Category: News Desk

  • In This Moment And Motionless In White Announce “The Dark Horizon Tour”, Buffalo & Albany Dates

    In This Moment and hard rock giants Motionless In White have announced an epic co-headline run across North America this summer featuring special guests Fit For A King and From Ashes To New.

    in the moment motionless in white

    “The Dark Horizon Tour” will see the two bands alternating closing sets each night and performing at arenas and amphitheaters across the country, starting in Connecticut and Buffalo in early July, and a finale on August 19th at MVP Arena in Albany.

    Since coming to life in 2005, In This Moment have presided over a diehard fan base under the watch of “mother” figure, frontwoman and New York native Maria Brink—joined by co-founder and lead guitarist Chris Howorth, bassist Travis Johnson, guitarist Randy Weitzel, and Kent Dimmel. As millions convened upon the group’s otherworldly and unforgettable concerts, they quietly emerged as one of the most influential and impactful bands of the 21st century. 

    To date, in addition to the Gold-selling album, Blood, the quintet has garnered six Gold and Platinum singles, followed by a trifecta of Top 25 entries on the Billboard Top 200 with Black Widow and Ritual. With a total stream tally well past 200 million as of 2020, Ritual elevated them to new creative and critical peaks as well. 

    Between selling out headline tours coast-to-coast, the group performed in arenas everywhere alongside Disturbed and appeared at countless festivals from Rockville to Sonic Temple

    Along the way, they assembled their seventh full-length, the aptly titled Mother with longtime trusted collaborator Kevin Churko. Whereas Ritual hinted at a bluesy sonic sorcery, Mother breathes the activating mantra of an unbreakable spell, commenced on first single “The In-Between.” 

    In 2022, the band released Blood 1983, a reimagined EP commemorating the ten-year anniversary of Blood, and most recently had their song “I Would Die For You” appear on the soundtrack for John Wick: Chapter 4

    Motionless In White harnessed the power of an unholy union between industrial metal dissonance, spellbinding gothic pop bombast, and big screen-worthy iconography to emerge as 21st century rock’s most iconoclastic and cinematic force. Climbing out of the shadows of the rustbelt in Scranton, PA, the group have tirelessly earned the undying allegiance of a devout worldwide audience one record at a time. 

    With over half-a-billion cumulative streams and views to date, Motionless In White have notched four consecutive Top 5 debuts on the Billboard ‘Top Hard Rock Albums’ chart and ‘Top Rock Albums’ chart with ReincarnateGraveyard ShiftDisguise , and their latest effort Scoring The End Of the World. The latter debuting at #12 on the Billboard 200 marking the band’s second biggest sales week ever. Scoring The End of the World is highlighted by the singles “Cyberhex,” which trended Top 10 on YouTube, and the follow-up “Masterpiece” which lit up streaming platforms and reached #1 at Active Rock radio becoming the band’s first chart-topper at the format. 

    Tickets are on sale now at In This Moment’s website.

    IN THIS MOMENT & MOTIONLESS IN WHITE 2023 TOUR DATES

    Jul-8 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena 

    Jul-9 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo RiverWorks 

    Jul-11 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Civic Center Coliseum 

    Jul-13 – Cadott, WI – Rockfest* 

    Jul-14 – Grand Rapids, MI – Upheaval Festival* 

    Jul-15 – Mansfield, OH – Inkcarceration Festival 

    Jul-17 – East Moline, IL – The Rust Belt 

    Jul-18 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena 

    Jul-19 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford Premiere Center 

    Jul-21 – Casper, WY – Ford Wyoming Center 

    Jul-22 – Billings, MT – First Interstate Arena at MetraPark 

    Jul-23 – Missoula, MT – Big Sky Brewing Company 

    Jul-26 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort 

    Jul-27 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles 

    Jul-29 – Flagstaff, AZ – Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Park 

    Jul-30 – Grand Junction, CO – Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park 

    Aug-1 – Wichita, KS – Hartman Arena 

    Aug-2 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion 

    Aug-4 – Council Bluffs, IA – KIWR’s Rockfest – Westfair Amphitheater 

    Aug-5 – Camdenton, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater 

    Aug-6 – Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena 

    Aug-8 – Memphis, TN – The Soundstage at Graceland 

    Aug-9 – Mobile, AL – Mobile Civic Center Arena 

    Aug-11 – Huntsville, AL – Propst Arena 

    Aug-12 – Asheville, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee Center 

    Aug-13 – Corbin, KY – Corbin Arena 

    Aug-15 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center 

    Aug-16 – Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County War Memorial Expo Center 

    Aug-18 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion 

    Aug-19 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena 

  • State Theatre of Ithaca Announces Inaugural ‘Benefit My State Variety Hour’

    The State Theatre of Ithaca has announced the inaugural “Benefit My State Variety Hour,” showcasing what the theatre has to offer and the stories behind why the historic venue truly matters to the Ithaca Community, featuring performances by many well-known acts.

    The historic State Theatre of Ithaca is Tompkins County’s last remaining historic theatre, enriching the community since 1928, operated and preserved by the non-for-profit organization State Theatre of Ithaca Inc. The theatre is active and hosts many national, international, and community performances and programming, from comedians to world-class musicians. The Benefit My State Variety hour is being produced by The State Theatre of Ithaca and DSP Shows.

    Dan Smalls of DSP Shows explains that “This event is a pretty amazing way to show off all the great things that happen at the State Theatre. Sure we do tons of great internationally touring music and comedy acts, but here we can show off the best of our local organizations side by side and also share a passion for this building.  Every one of them has a fabulous State Theatre Story to tell and on May 17 we will hear all of them in addition to seeing their performances.” Performers include Sam Nelson of X AMBASSADORS, Richie Stearns, The Ithaca Ballet, Running To Places, Galumpha, Southside Community Center’s CUMEP, and more.

    The “Benefit My State Variety Hour” is The State Theatre of Ithaca’s biggest fundraiser of the year. “Over the past decade, our “Benefit My State” concerts have been a fun and creative way to remind this community that The State Theatre of Ithaca is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. This year’s format will be much different than past ‘Benefit’ shows in that we look forward to offering a taste of all of the types of artists that grace our stage to enrich, inspire and connect us at The State Theatre of Ithaca,” said Executive Director, Doug Levine. “Since re-opening after a 20-month hiatus, all local arts organizations are still facing major challenges. There are some signs of improvement, but numbers are still far off from what they were before the pandemic. The funds raised through this benefit concert will directly enhance this organization and help ensure a healthy future for this important community asset.” 

    In addition to general admission tickets, VIP tickets are available for the event. VIP Ticket holders are invited to a cocktail hour after the performance and a meet and greet with the performers. Tickets are on sale now.

  • Woodstock Rock Art Poster Show Announces Lineup of Artists for May 5-6 Exhibition

    On May 6 and 7, 2023 the legendary Bearsville Center in Woodstock will host the second annual Woodstock Rock Art & Poster Show (WRAPS).

    poster show woodstock

    WRAPS, started in 2022, is the first large scale, northeast expo exclusively presenting these works. Modeled on, and with the support of, the famous The Rock Poster Show (T.R.P.S.) held annually since 1988 in San Francisco, WRAPS is poised to become the premier event for poster collectors in the northeast. This year’s event promises to be a versatile and exciting show.

    WRAPS will feature a wide selection of art for sale ranging from vintage psychedelia and silkscreen prints, to modern digital artwork and photography. Exhibitors will include well known artists as well as newcomers making a splash on the scene. In addition to a formidable artist line-up, there will be multi-media productions, talks, and seminars/workshops throughout the event.

    Live music will be presented each night with Woodstock’s own Misty Mountain Ramblers on Saturday and Sabrina & the Gems on Sunday. There will also be live music throughout the day on Saturday (10 am – 6pm) and Sunday (10 am – 5pm) as well as food trucks providing delectable delights! See Synopsis below for full music schedule.

    Since the 1990s interest in artistic concert posters and flyers has increased exponentially. Promotional pieces from the classic rock era to the modern music age have become highly sought after collectibles. Rock poster art is an internationally recognized art form, featuring many talented artists spanning decades long careers from graphic design to commissioned works, garnering attention in fine art galleries and auctions.

    Held just a couple of miles down the road from the center of Woodstock, WRAPS is produced by local artists Mike DuBois and Kenny Schneidman with Lizzie Vann, owner of the newly renovated Bearsville Center. 

    The Woodstock Rock Art & Poster Show (WRAPS) will feature a wide selection of art for sale ranging from vintage psychedelia and silkscreen prints, to modern digital artwork and photography. Exhibitors will include well known artists as well as newcomers making a splash on the scene. In addition to a formidable artist line-up, there will be multi-media productions, talks, live music and seminars/workshops throughout the event.

    The location is the Bearsville Center, 291 Tinker Street, Woodstock is easily accessible by both car and public transportation out of NYC. Bearsville Center features a spacious bar and lounge in the theater, and an expansive lawn area for networking and socializing. The property also boasts two restaurants, an ice cream shop, a full bar, and patio with fire pit. The town of Woodstock and surrounding Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley offer a multitude of recreational and cultural activities, entertainment, hotels and dining in a beautiful natural environment.

    MUSIC SCHEDULE

    Saturday, 5/61:00 PM2:00 PMBarely Lace
    3:00 PM4:30 PMOne Eyed Jack
    5:00 PM6:30 PMRock City Junction
    8:00 PM11:00 PMMisty Mountain Ramblers
    Sunday 5/73:00 PM4:30 PMMr. Roper
    7:00 PM9:00 PMSabrina & The Gems

    Visit www.woodstockpostershow.com for tickets and more information. 

  • Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Music Scholarship Applications

    The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHoF) announced the beginning of acceptances for their 2023 Student Scholarship program. Applications will be accepted until Friday, May 12

    Eligibility for the scholarship entails being a U.S citizen, graduating high school senior from Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn (Kings) or Queens counties, having minimum gpa of 2.5, future full time college student, displaying financial needs and an interest in a career of music. The application process includes submitting a 400 to 500-word essay on education and career goals, high school transcript, and letter of recommendation from someone who can attest to the student’s commitment to a music career. After selecting the winners, The LIMEHOF Education Committee will reward them with $500 scholarships. 

     The Long Island Music Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 and is a 501(c) (3) organization. LIMEHoF is devoted to preserving Long Island’s musical heritage for future generations. It encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties and is considered as a place of community that inspires and explores all forms of Long Island music. The program has inducted over 120 musicians and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

    To apply for the 2023 Student Scholarship program students must download the application here. More information about the application and The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame can be accessed here

  • First Ever Lake George DJ Takeover Festival Set July 29 and 30.

    The inaugural Lake George DJ Takeover Festival is scheduled for July 29 and 30, as announced by event planning service All We Do Is Epic Dot Com. The inaugural festival will be held at the Barn at French Mountain, 1.5 miles south of the village of Lake George.

    Map of the festival location. Credit: Mark Brenneisen

    The inaugural Lake George DJ Takeover Festival will run from noon to 10 p.m., and feature 10 acres of countryside fields, a whole western town, and the beautiful skyline of French Mountain. Live DJ entertainment in all genres of music will be inside the 9,000-square-foot climate-controlled venue, and several vendors, food trucks, and activities including a cornhole tournament will be at the festival. DJs from Florida, NYC, Boston, Rhode Island, Maine, New Jersey, and all over New York State will appear at the event, to provide an experience like none other. Admission to the festival is exclusive to those 18 years of age and older.

    Mark Brenneisen, the organizer of the festival spoke about the event, saying, “We’re hoping for 1000 attendees the first year with this special blend of multiple music genres to attract more than just your typical EDM festivals which only play one type of music. That coupled with a nice mix of DJs from all over the East Coast and many local acts who have a following we should be able to reach our goal.” Brenneisen continued, “Food is available on demand on-site or pre-order for groups as well and multiple cash bars will also be around the property. If we reach our goal, weather-depending, we will be adding a third outdoor music area.” Mobile DJs will be spotlighted in this event as they usually would not get a chance to play at a festival in general, creating a “unique environment of music and fun.”

    Tickets to the inaugural Lake George DJ Takeover Festival are currently available at a reduced early bird rate. Visit here to purchase tickets and learn about the artists and even contact the venue directly.

    A video from a wedding, another special event the Barn at French Mountain hosts.
  • Bryant Park Announces Their 2023 Dance Party

    New York City’s annual Dance Party returns to Bryant Park for its ninth year of celebration. The prized series offers park goers in-person dance events in a variety of styles every Wednesday and Thursday from May 3 to May 18. The party can be enjoyed on Sixth Avenue and 42nd Street.

    Bryant Park dance party

    This year’s Dance Party highlights New York City’s signature brand of salsa dura with La Excelencia on May 3. La Excelencia is a multi-hit band that combines traditional salsa elements with a modern and unapologetic sound. Futhermore, audience members can also look forward to traditional Argentinian tango with Latin Grammy-winning bassist Pedro Giraudo on May 4. In the following days participants can also Andean Afro-cumbia with Afro-Andean Funk Ft. Araceli Poma and Matt Geraghty, Harlem-style Swing dance with Charenée Wade’s Band of Swing, bachata tradicional with Valerio, and salsa with Santiago y la Orquesta. 

    The party also commemorates the premiere of Charenée Wade, the Jazz at Lincoln Center vocalist, debuting her new Band of Swing on May 11. Additionally, Santiago “Sachy” Moyano, the son of the Columbian icon Luis Moyano, Jr., debuts his new orchestra on May 18.

    Each Dance Party Event gives attendees the opportunity to meet with expert instructors to learn basic steps from 6 to 7pm. After classes, participants can test their new moves to live music performed by a diverse selection of bands from 7 to 8:30pm.

    Communities of color in NYC that have taken the biggest hit from COVID are in real need of opportunity for spaces to meet and celebrate where everyone is invited, and anyone can join in. That’s exactly what the Bryant Park Dance Party was designed to offer. In curating this program, I have taken a great deal of effort to intentionally show the diversity of the city’s sound and motion with representatives of Andean Afro-cumbia, Argentinian tango, traditional old school salsa dura, contemporary salsa, modern bachata, and Harlem swing.

    – Talia Castro-Pozo, Bryant Park Dance Party producer and host

    Dance Party makes the art of dance fun and simple for all ages and skill levels through hands-on instruction. Audiences can learn basic moves in cultural dances like salsa and swing, bachata, salsa dura, and more. Bryant Park’s stellar cast of instructors incorporates their deep understanding of the traditions and innovations of their chosen specialties in their lessons. All are welcome, just walk up and join the party.

    More information about other upcoming cultural events at Bryant Park can be accessed here.

  • Cable Ties Announce Tour, Stops at Woodstock and NYC

    Australian punk band Cable Ties are scheduled to embark on a North American tour, stopping at Colony Woodstock on Sept. 15 and the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on Sept. 16., in support of their new album All Her Plans, due for release on June 23.

    Cable Ties
    The members of Cable Ties, from left to right: Jenny McKechnie (lead vocals and guitar), Nick Brown (bass), and Shauna Boyle (drums) Credit: Kalindy Williams.

    Cable Ties are based in Melbourne and were formed in 2015 with Jenny McKechnie, Nick Brown, and Shauna Boyle. They released their self-titled debut album in 2017, and the forthcoming All Her Plans marks their studio release. A supporting single, “Time For You” is available now. All Her Plans has received considerable global praise from Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, NME, The Line of Best Fit, and Rolling Stone, to name a few. The album also marks the band’s first album since the pandemic began and their touring plans for 2020’s Far Enough were canceled.

    “I found the idea of writing a new album a little terrifying after all our touring plans got canceled just after we released Far Enough in 2020,” McKechnie says. “It felt as though that album had been lost. I thought I needed to write another album like that again, which wouldn’t be lost. This of course wasn’t true. I needed to write whatever album came out of me at this moment in time.”

    “Time For You,” definitely stands out as the best track on the album, and is made even better by its accompanying music video. The song highlights the solace found in the love of a partner, any partner, whether it be romantic, friendship, or otherwise. This message is reinforced at the end of the music video when the members of Cable Ties are lying down and embracing each other, reminding audiences of the power of friendship.

    “Thoughts Back,” sees Brown take the vocal reigns for the first time since the band’s formation, delivering a fierce take on the toll of mental health challenges. “I wrote this song mostly centered around my own experiences with mental illness,” she says. “It also plays into the themes of the record, such as caregiving and mental workload. So often people give up their own lives to help others and, as a result, rarely have their voices, their experiences or their history acknowledged.”

    All Her Plans is out June 23 via Merge Records. Tickets to see Cable Ties on their North American Tour, which includes a performance at Colony Woodstock before concluding at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City are available here.

    Cable Ties North American Tour Dates 2023

    Sep 8 – Richmond, VA – Richmond Music Hall

    Sep 9 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar

    Sep 10 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall

    Sep 12 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground

    Sep 13 – Portland, ME – SPACE Gallery

    Sep 14 – Hamden, CT – Space Ballroom

    Sep 15 – Woodstock, NY – Colony

    Sep 16 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom

  • Move Music Festival Announces Return to Albany on April 29

    Move Music Festival has announced the 2023 return of the one day event in Albany, to be held on Saturday, April 29.

    The day will start at The Fuze Box with things kicking off at 12noon featuring performances by Black Belt Jones, Ike’s Wasted World, The Frozen Heads, and Trebled Youth.

    During the later afternoon, there will be performances showcasing the talent of a number of local solo artists at various locations on Lark Street and Madison Avenue.

    Move Music Festival will then complete a full day, 12 straight hours of music, with an evening show at Lark Hall, featuring 2023 NYS Music March Madness winners Seize Atlantis, as well as Embe Esti, and The Sugar Hold.

    Move Music Festival is sponsored by Albany Distilling Co., Nine Pin Cider Works, Everyday Art, Eden’s Rose Foundation, and Imprint Universe, without whom the event is able to make its triumphant return to Albany.

  • Cooperstown Music Festival Opens 25th Anniversary Season With Ying Quartet on May 7

    The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival will open its 25th anniversary season with a performance by the Ying Quartet on May 7 at 4 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church.

    Ying Quartet
    Ying Quartet photo by J. Adam Fenster.

    Founded in 1999 by flutist Linda Chesis, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has been bringing world-class chamber music performances to the Cooperstown area. The festival has featured performances by the American, Juilliard, St. Lawrence, Jupiter and Jasper, String Quartets, and more. Concerts are held in venues across Cooperstown, including the grand Otesaga Hotel, The Farmers’ Museum, and Christ Church (the church of author James Fenimore Cooper).

    The Ying Quartet is an American string quartet formed in 1988 by the Ying siblings, presenting a program entitled “American Made,” opening with Samuel Barber’s Quartet in B Minor, from which his famously moving Adagio movement is drawn. The program continues on with works by Jennifer Higdon and Billy Childs that draw on American roots and bebop music tradition, Southern Harmony and Agitato respectively. The night ends with Quartet No. 13 in G major by Dvorak, a European composer who helped define the American musical voice. “The tradition of American string quartet writing is full of magnificent music,” says cellist David Ying. “We have all of these wonderful composers to thank for contributing to the vibrant American music scene that we enjoy today.”

    Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students and children, available now.

  • Sports Playoff Schedules Postpone MSG Concerts

    Two shows, Billy Joel and Juan Luis Guerra, have been postponed at Madison Square Garden due to the New York Knicks and New York Rangers playoff games.

    Madison Square Garden

    The New York Rangers will be going up against the New Jersey Devils in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Billy Joel’s concert scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2023, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 25, 2023, due to this event, and all tickets purchased for the previous date are valid at the new one. Joel’s MSG franchise run will resume as scheduled on May 5, 2023, but fans should note it is subject to change if it conflicts with a playoff game.

    Potentially, the New York Knicks will be playing Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at MSG, therefore Juan Luis Guerra’s concert scheduled for Friday, April 28, 2023, has been rescheduled a night earlier on Thursday, April 27, 2023, with all tickets honored for the new date.

    Madison Square Garden

    To stay up to date on the status of MSG events as playoff games keep ramping up, visit here.