Organ Fairchild has announced a special themed ten-date summer tour titled “Dead of Summer,” coming to Albany and Greenlawn at the end of July and early August.
Organ Fairchild created their first original music together in 2020. Jam scene mainstays Joe Bellanti, Corey Kertzie, and Dave Ruch met in 1983 as members of Buffalo Grateful Dead cover band Wild Knights, a group that still plays reunion shows. Their debut gig was just a month before the COVID shutdown, and since then the group has won NYS Musics’ March Madness, supported Anders Osborne and Jackie Greene, Andy Frasco & the U.N., Sophistafunk, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and more, and have each played with Bob Weir, Rob Wasserman, Robbie Krieger (The Doors), Nels Cline, Tony Rice, moe., and more.
Fresh on the heels of a four-set appearance at last weekend’s Summer Camp Music Festival in Chillicothe, IL, the trio announced their “Dead of Summer” tour, featuring one set of the band’s award-winning original instrumental music followed by a full set of Grateful Dead songs performed funky organ-trio style. Band guitarist Dave Ruch said, “It’s been so much fun to take the parameters of our new organ trio format (no singing and no bass player!) and revisit some of our favorite Dead tunes. Fresh and funky is how it’s feeling, and the setlists will be unique each night!” The tour will hit Beau’s Bar in Greenlawn on July 29 and Lark Hall in Albany on Aug. 1.
July 28 The 8×10 Club, Baltimore MD July 29 Beau’s Bar, Greenlawn NY July 30 Weekend at Bertha’s Festival, Townsend DE July 31 The Nest House Concerts, Ironia NJ August 1 Lark Hall, Albany NY (Jerry Garcia’s birthday!) August 2 ZenBarn, Waterbury Center VT August 3 Orlando’s, Burlington VT August 4 TBA August 5 Bear’s Picnic Festival, Blain PA August 6 Electric Haze, Worcester MA
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has announced the return of the Barker Park Kids’ Series for the summer of 2023. The free concerts will take place every Thursday at 11 AM starting July 6th to August 24th at the Barker Park playground in Troy.
Troy Music Hall is strongly committed to supporting education in the arts as well as enriching the community, and this concert series is one of many events in which they offer free and discounted performances for students and kids. Additionally, as a way to further assist the Troy community, this year’s Barker Park Kids’ Series will also be partnering with local organization, Sidewalk Warriors, a group of volunteers who support individuals in need. Throughout the series, the park will serve as a drop off location for items to be donated especially shampoo, boxes of cereal, and more.
Along with their mission of education and enrichment, the Music Hall aims to foster diverse cultural experiences for their audiences. Thus, the partners will present a lineup of musicians spanning a multitude of genres including historic jazz and traditional West African music.
Barker Park Kids’ Series LineUp
July 6th – JORDAN TAYLOR HILL
Jordan is an artist rooted in traditional music from West Africa and the diaspora combined with today’s sounds. His early influence in song writing and performance is coupled in a unique way meant to equally inspire and entertain.
July 13th – RAGTIME WIND JAMMERS
The “Ragtime Windjammers” play historic tunes meant to illustrate several facets of Jazz music as it developed in America around the turn of the 20th century. Audience participation is encouraged and several volunteers are used to visually illustrate several acoustic ideas.
July 20th – ELLEN SINOPOLI DANCE COMPANY
31-year-old not-for-profit arts organization located in NYS’s Capital Region. ESDC’s commitment to CREATE, COLLABORATE, EDUCATE and PARTNER remains in the forefront as it shares its work with diverse audiences through concerts, showcases, residencies, workshops, educational and community outreach.
July 27th – ANDY THE MUSIC MAN
Popular children’s musician renowned for the special way he connects with his audiences. A talented guitarist, mandolin player and songwriter, Andy mingles traditional and original songs and novelty, delighting and involving kids through sing-a-longs, dancing, play-acting and storytelling.
August 3rd – HEARD
A collective of musicians that bring their skills and passion for world music, jazz and improvising together to create irresistible grooves set in a unique sonic tapestry. Together for a decade, their vibrant sound incorporates influences from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and beyond.
August 10th – DJ HollyW8D
Originally from Brooklyn, DJ HollyW8D energizes crowds throughout the Upstate New York Capital Region. He has always gravitated to music throughout his life and hopes to bring versatility in his music mixing wherever he goes. Drawing inspiration from many including his mother, Sean P. Diddy Combs and DJ Puffy, HollyW8D aims to inspire others with his daily grind and optimistic energy.
August 17th – WATCH REGGIE RUN
Formed in 2017 by Dave and his son Luke who has autism, WATCH REGGIE RUN, is named after how they spend their time when not making music (watching Luke’s sister Reggie run in Track and XC meets). The father/son duo shares a love of music and has found it to be a great way of connecting despite Luke’s limited communication skills. The songs were all inspired by Luke. It’s fun music for ALL AGES!
August 24th – Safety Day
Learn all about safety with helpful tips and a bit of fun.
June will mark the beginning of Scotia’s Freedom Park Summer 2023 Concert Series in Scotia, NY, with a wide range of performances from Celtic rock to reggae to a “Big Bubble Bonanza.” Admission is free on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with dates ranging from June 21 to Aug. 23.
Freedom Park is a non-profit organization, built in 1976 for the Bicentennial Celebration. The stage for the performances is located in the Village of Scotia’s Collins Park. It is funded through local business sponsors, the Village of Scotia, Freedom Park memberships, grants from the Schenectady County Initiative Program and Town of Glenville, and audience donations.
The season is being headlined by the Screaming Orphans on June 21, returning from last year. The Screaming Orphans are an all-sisters Celtic folk and Pop band, hailing from Donegal, Ireland. Three of their albums, Taproom, Life in a Carnival, and Sunshine and Moss, have topped Billboard, iTunes and World Music charts.
