Category: News Desk

  • Maria Muldaur’s Announces Retrospective Tour, Way Past Midnight

    This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Maria Muldaur’s chart-topping hit “Midnight at the Oasis.” To celebrate this milestone, she and her band will be embarking on a special tour with stops throughout New York, presenting Muldaur’s multi-media retrospective show, Way Past Midnight, which will chronicle her 60-year musical journey.

    In this one-of-a-kind multi-media retrospective, Mulduar chronicles her 60-year musical journey through American Roots Music, to The Oasis and Beyond. Mulduar and her band will perform her iconic hits, such as “Midnight at the Oasis,” “I’m A Woman,” and more. They will also play many oft-requested fan favorites from the 43 albums she has recorded in the last 50 years.

    Mulduar will treat audiences to previously unseen photos and videos and will share fascinating, often humorous personal stories from every stage of her 60-year career, spanning from her early days in the 60s with The Jim Kweskin Jug Band to her years of pop stardom, and on to her continuing exploration of the many forms of American Roots Music – Blues, Bluesiana, Jazz, and Gospel.

    Way Past Midnight tells Maria Muldaur’s story in words, pictures, videos, and songs. Through this, she allows fans insight into her personal encounters, friendships, and collaborators, including many notable names in music: Bob Dylan, Doc Watson, Taj Mahal, Dr. John, Aaron Neville, John Sebastian, David Grisman, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder, Hoagy Carmichael, and Benny Carter, amongst others.

    Tour Dates and More Information

    Friday, September 8, at 8 pm at My Father’s Place

    3 Pratt Blvd, Glen Cove, NY, Tickets $40 ADV/$50 DOS.

    For tickets and venue information, visit this link.

    Thursday, September 14, 8:30 pm at The Iridium

    1650 Broadway, New York, NY, 10019, Tickets: $35.56 – $49.

    For tickets and venue information, visit this link.

    Saturday, September 16, 7 pm at The Vogel – Count Basie Center for the Arts

    99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ, 07701, Tickets: $39+.

    For venue information, visit this link. Find tickets for the event on ticketmaster.

    Sunday, September 17, 4 pm at The Turning Point

    468 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, NY, 10968,Tickets: $31.80.

    For venue information and tickets, visit this link.

  • Tower Records and Rockbox Studios to Release Exclusive Edition of “Life House,” a Graphic Novel by The Who

    Life House, the heavily anticipated, long-awaited rock opera by The Who is finally seeing grand-scale release after over 50 years in the making. Tower Records, the legendary music chain that shaped the landscape of the pre-digital music industry, and Rockbox Studios are set to release an edition of the graphic novel signed by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, limited to 1,000 units now available for pre-order. Later this year, standard and deluxe versions of the graphic novel will be available.

    Additionally, a Who’s Next/Life House Edition box set from UMe will be released on Sept. 15. Additional information is available here. Featuring 155 tracks, 89 of which are previously unreleased and 57 feature fresh remixes, the Super Deluxe edition of Who’s Next/Life House will contain 10 CDs and a 100-page hardback book and Life House – The Graphic Novel.

    Background

    Townshend originally conceived “Life House” in 1970, a motion picture rock opera following the success of The Who’s multi-platinum selling album, Tommy. The science fiction narrative centers on a dystopian, totalitarian society where music is prohibited, successfully anticipating phenomena such as climate change, the internet, streaming media, and racial equality.

    The Who worked for almost a year developing the album at the Young Vic Theatre in London, but ultimately decided to release elements on their 1971 bestselling album, Who’s Next. In 1999, Townshend released a solo compilation of the project entitles The Lifehouse Chronicles. For decades, Life House has been considered a prized item for fans of The Who, one which will be realized later this year.

