Attention Disco Biscuits fans! The jamtronica pioneers may not be back in New York until mid-August, but you can catch a rare performance by Tractorbear: A Tribute to the Disco Biscuits, on Friday, July 7 at Parish Public House in Albany.
Tractorbear, a tribute to the pioneers of Jamtronica/trancefusion, the Disco Biscuits, will perform two sets of Disco Biscuits tunes – both classic songs from the early years, as well as tunes from the recent Shockedalbum that was released in April.
Opening the night is Sweeping Views, starting at 10pm.
This is a very special late show, with doors at 9pm and Sweeping Views opening the night at 10pm that you won’t want to miss. Don’t sleep on this party Albany! #SIYD
Tractorbear takes the stage at 11pm for two full sets. Get tickets here and check out past Tractorbear shows below.
The Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival has announced their partnership with the Buffalo-based nonprofit organization P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative as the primary beneficiary of the event. The festival will be on July 14 and 15 in downtown Buffalo.
P.U.N.T. provides financial, practical, and emotional support to families in Western New York facing pediatric cancer, and also collaborates with hospital partners to ensure that money raised is brought to where it is most needed. The organization was originally founded in 2004 by former Buffalo Bills punter Brian Moorman and his wife Amber. The acronym itself stands for Perseverance, Understanding, Need and Teamwork.
With support from the Western New York community, P.U.N.T.’s scope and impact has grown significantly over the past several years. A portion of the proceeds from the Cobblestone Live festival will now help support the organization and its initiatives.
As a grassroots nonprofit with a critical mission for Western New York families facing the incomprehensible plight of pediatric cancer, we are honored to be the charitable partner of Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival…. [the Cobblestone Live team] will undoubtedly make this two-day festival a highlight of our Buffalo summer and an unforgettable event experience. The fact that it also will lift our cause in the process makes us exceedingly proud and grateful.
P.U.N.T. Executive Director Gwen Mysiak
Cobblestone Live is now in its fifth year, organized by Twenty6 Productions and Buffalo Iron Works. On top of their collaboration announcement with P.U.N.T., Cobblestone Live has announced its detailed list of over 50 food and craft vendors that will be present at the event.
In addition, they have made several ADA improvements sponsored by the braille fashion company Aille Design. CEO Alexa Jovanovic and Director of Operations Jake Walsh of Aille Design will work with local members of the disability community to make the festival a more accessible experience. More details on the accessibility plan have not yet been announced.
Morrissey announced that he will return to New York for a four-night run at the historic and magnificent United Palace in Washington Heights from Oct. 21-25.
Regarded as one of the most iconic and influential artists of all time, Morrissey emerged as the lead singer of the British band The Smiths, one of the most influential alternative rock bands of the 1980s. Since their break up, he embarked on a successful solo career, featuring thought-provoking lyricism, heartfelt melodies, and his distinctive vocal style. His solo debut, Viva Hate (1988), was critically acclaimed, setting the stage for a series of highly regarded albums such as Vauxhall and I (1994) and You Are the Quarry (2004).
The United Palace, recently in the spotlight as the host venue for the Tony Awards, has received praise for its grandiose architecture and inviting atmosphere. The New York Times described it as a “dream world” where the performing arts flourish, providing an ideal setting for Morrissey’s performances. Each night of the four-night run features his timeless repertoire, from his early days with The Smiths to his prolific solo career.
For more information about Morrissey’s four night fun, visit here.
Morrissey at the United Palace Saturday, October 21 Sunday, October 22 Tuesday, October 24 Wednesday, October 25
The Waddington Concert Series returns for its 14th year with “Rollin’ on the River!” Over the last five years the series has treated over 15,000 attendees to high quality performances by artists from across the state. This summer’s series will feature eight performances with concerts taking place directly on the St. Lawrence River at Island View Park Pavilion.
Waddington is located directly on the St. Lawrence River just along the US-Canada border. The town showcases some of the best sunsets in New York and has earned a reputation for its fishing and other wildlife opportunities. Surrounded by rolling fields, family farms, historic buildings, and dense forests, Waddington demonstrates the best of the North Country.
“Rollin’ on the River!” runs every Friday at 6:30 from July 7 to August 25 and is free to the public, however donations are always accepted. Attendees can enjoy the show from the pavilion or float by in a boat.
More and details and information about the Waddington Concert Series here.
Concert Lineup
July 7: Fritz’s Polka Band (Annual Memorial Dedication Concert)- everything from modern style polka to country to rock and even blues
July 14: Phil Hurley- a tasteful blend of country and rock
July 21: Double Axel- covering the classic tunes of Van Morrison, Bob Seager, The Beatles, and the Doobie Brothers
July 28: Bear Tracks- country and bluegrass with a hint of Roots rock
August 4: SFM- a premier party band specializing in 80s hits
August 11: Tas Cru- a unique take on Roots rock and blues
August 18: Mark Rust- classic covers and “sing alongs” played on guitar, fiddle, banjo and hammered dulcimer
August 25: Northbound- a variety of pop, rock, and folk favorites from the last five decades
The Buffalo History Museum announced the return of the Party on the Portico summer concert series. The events will take place from 6:00pm- 9:00pm on the third Friday of the summer months: June 16, July 21, and August 18.
Party on the Portico has been a staple summer celebration on the Museum’s iconic portico overlooking Delaware Park and Mirror Lake for more than a decade. Guests can also explore the museum’s exhibits, and enjoy a cash bar and complimentary snacks. This year’s line-up is supported by Music is Art.
The concerts are 21 and over events and run rain or shine. Tickets are $15 for the public ($5 for members) and can be purchased online or at the door.
May 2023 marked the 75-year anniversary of Folkway Records, delivering classic American folk albums since its founding in New York City by Marian Distler and Moses Asch in 1948.
From the talents of Woody Guthrie to the jazz swing of Mary Lou Williams, the label has pioneered some of the industry’s top artists in their respective genres.
Folkway Records’ Woody Guthrie
Releasing acclaimed albums from Elizabeth Mitchell, Our Native Daughters, Dom Flemons, Kronos Quartet, and many more, the past 75 years and present-day continue to undoubtedly shine a light on the label’s success.
On July 6, 2023, Smithsonian Folkways will present “Folkways at 75,” a program at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C.
Featuring performances from Jake Blount and No-No Boy, members of the newest wave of folk music on the label, and a screening of Early Abstractions, a series of short films by Harry Smith, “Folkways at 75” expects to be the perfect celebration for Folkway Records.
The slogan for Folkway Records from the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings website.
In addition to the July celebration, November 10-12, 2023 will see the label partner up with the Brooklyn Folk Festival, including performers, tributes to label members, workshops, etc. For details on this event, visit here.
Throughout the year, Smithsonian Folkways will continue to reissue and re-press many classic albums the record label has brought out over the years. The Sounds of North American Frogs by Charles Bogert will hit an LP for the first time since 1958, and re-presses of albums by Elizabeth Cotten, Doc Watson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and many others will be available for pre-order as well.
A new program called Friends of Folkways will give supporters the chance to stream a collection of Folkway Records classics for a minimum monthly donation of $5. Additional details surrounding the donation program will also be announced soon.
A music video for Jake Blount’s “Didn’t It Rain,” a member of Folkway Records who will be performing at “Folkways at 75.”
Partnering organizations, the Shubert Foundation and Music Theatre International have recently announced the return of their annual Broadway Junior Student Finale. The 18th celebration will commence on June 22 at 11:15 a.m. at Broadway’s Ambassador Theatre located in Midtown Manhattan.
Throughout the past four years, since the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on human normality, the Broadway Student Finale has looked much different than previous years as schools all across the world and Broadway itself was shut down. Now, the students have returned to the stage to bask in the blinding spotlights provided by a real theater and not a computer screen.
