured on ESPN, Hulu, and the FX series “Fargo.” Opener Handsome Bob brings a wide variety of influences to his music, serving up anything from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Sublime, to the Temptations and Johnny Cash with their own flavor and mash-ups. 

    July 24-Nefresh Mountain

    Hailed as one of today’s most boundary-pushing progressive bluegrass groups on the scene, Nefresh Mountain was declared “A Powerhouse Unit” by Rolling Stone Magazine. A husband and wife duo, they blur the lines between Americana, folk, and blues. Kicking off the night is Otis Monk, an original American band based out of Central NY. They incorporate elements from a multitude of genres and are dependent on extended musical improvisation over rhythmic grooves. 

    July 31-B2Wins

    B2Wins is made up of Brazilian twins Walter and Wagner, described as a “violin and ukulele meet rock concert, dance party, jam session and vacation for the soul.” They have performed over 1,000 shows around the world in the past decade. The opener Stephen Phillips is a pop/funk artist from Syracuse, who also has an extensive vocal range and tons of energy.

    August 7-Tae & the Neighborly

    Tae & the Neighborly are from Wisconsin and joined forces during Covid. The five-piece all lived alone in a five-story flat and were literally borrowing sugar from each other during the pandemic to bake with, resulting in a soul/pop-rock band of powerhouse players. Opening for Tae & the Neighborly and returning to the Levitt AMP stage is the Jess Novak Band. She is a triple threat, as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist she can transform from a gorgeous classical piano solo to rockin’ the stage with her full band.

    Tae & the Neighborly.

    August 14-Battle of Santiago

    Latin Night will feature Battle of Santiago, an Afro-Cuban band from Toronto. They have a super unique sound and energy, defined as “Cuban Post Rock from Canada” with classic rhythms and some cumbia, Latin rock, and smooth funk mixed in. Opener Trump Tight 315 is no stranger to Utica, having performed many years at Juneteenth and just a couple of years ago at Munson’s Summer Festival. The husband and wife lead singers are fun, and powerful, bringing nostalgic R&B, soul, and pop.

    August 21-Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers

    Erin Harpe is a Massachusetts-based blues vocalist and guitarist, dubbed “one of the most dynamic talents and exciting roots rocking blues women on the scene” by Living Blues Magazine. She has been compared to legendary blues women like Bonnie Raitt and Rory Block. 19-year-old Sydney Irving will open. She was named the 2020 young adult artist of the Year by the International Singer-Songwriters Association and the 2022 Best New Artist at the SAMMYs. 

    August 28-Hermitage Green

    Straight from Ireland, Hermitage Green has played together since 2010 after a spontaneous jam session and has been touring the world since, from South Africa and Australia to London and Canada. They have a unique arrangement of instruments that includes the bodhrán, djembe, rhythmic guitar, and banjo. Locally-loved Irish band Blarney Rebel Band will open for the closing concert of the season.

    For more information about Levitt AMP 2023, visit here.

  • Andrea Bocelli Returns to MSG For Annual Holiday Tour

    The iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli announced his return to Madison Square Garden for his 2023 US Holiday Tour. Originally playing one date, he announced he will perform two dates on Dec. 13 and 14.

    Andrea Bocelli
    Andrea Bocelli, photo from Luca Rossetti.

    Andrea Bocelli’s tour will feature performances from his extensive repertoire, including music in honor of the Holiday Season, selections from his recent #1 album A Family Christmas, his uplifting solo album Believe, as well as a selection of his beloved crossover hits, and famed love songs. Bocelli has one of the most recognizable voices in the industry, entertaining audiences for over 20 years, selling nearly 90 million records sold worldwide.

    In addition to his sold-out arena-sized concerts and record-breaking live streams, Bocelli has shared his talents at many major events including the Olympic Games, the World Cup, and Global Citizen. He has earned a Golden Globe, seven Classical BRITs, and seven World Music Awards, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

    The announcement arrives on the heels of a spectacular spring tour in the US, which included two sold-out nights at the famed Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on May 9 and May 10. Bocelli was invited to perform at the Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla in London on May 7. In April, his new documentary THE JOURNEY: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli debuted in select theaters around the world. Recently he did a surprise performance at Times Square to celebrate the premiere of the film.

