While you wouldn’t know from their cutting lyrics and grating sound, Prong stands out from most heavy metal bands in that they lead with a down-to-earth attitude and prioritze forming relationships with their fans. The themes in the New York born and bred band’s newest single are angry and loud, but eloquent at the same time. “Breaking Point” marks the band’s return to the scene as they set off on a European tour this month.
Prong was formed in 1986 by singer and guitarist Tommy Victor, who still is lead singer today, the only member from the original line-up still active. He is joined by bassist John Christopher of the Corey Taylor Band and drummer Aaron Rossi of Ministry. The three come together harmoniously, equal parts energy and technicality.
Tommy Victor said his single, “Breaking Point,” came about in the final stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was a growing sense of exhaustion and frustration so palpable that Prong was almost overwhelmed during their last tour. The lyrics and Victor’s vocal tone are reminiscent of Fugazi’s “Break,” where Ian Mackaye sings, “Can’t ask for more so why unfulfilled / We take apart everything we build.” These themes have endured, making their way into Prong’s contemporary work; in “Breaking Point” Victor sings: “The denial / it’s the breaking point / It’s going to end / it’s going to stop / so many people have had enough.”
Joining Prong on tour is Life of Agony and Tarah Who?. Though the tour is in Europe, with this new single Victor is bringing New York with him. “I think moving back to New York has helped with these. I’m really happy where I’m at all around. I think it’s coming across in the new songs and showing a rejuvenated attitude,” Victor said on “Breaking Point.” Tour dates are listed below; tickets can be purchased here.
Hachette Books has announced the March 14 publication of Leon Russell: The Master Of Space And Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History, a comprehensive new biography of the legendary musician, composer, and performer Leon Russell by acclaimed author and founding member of Buffalo Tom, Bill Janovitz.
Leon Russell: The Master Of Space And Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History by Bill Janovitz
Bill Janovitz is an American musician and writer. He is the founding guitarist and singer in alternative rock band Buffalo Tom, and has also released three solo albums. He is the author of The Rolling Stones Exile On Main St. (Bloomsbury 33 1/3, 2005) and Rocks Off: 50 Tracks That Tell The Story Of The Rolling Stones (St. Martin’s, 2014).
Told with the support of Russell’s estate, Leon Russell: The Master Of Space And Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History stands tall as the definitive, never-before-told chronicle of one of the most important music makers of the 20th century, a genre-defying, multi-talented artist whose wildly diverse body of work has affirmed him as a one-of-a-kind Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and truly mythical figure in American music.
Leon Russell is an icon and a perhaps the most accomplished and versatile musician in the history of rock ‘n roll. In his distinguished and unique 50 year career, he has played on, arranged, written and/or produced some of the best records in popular music and involved with various genres including pop, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, standards, gospel, and surf records.
His career is like a roadmap of American music, while he is influencing a great amount of artists and works. Russell’ collaboration over the years spans such giants as Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys, and countless others. His mark can also be found in the work of British rock royalty like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Elton John, the latter of whom later inducted him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
His is also renowned for his highlights with the awards. His recordings earned six gold records. He received two Grammy Awards from seven nominations and was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
A committed proponent of cultural diversity, Russell spent his 2x GRAMMY® Award-winning career assembling wildly diverse bands and performances, laughing in the face of musical and social barriers. Sadly, Russell struggled with demons, including substance abuse, severe depression, and a crippling stage fright that wreaked havoc on his psyche over the long haul.
Leon Russell: The Master Of Space And Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History now tells this incredible story with the same passion, creativity, and scope that rang out throughout Russell’s life and six-decade career, affirming him as a landmark artist whose impact can still be felt today throughout rock ‘n’ roll, Americana, and beyond.
The music of the Allman Brothers Band will be celebrated by Trouble No More in tribute to the 50th anniversary of the band’s legendary album, Brothers & Sisters, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on March 25.
The album will be performed in its entirety by Trouble No More, featuring very special guest keyboardist Chuck Leavell. This event marks Leavell in his first performance of the Allman Brothers Band songbook since The Brothers 50th Anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden in 2020.
“The piano playing on Brothers and Sisters is amazing. It could be my favorite of Chuck’s work. I am really looking forward to playing the record with him on stage. It will be incredible,” says Peter Levin, Trouble No More Musical Director.