There are multiple events intended for kids, including “Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza” featuring Guinness Book of World Record holder, Jeff Boyer, on Aug. 20. The family-friendly, interactive performance will incorporate bubble rainbows with people inside, volcano bubbles, and gigantic bubbles that blow their own bubbles.
All shows are rain or shine at 7:00 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheater on Schonowee Avenue, Scotia across from Collins Park.
Concerts for Summer 2023
June 21: Screaming Orphans, a Celtic rock/pop band. June 24: Alan Payette & Friends, a rock & roll group. June 25: Music Company Orchestra. June 28: Capital Dist Youth Pipe Band with Ally the Piper. June 30: Joe Adee & The Lug Nuts, a rock & roll band. July 8: Big Fez & the Surfmatics, which is teaching ’60s dance moves. July 9: Donnie P & Celebration Family, a polka group. July 12: The Refrigerators, a party rock band. July 15: Third Quarter & Whits End. a rock/heavy metal band. July 16: Brian Patneaude Quintet, a jazz group. July 19: Erin Harkes in Hark!, a rock band. July 22: Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra, which will feature Felix Ortiz teaching Salsa. July 23: Capital Region Wind Ensemble. July 26: Grand Central Station, a party rock band. July 29: Jim Gaudet & the Railroad Boys, a bluegrass group. July 30: Heard, a world music band. Aug. 2: Skeeter Creek, a country band, which will feature Robin’s Renegades teaching line dance. Aug. 5: Taina Asili, an Afro-Latin, reggae & rock fusion band. Aug. 6: The Puppet People present “The Wizard of Oz,” intended for kids. Aug. 9: Cryin’ Out Loud!, a party rock band. Aug. 12: Harvest & Rust, a Neil Young Experience. Aug. 13: The Lustre Kings, a rockabilly band, where Albany Swing Dancing will teach the Jitterbug Aug. 16: Get Up Jack, an Irish band. Aug. 19: Red Haired Strangers, a country/blues band. Aug. 20: Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza, an event intended for kids. Aug. 23: SIRSY, an alt rock band.
More information can be found on Freedom Park‘s website.
Pride Month is back, and New York State has dozens of celebrations, events, and parades across the state. With many live music events and more, NYS Music has you covered in finding the perfect Pride event to attend. Kick off your summer with events across the state, from Albany to Buffalo, NYC and Long Island, and more.
Albany
June 1, 4-8 p.m.- Pride Kick-Off Block Party and BBQ in Parking Lot #2, 76 Central Ave.
June 8, 5-8 p.m.- Capital Pride Alive at Five featuring Hawthorne Heights and Bad Luck. Free at Jennings Landing.
June 11, 12-5 p.m.- The signature Capital Region Pride event, the Capital Pride Parade & Festival, is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Northeast. The Capital Pride Parade kicks off at 11:45 a.m. starting down State St. onto Lark Street and then Madison Ave. The Capital Pride Festival includes a full day of entertainment on three stages, food, drink, and advocacy with over 300 exhibitors.
June 10, 12-5:30 p.m.-In Our Own Voices will hold its 17th Annual Say It Loud! Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC) Pride celebration. It is a fun, family-friendly way to recognize the contributions, struggles, and resilience of LGBTQIA+ BIPOC families and individuals in the Capital Region. The main celebration will be held in Washington Park in Albany with performances from Grammy-nominated singer Angie Stone, NYC-based twin sisters Nicole and Natalie Albino, also known as Nina Sky, Jewel The Gem, Taína Asili, and more.
Say It Loud! will also be hosting other Pride events, like a Pride Kickoff Block party in the Waterworks Parking Lot in Albany on June 1 from 5-8 p.m. Other events include a drag show with Widow Von’Du, seen on the twelfth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, on June 10 starting at 10 p.m. at the Waterworks Pub, and The Renaissance Ball on June 30 at the Albany Capital Center, a night dedicated to Beyonce’s Renaissance album, including networking and HIV/HCV testing.
June 10, 9 p.m.-4 a.m.- Geek and Gaymer Sci-Fi Pride at ROCKS on 77 Central Ave, $10 cover.
Troy
June 2, 10-11 a.m.- Pride Flag Raising.
June 3, 5-9 p.m.- Queer Game Night at Cafe Euphoria.
June 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.- Pride Drag Brunch, $20, at Bard & Baker 501 Broadway.
June 18, 1-3 p.m.- Euphoria Drag Brunch by House of Extreme at Cafe Euphoria.
June 23, 5:30-10 p.m.- Troy Pride Night Out and Block Party in Downtown Troy. Includes vendors, food, music by National DJ Phoenix, and live entertainment provided by everyone’s favorite local Queens from Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and the CCIAC circus.
Schenectady
June 1, 4-8 p.m.- Community Sober BBQ at the Central Park Pavillion, free for everyone.
June 1, 7-10 p.m.- Capital Pride Singers host Hope: Voices of Pride at the Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church, a night of music, hope, and joy celebrating the LGBTQIA+ music makers and how their art still inspires the world today. Reserve a spot here.
June 2, 7-11 p.m.- Alternative Prom held at the Schenectady YMCA, open to all LGBTQ+ youth and allies, ages 13-18. The theme is Four Seasons, with prizes awarded to the best of each season. Also featured are great food, dance with DJ Sean McLaughlin, and more. A $10 cover charge can be paid at the door.
June 3, 1-4 p.m.- Schenectady Pride will host its 11th annual festival at Gateway Plaza where the Rainbow Pride Arches are next to SUNY Schenectady. This free event features 40+ vendors, community tables, a complete entertainment program (including a fabulous drag show at 3 p.m.), family-friendly activities, princess appearances, and so much more!
Saratoga Springs
June 1, 12 p.m.– Saratoga Flag Raising, Saratoga Springs City Hall.
June 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.- LGBTQ+ Teen Night for middle and high school students where they can come hang out with friends and meet new people in a safe space. Happens on the first Friday of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga.
June 3, 1-5 p.m.- PRIDEFEST at Whitman Brewing Company to support Saratoga Pride. Features three local bands, dogs, food, and alcohol from local breweries. Tickets are on sale here.
Binghamton
June 3, 12-2 p.m.- Pride 2023 in Binghamton begins with the annual Pride flag raising. Join the mayor, community leaders, and featured speakers as they kick off Pride Month.
June 10, 12-6 p.m.- Pridepalooza in the Park is held in Otsiningo Park. Activities include live entertainment, drag shows, and vendors.
June 10, 9:30 p.m.- Join your family and friends in Downtown Binghamton down on the Chenango River on the Martin Luther King Promenade to see the most amazing Pride Fireworks show.
June 2, 7-10 p.m.- Kicking off Cooperstown Pride Weekend is a special Fire Pit Friday celebrating Pride Month at Brewery Ommegang. The all-ages event will feature drinks, food, and a bonfire. The evening will also include a special welcome address by Cooperstown’s Mayor, Ellen Tillapaugh, a live DJ set by DJ TRUMASTR, and a spectacular fireworks display. Local businesses will be onsite selling special Cooperstown Pride Weekend merchandise, with some of the proceeds benefiting Cooperstown Central School’s Identity Alliance organization.
June 3, 2-7 p.m.- Pridefest 2023 in Oneonta begins. This year’s theme is “Block Party,” taking Pride to Main Street, with performances and vendors.
June 4, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.- At the Wakeman Coffee Co. in Sidney there will be two drag brunches, one at 10 a.m. and one at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit here.
June 4, 12-3 p.m.- Barnyard Swing in Milford presents Family Pride Day with family-friendly activities such as face painting, spin art, fossil safari, miniature golf, music by DJ Raphael, a special appearance by Rapunzel, and much more.
June 8, 7 p.m.- The Oneonta Outlaws host Baseball Pride Night at the Damaschke Field. Wear rainbow and pride colors to show your pride, and meet allies LGBTQ members.
June 25, 6-8 p.m.- Interskate 88 in Oneonta hosts a Pride skate and dance party, with free admission, and a $1 skate rental fee.
June 30, 7-11 p.m.- The second annual Pride Prom will take place in the atrium of Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta. The theme is Wonderland, featuring dancing, face painting, specialty cocktails, prizes, fashion, and drag performances from Lilly Bola, Jahyra Joelle, and Natalie Taylor. Tickets go on sale on June 1 here.
Hudson Valley
June 2, 5-10 p.m.- Out Loud Hudson Valley is teaming up with Angry Orchard to bring a Pride month Kick-Off Party unlike any other. The event will feature two DJs at the famed Cider House in Walden, NY. DJ Prephab will spin the upstairs tap room, while DJ Jimmy Prada will be on the lower level and back lawn area. A Sunset Cabaret performance by Key West’s live-singing diva Epiphany Get Paid is one not to miss.
June 3, 1-4 p.m.- The Stanford Pride Committee announced the second annual LGBTQ+ Pride event at BANGALLWORKS. This year’s celebration promises to be bigger and better than the last, with exciting new activities for attendees of all ages.
June 3, 2-4 p.m.- The 14th annual Out Hudson Pride Festival returns. The theme is “On The Road” again, celebrating love and freedom.
June 3, 6 p.m.- Poughkeepsie Pride Kickoff Party featuring drag shows performances by Lola Deville, Janine Extreme, Swisha Sweets, and Tabitha Phoenix. Purchase tickets here.
June 3, 7 p.m.- Vowel Moments is comprised of Pretty Lamé (tenor Joshua Sanders) and David Sytkowski (piano), creating a night full of genre-blending tunes. They are performing at Hudson Hall in Hudson, tickets are on sale here.
June 4, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.- Visit the Foreland Waterfront Lawn for the Foreland Pride Lawn Party, featuring food, drinks, games, performances, and more.
June 4, 12-5 p.m.- Hudson Valley Pride Coalition Pride March (New Paltz Middle School, 196 Main St, New Paltz) and Festival (Hasbrouck Park, Mohonk, and Tricor Avenues, New Paltz).
June 4, 12-4 p.m.- First Annual Pride Picnic at Opus 40 in Saugerties features performances by Key of Q, The LGBTQ & Allied A Cappella Singers of the Hudson Valley, Queer History Drag Bingo with Sis Jenner, Queer Storytime with Jacinta Bunnell “A More Graceful Shaboom,” Drag StoryTime with Epiphany Penn, and more.
June 4, 12-5 p.m.- Westchester Pride returns with Sutton Lee Seymour, NYC’s Live Singing Sasshole and Comedy Queen whose cabaret shows have toured across the United States as well as holding a residency at The Palm Cabaret in Puerto Vallarta. Her act has won her a Glam Award for Breakthrough Artist and earned her a MAC Award Nomination for Best Drag Cabaret. The special guest performer is Connecticut’s Grand Diva, Robin Fierce, who wowed audiences on Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 15 with her sass and charm.
June 10, 2-4 p.m.- We Are Better Together 2023 Pride Social at 3279 Franklin Ave, Millbrook.
June 11, 11-5 p.m.- Celebrate Rockland Pride with a day of music, dancing, and fun for the whole family. Downtown Nyack will close its streets to traffic to allow for strolling, shopping, and dining, with live performances by Frankie D and The Boys and special guests, plus the crowning of Mx. Rockland County Pride 2023.
June 11, 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.- Warwick Pride Celebration starts at the Warwick Valley Community Center with free brunch, art, music, henna, support tables, fun, and community. The Pride Parade led by Funkrust Brass Band, steps off from WVCC at 1:30 p.m., to Main Street and arrives at Stanley Deming Park for The Pride Show, 2:30-4.30p.m., hosted by drag darling, Ms. Eve Starr and a sparkling line up of guest performers. It is free and family-friendly.
June 15, 7 p.m.- International Drag Icon Sherry Vine returns with a brand new show, stuffed full of her signature hilarious, naughty parodies, hysterical videos, gorgeous costumes, and more! She will sing new parodies of Cher, Lady Gaga, Broadway, Gloria Estefan, Barry White, Eartha Kitt, and even The Ramones at Revel 32 in Poughkeepsie.
June 24, 1-6 p.m.- Peekskill Pride’s Family Pride In The Park 2023 celebrates its third annual installment of the free event. It features live music from The Little Mermen, the ultimate Disney Tribute Band, along with Christina Picciano & All My Friends, as well as Drag Queen Story Time, Drag Performances, Pet Photo Contest, craft activities, vendors, games, and more!
June 24, 1 p.m.- Celebrate the fourth annual PUTNAM PRIDE in Brewster Village. The event begins at 1 Main Street with a march to Wells Park, 98 Oak Street, with speakers, vendors, and music to follow, with Angel Elektra and Shay D’Pines. Park at the Metro North train station as there is limited accessible parking at Wells Park. Bring a blanket/chair, but no pets.
June 17, 3-6 p.m.- 2023 Pride BBQ at 39 Forestburgh Rd in Forestburgh.
Syracuse
June 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.- The CNY Pride Festival and Parade begin at 11 a.m. in Syracuse with the parade. Line up along Solar Street and West Kirkpatrick Street to watch the parade. It departs from Solar Street near Destiny USA and proceeds 0.7 miles to the festival grounds at the Inner Harbor. The festival goes from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. with vendors, sponsors, and food trucks. Acts TBA for The CNY Pride Main Stage, happening from 12-5 p.m.
Aug. 25- Pride Day is back at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse. As part of the ceremony, Jimmy Monto, who represents the City of Syracuse’s fifth district as Common Councilor – and is the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in an elected position in the City of Syracuse – was announced as Grand Marshall in the Pride Day Parade, which will step off from the Exposition Center a 6:00 p.m. “New York State is known for leading the way when it comes to pursuing equality, accessibility, and inclusivity for all New Yorkers, and at The Great New York State Fair, we try to complement these accomplishments,” said Sean Hennessey, Interim Fair Director. The day includes a drag and comedy show, as well as musical performances by:
June 16-18– Watertown Pride 2023 features a lot of different and exciting events. Pride kicks off Friday, June 16 at the historic Paddock Arcade, with The Paddock Club supplying food and drink specials, followed by drag show performances. Early on Saturday at 9 a.m., there is a flag raising at City Hall, then at noon head to Thompson Park for a 5k Color Run and Festival. That evening, the entertainment comes to you when a traveling drag show travels from bar to bar, gracing each one with a 20-minute performance. Saturday’s events conclude with Pride Night Fireworks at Duffy Fairgrounds. On Sunday, wrap up Watertown Pride weekend with a Tea Dance at Garland City Beer Works, a local LGBTQIA+-owned brewery.
June 22-25- River Pride features celebrations taking place all along the St. Lawrence River in communities like Cape Vincent, Clayton, and Alexandria Bay.
Rochester
June 4, 2 p.m.- Free movie screening PRIDE at the Little Theatre. It is a movie based on the true story of Queer activists and Welsh miners under the Margaret Thatcher government in the 1970s.
June 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.- Pop-Up Pride Day at the Seneca Park Zoo.
June 10. 2-4 p.m.- Pittsford Pride begins at 2 outside 35 Lincoln Ave with a 0.4-mile walk to 22 N Main St. in Carpenter Park with music, free, food, and more.
June 18, 1-4 p.m.- Pride Festivities at Central Rock Gym, free for members, discounted day passes for non-members.
June 26, 5:30 p.m.- Henreitta Pride takes place at the Henreitta Town Hall Lawn.
July 6, 7:05 p.m.- The Rochester Red Wings host Pride Night at the Innovation Field.
July 6, 8 p.m.- The Drag Queens of Comedy featuring Darienne Lake, Aggy Dune, and Mrs. Kasha Davis perform at Comedy @ The Carlson. The show is for 21+.
July 10, 5-7 p.m.- Flag Raising at Martin Luther King Jr. Lodge, Manhattan Square Park.
July 12, 7-9 p.m.- Poems of Pride happens at the Lilac Library. Features readings by some of Rochester’s great LGBTQ+ poets, celebrating the beauty of Rochester Pride.
July 15, 1-8 p.m.- Rochester Pride Festival returns. The parade begins at 1 p.m. on Park Avenue and ends at Cobb Hill Park, where the celebration of Pride and community continues with Pride Fest with food trucks, wine and beer for sale, vendor tables, games and activities, and a designated play area for kids. There will be live music all day long, with surprise performances.
Finger Lakes
June 9, 8-11 p.m.- The Corning Museum of Glass hosts the stunning Mrs. Kasha Davis, performing her one-woman show, There’s Always Time for a Cocktail! Following the performance is the unforgettable drag and dance party Slaying with Fire. Hosted by the fabulous Noah Phence and with the beats provided by DJ RVMBA, the night will feature special guests Cherry Blasé, Scope Kaleido, Dusty Boxx, and Femme de Violette, all bringing their own unique style and talent to the stage. Tickets are on sale now.
June 9- Teens are encouraged to join the Fairy Drag-Parent workshop, where they can learn the ins and outs of what being a drag queen is like, makeup, costumes, and snacks are provided. Register here.
June 10, 12-4 p.m.- The SoFLx Pride Festival will take place at Centerway Square in Corning. The event is a celebration of Pride history and will feature local artists and talent. The festival will have LGBTQIA+ vendors, entertainers, artists, and interactive elements for kids, both inside and outside of gaffer businesses on Market Street.
Ithaca
June 8, 9 p.m.-Close-Thursgay at The Range Drag Bingo with Pole Posse. There will be prizes, poles, and perfectly crafted drinks from The Range! Bingo games will have pole and drag performances between games, each round will have a prize as well.
June 9, 6-9 p.m.- Pride Parade and Dance Party. Pedestrian march from Press Bay Alley to the Bernie Milton Pavilion, with opening remarks followed by a Dance Party. This event and route are mobility device accessible.
June 9, 4-5:30 p.m.- Tompkins County Public Library Young Adult Book Club. The event is in the Schwarz Jacobson Room, discussing the YA graphic novel Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu. Pick up a free copy of the book at either the Teen Center Reference Desk at TCPL or Buffalo Street Books.
June 10, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.- Tompkins County Public Library hosts a Pride Family Story Time, with fun stories and a dance party with DJ Woodrow.
June 10, 12-6 p.m.- Pride Block Party in Press Bay and 100 Block of West State Street.
Thursdays in June- Awesomely Queer Movie Night at Tompkins County Public Library.
June 11, 9 p.m.-Close- Saturgay at The Range Pride Week kick-off Drag Show with host Tilia Cordara.
June 11, 12 p.m.-3 a.m.- Celebrate Ithaca Pride 2023 with an all-Spanish drag show and brunch at Zócalo Mexican Bar and Grill with the best drag performers in town. Tickets are on sale now.
June 13, 7-9 p.m.- Pride Week Comedy show with renowned comedians Madelein Smith and Kendra Dawsey. Tickets are on sale now.
June 15, 9 p.m.-Close- Thursgay at The Range Taste the Rainbow hosted by Tilia Cordata and Noah Phence. Special Guest Jayden Jameson plus a cast of your favorite local performers.
June 16, 4 p.m.- Close- Join Femme de Violette for a Sapphic happy hour from 4-8 p.m. with music and pop-up drag performances, then stick around for the all-night party! With multiple stages, shows, and hosts it’s going to be a send-off to remember!
Buffalo
June 4, 11 a.m.- The annual Buffalo Pride Parade steps off at 11 a.m. on Elmwood Ave, with hundreds of organizations participating.
June 4, 1-7 p.m.- Following the parade is the Buffalo Pride Festival at Canalside, featuring entertainment, family activities, food and beverages, live performances, and nonprofit and retail vendors. Performers include musical guests Kalifa, Bosco, and Lady Camden from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14, and an appearance by Amrit and Nicholas from Bravo’s Family Karma.
New York City
June 4, 12-6 p.m.- The New Queens Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary. It is the second oldest and second largest pride parade in New York City. Founded in 1993, it is held annually on the first Sunday in June, in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights on 37th Avenue.
June 10, 8 p.m., June 10, 8 p.m., June 11, 3 p.m.- ChamberQUEER Pride Festival We Refract
ChamberQUEER highlights historically underrepresented queer figures in Western classical music and provides an intersectionally inclusive space within Western classical music for artists and audiences. These three concerts look to answer several questions, including how navigating life outside of heteronormativity impacts one’s relationships and how does it shape understanding of one’s own identity?
Pieces written by a dream team of composers, improvisers, and performers including Jules Biber, Aviva Jaye, Alexis C. Lamb, Brian Mummert, Rajna Swaminathan, Darian Donovan Thomas, and Yoshi Weinberg are linked in concert by improvisations to create a continuous and unified concert-length world premiere. Tickets and more information are available here.
June 8, 7-11 p.m.- Yonkers Pride Mini Ball features many different categories audience members can dress in, as well as iconic judges and beats provided by DJ Ultraviolet. It is a safe space for all, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, racism, ageism, ableism, body shaming, or any form of discrimination is not allowed.
Jun 9, 4:30 p.m. – Jun 10, 5:30 p.m.- Please join Mayor Mike Spano and Members of the Yonkers LGBTQ Advisory Board for a Flag Raising Ceremony at Yonkers City Hall Unity Fountain.
June 10, 2-8 p.m.- Yonkers Pride Festival returns for the sixth annual celebration on Main Street in Downtown Yonkers. It is an outdoor event showcasing celebrity entertainment, food, merchandise, activities, and numerous community organizations.
June 10, 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.- Celebrate Brooklyn Pride with a festival on Park Slope’s 5th Avenue, entertainers on the Mainstage, and the only Twilight parade in NYC.
June 24, 3 p.m.-4 a.m.- Elsewhere, a venue in Brooklyn, hosts a Pride concert event featuring Whorechata, DJ Gay Panic, Amorphous, BAYNK, Rochelle Jordan, and more. Tickets are on sale here.
June 24, 5 p.m.- Dyke March, a protest not a march, steps off from Bryant Park. The March is a demonstration of the First Amendment right to protest and takes place without permits or sponsors. Thousands take the streets each year in celebration of our beautiful and diverse Dyke lives, to highlight the presence of Dykes within our community, and in protest of the discrimination, harassment, and violence we face in schools, on the job, and in our communities.
June 23-24- Times Square Alliance hosts the second annual Pride In Times Square celebration, full of free events centered around NYC Pride Weekend. It features top-stage and screen celebrities, Broadway/Off-Broadway productions, local Times Square business promotions, Pride Piano sessions, live DJ sets, a Trans and ENBY Pride celebration, a Drag Pride celebration, the return of last year’s Big Broadway Disco, and more.
June 24, 12-6 p.m.- Celebrate Pride in the historic neighborhood of Harlem in NYC with two entertainment stages, including the Main Stage Show, where we bring you the best talent New York City and the world have to offer, and our DJ Stage, where you can enjoy dance music throughout the day. Also included throughout the day are face painting and Drag Queen Story Hour for the children. While it’s a day of celebration, Harlem Pride will also be providing resources for the community; attendees will find referrals for health, legal, and financial services. Medical testing and health screenings will also be available.
June 25, 2 p.m.- The premiere LGBTQIA+ music festival experience of Pride Weekend is Pride Island. This year it takes place at Brooklyn Army Terminal and seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera headlines.
June 26 – PrideFest at 11 a.m., Parade at 12 p.m.-The New York City Pride March returns with Grand Marshals Billy Porter, Yasmin Benoit, AC Dumlao, Hope Giselle, and Randolfe “Randy” Wicker. The March will begin at noon from 25th Street and 5th Avenue. NYC PrideFest, the LGBTQ street fair, takes place at Greenwich Village for musical performances, entertainers, food, activities, and Pride gear from unique vendors.
Queens Rising is hosting a multitude of events around Queens from June 1 through July 2 to celebrate and promote everything arts and culture in the World’s Borough.
June 2, 6-9 p.m.- Sunnyside Pride begins at Lowery Plaza (Queens Blvd and 40th Street) for a rally, march, performances and vendor market.
June 3, 5-11:45p.m.- Queens Rising will be presenting an evening of entertainment, dancing, and fun at the Queens Night Market for free.
Take a look at other events happening around the city on the days leading up to and following the Pride March and PrideFest.
June 7, 7 p.m.- The Seaport Museum’s LGBTQ+ Pride Month hosts a special screening of the music-forward film Walk With Me.
June 23, 10 p.m.- Europe’s biggest party comes to NYC for one night only, as Matinee & Circuit Festival join forces with Masterbeat for an XXL edition of Pervert.
June 24, 12 p.m.- Youth Pride.
June 24, 2-6 p.m.- TEAZE! A Queer party experience at Club Lambda Brooklyn.
June 25, 2 p.m.- Bliss Days is NYC Pride’s annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ womxn and features rotating DJs, dancers, pop-up performances, and special guest appearances.
Long Island
June 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.- Hamptons Pride Parade 2023 returns for the second annual edition. Lineup begins at 11 a.m. on Main Street by Pondview Lane and Guild Hall. At 12 p.m. registered participants will march east on Main Street and continue via Newton Lane, Railroad Avenue, and Lumber Lane to Herrick Park, where there will be music and celebration with D.J. Karin Ward till 3 p.m.
June 11, 12-5 p.m.- The 2023 Long Island Pride celebration will be returning to Huntington Village. Join thousands at the annual parade, concert, and festival celebrating, dancing, eating, and drinking.
On Sunday, May 28th Declan McKenna stopped at Empire Live in Albany for the second show of his 50+ date The Big Return tour. Eager fans lined up hours in advance at the intimate 1000-capacity venue to scream along to songs like “Brazil” and “Rapture” as McKenna scaled along the stage with his Mick-Jagger-like dance moves. The audience, consisting mostly of teenage girls and fathers, was seen jumping, dancing, twirling, and overall living in the moment during his set.
Declan McKenna photographed by Sarah Hyun
24-year-old McKenna was born in London and has been making music ever since he was a teenager. His most popular song “Brazil” was released when he was only fifteen, and has since gained massive popularity through its widespread use on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. He has four more New York dates scheduled in May and July, which can be found here.
Declan McKenna photographed by Sarah Hyun
The Oracle Sisters opened the night with a chill and vibey set. The French trio, blending elements of surf rock, jazz, and indie pop similar to groups like The Walters and Summer Salt successfully raised the energy in the eager crowd. Audience members were seen bobbing their heads along to the beat as the three band members—Lewis Lazar, Christopher Willat, and Julia Johansen—jammed out. Their timeless sound matched their vintage style, allowing for a truly ear- and eye-catching performance. After they ended their set, the audience applauded enthusiastically, clearly satisfied by McKenna’s chosen openers.
The Oracle Sisters photographed by Sarah Hyun
Audience members sang along to songs in the pre-show playlist like “Toxic” before McKenna entered the stage. A flashing light from the right of the stage got the attention of everyone, triggering a roaring scream of excitement as he came on to sing his first song, “You Better Believe!!!” Wearing a black and yellow coat with bell-bottomed pants, McKenna brought an almost-tangible energy to the venue. This high-energy could be felt through his powerful vocals, his intricate movements, and the body-rumbling basslines of each and every song. The retro synths in many of the tracks on his most recent album Zeros, coupled with his scream-like vocals set the vibe of the show.
Declan McKenna is truly a rockstar, with passion being the only word to describe his performance and persona. Swinging his guitar on the stage, jumping off into the photo pit, and putting his all into every song was something he did not fail to do throughout the entirety of the concert. His facial expressions carried a power in them that could not be emulated by anyone else. Throughout the set, he constantly hit his looping and distortion pedals to craft the instrumentals of the songs in real time, whilst simultaneously singing along. He had to take a break after each song to wipe the sweat from his face and even removed his jacket early into the show because of how much he was moving.
Before singing “Rapture,” McKenna yelled, “Are you ready for some rock ‘n roll?,” and encouraged the crowd to clap along. Declan has a very strong British accent when he sings, and during his performance of hit-song “Brazil” the audience emulated his British dialect while singing along to lyrics like “I heard he lives down a river somewhere // With six cars and a grizzly bear.” McKenna explores a variety of themes in his music, from the topic of anti-war, corruption in sports and politics (as in “Brazil”), and struggles with mental health. The lyrics behind each of his songs made his performances even more meaningful.
