On April 22 at the Westcott Theater, reggae jam band Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad performed the last show of their 2023 Tour. The band was originally founded in 2001 in Rochester, best known for their authentic reggae and dub live performances.
The energy of the night started strong at the Westcott, with two opening performances Flying Object and Dirty Blanket. Flying Object, is a smaller group who feature an upright bass, keys and drums into their music. The band kicked off with an upbeat spunky groove engaging the audience awaiting Giant Panda.
Dirty Blanket incorporates guitars, upright bass, mandolin and banjo. For the past six years the band has remained local to the Finger Lakes Region. Their song “Better Days” led the crowd roaring and dancing as they closed their act and gave a warm welcome to Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad.
Giant Panda consists of James Searl, Chris O’Brian, Dylan Savage, Tony Gallicchio and Eli Flynn. Some of their top hits include “Time and Reflection,” “Love You More”, “Steady,” “Trouble Deep” and “Good Love.” This tour honored their latest album Love In Time released on April 7th. The diversity of the songs and various production styles truly compliment the album as a whole. This was one of their first times working on music with outside collaborators.
Although it was announced to be the last show of their 2023 tour, Giant Panda did a fantastic job and put on quite the show for their fans at the Westcott Theater. As fans danced to their mix of reggae, electric beats and rhythm, the band members yelled out to the crowd while engaging with one another on stage. The band is notable for connecting people to the sound of their music and authentic roots. We look forward to what the band has to come as fans anticipate future performances.
The aftermath of the quarantine has left many of us longing for experiences and community. The ability of an artist to constitute community is what I love about music, especially local original music. Nancy Atlas is a well-known entity on the East End of Long Island, especially in her hometown of Montauk, famously called “The drinking village with a fishing problem”. Nancy knows how to inspire a community and connects with her audience though passion and performance.
I had the double blessing of interviewing Nancy on The Long Island Sound podcast and seeing her live recently at Stephen Talkhouse, a venue which I call the CBGB’s of Amagansett. Nancy became my antidote for the longing that can never be quenched, as I continue to explore the wellspring of talent on Long Island.
If you can find something that you’re passionate about and you can make a living at it, then you’re a lucky person
Nancy Atlas
A Force of Nature
Before we dive into the rollercoaster ride of a show, it’s important to get an understanding how this female force of nature embraces her craft like the ocean envelops us as we venture into the deep.
Prior to her moniker as The Nancy Atlas project, this Commack, NY native went to college in London to study marketing. Upon graduation, she was hard-pressed to find a job in her chosen field. With the creative juices flowing, original songs in hand, Nancy went to an open mic hosted by Johnny Leitch aka Johnny Blood, a fantastic guitarist in his own right. The rest is history.
The most important thing is to surround yourself with people that are better than you
Nancy Atlas
There are a wide range of artist influences who shaped her sound, from Johnny Cash and Emmylou Harris to Lucinda Williams. Atlas also recounted how her experiences growing up on Long Island have influenced her music, particularly the ocean and the beach, which she described as her “sanctuary.”
Throughout the interview, Atlas discussed her creative process and how she approaches songwriting. She explained that she likes to write about real-life experiences and emotions, drawing inspiration from her own life and the world around her.
Atlas emphasized the importance of collaboration, both with her band members and other musicians in the industry. She described how working with others can bring new ideas and perspectives to the table, and ultimately lead to better music.
The more honest you are with your songwriting; the more people connect with it.
Nancy Atlas
We discussed the challenges of being a musician, particularly in today’s music industry.
Atlas acknowledged that the rise of streaming services has changed the landscape for musicians, making it more difficult to earn a living solely from music sales. However, she also noted that the internet has made it easier for independent artists to connect with their fans and reach new audiences. Atlas emphasized the importance of adapting to change and finding new ways to make a living as a musician.
I think the hardest thing about being an artist in this day and age is finding the balance between the art and the commerce.
