NYS Music 2023

Category: News Desk

  • Times Square Alliance Announces 2023 “Times Square Live” Schedule

    Times Square Alliance has announced its this years schedule for its annual arts initiative, Times Square Live (TSQ LIVE).

    times square live

    This years TSQ LIVE will be a series of over 80 free, open-air performances across its public plazas, beginning this May and running through September 2023. Marking its biggest series to date with more partners than ever, TSQ LIVE will be NYC’s largest public program series featuring DJ sets, live concerts, and dance performances from some of the most prestigious organizations in NYC and beyond, including Pioneer Works, Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Ailey Extension, New York Live Arts, Rash Bar, Elsewhere, and Soul Summit.


    “This summer we have the chance to turn over Times Square to the artists, musicians and performers that make New York City such an incredible place. In turn, the plazas of Times Square become a stage for over 80 free events – from punk shows to classical music; West African dance workshops to voguing classes -all timed to reach the millions in Times Square this summer heading home from work, to a show or visiting for the very first time,”

    TSQ Arts Director Jean Cooney

    Each year in the warmer months, the Times Square Alliance celebrates New York City’s creative community and vibrant arts ecosystem with TSQ LIVE, offering free and accessible programs nearly every weekday to the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and visitors that pass through the Crossroads of the World. The series spotlights the rich diversity of talent found on our city’s streets, and brings together artists, performers and cultural partners from quintessential New York institutions to share their work in one of the world’s most iconic public stages.

    Programs

    Tune in on Tuesdays to hear NYC-based DJs bring their expert craft to music lovers and passersby in Times Square. The series kicked off from May to June presented by Brooklyn-based Rash Bar, and followed with programs by Brooklyn venue Elsewhere to return in August. Once a month from July to September, DJ collective Soul Summit will bring their soulful house music to the plazas of Times Square, along with other local DJs joining the celebration each Tuesday in July at 5 pm.

    Brooklyn-based leading nonprofit cultural center Pioneer Works, known for their experimental music program and residency, is curating and presenting a series of musical performances featuring past, current, and future musicians-in-residence across all genres, including Michael Foster, Corrine Jasmin, Avola, Greg Fox, H x H (Lester St. Louis & Chris Williams), Kwami Winfield, Ciarra Black, Brent Arnold, and Issei Herr. 

    Photo courtesy of Michael Hull for the Times Square Alliance.

    Jazz at Lincoln Center is taking over Times Square to bring New York City’s jazz scene to Broadway, creating the feeling of an intimate club amidst the lights and sounds of the city. In keeping with its mission to entertain, enrich, and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy, the organization will present a dynamic array of musicians including Naledi Masilo, Mariel Bildsten Septet, and Roxy Coss Quartet.

    Check out NYC’s buzziest up-and-coming talent live on Fridays in Times Square. Musicians from New York City and beyond will present free concerts, ranging from indie, pop, and electronic, many of whom will be celebrating the debut of new work or an upcoming summer album release.

    Rescheduled due to inclement weather, Carnegie Hall will host a free concert in Times Square by  accordionist Gregorio Uribe, known for his eclectic Colombian rhythms, celebrating sensational sounds from across the country and around the globe.

    FULL JULY SCHEDULE

    Wednesday, July 5, 5 pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | The Manhattan Review of Unnatural Acts (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Thursday, July 6, 5 pm: Live Music with Jazz at Lincoln Center | Winard Harper and Jeli Posse (Broadway & 46th St)

    Friday July 7, 6 pm: Live Music on Summer Fridays | Julia Wolf (Broadway & 46th St)

    Tuesday, July 11, 5 pm: DJ Sets with Soul Summit Music (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Wednesday, July 12, 5 pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | Ciarra Black (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Thursday, July 13, 5 pm: Live Music with Jazz at Lincoln Center | Mariel Bildsten Septet (Broadway & 46th St)

    Friday, July 14, 6 pm: Live Music on Summer Fridays | Brooke Alexx (Broadway & 46th St)