    Tickets for the shows at Madison Square Garden are on sale now. For more information about Andrea Bocelli and the upcoming tour, visit here.

    Andrea Bocelli November and December 2023 U.S. Tour

    NOVEMBER 29, 2023 / San Antonio, TX / AT&T Center

    NOVEMBER 30, 2023 / Dallas, TX / AAC

    DECEMBER 2, 2023 / Louisville, KY / KFC Yum Arena *With the Louisville Orchestra

    DECEMBER  6, 2023 / Boston, MA / TD Garden

    DECEMBER  7, 2023 / Philadelphia, PA / Wells Fargo Center

    DECEMBER 9, 2023 / Hartford, CT / XL Center * First time in Hartford in 25 years

    DECEMBER 10, 2023 / Baltimore, MD / CFG Bank Arena *With the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

    DECEMBER 13, 2023 / New York, NY / Madison Square Garden

    DECEMBER 14, 2023 / New York, NY / Madison Square Garden

    DECEMBER 16, 2023 / Hollywood, FL / Hard Rock Live

    DECEMBER 17, 2023 / Hollywood, FL / Hard Rock Live

  • The Rods to Appear at Wild Wednesday in Liverpool

    On June 14 at 5:00 p.m., The Rods, a heavy metal band known for its ’80s albums, will be playing as the headliners for the “Wild Wednesday” event in Liverpool, NY. Also featured at “Wild Wednesday” is Adam and the Metal Hawks, Crazy Neighbors, Love Bone, and Wicked.

    Members of the Rods. From left to right: Carl Canedy, David “Rock” Feinstein, and Freddy Villano. Credit: The Rods Official Website

    The lead vocalist for the Rods, David “Rock” Feinstein, first came into popularity after playing in the band Elf with his cousin, Black Sabbath member Ronnie James Dio. Elf formed in 1967, and disbanded in 1975 after releasing three albums. Most of the band was absorbed into Rainbow, including Dio but not Feinstein.

    The Rods formed and released their first album, “Rock Hard” in 1980, though “Rock Hard” was later rereleased as “The Rods.” The band toured with several noteworthy metal bands, such as Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Motörhead, and Metallica. They made six more albums until the group split in 1986, with their final album of the time being “Hollywood.”

    The Rods reformed in 2008, playing at the Metal Rock Fest in Lillehammer, Norway. They have continued to release albums since then, including “Vengeance” in 2011 and their latest, “The Brotherhood of Metal,” in 2019. Current members of the band include: David “Rock” Feinstein as guitar and lead vocalist; Freddy Villano for bass and vocals; and Carl Canedy for drums and vocals.

    For more information and for tickets, visit The Rods website.

  • Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Concludes 2022-23 Season

    Ithaca’s Cayuga Chamber Orchestra’s 2022-2023 Season Chamber Series concludes on May 28 at First Unitarian Church, with Iberian Enchantment and a program featuring musicians from the orchestra and friends.

    Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Concludes 2022-23 Season

    The season’s final program will feature the Turnia Piano Trio No. 1, The Saraste Navarra and the Louise Farrenc Nonet. Ten talented musicians will perform the pieces, combining winds, strings, and piano. They will play a sparkling Turina, a quick Saraste, and the riveting Farrenc, transporting the audience with their combined musical talent.

    Organizers will unveil an exciting 2023-24 season in June, as the 2022-23 season draws to a close. Furthermore, the orchestra will present its four finalists for the next Music Director and its lineup of soloists.

    The CCO, officially known as “Ithaca’s Orchestra,” founded in 1976 The CCO’s annual program comprises an Orchestral Series, Chamber Music Series, a Holiday concert, free Family Concerts, and the William Daestch Youth Outreach Program, recipient of the 2015 Yale Distinguished Music Educator award. Additionally, in 2017, the CCO added a program for advanced students, the Youth Orchestra Program. In 2019, the CCO launched a Diversity Career Fellowship program for college students from underrepresented communities in classical music.

    Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the door. Tickets cost $38.50 for adults and $12 for students with ID.

    For more information about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and tickets, visit their website here, or contact the CCO at (607)-273-8981 or info@CCOithaca.org.

  • In Focus: The Avett Brothers Deliver Two Nights of Sold Out Performances At Beak and Skiff

    Beak and Skiff kicked off their Summer Concert Series this past weekend with a pair of sold-out performances by The Avett Brothers on Friday May 19 and Saturday May 20.  

