On May 8th, New York State confirmed an investment of $5 million for local arts organizations and centers. Alive Downtowns!, a coalition of 13 historic performance arts centers across Upstate New York, received the funding with open arms as they thanked New York legislators in various press releases.
Alive Downtowns! was formed in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on performing arts centers. Today, upstate theaters remain understaffed and are continuing the fight to reach the expanse of pre-pandemic audiences. Representatives from the coalition have been meeting with New York State legislators and the Governor’s office to discuss the importance of the performing arts and the theaters to urban education opportunities, economic viability, and a city’s attractiveness.
The 13 facilities welcome and serve over five million people annually and have an average age of nearly 100 years. Together, the theaters have a yearly economic impact of $900,000,000. Their goal has always been to receive capital support from the state and have now secured a place in this year’s state budget.
The members of the coalition ranging from Jamestown to Poughkeepsie, not only bring diverse performances and shows to their areas but are a beacon that brings together local communities with arts and education.
Members of Alive Downtowns!
Bardavon 1896 Opera House of Poughkeepsie
Clemens Center in Elmira
Palace Performing Arts Center in Albany
Proctors Collaborative of Schenectady, Albany, and Saratoga
GlassFest in Corning has announced the hlineup for the weekend of May 25-28, featuring many free events around Corning, and a wide variety of music.
Downtown Corning will host GlassFest 2023 from May 25-28, celebrating the rich history of world-class production. The festival features four days of live musical performances, glass exhibits, art vendors, mouthwatering food and drinks, and special shopping promotions. People can stroll down historic Market Street for pop-up entertainment, dining, shopping, and family activities. Headlining acts will be at the Rock The Park stage in Riverfront Park, including Fuel and Classic Albums Live.
GlassFest Schedule of Events
Thursday, May 25
The kickoff to the GlassFest will be at 5:30 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Corning Museum of Glass will have free admission, open to the public from 6-8 p.m. No music is scheduled for this day.
Friday, May 26
Friday brings a lot of events to Corning, including live glassblowing at the Centerway Stage, a National Poppy Day ceremony, Yoga in the Park from 9-9:50 a.m., Guided Public Art Tours, and more. Dance & Dine on Market Street has local and regional bands from 4-6 p.m. including WOJA, Gilmuir Girls, StratCat Willie and the Strays, K@t & Keef Beats, and Sean Holland. The Rock the Park stage features the Houston Baker Trio, singer/songwriters from north central Pennsylvania who put creative focus on life from 6-6:45 p.m. Bad Bear, a premier classic rock/funk band from the Finger Lakes area, performs from 7-8 p.m., and headlining the evening is the multi-platinum award-winning hard rock band Fuel from 8:30-10 p.m.
Saturday, May 27
Events for Saturday include the Wineglass 8K run at Corning High School at 8 a.m., more live glassblowing, face painting, magic acts, art tours, and more. The Marich Music Stage hosts a variety of acts including Chris Harper from 10-11 a.m., PM Benandy from 11-12:30 p.m., Sandy & Lauren- In The Moment from 1-2:30 p.m., A Gloomy Business, a smart, crafty, original rock band, from 3-4:30 p.m., and finally Amongst The Monks, a three-piece funk rock trio formed in Upstate New York from 5-7 p.m. The Rock the Park stage hosts Classic Albums Live, covering the well-known Pink Floyd album, Dark Side of the Moon, celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Sunday, May 28
The final day of GlassFest has more glassblowing and magicians, on-street vendors, public art tours, Yoga, and more. The Rock the Park Stage starts early at 9 a.m. with Slow Vinyasa and includes acoustic Americana band The Sorters from 12:45-2:15 p.m., Memorial Day Salute from 2:30-3 p.m., and the night ends with American Idol Season 21 contestant and Elmira native Isaiah Smallwood.
For more information about the 2023 GlassFest, visit here.
Darien Lake Amphitheater has announced their official 2023 summer lineup of performances beginning on June 14th. Located in the small town of Darien in Western New York, the venue originally opened in 1993 and has the capacity to hold 21,600 guests with 6,410 pavilion seats.
The American rock band, formed in Charlottesville, VA in 1991, set out on May 19th on their Walk Around The Moon Tour to celebrate the release of their newest album. The band is headed by singer-songwriter Dave Matthews and is supported by: bassist Stefan Lessard; drummer and backing vocalist Carter Beauford; trumpeter, percussionist, and backing vocalist Rashawn Ross; saxophone and winds player Jeff Coffin; Tim Reynolds on lead guitar; Buddy Strong on keyboard and backing vocals.
Luke Bryan, one of the most successful and awarded country artists of the past decade, comes to Darien as his 4th stop on his summer tour. The singer, songwriter, and TV personality plans to perform his recent #1 single Country On alongside his most popular releases including “Play It Again” and “That’s My Kind of Night.”
Kidz Bop Live – Never Stop Tour – July 14th, 7:00 PM
KIDZ BOP AND LIVE NATION ANNOUNCE ALL-NEW 2023 TOUR
Kidz Bop is known as the #1 music brand for kids that makes everyday hits friendly for younger audiences. The brand will be partnering with Live Nation and travel to a total of thirty-seven cities. This tour will introduce four new kids to the performance crew: Jackson, Kiya, Shila, and Tyler.
The American singer-songwriter, Sam Hunt, will take to the Darien stage in mid July. His openers on tour will include country singer Brett Young alongside genre bending artist Lily Rose.
The classic rock band which gave music lovers everything from “I Want To Know What Love Is” to “It Feels Like the First Time” heads out on their final tour this summer. The group will play all over North America alongside one of the 80s greatest hitmakers, Loverboy.
Lead singer, Boy George, will be taking the stage once again along side Roy Hay and Mikey Craig as Culture Club. The London pop group will be joined on stage by the British singer Howard Jones and the American new wave band Berlin.
This years Outlaw Music Festival will bring feature singers Willie Nelson and Family, Nathaniel Rateliff and the The Night Sweats, Gov’t Mule, and Kathleen Edwards & Particle Kids to Darien. The festival will kick off on June 23rd and will run a total of 16 dates this summer. Each performance will feature varying artists.
Pop rock band, Matchbox Twenty, have over fifty tour dates lined up for the summer. The Slow Dream Tour will feature special guest American singer-songwriter, Matt Nathanson.
The three time CMT Music Award winner, Jelly Roll, takes his unique and genre-bending sound across the United States this summer. The artist will be joined by many other performers over the length of the tour, but his show in Darien will feature rappers Merkules and Struggle Jennings.
Celebrating their newest album, So Much (for) Stardust, which dropped on March 24th, Fall Out Boy will head out on tour starting June 21st. Joining the American rock band at Darien will be the British rock band Bring Me The Horizon, singer-songwriter Royal and The Serpent, and The Games We Play.
Also Performing
Post Malone: If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying Tour – July 17th, 8:00 PM
50 Cent ft: Busta Rhymes & Jeremih: The Final Lap Tour – August 5th, 7:00 PM
A surprise came for East Setauket resident and musician Roger Earl, as he is now the newest of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. Drummer of the band Foghat, who celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2021, Earl has received eight Gold, two Platinum, and one Multi-Platinum record across his lengthy career, and still has many other projects in the works.
Originally a surprise birthday party for the rock n’ roll artist turned into an induction ceremony, something that completely blew Earl away. Taking place at the LIMEHOF Museum in Stony Brook, it was a night that the Foghat artist will never forget.
“I was absolutely blown away. I had no idea and to see so many people here… I didn’t know I had that many friends… It was terrific, very moving, overwhelming and I’m just humbled by it.”
-Roger Earl
The idea of the party came up thanks to his wife and manager Linda Earl, who went on to convince Roger that he was going to be inducting someone else at the museum that night.
Following the induction ceremony Foghat’s band members, including, Earl took the stage and played a few songs, truly making it a night the band and Earl would remember for the rest of their lives.
Born in London, England in 1946, Earl grew up in a musical family from the start, as his father would play the piano at local pubs. His older brother Colin Earl played the keyboard, something that Roger initially wanted to play, but instead began playing the drums at the age of 12.
Earl, like his father, started playing at pubs by his house, up until the point where he would join the band Savoy Brown when he was 20 years old. From 1967-1970, Earl recorded five albums with the British blues band and went on several major tours.
It would be in late 1970 when Earl and Lonesome Dave Peverett left Savoy Brown to form their own group, Foghat. They would recruit Tony Stevens and Rod Price to the band as well, and rock n’ roll history was made.
They would move from England to Long Island in 1973 and during the 70s they would release hits such as “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” Fool for the City,” “Slow Ride,” and many more chart toppers.
In the mid-1980s, Lonesome Dave took a break from the band and moved back to England, but they would end up getting back together as the full band in 1993.
An incredibly sad time hit for Foghat and Roger Earl in 2000, as Lonesome Dave passed away in February of that year, yet Earl continued his career, knowing that would be the way Lonesome Dave would do it.
Since the 2000s, the band has consistently put out new music, gone on extensive tours, and still prepares for a fresh album to come out in 2023. Earl’s reputation in the music industry continues to thrive, and his induction into the LIMEHOF is another huge accolade in a highly successful career.
The lineup for the free Levitt Amp 2023 Utica Music Series has been announced, featuring a wide variety of artists performing at Kopernik Park. Concerts will take place on Monday nights starting at 5:30 p.m., from June 19 – August 28 (no concert on the 3rd of July).
Photo by Lynne Brown.
Levitt AMP 2023 will feature headlining artists from Ireland, Wisconsin, Iowa, Toronto, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and right here in New York State, with local and regional acts opening. The diverse lineup spans genres like bluegrass, pop, rock, gospel, instrumental, Irish rock, and more.
The series brings in the most diverse audience in the city in a family-friendly, non-alcoholic, joyful, welcoming environment. The music series also helps add to the economy in Utica, promotes communal bonding, and serves as a creative training ground for youth with their Levitteen Internship Program and each week a youth performer is showcased at intermission.
The concert schedule is as follows: 5:30 p.m. opening bands, 6:30 p.m. youth intermission acts, and 7:00 p.m. headliner bands.
Levitt AMP 2023.
Levitt AMP 2023 Lineup
June 19–Harlem Gospel Travelers
Levitt AMP is proud to once again be a part of the five-day Juneteenth Celebration in the City of Utica. The Harlem Gospel Travelers from New York City will kick off the seventh season, drawing deeply on the gospel quartet tradition of the 1950s and 60s, bringing a timeliness, uplifting sound to the park. Local singer Amos Donnell, who auditioned for The Voice and America’s Got Talent, will kick off the night as the opener.
June 26-Brandon “Taz” Niederauer
Brandon “Taz” Niederauer drew Levitt AMP Utica’s biggest audience ever back in 2019, bringing in over 1,000 people to the park. The 20-year-old guitar genius will be back this summer in a rare repeat performance for the series. Nicknamed “Taz” for his ferocious guitar playing, he has performed in some of the most legendary venues in America, was cast in Broadway’s School of Rock, and has been hailed as the “next Jimmy Hendrix.” Jimmy Wolf, local blues legend, Native American Music Awards winner, and an inductee in the New York State Blues Hall of Fame, will be opening.
July 10-Joe Samba
Levitt AMP is excited to welcome Massachusetts-based reggae singer, songwriter, and guitarist Joe Samba to Utica. He finds the sweet spot between Caribbean bliss and punk energy, matched with his dynamic vocals. The opener is The Old Main, a local favorite that delivers everything from sentimental folk ballads to foot-stomping rock and bluegrass.
Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, photo by Brian Cole
July 17-Funky Dawgz Brass Band
Hailing from Connecticut, Levitt AMP 2023 will welcome the internationally touring band Funky Dawgz Brass Band. Their horn section has played with bands to sold-out shows in Madison Square Garden, closed out The Peach Music Festival, and has been featured on ESPN, Hulu, and the FX series “Fargo.” Opener Handsome Bob brings a wide variety of influences to his music, serving up anything from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Sublime, to the Temptations and Johnny Cash with their own flavor and mash-ups.
July 24-Nefresh Mountain
Hailed as one of today’s most boundary-pushing progressive bluegrass groups on the scene, Nefresh Mountain was declared “A Powerhouse Unit” by Rolling Stone Magazine. A husband and wife duo, they blur the lines between Americana, folk, and blues. Kicking off the night is Otis Monk, an original American band based out of Central NY. They incorporate elements from a multitude of genres and are dependent on extended musical improvisation over rhythmic grooves.
July 31-B2Wins
B2Wins is made up of Brazilian twins Walter and Wagner, described as a “violin and ukulele meet rock concert, dance party, jam session and vacation for the soul.” They have performed over 1,000 shows around the world in the past decade. The opener Stephen Phillips is a pop/funk artist from Syracuse, who also has an extensive vocal range and tons of energy.
August 7-Tae & the Neighborly
Tae & the Neighborly are from Wisconsin and joined forces during Covid. The five-piece all lived alone in a five-story flat and were literally borrowing sugar from each other during the pandemic to bake with, resulting in a soul/pop-rock band of powerhouse players. Opening for Tae & the Neighborly and returning to the Levitt AMP stage is the Jess Novak Band. She is a triple threat, as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist she can transform from a gorgeous classical piano solo to rockin’ the stage with her full band.
Tae & the Neighborly.
August 14-Battle of Santiago
Latin Night will feature Battle of Santiago, an Afro-Cuban band from Toronto. They have a super unique sound and energy, defined as “Cuban Post Rock from Canada” with classic rhythms and some cumbia, Latin rock, and smooth funk mixed in. Opener Trump Tight 315 is no stranger to Utica, having performed many years at Juneteenth and just a couple of years ago at Munson’s Summer Festival. The husband and wife lead singers are fun, and powerful, bringing nostalgic R&B, soul, and pop.
August 21-Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers
Erin Harpe is a Massachusetts-based blues vocalist and guitarist, dubbed “one of the most dynamic talents and exciting roots rocking blues women on the scene” by Living Blues Magazine. She has been compared to legendary blues women like Bonnie Raitt and Rory Block. 19-year-old Sydney Irving will open. She was named the 2020 young adult artist of the Year by the International Singer-Songwriters Association and the 2022 Best New Artist at the SAMMYs.
August 28-Hermitage Green
Straight from Ireland, Hermitage Green has played together since 2010 after a spontaneous jam session and has been touring the world since, from South Africa and Australia to London and Canada. They have a unique arrangement of instruments that includes the bodhrán, djembe, rhythmic guitar, and banjo. Locally-loved Irish band Blarney Rebel Band will open for the closing concert of the season.
For more information about Levitt AMP 2023, visit here.
The 2023 Artpark Summer Concert lineup promises a wide range of live performances for the summer season. 2023 marks Artpark’s 50th season of unforgettable live performances, art, and culture. Located in Lewiston, NY, just north of Buffalo on the Niagara River, the venue houses one of the state’s largest stages, and an amphitheater voted one of the top 100 Amitheaters Worldwide by Pollstar.
Artpark’s 50th show will celebrate 50 years of creativity and excellence. Over 110 days of summer, Artpark’s season will showcase the natural beauty and cultural legacy of the Niagara Gorge. Artists from far and wide will engage audiences in a multifarious conversation all summer long.
Artpark opened in 1974, originally owned and operated by New York State until the early 1990s, when it became independently owned by the non-profit Artpark and Company. Initially, the venue was an experiment with artist-public interaction, commissioning some of the most avant-garde art of its day. Today, Artpark hosts over 150 events attended by over 150,000 visitors on their 150+ acres of land. Their facilities include a mainstage theater that seats 2,400 people indoors and 2,000 people on the lawn, in addition to an outdoor amphitheater atop the Niagara River Gorge.
Mt. Joy – May 25
Mt. Joy, a Philadelphia-based quintet, takes their name from a rural town in southwest Pennsylvania. The group surpassed half a billion streams over the past four years through their widely successful alternative and indie rock albums, their most recent Orange Blood. The group has been highly acclaimed from NPR, Billboard, RollingStone, The Line of Best Fit, and more.
Noah Kahan – May 26
Noah Kahan, a Vermont-based singer-songwriter has achieved over one billion streams through his two full length albums Busyhead and I Was/I Am, EP Cape Elizabeth, and Gold Certified song “Hurt Somebody” feat. Julia Miachaels. Additionally, Kahan is partnering with PLUS1 to ensure $1 of each ticket goes toward mental health organizations.
STYX – June 2
Artpark is just one stop on the STYX 2023 World Tour. STYX, a Chicago-based rock band and one of the most popular rock groups in the 1970s and early 1980s will perform well over four decades of hits.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise – June 7
A mix of jam and indie, Rainbow Kitten Surprise has received well over one billion streams since their 2013 debut. The band has been acclaimed by Billboard, TIME, Vice, and NPR, who commend their unique sound. Additionally, Rainbow Kitten Surprise will partner with PLUS1 to ensure that $1 per ticket will support local food banks.
Young The Giant with Milky Chance – June 13
Since their start in 2004, Young The Giant have released countless alternative hits. Their 2023 tour includes their newest album, American Bollywood, their first release in four years. “The Walk Home,” their most recent single, has quickly become a hit amongst alternative listeners. Milky Chance, a German rock group largely recognized for their hit single “Stolen Chance” amongst others.
Michael Franti & Spearhead – June 21
Artpark is just one stop in Michael Franti & Spearhead’s Big Big Love Tour. Michael Franti, a highly successful musician, activist, hotel owner, and award-winning film maker, has had a widely successful multi-decade career. Franti’s high-energy shows and inspiring music have earned him three Billboard No. 1’s, six Top 30 Hot AC Singles, 10 Top 25 AAA Singles, and three Billboard Top 5 Rock Albums.
My Morning Jacket – June 26
Each of My Morning Jacket’s nine studio albums have received Grammy Award nominations for ‘Best Alternative Album.’ Their 2020 single “Feel You” made history, reaching #1 at Triple A radio outlets across the country, and on Billboard’s “Adult Alternative Songs” chart.
The Australian Pink Floyd Show – June 28
The Australian Pink Floyd Show brings the magic of Pink Floyd to life through The Darkside 50 Tour, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s classic, The Dark Side of the Moon. Additionally, the show will include state-of-the-art lighting and video, pinpoint lasers, and signature gargantuan inflatables.
Barenaked Ladies – July 11
The Toronto-based quartet will perform at Artpark for their Last Summer on Earth Tour. Over the past 35 years, Barenaked Ladies have sold 15 million records worldwide, considered one of the best live acts in the world. Their signature hits such as “One Week,” “Pinch Me,” and “The Big Bang Theory Theme” have won them eight JUNO Awards, and secured their spot in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2018.
Lauren Daigle – July 14
Lauren Daigle, a contemporary Christian singer-songwriter has achieved Billboard Top Christian Album charts ever since her debut album How Can it Be in 2015. Daigle’s well-received albums and singles have earned her two Grammy Awards, seven GMA Dove Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, and two American Music awards.
Larkin Poe with the Allman Betts Band – July 27
Larkin Poe’s gritty, soulful sound is the product of sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell’s Southern heritage, originally from Atlanta and currently residing in Nashville. The sisters have been highly regarded by Billboard, NPR, and other notable publications as the new faces of blues rock. The Allman Betts Band, an internationally recognized rock group, will perform their two hit albums, Down to the River and Bless Your Heart.
Orville Peck – August 1
Orville Peck’s Bronco Tour will grace Artpark with Peck’s deeply personal lyrics and theatric stage presence. Peck, known for captivating audiences through his voice and songwriting, recalls the golden age of country through his performances.
Richard Marx with Yacht Rock Revue – August 10
Richard Marx, a professional singer-songwriter for 35 years and counting, has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. Based in Chicago, Marx has written a No. 1 single in each of the last 4 decades, and has written songs for a plethora of notable artists, including Barbara Streisand, Keith Urban, Kenny Rogers, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and many others. Additonally, Yacht Rock Revue will perform their 70s and 80s inspired yaucht rock.
Whiskey Myers – August 20
Since their 2007 debut, Whiskey Myers have sold over 1.65 million albums and accumulated over 2.25 billion streams, earning six RIAA Gold & Platinum certifications. The Texas-based band is known for their genre-bending, high-energy live shows and unique blend of Southern rock and gritty country.
Pixies and Modest Mouse – August 28
Pixies, known for their signature “loudquietloud” sound and quirky, catchy melodies, have defined the alternative genre. Acclaimed as the most influential band of the late 80s alt/rock movement, Pixies have influenced many notable artists including Nirvana, Peal Jam, Radiohead, the Strokes, and Weezer. Their simultaneously electrifying and lo-fi sound, paired with their improvisation, ensures that each Pixie show is one-of-a-kind. Modest Mouse, based in Portland, will perform their most recent album, The Golden Casket amongst their greatest hits.
Artpark Mainstage Theater Concerts
The Avett Brothers – May 21
Since their 2009 debut, The Avett Brothers have become three time GRAMMY Award nominees and inductees to the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. The critically acclaimed folk rock group’s hit albums and singles have scored grammy nominations, making their way to the top of Billboard’s Top Albums, Billboard’s Top 200, and more.
Buddy Guy – June 10
Hall of Fame inductee and American treasure Buddy Guy will perform at Artpark for The Damn Right Farewell Tour. At age 86, the rock legend’s widely successful career will be celebrated through performances of his classic hits. Guy has received 8 GRAMMY Awards, a Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY Award, 38 Blues Music Awards, and the Presidential National Medal of Arts, amongst others.
Ben Folds – June 16
Ben Folds, one of our generation’s major music influencers, will perform music from his new collection, What Matters Most. The album, an examination of the tragic and absurd, gratitude and lss, marks Fold’s first new studio release in eight years. Additionally, $1 of each ticket will support Ben’s Keys For Kids initiative.
July 8 – Tori Amos
Tori Amos will perform at Artpark amidst her Ocean to Ocean Tour, following a sold-out world tour in 2022. Amos will perform alongside bassist Jon Evans and drummer Ash Soan, renowned throughout the UK.
RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles – July 16
One of the most notorious rock bands of all time lives on through RAIN, the next best thing to seeing The Beetles. The performance will transport audiences back in time through a theatrical, mind-blowing performance.
Jason Isbell l& The 400 Unit – August 5
Since his 2013 debut, Jason Isbell has established himself as one of the most notable songwriters of his generation. Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit will perform their latest album Georgia Blue, along with other Grammy-winning hits for a night of Americana music.
Parker McCollum – August 17
Parker McCollum’s Sumer Tour will stop at Artpark for an unforgettable night of country music. McCollum, singer-songwriter and multinstrumentalist, has recently gained recognition as ACM’s 2022 Male Artist of the Year, earned the CMT Award for ‘Breakthrough Video of the Year,’ and a 2022 CMA Award Nomination.
Alvvays and Alex G – September 1
Alvvays, a widely recognized alternative indie band based in Toronto, will perform at Artpark amidst their tour across North America and Europe. Additonally, Alex G, an indie-rock musician and singer-songwriter will perform his signature lo-fi pop.
New Music in the Park
Jeremy Dutcher – July 7
Jeremy Dutcher, a classically trained operatic tenor and composer, will perform music that incorporates his Wolstoq First Nation roots. Dutcher creates something entirely new through his combination of classical, traditional and pop.
Third Coast Percussion – July 9
Third Coast Percussion, The GRAMMY Award-winning, Chicago-based percussion quartet, invites listeners to embark on an exciting musical adventure. Known for their elegant performances, Third Coast Percussion will perform virtuosic pieces written by many iconic music creators.
L’Oiseau: Guided Walking-Concert Along the Niagra Gorge – July 13
L’Oisseau will explore the intersection of art, nature, and human expression through their immersive concert installation. The concert, a guided walking set will explore a plethora of contemporary composers.
CS4: Philip Glass String Quartets – July 20
Violinist Chase Spruill will lead CS4, an all-Glass program, through a celebration of 30 years of compositions by Philip Glass. The performance will include the US premiere of Glass’s String Quartet No. 9, “King Lear,” amongst others.
Jacob Bacon Quintet
The Jacob Bacon Quintet, consisting of the finest jazz artists and composers in the region, is a modern jazz quintet. The quintet will their own original compositions in celebration of the release of their first recording.
LUX: Vivaldi Redefined The Four Seasons – August 13
Vivaldi Redefined will form a bridge between the natural world and technocratic future through an exploration of Vivaldi’s most radical work. LUX, an immersive orchestra project, reimagines the symphonic concert experience.
The iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli announced his return to Madison Square Garden for his 2023 US Holiday Tour. Originally playing one date, he announced he will perform two dates on Dec. 13 and 14.
Andrea Bocelli, photo from Luca Rossetti.
Andrea Bocelli’s tour will feature performances from his extensive repertoire, including music in honor of the Holiday Season, selections from his recent #1 album A Family Christmas, his uplifting solo album Believe, as well as a selection of his beloved crossover hits, and famed love songs. Bocelli has one of the most recognizable voices in the industry, entertaining audiences for over 20 years, selling nearly 90 million records sold worldwide.
In addition to his sold-out arena-sized concerts and record-breaking live streams, Bocelli has shared his talents at many major events including the Olympic Games, the World Cup, and Global Citizen. He has earned a Golden Globe, seven Classical BRITs, and seven World Music Awards, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The announcement arrives on the heels of a spectacular spring tour in the US, which included two sold-out nights at the famed Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on May 9 and May 10. Bocelli was invited to perform at the Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla in London on May 7. In April, his new documentary THE JOURNEY: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli debuted in select theaters around the world. Recently he did a surprise performance at Times Square to celebrate the premiere of the film.
Tickets for the shows at Madison Square Garden are on sale now. For more information about Andrea Bocelli and the upcoming tour, visit here.
Andrea Bocelli November and December 2023 U.S. Tour
NOVEMBER 29, 2023 / San Antonio, TX / AT&T Center
NOVEMBER 30, 2023 / Dallas, TX / AAC
DECEMBER 2, 2023 / Louisville, KY / KFC Yum Arena *With the Louisville Orchestra
DECEMBER 6, 2023 / Boston, MA / TD Garden
DECEMBER 7, 2023 / Philadelphia, PA / Wells Fargo Center
DECEMBER 9, 2023 / Hartford, CT / XL Center * First time in Hartford in 25 years
DECEMBER 10, 2023 / Baltimore, MD / CFG Bank Arena *With the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
DECEMBER 13, 2023 / New York, NY / Madison Square Garden
DECEMBER 14, 2023 / New York, NY / Madison Square Garden
DECEMBER 16, 2023 / Hollywood, FL / Hard Rock Live
DECEMBER 17, 2023 / Hollywood, FL / Hard Rock Live
On June 14 at 5:00 p.m., The Rods, a heavy metal band known for its ’80s albums, will be playing as the headliners for the “Wild Wednesday” event in Liverpool, NY. Also featured at “Wild Wednesday” is Adam and the Metal Hawks, Crazy Neighbors, Love Bone, and Wicked.
Members of the Rods. From left to right: Carl Canedy, David “Rock” Feinstein, and Freddy Villano. Credit: The Rods Official Website
The lead vocalist for the Rods, David “Rock” Feinstein, first came into popularity after playing in the band Elf with his cousin, Black Sabbath member Ronnie James Dio. Elf formed in 1967, and disbanded in 1975 after releasing three albums. Most of the band was absorbed into Rainbow, including Dio but not Feinstein.
The Rods formed and released their first album, “Rock Hard” in 1980, though “Rock Hard” was later rereleased as “The Rods.” The band toured with several noteworthy metal bands, such as Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Motörhead, and Metallica. They made six more albums until the group split in 1986, with their final album of the time being “Hollywood.”
The Rods reformed in 2008, playing at the Metal Rock Fest in Lillehammer, Norway. They have continued to release albums since then, including “Vengeance” in 2011 and their latest, “The Brotherhood of Metal,” in 2019. Current members of the band include: David “Rock” Feinstein as guitar and lead vocalist; Freddy Villano for bass and vocals; and Carl Canedy for drums and vocals.
Ithaca’s Cayuga Chamber Orchestra’s2022-2023 Season Chamber Series concludes on May 28 at First Unitarian Church, with Iberian Enchantment and a program featuring musicians from the orchestra and friends.
The season’s final program will feature the Turnia Piano Trio No. 1, The Saraste Navarra and the Louise Farrenc Nonet. Ten talented musicians will perform the pieces, combining winds, strings, and piano. They will play a sparkling Turina, a quick Saraste, and the riveting Farrenc, transporting the audience with their combined musical talent.
Organizers will unveil an exciting 2023-24 season in June, as the 2022-23 season draws to a close. Furthermore, the orchestra will present its four finalists for the next Music Director and its lineup of soloists.
The CCO, officially known as “Ithaca’s Orchestra,” founded in 1976 The CCO’s annual program comprises an Orchestral Series, Chamber Music Series, a Holiday concert, free Family Concerts, and the William Daestch Youth Outreach Program, recipient of the 2015 Yale Distinguished Music Educator award. Additionally, in 2017, the CCO added a program for advanced students, the Youth Orchestra Program. In 2019, the CCO launched a Diversity Career Fellowship program for college students from underrepresented communities in classical music.
Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the door. Tickets cost $38.50 for adults and $12 for students with ID.
For more information about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and tickets, visit their website here, or contact the CCO at (607)-273-8981 or info@CCOithaca.org.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced its Summer 2023 lineup, with performances from Dermot Kennedy to Guns N’ Roses. SPAC is a prestigious outdoor amphitheater, featuring live performances, arts education, culinary arts, literary arts, and visual arts across its campus. For over 50 years, SPAC has served as the summer home for New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra.
In a recent meeting on May 18, the leadership and staff reflected on what they viewed as a “SPAC Transformed.” The scope and depth of SPAC’s programs has “exploded,” with the summer season including the celebration of literary, culinary, and visual arts on top of the 28 performances, 24 debuts, and 11 premieres. Over the past year, work has continued to revitalize the amphitheater’s backstage, and “The Performer’s Road” has been widened, regraded, and repaved.
The season will kick off with the Summer SPACtacular, a new fundraising event on Friday, June 2. With Live Music, DJ, Dancing, Cocktails, Culinary Delights, Fireworks and Festivities, it is divided into the sold-out “All Access Pass” and the still-available “Party Pass.”
Performing throughout the summer, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center hails from the largest performing arts complex in the world: the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Their showings in June include “From Classic to Modern” at 3:00 p.m. on June 11 and “Great Quintets” at 3:00 p.m. on June 18. For July, they are performing on July 16 at 3:00 p.m. for “From Vienna to Paris” and on July 23 at 3:00 p.m. for “The Miró Quartet.” They end their summer performances with two showings in Aug., “Spanish Journey” on Aug. 13 at 3:00 p.m. and “New Classics” on Aug. 20 at 3:00 p.m. for their final show.
Founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, New York City Ballet is one of SPAC’s summer residents. They are performing in the second half of July. “NYCB On and Off Stage” on July 18 at 7:30 p.m. has a “behind the curtain” experience for audiences. On July 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. are the “SPAC Premieres,” which includes several pieces new to SPAC. “Peck & Copland” is on July 20 at 2:00 p.m. and July 22 at 7:30 p.m., and “Swan Lake, Fancy Free & Freebird” is on July 21 at 7:30 p.m. and July 22 at 2:00 p.m..
The Philadelphia Orchestra, another Summer resident of SPAC has a wide variety of performances in the month of August, starting with the “Festive Fireworks” at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 2.
Other events include: “Schubert’s ‘Great’ Symphony” on Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m., “Pink Martini and The Philadelphia Orchestra featuring China Forbes” on Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m., “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ In Concert” on Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m., “Beethoven’s Seventh” on Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m., “An Evening with Audra McDonald” on Aug. 10 at 7:30 p.m., “Rachmaninoff at 150” on Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m., “Rite of Spring & Blessed Earth” on Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m., “The Four Seasons with Gil Shaham” on Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m., “Yo-Yo Ma plays Dvořák” on Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m., “Earth: An HD Odyssey” on Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m., and “Jurassic Park in Concert” on Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m..
As a part of their Hot Summer Nights tour, TLC and Shaggy will be playing at SPAC. TLC is the best-selling American girl group of all time, they have earned 35 Major Awards, and are ranked as one of the greatest music trios. Shaggy is the only diamond-selling dancehall artist in music history, and has sold more than 40 million album units. They are also being joined by special guests En Vogue and Sean Kingston.
Formed in 2015, Dead & Company is having their final tour over Summer 2023, stopping in SPAC on both June 17 and June 18. They were created through the merging of Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and Bob Weir with John Mayer, as well as Allman Brothers’ bassist Oteil Burbridge, and Fare Thee Well and RatDog keyboardist Jeff Chimenti. Dead & Company has completed seven tours since 2015, with 164 concerts.
Dermot Kennedy was nominated for the “Best International Male” BRIT Award in 2020, and has become a platinum-selling artist in over 12 countries through his debut album, the best-selling debut album in Ireland of this millennium. He is known for his unique ability to unify and heal through his music.
Tears for Fears is an English pop rock band that has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. They are touring with Cold War Kids as a part of their “The Tipping Point Tour Part II.” SPAC is one of the three locations for their tour in New York, with other locations including Madison Square Garden and the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
Big Time Rush is an American pop boy band, previously starring in “Big Time Rush,” a Nickelodeon-produced musical sitcom. It has four members: Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Logan Henderson, and Carlos PenaVega.
Nominated for both a Grammy and Academy award, Counting Crows is an alternative rock band that has performed for over two decades. Their multi-platinum breakout album was “August and Everything After,” with their most recent album being “Butter Miracle: Suite One,” released in May 2021. Also featured at the showing is guest star Dashboard Confessional.
The KIDZ BOP performance at SPAC is a part of their “Never Stop Live Tour,” with new songs, choreography, special effects, and the return of the Daddy Dance Off. KIDZ BOP is a family-friendly show, and the group has sold more than 23 million albums and had over 8 billion streams since 2001. The performance will feature songs from the recent “KIDZ BOP 2023” album as well as other pop hits.
Dave Matthews Band is an American rock band, originally formed in 1991. They will be performing songs from their new album “Walk Around the Moon.” Dave Matthews Band is visiting SPAC as a part of their U.S. summer tour. They are also using the tour to continue their work with The Nature Conservancy, with their partnership resulting in the planting one million trees this year.
Foreigner is known as one of the most popular rock bands in the world, with ten multi-platinum albums. Their visit to SPAC is a part of their “Farewell Tour,” with the band being joined by Loverboy, another hit-maker of the ’80s. The show promises more than 20 combined chart-topping songs.
The Chicks are the biggest-selling U.S. female band of all time and are the only female group to get multiple diamond selling releases. They have sold more than 30.5 million albums, with their last record-breaking studio album being “Taking the Long Way,” released in 2006. It received five Grammy awards, including “Album of the Year,” “Record of the Year,” and “Song of the Year.”
As a part of their “The Big Night Out Tour,” Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R. have teamed up for a massive summer tour, including four stops across New York State. Goo Goo Dolls is a multi-platinum, four-time GRAMMY-nominated rock band. The band is partnering with “Joe Torre Safe At Home,” a nonprofit organization offering healing and education to youth who have been traumatized by exposure to violence.
Zac Brown Band, a multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning American country band, is travelling to SPAC with their “From the Fire Tour.” This is their 10th North American tour, following the release of their “The Comeback (Deluxe)” album.
Eric Church is a country singer, winning AMC awards seven times, CMA awards four times, and being nominated for a Grammy Award ten times. The “Heart & Soul” triple album is his most recent project and has received critical acclaim. It is the result of a month-long marathon in rural North Carolina where he wrote and recorded a song per day. He is visiting SPAC as a part of his “Outsiders Revival Tour.”
Guns N’ Roses is one of the best-selling rock bands of all time, with their 1987 debut album, “Appetite For Destruction” being regarded as the best-selling U.S. debut album ever. Their 2023 tour is the band’s first North American tour since 2021’s “We’re F’N Back! Tour.”
Guns N’ Roses members, from left to right: Axl Rose, Richard Fortus, Duff McKagan Dizzy Reed, Slash, Melissa Reese, and Frank Ferer. Credit: Katarina Benzova.
The Festival of Young Artists is an annual free event that is meant to celebrate the Capital Region’s young actors, dancers, musicians, singers, poets, and visual artists. The event includes both individual displays and performances as well as large-scale productions.
The 46th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival features 21 artists over the course of the two-day festival. It includes genres from jazz to roots, funk, blues and beyond. It has been one of North America’s largest jazz festivals over the past 45 years.
The Outlaw Music Festival is the largest-ever Outlaw tour, with Willie Nelson & Family, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros., featuring The Wolfpack, The String Cheese Incident, Los Lobos, and Particle Kid. The festival originally made its debut in 2016, where the festival was well-received and sold-out.