Tickets will go on sale on Friday, January 27 at 12 p.m. EST at Ticketmaster.com.
Photo By Adam McCullough
Founded in 1969, the Allman Brothers Band created a new genre of American music, which was an amalgamation of blues, R&B, country and jazz . The band was not only a groundbreaking force in music, but a component of the Civil Rights Movement of the late-60s. Composed of five white hippies and one African American, the Allman Brothers Band made quite a social impact in their home base of Macon GA.
Brothers and Sisters, the fourth album released by the iconic Allman Brothers Band, sold over seven million copies worldwide. “Ramblin’ Man” became the band’s first and only hit single, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973. The album represented the Allmans’ commercial peak.
Combined with their family-based lifestyle, the Allman Brothers Band spread a message of peace, love and acceptance. That message is the core of the Allman Brothers Band Big House Foundation’s objectives. The Foundation provides music programs for schools that are sorely lacking in funding for the arts. The Foundation also hosts workshops and lectures on civil rights and equality through music.
A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Big House Foundation in Macon, GA.
For More information, and to purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com.
Kings Theatre, located in Brooklyn New York is proud to announce their Historic Tour events will be making a comeback. Tour dates are scheduled for February 18 and March 11 at 1pm. An introduction of a weekday tour will be taking place on March 21 at 7pm.
Kings Theater built in 1929 as one of the five original Loew’s Wonder Theaters . The Theater was originally a movie palace live performance venue featuring vaudeville reviews. The 20th century movie palace was inspired by the French Renaissance Revival style of the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opera House. What we now know as Kings Theater became stagnant after its closing in 1979 until undergoing restoration in 2013. In 2015, the theater was officially opened as Kings Theatre with a debut performance by the amazing Dianna Ross. Kings Theatre is now recognized as a cultural and economic cornerstone of the Flatbush community and a magnificent addition to Brooklyn’s spirited cultural landscape.
During the 75 minute tour, expect to be educated on the historical and architectural highlights from knowledgeable tour guides. For example, guests will learn about the baroque stylings of this luxurious theater, the “Queen of Kings”, the Robert Morgan Wonder Organ, and become informed on the theater’s daily workings.Starting in the resplendent grand lobby, guests will travel through ornate speakeasy lounges and both levels of the 3,055-seat auditorium.
Under the management of Ambassador Theatre Group, Kings Theatre now portrays a variation of world class programming that includes live music, stand-up comedy, theatrical and literary events in addition to hosting film shoots and even private events. Guests will have the option of enhancing their experience to include two drinks and access to one of the theaters private speakeasies for a post tour destination. For tickets and further information on Kings Theatre tours, please visit here.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center(SPAC) announced its 2023 spring season lineup in the Spa Little Theatre. The ever first spring season offerings featuring live theatre, jazz, folk, global and classical music, including cooperations with Caffe Lena.
photo by Zach Culver
Highlighting the series are the SPAC debuts of Aquila Theatre for two productions of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Grammy-nominated cappella group Kings Return, in addition to the return of global music ensemble Banda Magda. Caffe Lena @ SPAC is also returned with performances of The Steel Wheels and The Brubeck Brothers Quartet in Spa Little Theatre. The previously announced year-round residency by Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will also continue with a finale performance by Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel.
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is located in Saratoga Springs in upstate New York. It is a charitable organization and one of America’s most prestigious summer festivals. Setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs, SPAC draws vacation crowds and arts connoisseurs for immersive experiences of performances by resident companies. SPAC also hosts the annual Saratoga Wine and Food.
“Following the success of our completely sold out holiday season, we are excited to once again open the doors of the Spa Little Theatre to our community this spring. From world-class theatre to global music to folk and jazz in partnership with Caffe Lena, and our new year-round residency with Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, there is literally a program for everyone.”
Elizabeth Sobol
Spring programming at the Spa Little Theatre:
Aquila Theatre in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – 2PM & 7 PMSaturday, March 11
Published in 1813, Jane Austen’s ultimate romantic comedy Pride and Prejudice has stood the test of time. Besides the Bennet sisters’ navigations toward love and marriage, Austen’s humorous criticize of the English class system, and the thoughts and feelings of her women characters are worthy to enjoy. Aquila Theatre will bring this classic thrillingly to life with its signature passion, energy, and visual flair for its SPAC debut.
