NYS Music 2023

Category: News

  • Buffalo’s Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration Shares Official Lineup For 7th Annual Event

    Buffalo has always been an incredible summer-music hub of the New York area, and this year is no different, as the Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration is raring to go for its 7th year. The event is set to return on August 27th at the historic grounds of the Buffalo Central Terminal with special curated performances from an immensely diverse and lively lineup along with festivities for all ages.

    The celebration will kick off at 2:00 PM with an intimate Happy Hour where participants can choose to enjoy live DJ sets, live podcasts, and drink specials. Everyone from cocktail-desiring adults to fun-loving children are welcome as the hour-long special will also be featuring a newly added Family Fun Zone. Led by the Explore & More Children’s Museum, the interactive add-on will include balloon making, face painting, caricature drawing, and more for everyone to enjoy.

    When it comes to the live performances of Beau Fleuve, music lovers will not be disappointed as the lineup includes countless acts from diverse genres and styles. Legendary DJ Ted Smooth, also known as “The King of The Remix,” will make an appearance to perform a stunning tribute set to the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop being celebrated this year. Alongside the NYC disk jockey are performances from Boston R&B singer CD Rose, national touring Pop duo Super American, and even Buffalo’s own American Idol Season 21 top 20 contender Matt Wilson.

    These performers are only the start as many others are raring to take the stage, yet the celebration will not stop there as the Arts Celebration attendees will be able to enjoy and interact with several partnered Art Instalations. Featured displays will include work from fashion designer Billie Essco, graffiti artist Vinny Alejandro, and many more. On top of all the interactions and entertainment, the celebration will reintroduce the fan favorite Silent Disco to the community along with numerous feasting options of food trucks and vendors.

    Beau Fleuve is an inclusive celebration like no other, celebrating diversity through the arts to build bridges throughout the community, and families of all shapes and sizes will not want to miss out.

    Performing Live

    • National Touring Slacker Pop Duo SUPER AMERICAN
    • Buffalo’s own & featured on AMERICAN IDOL’S Season 21 as a Top 20 Contender MATT WILSON
    • Rising Hip Hop Goddess CHE NOIR, from BOSTON– R&B Singer CD ROSE
    • Grace Greenan
    • Free Music Party
    • Farrow
    • Inner City Bedlam
    • Underrated Evolution
    • Jon Jon
    • Kota Sovia
    • Leale
    • Spacebound
    • Dom Brown
    • G Premacy
    • OG Sole
    • Skillie Vanillie
    • Backpack Mafia

    Speciality Curated Performances

    ~ Beau Fleuve Exclusive.  Return to the stage in celebration of renowned artist EDREYS WAJED which will feature a remedy of his song from his days as a Buffalo Hip Hop Pioneer Billy Drease Williams infused with an Art experience. 

    ~ FROM NYC, LEGENDARY deejay TED SMOOTH aka “The King of The Remix” will be rocking the crowd with a tribute to “CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF HIP HOP”

    ~ DJ AVEE & FRIENDS featuring sensational Bachata & Merenge Tipico BAND LIGHT and more.

    ~ DPONDRUMS JAM SESSION & Producer TONEY BOI’S LIVE MIXTAPE will provide a unique and interactive flare to this year’s celebration.

    ~ Bringing you a Live on Stage Podcast – The Wellness Bestie, Entrepreneur, and Favorite Virgo HEAL HOT GIRL PODCAST

    DJ Sets

    by DJ P, DJ RUPTION, DJ UNK, JAY GETS BUSY, JOEY BAMBINO, DJ MANNIE FRESH, & MORE

    The Arts

    “CAFÉ“ curated by artist & fashion designer BILLIE ESSCO will have a café inspired set design featuring his iconic CAFÉ clothing brand, Sponsored by Burchfield Penney Art Center

    “LIBERTY PAINT SPLASH SET” curated by MANDELA HUFF will feature a messy painted library book wall with live photoshoot with a few models I’ll invite involving colored power/ powder bombs and paint. Sponsored by The Buffalo Central Terminal

    “DENIM WALL” curated by NEKEA BROWN will feature her sought-after Denim Wall with a picnic twist full of the things that make the Beau Fleuve Music Festival special, lots of summer colors, love, diversity, and something that brings everyone together. Picnics have always been a great way to bring in different groups of people to share food and listen to music. Sponsored by The Buffalo Central Terminal 

    “WELCOME” curated by VINNY ALEJANDRO will feature a graffiti-inspired Beau Fleuve Welcome sign for guests to take their selfies and family photos. Sponsored by The Buffalo Central Terminal 

    Exhibiting Artists will include XOJOITA NEESE RICH CONNER CHADDERDON ROZ PAINTED IT, FREDZDAARTIST CARGO SANTANA CASHIS GREEN HOOLY KYLIE PRISCILLA SHANTELLE PATTON PHIL BROWN CAMERON OSBORNE & MORE.