    ’Life House’ has always needed a story that makes sense but without the egos of new creatives who think they can ‘fix’ what was wrong with my first draft. The graphic novel is built around that first draft written prior to recording sessions and workshops at the Young Vic in 1971. A second draft with some good ideas from Roger in 1976 added some cohesion and more exciting collateral which really suits the comic format. I’m delighted with the comic. The art is beautiful and dense, colourful of course and engaging. The artists and their team have made an amazing and hugely collectible piece that adds depth and clarity to an otherwise complex story. ‘Life House’ is reborn. Tower Records was an iconic L.A. vinyl store in the ‘70s. I never failed to visit when touring and it’s possible that around 75% of my remaining collection is from the store. It’s great news to hear Tower is back in black!

    Pete Townshend

    The graphic novel, a 172-page sprawling sci-fi epic, is presented in an album-sized square format. The Tower Records edition, signed by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey is extremely limited and will carry a retail price of $1,000 and is available for pre-order now exclusively on Tower Records’ website. Universal’s Who’s Next/Life House box set will be launching later this year and the book’s release from Image Comics will come on Dec. 6, 2023.

    “At Tower Records, our main goal is to help artists tell their stories in music and beyond,” said Danny Zeijdel, President of Tower Records. “’Life House’ embodies this, and we are honored to be a platform for the legendary Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, and The Who as they share this exciting project with the world.”

    Townshend met Rockbox Studios CEO, Jeff Krelitz, several years ago and discussed the potential for the project. They worked with writer and artist James Harvey to develop the story and look at the world as a future seen from a 1970 point of view. British writer David Hine and Australian artist, Max Prentis, were brought in to complete the project, which was edited by former Bleeding Cool Editor-In-Chief, Hannah Means-Shannon. Additionally, letters were provided by Micah Myers with inks by the Eisner Award-winning artist, Mick Gray.

    “’Who’s Next’ has always been one of my favorite albums and the opportunity to help Pete advance his vision for ‘Life House’ with this graphic novel is a dream come true,” said Krelitz. “Having been a part of the team rebuilding Tower Records’ legacy for the last few years, I couldn’t imagine a better home for this exciting epic that music fans have been waiting half a century on.”

    About Tower Records

    Founded in 1960 by Russ Solomon, Tower Records developed from a business he founded as a teenager to resell 78 rpm jukebox records in his father’s Sacramento drug store, into a record retail behemoth that operated dozens of stores across the United States. Tower Records defined the retail music business in the pre-digital era and at its peak had nearly 200 stores across 15 countries, and more than $1 billion in annual sales.

    Known for its enormous volume and its audiophile behind-the-counter staff, Tower Records became the mecca for in-store performances and recording artist events, placing it at No. 1 among U.S. music merchants. Today, Tower Records is transcending its historic past by creating online experiences and exciting partnerships with artists, labels, and brands for all music fans to “Know Music, Know Life.”

    Since the relaunch of Tower Records in 2020, the iconic music brand has been offering music and art fans exclusive merchandise drops including limited edition vinyl releases and branded products. Tower Records quickly rose to be a top online retailer for physical music in North America and the brand recently launched an additional online store in Europe. For news and to sign up for upcoming events and vinyl drops at Tower Labs visit here.

  • SPAC Announces 2023-24 Spa Little Theatre Season

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announced its 2023-24 Spa Little Theatre season. It will feature a robust slate of global, jazz, classical, and pop offerings. The announcement marks the continuation of SPAC’s year-round programming in the Spa Little Theatre.

    Spa Little Theatre New Season

    Highlighting the series are the SPAC debuts of Grammy-nominated mandolinist Avi Avital alongside accordionist Hanzhi Wang. Also featured is the all-female jazz ensemble säje. Moreover, other performances include contemporary world music virtuosos TISRA: Zakir Hussain With Debopriya Chatterjee and Sabir Kahn. Additionally, there will be appearances by the recently announced modern dance troupes Pilobolus and BalletX. The year-round residency by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will also continue with three special performances.

    The “Sounds of the Season” series will also return this December. It will feature a capella group Kings Return, trio Time for Three, and vocalist Kat Edmonson.

    BalletX.