    Tuesday, July 18, 5 pm: DJ Sets with Disco Tehran (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Wednesday, July 19, 5 pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | Brent Arnold: Solo Cello & Electronics (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Thursday, July 20, 5 pm: Live Music with Jazz at Lincoln Center | Naledi Masilo [in honor of Nelson Mandela’s Birthday Celebration] (Broadway & 46th St)

    Friday, July 21, 5 pm: Live Music with Carnegie Hall | Gregorio Uribe (Broadway & 46th St)

    Tuesday, July 25, 5 pm: DJ Sets | (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Wednesday, July 26, 5 pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | Kwami Winfield (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Thursday, July 27, 5 pm: Live Music with Jazz at Lincoln Center | Roxy Coss (Broadway & 46th St)

    Friday, July 28, 6 pm: Live Music on Summer Fridays | (Broadway & 46th St)

    FULL AUGUST SCHEDULE
    Tuesday, August 1, 5pm: DJ Sets with Elsewhere | Swami Sound (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Wednesday, August 2, 5pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | Issei Herr/Princess Princess feat. Concrete Husband (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Thursday, August 3, 5pm: Live Music with Jazz at Lincoln Center | Grace Fox Big Band (Broadway & 46th St)

    Friday, August 4, 6pm: Live Music on Summer Fridays | The Scarlet Opera (Broadway & 46th St)

    Tuesday, August 8, 5pm: DJ Sets with Soul Summit (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Wednesday, August 9, 5pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | Corrine Jasmin (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Thursday, August 10, 5pm: Dance with Ailey Extension | 50th Anniversary Celebration  Hip Hop Class with TweetBoogie feat. LIVE DJ (Broadway & 46th St)

    Friday, August 11, 5pm: Dance with Brickhouse NYC | 50th Anniversary Celebration Hip Hop Showcase (Broadway & 46th St)

    Tuesday, August 15, 5pm: DJ Sets with Elsewhere | Jubilee (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Wednesday, August 16, 5pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | The Chutneys (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Thursday, August 17, 5pm: Live Music with Jazz at Lincoln Center | Simon Moullier Quartet (Broadway & 46th St)

    Friday, August 18, 6pm: Live Music on Summer Fridays (Broadway & 46th St)

    Tuesday, August 22, 5pm: DJ Sets with Rash Bar | Time Four You to Get a Watch (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Thursday, August 24, 5pm: Dance with OTA Vogue Academy | Dance Class (Broadway & 46th St)

    Friday, August 25, 5pm: Live Music on Summer Fridays | Backwoodz Studioz Showcase featuring Fatboi Sharif, Fielded, Cavalier, and E L U C I D (Broadway & 46th St)

    Tuesday, August 29, 5pm: Dance with Big Apple Ranch | Line Dancing with Jon Lee (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Wednesday, August 30, 5pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | H x H (Lester St. Louis & Chris Williams) (Broadway & 43rd St)

    Thursday, August 31, 5pm: Live Music with Jazz at Lincoln Center | Endea Owens and the Cookout (Broadway & 46th St)

    For more information, please visit Times Square Live’s website.

  • Charles Dennis Teams Up with Spaghetti Eastern Music for Performance at Glasshouse Project

    Choreographer/performance artist Charles Dennis announced he is once again teaming with guitarist/composer Sal Cataldi (aka Spaghetti Eastern Music) for a three-hour performance of “Recycle Me” at Glasshouse Project in New Paltz on July 23 from 5:30-8:30 pm.

    “Recycle Me”

    “Recycle Me” imagines physical responses to the volume of plastic waste that is accumulating in our environment. Charles Dennis has collected plastic waste that has been consumed in his household and stored it for use in this performance. He physically interacts with the plastic and has choreographed a duet with it, building a sculpture of plastic garbage, creating a visual landscape that Dennis dances through. Accompanying the performance is a live musical score for solo electric guitar composed and performed by the acclaimed Spaghetti Eastern Music, the solo project of guitarist Sal Cataldi.

    Born and raised in NYC, Charles Dennis is an award-winning choreographer/performance and video artist. He co-founded the legendary New York City performance venue P.S. 122 in 1980. His work is interdisciplinary, including elements of dance, theater, visual art, and media, described by Dancemagazine as “physical theater.” His work has been presented in art centers, colleges, community centers, and theaters worldwide.