Nancy Atlas
Performing at Stephen Talkhouse
During the interview, I told Nancy how I hoped to go to Stephen Talkhouse someday, and she quickly goateed me in to attending her April 22nd show. I was not disappointed. With the intent to open opportunities to others, Nancy had the PasserBy Band opened up for her, and the band was electric with youthful energy and talent. Nancy’s son Cash, a member of the band was joined by a cast of East Hampton Highschoolers who rounded out the group.
PasserBy covered Santana’s Oye Como Va, and Dexys Midnight Runners, Come on Eileen to the delight of a welcoming audience, as a proud mother stood in the wings with admiration and pride
The Nancy Atlas Project took the stage promptly at 8:15 pm, as a lighting bolt of energy pulsed with Nancy as she began to strum the intro, soon to be joined by her longtime guitarist, Johnny Blood. Her set was filled with original songs, that were familiar to adoring fans, as I watched and listened to a community of Eastender’s revel with enjoyment and celebration.
A key moment, came when Nancy recalled a famous ocean rescue in Montauk, as detailed in the New York Times best selling novel, A Speck in the Sea. Nancy’s song “The Tale of Johnny Load” recounts the key events in the “Montauk Miracle” and has become somewhat of an anthem to how the Montauk community came together to beging the search for Johnny. The song is about a voyage of the fishing boat , Anna Mary with only Johnny “Load” Aldridge and Anthony Sosinski aboard. Anthony Sosinski, one of the crewmembers was on hand, and took the stage to lead the crowd in a Happy Birthday song to both Nancy and her sidekick Johnny Blood.
You can see Nancy Atlas performing at Stephen Talkhouse on May 20th, it’s certianly a bucketlist item for any music lover.
Music and the Power to Heal
She talked about how music has the power to heal and bring people together, and how she hopes her music can have a positive impact on her listeners.
My interview with Nancy Atlas on the Long Island Sound podcast provided a fascinating look into the life and career of one of Long Island’s most talented musicians. From her early influences to her creative process and the challenges of the music industry, Atlas shared insights and stories that are sure to inspire aspiring musicians and fans alike. Her performance at Stephen Talkhouse was a powerful reminder of the healing power of music and the importance of spreading positivity in today’s world. If you’re a fan of Nancy Atlas or just love great music, be sure to check out her interview on The Long Island Sound podcast.
Tony Award Nominee Shoshana Bean has announced her debut residency at the newly opened Midnight Theatre in west Manhattan.
Shoshana will take audiences on a musical journey of honesty, exploration and celebration of life, art, and friendship. Performances are on Thursday, May 25, Friday May 26, Saturday, May 27 at 8:00pm and Sunday, May 28 at 7:00pm.
Midnight Theatre is a new, state-of-the-art performance venue in the heart of New York’s Manhattan West. The intimate 150-seat theater was conceptualized by Creative Director Warren Adcock to be a showcase for talent across a wide variety of entertainment, including magic, music, comedy, and Broadway cabarets.
Shoshana Bean was most recently seen starring opposite Billy Crystal in Broadway’s Mr. Saturday Night. Tony and Grammy nominated for her role as Susan Young, she has previously starred on Broadway as Elphaba in Wicked and Jenna in Waitress. Her 6 independent studio albums and EP’s have landed her on top of the iTunes and Billboard charts, including the peak position of #1 on the Billboard Jazz Chart. She has sold out concerts around the globe and lent her voice to countless films and television shows, a few of which include: Sing, Enchanted, Glee and Galavant.
Shoshana made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Hairspray, appeared Off-Broadway in the 2000 revival of “Godspell”, and in Songs for a New World at City Center Encores. She won an IRNE Award for her performance as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl and earned a Jeff Award nomination for her portrayal of CeeCee Bloom in the pre-Broadway musical production of “Beaches”. She has appeared in Bloodline, Bill and Ted Face The Music, and recently filmed a solo concert special for PBS.
For more information on the residency, or to purchase tickets, please visit Midnight Theatres website.
Sorry we missed you the past couple months, we were too busy seeing shows! Hopefully you were too. May is here, the flowers are blooming, and so is the live music in Rochester. Here are five lovely shows popping up this month that you should probably go check out.
