NYS Music 2023

Category: Schenectady

  • 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.

  • A Collaborative School of the Arts Rock Camp at Proctors

    Over July 10-21, Proctors Collaborative School of the Arts is hosting Rock Camp, a program designed to provide an environment for aspiring musicians (ages 10-16) to strengthen their skills, develop new techniques and build confidence in performing.

    From 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, Rock Camp deals with several aspects of music, including technical aspects of instruments, the musical history of the genre, song writing, theory, arranging, rehearsal techniques, stage presence, and more.

    With practical instruction from professionals, students are exposed to the elements of performing, arranging original music, forming a band, and much more. Additionally, a gig in the Great Hall of Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) to showcase their talents. We spoke with Crispin Catricala, the director of Rock Camp this summer, to learn more about the program, its origins, audition process, and outcomes.

    Background

    Rock Camp is not the first musical camp to be hosted at Proctors Collaborative School of the Arts. However, the origins of Rock Camp begin with director Crispin Catricala, selected specifically for the program.

       Proctors Collaborative School of the Arts has had long success with their other camps like the Broadway Camp, Broadway Camp Junior and Summer Stage Young Acting Company. I was honored when, just after I had retired from teaching public school, they approached me to be the director for a new summer camp for young rock musicians up at UPH in Saratoga. With a bit of a delayed start due to the pandemic, we started our first summer session in 2021 and have been growing ever since.

    Crispin Catricala, born into a musical family, has long possessed a passion for music, playing guitar by 13, and playing professionally by 17. Crispin would go on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition and a Master’s Degree in Musical Education, teaching public school music education for more than 28 years. Additionally, Crispin has worked as a private guitar instructor for more than 30 years, and has played in several bands throughout all that time.

    Audition Process

    An audition based program, Rock Camp requires musicians to record a performance of two songs that they feel comfortable with. However, the recording itself can be quite basic – according to Crispin, an iPhone video would suffice. Musicians can play along with tracks, as long as it is clear that their playing is separate from the original recording.

    So, what qualities does Rock Camp look for in potential musicians? While Rock Camp is open to all styles of rock music, Crispin noted that they specifically seek individuals who possess basic, foundational skills, and demonstrate a desire to enhance their knowledge and acquire additional expertise. Critical thinking and active listening skills are important for applicants, but most of all, a love and passion for music and an openness to feedback within the creative process are necessary.

    This year, 17 young musicians were selected to join the program.

    A Typical Day at Rock Camp

    The two week program runs Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm. Crispin’s detailing of a typical day at Rock Camp reveals the enriching, well-rounded nature of the program.

    Morning sessions generally deal with either a guest artist/presenter, a lesson that deals with either your instrument or maybe a lesson that deals with music history or theory. By afternoon we’ve broken down to smaller ensembles working on specific songs and by the end of the day meet upstairs to play for our peers on the main stage and group discussion.

    Rather than form one or two bands that rehearse a set of songs together, the program forms numerous combinations of musicians, making up several groups song by song for an evening’s performance. According to Crispin, this allows the musicians to engage with everyone in the camp and not be grouped into one ensemble or style.

    Rock Camp is open to young musicians ages 10-16. While the age gap may seem wide to some, Crispin explained that the music itself works as an equalizer.

    Once you start making music with people, age is not a huge factor. Plus, we’ve had 11-year-olds that have been playing since the age of five and 14-year-olds that started when they were twelve. So really, everybody has something to bring to the table.

    Program Goals and Outcomes

    At the end of the two-week camp, the groups will perform an hour-plus concert, open to the public at UPH, complete with incredible lighting and sound in one of the area’s newest and most beautiful premiere performance spaces. While the performance will surely showcase the talent and accomplishments of the program, Crispin hopes that the impacts of Rock Camp on the musicians will run deeper.

    Our hope and our expectations are that the experience leaves everyone better at their instrument and overall craft. Also, that new musical connections and friendships have been created that could last long past Rock Camp.

    For more information about Rock Camp, the audition process, and ticket reservations for their performance at UPH, visit this website. To learn more about camp director Crispin Catricala, visit his website.

  • Glenville’s Thursdays In The Park Returns For Summer of 2023

    Glenville’s summer music concert series ‘Thursdays in the Park’ is returning this August for a five week run of incredible live performances. Thursdays In The Park is set to begin on August 3rd and continue every Thursday in August at 7:00 PM at Indian Meadows Park.

    glenville

    Thursdays In The Park has been a free annual summer event for the community of Glenville for years, and this summer is bringing a diverse and highly talented lineup to the park. The duo Double Barrel will kick off the series on August 3rd by delivering a country set list for audience members to enjoy while later in the month Nymbus will make an appearance with some classic rock!