    Guitarist/composer Sal Cataldi (a.k.a. Spaghetti Eastern Music) has created an original score for solo electric guitar that will be played live to accompany the performance. The duo first collaborated on a reprise of Dennis’ well-known piece, “2x2x4” at the Avant-Garde-Arama Lands in Woodstock Festival of July 2021. Spaghetti Eastern Music’s recording of the three-movement scores of “2x2x4” was released in November 2021 on Bandcamp and other streaming services.

    Sal Cataldi (a.k.a. Spaghetti Eastern Music). photo by Tracy Yarad.

    “Recycle Me” is included in the “Present Continuous,” a unique summer festival of durational performance art works held over three, 24-hour sessions, a highlight of Upstate Art Weekend 2024 at Glasshouse Project in New Paltz. This program is free and open to the public with a suggested donation to support the artists. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP.

  • Jungle Shakedown Lineup Features moe., String Cheese, and More

    The Jungle Shakedown Music Festival just announced its lineup featuring a wide variety of acts, relocating to the lush landscapes of Costa Rica.

    Jungle Shakedown moe.

    Jungle Shakedown Festival has become synonymous with unforgettable musical experiences and enchanting destinations. This year, the festival is elevating the adventure by embracing the captivating beauty and raw energy of the Costa Rican jungle. Set against the backdrop of the Vajra Jahra Retreat Center, this immersive experience promises to be the ultimate all-inclusive VIP getaway.

    It promises not to just be a transformative musical experience, but also an adventure in Costa Rica, including spotting wildlife, longing on beaches, surfing, and picturesque sites of the jungle. Not your average festival, the experience allows you to hang out with the musicians, uniting the power of music,
    the beauty of nature, and the magic of community.

    The lineup for Jungle Shakedown features an impressive roster of renowned musicians from the
    jam band scene. Attendees can expect performances from music icons including Al Schnier and Vin Amico of moe., Jason Hann of The String Cheese Incident, Steve Molitz of Particle, Mark Joseph of The Big Wu, and Janis Wallin of Family Groove Company. These talented musicians form the supergroup The Dire Wolves! More acts are to be announced.

    Villas for Jungle Shakedown are on sale now. At the time of release there are only ten villas remaining, each with space for two-four individuals.

  • Phish Studies Conference Announced for 2024

    Get your school of fish/phish together – Oregon State University will host the second ever Phish Studies Conference on May 17-19, 2024, in Corvallis, Oregon.

    artwork by Ryan Kerrigan

    First held in 2019, the #PhishStudies Conference is an in-depth look at the band, fans, culture, community, publications, and of course music, of Phish. The event was a huge success, with 100s attending daily to take part in panels, discussions, observe gallery displays and presentations of Ph.D dissertations and theses.

    Jnan A. Blau said of the 2019 conference: “I’ve just come back from one of the coolest, most stimulating and invigorating, and definitely one of the most “far out” (to quote Mr. Bill Kreutzman, via Mr. Benjy Eisen) experiences of my life. Late last Monday night, I got back home to San Luis Obispo, California from Corvallis, Oregon. I had to rise and shine the next day, no time at all to transition from Phishiness to so-called real life—a direct, rather abrupt segue (a rip cord if there ever was one!) into a full day of teaching in university classrooms. I was, and still am, kind of exhausted. But, I’ve had a secret smile the size of Mt. Icculus plastered across my face and tattooed on my heart ever since. This because I am back from Phish Studies, the first-ever academic conference dedicated to our favorite topic/subject/phenomenon.”

    phish studies conference

    Also featured at the conference was an exhibit from the Phishsonian Institute, “Beyond The Moss Forgotten exhibit at the Phish Studies conference” which celebrated the art and history of Phish’s performances in the Pacific Northwest since the 1990s.

    phish studies conference

    Check out more photos from the 2019 Phish Studies Conference by Derek Finholt and visit Phish.net for an in depth recap of the conference by Jnan A. Blau.

    The #PhishStudies Conference is also looking for sponsors to support the mission and event. For more information, contact Professor Stephanie Jenkins.

    The only rule is it begins! More info, including sponsorship opportunities, at phishstudies.net.

