Category: News

Seal Announces 30th Anniversary Tour, 2 Beacon Theatre Stops

This spring, the Grammy award winning and international icon Seal will commence their 30th Anniversary Tour across North America. The six week tour will begin on April 25, in Phoenix, Arizona. On May 23, Seal will be making a performance at New York’s Beacon Theatre. He will also perform on May 24 at the Beacon, due to fan demand.

Seal will also be collaborating with the stellar Trevor Horn, who will be acting as the musical director. The Buggles, Horn’s extraordinary new band, will be featured as special guest performers.

Seal’s 30th Anniversary Tour celebrates thirty years since his self-titled albums known as, Seal and Seal II. The first album was released in 1991 and the second part followed in 1994. This will be an especially rare performance, because this is the first time Seal will perform the records in their entirety. It’ll be a set underlined by classic chart-topping anthems including “Crazy,” “Future Love Paradise,”“Killer,” and “Kiss From A Rose.” Expect soul staples and standards sprinkled throughout the set, portraying the full spectrum of his incredible repertoire.

Seal is an incomparable musician that has left an indelible imprint on pop, R&B, soul, and dance music. He’s sold over 30 million albums worldwide and generated over 1 billion streams. Seal also obtained four GRAMMY® Awards, three BRIT Awards, Two Ivor Novello Awards, and one MTV VMA. Seal’s music has also been celebrated with covers by Alanis Morissette, Bastille, and George Michael. Besides seeing Seal on the stage you’ve also witnessed him behind the camera. He’s worked with iconic directors such as Spike Lee and the late Joel Schumacher.

SEAL: DELUXE EDITION, was reissued last fall as the 4-CD/2-LP, complete with rarities, and a 12”x12” hardcover book that includes unpublished photos and liner notes courtesy of Jim Farber. Farber is a previously unreleased 13-track concert performance with music flawlessly remastered by Trevor Horn. The set has been beloved by the masses. American Songwriter celebrated the set’s “incredible dance remixes,” while Paste acknowledged it as one of “The 20 Best Album Reissues of 2022,” writing,“Looking back three decades later, Seal’s combination of pop, funk, rock and dance hit harder than we might have realized at the time.”

Beginning January 26, a special fan presale will be available for purchase at 9am. General on sale tickets will be released on Friday, January 27th. Don’t miss the indelible performance of Seal, a tour in honor of this epic landmark. Tickets are available here.

SEAL 2023 TOUR DATES

Tuesday, April 25 / PHOENIX AZ / ARIZONA FINANCIAL THEATRE

Friday, April 28 / HOUSTON TX / BAYOU MUSIC CENTER

Saturday, April 29 / AUSTIN TX / BASS CONCERT HALL

Sunday, April 30 / DALLAS TX / MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK

Tuesday, May 2 / NEW ORLEANS LA / SAENGER THEATRE

Thursday, May 4 / CHARLOTTE NC / OVENS AUDITORIUM

Saturday, May 6 / ATLANTA GA / FOX THEATRE

Sunday, May 7 / LOUISVILLE KY / LOUISVILLE PALACE

Wednesday, May 10 / WASHINGTON DC / THE ANTHEM

Thursday, May 11 / PHILADELPHIA PA / THE MET

Friday, May 12 / BOSTON MA / BOCH CENTRE WANG THEATRE

Monday, May 15 / TORONTO ON / MASSEY HALL

Wednesday, May 17 / INDIANAPOLIS IN / MURAT THEATRE @ OLD NATIONAL CENTRE

Friday, May 19 / MINNEAPOLIS MN / ORPHEUM THEATRE

Sunday, May 21 / DETROIT MI / FOX THEATRE

Tuesday, May 23 / NEW YORK NY / BEACON THEATRE

Wednesday, May 24 / NEW YORK NY / BEACON THEATRE

Friday, May 26 / ST. LOUIS MO / STIFEL THEATRE

Saturday, May 27 / CHICAGO IL / CHICAGO THEATRE

Tuesday, May 30 / DENVER CO / BELLCO THEATRE

Friday, June 2 / LAS VEGAS NV / VENETIAN THEATRE

Saturday, June 3 / LAS VEGAS NV / VENETIAN THEATRE

Tuesday, June 6 / OAKLAND CA / PARAMOUNT THEATRE

Wednesday, June 7 / LOS ANGELES CA / GREEK THEATRE

Saturday, June 10 / PORTLAND OR / KELLER AUDITORIUM

Monday, June 12 / SEATTLE WA / PARAMOUNT THEATRE

January 20, 2023
WNYC Studios Announce the Second Season of Podcast on the Puerto Rican Experience