    The Avett Brothers hail from Concord, NC and consist of brothers Scott (vocals, banjo, guitar, piano and Seth Avett (vocals, guitar, piano) along with Bob Crawford (bass, double bass, violin), Mike Marsh (drums), Joe Kwon (cello), Bonnie Avett-Rini (piano) and Tania Elizabeth (fiddle).  The band have built a devoted fan base with over two decades of touring, and more than ten studio albums.

    While the weather could not have been more perfect during the day on Friday, as show time approached wind gusts and rainclouds moved over the venue.  This did not dampen the spirts of thousands of concert goers as the early arriving sold-out crowd packed the standing area in front of the stage, while more fans spread lawn chairs out across the field.  At 7:15, Scott Avett led the band to the stage and was greeting with a thunderous ovation. 

    The band jumped right into “Laundry Room”, a stand out track from 2009’s I and Love and You.  Scott and Seth dazzled the crowd with their harmonious vocals.  “Stop your parent’s car, I just saw a shooting star,” Scott sang, to another loud ovation from the crowd, as the song exploded with energy.  Next was the folk classic “Old Joe Clark”, which built off the already existing energy.  Each band member took their turn displaying their talents, and the song broke into instrumental duals between the various members.  Scott and Seth took turns wandering to the front of the stage, and onto the speaker cabinets to further excite the crowd.  The remainder of the evening featured several stand out songs from the band’s catalog, including “Headful of Doubt,” “Murder in the City,” and “I and Love and You”.

    Night two began in similar fashion, albeit with heavier rains and cooler temperatures.  The weather appeared to be clearing as show time approached, however heavy showers again moved in at showtime.  The band took the stage armed with kazoos and immediately jumped into the upbeat instrumental piece “The D Bag Rag”. Next was “Talk on Indolence,” a track which dated back to the band’s early blue grass days.  Brothers Scott and Seth hopped about the stage and the crowd, who at this point had forgotten about the heavy rains, danced along with them. 

    The band would roll through over two hours of career spanning tracks, and even included the Doc Watson Family cover, “Groundhog.”  As the set came to a close, the band performed the upbeat “Ain’t No Man.”  The song featured both brothers taking turns on vocals, as they strutted and danced about the stage.  The audience’s pleas for an encore were honored by the band, who returned to perform four more songs.  The band would close two days of stellar performances with “No Hard Feelings,” a heavy and emotional track about staying free from harboring enemies, sharing love and ultimately about accepting death.  

    In all, the Avett Brothers delivered two nights of incredible performances at Beak and Skiff, featuring unique set lists, with over forty different songs played.   Despite the weather, it was truly a special start to the summer concert season.  

  • Pop-Punk Icons Blink-182 Perform Sold-Out Show At Madison Square Garden

    If you are an iconic ‘90s/’00s band mapping out a massive, 93-date global 30th anniversary reunion tour, then scheduling a show at The World’s Most Famous Arena is a no-brainer. And that is exactly what the classic, long-time lineup of Blink 182 – Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker and Tom DeLonge – marked on their calendars last October when they made the tour announcement, along with the release of a new single, “Edging”, their first musical output since 2011.

    Prior to the tour launch in St. Paul, MN on May 4th, and outside of a surprise appearance at Coachella in April, DeLonge had not been involved with the group formed in San Diego County, CA for the past nine years. But after finally overcoming the traumatic after-effects from a 2008 plane crash (Barker) and a cancer diagnosis in 2021 (Hoppus), the band decided to give it a go.

    On a chilly mid-spring evening in Midtown Manhattan, the first of two bands providing support for Blink-182 was Beauty School Dropout (BSD), who took the stage at 7:35 pm. For the entirety of their 25-minute set, the renegade-pop band from Los Angeles, CA (featuring Cole “Colie” Hutzler, Brent “Beepus” Burdett and Bardo) wowed the audience members who had arrived early to the historic venue. Presenting material across a wide array of genres – including pop, punk, rock and hip hop – these young men handpicked by Hoppus himself, under his newly created venture capital music start up called Verswire, electrified the arena with emotionally-charged vocals, thundering guitar and stampeding drums. As the clock struck 8:00 pm and their set came to a close, BSD exited the stage to what else? Frankie Avalon’s “Beauty School Dropout” of course, made famous by said teen idol’s performance in the film version of Grease. BSD are definitely ones to watch, and their sophomore EP “We Made Plans & God Laughed,” is out now.