Acid Mothers Temple returns to the Bug Jar from Japan for the first time in a handful of years, bringing back their intensely psychedelic rock perfectly suited for the trippy little bar on Monroe. Whether you’re on drugs or not, prepare to be sent to another dimension. Austin’s My Education joins them and Rochester’s Pengo will get things kicked off.
The show starts at 9pm and tickets are $15/$18dos.
May 11: Seán Barna at Radio Social
A day before his new album, An Evening at Macri Park, drops on Kill Rock Stars, Seán Barna will play a free show at Radio Social. Be one of the first to hear this incredible queer singer/songwriter and his band perform the album, which was recorded locally at 1809 Studios. Pluck and Cece Vile will open the show.
Pimp Biscuits is Aqueous’ Mike Gantzer and Evan McPhaden, and Pickle Mafia’s Marco Cirigliano. They don’t get together often, but when they do, watch out! And with Aqueous on indefinite hiatus, all the more reason to get in to enjoy some Gantzer and McPhaden magic. With previously recommended Vertices opening the show, we’re in for a night of heavy improvisation. With Pigeons Playing Ping Pong opening up the Lilac Festival earlier in the evening, the possibilities for some nice sit-ins are high.
David Grisman’s son Sam recently assembled a band, heavy on Rochester talent, to explore the music of his father and Jerry Garcia and beyond. Area guitarist Aaron Lipp and drummer Chris English join him, and multi-instrumentalist Ric Robertson rounds out the quartet. They interpret the music acoustically, electrically, and eclectically. This one is going to sound great nestled in between the lilacs. Get there early for Organ Fairchild and Digglers Bridge.
Music starts at 4pm, Sam Grisman comes on at 7pm, and it’s all free.
Margaret Explosion is a long running institution in Rochester. There’s no one named Margaret and the music is decidedly unexplosive, but their regular gigs at the cafe inside The Little Theater are always a treat. Their shows are completely improvised “slow-motion psychedelia.” Melissa Davies has been joining the quartet on cello recently and the results have been stunning.
It was a night that deserves more words and praise than I can possibly articulate, but for people like John Darnielle, the mastermind behind The Mountain Goats, finding words has never been a problem. Making a career out of shouting whatever comes to mind and never sitting on an idea long enough to question it, the acclaimed novelist and songwriter has toured all over the world and released a staggering 21 studio albums since adopting The Mountain Goats moniker in the early 90’s.
More than 600 songs and countless miles later, it’s almost hard to believe the band has never played a gig in Albany before. On Tuesday, April 18th at Empire Live, that surprising fact was finally laid to rest. The night would have extra special meaning for one member of band, as the cathartic show would also serve as a birthday celebration for keyboard player/multi-instrumentalist Matt Douglas.
The Mountain Goats, making their Albany debut, have plenty to celebrate this year
Opening the evening was Knoxville, TN singer-songwriter Adeem the Artist. Dawning a Canadian tuxedo and resembling a look somewhere between Jeff Tweedy and Ryan Adams, you could already tell he wasn’t like the other boys. One fan immediately yelled out “What’s your name?” “My name? I don’t have one. I’m Adeem the Artist. It turns out there was already a rapper.” Demonstrating spectacular stage presence and finding a balance between serious and sarcastic, the lyrics to his songs were nothing to joke about. Beginning with the opening song “I Never Came Out,” the audience listened intently as the soul-searching lyrics poured out of the man originally born Kyle Bingham. “Fervent For the Hunger” came next before we would learn a little bit more about Bingham’s roots and his Aunt Peggie on “Painkillers & Magic” from his most recent, fan-funded 2022 album White Trash Revelry.
