Category: News

  • 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.

  • Metal Icons MESHUGGAH To Perform In NY and NJ

    The Swedish band, MESHUGGAH will be returning to North America for a three-week long tour this Fall. The metal icons will make a stop at the Long Island stage The Paramount on December 8th and The Wellmont Theater of New Jersey on December 10th.

    The tour will commence on November 21st in San Diego, California, leading the metal-heads throughout the states making stops in Canada along the way. These performances mark the first time the band has played on Canadian soil in over five years.

    The three-week trek follows the release of MESHUGGAH’s full-length ninth studio album, Immutable dropped earlier this year. Support throughout the tour will be provided by the Swedish heavy metal band In Flames along with Whitechapel, the American death core band from Tennessee. Additionally, during the final performance in Laval, Quebec, the three acts will be joined by Voivod.

    Fans are now able to purchase tickets for the metal packed shows through Citi and Artist. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general sales beginning on July 14th at livenation.com.

    MESHUGGAH 2023 North American Tour

    11/21/2023 SOMA – San Diego, CA

    11/22/2023 Hard Rock Live Sacramento – Wheatland, CA

    11/24/2023 Paramount Theatre – Seattle, WA

    11/25/2023 Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre – Vancouver, BC

    11/27/2023 Midway Music Hall – Edmonton, AB

    11/28/2023 Grey Eagle Event Centre – Calgary, AB

    11/30/2023 Burton Cummings Theatre – Winnipeg, MB

    12/01/2023 The Fillmore Minneapolis presented by Affinity Plus – Minneapolis, MN

    12/02/2023 The Sylvee – Madison, WI

    12/03/2023 GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Grand Rapids, MI

    12/05/2023 The Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana – Gary, IN

    12/06/2023 The Andrew J Brady Music Center – Cincinnati, OH

    12/08/2023 The Paramount – Huntington, NY

    12/09/2023 MGM Music Hall at Fenway – Boston, MA

    12/10/2023 The Wellmont Theater – Montclair, NJ

    12/12/2023 Toyota Oakdale Theater – Wallingford, CT

    12/14/2023 Wind Creek Event Center – Bethlehem, PA

    12/15/2023 HISTORY – Toronto, ON

    12/16/2023 Place Bell – Laval, QC – w/ Voivod

  • Joe Bonamassa Releases “Well, I Done Got Over It” Ahead Of Upcoming October Album

    Legendary blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa recently released a new song titled “Well, I Done Got Over It”. The track was originally released by Guitar Slim back in 1953. Bonamassa’s rendition is part of his upcoming Oct. 6 album Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. The project comes 20 years after the New York native’s breakthrough album Blues Deluxe. 

    Joe Bonamassa Color and Shape
    Photo Credit: Robert Sutton

    “Well, I Done Got Over It’ is a high-energy tune that perfectly captures all of the attitude and groove of classic blues-rock songs. Packed with the rich sounds of horns and capped off with an impressive guitar solo, the track showcases every ounce of Bonamassa’s artistic ability. 

    “My father introduced me to Guitar Slim a long time ago, back when I was a kid… He has such a velvety smooth voice, and he had such a way of delivering a song. We did a very British take on this Guitar Slim song, it’s like the Blues Breakers meets Guitar Slim meets Joe Bonamassa, Josh Smith and company”

    Joe Bonamassa

    Born in New Hartford but raised in Utica, Bonamassa discovered music at an early age. By the time he was 12, Bonamassa was traveling around the state playing various local shows. The guitarist made a name for himself off of debut 2000 album A New Day Yesterday, which reached the #9 spot Billboard Blues chart. From 2002-06 Bonamassa had five albums reach the Blues Top 10, including his 2003 effort Blues Deluxe

    Bonamassa’s new project will see the Grammy-nominated artist return to some of his original sources of inspiration. Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 features two new original songs as well as eight new covers. The album also gets contributions from Reese Wynans (keys), Calvin Turner (bass), Lamar Carter (drums), Kirk Fletcher (guitar), and Josh Smith (guitar). 

    “Well, I Done Got Over It” follows the release of the album’s previous single “Twenty-Four Hour Blues” which dropped back in June. The song is a rip-roaring interpretation of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s classic song which was released in 1974. Bonamassa’s version includes an inspired and passionate vocal and guitar performance. 

    “The outro guitar solo is incredible… It happened live on the floor and has some deep lines you’ve probably never heard Joe play before. The band is absolutely smoking, and Calvin Turner did an incredible String and Horn arrangement. Super proud of this one”

    Guitarist Josh Smith

    Bonamassa has a slew of performance dates during the Summer and Fall. Stops in New York include shows at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. 

    Here for album pre-orders and details. Check out here for tour tickets and additional information. 