Declan McKenna photographed by Sarah Hyun
Declan McKenna ended his show with a two-song encore. Performing an incredible rendition of George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” as well as his own song, “British Bombs,” McKenna ended the night on a powerful note. Fans screamed in awe as he soloed on his knees during the George Harrison cover, turning a generally easy-paced song into something of his own. Fans exited the venue elated, talking amongst one another about his incredible performance. McKenna’s next four New York shows are scheduled to be at Westcott Theater, Town Ballroom, Brooklyn Steel, and Webster Hall.
Setlist: You Better Believe!!!, Paracetamol, Why Do You Feel So Down, Listen to Your Friends, (Untitled Song), My House, Rapture, Beautiful Faces, Be an Astronaut, Make Me Your Queen, Humongous, The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home; Eventually, Darling; The Key to Life on Earth, Brazil, Isombard
Encore: All Things Must Pass (George Harrison cover), British Bombs
Ballard Park in Westport will once again host a free, seven-week live music concert series. Performances will take place on Thursdays at 7PM, running from July 6 to August 17, 2023. This year’s lineup features everything from Beatles tribute bands to elite jazz musicians.
Ballard Park is perched atop a grassy hillside overlooking Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont. This year, the park will also be home to the Westport-Wadhams Day concert on July 1.
Ballard Park was once the location of The Westport Inn, an illustrious grand hotel located in the heart of the Adirondacks. After the 1967 demolition of the building, Anne Ballard (“Petey”) Cerf, a long-time summer resident purchased the property. In 1989 she established Ballard Park in honor of her parents.
The park is open to the public and has both lake and beach access. In addition to the summer concert series, Ballard Park offers sledding and ice skating in the winter.
Organizers recommend that visitors bring blankets and low chairs. In the case of rain the concerts will switch over to the Whallonsburg Grange Hall. More information and updates can be found here.
Ballard Park Summer Concert Series lineup
July 1- STUDIO TWO, an early Beatles tribute band.
July 6- KAT WRIGHT, Vermont’s renowned blues and soul star.
July 13- MYRA FLYNN, part of the “Roar of the Queen! Tour”, Flynn arrives to Ballard Park after headlining Burlington’s Discover Jazz festival.
July 20- NICHOLAS EDWARD WILLIAMS, an American troubadour dedicated to preserving the songs and styles that shaped the United States .
July 27- RAY VEGA, Vermont’s master of Jazz and a University Scholar at UVM
August 3- MEADOWMOUNT SCHOOL OF MUSIC, Petey Cerf Memorial Concert— strings students from Westport’s renowned summer camp.
August 10- PLOUGHMAN’S LUNCH, North Country musicians known for bluegrass, swing and covers.
August 17- RYAN CLARK, from his hometown of Lake George to new home in Nashville, Ryan has received national acclaim for his talent and voice.
The first annual Renaissance Black Film Festival (RBFF) is coming to Albany, running June 22–25 at the historic Palace Theatre and the extravagant Renaissance Hotel. With both venues located in the capital’s historic downtown, attendees will easily be able to navigate between each location.
RBFF puts a spotlight on Black artists and creatives within the film industry and recognizes New York’s Capital Region as a burgeoning hotbed for filmmaking. RBFF will show films from a plethora of Black filmmakers across the country, with awards and cash prizes going to Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best First Project.
The festival is led by entrepreneur and the Palace Theatre’s Executive Director Kevin Johnson, filmmaker Micah Khan, creative agency Collectiveffort, and supported by its’ ambassador, NAACP Image Award recipient Morris Chestnut. Panelists and honorary board members include Gail Bean of FX’s hit show Snowfall and acclaimed screenwriter and director Jamal Hill who’s worked on films such as I am Legend, among many others.
“Over the last decade, we’ve seen about 20 productions come to the area, each growing larger and larger. The secret of the flexibility, affordability and overall beauty of our area has gotten out and folks that are here should be ready to join the industry as it lays roots,” says Collectiveffort Co-founder Patrick Harris.
In addition to the screenings, RBFF will host a series of panel discussions, networking events, public afterparties, an award ceremony, and a few special surprise screenings.
The festival’s curators are accepting submissions up until June 7. Starting Friday, May 26 tickets are on sale here. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Palace Theatre Box Office (located at 19 Clinton Ave). Box Office hours are Monday – Friday Noon to 5PM.
The Glens Falls Entertainment & Music Festival, GEM Fest, has released its artists, dates, and venues for the two-day July event, marking its seventh annual concert series. Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22, 2023. This event will see one of the largest performing arts festivals in Upstate New York come to life.
This year’s GEM Fest will have over 40 live artists, multiple food trucks, vending options, and other entertainment options for all ages. Live talent will come through seven venues during the festival, including an option for club passes for special Saturday night showcases and performances.
To hype up the anticipation of GEM Fest, three concerts will take place in a “Road to GEM Fest 2023” series. These shows will take place on June 3, 16, and 24 with nine additional performers.
GEM Fest Ticket and Venue Information
Friday, July 21 – Chestnut Grove, Capital Zen, Precious Metals, Jason Irwin
Venue: The Queensbury Hotel Adirondack Ball Room & Fenimore’s
Doors: 7 PM END: 11 PM
Saturday, July 22 –
Joe Mansman & The Midnight Revival Band, Sly Fox & The Hustlers, Seize Atlantis, Travis Gray, Reese Fullmer, Sunset Grin, Grape Juice!, The Hard Luck Souls, Under the Den, The Tradition, Brian Fitzgerald, Sabrina Trueheart, ELIS, Death Cult Pharmaceutical, Immune Friction, LoyalT, Justin Charles, Lock 9, Mark & Jill, Nick Rossi, Ragged Co., Sunset Grin, The Spot, The Pine Boys, Peter Annello, Carolyn Shapiro, Dustin Sawyer, Deb Cavanaugh & Dandelion Wine
Address: 71 Lawrence St, Glens Falls, NY, 12801
Doors: 11:30 AM END: 8:00 PM
Saturday Night Club Pass
We’re History, Yeah Universe, DJ Prophet, J. Demonic, DJ airRIK, Just -a – Nut, EMO NITE w/ DJ iROD, Jungle Punk, Terrallite, plus more!
Club Pass Venues – Downtown Social and Mean Max Brew Works
Doors: 8:00 PM
Single Day Ticket Holders may purchase tickets at the door, but entry may not be guaranteed due to possible capacity issues.
Those who have multi-day passes will receive a club pass for free!
The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra in recent years has extended its reach beyond the city where it was founded and as a result has changed its name to Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra (SSSO).
The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra, now SSSO, also announced its 2023-2024 season. The decision to change the name “was about shifting energy from focusing on administrative concerns to more strategic needs. The announcement today is about building an audience as it has become apparent there is a real opportunity and need in Saratoga,” said Board President Robert Bour. SSSO has performed several concerts at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs since reopening to great acclaim, signaling they needed to expand beyond Schenectady.
Glen Cortese, artistic director and conductor of the SSSO said “The theme of the 2023-24 SSSO subscription season is ‘Heroes, Legends and Fairy Tales.’ On each program, we’ll explore legendary works, and how composers are inspired by historical and fictional heroes and legends and bring you incredibly talented soloists and guest artists. The repertoire includes traditional works, new works from the classical repertoire, Broadway, and film.”
SSSO 2023-2024 Season
Aug. 5 at 7 p.m.-“Legends of Broadway”
Under the baton of Artistic Director Glen Cortese, the SSSO returns with a selection from beloved Broadway musicals with guest artists Amy Decker and Casey Gray. It is a part of the Music Haven Concert Series at Schenectady’s Central Park.
Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 22 at 3 p.m.-“American Legends”
The SSSO launches their season with two concerts featuring guest trumpeter Robert Sullivan in Barber’s “Essay No. 2,” Cortese’s “Concerto for Trumpet Orchestra (Gabriel’s Signal),” music from John William “Lincoln” and the Suite from Copland’s “Billy the Kid.” The first concert is in Zankel Hall at Skidmore College, and the second is MainStage at Proctors.
Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.-Special Concert: “Poinsettia Pops”
Join the SSSO in the Great Hall at Universal Preservation Hall to kick off the holiday season as “Poinsettia Pops” returns for the fourth year, with special guests.
Jan. 21, 2024, at 3 p.m.-“Legends from Around the World”
The season continues on the MainStage at Proctors with Bethlehem Central High School senior William Lauricella, who won first place in the 2022 Capital District Council for Young Musicians’ Annual Chopin Piano Competition and SSSO’s Parillo Piano Competition. This concert includes Bartok’s “Dance Suite,” Ravel’s “Mother Goose Suite” and the great Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto #2 in C Minor.”
Feb. 24, 2024 at 8 p.m.-Special Concert: Animaniacs In Concert!
The Animaniacs perform with the SSSO, playing the world-famous songs from the beloved cartoon series backed by the orchestra.
March 17, 2024, at 3 p.m.-“A Legend of the Opera”
Join the SSSO at Zankel Hall for another collaboration with Skidmore College for Johann Straus’ English concert version of “Die Fledermaus.” Guest soloists are to be announced!
April 27, 2024, at 7 p.m. and 28 at 3 p.m.-“Vestiges, Heroes and Legends”
The SSSO makes an appearance at both Universal Preservation Hall and Proctors for the last concert of the season. Join them for Bernstein’s “Halil,” Mizzoli’s “Opheus Undone” (Proctors), Mozart’s “Ave Verum Corpus” (UPH), and the famous “Requiem.” Featuring special guest flutist Linda Chesis, Saratoga Voices, and the Albany Chamber Choir.
Subscriptions are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 7., and students (18 and under) are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. For more information, visit here.
They’ve practiced, practiced, practiced, and Empire State Youth Orchestra’s (ESYO) Symphony Orchestra, a prominent youth ensemble, made it to Carnegie Hall. The concert marks the first time ESYO has performed at Carnegie Hall since the beginning of the pandemic, returning for the first time since 2017. The symphony orchestra will perform a joint concert with Norwalk Youth Symphony at Carnegie Hall on June 4, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
ESYO aims to inspire young musicians to excel in a progressive learning environment, offering high-level performance opportunities. Over 500 youth from New York’s Capital Region and western New England are selected by audition each year.
ESYO will conclude their 2022-2023 season at Carnegie Hall with Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary fifth Symphony and Verdi’s Nabucco Overture. Music Director Etienne Abelin described the upcoming performance as “emotional, powerful music,” resonating deeply with the young musicians. The young ensemble eagerly anticipates the incredible opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall. Principal double bass Orin Carlson-Lee described the momentus occasion as “not just a concert but a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the magic of music.”
While The Carnegie Hall concert will close ESYO’s 2022-2023 season, there are no shortage of ESYO events this summer. Encore Stage will celebrate graduating ESYO students on June 17. The event aims to showcase the senior class, their talent, and accomplishments. Senior-led groups will perform throughout the afternnoon, scholarships will be awarded, and an alumni speaker will offer words of wisdom to graduating members. Alum and founer of Bassworks, Colin O’Bryan, will offer the keynote address.
Additionally, starting on July 31, ESYO’s Summer Sessions begin. The sessions include myriad activities, from week-long intensives to workshops to concert picnic outings. Some events are open to the public, and encourage everyone to come together to make music. More information and registration are available here.
Another summer highlight involves talented CHIME musicians, selected to participate in National Seminario Ravina. These students will travel to Chicago in July for rehearsals and coachings with renowned conductors and musicians
Those interested in attending the Cargenie Hall concert or signing up for a summer opportunity can find more information here. Additionally, students interested in applying for the 2023-2024 ESYO season can find more information here.
