CREEM Entertainment, celebrating the one-year anniversary of its relaunch and its Summer 2023 edition, has announced the first annual Summer Sunburn, an “all-day rock party” in Brooklyn. Summer Sunburn on July 22 will include: Nothing; Radioactivity, this being their first NYC appearance in five years; Godcaster; Loosey; Jobber; as well as DJ Edan and CREEM writer Hether Fortune playing between acts.
Brought back after 33 years of absence, CREEM Entertainment is the modern reincarnation of Detroit’s famous CREEM Magazine, originally founded in 1969, and grew to be a staple of music journalism for twenty years.
The magazine helped cultivate the talent of people such as Lester Bangs, Cameron Crowe, Patti Smith, Robert Christgau and Jaan Uhelszki (who returned as Editorial Director). In 2020, the magazine’s rise and fall was chronicled in the documentary “CREEM: America’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll Magazine.”
We’re now a year into this journey of proving that BOTH rock and print aren’t dead so now’s the time to crack open a coldie and celebrate with the sickest lineup we could imagine!
CREEM’s Vice President of Content Fred Pessaro
CREEM Entertainment still covers the classics, bands like The Who, Peter Frampton, or Metallica, but also the new faces to the genre and those that they missed in their 33 years of hiatus. It is led by former VICE publisher John Martin as CEO, and Chairman J.J. Kramer, who is the son of original co-founder and publisher Barry Kramer.
Taking place in Roberta’s backyard in Brooklyn, NY on July 22, the celebration will run from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m., with music, food, and drinks available. Summer Sunburn will continue CREEM’s partnership with Slane Irish Whiskey. Tickets are available on CREEM’s website, here.
The Guilderland Performing Arts Center (GPAC) is having its 44th summer concert series known as “Jammin’ at GPAC,” featuring free local music at Tawasentha Park in Guilderland, NY. Most events are held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and feature a rotating cast of food trucks.
Work to build GPAC began in 1978 when a small group of citizens and members of the Guilderland League of Arts and the Town Band selected a site, which was cleared in 1979. Funds and expertise from Guilderland residents led to the completion of the stage platform in 1980, with future construction included a roof, sides, restrooms, and services for visiting artists.
GPAC considers itself “by the people and for the people” and is dedicated to quality entertainment for the local community.
Upcoming Shows
Hot Club of Saratoga – July 6, 7:30 p.m.
A 1930s Paris jazz and swing group, they are sponsored by Stewarts and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is Buena Comida.
Guilderland Town Band – July 13 & Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Conducted by Kathleen Ehlinger, the band dates back to 1969, organized through the Town of Guilderland Parks and Recreation Department. The food truck for July 13 is Muddaddy Flats, and is Buena Comida for Aug. 3.
Big Fez and the Surfmatics – July 20, 7:30 p.m.
Featuring classic surf music from the ’60s and beyond, this group has been sponsored by State Farm Agent Jolene Kahlor and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is High on the Hog BBQ.
River of Dreams – July 27, 7:30 p.m.
A Billy Joel tribute band, River of Dreams has been sponsored by Tri-City Rentals and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is Flaco’s Tacos.
National Night Out – Aug. 1, 6:00 p.m.
Featuring the band known as the Refrigerators, National Night Out has been sponsored by the Guilderland Police Department’s Community Services Unit. No food truck has been listed for this date.
An award-winning country and bluegrass band, they have been sponsored by McNamara Financial Consultants and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is High on the Hog BBQ.
Downtown Horns – Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Playing brass-driven hits from the ’60s to today, Downtown Horns is sponsored by Stewarts and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is Muddaddy Flats.
Wallice, the rising indie-pop sensation, graced the stage at Bowery Ballroom in Manhattan on June 27th, captivating the crowd with her infectious melodies and magnetic presence. This performance marked her triumphant return to NYC (and Bowery Ballroom) after her opening act with JAWNY last March.
With her irresistible charm and undeniable talent, Wallice delivered a performance that was nothing short of electric. Sharing the spotlight was the indie rock boy band Nitefire, whose infectious energy and captivating melodies set the perfect tone for the evening.
As the lights dimmed and the first chords resonated through the venue, it was evident that this would be a night to remember. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans eagerly embraced the fusion of Wallice’s honest lyrics, vulnerability, and witty storytelling. With each song, she effortlessly transported the audience into her world, exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with growing up. The synergy between Wallice and Nitefire created a dynamic and unforgettable concert experience, leaving the crowd craving for more.
Nitefire,the dynamic musical project of Nico Geyer and Luke White, boldly defines themselves as the “budget Wallows.” Blending the pop sensibilities of turn-of-the-century indie rock with the vibrant sonics and youthful spirit of Brit-pop, Nitefire fearlessly carves out a lane that is uniquely their own, leaving nostalgia behind. With their roots embedded in the thriving Los Angeles music scene, the band has gained recognition for their DIY approach, hosting their own events and shows that embrace an “if you build it, they will come” mentality, diverging from the digital-dominated landscape of today. Nitefire’s sound and attitude are entirely their own as they carve out a distinct lane. With their debut single “Up 2 U” released, the band has already amassed an impressive following and garnered over 40K monthly listeners on Spotify. Nitefire’s journey has only just begun, and their upcoming releases and live performances promise an exciting and vibrant future for the band.
Nitefire’s opening performance was an electrifying display of energy and connection. Despite a minor setback earlier in the day, with Luke breaking his pinky, the band turned it into a playful guessing game during their set. Nico, the charismatic frontman, challenged the crowd to speculate on the cause of Luke’s injury, teasing them with the statement, “You’ll literally never guess.” Hilarious suggestions of door-related incidents were quickly debunked, fueling the curiosity of the fans. To their surprise, it was revealed that the pinky was actually broken in a Frisbee accident, leaving many scratching their heads and engaging in animated discussions.
Nico’s crowd interaction was a highlight, as he jumped into the crowd multiple times with guitar and mic in hand, creating a central pit of excitement. One fan attempted to converse with Nico in French, only to be misheard, prompting Nico to ask if she was speaking Spanish instead. The lighthearted exchange drew laughter and further showcased the band’s down-to-earth and approachable nature. The finale saw Nico leaning back into the crowd, crowd surfing during the last song, “Saturday.” Nitefire’s performance was a thrilling and engaging experience, leaving fans captivated by their boundless energy and genuine connection.
Nitefire Setlist: Daisies, Here We Go, La La, LAâs Got Gorgeous, Love Gets Ug, Uptight, Lovekiss, Life Gets Funny, Worth It, Saturday
Wallice, the rising indie-pop sensation hailing from Los Angeles, is making waves with her captivating blend of honesty, vulnerability, and wit. With a musical upbringing that exposed her to a diverse range of influences, from classic rock to 90s R&B, Wallice has developed a unique sound that sets her apart in the industry. Her breakout hits, including “23” and “Off The Rails,” have garnered attention for their raw and authentic approach to songwriting, tackling themes of love, loss, and self-discovery with remarkable vulnerability. Her newest EP, “Mr Big Shot,” released June 23rd, further showcases her exceptional songwriting prowess, offering a masterclass in Gen Z’s hopes, dreams, and failures.
Following a successful run of North American shows with JAWNY and Australian dates with The 1975, Wallice is now embarking on her own headline tour across the US, captivating audiences with her infectious energy and tongue-in-cheek, self-effacing anthems. With each release, Wallice reaffirms her status as an artist to watch, captivating listeners with her authentic storytelling and undeniable talent.
Wallice’s performance at the iconic Bowery Ballroom was an extraordinary display of her artistry, accompanied by heartwarming moments and genuine interactions with the audience. The show kicked off with a sweet gesture as she gave her guitarist a peck, setting a playful and affectionate tone for the evening. A fan’s gift of a black gemstone studded cowboy hat became a striking accessory as Wallice embraced it during her soulful rendition of “John Wayne,” captivating the crowd with her magnetic presence. After the song, she graciously returned the hat from whence it came.
Throughout the set, Wallice’s affection for New York was evident as she expressed her love for the city, instantly establishing a connection with the enthusiastic crowd. The audience reciprocated with adoration, elevating the energy in the venue. A touching moment occurred when a fan handed her a crochet bandana and a heartfelt letter accompanied by personal photos. Wallice graciously accepted the gift and wore the crochet bandana while performing the introspective and introspective song “Quarterlife,” adding an intimate touch to the performance.
In a playful exchange, Wallice humorously reprimanded her bassist for removing his goggles after the spirited performance of “Why Do You Love Me?“. This lighthearted banter showcased the camaraderie and dynamic chemistry within the band, further enhancing the overall experience for the audience. Following the energetic performance of “Prepaid Wireless,” Wallice took a moment to introduce her talented band members by name, highlighting their contributions to the music.
Although faced with a technical glitch during “Japan,” Wallice’s professionalism shone through as she gracefully restarted the song, seamlessly carrying the audience along with her. Her ability to handle unexpected situations with poise and maintain a strong connection with the crowd was a testament to her artistry and stage presence.
Wallice’s set at Bowery Ballroom was a memorable and captivating experience, filled with genuine moments of connection. Her ability to embrace fan gifts, engage in playful interactions, and overcome technical challenges showcased her authenticity as an artist. With each song, Wallice’s honesty and vulnerability resonated deeply, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of her talent and charisma.
Wallice Setlist: Disappear, Little League, Loser At Best, Punching Bag, 90s American Superstar, Wisdom Tooth, Rich Wallice, John Wayne, Headache, Quarterlife, Dramamine, Hey Michael, Why Do You Love Me?, Prepaid Wireless, Off The Rails, Japan, 23, Best Friend, Funeral
In terms of upcoming shows, Wallice and Nitefire will be on the road with plenty of chances to catch them on tour until they wrap up on July 20th in San Francisco.
Updates for any future Wallice shows can be found on her socials, and her linktree. The same goes for Nitefire, and you can find their socials and linktree here.
Albany’s rising jam group Hilltop have unveiled their 2023 Summer Tour, taking them across New York, plus festival stops in Pennslyvania and the Catskills and a post Phish show in NYC.
Photo by Frank Cavone
Among the dates is a first ever show for Hilltop at Mercury Lounge in Manhattan, on August 3rd. During a non-consecutive 7-night run for Phish at Madison Square Garden, Hilltop jumps on an opportunity to play on one of the few nights off for Phish, bringing Thursday night funk to those looking to keep boogieing down in between Phish shows.
If you can’t catch them at Mercury Lounge, don’t miss Hilltop as they make a stop at Catskill Jubilee Music Festival in mid-August, featuring the Disco Biscuits headlining. More dates leading into the fall will be announced soon!
Get tickets for the Mercury Lounge show here and stay up to date on Hilltop here.
Hilltop Summer Tour 2023
6/23 – Red Square – Burlington, VT 6/24 – The Listening Room at East Coast Van Builds – Bradford, VT 7/8 – Rock the Dock Music Festival – Lake George, NY 7/14 – Riverboat Bar – Alexandria Bay, NY 7/28 – Nietzsche’s – Buffalo, NY 8/3 – MERCURY LOUNGE – New York, NY * 8/10-13 – Catskill Jubilee – East Durham, NY 8/16 – The Fire – Philadelphia, PA 8/17 – Stella Blues Bar – New Haven, CT
For those looking to dive deep into the darkness that is inherent in the Goth scene, “The Art Of Darkness: The History Of Goth” was released on May 16th (Manchester University Press). Author John Robb takes an in-depth look at all that makes up the Goth music scene – the music, the culture, and the history.
A book that took eight years to be published, “The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth” has received rave reviews across Europe, the nexus for Goth. The Irish Independent said of the tome, “Gloriously knowledgeable…stuffed with stories about the bands who changed your life as a teenager.”
John Robb is a veteran of the global alternative music scene, coining the term “Britpop” in the 1990s, was the first UK writer to interview Nirvana back in 1989, and has written on popular music for The Times, The Guardian, NME, and founded the UK music website, Louder Than War. John has previously written the best-selling books “Punk Rock: An Oral History” and “The North Will Rise Again: Manchester Music City 1976-1996”.
John Robb: Photo by John Middleham
This 546 page book takes the reader into a Goth club, before expanding to take a look at the wider culture and history of the times. Examining the subculture that rose in underground UK clubs, spread thrrough word of mouth at pubs or via posters and handbills, the early scene included hippies, scenesters, dominatrices, and gives a breakdown of what went down in the club scene.
Taking a look at the social conditions at the time that led to the rise of Goth in the post-punk period, Robb finds history influencing art, shifting gears as he looks upon the fall of Rome, folk tales from Europe, the occult, Gothic architecture and more to tie present-day Goth to these continental roots.
Examined is the Goth connection to the punk club scene and how it shifted from punk to goth over time, plus that which makes up various goth sub-groups: mall, traditional, romantic, vampire, etc… all the way to Glam Rock and how Goth arrives at present day, and even how certain genres of music (heavy metal, indie) correlate to the Goth culture.
The book is built mostly around the 80s post-punk Goth period and features interviews with Andrew Eldritch, Killing Joke, Bauhaus, The Cult, The Banshees, The Damned, Einstürzende Neubauten, Johnny Marr, Trent Reznor, Adam Ant, Laibach, The Cure, Nick Cave and many others.
An enjoyable read, one of the biggest takeaways, especially for the uninitiated, are the origins of Goth in the club scene of the 1960s, and the evolution of the beatnik/mod era through punk and post-punk, with goth borrowing as it arose during the time period.
Order a copy of the definitive deep-dive into Goth here!
Ed. note: Thanks to Lola for her insight into goth culture.
NYC electronic act MIDNIGHTCHOIR has just released the single “Lovecrimes,” along with this, a music video to accompany it. Along with this, they have also confirmed the forthcoming release of their second album, Loverboy Molotov, to be released July 14th.
New York-born and raised electronic producer Patrick Bobilin has been producing music as MIDNIGHTCHOIR since 2014. Bobilin’s love for 80s goth rock and pounding electronic beats combined with his political experiences color the tone and tenor of his music.
Speaking on this new single, Bobilin wrote, “After 7 years of being in the public eye, the only times I felt I could be myself were at NYC dance bars like Pyramid Club or Saint Vitus. I started traveling to Austin, TX more often to visit a group of friends, free from the political infamy I’d become ensnared in.”
“I recorded it quickly in one night, with the urgency of having to get out of town and shake loose of those tangles. ‘Lovecrimes’ was inspired by late nights in NYC and dancing at Barbarella in Austin, where they always play INXS on 80’s Night. The cover of ‘Need You Tonight’ was also inspired by those late nights and features guitar from David Simutis who I met at an office job and who I learned was a seasoned indie rock vet, having engineered and played on some of the coolest records of the last 20 years.”
The combinations of sex, politics, and gothic imagery explain the lyrical content and the inclusion of three covers: Bauhaus’ “Bela Lugosi’s Dead,” INXS’ “Need You Tonight,” and “Personal Jesus” by Depeche Mode.
Since then, Bobilin ran for public office, led community action organizations during the 2020 social justice uprisings, and has been an active community organizer. He was even arrested twice during the 2020 movement for black lives while organizing protests. That social justice work, which had Bobilin arguing with former-mayor de Blasio about policing on live radio, has found its way into the lyrics of the punk-infused new darkwave album he recorded in the first few weeks of 2023.
The new album was made with much of Bobilin’s urgency and energy of his political campaigns in 2017, 2020, and 2022. Having firmly decided to leave politics behind, Bobilin was compelled to write about many of the frustrations that inspired his far-left politics.
While Bobilin may lean on 80’s new wave and goth influences, the autobiographical elements of the album reflect his experiences in politics and protest. The politics of the album are far left, with emotional, social, religious, and political concerns peppered throughout.
Listen to “Lovecrimes” by clicking the link here. Loverboy Molotov will be available on all streaming services this July.
When it comes to making music, everyone charts different territory through various methods of approach. Some people choose to pay homage to those that came before them in order to emulate and reciprocate greatness. Such is the case with Roc Marciano, a smooth operator out of the 100 Block of Terrace Avenue in Hempstead.
Growing up in Hempstead was rough for this New Yorker but he managed to climb his way out of the, “city in the suburbs.” His residing area receives major attribution for the direction of his approach, style and taste within the genre of hip-hop.
Alchemist x Roc Marciano
Six Degrees of Separation
Coming up, many people were hip to Marciano’s talents and abilities. Once he linked up with Busta Rhymes – those recognizable traits started to gain major traction. Marciano attributes his Busta Rhymes connection to the “six degrees of separation” theory. Subsequently, he went to school with Busta’s younger brother who caught wind of some early musical efforts and passed them along to Busta.
Obviously, both of them thought highly of his capabilities and gave him the chance to shine on a brighter platform. Around 2000, Roc Marciano sparred bar for bar with some of the hardest artists in the game. Along the way, he bestowed the utmost respect to legendary artists who paved the way for him to thrive. He paid homage to those before him but also would gauge where they set the bar and try to surpass that. When he contributed to “The Heist” on Busta Rhymes’ album, Anarchy – he exchanged verses with the likes of Ghostface Killah (fresh off classic album Supreme Clientele) and Raekwon, both from the Wu-Tang Clan.
UN or U Out?
In 2001, he formed his own clique called “UN Crew” with his Uniondale High School counterparts, Dino Brave, Laku and Mike Raw. They received cosigns from major influential artists such as Large Professor, Madlib and Just Blaze. The group rapped over Pete Rock beats called, “Petestrumentals” and navigated their way into a record deal.
After their deal with Loud Records fell through, the UN Crew would ink an agreement with Carson Daly and 456 Entertainment. Roc Marciano grew tired of obeying commands and having to rap over beats chosen for him and eventually disbanded from the UN Crew and the record label they were signed to.
After a while, Roc began to truly differentiate himself from his peers. Rather than constantly trying to rap over the “hardest” beat, he strayed from the typical path and shifted the paradigms of his artistry. Large Professor played a monumental role in the encouragement of Roc Marciano’s solo career. Large Professor encouraged this burgeoning artist to tap into the twisted sounds within his brain and individually produce every track for his forthcoming album.
Often, rappers have a leg up on their competition when they are able to rhyme over self-produced beats and melodies. Furthermore, Roc Marciano executes his verses well with an off-kilter and complicated form. He received widespread internet acclaim when he dropped Marcberg in 2010. On his debut album, he received high amounts of underground reception because he was able to display the intricacies of his artistry. By rapping over his self-produced beats, Marciano was able to deliver sounds in pristine form and enter a zone that made him truly stand out.
Smooth Maneuvers
Roc Marci exists as a New York individual that keeps it fresh – stylistically, metaphorically and within his approach to the genre. His casual intensity makes what he does seem effortless, with a highly stylized stream of consciousness. Alas, every move made on wax and between the scenes requires a great deal of calculation, rehearsal and craftiness. Being both smooth and strange has yielded beneficial results for this New York artist. Roc Marciano puts forth masterful bodies of work regardless of theme/concept, ultimately serving the hip-hop ecosystem with compositional lyricism.
As an unpredictable, risk-taking and edgy performer, Roc Marciano keeps it very interesting when it comes to creating tunes. In order to change the landscape of the genre and push culture forward he consistently tests the boundaries and takes risks to improve himself as an artist. He chronicles his endeavors extravagantly and uses a hyper syllabic percussive flow. By doing so, he extricates great detail through the use of imaginative imagery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNxCljW2uWQ
Verse Starts at 1:03
He paints narratives with specific skill and prolific penmanship by layering images via dense wordplay. Hence, he masters his entire process with non-traditional methods. Roc Marciano illustrates so well that his verses could be translated into movie scenes. With carefully crafted concoctions, he aims to develop scores for cinematic production.
With psychedelic wordplay, Roc is a hip-hop natural. By proceeding upon an organic path, the music that he releases allows the audience to follow the voyage of a time traveling wordsmith who is magic whenever he graces the mic. As a lowkey legend, Roc remains recluse and observant. In general, he does not care for radio spins as long as the checks come in and those who truly appreciate the music continue to catch wind of his endeavors. He has extremely high standards and tries to outdo himself every time he steps in the booth. He is constantly reinventing his craft and submits his ultimate contribution to the game by submitting songs that sustain with longevity.
Roc Marciano x Flee Lord Delgado
Verbal Technician
Roc Marciano nonchalantly devastates his opponents. As a descriptive and introspective emcee he illuminates the virtues of a true player in the game. His stone cold delivery accentuates elements of linguistics and exuberance. He flourishes with precise timing, cadence and tonality. His hyper-controlled nature allows for him to direct the process in the direction he sees fit for his persona.
He amassed a significant following in part to his extremely impressive flair for storytelling. He attributes his gravitation to the art of rap to the group, Ultramagnetics. They showed him the “scientific” aspect of rap and Roc was highly intrigued by the possibility of evolution within the genre. With an innovative approach, authenticity and discrete nature – no wonder why people appreciate him and his music.
The View Center For Arts and Culture in Old Forge has been attracting visitors to the Adirondacks since it was founded in 1951. This summer, the organization has once again put together a diverse and enticing set of summer performances.
The View Center’s free “Concerts in the Courtyard Series” is one of the various programs and events that attendees can enjoy during the summer months. Now in its fourth season, the series is focused on highlighting local and regional artists. Concerts are scheduled for every Wednesday from June 28 to August 3. The performances will run from 5 PM to 6:30 PM and will take place at the View Center courtyard.
As part of its mission, the View Center aims to continuously explore and exhibit the ever-changing nature of art. This year’s series bolsters a variety of different artists from a wide array of genres. Concert-goers will be able to enjoy folk, rock, pop, blues and jazz offerings.
In addition to the free concert series, there will also be a handful of paid performances by several talented musicians. Pianist Ben Cosgrove will perform at the first of these events scheduled for July 2.
Ben Cosgrove
Along with the plethora of live music events this summer, the View Center also exhibits and displays impactful visual art. The View Center acts as a community space, dedicated to being an inspiring artistic force in the area. The organization offers numerous classes and opportunities for those in the surrounding area in an attempt to excite the next generation of artists.
Beginning June 29, Playhouse Stage Company will present their 36th Anniversary musical production Something Rotten at Albany’s Park Playhouse, a Renaissance-set comedy about a down-on-his-luck writer trying to best William Shakespeare by writing the world’s first musical. The production plays Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8pm from June 29 through July 22. Playhouse Stage Company will hold an opening night Gala pre-show on June 29, where they will make a special announcement.
Playhouse Stage Company has been producing free summer musicals at Albany’s Park Playhouse in Washington Park since 1989, producing musicals year-round at Cohoes Music Hall since 2016, and took the reins as management of the historic Spindle City venue in 2020.
The Broadway premiere of Something Rotten took place in 2015, and it garnered a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Musical while enjoying a successful two-year run. The book is written by John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick, with a score and lyrics by Karey & Wayne Kirkpatrick.
The story follows the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, who struggle to find success in the theatrical world as they compete with the wild popularity of their pompous contemporary, “The Bard,” William Shakespeare. When Nick Bottom visits a Soothsayer to discover what the hottest thing in theatre will be in the future, he sets out to write a musical with disastrous results. The show sparks comparison to other bawdy, raucous Broadway comedies including Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Book of Mormon, and Mel Brooks’ The Producers. In an homage to its Renaissance setting, Time Out NY called the show “the funniest musical in at least 400 years.”
The show reunites frequent creative staff collaborators Michael LoPorto (Director), AshleySimone Kirchner (Choreography & Musical Staging), and Brian Axford (Musical Director). Together, the trio have helmed more than a dozen shows for Playhouse Stage. 22 local and regional performers make up the cast, and Axford will lead a twelve-piece band. 12 out of the 22 cast members are graduates of the Playhouse Stage youth theatre program.
The cast is led by Vincent DiPeri (Nick Bottom), who returns to the Playhouse for the first time in eight years after receiving critical acclaim for his performances in The Producers, Hairspray and others. Alongside DiPeri as Bottom’s nemesis William Shakespeare is Steve Raymond, who won strong reviews in the Playhouse’s productions of Spamalot, Spelling Bee and more. Since last appearing on the Playhouse stage, Raymond has developed a significant social media following for his comedy content, with more than three million followers across TikTok, Instagram and other platforms. Rounding out the cast are Playhouse veterans Molly Rose McGrath (Bea Bottom), Marc Christopher (Nostradomus), Daniel Jameson (Nigel Bottom), Brandon Jones (Brother Jeremiah), and Anna Sprau (Portia), in her PSC debut.
Amphitheater lawn seating at Park Playhouse is available for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Premium Reserved Seats are now on sale online, by phone and in person. For more information about the show and Playhouse Stage Company, visit their website here, or call the box office at 518-434-0776.
For media inquiries, to arrange press comps, or to receive production photos and video, please contact Owen Smith, Producing Artistic Director at owen@playhousestage.org or by phone at 518-434-2035, extension 100.
NYC’s indie-pop and folk-rock artist KAZIMI shares the single “Fever Dream,” the second track from her debut album River Run out later this year. The layered percussion is the heartbeat of this single, with drums that are both slinky and sexy, a groove comes across your hips effortlessly.
The singer-songwriter wrote, “’This is a song about pleasure and craving. About wanting something (someone) so bad that the desire seeps into your every moment, coloring everything you see. That obsession, that need, that want. Bodies seeking bodies.”
“I never sat down to make a record. I don’t think I would’ve started if I had.”
-KAZIMI
For most of her life, KAZIMI played music alone and in secret. She crafted songs as a way to work through life’s peaks and valleys but they were never meant to be shared. When the world stopped, something in her changed and that change led to the writing and recording of her debut album, River Run.
The New York-based singer-songwriter offers up her personal brand of indie-folk with tracks that explore the trials of being a living, breathing human: betrayal and heartbreak, pleasure and resilience, the death of loved ones, and the rebirth of self. With a soundscape that drifts effortlessly between dreamy, seductive, cinematic, and folky, River Run is as evocative in its style as it is in its storytelling.
The indie-folk (although very different it’s also somewhat reminiscent of John Grant, don’t you think?) artist deals with the myriad layers of the human condition as a way of wrestling with difficulties.
– Americana UK
For KAZIMI, the project was an opportunity to dethrone the internal demons that lurked in the shadows of her mind. “Part of making music is letting go so there can be space for magic to enter the room, but giving up control is not something that comes easily to me. I had to constantly recenter the importance of making something true over the temptation to chase perfection.”
The title track was written in an empty hotel lobby in Nashville at the height of quarantine in 2020, “I was driving from Texas to New York. Passing through Memphis, I crossed the Wolf River and something about the name stuck in my mind. That evening I went downstairs and sat at the keys. I hadn’t had a piano to play in 4 months. Over the course of the time I wrote the song, I never saw another person. No other guests, no staff. Just me alone in a hotel, singing to the walls,” she says.
Swimming in the depths and then soaring through the clouds, the record traces the journey of a path unknown. The very act of making it, says KAZIMI, is a victory. “I am following what makes me feel most alive, even though I don’t know where it will lead. I found an ember and I held it close. I blew on it until a fire burst forth.”
