NYS Music 2023

Category: Genres

  • SPAC Announces Return Of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Summer Residency

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced the return of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) back to the Spa Little Theatre for its summer residency from June 11-August 20.

    Marking the 10th anniversary of its collaboration with SPAC, the six-concert summer season follows two previously announced performances on March 18 and May 13 by CMS, now a year-round presence in Saratoga Springs.

    “Our 2023 season carries a celebratory theme across all of our residencies, but none more so than with the 10th anniversary of our partnership with Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center,” says Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “Over the past decade, SPAC and CMS have cultivated a dedicated audience of chamber music devotees in Saratoga Springs and we are excited to the continue the tradition not just every summer, but year-round as well.”

    Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

    Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s summer season opens with “From Classic to Modern,” showcasing works from Brahms and Beethoven to Bloch, Khachaturian and Milhaud (June 11), followed by “Great Quintets” of Mozart, Dohnányi and Dvořák (June 18); “From Vienna to Paris” (July 16); a program from guest artists The Miró String Quartet (July 23); and “Spanish Journey” (August 13). The season closes with “New Classics” (August 20), which includes quintets by Bloch and Suk that CMS has ushered into the standard chamber repertoire.

    Anchored by Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artistic Directors Wu Han (piano) and David Finckel (cello), this season’s guest artists also include violinists Arnaud Sussmann, Alexander Sitkovetsky, Ani Kavafian, Ida Kavafian, Stella Chen, Danbi Um, Kristin Lee, and Aaron Boyd; violists Paul Neubauer, James Thompson, Molly Carr, and Matthew Lipman; cellist Sihao He, pianists Wu Qian, Juho Pohjonen, Soyeon Kate Lee; clarinetist Ricardo Morales, guitarist Jason Vieaux, soprano Rihab Chaieb, and The Miró Quartet.

    The summer season follows two previously announced spring concerts offered by Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. On March 18, soprano Jessica Rivera joins pianists Michael Stephen Brown and Gilles Vonsattell, cellist Nicholas Canellakis and percussionist Ian David Rosenbaum to present “Voices of the Americas,” a program celebrating the range of ideas, sounds, and cultures that have inspired composers from the Americas in the 20th Century like Copland, Gershwin, Golijov, and Villa-Lobos. On May 13, pianist Wu Han, violinist Arnaud Sussmann, and cellist David Finckel unite to perform works by Beethoven and Dvořák.

    For a full schedule of performances, and to purchase tickets, visit SPAC’s website for more information.

  • Hooray For Earth Announces Livestream Performance

    Storied NYC rock band, Hooray For Earth will play a Bandcamp Daily livestream performance, ‘Live From Death By Audio’ broadcasted from the Death By Audio in Queens, NY on Sunday, February 26.

    Beyond the actual livestream on the 26th, the performance will be available to view for an additional 48 hours.

    Established in 2003 by Noel Heroux as a placeholder name for Noel’s solo recordings, “Hooray For Earth” left the disc and found band members in Jessica Zambri, Cristi Jo Zambri, Seth Kasper, Joseph Ciampini, Gary Benacquista, and Noel’s dear childhood friend Christopher Principe.

    Various live configurations toured frequently in the U.S. and internationally, engaged in radio appearances and studio collaborations while releasing Cellphone EP (2008), MOMO EP (2010), TrueLoves (2011), Never/Figure (2012), and Racy (2014)before ceasing activity via amical band breakup in Fall of 2014. After eight years away, Hooray For Earth materialized to support Modest Mouse on tour in summer and winter of 2022. Noel has spent much of the last few years in the studio.

    Earlier this year, Hooray For Earth shared a reissue of their 2011 LP True (featuring tracks “True Loves,” “No Love,” “Realize It’s Not the Sun”), out now via Bandcamp, alongside previously unreleased track from the original recording sessions entitled “La Que” The True Loves reissue is out now via Bandcamp.

    You can RSVP for the livestream  HERE.

  • Cat Stevens Covers George Harrison’s Classic “Here Comes The Sun”  

    The infamous singer of “Peace Train,” “Father & Son,” and “Wild World,” Yusuf / Cat Stevens has shared an endearing cover of “Here Comes The Sun” in tribute to George Harrison. With a gorgeous cover art designed by Yusuf’s eight-year-old granddaughter, the release marks the anniversary of what would have been George Harrison’s 80th birthday this week. 

