NYS Music 2023

Category: Upcoming Shows

  • Five Can’t Miss Shows In Syracuse In August

    August in Central New York is lauded by many in the area as “State Fair Season.” While the New York State Fair once again boasts an impressive musical lineup, there are plenty of other great performances to take in this month leading up to the fair.

    David Wax Museum.

    David Wax Museum – Aug. 3 at 443 Social Club and Lounge

    Described as “Mexo-Americana”, and known for blending folk and roots rock styles, the husband and wife duo bring their dynamic sounds to the 443 Social Club and Lounge on Aug. 3. The duo features David Wax (vocals, jarana) and Sue Slezak (fiddle, vocals, quijada). The band broke through in 2010 after a set at the infamous Newport Folk Fest and they have been turning heads ever since. They are currently touring in support of 2023’s release You Must Change Your Life. As an added bonus, the show takes place at the delightfully intimate 443 Social Club and Lounge, Syracuse’s favorite listening room.  

    Tickets start at $20 with music starting at 7:00 pm.

    Cooper Greer – August 4 at Tin Rooster, Turning Stone Casino

    Sweet country music sounds will echo throughout the Exit 33 music complex at Turning Stone Casino on Aug. 4, as rising country star Cooper Greer performs at the Tin Rooster. The North Carolina native has drawn comparisons to Johnny Cash, Dirks Bentley, and Chris Young. The band is currently embarking on a cross-country tour, which will also feature a stop at Binghamton’s famous Spiedie Fest on Aug. 5.  

    Music starts at 10:30 pm with a $10 cover charge.

    Frank White Experience – August 11 at Westcott Theater

    Regarded as the genre leader in hip-hop tribute bands, The Frank White Experience come to the Westcott Theater on Aug. 11. Drawing comparisons to other highly regarded tribute acts such as The Dark Star Orchestra and Badfish, the Syracuse band pays hip-hop tribute like no other, with complete live instrumentation. The set will deliver listeners a top-end tribute to 90s hip-hop pioneers such as Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, as well as many others.  The bill also features a slew of other Syracuse talent, including Seth Marcel, Jus One, DJ Tes One, and Ivan the Great.

    Music starts at 8:00 pm with tickets starting at $20.

    The SteelDrivers – August 17 at Center for the Arts of Homer

    Nashville-based bluegrass favorites The SteelDrivers return to Central New York for a performance at the Center for the Arts of Homer on Aug. 17. Once fronted by country music sensation, Chris Stapleton, the band has released an impressive musical catalog with 2015’s release The Muscle Shoals Collection earning the band the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album.

    Music starts at 8:00 pm and tickets are sold out.

    Danielle Ponder – August 30 at Chevy Court Stage, NYS Fair

    Rochester native and rising R&B star Danielle Ponder brings her soulful sounds to the New York State Fair for a free show on Wednesday, Aug. 30. Ponder, long known for her years as a social activist and for her work in the Rochester public defender’s office, has been turning heads musically since 2018 when she decided to devote herself full time to music. She is presently touring behind her latest release, Some of Us Are Brave, which was described by NPR as being “anthemic while compassionate; soulful, while bold and strong.” Ponder continues her ascent to stardom, having recently performed at the 2023 Newport Folk Festival, where she turned many heads. You won’t want to miss this one.

    Ponder takes the Chevy Court Stage at 1:00 pm and the set is included with your fair admission.

  • Specialists and Space Carnival Set To Stop At Brooklyn Bowl on August 9

    Specialists and Space Carnival, two New York-based bands, will perform at Brooklyn Bowl on August 9. The show will also feature funk fusion group ShwizZ. Since 2017, the venue has not hosted Space Carnival, while Specialists are scheduled to make their Brooklyn Bowl debut.

    Specialists

    Spanning 23,000 sq. ft. Brooklyn Bowl is one of the most unique and dynamic event spaces in New York. Boasting a bowling alley, music venue, conference space, and much more, the Williamsburg location offers something for everyone. 

     I saw my first show at the Bowl in 2014, when I was just 16… My 16 year old self cannot believe this.

    Specialists’ guitarist Billy

    Specialists are a Brooklyn outfit that expertly blend together elements of rock, dance, and funk to create a fun and playful sound. The group puts together high energy performances that showcase the band’s extraordinary songwriting and musicianship. Specialists have performed all over NYC, including shows at Brooklyn Made and Wonder Bar. The band’s style and groove is the perfect sonic addition to any summer day. 

