Binghamton University’s Anderson Center for the Performing Arts announced its annual roster of summer concerts, featuring several opportunities for regional music lovers to get out and boogie.
The Anderson Center, located on the main campus of Binghamton University in Vestal, NY, aims to enhance the local community and support Binghamton University’s educational vision through enriching performances. This summer’s lineup is a testament to their commitment.
Friday, June 30
The Anderson Center presents The Temptations and the Four Tops, iconic Motown groups, for a night of solid gold hits.
The Temptations came to define Detroit’s Motown sound in the ’60s and ’70s with hits like “My Girl,” “Ain’t to Proud to Beg,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” The Temptations were ranked #1 “Greatest R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of All Time” by Billboard. Additionally, Rolling Stone hailed them as “the greatest black vocal group of the Modern Era,” highlighting their profound influence on the evolution of American music. The group is still touring with founding member Dr. Otis Williams.
The Four Tops emerged from the same Detroit neighborhoods as the Temptations, the Supremes, and Smokey Robinson. They too released their own string of chart-topping hits for the Motown label including “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “It’s The Same Old Song.” The Four Tops continue to tour with founding member Duke Fakir.
Friday, August 11
Melissa Etheridge’s tour bus rolls into campus later this summer for a stop on her Summer ’23 Tour. Etheridge’s confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals have made her a beloved singer-songwriter. Her string of ’90s hits solidify her enduring legacy. Familiar favorites include “Come to My Window,” “I’m the Only One,” and “I Want to Come Over.” Etheridge, who previously played at the Anderson Center in 2009 solo, will return with a full band this time.
Tickets and More Information
An additional concert by the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band, scheduled for Wednesday, June 28, has already sold out. However, tickets are available for The Temptations, The Four Tops, and Melissa Etheridge.
Tickets for the Temptations and the Four Tops cost $75/65/55 inside, $30 on the lawn. Tickets for Melissa Etheridge: Summer Tour ’23 cost $65/55/45 inside, $25 on the lawn.
A full 2023-24 season announcement is expected in mid-June. For more information, visit anderson.binghamton.edu, contact 607-777-ARTS, or stop by the Anderson Center Box Office between 12-4 p.m., Monday-Friday
Nestled amongst the backdrop of the Catskill mountains, just an hour outside Albany, Foothills Performing Arts Center (PAC) is a non-profit entertainment and civic center that serves the cultural, educational, and community needs of the Otsego, Delaware, and Chenango tri-county region.
Centered in the eclectic university community in Oneonta, Foothills PAC originally opened in 2005 and has become the region’s go-to venue for live entertainment for both national and local acts such as Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Gordon Lightfoot, Bernie Williams, Rusted Root, Tanya Tucker, John Michael Montgomery, Joe Diffie, and Thompson Square.
Wilber Wright Atrium
Foothills consists of multiple venues on its property, from its grand two story Wilber Wright Atrium, perfect for weddings and large events, to its Bettiol Theatre for smaller productions. The center also offers two smaller production spaces, The Loft and The Production Center.
As part of Foothill’s community engagement initiative, Foothills is also home to the Oneonta Farmers Market, providing the local community with fresh, home grown produce and artisanal crafts.
The Loft Performance Space
Recently appointed Executive Director Geoff Doyle has spent the better part of the last two years investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into renovations for Foothills, as part of his initiative to turn Foothills into a more diverse and utilized space for the local community. When Foothill’s closed at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Doyle took that time to write grants and to fundraise. Having found themselves with an empty building, as well as a surplus of funding from grants and generous donations, the Foothills Board used that time and those resources to finally do the work that had needed to be done for many years.
Bettiol Theatre
Taking both comments and critiques from the local community, renovations have included updated lighting and sound equipment for productions, to infrastructure improvements of the performance spaces.
We’ve become more than an arts center over the years. People donate blood here. They vote here. They attend weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, conferences, speaking engagements, fundraising events and so much more. We’ve been partners with SUNY Oneonta’s Music Industry program for a decade now, providing internships for many students in that time, and even hiring recent grads.
Geoff Doyle, Executive Director
Foothills Performing Arts Center is also home to Black Hole Studios, a fully equipped recording studio local artists can book for recording, mixing and mastering. With a top-ten Music Industry program located just down the street at SUNY Oneonta, the addition of Black Hole Studios has allowed student artists to have yet another resource to utilize their art.
Atrium Entrance
Upcoming events include this fall’s “Foothill’s Fringe Festival”. The brainchild of newest board member, Allie Church, Foothills Fringe takes inspiration from similar festivals around the world, and will be the centers newest annual event. Taking place over two days this September, Foothill’s Fringe will offer plays, film screenings, musical productions, stand-up comedy and more. With over 30 acts already booked, Fringe Festival is sure to draw in hundreds of spectators, artisans, and vendors.
In celebration of Pride Month, Foothills will also be hosting an 18+ Alice In Wonderland themed “Pride Prom” in collaboration with the Otsego Pride Alliance. The Prom, taking place June 30th, will feature dancing, face painting, specialty cocktails, prizes, fashion, and drag performances by local drag artists.
For more information, or to book an event space, please visit Foothills Performing Arts Center’s website.
Dogs In A Pile, a rising funk, jazz, rock, and psychedelia fusion quintet, has announced their Fall 2023 tour dates, bringing their total sound to three music festivals in NY this summer and fall.
Hailing from Ashbury Park, NJ, the band began when guitarist Jimmy Law, a student of the Philadelphia University of the Arts, and drummer Joe Babick, a student of the Count Basie Theater program, began to play together.
They were joined by Berklee School of Music student and bass player Sam Lucid, who recommended Berklee student and keyboard player Jeremy Kaplan. The final addition to Dogs In A Pile came in 2019 with Berklee student and guitarist Brian Murray.
Their latest work is their studio album “Bloom,” featuring nine tracks by the band. It can be found on Spotify alongside the band’s other works.
The band has credited a string of local shows with their quick rise in popularity, leading to their tours in the summer and fall. Keeping with the theme, Dogs In A Pile calls their fanbase the Dog Pound.
Concert Dates
June 7 – Madame Lous – Seattle, WA
June 8 – Jack London – Portland, OR
June 9 – Domino Room – Bend, OR
June 10 – Hogfarm Hideaway – Laytonville, CA
June 15 – Weiser River Fest – Weiser, ID
June 17 – Northlands Festival – Swanzey, NH
June 23 – Beardfest – Hammonton, NJ
June 24 – Back Home Festival – New Martinsville, WV
Pre-sale will begin June 7, and tickets will go on sale June 9 for their Fall tour dates. More information on both the band and tickets can be found on their website.
A picturesque late spring afternoon yielded way to a beautiful evening of music at Beak and Skiff, in Lafayette on Saturday, as Noah Kahan brought his Stick Season tour to the apple orchard. With the tour lauded as one of the summer’s hottest tickets, the event sold-out well in advance of the show.
Kahan, a native of Strafford, Vermont, is known for his blending of folk-rock and pop music. His first full length studio album, Busyhead, was released in 2019. But it was during the Covid pandemic when Kahan’s popularity began to really soar. He first released the Cape Elizabeth EP in April of 2020. Following its release, and during the height of the pandemic, Kahan would retreat home to Vermont and write his most successful album to date, Northern Attitude (2022). The album, which leans heavily on themes of mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, feeling homesick, and childhood nostalgia, has earned Kahan much critical acclaim and a devoted fan base all across the age spectrum.
The evening kicked off with a set by Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners. The folk-rock band from Montana was joining Kahan for a special, one-off concert. The four-piece band delighted early arriving concert goers with a forty five minute set of folk-rock jams.
During the stage change-over between sets, excitement in the concert field was at a high. Fans packed the area in front of the stage, and shouted the singer’s name. Each crew member received a small roar from the crowd as they made their way across the stage, placing set-lists and water bottles. Finally the house lights dimmed, and the band took to the stage. After a brief instrumental piece, Noah Kahan took to the stage with a mandolin and launched into the crowd favorite “All My Love”. The audience exploded with excitement, and sang along to every word. Impressively, the singing did not stop after the first song. The majority of the crowd sang along, every word, to every song. Kahan kept the energy running for the first portion of the set, playing tracks “Everywhere, Everything,” and “She Calls Me Back”.
As the setlist moved on, Kahan would touch on heavier subject matters. Kahan, a staunch advocate of mental health awareness, would sing openly about his own struggles with mental illness on many songs. He sang in loving memory for a friend who passed too soon, on “Carlo’s Song”. During this song the concert field would glow in a sea of green (for mental health awareness) as fans held lights up from their cellphones. Noah Kahan would sing of substance abuse and finding sobriety on the track “Orange Juice.” Perhaps the most power full moment of the night would be when Kahan returned for an encore. He would open the three song encore with “The View Between Villages”, a reflective and nostalgic track written about an emotional return to Kahan’s childhood home town many years later. The song would build with emotion until its epic climax, and the audience did not miss a beat, singing along to every word. Kahan would finish the night with crowd favorites “Stick Season” and “Mess”.
If you missed out on this performance, you are in luck. Kahan has already scheduled a return visit to Syracuse, at the Lakeview Amphitheater on September 1.
Thursdays in Norwich, New York’s East Park are a highlight of the summer season, and for good reason. Every Thursday in July and August, NBT Summer Concert Series shows attract an all-ages crowd of locals and out-of-towners alike, bringing people together to enjoy great music and great food.
Sponsored by NBT Bank and local foundations, all shows are free, beginning on July 6th and ending on August 31st.
This season will feature some artists appearing for the first time, along with returning favorites. Highlighting the new comers will be the Southern tock legends, The Outlaws. Known as “The Florida Guitar Army” by their fans, achieved worldwide acclaim through gold and platinum hits like “Green Grass and High Tides” and “There Goes Another Love Song.” After more than forty years, their live performances continue to burn hotter than ever.
The Outlaws are not the only performance you won’t want to miss. Southern Avenue will kick off the summer series on July 6th. New to East Park, Southern Avenue wowed admirers at last year’s Chenango Blues Fest. Additionally, Canada’s own Bywater Call is a newcomer that might become your next favorite band. Another artist making their series debut is contractually bound to secrecy. Stay tuned for details!
In addition to new artists, the return of some exceptional acts promises a great deal of exciting performances. The Travelin’ McCourys never fail to draw large crowds of bluegrass fans, but their music appeals to many through its roots in Americana music. Additionally, The Garcia Project is returning with their faithful recreation of classic Jerry Garcia Band performances. This year will also see the return of Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, whose performances nod to the two-step music of South Louisiana. Mr. Sipp will perform the unofficial kick-off of the 30th Chenango Blues Fest on August 17th. The series will conclude on August 31st with Shinyribs, one of the best performers touring today and a stalwart of the Austin music scene.
Plan to bring a lawn chair to enjoy wonderful performances every Thursday. For more information, visit the Chenango Blues Association website here.
By now, Memorial Day has come and gone, the days are getting longer, the sun is shining, and summer concert season is officially underway. As always, Syracuse has an impressive mix of individual concerts and multiple day festivals to look forward to over the summer months. Here are five can’t miss shows around Syracuse for the month of June.
Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello comes to the Homer Center for the Arts for a performance on Friday June 9th. The singer-songwriter and bass guitarist is known for blending elements of rap, hip hop, funk and soul in her music. She has been nominated for a Grammy Award 11 times, taking home the award for best R&B song in 2021.
The show starts at 8pm with tickets starting at $40.
The New York State Blues Festival returns to Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds for a three day affair. The star studded line up features headliner and blues rock legend Buddy Guy, with direct support from Samantha Fish. The remainder of the three day festival features an impressive line up of both NYS artists and national touring bands. The daily schedule can be found here.
Daily admission is free, however VIP packages are available.
The Syracuse Jazz Fest once again returns to Clinton Square and its surrounding areas for a five day celebration. This will be the 37th incarnation of the event, which will be co-headlined this year by 14-time Grammy Award winning artist Herbie Hancock and 7-time Grammy Award Winner Gladys Knight. Hancock will headline the Clinton Square Stage on Friday, June 23 at 9:15pm, with Knight taking the stage on Saturday, June 24 at 9:15pm. Additional support will include Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, who bring their vintage sound to the Clinton Square Stage on Friday evening, at 7:30pm. In addition, the five-day festival will feature over 26 additional performances at various clubs, bars, and restaurants, highlighting local artists and other performers with New York State ties.
All performances are free and open to the public. A full schedule can be found here.
Curated by Syracuse music legend and local music connoisseur Scott Dixon, 95x is hosting the Locals Only Fest at The Finish Line Bar & Grill. Headlined by Central New York sensation Sydney Irving and the Mojo, the one day festival will feature a talented line up Central New York musicians. The line up includes Professional Victims, The Flashing Astonishers, Not Robots, Can’t, Mattydale Music Collective, Everneau, No Bush, and Cooled Jets. The festival will also showcase an assortment of local artists with proceeds of each ticket sale benefiting the Syracuse Arts Project.
Music starts at 12:00pm with tickets starting at $15.
Fresh off the heels of a spring tour which saw sold out performances in Buffalo and Ithaca, Snarky Puppy once again return to Upstate New York. The multi-grammy award winning band, known for its blend of jazz-rock fusion boasts an impressive line up of talented musicians. Led by founder Michael League, the instrumentalist band features a rotation upwards of twenty-five members, with nightly performances featuring eleven musicians.
Doors open at 5:00pm with tickets starting at $30.
Indie rock legends The Front Bottoms celebrated their 10 year anniversary of their renowned album Talon of the Hawk. The band played this timeless album in full at Beak and Skiff in Lafayette for a sold out crowd on May 25.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
In 2013 The Front Bottoms released Talon of the Hawk which set them on the map in the alternative scene. Through angular melodies and wiry guitar riffs it began to make its mark. Dedicated fans celebrated this album through the years and even with the growing success of later pieces of work, people kept coming back to it.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
If The Front Bottoms fanbase could be described in one word it would be loyal. They have followed the New Jersey duo of Brian Sella (vocalist/guitarist) and drummer Mathew Uychich for years. As a celebration the group brought their roots back to the fans by playing their beloved album in full for special shows.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
AJJ opened up the night at Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards. This American folk punk band has been an inspiration to The Front Bottoms over the years so it was only fitting they join them on this tour.
10 Years of Talon of the Hawk
The Front Bottoms kicked off the night with the first two tracks off the album, “Au Revoir (Adios)” and “Skeleton.” Instantly you could feel the energy shift as Brian stepped onto the stage. Birthday hats, decorative posters, and costumes encompassed the field. The night may have started celebrating Talon of the Hawk but it later encompassed the endless other accomplishments the fanbase has endured. From birthdays to gradations to just making it to the next day the community was full of a sense of awe.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Despite the rawness and hard hitting lyrics the artist sings the fans waste no time dancing freely to the music. Especially once the band played “Beers” in their encore. Instantly the mosh pits began again and countless people were crowd surfing. There is something about this community that The Front Bottoms have built. It just goes to show that being honest and real about the hardships of life can actually bring people together. After all, who says we can’t dance together through our pain?
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
As summer approaches, Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards proves to be a top venue location for good tunes with the perfect scenic view. Upcoming shows include Noah Kahan on June 3 and Fleet Foxes on July 12. Get tickets here.
Setlist: Au Revoir (Adios), Skeleton, Swear to God the Devil Made Me Do It, Twin Size Mattress, Peach, Santa Monica, The Feud, Funny You Should Ask, Tattooed Tears, Lone Star, Backflip, Everything I Own, Flashlight, West Virginia, Maps, Be Nice to Me, Wolfman, bus beat, Outlook, Hello World
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.
Syracuse Opera has revealed its 2023-2024 schedule, whose theme will highlight intimate portraits of hopes and dreams, at the first-ever opera and beer event in the organization’s history held at Harvey’s Garden.
Photos courtesy of Syracuse Opera Facebook and Bunn Hill Photo (Randy Cummings)
Established in 1974, Syracuse Opera is the only year-round professional opera company, opening many doors for the Central New York music community.
Circling back to the theme of hopes and dreams, this decision on the upcoming season expects to generate momentum following Syracuse Opera’s 2022-2023 season, which recently ended with an acclaimed production of The Marriage of Figaro.
“It makes opera more accessible. It’s a fun way to invite people into our world, kick off the summer, and celebrate the future of opera in Syracuse.”
– John Rozzoni
The full 2023-2024 schedule spans from October 2023 – May 2024.
2023-2024 Syracuse Opera Schedule
The season opens with I Am a Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams on October 20 at the Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse, a showing that will focus on the compassion versus the dark side of our society.
Following this, December 15’s All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 will move all in attendance with a true story of an extraordinary night during World War I, sharing the instance when Allied and German soldiers set down their weapons and created peace with one another.
2024’s shows will kick off on Valentine’s Day weekend when a love story hits the Syracuse Opera stage in The Fantasticks, the longest-running musical of all time.
Concluding the season on April 28, 2024, the prequel to The Marriage of Figaro, called The Barber of Seville hits Crouse-Hinds Theater in an unforgettable ending to the opera’s season.
In addition to these four productions, Syracuse Opera will also host two other exciting musical events. On September 24, 2023, they will host Celebrating 75: An Andrew Lloyd Webber Revue, a night hosted by well-known composer Andrew Llyod Weber.
As previously mentioned, the opera and beer event will be held at Harvey’s Garden in May 2024, offering a relaxing approach to opera by giving the audience the chance to connect with performers.
John Rozzoni, General Director of Syracuse Opera, believes that the Opera and Beer event will be the perfect opportunity for the organization and community to interact face-to-face.
Tickets for Syracuse Opera’s 2023-2024 campaign will go on sale soon. Single-show ticket options are not available for purchase until July 2023, but you may buy subscription packages through the form on Syracuse Opera’s website. The subscription package covers the entire season.
The 5th annual Ithaca Reggae Fest will be held from June 23rd to the 24th at Stewart Park. This will be a family-friendly community event celebrating the meeting point of Jamaican and New York State reggae.
The Fest will kick off on Friday, June 23rd from 5 to 9 PM at the Large Pavilion in Stewart Park. This Welcome Block Party will feature performances from DJ Jesse Hill, Mohawk peoples’ Ononkwa-Medicine, and the GIAC Jumpers. Following these opening acts will be legendary Jamaican producer, Scientist, who will be performing a select set with various special guests. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in civic responsibility by participating in the HeadCount Voter Drive, with the opportunity to register to vote, and other things.
On the following Saturday, June 24th, the festivities will continue beginning at 9 AM with 108 Sun Salutations led by the festival’s partners Yoga Farm. After the Salutations, festival goers will have the opportunity to participate in additional yoga activities as well as a free breakfast. A Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ’ Cultural Celebration and community drum circle with One Heart Community Drumming will directly follow to launch a day full of incredible artists.
In addition to the headlining performers including the Rochester-based Giant Panda Guerrilla Squad and the Ithaca-based Double Tiger, Saturday’s lineup includes some of the best reggae bands from throughout New York State from Brooklyn’s SunDub to Ithaca’s own afrofunk New Planets.
The Ithaca Reggae Fest will also feature various “villages” for festival goers to visit and participate in, each with their own theme. As the festival is dedicated to protecting Cayuga Lake, it will showcase numerous water protection organizations from throughout the state in its Education Village. Divertingly, the Youth Village is a place where young people can find a sense of belonging at the festival as Ithaca’s own GIAC is organizing various activities including face painting, family yoga, hula hooping, art projects, games, the Physics Bus, and more.
With a focus on all things art, GIAC and famous artist Jay Stooks will be hosting the Art Village featuring numerous local, regional, and national artists. These individuals will be creating live art in addition to an interactive mural for all to paint on throughout the day on Saturday.
Lastly, the Fest is in collaboration with AJ Kohn of the Philadelphia Skateboard Academy, Real Action Sports, and The School of Shred. They will be presenting Skateboard Village which will be hosting the 2nd Annual Flat Attack US Pro/Am Championships of Flatland Freestyle Skateboarding. The event will be free to attend and open to all to register. The Qualifying Rounds take place on Friday, June 23 from 11 AM to 5 PM before the Championships on Saturday, June 24 from 2 to 7 PM. Everything skateboarding will take place at the Tennis Courts in Stewart Park. Following the Championship there will be an open invitation to all local and regional skateboarders to compete in a game of S.K.A.T.E., Highest Ollie, and Kicker Best Trick with tons of prizes and raffles. The Art and Skateboard Village is open to the public, and no Ithaca Reggae Fest ticket is needed to participate.
The Ithaca Reggae Fest aims to bring the community together through music, art, and everything in between. Tickets and more information can be found here, with local tickets available at Ithaca Guitar Works.
