Returning for its 17th year, the annual Pleasantville Music Festival has announced its lineup for the festival on Saturday, July 8, 2023. The main headliner for the event is They Might Be Giants, famous for “Birdhouse in Your Soul” and their version of “Istanbul (Not Constantinople).”
Also known as “New York’s Backyard Jam,” the Pleasantville Music Festival is sponsored by Northwell Health. Beyond music, there is local food and drink, a beer and wine garden, and a “Kids Fun Zone.” The event is a zero-waste program and will be held in Parkway Field in Pleasantville, NY. Bands are split between the Main Stage, the Chill Tent Stage, and the Party Stage.
Main Stage
They Might Be Giants is headlining both the festival and the Main Stage, with the alternative rock band from Brooklyn performing for over 35 years. Allman Betts Band is also playing on the main stage, a legacy band of the Allman Brothers. Another performer for the Main Stage is Allison Ponthier, who fuses many different musical flavors into a blend of upbeat, soul-baring, pop songs.
Other bands playing on the Main Stage include Blac Rabbit; Smooch with Matt Crossett; and Summer Fling, who is kicking off performances on the Main Stage. Summer Fling was also the winner of this year’s Battle of the Bands competition with the Pleasantville Music Festival.
Chill Tent Stage
Sophie B. Hawkins is the headliner for the Chill Tent Stage, known through her ’90s hits “Damn, Wish I Was Your Lover” and “As I Lay Me Down.” She is a Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling artist. Opening for the Chill Tent Stage is Ursula Hansberry, winner of the Chill Tent Battle of the Bands competition.
The Chill Tent Stage will also feature Pete Francis; Dave Casale; Petey Hop; The Moonrise Cartel; and Brandi and the Alexanders.
Party Stage
Headlining the Party Stage is The Criticals, a rock band out of Nashville. Hunter Road is opening for the Party Stage, another Battle of the Bands winner. Other performers include: Strange Neighbors; Moonunitt; SunDub; and Social Creatures.
The Bard Music Festival returns for its 33rd season in August, with a two-week dive into the work of “Vaughan Williams and His World.” Eleven themed concert programs aim to examine the great but frequently misunderstood English and Welsh composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, one of the 20th century’s preeminent symphonists, who helped to spearhead a new British renaissance in music.
The festival is spread across the two weeks, the first weekend runs August 4-6 and aims to contextualize the composer among his fellow Victorians, Edwardians, and Moderns. The second weekend, which takes place August 10-13, explores Williams’ role in creating what may be considered “A New Elizabethan Age”.
With two special events in nearby Rhinebeck, the concerts take place at Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on Bard College’s Hudson River campus. Six of these shows will also stream live to home audiences worldwide on Upstreaming, the Fisher Center’s virtual stage. The final show is a centerpiece of the 20th Bard SummerScape festival. The Bard Music Festival represents a highlight of the Fisher Center’s landmark 20th anniversary season, “Breaking Ground.”
Since its inception in 1990, the Bard Music Festival has helped to strengthen the standard concert repertory. This is in part because its founder and co-artistic director, Leon Botstein. Botstein serves as music director of both the American Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and The Orchestra Now (TŌN). Both ensembles perform in the festival, along with Festival Chorale, which takes part in all choral works under the direction of James Bagwell. This year’s operatic, chamber, and vocal programs will boast an impressive lineup of guest artists, violinist Bella Hristova, tenor Nicholas Phan, bass-baritone Craig Colclough, pianists Danny Driver and Piers Lane, and the Horszowski Trio among them.
First Weekend (Aug. 4-6)
Program One: “Vaughan Williams: Becoming an English Composer”
Program Two: “Between Two Worlds: London and Berlin”
Program Three: “The Symphony and Composing for the Stage”
Program Four: “Heirs and Rebels: British Art Song”
Program Five: “Entente Cordiale: Britain and France”
Program Six: “London Calling! Fun in Cockaigne!”
Second Weekend (Aug. 10-13)
Program Seven: “The Lark Ascending: British Music for Chamber Orchestra”
Program Eight: “The Islands and the Continent”
Program Nine: “A New Elizabethan Age?”
Program Ten: “Vaughan Williams’s Legacy”
Finale: Vaughan Williams and Shakespeare, “Sir John in Love”
Hudson Valley natives Rock City Junction have just released their newest single titled “Morning Sun,” the third single they have ever released. To support the upcoming release, the band will be touring throughout the Hudson Valley in early June.
Rock City Junction meets in the middle with soulful original songs and luscious instrumentation. Their latest releases such as “Corn Song” and “Souls Byond the Road” are uniquely beautiful, having aspects of a light summer day within the Hudson Valley itself.
This eclectic, harmony driven, Roots/Americana band is quickly becoming one of the premiere folk bands within the Hudson Valley. The band features three singer/songwriter/ instrumentalists such as David Chapman, Denise Parent, and Laura Leigh. Each artist plays a special part in combining to create the unique sound that Rock City Junction has to offer.
Denise Parent has been a supreme artist, drummer, and singer in the north east jam band scene since 1993, and is currently touring the U.S in the only all-female Grateful Dead cover band, Brown Eyed Women. Denise released her debut album of her original songs in 2021 titled The Songs in my Heart.
David Chapman is an engineer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, renaissance-man who has held a commanding presence in the Hudson Valley Rock scene since the early 90’s, leading many bands such as Cold Flavor Repair, Rivergrass, The Working Dogs, and more.
Laura Leigh is the new darling of the Albany music scene. Laura released her first album of original music in 2021 which features evocative stories of small-town USA and echoes Appalachian, old-timey traditions and sounds.
