Category: News Desk

  • Fall Out Boy Announce 2024 Co-Headline Tour with Jimmy Eat World, Coming to MSG and MVP Arena

    Fall Out Boy has announced the second leg of their “So Much For (Tour) Dust,” now named “So Much For (2our) Dust,” with rockers Jimmy Eat World, coming to MSG and the MVP Arena in March 2024.

    Fall Out Boy is one of the biggest-selling rock bands. The group is comprised of vocalist Patrick Stump, bassist and lyricist Pete Wentz, drummer Andy Hurley, and guitarist Joe Trohman, who after taking a short hiatus from the group, is back full-time.

    Formed in Chicago in 2001, the group has released several albums over the years that have become a staple in the emo community. Their seventh studio album MANIA debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in January 2018 and garnered a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rock Album. Other records that have done well on Billboard charts include 2015’s AMERICAN BEAUTY/AMERICAN PSYCHO and 2013’s Save Rock and Roll, whose song “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)” went multi-platinum.

    Photo by Joshua Davis for NYS Music.

    Their first U.S. run over the summer celebrating the release of their newest record So Much (for) Stardust, proved to be a success, coming to places like Darien Lake and Forest Hills. Much like the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, which featured surprise songs every night, FOB did their own rendition, adding the Magic 8 Ball to their set. The ball would pick a song the band would play that night, and many of them hadn’t been played in over a decade, or never played live before.

    fans were eager to see what came from the group next. After fans spotted the group dropping merch with “So Much For (2our) Dust,” on it a few weeks ago, the tour announcement didn’t come as much of a surprise, however, the addition of rock band Jimmy Eat World was unprecedented, yet equally as exciting.

    Jimmy Eat World has just come off of a joint tour with Manchester Orchestra, and they released the single “Place Your Debts” in 2022. Also joining FOB on this momentous tour are rock bands The Maine, Hot Mulligan, Daisy Grenade, Games We Play (who was also an opener on the first leg), and Carr.

    The group will stop at Madison Square Garden on March 22, and surprisingly at MVP Arena in Albany on March 24. Those lucky enough to be in the official Fall Out Boy discord server (which only opens up for seconds at a time for fans to join) will receive a presale code at 9:30 a.m. local on Sept. 13 to purchase tickets. Don’t fret though, you can join the group’s mailing list, receiving a code to purchase tickets at 10 a.m. local on Sept. 13. General sale is on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. local.

    For more information on how to purchase tickets, visit here.

    Fall Out Boy 2023-2024 Tour Dates:
    10/17 – Warsaw, PL @ COS Torwar
    10/18 – Prague, CZ @ Sportovni Hala Fortuna
    10/20 – Milan, IT @ Mediolanum Forum
    10/21 – Munich, DE @ Zenith
    10/23 – Paris, FR @ Zénith
    10/24 – Amsterdam, NL @ AFAS Live
    10/25 – Brussels, BE @ Forest National
    10/27 – Leeds, UK @ First Direct Arena
    10/28 – Glasgow, UK @ OVO Hydro
    10/29 – Manchester, UK @ AO Arena
    10/31 – Birmingham, UK @ Utilita Arena Birmingham
    11/02 – London, UK @ The O2
    11/03 – London, UK @ The O2
    11/04 – Cardiff, UK @ Cardiff International Arena
    11/06 – Oberhausen, DE @ Rudolf Weber-Arena
    11/07 – Hamburg, DE @ Barclays Arena
    11/08 – Berlin, DE @ Max-Schmeling-Halle
    12/01 – Melbourne, AU @ Flemington Racecourse
    12/02 – Sydney, AU @ Centennial Park
    12/03 – Brisbane, AU @ Brisbane Showgrounds
    12/06 – Bangkok, TH @ Thunder Dome
    02/28 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center *
    03/01 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena *
    03/03 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center *
    03/04 – Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center *
    03/07 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena *
    03/08 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center *
    03/11 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Paycom Center *
    03/13 – Birmingham, AL @ Legacy Arena at The BJCC *
    03/15 – Orlando, FL @ Amway Center *
    03/16 – Jacksonville, FL @ VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena *
    03/19 – Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena *
    03/20 – Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena *
    03/22 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden *
    03/24 – Albany, NY @ MVP Arena *

