NYS Music 2023

Category: Regions

  • Fear of Strangers, one of the Original DIY Albany Bands, Announces Reunion at Lark Hall on November 4

    Fear of Strangers, originally known as The Units, is an Albany-based quartet that revolutionized the DIY era of the city during the 70s with its simple, melodic rock and clever lyrics. The band announced they will be doing a reunion show at Lark Hall on June 2.

    Update – this show has been moved to November 4th. Read a message from the band below.

    Dear devoted fans and FOS curious, we’re sorry to have to postpone our FOS/Units reunion show at Lark Hall. We’ve had a personal injury within the band. Everyone is fine and it’s not something too serious or life-threatening, but still it would hamper our performance. We want to put on the best show that we can, so we hope you’ll find it worth waiting for. The rescheduled date is Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Lark Hall. Check this page for updates as the date approaches and we hope everyone can still make it!

    The Units came onto the Albany DIY scene with their fresh energy of punk and new wave, fusing the luster of Steely Dan, the thump of Parliament/Funkadelic, and the firm edge of the Talking Heads. They traded the name for the ferocious and catchier Fear of Strangers, going from doing covers of whatever was hot at the moment to creating their own fresh and catchy covers. The quartet is comprised of bassist Steve Cohen, vocalist ‘Lonesome’ Val Haynes, drummer Al Kash, and guitarist Todd Nelson.

    Fear of Strangers
    Photos by Dave Suarez and Lynne Harty.

    They released their debut single “Japan” b/w “I am Sorry” in December 1979 under the name The Units, and once they changed their name they released their only album in 1982 on the Faulty Products label. The band became one of the most prolific ones to come out of the late 70s DIY scene in Albany, eventually opening shows for like-minded pioneers including The Police, Squeeze, XTC, The Specials, B-52’s, and R.E.M. In 1983, the band called it quits, but Cohen, Haynes, Kash, and Nelson have all made music in other realms and in other cities.

    The band will be hosting a Fear of Strangers/The Units Reunion Show on June 2 at Lark Hall, dedicated to the memory of Lin Brehmer, shining a light on the beginnings of the underground Albany scene, serving as a powerful reminder that the scene is still bright and beaming. Upstate New York’s premiere acoustic Americana trio, Lost Radio Rounders, will start the evening off at 8 p.m. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit here.

  • Dead and Company to Auction Custom Signed Guitars for Charity on Final Tour

    The final Dead & Company tour, stopping in Saratoga Springs on June 17-18 and Citi Field June 21-22. will include a traveling charity auction featuring ten one-of-a-kind D’Angelico guitars designed by contemporary rock music artist AJ Masthay.

    Each guitar features designs using images from Masthay’s Dead & Company poster art, creating an anthology of his work with the band, dating back to 2016. 

    dead and company final tour guitars for charity

    The auction is part of the “Participation Row” activism village organized by HeadCount, a non-profit organization that promotes voter registration and civic participation, along with REVERB, which promotes environmental responsibility. Since 2015, Participation Row has raised more than $2.8 million dollars for nearly two dozen “Dead Family” charities through auctions and activity at over 180 concerts. Participation Row’s impact also includes over 25,000 fans registering to vote or signing up for election alerts, and over 100,000 single use water bottles being eliminated.

    Masthay has this to say about his collaboration with HeadCount:

    I’m a firm believer that if our democracy is going to function as intended, we all as citizens have an obligation to be informed and participate in said democracy, that’s why I am and will continue to be a supporter of HeadCount and their mission. My relationship with HeadCount started over a decade ago and out of our partnership has come some of the most cherished pieces in my portfolio.

    Masthay is most well known for his unique style of reduction block printing in the concert art arena. His blend of traditional techniques and love of live music has made him one of the most prominent figures in the rock art industry. Masthay established his own letterpress studio in 2001 and is currently based out of Hartford, CT. He has also done work for Black Sabbath, Foo Fighters, South Park, Queens of the Stone Age, Umphrey’s McGee, Widespread Panic, and many more. 

    Dead & Company Summer ‘23 Tour Dates

    05-19 Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

    05-20 Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

    05-23 Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion

    05-26 Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

    05-28 Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

    05-30 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

    06-01 Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

    06-03 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

    06-05 Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake

    06-07 St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

    06-09 Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field

    06-10 Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field

    06-13 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

    06-15 Philadelphia, PA – Citizen’s Bank Park

    06-17 Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    06-18 Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    06-21 Queens, NY – Citi Field

    06-22 Queens, NY – Citi Field

    06-25 Boston, MA – Fenway Park

    06-27 Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    07-01 Boulder, CO – Folsom Field

    07-02 Boulder, CO – Folsom Field

    07-03 Boulder, CO – Folsom Field

    07-07 George, WA – The Gorge

    07-08 George, WA – The Gorge

    07-14 San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park

    07-15 San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park

  • The Park Theater Foundation Shares 2023 Summer Series Concerts Lineup

    The Park Theater Foundation announced the return of its free Summer Series Concerts at the Crandall Park Bandshell taking place each Friday evening (7-8:30 p.m.) from June 30-July 28.

    The Park Theater Foundation

    The Park Theater Foundation free Summer Series Concerts returns for its third annual installment at the Crandall Park Bandshell in Glens Falls (rain location is The Park Theater) from June 30-July 28. There are five performances, each running 90 minutes, featuring local and regional musicians. This free concert series will serve to enhance the accessibility of the arts within the local community. “What started out as an experiment during the pandemic has quickly become staple programming for our organization. I couldn’t be happier to be back at it again this summer and to be expanding the series with an additional concert in June. We look forward to seeing everyone back outside for some incredible live performances!” said Executive Director, Chris Ristau.

    Summer Series Concerts Lineup

    The Park Theater Foundation is thrilled to expand its 2023 Summer Series Concerts with an additional free performance hosted at The Barn at French Mountain in Lake George on June 16. Groups featured include Dr. Funke’s 100% Natural Good Time Family Band – A Superjam Event with members of Chestnut Grove, Let’s Be Leonard, and Wild Adriatic, plus special guests.

    Friday, June 30 – The Ladles

    The Ladles have three-part female harmony perfected, but their sound is more than that. They have sophisticated arrangements, creating a dreamy otherworldly atmosphere that draws audiences in and demands attention. The group consists of Katie Martucci, Caroline Kuhn, and Lucia Pontoniere.

    Friday, July 7 – Hot Club of Saratoga

    The Hot Club of Saratoga is a swing collective that plays music that reflects the style of The Quintet of the Hot Club of France that were prominent in the 1930s.

    Friday, July 14 – Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band

    Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band are quickly rising stars in the Capital Region, featuring over a dozen top regional players. Fulmer is a bit of an old soul, and his music is reminiscent of Justin Townes Earle, Jeffrey Foucault, John Prine, and Iron & Wine. The group won the 2023 Americana Artist of the Year at the Eddie Awards.

    Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band.

    Friday, July 21 – The Clements Brothers

    The Clements Brothers, George and Charles, create music with roots, rock, bluegrass, jazz, and classical influences, showcasing their stunning vocal harmonies, instrumental virtuosity, and a genuine love of music. The brothers are former members of the internationally touring grass-roots band, The Lonely Heartstring Band. 

    Friday, July 28 – Girl Blue

    Saratoga Springs native Girl Blue, or Arielle O’Keefe, writes deeply emotional songs with strong singable hooks, reminiscent of Alanis Morissette and Brandi Carlisle. She’s been featured on top Spotify playlists (New Music Friday) and charts (#2 on US Viral Charts), in national commercials, on top blogs like the Huffington Post, and has received seven Eddie Awards.

    For more information about the Park Theater Foundation, visit here.

  • Spafford Sizzles in Saratoga Springs Debut

    Making their Saratoga Springs debut, the force was strong with Spafford on Thursday, May 4th. Delivering an awe-inspiring, booty shaking performance full of type-II improvisation, buttery smooth segues, spacey textures and more dynamic soloing than even Han could handle, the highly talented quartet proved once again that when it comes to pure jams, Spafford is light years ahead of the pack.

    Putnam Place served as our cantina for the evening, and while you will surely find a more wretched hive elsewhere, on this evening there were no villains here, only friends with plenty of character. You see, despite it being Spafford’s first time in ‘Toga, the electro-funk jam band has been around for more than a decade now. Developing a strong following via old-fashioned word of mouth and fan interaction, frequently sharing high quality live streams and relentless touring, those that already know, know, and these so-called “Spaff-Nerds” will happily travel far and wide to see these jam band Jedis play. For many in attendance, it was a no-brainer making the trip to Putnum Place, a venue with an almost mythical status as being a “rite of passage” for improv acts.

    Originally formed in a place far, far away in Arizona, Spafford is comprised of Brian Moss (Guitar), Jordan Fairless (Bass), Corey Schechtman (Keys), and Nick Tkachyk (Drums), and have actually orbited around the Capital Region numerous times, previously playing venues like the defunct Lucky Strikes in 2017, the Palace Theatre (supporting Umphrey’s McGee) and headlining “Jam Night” at Albany’s Alive at 5 concert series last summer, thus making their long awaited Putnum debut all the more surprising and overdue. Making up for lost time and determined to leave a lasting impression, the evening with Spafford kicked off with a spunky version of “Left on the Runway” from their latest album, 2022’s Simple Mysteries.

    Acknowledging the familial vibe early and flowing straight into “All My Friends,” the collective buzz in the room immediately went up a notch. That’s because longtime Spafford fans know “All My Friends” is almost always paired up with “Bee Jam,” one of their most coveted improv vehicles. Sure enough, the Bee would take flight on this night, soaring through Saratoga with an absolutely stellar, 18 minute rendition that contained everything from head banging grooves, crunchy funk-drenched breakdowns, the first huge guitar solo from Brian Moss and sonic exploration that effortlessly dipped into a murky type-II atmosphere, only to emerge on the other end with “Mind’s Unchained.” Corey’s Schechtman’s tasteful piano textures really came through here, adding a layer of beauty that made you want to close your eyes and live in the moment for as long you could. Slowly building to the song’s blissful crescendo, the song would cap off an impressive 40 minutes of uninterrupted music to start the show. Little did anyone know the biggest jam of the first set was still yet to come.

    As bassist Jordan Fairless slapped away at the intro of “Dog House,” his voice was in top form and so was his playing. Picking up the pace as the song shifted into “Part II,” we’d get another tasty organ solo from Corey, before the song would showcase some of the bands more jamtronic and improg influences with “the human metronome” Nick Tkachyk navigating the ship. Taking you along for a colorful, sonic journey into the musical unknown, the song would ultimately clock in at the 19 minute mark and bring the scorching first set to a close.

    After a smoke-filled intermission, Spafford would stay on target and turn the heat up even higher for set two. Once again choosing a song from their latest studio album to kick things off, the band came out of the gates swinging for the fences with a 21 minute “Diesel Driver” that was, simply put, a home run. Despite being a relatively recent song, Spafford played the ever-loving snot out of it, showing a maturity and patience well beyond their peers. Then working their way through the Braveheart-esq sounding “Pursuit of Madness,” for me, it was all about the “Broken Wing” that would follow. An absolute showcase of what this band is capable of, if you were able to stand still during this song, sorry not sorry, but you might want to check your pulse.

    Going with dank grooves for days and yielding an all-out dance party that reminded you of what the Putnum Place was like before the pandemic, the energy here was through the roof. Yet another 20 plus minute jam, it was around this time I realized, “holy smokes, they haven’t stopped playing this entire set!” Maybe that was their plan all along? Almost on que, as if they could hear my thoughts, “Broken Wing” then melted into “Plans” in the most buttery-smooth way. Giving guitarist Brian Moss and his custom Raven one last chance to shred, every time I get a chance to watch this man play is awe-inspiring. The entire second set alligatored together as one frame of music, I’ve been saying it for years, but if that didn’t make you a believer in this band, then I give up trying to convince you.

    Thanking the audience for packing out the place despite it being their first time there, Moss would speak from the heart and address the crowd by saying, “What a blast we had this evening. What a beautiful town, great food, great people. Should we come back?” After a resounding cheer, minus the one guy who jokingly gave a thumbs down, Spafford would cure us all and send everyone home happy with a 13-minute encore of “The Remedy.” While it may have taken them several years to find their way to Saratoga Springs, east coast jam fans won’t need to wait nearly as long to see the guys again. With the promise of planning something spectacular and unique, up next the band is preparing for an intimate three-night run of shows at NYC’s famous Blue Note Jazz Club beginning May 29th. Later in June, you can catch Spafford performing at the picturesque Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua, NY.

    Spafford | May 4, 2023 | Putnum Place | Saratoga Springs
    Set 1: Left on the Runway, All My Friends > Bee Jam > Mind’s Unchained, Doghouse > Part II
    Set 2: Diesel Driver > Pursuit of Madness > Broken Wing > Plans
    Encore: The Remedy

  • Julica Dann, Prom Sex, And Brian Kaplan Featured on This Week’s EQXposure

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Julica Dann, Prom Sex, and Brian Kaplan.

    Julica Dann, Prom Sex, and Brian Kaplan.

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    Julica Dann – “Side Grit”

    Julica Dann is Erica Ann’s indie/electro music-making Gemini Twin. She has been making music and involved with bands for years but wanted to branch out to do completely solo music. She started with an old drum machine making beats along with her bass playing skills and has grown to include computer samples as well. Her song “Side Grit” off of her record On Hold, released in 2019, will be played on EQXposure.

    Prom Sex – “The Thinker”

    Prom Sex is a DIY noise rock project from Upstate New York. Originally starting as an experimental noise project fronted by Alex Furnia, it has since developed into an electric, rock-oriented group, enlisting the songwriting talent of Alex’s twin brother Nick on later EPs and their most recent album, DEATH OF THE BODY.

    Brian Kaplan – ”Harder to Stay”

    Award-winning singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and recording artist Brian Kaplan has fronted his genre-bending original projects since 2001. His original music has made its way onto the playlists of some of the most prominent regional radio stations in the Northeast. His various projects have opened for or shared the stage with such monster acts as BB King, blink-182, moe., Widespread Panic, Jerry Garcia Band, and more.

  • Josh Lumsden Releases Energetic Debut EP “SCION i”

    Independent DIY pop artist and acclaimed NYC-based producer Josh Lumsden has just released his debut EP SCION i just in time for Pride Month. The album features many dramatic hit songs accompanied by a handful of LGBTQIA icons. 

    Josh Lumsden Releases Energetic Debut EP “SCION i" May 19th

    For instance, the album starts off strong by introducing Rupaul’s Drag Race Winner Yvie Oddly on first single, “Energy,” multi-dimensional trans icon Cottontail makes their mark on second single, “Holiday,”  and Australian pop-sensation Brendan Maclean croons on “Drowning.” 

    Josh Lumsden Releases Energetic Debut EP “SCION i" May 19th

    The remaining tracks of the EP mark a close to its collaborative first half, and a start of its visual-album experience. “Right Here,” an industrial house track that takes you right into a Brooklyn warehouse rave was accompanied by a music video that centered around high-fashion by up & coming designers SIKK Designs & SKNDLSS.  

    Josh Lumsden Releases Energetic Debut EP “SCION i" May 19th

    The song “Wanna Have Fun” is a Pop/R&B turned Techno earworm features a futuristic AI-infused music video making a statement on the emergence of AI generated art. The final single, “Waiting,” is a downcast pop dream that turns violent, featuring melodic vocals and infectious harmonies. The music video for “Waiting” is currently in production and will be released in the coming weeks.  

    Born and raised in Austin, Texas, the classically trained musician and self-taught producer Josh reins as NYC’s “Independent DIY pop artist” (Kaltblut Magazine). Thus, for being the sole producer of their entire discography, director and editor of their music videos, and graphic designer of album and singles artwork.

    “The ability to produce my own music came from not knowing anyone who made beats, along with my innate apprehensiveness to bother anyone,” recalls Josh. “Being able to create things on my own and not rely on anyone is not only practical, but liberating.” Josh cites their biggest musical influences, as fellow self-producing artists like Grimes and Rosalia, for giving him the drive to continue doing things his own way and on his own terms.  

    To listen to SCION i, click the link here. 

    For more by Josh Lumsden, click the link here. 

  • New York Philharmonic Announces Concerts in the Parks in June

    The New York Philharmonic announces Concerts in the Parks, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, will return this June 13-16.

    New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks

    The Concert in the Parks series has become an iconic New York summer experience since it began in 1965. It transformed parks across the city into a patchwork of picnickers and allowed them to hear classical music under the stars. More than 15 million listeners have been delighted by the performances
    since their inception.

    “Music and nature — two vital human needs — come together with the Concerts in the Parks,” said NY Phil Chairman Emeritus Oscar S. Schafer. “More than any other experience, it is a time when New Yorkers can come together to simply enjoy themselves outdoors. Didi and I can’t wait to join tens of thousands of our neighbors and visitors to enjoy this magnificent Orchestra perform in parks across the city.” Music Director Jaap van Zweden will conduct the concerts, which take place at Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx (June 13); the Great Lawn in Central Park, Manhattan (June 14); Cunningham Park, Queens (June 15); and Prospect Park, Brooklyn (June 16).

    Jaap van Zweden began his tenure as the 26th Music Director of the New York Philharmonic in September 2018. He has also served as Music Director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic since 2012. He has conducted performances on three continents, and at age 19 he became the youngest-ever concertmaster of Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Speaking about the Concerts in the Parks, Zweden said “This season, I look forward to returning to conduct the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, which are such an important tradition in New York City. These special events give all New Yorkers, as well as visitors to our city, an opportunity to experience the NY Phil in beautiful outdoor settings and at the same time enjoy our New York City parks throughout all the boroughs.”

    Jaap van Zweden.

    The program will include Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Rossini’s William Tell Overture, J. Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus Overture and On The Beautiful Blue Danube, and works by two New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers. All four outdoor performances will begin at 8:00 p.m. and conclude with fireworks. In addition, musicians from the New York Philharmonic will perform a Free Indoor Concert, on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., at St. George Theatre in Staten Island.

  • Good Company: Kendall Street Co. Cheeses It Up In Albany

    Making their maiden voyage through Albany, Kendall Street Company had fans jumping for joy on Friday, April 28th when they brought their barefoot brand of high energy, jam-infused beach rock, along with their signature sense of humor, to Lark Hall for the first time.  As enlightening as it was entertaining, it was the kind of show that sent you home thinking you’d just danced with the stars of tomorrow, today. The type of band that makes sure everyone is having fun, and If you didn’t this night, why were you even there in the first place?

    Jumping for Joy: Kendall Street Company brought the fun to Albany for their Lark Hall debut on 4/28/23.

    Based out of Charlottesville, VA, the band originally formed in 2013 and has been riding a steady wave of momentum since the end of the pandemic.  Thanks in large part to constant touring, dedicated songwriting and finding a balance between humor, business and being the best of buds, Kendall Street Company consists of frontman Louis Smith on rhythm guitar and vocals, the dress wearing Brian Roy on Bass, Ryan Wood on drums, Ben Lederberg on electric guitar, and saxophonist/keyboard player Jake Vanaman. Their sound is often hard to categorize, a melting pot of various styles and influences ranging from soul-searching blues, to jazz inspired bluegrass, to psychedelic yacht rock, to straight up feel-good pop rock. Along with an equally diverse and impressive list of covers in their bag, Kendall Street Company showcased it all on this Friday night in Albany.

    Kendall Street Company opened the show on 4/28/23 with their brand new single, “Becca’s Dad.”

    Opening the performance with their latest single “Becca’s Dad,” followed by “Wineglass Television,” we got our first cover song of the night in the form of the Grateful Dead‘s “Bertha,” which the Lark Hall faithful happily ate up.  Having reviewed several Lark Hall shows in the past, it never once occurred to me what the bird actually sounds like. Thanks to one of the most memorable and educational moments of the night, however, it’s now a chirp I don’t think I’ll ever forget. In deadpan poker face, KSC frontman Louis Smith would take us to school by calling up a Lark sound effect and piping it through the PA system long enough to where it was funny, then unfunny, then hypnotic and then funny again. Amusing themselves and the audience alike, make no mistake, these guys are serious musicians.  

    Barefoot Boogie: Kendall Street Company rocked Albany’s socks off on 4/28/23.

    Continuing on with “Porridge,” “Unwind (Boiler Jam),” and a surprise cover of “Ode to Viceroy” by Mac DeMarco, the band would play another unreleased new song called “Trapeze”.  The highlight of the night came next when fans in the crowd approached the stage and gifted the band a few containers of Aged White Cheddar potato chips, clearly a request for the guys to play their song of the same name. After taking a moment for a mid-set snack, as if the knock-off Pringles were communion wafers, not only would the band grant the request, they would jam it out using the chip containers as percussion shakers! While everyone in the audience was legitimately laughing out loud, the guys made note how the chips were a little dry and made them thirsty. Whether it was a planned bit, or spontaneous like I hope it was, it was effective and endeared the guys to the Albany crowd even more.

     Shake It Up: Give an artist a can of chips and they’ll get you something out of it. 4/28/23

    After “Sweet and Clean,” we got our third cover song of the night with “Doctor Worm” by They Might Be Giants. Speaking from the heart and getting a little sentimental, Kendall Street Company would then play the first song they ever wrote together, the irresistible “Cars.” Showing promise from the very beginning, on this night, KSC took a hard left during the song, detouring to the 5 boroughs and mashing it up with the Beastie Boys classic anthem “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.” “Laura, I’m Sorry About the Cobbler” would bring the main portion of the show to a close and leave the audience hungry for more. Happy to entertain the intimate crowd, Kendall Street Company would get a little sexy on the humorous encore of “Stanley Birddogmouth,” resulting in full audience participation similar to what you might see during a “YMCA” sing-along. As ridiculous as it was fun, it was hard not to get caught up in the charming antics Kendall Street Company provided to the unassuming Albany audience. This unteachable charisma and their innate ability to connect will surely help them go as far as they want to.

    Kendall Street Company “cheesed” it up in Albany, Aged White Cheddar style on 4/28/23.

    After taking a little time off to celebrate drummer Ryan Wood’s wedding, the band is set to make several east cost appearances later this summer.  With upcoming stops in Pembroke, MA, Asbury Park, NJ and a late night Phish after party at The Cutting Room in NYC, Kendall Street Company will also take part in some major festivals like Strangecreek Campout and The Peach Music Festival in Scranton, PA.  A band on the rise and one you definitely need to see live, if you’re looking for some good tunes, a good time and good company, Kendall Street has plenty to offer.

    Kendall Street Company | 4/28/2023| Lark Hall | Albany, NY

    Setlist: Becca’s Dad, Wineglass Television, Betha  [1] , Porridge, Unwind (Boiler Jam), Ode To Viceroy  [2] , Trapeze, Aged White Cheddar, Sweet & Clean, Doctor Worm  [3] , Cars > No Sleep Till Brooklyn (Albany),> Cars, Laura, I’m Sorry About the Cobbler

    Encore: Stanley Birddogmouth (Sensual version)

     [1]  The Grateful Dead cover

     [2]  Mac Demarco cover

     [3]  They Might Be Giants cover

     [4]  Beastie Boys cover

  • Glove Theatre Receives Official New York State Historic Marker

    The Glove Theatre in Gloversville will receive an official NYS Historic Marker under the venue’s marquee, unveiling on Saturday, June 3 at 2 p.m.

    The Glove Theatre
    The Glove Theatre.

    The Glove Theatre opened in 1914 and hosted movies, music, vaudeville, and civic events, and in 1920 it became the flagship theatre and home office of Schine Enterprises until 1965. In 1971 the venue officially closed, though it did have a few civic engagements during that decade, and reopened in Oct. of 1997 with the “The Phantom of the Glove.”

    It is a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing an accessible expression platform for the arts that engages, entertains, and educates the regional community, giving economic opportunities to the Southern Adirondack and Mohawk Valley regions. The historic Glove Theatre will be honored with an official NYS Historic Marker, only the second granted in Gloversville.

    This historic marker honors the legacy of the Glove Theatre as an arts venue within the city for the past 109 years. Immediately following the historic marker’s dedication, the Glove Theatre Museum will reopen with a new exhibition, featuring newly discovered artifacts and photographs detailing the rich history of the Glove Theatre, its century of performers, important civic events, and headquarters of the Schine movie empire.

    Glove Theatre Vice President and Historian Alex Miller.

    The unveiling ceremony will be on Saturday, June 3 at 2 p.m. prior to the Southern Adirondacks Food and Wine Festival and Glove Cities Arts Alliance 2023 Arts Walk. For more information, visit here.

  • Interstate Island Release Rock Single “Grey Wolf”

    LI rock band Interstate Island have just released their newest single “Grey Wolf” on May 18th. The single explores the dichotomies of choosing between freedom and companionship.  

    Interstate Island Release Rock Single "Grey Wolf" Out May 18th 

    The track “Grey Wolf” navigates these feelings through the lens of a “lone wolf,” one searching for clarity. Throughout the song, both ideas are celebrated as the singer tries to decipher what he needs the most. Sonically, the track has a similar vibe to singers/band like Elton John, Styx, and REO Speedwagon. 

    Interstate Island was initially formed by Eddie Andrews, who was born and raised with a firm appreciation for classic rock music. More Inspiration for the project came after seeking to reimagine Electric Light Orchestra’s classic albums of the 1970’s. The first visions of Interstate Island emerged in 2019 when Andrews met with accomplished producer Matt Wallace (O.A.R., Maroon 5, Andy Grammer). 

    Matt Wallace had listened to a few of Andrews’ demos and expressed an interest in working together on a project.  They initially recorded an early version of “Love Song” with a group of rock musicians who have regularly toured and recorded with some of the world’s most successful artists.   

    While the results were inspiring, Andrews believed there was an opportunity to expand on the concept by incorporating leading (as opposed to background) string arrangements – and perhaps using a live orchestra to perform those arrangements. 

    After a brief hiatus caused mainly by the Covid-19 pandemic, Wallace and Andrews were finally able to record Brave New World in 2021. Simultaneously, Interstate Island began to scope out the best fit for a leading string arranger.  

    Since a centerpiece of ELO’s work was the way in which they glistened string arrangements over pop-rock tracks, Andrews felt this was imperative to incorporate. This led Andrews to collaborate with Steve Turner, a well renowned arranger who previously toured with Electric Light Orchestra. 

    Listen to “Grey Wolf” by clicking the link here. 

    For more on Interstate Island, click the link here. 

    For more information on the band, click the link here.