NYS Music 2023

Category: Genres

  • Ganondagan Indigenous Music & Arts Festival Returns to Seneca Art and Culture Center in Victor

    The annual Ganondagan Indigenous Music and Arts Festival returns on July 22 and 23. The event runs 10AM-5PM on both Saturday and Sunday at the Seneca Art & Culture Center in Victor, NY. The festival is free to the public, however donations will go toward funding future events. 

    Ganondagan is a historic site located on the original ground of a 17th century Seneca town. Taking up over 500 acres, the site honors the way in which the Seneca people have influenced everything from political philosophy to our concept of the natural environment. Since its construction in 2015, the Seneca Art and Culture Center has acted as a space to demonstrate Haudenosaunee contributions to art, culture, and society. 

    Ganondagan Indigenous Music and Arts Festival
    The Sinquah Family Dance Troupe

    The Ganondagan Indigenous Music and Arts Festival looks to highlight Haudenosaunee and Indigenous culture through various ways. The festival will include dancing, storytelling, traditional crafts, a Native American arts market, food, live music and more. 

    Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the Wampum/OTGOÄ Exhibition in the Seneca Art & Culture Center. In addition to the tour, there will be on-demand t-shirt screen printing with artwork from artist Peter Jemison (Seneca). Organizers encourage visitors to bring their own 100% cotton shirt to have screen printed. 

    The artists performing at the festival represent several different cultures and groups. This year’s lineup of performers includes Native folk-rock band, December Wind (Mohawk). There will also be dancers from the Sinquah Family Dance Troupe (Hopi/Tewa/Choctaw) and the Haudenosaunee social dancers, Indigenous Spirit Dancers. In addition to music and dance, the festival will feature storytelling from Ronnie Reitter (Seneca) & Tonia Galban (Mohawk). Artists Samantha Jacobs (Seneca), Cliff Redeye (Seneca), and Marilyn Issacs (Tuscarora) are also all scheduled to host demonstrations. 

    Ganondagan Indigenous Music and Arts Festival
    December Wind- Facebook

    December Wind is a Native folk-rock band led by two-time Native American Music Award-winning artist, Atsiaktonkie (Mohawk) accompanied by bass guitarist, Terry Terrance (Mohawk). Together, the group expertly fuses folk-rock with the sounds of Akwesasne/Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) culture. December Wind songs are filled with stories of love, hope, the struggles of native peoples and the beauty of their heritage.

    Here for more details and information about the Ganondagan Indigenous Music and Arts Festival.

  • Grandmaster Flash to Return to the Bronx for “Birth of a Culture”

    One of the founding father’s of hip-hop, Grandmaster Flash will be returning to the Bronx for the free “Birth of a Culture: The Four Elements Block Party” to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop. The event will be in Crotona Park on Aug. 4 and has been made possible by Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage.

    Through his Quik Mix Theory, Grandmaster Flash was the first DJ to use the turntables as a musical instrument by placing his fingertips on the vinyl, extending the break of a song. This innovation would lead the way to further developments, such as cutting, scratching, and transforming. Grandmaster Flash has become the voice of his generation of ’70s hip-hop pioneers, and continues to be a cultural force.

    Present at this celebration of the history and legacy of hip-hop will be Jazzy Jay, DJ Charlie Chase,
    Pete Rock, GrandWizzard Theodore, Tony Touch, and Stretch Armstrong. Additional performers include Funk Flex, DJ Mell Starr, Scram Jones, DJ NABs, and Chuck Chillout.

    Crotona Park is one of the parks where it all started for me when hip-hop was an infant. Now, it’s all grown up and I’m going back home. This is my way of saying “thank you” to my fans and community for supporting me 50 years later. We’re doing things we did back in the ’70s, authentically showing how hip-hop started.

    Grandmaster Flash

    Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage is one of New York’s most accessible outdoor performing arts festivals, with nearly 80 free and benefit performances in Central Park and neighborhood parks throughout the boroughs. It has served New York’s communities for nearly 40 years, and over six million people from around the world have gotten to enjoy their shows.

    The “Birth of a Culture” event will be livestreamed on Grandmaster Flash’s YouTube and Twitch. It will begin at 5:00 p.m., and updates can be found on Grandmaster Flash’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Twitch.

  • Baha Men to Perform at Caroga Lake Music Festival on July 22

    The Grammy Award winning band Baha Men will perform on the waterfront at Caroga Lake Music Festival on Saturday, July 22.

    Baha Men Caroga Lake Music Festival

    In honor of their triple platinum track “Who Let the Dogs Out”, Caroga Arts will be directing $1 of every ticket sold to the Fulton County Regional SPCA to help animals in need.

    Baha Men will be joined this evening by Balla Kouyaté and Mike Block Band.

    Caroga Lake Music Festival began in 2012, when Kyle Price invited friends to his grandmother’s house on Caroga Lake, where they presented a week of free concerts, ambitiously calling themselves the Caroga Lake Music Festival (CLMF). During the first five seasons, CLMF grew from one to five weeks, presenting concerts at a variety of local venues. In 2016, to accommodate the growth, the organization gained 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status as Caroga Arts Collective.

    Today, Caroga Arts presents over 50 performances and community events annually bringing world-class artists from various genres of music, visual art, poetry, and film to the Southern Adirondacks. 

    Premium Seats are $35 with General Admission $25, and free general admission for students. Caroga Arts offers free admission to concert goers age 17 and under for all Caroga Arts presented concerts at Sherman’s. Get Tickets here

  • Harpist Mikaela Davis Shares Stunning Video For Her Newest Single “Cinderella”

    Songwriter, harpist, and Rochester born artist Mikaela Davis has recently shared a stunning music video to accompany her newest single “Cinderella.” The song is a selection from her upcoming album And Southern Star which will officially be released on Aug. 4 via Kill Rock Stars.

    Since releasing her debut album Delivery five years ago, Mikaela Davis has traveled far away from her hometown of Rochester to fully immerse herself in her musical journey. The artist has joined the stage with musicians from all backgrounds of music and genres including founding members of the Grateful Dead Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, eight-time Grammy Award winner Christian McBride, and American indie folk band Bon Iver.

    Although Davis earned her degree in harp performance at the Crane School of Music, she has grown and built off of that foundation into a multi-genre and multi-talented artist, molding her classical music training to create an original and genre-bending catalog that weaves together 60s pop-soaked melodies, psychedelia, and driving folk rock. This diverse mix of sounds is what fans should expect from her upcoming album along with the story of Davis’ ever-evolving relationships between her closest friends and bandmates. And Southern Star is a truly collaborative effort that ruminates on the choices we make, and the people we always come back to.

    Fans can now use the single “Cinderella” to understand the direction Mikaela Davis is heading in this new decade of growth and storytelling. The song begins with the hauntingly beautiful picking of a solo harp quickly joined by Davis’ atmospheric and soul-stirring melodic voice. Davis can be seen playing the instrument in a gorgeous red dress, tearing the pieces, and running through fields of green throughout the video. As the song picks up, more instruments are built on to add support to a primarily fragile musical story surrounding the girl with countless choices to make with even more roadblocks in her way: Cinderella.

    Davis will continue to give her fans all the content they desire as the artist is starting out on tour this summer and into the Fall. She will travel to stages all over the United States bringing her beautiful voice and classically trained harp skills to select audiences. Joining her in multiple locations is the alternative and indie band The Mountain Goats.

    Mikaela Davis Tour Dates

    AUG 3, THU Happy Valley, OR Pickathon FEST 
    AUG 4, FRI Happy Valley, OR Pickathon FEST 
    AUG 5, SAT Seattle Nectar 
    AUG 8, TUE Redding, CA The Dip 
    AUG 9, WED Fresno, CA Strummers 
    AUG 11, FRI Phoenix, AZ Last Exit 
    AUG 12, SAT Truth or Consequences, NM Artist Abbey 
    AUG 13, SUN Santa Fe, NM Meow Wolf 
    AUG 17 THU,  Minneapolis, MN Turf Club
    AUG 20 SUN Evanston, IL SPACE
    OCT 2 MON @ 7:00 pm Solana Beach, CA Belly Up *
    OCT 3 TUE  @ 7:00pm Los Angeles, CA   The Belasco Theater *
    OCT 5 THU @ 7:00pm San Francisco, CA August Hall *
    OCT 6 FRI @ 7:00 pm San Francisco, CA August Hall *
    OCT 7 SAT @ 7:00 pm Sacramento, CA  Ace Of Spades  *
    OCT 9 MON @ 7:00 pm Spokane WA Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox  *
    OCT 10 TUE @ 8:00 pm Boise, IDKnitting Factory Concert House *
    OCT 11 WED @ 7:00 pm Bozeman, MT  The Elm  *
    OCT 13 FRI @ 8:00 pm Boulder, CO   Fox Theatre  *
    OCT 14 SAT @ 8:00 pm Englewood, CO  Gothic Theatre  *

    *performances with The Mountain Goats

  • Gera MX and Nanpa Básico Set To Perform at Palladium Times Square

    Two of the biggest acts in Latin rap, Gera MX and Nanpa Básico, will stop at Palladium Times Square on November 3 as part of the Que Chimba La Raza Tour. The 11-city American tour gets underway on August 31 in Los Angeles. 

    Gera MX- Facebook

    Born Gerardo Daniel Torres Montana, Gera MX has skyrocketed to global fame in large part because of his 2021 song “Botella Tras Botella”. The track made history, becoming the first regional Mexican song to ever debut on the Billboard Hot 100. With origins in Latin boom-bap, Gera MX has steadily added to his vivid, personal, and hard-hitting lyrics. His current sound is decidedly unique, infusing traditional latin rap songs with elements of ranchera and reggaeton. Once a mainstay in the Mexican rap scene, Gera MX has carved a lane for himself in the international Latin landscape.

    Colombian artist Nanpa Básico started making music back in 2012. Since then, the Medellín native has racked up millions of fans from around the world. Básico’s music is intimate, vulnerable, and diverse in its sound. From melodic Latin love songs to hard hitting street raps, Básico is constantly looking to express different parts of his identity and life. His 2022 album HECHO M13RD4 made waves for its melancholic atmosphere and heartbreaking tracks. The album included features from Ryan Castro, Santa Fe Klan, and of course Gera MX. 

    Tickets will be available via an artist presale starting on Wednesday, July 12 at 10 AM. The general on-sale for the Que Chimba La Raza Tour will start on Friday, July 14 at 10 AM here. 

    TOUR DATES

    Thu, Aug 31 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern

    Fri, Sep 01 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues

    Sat, Sep 02 — San Francisco, CA — The Fillmore

    Thu, Sep 07 — Houston, TX — 713 Music Hall

    Fri, Sep 08 — Dallas, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

    Sun, Sep 10 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren

    Thu, Nov 02 — New York, NY — Palladium Times Square

    Fri, Nov 03 — Miami, FL — Miami Beach Bandshell

    Sun, Nov 05 — Atlanta, GA — Tabernacle

    Thu, Nov 09 — Denver, CO — Fillmore Auditorium

    Sun, Nov 12 — Chicago, IL — Radius Chicago

  • Stormy forecast doesn’t stop Sam Hunt fans at Darien Lake

    Sam Hunt rolled into Darien Lake on July 15 with his “On The Outskirts” tour. The tour was properly named for this night, as uncertain and potentially rough weather was on the outskirts of town and patiently waiting for the right moment to burst. Luckily, though, the rough weather held off as only light rains fell during the latter part of the night. Sharing the stage on this night were up and coming Lily Rose and well established Brett Young.

    Amping up the crowd first was Atlanta’s Lily Rose, playing for about 30 minutes. Thanks to Tik Tok and hashtags, we are finally getting to really know Rose. After several years of working on her music career and not getting too far, Rose uploaded a video of “Villian” to Tik Tok with #lesbiansinger in December 2020. With that, she was subsequently signed and launched her career.

    “Villian” is one of those songs that nearly everyone can relate to. Stories or rumors start to circulate around with only one side of a story being known or told. As she belts out the song for the crowd, you can see a larger number of women throughout the crowd laughing and smiling, as they know what the song is about.

    Next up was Young. A former baseball standout, Young has taken the country music scene by storm since 2016’s self-titled EP. The 2018 Academy of Country Music Award winner for Best New Male Vocalist rocked the stage for roughly an hour, telling stories and serenading the crowd with hits such as “Mercy”, “In Case You Didn’t Know’, “Like I Loved You.” Playing through obvious pain, Young was seated for most his set on a set of steps on the stage. Luckily for those in attendance, this added an element to his set that really stepped up the show. Sometimes it the simple things really make a difference.

    Another former athlete, Hunt takes the stage for these patient fans around 9:20 and continues on for nearly 90 minutes. Soon after coming to realization that he would not be quarterback in the NFL, he picked up a guitar and began his venture in the music world.

    Coming out into view atop the stairs the Brett Young did most of his set from, Hunt breaks out into “Raised On It” and “House Party.” The crowd is instantly into this, as I have to duck under hands, beers, and bras while photographing. The photo pit never disappoints.

    During “House Party” Hunt leaves the stage to walk around and get up close and personal with his fans, even signing someone’s CD from the front row. He makes a leisurely loop around front section of seats and makes his way back to stage on the other side, again signing an autograph or two.

    Released in 2014, his first EP was released and debuted in the top 40 of the Billboard top 200 and was also number 5 on Billboard Top Country Albums chart. Darien Lake was treated to “Leave The Night On”, his eventual number one single from his debut EP. Within a few notes of the song starting, the crowd was going bonkers. A group of college aged ladies near me were standing in their seats, dancing away, hands raised high and screaming the lyrics.

    Typically, those in the back sections and lawn seats are left without the experience of seeing an artist up close. Hunt does not like that, so he sets up little stage behind the sound booth and plays a little set from there. Fans in the cheap seats at Darien Lake were treated to a little more intimate show, albeit for 3 songs “Take Your Time”, “Cop Car” (Keith Urban cover) and “Wishful Drinking”. The personal touch he gives these songs and the setting in which he does it were absolutely perfect as the crowd in the back really showed their appreciation by standing there and just listening, rather than screaming and belting out the lyrics. A real class act by Sam.

    As the night goes on, the rain begins to fall. Nothing crazy, but enough. Fans toughed it out as Hunt finished his set with “Ex To See” and “Body Like a Back Road”. Thankfully the rough weather that was once On The Outskirts, has now passed without incident.

    Brett Young
    Brett Young
    Brett Young
    Brett Young
    Brett Young
    Brett Young
    Brett Young

  • Fleet Foxes Bring Harmonious Sounds To Beak and Skiff

    One could not have asked for a more pristine summer evening, on Wednesday, July 12, when Fleet Foxes brought their sounds to the Beak and Skiff Orchard in Lafayette.  

    There is perhaps no other band more in touch with the various seasons these days than Fleet Foxes.  Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Fleet Foxes continue to tour in support of their latest release, 2020’s highly praised Shore. The album, which was released for public consumption precisely at the autumnal equinox, drew much praise from critics and fans alike. Known for creating acoustic folk-rock with exquisite harmonies and musicianship, they have released four studio albums, several EPs as well as 2021’s live offering A Very Lonely Solstice.  

    Nigerian-born singer/songwriter, Uwade opened the evening. She is well known to fans of Fleet Foxes, having sung extensively on their latest release. Taking the stage by herself and armed with only an acoustic guitar, Uwade quickly took a captive hold of the audience. She delivered a thirty-minute set of acoustic folk tracks, intimately and honestly. It seems often this type of permanence can get lost in a large venue such as Beak and Skiff, however, this was not the case on this evening. The area surrounding the stage was quiet enough to hear a pin drop, as Uwade performed tracks dealing with topics such as the illness of her father.   he was joined by Fleet Foxes members Christian Wargo and Christopher Icasiano to finish out her set.  

    After a brief intermission, the Fleet Foxes took to the stage. Boasting an impressive eight-piece band, and accompanied by opener Uwade, they immediately launched into “Sun Giant.” It was an appropriate opener to showcase what was to come, featuring a beautiful acapella track with layers of harmonies that floated about the concert field. The band followed with the mellow “Wading In Waist-High Water,” which saw Uwade again take lead vocals (as she did on the studio track) as layers of the band’s instrumentation built. The band then followed with the more upbeat “Can I Believe You,” which had the audience singing and dancing along.  

    As their set rolled on, the band would dig deeper into their catalog. Backed with a video board that showed nature scenes and other colorful visuals, the band churned out fan favorites such as “White Winter Hymnal,” “Montezuma,” and “Mykonos.”   In what is becoming a tradition at their concerts, the band pulled an audience member from the crowd to sing and play guitar on “White Winter Hymnal.” For the uninformed, one would not have known this fan was not a lifelong member of the band.

    In all the band would perform over 20 songs followed by a three-song encore. The band would close the evening with “Helplessness Blues,” a track about longing for a simpler life. Featuring the lyrics “If I had an orchard, I’d work ’til I’m raw,” it was a near-perfect ending to a brilliant evening of music.

  • “Book Of HOV” Exhibit Opens In Brooklyn, Celebrating The Legacy Of Jay-Z

    The Brooklyn Public Library recently unveiled a tribute exhibition “The Book Of HOV,” in honor of legendary rapper Jay-Z. The exhibit, divided up between key elements of Jay’s career, is available for free to anyone with a library card. The display includes a recreation of Baseline Studios, a collection of records used as samples, artifacts, apparel, photos, and more. 

    Born Shawn Carter, Jay-Z grew up in the Marcy housing projects in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Raised by his mother Carter grew an affinity for music, specifically hip-hop, at an early age. In 1995, Jay, along with two partners, originally established Roc-A-Fella records after multiple labels rejected them. It was under Roc-A-Fella that Carter would drop his now famous debut album Reasonable Doubt in ‘96. The project would catapult the artist to rap stardom and since then “HOV” hasn’t looked back. 

    In total the Brooklyn native has released 13 solo albums, 4 collaborative projects, and has amassed 24 Grammy Awards. The rapper’s pen game has long been praised as one of the best in hip-hop history. Equipped with an endless supply of lyrical flows, metaphors, stories, and rhyming patterns, Jay has become one of the most influential figures in music. 

    Carter’s artistic legacy could provide more than enough content for an exhibit by itself, however it’s the rapper’s business and cultural accomplishments that has solidified him as one of the most successful musicians of all time. The Book Of Hov aims to honor the influences and events that helped to shape Jay into the artist and person he is today.

    Jay-Z-Magna-Carter-Tour

    Punctuated by an atmosphere of inclusivity and individuality, the exhibit looks to inspire guests from all walks of life to “always bet on yourself”. Designed by Bruce and Shelly Rogers, the display makes up two floors of the library. In collaboration with the event the library created 13 new custom cards to correspond with HOV’s albums. Organizers also encourage guests to bring their own phones and music to help add to the experience.

    Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez devised the entire event reportedly without Carter’s knowledge. The organizers strategically placed the exhibit in a public space to ensure maximum accessibility. Roc Nation reportedly covered the costs of the entire exhibit and are expected to donate money, books, and records to the library. 

    Here for more information and details about The Book Of Hov.

  • NY Supergroup Boot Camp Clik Reunite After 16 Years With New Single “Wotcha Call Strength”

    As the world is getting ready to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop, some of the genre’s biggest icons are stepping back into the limelight including the New York supergroup Boot Camp Clik. After a sixteen year long hiatus, the group now returns with an old school music video alongside their new single “Wotcha Call Strength.”

    Boot Camp Clik is a Brooklyn, New York hip-hop supergroup started by Duck Down Records in the 90’s and comprised of the eight members; Buckshot (Black Moon), Tek and Steele (Smif N Wessun), Rock, the late great Sean Price (Heltah Skeltah), Starang Wondah, Top Dogg, and Louieville (O.G.C.). The collective has also recently added long-time affiliate Rustee Juxx to the group. 

    The Clik was one of the genre’s first true supergroups that changed how hip hop music was received as their influence in music and fashion was undeniable during the genre’s golden age. Individually, and collectively, the BCC has created numerous classics, albums, and singles including Black Moon’s Enta Da Stage, Smif N Wessun’s Dah Shinin’, Heltah Skeltah’s Nocturnal, Fab 5’s (Heltah Skeltah & O.G.C.) ‘Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka” and Sean Price’s Monkey Barz.

    Now, back for round two, the BCC’s new single “Wotcha Call Strength,” produced by The Arcitype and directed by David Janoff, reminds the world what true icons they really are. The video shows the group roaming around an empty Forest Hills Stadium in Queens. Starting off strong with a verse by Rustee Juxx, the song follows each member taking their turn speaking their truth straight to the camera, showing viewers what a comeback truly looks like.

    BCC’s co-founder Dru Ha claims, “In honor and celebration of Hip Hop 50, we felt that the BCC’s catalog of work, contributions and legacy needed to be recognized properly. It’s too easy to sit back and say the Hip Hop community should verify you and painstaking to go out and have to remind people with words, so we felt there was no better way to make a statement than to drop a new record with all the original members (RIP to Sean Price).”

    The Boot Camp Clik will also be taking to the stage in the upcoming Rock The Bells Festival at the Forest Hills Stadium which will take place on August 5th. Until then, fans will be able to stream and enjoy their single everywhere.

  • The Second Annual Bronx Summer Jam: Music for All Ages

    New York City’s soundscape was on full display at the second annual Bronx Summer Jam this past Saturday, July 15. Local Bronx artists encapsulated the Bronx’s vast musical environment, performing everything from rock and hip hop to reggae and soul. 

    Bronx Summer Jam participants and audience members ’23. Photo courtesy of Michael Nickerson.

    This wide array of genres not only reflects the Bronx’s sound but the individuals that create it. Take Emelia Vero for example, who performed on the Kings Stage from 1:30-2:30 pm under her stage name Bombii. In between her silky-smooth songs, she explained why her lyrics switched from English to Spanish. She said by singing in both languages, her music was able to fully represent herself. As such, she loves when people call her by her stage name. If they know her music, they know her. The notes bind audience and singer together, creating a family. 

    Audience member Francesca echoes Bombii’s sentiments. “I remember being a teenager, and a lot of people from different high schools would all go to these concerts. These would be people whose real names I didn’t even know. But when we were there, we were best friends. We were family.” 

    For some, it truly is family. From 4:30-5:00 pm, DJ F1rst Class performed. His wife Alina and daughter were front and center to watch him. Alina said the reason they are together is because of their passion for music.

    Alina was glad she was able to bring her daughter to relish in the music as well. Most of the time, it isn’t easy to bring children to concerts. But the Bronx Summer Jam was outside at a local park, making it easily accessible for everyone.

    “Usually they have it at places where there’s alcohol or it’s indoors. I couldn’t always bring my daughter,” Alina said. “But the Bronx Summer Jam is for all ages.”

    Wastewood performing for the crowd at Bronx Summer Jam ’23. Photo courtesy of Michael Nickerson.

    Bronx Summer Jam was produced by Sirens & Kings, a co-production company made of two Bronx music collectives, Sounds & Sirens and The Fox & King. They hoped that by locating the festival at a park, it would allow everyone to be able to participate. It was a hope that was achieved.

    “I live right across the street, and I came out for just a few minutes to sit on the park bench. Then I started hearing the music and walked right over here,” said Ivecte Lopez.

    Despite the scorching heat, the crowd grew throughout the day. Those walking through the park stopped by to enjoy the music. Some set up hammocks or chairs under the trees’ shade and within hearing distance of the festival. Others took on the sun’s beating rays, standing within feet from the stage. 

    With a bigger crowd, the musicians began to engage with the crowd. Bombii did a call-and-answer. Everytime she said “Para,” the audience sang back “Siempre.” Later in the day, artists Ray Pearson, Ki Storii, WIN, Kony Brooks, and July Quinn left the confines of the stage. They moved across the park’s lawn to the beats of their rap and hip-hop songs.

    Their performances were contrasted with the full rock sounds of Wastewood and Balcony Talk. The bands’ sounds were then further contrasted by the acoustic sounds of Drew Torres. 

    Drew Torres performs at Bronx Summer Jam ’23. Photo courtesy of Michael Nickerson.

    During his set, Torres sang an original upbeat song titled “Minus 4,” named for his glasses prescription. He later ended his set with tapping, a technique that involves tapping one’s hands on the guitar’s body. 

    “This is not just a hobby for me,” Torres said. “This is my therapy. This is the way I personally express myself. I just want to inspire others.”

    Audience member and devoted member of the Bronx music scene, Mocha said it was concerts like the Bronx Summer Jam that inspired him to play music. “I was inspired to pick up an instrument at a local show back in 2004. I saw bands and immediately was like, ‘This is what I’m going to do.’ I was sixteen then. Without that concert, I don’t have any clue who I would have been now.” 

    Perhaps this festival inspired someone in the audience to learn an instrument or to start singing. The festival’s music definitely reached a number of people ranging from those who knew about the festival to those in the park who happened upon it. 

    To see more of what Sirens & Kings will produce, click here and here. 

    Performers:

    12:30-1:00 pm – DJ JYNN

    1:00-1:30 pm – Drew Torres

    1:30-2:00 pm – Emelia Vero (Bombii)

    2:00-2:30 pm – Wastewood

    2:30-3:00 pm – DJ Mike

    3:00-3:30 pm – Ray Pearson

    3:30-4:00 pm – Richard Pigkaso

    4:00-4:30 pm – Balcony Talk

    4:30-5:00 pm – DJ F1rst Class

    5:00-5:30 pm – Ki Storii

    5:30-6:00 pm – WIN

    6:00-6:30 pm – Kony Brooks

    6:30-7:00 pm – July Quinn Band