The SAMMYS (Syracuse Area Music Awards) has announced the dates for the 2024 SAMMYS Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards Show. The dinner will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, Upstairs at Dinosaur BBQ and the Award Show on March 8, 2024, at the Palace Theatre in Syracuse.
Photo by Jack O Bocchino.
Syracuse Area Music Awards, more commonly known as the SAMMYS, is an awards show that celebrates the work created by people in the music industry from the Syracuse Area.
The 2024 SAMMYS Award Show will include musical performances by area artists/bands. Awards will be presented in 12 recording categories, in addition to the People’s Choice awards in four categories, Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist, Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the SAMMYS Award, and the Community Spirit Award.
The entry form is now open. Each artist must select one category they wish to be judged in. Only commercially released albums or EPs, released between January 1 – December 31, 2023, by artists in the Central NY area are eligible. All entries must be available on Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal. No physical recordings will be accepted. Categories are subject to change at the discretion of the judges. Entry form closes on January 5, 2024.
People’s Choice Submissions and Voting The 2024 SAMMYS People’s Choice online open submission phase begins January 1, 2024. The public is encouraged to nominate their favorite artist or band, event or music series, academic or musical organization, and favorite venue to see live music. For more information, to submit your nominations, or to vote for your favorites, visit here.
The 2024 SAMMYS sponsors include NYS Music, Bridge Street, SubCat Music Studios, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, KMASE Productions, Joshua Johnson Design, Skinner & Associates Realty, NewsChannel 9, 315 Music, CNY Alive!, 92.1 The WOLF, Soulshine Radio, 96.5 The Beat, and 94.1 The Dinosaur.
The Buffalo Central Terminal invites the WNY community to join in seasonal merriment at the inaugural Winter Fest. As the cold weather sets in, Buffalo Central Terminal’s outdoor Winter Fest event promises a heartwarming and memorable experience for attendees of all ages.
Winter Fest at the Terminal features an ice sculpture display, horse-drawn carriage rides, a variety of winter characters, live saxophone performance and DJ music from Will Holton, Victorian-themed carolers, AKG Art Truck kids’ activity, and more.
The Central Terminal Restoration Corp. (CTRC) is a 501c3c non-profit organization driven by a mission to develop the Buffalo Central Terminal – a majestic historic landmark – as a lasting cultural and economic hub for the community. The CTRC has cared for this living landmark for more than 20 years. A prominent feature of Buffalo’s East Side and the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood, the Buffalo Central Terminal is an opportunity to ignite a shared vision for a new future. The 2021 community-driven Master Plan re-establishes the Terminal as a vibrant local and regional destination—a beacon that attracts people and investment, celebrates and fosters community voice, and shapes broader equitable development.
Buffalo Central Terminal‘s Winter Fest is the perfect opportunity to embrace the winter spirit, bundle up for an outdoor celebration, and create lasting memories with friends and family, so clear your calendar on Saturday, December 9th, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
“These events at Buffalo Central Terminal are all about uniting our diverse East Buffalo community. We’re creating an inclusive space right in our very own neighborhood where families can come together and celebrate the season without having to venture out of the heart of the city.”
Lindsey Taylor, events consultant for the Buffalo Central Terminal.
EVENT FEATURES
Ice Sculpture Exhibition: Renowned artist Stan Kolonko from The Ice Farm will craft a 7-ft tall Terminal Tower and other impressive ice sculptures.
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides: Enjoy scenic rides against the backdrop of Buffalo Central Terminal in charming horse-drawn carriages.
Winter Characters: Meet popular winter characters Elsa and Olaf from Frozen, the Grinch, and a festive Toy Soldier.
Live Jazz and DJ Music: Will Holton returns to the Terminal for a live saxophone and DJ performance.
Victorian-Themed Carolers: Experience the spirit of the season with holiday favorites performed by a trio of Victorian-themed carolers.
AKG Art Truck: Encourage creativity at the AKG Art Truck, offering engaging artistic activities for kids.
Crafts for All Ages: My Victorious Lifestyle will offer candle decorating for all ages.
Hot Beverages: Bubba’s Blue Coffee & Logan Berry will offer hot beverages for attendees to enjoy.