    Accompanying Blink-182 on all their US and Canadian dates is Turnstile, a hardcore punk from Baltimore, MD who formed in 2010. The quartet of Brendan Yates, Daniel Fang, “Freaky” Franz Lyons and Pat McCrory is also joined on the tour by Meg Mills on rhythm guitar. Entering stage left at 8:15 pm, the melodic hardcore musicians have three studio albums in their discography, the latest being Glow On, which was released in 2021 to critical acclaim and garnered the band three nominations (Best Metal Performance, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance) at the Grammy Awards held this past February. In less than two years, the abrasive, guitar-driven band has gone from playing suburban basements to 1,500-person clubs to 20,000-capacity arenas, without blinking (no pun intended) an eye. Turnstile commanded the MSG crowd instantly, particularly frontman Yates’ vox, and for forty minutes, we were all entranced with their grooving chassis of riffs and emo-ish lyrics. Sans a bad song in their catalog, including “Holiday,” a portion of which was used as the soundtrack for a 15-second Taco Bell commercial via TikTok, I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for Turnstile or to catch them on their next late night talk show appearance.

    At 9:30 pm, with the last road crew member’s shadowy silhouette barely visible as he checked to make sure no microphone cords were askew, the moment was finally here! As Richard Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra, op. 30″ erupted over the house PA, a portent of a significant event to come (like Elvis taking the stage in his later years), one by one they appeared. First DeLonge at stage left, then Barker took his stool behind the kit at center stage, and lastly Hoppus (the trio’s beating heart), waving to the crowd as he strapped on his Fender Jaguar bass at stage right. As a Gen Xer and self-proclaimed fanboy since the first Blink-182 earworm that grabbed my attention, 1997’s “Dammit” (Dude Ranch), tonight was more than special, it was festive and nostalgic, taking me and all the fans in attendance like me, back to yesteryear.

    As Blink-182 ripped through one hit after another, including six offerings from their third studio album (Enema of the State) that contributed significantly to their meteoric rise to fame in 1999, Hoppus and DeLonge lived up to their reputation with humorous, and sometimes sincere and introspective stage antics and banter during song breaks. Here is a sampling of dialogue necessitating inclusion for this review, some of which transpired while Barker was performing high over the stage atop a levitating drum riser connected to four alloy steel chains:

    We’re sorry if that [song] got you pregnant.

    You’re mom was safe yesterday, but your mom’s not safe tonight.

    Holy shit, we killed that. Did you notice that my hips and my knees didn’t give out when I went down to the ground?

    Travis, when you were doing that drum shit, when I was watching you, I got an erection. I was so fucking hard. I have never been that hard before in my life.

    There is a timing issue and I want you all to be aware of it. The next song is hard to play and I have usually been scoring about C+ on it, and I don’t know what to expect.

    I wish I could be like Harry Styles and play 15 nights here for you all. Did someone fucking boo Harry Styles? Don’t pull that shit in here. Hey, I got a joke. How are One Direction and ‘70s porn alike? Harry Styles.

    Somebody is smoking so much marijuana drug.

    This next song I wrote at a part in my life where I was really down, and I didn’t know if I could go on. I was really sick with cancer. I was hooked up to chemotherapy machines and now I’m fucking here tonight at MSG with all of you. I love you all.

    One of these shows I’ll get through a show without crying like a baby, not tonight, not tonight.

    This is the last song of the show, and then we’re gonna play three more songs. You know why? You wanna know why? Because we’re contractually obligated!

    Give it up for our bestest friends in Turnstile. But most of all, give it up for the greatest band to ever walk the face of the planet, Rage Against The Machine.

    All jokes aside, for more than 90 minutes, the electric and synergetic atmosphere created and shared by Blink-182 and its adoring fans elevated the show from a mere exhibition to an experience never to be forgotten. Walking to my car 30 minutes or so after the show, I came upon a large circle pit of fans on the corner of 31st Street and 8th Avenue, still basking in the afterglow of the epic show. There was a stereo playing “All the Small Things” at its highest volume, fans were hopping up and down in synchronicity, all of whom were belting out the lyrics we all love and know by heart, “Say it ain’t so, I will not go. Turn the lights off, carry me home.” Suddenly, out of the crowded pit came Hoppus (the only member to remain in Blink-182 throughout its entire history), hopping up and down himself, with a huge grin across his face. His security detail, watching it all unfold beside me, were more than happy, however, to whisk him back into the waiting black SUV and speed off into the dark Gotham night.