The Shubert Foundation and MTI Broadway Junior partnership founded the musical theatre mentorship program to help public schools create change in their community’s social culture through building sustainable theatre education programs. The Shubert Foundation is the largest institutional funder of theatre education programs throughout NYC public schools and has provided nearly $8 million for Theatre and Arts programs in NYC.
Its partner in Broadway Junior, Music Theatre International, is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world, including schools, the right to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. The organization’s initiative has had substantial widespread involvement as 167 schools and more than 24,500 students have participated in Broadway Junior while over 100 schools are currently in the program.
The Broadway Junior process is vast as it spans multiple years of involvement with students, teachers, and public schools. In the first year of the program, teachers and students are guided step-by-step through the process of producing a first-ever musical in their schools. In the second year, teachers and students continue to receive support and encouragement on their second musical but take ownership of their productions. In the third year and beyond, schools present a musical independently and serve as inspiration for other schools involved in earlier cycles of the program. The program utilizes master teachers and expert production advisers from educational theatre organizations, iTheatrics, Broadway Bound Kids, and ArtsConnection.
Hundreds of these participating students from Brooklyn to Staten Island will share musical numbers from their fully produced school shows at the Finale. The Broadway shows being represented include Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR., Disney’s Aladdin JR., Into the Woods JR., Dear Edwina JR., Disney’s High School Musical JR., Legally Blonde The Musical JR., Disney’s The Lion King JR., Once on This Island JR., Shrek The Musical JR., and Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR.
Not only will students get the chance to perform on such an iconic stage at the 18th Broadway Junior Finale, but various Broadway professionals will be in attendance including the two hosts Jeanna de Waal and Uma Paranjpe. Also in attendance will be The Shubert Foundation President Diana Philips along with prominent members of the event’s other sponsors.
“The success of the program since 2005 has demonstrated that theater enhances young performers’ ability to collaborate, follow directions, practice self-discipline and work ethics, and use their imaginations while honing their verbal communication skills and developing social skills which will serve them well in navigating life,” said Drew Cohen, President, and CEO of Music Theatre International. “We are grateful to the students, of course, and also to the teachers, teaching artists, and parents who make this opportunity a reality for the students.”
The 18th Broadway Junior Student Finale performances from middle school groups participating in the second year of the program:
Brooklyn Environmental Exploration School
The Emerson School (Queens)
I.S. 136 Charles O. Dewey (Brooklyn)
Isaac Newton Middle School for Math and Science (Manhattan)
Manhattan School for Career Development
Marsh Avenue Expeditionary Learning School (Staten Island)
M.S. 935 (Brooklyn)
M.S. 158Q Marie Curie Middle School (Queens)
Pelham Gardens Middle School (Bronx)
P.S. 177Q The Robin Sue Ward School of Excellence (Queens)
Pugsley Preparatory Academy (Bronx)
Stephen Decatur Middle School 35 (Brooklyn)
The William W. Niles School – JHS 118 (Bronx)
Year Three and Graduated Schools participating in the Shubert/ MTI Musical Ensembles:
Accion Academy (Bronx)
Collaborative Arts Middle School (Queens)
Corona Arts and Sciences Academy (Queens)
Evergreen Middle School (Brooklyn)
I.S. 96 Seth Low (Brooklyn)
I.S. 131 The Albert Einstein Intermediate School (Bronx)
I.S. 217 School of Performing Arts (Bronx)
I.S. 392 (Brooklyn)
JHS 185 Edward Bleeker (Queens)
Lafayette Academy (Manhattan)
M. S. 101 The Edward R. Byrne School (Bronx)
M.S. 129 Academy for Independent Learning & Leadership(Bronx)
M.S. 331 Bronx School of Young Leaders (Bronx)
M.S. 915 (Brooklyn)
New Preparatory Middle School (Queens)
P.S./M.S. 4 Crotona Park West (Bronx)
P.S./I.S. 30 Mary White Ovington School (Brooklyn)
The final public piece of the reconstruction of the World Trade Center, the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC), will be opening in September 2023. Executive Director Khady Kamara and Artistic Director Bill Rauch announced recently that the facility would be opening after 20 years of labor to create a new heart of culture in lower Manhattan.
Perelman Performing Arts Center exterior at day. Credit: Field Condition
The vision for the PAC began almost 20 years ago as a part of the original master plan for reconstructing the World Trade Center during Michael Bloomberg’s time as mayor of NYC. Bloomberg currently acts as the chair for the project. Named after Ronald O. Perelman, a businessman, philanthropist, and benefactor, the building was designed by the architecture firm REX, with many interior spaces being designed by Rockwell Group.
According to a recent article by the New York Times, the building has gone through a lot of changes over its 20-year development. Even without formally changing the name of the building, the institution has switched from calling it “the Perelman” to “the PAC.” Though the namesake of the PAC, Ronald Perelman, has his name on the building, former mayor Bloomberg has now contributed more capital, totaling at $130 million.
Our goal in developing the artistic program is to innovate – providing exciting new ways for artists to create, collaborate, and share their work with a broad public – while representing and celebrating the humanity of our city in all its fullness. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, we want you to be able to find yourself in the PAC and find your connection to everyone else who shares in the work we do.
Artistic Director of PAC Bill Rauch
A defining feature of the building’s façade are the 5,000 panels of bookmatched marble. They allow for light to cast an amber glow into the building in the day and for the building to produce an amber glow at night. The panels were quarried and cut in Portugal, fabricated with glass in France, and assembled into panels in Germany.
Perimeter interior of the PAC, with marble panels visible. Credit: Laurian Ghinitoiu
The interior design is also unique, with three modular stages that can quickly merge or separate depending on the venue’s requirements. Independently, the three stages include: the John E. Zuccotti Theater, which seats up to 450; the Mike Nichols Theater, which seats up to 250; and the Doris Duke Theater, which seats up to 99. Altogether, their capacities range from 99 to 950 people.
A render of a theater in PAC. Credit: REX
The interior of the eight-story structure is divided into three main sections. The “public” level includes the John C. Whitehead Lobby, which features a stage for free performances, a restaurant, a bar, and the Dalio Family Terrace. The “artist” level has the necessary support spaces for artists at the center, whereas the top level, the “play” level has the three theaters and a rehearsal space.
Render of the restaurant on the “public” level. Credit: Rockwell Group
Leading PAC is Executive Director Khady Kamara, who has more than 24 years of theater management experience. Prior to being executive director at PAC, Kamara was executive director for Second Stage in NYC. She would go on to win a Tony Award in 2022 as a member of the leadership team for “Take Me Out.” As a part of her extensive non-profit background, Kamara had a 20-year career with Arena Stage in Washington DC.
Responding to the sanctity of the World Trade Center site and the humanistic aspirations of the PAC’s mission, our design empowers artistic teams to imagine and create a vast range of performances and audience experiences, within a building that addresses its setting with respect and warmth.
Joshua Ramus, founding principal of REX
Bill Rauch acts as PAC’s artistic director, and has worked as a theater director in venues ranging from small community centers to the largest in the country. He has been a part of productions of the Tony Award-winning “All The Way” and its sequel “The Great Society,” as well as directed seven world premieres of plays.
While details for the opening Fall shows have yet to be announced, more information and updates can be found on the PAC’s website.
Binghamton University’s Anderson Center for the Performing Arts announced its 2023-24 season, including performances by Step Afrika!, a Coco Live-to-Film Concert, Lisa Fischer, and more.
The Anderson Center for the Performing Arts is located on the main campus of Binghamton University, in Vestal, NY. The Anderson Center’s multiple theaters are designed to meet the needs of every performing group including soloists, chamber ensembles, symphonies, and more.
Programming at the Anderson Center includes performances by the Binghamton University Departments of Music and Theatre and various student groups, as well as a summer concert series, an international performing arts series and special events for the university community and regional arts lovers.
Step Afrika!: Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities. This includes traditional Western and Southern African dances and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience.
These performances are much more than dance shows. They also integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.
Coco Live-to-Film Concert: Thursday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
AMP presents Disney Pixar’s Coco Live-to-Film Concert on Tour featuring a screening of the complete film. The screening will also be accompanied by Oscar and Grammy-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México.
Ranky Tanky with Very Special Guest Ms. Lisa Fischer: Thursday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
This band of native South Carolinians brings the soulful songs of the Gullah culture to life. They mix low country traditions with large doses of jazz, gospel, funk, and R&B. Grammy-winning powerhouse vocalist Ms. Lisa Fischer joins them as a very special guest. Fischer toured for over 25 years with the Rolling Stones and has a standout appearance in the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom.
Red Hot Chilli Pipers: Friday, Mar. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
After nearly selling out the theater in 2022, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers (that’s pipers, not peppers) return to the Anderson Center in March 2024 to celebrate St. Patrick in foot-stomping Binghamton style.
The Magic of Rob Lake: Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m.
One of the world’s most celebrated illusionists, Rob Lake’s mind-blowing illusions dazzle and entertain millions across network television, in Times Square, on the Vegas Strip, in Atlantic City, and before sold-out audiences in casinos, arenas, and theatres worldwide. Named “The World’s Greatest Illusionist” by NBC, Lake is also internationally renowned for his mesmerizing and award-winning illusion spectacular.
The 2023 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is set to be held from July 12th to the 16th on the Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY. The celebration is known to bring together the Who’s Who of Bluegrass, Newgrass, and Roots Music.
Acoustic music lovers from every corner of the US, Canada, and beyond travel to Grey Fox to see and hear Grammy, AMA, CMA, and IBMA award winners, discover new artists, camp, dance, and create a memorable weekend with family, friends, and new acquaintances.
This year, nearly forty bands will perform on the festival’s six stages. The setlist includes everyone from The Infamous Stringdusters and Sam Bush to Sierra Hull and the Newgrass All-Stars. The Jerry Douglas Band will perform Friday with the 14x Grammy winner and Dobro master, Jerry Douglas, who also returns as Artist-in-Residence to sit in with select groups and even contribute to the Bluegrass Academy for Kids. Saturday’s show will culminate with the Late Night All-Star Super Jam directed by fiddler/composer/producer, Darol Anger of Mr. Sun.
Photo by Jay Strausser.
The traditional-style bluegrass band, Dry Branch Fire Squad is the long-time host of the festival led by mandolinist and storyteller, Ron Thomason. They will kick off the festival that Thursday afternoon with their music and tales. Other performers over the course of the days include Bush, Del McCoury Band, Sierra Hull, Keller Williams featuring The HillBenders, Dan Tyminski, Della Mae, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, John Cowan and the Newgrass All-Stars.
In addition to its internationally acclaimed roster of music, Grey Fox is particularly proud of introducing hot, new talent to thousands of avid fans. Making their debut at this year’s festival are AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Jake Blount, Henhouse Prowlers, Tray Wellington Band, Chicken Wire Empire, Armchair Boogie, and more. Meanwhile, this year’s official Emerging Artists will include Fog Holler from Oregon, Pictrola from Virginia, and others including graduates of the American Roots Music Program at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Berklee grads will be accompanied by renowned old-time fiddler and Berklee instructor, Bruce Molsky.
In addition to more performers, Festival goers can also get involved in hands-on workshops, join in morning yoga, and meditation as well as enjoy festive and ethnic foods. The venue will also set up a Family Stage for kids to enjoy as well as provide the opportunity to sign up for the 24th annual Bluegrass Academy for Kids.
The weekend in Oak Hill seems to provide something for everyone in which Bluegrass lovers will not want to miss.
Ticket prices for the 2023 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival range from $90-$300. Kids 12 and under get in for free. Get your tickets and more information here.