Winter Fest at the Buffalo Central Terminal is completely free to enter, and all are welcome. For more information and event updates, please visit the Buffalo Central Terminal website.
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.
The Public Theater is presenting the coming-of-age musical, Hell’sKitchen, on stage this fall. The production has now been extended twice, running through January 7 at Manhattan’s historic nonprofit theater.
Written by Grammy Award-winner Alicia Keys, Hell’s Kitchen follows the story of Ali, a 17-year-old New Yorker reaching towards her dreams, falling in love, and navigating mother-daughter relationships. She encounters a neighbor playing piano, which opens new doors for her into unexpected and exciting new opportunities.
Based somewhat on Alicia Keys’ own experiences, the legendary artist worked for over 13 years to perfect the full body of work that is now showing at New York’s Public Theater.
The show is choreographed by Tony nominee Camille A. Brown, and directed by yet another Tony nominee, Michael Grief. With a stacked production team and a cast featuring Maleah Joi Moon as protagonist Ali alongside Shoshana Bean (Wicked), and Brandon Victor Dixon (The Color Purple, Hamilton), the show delivers a heartfelt and impactful story.
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus
Now playing at the Public Theater, Hell’s Kitchen was originally scheduled to run through mid-December, but has now been extended for audiences through January 7, 2024. Tickets for all shows are available now. Lottery and discounted tickets are also available.
Open captioned, masked, and sign language interpreted performances will also be held on select dates. Tickets and all information are available at publictheater.com.
The dynamic progressive fusion rock trio Baked Shrimp from Long Island announced in a letter to fans that they are going on an indefinite hiatus, starting in February 2024.
Before disbanding though, the group is embarking on a farewell album release tour, coming to the Cutting Room, Funk ‘n Waffles, and The Hollow in January and February of 2024.
Baked Shrimp consists of Jared Cowen (Guitar/Vocals), Scott Reill (Bass/Vocals), and Jager Soss (Drums/Vocals). Together, they channel boundless energy, unique songwriting, and powerful improvisation, weaving into a symphonic odyssey that is their eclectic discography. During the years 2022 and 2023, the group performed over 215 concerts throughout the US and Canada, debuting at renowned events like the Peach Music Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, Northlands Live, and Mile of Music.
They have played with the likes of Phil Lesh and provided direct support for the Disco Biscuits, Dopapod, Twiddle, and Andy Frasco & The U.N.
In their letter to fans, Baked Shrimp expressed gratitude for their fans and to venue and festival owners for “taking a chance on [them].” Going on, they said “These past seven years have been a privilege and honor getting to perform our original music with all of our heart and soul in front of your dancing, smiling, and loving faces from all different parts of the country. The three of us will cherish every one of these moments for the rest of our lives.”
The band is going separate ways, with each member pursuing their dreams and will still remain active in the music industry. Ending the announcement, the group wishes everyone well, saying “Stay safe, love and respect one another, enjoy the holidays, and weâll see you for one last tour starting in January at home in NYC.”
To purchase tickets to their upcoming farewell album release tour, visit here.
Baked Shrimp Farewell Album Release Tour 2024: 01/12 – The Cutting Room – New York, NY (Album Release Party) 01/13 – The 8×10 – Baltimore, MD w/ Greasy Hands 01/14 – The Camel – Richmond, VA (Umphrey’s McGee After-Party) 01/17 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC 01/18 – The Pour House – Raleigh, NC w/ The Hourglass Kids 01/19 – Live at “The Shop” – Dunbar, WV 01/20 – Blue Fox Billiards – Winchester, VA w/ Tim Cintron Project 02/02 – The Drake – Amherst, MA 02/03 – Nectar’s – Burlington, VT 02/08 – Funk ‘n Waffles – Syracuse, NY 02/09 – The Hollow – Albany, NY 02/10 – River Street Jazz Cafe – Plains, PA 02/17 – Park City Music Hall – Bridgeport, CT (Final Show) w/ Honeydew
Poolside has announced their 2024 headlining North American Tour with a pit stop at Brooklyn Steel on February 17, and new single “Lonely Night (French version)” released on November 14.
Poolside is the recording project of producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jeffrey Paradise. In 2011, Poolside has set out to produce chill music for summer soirees, a light and danceable kind of music with liquid rhythm that was named “Daytime Disco”.
“When Poolside sent me the demo for Lonely Night, I was immediately inspired by the song. I first wrote the lyrics in French and sent it to Jeff and he proposed the idea of having a version in English as well”
– MUNYA
Jeffrey Paradise revealed the French version of “Lonely Nights” with MUNYA on November 14, from his latest album Blame It All On Love and is pleased to announce upcoming tour dates for 2024 starting in Santa Barbara at the Soho Music Club on January 19.
While this is Poolside’s fourth studio album, Paradise leaves the shallows and enters the depths of his own creative voice. The eleven tracks are funky, playful, laidback and full of hooks that elevate Poolside’s sound to poignant pop heights. The lo-fi ballad “Lonely Night” co-written with MUNYA incorporates all the sweet things that make an easy to love song and blends it with romantic melancholy that adds a softness of verses in French.
All general ticket sales begin Friday, November 27, for more information please visit here.
Onoleigh has just released her powerful and emotional single “Walls,” co-written with John Oates and Nathan Chapman.
John Oates is one half of the iconic New York-based duo Hall & Oates. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the American Songwriters Hall of Fame and is a recipient of the prestigious BMI Icon Award as well as numerous American Music, MTV awards, and multiple GRAMMY nominations. Since forming his legendary pop duo with Daryl Hall in the early 1970s, they have gone on to record 21 albums, which have sold over 80 million units, making them the most successful duo in rock history.
Onoleigh started her career as a social worker in Missouri, going to Tennessee to pursue singing in her 20s. She blurs the lines between genres, creating a blend of Americana, rootsy rock & roll, and empowered country music. Years before outlets like CMT hailed her as one of Nashville’s newest stars, though, Onoleigh grew up in the small town of Mahomet, Illinois, where songs by the Eagles, Carrie Underwood, Fleetwood Mac, and Adele played on the local radio, influencing her to inspire others through her sharp songwriting and performances.
Onoleigh is a born performer…her connection with her audience is genuine, soulful, and authentic. Then there’s that knock your socks off, big-time voice of hers that she delivers with emotional energy and range. She’s got it all.
John Oates
“Walls” is dynamic and stunning, with Onoleigh singing about her childhood bedroom in a way that’s both evocative and electric. Co-written with John Oates and Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift), the song finds her addressing the bedroom walls that watched her grow up, wondering what advice they’d give to her now as an adult. Featuring her powerhouse vocals and beautiful instrumentals, “Walls” is a strong addition to her eclectic discography.
Sphere in Las Vegas has announced that the Radio City Rockettes will be featured daily throughout the holiday season on the Exosphere, the fully programmable LED exterior of the venue.
The festive Christmas Spectacular activation debuted overnight, marking the first time the Exosphere has featured dancing wrapped 360 degrees around the venue. The content was developed in collaboration between Sphere Entertainment and MSG Entertainment, both part of the MSG family of companies.
Since it was first illuminated on July 4, the Exosphere captured worldwide attention for its impactful visuals. It is covered with nearly 580,000 square feet of fully programmable LED paneling, creating the largest LED screen in the world. The Exosphere consists of approximately 1.2 million LED pucks, spaced eight inches apart, capable of displaying 256 million different colors.
There is a magic here that we’ve created with Sphere, and there is a magic that is created by the Rockettes every year in the Christmas Spectacular. There is nothing more artful than the Rockettes or more scientific than Sphere, so bringing these two together on the Exosphere in such a unique way is the essence of what we do here at Sphere – uniting art and science to bring wonder to the world. This is particularly exciting because it is the most complex combination of real-life footage and animated content we’ve created for the Exosphere to date.
Guy Barnett, SVP, Brand Strategy & Creative Development, Sphere Entertainment
Founded in 1925, the Radio City Rockettes are the longest-running precision dance company in America. The Rockettes are world-renowned for their unity, athleticism, and iconic precision style combining elements of ballet, jazz, and tap, and techniques of modern and contemporary dance. In addition to the iconic Christmas Spectacular, the Rockettes perform annually in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Christmas in Rockefeller Center tree lighting, and have appeared at the Tony Awards, the MTV VMAs, the NYC Pride Parade, and Saturday Night Live.