    After Blink’s final show of their North American leg concludes at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN on July 16, the band will take a much needed rest before resuming their world domination across the pond with twenty-four (24) dates in Europe (September 1 to October 16). Following a pair of shows in Las Vegas, NV on October 21-22 at the When We Were Young Festival, the boys will get another respite before heading to Oceania in early-February 2024 for sixteen (16) more shows, with the trek concluding in Latin America with a dozen shows – the last four of which taking place in Mexico City in early-April 2024.

    Blink-182 Setlist: Anthem Part Two > The Rock Show > Family Reunion > Man Overboard > Feeling This > Reckless Abandon > Violence > Up All Night > Dysentery Gary > Dumpweed > EDGING > Aliens Exist > Cynical > Happy Holidays, You Bastard > Stay Together for the Kids > Always > Down > Bored to Death > I Miss You > Adam’s Song > Ghost on the Dance Floor > What’s My Age Again? > First Date (with snippets of “Pinhead” and “Blitzkrieg Bop” by Ramones) > All the Small Things > Dammit (with snippet of “No Scrubs” by TLC)

    Beauty School Dropout

    Turnstile

    Blink-182 Gallery

  • SPAC 2023 Summer Lineup and Schedule

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced its Summer 2023 lineup, with performances from Dermot Kennedy to Guns N’ Roses. SPAC is a prestigious outdoor amphitheater, featuring live performances, arts education, culinary arts, literary arts, and visual arts across its campus. For over 50 years, SPAC has served as the summer home for New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra.

    In a recent meeting on May 18, the leadership and staff reflected on what they viewed as a “SPAC Transformed.” The scope and depth of SPAC’s programs has “exploded,” with the summer season including the celebration of literary, culinary, and visual arts on top of the 28 performances, 24 debuts, and 11 premieres. Over the past year, work has continued to revitalize the amphitheater’s backstage, and “The Performer’s Road” has been widened, regraded, and repaved.

    The season will kick off with the Summer SPACtacular, a new fundraising event on Friday, June 2. With Live Music, DJ, Dancing, Cocktails, Culinary Delights, Fireworks and Festivities, it is divided into the sold-out “All Access Pass” and the still-available “Party Pass.”

    Orchestras, Ballets, and Operas

    Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

    Performing throughout the summer, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center hails from the largest performing arts complex in the world: the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Their showings in June include “From Classic to Modern” at 3:00 p.m. on June 11 and “Great Quintets” at 3:00 p.m. on June 18. For July, they are performing on July 16 at 3:00 p.m. for “From Vienna to Paris” and on July 23 at 3:00 p.m. for “The Miró Quartet.” They end their summer performances with two showings in Aug., “Spanish Journey” on Aug. 13 at 3:00 p.m. and “New Classics” on Aug. 20 at 3:00 p.m. for their final show.

    New York City Ballet

    Founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, New York City Ballet is one of SPAC’s summer residents. They are performing in the second half of July. “NYCB On and Off Stage” on July 18 at 7:30 p.m. has a “behind the curtain” experience for audiences. On July 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. are the “SPAC Premieres,” which includes several pieces new to SPAC. “Peck & Copland” is on July 20 at 2:00 p.m. and July 22 at 7:30 p.m., and “Swan Lake, Fancy Free & Freebird” is on July 21 at 7:30 p.m. and July 22 at 2:00 p.m..

    The Philadelphia Orchestra

    The Philadelphia Orchestra, another Summer resident of SPAC has a wide variety of performances in the month of August, starting with the “Festive Fireworks” at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 2.

    Other events include: “Schubert’s ‘Great’ Symphony” on Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m., “Pink Martini and The Philadelphia Orchestra featuring China Forbes” on Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m., “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ In Concert” on Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m., “Beethoven’s Seventh” on Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m., “An Evening with Audra McDonald” on Aug. 10 at 7:30 p.m., “Rachmaninoff at 150” on Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m., “Rite of Spring & Blessed Earth” on Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m., “The Four Seasons with Gil Shaham” on Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m., “Yo-Yo Ma plays Dvořák” on Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m., “Earth: An HD Odyssey” on Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m., and “Jurassic Park in Concert” on Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m..