    Cat Stevens Covers George Harrison’s Infamous “Here Comes The Sun"

    Speaking about George Harrison’s profound influence on his own musical and spiritual journey, Yusuf says, “George Harrison was beginning to explore Eastern mysticism around the time I was hospitalized with TB, in 1968. Lying in bed, I had a lot of time on my hands and ended up reading a Buddhist book called The Secret Path. That was the beginning of my own search for the light. 

    Cat Stevens Covers George Harrison’s Infamous “Here Comes The Sun"

    While most of my generation were just into the music, I was a bit like George, where music became the key to something much higher. Following the rages of the 60’s, his consciousness was awakened, and George transcended to levels not many people ever get to experience. You can hear it in his lyrics, and see it in the way he lived and dealt with the material world – looking for a way out. George was one of the first to put on a charity concert for the poor, at the time millions of Bangladeshis were fleeing from conflict and becoming refugees. It was a brave thing to do, and against all establishment rules. I’m happy to sing one of his songs, especially as it represents the returning of light and hope to a seriously dark and broken world.” 

    Cat Stevens is one of the most influential musical artists of all time. His signature, era-defining sound places him amongst a golden generation of British singer-songwriters whose music continues to resonate and inspire to this day. Yusuf’s line of hits include “Peace Train,” “Father & Son,” “Where Do The Children Play?,” “Wild World” and many more.

    Yusuf’s music reflects a quest for spiritual enlightenment, inner development and a passion for the natural world that continues to resonate with fans globally. Alongside his music career, Yusuf / Cat Stevens dedicates his energy to philanthropy and education. “Here Comes The Sun” is the latest in a new lineage of cover versions and closely follows Tea For The Tillerman, which saw the classic album re-imagined for a new age.

    Looking forward on new music, Yusuf / Cat Stevens continues to use his unique gift for songwriting to build cross-cultural bridges and spread his message of peace. Currently, he lives in Dubai, where he continues to record music and coordinate a charitable initiative called Peace Train.

    To listen to “Here Comes The Sun,” click the link here.

    For more about Cat Stevens, click the link here.

  • Zach Nugent’s Dead Set Announces Spring Thaw Tour with 6 Shows in New York

    Guitarist Zach Nugent will bring his Dead Set on a ‘Spring Thaw’ tour with all six stops taking place in New York, from April 19th to April 29th. The tour will kick off at Garcia’s in Port Chester on April 19th and will conclude with a show at Cohoes Music Hall on April 29th, with stops in Syracuse, Rochester, Ithaca and Woodstock in between.

    Zach Nugent, lead guitarist of the nationally acclaimed Grateful Dead tribute act will be joined by a talented ensemble of musicians to bring the magic of the Grateful Dead to audiences across New York. The band’s blend of faithful renditions of Grateful Dead classics, soulful improvisations, and authentic jams are guaranteed to captivate fans old and new.

    The ‘Spring Thaw’ looks to be a highlight of the year for NY fans of the Grateful Dead and live music enthusiasts alike. Zach Nugent’s Dead Set has been praised for their electrifying live shows and their ability to transport audiences to the height of the Dead’s legendary performances. 

    zach nugent

    If you’re a fan of the Grateful Dead, or just love live music played to the highest caliber, you won’t want to miss Zach Nugent’s Dead Set. Seeing Nugent in concert is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience that leaves fans feeling energized, inspired, and uplifted. From the moment he takes the stage, Nugent’s virtuosic guitar playing and deep connection to the music of the Grateful Dead captivates the audience and transports them to another realm.

    During the concert, fans are fully immersed in the music, swept away by Nugent’s expert improvisations, soaring solos, and dynamic interplay with his bandmates. Whether he’s performing classic Dead tunes or original compositions, Nugent’s passion and mastery of the guitar shine through, creating a sense of communal joy and celebration among the crowd.

    Tickets for all six shows are available now and can be purchased through the band’s website or at the venues.

    Zach Nugent’s Dead Set Tour Dates

    April 19th – Garcia’s, Port Chester, NY – Tickets:

    April 20th – The Westcott Theater, Syracuse, NY – Tickets:

    April 21st – Flour City Station, Rochester, NY – Tickets:

    April 22nd – Deep Dive, Ithaca, NY – Tickets:

    April 23rd – The Colony, Woodstock, NY – Tickets:

    April 29th – Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, NY – Tickets:

  • This Week Brings Groups Leyeux, A Little Overboard, and Luminous Crush to EQXposure

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from A Little Overboard, Leyeux, and Luminous Crush.

    A Little Overboard, Leyeux, and Luminous Crush

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    Leyeux – “Tightrope”

    Leyeux, or Jack Snyder, was born and raised in central Vermont. He began drumming at the age of 8, and performed as a singer and guitarist in high school, playing drums in the school jazz band and other professional gigs. From 2013-2015 he attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston and joined the a capella group Pitch Slapped, which competed and won the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella in the Spring of 2014. Since then he has released three records, and his song “Tightrope” from the album Day Is Calling will be played on EQXposure.

    A Little Overboard – “Second Row”

    A Little Overboard is a five-piece American rock band raised in Saratoga, formed by childhood friends that reconnected later on. Some of the group’s influences are Staind, Aerosmith, Guns n Roses, Alice in Chains, Led Zeppelin, and bands of that realm. They are community-oriented, churning out music in the studio at a rapid rate for their fans. Their newest single “Second Row” is out now.

    Luminous Crush – “Too Much And Not Enough”

    Luminous Crush is made up of Laura Molinelli and Ben Campbell, who make a wide variety of music spanning multiple genres like bluegrass, country, indie, and psychedelic.

  • MVW Teams Up With TiaCorine and Lil Cherry For Latest Single ‘Tru Tru’

    Fresh off his second full-length LP, Staten-Island raised and LA-based MVW returns with another mashup of cultures, sounds and styles. This time, the classical composer turned hip hop producer, has recruited the likes of Tia Corine and Lil Cherry for a syrupy ode to female empowerment and pleasure.

    MVW releases his latest single "Tru, Tru."

    “Tru Tru” sees MVW remain on his experimental journey. Since breaking through in hip hop, the former La Monte Young understudy has used his signature blend of minimal classical compositions with trap-heavy hip-hop influences. Hence, on “Tru True” MVW uses piano arpeggios, flutes and trap synths to create a sultry, inviting and abstract record.

    Things have been tightened over the last few years across the world, and with one another – I feel like friendships are truly being tested. A song like ‘Tru Tru’ is about giving people this psychedelic, anime trap dream world to escape into. That escapism feels especially important right now, and can help bring us together.

    – MVW

    Keeping in theme, MVW recruits the likes of Lil Cherry and TiaCorine to complete the record’s sensual vibe. “Tru Tru” is a global trap track that combines the best elements of MVW’s favorite genres. Blending the ominous feel of classical music, the bluntness of trap drums and the way TiaCorine and Lil Cherry’s soft croons and low hues compliment it all.

    Bitch I’m colder than the snow on the Polar Express” hilariously boasts Tia. With her rousing, raspy whisper-rap flow adding to her aura. Meanwhile, Cherry infectiously swats away male groupies with a self-assured, “I’m the man, bitch, duhhhh!” 

    Ultimately, MVW swerves the listener. In short, the record’s sensual production offers the thought of more somber lyrics. However, TiaCorine — whom Rolling Stone pinned as a rapper set to make it big in 2023 — and K-Hip Hop sensation Lil Cherry exert their control.

  • City of Albany renames North Pearl Street “moe.street,” Declares moe.day “Alive And Well” On 5th Anniv.

    With moe. preparing for their two-night run at Albany’s Palace Theatre, starting tonight, February 24, which is the city’s fifth annual “moe.day,” the City of Albany has announced that it is temporarily renaming N. Pearl, the street on which the Palace Theatre stands, to moe.street, effective immediately.

    moe day

    The announcement honors deep ties between moe. and the City of Albany, which began with the band’s early days living together on Central Avenue in the ‘90s. Their first performance at the Palace Theatre took place on February 23rd, 1996, as part of a “Rock The Vote” concert, and this Saturday will mark the band’s 17th appearance at the venue, in addition to a short video concert they filmed in the Palace Theatre Lobby in the fall of 2020.

    We are overwhelmed with the love the City Of Albany has given our band over the years. From declaring Feb 24th as ‘moe.day’ to this, the dedication of ‘moe.street in front of The Palace Theatre, we are humbled and deeply honored.

    moe. guitarist Al Schnier

    Albany’s annual moe.day was established in February 2018, to celebrate the band’s first appearance in the city following bassist Rob Derhak’s treatment for oropharyngeal cancer. Today, less than two months after the return of guitarist Chuck Garvey to the road full-time following his stroke in 2021, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan declared moe.day “alive and well.”