WNYC Studios and Futuro Studios announced that a second season of the critically-acclaimed, pioneering dual-language podcast, La Brega: Stories of the Puerto Rican Experience, will premiere on Jan. 26.

La Brega: Stories of the Puerto Rican Experience was hailed as one of the “Best Podcasts of 2021” by The New Yorker and The New York Times. Each episode in season two will be devoted to an iconic Puerto Rican song, as the island has a dizzying breadth of musical expression. The second season of La Brega will concentrate on the lyrical boleristas of the 1930s, the electric salseros of the 70s, and the reggaetoneros of today who have taken this music and spread it globally.

Hosted by Alana Casanova-Burgess, the podcast will once again bring together a collective of Puerto Rican journalists, producers, musicians, and artists. Some notable people this season that are featured include Salsa legend Rubén Blades, Latin Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Susana Baca, Puerto Rico-based hip-hop DJ, producer, and MC Andres “Velcro” Ramos, and Independent Puerto Rican journalist Bianca Graulau, best-known for her documentary, Aquí Vive Gente (People Live Here), featured as part of the music video for Bad Bunny’s “El Apagón.”

Kenya Young, Senior Vice President, WNYC Studios, spoke about La Brega in a statement.

La Brega was a pioneer of the dual-language podcast format, and it’s fitting that the second season spotlights and honors Puerto Rico’s influence on music and culture over time and across languages. These sound-rich and deeply reported stories embrace a nuance and beauty not always found in coverage of Puerto Rico. WNYC Studios is incredibly proud to partner with Futuro Studios to bring listeners a second season of La Brega.
Kenya Young

Burgess also said that the season will “shed light on the songs that reflect what it means to be Puerto Rican and part of the diaspora — about the pride and yearning we feel for home, and that resonates with people everywhere. They capture joy, frustration, love, loss, and wonder of the human experience — in short: la brega.” The Greene Space at WNYC and WQXR will be hosting a La Brega Season 2 Launch Party in New York on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. featuring the host, the band Balún, and DJ Christian Mártir for a night of music and dancing in celebration of the new season. Tickets for that are on sale now.

La Brega: The Puerto Rican Experience in Eight Songs will be available in both English and Spanish here and on all other platforms where podcasts are available.

January 17, 2023
Aqueous Announce Hiatus Following Spring Shows

After a light 2022, Aqueous announced this past week that they would be going on hiatus, with only 7 performances remaining for the time being.

Earlier last summer, guitarist David Loss took time off the road from Aqueous, as he had just become a father and wanted to dedicate time to his family. At the time, Loss said: “When my son is born it’s going to be such a life changing experience that I want to fully be there for all of it. I don’t want to miss a thing! A lot of first time things and time you just can’t get back later.”

On Friday, January 13th, Aqueous shared the following message with fans:

An important message from Dave concerning the band’s future tickets to the remaining shows before we go on hiatus are on-sale now

‘These past 16 years with the band have been nothing short of incredible. It has been a journey that has shaped my life in more ways than I even know. I’ve traveled to so many amazing places and met so many incredible people along the way. Making friends that will last a lifetime and meeting musical heroes that I can now call peers. The 18 year old me wouldn’t believe some of things Aqueous was able to do. And not to mention, doing all this with your best friends?! Pretty damn cool if you ask me.

Music and this band have been the priority in my life for a very long time, but with the birth of my son that started to change. My wife and I love our son more than anything in this world and want nothing but to be the best parents possible. I want to be there for as much as I can and I don’t want to miss a thing. That being said, touring and being away from my family is just not something I can do right now.

I have decided that it is time for me to step away from the band to be home with my family. Although it was a very difficult decision, I know it is the right one for me. There will still be some music for me to play going forward, but the full-time touring musician gig is just not one that fits my life at the moment.

I would also just like to say that Aqueous has always had the most amazing and passionate fans. It seems like every other day I’m learning about someone else being a huge AQ fan. It fills my heart with such joy to know that our music has meant (and continues to mean) so much to so many people. That has been the greatest part of this experience hands down. So thank you, thank you to all of you for being here supporting us, and sending us friendly messages letting us know what our music means to you.

The band will be playing a handful of shows in 2023 that are listed here, but after that we will go on hiatus. It makes me sad to say it, but I do find comfort in knowing we are certainly not closing the door on Aqueous, but rather just taking some time away. We’re not entirely sure were the future will take us, but wherever that is we know there will be music.

Love you all more than you know. Let’s make these last few shows ones to remember!

Bandmate Mike Gantzer offered support for Loss, saying “Life can be unpredictable and beautiful, challenging and rewarding, and so many other wonderfully contrasting things, but I’m genuinely happy and excited for all of us on our current/respective paths in life. Embracing change has been one of the great lessons of my life (that i’m still learning) and I look forward to everything to come as I reflect on everything that has been with gratitude and love ♥️ ♥️♥️ thank you to everyone who has contributed to making our literal dreams come true, and know that every step I take in music moving forward seeks to honor that “

Aqueous got their start in 2009 in Buffalo and quickly rose to prominence in Western New York, gaining a fanbase well into the Midwest. As this era of Aqueous comes to a close, be sure to catch one of the final seven shows, with the first weekend of March the last chance to catch Aqueous in Albany and Syracuse, before hiatus.

2/03/23 Tuscon, AZ Gem & Jam Festival
3/03/23 Albany, NY The Hollow (with Litz)
3/04/23 Syracuse, NY Westcott Theater (with Litz)
3/11/23 Erie, PA King’s Rook Club
4/07/23 Baltimore, MD 8×10
4/08/23 Philadelphia, PA Ardmore Music Hall
5/27/23 Chillicothe, IL Summer Camp Music Festival

January 17, 2023
Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMYs) Announce 2023 Event Details

The Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMYs) announce details about the 2023 event, with the Hall of Fame Dinner happening on March 2, and the Award Show on March 3.

Syracuse Area Music Awards or 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. Everyone is encouraged to vote daily for their favorite Central NY Artist or Band, Music Series or Event, Academic or Musical Organization, and Venue, with the poll closing on Feb. 26.

Happening Thursdays at 10 a.m. on NewsChannel 9 Bridge Street will be the SAMMYs spotlight series, with different artists. The schedule is as follows: Jan. 26 with 315 Cash, Feb. 2 with J. Schnitt, Feb. 9 with Mark Nanni, Feb. 16 with Nick Fields Trio, Feb 23. with Plan Bee, the Baldwinsville High School School Pep Band, and March 2 with Larry Hoyt.

The Hall of Fame Dinner will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2023, Upstairs at the Dinosaur, and the Award Show will be on Friday, March 3, 2023, at the Palace Theatre. The 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, the Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist, the Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the Sammys Award, and our Community Spirit Award.

For more information about the 2023 SAMMYs award show, visit here.

January 17, 2023
Rochester-Based Chamber Ensemble fivebyfive Impress in Performance at Chamber Music America Conference in NYC

Rochester’s collaborative chamber ensemble fivebyfive impressed the crowd at the Chamber Music America Conference in New York City during their performance on Jan. 6.

fivebyfive, photo by Becky Yee.

fivebyfive, the artist-led Rochester-based ensemble, formed in 2015 with a simple mission, to engage audiences by performing music of leading and emerging composers. Composed of a flutist, clarinetist, electric guitarist, bassist, pianist, and audio/video engineer, the group advocates for creators who are underrepresented in the field and chooses to collaborate with artists across disciplines, while staying committed to performing new music.

