It’s been nearly a decade since Chance The Rapper released his transformative body of work, Acid Rap. In light of the momentous occasion, Chance will honor the project through a series of can’t-miss live events, pop-ups, merch drops, and special music releases. During a stop on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Chance officially announced two new Acid Rap concerts after the original Chicago performance quickly sold-out. The first of the new shows will be at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, on Saturday, August 26, with the second in Los Angeles, CA at the Kia Forum on September 21.
What Acid Rap Means to Hip Hop
Acid Rap is a monumental body of work during hip-hop’ digital age. Much like his musical idol Kanye West the prior decade, Chance The Rapper broke the mold for popular music in the 2010’s with his lyrically proficicent, wide-ranging, psychedelic and idiosyncratic body of work. During a time where Chicago’s drill culture was at its peak, Chance The Rapper carried the torch for the social media era of “backpack” rappers. As such, Acid Rap has gained cult-status within the hip-hop community. Moreover, Chance’s independent status while releasing his best work became part of his appeal for anti-establishment fans during hip hop’s do it yourself era. His stardom and reach as an independent act was inspiration for many, showcasing that great music does not need corporate entities to flourish.
Produced by Live Nation, these performances will be Chance’s re-emergence into the realm of popular culture. The “No Problem” rapper has been on a musical hiatus since his only studio album, The Big Day, was released in 2019. In light, 2023 is an exciting year for Chance as he prepares to release his next body of work, Star Line Gallery. Chance’s latest project will intertwine the worlds of art, music, and cinematography through a series of interdisciplinary works in collaboration with artists from the continent and Diaspora.
Tickets and VIP packages for the Acid Rap anniversary shows are available at livenation.com.
Maverick Concerts, the oldest continuous summer chamber music festival in America, located on Maverick Road in Woodstock along the serene Catskill Mountains, has announced its summer 2023 season, which begins July 1 and continues until Sept. 10.
The 2023 performance schedule includes recurring events like Maverick Family Saturdays, Maverick Saturday evenings, and Maverick Chamber Festival Sundays. In celebration of the summer 2023 season, Maverick will host a special open house on June 3 from noon to 5 p.m.
The Pablo Ziegler Jazz Tango Trio, from left to right: Hector Del Curto, Pablo Ziegler, and Claudio Ragazzi, will open the season on July 1. Credit: Maverick Concerts.
The Maverick Concert Series in Woodstock begins with Maverick Family Saturdays on July 1. Finishing out the night, Maverick welcomes the Grammy Award-winning Pablo Ziegler Jazz Tango Trio (Ziegler, Hector Del Curto, and Claudio Ragazzi.) The virtuoso pianist featured on Astor Piazzolla’s late masterpiece Tango: Zero Hour, Ziegler has forged on in the master’s Nuevo Tango vein, evolving its blend of Argentinian tango with jazz values and modern chamber music.
Finishing out the opening weekend on July 2, Cuarteto Latinoamericano returns to Maverick, performing string quartets from three great mid-century Latin American composers: the Brazilian master Heitor Villa-Lobos and his two great Mexican contemporaries, Silvestre Revueltas and Carlos Chavez.
The Maverick Concert Series in Woodstock concludes at the end of summer, shortly after labor day on Sept. 9 and 10. Saturday will welcome Happy Traum with Cindy Cashdollar and friends for a performance. Sunday celebrates the 80th birthday of Afro-Cuban American composer and conductor Tania Leon, who will participate in a pre-concert talk, and the final concert of the series welcomes the Cassatt String Quartet and the American pianist Ursula Oppens.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the uniquely charming rustic Maverick Concerts has superb acoustics and is the ideal venue for an intimate encounter with chamber music. Maverick presents concerts by internationally renowned classical, jazz, and contemporary music ensembles from July through early September. Its founder, Hervey White, built the historic concert hall in 1916 and opened his land and hospitality to artists, musicians, and the community, and his vision is still sustained today.
For tickets and additional information on the Maverick Concerts 2023 season, visit maverickconcerts.org.
Maverick Concerts in Woodstock full 2023 schedule:
Saturday, July 1:
Maverick Family Saturdays
Chief Baba Neil Clarke
Jazz at the Maverick
Pablo Ziegler Jazz Tango Trio
Sunday, July 2:
Cuarteto Latinoamericano
Saturday, July 8:
Maverick Family Saturdays
The Wayfinder Experience
Mak Grgic, guitar
Sunday, July 9:
Miro Quartet
Saturday, July 15:
Maverick Family Saturdays
The Blues and Beyond with Andy Stack
Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams
Sunday, July 16:
Escher String Quartet
Saturday, July 22:
Maverick Family Saturdays
Birds of Prey with Ravensbeard Wildlife Center
Steve Gorn, Vinay Desai, and Samir Chatterjee
Sunday, July 23:
Manhattan Chamber Players with David Fung
Saturday, July 29:
Maverick Family Saturdays
Tracy Bonham and Melodeon
Adam Tendler, piano with Alexander Platt
Sunday, July 30:
Danish String Quartet
Saturday, August 5:
Priscilla Navarro
Sunday, August 6:
Verona Quartet
Saturday, August 12:
Maverick Family Saturdays
Dali Quartet
Jazz at the Maverick – Arturo O’Farrill Quartet
Sunday, August 13:
Dali Quartet
Saturday, August 19:
Maverick Family Saturdays
Jason Vance Storyteller and One-Man Band
Jazz at the Maverick – Nilson Matta Brazilian Voyage
Sunday, August 20:
Catalyst Quartet with Gabriel Cabezas
Saturday, August 26:
20th Anniversary Chamber Music Concert – Canoga Arts Ensemble w/Simone Dinnerstein, piano
Sunday, August 27:
Borromeo String Quartet
Saturday, September 2:
Jazz at the Maverick – Bill Charlap Trio
Sunday, September 3:
Ames Piano Quartet
Saturday, September 9:
Happy Traum with Cindy Cashdollar and friends
Sunday, September 10:
Cassatt Quartet with Ursula Oppens, piano; Tania Leon composer
Legendary rock band Jethro Tull has announced their newest venture, “The Seven Decades” tour, which will close with dates at NYC’s Beacon Theatre, Port Chester’s Capitol Theatre, and finally, Albany’s Palace Theatre.
Led by Ian Anderson, the concert will feature a rich collection of the best-known Jethro Tull from 1968 to date. Fans will recognize the key songs from the band’s rich heritage. These are songs which put Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson on the map during these seven decades. “The Seven Decades” tour will hit the U.S. from August through November, with stops around the country, ending with three dates in New York State.
Jethro Tull’s 23rd studio album, “RökFlöte” is now out on all streaming media and in stores via Inside Out Music. Following 2022’s “The Zealot Gene,” the group’s first LP in two decades, Anderson and his bandmates’ new 12-track record is based on the characters and roles of some of the principal gods of old Norse mythology, and exploring the “RökFlöte” — rock flute — which Jethro Tull made iconic.
With more than 30 albums to their credit and sales totaling more than 60 million, Jethro Tull are one of the most successful rock bands of all-time with a catalog that contains classics that still resonate today. Led by Anderson, they continue to tour throughout the world, entertaining audiences of all ages.
Tickets to all shows are now on sale. Visit Jethro Tull’s website for ticket links to all shows.
“The Seven Decades” Tour Schedule
Aug. 18 – Ravinia Festival – Highland Park, IL Aug. 19 – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park – Indianapolis, IN Aug. 20 – Rose Music Center at The Heights – Huber Heights, OH Aug. 22 – PNC Pavilion at Riverbend – Cincinnati, OH Aug. 24 – Wolf Trap – Vienna, VA Sep. 26 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park – San Diego, CA Sep. 27 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA Sep. 29 – Thunder Valley Casino Resort – The Venue at Thunder Valley – Lincoln, CA Sep. 30 – The Mountain Winery – Saratoga, CA Oct. 01 – Luther Burbank Center for the Arts – Ruth Finley Person Theater – Santa Rosa, CA Oct. 27 – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom – Hampton, NH Oct. 28 – MGM Music Hall at Fenway – Boston, MA Oct. 29 – Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT Nov. 01 – Beacon Theatre – New York, NY Nov. 02 – The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY Nov. 04 – Palace Theatre – Albany, NY
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) will host the sixth annual Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists on Sunday, June 4. Beginning at 2 p.m., this year’s festival will celebrate the creativity of more than 700 of the Capital Region’s brightest young dancers, musicians, singers, poets, and visual artists in support of SPAC’s mission to provide free access to enriching arts programs for local youth.
This free community festival will feature performances by the Empire State Youth Orchestra, Northeast Ballet Company, Capital District Youth Chorale, the SPAC School of the Arts, and local school ensembles.
The Sunday afternoon festival will feature individual performances and art displays, culminating in a large-scale, coordinated production on SPAC’s stage. SPAC additionally revealed the online student gallery, showcasing the accepted submissions for the upcoming festival. SPAC’s grounds will be transformed into a festive celebration and will feature pop-up performances throughout the afternoon plus free ice cream provided by Stewart’s Shops.
Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, said, “Our annual Festival of Young Artists embodies all that SPAC stands for in its commitment to the arts, nature, and the community. As stewards of the Earth and preservers of art, it is especially poignant that we gather this year to celebrate hundreds of local young artists while also honoring our planet and its awe-inspiring beauty. We are grateful to The Adirondack Trust Company for their continued support of this landmark event and the thousands of young artists that it has represented over the past six years.”
Nearly 300 student works were submitted for this year’s festival, and the collection of Earth-inspired pieces is an eye-opening representation of this generation’s deep admiration of our planet as well as their concern for its future. It is a breathtaking display that we hope will inspire other generations to take note and act.
Dennis Moench, VP of Education for SPAC
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, is one of America’s most prestigious summer festivals. SPAC embraces an ever-expanding definition of the Arts, including not only performing arts but also visual arts, literary arts, culinary arts, healing arts, and beyond, featuring guest artists and speakers within a year-round calendar of events.
Each year, SPAC’s education programs reach more than 50,000 individuals, offer more than 1,500 classes, presentations, performances, and events, and partner with more than 115 schools and non-profit organizations across the greater Capital Region. SPAC’s flagship educational offerings include the in-school “Classical Kids” music and dance program; in-school dance residencies with SPAC teaching artists; “Summer Nights at SPAC” program which provides transportation, meals, and free performance tickets to families from under-resourced communities; and its annual signature event “The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists,” which celebrates hundreds of student dancers, singers, musicians, poets and visual artists. In 2020, SPAC’s education program created free online content for students, families, and educators. The continuing virtual platforms include “The Festival of Young Artists Online Gallery” and “The SPAC Learning Library.” The SPAC School of the Arts operates out of the Lewis A. Swyer Studios on the National Museum of Dance campus.
The Sixth Annual Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists is free to the community, however, registration is required. Visit spacfoya.org for details.
The Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music and Dance will hold its 43rd annual celebration at Altamont Fairgrounds in Albany County from June 23-25.
The three main stage concerts each feature multiple artists on Friday and Saturday from 6:30 -11 p.m., and Sunday from 3:30 – 7 p.m. in the leafy, open-air main stage area, and over 100 daytime workshops, dances, and performances. Also featured are craft, food, and instrument vendors, and a well-run children’s activity area for all three days of the festival.
Pianists perform at a previous Old Songs Music Festival at Altamont Fairgrounds. Credit: Old Songs Festival.
The Old Songs Music Festival held annually at Altamont Fairgrounds since 1997, celebrates Folk, Celtic, Quebecois, Roots, Americana, and World music from Ireland, Scotland, England, Quebec, Italy, India, the Midwest, Appalachia, New England, and more. This participatory event for the whole family encourages audience members to join jam sessions, take part in learn-how sessions, and classes, sing sacred harps, or move their feet to our great dance bands. School-age children who play an instrument can participate in the “Great Groove Band,” which has a stage performance at the Sunday festival, with the help of music coaches and musical instruction.
Old Songs, Inc., centered in the Capital Region, is a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping traditional music and dance alive through festivals, concerts, dances, and educational programs.
Tickets may be purchased online, by phone, or at the festival gate.
The Park Theater Foundation will present a wide variety of shows this May as part of their 2022-23 season. Among the scheduled acts and events include JeremyGarrett ft. ShadowGrass, the Matt Niedbalski Trio featuring pianist, Ian MacDonald, Corner House, ‘Live & Local: Songwriters’ Showcase’, ‘Comedy After Dark’, and Rochmon Record Club. The series will begin on May 11 and continue until the end of the month on May 31.
Jeremy Garret will perform with ShadowGrass on May 11. Credit: Park Theater Foundation.
Innovative fiddle player, expressive singer, and songwriter in the Grammy award-winning band, The Infamous Stringdusters, Jeremy Garrett, will perform at the theater on May 11 at 7 p.m. with the opening bluegrass band, ShadowGrass. Garrett is known for his dynamic stage presence and his performance is sure to be one you won’t want to miss.
The Matt Niedbalski Trio featuring pianist Ian MacDonald will perform on May 18. Credit: Park Theater Foundation.
On May 18 at 7:30 p.m., the third Thursday of the month, the theater presents ‘Third Thursday Jazz’ with The Matt Niedbalski Trio featuring pianist, Ian MacDonald, delighting audiences with some of the best jazz music in the Capital Region.
The members of Corner House, from left to right: Cellist Casey Murray, guitarist Ethan Hawkins, bluegrass mandolinist Ethan Setiawan, and Scottish fiddle player Louise Bichan. Corner House will perform live on May 19. Credit: Park Theater Foundation.
Portland, Maine-based Corner House, with roots in Boston, is made up of cellist Casey Murray, guitarist Ethan Hawkins, bluegrass mandolinist Ethan Setiawan, and Scottish fiddle player Louise Bichan and will perform live at the Park Theatre on May 19 at 7 p.m. Corner House has created a singular sound that incorporates old-time, Scottish, progressive bluegrass and folk. Rooted in a close interpersonal bond, Corner House has garnered attention for its energetic and intricate compositions.
‘Live & Local: Songwriters’ Showcase’ is scheduled for May 25. Credit: Park Theater Foundation.
Performer, producer, and engineer Josh Morris hosts ‘Live & Local: Songwriters’ Showcase’ – an intimate evening featuring some of the Capital Region’s favorite songwriters on May 25 at 7 p.m. The showcase features Josh Morris, Kyla Silk, Sydney Worthley, and more.
New York City-based comedian Jim Tews will perform on May 26. Credit: Park Theater Foundation.
On May 26 at 8 p.m., New York City-based comedian Jim Tews will perform at the Park Theater for ‘Comedy After Dark.’ Tews has performed at notable comedy festivals including San Francisco Sketchfest and Just For Laughs Montreal and has appeared on television, including NBC, FX, and more.
Chuck Vosganian will host the Rochmon Record Club on May 31. Credit: Park Theater Foundation.
Rounding this series of six events is Rochmon Record Club, hosted by Chuck Vosganian on May 31 at 7 p.m. This event will focus on The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Greatest Hits Collection “Smash Hits” (1968.)
Rock band Shinedown has announced the fall leg of their Revolutions Live Tour, which will stop at St. Joe’s Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse on Sept. 13. The tour comes off the heels of their 2022 seventh studio album Planet Zero and their current spring tour in support. The album spawned the hit singles “A Symptom of Being Human, ” making the Top 25 on Hot AC Radio, “Dead Don’t Die,” the band’s recent #1 on Active Rock Radio, and #1 rock hits “Planet Zero”, and “Daylight.”
The members of Shinedown, from left to right: Zach Myers (guitar,) Eric Bass (bass, production,) Brent Smith (vocals,) and Barry Kerch (drums.) Credit: Sanjay Parikh.
Shinedown was formed in Jacksonville, Florida by lead singer Brent Smith, after the break-up of his previous band, Dreve, and encompasses Smith with Zach Myers, Eric Bass, and Barry Kerch. They released their debut studio album, Leave a Whisper, in 2003, with support from lead single “Fly from the Inside,” which peaked at #5 on Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks. The band’s more than decade-long career, has spawned a total of seven studio albums, most recently 2022’s Planet Zero.
Tickets for Shinedown: The Revolutions Live Fall Tour, which includes a performance at the St. Joe’s Amphitheater, go on sale May 5 beginning at 10 a.m. Various presales are available until May 4, and VIP packages featuring exclusive access are also available.
Shinedown: The Revolutions Live Fall Tour Dates 2023:
September 3 – St Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre #
September 4 – Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile Center #
September 6 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center #
September 8 – Burgettstown, PA @ The Pavilion at Star Lake #
September 9 – Blue Ridge Rock Festival @ The Virginia International Raceway *^
September 12 – Detroit, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre ~
September 13 – Syracuse, NY @ St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview #
September 15 – Ocean City, MD @ Ocean City Bike Fest*^
September 16 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion +
September 19 – Gilford, NH @ Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion #
September 21 – Bangor, ME @ Maine Savings Amphitheater #
September 23 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center #
September 24 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center #
September 26 – Simpsonville, SC @ CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park #
September 27 – Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre #
September 29 – Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater #
September 30 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live #
October 3 – Franklin, TN @ FirstBank Amphitheater #
October 5 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP #
October 6 – Allen, TX @ Credit Union of Texas Event Center #
October 8 – Houston, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion #
October 9 – San Antonio, TX @ Freeman Coliseum #
October 12 – Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre #
October 13 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena #
October 15 – Irvine, CA @ FivePoint Amphitheatre #
October 17 – Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheater #
October 19 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater #
October 20 – Denver, CO @ Ball Arena #
Previously Announced Tour Dates:
May 3 – Bozeman, MT @ Brick Breeden Fieldhouse =
May 6 – Spokane, WA @ Spokane Arena =
May 7 – Everett, WA @ Angel of the Winds Arena =
May 9 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center =
July 14 – Fargo, ND @ Red River Valley Fair ^$
July 16 – Madison, WI @ The Sylvee +$
July 17 – Green Bay, WI @ EPIC Events Center +$$
July 20 – Monticello, IA @ Jones County Fair *##
July 21 – Gary, IN @ Hard Rock Live ^$$
July 23 – Niagara Falls, ON @ Fallsview Casino Resort ^$$
The Barclays Center will host the 38th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Nov. 3.
Among the honorees are Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, The Spinners, DJ Kool Herc, Link Wray, Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, Bernie Taupin, and Don Cornelius. The group will all be inducted at Barclays Center celebration of the 38th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Performer inductee Kate Bush. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Kate Bush created a unique space in rock. She used lush soundscapes, radical experimentation, literary themes, sampling, and theatricality to captivate audiences and inspire countless musicians.
Performer inductee Sheryl Crow: Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Missouri-born Sheryl Crow is forever woven into the tapestry of American music. Through her powerhouse solo performances, collaborations with industry icons, and early session musician work, Crow’s influence reverberates through classic 1990s rock, pop, country, folk, blues, and the work of countless singer-songwriters.
Performer inductee Missy Elliot. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Singer-songwriter, groundbreaking producer, label executive, and video trendsetter, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, of Virginia, rose to fame as a member of the all-girl R&B group Sista in the 90s. She established herself as an in-demand songwriter and producer and founded her own record label, all before breaking out as a Platinum-selling solo star.
Performer inductee George Michael. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
English singer-songwriter and record producer George Michael (1963-2016) had an incomparable vision and drive that propelled him to superstardom, becoming the most-played artist on British radio from 1984 to 2004 and one of the best-selling artists of all time. Michael’s career began when he formed the pop duo Wham! with schoolmate Andrew Ridgeley in 1981, but his foray into the solo spotlight with the introspective hits “Careless Whisper” and “A Different Corner” eventually spelled the end of the group in 1986.
Performer inductee Willie Nelson. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Texas-born singer, songwriter, performer, anti-establishment outlaw, political activist, and philanthropist Willie Nelson has over 60 years in the music business. Nelson may call country music his home, but he has always pushed stylistic boundaries – mixing in rock & roll, jazz, pop, and blues.
Performer inductees Rage Against the Machine. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1991, Rage Against the Machine shook the foundations of the status quo lyrically, sonically, and philosophically, mixing hip-hop, punk, metal, funk, and rock in an entirely new way. They took aim at oppressive systems of power and set a new standard for how to ignite a revolution through the power of music.
Performer inductees The Spinners. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Formed in Ferndale, Michigan in 1954, The Spinners have a career that spans almost 70 years. The Spinners remain one of the most beloved R&B vocal groups in the world, celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike.
Musical Influence inductee DJ Kool Herc. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Born Clive Campbell in Kingston, Jamaica, DJ Kool Herc is credited with contributing to the development of hip-hop music in the Bronx. Herc’s innovation and experimentation with music helped create the blueprint for hip-hop and set the stage for future artists to build upon, taking existing music and technology and innovating new ways of thinking about how the music could be played, how it could directly interact with the audience and eventually, how emcees such as Coke La Rock and the Herculords would rap over his beats.
Musical Influence inductee Link Wray. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
North Carolina native Link Wray was the original punk, the inventor of the power chord, and the architect of a sound that laid the foundation for metal, punk, and every genre that relies on raw, untamed noise to convey its message. With a DIY ethos and an electric intensity unlike any other guitarist, Wray was a decade ahead of his time when he emerged in the 1950s, and embraced sounds that had rarely been heard before – distortion, fuzz, tremolo, and wah-wah effects – all of which have become staples of rock guitar.
Musical Excellence inductee Chaka Khan. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Chicago-born singer Chaka Khan has a voice and presence that represents the racial and social integration at the heart of rock & roll. With her incredible vocal range and mastery of dynamics, Chaka Khan has recorded long-lasting, powerful music for close to five decades.
Musical Excellence inductee Al Kooper. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Composer, multi-instrumentalist, singer, arranger, and producer Al Kooper, born in Brooklyn, has collaborated with the biggest names in rock & roll. His work as a songwriter, session player, and producer places him among the giants of popular music.
Musical Excellence inductee Bernie Taupin. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
English-American songwriter, singer, songwriter, and visual artist Bernie Taupin has been collaborating with Elton for over 50 years, and their songwriting partnership is one of the most successful in rock & roll history. In addition to his work with Elton John, Taupin has written songs for other artists, including Alice Cooper and Brian Wilson, and earned Number One hits with songs like Starship’s “We Built This City” and Heart’s “These Dreams.”
Ahmet Ertegun inductee Don Cornelius. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Chicago-born Don Cornelius created Soul Train a vehicle for soul, R&B, dance, and hip-hop to find their way into our living rooms. In the process, he became a visionary entrepreneur who opened the door, holding it open for many others to follow him through.
Born from the collision of rhythm & blues, country, and gospel, rock & roll is a spirit that is inclusive and ever-changing. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the sound of youth culture, honoring the artists who connect us all. They foster a diverse, equitable, educational nonprofit Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation.
Open to the public for the first time, the Hudson Valley Meadowlark Festival is set to take place from Sept. 8-10 at Stone Ridge Orchard & Farmers Market in Stone Ridge, NY, featuring some of the most storied names in Americana, indie rock, and experimental music.
Meadowlark Festival is a curated three-day experience celebrating American roots and independent music. This year the festival is open to the public, last year it was an invite-open event, featuring Mississippi bluesman RL Boyce and NYC singer/songwriter Jeffrey Lewis, among others. The venue is the picturesque Stone Ridge Orchard, operating for the past 200 years as a productive, diversified farm, raising a wide variety of sustainably-grown gourmet fruits and vegetables on 115 scenic rolling acres. The performance site will be under the shade of the farm’s iconic nearly 400-year-old oak tree, the jewel of Stone Ridge, next to a stand of some of the oldest apple trees in the region.
Meadowlark producer Daniel Leslie, who hails from the Hudson Valley region, graduated from Vassar College, and now resides in Brooklyn, describes its inspiration, “This grew out of a vision shared with some of my musician friends about blending traditional and experimental music in a special, secluded setting,” he said. “The Hudson Valley is such an epicenter of music culture, it’s the perfect setting for this type of experience we wanted to create that blends traditional music with an edgier counterculture vibe.” Besides music, the festival will feature many food trucks and vendors, from fresh produce from farmers’ markets to homemade cider donuts.
Saturday, Sept. 8, features New York singer-songwriter, harpist, and guitarist Lizzie No, one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary Americana music. Her 2017 debut album Hard Won was hailed as “simultaneously understated and fervent” by Billboard Magazine, and her 2019 album Vanity was a hit at college radio stations across the country, cracking the NACC Top Adds Chart. She is currently working on her third studio album, and this summer she joins the Basic Folk podcast team as guest cohost. Also featured is Brooklyn-based indie pop artist beccs, hailed as one of NYLON Magazine’s “favorite cool girls,” and Massachusetts-based singer-songwriter Cloudbelly, aka Corey Laitman. Accompanied by a rotating cast of inspired instrumentalists and friends, Laitmain makes music that includes poetic lyricism, stirring vocals, and a disarming stage presence.
Lizzie No.
Saturday, Sept. 9 features a wide array of artists, including headliners Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. The band is led by Alec Ounsworth, described by Pitchfork as, “musically adventurous… melodic, exuberant indie rock…” After nearly two decades Ounsworth remains one of music’s most distinctive voices. Jolie Holland has knotted together a century of American song, from jazz to blues, to soul, to rock and roll, into an indescribable sound. Taking inspiration from the likes of Mavis Staples or Al Green, her voice is immediately booming and gritty.
Continuing, Saturday also includes Chris Staples, who has garnered over a million streams on Spotify, creating indie rock music for the past 25 years. Ending the day is Hudson Valley’s own Babehoven. Maya Bon, the singer-songwriter behind the band, writes about the confusing and jarring aspects of life with emotional vulnerability, collaborating with producer Ryan Albert.
Alec Ounsworth aka Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.
The final day of the festival on Sunday features Grammy-nominated quartet Devotchka, described by the NY Times as “striking… attention-grabbing.” Formed in Denver by multi-instrumentalists Nick Urata (vocals, guitar, trumpet), Tom Hagerman (violin, accordion), Jeanie Schroder (sousaphone, bass), and percussionist Shawn King, Devotchka infuses modern indie music with a global flavor. Also featured is Chris Smither, described by the Associated Press as one of the absolute best singer-songwriters in the world, filling concert venue after concert venue with eager fans waiting to hear his electrifying folk and blues tunes.
Other performers on the final day include genre-defying New Orleans hard rockers Quintron & Miss Pussycat, creating 14 full-length records over the past 15 years that have the psychedelic soul of traditional New Orleans party music. Finally, Boston-based blues guitarist Ryan Lee Crosby performs, described by Aquarium Drunkard as “sometimes light and free-flowing, sometimes intense and heavy.” Other acts are to be announced.
The Tony Awards announced the 2023 award ceremony nominees, celebrating 76 years of excellence on Broadway.
Photo courtesy of the Tony Awards.
The 2023 Tony Awards will air live on Sunday, June 11, from the historic United Palace in Washington Heights in New York City from 8-11 p.m., hosted by Ariana DeBose. The awards are bestowed upon theatre professionals for their high achievements. It is one of the most coveted awards in the entertainment industry and one of the most prestigious award ceremonies on television. Legitimate theatrical productions opening in any of the 41 eligible Broadway theatres during the current season may be considered for Tony nominations, voted in 26 competitive categories by 769 designated Tony voters within the theatre community.
Joel Grey and John Kander will each receive the 2023 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. Launching his career in the 1950s, Joel Grey has made an everlasting impact as an actor and director, from Cabaret, for which he received the Academy Award, the Golden Globe, and the BAFTA for his performance as the Emcee, to Goodtime Charley, The Normal Heart and his acclaimed Yiddish production of Fiddler on the Roof. He is also one of only nine actors to have won both the Tony and Academy Awards for the same role. John Kander grew up around music, playing the piano when he was four, and seeing musicals by age ten. As part of the songwriting team Kander and Fred Ebb, Kander wrote the scores for 15 musicals, including Cabaret and Chicago, both of which were later adapted into acclaimed films.
Joel Grey and John Kander attend the opening night of “The Landing” at Vineyard Theatre on October 23, 2013, in New York City, photo by Walter McBride.
Highlights from the 2023 Tony Awards nominees include the first nonbinary actors to be nominated: J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell. The musical Some Like It Hot, a theatrical remake of the 1959 Billy Wilder movie musical, garnered 13 Tony nominations, the most in this season. Ghee plays the leading role of Jerry in Some Like It Hot, a man who disguises himself as a woman and then comes to realize parts of both identities suit,and Newell plays the featured, female role of Lulu in Shucked. The nominations also highlighted three plays that have won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama: Between Riverside and Crazy, Cost of Living, and Fat Ham. Tom Stoppard’s new play about the Holocaust, Leopoldstadt, received the most nominations at six. The Atlantic Theatre Company in New York City came out with eight nominations for Kimberly Akimbo.
The cast of Some Like It Hot, photo by Marc J. Franklin
The 2023 Tony Awards will air live on Sunday, June 11, 2023, from 8-11 p.m. on CBS Television Network, and streaming live and on-demand on Paramount+. A limited number of tickets are on sale now.
2023 Tony Award Nominees
Best Book of a Musical
& Juliet David West Read
Kimberly Akimbo David Lindsay-Abaire
New York, New York David Thompson & Sharon Washington
Shucked Robert Horn
Some Like It Hot Matthew López & Amber Ruffin
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Almost Famous Music: Tom Kitt Lyrics: Cameron Crowe & Tom Kitt
Kimberly Akimbo Music: Jeanine Tesori Lyrics: David Lindsay-Abaire
KPOP Music & Lyrics: Helen Park & Max Vernon
Shucked Music and Lyrics: Brandy Clark & Shane McAnally
Some Like It Hot Music: Marc Shaiman Lyrics: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog Corey Hawkins, Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog Sean Hayes, Good Night, Oscar Stephen McKinley Henderson, Between Riverside and Crazy Wendell Pierce, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Jessica Chastain, A Doll’s House Jodie Comer, Prima Facie Jessica Hecht, Summer, 1976 Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Christian Borle, Some Like It Hot J. Harrison Ghee, Some Like It Hot Josh Groban, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Brian d’Arcy James, Into the Woods Ben Platt, Parade Colton Ryan, New York, New York
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Annaleigh Ashford, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Sara Bareilles, Into the Woods Victoria Clark, Kimberly Akimbo Lorna Courtney, & Juliet Micaela Diamond, Parade
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
Jordan E. Cooper, Ain’t No Mo’ Samuel L. Jackson, August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson Arian Moayed, A Doll’s House Brandon Uranowitz, Leopoldstadt David Zayas, Cost of Living
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Nikki Crawford, Fat Ham Crystal Lucas-Perry, Ain’t No Mo’ Miriam Silverman, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window Katy Sullivan, Cost of Living Kara Young, Cost of Living
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Kevin Cahoon, Shucked Justin Cooley, Kimberly Akimbo Kevin Del Aguila, Some Like It Hot Jordan Donica, Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot Alex Newell, Shucked
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Julia Lester, Into the Woods Ruthie Ann Miles, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Bonnie Milligan, Kimberly Akimbo NaTasha Yvette Williams, Some Like It Hot Betsy Wolfe, & Juliet
Best Scenic Design of a Play
Miriam Buether, Prima Facie Tim Hatley & Andrzej Goulding, Life of Pi Rachel Hauck, Good Night, Oscar Richard Hudson, Leopoldstadt Dane Laffrey & Lucy Mackinnon, A Christmas Carol
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Beowulf Boritt, New York, New York Mimi Lien, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Michael Yeargan & 59 Productions, Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot Scott Pask, Shucked Scott Pask, Some Like It Hot
Best Costume Design of a Play
Tim Hatley, Nick Barnes & Finn Caldwell, Life of Pi Dominique Fawn Hill, Fat Ham Brigitte Reiffenstuel, Leopoldstadt Emilio Sosa, Ain’t No Mo’ Emilio Sosa, Good Night, Oscar
Best Costume Design of a Musical
Gregg Barnes, Some Like It Hot Susan Hilferty, Parade Jennifer Moeller, Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot Clint Ramos & Sophia Choi, KPOP Paloma Young, & Juliet Donna Zakowska, New York, New York
Best Lighting Design of a Play
Neil Austin, Leopoldstadt Natasha Chivers, Prima Facie Jon Clark, A Doll’s House Bradley King, Fat Ham Tim Lutkin, Life of Pi Jen Schriever, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman Ben Stanton, A Christmas Carol
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Ken Billington, New York, New York Lap Chi Chu, Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot Heather Gilbert, Parade Howard Hudson, & Juliet Natasha Katz, Some Like It Hot Natasha Katz, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Best Sound Design of a Play
Jonathan Deans & Taylor Williams, Ain’t No Mo’ Carolyn Downing, Life of Pi Joshua D. Reid, A Christmas Carol Ben & Max Ringham, A Doll’s House Ben & Max Ringham, Prima Facie
Best Sound Design of a Musical
Kai Harada, New York, New York John Shivers, Shucked Scott Lehrer & Alex Neumann, Into the Woods Gareth Owen, & Juliet Nevin Steinberg, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Best Direction of a Play
Saheem Ali, Fat Ham Jo Bonney, Cost of Living Jamie Lloyd, A Doll’s House Patrick Marber, Leopoldstadt Stevie Walker-Webb, Ain’t No Mo’ Max Webster, Life of Pi
Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Arden, Parade Lear deBessonet, Into the Woods Casey Nicholaw, Some Like It Hot Jack O’Brien, Shucked Jessica Stone, Kimberly Akimbo
Best Choreography
Steven Hoggett, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Casey Nicholaw, Some Like It Hot Susan Stroman, New York, New York Jennifer Weber, & Juliet Jennifer Weber, KPOP
Best Orchestrations
Bill Sherman and Dominic Fallacaro, & Juliet John Clancy, Kimberly Akimbo Jason Howland, Shucked Charlie Rosen & Bryan Carter, Some Like It Hot Daryl Waters & Sam Davis, New York, New York
Best Play
Ain’t No Mo’
Author: Jordan E. Cooper Producers: Lee Daniels, BET: Black Entertainment Television, Len Blavatnik, Ron Burkle, Aryeh B. Bourkoff, 59th & Prairie Entertainment, RuPaul Charles, I’ll Have Another Productions, Jeremy O. Harris, Lena Waithe, Tucker Tooley Entertainment, CJ Uzomah, Ann Cox, Gina Purlia, Bob Yari, Marvin Peart, Colleen Camp, Marvet Britto, Jeremy Green, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Jillian Robbins, The Public Theater, Oskar Eustis, Patrick Willingham, Mandy Hackett
Between Riverside and Crazy
Author: Stephen Adly Guirgis Producers: Second Stage Theater, Carole Rothman, Khady Kamara, Atlantic Theater Company
Cost of Living
Author: Martyna Majok Producers: Manhattan Theatre Club, Lynne Meadow, Barry Grove, Williamstown Theatre Festival
Fat Ham
Author: James Ijames Producers: No Guarantees, Public Theater Productions, Rashad V. Chambers, National Black Theatre, Tim Levy, Bards on Broadway, Bob Boyett, Ghostbuster Productions, James Ijames, Cynthia Stroum, Audible, Adam Cohen, Blake Devillier, Firemused Productions/JamRock Productions, The Forstalls, Iconic Vizion/Corey Brunish, John Gore Organization, Midnight Theatricals, David Miner, Robin Gorman Newman/PickleStar Theatricals, Marc Platt, Play on Shakespeare, The Wilma Theater, Colman Domingo, Cynthia Erivo, Andy Jones, Dylan Pager, Roundabout Theatre Company, Oskar Eustis, Patrick Willingham, Mandy Hackett, Sade Lythcott, Jonathan McCrory
Leopoldstadt
Author: Tom Stoppard Producers: Sonia Friedman Productions, Roy Furman, Lorne Michaels, Stephanie P. McClelland, Gavin Kalin, Delman Sloan, Eilene Davidson, Brad Edgerton, Patrick Gracey, Hunter Arnold, Burnt Umber Productions, Cue to Cue Productions, The Factor Gavin Partnership, Harris Rubin Productions, Robert Nederlander, Jr., No Guarantees, Sandy Robertson, Iris Smith, Jamie deRoy/Catherine Adler, Dodge Hall Productions/Waverly Productions, Richardo Hornos/Robert Tichio, Heni Koenigsberg/Wendy Federman, Thomas S. Perakos/Stephanie Kramer, Brian Spector/Judith Seinfeld, Richard Winkler/Alan Shorr
Best Musical
& Juliet
Producers: Max Martin & Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Jenny Petersson, Martin Dodd, Eva Price, Lukasz Gottwald, 42nd.club, Independent Presenters Network, Jack Lane, Library Company, Shellback, Shivhans Pictures, Sing Out, Louise!, Kim Szarzynski, Taylor/Riegler, Tenenbaum/Keyes, Barry Weiss, John Gore Organization
Kimberly Akimbo
Producers: David Stone, Atlantic Theater Company, James L. Nederlander, LaChanze, John Gore, Patrick Catullo, Aaron Glick
New York, New York
Producers: Sonia Friedman Productions, Tom Kirdahy, Wendy Federman & Heni Koenigsberg, Crossroads Live, Playing Field, Stephanie P. McClelland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Waiting in the Wings Productions, Colin Callender, Gilbert and DeeDee Garcia/Sue Vaccaro, Peter May, Rileyfan, Silverhopkins+/Hunter Johnson, Jay Alix & Una Jackman, Eric Passmore, Thomas Swayne, Elliott Cornelious/SunnySpot Productions, Santino DeAngelo/Cynthia Tong, Craig Balsam, Richard Batchelder, Concord Theatricals, Creative Partners Productions, Marguerite Hoffman, Jessica R. Jenen, John Gore Organization, MGM on Stage, James L. Nederlander, Linda B. Rubin, Seriff Productions, Shivhans Pictures, 42nd.club/Beards on Broadway, AGL Productions/Brad Blume, Hunter Arnold/Red Mountain Theatre, Cue to Cue Productions/Roy Putrino, Jamie deRoy/Janet and Marvin Rosen, Edgewood/Silva Theatrical Group, Dale Franzen/Henry R. Muñoz, III, Deborah Green/Chris Mattsson, Branden Grimmett/DMQR Productions, Christen James/Gregory Carroll, NETworks Presentations/Lamar Richardson, Ron Simons/Adam Zell, Chartoff-Winkler
Shucked
Producers: Mike Bosner, Jason Owen, AEG Presents/Jay Marciano/Gary Gersh, Jeffrey A. Sine, Richard Smith, Silvia Schmid, Bob Boyett, Jeremiah J. Harris, James L. Nederlander, EST/Emily Tisch, Sony Music Entertainment, DudaAllen, David W. Busch, Karen Fairchild, HoriPro Inc., Gordon-Helfner, John Gore Organization, Madison Wells Live, S&Co., Terry Schnuck, Jimi Westbrook, ZKM Media
Some Like It Hot
Producers: The Shubert Organization, Neil Meron, MGM on Stage, Roy Furman, Robert Greenblatt, James L. Nederlander, Kenny Leon, Hunter Arnold, John Gore Organization, The Dalgleish Library Company Group, Sheboygan Conservatory Partners, Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Bob Boyett, Cue to Cue Productions, Janet and Marvin Rosen, The Araca Group, Concord Theatricals, Marc Howard, Independent Presenters Network, Juanita Jordan, Jujamcyn Theaters, Henry R. Muñoz, III, Ostar, Mariah Carey, D.S. Moynihan
Best Revival of a Play
August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson
Producers: Brian Anthony Moreland, Sonia Friedman, Tom Kirdahy, Kandi Burruss & Todd Tucker, Hunter Arnold, Playing Field, The Factor Gavin Partnership, FBK Productions/42nd.club, Jay Alix & Una Jackman, Creative Partners Productions, Harris Rubin Productions, Marguerite Steed Hoffman, Alia Jones-Harvey, Mark Gordon Pictures, Stephanie McClelland, Moore Delman, James L. Nederlander, Seriff Productions, The Shubert Organization, Salman Al-Rashid/Jamie deRoy, Brad Blume/Cliff Hopkins, Jean Doumanian /Fakston Productions, Edgewood/DMQR Productions, Jay & Cindy Gutterman/Caiola Productions, Van Kaplan/Lu-Shawn Thompson, Erik A. King/Finewomen Productions, Marc David Levine/William Frisbie, Syrinda Paige/Kevin Ryan & Diane Scott Carter, Silva Theatrical Group/Tilted, Thomas Swayne/Cynthia J. Tong, Constanza Romero-Wilson
A Doll’s House
New Version by: Amy Herzog Producers: Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Wessex Grove, Julie Boardman, Kate Cannova, Bob Boyett, Hunter Arnold, Creative Partners Productions, Eilene Davidson Productions, GGRS, Kater Gordon, Louise L. Gund, Los Angeles Media Fund, Stephanie P. McClelland, Tilted, Jessica Chastain, Caitlin Clements/Francesca Moody Productions, Caiola Productions/Amanda Lee, Ted & Richard Liebowitz/Joeyen-Waldorf Squeri, Richard & Cecilia Attias/Thomas S. Barnes, OHenry Theatre Nerd Productions/Runyonland MMP, The Jamie Lloyd Company
The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window
Producers: Seaview, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Phil Kenny, Audible, Sony Music Masterworks, Jillian Robbins, Jeremy O. Harris, Larry Hirschhorn and Ricardo Hornos, Shields Smedes Stern Ltd., Kevin Ryan, The Shubert Organization, Willette and Manny Klausner, Marco Santarelli, Be Forward Productions, Concord Theatricals, Creative Partners Productions, Invisible Wall Productions, Salman and Moudhy Al-Rashid, TodayTix Group, Ido Gal, HarrisDonnelly, Sally Cade Holmes, Stella LaRue, LAMF Protozoa, Kati Meister and John Sorkin, Meredith Lynsey Schade, Catherine Schreiber, Dennis Trunfio, MCM Studios, 42nd.club, BAMM Productions, CarterMackTaylorWilliam, HB2M Productions, HK-Undivided Productions, MAJIKK Theatricals, Tanker Kollev Productions, Douglas Denoff, OHenry Productions, Plate Spinner Productions, Runyonland Productions, Mad Gene Media, Scrap Paper Pictures, Joi Gresham, BAM, Gina Duncan, David Binder, Elizabeth Moreau
Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog
Producers: David Stone, LaChanze, Rashad V. Chambers, Marc Platt, Debra Martin Chase, The Shubert Organization
Best Revival of a Musical
Into the Woods
Producers: Jujamcyn Theaters, Jordan Roth, New York City Center, Daryl Roth, Hunter Arnold, Concord Theatricals, Nicole Eisenberg, Jessica R. Jenen, Michael Cassel Group, Kevin Ryan, ShowTown Productions, Armstrong, Gold & Ross, Nicole Kastrinos
Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot
Producers: Lincoln Center Theater, André Bishop, Adam Siegel, Naomi Grabel
Parade
Producers: Seaview, Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Alex Levy, Kevin Ryan, Eric & Marsi Gardiner, Interscope & Immersive Records, Erica Lynn Schwartz, Creative Partners Productions, Marcia Goldberg, John Gore Organization, Cynthia Stroum, Tom Tuft, Benjamin Simpson, Nathan Vernon, Brian & Nick Ginsberg, Ruth & Stephen Hendel, Roth-Manella Productions, Chutzpah Productions, 42nd.club, Ahava 72 Productions, The Andryc Brothers, The Array, At Rise Creative, Caiola Jenen Productions, Coles Achilles, deRoy Brunish Productions, Fakston Productions, Federman Batchelder, Level Forward, Pencil Factory Productions, Renard Lynch, Robin Merrie, Rubin Stuckelman, Runyonland Sussman, Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Bee Carrozzini, New York City Center
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Producers: Jeffrey Seller, Bob Boyett, Diana DiMenna & Plate Spinner Productions/Aaron Glick, Eastern Standard Time, Roy Furman, Thomas Kail, Jim Kierstead/Benjamin Leon IV, TourDForce Theatrical, Maggie Brohn, Andy Jones