The activation began with the first Christmas ornament to be displayed on the Exosphere. The top of the vibrant red and gold ornament spun off, revealing, in a nod to the “12 Days of Christmas” number in the Christmas Spectacular, the Rockettes’ legs, rising to reveal more of them. They performed their iconic choreography at 125 feet tall, concluding with their beloved kickline as it rotated around the Exosphere. The Rockettes’ were transparent through the screen, showcasing their backs, marking the first time the technique has been utilized on the immersive digital canvas. To close off, the iconic Radio City Music Hall marquee could be seen.
In order to achieve continuous dancing, 15 Rockettes were captured performing in groups of five, giving the Sphere Studios team three clips that were composited together. Those composite clips were then multiplied and stitched together to stretch all the way around the Exosphere. The Rockettes’ footage was shot in New York specifically for the Exosphere. The content was conceptualized, developed, and created exclusively by Sphere Studios.
“We are all about precision,” said Danelle Morgan, Radio City Rockette, dance captain and assistant choreographer. “But with Sphere, we really need to make sure that every single thing – from the tip of our finger to the height of our signature eye-high kicks – is completely in sync because of the scale of the Exosphere. It’s such an honor to see the Rockettes on Sphere, spreading Christmas joy in Las Vegas while we perform in the Christmas Spectacular at our home in New York City.”
A staple of the holidays in New York City, the Christmas Spectacular stars The Rockettes and features nine show-stopping numbers throughout the 90-minute production. The show features intricate choreography and thrilling performances that leave audiences with a sense of wonder and amazement. Since it opened at Radio City in 1933, the Christmas Spectacular has brought holiday joy to more than 70 million people from around the world.
Tickets for the 2023 Christmas Spectacular start at $49 and can be purchased online here.
The Grooving Classic Rock Legends Tribute band provided an intimate performance at The Egg’s Swyer Theater on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
The show featured tribute bands playing classic rock and pop hits from the 60s and 70s from artists such as The Beach Boys, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Grooving Classic Rock Legends plays at major theaters and festivals throughout the Northeast, recreating those sights and sounds.
This group of veteran musicians have been playing classic rock for decades, specializing in songs from the era. They perform their songs with authentic instruments, costumes, and stage presence, and even recreate some of their legendary live performances. Proceeds from the show went to local non-profit organizations in the community.
The show was a blast for fans of classic rock, who enjoyed singing along, dancing, and reminiscing about the good old days when they played at Yezzi’s. The bands delivered high-quality performances that captured the spirit and sound of the original artists. The band also honored veterans and first responders who attended, by dedicating some songs to them and thanking them for their service. The three hour show was a success, despite the low attendance due to Thanksgiving weekend. The venue was cozy and comfortable, and the staff was friendly and helpful.
Jim Anderson and Gary Weinlein served as promoters, with Weinlein also performing in the show, which had ‘appearances’ from Jim Morrison, Grace Slick. The Doors, Santana and Linda Ronstadt, who brought back memories of Governor Moonbeam, and all the craziness of that time. The night closed with Eric Clapton, a standing ovation and the crowd getting a chance to meet the performers in the lobby.
Over the past 8 years Groovin’ Legends has performed at Proctors, The Palace Theatre and The Egg, donating over $30,000 to local Veteran groups through ticket sales. The Veteran groups include The Gold Star Mothers, Blue Star Mothers, Gold Star Families Memorial at Lafayette Park in Albany, NY, Tri County Council Vietnam Era Veterans, and the Veterans Miracle Center.
A new live music venue called Electric Grinch has officially opened in Schenectady, a revamp of a once popular bar in the 1970s and 80s.
The venue opened its doors on November 16. The owner is Mitchell Ramsey, who also owns Jay St. Pub in Schenectady. What used to be a popular place for food, drinks, and live music more than 40 years ago on Erie Boulevard is now getting revamped into this new and exciting venue. The inside has a full bar, table seating, a stage large enough to accommodate full bands, a 1,000-square-foot back patio, and a 2,500-square-foot roof deck.
The venue is located at 116 Jay Street. The Electric Grinch is open Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
The original Electric Grinch, courtesy of Times Union.
A full schedule and website are unavailable now, but check out their Instagram or Facebook for more information.