    Concerts

    TLC & Shaggy – June 16 at 7:00 p.m.

    As a part of their Hot Summer Nights tour, TLC and Shaggy will be playing at SPAC. TLC is the best-selling American girl group of all time, they have earned 35 Major Awards, and are ranked as one of the greatest music trios. Shaggy is the only diamond-selling dancehall artist in music history, and has sold more than 40 million album units. They are also being joined by special guests En Vogue and Sean Kingston.

    Dead & Company – June 17 & June 18 at 7:00 p.m.

    Formed in 2015, Dead & Company is having their final tour over Summer 2023, stopping in SPAC on both June 17 and June 18. They were created through the merging of Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and Bob Weir with John Mayer, as well as Allman Brothers’ bassist Oteil Burbridge, and Fare Thee Well and RatDog keyboardist Jeff Chimenti. Dead & Company has completed seven tours since 2015, with 164 concerts.

    Dermot Kennedy – June 19 at 7:30 p.m.

    Dermot Kennedy was nominated for the “Best International Male” BRIT Award in 2020, and has become a platinum-selling artist in over 12 countries through his debut album, the best-selling debut album in Ireland of this millennium. He is known for his unique ability to unify and heal through his music.

    Tears for Fears – July 2 at 7:30 p.m.

    Tears for Fears is an English pop rock band that has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. They are touring with Cold War Kids as a part of their “The Tipping Point Tour Part II.” SPAC is one of the three locations for their tour in New York, with other locations including Madison Square Garden and the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

    Big Time Rush – July 3 at 7:00 p.m.

    Big Time Rush is an American pop boy band, previously starring in “Big Time Rush,” a Nickelodeon-produced musical sitcom. It has four members: Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Logan Henderson, and Carlos PenaVega.

    Counting Crows – July 5 at 7:30 p.m.

    Nominated for both a Grammy and Academy award, Counting Crows is an alternative rock band that has performed for over two decades. Their multi-platinum breakout album was “August and Everything After,” with their most recent album being “Butter Miracle: Suite One,” released in May 2021. Also featured at the showing is guest star Dashboard Confessional.

    adam duritz counting crows

    KIDZ BOP – July 9 at 4:00 p.m.

    The KIDZ BOP performance at SPAC is a part of their “Never Stop Live Tour,” with new songs, choreography, special effects, and the return of the Daddy Dance Off. KIDZ BOP is a family-friendly show, and the group has sold more than 23 million albums and had over 8 billion streams since 2001. The performance will feature songs from the recent “KIDZ BOP 2023” album as well as other pop hits.

    Dave Matthews Band – July 14 & 15 at 7:30 p.m.

    Dave Matthews Band is an American rock band, originally formed in 1991. They will be performing songs from their new album “Walk Around the Moon.” Dave Matthews Band is visiting SPAC as a part of their U.S. summer tour. They are also using the tour to continue their work with The Nature Conservancy, with their partnership resulting in the planting one million trees this year.

    Foreigner – Aug. 1 at 7:00 p.m.

    Foreigner is known as one of the most popular rock bands in the world, with ten multi-platinum albums. Their visit to SPAC is a part of their “Farewell Tour,” with the band being joined by Loverboy, another hit-maker of the ’80s. The show promises more than 20 combined chart-topping songs.

    The Chicks – Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

    The Chicks are the biggest-selling U.S. female band of all time and are the only female group to get multiple diamond selling releases. They have sold more than 30.5 million albums, with their last record-breaking studio album being “Taking the Long Way,” released in 2006. It received five Grammy awards, including “Album of the Year,” “Record of the Year,” and “Song of the Year.”

    Goo Goo Dolls & O.A.R. – Aug. 8 at 7:00 p.m.

    As a part of their “The Big Night Out Tour,” Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R. have teamed up for a massive summer tour, including four stops across New York State. Goo Goo Dolls is a multi-platinum, four-time GRAMMY-nominated rock band. The band is partnering with “Joe Torre Safe At Home,” a nonprofit organization offering healing and education to youth who have been traumatized by exposure to violence.