  • Rochester-Based Joywave Added to NYS Fair Lineup

    Rochester-based indie band Joywave has announced they will play the New York State Fair at the Chevy Court Stage on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m.

    Formed in 2010, Joywave started when lead vocalist, Daniel Ambruster, was writing and recording music in his parents’ basement. They gained traction with a series of online mixtapes that blended their original songs with material from other artists. The group’s debut studio album, How Do You Feel Now? peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Album chart, where their second album, Content, also cracked the Top 10. In 2014 they released the popular hit “Dangerous” with Big Data, and their most recent record Cleanse features a series of songs that explore life in the early 2020s.

    Their infectious brand of indie rock and electronic elements has led them to perform at major festivals including Lollapalooza and Coachella. They have toured with Bastille, The Killers, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Bleachers, Foals, and more, and also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

    Watching Joywave’s performance is included with the price of Fair admission.

    New York State Fair Lineup

    Chevy Court

    Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.- Chubby Checker

    Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.- Salt-N-Pepa

    Aug. 24 at 6 p.m.- Quiet Riot

    Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.- Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure 

    Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.- Julio Iglesias Jr. 

    Aug. 27 at 1 p.m.- The Prodigals

    Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.- Matt Stell

    Aug. 28 at 1 p.m.- Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone

    Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.- Anne Wilson

    Aug. 29 at 1 p.m.- Tommy James and the Shondells

    Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.- Bret Michaels

    Aug. 30 at 1 p.m.- Danielle Ponder

    Aug. 30 at 6 p.m.- Chapel Hart

    Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.- The Fray

    Sept. 2 at 12-9:45 p.m.- JAMS Funk Fest Featuring: Brick (6:45 p.m.) & Dazz Band (8:15 p.m.)

    Sun. Sept. 3 at 1 p.m.- Disney Junior Live On tour: Costume Palooza

    Sept. 4 at 12 p.m.- The High Kings

    Suburban Park

    Aug. 23 at 2 p.m.- Steven Page

    Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.- Lainey Wilson

    Aug. 24 at 8 p.m.- Theory of a Deadman

    Aug. 26 at 8 p.m.- George Thorogood and the Destroyers

    Aug. 27 at 2 p.m.- Boys World

    Aug. 28 at 8 p.m.- REO Speedwagon

    Aug. 29 at 8 p.m- Tyler Hubbard

    Aug. 30 at 8 p.m.- Ann Wilson

    Aug. 31 at 8 p.m.- Ludacris

    Sept. 1 at 8 p.m.- J.I.D.

    Sept. 2 at 8 p.m.-Quinn XCII

    Sept. 3 at 8 p.m.- Yung Gravy and bbno$

    Sept. 4 at 6 p.m.- Skid Row

  • Caffè Lena To Honor Joni Mitchell Ahead of Her 80th Birthday

    During the fall of 2023, the historic Caffè Lena of Saratoga Springs will be hosting a benefit celebrating the legacy of the legendary folk singer and artist, Joni Mitchell. The event, “Both Sides Now: Songs of Joni Mitchell,” will take place on Nov. 4 at 8:00 PM, just days before the singer’s 80th birthday.

    Caffè Lena first opened in May of 1960 making it America’s longest-running coffeehouse. Being closely tied to the music industry and its history it is no surprise that the venue has chosen to honor such an icon. Although Mitchell has never performed at the venue, both are connected through their strong foundation in folk tradition, fierce independence, and relentless musical vision.

    The event will be produced and hosted by Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards Hall of Fame inductee Michael Eck and will feature stellar performances from incredible artists. Throughout the night the lineup of performers including Hall of Famer Sara Ayers; multiple Eddie Award-winner Buggy Jive; Eddie nominee Kate McDonnell; the dynamic Kate McKrell; reclusive regional favorite Rosanne Raneri; and rising star Angelina Valente will take turns singing through Mitchell’s classics.

    The tribute will take on all stages of the artist’s career, highlighting her success and affirming her immense impact on the music world.

    “Joni has re-emerged to stir idealism and hope, which is exactly the spirit Caffè Lena wants to foster,” says Executive Director Sarah Craig. “This slate of top-tier regional talent, including some rarely seen artists, proves how much pull Joni has on both musicians and fans these days.”