    Summer 2023 U.S. Tour

    August 2 – Vina Robles Amphitheatre – Paso Robles, CA

    August 4 – The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV

    August 5 – Eccles Theater – Salt Lake City, UT

    August 6 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO

    August 9 – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA^

    August 12 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY

    August 13 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – Bethel, NY

    Fall 2023 U.S. Tour

    October 23 – Memphis, TN – The Cannon Center                                                   

    October 25 – Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

    October 27 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre                                          

    October 28 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre At Sugar Land

    October 29 – Austin, TX – ACL Live

    November 1 – Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center                                  

    November 3 – Little Rock, AR – Robinson Performance Hall                               

    November 4 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre

    November 5 – Oklahoma City, OK – Civic Center Music Hall

    November 8 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater

    November 10 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre

    November 11 – St. Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox

    November 12 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Paramount Theatre

    November 14 – Rochester, MN – Mayo Civic Center        

    November 15 – Rockford, IL – Coronado Performing Arts Center

    November 17 – Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre

    November 18 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre

    November 19 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre

    November 21 – Reading, PA – The Santander Performing Arts Center

    November 22 – Providence, RI – Providence Performance Arts Center

    November 24 – Springfield, MA – Symphony Hall

    November 25 – Baltimore, MD – The Lyric

    November 28 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre

    November 30 – Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

    December 1 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena

    December 2 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live

  • Brunswick Showcases Local Artists With Summer Concert Series

    The Brunswick Summer Concert Series is back for its 23rd season. The performances are held on each Tuesday at the Brunswick Community Center from June 27 to September 5. 

    With concerts scheduled to run 6:30-8:00 PM, the community center’s vast lawn provides a perfect backdrop for summer evenings. In addition to live music there will also be food trucks and other refreshments available. 

    The Brunswick Summer Concert Series looks to provide guests with quality music from all different kinds of genres. This year’s lineup features acts from all over the region. Local standouts include New York’s favorite horn band The Refrigerators, Celtic-rock outfit Get Up Jack, as well as country-rock group Whiskey Highway. 

    Located northeast of Albany, Brunswick has a long and storied history. The town’s first inhabitants settled in the early 18th century and were originally considered to be part of Troy. Positioned near the Hudson River, Brunswick and its neighboring towns became stopping points during the Revolutionary War. Famed American writer Herman Melville was a school teacher in the town during the mid 1800s. 

    Concerts are free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and/or blankets. Here for more details and information. 

    Summer Lineup

    6/27                      The Refrigerators- Funk/ R&B/Rock

    7/11                       The Tichy Boys- Country/Rokabilly

    7/18                       The Lustre Kings- Country/Rokabilly

    7/25                       Big Fez and The Surfmatics- Surf and Beach Music

    8/1                         Harmony Rocks- One Hit Wonders

    8/8                        Get Up Jack- Celtic / Americana

    8/15                     The Hammerhead Horns- Roots, Ragtime and Blues

    8/22                     The Oldies Show- Oldies from the 50’s & 60’s

    8/29                      Whiskey Highway- Country

    9/5                       The Kyle Bourgault Band- Country

  • Binghamton’s Concerts In Every Corner To Feature The Empire Saxophone Quartet

    The Binghamton Philharmonic is set to kick off its free summer concert series, Concerts in Every Corner with four beautiful and unique performances by the Empire Saxophone Quartet. The series will begin on July 20th at 11:20 AM with performances by the quartet stretching into the 21st.

    The Binghamton Philharmonic is no stranger to introducing their community to rich and tasteful music as the group presents an annual series of classical, pops, and chamber music concerts in Downtown Binghamton and throughout Broome County. Concerts in Every Corner will feature the Quartet in four locations throughout the city including the Ross Park Zoo, Columbus Park, Cheri A. Lindsey Memorial Park, and Fairview Park.

    Bringing home the Empire Saxophone Quartet is quite the treat for the orchestra as the chamber music ensemble has a repertoire that includes classics from the Renaissance Era through the 21st century as well as pop, jazz, and ragtime selections. Their diverse musical abilities and delightful performances have astonished audiences for years and Binghamton should be prepared for nothing less. The quartet was originally founded by April Lucas who is now joined by saxophonists Daniel Miller, Crystal Fisher, and Nicole Mushalla.

    The concerts will be a family-friendly mix of jazz, pops, and contemporary classics suited and welcome to all ages, so come and celebrate the summer through the sweet sounds of music.

    Concerts in Every Corner

    July 20, 2023:

    • 11:20am: Ross Park Zoo, 60 Morgan Road, Binghamton
    • 12:30pm: Columbus Park, 26 Columbus Park East, Binghamton

    July 21, 2023:

    • 11:20am: Cheri A. Lindsey Memorial Park, 1 Truesdell Street, Binghamton
    • 12:30pm:  Fairview Park, 58 Fairview Avenue, Binghamton
  • The Brooklyn Mirage Hosts Zamna Festival

    The upcoming Zamna Festival on Saturday, August 5th at The Brooklyn Mirage is where the jungle meets lasers, and raves meet paradise. A one-of-a-kind outdoor venue in East Williamsburg, The Brooklyn Mirage will be transformed into an immersive experience, Zamna’s signature oasis of electronic music, art, and culture.

    Since its beginnings in 2017, Zamna Festival has since become an epicenter of electronic music. What EDM.com called “Tulum’s premier dance music experience,” Zamna draws tens of thousands of attendees from more than 110 countries around the world every year. Now, Zamna will debut their bears for their very first New York City, bringing the spirit of Tulum to Brooklyn with a complete venue takeover of The Brooklyn Mirage.

    Performers include Calussa, GHEIST, Giolo & Assia, Henri Bergmann, Magit Cacoon, Massano, Øostil, Recondite, Stephan Jolk, TACHES, The Element, and Toto Chiavetta.

    The Brooklyn Mirage prominently boasts a state-of-the-art KV2 sound system in addition to stellar three-dimensional video projection mapping technology. Part of the Avant Gardner complex, the multifaceted events space was nominated for ‘Best Club’ in the 2019 International Dance Music Awards. Forbes says “World-renowned venue The Brooklyn Mirage delivers some of the world’s hottest talent such as Kaskade, Zedd, Alesso, Charlotte de Witte, Dillon Francis, Tae of Us, Adam Beyer, Excision and Fisher.”

    For tickets and more information, visit the Zamna Festival website.

  • Concerts On The Waterfront Returns To Sackets Harbor

    The Sackets Harbor Historical Society recently announced its Concerts on the Waterfront Series. The performances will take place each Sunday from June 25 to September 3 and are free to the public. With its lakeview and beautiful scenery, Sackets Harbor Battlefield will host each of the concerts. 

    Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Sackets Harbor has long been associated with its military roots. The town became the Great Lakes headquarters for the United States during the War of 1812. Rich with history, Sackets Harbor celebrates its 39th season of music with this year’s Concerts on the Waterfront. 

    Visitors are recommended to bring their own picnic blanket or lawn chairs. More details and information can be found here

    Concerts on the Waterfront Lineup

    July 16: Atlas 

    Atlas is an energetic group that plays everything from 80s hits to legendary soul and rock records. The group has opened for many prominent performers throughout its history, including Michael McDonald, Chaka Khan, Kool and the Gang, Patty LaBelle, and Earth, Wind and Fire.

    July 23: The Jess Novak Band

    Jess Novak is an immensely talented musician, who sings, writes, plays the fiddle and performs with powerful vocals. Along with Novak, the band is made up of Byron Cage, Anthony Saturno, Jabare McKinstry, and Gavin George. The Syracuse-based band performs pop, rock, and soul. 

    July 30: Letizia and the Z Band

    Letizia and the Z Band are a multidimensional group focusing on 40s classics, 50s rock, Motown, disco, and 90s techno. Letizia’s captivating voice pairs well with horns, a guitar, and alto and tenor saxophones.

    Aug 6: Hot Club of Saratoga

    Mant of the songs Hot Club of Saratoga performs were written or recorded by legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt. The band reflects his style while also expanding upon the “gypsy jazz” sound. 

    Aug 13: The Kim Pollard Band

    Kim Pollard is a Canadian songwriter and performer who has a diverse set of original music. Together with her band, Pollard infuses blues, jazz, and funk into powerful ballads and spirituals. 

    Aug 20: 10th Mountain Division Army Band

    The 10th Mountain Division Army Band is composed of 41 soldier-musicians, capable of performing in a variety of configurations, styles, and venues.

    Aug 27: The Large Flowerheads

    The Large Flowerheads channels the energy and sound of the 1960s. Their repertoire includes songs by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Sonny & Cher, Dusty Springfield, The Mamas & The Papas, The Monkees, and many more. 

    Sept 3: Maria DeSantis Orchestra 

    This legendary band features vocalists Keith Condon, Gary Branch, Michael Ranalli, and Maria DeSantis. The group is known for its signature big band sound which has been refined and perfected throughout the groups 70 year legacy.

  • Cortland Repertory Theatre (CRT) Announces Kid’s Show “The Emperor’s New Clothes”

    The Cortland Repertory Theatre (CRT) is proud to present the arrival of their annual Summer show for kids of all ages “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Selecting a different production each year, 2023’s show will be brought to life July 13-15 in the first-floor reception hall at the Little York Pavilion in Preble, NY.

    An adaptation by E. Gray Simons III from the story by Hans Christian Anderson, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” follows the story of the Emperor and events leading up to a Royal Fashion Show.

    Additionally, Syracuse director and actor Tanner Elfinger designs and directs the production, bringing along a talented CRT intern cast to the Cortland stage for the show.

    CRT’s performing intern company made a recent appearance in the production “Xanadu” and also plans to star in “The Wizard of Oz” later in their Summer schedule.

    The cast of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” features Aubrey Alvino, Mia Caslowitz, Jessica Cerreta, Michael Hartman, Breanna Lemerise, and Trevor Shingler.

    For the performance schedule, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” shows take place Thursday, July 13 at noon, Friday, July 14 at 10:00 AM and noon, and Saturday, July 15 at 10:00 AM.

    Tickets are available for purchase for $5.00 for those 13 and up and free for kids 12 and under by calling 800-427-6160 or by visiting the CRT Box Office at 24 Port Watson Street in Cortland.

    Tickets are also available through CortlandRep.org with ETIX, for a small additional charge.

  • Rochester Band Public Water Supply To Host Music, Fashion Event

    Alternative/Indie group Public Water Supply has announced an interactive music and fashion extravaganza, encouraging fans to participate in a red-carpet-style fashion show on July 22.

    Taking place at the Dawn Lipson Canalside Stage at the Rochester JCC as a part of their Summer concert series, Public Water Supply wants to create Upstate New York’s version of the Met Gala, complete with a red carpet event, creative outfits, and some of their tunes.

    Public Water Supply

    The red-carpet event starts at 6:00 pm on Saturday, July 22, as paparazzi and media interviews will welcome guests into the fashion show experience. In addition to this, the band will also release limited edition merchandise for the show which is available for purchase throughout the event.

    Lead singer Iggy Marino, and the rest of the band compiling Karis Gregory, Spencer Kornrich, Alex Brophy, and Tanner Kartes believe the fashion/music event will be a perfect opportunity for fans to express themselves while taking in some of their favorite PWS music.

    This event is all about self-expression. Bust out the vintage or come-as-you-are. Just let your outfit speak for itself…when the energy is right, the band loves to throw on a costume. So, now we want to see what our fans can bring in fashion form.”

    – Iggy Marino

    A pop-up shop, Little Shop of Hoarders will also be on-site so concert-goers may purchase extra accessories if needed.

    In between sets, judges will go around the venue to select the five best-dressed people. The judges will crown one individual “concert royalty” and the winner will have their photo taken for the cover of the band’s next single.

    Public Water Supply

    Expect PWS to perform much of their self-titled debut album, unreleased tracks, and some of their fan-favorite covers coming from Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, and many others.

    Tickets are $15 and available online and at the door. When it comes to weather cancellations, the event will go on as planned unless extreme weather takes place. Cancellations or any other changes in the schedule will be posted on the JCC website.

    Beer and wine will additionally be available for purchase.

  • Charles Dennis Teams Up with Spaghetti Eastern Music for Performance at Glasshouse Project

    Choreographer/performance artist Charles Dennis announced he is once again teaming with guitarist/composer Sal Cataldi (aka Spaghetti Eastern Music) for a three-hour performance of “Recycle Me” at Glasshouse Project in New Paltz on July 23 from 5:30-8:30 pm.

    “Recycle Me”

    “Recycle Me” imagines physical responses to the volume of plastic waste that is accumulating in our environment. Charles Dennis has collected plastic waste that has been consumed in his household and stored it for use in this performance. He physically interacts with the plastic and has choreographed a duet with it, building a sculpture of plastic garbage, creating a visual landscape that Dennis dances through. Accompanying the performance is a live musical score for solo electric guitar composed and performed by the acclaimed Spaghetti Eastern Music, the solo project of guitarist Sal Cataldi.

    Born and raised in NYC, Charles Dennis is an award-winning choreographer/performance and video artist. He co-founded the legendary New York City performance venue P.S. 122 in 1980. His work is interdisciplinary, including elements of dance, theater, visual art, and media, described by Dancemagazine as “physical theater.” His work has been presented in art centers, colleges, community centers, and theaters worldwide.

    Guitarist/composer Sal Cataldi (a.k.a. Spaghetti Eastern Music) has created an original score for solo electric guitar that will be played live to accompany the performance. The duo first collaborated on a reprise of Dennis’ well-known piece, “2x2x4” at the Avant-Garde-Arama Lands in Woodstock Festival of July 2021. Spaghetti Eastern Music’s recording of the three-movement scores of “2x2x4” was released in November 2021 on Bandcamp and other streaming services.

    Sal Cataldi (a.k.a. Spaghetti Eastern Music). photo by Tracy Yarad.

    “Recycle Me” is included in the “Present Continuous,” a unique summer festival of durational performance art works held over three, 24-hour sessions, a highlight of Upstate Art Weekend 2024 at Glasshouse Project in New Paltz. This program is free and open to the public with a suggested donation to support the artists. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP.