NYS Music 2023

Category: Regions

  • In Focus: Hawthorne Heights Kick off Alive at 5 in Albany

    On Thursday June 8th, Hawthorne Heights started Albany’s Alive at 5 concert Series with tribute to their roots as Emo artists. The show was moved to Albany’s rain location under I-787, but the skies were as clear as could be for the show.

    James Woodruff of Hawthorne Heights – Photo by Jarron Childs

    Alive at 5 is a free summer concert series that the city of Albany has been throwing on annually for over 30 years. The series host artists from from the local area to national scene to bring the capital region some music from their favorite genre. Each week has a different theme; this one being Emo Pride Night.

    The show’s opener was the band Bad Luck from New York City. They had just come off a spring tour to play a 45 min set. Bad Luck set the tone for what was to come for the headliner.

    Hawthorne Heights formed in Dayton, Ohio a little over 20 years ago in 2001. They sent out their first song, “Silver Bullet,” to hundreds of record labels until one stuck with Confined Records. By 2006, they had two gold albums and were opening for Fall Out Boy during their Black Clouds and Underdogs Tour. The first stop on that tour, in fact, was in Albany, at what is now MVP Arena.

    Photo by Jarron Childs

    Hawthorne Heights is currently on a traveling festival around the US called the “Is For Lovers” festival. It has lineups of some of the best emo and pop-punk bands that could have ever been assembled, all in one place.

    Hawthorne Heights played a long 90 minutes set to start Albany’s Alive at 5 for 2023. Lead singer, James Woodruff, said this was the longest set they have ever played. Though he proclaimed early on that they would rock out the whole night, there were a lot of speeches in between songs. Fans grew restless towards the end of the set as it could be felt that he was trying to fill up their time slot. Though the speeches did give their songs more meaning, and young fans got to understand emo better, it could be felt that fans just wanted to rock out the night.

    Photo by Jarron Childs

    Hawthorne Heights did come through with their promise as fans got to mosh to some of their favorite songs. At least two mosh pits that broke out on top of, crowd surfing and the audio engineer jumping into the crowd. The crowd screamed the lyrics to “Niki FM” and helped to close out the show with “Ohio is for lovers.”

    Hawthorne Heights will continue their “Is for Lovers” festival on June 24th in Stateline, NV. There are currently no NY shows scheduled, but hopefully NY fans will get new music from them soon.

    Don’t miss this week’s Alive at 5 with Mihali with special guest Side B opening. NYS Music will be on site so stop down and check out what the NYS Music team has in store!

    Hawthorne Heights Setlist: Pens and Needles, Constant Dread, This is Who We Are, Lucerne Valley, The Transition, Crimson Sand, Saying Sorry, Rescue Me, Spray Paint it Black, Silver Bullet, Hard to Breathe, Blue Burns Orange, Stab Myself, We Are So Last Year, Niki FM, Dandelions, Ohio Is For Lovers

  • Governors Ball Day 3 – Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X, and Pusha T Close Out The Weekend

    Governors Ball wrapped up the weekend last night with a stellar, career-spanning performance from Kendrick Lamar. Sunday was another eclectic day of music from all ends of the spectrum, featuring sets by Lil Nas X, Pusha T, Black Midi, Girl In Red, and Phony Ppl.

    Kendrick Lamar, Governors Ball 6/11/2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil

    Rap music was on clear display for Sunday. Coast Contra gave some early afternoon rap to the Bacardí stage. The dynamic rap group brought the old school vibes with their “Scenerio Freestyle.” Over on the GoPuff Stage, Central Cee displayed classic UK rap to the New York crowd. He had the fans going wild for his hit song “Doja.” 

    Leading up to the headlining slot on Sunday, Pusha T brought his rash flow to a wild crowd at the Bacardi Stage with a deep setlist full of crowd favorites and covers. At the same time, Sofi Tukker’s house/pop blend reverberated from the GoPuff Stage sending infectious dance beats through the park. Lil Nas X followed with thrilling dancing and intricate costumes culminating in a giant sing-along to his hit song “Old Town Road”.

    governors ball pusha t
    Pusha T, Governors Ball 6/11/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    It was only fitting that Kendrick Lamar headlined Sunday night because there was truly no better way to end the 2023 edition of the Governors Ball. Fresh off the larger-than-life Big Steppers Tour, Kendrick brought his more stripped-back festival production to the GovBall Stage. It’s hard to imagine how such a mega artist can create an “intimate” festival performance while still bringing every bit of energy you expect. A bare stage with varying backdrops, flanked by lighting from the sides of the stage and vertical laser walls made Flushing Meadows feel like a window into the life of Kendrick Lamar songs. The power and raw energy of Kendrick’s flow echoed throughout the audience who were in awe of what they were witnessing.

    governors ball kendrick lamar
    Kendrick Lamar, Governors Ball 6/11/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    With 2023 in the books, we can already start thinking about next year. The move to Flushing Meadows Park was a major success for Governors Ball. The vast park is the perfect venue for a music festival with large field areas and thick tree lines providing shade and texture to the grounds. Fans have easier access via mass transit and the neighborhoods surrounding the park are home to the most diverse local food vendors anywhere in the world. The future is bright for Governors Ball after finally finding the perfect home. After housing multiple World Fairs in 1939 and 1964, the city has kept large festivals away from Flushing Meadows; a trend that has finally ended.

    Stay tuned for more artist galleries, as well as a in-depth look into Kendrick Lamar’s historic headlining set in Queens.

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

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

    NAUJOUR Toosii

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

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

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

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

    Album Rollout and Overview

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

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

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

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

    Standout Tracks

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

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

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

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

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

    – Toosii on “Another Love Song”

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

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

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

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

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

    Final Thoughts

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

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

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

  • Summer in Downtown Series in Corning Coming Summer 2023

    Corning, NY’s Gaffer District is returning with their “Summer in Downtown” series this summer with a suite of events ranging from music to stories to farmers markets. This year, the program is sponsored by Williams Toyota, enabling free and accessible events to all attendees.

    For over 30 years, the Gaffer District has served as a place of community engagement and marketing. Originally built following the reconstruction of Corning’s historic downtown in the wake of a flood in 1972. Today, the district is home to over 250 businesses, galleries, museums, and a full schedule of events throughout the year.

    We are thrilled to partner again with Williams Toyota to present the Summer in Downtown event series. Their tremendous passion for this community is evident in the many ways they help us provide free entertainment and wonderful memory-making experiences for area residents and visitors alike.

    Coleen Fabrizi, executive director of Corning’s Gaffer District

    Summer in Downtown Series Events

    Community Nights

    Home to vendors, live music, and kid-friendly activities, Gaffer District will be holding two Community Nights. The first, “Crusin’ Community Night” is on July 28 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will feature the bands Chasing Neon as well as Blue Eyed Soul. The second, “Bites on Bridge Community Night” in on Aug. 25 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will include the band Double Barrel.

    Storytime in the Square

    Every Tuesday from June 13 to Aug. 22 is at 10:00 a.m. at the Centerway Square stage for an hour. Each day has a different theme, from “In the Good ol’ Summertime” to “Christmas in July.”

    Corning Farmers Market

    At the Riverfront in Corning on every Thursday from June 1 to Oct. 26 is the Corning Farmers Market. From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., local farmers and vendors will be there to sell their wares. A community favorite, Ella’s Acres food truck, will be there all summer long to serve locally-sourced cuisine.

    Northside Music Series

    All events for the Northside Music Series are from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. This Corning Summer in Downtown will feature the following artists:

    Can’t Count Trio – July 11

    Sandra Esparza – July 18

    Payton Clark – July 25

    Dragonfly Acoustic – Aug. 1

    3’s a Crowd – Aug. 8

    Pat Comstock – Aug. 15

    Jeremy James – Aug. 22

    Tremayne Harer- Aug. 29

    Music in the Square

    All events for the Music in the Square series are from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. This series will feature the following artists:

    Allengheny River Seneca Dancers – July 6

    Cayuga Klezmer Kapelye – July 13

    The Wilson Family and Isaiah Smallwood – July 20

    Doolin O’Dey – July 27

    Vanessa Santi – Aug. 3

    Top Shelf – Aug. 10

    Gerard Burke – Aug. 17

    Metku – Aug. 17

    More information for this year’s Summer in Downtown can be found on the Gaffer District’s website.

  • Lawrence Taylor and Get The Led Out Highlight Music Beats Cancer Night at T5

    New York Giants Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor and Led Zeppelin tribute band Get The Led Out highlighted the Music Beats Cancer event on June 8, a night of music, reaching out to the community, and recognizing the importance of cancer research innovations.

    Music Beats Cancer lawrence taylor
    Get The Led Out performing at the first annual Music Beats Cancer event on June 8, 2023.

    Held at Terminal 5 in New York City, Music Beats Cancer’s first annual event successfully raised awareness and money for cancer research. The non-profit organization focuses on the significance of connecting music to boost cancer-fighting treatment techniques, all while promoting new artists and their music.

    Live and silent auctions, a two-part performance from Get The Led Out, and a passionate speech from Lawrence Taylor were all factors in providing a night to remember for the foundation.

    Before the event, Taylor took the time to emphasize the importance of cancer research innovations, a big reason why he supports Music Beats Cancer’s organizational goals. Through personal experience in knowing people who have battled the illness and expressing the significance of helping those in need, he believes this event is a step towards an answer.

    “I have friends who have cancer, had cancer, I feel that it’s a worthy cause…at the end of the day we got to take a hold of it [cancer] and somewhere there is an answer and somewhere there is a cure.”

    – Lawrence Taylor

    Taylor’s involvement in the group effort to promote cancer cure innovations stems from how important he believes the organization is, which assists in fighting against the disease in a unique way.

    Lawrence Taylor attending the Music Beats Cancer event on June 8, 2023

    “This is a good program, I mean that it’s a bigger program than we can put out at my organization in Florida, this is well on a bigger stage,” Taylor said. “I am impressed [with the event], and hopefully more people get involved.”

    Raising thousands of dollars through donations while providing a tie to the music industry, the event’s success will leave an imprint on the future of start-ups and supporting up-and-coming artists for years to come.

  • MVW and Valee Release ‘Could Be’ and ‘Pistachio’ in Anticipation of New Album

    Suis generis producer MVW continues to flood the streets with a run of ear-catching singles. Coupled with vocals from frequent collaborator Valee, MVW delivered fans the Groovy sounding “Pistachio” and “Could Be,” a straightfoward take on the two artists musical philosophy. The two records offer a taste into how MVW plans to build on his sound, or add to what’s working. Namely, “Could Be” is a piano and Hi Hat laced track that sees Valee chime in with his laidback delivery. In a 2-minute loop MVW’s ominous piano riffs set the tone as Valee illustrate through various luxury items on the grand lifestyle that “Could Be” for his romantic partners.

    MVW and Vale continue their run of ear-catching singles.
    MVW (right) and Valee (left) embark on their latest musical journey

    In a similar vein, the Zelooperz assisted “Pistachio” brings a lively twist to MVW’s classic-trap blend. Likewise, Valee brings his colorful idioms, characterizations and laid-back delivery in toasting to the pistachio-colored seats of their luxury car, with each emcee bringing a whimsical confidence in their verses. The sonics, courtesy of MVW, sway with an addictive nocturnal funk. His classical roots at play, adding gorgeous hum of woodwinds giving the record a grand feel.

    “‘Pistachio’ was a special track that was made together with Valee, Zelooperz, and I one night in LA all together, last summer, MVW reveals. “As soon as Valee began laying the hook, there was a particular feeling in the air, the rest was history. I can’t really put my finger on it, but I’ll never look at Pistachios the same.”

    VALEEDATION will see MVW and Valee continue to grow into one of the best duos in hip hop

    Valee and MVW’s VALEEDATION

    These records are a continuation of MVW’s musical journey. Beginning as a classical composer and building himself up as a respected hip hop producer. In doing so, MVW has since worked alongside some of the industry’s best up-and-coming and established artists alike. His steady collaborative efforts with Valee have been a defining staple throughout this time.

    Fittingly, the former Classical composer will release his third hip hop album in as many years this July. However, this installation of classical-trap symphonies will come alongside frequent collaborator Valee, as the duo embark on a full-album journey that their musical synergy demands. Slated for a September release date, VALEEDATION will be a chance for a MVW and Valee to establish themselves as a preeminent duo with unrivaled chemistry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Our thanks to Pete Connors for show highlights.

  • Celebrate Father’s Day at Dad Fest 2023 in Albany

    This Father’s Day, the City of Albany and the Air Force Reserve will hold the free annual event Dad Fest in Washington Park. The event features a classic car show and live music from a variety of bands. Festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. and will conclude by 6:00 p.m., allowing for a full day of celebration.

    Dad Fest 2022. Credit: CivMix

    This is the ninth year of the celebration, allowing families to relax and enjoy the early summer in Albany’s Washington Park. The event is open to all, not just Dads, with a bit of fun available for everyone.

    From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. will be the classic car show, which is being presented by Park Albany in partnership with Capital Car Shows & Air Force Reserve. 20% of the $15 registration fee will be going to the Henry Johnson Vet House of Albany. Spectating the event is free. 32 awards are available for those that participate.

    From 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. are the Gentlemen of Soul LSM, a soul, rhythm, and blues tribute band.

    From 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. is the band E.R.I.E., an indie rock quartet. The band was originally dreamt up on a hospital bed, with songwriter T.J. Foster writing and recording Don’t Wanna Live, Don’t Wanna Die as a reflection of his ordeals bringing him to the hospital and his past as a songwriter. Other members of the band include guitarist Matt Delgado, drummer Chad Flewwelling and bassist Levi Jennes.

    From 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mixed Roots, an AfroBeat and reggae band, will play. While they all now consider Albany home, Mixed Roots’ members come from a wide variety of backgrounds. The leader of the band, drummer and vocalist George, grew up in Accra, Ghana. He has shared his vocabulary of AfroBeat and reggae with the rest of the band, which includes: Irishman and bassist Brian; Irishman and guitarist Pete; Dave and Catherine playing trombone; and sax man Scott.

    The final performance from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. is Yesterday – The Beatles Tribute. They are the longest running show at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City, and were recently voted the #1 tribute act in Las Vegas by The Fremont St. Experience.

    For more information, check out the Albany Office of Cultural Affairs website’s page for the event. More information for the car show can be found here. The rain date for Dad Fest is June 25.

  • Lincoln Center Announces Summer for the City

    Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) has announced the second annual Summer for the City, the ultimate New York festival. 

    Over three months, Lincoln Center turns its campus into a summer festival. It features hundreds of free events, thousands of artists and food from across the city, inviting New Yorkers of all kinds to come together and celebrate the city’s vibrant communities through the arts. 

    “We are blessed to be in the heart of the most diverse city in the world, and to have sixteen acres of outdoor space to celebrate the magic of this bustling global city,” Shanta Thake, Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer of LCPA said. “This summer builds on a city reimagining itself—finding hope in community, and planting seeds for the future. Over three months, we welcome all New Yorkers to come dance, love, and celebrate together with long-standing traditions of social dance and classical music, and new traditions like our wedding for hundreds of couples, and a ‘second line’ processional to honor lives lost.” 

    Summer of the City Events

    Summer for the City honors New York’s multifaceted communities with dynamic new works and reimagined classics. This includes a week-long celebration of Korean cultural traditions during Korean Arts Week, the New York City premiere of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, the return of the BAAND Together Dance Festival, globalFEST, Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra concerts. Furthermore, it will all culminate in a week-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop with performances by J. PERIOD, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, a trap choir, and more. The summer also shines a light on accessibility and disability artistry, with Big Umbrella Day, the return of Deaf Broadway, and a series of events curated by disability artistry guest curator Kevin Gotkin.

    This season builds on the successes of last year’s inaugural Summer for the City. The event brought all of Lincoln Center’s summer festivals under one collective banner, welcoming New Yorkers back together after so much time apart. The inaugural Summer for the City season served an audience of over 300,000 on campus. More than three quarters of these people had never before reserved a ticket to a Lincoln Center presentation.

    Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

    In recent years, Lincoln Center has expanded its role as an artistic and civic cornerstone. It hosted dozens of blood drives, food distributions, graduations, and serving as a polling place, core to its broader commitment to the city and a statement of confidence in its enduring vitality. 

    “Nothing captures the spirit of New York better than our arts, and this summer, thanks to Lincoln Center, thousands of New Yorkers will have access to hundreds of free cultural events,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Summer for the City will include performances by critically acclaimed music artists and curators and be a celebration of our city’s creativity, diversity, and, most importantly, our resilience. New York City isn’t coming back—New York City is back. And we can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the arts the city has to offer.”

    A team of curators programmed the 2023 edition of Summer for the City. Additionally, it centers artists and art forms historically underrepresented on campus and welcome wider audiences and communities. Events throughout the summer are inclusively designed. They integrate access needs with a range of accommodations for all performances. This includes ASL interpretation, audio description, live captioning, haptic suits, and more.. The Lincoln Center’s social channel will livestream select performances.

    The calendar for the events can be found here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Full Listing Jazz on Jay 2023

    June 1 ESYO Jazz Combo

    June 8 The Trojan Horns

    June 15 Musicats

    June 22 Mike Purcell & Company

    June 29 Peter Van Keuren Trio

    July 6 Teresa Broadwell Band

    July 13 Tarik Shah Trio

    July 20 Tim Olsen Trio

    July 27 Eric Ciarmello Quartet

    Aug. 3 Hot Club of Saratoga

    Aug. 10 Sonny & Perley

    Aug. 17 Allen Halstead Quartet

    Aug. 24 Michael Bisio Quartet

    Aug. 31 Doc Horton and the Jay Street Band