    Various other genres will be featured throughout the month, but music isn’t the only attraction. The series also offers free Stewart’s Ice Cream for every performance as well as an additional movie night on August 26th at Maalwyck Park where members of the community can sit back and relax while watching the cinematic hit Top Gun 2.

    Thursdays In The Park Lineup

    August 3rd – Double Barrel (Country Duo)

    August 10th – Little Bit of Everything (Folk Music)

    August 17th – West Side Drive (Dance Music)

    August 24th – Nymbus (Classic Rock Music)

    August 26th – Special Family Night Movie @Maalwyck Park (Top Gun 2)

    August 31st – Soul Provider (Horns)

  • Proctors Collaborative and Music Haven Present Proctors Passport Series Lineup

    For 30 years, Music Haven has presented an amazing array of global sounds in Schenectady’s Central Park. Proctors Collaborative is extending its partnership with the storied summer concert series to bring a dynamic new slate of world music events to the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady, and Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs for the 23-24 season. While international travel offers little in the way of discounts, the Proctors Passport Series pass gives patrons tickets to all seven shows for the price of four. The series runs from October to May.

    Saturday, Oct. 7 – Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto

    To kick off the globetrotting series, world-renowned kora player and Senegalese griot Ablaye Cissoko teams up with the French diatonic accordion maestro Cyrille Brotto to create music to clear the mind and inspire the senses at the GE Theatre at Proctors 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7.

    Friday, Oct. 20 – Lengaïa Salsa Brava

    Lengaïa Salsa Brava, founded by Latin-Guyanese trombonist Giany-Frantz Huyghues-Despointes, is a 12-piece multi-awarded big band based in Montreal. The orchestration of three trombones and a baritone saxophone gives a powerful edge and identity to their music while maintaining the heritage of the ‘70s New York salsa dura style. They will be welcoming listeners and dancers alike to UPH 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20.

    Friday, Nov. 3 – The Brooklyn Nomads

    The Brooklyn Nomads is a celebrated cross-cultural ensemble rooted in musical traditions from the Arab World, with a mission to create memorable experiences for its audiences. Join them in Schenectady at the GE Theatre at Proctors 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3

    Saturday, Dec. 2 – The Klezmatic’s Happy Joyous Hanukkah Concert

    The Klezmatics’ Happy Joyous Hanukkah Concert–co-promoted with The Eighth Step–will celebrate the annual Festival of Lights in the GE Theatre at Proctors 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 with songs from the beloved Klezmer band’s Grammy-winning collaboration with recently discovered Woody Guthrie lyrics.

    Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 – Bassekou Kouyate

    The foremost of a new generation of bandleaders from the musical hotbed of Mali, Bassekou Kouyate has been revolutionary in developing new techniques of playing the ngoni, an ancient traditional lute found throughout West Africa. Join them at UPH 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16.

    Thursday, April 18, 2024 – BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet

    Multi-Grammy™ winning BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been hailed as “the best Cajun band in the world.” Credited with taking the art form from its regional roots in Louisiana to popularity worldwide, Doucet and the band are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year with select dates, including one at UPH 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18.

    Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – Ricardo Ribeiro and Diana Vilarinho

    Fado, with its spirited singing and lithe acoustic accompaniment, captures the spirit and inventiveness of Portugal in a seamless tradition stretching out over more than 150 years. One of few international art forms that have not yet been presented in the Capital Region, fado takes over the GE Theatre at Proctors 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, with a stunning double bill featuring one of the genre’s biggest stars, Ricardo Ribeiro, joined by breakout singer Diana Vilarinho.

    Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at (518) 346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online at universalpreservationhall.org or proctors.org.

  • Schenectady’s Jazz on Jay Returns For The Summer of 2023

    With summer right around the corner, locations all over New York are preparing to hold lively outdoor music entertainment for the public. Schenectady is no different as the city’s concert series “Jazz on Jay” is back for the summer of 2023 and is already well under way.

    Jazz on Jay began on June 1st and performances are held every Thursday from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM on the cobblestone stretch of Schenectady’s beautiful Jay Street Arcade.

    The concert series is completely free to the public and works to support the region’s talent as every performance will be carried out by working artists and educators. This year’s line up includes several special visits, including the swing of the well-established, fiddle and vocal-driven Teresa Broadwell Band; the Slam Stewart-inspired musings of the Tarik Shah Trio; the North Country Django Reinhardt fire of the 2022 Eddie Award-winning Hot Club of Saratoga; and the creative jazz of the Michael Bisio Quartet.

    In addition to the soothing sounds of jazz, this year’s Jazz on Jay will introduce a new component in which local artists Heather Hutchison and Oscar Bogran will create artwork based on the music they hear being played during a specific performance. Hutchinson will be present for Mike Purcell & Company’s performance on June 22nd while Bogran will create his art on both August 10th and August 31st.

    With a rule that performers cannot play “Jazz on Jay” consecutive years in a row, concert goers are in for a summer of fresh talent and smooth jazz.

    Full Listing Jazz on Jay 2023

    June 1 ESYO Jazz Combo

    June 8 The Trojan Horns

    June 15 Musicats

    June 22 Mike Purcell & Company

    June 29 Peter Van Keuren Trio

    July 6 Teresa Broadwell Band

    July 13 Tarik Shah Trio

    July 20 Tim Olsen Trio

    July 27 Eric Ciarmello Quartet

    Aug. 3 Hot Club of Saratoga

    Aug. 10 Sonny & Perley

    Aug. 17 Allen Halstead Quartet

    Aug. 24 Michael Bisio Quartet

    Aug. 31 Doc Horton and the Jay Street Band

  • Music Haven Announces 2023 Summer Lineup

    Music Haven 2023 in Central Park in Schenectady announced its summer lineup, kicking off its 33 season of “traveling the world one concert at a time.”

    Music Haven 2023 will take listeners 50,000 miles and back while presenting music and performing arts from Ghana, Andalusia, Ireland, Texas, Gambia, Louisiana, South Asia, Georgia, Stratford-upon-Avon, and beyond. “This summer, our musical journeys will cross seven distinct bodies of water—The Atlantic and Indian Oceans; the Alboran, Black, Mediterranean, and Arabian Seas; and the Bay of Bengal” says Eddie Award-winning Producing Artistic Director Mona Golub. “We’ll gather to hear spectacular global artists who have not played these parts before, welcome back some old friends who have dazzled the world since they last graced our stage, and showcase, as special guests, some of the finest talents our region has to offer.”

    Each show features a variety of food and beverages available for purchase at all shows beginning at 6 p.m. on 7 p.m. concert nights and throughout festivals and special events. Michele’s Charcoal Pit and Ben & Jerry’s return with food and dessert available for purchase. Reflecting tradition, international offerings showcasing the locales from which the global artists come will be sold at the concession stand. Proctors is the official rain site for concerts on July 9 – July 23 and Aug. 20, with Niskayuna High School serving as the rain site July 30–Aug. 13. Shows scheduled on Aug. 11, 25, and 26, will take place in the park rain or shine. All concerts start at 7 p.m. unless noted otherwise.

    Music Haven 2023 Lineup

    July 9—Rocky Dawuni

    **moved to Proctors.

    Groove to the rhythms of Ghanaian multi-Grammy-nominated “Afro Roots,” a mixture of Reggae, Afrobeat, Highlife, and Soul music, artist Rocky Dawuni. An international star and champion of social causes, Dawuni straddles Africa, the Caribbean Islands, and the United States, and is a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa. Opening for him is Zorkie Nelson and Umoja Drummers, thumping out beats on authentic handmade instruments.

     July 13—La Banda Morisca

    La Banda Morisca, an Andalusian sextet, pays homage to their ancient Al-Andalus cultural heritage while rocking it forward with rich sonic accents from North Africa’s Maghreb Desert and the Middle East. Opening for them is Maria Zemantauski, a master of the Flamenco guitar.

    July 16—Joey Alexander

    Returning for the first time since 2015, Joey Alexander has appeared at some of the world’s most prestigious festivals and events, wowing audiences with his proficient mastery of the piano. Opening is Joe Barna and Sketches of Influence who similarly appraise jazz with one eye on the past and the other on the future.

    Joey Alexander.

    July 22 from 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.—NipperFest Music & Arts Festival

    Celebrating all things 518, the festival features 16 bands on two stages, including Billboard AAA Top 40 artists Jocelyn and Chris, an artist pavilion, food trucks, and craft beer. 

    July 23—Sona Jobarteh

    Gambian singer, educator, and activist Sona Jobarteh is the first professional female Kora virtuoso to hail from any of the great West African Griot dynasties. She will mesmerize listeners with her distinctively modern riff on an ancient African groove. Opening for her is Heard.

    Sona Jobarteh.

    July 30 from 5-9 p.m.—Blues BBQ featuring Vanessa Collier, Johnny Sansone, and Jontavious Willis

    July concludes with Music Haven’s annual Blues BBQ featuring Blues Music Award’s reigning Contemporary Female Blues Artist, Vanessa Collier, New Orleans multi-instrumentalist Johnny Sansone and Taj Mahal protégé Jontavious Willis.

    Aug. 5—Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra

    August kicks off with the newly renamed Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra. Under the baton of Artistic Director Glen Cortese, the SSSO returns with “Legends of Broadway,” selections from beloved musicals including West Side Story, Les Miserables, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more.

     Aug. 6—Eileen Ivers

    The original star of “Riverdance,” a founding member of Cherish the Ladies, and a nine-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, Eileen Ivers has played with Sting, The Chieftains, and Symphony Orchestras alike and has been called “The Future of the Celtic fiddle.” Opening for her are The McKrells, blending Celtic and bluegrass to create a sound enjoyed around the world.

    Aug. 11 from 5-9 p.m.—In the Heights

    Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for creating the hit musical Hamilton is celebrated with a Latin Block Party featuring live music by Taina Asili and Latin food, followed by a screening of the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights.

    Aug. 13—Aditya Prakash Ensemble

    The Aditya Prakash Ensemble fuses South Asian Karnatik vocals with jazz and funk. One of the youngest musicians to ever perform with sitar legend Ravi Shankar, Prakash is a master of South Indian Karnatik singing. Opening is the SUNY Schenectady Jazz Faculty Combo, comprised of the region’s most talented players and educators.

    Aug. 20—Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole

    Cedric Watson is a four-time Grammy-nominated fiddler, singer, accordionist, and songwriter, and one of the brightest young talents to emerge in Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco over the last decade. Opening are Old-Fashioned Aces who will wow audiences with their deeply-rooted traditional Cajun sounds.

    Aug. 25–26—Will Kempe’s Players

    The Capital Region’s own traveling Shakespearean troupe Will Kempe’s Players, closes the 2023
    season with back-to-back repertory performances of the Bard’s The Taming of the Shrew and Two
    Gentlemen of Verona    . Period music by Andy Rutherford on lute and Yvonne Hansbrough on flute.

    For more information about Music Haven 2023, visit here.

  • Scotia’s Freedom Park Shares Summer 2023 Concert Series

    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 scotia

    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.

  • Schenectady Symphony Orchestra Announces Name Change

    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.

  • ESYO Returns to Carnegie Hall this June

    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.

  • Upstate Theater Coalition for a Fairgame Awarded $165,000 in Grants

    The Upstate Theater Coalition for a Fairgame announced that it has received $165,000 in grant awards to non-profit arts and cultural organizations in the Capital, Catskills, and Southern Tier districts.

    Formed in partnership with New York and four casinos in the three gaming regions previously listed: Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, Resorts World Catskills, del Lago Resort & Casino (Waterloo), and Tioga Downs Casino Resort (Nichols).

    11 additional theater/venue members also make up the Upstate Theater Coalition, with them being major local figures in the towns of Albany, Bethel, Binghamton, Elmira, Ithaca, Poughkeepsie, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, and Rochester.

    27 counties were able to apply for $1,000-$5,000 dollar grants in order to help enrich the community and the respective shared spaces. Through its community engagement, the Coalition created Fairgame Arts Grants, a funding program published in 2019 to assist organizations in regions across New York State. 

    Since the 2019 mark, over 100 non-profit arts and cultural organizations have received grant awards, compiling a total of over $450,000 for these groups. 

    Jon Elbaum, Executive Director of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and President of Fairgame, is looking forward to revitalizing local theaters and businesses that have had trouble rebounding since the pandemic.

    “So many programs were delayed or even cancelled because of the pandemic shutdown; this type of support often represents the difference between a great idea and a fully realized and measurably beneficial initiative. We are thrilled to be able to offer this funding once again.”

    -Jon Elbaum

    Between the Catskills, Capital, and Southern Tier regions, almost 40 venues will receive grant awards.

    Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy

    Award Recipients

    Capital Region recipients: 440 State St. Inc., Albany Center Gallery, Contemporary Circus and Immersive Arts Center, Frank Chapman Memorial Institute, Home Made Theatre, LAKE GEORGE Opera Festival Association, Inc. (dba Opera Saratoga), Media Alliance, Inc., Millay Colony for the Arts, Music Haven, New York Folklore, Sand Lake Center for the Arts, Saratoga Chamber Players, Inc. and The Orchard Project.

    Catskill Region recipients: Arm-of-the-Sea Productions, Inc., Arts Mid-Hudson, Athens Cultural Center, Bridge Street Theatre, Catskill Mountain Shakespeare, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, DENIZEN Theatre, Forestburgh Playhouse, Gardiner Library, Hudson Opera House, Inc. dba Hudson Hall, Kingston Midtown Arts District, Nego Gato Inc., NYTOS, Pan American Dance Foundation, Inc. dba Woodstock Playhouse, Roxbury Arts Group, The Vanaver Caravan and Voice Theatre, Inc.

    Southern Tier recipients: A Magical Journey Thru Stages, Inc., Binghamton Philharmonic, Inc. Binghamton Theater Organ Society, Circus Culture, Community Arts Partnership of Thompkins County, Corning-Elmira Musical Arts, Inc., Grupo Cultural Latinos En Rochester, Inc., Southern Finger Lakes Pride and The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes.