NYS Music 2023

Category: Rock

  • Winter Carnival at The Waterhole Announces Music Lineup

    The Waterhole Music Lounge has announced the live music lineup for their most renowned concert series, Winter Carnival at the Waterhole.

    Over the course of 10 days, The Waterhole will bring 13 live musical acts to the Upstairs Music Lounge to keep Carnival goers moving & grooving as our community celebrates the 127th annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. 

    Winter Carnival at The Waterhole

    The 2024 lineup features 13 different bands including a plethora of fan favorites, and pairs them up with unbelievably talented opening acts that are sure to entertain and excite.

    Things kick off on Friday, February 2 with Annie in the Water, well known for excitable, high energy jams, funky tones, and chill vibes. Special guests Organ FairChild from Buffalo, NY will open up the evening. This old-school organ trio has dance-heavy grooves and adventurous jamming.

    Joslyn & The Sweet Compression make their first Winter Carnival appearance on Saturday, February 3. This groove-hardy trip of soul music filtered through a vivacious, and sometimes lush, modern lens, a  psychedelic soundscape that exemplifies truth in music’s ability to shake up the establishment. This band will make the journey to the North from their hometown in Lexington, Kentucky, a follow up appearance at The Waterhole after the crowd fell in love with their sound at a Party on the Patio performance in 2023.  

    Los Blancos are the perfect compliment to the Saturday night bill. This band has been playing the Waterhole since the creation of the Upstairs Music Lounge in 1991. They rip through blues, soul, zydeco, and with  their bottomless bag of tricks they always get the party started.

    Winter Carnival at The Waterhole

    Wednesday, February 7 Hayley Jane returns to the Waterhole with her new band. Known for her emotive and memorizing performances, her vocals have a delicacy that touches the heart and also a raw power that can drive one into a frenzy. Open and honest, she chooses words that are both brazen and playful as she spills secrets onto the stage, spinning them into a web of burred lines. 

    Giovanina Bucci, who was born and raised in Plattsburgh and a dear friend of Hayley Jane will open up the night. Her musical style is nothing short of eclectic. Rooted in blues, soul, and folk, she writes  about the intimate experiences that have shaped her as a human and as a songstress showcasing her unique guitar style and sultry delivery. 

    Thursday, February 8 features The Strictly Hip: Masters of The Tragically Hip. The band takes an almost academic approach to performing the music of Canada’s most popular band, performing with  reverence, respect and accuracy.  

    Friday, February 9 Bellas Bartok & Folkfaces partner up for an  energetic and bedazzling co-bill that is sure to keep concert goers dancing the night away. Bella’s Bartok live shows are a theatrical mix of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ and the ‘Rocky Horror Picture’ show with a mesmerizing mix of Eastern European, Americana, punk and pop music. Folkfaces are a rowdy, roots quartet that takes its influence from weird  old American music, offering an energetic variety show and traveling music review. The band explores a wide range of genres including  country, blues, traditional jazz, rock & roll, honkey tonk, western swing,  bluegrass, old-time, jug band and more. 

    Saturday, February 10 features two different shows – the first being the Post Parade Party. This day time show takes place immediately after the parade ends, and is well known as the biggest dance party of the entire year, plus its a free show headlined by another fan favorite, The Big Takeover.

    Led by the powerhouse, Jamaican-born singer and songwriter NeeNee Rushie, The Big Takeover’s horn-powered global blend reveals deep fluency in reggae and world music, hints of soul and Motown, and their  own infectious brand of pop classicism. Saranac Lakers will recognize The Big Takeover from their late night performance at the 2022 Northern Current Community Music Festival.  

    Later that evening, another show awaits Carnival goers. Fan favorite, West End Blend returns with funk and SOUL. Fronted by vocalist Erica Tracy Sullivan, WEB plays homage to classic throwback sounds  while adding their own distinct vibe and flair. Behind her, the blend packs a four-piece horn section, two guitars bass, keyboards, and drums  onto stages every night. From humble beginnings in an epic sweaty  funky basement dance party, the Blend’s goal has always been to bring  that same atmosphere to every show ever since. 

    Opening up for WEB will be All Night Boogie Band – hailing form the Green Mountains of Vermont, this band closed out the 2023 Party on the Patio 2023 season with a bang, and were thus invited to play during Winter Carnival. Think massive soulful vocals, big horns; and a  powerfully tight rhythm section that creates a powerful and emotional  blues that will make you shake your hips. 

    Winter Carnival at The Waterhole

    And last but certainly not least, Jatoba returns to the Carnival Lineup on Bloody Mary Sunday, February 11. This free day time show happens in the downstairs bar and will mark the band’s first Waterhole show  since 2014. Jatoba sounds like groove-grass with quick bluegrass tempos driven by  thumping and rockabilly-like bass lines, accentuated with soaring three part vocal harmonies. On top of this, they add effect-driven guitar solos, heavy rhythmic improvisation, beat boxing and even the occasional sitar  interlude. 

    If you don’t want to miss a single beat of Winter Carnival at The Waterhole, consider purchasing a Week Pass for $76. This pass guarantees access to every ticketed event and saves you $24. Tickets are available for purchase on the Waterhole website saranaclakewaterhole.com and in person by stopping into the bar. As always, the Waterhole is a 21+ venue. 

  • Hearing Aide: SUPER HOT, Harmonica Lewinski

    Rochester surf-rock outfit Harmonica Lewinski released their newest album, SUPER HOT, on November 24. Recorded in analog style on a Tascam reel-to-reel machine, the album showcases 12 tracks with a fun groove and creative tone.

    SUPER HOT by Harmonica Lewinski

    Harmonica Lewinski formed in 2012 in Rochester. The group cites a distinct blend of surf-rock, disco, and punk that inspires their new EP. Since their first release, Good Vibes/Bad Vibes released in 2012, the five-piece band has dropped eight full-length releases, with SUPER HOT marking their first since their 2021 EP Lost Weekend. 

    Largely focused on instrumentals, SUPER HOT marks an investigation of funky, groovy disco-rock beats. The album was recorded on a Tascam reel-to-reel machine, an analog tape recorder that dates back to the 1980s. 

    A key track on the record, “Burgundy Bandit” is a groovy, methodical track to open the album. Led by the commanding bass line and meandering guitar melodies, the track introduces Harmonica Lewinski’s style and strongly holds listeners’ attention for its four and a half minute instrumental run.

    Harmonica Lewinski

    “Shadow Sequence,” the fifth track on SUPER HOT, diverts slightly from the groovy, meandering tone that the majority of the record follows. Beginning with an alternative, syncopated rhythm, the vocals are reminiscent of an excitable Orville Peck. The track is relatively short with only two minutes and change, but is certainly a strong point in the EP.

    Finally, “Cakewalk” is introduced by a solo bass line supported by a steady, rhythmic drum kick and vocals. Again, this track is only about two minutes, but after a few listens the guitar melody will get caught in your head.

    SUPER HOT is a proficient review of funky, bass-driven surf rock. Though many of the tracks get lost in each other due to similarity in overall sound, this doesn’t detract from the clear skill and fun listening experience from the whole album. SUPER HOT is available on all streaming services and Harmonica Lewinski on BandCamp.

  • Peter Frampton Announces New Tour Dates, Show at Waterloo’s Del Lago Resort

    Peter Frampton announced a set of new tour dates this past week, adding to his Never EVER Say Never Tour this spring. After traveling the nation throughout this 2023, Peter Frampton will continue his unexpected run with a show in Waterloo, NY at the Del Lago Resort and Casino.

    Peter Frampton onstage

    After Frampton announced a farewell tour in 2019 due to his diagnosis of the degenerative disease, inclusion-body myositis, fans were surprised by more recent appearances by the acclaimed artist. His 2024 Never EVER Say Never Tour will see stops in Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Waterloo, NY, where he will stop at The Vine at Del Lago Resort & Casino on March 9. 

    I am delighted to let you know I’m planning more shows in March and April for the new Never EVER Say Never Tour! I don’t want to give up my passion and will play as long as I physically can. Hope to see you in 2024!

    Peter Frampton

    Peter Frampton was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020. The English-American guitarist has a star-studded career, having played with Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Jerry Lee Lewis, and more since the beginning of his career in 1966. Most recently, he made an appearance on Dolly Parton’s newest album, Rockstar, released last month.

    Tickets for Peter Frampton at Del Lago Casino go on-sale to the general public on Friday, December 8 at 10 A.M. local time at frampton.com. 

  • Red Hot Chili Peppers Coming To Darien Lake

    Acclaimed rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers has announced that their Unlimited Love Tour will extend into 2024 across the U.S. Following massive 2022 and 2023 tour runs, the band shows no sign of slowing down as they announce their upcoming North America tour slated for next year.

    The 2024 run includes a stop at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, NY, on Friday, July 12. Special Guests Kid Cudi, Ice Cube, Ken Carson, Otoboke Beaver, Seun Kuti & Egypt80, Wand and IRONTOM will be joining the band on select dates throughout the tour as well.

    After wrapping up dates in North America and Europe last year, the band continued their global trek into 2023 with several dates across New Zealand and Australia in January, followed by another run of shows throughout North America, Europe, the UK, Singapore and Japan earlier this year. Most recently, Red Hot Chili Peppers concluded their sold-out Latin America leg of their 2023 tour with two shows in Buenos Aires.

    Last year, Red Hot Chili Peppers took home the prestigious Global Icon Award and delivered a show stopping performance at the MTV VMAs. Their No. 1 single “Black Summer” also won the award for Best Rock Video. In addition, “Black Summer” scored a Grammy nomination for “Best Rock Song” and the band garnered a MTV Europe Music Award nomination for Best Rock and earned three American Music Awards nominations for “Favorite Rock Artist,” “Favorite Rock Album” for Unlimited Love and “Favorite Rock Single” for “Black Summer.”

    RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 2024 UNLIMITED LOVE TOUR DATES 

    Tue May 28 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater +

    Fri May 31 – Quincy, WA – The Gorge + 

    Sun Jun 02 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheater +

    Wed Jun 05 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre =

    Fri Jun 07 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater ^ 

    Tue Jun 18 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre *

    Fri Jun 21 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre ~

    Wed Jun 26 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park ~

    Fri Jun 28 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach ~

    Tue Jul 02 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake =

    Fri Jul 05 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center *

    Fri Jul 12 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater ^

    Mon Jul 15 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage ^

    Mon Jul 22 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center #

    Thu Jul 25 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center @

    Tue Jul 30 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre @

    + With Ken Carson and IRONTOM

    = With Kid Cudi and IRONTOM

    ^ With Wand and IRONTOM

    * With IRONTOM

    ~ With Ice Cube and IRONTOM

    # With Seun Kuti & Egypt80 and IRONTOM

    @ With Otoboke Beaver and IRONTOM

    % Not a Live Nation Date

    Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale (details below) beginning on Tuesday, December 5. An artist presale will begin on Wednesday, December 6 at 10 AM. Additional presales will run Thursday, December 7 ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, December 8 at 10 AM here.

    For more information on the Red Hot Chili Peppers at Darien Lake, visit their website.

  • One Last KISS for Madison Square Garden: Legendary Rock Band Plays Last Show At Home

    KISS’ End Of The Road Farewell Tour found them playing the second of two sold-out nights at the World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York City on December 2. After 50 years of rock and roll music, KISS decided to go out where they started, at home in New York.

    Photo Credit: Instagram/thegarden

    The New York natives announced back in March of 2023 on The Howard Stern Show that the band’s final show was to take place where it all started. KISS was able to sell out The Garden for the second straight night ahead of their final curtain call.

    All around the arena leading up to the show, the energy was through the roof. People dressed as their favorite members of KISS past or present and were walking around, dining in the local restaurants, or being interviewed by members of the press outside. Other fans flocked to the giant screens outside MSG promoting the sold-out show to snap a photo.

    Before KISS hit the stage, Amber Wild got the chilly New York crowd in the right mood for the rock and roll domination that was going to take place. Amber Wild consists of Jacob Massanari on bass, Marshall Via on guitar, Thomas Lowrey on drums and Evan Stanley on lead vocals and guitar. Stanley is the son of KISS frontman, Paul Stanley, who is also a founding member of KISS .

    Amber Wild performed just six songs for the audience. Despite the short set, the band made sure that the New Yorkers didn’t forget them. From the moment that they jumped on stage, fans immediately took notice as the band jumped into one of their first singles called “Breakout.” From that moment until they left the stage, fans listened intently as the next wave of rock and roll music debuted before them.

    Photo Credit: Instagram/amberwildband

    After pre-recorded interviews with the band and other interviews with family and friends that were being broadcast on PPV.com were complete, the house lights dimmed and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” off of Led Zeppelin IV blasted through the speakers signaling that it was time for KISS to take the stage. This version of KISS consists of founding member Paul Stanley on lead vocals and guitar, founding member Gene Simmons on bass and vocals, Eric Singer on drums, and Tommy Thayer on lead guitar

    Photo Credit: Instagram/kissonline

    As KISS entered from the ceiling on platforms, the band blasted in “Detroit Rock City” off of Destroyer, and from there, they played 20 songs that spanned their entire catalog. From classic songs off their self-titled debut record to one of their most recent albums, 2009s Sonic Boom, every era of KISS was played. This is in part because KISS has become a generational band. Kids as young as three and people as old as their 70s attend this final show as the KISS Army joined and became one for one final time.

    Photo Credit: Instagram/thegarden

    For the entire two-hour show, the entire arena did not sit down once. From the fans on the floor to the bleacher creatures up in the rafters, fans stood the entire time as they witnessed the final show from their beloved band. Throughout the entire show, the classic KISS theatrics took center stage. Before “God of Thunder,” Simmons spat out fake blood and breathed fire after “I Love It Loud,” Thayer shot rockets out of his guitar after “Cold Gin” and Stanley flew through the air to a mini stage in the middle of the crowd to sing “Love Gun” and “ I Was Made For Lovin’ You.” KISS did not miss a beat the entire show.

    They looked and sounded like they were at the top of their game. If you put them up against any version of the band, it would be hard to pick a winner due to the band being at its peak of performing.

    Photo Credit: Instagram/thegarden

    Stanley and Simmons were very thankful for all the fans who showed up to every one of their concerts as throughout the show, they kept saying “thank you” to the cameras as well as making hearts with their hands to show their appreciation. The band has cited throughout their career that the fans are the ones that got them there and that they will always be thankful to them for that.

    Photo Credit: Instagram/thegarden

    As the show powered through into the night, the anticipation of former members jumping on stage hit an all-time high when Singer sang “Beth.” For the other two encore songs that ended with the KISS anthem of “Rock and Roll All Nite,” no former members of the band jumped on stage with the current lineup which didn’t sour anyone’s mood as the band went out with a bang.

    Photo Credit: Instagram/thegarden

    As the band took their final bows and announced that a new era of KISS was coming (which ended up being digital Avatars of the band), fans excited MSG with commemorative 24 Karat Gold plated tickets. As fans spilled out onto 34th street in Manhattan, they knew that they helped write the final chapter of KISS-story that started in 1974 with their self-titled debut record and ended, where it all began, in New York.

    Amber Wild setlist: Breakout, Constant Constellations, Struggle, Three Shakes, Silver, Lover

    KISS Setlist: Detroit Rock City, Shout It Out Loud, Deuce, War Machine, Heaven’s on Fire, I Love It Loud, Say Yeah, Cold Gin, Lick It Up, Calling Dr. Love, Makin’ Love, Psycho Circus, 100,000 Years, God of Thunder, Love Gun, I Was Made for Lovin’ You, Black Diamond, Beth, Do You Love Me, Rock and Roll All Nite

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n1GO7U68Yg

  • In Focus: Karina Rykman Makes Saratoga Springs Debut at Putnam Place

    Karina Rykman made her debut appearance in Saratoga Springs with a show at Putnam Place on Thursday, November 30. With a strong crowd in attendance – and some fans making the trek up to Burlington on December 1 and 2 – Rykman’s first show in the Spa City will certainly not be her last.

    Opening the night was Coyote Island, a reggae/pop group from Maine, on tour with Rykman this fall.

    Throughout her single set, Karina would play a variety of songs from her debut album, Joyride, released this past August. Beginning the show with some of the most familiar tracks on the album, from “Beacon” through “Plants,” each was played with slow building energy and focus from the band, loosening up as the set progressed.

    “City Kids” would mark a frenzied shift of the set’s vivacity, with Rykman running around in circles, pumping the already engaged crowd up even more. Guitarist Adam November dropped rapid fire guitar, the kind you’d hear in “The Great Curve,” with just the proper amount of distortion incorporated – never too heavy and present in the right spots. Rykman dropped a few bars of “The National Anthem” by Radiohead, per usual turning ears to the stage when this ear worm of a bass line makes its appearance.

    “Run of the Mill” brought with it venue-shaking bass bombs, and slowly seeped into Butthole Surfers’ “Pepper,” which had more energy than the 1996 song. Rykman and drummer Chris Corsico put a grungy feel to the debut of “Canary in a Colemine,” a tinge of Mary J. Blige’s “Family Affair” slipping in amid the final songs of the set.

    For an encore, Rykman chose to debut “Song 2” from Blur, a great addition to their setlist arsenal, and a performance that assures her return to the Capital Region in the future.

    Karina Rykman – Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs – Thursday, November 30, 2023

    Setlist: Beacon, Skylark/Slowlark, Joyride > All That You Wanted > Plants > Arbitrary > Dirty South, City Kids, Run of the Mill > Pepper, Reboot, No Occasion > Canary in a Colemine > The Hardest Button to Button, Atom Dance, Elevator
    Encore: Song 2

    Up next for Rykman is a performance at Warren Haynes’ XMas Jam in Asheville, NC on Saturday, December 9, then at Mohegan Sun on December 30. Check out her full tour dates here.

    Karina Rykman Saratoga Springs
    Karina Rykman Saratoga Springs
    Karina Rykman Saratoga Springs
    Karina Rykman Saratoga Springs
    Karina Rykman Saratoga Springs
    Karina Rykman Saratoga Springs
    Karina Rykman Saratoga Springs
    Karina Rykman Saratoga Springs
    Karina Rykman Saratoga Springs

  • Jess Novak: Musician, Author, Entrepreneur, And Now A Mother

    Jess Novak has released her EP Sonrise, a love letter to the two most important men in Jess’ life: her husband and her son. She also comes with news of future concert dates and other projects to come.

    Jess Novak (electric violin, guitar, vocals, piano, percussion, looping) makes The Jess Novak Band what it is with the help of Byron Cage on drums, Anthony Saturno on electric guitar, Jay Fabbri on bass, and Gavin George and Marcus Oliver on drums.

    Having traveled across the country and playing 200 shows every year, Jess Novak and her band are well-versed in music, determined to make their next concert even better than their last.

    Novak boasts many talents: with her electric violin and other instruments, she also is credited with aiding in the creation of F.I.R.E Festival (Females. Inspire. Rock. Empower.). This event is meant to create a safe space for women in a male-dominated industry, inviting old and young from all kinds of backgrounds.

    F.I.R.E is also accepting applications for participants, be it volunteering, performing, or sponsoring.

    On top of this festival, she also boasts a future in being an author, with one already published book Dare to Begin published in September 2022, discussing her own musical journey and dreams. Another book is also on the way– a fiction novel “The House Musician” likely to hit the shelves in 2024.

    Just when you think she can’t do anything else, Jess brings a life into the world. She and her husband, Ben, collaborated on an EP called Sonrise, an in-depth and vulnerable love letter to her son, the life she brought into the world, and the immediate connection they shared since his birth.

    It’s an eclectic album with heartfelt vocals and rock instrumentals, from the loving “Falling” to the hard rock “My Baby,” this EP shows all the emotions that can be experienced when one becomes a parent, and how this forever alters one’s life.

    “This album doesn’t feel like an album to me. It feels like a love letter to the two most important men in my life. It feels like a proud way to say how much I love them and how I can’t believe I’m this lucky to be sharing my heart in these songs.”

    Jess Novak

    For more information on Jess Novak follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.

    For more information on the Jess Novak Band, follow them on Instagram.

  • Gogol Bordello and Bernard Summer Release Cover of “Solidarity”

    Gogol Bordello and Bernard Summer have released their cover of “Solidarity” by Angelic Upstarts.

    Ukrainian frontman Eugene Hütz of international punk rock band Gogol Bordello, have announced the re-launch of his label Casa Gogol Records and set to showcase the sound of the New York scene and collaborate with legends of the punk rock community. Casa Gogol first started as a touring series curated by Hütz, focusing on bringing like-minded artists on the road with Gogol Bordello. 

    Casa Gogol released a cover collaboration on November 27, with Gogol Bordello and Bernard Summer of Angelic Upstarts’, “Solidarity”, to honor tribute to the anti-soviet movement to benefit Ukraine and stand in solidarity with oppressed groups worldwide. Aiming to provide proceeds to Ukrainian soldiers recovery, aid children affected, support needed medical supplies and provide other resources.

    “This is a particularly meaningful collaboration for us. To do this tribute with one of the most masterful and brilliant pioneers, Bernard Sumner, is truly epic and timely.”

    – Eugene Hütz

    “Solidarity” uses powerful lyrics that is upbeat, influential and highlights the importance of Ukraine while they sing, “As the people of Ukraine take their stance, and behind them, every honest living man.” They chant, “Give them hope, give them strength and give them light,” to tribute and bring peace to the people of Ukraine. A strong backbeat sews the song together with violin, guitar, and synthesized sounds on the keyboard that pulls punk and rock into a moving tune.

  • Billy Joel Exhibit Opens In Long Island, Fans Overjoyed

    The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) has officially opened its long-anticipated exhibit—‘Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey.’ This exhibit is the first of its kind, as it is dedicated exclusively to a LIMEHOF inductee. The attraction opened to the public on November 24 and had a strong opening weekend with eager visitors who flocked to visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

    This exclusive exhibit showcases over 50 years of Billy Joel’s most cherished items, which include rare memorabilia, behind-the-scenes video footage, dozens of awards, rare audio and video recordings, vintage instruments, and historic photos—many of which were donated by Billy Joel himself and have never before been displayed for public viewing. Billy Joel fans from near and far arrived to see the exhibit, which appeals to families and visitors of all ages.

    “It was a thrill to see a long line of eager fans at our opening,” said LIMEHOF Chairman Ernie Canadeo. “Over 500 fans of all ages, many from out of state, enjoyed the exhibit this past weekend, from families with young children to middle age and older adults. The smiles on everyone’s faces after they experienced the exhibit and the Hall of Fame was priceless.  Billy Joel truly touches people of all ages, and this exhibit is testament to his legacy as Long Island’s favorite entertainer.”

    ‘Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’ was created by renowned designer and LIMEHOF board member Kevin O’Callaghan, who designed the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame and this current exhibit to great acclaim.

    First in line were longtime Billy Joel fans, Joe and Jenn Mammina from Wading River.

    “Really well done,” said Jenn. “There’s a lot of stuff. It’s laid out great. You can get right up to it. We really enjoyed it.”

    Her husband, Joe, said he particularly enjoyed the interactive elements of the exhibit.

    “In each of the albums’ sections—starting from the early years to the later years—you put the headset on, and you can hear snippets of some of the songs, and it brought back memories from back in that time frame in our lives,” he said.

    Scott Wood, from North Carolina, visited New York to see Billy Joel perform at Madison Square Garden and stayed on to check out the opening of the exhibit.

    “It was fantastic,” Wood said afterward. “I saw in a news article recently that when Billy came through, he was pretty touched and said: ‘This is a lot more personal than I thought.’ And while I get it, there’s a huge gap between his personal and my personal. This was personal for all of his fans who came here, too. We’re reliving a lot of the memories he gave us over the years, and the things we were doing when those albums came out.” 

    As further proof that this event is an experience that genuinely appeals to all ages, Dan Bod and his family came from East Northport to see the exhibit. His eight-year-old son, Jared, said that he himself was thinking about learning to play the piano and was amazed by everything that was on display.

    “My favorite thing that I got to see was the screen with the spinning piano. I got to see lots of the concerts on the screen,” Jared said. 

    “The layout and all the items are just fantastic,” said Dan. “I loved to see The Hassles and the music kit and the drum kit and the organ—that’s fantastic. For the average fan, it’s definitely a learning experience and a walk down music history lane.”

    Marni Alexis Thomas, from Massachusetts, arrived at the exhibit where she showed off her license plate that reads ‘JOELFN’ after having seen him perform at Madison Square Garden.

    “I said: ‘I’ve got to be there the first day that it opens.’ He’s like the greatest show on Earth. Billy Joel rocks my world and soothes my soul,” Thomas said. Upon walking into the exhibit and seeing so many pictures of him, she joked: “This is like walking into my bedroom as a teenager.”

    This exhibit is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where families and visitors from all walks of life may experience Billy Joel’s life-spanning career—from his roots in Hicksville/Levittown through his albums, tours, inspirations, and personal experiences.

    LIMEHOF is open Wed-Sun 11am-6pm. Tickets are available for sale at here or may be purchased in person at LIMEHOF (97 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY). This is a timed entry exhibit, so tickets will be sold by time block availability. There is also the option to purchase VIP ’any time‘ tickets—which may be presented at any time for the duration of the exhibit.

    For more information about LIMEHOF and ‘Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey,’ visit this website.

  • Northlands Music & Arts Festival Announces Initial Lineup Featuring Goose and More

    Northlands Music & Arts Festival has announced the initial lineup for the third annual installment, taking place June 14-15, 2024, in Swanzey, NH.

    The 2024 Northlands Music & Arts Festival lineup boasts a wide array of talent, featuring internationally acclaimed touring ensembles. the festival will again feature nonstop music on two adjacent stages facing a massive concert ground, as well as some of the region’s top acts on a bustling campground stage. Those camping onsite will be treated to late-night silent disco performances, with music going into the early morning.

    Northlands 2024 will include indie-jam sensation Goose, the rustic harmonies of Greensky Bluegrass, and jam band icons moe. Further adding to the roster are Krasno & Friends, Mihali, Sierra Hull, Dopapod, Spafford, TAUK, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, and Magic Beans. The festival once again welcomes the all-star, all-female group Super Sonic Shorties, led by Nikki Glaspie. Other special guests include Kanika Moore (artist at large), Jennifer Hartswick, and Natalie Cressman.

    Additional main stage artists and 15+ emerging regional acts set to light up the Campground Stage will be announced in early 2024.

    Northlands continues to lead the way in sustainability, committed to the adage “Enjoy Life. Do Good”. Following the elimination of single-use plastics in 2023 and the introduction of industry-leading recycling and composting programs, the festival will continue to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

    As we enter our 3rd year, we’ve fine-tuned our approach based on what our patrons value most. The growth and connection within the Northlands community is truly inspiring. We couldn’t be more excited to share this year’s spectacular lineup, enhanced camping options, and further our commitment to sustainability. As always, our lineup proudly features many talented women, and we eagerly anticipate the magic they, alongside all of our performers, will bring to the festival.

    festival co-producer Jen Meyerhardt.

    Tickets go on sale on December 1 at 12 PM ET. Options include General Admission, Car Camping, powered and unpowered RV Camping, Family Camping, and VIP experiences, with a new VIP Glamping experience, providing an elevated camping experience.

    THE INITIAL NORTHLANDS 2024 LINEUP

    Goose 

    Greensky Bluegrass

    moe.

    Eric Krasno and Friends

    Mihali

    Sierra Hull

    Dopapod

    Spafford

    TAUK

    Super Sonic Shorties

    Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad

    Kanika Moore (artist at large)

    Magic Beans

    The Psycodelics

    Special Guests: Jennifer Hartswick, Natalie Cressman, Nikki Glaspie