    Space Carnival

    Space Carnival is made up of Jeremy Kraus on guitar, Cameron Fitch on keys and vocals, Chris Meier on bass, and Josh West joining on drums. Originally created in 2013, the Oneonta band has amassed a following for its one-of-a-kind mixture of progressive rock, alternative rock, disco, and funk. 2023 has signaled the return of Space Carnival, as the group has plans to stop at festivals across the country as well as release new music. 

    Click here for tickets and information about the August 9 performances.

  • Nick Hakim to Perform at Blue Note Jazz Club This November

    Described as a “mini-residency,” Nick Hakim will be playing at Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC for four days in November. Each day will have two shows, an 8:00 p.m. performance and a 10:30 p.m. performance.

    Based in New York, Nick Hakim debuted in 2017 with his album Green Twins, music that resisted classic genre categorization. Last year, Hakim released Cometa, his third studio album, which was widely appraised by critics. Hakim’s songs have also made it to video streaming, as Max’s “Insecure” series used his music.

    Hakim draws on music that he listened to growing up in Washington, D.C. with his older brother and parents who had emigrated from Peru, a combination of American soul with South American political folk.

    Blue Note owns and operates New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club, Sony Hall, and Arthur’s Tavern as well as Washington, D.C.’s The Howard Theatre and several Blue Note Jazz Clubs around the world. Founded in 1981, they are dedicated to showcasing up-and-coming jazz, soul, R&B and funk artists, though jazz remains at its core.

    The club in NYC and its sister institutions have featured visits from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Quincy Jones, Dave Chapelle, and Chris Rock in their long histories.

    Nick Hakim will be playing Nov. 14, 15, 28, and 29, with two shows each day at 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.. For more information and for tickets, check out the link here.

  • GWAR Performs at NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series, Upcoming Shows in NY

    With over-the-top costumes, a bleeding drum set, and some drawn-on abs, the heavy metal band GWAR performed for the National Public Radio’s (NPR) Tiny Desk Concert video series. The band is also to play in Syracuse on Aug. 1 as a part of “The Psychotherapy Sessions” tour.

    GWAR was originally founded in 1984, but has featured a rotating cast of musicians since then. The band orbits around their own mythos as barbaric interstellar warriors, each member wearing a costume and taking on a character. Their shows are known for violent and sexual humor, complete with displays of graphic violence with fake bodily fluids.

    Their performance at NPR and their upcoming tour coincide with the release of The New Dark Ages, the band’s latest album. GWAR’s Tiny Desk Concert featured “Sex Cow,” “I’ll Be Your Monster,” “Phantom Limb,” and “Ratcatcher,” the latter of which being a part of The New Dark Ages.

    We learned a lot from those goody-goodys at NPR. For instance, how to say…”Your support right now is vital to GWAR’s ability to bring you quality cultural and educational programming that leaves you soaked in bodily fluids and shame.” NPR can give you coffee cups and satin totes, but we can give your souls eternal torment, so give to GWAR today.

    Blothar the Beserker

    The upcoming shows for 2023 have been broken down into normal tour dates, headlining shows, and festival appearances. GWAR will be playing aside either Nonpoint, Crobot, or 200 Stab Wounds for their headlining shows, dependent on location. The band will make two stops in NYS, one in Wantagh on July 28, and the other in Syracuse on Aug. 1.

    “The Psychotherapy Sessions” Tour

    July 28 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY

    July 29 – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion – Camden, NJ

    July 30 – Xfinity Center – Mansfield, MA

    Aug. 1 – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview – Syracuse, NY

    Aug. 2 – The Pavilion at Star Lake – Burgettstown, PA

    Aug. 4 – Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH

    Aug. 5 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater – Tinley Park, IL

    Aug. 6 – Pine Knob Music Theater – Clarkston, MI

    Aug. 8 – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center – Noblesville, IN

    Aug. 9 – Peoria Civic Center – Peoria, IL

    Aug. 10 – Azura Amphitheater – Bonner Springs, KS

    Aug. 12 – Dos Equis Pavilion – Dallas, TX

    Aug. 13 – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – The Woodlands, TX

    Aug. 15 – Isleta Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM

    Aug. 16 – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater – Phoenix, AZ

    Aug. 17 – FivePoint Amphitheater – Irvine, CA

    Aug. 19 – Concord Pavilion – Concord, CA

    Aug. 20 – Grand Theater at the Grand Sierra Resort – Reno, NV

    Aug. 22 – White River Amphitheater – Auburn, WA

    Aug. 23 – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater – Ridgefield, WA

    Aug. 25 – USANA Amphitheater – Salt Lake City, UT

    Aug. 26 – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater – Englewood, CO

    Headlining Dates

    Aug. 21 – Knitting Factory with Nonpoint – Boise, ID

    Aug. 27 – Bourbon Theatre with Crobot – Lincoln, NE

    Aug. 28 – First Avenue with Crobot and 200 Stab Wounds – Minneapolis, MN

    Aug. 29 – Wooly’s with Crobot and 200 Stab Wounds – Des Moines, IA

    Aug. 30 – The Pageant with Crobot and 200 Stab Wounds – St. Louis, MO

    Sept. 1 – Vibes Event Center with Crobot and 200 Stab Wounds – San Antonio, TX

    GWAR Festival Appearances

    Sept. 2 – Rocklahoma – Pryor, OK

    Sept. 3 – Muddy Roots Festival – Cookeville, TN

    Oct. 26 & 27 – The Fest – Gainsville, FL

    For more on ticket information and on GWAR, check out their website.

  • Matthew Steckler To Perform Introspective Jazz Set At Caffe Lena

    The incredible saxophonist and woodwind specialist Matthew Steckler is set to perform at the infamous Caffè Lena this upcoming September 9th from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The artist will be joined by two fellow jazz enthusiasts at the venue, presenting to the audience an evening of original compositions reflecting the intimacy and introspection in jazz titled ‘Old Friends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned.’

    Steckler, also known as Matty Stecks, has long been recognized for his seminal work with the projects Dead Cat Bounce, Persiflage & Musical Tramps, and has further been featured at festivals and major concert series in North America and Europe. Although he is mainly recognized for his skills on the saxophone, Stecks’ diverse interests in vocal performance, keyboards, percussion, and electronic media brings a holistic approach to live musical experience.

    Stecks will be joined by pianist and composer Yayoi Ikawa who has also been featured in festivals and concerts in select locations around the world. She sees her interaction with jazz as a social activity and strives to collaborate with peers and pass it on to future generations. Lonnie Plaxico, a musician best known for his masterful integration of different forms – combining the rigorous technique of classical, the improvisation of jazz, and the rawness of funk into one exhilarating musical experience – will also be joining the performance. This trio is not a new team-up, however, as the artists have traveled to venues for over a year sharing ‘Old Friends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned’ with fellow jazz lovers.

    This live performance will be one in a long series of dates that Stecks plans to perform stretching all the way into December. The artist will stop at multiple places throughout New York in addition to Caffè Lena including Woodstock, Scotia, and Saratoga.

    Upcoming Live Shows

    Sat. July 22 2023: w/ Vermont Jazz Center Big Band, Retreat Farm Brattleboro VT 6:30p

    Th. July 27 2023: w/ The Prescription, Merchants Park Bennington VT Thursday Night Live! 5p

    Fri. July 28 2023: w/ Bombajazzeando at Music by the River, Woodstock NY 6p

    Sun. July 30 2023: w/ Heard, Freedom Park Scotia NY 7p

    Sat. Aug. 5 2023: w/ Noah Baerman & Friends, Buttonwood Tree Middletown CT 8p

    Sat. Aug. 12 2023: w/ Heard, Sankofa Black Arts Festival, Hudson NY 7:15p

    Sun. Aug. 13 2023: w/ Satyrdagg, Nanola, Malta NY 3p

    Th. Aug. 17 2023: w/ Satyrdagg, Providence RI 5:30p

    Sat. Aug. 19 2023: private wedding w/ Silver Arrow Band

    Fri. Aug. 25 2023: w/ Rick Rosoff group at 9 Maple Saratoga NY

    Sat. Aug. 26 2023: w/ Freddi Shehadi & Friends, Little City Cider Co. (Vermont Arts Exchange Music Series) Bennington VT 7p

    Fri. Sept. 1 2023: Music of the Knights, Southern VT Arts Center 8p

    Sat. Sept. 2 2023: Planet Kniffen at Keene NH Music Festival, time TBA

    Sat. Sept. 9 2023: Old Friends Beckoned/New Sounds Reckoned (Lonnie Plaxico, Yayoi Ikawa, Matt Steckler) at Caffe Lena, Saratoga NY, 8p

    Fri. Sept. 15 2023: w/ Bombajazzeando, Nova Arts Keene NH 7p

    Sun. Sept. 17 2023: Old Friends Beckoned/New Sounds Reckoned (Lonnie Plaxico, Yayoi Ikawa, Matt Steckler) at Jazz Vespers, St. Peter’s Church NYC 5p

    Sat. Sept. 30 2023: w/ Bombajazzeando at Garlic & Arts Fest, N. Quabbin MA 3:30p

    Sat. Oct. 7 2023: w/ Dave Cuite at Salem Art Works, Salem NY, TBA

    Sun. Oct. 8 2023: w/ Bombajazzeando at Rockingham Ballroom, Newmarket NH, TBA

    Sat. Nov. 4 2023: w/ Julian Gerstin Sextet, Milford CT, TBA

    Fri. Nov. 17 2023: w/ Rick Rosoff at 9 Maple, Saratoga NY 8-midnight

    Sat. Dec. 2 2023: w/ Bombajazzeando at Buttonwood Tree Middletown CT

  • Mark and Jill Sing the Blues for Summer Residency at the Gem in Bolton Landing

    Mark & Jill, a duo combining roots blues and soulful Texas smoke, will be playing at the Gem every Saturday this July and August. The Gem is in Bolton Landing, just north of the Village of Lake George, and is a smokehouse with cocktails and farm fresh sides.

    mark and jill

    Mark and Jill, based in Upstate NY, combine their talent and vision, making a sound where New Orleans meets Austin. Mark Tolstrup performs vocals and guitar, and has been inducted into the NY Blues Hall of Fame. Jill Burnham performs vocals, bringing the Texas soul to their music. They sing original songs that bring a fresh interpretation of the roots of blues.

    Singin’ the blues, although stolen colloquially to indicate complaining about your situation, was intended to do just the opposite, to pull you out of your doldrums, to wave your fist at misfortune, face your troubles head on…howl at the moon. Mark and Jill embrace that tradition by diving into the rich history of the music as well as paying it forward with their own heartfelt compositions.

    Producer Joel Moss

    Mark & Jill won the Capital Region Thomas Edison Awards “Blues Artist of the Year” and the Capital Region Blues Network competition in 2022. They were finalists in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

    mark and jill the gem

    Shows will be held every Saturday until the end of August from 6:00-9:00 p.m.. To find out more about the artists and for scheduling information, check out their website. For more on the Gem and additional showings there, take a look at the Gem’s website.

  • Lake George To Host Rock the Lake Festival

    A host of 80’s tribute bands will “Rock the Lake” in Lake George for two days beginning August 11. Visitors to Lake George can watch performances by a variety of cover bands during the Rock the Lake weekend.

    Rock the Lake kicks off Friday, August 11 and continues throughout Saturday, August 12. Performances will take place all day long at the Festival Commons located in Charles R. Wood Park. The park can be found at the southern end of Lake George. The 12.5 acre park includes a 2.5 acre festival space where attendees can enjoy the live music.

    While listening to the Rock the Lake performers, audiences will also have the opportunity to take in the beautiful landscape of the park. The Festival Commons website boasts, “With panoramic views of ‘The Queen of American Lakes,’ event-goers can also take advantage of all that Lake George has to offer in terms of activities and sight-seeing, all within a very short walk from the grounds.”

    The performers for Rock the Lake include:

    August 11

    • Broken Clover – 90’s Alt Rock
    • Broken Hearted – Tom Petty Tribute
    • Monsters of Rock – 80’s Hair Metal
    • Tommy V – Arena Rock

    August 12

    • The Skynyrd Experience – Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute
    • LED Sabbath – Led Zeppelin/Black Sabbath Tribute
    • Run Rabbit Run – Pink Floyd Tribute
    • Ultimate Journey Experience – Journey by Legend
    • KISSTORY – Kiss Tribute
    • Back in Black – AC/DC Tribute

    General admission and VIP tickets can be purchased here. Admission is free for children 12 and under.

  • Howlin’ At The Moon Concert Series in Rotterdam Junction Highlights Regional Artists

    The Schenectady County Historical Society is bringing live music to the Capital Region all summer with the Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series. Hosted at the Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction, the series runs June 1 to October 5. Shows are on Thursdays at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 

    The Howlin’ at the Moon concert series looks to deliver an “authentic musical experience” for visitors and performers alike. The event showcases local and regional artists from a diverse set of genres including bluegrass, Americana, folk, indie, and more. Organizers hope that the series can act as a platform for people to discover and share new ideas and music. 

    One of the main features of Howlin’ at the Moon is the historic venue in which it takes place. Mabee Farm was originally built in 1705 and is widely regarded as the oldest farm in the Mohawk Valley. The property is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site includes a 17th century house, brick building, Dutch barn, English, barn, and a cemetery. The Dutch barn hosts all concerts, or, in case of rain, the pavilion behind the George E. Franchere Education Center serves as the alternative venue.

    Everesy Rising

    Local band Everest Rising acts as the musical host for each performance. Helping to curate the concert lineup, the group also serves as the opening act all summer long. Bill Flanagan, Pete Gernert-Dott, Dale Wade-Keszey, Trevor Wood, and Mark Baptiste make up bluegrass and Americana outfit.

    All Howlin’ at the Moon shows are $10 at the door (cash only). For more details and information click here. 

    Remaining Concert Lineup

    Arius Photography

    Sara Milonovich & Daisycutter

    w/ Everest Rising

    Thursday, August 3, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00PM

    Sara Milonovich has been a professional musician for over 25 years. She has experience with everything from folk and bluegrass to celtic music and symphony orchestra. Milonovich has performed on Broadway, and even toured Eastern Europe as a State Department musical ambassador. She received the “Americana Artist of the Year” award at the Capital District Thomas Edison Music Awards in 2022.

    Big Fez & the Surfmatics

    w/ Everest Rising

    Thursday, August 31, 2023 “Blue Moon Spectacular” | 7:00 PM – 9:00PM

    Big Fez & the Surfmatics are a four-man group specializing in classic surf and beach music from the early 1960’s and beyond. Their repertoire includes songs by The Ventures, Dick Dale and the Del-Tones, The Trashmen, The Chantays, The Surfaris, and Duane Eddy. Big Fez also performs many of the great vocal hits of the surf era as well, highlighting classic tunes from The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, The Challengers, The Rivieras, and many more.

    Julie Meeker photo

    The Moon Shells w/ Everest Rising

    Thursday, October 5, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00PM

    The Moon Shells are made up of Maggie Shar, Brian Slattery, Laura Murawski, Molly Merrett, and Charlie Shaw. The group’s sound is a pleasurable concoction of  traditional music from Appalachia, Louisiana, West Africa and elsewhere. Whether performing as an acoustic stringband, a stripped-down trio, or a contemporary five-piece band, the Moon Shells are sure to move hearts and feet.

  • Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lauryn Hill and More Highlight 2023 Global Citizen Festival Lineup

    Returning to the Great Lawn of Central Park in New York City on Saturday, September 23 at 2:00 pm, international advocacy organization Global Citizen has announced its lineup for the 2023 free admission festival.

    In addition to the headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers and Ms. Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, Conan Gray, and the Stray Kids will take the Central Park stage. As a mashup between rock, hip-hop, R&B, and other genres, the festival brings together some of the industry’s best for the annual event.

    The Red Hot Chili Peppers

    Global Citizen’s campaign focuses on the major issues surrounding extreme poverty worldwide, the impacts of climate change, hunger crises, and inequities affecting women and girls.

    Beginning in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen continues operations in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Melbourne, Lagos, etc. to emphasize the movement to put an end to extreme poverty.

    The festival’s curator since 2015, Chris Martin of Coldplay, and the Global Citizen Festival’s co-founders Ryan Gall and Hugh Evans have put together spectacular shows not only in New York City but in other landmark cities across the globe.

    Last year saw Usher, SZA, and Tems perform at Black Star Square in Accra, Ghana in front of thousands, all to help raise money and spread awareness for the organization’s cause.

    Over the past 10 years, 43.6 billion dollars in commitments have been announced through Global Citizen platforms, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives worldwide, with attendees of this year’s event being able to add even more to that total through awareness and donations.

    Ms. Lauryn Hill

    Ticket Information

    Tickets to this year’s show are free and accessible by joining the movement and taking action on the Global Citizen app or at www.globalcitizen.org. On the website, you are free to scroll through the issues the organization combats and additional event information.

    SZA performing at the 2022 Global Citizen Festival in Accra, Ghana

  • ‘Music On the Erie’ Concert Series Begins in Village of Newark

    The Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce began its Music On the Erie Concert Series in Newark, NY this month. Throughout the summer, performances will take place weekly from a variety of artists in the Wayne County village.

    Chamber of Commerce History

    The New York government established a Chamber of Commerce before the United States went to war against Great Britain. In 1765, the New York Chamber of Commerce was established in opposition to the Stamp Act enacted by the British Parliament. Early Chambers promoted trades and markets, but eventually evolved into community organizations where businesses prospered.

    The website of the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce includes a mission statement, reading, “The purpose of the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce is to do all the things necessary through the public services to encourage and support the healthy growth of business and industry in the Greater Newark Community.”

    Music on the Erie Concert Series

    Performances for the Music on the Erie Concert Series take place every Friday until Aug. 25, rain or shine. Featured artists include classic rock and blues band Roll the Dice, cover artist, and singer-songwriter Xarika Suffredini, and classic rock cover band The Marbletones.

    The full schedule of artists includes:

    Mojo Chunk- July 28

    Xarika- August 4

    Midnight Storm- August 11

    Johnny Bauer Duo- August 18

    The Marbletones- August 25