NYS Music 2023

Category: Upcoming Shows

  • 20 Must-See Artists for the 20th Edition of the CGI Rochester International Jazz Fest

    Summer is finally here, and so then, so is the 2023 CGI Rochester International Jazz Fest. Downtown Rochester once again will be transformed from a small city music scene punching above it’s weight to a live music mecca worthy of inclusion in the lyrics of “Dancing in the Streets.”

    rochester jazz fest

    With myriad choices each night for nine straight nights it’s enough to make you dizzy, so let NYS Music help guide your way. It’s the 20th edition of the Rochester International Jazz Fest so here are 20 must-see artists for 2023.

    1. Nellie McKay

    Friday June 23 at The Little Theatre, 7pm & 9:15pm

    A singer/songwriter that brings the full package, a true one-of-a-kind talent. Prepare to be captivated and entertained to the nth degree.

    Others to check out on Friday June 23: Okan, iGNiTE Reggae Band, Eldorado Slim, Tom Guarna Trio

    2. Albino Mbie

    Saturday, June 24 at Montage Music Hall, 6pm & 10pm

    Berklee-trained Mozambican guitarist melds worlds while staying true to his roots.

    3. Samara Joy

    Saturday, June 24 at Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 9pm

    Fast-rising buzz-worthy vocalist returns to the jazz fest for the second straight year. Kilbourn Hall will give more fest-goers a chance to get in to see her but this will still be a tough packed house to get into. Next year headlining Kodak Hall?

    4. Bill Frisell Trio

    Saturday, June 24 at Theater at Innovation Square, 6:30pm & 8:30pm

    We’ll never not recommend seeing this guitar wizard and his incredible trio with Rudy Royston and Thomas Morgan, or in any format he brings. Coming back for his tenth visit, and for the first time appearing in consecutive years, this still earns a top pick. Don’t hesitate to go for both sets either!

    5. Big Lazy

    Saturday, June 24 at The Little Theatre, 7pm & 9:15pm
    Sunday, June 25 at Wilder Room, 6pm & 10pm

    A big hit at last year’s Rochester Jazz fest, their noir-ish soundtracks will put you in a time and a place while also delighting your ears aplenty.

    6. St. Paul and the Broken Bones

    Saturday, June 24 at City of Rochester East Avenue and Chestnut Street Stage, 9pm

    And yet another festival returnee to fill our your Saturday, there’ll be dancing in the streets when this soulful Alabama eight-piece takes the stage playing selections from their new album, Angels in Science Fiction.

    Others to check out on Saturday June 24: Eldorado Slim, Oddgeir Berg Trio, Joel Frahm Trio

    7. Omara Portuendo

    Sunday, June 25 at Kodak Hall, 4pm

    Legendary Cuban singer and dancer, she has reached a wider international audience from her involvement with the extremely popular Buena Vista Social Club project. Should be a stirring early afternoon set in Kodak Hall.

    8. Nduduzo Makhathini

    Sunday, June 25 at Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 9pm

    South African pianist comes in hot off the heels of his superb 2022 release, “In the Spirit of the Ntu,” one of the best jazz albums of last year.

    9. Kenny Werner & Gregoire Maret

    Sunday, June 25 at Temple Theater, 7pm & 9:15pm

    A tribute to harmonica legend Toots Thielemans by harmonica legend Gregoire Maret with Thielemans longtime pianist Kenny Werner, sign us up!

    10. Peter Johnstone & Tommy Smith

    Sunday, June 25 at Hatch Recital Hall, 5:45pm & 7:45pm

    Fellow Scots return to the fest for some out-of-this-world saxophone/piano duets in the beautiful, acoustically magnificent and intimate Hatch Hall.

    https://youtu.be/jNjCKdFjVo8

    Others to check out on Sunday June 25: Corner House, Big Lazy

    11. Victoria Victoria with Charlie Hunter

    Monday, June 26 at Montage Music Hall, 6p & 10pm

    Hunter has been to the festival a number of times, always in something completely different and always in something fantastic. Grouped with Victoria Victoria, aka singer/songwriter Tori Elliott, we expect more of the same.

    12. NYChillharmonic

    Monday, June 26 at Theater at Innovation Square, 6:30p & 8:30pm

    Another returning artist that wowed the 2022 jazz fest crowds, this large ensemble group from, you guessed it, NYC, is a tough-to-describe knockout.