Adeem the Artist performing in Albany, NY on 4/18/23
While the structure of the songs came off as rather traditional, by this point in the set, it was clear Adeem the Artist was doing something very special and very brave. A queer, southern Christian, blue-collar country songwriter. As unpopular as that may be in some areas, the Albany crowd here was totally down with it and fully invested in every word he had to say. Things would pick up for the foot-stomping “Run This Town,” before an eager fan requested a rare song that stopped Bingham in his tacks. “Tiger Prince of Knoxville”? How do you know that one? I wrote that a long time ago when everyone was trying to cash in on the Tiger King phenomena, so I figured I would too. I can’t believe someone here has actually heard it! Let’s see if I remember how it goes.” He did and the crowd loved it. They got even more into it on the next song, “Going to Hell,” which featured a fun, full room ‘call and response’ and made you think “it won’t be long before this guy is a very big star.” Filled with strong social commentary and hilarious banter, Adeem the Artist played the title track from his 2021 album Cast Iron Pansexual to round out his fantastic opening set. After a brief intermission, it was finally time for the main event.
The Mountain Goats made their long awaited Albany debut on 4/18/23
Walking out to Foghat’s “Fool For the City,” The Mountain Goats would methodically craft the story they wanted to tell. Consisting of front man and vocalist John Darnielle, this incarnation of the band also includes longtime collaborators Peter Hughs on bass, multi-instrumentalist Matt Douglas and Superchunk/Bob Mould drummer Jon Wurster. Beginning with the brooding buildup of 2008’s “In the Craters of the Moon,” the tempo picked up during the dreamy, reverb drenched “Hostages” from the bands most recent album, Bleed Out. Darnielle would introduce the next song by saying “this is about the incipient android takeover” before launching into “Incandescent Ruins.” Slowing things down a bit with “one of them bible songs” in “Hebrews 11:40.” “We’re still working out how this one goes and we’ve been doing that for at least 10 years,” he chuckled. The energy continued to build straight into the song “Younger,” which on this night, meant a little more to birthday boy Matt Douglas. Uncorking one of his most expressive saxophone solos of the night on the song, the entire crowd would sing “happy birthday” to him prior to his beautiful piano duet with Darnielle on the song “Wear Black.”
Mountain Goats multi-instrumentalist Matt Douglas celebrated his birthday on 4/18/23
Darnielle would then play a series of solo songs, beginning with “Jenny,” which the crowd knew every word too. He would remark that he doesn’t plan this section of the set, he just waits for the spirit to move him. “That’s why I envy the Quakers. They’ll sit there for 20-30 minutes waiting for the spirit. I don’t have that kind of confidence. And the other thing is I’ve never been to Albany before, right, so there’s a conflict. I tend to prefer the newer songs with my band, but some people have been waiting a long ass time to see me play some old songs.” Darnielle continues, “So then I feel obligated to play the super old songs, but then the people mainly into the newer ones are like, “I don’t know what that one in the middle was about. Some guy who wanted to kill somebody?” he joked. “This is one of those,” before playing “Black Molly” from 2002’s Bitter Melon Farm.
The crowd became noticeably more exited at the opening cords of another 2002 song, “Color in Your Cheeks,” to the point Darnielle had to stop them from clapping along. “Not to be ungracious, but I don’t recommend the clapping because it loses it’s place and my timing is inconsistent.” “When people start yelling the words along with me, I’m like ‘no, to get into the zone of this song I need people not to be yelling it back at me. It’s just a personal song about somebody I know.” After it’s conclusion, he would remark “I changed the chorus because somebody thought it was too mean. It was my wife.”
The Mountain Goats performing at Empire Live on 4/18/23
A laidback lounge version of “Abandoned Flesh” came next before Darnielle would profess his love for The Grateful Dead and say he “just noticed the next three songs on the setlist are alligatored together, so can the tapers in the crowd please refer to this section as “The Goths Suite,” ala The Dead’s Terrapin Station Suite. The trifecta would include the songs “Abandoned Flesh,“ flowing directly into “Andrew Eldricth is Moving Back to Leeds,” and finally into “Rain in Soho” to complete the so-called Goths Suite segment. Bouncing back “Lizard Suit” and “Palmcorder Yajna,” Darnielle would remark that he was in awe of the Albany audience. “When your back in the dressing room and hear that there’s 800 people in a town you’ve never played before, it could go a couple of ways. You know, like there’s people waiting to hear one or two songs, and you know, you’re not going to play those at the top of the set because you’re not stupid. You’re so amazing, I thank you so much.”