Tickets cost $33-$68. They will be available to purchase on Tuesday, January 24 at 10 a.m. for members, tiered by level, and Friday, January 27 at 10 a.m. for the general public.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Voices of the Americas – 7 PM Saturday, March 18
Experience the wide range of ideas, sounds, and cultures that have inspired composers from the Americas in the 20th century. The program opens and closes with vibrant, beloved classics by Copland and Gershwin brought about by their travels to Latin America.
Tickets cost $45-$65 and are available now at spac.org.
Kings Return – 7 PM Friday, March 31
The Grammy-nominated Kings Return is a vocal band of brothers — Gabe Kunda, Vaughn Faison, J.E. McKissic & Jamall Williams. Fusing gospel, Jazz, R&B/Soul, and classical music, the a capella group performs songs from the Bee Gees “How Deep is Your Love” to “Ave Maria” to Leon Bridges “River” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Based in Dallas, Texas, Kings Return’s popularity grew when they began posting videos to social media from the stairwell where they rehearse. The group has now amassed almost 10 million views across all platforms.
Tickets cost $33 and are all general admission. They will be available to purchase on Tuesday, January 24 at 10 a.m. for members, tiered by level, and Friday, January 27 at 10 a.m. for the general public.
Caffe Lena @ SPAC: The Steel Wheels – 7 PM Sunday, April 2
A Virginia-based Americana band with a strong bluegrass underpinning, The Steel Wheels explore deeply rooted yet fresh folk rock sounds.
Caffe Lena @ SPAC: The Brubeck Brothers Quartet – 7 PM Sunday, April 23
With Dan and Chris Brubeck as the foundation, guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb, complete this dynamic quartet. Although the Quartet’s style is rooted in “straight-ahead” jazz, their concerts reveal an inherent ability to explore and play odd time signatures while naturally integrating the influences of funk, blues and world music.
Following their SPAC on Stage debut in 2019, Banda Magda will return to Saratoga with all new music and their global sounds including samba, French chanson, Greek folk tunes, Colombian cumbia, and Afro-Peruvian lando. Their songs capture the best of mid-century pop ballads and cinematic arranging, drawing on the band’s global background and unchained musicality.
Tickets cost $33 and are all general admission. They will be available to purchase on Tuesday, January 24 at 10 a.m. for members, tiered by level, and Friday, January 27 at 10 a.m. for the general public.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
An Evening with David, Wu Han & Arnaud – 7 PM Saturday, May 13
Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel and violinist Arnaud Sussman perform Beethoven and Dvořák to close the CMS spring season.
Tickets cost $45-$65 and are available now at spac.org.
The announcement follows SPAC’s fall and holiday concert series in the Spa Little Theatre and is part of SPAC’s mission to present year-round programming that extends beyond the traditional summer months. Visit spac.org for additional details.
After 19 years of touring, Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco has announced that he will be stepping away from the group due to life events.
Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco, Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images.
Panic! At The Disco came onto the alternative scene in 2004, born out of Las Vegas by childhood friends Brendon Urie, Ryan Ross, Spencer Smith, and Brent Wilson. What essentially was a blink-182 cover band turned into something more as Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy heard a demo tape Urie sent him. They got a deal with Wentzâs Decaydance Records and developed with Urie on vocals, Ross on bass/guitar, as well as being the main songwriter, Wilson on guitar, and Smith on drums.
Their first record in 2005 A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out saw the second single “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” catapult to the top of the charts, and the album was certified triple platinum. In 2006, Wilson was fired after a world tour and replaced by Jon Walker. In 2007, the band arrived at a cabin in the rural mountains of Mount Charleston, Nevada, and began writing for the record Cricket and Clover. Eventually, the album was scrapped, although Ross said it was almost done, and they started over. “We wanted to approach these songs in the most basic form,” Ross said. “We wrote them all on one acoustic guitar and with someone singing.” The band, now with a new sound, released the folk indie record Pretty Odd. in 2008, with the upbeat and nostalgic song “Nine In The Afternoon.” This sound was favored by Walker and Ross, but not by Urie and Smith.