    13. Olli Hirvonen Group

    Monday, June 26 at Christ Church, 7:30pm & 9:30pm

    Finnish-born Brooklyn-based guitarist fuses jazz and rock and experimental sounds for a sound that oozes the “it’s not who you know it’s who you don’t know” festival ethos.

    Others to check out on Monday, June 26: Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet, ESM Jazz Ensemble Celebrating Chick Corea

    14. Glen David Andrews

    Tuesday, June 27 at Montage Music Hall, 6pm & 10pm
    Wednesday, June 28 at Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, 8:30p & 10pm

    Someone has to get the New Orleans party started at this festival and let it be this trombonist and vocalist, all the way from… New Orleans, fancy that! Get to these sets if you want to work up a sweat.

    Others to check out on Tuesday, June 27: Miss Tess, Tia Fuller Quintet, Doc Robinson, Christian Sands

    15. Christian Sands Trio

    Wednesday, June 28 at Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 9pm

    An inventive Grammy-winning pianist and his trio put their own stamp on the traditional jazz trio format. You can also check him out solo the night before. Better yet do both!

    16. Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers

    Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, 9pm

    You can see this legendary pianist and songwriter, who has continued to evolve, remaining fresh and relevant over multiple decades, for free. That’s just the way it is.

    Others to check out on Wednesday June 28: Diego Figueiredo & Ken Peplowski, Tia Fuller Quintet, Twisted Pine, Ralph Alessi Group, Glen David Andrews

    17. Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Loueke

    Thursday, June 29 at Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 9pm

    Gretchen Parlato’s voice and Lionel Loueke’s guitar go together like peanut butter and chocolate and their new album, “Lean In,” is in the running for jazz album of the year in our opinion.

    18. Joe Beard Band

    Thursday, June 29 at Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, 7pm

    You could see this blues legend nearly any week of the year, but you probably don’t. Here’s a chance to see him on the big stage with a full band. Support your local treasure.

    19. Mark Guiliana Quartet

    Thurday, June 29 at Christ Church, 7:30pm & 9:30pm

    Supreme drummer, who has visited the festival as a member of various other groups, returns with his quartet to present music from their killer new album, “Mischief.” And maybe we’ll be lucky and also see him sit in with his wife, Gretchen Parlato.

    Others to check out Thursday, June 29: Diego Figueiredo & Ken Peplowski

    Others to check out Friday, June 30: Joey Alexander Trio

    20. Jontavious Willis

    Saturday, July 1 at The Little Theatre, 7pm & 9:15pm

    This young blues man from Georgia straight up just has “it,” plain and simple. See for yourself.

    Others to check out Saturday, July 1: Harold Danko, Eddie 9V

    Make sure you add these to your personalized schedule using the new and improved 2023 Rochester International Jazz Fest app and we’ll see you out there on Jazz Street!

  • God Street Wine Announce Benefit Concerts in NYC and Woodstock

    Early jam band group God Street Wine announced they will perform two benefit concerts, supporting MS4MS (Mission Stadiums for Multiple Sclerosis). The shows take place Sept. 30 at Cutting Room in NYC, and Oct. 1 at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock.

    God Street Wine

    Formed in 1988, by Lo Faber, Aaron Maxwell, Dan Pifer, Jon Bevo, and Tom Osander, God Street Wine played a prominent role in the early jam band scene alongside fellow New Yorkers Blues Traveler and Spin Doctors. They released five albums and performed more than 1,000 shows across the United States in their first decade together. The band performed alongside The Allman Brothers, Bruce Hornsby, The Black Crowes, and more.

    In 1999 the band split up after playing a three-night farewell engagement at the Wetlands Preserve in NYC. Selected performances from these final shows were compiled into the posthumous live album Good To the Last Drop. A decade later they reunited and performed four concerts in NYC benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Spread across the globe, the group collaborated to release their 2019 album This Fine Town. Now the original fivesome will reunite yet again with two shows to benefit MS4MS (Mission Stadiums for Multiple Sclerosis).

    Michael Weiss, God Street Wine’s long-time man of many hats, poker buddy, and friend, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2004 and is a patient ambassador and advisory board member with MS4MS. Mission Stadiums for Multiple Sclerosis (MS4MS) is a sports and entertainment-focused non-profit
    organization whose mission is to raise awareness of MS at events and venues, while raising funds directly for families impacted and for the advancement of research at the Johns Hopkins MS Research Center in hopes of finding a cure.

    To purchase tickets for the Sept. 30 show at Cutting Edge, visit here, and to purchase tickets for the Oct. 1 show at Levon Helm Studios, visit here.

  • Late-Night in Albany with Tractorbear: A Tribute to the Disco Biscuits – July 7 at Parish Public House

    Attention Disco Biscuits fans! The jamtronica pioneers may not be back in New York until mid-August, but you can catch a rare performance by Tractorbear: A Tribute to the Disco Biscuits, on Friday, July 7 at Parish Public House in Albany.

    tractorbear

    Tractorbear, a tribute to the pioneers of Jamtronica/trancefusion, the Disco Biscuits, will perform two sets of Disco Biscuits tunes – both classic songs from the early years, as well as tunes from the recent Shocked album that was released in April.

    Opening the night is Sweeping Views, starting at 10pm.

    This is a very special late show, with doors at 9pm and Sweeping Views opening the night at 10pm that you won’t want to miss. Don’t sleep on this party Albany! #SIYD

    Tractorbear takes the stage at 11pm for two full sets. Get tickets here and check out past Tractorbear shows below.

  • Morrissey Announces Four Night Run at United Palace in October

    Morrissey announced that he will return to New York for a four-night run at the historic and magnificent United Palace in Washington Heights from Oct. 21-25.

    Morrissey

    Regarded as one of the most iconic and influential artists of all time, Morrissey emerged as the lead singer of the British band The Smiths, one of the most influential alternative rock bands of the 1980s. Since their break up, he embarked on a successful solo career, featuring thought-provoking lyricism, heartfelt melodies, and his distinctive vocal style. His solo debut, Viva Hate (1988), was critically acclaimed, setting the stage for a series of highly regarded albums such as Vauxhall and I (1994) and You Are the Quarry (2004).

    The United Palace, recently in the spotlight as the host venue for the Tony Awards, has received praise for its grandiose architecture and inviting atmosphere. The New York Times described it as a “dream world” where the performing arts flourish, providing an ideal setting for Morrissey’s performances. Each night of the four-night run features his timeless repertoire, from his early days with The Smiths to his prolific solo career.

    For more information about Morrissey’s four night fun, visit here.

    Morrissey at the United Palace
    Saturday, October 21 
    Sunday, October 22
    Tuesday, October 24
    Wednesday, October 25

  • Waddington Summer Concert Series Brings Music To the St. Lawrence River

    The Waddington Concert Series returns for its 14th year with “Rollin’ on the River!” Over the last five years the series has treated over 15,000 attendees to high quality performances by artists from across the state. This summer’s series will feature eight performances with concerts taking place directly on the St. Lawrence River at Island View Park Pavilion.

    Waddington is located directly on the St. Lawrence River just along the US-Canada border. The town showcases some of the best sunsets in New York and has earned a reputation for its fishing and other wildlife opportunities. Surrounded by rolling fields, family farms, historic buildings, and dense forests, Waddington demonstrates the best of the North Country.

    “Rollin’ on the River!” runs every Friday at 6:30 from July 7 to August 25 and is free to the public, however donations are always accepted. Attendees can enjoy the show from the pavilion or float by in a boat. 

    More and details and information about the Waddington Concert Series here.

    Concert Lineup

    July 7: Fritz’s Polka Band (Annual Memorial Dedication Concert)- everything from modern style polka to country to rock and even blues

    July 14: Phil Hurley- a tasteful blend of country and rock

    July 21: Double Axel- covering the classic tunes of Van Morrison, Bob Seager, The Beatles, and the Doobie Brothers

    July 28: Bear Tracks- country and bluegrass with a hint of Roots rock

    August 4: SFM- a premier party band specializing in 80s hits

    August 11: Tas Cru- a unique take on Roots rock and blues

    August 18: Mark Rust- classic covers and “sing alongs” played on guitar, fiddle, banjo and hammered dulcimer

    August 25: Northbound- a variety of pop, rock, and folk favorites from the last five decades

  • Party on the Portico Returns to The Buffalo History Museum

    The Buffalo History Museum announced the return of the Party on the Portico summer concert series. The events will take place from 6:00pm- 9:00pm on the third Friday of the summer months: June 16, July 21, and August 18. 

    Party on the Portico has been a staple summer celebration on the Museum’s iconic portico overlooking Delaware Park and Mirror Lake for more than a decade. Guests can also explore the museum’s exhibits, and enjoy a cash bar and complimentary snacks. This year’s line-up is supported by Music is Art. 

    The concerts are 21 and over events and run rain or shine. Tickets are $15 for the public ($5 for members) and can be purchased online or at the door.

    Party on the Portico 2023 Lineup

    June 16 – Sunday Reign and tuesday nite 

    July 21 – Rabbit Jaw and Falconeers 

    August 18 – Damon Jackson Outcome and Smac! 

  • Smithsonian Folkways Celebrates 75 Years of Folkway Records

    May 2023 marked the 75-year anniversary of Folkway Records, delivering classic American folk albums since its founding in New York City by Marian Distler and Moses Asch in 1948.

    From the talents of Woody Guthrie to the jazz swing of Mary Lou Williams, the label has pioneered some of the industry’s top artists in their respective genres.

    Folkway Records’ Woody Guthrie

    Releasing acclaimed albums from Elizabeth Mitchell, Our Native Daughters, Dom Flemons, Kronos Quartet, and many more, the past 75 years and present-day continue to undoubtedly shine a light on the label’s success.

    On July 6, 2023, Smithsonian Folkways will present “Folkways at 75,” a program at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C.

    Featuring performances from Jake Blount and No-No Boy, members of the newest wave of folk music on the label, and a screening of Early Abstractions, a series of short films by Harry Smith, “Folkways at 75” expects to be the perfect celebration for Folkway Records.

    The slogan for Folkway Records from the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings website.

    In addition to the July celebration, November 10-12, 2023 will see the label partner up with the Brooklyn Folk Festival, including performers, tributes to label members, workshops, etc. For details on this event, visit here.

    Throughout the year, Smithsonian Folkways will continue to reissue and re-press many classic albums the record label has brought out over the years. The Sounds of North American Frogs by Charles Bogert will hit an LP for the first time since 1958, and re-presses of albums by Elizabeth Cotten, Doc Watson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and many others will be available for pre-order as well. 

    A new program called Friends of Folkways will give supporters the chance to stream a collection of Folkway Records classics for a minimum monthly donation of $5. Additional details surrounding the donation program will also be announced soon.

    A music video for Jake Blount’s “Didn’t It Rain,” a member of Folkway Records who will be performing at “Folkways at 75.”

  • Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Presents First Annual “Bing, Bing, Swing!”

    The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced its first annual “Bing, Bing, Swing,” event, a live swing orchestra gala that will take place on August 12 at The Binghamton Club.

    In addition to the live swing orchestra, complimentary cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, food options, a live auction, and dance instruction by Vince Brust Dance Studios bring even more excitement to the event.

    Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra bing bing swing

    Regarding the artists, Maestro Daniel Hege will be alongside Boston-based vocalist/jazz musician Amanda Carr for an unforgettable kick-off performance.

    Carr began her career in specifically rock and pop, playing in Boston area nightclubs across her teenage years, before eventually shifting to jazz and band shows.

    Maestro Daniel Hege has been the music director for the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra since 2018, and will happily enjoy sharing the stage with Carr for “Bing, Bing, Swing.”

    For the event’s details, “Bing, Bing, Swing” will take place August 12 at The Binghamton Club from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Tickets are $100 per person and $180 per couple with a black tie dress code ideal for the occasion.

    For tickets and more information on the evening, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or click here.

    Amanda Carr performing “Century Of Sinatra” for Boston Swing

  • Thursdays on the Village Green Returns to Downtown Hamilton for Summer 2023

    Thursdays on the Village Green is returning this July 2023, holding free activities for kids and concerts for all ages in downtown Hamilton.

    Kicking off on July 13 and closing on August 10, artists of various genres, including rock and folk, will occupy the Green. For every show, concerts will start at 7:00 pm, while the kids’ activities occur around 5:00 or 5:30 pm.

    Hamilton village green

    The full concert list, activity itinerary, and food truck lineup have all been announced, as the Village Green event is shaping up to be a piece of an amazing Summer for Hamilton and the Central New York region. Last year’s series additionally served as their 120th Summer performing these concerts, leading into yet another great experience.

    Concert/Activity Schedule

    July 13

    Syracuse rock band Transient Kicks take the stage with special guests Jes Sheldon and Mike Davis. Blending storytelling with musical improvisation and sound exploration, the Transient Kicks combine funk, jazz, bluegrass, folk, R&B, psychedelic groove, soul, and blues into their talents.

    Leading up to the performance, Courtney Wells & Friends host an illusion show at 5:00 pm. Drew’s Balloons will also be on-site joining the festivities at the same time.