John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats performing in Albany on 4/18/23
An intimate and powerful rendition of “Tallahassee” would follow, prompting Darnielle to call an audible and add a song on the fly. Turning to his bandmates and saying, “Guys, we gotta add another one. That was second to last, but this has been a pretty special show for me. And if they are being amazing, you need to play something from The Sunset Tree.” With that, the well-behaved crowd was rewarded with “Song for Dennis Brown” from the bands iconic 2005 album. Playing off each other and jumping from side to side with huge smiles, a hard rocking “Training Montage” would bring the main portion of the set to a close and leave the Albany audience begging for more.
Make a Wish: The Mountain Goats had their cake and ate it too during their Albany debut on 4/18/23
After walking off stage, the band would return with a birthday cake to present to multi-instrumentalist Matt Douglas. Easing into the encore portion of the show with “You and Your Memory,” one of the bands trademark songs came next with the anthemic “Heretic Pride.” With anticipation reaching a fever pitch for the bands two most popular songs still on the table, Darnielle would have some more fun with the audience. “You may not know this, but there’s like a shadow version of “No Children” forming, waiting for its chance. It’s called “Jazz No Children.” It’s the way mellower version. “Jazz No Children” is the one you sing ten years after you needed no children. “Jazz No Children” is the one that comes when some of the details are funny to you instead of sad.
On the preview side of “No Children,” there’s the people who ask me to play it at their wedding, because they think it would be funny. I say to them, ‘friend, I’ll tell you what. I’ll play it at your ten-year anniversary.” I am safe under these circumstances because anybody who would ask me to play “No Children” at their wedding won’t be having a ten-year anniversary. They’re not taking the whole matter seriously. As my drummer would say, “It’s all a big joke to them.” And yet, I hope when those people sit in a lawyer’s office, they have a little song in their head that helps. This is that song and this, such as it is, is the nature of that help.” Seamlessly shifting from a jazz monologue to an all out punk assault, The Mountain Goats would finally deliver the goods and unleash a cathartic version of “No Children” followed up by their biggest hit to date, “This Year,” which took on a life of its own during the Covid-19 pandemic and has become the calling card of the band.
Giving everyone a chance to shout out the lyrics that meant so much to them during lockdown, it was the kind of reaction that made the hair-on-your-neck stand up. Basking in the sustained adulation, Darnielle said “he kinda feels like playing two more.” Opting to go with “Broom People,” the show would finally come to a close with a rambunctious version of “Spent gladiator 2,” which gave Douglas one final sax solo in the birthday spotlight. “Stay alive. Stay alive. Stay forever alive. Thank you, goodnight.”
Watch fan shot footage of The Mountain Goats performing “No Children” on 4/18/23
Just an incredible performance that reinvigorated your spirit and made you feel alive. Part poetry, part social commentary, part punk rock fury – all delivered with a sense of urgency and passion that simply could not be faked. There are no posers in this band and that sentiment deeply connected with the blue-collar Albany audience. Fortunately fans in New York won’t have to wait nearly as long to see The Mountain Goats perform again. Kicking off their lengthy summer tour in early June, the band will play The Rooftop at Pier 17 in NYC on August 4th.
The Mountain Goats | April 18 | Empire Live | Albany
Setlist: In The Craters on the Moon, Hostages, Incandescent Ruins, Hebrews 11:40, Dance Music, Younger, Wear Black, Jenny, Black Molly, Color in Your Cheeks, You Were Cool, Abandoned Flesh, Andrew Eldritch is Moving Back to Leeds > Rain in Soho > Lizard Suit, Palmcorder Yajna, Tallahassee, Song For Dennis Brown, Training Montage, You or Your Memory, Heretic Pride, Jazz No Children > No Children, This Year
Encore: Broom People, Spent Gladiator 2
Watch fan shot footage of The Mountain Goats performing “This Year” on 4/18/23
Adeem the Artist | April 18 | Empire Live | Albany
Setlist: I Never Came Out, Fervent for the Hunger, Painkillers & Magic, Run This Town, Tiger Prince of Knoxville, Going to Hell, Cast-Iron Pansexual
The Cooperstown Music Festival announced the events scheduled for its 25th-anniversary celebration, taking place at various places around Cooperstown during the month of August.
The Cooperstown Music Festival 25th anniversary celebration includes concerts with a variety of acts, as well as a performance from the traveling Caroga Arts Ensemble. Founded in 1999 by flutist Linda Chesis, the festival has been bringing world-class chamber music performances to the Cooperstown area. The festival has featured performances by the American, Juilliard, St. Lawrence, Jupiter and Jasper, String Quartets, and more.
Kicking off the festival is Harry Allen’s All Star NY Saxophone Band on Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Otesaga Resort Hotel. Jazz saxophone legend Harry Allen joins forces with Ken Peplowski and Grant Stewart on tenor saxophone, Gary Smulyan on baritone saxophone, James Chirillo on guitar, Mike Karn on bass, and Aaron Kimmel on drums for an evening of small group jazz with a big band feel. On Aug. 8 at 7 p.m., also at the Otesaga Resort Hotel is Nuevo Tango: JP Jofre and Tommy Mesa. Argentinian bandoneon master JP Jofre will join forces with the highly-acclaimed Cuban-American cellist Tommy Mesa for a program exploring the fusion of classical music and tango, performing works by Astor Piazzolla alongside original works by the Grammy-nominated Jofre.
Harry Allen’s All Star Band. Left column: Ken Peplowski, Grant Stewart, Gary Smulyan; Center: Harry Allen; Right column; James Chirillo, Mike Karn, Aaron Kimmel
Continuing on Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Otesaga Resort Hotel is Caroga Arts Ensemble: A String Serenade, a “round robin” musical extravaganza with works ranging from quartets to chamber orchestra. On Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church is All-Bach, where CSMF Artistic Director Linda Chesis combines forces with festival favorites Joseph Lin, violin, Michael Katz, cello, and the inimitable Bradley Brookshire on harpsichord, celebrating the music of J. S. Bach. In addition to performing a selection of Bach’s instrumental sonatas, they will be joined by Glimmerglass Festival Young Artists Emilie Kealani, soprano, and Kyle Tingzon, countertenor, for performances of Bach’s beloved arias.
Caroga Arts Ensemble.
Finally on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. at The Farmers’ Museum is the Borromeo String Quartet with Linda Chesis on flute. Hailed by the Boston Globe as “simply the best,” the quartet returns to the Cooperstown Music Festival to perform Beethoven’s op. 127 as well as works by Amy Beach and Elena Alberga. To purchase tickets and find out more information about the festival, visit here.
Brooklyn based rock band Dive Brake have just released their debut EP full of unapologetic progressive rock songs. Along with this, the band has a gig lined up for May 6th at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 in Manhattan. Joining them will be Nick Balzano’s band Whaley (fka Logan Whaley Band), and Dysfunktone.
Dive Brake is a progressive grunge jamband trio from Brooklyn. They recorded 9 tracks with Pinch Records, a very small startup label out of Long Island City, and just got their first 3 songs released as an EP titled The Approach.
The tracks are supposed to play well in order. “Static” being the leadoff, coming across funky and heavy. Next, “4 Banger” is an alt-prog banger with 2 different refrains and a jammed out multi part bridge section. Lastly, “Stay on Target” is an 11:34 long epic. The Approach EP is available everywhere.
There will be a follow up LP that contains the rest of the tracks from those sessions where The Approach was recorded. Keep your eyes peeled for more info on that in the coming months.
From casual jams between Nick Pascarella and Steve Remp, following the breakup of Gone Quite Mad, thus, Dive Brake was born. But after grabbing the attention of a longtime friend and collaborator, Dexter Larsen, a once innocuous trio launched into full blown ascent.
With using their distortion laden verses and enveloping choruses, the occasional Latin groove driven bridge, never ending tumults of guitar led melody. Their sound isn’t music you listen to casually, it’s for when you want to be assaulted by sound.
Saratoga’s famous Caffè Lena has announced “Sing In The Streets”, a six stage music festival celebrating the 63rd anniversary of Caffè Lena’s opening on Sunday, May 21st.
Caffè Lena presents extraordinary music in an intimate setting steeped in history. It is widely recognized as the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States. The Library of Congress calls Caffè Lena “An American treasure,” and the Caffe has been recognized by The GRAMMY Foundation for their important contributions to the development of American music.
In staying true to Lena’s founding vision of simplicity, kindness to strangers, and art above profit, “Sing In The Streets” will take place for free at six stages around Caffè Lena’s neighborhood, making this festival a community event. Two artists will share each stage, with performances at Impressions of Saratoga, Library Terrace, Frog Garden, Caffè Lena’s Courtyard, Caffè Lena Upstairs, and Ben & Jerrys.
“SING IN THE STREETS’ LOCATIONS AND PERFORMERS:
IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA Steve Candlen is an Albany based drummer who has been performing both nationally and locally since the late 80’s and was the winner of the 2005 “Music For Miracles” Songwriting Contest.
Travis Gray – A virtuosic musician and songwriter, with masterful guitar work. In his 20+ years writing, recording and performing around the world, Gray’s work has ranged from contemplative singer-songwriter to fronting powerhouse 6 piece bands and back again
LIBRARY TERRACE Rick Bolton– From playing in garage bands on northern Lake George, to touring out west, only to return home and help launch a thriving music scene in Saratoga, Singer/Songwriter Rick Bolton is no stranger to the Caffe Lena neighborhood.
Rees Shad & the Conversations – Rees Shad & The Conversations refer to their sound as ‘Swinging Americana Done Right.” Those who know Shad’s catalog have come to refer to him as a wordsmith and a songwriter’s songwriter.
FROG GARDEN Bill & Finnegan Ackerbauer – Father and Son Folk duo Bill & Finnegan will bring their lighthearted family and children songs Bill and Finnegan made famous with virtual concerts through the Johnstown Public Library in a series called Singin’ in the Kitchen.
Novus Cantus– With a flair for storytelling and theatricality, these brothers have created a show for kids that draws on their love of world music, rock and classical. Parents will recognize nods to Jethro Tull, Rusted Root, Gypsy Kings and Metallica
CAFFÈ LENA COURTYARD Jimi W. – Jimi W. is a singer songwriter based out of the capital region of Upstate NY. His sound combines influences from songwriting legends such as James Taylor and Tom Waits with a modern eclectic indie-folk twist.
Keanen Stark & Orion Kribs – The Adirondack duo have brought their blend of modern yet classically old-timey sounds, blues, bluegrass, and classic americana tunes, and dabble at entertaining endless other influences and flights of fancy.
CAFFÈ LENA UPSTAIRS Angelina Valente – Valente’s singer/songwriter style strips music down to its bare bones with a folk/pop sound. Her soft piano and strong voice, along with honest lyrics, create an exceptional, emotional experience – a travelogue through folk, bluegrass and indie pop-rock.
Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band – Reese has quickly made a name for himself in the Capital Region music scene with his precocious songwriting and charming stage presence, while The Carriage House Band includes some of the finest and most versatile musicians in the Capital Region
BEN & JERRY’S Margo Macero Duo – Known to deliver unforgettable performances with passionate powerhouse vocals and impressive guitar solo and the ability to impact a wide audience, Macero is not only a genuine artist, but an inspiring and relatable person.
Blue Ranger – Here to remind us that there are small moments of magic in the everyday, Albany’s Blue Ranger create subtle, melodious folk stories that ruminate on universal introspection.
For More information on “Sing In The Streets”, please visit Caffè Lena’s website.
Rising Boston, MA artist, OneShotAce, continues to strike while the iron is hot releasing his 2nd project of 2023. His latest effort, Big Threat, is a quick follow-up to 2022’s Big Pressure, which saw the Boston native collaborate with the likes of Benny the Butcher, Harry Fraud, Rowdy Rebel and Sheff G. The East-coast friendly project was received positively, with the records “Mr. Fire” and “Resonate” serving as standout tracks. After releasing the deluxe edition to Big Pressure at the tail-end of January, he returns with another 10-track LP, keeping his foot on the gas.
Moreover, OneShotAce has recruited platinum selling rapper MoneyBagg Yo, for the project’s single “Blocks,” while once again reuniting with Benny The Butcher on “Mixed Fumes.” Fittingly, OneShotAce’s featured artists mesh well with his own raw, money-driven street tales. With OneShotAce finding a nice middle-ground between aggressive drill-like approach to street music and the emotional, harrowing street tales.
“Working with Moneybagg Yo was major; that’s one of the biggest artists In the industry I’ve worked with to date” OneShotAce exclaimed. “We pulled up to his studio in the A, vibed out, and he jumped on the record and went crazy. I’m really excited for the world to hear it.”
Olivia Barton and Lizzy McAlpine delivered an unforgettable performance at Brooklyn Steel on April 25th. With Olivia’s whimsical and dreamy indie-folk sound, followed by Lizzy’s soulful and emotionally charged ballads, the night was filled with an electric energy that left the audience mesmerized. The two talented musicians complemented each other perfectly, creating a show that will be remembered for a long time to come.
Olivia Barton – Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Olivia Barton is a Boston-based singer-songwriter originally from Orlando, Florida. Growing up as the youngest of four children to an English teacher and a literary writer, Barton was a sensitive child who quickly took to songwriting. Her musical influences range from The Eagles, James Taylor, and Indigo Girls, which have all shaped her writing style. Her writing can now be compared to contemporary indie folk rock artists such as Margaret Glaspy, Pinegrove, The Staves, and Phoebe Bridgers.
Olivia Barton Setlist: Good Day, I Don’t Sing My Songs, Control Freak, Sonic [Unreleased], I Don’t Do Anything, if i were a fish [corook cover, with corook], I Love You Just For Trying
Lizzy McAlpine – Photograph by Caroline Reynolds
Lizzy McAlpine is an indie folk singer-songwriter from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who has been writing music since the 6th grade. She studied songwriting at Berklee College of Music in Boston before leaving in her junior year to pursue music full-time. McAlpine’s debut studio album, Give Me a Minute, released in August 2020, received critical acclaim and has been streamed millions of times on Spotify. She has since released an 8-song EP “When the World Stopped Moving: The Live EP”, made her late-night debut on Jimmy Kimmel, and released her second studio album, Five Seconds Flat. She has a growing global fanbase, as shown by her entirely sold out Spring tour, including 2 shows in NY. With a unique voice and heartfelt lyrics, she has solidified her place in the indie-folk scene.
Lizzy McAlpine Setlist: an ego thing, Over-the-Ocean Call (Andrew), all my ghosts, firearm, doomsday, Give Me A Minute, Nothing / Sad N Stuff, called you again, ceilings, Broken Glass [Unreleased], I Guess [Unreleased], In What World, erase me, come down soon [Unreleased], Pancakes for Dinner, orange show speedway
Olivia Barton – Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Olivia Barton’s set was an intimate and engaging affair, with the crowd hanging onto every word and chord. From the very beginning, the audience was in sync with the performer – with one fan even shouting out that they were fellow acapella academy alumni like Barton. She kicked things off with “Good Day”, a buoyant and soulful tune that set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Barton’s banter between songs was just as charming and captivating as her music, with the singer reminiscing about her time living in Brooklyn and working at three restaurants simultaneously. She congratulated the crowd on their strength and resilience, telling them that they must be “strong as hell” to make it in the city. The standout song of the night was undoubtedly “Sonic”, a brand new, unreleased track that Barton explained was actually about the restaurant chain “Steak and Shake” and also about the love of her life. The singer stumbled adorably during her performance, accidentally blending the chords of “I Don’t Do Anything” with “Sonic” – a moment that only added to the overall charm of the night. She closed out her set with “If I Were a Fish”, bringing up her partner and fellow musician Corook to sing the song together – a fitting end to an unforgettable set.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
The US leg of The End of the Movie Tour is going on all the way until May 13 in Oakland, CA before Lizzy jets off to Dublin for the European leg of the sold out tour.