    “While we have continued to expand our programming outside of the summer months in recent years, being able to inhabit the Spa Little Theatre year-round has opened up new possibilities for our year-round line-up of programming. Our 2023-24 season is a diverse and rich mix of incredible artistry offering everything from jazz to global to classical music along with full modern dance productions,” said SPAC President and CEO Elizabeth Sobol.

    Tickets for the 2023-24 Spa Little Theatre season will be available to purchase on Aug. 7 at 10 a.m. for members and Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. for the general public. Multi-ticket packages will also be available in selections of three or five programs (excluding Sounds of the Season) for a discount of 15% or 20%, respectively. Visit spac.org for details.

    2023 Fall Season

    Pilobolus- Sunday, October 8, 2023, | 2 PM & 7 PM

    Pilobolus’s show reminds us that play and creativity are fundamental to the human experience and that stories are alive and breathing. Stories can also teach, comfort, and connect us to ourselves and each other. Building on the success of their critically acclaimed Big Five-OH! Anniversary tour, Pilobolus moves confidently into the next half-century of creation and performance. Alongside groundbreaking new pieces, the company breathes new life into beloved works from the past to create an experience both timely and timeless.

    Avi Avital & Hanzhi WangThursday, October 19, 2023, | 7 PM

    GRAMMY-nominated mandolinist Avi Avital will make his SPAC debut alongside star accordionist Hanzhi Wang, in a truly unique program that will showcase each artist’s incredible virtuosity. Avital is the first mandolin soloist ever nominated for a Grammy and has been heralded by The New York Times for his electrifying performances. Wang is a rising talent in the classical world, recently winning a roster spot with Young Concert Artists (YCA), the first accordionist ever to do so.

    Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: American PanoramaSaturday, October 28 | 7 PM

    Led by CMS Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han, this program will feature a roster of 13 musicians in a special performance of Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring along with works by Dvořák and American Composers Arthur Foote and Harry Burleigh.

    säjeSaturday, November 11 | 7 PM

    The GRAMMY® nominated vocal supergroup, säje, is the brainchild of vocalist/composers Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick, and Erin Bentlage. Traversing a vast array of compelling original material, beloved jazz standards, and contemporary re-imaginings of artists such as The Bad Plus, YEBBA, and Björk, the all-female collective has demonstrated their devotion to thoughtful, sophisticated original compositions and heartfelt covers. Their highly anticipated debut album is expected to be released in the summer of 2023. It will feature new original work and compelling covers, highlighting collaborations with artists Jacob Collier, Ambrose Akinmusire, and more. 

    2023 Sounds of the Season

    Kings Return: We 4 KingsSaturday, December 2 | 7 PM

    The Grammy-nominated Kings Return is back by popular demand following their SPAC debut last spring. The unique, harmonizing group turned internet sensation captures the essence of an old-school a cappella quartet with sounds inspired by gospel and R&B. Kings Return features tenor Vaughn Faison, bass Gabe Kunda, tenor JE McKissic, and baritone Jamall Williams. Their We 4 Kings program features pop, classical, and religious holiday classics. It also reinterprets modern and classic pop, soul, R&B, gospel, jazz, and sacred music.

    Time for Three: Home for the HolidaysSaturday, December 9 | 7 PM

    Defying convention and boundaries, Time For Three stands at the busy intersection of Americana, modern pop, and classical music. The trio featuring Charles Yang, Nicolas Kendall, and Ranaan Meyer, will present arrangements of Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, and more. Additionally, they will also present special arrangements of holiday favorites.

    Kat Edmonson: Holiday Swingin’!Sunday, December 17 | 4 PM

    Kat Edmonson is an award-winning songwriter and singer “with an equal foothold in jazz, cabaret, and vintage cosmopolitanism pop” (The New York Times). The songwriter and her band will perform Yuletide favorites along with Kat’s originals for a magical holiday evening celebration.

    2024 Spring Season

    Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: Instrumental ArraySaturday, March 9 | 7 PM

    In a celebration of instrumental odd couples, three duo teams highlight the extremes of possibility for their ensembles. Maurice Duruflé’s post-Romantic trio augments the duo format. All join for the concluding Septet by virtuoso pianist Johann Hummel, who was a pupil of Mozart and Haydn and was admired by Beethoven.

    BalletXSaturday, March 16 | 7 PM and Sunday, March 17 | 2 PM

    Led by Artistic and Executive Director Christine Cox, BalletX creates extraordinary dance experiences that inspire human connection through live performances, dance education in Philadelphia public schools, free community pop-ups, and more. The company also offers free community pop-ups, dance classes, artist Q&As, open rehearsals, and in-school dance education.

    TISRA: Zakir Hussain With Debopriya Chatterjee and Sabir KahnSaturday, March 23 | 7 PM

    The pre-eminent classical tabla virtuoso of our time, Zakir Hussain is appreciated both in the field of percussion and in the music world at large as an international phenomenon. Hussain will lead his ensemble TISRA (three) with two of India’s finest young musicians, Sabir Khan and Debopriya Chatterjee. Showcasing rich folk and classical traditions, this unique trio is comprised of tabla, sarangi, and bansuri (bamboo flute). This colorful mix, combined with Indian classical music and the rich rhythm repertoire of Punjab, makes for a compelling program.

    Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: Wu Han, David Finckel, and Chad HoopesSaturday, May 11 | 7 PM 

    Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel return to end the season with guest violinist Chad Hoopes.

  • Robin Wilson Will Be Inducted Into Long Island Music HOF

    Known for his work as lead vocalist for the alternative rock band the Gin Blossoms and guest lead singer for The Smithereens, Robin Wilson will now be an inductee into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame on Aug. 25. As a part of LIMEHOF’s August-September induction schedule, Wilson joins the Fat Boys as the newest members of the prestigious organization.

    Robin Wilson
    Gin Blossoms at the Huntington Beach Food Art & Music Festival 2014

    Wilson has had a lengthy career in the music industry, first joining the Gin Blossoms in 1988 as a guitarist, eventually changing places with Jesse Venezuela, the original vocalist at the time. Releasing two major label albums with the band, New Miserable Experience and Congratulations, I’m Sorry, the success flooded in with RIAA Platinum certifications, sold-out tours, and overall support for Wilson and the rest of the group.

    In 1997, the Gin Blossoms would break up until 2002, but his career in between stayed moving, becoming the lead singer and songwriter for Gas Giants during the time away.

    Currently residing in Long Island, Robin’s induction ceremony into the LIMEHOF begins Friday, August 25th at 7 pm and will include a performance with special guests on the Exhibit Hall stage.

    Tickets can be found online at www.limusichalloffame.org, by calling 631-689-5888, or take a visit to the Hall of Fame. Prices are $40 for the general public and $35 for LIMEHOF members.

    LIMEHOF’s full August and September schedule, including the Fat Boys induction information, is complete and can be found below.

    August-September LIMEHOF Schedule

    8/6 1-2 pm Induction: The Fat Boys

    8/6 3-4 pm – HooDoo Loungers

    8/13 3-4 pm – Who Are Those Guys

    8/20 2-3 pm – Pamela Betti Band

    8/25 7-10 pm Induction Ceremony: Robin Wilson (from Gin Blossoms and Smithereens)

    8/27 3-4 pm – Shecky & the Twangtones

    9/3 3-4 pm – Joseph James

    9/10 3-4 pm – My World/Johnny Juice

    9/17 3-4 pm – Songwriters of Long Island Showcase

    9/24 3-4 pm – Medicine Fish

    “Hey Jealously” by the Gin Blossoms
  • VIBES: The Game For Music Minds to Join 50 Hours of Hip Hop TV Celebration on Bronxnet

    VIBES: The Game For Music Minds is to join “50 Hours of Hip Hop: A 50th Anniversary Celebration” for their upcoming special on Bronxnet TV from 6:00 p.m. on Aug. 11 to 8:00 p.m. on Aug. 13.

    The “50 Hours of Hip Hop” special will highlight the best talent music videos and programs dedicated to celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop. VIBES is a televised DJ competition that originally premiered Aug. 2, 2022 to over 1 million U.S. homes through both BRIC TV and Bronxnet TV.

    The show itself is a quick mixing competition with three DJs competing over two rounds. They must entertain a live and virtual audience through a variety of musical genres. Since its inception, VIBES has grown into a social platform for competitors, up and coming artists, and has engaged fans at live events in NYC.

    VIBES will be premiering with its full season on Noire TV to over 20 million homes in the U.S., Nigeria, and Europe. More information can be found on Bronxnet TV’s website.

  • Seedstock Music Festival Lineup for this August

    Seedstock Music Festival has recently announced its schedule for the 2023 festival on Aug. 12 in Cortland, NY. The festival is returning to its roots with a one-day festival after its 2020 and 2021 absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Credit: Seedstock Music Festival

    For over two centuries the Reed family farmed among the hills near Cortland, and for over a century, that farm was known as Reed’s Seeds. When a group of friends moved in to the property, the owners Don and Carol Reed had only one rule: if the boys ever threw a party, they better be invited.

    That year in 2008 was the very first Seedstock Festival, owing its name to the farm itself. It would grow from a one-day party with a handful of local bands to a three-day festival with two dozen bands and a thousand people. After its absence in the pandemic, Seedstock returned to a one-day party for 2022’s show and the upcoming 2023 show.

    While food is available on the property throughout the day, it is a BYOB event. Glass bottles are not allowed, and all recyclables with deposits are gathered. The money from this is donated to the Cortland Youth Bureau for their music program.

    Festivities are divided between the Backyard Stage and the Forest Stage, with 13 bands in attendance for the 2023 Seedstock Music Festival. The gates open at 10:00 a.m. and the first performance begins at 11:00 a.m. on the Backyard Stage.

    Credit: Seedstock Music Festival

    Backyard Stage

    Corey Paige – 11:00 a.m.

    Raedwald Howland-Bolton – 11:45 a.m.

    Miss Tess – 1:15 p.m.

    Mike Powell & the Echosound – 3:15 p.m.

    Fall Creek Bass Band – 5:15 p.m.

    The Unknown Woodsmen – 7:30 p.m.

    Digger Jones – 9:00 p.m.

    The Unknown Jones – 10:30 p.m.

    Forest Stage

    Brad Allen & Casey Widger – 12:30 p.m.

    People People – 2:15 p.m.

    Metasequoia – 4:15 p.m.

    The Rollin’ Rust – 6:15 p.m.

    DJ KIDD & SYDCHIK – 11:45 p.m.

    More information on the bands and the festival, as well as tickets, are all available on the Seedstock Music Festival website. Tickets are in high demand with a limited quantity, and any remaining tickets will be sold at the gate. Children 12 and under receive free admission.

  • The Catamount Resort Summer Series Continues In August

    The Catamount Resort Summer Series is wrapping up a jam-packed season of programming with three shows in August. Taking place over multiple weeks, the series started back on July 7 and will run until August 18. Each concert takes place on Friday from 4:30pm to 8:00pm at Catamount Mountain Resort in Hillsdale

    Boasting a lineup of local and regional bands, the Catamount Resort Summer Series looks to bring quality music to the beautiful Taconic Mountains. Past performers from this year include Sister Funk, Hedtrip, and Eric Harpe and the Delta Swingers

    Along with music, the series will also have a variety of tasty food and drink options. Organizers encourage guests to bring their own lawn chair however there are picnic tables available at the venue. Multiple of the resort’s outdoors activities will also operate with extended hours during the series, including a Zip Tour, Aerial Adventure Park, and Scenic Chairlift Rides. 

    The Catamount Resort Summer Series is free and open to the public. Here for more details and information about the event. 

    August Schedule 

    Aug. 4- The Silver Chain Band

    Based out of Albany, The Silver Chain Band has performed across the country. From playing gigs at local New York hotspots to rocking venues down in Memphis, the group delivers impassioned performances wherever they are. Silver Chain builds on a solid foundation of Blues Folk, with elements of electric blues, and a sprinkle of rock. Their music is influenced by ZZ Top, Sonny Boy Williamson, JR Wells, Paul Butterfield, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddy King, Albert King, and Bill Perry, just to name a few.

    Aug. 11- Victrola

    Led by vocalist Victoria Palagy, Victrola is known for their creative covers of pop, rock, and blues tracks. Victoria is joined onstage with Ray Palagy, Patti Richardson, John Keane and Leo Brennan Jr. 

    Aug. 18- The Saints

    The Saints are an experienced band that has been together for 25 years. The group loves to get the crowd moving with feel-good dance music. Perfect for the summer months, enjoy the Saints as they close out The Catamount Resort Summer Series.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGGaj0qHGJQ
  • Queens Public Library’s “Hip Hop 50 Summit,” Featuring Darryl McDaniels, KRS-One, and Lumidee

    On Aug. 3 and 4, the Queens Public Library (QPL) will be celebrating 50 years of hip hop with their “Hip Hop 50 Summit,” which will feature Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC, as well as Lumidee and KRS-One. With panel discussions, interactive workshops, exhibits, augmented reality experiences, open mic sessions, DJ sets, and performances, the event will be at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center.

    Additionally, the event will be hosted by QPL’s Hip Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels, also known as “Uncle Ralph.” Alongside him will be co-host DJ G$Money. In like manner, the goal is to create a space for the discussion of hip hop, its legacy and its future with interactive workshops throughout the two-day event.

    I am very excited about the Hip Hop 50 Summit. The conversation and agenda will cover all five decades of hip hop culture and its core elements – DJing, MCing, breakdancing, graffiti art and knowledge. The summit will celebrate hip hop legacy, but more importantly, it will create a space to exchange ideas, while also becoming a lasting resource on the subject for the future.

    QPL Hip Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels

    Noteworthy Panels for Thursday, Aug. 3

    “Hip Hop History, Science, Technology & Innovations” is from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., moderated by the young entrepreneur Aaliyah Duah. Rappers Phresher and Young B will work alongside data scientist and CEO of DataedX Group Dr. Brandeis Marshall to discuss aspects of the entertainment industry.

    “The Business of Hip Hop, Careers and Activism,” is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and will feature rapper Darryl McDaniels, singer Lumidee, and media personality A.V. Perkins. Furthermore, they will be discussing the power of hip hop, from activism to making money.

    “Paving the Way: Pioneers of Hip Hop” is from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.. Those in the panel include: KRS-One; Darryl McDaniels; MC Sha-Rock, one of the first female MCs in hip hop history; and DJ Hurricane, known for his work with the Beastie Boys.

    “Switch the Style Up: Fashion in Hip Hop” is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. with host, fashion historian and archivist Tianni Graham. Joining her will be the Shirt Kings, Black fashion designer Malik Dupri, PowHerful Apparel CEO Dave Huie and FIT Professor, as well as hip hop fashion expert Elena Romero.

    Noteworthy Panels for Friday, Aug. 4

    “The Message: Media, Technology and the Future” from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. will have moderation from the founder and executive director of the Universal Hip Hop Museum Rocky Bucano. VIBE Magazine Editor-in-Chief Datwon Thomas, YouTube Black Music & Culture Director Tuma Basa, Microsoft Senior Attorney Bruce Jackson, and DJ TedSmooth will all be talking about the intersection of hip hop and media.

    “Fight the Power: Social Justice and Education” will close the summit, held from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., and will include: Dr. Christopher Emdin, the founder of the #HipHopEd social movement; DJ and Co-Founder of Hip Hop Blvd NYC Al Pizarro; hip hop artist and criminal justice reform activist Mysonne Linen; and Lennox Yearwood Jr., President and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus. Likewise they will discuss hip hop as a vehicle for social change.

    While the event is free, tickets are limited and are required for entry. Moreover, more information and a full schedule for the panels is available here. As a plus, the event will also be available for streaming on QPL’s Instagram.

  • Cannastock to Return to Capital Region this October, Featuring Andy Frasco & the U.N.

    Cannastock, the largest consumption-friendly cannabis festival in New York, will be returning to the Capital Region at Milton near Poughkeepsie on Oct. 7 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Live music will be headlined by Andy Frasco & the U.N., with additional performances by the reggae group SunDub. Over 100 exhibitors will be present on the fields outside the Hudson Valley Sportsdome.

    Guests will interact with the industry pioneers bringing recreational cannabis to the Hudson Valley, including cannabis brands, growers, and manufacturers. In addition to cannabis products available at the new Green Market, festival-goers will be able to enjoy games, gourmet food trucks, and a craft beer and wine garden.

    This year will also feature the announcement of the winners for the Excelsior Cup, a competition for the best cannabis products in NYS.

    After two sold out Cannastock festivals, we are excited to produce the biggest and best one ever; this time in a spacious grassland with the Catskill Mountains as our backdrop. There will be more exhibitors, games, and chill out areas, along with a larger variety of food trucks and craft beers and wine. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and enjoy live reggae music all day followed by a performance by our favorite party band, Andy Frasco & The U.N.

    Cannastock Co-Founder Gary Chetkof

    Andy Frasco & The U.N., a blues and rock band, are loved for their kaleidoscopic musical fusion and one-of-a-kind onstage audacity. They will soon release their new album, L’Optimist, their sixth studio album. The new album charts a path of self-exploration and personal discovery through introspective lyrics and music.

    SunDub released their debut album, Burden of Love in 2019 to millions of views. The reggae group rallies around the idea that people are the strongest when they work together with those from different backgrounds to create positive change. The core quintet of the group includes guitarist Finn Singer; bassist Josh T Carter; vocalist and keyboardist Eric “The General” Toussaint; and the brother-sister team of Joanna Teters as lead vocalist and Ben Teters as a vocalist and drummer.

    An after-show party will be held at the Falcon in Marlboro, NY, featuring Cool Cool Cool.

    Tickets will increase in price as it grows closer to the Cannastock Festival. For more information and for tickets, visit here.

  • Rochester Chamber Ensemble Receives Grant from Farash Foundation

    Rochester Chamber Ensemble fivebyfive, known for its involvement in the community, experienced musicianship, and love for the genre will now receive a 2023 Creative Arts Support Grant from the Farash Charitable Foundation.

    The Farash Charitable Foundation started in Rochester to support and boost creative arts groups in Monroe and Ontario counties, particularly ones that provide accessible, community-centered programs.

    With that being said, 2023 now marks the sixth straight year fivebyfive has received a grant, as they have become a staple to the Rochester population, spreading their love for chamber music to people of all ages.

    Forming in 2015, the ensemble began with the mission to engage audiences in the spirit and creativity of today’s chamber music, introducing to Rochester everything this style of music has to offer. In order to accomplish this, fivebyfive develops and performs the works of living artists, building off of some more of the genre’s masterpieces.

    Made up of Marc Webster (executive director and audio/video engineer), Laura Lentz (flute), Marcy Bacon (clarinet), Ken Luk (electric guitar), Eric Polenik (bass), and Haeyeun Jeun (piano), the group will begin their 2023-2024 season in October.

    In collaboration with Pegasus Early Music, the two groups will play Sephardic music, new pieces, and modern instrumentation usage from the two ensembles to kick off the season. Additionally, the Fall kickoff will feature new compositions from Grammy-Award nominated composer Clarice Assad and Eastman grad Keane Southard.

    On top of an already jam-packed schedule and grant from the Frarash Foundation, fivebyfive also plans to release its third album Breath & Fire in mid-October, and will celebrate across the 2023-2024 season.

    For more news and information surrounding fivebyfive’s upcoming season, visit here.