    03/26 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena *
    03/27 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena *
    03/29 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center *
    03/30 – Lexington, KY @ Rupp Arena *
    03/31 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena *
    04/02 – Milwaukee, WI @ Fiserv Forum *
    04/03 – Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo Arena *
    04/05 – Omaha, NE @ CHI Health Center Arena *
    04/06 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center *

    * = w/ Jimmy Eat World

  • SeptemberFest Street Fair in Nyack Returns

    SeptemberFest in Nyack is returning this year on Sept. 10 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., inviting families, friends, and visitors to celebrate Fall in the heart of the village on Main Street and Broadway. 

    SeptemberFest

    SeptemberFest features a rich array of jewelry, clothing, accessories, art, crafts, gifts, and great food offered by 200+ vendors and scores of local businesses. “We’re pleased to once again host our SeptemberFest fair,” said Roger Cohen, President, of Nyack Chamber. “The fair is in many ways an introduction to our village. We welcome everyone to enjoy a special experience, come back for more, and stay – for a weekend…or even a lifetime.”

    At the Gazebo on Main Street, people can enjoy music from The Scoop at 1 p.m., the Rockland-based “fun” band, playing a huge catalog of iconic rockers including The Beatles, Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Pretenders, Elton John, and more, with originals too. Also performing is the Nyack-based grunge rock group Bulletproof Heart at 4 p.m. They will pound out hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, with modern interpretations of classics from bands like Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Hole, and Weezer

    Photo by Nina Skow.

    In addition to enjoying the music and sampling wares from hundreds of fair vendors, Fest-goers can enjoy the many boutiques and restaurants open year-round in the village. Nyack’s one-of-a-kind retailers offer unique merchandise across a broad spectrum of hard-to-find treasures, from antiques, custom jewelry, and original art, to hand-made clothing, crystals, vintage vinyl, specialty eyewear, and other products. People can also enjoy a vast array of food, one of the best in the Hudson Valley.

    “SeptemberFest is a not-to-be-missed event, but it’s also an invitation to visitors and residents to sample the village’s special blend of memorable experiences,” said Cohen. “We encourage people to come back after our events to enjoy shopping, dining, music, art, theater, hiking, biking, and river recreation. Nyack offers it all – in a beautiful, walkable riverside community.”

    For more information about SeptemberFest, visit here.

    Upcoming Nyack Events

    Sept. 11: Hometown Heroes (9/11 event) 

    Sept. 28 – Oct. 21: Phoenix Festival Live Arts in Nyack (live theater, dance, music)

    Sept. 30: OctoberFest / LagerFest

    Oct. 6: Spirit of Nyack (Halloween kickoff) 

    Oct. 8: Nyack’s Famous Street Fair (50th anniversary!)

    Oct. 28: Halloween parade and festivities 

    Nov. 4: Rockland County Fashion Week

    Nov. 11: Candlelight Concert Series (Bridget Kibbey)

    Nov. 18: Jonathan Demme Close Up

  • Elemental View Boasts Innovative New Instrument At EMPAC’s Concert Hall This October

    “Elemental View,” an innovative orchestral piece performed by Ellen Fullman and The Living Earth Show, will host a performance on October 24 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s EMPAC Concert Hall.

    Ellen Fullman and her Long String Instrument
    Photo: Robert Szkolnicki

    “Elemental View” is a work in six movements by pioneering composer Ellen Fullman. She wrote it for her Long String Instrument, which she designed in 1980. The instrument is installed in an industrial sized space with 136 strings, tuned and configured precisely for this piece. Through this instrument, the piece immerses the audience, akin to standing inside a giant musical instrument. The result is music both ancient and utterly new, environmental, and with a folk-like orchestral sound. Fullman performs the piece with The Living Earth Show, who hold a multi-season residency at EMPAC.

    Fullman’s Long String Instrument boasts strings from wall-to-wall of the gymnasium-like space. She plucks, bows, and glides her fingers across the strings lengthwise to create sound, as it reverberates through the hall. As she walks along the strings, tones unfold at different rates in proportion to string length, creating a wave of different musical undertones. Further, the notation for the Long String Instrument consists of indications of both tempo and spacial movement for the artist, as specific harmonies and tones emerge at different locations along the length of the strings.

    Invention and discovery are key features of Fullman’s display, as she shows off multiple custom tools to produce new sounds. Fullman designed and created the box bow, shovelette, and shoveler, which play three, six, or nine strings at once. Varying techniques with these tools produce ringing or closed sounds, as Fullman and her ensemble move through the instrument.

    Ellen Fullman and The Living Earth Show perform Elemental View

    In addition to the Long String Instrument, Fullman and The Living Earth Show include more traditional musical techniques. In movements such as “Environmental Memory,” the group uses Travis Andrew’s guitar, as well as Andy Meyerson’s native percussion skills on pieces of the Long String Instrument.

    The presentation continues The Living Earth Show’s multi-season residency at EMPAC, showing engaging, large-scale art and working closely alongside artists. The Living Earth Show functions as a megaphone and canvas for the world’s most progressive artists, pushing the boundaries of technical and artistic possibility. The group amplifies voices, perspectives, and bodies previously excluded while showcasing exciting art to the community.

    “Elemental View” will be performed at EMPAC Concert Hall on October 24 at 8PM. Tickets and more information are available here.

  • Cortland Repertory Theater Announces Fall and Winter 2023 Event Schedule

    Cortland Repertory Theater has announced their fall and early winter schedule at their downtown Cortland building, located at 24-26 Port Watson Street in the city of Cortland. Events start on September 16, and the season doesn’t end until New Year’s Eve.

    Cortland Repertory Theater boasts a handful of events for people of all backgrounds and ages. From Trivia nights to drag shows, there will be something at the CRT for everyone. Be sure to read the details of each event for age restrictions, prices, and times.

    The CRT Downtown schedule includes:

    September 16 at 7:30PM: “Broadway’s Greatest Hits”

    A cabaret evening of memorable show tunes performed by SUNY seniors, raising funds for their NYC Spring Showcase at CRT.

    September 21 at 7:00PM: Third Thursday Trivia.

    Attendees test their knowledge on a wide range of subjects in six rounds, each with five questions. Prizes are given each round, with one final grand prize for the evening. Hosted by CRT’s Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson.

    September 29 & 30 at 7:30PM: Edgar Allen Jo’s Excellent Dragventure.

    CRT partners with Go Jo Productions to present some of New York state’s top drag performers to “drag the audience through time”. During this time travel experience, the audience will stop by Marie’s for tea and cake, bond with Abe Lincoln, and party with Napoleon. Note that this is an 18 and up performance, because history is seriously not PG.

    October 14 & 15: The Little York Fall Fiber Arts Festival.

    Now in its 11th year, this CRT fund raiser held at the Little York Pavilion boasts over 30 vendors for knitters, weavers, yarn enthusiasts, and so much more. Other items include maple products, wood-worked items, clothing, and a variety of unique holiday gifts. The festival is open from 9:00-5:00 on Saturday and 10:00 – 3:00 on Sunday.

    October 14 at 7:30PM: Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.”

    Wade Preston returns for his 7th annual fall concert. Wade’s “one-night only” concert of stories and songs by Billy Joel and other artists are memorable for everyone who attends. With his versatile piano skills and vocal talent, on top of his child-like stage charm and great sense of humor, Wade delivers a unique night filled with rock n roll that will leave the CRT reeling for more.