    Zac Brown Band – Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

    Zac Brown Band, a multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning American country band, is travelling to SPAC with their “From the Fire Tour.” This is their 10th North American tour, following the release of their “The Comeback (Deluxe)” album.

    Eric Church – Aug. 24 at 7:00 p.m.

    Eric Church is a country singer, winning AMC awards seven times, CMA awards four times, and being nominated for a Grammy Award ten times. The “Heart & Soul” triple album is his most recent project and has received critical acclaim. It is the result of a month-long marathon in rural North Carolina where he wrote and recorded a song per day. He is visiting SPAC as a part of his “Outsiders Revival Tour.”

    Guns N’ Roses – Sept. 1 at 6:00 p.m.

    Guns N’ Roses is one of the best-selling rock bands of all time, with their 1987 debut album, “Appetite For Destruction” being regarded as the best-selling U.S. debut album ever. Their 2023 tour is the band’s first North American tour since 2021’s “We’re F’N Back! Tour.”

    Guns N’ Roses members, from left to right: Axl Rose, Richard Fortus, Duff McKagan Dizzy Reed, Slash, Melissa Reese, and Frank Ferer. Credit: Katarina Benzova.

    Events

    The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists – June 4 at 2:00 p.m.

    The Festival of Young Artists is an annual free event that is meant to celebrate the Capital Region’s young actors, dancers, musicians, singers, poets, and visual artists. The event includes both individual displays and performances as well as large-scale productions.

    Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival – June 24 at 11:00 a.m. & June 25 at 11:30 a.m.

    The 46th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival features 21 artists over the course of the two-day festival. It includes genres from jazz to roots, funk, blues and beyond. It has been one of North America’s largest jazz festivals over the past 45 years.

    Outlaw Music Festival – Sept. 15 at 5:00 p.m.

    The Outlaw Music Festival is the largest-ever Outlaw tour, with Willie Nelson & Family, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros., featuring The Wolfpack, The String Cheese Incident, Los Lobos, and Particle Kid. The festival originally made its debut in 2016, where the festival was well-received and sold-out.

    Also Featured

    Tedeschi Trucks Band – July 1 at 7:30 p.m.

    Goose – July 7 at 7:30 p.m.

    Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – July 8 at 7:00 p.m.

    Garbage – July 8 at 7:00 p.m.

    Jason Aldean – July 16 at 7:30 p.m.

    Gov’t Mule – July 28 at 8:00 p.m.

    Matchbox Twenty – July 30 at 7:30 p.m.

    Richard Russo In Conversation with Joe Donahue: Somebody’s Fool – Aug. 3 at 5:00 p.m.

    Brit Floyd – Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m.

    Pentatonix – Aug. 23 at 8:00 p.m.

    Noah Kahan – Sept. 2 at 8:00 p.m.

    ZZ Top & Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

    Killer Queen – Sept. 16 at 7:30 a.m.

    Tickets for the 2023 SPAC events are available for purchase on their website.

  • Brooklyn Artist Jehry Robinson Releases New Genre-Mixing Song

    Rising artist Jehry Robinson released his new single “Razor” on May 12. Not conforming to one genre, “Razor,” like Robinson’s other music, blends rap, reggae, pop, and rap into one sound.

    Jehry Robinson grew up on Long Island but was encouraged to move forward with his music dreams after forming a friendship with Grammy winning artist Macklemore. Then, in 2016, he co-founded FBA Management with Tara Ennis and launched his solo career.

    After reading an article about Kansas City based Strange Music in Forbes, he urged Tara to reach
    out to C.E.O. Travis O’Guin. After months of persistence and diligence the label head surprisingly returned her direct message. The two got on a plane to Kansas City with hopes of joining the Strange Music family. After more months of planning, and many conversations with O’Guin, Jehry signed the label and got right to work.

    So far, Robinson’s songs and videos have accumulated over ten million views and streams. On his genre mixing music, he said, “I’m taking all of those genres and emotions and fusing them into one sound. You’ll get the happy side. You’ll get the depressed side. If there’s a reggae vibe or rock energy, that’s just how I felt that day.”

    Fusing numerous genres, his songs reflect Robinson’s ear for melody and his ability to make seemingly conflicting sounds mesh together. His latest song “Razor” is the follow-up to the melodic rap and vocal harmonies of “No Happy Days” which features label-mate King Iso. Earlier in 2023 he delivered “Kill My Daydreams” and “Question Why.” Expect more songs and videos from Jehry Robinson leading up to the release of his upcoming LP this summer.

  • Award-Winning Broadway Musical “Kimberly Akimbo” to Grant Schools $10,000

    “Kimberly Akimbo,” a Broadway Musical that has received nominations for eight Tony Awards, including “Best Musical,” is launching their “Great Adventure Grants.” The program intends to help fund three local high school theater productions, with each school receiving $10,000 from the grant. “Great Adventure Grants” will continue as an annual initiative.

    Recipients of one of the “Great Adventure Grants” from the Pan American International High School in Queens, NY. Credit: Polk & Co.

    The first recipients of these grants are the Denzel Washington School of the Arts in Mount Vernon,
    NY; the High Tech High School in Secaucus, NJ; and the Pan American International High School in
    Queens, NY. The $10,000 received by each program is hoped to aid in paying for licensing, production, and other associated costs.

    “Kimberly Akimbo” is about the titular character, Kimberly (played by Victoria Clark), who is a teenager suffering from a rare genetic condition. She must navigate this, as well as her family dysfunctions and her first crush. It originally opened on Broadway on Nov. 10, 2022.

    The Broadway musical is based on a play with the same name by David Lindsay-Abaire, who wrote book and lyrics for the musical adaptation. The music is by Tony Award-winner Jeanine Tesori, choreography is by Danny Mefford, and direction is by Jessica Stone.

    “Like the aspiring show choir characters in ‘Kimberly Akimbo,’ student performers need financial support
    to help realize their dreams. We are very proud to be able to support these three public school arts programs and look forward to seeing their fully realized productions next year,” director Jessica Stone said.

    More information and tickets can be found on “Kimberly Akimbo’s” website.

  • In Focus: Prince Bowie & Escaper at Putnam Place

    The temps are heating up outside, and so is the music scene in the Capital District in New York, including two of the most exciting bands on the scene right now. On Saturday, May 20th, New York City-based band Escaper warmed everyone up for the main act, Prince Bowie.

    Escaper

    Escaper is possibly the most appropriate name for a band in the history of band names — after all, it is impossible to ascribe a specific genre to this act. Will Hanza (guitar, vocals), Phil Kadet (keys) Sam Crespo (drummer from Space Bacon), and Luke Bemand from (bassist from Lespecial) have truly escaped a label of any kind. They enjoy being known as “one who breaks free from confinement,” and this comes across in every note that they play. If you haven’t had a chance to check out this band yet, you are truly missing something special. If you want to get right on it, you can check out their music on SoundCloud.

    Prince Bowie

    Prince Bowie is one of the most unique acts I have ever seen, covering the songs of Prince and David Bowie like you’ve never heard before. Prince Bowie almost never has the same lineup twice. This has no effect whatsoever on their level of talent, however, it is impossible to tell that they rarely play together as they gel quickly on stage.

    Saturday Night’s Lineup

    Saturday’s lineup included some local favorites as well as some glorious out-of-town guests. Featuring Eric Gould (Bass, Pink Talking Fish), Cal Kehoe (Guitar, Pink Talking Fish), Alric “AC” Carter (Keys, TAUK), Rory Dolan (Drums, lespecial), Chris Brouwers (Trumpet, The Horn Section / Cool Cool Cool), Greg Sanderson (Tenor Saxophone, The Horn Section / Cool Cool Cool, Josh Schwartz (Baritone Saxophone, lead vocals, The Horn Section / Cool Cool Cool) and Matt Wayne (Alto Saxophone, Bobby Deitch Band), they were joined for a few songs – “Under Pressure” and “Kiss” among them – by local legend Shannon Lynch (Saxophone, vocals, Midnight Sun, Conehead Buddha).

    Prince/Bowie – Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs – May 20, 2023

    Set: Let’s Go Crazy, Let’s Dance, Delirious, Ziggy Stardust, 1999, Starman, KISS, Under Pressure, DMSR, Young Americans, I Wanna be Your Lover, Fame > Cream, Space Oddity, I Would Die For You, Controversy, Moonage Daydream
    Encore: Life on Mars, Purple Rain