Porno for Pyros has announced their Horns, Thorns en Halos tour, which will feature stops in Manhattan and Port Chester. This tour marks 30 years since the release of Porno for Pyros, and is the first tour for the band in 25 years.
Credit: Andi K. Taylor
Porno for Pyros was originally founded in 1992 by members of Jane’s Addiction, vocalist Perry Farrell and drummer Stephen Perkins, as well as vocalist and guitarist Peter DiStefano and bassist Martyn LeNoble. The band went on hiatus in 1998 after releasing Porno for Pyros in 1993 and Good God’s Urge in 1996.
The original members reunified in 2022, performing at a sold-out show in Los Angeles, CA. Following this, the Porn for Pyros has performed at Rockville, the Chicago Metro, and Lollapalooza. They have also been working on new material that they expect to release sometime this year.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Oct. 8 – Hard Rock Live Sacramento – Wheatland, CA
Oct. 10 – The Masonic – San Francisco, CA
Oct. 13 – The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA
Oct. 15 – The House of Blues Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV
Oct. 17 – The Union – Salt Lake City, UT
Oct. 19 – Fillmore Auditorium – Denver, CO
Oct. 21 – Steelhouse Omaha – Omaha, NE
Oct. 23 – The Sylvee – Madison, WI
Oct. 24 – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom – Chicago, IL
The Great South Bay Music Festival 2023, one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer, is set to make a triumphant return this year after facing numerous challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival begins on Thursday, July 20 and runs through Sunday, July 23rd.
As Long Islanders emerge from quarantine and yearn for the joy of live music, this family-friendly festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts of all ages. I had the pleasure of speaking with James Faith, the festival’s producer, about the festival’s journey and what attendees can expect this time around on The Long Island Sound Podcast
The Great South Bay Music Festival, held in the picturesque Patchogue, Long Island, has always been a celebration of local talent alongside renowned artists from various genres. What sets this festival apart is its commitment to creating a family-friendly environment, where attendees of all ages can enjoy music from both local acts and big-name performers across multiple stages.
James Faith – Producer of the Great South Bay Music Festival
James Faith, the festival’s producer, emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive atmosphere, stating, “We want to make sure that families can come and enjoy the music together. It’s not just about the headliners; it’s about showcasing the incredible talent from our local community as well.” This unique blend of local and established acts allows for a diverse range of musical styles and ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Putting the Pandemic in the Past
Reflecting on the impact of the pandemic, Faith described the challenges faced by the festival and its organizers. Despite the uncertainties and setbacks, they remained committed to delivering a memorable experience for attendees. “We had to adapt and overcome numerous obstacles, but we never lost sight of our goal: to bring people together through the power of music,” Faith explained.
We want to provide a platform for emerging artists to shine alongside the big names. It’s about fostering a sense of community and giving these talented musicians the exposure they deserve.
James Faith
Now, as the festival gears up for its 2023 edition, attendees can look forward to an impressive lineup that embodies the festival’s spirit. A few of the local artists have been my guests on The Long Island Sound Podcast, including, Matt Marshak, Kerry Kearney, Lex Grey and Phil Firetog.
Among the artists set to grace the stages are Phil Lesh and Friends, Gov’t Mule, Dave Mason, Hot Tuna, Dirty Heads, Cassandra House, Kerry Kearney, Gold Finger, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Duane Betts, Bad Fish, Tauk, Neighbor, Miles to Dayton, Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers, oogee Wa Wa, Clifdiver, Harbour, The Joni Project, Phil Firetog Trio, Shecky and the Twangtones, Adam and the Metal Hawks, Jules Radino, Jack Licitra, and Matt Marshak.
The Great South Bay Music Festival goes beyond just the music, offering a range of activities and amenities to enhance the overall experience. Attendees can explore artisan craft vendors, indulge in delicious food from local vendors, and engage in interactive workshops and activities for all ages. From art installations to face painting, there’s something to captivate the entire family.
Faith encouraged attendees to immerse themselves in the vibrant Long Island music scene by exploring the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in Stony Brook. This esteemed institution showcases the island’s rich musical legacy and pays tribute to iconic musicians such as Billy Joel, Eddie Money, Joan Jett, and many more.
The Great South Bay Music Festival promises to be a thrilling experience for music lovers and a testament to the resilience of the Long Island community. With its four-day duration, family-friendly atmosphere, and a diverse lineup of local and renowned acts, this festival is set to reclaim its place as one of the region’s premier summer events.
I have my tickets to the Festival! So when you see a white haired guy, who looks like the picture below, make sure you say hello.
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) announced a benefit concert entitled “Funtastic 2023,” including performances from Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo with Taylor Dayne. The concert will take place at the Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill in Farmingville on July 23rd at 7:30pm.
The founding members created the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2004 as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music in all its forms. According to their website, their mission statement is, “to celebrate the rich music and entertainment heritage of Long Island and support music and arts education for future generations.”
Additionally, the organization has inducted over 100 musicians and music industry executives, including Benatar and Dayne.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for all Long Islanders to enjoy a terrific concert in a wonderful venue and support the Hall of Fame’s mission of keeping Long Island’s music heritage alive,” LIMEHOF board chairman Ernie Canadeo said.
Tickets for Funtastic 2023 are available for purchase here.
The Sackets Harbor Historical Society recently announced its Concerts on the Waterfront Series. The performances will take place each Sunday from June 25 to September 3 and are free to the public. With its lakeview and beautiful scenery, Sackets Harbor Battlefield will host each of the concerts.
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Sackets Harbor has long been associated with its military roots. The town became the Great Lakes headquarters for the United States during the War of 1812. Rich with history, Sackets Harbor celebrates its 39th season of music with this year’s Concerts on the Waterfront.
Visitors are recommended to bring their own picnic blanket or lawn chairs. More details and information can be found here.
Concerts on the Waterfront Lineup
July 16: Atlas
Atlas is an energetic group that plays everything from 80s hits to legendary soul and rock records. The group has opened for many prominent performers throughout its history, including Michael McDonald, Chaka Khan, Kool and the Gang, Patty LaBelle, and Earth, Wind and Fire.
July 23: The Jess Novak Band
Jess Novak is an immensely talented musician, who sings, writes, plays the fiddle and performs with powerful vocals. Along with Novak, the band is made up of Byron Cage, Anthony Saturno, Jabare McKinstry, and Gavin George. The Syracuse-based band performs pop, rock, and soul.
July 30: Letizia and the Z Band
Letizia and the Z Band are a multidimensional group focusing on 40s classics, 50s rock, Motown, disco, and 90s techno. Letizia’s captivating voice pairs well with horns, a guitar, and alto and tenor saxophones.
Aug 6: Hot Club of Saratoga
Mant of the songs Hot Club of Saratoga performs were written or recorded by legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt. The band reflects his style while also expanding upon the “gypsy jazz” sound.
Aug 13: The Kim Pollard Band
Kim Pollard is a Canadian songwriter and performer who has a diverse set of original music. Together with her band, Pollard infuses blues, jazz, and funk into powerful ballads and spirituals.
Aug 20: 10th Mountain Division Army Band
The 10th Mountain Division Army Band is composed of 41 soldier-musicians, capable of performing in a variety of configurations, styles, and venues.
Aug 27: The Large Flowerheads
The Large Flowerheads channels the energy and sound of the 1960s. Their repertoire includes songs by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Sonny & Cher, Dusty Springfield, The Mamas & The Papas, The Monkees, and many more.
Sept 3: Maria DeSantis Orchestra
This legendary band features vocalists Keith Condon, Gary Branch, Michael Ranalli, and Maria DeSantis. The group is known for its signature big band sound which has been refined and perfected throughout the groups 70 year legacy.
With Mass Appeal and Live Nation’s Hip Hop 50 Live show at Yankee Stadium less than a month away, new talent has been added to the already stacked lineup.
Some may think that having Run-D.M.C., Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne already on the roster, there is no possible way to improve the show, but they would be wrong. The new additions include Wiz Khalifa, who will be joining Snoop Dogg for a joint performance, Bronx rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Bronx DJ and Rapper Kid Capri, and Harlem’s own Cam’ron.
Fans can expect a performance of Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa’s hit song “Young, Wild and Free” along with many other classics that span the decades of their respective careers. A Boogie wit da Hoodie is hot off of his world tour, where he performed at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn last March in addition to stopping into Legacy Records in Dumbo to meet some of his fans.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie at his fan meet and greet at Legacy Dumbo. Photo By Lucas Kurzweil.
The Hip Hop 50 show is shaping up to be one for the ages as we celebrate a half decade of Hip Hop where it all started: The Bronx. Tickets for the show are available HERE on Ticketmaster.
The Cortland Repertory Theatre (CRT) is proud to present the arrival of their annual Summer show for kids of all ages “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Selecting a different production each year, 2023’s show will be brought to life July 13-15 in the first-floor reception hall at the Little York Pavilion in Preble, NY.
