NYS Music 2023

Category: Central NY

  • Kitchen Dwellers Has Announced 2024 “L.F.G. Tour” With Tour Closing Stops in Brooklyn and Syracuse

    Kitchen Dwellers, a genre-bending quartet from Bozeman, Montana, has announced their 2024 “L.F.G. Tour.”

    Kitchen Dwellers tour

    Included on the tour for Kitchen Dwellers are two performances at Brooklyn Bowl Williamsburg, and one performance at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, which round out the tour in March and April, 2024.

    The quartet—Shawn Swain (mandolin), Torrin Daniels (banjo), Joe Funk (upright bass), and Max Davies (acoustic guitar)—twist bluegrass, folk, and rock through a kaleidoscope of homegrown stories, rich mythology, American West wanderlust, and psychedelic hues. 

    After amassing 5 million-plus streams, selling out shows, and receiving acclaim from Huffington Post, Relix, American Songwriter, Forbes, and more, the group brings audiences back for the ride on their third full-length album.

    Kitchen Dwellers’ Instagram

    In the past, the group’s songs touched on the physical surroundings of Wise River, a 30-mile long river running through the Southwestern region of Montana. This time, the band decided to dive deeper and talk about the issues everyone has faced after the pandemic in 2020.

    “The town of Wise River is basically a forgotten spot on the map. It used to be a thriving place with many prosperous mines, but now it’s practically dried up. There’s a hell of a lot of melancholy. In our mind, it symbolizes the overall feeling of being in slowed-down Montana life.”

    Shawn Swain (mandolin)

    Kitchen Dwellers share timeless American stories. Song topics vary from mental health issues in the music industry to the death of a friend. Everyone can find a song that speaks to them, and that shows the band’s expansive writing and musical skills, and how they’ve grown since their already musically-sound past albums Ghost In The Bottle and Muir Maid.

    Kitchen Dwellers’ Instagram

    KITCHEN DWELLERS ON TOUR

    October 26 @ Suwannee Hulaween | Live Oak, FL

    October 27 @ Pour House | Charleston, SC^

    October 28 @ Pour House | Charleston, SC^

    October 29 @ Visulite Theatre | Charlotte, NC^

    October 31 @ Georgia Theatre | Athens, GA^ 

    November 9 @ Cervantes’ Other Side | Denver, CO – VIP ONLY

    November 10 @ Ogden Theatre | Denver, CO^^

    November 11 @ Ogden Theatre | Denver, CO

    November 30 @ Fine Line | Minneapolis, MN**

    December 1 @ The Sylvee | Madison, WI #

    December 2 @ Wooly’s | Des Moines, IA**

    December 3 @ RecordBar | Kansas City, MO**

    December 6 @ Kenny’s Westside Pub | Peoria, IL** 

    December 7 @ The Stache At The Intersection | Grand Rapids, MI**

    December 8 – 9 @ The Summit Music Hall | Columbus, OH**

    December 29 @ Top Hat Lounge | Missoula, MT

    December 30 @ The Wilma | Missoula, MT

    December 31 @ The Wilma | Missoula, MT

    1/16 @ Belly Up Aspen | Aspen, CO**

    1/17 @ Belly Up Aspen | Aspen, CO**

    1/18 @ Mesa Theater | Grand Junction, CO**

    1/20 @ Center For The Arts | Crested Butte, CO** 

    1/21 @ Sheridan Opera House | Telluride, CO** 

    1/23 @  Meow Wolf | Santa Fe, NM*

    1/25 @ Beer City Music Hall | Oklahoma City, OK* 

    1/26 @  Deep Ellum Art Co. | Dallas, TX*

    1/27 | Empire Garage | Austin, TX* 

    2/13 @ Treefort Music Hall |  Boise, ID 

    2/14 @ The Commonwealth Room | Salt Lake City, UT % 

    2/16 @ Belly Up Tavern | Solana Beach, CA 

    2/17 @ Troubadour | West Hollywood, CA

    2/18 @  The Independent | San Francisco, CA

    2/21 @  WOW Hall | Eugene, OR**

    2/22 @  Revolution Hall | Portland, OR**

    2/23 @ Midtown Ballroom | Bend, OR** 

    2/24 @ Neptune Theatre | Seattle, WA** 

    2/25 @  Wild Buffalo | Bellingham, WA**

    3/1-3 @ WinterWonderGrass | Steamboat Springs, CO 

    3/21 @ Infinity Hall | Hartford, CT^^ 

    3/22 @ The Met | Pawtucket, RI^^ 

    3/23 @ State Theatre | Portland, ME^^ 

    3/24 @ The Drake |  Amherst, MA^^ 

    3/27 @ The Capitol Room at The Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center | Harrisburg, PA^^ 

    3/28 @ Lincoln Theatre | Washington, DC^^

    3/29 @  Brooklyn Bowl | Brooklyn, NY^^

    3/30 @  Brooklyn Bowl | Brooklyn, NY

    4/2 @  Westcott Theater | Syracuse, NY^^

    General ticket on sale is Friday, October 27 at 10am local time. For ticket information, visit their website.

    Stream Kitchen Dwellers’ music on Spotify or Apple Music.

    For more information, follow Kitchen Dwellers on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.

  • Dopapod Winter Tour Visits Buffalo, Syracuse and Saratoga in March

    Dopapod’s winter/spring tour for 2024 kicks off in the Southeast this coming January, but by March the group will be hitting New York for a trio of shows in Buffalo, Syracuse and Saratoga Springs.

    Dopapod Winter Tour Visits Buffalo, Syracuse, Saratoga in March

    After a dozen shows in the Southeast, including five consecutive nights in Florida, Dopapod will have another 10 shows at yet to be announced venues and locales. By mid-March, the four-piece – keyboardist/vocalist Eli Winderman, guitarist/vocalist Rob Compa, bassist Chuck Jones and drummer Neal “Fro” Evans – will be back in the Northeast, ready to hit some familiar haunts.

    photo by Filip Zalewski

    On Tuesday, March 19, the palindromic band performs at Buffalo Iron Works, then after a day off Dopapod will be at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse. Friday, March 22 finds the quartet back at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs, where the group has performed to packed rooms, most notably on October 20, 2021 when they spent the entire first set performing Pink Floyd’s “Echoes” in its entirety. Check out our recap, photos and videos from the show here.

    Dopapod Winter/Spring 2024 Tour Dates

    Jan. 12 Roanoke, VA TICKETS

    Jan. 13 Chattanooga, TN TICKETS

    Jan. 14 Charleston, SC TICKETS

    Jan. 17 Sanford, FL TICKETS

    Jan. 18 Gainesville, FL TICKETS

    Jan. 19 Fort Lauderdale, FL TICKETS

    Jan. 20 Tampa, FL TICKETS

    Jan. 21 Pensacola, FL TICKETS

    Jan. 24 New Orleans, LA TICKETS

    Jan. 25 Dallas, TX TICKETS

    Jan. 26 Houston, TX TICKETS

    Jan. 27 Austin, TX TICKETS

    Mar. 19 Buffalo, NY TICKETS

    Mar. 21 Syracuse, NY TICKETS

    Mar. 22 Saratoga Springs, NY TICKETS

    Mar. 26 Baltimore, MD COMING SOON

    Mar. 27 Baltimore, MD COMING SOON

    Mar. 29 Fairfield, CT TICKETS

    Mar. 30 Boston, MA TICKETS

    Mar. 31 Plymouth, NH TICKETS

  • In Conversation with Tyjhier: A Syracuse-Born Singer and Songwriter

    In the heart of Syracuse, a remarkable artist has been cultivating a sound that defies boundaries and resonates with raw authenticity. Tyjhier, a native of the Salt City, has not only harnessed the diverse cultural tapestry of her hometown but has also drawn inspiration from her experiences to craft a distinct musical journey. Tyjhier shares her unique story with NYS Music, reflecting on her hometown’s influence, the evolution of her music, and the exciting future she envisions as she embarks on a promising career as a singer and songwriter.