    Other Events

    THURSDAY NIGHT AUGUST 24

    The Celebration Weekend Kicks off with some laughs for the “LAUGH ALIL COMEDY SHOW” with National Touring Comedian and Member of Kevin Hart’s Plastic Cup Boyz SPANK HORTON. This will be held at the Kavinoky Theatre starting at 7 pm. Tickets range between $22-$24, available on Ticket Tailor.

    FRIDAY EVENING AUGUST 25

    The Beau Fleuve VIP RECEPTION will celebrate and honor various community stakeholders in the fields of Music, Arts, Education, and Community. This will be from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 pm at Deco Buffalo, free.

    SATURDAY NIGHT AUGUST 26

    The Beau Fleuve Softball Classic, the most anticipated bragging rights event of the year, comes to the Dobson Field starting at 6 p.m.

  • Barry Manilow Gives Music Award to Oneida High School Teacher

    Local Oneida teacher Heather O’Connell has been awarded the prestigious Music Teacher Award from the one and only Barry Manilow for her work as an excellent music teacher.

    Barry Manilow attends the Clive Davis Gallery Ribbon Cutting at New York University on April 05, 2022, in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images).

    Heather O’Connell has won the Manilow Music Teacher Award for her work as a music teacher at Oneida High School along with $10,000, which consists of $5,000 cash and another $5,000 in “Manilow bucks” to purchase musical instruments for her school’s music program. The Manilow Music Project Teacher Award recognizes an “outstanding music teacher who helps bring music to life for their students,” stated Turning Stone. The Manilow Music Project has given away over 10 million dollars worth of funds and musical instrument donations.

    “I am so humbled and so honored to have won this award to give me the opportunity to help so many students,” said O’Connell. “The $5,000 instrument money is going to my colleagues to purchase instruments for the students, and the other $5,000 is going directly back to the students at the high school. We have a beautiful community outreach program here in our school that I can help to feed and clothe and help kids in our community.”

    O’Connell received several nominations from Turning Stone employees, who helped nominate deserving music teachers in the area. The Manilow Music Project then selected ten finalists, opening up voting online to name the winner. Turning Stone Bingo Supervisor Dezaire Collins was one of those employees who nominated O’Connell.

    “Honestly, [Mrs. O’Connell] was the first person I thought of; she is truly an amazing teacher,” said Collins. “Now that I’m a parent and think back to the joy she brought to my life in music, and now she’s giving it to my kids as well. It’s quite amazing the impact she’s made in our district over these past 30 years.”

    Heather O’Connell.

    Barry Manilow performed on Aug. 19 at Turning Stone, where O’Connell received VIP tickets. Manilow also presented her with the award at a backstage ceremony during the concert. 

    “It is wonderful to partner with our concert venues to identify schools and music teachers in their neighborhoods that deserve this small token of my gratitude, said Manilow. “Many school music programs have either been terminated, or their funds have been severely depleted. I always want to do my part through The Manilow Music Project to keep music in schools.

    https://youtu.be/eW0ut8UVZDg?feature=shared

  • Dogstar To Perform In Brooklyn Ahead Of Upcoming Album

    Rock outfit Dogstar have announced that they will be stopping in Brooklyn as part of the tour for their upcoming album Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees, the group’s first project in over 20 years. Dogstar is made up of Bret Domrose (guitar/vocals), Robert Mailhouse (drums), and notably, Keanu Reeves (bass). The band is set to perform at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on December 11.

    Founded in Los Angeles during the 90s, the group started to formulate their alt-rock sound with garage jam sessions. In 1994 Dogstar would depart on an extensive tour and a year later the collective opened for David Bowie. The band released just two albums together, Our Little Visionary in 1996 and Happy Ending in 2000. Due to the members’ other professional and artistic commitments, the group grew apart, last performing in 2002. However, Dogstar returned this year with the single “Everything Turns Around” off their upcoming album. 

    We are so excited to re-introduce Dogstar with our new single ‘Everything Turns Around.’ It feels like a fun summer song to us.

    In addition to “Everything Turns Around” the group recently released “Breach” off of Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees. Made for the summer, both of the albums’ singles channel the Southern California energy that the band has become synonymous with. Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees is slated to drop on October 6. 

    Dogstar’s upcoming tour includes over 25 dates and stretches from each coast of the United States. The tour started on August 10 and runs until December 21. In addition to their American performances, the group also has three shows scheduled in Japan. Click here for tickets and more information.

    Dogstar Tour Dates

    8-22 Napa, CA – Uptown Theatre

    8-23 Menlo Park, CA – The Guild Theatre

    8-24 San Luis Obispo, CA – Fremont Theater

    8-26 Ventura, CA – Ventura Music Hall

    8-27 Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up

    8-28 Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory

    9-05 Osaka, Japan – Zepp Namba

    9-06 Yokohama, Japan – KT Zepp

    9-07 Yokohama, Japan – KT Zepp

    11-30 Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour

    12-03 San Francisco, CA – The Great American Music Hall

    12-05 Sacramento, CA – Crest Theatre

    12-07 Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall

    12-08 Detroit, MI – The Majestic Theatre

    12-09 Toronto, Ontario – Lee’s Palace

    12-11 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg

    12-12 Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club

    12-14 Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts

    12-15 Washington, D.C. – The Howard Theatre

    12-16 Norfolk, VA – The NorVa

    12-18 Charlotte, NC – The Underground

    12-19 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage

    12-20 Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl

  • 8th Annual Binghamton Porchfest Strikes a Chord on the West Side

    Residents of Binghamton’s West Side neighborhood are mowing their lawns and moistening their reeds in anticipation of Binghamton Porchfest 2023, back for an eighth year next Sunday, August 27, from noon to 7 p.m.

    binghamton Porchfest

    Porchfest invites thousands of community members each summer for a free afternoon of live music performed from the residential porches, stoops, and yards of the Abel Bennett Historic Tract. The 2023 festival features 162 local and regional bands performing at 63 host locations, showcasing folk music alongside hip-hop, worship music next door to heavy metal, high schoolers covering Lou Reed, retirees singing Beyonce, classical, jazz, opera, country, and punk.

    Food vendors and restroom locations dot the neighborhood and a free shuttle traverses the perimeter of the roughly quarter square mile festival footprint, defined by the rough borders of Riverside Drive, Chestnut Street, Recreation Park, and Beethoven Street. Most roads will be closed to traffic, with free golf cart shuttles offering rides where traffic is prohibited. Lourdes Hospital is offering free parking in their back lot at the end of Lourdes Road. Cans collected during the festival will benefit fundraising efforts for the Danielle House.

    binghamton Porchfest

    Like the many other Porchfests operating independently throughout the country, Binghamton Porchfest is modeled after a DIY community festival hosted by the residents of Ithaca since 2007.

    binghamton Porchfest

    Binghamton Porchfest 2023 comes to life with the support of the City of Binghamton and Mayor Jared Kraham, Cavanaugh’s Grocery, Visions FederalCredit Union, and the generosity of many community sponsors and donors. This event is made possible with public funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by The Earlville Opera House. Additional support for the Broome SCR Program graciously provided by the Stewart W. and Willma C. Hoyt Foundation, Inc.

    More information – including band bios, and map – is available at binghamtonporchfest.com. 

  • Disco Biscuits Announce New Years Run, Shows in Times Square, Philadelphia

    The Disco Biscuits will welcome the arrival of 2024 in the City of Brotherly Love, with a stop in Times Square at an old stomping grounds under a new name.

    disco biscuits times square

    On Thursday, December 28, the Palladium Times Square (formerly known as Playstation Theater, Best Buy Theater and Nokia Theatre Times Square) will host the Disco Biscuits for a lone late-night show in the Big Apple, their first since December 31, 2019, which was the final show at the then-Playstation Theater.

    Following a night off on the 29th, Disco Biscuits will head down I-95 to their homebase of Philadelphia for two nights at Franklin Music Hall, with Neighbor opening up the night on December 30th.

    An artist pre-sale period begins on Wednesday, August 23rd at 10am ET with password: WHYWEDANCE.

    VIP Packages for the two Philadelphia shows will be available as part of the pre-sale and on-sale.

    Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, August 25th at 10am ET at discobiscuits.com.

    Disco Biscuits Fall 2023 Tour Dates

    September 15 – Austin, TX – Far Out Lounge and Stage *
    September 16 – Austin, TX – Far Out Lounge and Stage ^
    September 20 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
    September 21 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre ^
    September 22 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater “
    September 23 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue Theatre
    September 24 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
    October 6-7 – Lafayette, NY – BISCOLAND
    October 24 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground +
    October 25 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Hall
    October 26 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
    October 27 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
    October 28 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
    December 28 – New York, NY – Palladium Times Square
    December 30 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall !
    December 31 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall

    * w/ TAUK Moore (TAUK ft. Kanika Moore)
    ^ w/ Sunsquabi
    ” w/ Steez
    + w/ Lazy Bird
    ! w/ Neighbor

  • Shauna Quill Steps Down as Executive Director of the New York Youth Symphony

    Shauna Quill, the Executive Director of the New York Youth Symphony (NYYS), will be leaving the organization on Oct. 3, 2023, after 12 years of experience. This comes after her announcement that she will be joining Music Academy in Santa Barbara, CA as their newest President and CEO.

    Photo via NYYS website

    Over the past 12 years with the NYYS, Quill has helped the organization reach new heights and launch projects across the New York community. When it comes to some of her accomplishments, some of the highlights include guiding the organization to receive a Grammy Award for Best Orchestral Performance for its first professional recording, creating international touring programs, and theater involvement groups for NYC kids.

    Building the NYC music partnerships and communities served as a major goal for Quill in her time with NYYS, joining forces with Interlochen Center for the Arts, Harmony Program, Harlem School of the Arts, and Orchestra of St. Luke’s, raising national attention for the organization.

    Alongside the national recognition came appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, boosting NYYS and its following.


    Over the past 12 years, the students, staff, trustees, and parents have become a huge part of my life and working with them all to inspire and educate our young musicians has been a true honor.

    – Shauna Quill

    Founded in 1963, the New York Youth Symphony has been the music hub for over music 7,000 students, giving them the opportunities to sharpen their craft while also performing at major venues such as Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center.

    As for Quill’s departure, the NYYS Board of Trustees has started the search process for a new Executive Director, working with a search firm, The Catherine French Group, to make this happen.

    William Kapell, Board President of NYYS, believes that Quill will continue to hit amazing strides as her career progresses, stating that he has “no doubt that she will bring the same focus and creativity to her next endeavors.”

    NYYS on CBS Sunday Morning

  • Lake George Presents A Graphic Design Retrospective Ahead of Annual ‘Jazz at the Lake’

    The Lake George Arts Project is set to present a Courthouse Gallery exhibition titled “Jazz at the Lake: A Graphic Design Retrospective” in honor of the community’s annual event “Jazz at the Lake.” The display will be open to viewers for an entire month beginning on Aug. 23 and ending on Sept. 23.

    Jazz at the Lake is an annual event held by Lake George’s Art Project that brings some of the most incredible talent in jazz right to Shepard Park. The weekend has been a staple of Lake George’s community for over forty years, striving to bring unity and culture to the New York town. This year, the jazz performances will be held from Sept. 15-17.

    In anticipation of the arrival of the musicians and as a way to honor the legacy of “Jazz at the Lake,” the Lake George Arts Project will showcase the evolution of the imagery that has complemented the weekend since 2009. The design firm, Gruskin Creative, which has provided ample support and visuals for the jazz extravaganza for the past fifteen years has created beautiful images that layer the picturesqueness of Lake George with a visual representation of the mood of jazz. “Jazz at the Lake: A Graphic Design Retrospective” will also honor the vision of Paul Pines, Jazz at the Lake founder and artistic director from 1984 until 2018.

    A Gallery Reception for the exhibit will also be held on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM to kick off the weekend!

  • Troy Savings Bank Music Hall To Debut New Event ‘Kaleidescape’

    The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall will unveil a brand new event, Kaleidescape: A Sonic Journey, on October 14. The event will feature over 15 artists and is set to be a musical experience unlike anything the venue has ever hosted before. The venue has commissioned seven artists to create an original piece of work that will debut at Kaleidescape.

    Originally part of a historic bank, the Music Hall has become an artistic staple in Troy and the surrounding area. The Music Hall will serve as the central artistic inspiration for the new pieces of music . The mission of Kaleidescape is to celebrate the local musicians and fans who have helped to support Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. 

    Curated by Organ Colossal, Kaleidoscope will feature performances from Buggy Jive, Sara Ayers, Ohzhe, Zan and the Winter Folk, Sam Torres, and composer Patrick Burke. The event will also include multiple special guests like Julia Alsarraf and Girl Blue. 

    Kaleidescape will continue the venue’s mission of keeping music open and accessible. To ensure that cost is not a barrier, the organization has announced that there will be a limited number of free tickets. The Troy Redevelopment Foundation is sponsoring the Community Ticket Bank. To inquire or reserve these tickets contact Troy Savings Bank Music Hall by email, by phone at (518) 273-0038, or by visiting the box office.

    Click here for a full list of performers, and visit here for paid tickets and more information.

  • Love In Exile Set For NYC Debut At The Town Hall

    World Music Institute recently announced that Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad Ismaily will be stopping at The Town Hall in Manhattan on September 14. The event will be a performance of the group’s self-titled 2023 album titled Love In Exile. Together, the trio concoct mesmerizing music by incorporating sonic elements from around the world. 

     Brooklyn-based vocalist Arooj Aftab burst onto the scene with her captivating debut project Bird Under Water in 2015. Since then, the Pakistan-born artist has been making waves for her alluring voice and varied musical range. With Love In Exile, Aftab partnered with esteemed pianist Vijay Iyer and instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily to create a project unlike many others. 

    Jazz and South Asian traditions help to influence the sound of Love In Exile. Despite the album’s footing, it is a swirling and genreless piece of music. The project is as eerie as it is entrancing, and is truly a unique listening experience. As a group Love In Exile aims to deliver a spellbinding live show. The trio dips into the improvisatory soul of jazz and the Urdu poetic tradition to create a performance full of “timeless beauty and sudden surprise”. 

    What Is World Music Institute?

    World Music Institute was founded in 1985 and has long stood as one of the pillars of American music and dance. The non-profit looks to bring the best music from around the world to venues throughout New York City. WMI attempts to foster awareness and appreciation for the cultural traditions of people across the globe through performances and conversations. The New York State Council on the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs partially support the program.

    Kalia Vandever, a Brooklyn trombonist and composer, will open the show. Vanderver’s nuanced approach to the trombone is distinctive and defined by her resounding tone and lyrical improvisational voice. We Fell In Turn, her debut solo album,  released back in March and featured works for trombone, voice, and electronics. 

    Here for tickets and more information about Love in Exile. 

  • Alejandro Fernández Will Donate Portions of Proceeds From Upcoming Hulu Theater Performance to NY Immigrant Coalition

    Mexican music icon Alejandro Fernández has pledged support for the New York Immigration Coalition, announcing that he will donate portions of proceeds from his upcoming performance at Hulu Theater at MSG to the organization.

    Alejandro Fernández

    “To our Latino community and families in New York, my heart is with you…you are a part of all of us. I can only imagine how hard these times are as you seek a safe place for you and your families in a foreign land. You have my support wherever you are.” says Fernández.

    New York has seen the arrival of over a 100,000 asylum seekers and migrants in search of safety and opportunity in 2023. While some have been able to start their lives, many more are struggling with housing shelter challenges that include inadequate facilities or food, and the difficulties of working. The New York Immigration Coalition has been chosen as the recipient of these funds given their long-standing role advocating on behalf of immigrant New Yorkers and their response efforts to help welcome these families.  

    Alejandro Fernández, son of the legendary Vicente Fernández, rose to global fame with his unique take on Mexican music. He is known for his records that speak of hard emotional truths. surprising his fanbase with his musical versatility in different genres. He is a 2x Latin GRAMMY winner and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He has a long history of helping others through his music and shows. In 2023, he pledged his support for the “Friends of the Latino Museum” and their efforts to secure a spot on the National Mall in Washington D.C. for the planned National Museum of the American Latino. His 2021 US tour raised over $100,000 for “Families Belong Together” to unite immigrant parents and children separated at the US border.

    In 2020, he launched (along with a coalition of artists) the “Vota Por Nosotros” (Vote For Us) get-out-the-vote campaign, encouraging Latino voters to vote. The same year, he joined Mana’s Fher Olvera as the face of the “We Are Home” campaign calling for a fair and dignified immigration policy for the millions of Latino immigrants living in the US and again with Dr. Anthony Fauci in a call for the US Latino population to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. 

    Photo credit Chino Lemus.

    Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition said, “We are immensely grateful to Alejandro Fernández for his generosity in uplifting the needs of New York’s newest arrivals to a global audience. His humanitarian action unites Latinos across continents, as well as recognizes the challenges faced by all those fleeing violence and persecution in search of safety. His support and the matching contribution from Live Nation will ensure that the New York Immigration Coalition can continue to advocate for and serve the needs of asylum seekers and all immigrants in New York City and across the state.”

    Live Nation will match Fernández’s donation when he performs at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 14, 2023 on his Amor y Patria tour. Tickets are available here.