An adaptation by E. Gray Simons III from the story by Hans Christian Anderson, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” follows the story of the Emperor and events leading up to a Royal Fashion Show.
Additionally, Syracuse director and actor Tanner Elfinger designs and directs the production, bringing along a talented CRT intern cast to the Cortland stage for the show.
CRT’s performing intern company made a recent appearance in the production “Xanadu” and also plans to star in “The Wizard of Oz” later in their Summer schedule.
The cast of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” features Aubrey Alvino, Mia Caslowitz, Jessica Cerreta, Michael Hartman, Breanna Lemerise, and Trevor Shingler.
For the performance schedule, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” shows take place Thursday, July 13 at noon, Friday, July 14 at 10:00 AM and noon, and Saturday, July 15 at 10:00 AM.
Tickets are available for purchase for $5.00 for those 13 and up and free for kids 12 and under by calling 800-427-6160 or by visiting the CRT Box Office at 24 Port Watson Street in Cortland.
Tickets are also available through CortlandRep.org with ETIX, for a small additional charge.
Alternative/Indie group Public Water Supply has announced an interactive music and fashion extravaganza, encouraging fans to participate in a red-carpet-style fashion show on July 22.
Taking place at the Dawn Lipson Canalside Stage at the Rochester JCC as a part of their Summer concert series, Public Water Supply wants to create Upstate New York’s version of the Met Gala, complete with a red carpet event, creative outfits, and some of their tunes.
The red-carpet event starts at 6:00 pm on Saturday, July 22, as paparazzi and media interviews will welcome guests into the fashion show experience. In addition to this, the band will also release limited edition merchandise for the show which is available for purchase throughout the event.
Lead singer Iggy Marino, and the rest of the band compiling Karis Gregory, Spencer Kornrich, Alex Brophy, and Tanner Kartes believe the fashion/music event will be a perfect opportunity for fans to express themselves while taking in some of their favorite PWS music.
This event is all about self-expression. Bust out the vintage or come-as-you-are. Just let your outfit speak for itself…when the energy is right, the band loves to throw on a costume. So, now we want to see what our fans can bring in fashion form.”
– Iggy Marino
A pop-up shop, Little Shop of Hoarders will also be on-site so concert-goers may purchase extra accessories if needed.
In between sets, judges will go around the venue to select the five best-dressed people. The judges will crown one individual “concert royalty” and the winner will have their photo taken for the cover of the band’s next single.
Expect PWS to perform much of their self-titled debut album, unreleased tracks, and some of their fan-favorite covers coming from Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, and many others.
Tickets are $15 and available online and at the door. When it comes to weather cancellations, the event will go on as planned unless extreme weather takes place. Cancellations or any other changes in the schedule will be posted on the JCC website.
Beer and wine will additionally be available for purchase.
The initial lineup for the 2023 Wild in the Trees Music and Skate Festival in Lake George has been announced by Mirth Films.
Taking place October 7-8 at the Lake George Skate Plaza, this year’s lineup is set to feature Joe Mansman and The Midnight Revival Band, FUNGKSHUI, Candy Ambulance, Victory Soul Orchestra, Hilltop, Shu, Fine Grain, The Skunches and many more. The multi-talented Connor Dunn will also be hanging out for the weekend as the Artist at Large.
The first ever Wild in the Trees Music and Skate Festival took place October 1-2, 2022 hosting local acts and also included five different skateboarding events. On the grounds of the festival you can find some of the area’s best food and craft beer along with over 20 craft vendors located at the space. Wild in the Trees pays homage to efforts made in 2008 to raise money to build the Lake George Skate Plaza while embracing all the incredible musical talent regionally and beyond.
photo by Frank Cavone
Back in 2008, local skateboarders in Lake George, NY brought to the towns attention about the need to have a skate park. Through various town board meetings and the creation of a skateboarding committee put together by skaters, family members and community leaders, it was time to raise money to make the dream come true.
Throughout the early 2010’s, local skateboarders held various fundraisers over the years including spaghetti dinners, coin drops, benefit concerts and much more. Between all the efforts locally along with a few grants, the skateboarders were able to raise nearly $100,000. By 2014, the park was designed with oversight from the local skaters. In 2015, ground was broken at the newly created Charles R. Wood Park and the dream was realized. The Lake George Skate Plaza attracts skateboarders from all across the Northeast and beyond each year giving kids a safe place to skateboard without getting in trouble.
photo by Frank Cavone
Wild in the Trees will also feature two days of skateboarding contests including Best Trick, Spot-Based Jam, Game of Skate, High Ollie and much more. Skaters will have the chance of winning prizes from Seasons Skateshop and Corners Skateshop.
If you thought Reubens were good, just wait until this year’s Wild in the Trees Music and Skate Festival!
Frank Cavone, owner of Mirth Films stated
The headliner to this year’s Wild in the Trees Music and Skate Festival will be announced on August 15th. This year will also feature an official after party with Two Planets Away at The Lagoon in the heart of Lake George on October 7th.
Wild in the Trees Music and Skate Festival 2023 is made possible by sponsors, including Lake George Steamboat Company, Seasons Skateshop, Ginter Electric Uncommon Grounds, S.F. Janitorial, Law Office of Paul Ryan, Altered Apparel, Radio Radio X and Corners Skateshop.
Weekend and single-day passes are available now at Mirth-Films.com/WildintheTrees. 50 percent of all ticket sales will go directly to the Ronald McDonald House of the Capital Region.
Whirlybird Music and Arts Festival have announced their stacked lineup featuring a wide variety of genres and bands! The festival returns to Downtown Jamestown from July 20-22.
Whirlybird Music & Arts Festival is a collection of carefully curated concerts that take place at a variety of venues across downtown Jamestown. Featuring three days of music with 20 artists scheduled, as well as live painting, comedy, dancing, and more, the festival has something for everyone. Headlining the festival will be jamtronica legends Jimkata along with Colorado-based festival favorite Magic Beans. Other acts include the Smackdab, Sophistafunk, Space Bacon, Miller & the Other Sinners, Charity Nuse & Friends, Grub, and many more. This years Grateful Dead tribute will be performed by Eberwine & Friends.
The Beer Snob and Jamestown Wine Cellar will play host to Whirlybird’s ticketed evening headliners; Sophistafunk, Space Bacon, Grub, Organ Fairchild, & Well Worn Boot. These shows are 21+ and require a Whirlybird Pass or Cover Charge to enter.
Free pop-up solo performances by the likes of Adam McKillip, SON, Kallie Williams, Ryan Buzzetto, Ion Sky, Catch Phrase, and more will be happening at Labyrinth Press Co, Brazil, 4 Below Haggy’s Bar and Grill, and Jamestown Public Market all throughout the festival.
For tickets, schedules, and information, please visit here.
Silver Bay YMCA has announced the first ever Bluegrass In Heaven Music Festival, taking place September 15th- 17th. Located along the northern end of Lake George, Bluegrass In Heaven will bring together some of the top bluegrass artists such as 2019 Grammy Bluegrass Album of the Year winner Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper and regional talent such as the Bob & Sarah Amos Band.
Festival attendees will not only be able to listen to some of the top artists in bluegrass today, but they will also have access to the programs offered at Silver Bay YMCA during the festival as well. Between sets festival guests are encouraged to take a paddle on the northern end of Lake George, read a book in the Silver Bay YMCA library, play a round of disc golf, or partake in one of the many other programs and activities offered.
“We are thrilled to announce the start of a new annual tradition here at Silver Bay YMCA: the Bluegrass in Heaven music festival! Thanks to the cooperation and support from key partners in our community, we are going to build off the success of our summer concert series and bring you a whole weekend of family fun. We have a full schedule of musicians of nationally and regionally acclaimed performers – this weekend festival will be a real treat for any music enthusiast”
Zac Smalley – Director
The festival will be spread out throughout Silver Bay YMCA’s 700-acre waterfront campus, providing a one-of-a-kind venue for artists and music enthusiasts alike. To encourage festival attendees and artists to explore Silver Bay YMCA’s personal piece of heaven a Bluegrass in Heaven themed photo wall will be hidden somewhere on campus. Guests who find this unique photo wall are encouraged to share their photos with Silver Bay on social media using #BLUEGRASSHEAVEN. Additionally, Silver Bay YMCA is partnering with local businesses to highlight what the northern part of Lake George has to offer.
There are two ticket options available for purchase: a Festival Pass and an All-Inclusive Festival Pass. The Festival Pass costs $40 and includes access to YMCA workshops, a variety of vendors, and performances by local and regional talent. The All-Inclusive Festival Pass costs $80 and includes everything in the Festival Pass plus access to headliner performances which will take place at the YMCA’s historic auditorium.
The latest updates about the festival’s lineup, schedule, and anything BGIH related can be found at the Silver Bay YMCA website.