    Born and raised in Syracuse, Tyjhier reminisces about how her hometown and its unique culture have deeply influenced her music journey. She acknowledges the challenges of life in Syracuse, stating, “It’s not always easy being from here; the people that live here know what I mean.” Despite the hurdles, Tyjhier finds inspiration in her hometown’s experiences.

    “I surely have taken many of my experiences growing up in Syracuse and used the memories, both happy and sad, within my music. Syracuse is always going to be home no matter how far I go.”

    Tyjhier

    A Lifelong Dream Realized

    For Tyjhier, becoming a singer and songwriter was more of a calling than a choice. She reflects on her earliest memories of music, saying, “I used to sing songs with my dad on top of the coffee table all the time.” Tyjhier’s musical journey began as soon as she could talk, with the very first song she sang being Erykah Badu’s “Orange Moon.” She recalls her childhood filled with singing, songwriting, and even creating full concerts with her dad. She mentions, “Singing and songwriting have been ingrained in who I am for as long as I can remember.”

    The Thrill of the First Live Performance

    Tyjhier vividly remembers her first live performance at DROM, a renowned New York City venue, with MajorStage. She describes the lead-up to the event as a mix of emotions, admitting, “I was extremely anxious about the gig leading up to the performance and on the day of.” The experience involved a multitude of behind-the-scenes logistics, from promotion to equipment setup. She adds, “I didn’t want to mess anything up behind the scenes, but I also didn’t want to let all the stress behind the scenes bleed into my actual performance.” However, once she took the stage, the anxieties faded, and she felt like a seasoned performer.

    “It was an amazing feeling to have other musicians not only singing along but coming up to me at the end and telling me what songs they loved because at that point I didn’t have anything released. It was a blast, and I honestly couldn’t wait to do it again.”

    Tyjhier

    Describing her music is no easy feat for Tyjhier, as she artfully blends elements of R&B and Neo Soul into her unique sound. These genres have been pivotal in her life, resonating not only with their musical styles but also with their cultural significance. Tyjhier draws inspiration from an array of legendary artists, including Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Frank Ocean, and more. She explains, “I aspire to have a unique sound like that.”

    The In–Betweens: A Journey of Growth

    Tyjhier’s debut project, The In-Betweens, has been a profound journey that has resonated with listeners, amassing over 40,000 streams on various platforms. She reflects on the project’s inception, sharing, “At first, the idea wasn’t fully fleshed out, and some of the songs on the project weren’t completed, but it started off with the shower sessions.” These sessions served as a bridge between the album’s concepts and themes. She delves into the deeper meaning behind the project, stating, “I really wanted The In–Betweens to be a journey of not only growth over time and growth through life experience but to show that certain things can’t just be rushed through.” Tyjhier’s music provides solace and empowerment, encouraging listeners to embrace the in-between moments in life.

    In the near future, fans and the music world can anticipate more music from Tyjhier. She’s already working on new material, pondering whether her next project will continue the narrative started with “The In-Betweens” or venture into uncharted territory. Additionally, Tyjhier envisions live performances, collaborations with fellow artists, and the possibility of taking her music on the road. With her distinctive sound and compelling narrative, Tyjhier is poised for a promising future in the music industry.

  • Syracuse Amphitheater gets a New Name

    Syracuse’s Amphitheater on Lake Onondaga will have a new name, starting today: Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview.

    syracuse amphitheater empower

    Naming rights have been held by St. Joseph’s Health since 2018, and before that, the venue was simply called Lakeview Amphitheater since opening in September 2015.

    Announced on Friday morning, the Syracuse-based Empower FCU said the following in a statement:

    Empower FCU was born and raised in the Salt City, and now is among the largest credit unions in New York, with over 250,000 members, over 600 employees and more than $3.2 billion in assets. The Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview reflects a commitment to our Central New York roots by creating unique experiences for our members and the local community we serve.

    Ryan McIntyre, Empower president and CEO

    St. Joseph’s Health said in a statement they were thankful for the partnership and will continue the “fast lane” program for nurses going to the venue: “Music is a healing art, and as we stated when we took on this sponsorship in 2018, we firmly believe it is an important part of the culture of our diverse community and our healing ministry.”

    The 17,500-seat venue also announced this morning that country music star Lainey Wilson will bring her “Country’s Cool Again” tour to Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview on June 24, 2024 with special guests Ian Munsick and Zach Top.

    Stay tuned for more announcements for Summer 2024 at Lakeview and amphitheaters across New York State.

  • In Focus: Biscoland brings Disco Biscuits Music Festivals back to New York

    Disco Biscuits have a long history of music festivals in New York State, their own Camp Bisco, as well as numerous performances at festivals of all sizes around the state. For the first time since 2013, a new, intentionally more intimate festival, BISCOLand, was conceived and held in Lafayette at Wonderland Forest over October 6-7.

    biscoland 2023
    photo by Tara Gracer

    Joining Disco Biscuits were a pair of bands that appeared on earlier Camp Bisco lineups – Lotus and Emancipator, and newcomers to the Bisco fold – Opiou, The Floozies, Eggy and Space Bacon. With classic Camp Bisco lineups featuring up and coming artists as well as staples of the EDM/jamtronica community, the vibe of a stripped down but still well dressed music festival, perfect for an autumn weekend in Central New York.

    As for the Disco Biscuits, the jamtronica pioneers took the opportunity to break new ground with some unique musical pairings over the weekend. Biscuits fan Shimmy noted this was the first time the band segued “Confrontation” into “Orch Theme” and followed that up with “And The Ladies Were the Rest of the Night,” the other being December 29, 2014.

    Even more notably, the band took the encore on Saturday, October 7 to perform the first ever inverted “Kitchen Mitts,” playing the ending of song first, then the first part. Add to that this inverted “Mitts” appeared inside of a fitting encore appearance of “Home Again” made for an apt coda on the weekend.

    Setlists via Biscuits Internet Project

    Disco Biscuits – BISCOLAND at Wonderland Forest – LaFayette, New York – October 6, 2023

    Set 1: Wet, Munchkin Invasion > The Wormhole > Space Train > Cyclone > Nughuffer1
    Set 2: Nughuffer 1 > Shocked > To Be Continued > Reactor 2 > M1 > To Be Continued

    1 dyslexic
    2 inverted

    Disco Biscuits – BISCOLAND at Wonderland Forest – LaFayette, New York – October 7, 2023

    Set 1: Jam 1 > Bombs > The Deal > Voices Insane 2 > I-Man
    Set 2: Mindless Dribble 3 > Confrontation 4 > Orch Theme 5 > And the Ladies Were the Rest of the Night 4 > Spacebirdmatingcall
    Encore: Home Again > Kitchen Mitts 6 7 4 > Home Again

    1 w/ ‘Could U Be Loved’ (Bob Marley) teases
    2 unfinished
    3 w/ Wormhole quotes
    4 inverted
    5 w/ Crickets tease
    6 LTP 2/4/2023 (53 shows)
    7 first time inverted

    Photos from BISCOLand by Tara Gracer

    biscoland disco biscuits new york music festival
    biscoland disco biscuits new york music festival
    biscoland disco biscuits new york music festival

  • The Dust Devil Band Returns to Rock at Unity Hall

    Barneveld will be ready to rock when the Dust Devil Band makes their return to Unity Hall on Saturday, Oct. 28. A longtime local favorite of Central NY music fans, the DDB always delivers an upbeat evening packed with great tunes, musicianship, and foot-stomping fun.

    The Dust Devil Band’s unique sound is a culmination of blues, southern rock, Americana, and alternative country, with 45 years of friendship and hard work. They were a huge part of the musical scene in the 70s and 80s. The band originated from the Waylon and Willie genre and later adopted their style of rock in later years.

    Featured on October 28 will be DDB’s talented veteran musicians including George Deveny (NYS Blues Hall of Fame member) on lead guitar, slide guitar, and vocals; Darryl Mattison on drums; George Newton on pedal steel guitar, lap steel, and vocals; Dan Porter on bass guitar and vocals; and Ed Rosenburgh on lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and harmonica.

    This event is presented by the Unity Hall Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that maintains the 1896 Hall as a center for the arts and community activities. The Music Series is also made possible by the Statewide Community Regrants Program through the New York State Council on the Arts, with support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by CNY Arts.

    For more information please visit here.

  • Sydney Irving Releases Emotionally Complex Album “Unfashioned Creatures”

    Sydney Irving, hailing from the lively city of Syracuse, has released her newest album Unfashioned Creatures today, October 10, with 10 tracks that showcase her adaptability as a singer and songwriter.

    Sydney Irving unfashioned creatures

    Sydney Iriving, born and raised in the heart of the Empire State, began her musical journey drawing inspiration from legends such as Taylor Swift and Tom Petty, inspired by their story-telling abilities and the weaving in of their heart-felt personal experiences.

    At the early age of 14, she released her debut album, Hello Stranger. This youthful album was followed by The Halfmoon Sessions in 2018, which clearly showcases her growth as an artist and songwriter.

    The following year, 2019, marked a pivotal year for Sydney as she released two EPs, The Greene EP which was recorded in a log cabin in Upstate New York, and The Ronan EP, recorded with her band Sydney Irving & The Mojo.

    In 2020, she released her fifth album, Relax With Friends, which solidified her newfound position in the music scene. Singles like “You Can’t Forget About Me” and “Seasons Change” soared to the top of the Music Mafia Radio Top 30 Countdown. The same year, she was honored as the 2020 Young Adult Artist of the Year by the International Singer Songwriters Association, as well as Best Pop Artist at the 2023 Mississippi Music Awards. She also claimed the title Best New Artist at the prestigious Syracuse Area Music Awards in 2022. Her most recent single released this year, “I Don’t Wanna Fight You,” has already received airplay along the East Coast.

    Today, Sydney has released her newest album, Unfashioned Creatures. Each track feels a little different, and you can hear the Taylor Swift inspiration in every song. Some of these songs feel more somber, while others more country-based, and even a few that likely had indie/alternative inspiration.

    This album is a great choice for people who miss The Old Taylor, or for people looking to find a local musician that has great music and performing abilities. All the songs in the album are good, but “Wish That I Knew,” “Seasons Change,” and “Something Better” are particularly strong and perfect for vibing in the car with your friends.

    “Wish That I Knew” opens with a beautiful acoustic guitar rift, and it oddly reminds me of “Mama’s Broken Heart” by Miranda Lambert due to the storytelling country-vibe, and raw feminine energy. This song showcases Sydney’s vocal range so well, and creatively depicts feminine rage.

    Her fourth track, “Seasons Change,” has been around for a while, but to neglect talking about the complexity of this song would be such a waste. She switches up tone a little bit with even more great storytelling and showcases her range by adding more of a pop feel, shifting away from the country/rock vibe previously mentioned. Inspiration from Taylor Swift’s older songs really show up in this one.

    “Something Better,” switches up again with a more relaxed and somber tone. It feels like a conversation between the listener and Sydney. She’s clearly put in the work for this album and for her writing skills– it shows up in every single track. This is one of those songs where it showcases a sadder subject, but with the contrasting happy musicality– you forget the somber topic.

    This album really showcases Sydney’s growth as a singer and songwriter. Every album she writes is better than the last, so it will be exciting to see where she goes from here.

    Upcoming Performance Dates

    Fri Oct 13 – Theresa, NY – 3C Bowling

    Fri Oct 20 – Canton, NY – SUNY Canton

    Sat Oct 21 – Utica, NY – Utica Zoo

    Sat Oct 21 – Marcellus, NY – The Village Tavern

    Sun Oct 22 – Vernon, NY – Three Bastards Brewing

    Sat Oct 28 – Oneida, NY – Frogs

    Fri Nov 3 – Elizabethtown, PA – Elizabethtown College

    Sat Nov 4 – Verona, NY – Motif

    Fri Nov 10 – Theresa, NY – 3C Bowling

    Sat Nov 11 – Liverpool, NY – Diva Nova

    Wed Nov 22 – Oneida, NY – Frogs

    Fri Nov 24 – Cazenovia, NY – McCarthy’s

    Sat Nov 25 – Verona, NY – TS Steakhouse

    Sun Dec 3 – Westmoreland, NY – Station 233

    Fri Dec 8 – Chittenango, NY – YBR

    Sun Dec 10 – Port Crane, NY – Beer Tree Farm

    Sat Dec 23 – Liverpool, NY – Maplewood Bar

    Fri Dec 29 – Verona, NY – Motif

    For more information on her live performances, click here.

    To listen to her newest album, Unfashioned Creatures, click here.

    Follow Sydney Irving on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or visit her website.

  • Five Can’t-Miss Shows in Syracuse In October

    While things have certainly cooled off outside around Central New York lately, there is no shortage of indoor concerts to warm your spirit. Here are five can’t-miss shows in Syracuse for the month of October.

    October 12: Sydney Irving at Maplewood Inn

    Central New York star Sydney Irving returns to Syracuse with a performance at the Maplewood Inn on October 12.  The concert should be quite the celebration, as the show serves as the album release party for Irving’s newest album, Unfashioned Creatures, which will be available on all streaming services on October 10.  The 20 year-old singer songwriter has been turning heads all across New York State for several years. She recently opened for Gavin Degraw at this year’s Spiedie Fest in Binghamton.  Irving will again be joined by her backing band, “The Mojo” for the release party.  You won’t want to miss this special performance.  

    October 15:  F.I.R.E. Festival at Oswego Music Hall

    An impressive lineup of female musicians take the stage October 15, as F.I.R.E. Festival once again returns to the Oswego Music Hall.  F.I.R.E., which stands for Females Inspire Rock Empower, showcases not only music, but also female led businesses and art.  The event, which was curated by Jess Novak, was designed to serve as an alternative to the many male dominated music festivals. The day of music will feature area talents such as Jess Novak, Amanda Rogers, Stress Dolls, Starting Off Red and many more.  See the full line up of music and vendors here.  

    Tickets are $10 at the door and music starts at 1pm.

    October 22:  The Furious Bongos at The Westcott Theater

    The sounds of Frank Zappa will once again ring about Westcott Street, as renowned Zappa tribute band The Furious Bongos return to the Westcott Theater on October 22.  The band played before a passionate audience of Zappa fans in March of this year. The band will be joined on this tour by Chad Wackerman, a legend in his own right, whose resume includes drumming for Frank Zappa himself, as well as James Taylor and Stevie Vai.  

    Tickets are $20. Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm.

    October 27:  Brandon Santini at 443 Social Club

    Fresh off a blistering performance at the 2023 New York State Blues Festival, Brandon Santini brings his soulful blues sounds to the 443 Social Club & Lounge on October 27.  Santini turned many heads at this years Blues Fest, as he displayed his tremendous talent on the harmonica.  This intimate performance at the 443 Social Club & Lounge is certainly one you won’t want to miss.  

    Tickets start at $23 and music starts at 7pm.

    October 29:  The Accountant & All Thumbs at Funk ’n Waffles

    Central New York’s college talent will be on full display on October 29 at Funk ‘n Waffles, as The Accountant & All Thumbs perform. The Syracuse University funk/hip-hop group are sure to have the club bouncing when they take the stage. The four piece band has quickly become known for their high energy sets which blend elements of funk, hip-hop, and rock. They will be joined by singer-songwriter Nancy Dunkle as well as Le Moyne College’s own Champagne Blondes.

    Tickets are $13 with doors opening at 8pm.

  • Cayuga Chamber Orchestra’s “Beethoven’s Eighth” to be Showcased this October

    The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra will hold its second Orchestral Series Concert of the 2023-24 season at Ithaca College this October. Called “Beethoven’s Eighth,” the program is led by Music Director Finalist Guillaume Pirard and features Cellist Guy Johnston.

    The CCO was founded in 1976 and is officially designated “Ithaca’s Orchestra.” Each season for the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra includes an Orchestral Series, Chamber Music Series, a Holiday concert, free Family Concerts, and the long-standing Willard Daetsch Youth Outreach Program, which earned the 2015 Yale Distinguished Music Educator award. In 2017, the CCO added a Youth Orchestra, which offers a high quality symphony orchestra experience for youth in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region of New York State.

    The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra’s concert will open with Arvo Pärt’s meditative In Spe, followed by Shostakovich’s haunting Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, and the evening will be closed with Beethoven’s jubilant Symphony No. 8. There is also a free Pre-concert chat with the conductor and soloist at 6:30 pm.

    With a deep belief in the power of collaborative music making to create transformational experiences for musicians and audiences alike, Guillaume Pirard has become a highly respected artist and educator of his generation. Since making his debut with the Orlando Philharmonic, Pirard has conducted the New York University and Cornell University Orchestras, Ensemble X, Opus Ithaca, the Philharmonic of Moravia, the Metamorphosis Chamber Orchestra, the Lviv Philharmonic, the Mannes School of Music Opera and the Mannes Orchestra, and served as Assistant Conductor for the Buffalo Philharmonic and
    Ensemble 21.

    As co-concertmaster and founding member of The Knights, Pirard toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe with performances at the Tonhalle in Zurich, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and the Muziverein in Vienna, and major festival appearances at Tanglewood, Ravinia, Caramoor, Skaneateles, the Festival-de-Paques in Aix-en-Provence and the Salzburg Festpiele. Pirard is serving as Visiting Professor of Violin at Ithaca College for the 2023-24 academic year.

    Guy Johnston is one of the most exciting British cellists of his generation. His early successes included winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year, and significant awards, notably the Shell London Symphony Orchestra Gerald MacDonald Award, Suggia Gift Award and a Young British Classical Performer Brit Award. He has performed with many leading international orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Ulster Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, NHK Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony, Britten Sinfonia, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo, Moscow Philharmonic and St Petersburg Symphony.

    The concert will take place Saturday, October 21 at 7:30pm in Ford Hall at Ithaca College.

    For more information and “late edition” subscriptions or single tickets, visit CCOithaca.org.

  • Binghamton Philharmonic Kicks Off the 2023-2024 Season with “Beethoven’s Fifth”

    On Saturday, September 30 at the Broome County Forum Theatre, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra opened its 2023-2024 season with “Beethoven’s Fifth,” a dynamic performance of some of the best-loved works of classical music.

    binghamton philharmonic Beethoven’s Fifth
    Ashley, Adam, Titus, Logan, and Deacon Bowman

    Maestro Daniel Hege conducted the orchestra and cellist Annie Jacobs-Perkins gave a mesmerizing performance as the soloist in Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor, causing the audience to leap to its feet and demand an encore. Jacobs-Perkins obliged with a virtuosic solo by the young American composer Andrew Norman, “Sabina,” a piece so haunting and delicate that the audience seemed to hold its breath. 

    Noel and Marion Harvey

    The concert started out with the jaunty and uplifting Variations on a Shaker Melody by Aaron Copland, and finished with a rousing performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor, which brought the audience to its feet a second time. It was wonderful to see many enthusiastic children in the audience, thanks not only to the free youth tickets provided by the Philharmonic’s sponsors, but also to the “Ties & Tutus” program that invites Binghamton City School students to a sit-down dinner, pre-concert chat, and free tickets to a symphonic performance. One elementary student told this reviewer: “I’m so excited to hear Beethoven! Classical music makes me feel alive.” It was clear that this young girl was speaking for the audience as a whole.

    Onyx Wilson, Nevae Woody, Lyric Colvin, Kendall Smith, Nolan Schreibr, Aliyah Simmons, Malaina Brenner, Addison Mars, Jenny Tigue

    The Binghamton Philharmonic’s season continues on October 15 with The Dolphins String Quartet in the Garufi Law P.C. Phelps Mansion Museum Series, and on October 28 at the Forum Theatre with Phantom of the Philharmonic. For more information, visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org.