Laura Lentz, the flutist and Artistic Director for the group, said that the group likes conveying messages beyond the music. “Our goal is always to push boundaries while creating community-building experiences. We often use video and animation or poetry—even glass-blowing–to convey a message,” she said. She was elated to be performing at the Chamber Music America Conference on January 6.

The national conference was held January 5-8, 2023 at the Westin New York in Times Square to bring ensemble music professionals together to network and share information. Fourteen ensembles were chosen to perform off-site at DROM, fivebyfive included. At the CMA conference performance, fivebyfive’s repertoire included two commissioned works, “a tiny dream” composed by Anthony R. Green and Of Breath and Fire by composer/harpist Amy Nam. In a statement, Nam said that she was “thankful for the privilege to work with a team of musicians who share my motivation of igniting curiosity and joy in their audiences.”

The ensemble members are now back in Rochester, preparing for a 3-day residency next month at SUNY Fredonia where members of the ensemble will teach, play, and guide developing artists. Lentz said that the group “love[s] working with enthusiastic students and expect to meet many at Fredonia. We’ll share sessions on topics like creating videos and forming a musical group such as ours.” To keep up to date on the group and their future shows, go here.

January 15, 2023
Women in Music Announce Programming for Third Annual Summit

The third annual Women in Music Summit will take place from Jan. 25-27, with an exciting list of speakers and events taking place.

Women in Music speakers.

This year’s Summit will highlight various panels offering diverse topics and perspectives from leading industry professionals including Samantha Kirby, Cheryl Paglierani, Mari Davies, Jenna Gaudio, Dann Liebermann, Leslie Powell, Heidy Vaquerano, Christine Osazuwa, Lauren Smith Brody, and many more. It will be presented virtually, as it has in years past.

Founded in 1985, Women in Music is a non-profit organization with a mission to advance the awareness, equality, diversity, heritage, opportunities, and cultural aspects of women in the musical arts, through recognition, support, education, and empowerment. Different chapters are located all throughout the world, from LA to India. They believe the conversation around equality is an inclusive one, where all voices are welcome.

The organization provides panels, seminars, webinars, workshops, performance showcases, achievement awards, leadership summits, and global initiatives. The third annual Summit programming includes a career fair on day three, inspired by Women in Music’s new collegiate expansion, the WIM Mentorship Program and the WIM Internship Program, which places diverse candidates into paid in-house industry internships at partner companies, a talk from Author, Founder and CEO of The Fifth Trimester Lauren Smith Brody, and exploring data behind remote and hybrid models in the workplace.

The full schedule of events is below, and WIM members can register for free, and tickets are available for purchase to non-members here.

JANUARY 25: EDUCATE

Time: 12 p.m. ET

Title: How Artists Can Win with Brands on TikTok

Speakers:

Dann Liebermann, Head of Creative Partnerships, The Elements Music

Leslie Powell, Songwriter/Artist

Kelli Slade, Commercial Music and Creative Licensing Manager, Bytedance/TikTok

Moderator: Moira McCarthy, VP, Women in Music

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Title: Harnessing Digital Media Strategies for Success

Speakers:

Blair Miller, Founder & CEO, Chaos Creators

Cassie Petrey, Co-Founder, Crowd Surf

Temima Shames, Founder & CEO, Next Step Talent

Moderator: Tara Bendler Global Chair, Comm/Board of Directors, Women in Music; Talk Marketing, Spotify

Time: 3 p.m. ET

Title: Securing A Strong Publishing Deal For Long-Term Financial Stability

Speakers:

Heidy Vaquerano, Partner, Fox Rothschild, LLP

Mary Rahmani, Founder, Moon Projects

Ashley Winton, SVP Global Creative Services, Warner Chappell

Moderator: Kristin Robinson, Music Publishing Reporter, Billboard

Time: 4 p.m.

