NYS Music 2023

Category: Central NY

  • Salt-N-Pepa Celebrate 50 Years of Hip Hop at NYS Fair

    Salt-N-Pepa will make their third appearance at the NYS Fair on Opening Day, Aug. 23, celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop.

    Salt-N-Pepa NYS Fair

    Cheryl James (also known as “Salt”) and Sandy Denton (also known as “Pepa”) first linked up in the mid-1980s when they were both Queensborough Community College students and Sears colleagues in Queens. Their coworker – and Salt’s boyfriend at the time – asked them to rap on a song he was producing. That song, “The Show Stopper,” became an underground hit and landed on the national R&B charts, leading to a record deal and the duo’s debut album, Hot, Cool & Vicious.

    Since then, Salt-N-Pepa has received several Grammy awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, as well as a Lifetime biopic. Some of their hits include “Push It,” “Shake Your Thang,” “Shoop” and “Whatta Man.” Through party anthems, big beats, and pro-feminist lyrics, the group broke down barriers for women in hip hop and were one of the first rap artists to experience success in the pop music realm and played a big role in solidifying the acceptance of rap and hip hop in the mainstream music world.

    Joining in the celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, Salt-N-Pepa will pay homage to their classic hip-hop roots, while entertaining the audience all night long. Don’t miss the group perform at Chevy Court at the NYS Fair on Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. For more information about the Fair, visit here.

    New York State Fair Lineup

    Chevy Court

    Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.- Chubby Checker

    Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.- Salt-N-Pepa

    Aug. 24 at 6 p.m.- Quiet Riot

    Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.- Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure 

    Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.- Julio Iglesias Jr. 

    Aug. 27 at 1 p.m.- The Prodigals

    Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.- Matt Stell

    Aug. 28 at 1 p.m.- Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone

    Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.- Anne Wilson

    Aug. 29 at 1 p.m.- Tommy James and the Shondells

    Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.- Bret Michaels

    Aug. 30 at 1 p.m.- Danielle Ponder

    Aug. 30 at 6 p.m.- Chapel Hart

    Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.- The Fray

    Sept. 2 at 12-9:45 p.m.- JAMS Funk Fest Featuring: Brick (6:45 p.m.) & Dazz Band (8:15 p.m.)

    Sun. Sept. 3 at 1 p.m.- Disney Junior Live On tour: Costume Palooza

    Sept. 4 at 12 p.m.- The High Kings

    Suburban Park

    Aug. 23 at 2 p.m.- Steven Page

    Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.- Lainey Wilson

    Aug. 24 at 8 p.m.- Theory of a Deadman

    Aug. 26 at 8 p.m.- George Thorogood and the Destroyers

    Aug. 27 at 2 p.m.- Boys World

    Aug. 28 at 8 p.m.- REO Speedwagon

    Aug. 29 at 8 p.m- Tyler Hubbard

    Aug. 30 at 8 p.m.- Ann Wilson

    Aug. 31 at 8 p.m.- Ludacris

    Sept. 1 at 8 p.m.- J.I.D.

    Sept. 2 at 8 p.m.-Quinn XCII

    Sept. 3 at 8 p.m.- Yung Gravy and bbno$

    Sept. 4 at 6 p.m.- Skid Row

  • Skid Row to Close 2023 NYS Fair

    The New York State Fair has announced that Skid Row will close out the Fair on Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Suburban Park Stage.

    Skid Row

    Founded in 1832 by a group of local farmers for agriculture and local fairs, The Great New York State Fair did not become a musical showcase until the 1950s and 1960s, when the fair began gearing towards entertainment.

    Touring in support of their newest album, The Gang’s All Here, Skid Row will play through new songs as well as the fan favorites that first put them on the map, like “18 and Life,” “Youth Gone Wild,” and “I Remember You,” as well as new singles too, including “Tear it Down,” “Time Bomb,” and “The Gang’s All Here.” The band features original members Rachel Bolan (Bass), Dave “Snake” Sabo (Guitar), and Scotti Hill (Guitar), with Rob Hammersmith (Drums), and the newest member and longtime fan of the band, Erik Grönwall (Lead Vocals), a Swedish Idol winner (2009).

    All shows, including Skid Row, are included in the New York State Fair admission.

    New York State Fair Lineup

    Chevy Court

    Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.- Chubby Checker

    Aug. 24 at 6 p.m.- Quiet Riot

    Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.- Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure 

    Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.- Julio Iglesias Jr. 

    Aug. 27 at 1 p.m.- The Prodigals

    Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.- Matt Stell

    Aug. 28 at 1 p.m.- Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone

    Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.- Anne Wilson

    Aug. 29 at 1 p.m.- Tommy James and the Shondells

    Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.- Bret Michaels

    Aug. 30 at 1 p.m.- Danielle Ponder

    Aug. 30 at 6 p.m.- Chapel Hart

    Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.- The Fray

    Sept. 2 at 12-9:45 p.m.- JAMS Funk Fest Featuring: Brick (6:45 p.m.) & Dazz Band (8:15 p.m.)

    Sun. Sept. 3 at 1 p.m.- Disney Junior Live On tour: Costume Palooza

    Sept. 4 at 12 p.m.- The High Kings

    Suburban Park

    Aug. 23 at 2 p.m.- Steven Page

    Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.- Lainey Wilson

    Aug. 24 at 8 p.m.- Theory of a Deadman

    Aug. 26 at 8 p.m.- George Thorogood and the Destroyers

    Aug. 27 at 2 p.m.- Boys World

    Aug. 28 at 8 p.m.- REO Speedwagon

    Aug. 29 at 8 p.m- Tyler Hubbard

    Aug. 30 at 8 p.m.- Ann Wilson

    Aug. 31 at 8 p.m.- Ludacris

    Sept. 1 at 8 p.m.- J.I.D.

    Sept. 2 at 8 p.m.-Quinn XCII

    Sept. 3 at 8 p.m.- Yung Gravy and bbno$

    Sept. 4 at 6 p.m.- Skid Row

  • Anderson Center for the Performing Arts Announces 2023-24 Season

    Binghamton University’s Anderson Center for the Performing Arts announced its 2023-24 season, including performances by Step Afrika!, a Coco Live-to-Film Concert, Lisa Fischer, and more.

    The Anderson Center for the Performing Arts is located on the main campus of Binghamton University, in Vestal, NY. The Anderson Center’s multiple theaters are designed to meet the needs of every performing group including soloists, chamber ensembles, symphonies, and more.

    Programming at the Anderson Center includes performances by the Binghamton University Departments of Music and Theatre and various student groups, as well as a summer concert series, an international performing arts series and special events for the university community and regional arts lovers.

    Step Afrika!: Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

    Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities. This includes traditional Western and Southern African dances and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience.

    These performances are much more than dance shows. They also integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.

    Coco Live-to-Film Concert: Thursday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

    AMP presents Disney Pixar’s Coco Live-to-Film Concert on Tour featuring a screening of the complete film. The screening will also be accompanied by Oscar and Grammy-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México.

    Ranky Tanky with Very Special Guest Ms. Lisa Fischer: Thursday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

    This band of native South Carolinians brings the soulful songs of the Gullah culture to life. They mix low country traditions with large doses of jazz, gospel, funk, and R&B. Grammy-winning powerhouse vocalist Ms. Lisa Fischer joins them as a very special guest. Fischer toured for over 25 years with the Rolling Stones and has a standout appearance in the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom.

    Red Hot Chilli Pipers: Friday, Mar. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

    After nearly selling out the theater in 2022, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers (that’s pipers, not peppers) return to the Anderson Center in March 2024 to celebrate St. Patrick in foot-stomping Binghamton style.

    The Magic of Rob Lake: Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m.

    One of the world’s most celebrated illusionists, Rob Lake’s mind-blowing illusions dazzle and entertain millions across network television, in Times Square, on the Vegas Strip, in Atlantic City, and before sold-out audiences in casinos, arenas, and theatres worldwide. Named “The World’s Greatest Illusionist” by NBC, Lake is also internationally renowned for his mesmerizing and award-winning illusion spectacular.

    Other announced events can be found here.

  • Celebrate Make Music Day 2023 Across New York State

    Held annually on June 21, the summer solstice, Make Music Day is a daylong, musical free-for-all that celebrates music in all its forms. All across the world, free music events will take place, with a great deal of events held across New York State.

    make music day

    Make Music Day began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique and now spans over 1,000 cities in 120 countries in 2023. Make Music Concerts, unlike conventional music festivals, encourage performances by anyone who wants to participate. In the same way, performances are enjoyed by everyone who wants to attend. Ranging from classical to folk, hip hop to opera, latin jazz to punk rock, live music of all kinds can be enjoyed on Make Music Day.

    Make Music Troy

    The first annual Make Music Troy, a wonderful mix of free, public musical events, will debut on Wednesday, June 21. This summer, over 100 U.S. cities will join the world’s largest annual music event, with thousands of Make Music performances nationwide. Participating organizations include Troy Public Library, Troy City School District, Oakwood Community Center, The Ruck, Song City, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, and more. Anyone and everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of musical expertise or age.

    Make Music Troy will feature a variety of musical performances and activities throughout the day. Some highlights of Make Music Troy will include:

    • Year End Celebration at Tenth Street Garden – Children’s Songs & Sing Along – 2:30pm – 3:15pm
    • Color Run Music Celebration at School 19 – Performances by HEARD – Time TBD
    • Drum Making Kits at the Troy Public Library – All Day
    • Under the Mural Community Drum Circle at the Troy Saving Bank Musical Hall Parking Lot – Performance by Zorkie Nelson – 6:00pm-7:00pm

    For those interested in participating, you can sign up here. Artists and performers sign up to note their interest. Businesses, buildings, schools, churches, and other institutions interested in hosting performances can visit the website to match with local performers.

    A full schedule of events will be available and posted here.

    Make Music New York

    Returning for its 15th year, Make Music New York will feature an exciting roster of activations. During the week leading up to the 21st, there will be events on June 17 and 18, like Porch Stomp!, the tenth annual edition of NYC’s Americana and folk music festival featuring over one hundred musicians performing on Governors Island. Additionally, the Southeast Queens Gospelfest – an amazing lineup of gospel musicians headlined by award-winning songwriter Rich Tolvert Jr presented in partnership with NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation At Baisley Pond Par, Queens. It will also be the 15th year of the annual DIY Punk Festival, Punk Island, at the American Veterans Memorial Pier in Shore Road Park, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

    Highlights for June 21 include:

    • Pueblo Harlem – the Afro Larin Jazz Alliance’s (ALJA) annual celebration of Hispanic heritage and cluture, which has taken place since 2014, including performances by the multi-Grammy-Award winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, the Fat Cats, ALJA’s pre-professional youth ensemble, and special guests from ALJA’s family of performing and traching artists – at Johnny Hartman Plaza in Hamilton Heights. Presented in partnership with the NYC Department of Transportation and The Brotherhood Sister Sol.
    • Street Studios: From 12-4 pm in front of the Harman / JBL store at 19 E Houston Street in Soho. A small mobile recording studio will be set up on the shop’s sidewalk. Gust producers will invite the public and passerby to contribute original audio (by singing, rapping, playing an instrument) which they then record, mix, and loop and play back to create spontaneous, collaborative productions. This season’s producers are The Beatbox House, a NYC-based collective of World Champion Beatboxers comprised of five core members: Gene Shinozaki, Kenny Urban, NaPoM, Amit and Chris Celiz.
    • Paul’s Pianopalooza: From 3-7 pm at Madison Square Park in the Flatiron District, the New York State Music Teachers Association, District 1 Manhattan-Bronx, will kick off with a piano-based marathon and a 90th birthfay celebration for beloved NYC composer and educator Paul Sheftel. Pianists of all ages and levels will perform a program of Paul’s works, including a visit from the maestro himself, to be followed with “Made in New York,” piano music by NYC composers of all stripes. Presented in partnership with the Madison Square Park Conservancy.
    • Mass Appeal Guitars: Hosted by NYC Guitar School, from 4:30-7 pm at Union Square Park’s south plaza. You can bring your guitar to the park and join hundreds of guitarists of all levels in Union Square, for a massive guitar strum-along of beginner friendly songs like “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley, “Seven Bridges Road” by The Eagles, and more. Free guitar lessons from twenty guitar teachers from 4:30-6:30pm, the play-along is at 6:30pm, and then stick around at 7 pm for live rock music.

    Yonkers

    Auburn

    Auburn, New York, will have live piano music at Café 108 (owned and operated by Auburn Public Theater) from 11:00am to 2:30. They will also have live music in Stage Right at Auburn Public Theater from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. 

    Albany

    The Egg will celebrate international‘Make Music Day’ on Wednesday, June 21st at 12:00 pm with a free outdoor concert by the group Heard.

    Heard is a collective of musicians that brings their skills and passion for world music, jazz and improvising together to create irresistible grooves from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and beyond, set in a unique sonic tapestry.  For this special ‘Make Music Day’ concert, they will invite the audience to sing, stomp and shake along with them, with free egg shakers for the first 100 people who arrive for the show!

    In the event of inclement weather, the concert will take place on the South Concourse at the Empire State Plaza. The event is presented in cooperation with the NYS Office of General Services Special Events with support from M&T Bank.

  • 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.

  • In Focus: New York State Blues Festival, Day 1

    The 31st edition of the New York State Blues Festival kicked off Thursday afternoon of June 15th at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, underneath beautiful blue skies.  The annual event, which has grown substantially over the last thirty years, is known for being one of the largest, free, multi-day blues festivals in the northeast, and features a mixture of local, regional, and national blues acts.

    Brandon Santini performs at the 2023 NYS Blues Festival

    The festivities kicked off Thursday afternoon with a high energy set by Syracuse’s own Fillmore Blues Band.  As the band took to the stage, the areas in front of the stage were already filled with early arriving blues fans, eager to get the party started.  Festival goers sang and danced as the Fillmore Blues Band weaved their way through a 75 minute set of covers and originals.  The set showcased a band known for their dynamic musical improvisation.  Led by Mike Petroff on harmonica and vocals, the performance did not disappoint those in attendance.  Petroff even took his harmonica into the crowd, playing stage-side on top of a table, giving passionate onlookers an up close view of the musician.

    The Fillmore Blues Band kicked off the 2023 NYS Blues Festival

    Next up was Memphis based rocker and blues harmonicist, Brandon Santini.  Santini launched into his set with a harmonica solo which set the stage for his performance.  The set was high energy, and saw crunchy blues guitar riffs to back Santini’s deep vocals and harmonica playing.   Santini paid tribute blues harmonica legend Sonny Boy Williamson, with a phenomenal rendition of “Nine Below Zero”.  Santini, who played the festival in 2016, was easily an early favorite of the audience as many in attendance came donning his merchandise.  His set did not disappoint.

    Brandon Santini performs at the 2023 NYS Blues Festival

    Headlining the evening were the Blood Brothers ft Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia.  The duo of blues guitar heavy-weights were touring in support of their January 2023 full length album Blood Brothers.  Easily one of the most anticipated sets going into the weekend, the two did not let those in attendance down.  The long time friends, known for their immense musical chemistry on stage, showcased why Joe Bonamassa once stated “They finish each other’s sentences, musically.” Their set, which leaned heavily on tracks from their self titled release, saw the pair dual on many guitar solos.  Their passion for the music was visible from the audience, as the two routinely flashed smiles to each other as they tried to “out dual” the other. 

    Blood Brothers ft Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia perform at the 2023 NYS Blues Festival

    The festival continues through Saturday and features headliner and blues legend, Buddy Guy with direct support from Samantha Fish on Saturday night. Admission is free.

  • NY Harvest Festival Announces Return for 26th Annual Celebration

    The NY Harvest Festival & Freedom Fair are returning to Ithaca for the 26th straight year of celebrating music, arts, and cannabis culture. Taking place October 6-9, 2023 at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds, attendees will get to experience a packed musical lineup along with interactions with local cannabis companies.

    NY Harvest Festival
    2021 NY Harvest Festival Cannabis Cup

    Featuring multiple stages, fine art displays, street vendors, workshops, activist & educational speakers, a farmers market, onsite camping, and many more activities, the NY Harvest Festival expects to embody the connection between cannabis and music.

    On Friday, October 6, the headliner event features two sets of Dogs in a Pile, whose exploratory music blends psychedelia, jazz, fusion, funk, traditional, and rock n roll. Performing their first-ever festival show here years ago, Dogs in a Pile returns to put on yet another unforgettable showing.

    Saturday, October 7th’s lineup will additionally feature more local New York talent, as Sophistafunk, The Garcia Project, Gratefully Yours, and special guest Immortal Technique will all take the stage.

    Other artists anticipating performances at the event include The Tyler Neal Band, Tony Vacca & World Rhythms, EARTH, The Cosmic Charlies, and so many other up-and-coming local talents.

    Lastly, the festival’s main event, the Cannabis Cup, takes place Sunday, October 8 at 4:20 pm, and festival producer and veteran NY cannabis activist Rob Robinson will be the host. Known as America’s longest-running cannabis cup, everyone over 21 that wants to be, gets the opportunity to be a judge.

    “NY Harvest Fest is a celebration of our cannabis culture. A place where the culture could always feel free, despite prohibition. Now that cannabis is legal and its potential is being realized, we are excited to bring this event, this culture, back into the light.”

    – Rob Robinson

    As the longest-running, largest, private cannabis event in New York, the NY Harvest Festival continues paving the way in the marijuana industry while intertwining it with community involvement. Now, for the 26th straight year, the festival has even more freedom and excitement surrounding cannabis legalization.

    A shot of the crowd from the 2022 NY Harvest Festival

  • Toosii’s R&B and Rap Talent Shine in Debut Studio Album “NAUJOUR”

    After “Favorite Song” caught fire globally, becoming the Syracuse rapper’s highest charting single to date, Toosii builds off this excitement from his recent success, dropping his first studio album NAUJOUR on June 2.

    NAUJOUR Toosii

    Gaining traction in the industry in 2020 with his debut project Poetic Pain, Toosii’s melodic, raspy voice matched with rap and R&B instrumentals has made him a unique music industry member. Tracks “Sapiosexual,” “Love Cycle,” and others launched Poetic Pain to peak at number 14 on the Billboard 100, a glimpse into his skill set moving forward.

    Late 2020 and early 2021 saw him generate more widespread buzz in Thank You For Believing where Toosii collaborated with DaBaby, Latto, and Key Glock, displaying his versatility by bouncing between genres. The overall hype around this project and past performances earned him a spot on the 2021 XXL Freshman List, and from there his career continued to explode.

    Fast forward to 2023, Toosii’s first full-length studio album as a member of Capitol Records, NAUJOUR, hypnotizes his audience by evolving his R&B skills since his 2022 EP Boy’s Don’t Cry: Men Do.

    In addition to his advanced R&B knowledge, he provides unique sample loops similar to earlier projects but acts as the foundation for more personal storytelling lyricism concerning his past.

    Album Rollout and Overview

    Coming in at 19 tracks, NAUJOUR‘s announcement came on May 5, 2023, via the rapper’s Instagram, while also continuously hinting at the album’s release in early 2023 through his lead singles and remixes of “Favorite Song.” Khalid and Future both appear in their own versions of the track, with Future’s being known as the “Toxic Version.”

    Originally appearing on the aforementioned Boy’s Don’t Cry: Men Do before NAUJOUR, “Love Is…” utilizes a sample from Julia Michaels’ “Love Is Weird” for the project’s lead single. A vulnerable, heartbreaking song, it sticks out in Toosii’s discography as one of his more personal performances.

    From track to track, we trek across his rise to stardom and come up in the highly competitive music industry, not skipping on any of the tough feats he had to endure from his childhood to the present day.

    Featuring only 21 Savage, Wallo 267, Future, and Khalid, the project is a prime look into Toosii’s solo abilities and one-of-a-kind vocals that have driven him to the top of the R&B pyramid.

    Standout Tracks

    “Rule Number 1” kickstarts the project on a family-oriented note, opening with a voice message from his mother sending love to the rapper and disclosing core memories from his younger years.

    He lists three rules for listeners to follow, going in on his past lack of trust with women, patience in waiting for his moment, and advice for future generations.

    Across much of Toosii’s discography, we dive deeper and deeper into his past love life and current relationship with Samaria Davis, as the third track “Another Love Song” showcases. His struggle to find that perfect balance of love between both parties is heard through the strong vocal delivery over a catchy, melodic sample loop.

    Despite the differences between Toosii and Davis, “Another Love Song” still ensures that he is there for her in the end no matter the situation.

    This another love song, this another anthem, somethin’ to bawl your eyes out to, when you’re feelin’ damaged, call me, tell me you need me there, when you wasn’t carin.’

    – Toosii on “Another Love Song”

    Track six “Villains & Heroes” pins this past relationship as a devil, angel situation, while also describing some of his wrongdoings that cause him pain.

    Another melodic sample loop lays out Toosii’s toxic lyricism towards his own actions and his partner’s as well, again a common theme when dissecting the pain of his past relationships.

    Pouring pain in his voice, each R&B song touches on the longing for love and the presentation of his life experiences learned through hardship.

    The stretch of “Go Go Go” and “Pull Up,” featuring 21 Savage, are fast-paced, upbeat rap performances, flaunting his capability in more than one genre.

    Behind the flawless production from the well-known producer team The LoopHoles, 21 Savage and Toosii create one of the project’s most entertaining and energetic tracks. The menacing tone set by the two artists makes for a moshpit anthem for any concert crowd and is not the first one of these to sneak into Toosii’s discography.

    Final Thoughts

    Mixing heart and soul into his R&B tunes and intense energy into rap, Toosii’s NAUJOUR encapsulates the multi-genre talent he has been mastering for years.

    On May 10, Toosii would announce his NAUJOUR Tour, a 22-city journey this Summer to showcase the rapper’s work to his fans.

    Expect music videos to come along with multiple singles off the project, with Toosii already dropping a video for track four “FWLM” on the same day as the album’s release.

  • In Focus: moe. at Saranac Brewery, June 9-10, 2023

    Local Utica musicians moe. played at Saranac Brewery over June 9 and 10, bringing in packed crowds to the Varick Street biergarten.

    The weekend provided as great a pair of hometown shows as you’d expect. A “Crab Eyes” to focus the crowd’s attention to the stage started the show off and was followed by a song for said crowd, “Happy Hour Hero.” Driving the tempo back up with “Not Coming Down” was met with Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home,” a rare treat that then dipped into the typical segue from “NCD,” “Wormwood.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MB-kJcookw

    Set two opened with Allman Brothers’ “Jessica,” and had Lotus guitarist Tim Palmeri join for a firey “Puebla” a few songs later. “Tubing the River Styx” did not go into “The Pit” as it typically does, but instead “Billy Goat” followed by “Tailspin.”

    An encore of “Farmer Ben” showcased percussionist Jim Loughlin’s vocal stylings where the medley portion at the end was used to highlight songs they were not playing “Moth,” “Plane Crash” and “Timmy Tucker” among them. “okayalright” closed the show and wrapped up a “Not Coming Down” > “Wormwood” > “okayalright” extended trio sandwich.

    moe. – Friday, June 9, 2023 – Saranac Brewery | Utica, NY

    Set 1: Crab Eyes, Happy Hour Hero, Not Coming Down > Can’t Find My Way Home > Wormwood > Deep This Time > Downward Facing Dog, Haze
    Set 2: Jessica, (nh) Silver Sun > LL3 > Puebla$ > Tubing the River Styx > Billy Goat > Tailspin
    Encore: Farmer Ben, okayalright
    $ w/Tim Palmeri

    While there were no bears during “Bearsong” on Saturday, the band fooled fans with a “Time Ed” fake out in a “Ricky Marten” jam that shifted into “Water” instead. Shannon Lynch joined on saxophone for “The Road” to close the set.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wd2509fKTwg

    A setbreak performance by ‘FingerbanG’ -a crew band that first performed at Summer Camp Music Festival in May – found them wearing ‘ridiculous inflatable costumes’ and played Spinal Tap’s “Big Bottom” and Queen’s “Fat Bottom Girls” in the short time they had.

    Set two opened with Not Normal track “Prestige Worldwide” and featured the ever-enjoyable combo of “Jazz Wank” > “Spaz Medicine,” followed by a solid “Opium” and “She” and “Brent Black” closing the set, with Chuck Garvey playing a top notch solo, even giving a Chuck.announcement and wishing his wife a happy birthday.

    The encore of Eric Clapton’s “Let it Rain” has found a comfortable spot in the rotation with Nate Wilson having joined the band and providing vocals for a proper Derek and the Dominoes cover.

    moe. – Saturday, June 10, 2023 – Saranac Brewery | Utica, NY

    Set 1: Skitchin Buffalo, Bearsong, White Lightening Turpentine, Big World -> Ricky Martin, Water, The Road*
    Set 2: Prestige Worldwide, Jazz Wank -> Spaz RX, Opium, She -> I don’t Wanna Be -> Brent Black
    Encore: Let It Rain
    *w/ Shannon Lynch on saxophone
    Ricky Martin had a Time Ed Jam fakeout.
    Opium had a “She’s So Heavy” by The Beatles intro.

    Our thanks to Pete Connors for show highlights.