In April 2009 the group was finishing off a tour circuit for Pretty Odd., and their shows in Cape Town, South Africa proved to be the breaking point for Ross and Walker, who subsequently left the group after. The big question for fans is what happened in Cape Town to cause this. Ross seemingly answers the questions in his song “Cape Town” by the group The Young Veins, which also had Walker on guitar. Ross sings “I got lost in Cape Town, in Cape Town/I saw you, I met you/I loved you, I left you in Cape Town,” answering that he had a short-lived fling there, and was emotionally devastated. As well as butting heads with Urie over creative decisions, he called it quits, with Walker leaving alongside him.
Ross (left) and Urie (right) onstage.
Now the group, consisting of Smith and Urie, had to figure out what to do next. They recorded and released the song “New Perspective” for the movie Jennifer’s Body. They recruited bassist Dallon Weekes and guitarist Ian Crawford as touring musicians for live performances. Weekes became an official member in 2010 and helped write and record the 2011 record Vices and Virtues. The tour had an over-the-top production and saw Crawford leaving the group after. Urie started to operate as a solo artist as he diverged to recording a song with Fun called “C’mon” in 2011, and the track “Mercenary,” for the video game Batman: Arkham City.
He came back to the group to write and record the 2013 record Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die! Weekes wrote a lot of the music on the record, showing he was a viable member of the group. Trouble began to occur as Smith was battling a heavy addiction to pills and alcohol, writing a letter to fans. He toured for the album cycle with Fall Out Boy before leaving midway to “continue fighting addiction.” Urie posted on the band’s website in 2013 that “It’s become evident that Spencer still needs more time to take care of himself. I can’t expect him to be fighting addiction one minute and be fully immersed in a national tour the next. With that said, the tour will continue without Spencer while he is away getting the help he needs.” On the record he sings “This Is Gospel,” which is about Smith’s addiction and wanting the best for him.
Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith in 2011, Andy Kropa/Getty Images.
Smith officially left the band in 2015 despite not touring since 2013. In that same month, Urie announced a new record was in the works, turning into the record Death of a Bachelor. The record debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, and it was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. Panic! At The Disco toured with Weezer in 2016 for the record, and Weekes announced his departure from the group in 2017.
Since departing, fans have speculated as to the reason why. He did start a new band immediately after leaving called I Don’t Know How But They Found Me and continues to make music with the group, comprised of him and Falling In Reverse’s Ryan Seamon. Breezy Weekes, Dallon’s wife, tweeted in 2020 about Panic!’s bodyguard, Zach Cloud Hall, and his inappropriate behavior.
Abusive behavior is often dismissed as “jokes”. They’re not. These are just a couple examples of the “jokes” I had to endure. When I stopped ‘playing along’ , it got worse. pic.twitter.com/tKgVaCSLKF
Hall himself tweeted about keeping fans’ inappropriate photos as his screensaver, as well as writing sexual things about Dallon Weekes himself in tweets. Brendon Urie came under fire for not firing Hall, however, he was quick to kick out touring member Kenneth Harris for inappropriately messaging fans on Snapchat in 2018. Weekes also was made fun of for being Mormon, and always the butt of jokes by Urie, which contributed to his departure.
Brendon Urie has also come under fire for racist remarks and for saying inappropriate things onstage. A video surfaced of him in 2011 onstage saying he was going to have sex with fans, whether they liked it or not. He has also been seen singing racial slurs in videos and saying transphobic things.
Despite all the drama surrounding the group, Panic! went on to release Pray For The Wicked, featuring “High Hopes,” which became the highest-placing single from the band, becoming number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2022, the band released their final album, Viva Las Vengeance. They embarked on a U.S. tour supporting the record, and Urie made an announcement on January 24 saying he is going to be leaving the group, which over the years became a solo act for Urie, as he was the only official member.
He said in a statement “Well it’s been a hell of a journey…I am going to bring this chapter of my life to an end and put my focus and energy on my family.” He announced his wife Sarah is pregnant with their first child, which was accidentally leaked by Pete Wentz last month in a photo he posted on Instagram, but then deleted right after fans saw Urie and his wife in a photo of her with a pregnancy belly.
The final tour begins in Vienna on Feb. 20 and concludes in Manchester, England on March 10. Urie has not said if he will release music as a solo act, but for the time being he will be focusing on raising his child. Despite the controversies surrounding the group and its members, Panic! At The Disco left a mark on the emo/alternative scene that will last for years to come.
Tragedy, one of New York’s most elite tribute bands and creators of disco metal, have announced the release of their newest album, I Am Woman, available on March 3. The album serves as a testimonial to celebrate womanhood in all forms, capturing the spirit of metal classics while providing a fresh take on some of the world’s most timeless classics of empowerment, independence and self-love.
Tragedy will be teaming up with Steel Panther and Crobot on their upcoming US tour. The tour will start in Las Vegas, beginning February 24. Then, starting April 18th, the band will continue on to their co-headline European tour alongside fellow comedy metal icons Nanowar of Steel.
If you’ve heard The Pointer Sisters’, “I’m So Excited”, you are in for a special treat. Tragedy will be showcasing their metal take on this classic anthem. Follow the band’s journey starting from their Cara Maria O’Shea-directed music video to their Halftime Show performance at the Big Bank SuperDuper Dome. You’ll find it impossible to contain yourself as you rock out to the metallized version of this iconic track with half-timed grooves, squealing solos and energetic vocals.
Anita Pointer sadly passed away very recently, and this is our tribute to her and her sisters’ impact on music, as well as, of course, their everlasting and unbridled enthusiasm for ‘pleasures in the night’ on this track. The song is about the building, burning anticipation of impending carnal satisfaction. The heart races, hormones surge – gratification is imminent! In the video, the “excited” band members pack themselves into the family minivan, then play the Halftime Show at the Big Bank SuperDuper Dome – an event viewed live by over 700 Billion people worldwide!
Mo’Royce Peterson on “I’m So Excited”
Tragedy has had a glitter-encrusted grip on the entertainment world since they emerged in the early 2010’s. Performing several albums of metalized disco, soft rock and pop covers in the USA, UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, etc, has shown the world that Tragedy is no ordinary tribute band. The group of six fully embodies the soul of original pieces and infuses tracks with an undeniably infectious energy that can be felt by all listeners. Although the band’s unique style causes the implication of misbehavior, witnessing a live performance will open your eyes to the band’s true overarching message. It is one of carefree joy, humanity, acceptance and the simple pursuit of a damn good time. Their latest album, “I Am Woman”, can be preordered here.
TRAGEDY: US Tour with Steel Panther and Crobot (as special guest)
02.24.23 – US: Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues 02.25.23 – US: Anaheim, CA – House Of Blues 02.26.23 – US: Tempe, AZ – The Marquee Theatre 02.28.23 – US: San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theater 03.01.23 – US: Houston, TX – House Of Blues 03.03.23 – US: Dallas, TX – House Of Blues 03.04.23 – US: Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom 03.06.23 – US: Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works 03.08.23 – US: Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room 03.10.23 – US: Orlando FL – The Plaza Live 03.11.23 – US: St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live 03.12.23 – US: Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre 03.14.23 – US: Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live 03.16.23 – US: New York, NY – Irving Plaza 03.17.23 – US: Philadelphia, PA – Keswick Theatre 03.18.23 – US: Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom 03.19.23 – US: Worcester, MA – The Palladium 03.21.23 – US: Detroit, MI – The Fillmore 03.22.23 – US: Columbus, OH – The Bluestone 03.24.23 – US: Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room 03.25.23 – US: Chicago, IL – House Of Blues 03.26.23 – US: Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre 03.28.23 – US: Milwaukee, WI – The Eagles Club Stage 03.29.23 – US: Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore 03.31.23 – US: Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre 04.01.23 – US: Denver, CO – The Fillmore 04.02.23 – US: Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot 04.04.23 – US: Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom 04.06.23 – US: West Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go 04.07.23 – US: West Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go 04.08.23 – US: San Diego, CA – House Of Blues
TRAGEDY: European Decimation co-headline tour w/ Nanowar of Steel *TRAGEDY only (w/o Nanowar of Steel) 04.18.23 – UK: Southampton, 1865 * 04.19.23 – UK: Oxford, O2 Academy 2 * 04.20.23 – UK: Hull, The Welly Club 04.21.23 – UK: Carlisle, The Venue 04.22.23 – UK: Glasgow, Cathouse 04.23.23 – UK: Sheffield, O2 Academy 2 04.24.23 – UK: Newcastle, Think Tank 04.25.23 – UK: Liverpool, O2 Academy 2 04.26.23 – UK: Birmingham, IS2 04.27.23 – UK: London, O2 Academy Islington 04.28.23 – UK: Dorset, Teddy Rock Festival 04.29.23 – UK: Bristol, Thekla 04.30.23 – UK: Brighton, Patterns 05.02.23 – FR: Nantes, Ferrailleur 05.03.23 – FR: Paris, Petit Bain 05.04.23 – FR: Toulouse, Connexion Live 05.05.23 – ES: Barcelona, Sala Boveda 05.06.23 – ES: Madrid, Sala Revi Live 05.07.23 – PT: Lisbon, RCA Club 05.08.23 – ES: Murcia, Sala Garage Beat Club 05.09.23 – ES: Valencia, Sala Peter Rock 05.10.23 – ES: Portugalete (Bilbao), Sala Groove 05.11.23 – FR: Lyon, Rock’n Eat
On February 2, The Gibson brothers will be performing in Glens Falls at the Park Theatre in support of their impending album Darkest Hour.
Darkest Hour, produced by Jerry Douglas varies from trad-grass to country-soul, electric guitars and drums. Eric and Leigh Gibson build a connection with their audience by taking universally known truths/ feelings and infusing them into impeccable bluegrass, country, and Americana songs. The album features Eric and Leigh Gibson vocals and guitar, along with Mike Barber on the bass, Justin Moses playing the mandolin, and Eamon McGloughlin on the fiddle. Additionally, John Gardner, who plays drums and Guthrie Trapp, who rocks an electric guitar, were later added on some tracks.
The Gibson brothers are exceptional artists that capture the soul of country music. There’s a reason why the phenomenal Ricky Skaggs offered the brothers to produce a country record two decades ago. Country Music Hall of Famer, Tom T. Hall has always been a loyal supporter through encouraging their writing, and predicting success.
The brothers built their status by winning an abundance of bluegrass awards, released albums on almost every premier Americana label including Sugar Hill and Rounder. Their songs have also been recorded by bluegrass legends such as Del McCoury. Despite their success, The Gibson Brothers are not yet household names. Although, their remarkable resume and latest album, Darkest Hour could change that. Tickets can be found here.
The Quad Counties of Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton counties will see a more than 125% increase in funding to arts organizations and artists, with a priority on funding of Native American and othre indigenous people’s arts, culture and history.
Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts
Along with significantly increasing the amount of money the SCR Program will be able to regrant to arts organizations and artists in Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton counties, the additional funding enables ALCA to expand its offerings and services to the entire four-county region. In addition to the ongoing grant categories of Community Arts and Arts Education, ALCA’s SCR Program is reviving the Individual Artist grants, which have not been offered in the ADK Quad-County region in approximately a decade.
This increase in SCR support means an expansion of both the funding and services ALCA provides to arts organizations and artists in the four-county region, which translates into wider benefits for residents of, and visitors, to the many varied communities within the region, according to Jean-Marie Donohue, Development General Director of ALCA.
We are grateful to NYSCA for this generous increase, which is a validation of the truly indispensable work ALCA has been doing for all four counties in our service area since at least the mid-2010s. We are also excited about the opportunity the increase in funding offers to extend and deepen our service to the abundance of wonderful artists and arts organizations in the region. Although ours is a rural area, the communities we serve range from the City of Plattsburgh to the tiniest hamlets in remote stretches along the Canadian border and in the heart of the Adirondack mountains.
Jean-Marie Donohue Development General Director of ALCA
Each grant category lists several criteria on which applications are evaluated—for example, artistic merit, organizational competence, service to the community, and local priorities for SCR funding in Community Arts. In this last one, priorities include projects that address areas of distinct cultural deficiency—e.g., programs for underserved rural communities; and projects that focus on, or represent, aspects of our region’s history or cultural identity/diversity. With the presence of the Akwesasne community based north of Franklin County in mind, ALCA’s grants program will add the priority of projects dedicated to Native American and other indigenous people’s arts, culture and history.
photo provided by the Tahawus Cultural Center
As seen above, the exhibit “Journey” at the Tahawus Cultural Center, Au Sable Forks, in Essex County, was presented in Fall 2022 featuring the work of two Town of Black Brook/Clinton County-based artists, painter Heidi Gero and fiber artist Carrie Plumadore, a project supported by SCR funding awarded to the Appleby Foundation, Inc., Tahawus Center and Rebecca Kelly Ballet.
Madison Square Garden fell into controversy recently after using facial recognition technology to identify lawyers at firms in litigation with owner James Dolan, then removing them from MSG and Radio City Music Hall. New York lawmakers have now introduced a new bill to ban these practices at MSG’s sporting events.
Exterior of MSG, 2012
State Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D), representing Lower and Midtown Manhattan, Liz Krueger (D), representing the East Side of Manhattan, and newly-elected Assemblyman Tony Simone (D), representing Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and Midtown, introduced the bill on Monday, January 23. The bill refers to New York Civil Rights Law Section 40-b, with the current language of the law stating that theaters, music halls, and concert halls cannot deny entry to legitimate ticket holders. The proposed bill will add “sporting events” to the list.
The proposal comes after Madison Square Garden had removed at least four lawyers from its venues since October due to their firms’ active legal action against MSG. The venue appeared to use facial recognition to identify the attorneys, and while this technology improves security at events, critics fear there is potential for abuse.
Rolling Stone reported that Grant & Eisenhofer attorney Barbara Hart- whose firm is working against MSG but who is not working on the case herself- told them that security officials stopped and identified her at Brandi Carlile’s MSG show in October, without even seeing her ID. Hart said that “This is retaliatory behavior of powerful people against others, and that should be concerning to us. It was a very eerie experience to be on the receiving end of at that moment.”
Others who have been reported as being kicked out include Kelly Conlon, an associate at Davis, Saperstein and Solomon. She was attending a Radio City Rockettes show at Radio City Music Hall in December before being kicked out due to a personal injury lawsuit her firm is working on.
MSG claims they deploy biometric technology for the benefit of public safety when they remove sports fans from the Garden. This is absurd given that in at least four reported cases, the patrons who were booted from their venues posed no security threat and instead were lawyers at firms representing clients in litigation with MSG. Our legislation will close the loophole in state law that allows MSG to remove fans from the Garden and encourage an end to surveillance for non-security purposes.
NY State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal
The proposal is the latest effort from the three state representatives to stop MSG’s policy. Kruger, Hoylman-Sigal, and Simone have also protested outside MSG alongside other lawmakers, including Congressman Jerry Nadler. Hoylman-Sigal spoke about why they are putting the effort into proposing this bill.
Many law firms have sued MSG over the policy, and in November a judge ordered a preliminary injunction to the firms that said that MSG has the right to revoke and refuse to sell tickets to customers but that it couldn’t deny the lawyers entry at the door, given they provided a valid ticket, only applying to concerts and theatrical performances. Both the firms and Madison Square Garden appealed this to New York’s Appellate court.
Larry Hutcher’s firm is representing ticket resellers in a suit against MSG Entertainment. He sued the company over the policy and appealed the judge’s ruling to try and include sporting events. He hopes it will get passed so it will stop the venue from barring him and his coworkers from attending events. “We argued that Madison Square Garden, because it holds both concerts and sports, should be considered as one venue, but the judge limited our right to go to concerts. We are extremely happy that the legislature is recognizing that this is easily cured, and they’re taking steps to do that.”
Hutcher also believes that the facial recognition technology MSG uses needs to be focused on as he is concerned it violates privacy rights. “They got that facial recognition picture from our website,” Hutcher says. “They have taken that they have misused it, and they have created what is in essence a digital fingerprint of me. I have no idea what they’re doing with that. The fact that they have taken this information and put it in a system without my consent or without my knowledge is extremely disturbing.” He also went on to describe it as “dystopian.”
Madison Square Garden Company has denied this facial recognition policy violates the law, under the guise of facial recognition technology images not being retained unless they have been banned from an MSG venue or identified as a security threat. James Dolan, CEO of MSG, doubled down on using it on Good Day New York, saying “The real issue is our policy of not letting attorneys who are suing us into our building until the litigation is done. When it’s done, they’re very much welcome back. This is not discriminatory and we will not back down – The Garden has to defend itself – our values are important to us.”
This is an ongoing issue between lawmakers and Madison Square Garden, and the firms’ fight will continue as long as the law allows MSG to continue its practices. As facial recognition software is a newer technology, there are many concerns. Could these be used to limit people based on race or gender from entering establishments, and use claims such as security matters as reasoning? What do these corporate entities do with the database collected with these photos, taken without us knowing? These questions and more will be asked as the use of this technology expands.