    The Transient Kicks’ song “Don’t Come Save Me” off of their album “The Clock Has Problems.”

    July 20

    Mark Shiner and the National Endowment join special guest Dave Montanye for the second show, additionally having the children’s activity, Move Entertainment’s Sammy’s Family Dance Party from 5:00 pm to 6:30.

    July 27

    Highlighting some of the women involved in local folk music, Alyssa Rose and Liz Fiddle bring their acoustic-folk abilities to the Hamilton stage, somewhere Rose is quite familiar with.

    Rose grew up in Sherrill, a short journey from Hamilton where she actually performed her first concert in 2016. Ranging from Taylor Swift to Bruce Springsteen to Justin Bieber covers, Rose, will deliver a wide array of songs, while Fiddle plans to showcase her violin and vocal skills.

    For the kids in attendance, The Friends of Rogers presents Rogers Environmental Education Center:
    Past, Present, and Future from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

    Hamilton village green

    August 3

    Performing original Americana music written by Susan Coleman and Mike Gridley, also including a strong foundation James DaRin and Taylor Bucci on the banjo, Harmonic Dirt will take the stage on August 3.

    The Henry Howard Family Music Show starts prior to the Harmoic Dirt, beginning at 5:30 pm and concluding at 6:30.

    August 10

    Mark Sherwood and The Skeleton Crew, a Grateful Dead & Jerry Garcia Band experience, close out the concert series bringing to life some of their covers for Hamilton.

    Before the music, Alex Perrine’s Bodies of Waste Sculpture Exhibit and Workshop with Found Material starts at 5 pm. Drew’s Balloons will also be on-site.

    Food Truck List and Tickets

    The food trucks that will be on the Village Green include: Brake From The Grind, Motley Chew, Oh Crepe, Oscar’s, Ray Brothers Barbeque, Rio Grande, Squeezers Lemonade, TacoCat, and Gilligan’s Ice Cream.

    For more information on the Thursdays on the Village Green event , please visit @thursdaysonthevillagegreen on Facebook and Instagram or head to their website here.

    The promo video for the 2019 Thursdays on the Village Green concert series.

  • Troy Music Hall Announces 2023 Summer Square Concert Series Lineup

    The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has recently announced the anticipated return of their Summer Square Concert Series. The free concerts will be held in the Music Hall courtyard every Saturday evening at 6 p.m. beginning on July 8 and will run all the way through the summer until August 26.

    The Troy Summer Square 2023 lineup presents concert goers with the opportunity to hear all types of genres from Jazz to indie/rock. The concert series’ kick off performance on July 8th will present the unorthodox Dust Bowl Faeries to the Troy community, a circus, post-punk, gypsy and psyche-folk band founded by Ryder Cooley & Hazel, a taxidermy ram who performs with the band as their spirit animal. In addition, The Summer Series will present seven more performers to their outdoor stage.

    The Troy Music Hall is known for bringing forth top talent from around the state to the area as well as highlighting old and new performers from their own community. This summer will be no different as the Music Hall is prepared to take Troy on a most memorable musical journey. For more information, visit here.

    Troy Summer Square 2023 Lineup

    July 8th: DUST BOWL FAERIES:

    A faerie-tale fusion of circus, post-punk, gypsy and psyche-folk music.

    July 15th: BRONTE ROMAN:

    Pop Vocalist performs lush Jazz ballads and delightfully swings to hits from the Great American Songbook. 

    July 22nd: CAROL DAGGS:

    Pianist and vocalist, composer and arranger applying musical Jazz sounds to the auditory apparatus and soul via vocal and instrumental flow. 

    July 29th: JULIA ALSARRAF:

    Singer and multi-instrumentalist whose songwriting ranges from contemporary folk to indie pop/rock. Her music has been described as deep, soulful, and vulnerable.

    August 5th: IDA MAE SPECKER:

    Fiddler, folk singer and songwriter whose music fuses original, contemporary, and traditional material, bringing heartfelt new life and relevance to the chain of American folk music. 

    August 12th: TRISKELE:

    The Capital Region’s premier all female Irish Band! Stunning harmonies that touch your soul. 

    August 19th: AIVA & HAYLEY:

    Singer songwriters from Latham, NY now attending Berklee College of Music in Boston. Performing covers from different genres and original music as well.

    August 26th: JEANNE O’CONNOR QUARTET:

    Jeanne O’Connor is a vocalist who brings her clear, expressive alto voice to pop, Latin music, and R&B.