UPCOMING SHOWS:
June 8th @ The Parish. New Paltz NY. 7pm
June 9th @ Unihog Hoosick Falls NY. 8pm
June 10th @ Argyle Brewing Company (The Depot). Cambridge NY. 6pm
Listen to Rock City Junction by clicking the link here.
Bard SummerScape returns to the Hudson Valley this summer with seven weeks of live music, opera, music-theater, and more, in the Fisher Center and other venues on the Bard College campus. The event runs from June 23-Aug. 13, as both the Fisher Center and the SummerScape festival celebrate their 20th anniversaries this year.
The SummerScape festival opens with the world premiere of Illinois, a new piece of music-theater from Grammy nominee Sufjan Stevens, Tony Award winner Justin Peck, and Pulitzer Prize laureate Jackie Sibblies Drury. The offering is based on Stevens’s beloved 2005 album of the same name.
SummerScape also offers opera performances as part of the festival. This year the choice is Henri VIII , a grand opera by Camille Saint-Saëns, whose long and remarkable career helped shape the course of French music.
Bard plans to take advantage of its authentic Belgian Spiegeltent, which has enchanted guests since its introduction to the festival in 2006. The mirrored tent provides the perfect environment for enjoying cutting-edge live music and dancing on Fridays, Saturdays, and some Sundays throughout the festival.
On July 15, Bard is hosting a day-long 20th anniversary celebration at the Fisher Center for free. Local DJ Ali will bring her family-friendly Kinder Disco to the Spiegeltent. The event will feature interactive tours and a performance from the Latin Grammy-winners of all-female mariachi outfit Flor de Toloache. After hours, over-21s can dance the night away in the Spiegeltent with WKZE radio’s DJ MK ULTRA.
The SummerScape festival concludes with a crossover performance from the “Bard Music Festival”. The event features “Vaughan Williams and Shakespeare: Sir John in Love” a semi-staged opera production by American director Alison Moritz.
Bard Summerscape Festival 2023
June 23–July 2
Music-theater: Illinois by Justin Peck, Sufjan Stevens and Jackie Sibblies Drury
June 23–Aug 12
Spiegeltent: live music and dancing
July 15
20th Anniversary Community Celebration (free)
July 21–30
Opera: Saint-Saëns’s Henri VIII (new production)
Aug 4–6
Bard Music Festival: Vaughan Williams and His World
Weekend One: Victorians, Edwardians, and Moderns
Aug 10–13
Bard Music Festival: Vaughan Williams and His World
Hudson Valley-based indie rock group Setting Sun released their first album in ten years, The Feelings Cure, looking back on who they were, what they are now, and the journey they have gone through as a band.
Led by frontman and primary songwriter Gary Levitt, the sixth studio album by Setting Sun, The Feelings Cure, was recorded carefully, as Levitt says “I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get in the creative zone with set times of having to turn creativity on and off like a switch. I used to write and record in creative blasts when I felt it come on like a wave or virus. Having kids forced me to write, record, and mix within the gaps of being a father. The maturity shows on this record.” Over ten tracks, the group comments on changing yourself as time goes on, all while utilizing upbeat instrumentals, and melancholic lyrics.
Feelings Cure is slow and free-flowing as it starts with the opening track “Cool,” fading into the more upbeat track yet still slow “Sometimes,” featuring prominent guitar solos and the good ol’ indie rock feel. Things get increasingly experimental on “Can’t Send It Back” with 80s-inspired synths, with Levitt repeating the chorus multiple times, singing “Now it’s gone by the way/Don’t expect me to stay/Somebody tried to keep their eye on mine.” One of the most enjoyable tracks “Good Die Young” blends Levitt’s personal endeavors as a comedian into the witty lyrics, citing it is the “closest [he’s] ever gotten” to blending the two areas. The song is short and simple yet makes the listener feel happy and carefree.
The album becomes slower beyond this point, featuring a country vibe on “Up and Away,” showcasing Levitt’s talents with experimenting with different genres. “Same Face” has a female singer prominently singing background vocals, adding a lighter tone to the song, as well as a return of those 80s synths. Overall, the record brings you into Levitt’s personal journey as a father and band member and the difficulty he faced balancing both. It is a classic slow indie rock record with a twist, featuring intricate genre blends, melancholic lyricism, and driving rhythms.
Key Tracks: Can’t Send It Back, Good Die Young, Feelings Cure.
Setting Sun’s new record Feelings Cure is available on every streaming platform. They are performing at the Harmonies on the Hudson Concert Series in Germantown on June 15 and at Opus 40 in Saugerties on July 16. Tickets are available here.
Beacon’s Sloop Club will be holding their annual, family-friendly Strawberry Festival on Sunday, June 11. With free admission, the Strawberry Festival promises food, fruit, vendors, educational activities, and live music right on the shores of the Hudson River.
The Beacon Sloop Club is a volunteer organization originally founded by folk singer and activist Pete Seeger. Through advocacy, education and celebration, the Beacon Sloop Club has dedicated itself to the preservation, protection and restoration of the Hudson River. They hold free music festivals throughout the year, such as the Strawberry Festival, the Corn Festival, and the Pumpkin Festival.
Performances will be held on the Beacon Sloop Club’s two solar-powered music stages, and entertainment features both storytellers and musicians. This year’s lineup includes Arm of the Sea, Beacon High School Chorus, Beacon Songsmiths, Bindlestick Bill, Cosby Gibson, Ken Miller, April Mae & The June Bugs, Jonathan Kruk, Judith Tulloch, Restless Wanderer, Trouble Sisters, Rob May, Spook Handy, and Patrick Stanfield Jones with Laurie Siegel & Joe Boggess.
Some of the educational activities featured this year are “Come Grow With Us! Seed Babies,” “Ask a Master Gardener,” and the Environmental Tent. The first, “Come Grow With Us!” has a potting station where children can learn to take care of a marigold seed. The second is tied to it, with anyone able to ask a “Master Gardener” for clarification. The Environmental Tent has hands-on science experience for children and their parents, explaining the state of the Hudson River, what it means, how it can improve, and more.
Other activities for children are Compass Arts and Vincent’s Eat Paint Love.
The sloop itself, the Woody Guthrie, will be taking guests on free sails from the Beacon Harbor. The vessel is a replica of the popular gaff-rigged Hudson River sloop from centuries prior and was launched in 1978 to support the message of its predecessor, the Clearwater. Both vessels were made to help promote the clean-up of the Hudson River by Pete Seeger.
The Beacon Sloop Club recommends that visitors bring a blanket or chair. Sign-ups for the sloop itself will begin at noon, weather permitting, at the festival’s T-shirt booth. More information on both the organization and the event can be found on the Beacon Sloop Club’s website.
Pride Month is back, and New York State has dozens of celebrations, events, and parades across the state. With many live music events and more, NYS Music has you covered in finding the perfect Pride event to attend. Kick off your summer with events across the state, from Albany to Buffalo, NYC and Long Island, and more.
Albany
June 1, 4-8 p.m.- Pride Kick-Off Block Party and BBQ in Parking Lot #2, 76 Central Ave.
June 8, 5-8 p.m.- Capital Pride Alive at Five featuring Hawthorne Heights and Bad Luck. Free at Jennings Landing.
June 11, 12-5 p.m.- The signature Capital Region Pride event, the Capital Pride Parade & Festival, is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Northeast. The Capital Pride Parade kicks off at 11:45 a.m. starting down State St. onto Lark Street and then Madison Ave. The Capital Pride Festival includes a full day of entertainment on three stages, food, drink, and advocacy with over 300 exhibitors.
June 10, 12-5:30 p.m.-In Our Own Voices will hold its 17th Annual Say It Loud! Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC) Pride celebration. It is a fun, family-friendly way to recognize the contributions, struggles, and resilience of LGBTQIA+ BIPOC families and individuals in the Capital Region. The main celebration will be held in Washington Park in Albany with performances from Grammy-nominated singer Angie Stone, NYC-based twin sisters Nicole and Natalie Albino, also known as Nina Sky, Jewel The Gem, Taína Asili, and more.
Say It Loud! will also be hosting other Pride events, like a Pride Kickoff Block party in the Waterworks Parking Lot in Albany on June 1 from 5-8 p.m. Other events include a drag show with Widow Von’Du, seen on the twelfth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, on June 10 starting at 10 p.m. at the Waterworks Pub, and The Renaissance Ball on June 30 at the Albany Capital Center, a night dedicated to Beyonce’s Renaissance album, including networking and HIV/HCV testing.
June 10, 9 p.m.-4 a.m.- Geek and Gaymer Sci-Fi Pride at ROCKS on 77 Central Ave, $10 cover.
Troy
June 2, 10-11 a.m.- Pride Flag Raising.
June 3, 5-9 p.m.- Queer Game Night at Cafe Euphoria.
June 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.- Pride Drag Brunch, $20, at Bard & Baker 501 Broadway.
June 18, 1-3 p.m.- Euphoria Drag Brunch by House of Extreme at Cafe Euphoria.
June 23, 5:30-10 p.m.- Troy Pride Night Out and Block Party in Downtown Troy. Includes vendors, food, music by National DJ Phoenix, and live entertainment provided by everyone’s favorite local Queens from Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and the CCIAC circus.
Schenectady
June 1, 4-8 p.m.- Community Sober BBQ at the Central Park Pavillion, free for everyone.
June 1, 7-10 p.m.- Capital Pride Singers host Hope: Voices of Pride at the Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church, a night of music, hope, and joy celebrating the LGBTQIA+ music makers and how their art still inspires the world today. Reserve a spot here.
June 2, 7-11 p.m.- Alternative Prom held at the Schenectady YMCA, open to all LGBTQ+ youth and allies, ages 13-18. The theme is Four Seasons, with prizes awarded to the best of each season. Also featured are great food, dance with DJ Sean McLaughlin, and more. A $10 cover charge can be paid at the door.
June 3, 1-4 p.m.- Schenectady Pride will host its 11th annual festival at Gateway Plaza where the Rainbow Pride Arches are next to SUNY Schenectady. This free event features 40+ vendors, community tables, a complete entertainment program (including a fabulous drag show at 3 p.m.), family-friendly activities, princess appearances, and so much more!
Saratoga Springs
June 1, 12 p.m.– Saratoga Flag Raising, Saratoga Springs City Hall.
June 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.- LGBTQ+ Teen Night for middle and high school students where they can come hang out with friends and meet new people in a safe space. Happens on the first Friday of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga.
June 3, 1-5 p.m.- PRIDEFEST at Whitman Brewing Company to support Saratoga Pride. Features three local bands, dogs, food, and alcohol from local breweries. Tickets are on sale here.
Binghamton
June 3, 12-2 p.m.- Pride 2023 in Binghamton begins with the annual Pride flag raising. Join the mayor, community leaders, and featured speakers as they kick off Pride Month.
June 10, 12-6 p.m.- Pridepalooza in the Park is held in Otsiningo Park. Activities include live entertainment, drag shows, and vendors.
June 10, 9:30 p.m.- Join your family and friends in Downtown Binghamton down on the Chenango River on the Martin Luther King Promenade to see the most amazing Pride Fireworks show.
June 2, 7-10 p.m.- Kicking off Cooperstown Pride Weekend is a special Fire Pit Friday celebrating Pride Month at Brewery Ommegang. The all-ages event will feature drinks, food, and a bonfire. The evening will also include a special welcome address by Cooperstown’s Mayor, Ellen Tillapaugh, a live DJ set by DJ TRUMASTR, and a spectacular fireworks display. Local businesses will be onsite selling special Cooperstown Pride Weekend merchandise, with some of the proceeds benefiting Cooperstown Central School’s Identity Alliance organization.
June 3, 2-7 p.m.- Pridefest 2023 in Oneonta begins. This year’s theme is “Block Party,” taking Pride to Main Street, with performances and vendors.
June 4, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.- At the Wakeman Coffee Co. in Sidney there will be two drag brunches, one at 10 a.m. and one at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit here.
June 4, 12-3 p.m.- Barnyard Swing in Milford presents Family Pride Day with family-friendly activities such as face painting, spin art, fossil safari, miniature golf, music by DJ Raphael, a special appearance by Rapunzel, and much more.
June 8, 7 p.m.- The Oneonta Outlaws host Baseball Pride Night at the Damaschke Field. Wear rainbow and pride colors to show your pride, and meet allies LGBTQ members.
June 25, 6-8 p.m.- Interskate 88 in Oneonta hosts a Pride skate and dance party, with free admission, and a $1 skate rental fee.
June 30, 7-11 p.m.- The second annual Pride Prom will take place in the atrium of Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta. The theme is Wonderland, featuring dancing, face painting, specialty cocktails, prizes, fashion, and drag performances from Lilly Bola, Jahyra Joelle, and Natalie Taylor. Tickets go on sale on June 1 here.
Hudson Valley
June 2, 5-10 p.m.- Out Loud Hudson Valley is teaming up with Angry Orchard to bring a Pride month Kick-Off Party unlike any other. The event will feature two DJs at the famed Cider House in Walden, NY. DJ Prephab will spin the upstairs tap room, while DJ Jimmy Prada will be on the lower level and back lawn area. A Sunset Cabaret performance by Key West’s live-singing diva Epiphany Get Paid is one not to miss.
June 3, 1-4 p.m.- The Stanford Pride Committee announced the second annual LGBTQ+ Pride event at BANGALLWORKS. This year’s celebration promises to be bigger and better than the last, with exciting new activities for attendees of all ages.
June 3, 2-4 p.m.- The 14th annual Out Hudson Pride Festival returns. The theme is “On The Road” again, celebrating love and freedom.
June 3, 6 p.m.- Poughkeepsie Pride Kickoff Party featuring drag shows performances by Lola Deville, Janine Extreme, Swisha Sweets, and Tabitha Phoenix. Purchase tickets here.
June 3, 7 p.m.- Vowel Moments is comprised of Pretty Lamé (tenor Joshua Sanders) and David Sytkowski (piano), creating a night full of genre-blending tunes. They are performing at Hudson Hall in Hudson, tickets are on sale here.
June 4, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.- Visit the Foreland Waterfront Lawn for the Foreland Pride Lawn Party, featuring food, drinks, games, performances, and more.
June 4, 12-5 p.m.- Hudson Valley Pride Coalition Pride March (New Paltz Middle School, 196 Main St, New Paltz) and Festival (Hasbrouck Park, Mohonk, and Tricor Avenues, New Paltz).
June 4, 12-4 p.m.- First Annual Pride Picnic at Opus 40 in Saugerties features performances by Key of Q, The LGBTQ & Allied A Cappella Singers of the Hudson Valley, Queer History Drag Bingo with Sis Jenner, Queer Storytime with Jacinta Bunnell “A More Graceful Shaboom,” Drag StoryTime with Epiphany Penn, and more.
June 4, 12-5 p.m.- Westchester Pride returns with Sutton Lee Seymour, NYC’s Live Singing Sasshole and Comedy Queen whose cabaret shows have toured across the United States as well as holding a residency at The Palm Cabaret in Puerto Vallarta. Her act has won her a Glam Award for Breakthrough Artist and earned her a MAC Award Nomination for Best Drag Cabaret. The special guest performer is Connecticut’s Grand Diva, Robin Fierce, who wowed audiences on Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 15 with her sass and charm.
June 10, 2-4 p.m.- We Are Better Together 2023 Pride Social at 3279 Franklin Ave, Millbrook.
June 11, 11-5 p.m.- Celebrate Rockland Pride with a day of music, dancing, and fun for the whole family. Downtown Nyack will close its streets to traffic to allow for strolling, shopping, and dining, with live performances by Frankie D and The Boys and special guests, plus the crowning of Mx. Rockland County Pride 2023.
June 11, 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.- Warwick Pride Celebration starts at the Warwick Valley Community Center with free brunch, art, music, henna, support tables, fun, and community. The Pride Parade led by Funkrust Brass Band, steps off from WVCC at 1:30 p.m., to Main Street and arrives at Stanley Deming Park for The Pride Show, 2:30-4.30p.m., hosted by drag darling, Ms. Eve Starr and a sparkling line up of guest performers. It is free and family-friendly.
June 15, 7 p.m.- International Drag Icon Sherry Vine returns with a brand new show, stuffed full of her signature hilarious, naughty parodies, hysterical videos, gorgeous costumes, and more! She will sing new parodies of Cher, Lady Gaga, Broadway, Gloria Estefan, Barry White, Eartha Kitt, and even The Ramones at Revel 32 in Poughkeepsie.
June 24, 1-6 p.m.- Peekskill Pride’s Family Pride In The Park 2023 celebrates its third annual installment of the free event. It features live music from The Little Mermen, the ultimate Disney Tribute Band, along with Christina Picciano & All My Friends, as well as Drag Queen Story Time, Drag Performances, Pet Photo Contest, craft activities, vendors, games, and more!
June 24, 1 p.m.- Celebrate the fourth annual PUTNAM PRIDE in Brewster Village. The event begins at 1 Main Street with a march to Wells Park, 98 Oak Street, with speakers, vendors, and music to follow, with Angel Elektra and Shay D’Pines. Park at the Metro North train station as there is limited accessible parking at Wells Park. Bring a blanket/chair, but no pets.
June 17, 3-6 p.m.- 2023 Pride BBQ at 39 Forestburgh Rd in Forestburgh.
Syracuse
June 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.- The CNY Pride Festival and Parade begin at 11 a.m. in Syracuse with the parade. Line up along Solar Street and West Kirkpatrick Street to watch the parade. It departs from Solar Street near Destiny USA and proceeds 0.7 miles to the festival grounds at the Inner Harbor. The festival goes from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. with vendors, sponsors, and food trucks. Acts TBA for The CNY Pride Main Stage, happening from 12-5 p.m.
Aug. 25- Pride Day is back at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse. As part of the ceremony, Jimmy Monto, who represents the City of Syracuse’s fifth district as Common Councilor – and is the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in an elected position in the City of Syracuse – was announced as Grand Marshall in the Pride Day Parade, which will step off from the Exposition Center a 6:00 p.m. “New York State is known for leading the way when it comes to pursuing equality, accessibility, and inclusivity for all New Yorkers, and at The Great New York State Fair, we try to complement these accomplishments,” said Sean Hennessey, Interim Fair Director. The day includes a drag and comedy show, as well as musical performances by:
June 16-18– Watertown Pride 2023 features a lot of different and exciting events. Pride kicks off Friday, June 16 at the historic Paddock Arcade, with The Paddock Club supplying food and drink specials, followed by drag show performances. Early on Saturday at 9 a.m., there is a flag raising at City Hall, then at noon head to Thompson Park for a 5k Color Run and Festival. That evening, the entertainment comes to you when a traveling drag show travels from bar to bar, gracing each one with a 20-minute performance. Saturday’s events conclude with Pride Night Fireworks at Duffy Fairgrounds. On Sunday, wrap up Watertown Pride weekend with a Tea Dance at Garland City Beer Works, a local LGBTQIA+-owned brewery.
June 22-25- River Pride features celebrations taking place all along the St. Lawrence River in communities like Cape Vincent, Clayton, and Alexandria Bay.
Rochester
June 4, 2 p.m.- Free movie screening PRIDE at the Little Theatre. It is a movie based on the true story of Queer activists and Welsh miners under the Margaret Thatcher government in the 1970s.
June 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.- Pop-Up Pride Day at the Seneca Park Zoo.
June 10. 2-4 p.m.- Pittsford Pride begins at 2 outside 35 Lincoln Ave with a 0.4-mile walk to 22 N Main St. in Carpenter Park with music, free, food, and more.
June 18, 1-4 p.m.- Pride Festivities at Central Rock Gym, free for members, discounted day passes for non-members.
June 26, 5:30 p.m.- Henreitta Pride takes place at the Henreitta Town Hall Lawn.
July 6, 7:05 p.m.- The Rochester Red Wings host Pride Night at the Innovation Field.
July 6, 8 p.m.- The Drag Queens of Comedy featuring Darienne Lake, Aggy Dune, and Mrs. Kasha Davis perform at Comedy @ The Carlson. The show is for 21+.
July 10, 5-7 p.m.- Flag Raising at Martin Luther King Jr. Lodge, Manhattan Square Park.
July 12, 7-9 p.m.- Poems of Pride happens at the Lilac Library. Features readings by some of Rochester’s great LGBTQ+ poets, celebrating the beauty of Rochester Pride.
July 15, 1-8 p.m.- Rochester Pride Festival returns. The parade begins at 1 p.m. on Park Avenue and ends at Cobb Hill Park, where the celebration of Pride and community continues with Pride Fest with food trucks, wine and beer for sale, vendor tables, games and activities, and a designated play area for kids. There will be live music all day long, with surprise performances.
Finger Lakes
June 9, 8-11 p.m.- The Corning Museum of Glass hosts the stunning Mrs. Kasha Davis, performing her one-woman show, There’s Always Time for a Cocktail! Following the performance is the unforgettable drag and dance party Slaying with Fire. Hosted by the fabulous Noah Phence and with the beats provided by DJ RVMBA, the night will feature special guests Cherry Blasé, Scope Kaleido, Dusty Boxx, and Femme de Violette, all bringing their own unique style and talent to the stage. Tickets are on sale now.
June 9- Teens are encouraged to join the Fairy Drag-Parent workshop, where they can learn the ins and outs of what being a drag queen is like, makeup, costumes, and snacks are provided. Register here.
June 10, 12-4 p.m.- The SoFLx Pride Festival will take place at Centerway Square in Corning. The event is a celebration of Pride history and will feature local artists and talent. The festival will have LGBTQIA+ vendors, entertainers, artists, and interactive elements for kids, both inside and outside of gaffer businesses on Market Street.
Ithaca
June 8, 9 p.m.-Close-Thursgay at The Range Drag Bingo with Pole Posse. There will be prizes, poles, and perfectly crafted drinks from The Range! Bingo games will have pole and drag performances between games, each round will have a prize as well.
June 9, 6-9 p.m.- Pride Parade and Dance Party. Pedestrian march from Press Bay Alley to the Bernie Milton Pavilion, with opening remarks followed by a Dance Party. This event and route are mobility device accessible.
June 9, 4-5:30 p.m.- Tompkins County Public Library Young Adult Book Club. The event is in the Schwarz Jacobson Room, discussing the YA graphic novel Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu. Pick up a free copy of the book at either the Teen Center Reference Desk at TCPL or Buffalo Street Books.
June 10, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.- Tompkins County Public Library hosts a Pride Family Story Time, with fun stories and a dance party with DJ Woodrow.
June 10, 12-6 p.m.- Pride Block Party in Press Bay and 100 Block of West State Street.
Thursdays in June- Awesomely Queer Movie Night at Tompkins County Public Library.
June 11, 9 p.m.-Close- Saturgay at The Range Pride Week kick-off Drag Show with host Tilia Cordara.
June 11, 12 p.m.-3 a.m.- Celebrate Ithaca Pride 2023 with an all-Spanish drag show and brunch at Zócalo Mexican Bar and Grill with the best drag performers in town. Tickets are on sale now.
June 13, 7-9 p.m.- Pride Week Comedy show with renowned comedians Madelein Smith and Kendra Dawsey. Tickets are on sale now.
June 15, 9 p.m.-Close- Thursgay at The Range Taste the Rainbow hosted by Tilia Cordata and Noah Phence. Special Guest Jayden Jameson plus a cast of your favorite local performers.
June 16, 4 p.m.- Close- Join Femme de Violette for a Sapphic happy hour from 4-8 p.m. with music and pop-up drag performances, then stick around for the all-night party! With multiple stages, shows, and hosts it’s going to be a send-off to remember!
Buffalo
June 4, 11 a.m.- The annual Buffalo Pride Parade steps off at 11 a.m. on Elmwood Ave, with hundreds of organizations participating.
June 4, 1-7 p.m.- Following the parade is the Buffalo Pride Festival at Canalside, featuring entertainment, family activities, food and beverages, live performances, and nonprofit and retail vendors. Performers include musical guests Kalifa, Bosco, and Lady Camden from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14, and an appearance by Amrit and Nicholas from Bravo’s Family Karma.
New York City
June 4, 12-6 p.m.- The New Queens Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary. It is the second oldest and second largest pride parade in New York City. Founded in 1993, it is held annually on the first Sunday in June, in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights on 37th Avenue.
June 10, 8 p.m., June 10, 8 p.m., June 11, 3 p.m.- ChamberQUEER Pride Festival We Refract
ChamberQUEER highlights historically underrepresented queer figures in Western classical music and provides an intersectionally inclusive space within Western classical music for artists and audiences. These three concerts look to answer several questions, including how navigating life outside of heteronormativity impacts one’s relationships and how does it shape understanding of one’s own identity?
Pieces written by a dream team of composers, improvisers, and performers including Jules Biber, Aviva Jaye, Alexis C. Lamb, Brian Mummert, Rajna Swaminathan, Darian Donovan Thomas, and Yoshi Weinberg are linked in concert by improvisations to create a continuous and unified concert-length world premiere. Tickets and more information are available here.
June 8, 7-11 p.m.- Yonkers Pride Mini Ball features many different categories audience members can dress in, as well as iconic judges and beats provided by DJ Ultraviolet. It is a safe space for all, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, racism, ageism, ableism, body shaming, or any form of discrimination is not allowed.
Jun 9, 4:30 p.m. – Jun 10, 5:30 p.m.- Please join Mayor Mike Spano and Members of the Yonkers LGBTQ Advisory Board for a Flag Raising Ceremony at Yonkers City Hall Unity Fountain.
June 10, 2-8 p.m.- Yonkers Pride Festival returns for the sixth annual celebration on Main Street in Downtown Yonkers. It is an outdoor event showcasing celebrity entertainment, food, merchandise, activities, and numerous community organizations.
June 10, 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.- Celebrate Brooklyn Pride with a festival on Park Slope’s 5th Avenue, entertainers on the Mainstage, and the only Twilight parade in NYC.
June 24, 3 p.m.-4 a.m.- Elsewhere, a venue in Brooklyn, hosts a Pride concert event featuring Whorechata, DJ Gay Panic, Amorphous, BAYNK, Rochelle Jordan, and more. Tickets are on sale here.
June 24, 5 p.m.- Dyke March, a protest not a march, steps off from Bryant Park. The March is a demonstration of the First Amendment right to protest and takes place without permits or sponsors. Thousands take the streets each year in celebration of our beautiful and diverse Dyke lives, to highlight the presence of Dykes within our community, and in protest of the discrimination, harassment, and violence we face in schools, on the job, and in our communities.
June 23-24- Times Square Alliance hosts the second annual Pride In Times Square celebration, full of free events centered around NYC Pride Weekend. It features top-stage and screen celebrities, Broadway/Off-Broadway productions, local Times Square business promotions, Pride Piano sessions, live DJ sets, a Trans and ENBY Pride celebration, a Drag Pride celebration, the return of last year’s Big Broadway Disco, and more.
June 24, 12-6 p.m.- Celebrate Pride in the historic neighborhood of Harlem in NYC with two entertainment stages, including the Main Stage Show, where we bring you the best talent New York City and the world have to offer, and our DJ Stage, where you can enjoy dance music throughout the day. Also included throughout the day are face painting and Drag Queen Story Hour for the children. While it’s a day of celebration, Harlem Pride will also be providing resources for the community; attendees will find referrals for health, legal, and financial services. Medical testing and health screenings will also be available.
June 25, 2 p.m.- The premiere LGBTQIA+ music festival experience of Pride Weekend is Pride Island. This year it takes place at Brooklyn Army Terminal and seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera headlines.
June 26 – PrideFest at 11 a.m., Parade at 12 p.m.-The New York City Pride March returns with Grand Marshals Billy Porter, Yasmin Benoit, AC Dumlao, Hope Giselle, and Randolfe “Randy” Wicker. The March will begin at noon from 25th Street and 5th Avenue. NYC PrideFest, the LGBTQ street fair, takes place at Greenwich Village for musical performances, entertainers, food, activities, and Pride gear from unique vendors.
Queens Rising is hosting a multitude of events around Queens from June 1 through July 2 to celebrate and promote everything arts and culture in the World’s Borough.
June 2, 6-9 p.m.- Sunnyside Pride begins at Lowery Plaza (Queens Blvd and 40th Street) for a rally, march, performances and vendor market.
June 3, 5-11:45p.m.- Queens Rising will be presenting an evening of entertainment, dancing, and fun at the Queens Night Market for free.
Take a look at other events happening around the city on the days leading up to and following the Pride March and PrideFest.
June 7, 7 p.m.- The Seaport Museum’s LGBTQ+ Pride Month hosts a special screening of the music-forward film Walk With Me.
June 23, 10 p.m.- Europe’s biggest party comes to NYC for one night only, as Matinee & Circuit Festival join forces with Masterbeat for an XXL edition of Pervert.
June 24, 12 p.m.- Youth Pride.
June 24, 2-6 p.m.- TEAZE! A Queer party experience at Club Lambda Brooklyn.
June 25, 2 p.m.- Bliss Days is NYC Pride’s annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ womxn and features rotating DJs, dancers, pop-up performances, and special guest appearances.
Long Island
June 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.- Hamptons Pride Parade 2023 returns for the second annual edition. Lineup begins at 11 a.m. on Main Street by Pondview Lane and Guild Hall. At 12 p.m. registered participants will march east on Main Street and continue via Newton Lane, Railroad Avenue, and Lumber Lane to Herrick Park, where there will be music and celebration with D.J. Karin Ward till 3 p.m.
June 11, 12-5 p.m.- The 2023 Long Island Pride celebration will be returning to Huntington Village. Join thousands at the annual parade, concert, and festival celebrating, dancing, eating, and drinking.
Johnny Depp has suffered a “painful ankle injury,” the Hollywood Vampires have announced, just a day before they were set to begin their summer tour. Dates set for this week are rescheduled for July, including the Bethel Woods date now moved to July 30.
Hollywood Vampires, photo by Ella DeGea.
The Hollywood Vampires is comprised of Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith member Joe Perry, as well as Tommy Henriksen. The band originally formed in 2012 and announced in 2022, just days after Depp won his defamation lawsuit against ew-wide Amber Heard, that they would be reuniting for a 2023 tour.
In June 2022, a jury found that Heard had defamed Depp on all three counts and awarded him $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. Since then, Depp has remained largely sidelined from Hollywood productions due to the abuse allegations against him. He was forced to exit his role in the Harry Potter spinoff series Fantastic Beasts in 2020 but continues to do well, playing shows with Jeff Beck and signing a $20 million-plus deal with fashion brand Dior.
Jeff Beck and Johnny Depp.
In a statement shared by the band, they said: “Johnny has sustained a painful injury to his ankle following his recent appearances and has been advised by his doctor not to travel.” They went on to say that “he is devastated by this turn of events but looks forward to resting up so all four Vampires can bring their absolute best to the tour in Europe.”
All tickets will be honored for the new dates, which include July 28 at the Wang Theatre Boch Center in Boston, July 29 at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH, and July 30 at the Bethel Woods Center For The Arts in Bethel. For more information about the Hollywood Vampires and to purchase tickets to their upcoming tour, visit here.
The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts will be showcasing a wide array of musical talent this summer starting on June 1, 2023, with a lineup that covers all genres of music. The large amphitheater houses 15,000 people and will welcome guests from all over to enjoy concerts and shows into September.
Hollywood Vampires ft. Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, & Joe Perry – June 1, 8:00 PM
American rock supergroup, the Hollywood Vampires will kick off the summer on June 1st with Hollywood star Johnny Depp, American rock singer Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry.
James Taylor & His All Star Band – Summer 2023 Tour – June 29, 7:30 PM
Six-time Grammy award winner, James Taylor will make an appearance at Bethel with his All Star Band. This will be his first of two NY stops on his summer 2023 tour.
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss with special guest JD McPherson – Raising The Roof Tour – July 1, 8:00 PM
Best known as the lead singer and lyricist of Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant will take the stage with bluegrass-country singer Alison Krauss once again for their second Raising The Roof Tour. The team up will feature special guest JD McPherson, singer-songwriter from Broken Arrow.
Steve Miller Band with special guest Joe Satriani – July 2, 7:30 PM
American rock band, Steve Miller Band are staples of classic rock with various 70s hits including “Joker” and “Fly Like an Eagle.” They will be accompanied by rock guitarist, composer, and songwriter, Joe Satriani.
Shania Twain with special guest Pricilla Block – Queen of Me Tour – July 3, 7:30 PM
Canadian singer-songwriter, Shania Twain is one of the best-selling female artists of all time with over 100 million records sold. She will be joined on stage by American country singer Pricilla Block.
Tears for Fears with special guest Cold War Kids – The Turning Point Part II Tour – July 5, 7:30 PM
Infamous 80s pop/rock band, Tears for Fears, will take the stage with the American indie rock band Cold War Kids for their ‘The Tipping Point Part II’ tour. The tour is in support of their newest album The Turning Point released last year- their first full-length record in 17 years.
Chris Stapleton with special guests Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives & Allen Stone – All American Road Show – July 6, 7:00 PM
Grammy award winning country artist, Chris Stapleton will be visiting Bethel in July for his All American Road Show Tour. The show will open with American country and bluegrass artist Marty Stuart and R&B/soul artist Allen Stone.
Big Time Rush with special guests MAX & Jax – Can’t Get Enough Tour – July 7, 7:00 PM
The four member boy band, Big Time Rush, originally got their start on Nickelodeon but resumed live performances back in 2021. They are now setting out on their Can’t Get Enough Tour for the summer of 2023 with fellow ex-Nickelodeon star MAX and American Idol veteran, Jax.
Counting Crows with special guest Dashboard Confessional – Banshee Season Tour – July 9, 7:30 PM
Counting Crows, the American rock band from San Fransisco was formed in 1991 and will be setting out on tour with Dashboard Confessional. Their performance at Bethel will be their 15th stop on their 56 date tour with five locations in NY.
Jason Aldean with special guests Mitchell Tenpenny, Corey Kent, & DeeJay Silver – Highway Desperado Tour – July 14, 7:30 PM
The American country singer, Jason Aldean, will be kicking off his Highway Desperados Tour at Bethel on the 14th of July. The award-winning artist along with his three opening acts will be playing 41 cities in total spanning all across the United States.
Catbird Music Festival featuring The Lumineers, Tyler Childers, & more – August 19/20, 12:00 PM
Making its debut run, the Catbird Music Festival will span two days in August at the Bethel stage. The festival will bring together seasoned as well as fresh talent of American and folk indie music including The Lumineers, Tyler Childers, and James Bay.
Also Performing
Boy George & Culture Club with special guests Howard Jones & Berlin – The Letting It Go Show – July 22, 7:00 PM
Dierks Bently with Jordan Davis & The Cadillac Three – Gravel and Gold Tour – July 28, 7:00 PM
Outlaw Music Festival featuring Willie Nelson & Family, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Gov’t Mule, Kathleen Edwards & Particle Kid – July 29, 4:15 PM
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert – July 30, 7:30 PM
The Chicks with special guest Wild Rivers – The Chicks World Tour – August 3, 7:30 PM
Goo Goo Dolls with special guest O.A.R. – The Big Night Out Tour – August 6, 7:00 PM
Zac Brown Band with Marcus King & King Calaway – From The Fire Tour – August 12, 6:30 PM
Joe Bonamassa & Styx with special guest Don Felder – August 13, 6:00 PM
Sam Hunt with Brett Young & Lily Rose – Summer on the Outskirts – August 24, 7:30 PM
Rod Stewart with special guest Cheap Trick – Global Hits Tour – September 1, 7:30 PM
Radio Woodstock 100.1 WDST and Impact Concerts, alongside Chet-5 Productions, are excited to announce an extraordinary double-header evening of music. The show will feature renowned performers Matisyahu and G. Love & Special Sauce at Woodstock’s Bearsville Theater on Thursday, August 10th, 2023.
Matisyahu, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, blends spiritual themes with reggae, rock, and hip hop beatboxing. He delivers soul-shaking dancehall reggae, combining the jam band vibe of Phish with the ska-punk energy of Sublime. Matisyahu’s chart-topping hits like “King Without a Crown” and “One Day,” earned him a Grammy nomination and widespread recognition. Matisyuah is known for his captivating performance, leaving audiences mesmerized. His performances are a raw expression of his spirituality.
Matisayahu first began touring to packed clubs over eleven years ago. Following this, he quickly became popular, particulay amongst fans within the improvisational jam-scene. Overtime, Matisyahu developed a more personal, artistic, and sophisticated way to express the yearning for deep spiritual meaning. As his own beliefs opened up to fin more variety and depth, the desire for his performances to match the flow of life developed as well.
Additionally, G. Love & Special Sauce will perform alongside Matisyahu. G. Love & Special Sauce has been capitating audiences and breaking musical boundaries since the early 90s. They are widely known for their innovative blend of alternative, hip hop, blues, and funk.
G. grew up in Philadelphia in an environment of folk, blues, and rap. He and his band Special Sauce, broke out in 1994 with their Gold-selling self-titled debut, earning widespread critical acclaim. Over the next twenty-five years, G. Love released seven more studio albims with Special Sauce, solidfying his place as a genre-bending pinoeer. Their sound has been described by the New York Times as “a new and urgent hybrid.” Additionally, NPR regarded them as a “music melting pot.”
Radio Woodstock 100.1 WDST has been the recipient of numerous national and regional awards for its innobvative, electric programming. Impact Concerts LLC creates music and lifestyle events in the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains region of New York. Together, their events showcase internationally-renowned music, art, food, beer, and wine with great core and thought put into each show.
Tickets are on sale starting Friday, May 19th at 10 am here.