    October 19 at 7:00PM: Third Thursday Trivia – Halloween edition.

    October 21 at 7:30PM: Backtrack Vocals.

    Backtrack Vocals is a 5-person professional a cappella singing group based in NYC transforms familiar pop, funk, Motown, standards, and Broadway songs with new vocal and beatbox arrangements. Their performances are infused with heart and humor, and because of their wildly versatile repertoire, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

    November 4 at 7:30PM: Cortland’s own Jack Gerhard (pictured above) and his band.

    Celebrating the release of his first album “If You Need Me”, Jack makes his concert debut with a stunning evening of cover tunes and a collection of his own original songs. Don’t miss Cortland’s star-on-the-rise in this intimate evening of heartfelt music.

    November 11 at 7:30PM: TAKE3 – Where Rock Meets Bach (pictured above).

    TAKE3 has a vast repertoire that travels from Bach and Beethoven, to Bieber and The Beach Boys. Enjoy a genre-defying trio that combines classical music and fuses it with rock-star charisma. Likely due to their training at the world’s top conservatories, TAKE3 performances have been described by audience members as a mini-Trans Siberian Orchestra experience.

    November 16 at 7:00PM: Third Thursday Trivia

    In December, Santa’s volunteer elves (CRT’s Board and Guild members) decorate the Grand Hall at CRT Downtown for the holidays from top to bottom. They invite kids of all ages to stop in, visit with Santa, take selfies, and get in the holiday spirit.

    November 30, 7:00 – 9:00PM: Cocktails with Santa.

    Cocktails with Santa is an evening reserved for those without children, but who still want to get into the holiday spirit with Santa himself. A cash beer/wine bar will be available, with CRT volunteers to take holiday photos for upcoming Christmas cards or Instagram posts.

    December 1: Our display will be open for viewing in conjunction with the City of Cortland’s Tree Lighting Ceremony.

    December 2 & 3: Photos with Santa.

    After visiting Santa, take a stroll through our Wonderland and take selfies. Santa will be in his chair from 10 – Noon and 2:00 – 4:00 on Saturday, and 1:00 – 3:00 on Sunday. Family photos will be taken and emailed the following week.

    December 9, 11:00 – 2:00: CRT’s Holiday Brunch, with special guest Lisa Rock and “A Carpenters Christmas”.

    The CRT Board of Director’s 2nd Annual Holiday Brunch Fundraiser and party. Enjoy a delicious brunch, bid on unique silent auction baskets, scoop up some holiday spirits in wine grab bags, and enjoy a one-hour concert with Lisa Rock.

    December 9 & 10: Lisa Rock and “A Carpenters Christmas”.

    Based on the music of The Carpenters’ two holiday albums and variety shows, this festive holiday concert features “Merry Christmas Darling”, the jazzy “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and many more. Concerts are at 7:30PM on Saturday and 2:00PM on Sunday.

    December 21 at 7:00PM: Third Thursday Trivia: December Holiday Edition.

    December 31, 9:00PM – 12:30AM: Dancin’ Thru the Decades New Year’s Eve Dance.

    Dance into the New Year and have a great view of the city’s New Year’s celebrations. CRT’s DJ will play the ultimate dance mix of the greatest tunes from the 60’s to today.

    For more information and ticket prices for all events at the Cortland Repertory Theater, visit cortlandrep.org, call 800-427-6160 or visit the CRT Box Office at 24 Port Watson Street.

  • Utica’s Stanley Theatre Announces 1920s-Themed Anniversary Event

    The Stanley Theatre, a beloved Utica music venue, will be celebrating its 95th birthday with a celebration on October 5. The 1920s-themed anniversary party will feature music by The Fabulous Mojos, a funky five-piece group known for swinging blues and beats. 

    The Stanley Theatre 95th Birthday Celebration

    Additionally, the party will feature basket raffles, limited edition merchandise, and hors d’oeuvre stations sponsored by Patrick O’Connor’s Feasts and Festivities. Raffle baskets highlight local businesses such as Meyda Lighting, Tavolo’s Restaurant, and Broadway Theatre League of Utica. A commemorative painting by famed artist Stephen Fletcher will also be on display and raffled off at the event. 

    The evening will feature a specialty drink, the ‘Gin Stanley.” A new take on the popular Gin Rickey, it has an added strawberry twist. A cash bar will be available for attendees with both cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.

    Raffle tickets will be available at the event, cash only, and can be purchased at various price tiers. Limited edition merchandise will include t-shirts, mugs, and prints featuring The Stanley Theatre’s custom 95th-anniversary logo.

    Tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com, in person at The Stanley Theatre’s Box Office, and by phone at 315-724-4000. Tickets start at $95 including fees.

  • Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band Reschedule Albany Date

    Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band have postponed all performances currently scheduled for September 2023, beginning with Thursday’s show scheduled for the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse.

    Mr. Springsteen is being treated for symptoms of peptic ulcer disease and the decision of his medical advisors is that he should postpone the remainder of his September shows. 

    Springsteen made the following comment:

    “Over here on E Street, we’re heartbroken to have to postpone these shows. First, apologies to our fabulous Philly fans who we missed a few weeks ago. We’ll be back to pick these shows up and then some. Thank you for your understanding and support. We’ve been having a blast at our US shows and we’re looking forward to more great times. We’ll be back soon.  
    Love and God bless all,
    Bruce”

    Ticketholders will receive information regarding rescheduled dates for the postponed shows, which are listed below. 

    The new date for his Albany show is for April 15, 2024.

    Thurs, September 7 – Syracuse, NY @ JMA Wireless Dome
    Sat, September 9 – Baltimore, MD @ Oriole Park at Camden Yards
    Tues, September 12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
    Thurs, September 14 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
    Sat, September 16 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
    Tues, September 19 – Albany, NY @ MVP Arena
    Thurs, September 21 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
    Fri, September 29 – Washington, DC @ Nationals Park

  • Two Rochester Ensembles Collaborate to Present “Old & New: Sephardic Reflections”

    Two Rochester based ensembles, showcasing Sephardic music will perform back to back performances of “Sephardic Reflections,” taking place in Syracuse on October 21 and at Rochester’s Temple Beth El Synagogue on October 22.

    The production ‘Old & New: Sephardic Reflections’ brings a taste of medieval flute and electric guitar, offering a contrast of contemporary music with versions of old and new songs. This medieval mix is interpreted by members of fivebyfive and Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque. The clash of ensembles explore the sounds of flute and electric guitar to present a new experience for the audience.

    Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque

    Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque will perform using recorders, lute, duduk, shawm, harp and percussion which stay true to the early music of Sephardic traditions in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Members of the chamber music ensemble will us flute, clarinet, bass, piano and electric guitar which heavily influence the new tradition.

    This is an exciting journey for both ensembles, to focus on music from a certain period but in our own styles. All of our musicians are world-class artists, experts in their chosen instruments, and we look forward to collaborating on this kaleidoscopic musical event.

    Pegasus/NYS Baroque Director Deborah Fox.

    “We are thrilled by the variety of sounds that will be shared in this concert,” said Artistic Director, Laura Lantz of fivebyfive.

    fivebyfive

    Tickets can be purchased online at pegasusearlymusic.org and fivebyfivemusic.com or purchased at the door. Upstate New York looks forward to see what they have in store for the double ensemble collaboration “Old & New: Sephardic Reflections”.

  • Excision To Play Buffalo RiverWorks and Madison Square Garden on 2024 Nexus Tour

    DJ and producer Excision has announced his upcoming Nexus tour, hitting stops at Buffalo RiverWorks in Buffalo on March 19th and 20th, and New York City’s Madison Square Garden on March 22nd. The tour kicks off on December 22 and includes stops across the country from Tacoma, WA, to Boston, MA. 

    Excision Nexus Tour

    The tour follows Excision’s latest single “Bass To The Dome,” featuring Sullivan King. The song was released on August 25th with Subsidia Records, marking Excision’s seventh track release this year. 

    This is the biggest tour we’ve ever done, with over 50 dates, massive production, and an incredibly talented mix of artists joining us on every stop. I can’t wait to be able to reveal more. I’m excited to see all the Headbangers in their hometowns!

    Jeff Abel, Excision

    Tickets for the tour will be available beginning with an Artist Presale on Wednesday, September 6 with code “NEXUS”. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, September 8 at 10AM local time. More information is available at excision.ca.

    EXCISION TOUR DATES

    Sat Dec 22 – Chicago, IL – Navy Pier * 

    Sat Dec 30 – Stateline, NV – Tahoe Blue Event Center

    Sun Dec 31 – Stateline, NV – Tahoe Blue Event Center

    Fri Feb 02 – Tacoma, WA – The Thunderdome at Tacoma Dome

    Sat Feb 03 – Tacoma, WA – The Thunderdome at Tacoma Dome

    Sun Feb 04 – Tacoma, WA – The Thunderdome at Tacoma Dome

    Fri Feb 09 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

    Sat Feb 10 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

    Fri Feb 16 – Las Vegas, NV – High Roller at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

    Sat Feb 17 – Las Vegas, NV – High Roller at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

    Sun Feb 18 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Arena

    Mon Feb 19 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center

    Tue Feb 20 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center

    Wed Feb 21 – El Paso, TX – UTEP Don Haskins Center

    Fri Feb 23 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

    Sat Feb 24 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

    Sun Feb 25 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

    Fri Mar 01 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum

    Sat Mar 02 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum

    Fri Mar 08 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory

    Sat Mar 09 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory

    Thu Mar 14 – Toronto, ON – Venue & On Sale TBD

    Fri Mar 15 – Toronto, ON – Venue & On Sale TBD

    Sat Mar 16 – Montreal, QC – Place Bell

    Tue Mar 19 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo RiverWorks

    Wed Mar 20 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo RiverWorks

    Fri Mar 22 – New York City, NY – UBS Arena

    Sun Mar 24 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

    Tue Mar 26 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre

    Wed Mar 27 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J. Brady Music Center

    Fri Mar 29 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

    Sat Mar 30 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

    Fri May 31 – Denver, CO – Mile High at Denver Coliseum Outdoors *

    Sat June 01 – Denver, CO – Mile High at Denver Coliseum Outdoors *

    Tue June 04 – Bonner, MT – KettleHouse Amphitheater

    Thu Jun 06 – Boise, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheatre

    Sat Jun 08 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Great Saltair

    Sun Jun 09 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Great Saltair

    Fri Jun 21 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

    Sat Jun 22 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

    * Not a Live Nation date

    + MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

  • In Focus: New York EDM Maxes Out at Electric Zoo 2023

    The 2023 edition of Electric Zoo Music Festival took a turn into the history books this past weekend, with fans encountering hours-long Will Call lines, a main stage still under construction on Friday, and an overflow of attendees on Sunday.

    Add in allegations of overselling the event by a reported 7,000, according to Mayor Eric Adams, and EZoo joins the ranks of Fyre Fest, AstroWorld, Curveball, and Woodstock 99 in the lore of music festivals gone awry.

    It’s unfortunate that the organizers wanted to turn our city into a zoo, and we were not going to allow that to happen. And we will be dealing with them in the next few days based on their behavior and actions.

    NYC Mayor Eric Adams

    Electric Zoo 2023 was produced by Billy Bildstein of Avant Gardner and Cityfox, who bought EZoo creator Made Events, in July 2022 through an investment group for $15 million.

    The weekend started on a low note for promoters, with the stage being deemed unsafe by New York authorities, leading to the full Friday of music being canceled, and refund information shared by Electric Zoo. In a statement, the promoters said,

    Despite our tireless efforts and round-the-clock commitment, we have made the painful decision to cancel the first day of Electric Zoo. This year has presented unparalleled challenges for everyone. The global supply chain disruptions have impacted industries worldwide, and, sadly, our beloved festival has not been immune. These unexpected delays have prevented us from completing the construction of the main stage in time for Day 1.

    Among artists whose sets were canceled on Friday were The Chainsmokers, Excision, Griz and New York born and raised, Eli Escobar.

    Saturday saw the festival delayed gates opening until 230pm, with crowds waiting for five hours (if not longer) for Will Call tickets. Some fans were not able to get into the venue on Randall’s Island until nearly 8pm, leading one outlet to ask, “Is Electric Zoo the new Fyre Festival?”

    Although the EZOO team reassured fans, “Your patience and dedication mean the world to us, and we cannot thank you enough for being part of this incredible community,” fans were not placated, with some having flown in from around the country and world, nowhere to turn but to head home.

    Then on Sunday evening, piggybacking off a cancellation and incredibly long wait times, promoters said the festival was full and could not accommodate any additional patrons. Fans crashed the gates, passing security checkpoints, nearly destroying the entry way on Randall’s Island, frustrated by the actions of the promoters.

    After the disappointment from the cancellation of Day 1, Electric Zoo kept the show running on Day 2, opening the gates two hours later than initially posted. Headliners Timmy Trumpet, Gryffin and the closing finale of Zedd left attendees smiling from ear to ear.

    Perri Sage Photography

    From glitter to sequins, fish nets and strobe light sunglasses, the fans inside were enlightened with character despite the issues outside the gate, showing their love for the electronic dance community.

    To close out Saturday, German DJ and producer Zedd put on an outstanding finale with a crowd full of thousands screaming, clapping and dancing among themselves to some of his hit remixes “Alive by Empire of the Sun – Zedd Remix” and “Break Free” by Ariana Grande (feat. Zedd).

    Perri Sage Photography

    On Day 3 the festival was up and ready to go when the gates opened for attendees at 1pm. While the days prior led to confusion, frustration and disappointment, EZOO was determined to turn it around. The main stage known as Convergence added two more columns to the overhead screens which illuminated the overall feel and experience of the final day.

    However, with more tickets sold than Randall’s Island could accommodate, promoters announced at 6:30pm that no more fans would be allowed to enter, even if they had a ticket. And with this, fans frustration hit its peak, and the gates were stormed.

    Headliners included Tiesto, Major Lazor, a combined set of both well known artists Dom Dolla and John Summit, and leading finale Marshmellow. The on stage visuals of all artists performing reached with psychedelic imagery, strobes of color and front stage flames, smoke and fireworks enhanced the fans’ experience.

    By this point, all stages were flooded with fans from front to back, savoring their last moments of Electric Zoo 2023 and not letting the oversold event and actions of promoters stifle the finale of what was intended to be a magnificient weekend for thousands of EDM fans.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Even with the delays and frustration, EZOO kept the show running for Day 2 and Day 3 to the best of their ability. The event performances left fans ecstatic, and for some the festival was worth the wait, while for others a weekend without music, but for all attendees, it was a weekend for the history books.

  • Sound On Sound Music Festival Announces 2023 Lineup, Food Offerings

    Sound On Sound 2023 kicks off on the banks of the Long Island Sound in Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT later this month, as the the second annual edition of the festival will take place Saturday, September 30th through Sunday, October 1st.

    An incredible collection of performers will be featured, including headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers and Connecticut’s native son John Mayer, along with Alanis Morissette, Trey Anastasio Band, Hozier, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lord Huron, Dispatch, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Mt. Joy, Steel Pulse, Joy Oladokun, Margo Price and more (See Just Announced Set Times).

    Alongside the music, Sound On Sound is delivering a stellar lineup of food and beverage options with 50+ vendor locations sitewide. The choices highlight local Connecticut and regional favorites including: Zuppardi’s Apizza, PopUp Bagels, Walter’s Hot Dogs, Chef Damon Sawyer’s 29 Markle Ct., Bona Bona Ice Cream, Nordic Fish, Pau Pau’s Pizza Cones, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, Ted’s Restaurant, Grumpy Dumpling Co., Freskos Greek, Parker. Eatery & Bar, Liberty Rock Tavern, This Girl Shucks, The Tasty Yolk, Una Dolce Vita, Garelick & Herbs, Lemonate’s, Rise Brewing Co., Micalizzi’s, Little Pub, The Blind Rhino, Wakin’ Up Waggin’, Crispy Melty, Donut Crazy, Fire Engine Pizza Co., Manchester Cheesecake Company, Gotham Burger Social Club, and many more.

    Lobster roll from Nordic Fish.

    When it comes time to wash all those delicious bites down, Sound On Sound delivers with yet another impressive lineup. A selection of wines from vintner Josh Cellars will perfectly compliment a plate of freshly shucked oysters.

    Beer fans can have their pick from a variety of offerings from Blue Point Brewing Co., East Rock Brewing Company, Fiddlehead Brewing Company, Kona Brewing Co., Sloop Brewing Co., Stella Artois, and Two Roads Brewing. Or perhaps mix it up with Downeast Cider, Fishers Island Lemonade, Hoop Tea Spiked Iced Tea, JuneShine and White Claw. And those in the mood for an expertly crafted cocktail can choose from a bright and bubbly Aperol Spritz, the Don Julio Californication Margarita, a Dos Hombres Mezcaloma, a Redemption Whiskey Old Fashioned, or a refreshing Tito’s Sparkling Lemonade. 

    Array of food items from Walter’s Hot Dogs.

    The increase in the amount and variety of food vendors isn’t the only thing to look forward to. The 2023 edition of Sound On Sound will deliver a massive reconfiguration of the festival experience from last year’s event. This year, expect more space (doubling the festival footprint), a redesigned and relocated festival site with walkways for ease of movement within the grounds, upgraded restroom facilities (flushable restrooms throughout the entire festival site), lighting and directional signage enhancements across the venue and parking lot areas, and increased mobile connectivity and coverage through the placement of additional portable cell towers. Learn more HERE.

    Donuts from Doughnuttery.

    Visit soundonsoundct.com/food-libations/ for more information on the food & beverage lineup.

    This year’s festival will also present ticket buyers with a new stage and viewing experience as well. All performances will take place on a single massive turntable stage outfitted with a state-of-the-art audio and visual system. The new set up will allow for back to back performances with no overlapping sets, giving festival fans the opportunity to see every single performance without having to move between stages.

    Fans can sign up to receive email and text message alerts to be the first to receive new information at SoundOnSoundCT.com.

    SOUND ON SOUND MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023 LINEUP: 

    Saturday

    JULAI and The Serotones @ 12:00pm

    Kieran Rhodes @ 12:40pm

    Briscoe @ 1:20pm

    Deep Banana Blackout @ 2:00pm

    Sammy Rae & The Friends @ 2:55pm

    Joe Oladokun @ 3:50pm

    Steel Pulse @ 4:45pm

    Lord Huron @ 4:45pm

    Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats @ 6:50pm

    Trey Anastasio Band @ 8:00pm

    Red Hot Chili Peppers @ 9:45pm

    Sunday

    SNACKTIME @ 12:00pm

    Calder Allen @ 12:40pm

    Gin Blossoms @ 1:20pm

    Cautious Clay @ 2:15pm

    Margo Price @ 3:10pm

    Mt. Joy @ 4:05pm

    Dispatch @ 5:00pm

    Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals @ 5:55pm

    Hozier @ 6:50pm

    Alanis Morissette @ 8:00pm

    John Mayer @ 9:30pm