  • Das Damen Return with Remastered Debut EP and Catskill Showing

    The alternative rock quartet Das Damen has returned with a remaster of their debut EP, 1986: Keeps Me Wild, as well as with their first live date in over 30 years at the Drom30 Festival in Catskill, NY. The first song from the remaster, “Trick Question,” is now available.

    Credit: Naomi Petersen

    The band was originally founded in 1984 by vocalist and guitarist Jim Walters, guitarist Alex Totino, eight-string bassist Phil Leopold Von Trapp, and drummer Lyle Hysen. 1986: Keeps Me Wild was produced by producer Wharton Tiers, known for his work with Sonic Youth, Glenn Branca, and Pussy Galore, at Fun City Studios in NYC. It was released on Sonic Youth co-founder Thurston Moore’s Ecstatic Peace! imprint in 1986, later to be reissued by SST Records.

    Das Damen would gain a reputation as an epic live band, playing alongside Nirvana, Soundgarden, Black Flag, Green River, Screaming Trees, and DC3 on various tours. 1986: Keeps Me Wild is regarded as a touchstone in the downtown NYC underground movement, and captured the live energy of Das Damen.

    When we got the tapes baked several years ago, upon listening to them we discovered we had a few unfinished alternative takes from the original EP sessions. We didn’t feel we could bring the same “1986 enthusiasm” to finishing the tapes but by bringing in a few people who we respect or are pals from back then, the re-imaginings would have a new energy of their own.

    Drummer Lyle Hysen

    The remastered album features cuts based on the original Ecstatic Peace! recordings as well as never-before-heard demos. Additional contributors include Dez Cadena (Black Flag), Thalia Zedek (Come), Gary Lee Conner (Screaming Trees), John Robinson (The Fluid), and A Girl Called Eddy. Sean Glonek at SRG Studios was behind the remaster, with oversight by Walters, Hysen, and best-selling author and producer Tom Beaujour.

    The full remastered album will release digitally on Sept. 8 and on vinyl in October. Pre-orders are now available.

    The band’s showing at the Drom30 Festival will be under the name Sad Nemad on Sept. 16, with additional shows under consideration. For more on Das Damen and to listen to “Trick Question,” check out the band’s Linktree.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjnRuxlvxLE

  • A Collaborative School of the Arts Rock Camp at Proctors

    Over July 10-21, Proctors Collaborative School of the Arts is hosting Rock Camp, a program designed to provide an environment for aspiring musicians (ages 10-16) to strengthen their skills, develop new techniques and build confidence in performing.

    From 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, Rock Camp deals with several aspects of music, including technical aspects of instruments, the musical history of the genre, song writing, theory, arranging, rehearsal techniques, stage presence, and more.

    With practical instruction from professionals, students are exposed to the elements of performing, arranging original music, forming a band, and much more. Additionally, a gig in the Great Hall of Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) to showcase their talents. We spoke with Crispin Catricala, the director of Rock Camp this summer, to learn more about the program, its origins, audition process, and outcomes.

    Background

    Rock Camp is not the first musical camp to be hosted at Proctors Collaborative School of the Arts. However, the origins of Rock Camp begin with director Crispin Catricala, selected specifically for the program.

       Proctors Collaborative School of the Arts has had long success with their other camps like the Broadway Camp, Broadway Camp Junior and Summer Stage Young Acting Company. I was honored when, just after I had retired from teaching public school, they approached me to be the director for a new summer camp for young rock musicians up at UPH in Saratoga. With a bit of a delayed start due to the pandemic, we started our first summer session in 2021 and have been growing ever since.

    Crispin Catricala, born into a musical family, has long possessed a passion for music, playing guitar by 13, and playing professionally by 17. Crispin would go on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition and a Master’s Degree in Musical Education, teaching public school music education for more than 28 years. Additionally, Crispin has worked as a private guitar instructor for more than 30 years, and has played in several bands throughout all that time.

    Audition Process

    An audition based program, Rock Camp requires musicians to record a performance of two songs that they feel comfortable with. However, the recording itself can be quite basic – according to Crispin, an iPhone video would suffice. Musicians can play along with tracks, as long as it is clear that their playing is separate from the original recording.

    So, what qualities does Rock Camp look for in potential musicians? While Rock Camp is open to all styles of rock music, Crispin noted that they specifically seek individuals who possess basic, foundational skills, and demonstrate a desire to enhance their knowledge and acquire additional expertise. Critical thinking and active listening skills are important for applicants, but most of all, a love and passion for music and an openness to feedback within the creative process are necessary.

    This year, 17 young musicians were selected to join the program.

    A Typical Day at Rock Camp

    The two week program runs Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm. Crispin’s detailing of a typical day at Rock Camp reveals the enriching, well-rounded nature of the program.

    Morning sessions generally deal with either a guest artist/presenter, a lesson that deals with either your instrument or maybe a lesson that deals with music history or theory. By afternoon we’ve broken down to smaller ensembles working on specific songs and by the end of the day meet upstairs to play for our peers on the main stage and group discussion.

    Rather than form one or two bands that rehearse a set of songs together, the program forms numerous combinations of musicians, making up several groups song by song for an evening’s performance. According to Crispin, this allows the musicians to engage with everyone in the camp and not be grouped into one ensemble or style.

    Rock Camp is open to young musicians ages 10-16. While the age gap may seem wide to some, Crispin explained that the music itself works as an equalizer.

    Once you start making music with people, age is not a huge factor. Plus, we’ve had 11-year-olds that have been playing since the age of five and 14-year-olds that started when they were twelve. So really, everybody has something to bring to the table.

    Program Goals and Outcomes

    At the end of the two-week camp, the groups will perform an hour-plus concert, open to the public at UPH, complete with incredible lighting and sound in one of the area’s newest and most beautiful premiere performance spaces. While the performance will surely showcase the talent and accomplishments of the program, Crispin hopes that the impacts of Rock Camp on the musicians will run deeper.

    Our hope and our expectations are that the experience leaves everyone better at their instrument and overall craft. Also, that new musical connections and friendships have been created that could last long past Rock Camp.

    For more information about Rock Camp, the audition process, and ticket reservations for their performance at UPH, visit this website. To learn more about camp director Crispin Catricala, visit his website.

  • BISCOLAND announced for October at Wonderland Forest in CNY

    Pioneering trance-fusion band, the Disco Biscuits, have announced plans for a brand new two-day festival, BISCOLAND. Taking place on Oct. 6 and 7, the fall weekend of music will be held at the otherworldly Wonderland Forest in Lafayette, NY, just south of Syracuse. The new event space, campground, and concert venue nestled in the rolling hills of Central New York’s Apple Valley sets the stage for a weekend of unforgettable music and community.

    BISCOLAND

    BISCOLAND marks a fresh chapter for The Disco Biscuits as they bring their signature sound and energetic performances to this carefully curated festival experience, which follows the lifelong memories of events they’ve curated in the past, including many Camp Biscos and, more recently City Bisco. The location at Wonderland Forest is a space where concert-goers can “create new connections through a love of music and nature in a pristine landscape of lush forests, spectacular waterfalls, and glorious vistas.”

    Bassist for the Disco Biscuits’, Marc Brownstein, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, saying,

    2 nights in central New York with our Biscuits family, a carefully curated lineup, a blank canvas, a new beginning – that is a dream for the band and our community.

    Marc Brownstein

    The inaugural lineup for BISCOLAND features an array of long-time friends and collaborators from the jam, jamtronica, and electronic music scenes. Performances include four sets by The Disco Biscuits, two sets by Lotus, along with an impressive roster of artists, including Emancipator, Papadosio, Opiuo, Sunsquabi, The Floozies, two sets of Eggy, Maddy O’Neal, Space Bacon, and a special Spaga Plays Dead set featuring Aron Magner of The Disco Biscuits.

    biscoland

    Music enthusiasts will have the opportunity to secure their spots at BISCOLAND with the Early Bird GA and VIP Weekend Packages. In addition to access to the festival, camping passes and various transportation options such as RV parking and shuttle services will also be available. Tickets and passes will go on sale starting Friday, July 14, at 10 a.m. ET, and can be purchased at Bisco.land. Learn more and find tickets to BISCOLAND here.

    Later that month, the Disco Biscuits will celebrate Halloween weekend at The Capitol Theatre in West Chester. More info can be found here.

    Disco Biscuits 2023 Tour Dates
    July 11 – Boise, ID – Revolution Concert House
    July 12 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
    July 13 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
    July 14 – Bend, OR – Midtown Ballroom
    July 15 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
    July 18 – Blue Lake, CA – Blue Lake Casino
    July 19 – Stateline, NV – Harrah’s South Lake Tahoe
    July 20 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
    July 21 – Los Angeles, CA – The Roxy Theatre [SOLD OUT]
    July 22 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern [SOLD OUT]
    August 10 – East Hampton, NY – The Clubhouse
    August 10-12 – East Durham, NY – Catskill Mountain Jubilee
    August 13 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle and Cork
    September 15 – Austin, TX – Far Out Lounge and Stage *
    September 16 – Austin, TX – Far Out Lounge and Stage ^
    September 20 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
    September 21 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre ^
    September 22 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater
    September 23 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue Theatre
    September 24 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
    October 6-7 – Lafayette, NY – BISCOLAND
    October 24 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground +
    October 25 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Hall
    October 26 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
    October 27 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
    October 28 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre

    * w/ TAUK Moore (TAUK ft. Kanika Moore)
    ^ w/ Sunsquabi
    + w/ Lazy Bird

  • In Focus: Plush rock out at Alive at 5

    On Thursday, July 6th, Plush rocked a hot summer stage for Albany’s 4th installment of Alive at 5.

    Kenny Hohman of Super 400 – Photo by Jarron Childs

    Super 400, from Troy, NY, opened rock night with a strong 1 hour set. Playing together for over 20 years, they are no stranger to the Capital Region spot light. The trio were inductees to the Class of 2022 Eddies Hall of Fame. Their psychedelic and class rock sound really drew in the very adult Albany crowd. Towards the end of their set, they brought up singer, writer, and producer Sean Whiteford for a song. They crowd gave them a strong exit as they really played straight through the summer heat.

    Sean Whiteford and Kenny Hohman – Photo by Jarron Childs

    Lead vocalist, Moriah Formica, got her start in music at a fairly young age. She was previously on The Voice at the age of 16 in 2017. She made it to the last playoff round before getting eliminated; but it was enough to jump start her professional music career. Plush was formed soon after during the COVID-19 pandemic mainly through ads on social media. The young, all female rock band has been capitalizing on the growing female rock scene. From debuting their first song “Hate,” it wasn’t long before they were supporting acts like Kiss.

    Moriah Formica of Plush – Photo by Jarron Childs

    Lead by Albany native Moriah Formica, they did not not let the heat stop them from playing a full hour and a half set. Plush braved the humidity with a burst of energy the radiated well into the crowd. With lots of bopping around stage, they really brought the excitement of rock to the stage with their classic and hard rock rock style. Bassist and New York native, Ashley Suppa, seemed to be a crowd favorite as she really took up the as much as the stage as she could. Her and guitarist, Bella Perron, kept switching places which helped really stimulate the audience to keep on moving with them. Perron also had some great solos where she really used her guitar to bring the energy from some of Plush’s newest fans.

    Ashley Suppa of Plush – Photo by Jarron Childs

    Even though they may have had a weird start, they had a powerful exit with their latest single, “Left Behind.” They took a photo with the crowd before greeting them by the merch table for fans to greet their new favorite band. Their great sound coupled with young energy make them really hard not to like.

    The closest show the band has to New York is in Atlantic City on September 8th. They play at Rock Fest in Cadott, WI on July 15th for anyone that can check them out soon.

    Faith Powell of Plush – Photo by Jarron Childs

    Plush Setlist: Athena, Champion, Sober, Better Off Alone, Baracuda, Found A Way, Walk Away, Don’t Say That, Man in the Box, Hate, Will Not Win, I Don’t Care, Bring Me Down, Why Do I Even Try, Sorry, Heaven’s On Fire, Left Behind