Title: Masterclass: Activist Artist Management

Speakers:

Liz Norris, Partner, Activist Artist Management

Caitlin Stone, Partner, Head of Activism, Activist Artist Management

Kris “Red” Tanner, Partner, Activist Artist Management

Moderator: Nicole Barsalona, President, Women in Music; Artist Manager

JANUARY 26: EMPOWER

Time: 12 p.m. ET

Title: More Than Just Treading Water: How to Survive and Grow as a Working Parent Right Now

Speaker: Lauren Smith Brody, Founder & CEO, The Fifth Trimester; Co-Founder, Chamber of Mothers

Moderator: Jessica Shaw, SVP Sync Licensing, Sony Music Entertainment

Sponsored by The Village (Sony Music Entertainment)

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Title: A-List Agents: Samantha Kirby & Cheryl Paglierani

Speakers: Samantha Kirby, Co-Head Music, UTA; Cheryl Paglierani, Partner/Music Agent, UTA

Moderator: Mari Davies, VP of Booking & Talent, Live Nation Urban

JANUARY 27: ADVANCE

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Title: Personal Branding for Business with Christine Osazuwa

Speakers: Christine Osazuwa, Chief Strategy Officer, Shoobs; Founder, Measure of Music; UK Director, shesaid.so

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Title: Pivoting Your Career & Navigating a Recession

Speakers:

Jules Kammann, Vice President, People & Culture / Diversity, Inclusion, Beatport

Leigh McCorkle, Chief People Officer, The Mechanical Licensing Collective

Acacia Diaz, VP Marketing, Tixr Inc.

Thea Raskin, Founder & Owner, The Inventory

Moderator: Sari Kohen, Head of Partner Marketing, Melio

Time: 2:45 p.m. ET

Title: Career Fair – Recruiters Present Open Roles

Speakers: Facilitated by Sari Kohen, Head of Partner Marketing, Melio

Time: 3 p.m. ET

Title: Zoom Breakout Sessions with Recruiters

Speakers: Various.

January 15, 2023
Ice Theatre of New York set to Perform at Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games Gala

The Ice Theatre of New York is set to hit the ice at the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games Exhibition Gala on Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid.

The Ice Theatre of New York was founded in 1984 by Moira North and exists to create and advance ice dance as (an ensemble) performing art form with its professional ice dance company. ITNY has changed the face of figure skating, creating works that integrate contemporary dance, music, and art that challenge the conventional definitions of figure skating. ITNY was the first ice dance company to receive dance program funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

The ITNY will perform at the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games Exhibition Gala in an unexpected crossover. From Jan 12-22 approximately 1,443 athletes, aged 17-25 from 595 universities across 44 countries will come to Lake Placid, New York for the 2023 World University Games. The Winter World University Games is the largest multi-sport winter event in the world, after the Winter Olympics. The games combine high-level competitive sports with educational and cultural events, in Lake Placid and other areas.

The International Confederation of Students was established in 1919 and it was this organization’s Sports Committee that launched the first World University Games in 1923. The games have continued to attract more and more people as time went on. The highest number of participants was registered at the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russia, with 11,759 athletes representing 159 countries.

The Ice Theatre of New York is proud to hit the ice at the event. The competition portion will highlight twelve winter sports, including two ice disciplines: singles and ice dance. Tickets for individual competitions begin at $15, and tickets for the gala start at $25. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, go here.

January 13, 2023
Blues Legend Joe Louis Walker Announces New Album, Show in Beacon

Joe Louis Walker has been active in the blues scene since the 60s, and in February Walker’s releasing more music — his upcoming album, Weight of the World, is set for release on February 17. To celebrate this release, Joe Louis Walker will perform at the Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon.

Walker broke onto the scene with a debut album called Cold Is The Night, but Joe Louis Walker had been on the scene for long before that. Growing up in the Bay Area amongst some of the greats, Walker is one of the last living connections to the forefathers of the blues; he learned first hand and played with the likes of B.B. King and James Cotton, and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in his own right. Known for his additions to the electric blues genre, Walker plays searing guitar and sings from the heart. His sound draws from more than just blues — it leans into rock and roll, draws from funk’s keyboards. Walker isn’t afraid to employ instruments from across cultures and genres. Despite his varying styles, his lyrics stay true to blues traditions, switching between mournful whines, spitting vengeance and earnest passion.

Weight of the World is releasing under Forty Below Records. If Walker’s last release, Blues Comin’ On, is any indication, listeners can expect instant blues classics and perhaps some unconventional features — Hot Tuna’s Jorma Kaukonen and punk rocker Charlie Harper both made appearances on his 2020 release.

The Towne Crier Cafe hosts live music almost every night, and tickets to see Walker are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. He’s set to take the stage on February 24, tickets are for sale here.

January 13, 2023
“Here Lies Love” to open on Broadway in Summer

Opening on Broadway this summer is Here Lies Love, the immersive disco-pop musical based on the rise and fall of Imelda Marcos and the People Power Revolution of the Philippines.

Entertainment Weekly called Here Lies Love a “completely immersive theater experience with infectious melodic spirit.” It is a groundbreaking musical about former Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos and her astonishing rise to power, and her fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution. Here Lies Love comes from the minds of Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner David Byrne and Grammy Award winner Fatboy Slim. The show premiered at The Public Theater in 2013, returned from 2014-2015, went to London’s Royal National Theatre in 2014, and most recently opened at Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2017.

In a statement, the producers of the musical said “As a team of binational American producers––Filipinos among us––we are thrilled to bring Here Lies Love to Broadway! We welcome everyone to experience this singularly exuberant piece of theatre. The history of the Philippines is inseparable from the history of the United States, and as both evolve, we cannot think of a more appropriate time to stage this show. See you on the dance floor!” The Broadway Theatre’s traditional proscenium floor space will transform into a dance club environment, where audiences will stand and move with the actors.

Here Lies Love is choreographed by Olivier Award nominee Annie-B Parson and directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers. The creative team also features a long list of award winners, including three-time Tony Award nominee David Korins (scenic design), Tony Award winner Clint Ramos (costume design), Tony Award winner Justin Townsend (lighting design), and three-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini (projection design).

A wide variety of standing and seating options will be available throughout the theater’s reconstructed space, with more details to be announced soon. To get first access to tickets, sign up here.

January 13, 2023
Binghamton Philharmonic Announces New Musicians

After a lengthy four month blind audition process, the Binghamton Philharmonic has announced the selection of five new musicians.

The Binghamton Philharmonic

Joining this prestigious community of musicians are:

Brianne Lugo, Assistant Principal Viola – Recognizable from her performances at both Carnegie Hall and Saturday Night Live, Ms. Lugo is also a member of Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and Punta Gorda Symphony.

Junheng Chen, Assistant Principal Violin II – Well Traveled with performances in Asia and Europe, Ms. Chen will balance Philharmonic duties while pursuing her Doctoral degree at the Eastman School of Music.

John Shuo Zhang, Section Violin – Hailing from Guangzhou, China, Mr. Zhang has taken his Juilliard education across the United States with the Juilliard String Quartet. When not in the States, he holds an assistant concertmaster position in Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra.

Yi-Ting (Joy) Kuo, Section Violin – Coming to the Southern Tier from the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Ms. Kuo received both her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at the New England Conservatory and is currently a member of The Orchestra Now.

Shawn Hutchison, Oboe II / English Horn – A Graduate of the Yale School of Music and recipient of The Presser Foundation Graduate Music Award, Mr. Hutchinson is also a member of The Orchestra Now.

Binghamton Philharmonic

The Binghamton Philharmonic is the Southern Tier’s largest and longest-serving symphony orchestra. Founded in 1955 as the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society, the Philharmonic has provided the Southern Tier of New York with live, full-scale orchestral works ever since.

Acting on its mission to build community through the power of live music, the Philharmonic serves over 10,000 people annually through engaging and affordable programming. Music Director Daniel Hege hopes to continue with their goal of connecting professional musicians with audiences to stimulate the economy and expand listenership and education with the 2023 season.

For more information about the Binghamton Philharmonic, and to see a schedule of events, please visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org

January 12, 2023