    Following moe.’s apperances in Albany this weekend, the next leg of the band’s tour will center around the southeast, with a number of dates in Florida, followed by a 2-night run at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta on March 23-24. The tour will then conclude with a string of April/May dates, culminating in Kansas City on Wednesday, May 3rd, a 3-night run at Brooklyn Bowl, and the Summer Camp Music Festival from May 25-28th. It was also recently announced that keyboardist Nate Wilson, who first sat in with the band during Garvey’s recovery last year, is now an official member of the band and will perform at all of moe.’s performances, going forward.

  • Tommy Weeks of Funky Dawgz Brass Band drops Funk and Soul-Filled “Strangers” off solo EP

    Tommy Weeks, saxophonist and bandleader of Funky Dawgz Brass Band, has released the first single from his upcoming EP, Strangers. The single, “Strangers” is chock full of soulful guitar riffs and vocals, while heavy on the funk that Weeks is adept at delivering. The full EP will be released on April 25, with additional singles released in the next two months.

    Tommy Weeks

    A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Weeks earned a bachelor’s degree in music and formed the Funky Dawgz. The band has toured across the United States, in addition to short tours in Europe, pre-Covid. Serving as bandleader for Funky Dawgz, as well as a music producer, Weeks has performed at festivals including Okeechobee, Camp Bisco, Peach Music Festival, and at Madison Square Garden as the horn section for Dispatch.

    Weeks also had a full season stint in the house band for the entire season of the new Guy Fieri TV show “Guys Ultimate Game Night” on Food Network, which featured celebrity guests including Cheech Marin, Bret Michaels, Alyssa Milano, Vivyka A. Fox, and Bobby Moynihan.

    When Weeks isn’t on television or touring the world, he teaches young aspiring musicians at an after school music program in CT, “Project Music.“

    The fresh sound of “Strangers” is as a fusion of pop, R&B, house, and hip hop that features musicians and close friends from the Connecticut music scene. Featured on the track are Gabrielle Lakshmi (vocals), Paulie Phillipone (synth), Jon Singngam (drums) and Billy Ruegger (guitar).

    Strangers was recorded in three locations: Weeks’ home studio in Ridgefield CT, Funkhaus Studios in Hartford, CT and Black Rock Sound in Bridgeport, CT. The EP was produced by Weeks and engineer, Mikhail Pivovarov, who also mixed and mastered the EP.

    Tommy Weeks

    Catch Weeks with Funky Dawgz horns on the road with TAUK for the last leg of their “Tauk Moore Tour” at Brooklyn Bowl on Saturday, February 25. Listen to “Strangers” from Tommy Weeks below.

  • Hearing Aide: Sawyer Fredericks Releases Nostalgia-Filled EP ‘The Golden Tree’

    Sawyer Fredericks has released his brand new EP The Golden Tree, featuring tracks “Lonely Bear” and “The Golden Tree,” recorded at Dreamland Studios in Woodstock in the summer of 2022.

    Sawyer Fredericks the Golden tree

    Sawyer Fredericks became the youngest male winner of the Voice in 2015 at the age of 16, and ever since then has cemented himself in the folk scene, his latest release being his record Flowers For You in 2020. Fredericks has lived in Fultonville on an 88-acre farm since he was eight, learning how to sing at age 11 and performing at clubs such as The Bitter End for the experience. Discussing the EP, he says “I couldn’t be happier with how this EP came out. I feel the recordings really captured the sort of melancholy beauty that I wanted. I’m very excited to get to perform the songs live on this upcoming tour.”

    The album includes four new tracks featuring his band, Gannon Ferrell on bass, Jerome Goosman on dobro, and Chris Thomas on drums, as well as Sav Buist and Katie Larson of The Accidentals on strings and backing vocals.

    The first song “The Golden Tree” starts out slow and sweet, with Fredericks’s signature folk vocals shining through, with background vocals that make listening feel easygoing and calm. The song has deep emotional resonance, and Fredericks talks about growing up in poetic terms, singing “But with the light shined on me, a shadow is what I’ll be/To those below that watched me grow from seed to golden leaves.” He also goes on to sing about toxic masculinity and the dangers of growing up, and how you become noticed once you are older.

    The second song “Lonely Bear” is just as slow as the song that comes before it. Speaking on the song, he says “I wanted ‘Lonely Bear’ to progress like a kid’s book, but the character and story itself is inspired by my dad, as well as my own personal struggles. I feel this song captured the sort of misguided hero I wanted, he is always helping others, but never letting others help him.” He makes me feel fuzzy and warm inside, as well as comforted when he sings “They’ll be times I’m lost and scared/And I’ll reach out to lonely Bear/And he’ll come running bruised and battered/He’ll make me feel I’m all that matters.” Everyone needs to have a “lonely bear” in their life to feel safe and sound, and it makes me think about my parents and how they protect me. The slow guitar solos near the end of the song wrap it up well and make the listener be able to sway to the music.

    The third single “Farm Song” is a nostalgic folk tune about his life growing up on a farm and seeing life being born then feeling grief when they leave. I can’t imagine growing the emotional attachment one does with animals just to see them leave, but he puts it into words with fiery words and passion-filled vocal arrangements. The song is beautiful with added strings to show this emotion further and makes tears well in my eyes as I keep listening to him paint this picture of a beautiful farm.

    The final single “So Smooth” talks about a relationship ending but in the best possible way, knowing it is going to be okay, and that the future will be much better. This song is much different than the previous ones as he adds drums in the background, maybe to signify his pounding heartbeat as he has to leave the relationship. All he longs for is happiness with himself, and he is going to experience that. There is a sad and sorrow-filled string solo near the middle of the song that tugs on your heartstrings and makes the listener feel emotional along with Fredericks. Overall, the EP The Golden Tree took me on a journey of happiness, sadness, nostalgia, and more as his smooth and sharp vocals filled my ears with delight. The guitars, strings, and drums in some songs all worked together harmoniously to create something enjoyable.

    Fredericks will be returning to the road with a two-part tour with Chastity Brown, beginning on March 16 and stopping at the City Wineries in Boston, Nashville, Chicago, and NYC. To purchase tickets to his tour, go here.

    Sawyer Fredericks Tour

    March 16 Boston, MA – City Winery

    March 17 Keene, NH – Colonial Performing Arts Center

    March 18 Portsmouth, NH – The Music Hall, The Lounge

    March 20 NYC, NY – City Winery Loft

    March 21 Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater

    March 24 Asheville, NC – AyurPrana Listening Room

    March 25 Charlotte, NC – The Evening Muse

    May 1 Nashville, TN – City Winery

    May 2 St Louis, MO – City Winery

    May 3 Chicago, IL – City Winery

    May 5 Des Moines, IA – xBk Live

    May 6 Redwing, MN – Sheldon Theater

  • Reunited Venezuelan Alt Rock Legends Zapato 3 Come to Cutting Room in March

    South American rock legends Zapato 3 are making The Cutting Room the site of their first-ever New York City concert, one of a select number of U.S. stops on their much-anticipated “Requiem for A Shoe” reunion tour, on March 31 at 10 p.m.

    zapato 3

    One of the first Venezuelan rock bands to achieve worldwide success, Zapato 3 came together as high schoolers in early 1984. Over time, their original punk style transitioned into a more social-oriented rock with some sexual lyrics, something evidenced on albums like their 1990 debut, Amor, Furia y Languidez.  Their second long player, Besame y Suicidate, is the one that would put them on the map internationally and would to several hits across Latin America and gigs in Mexico, Miami and other locales.  The band would make several more albums, some embracing techno strains, before its “first” breakup after the release of their 1999 album, Ecos Punzantes del Ayer.  The group would come together in 2012 for a reunion long tour called The Last Crusade.

    zapato 3

    Zapato 3’s current lineup includes founding members keyboardist Jaime Verdaguer, guitarist Álvaro Segura, vocalist Carlos Segura, bassist Fernando Batoni and a new drummer, Dario Adames.  Critics have compared their sound to a fusion of New Order, The Cure and Soft Cell, with a live show that still packs a youthful, high-energy punk punch.  Check their sounds out here on Spotify.

    Opening for Zapato 3 at The Cutting Room will be another band with Venezuelan roots, New York’s own Toxic Tito.  

    The latest in a long line of musical outings by Hudson-based, Italian-Venezuelan art dealer Luis Accorsi, Toxic Tito is a band that puts a fresh spin of the adrenaline frenzy of classic NYC punks like The Ramones.  In 1977 while living in Venezuela, Accorsi formed JANZ KAPPELLA, noted as perhaps the first-ever pure punk band in the nation.  Upon his moves to Miami and New York City, Accorsi formed a host of other projectz including the ska-influenced Modern Method, Naked King and Screwy Louie.  Check out Toxic Tito’s, music including their latest long player, 2022’s Energentico, and their cover of “Blitzkrieg Bop,” on Spotify.   For a look at Accorsi’s “day job,” check out NYSMusic’s article on May 2022’s  “Rock & Roll Circus Art Show” at his New Gallery in Hudson.

    For tickets and information, visit the Eventbrite site here.