The Chenango Blues Festival recently finalized the lineup for its 30th Anniversary Celebration, with the addition of two-time Grammy winner, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience. Traveling from Louisiana and long-time area favorites, the band will kick off the two-day festival, which begins on Aug. 18 and concludes the next day, with a free admission show. Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience will anchor what promises to be a memorable 30th-anniversary celebration.
The Chenango Blues Fest is a family-friendly event run by an all-volunteer staff. Their motto is “by fans, for fans” and they really mean it. If there is an opposite to the high dollar, corporate festivals proliferating around the country, this is it.
John Primer, who was just announced as an inductee to the Blues Hall of Fame, will follow. Primer is one of the last Chicago bluesmen to have played with legendary artists like Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and Magic Slim. The show will close with Curtis Salgado, the Portland, Oregan based blues and soul man who is a past Blues Music Award winner as Artist of the Year.
The celebration will continue with a headlining set by Charlie Musselwhite on the Infield Stage, sponsored this year by Norwich Rehab; Kerry, Inc., and the Raymond Foundation. Musselwhite has received numerous awards, been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, and performed with several musicians. Preceding him on the infield stage will be Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, a dynamic mix of 1960s-influenced guitar blues, Memphis soul, and Latin-tinged East San Jose funk.
Leading up to those acts is Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds hailing from Brooklyn, who has built a loyal following on the strength of Arleigh Kincheloe’s dynamic vocals, a rock-solid rhythm section, horns, and a keen sense of fun. Kicking off the festival at 11:30 a.m. is Gabe Stillman, fresh off rave reviews for his performances on the recent Blues Cruise. Following is ace saxman Jimmy Carpenter, who, when he isn’t touring the world or sitting in with a who’s who of blues players he is the musical director of the Big Blues Bender – one of the premier events in the blues world.
These are just a few of the acts scheduled to perform, and this year’s 30th Anniversary Celebration is sure to be one you won’t want to miss. Friday’s show is free, and Saturday’s is free for those 17 and under. Tickets for the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Chenango Blues Festival are now available.
Friday Schedule
Tent Stage Parking opens – 4:30 p.m. Festival gate opens – 5:00 p.m. 5:30 – 6:45 – Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience 7:15- 8:30 – John Primer 9:00 – 10:15 – Curtis Salgado
Saturday Schedule
Infield Stage Parking Gate Opens – 10:00 a.m. Festival Gate Opens – 11:00 a.m. 11:30 – 12:25 – Gabe Stillman Band 12:45 – 1:45 – Jimmy Carpenter 2:45 – 4:00 – Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds 5:15 – 6:30 – Tommy Castro & the Painkillers7:40 – 9:00 – Charlie Musselwhite
Tent Stage 1:45 – 2:45 – Guy Davis 4:00 – 5:15 – Melody Angel 6:30 – 7:40 – Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band 9:00 – 10:15 – Honey Island Swamp Band
Lloyd Banks continues his run of quality projects with his latest release, The Course Of The Inevitable 3: Pieces Of My Pain. The PLK’s (Punch Line King) latest release came with little press-run and debuted near the top of the iTunes rap charts, eventually climbing its way up to number 1. However, this is a familiar feat for the Jamaica Queens native, whose Course of The Inevitable series has seen Lloyd Banks return to studio albums after years of free mixtape downloads.
All in all, the response has been positive. The Course Of The Inevitable 3 currently sits at number 3 on the iTunes chart trailing only NF’s Hope and Youngboy Never Broke Again’s Don’t Try This At Home. Known for his introverted personality as much as for his lyrical prowess, Lloyd Banks kept the project’s features close to home as usual. With guest verses from Method Man, Dave East, Vado, 38 Spesh, Cormega and longtime friend and G-unit cohort, Tony Yayo.
In light, Lloyd Banks has sculpted The Course Of The Inevitable 3 to be a New York-centric album, full of hustlers and survivors of the streets who can help Banks relay his message. As the album’s Apple Music synopsis says, “A haze of philosophical street raps and sleekly sinister production.”
Ace Frehley turns 72 on April 27th, proving you are never too old to keep rocking and rolling. While the famed guitarist is most known for his prominent role in the hard rock group KISS, he has also enjoyed a fruitful solo career.
Perhaps one of his biggest solo hits is “New York Groove” – an anthemic encapsulation of Frehley’s youthful spirit and the city that drove him to new heights. But it might surprise you to hear that he didn’t actually write the tune. And that it was popular in Europe long before it ever reached America.
Ace Frehley was born Paul Daniel Frehley in 1951. He grew up in the Bronx and first picked up a guitar at the age of 14. It was here in New York City that Frehley saw the Who and Cream perform live, further solidifying aspirations of rock stardom into his young, impressionable brain.
Frehley cut his teeth on the local NYC scene throughout the late 60s and early 70’s. It was during this time that he answered an ad calling for a guitarist in a hard rock group. It read, “Lead guitarist wanted with flash and ability.”
That fateful listing brought him into the fold of bassist/singer Gene Simmons, rhythm guitarist/singer Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss – KISS was officially born.
The band was signed to Casablanca Records in November 1973 and for most of the decade they toured around the world, skyrocketing to the top of their charts. Catchy choruses, searing guitar riffs and a flair for the theatrics helped the band stand out in more ways than one. A string of platinum albums and sold-out tours lasted throughout the late 70’s.
KISS 1983 – Paul Stanley/Getty images
Despite the hectic schedule, all four members of KISS recorded and released respective solo albums on the exact same day in 1978. Frehley’s project was self-titled and featured what would become one of his most popular solo tracks: “New York Groove.”
While the song feels representative of Frehley’s own experiences in New York, the track is actually a cover, originally written by Russ Ballard and recorded by a glam-inspired rock band called Hello. The original track achieved a fair amount of success in Europe, charting at #9 in the U.K. and #7 in Germany. It was reportedly recorded in less than 5 hours in a studio just north of London.
Ballard said in an interview that he had the idea for the song while on a plane ride to NYC.
I felt that’d be a good title for a song,” he said. “The whole idea was of someone going back to New York and singing about the experience.”
The song encapsulates the feeling of a nostalgic return to a place once called home. It starts with the lyrics:
Many years since I was here On the street I was passin’ my time away To the left and to the right Buildings towering to the sky, it’s outta sight
After years of relentless touring, one would think Frehley could relate to the feeling of coming home for the first time in a while. But apparently, Frehley was not enthusiastic about recording the song; he had never even heard the track before covering it. But alas, the label wanted a more commercial song on the album and so, Frehley went ahead with it.
In an interview with Louder Sound in 2016, Frehley put it like this:
“A lot of people think I wrote New York Groove. It’s not a myth that I’ve perpetuated, but that’s the way it is. I wish I would’ve wrote the song, though. I would’ve made a lot more cash out of it, ha-ha-hargh!”
While most of Frehley’s solo album was recorded in a studio in Connecticut, “New York Groove” was a late addition and was recorded in Plaza Sound Studios, right above Radio City Music Hall.
Ace Frehley’s hit single “New York Groove,” released September 18th, 1978
Frehley, Simmons, Stanley and Criss all released their solo albums on September, 18th 1978. But Frehley was the only one who managed a hit single, with none other than “New York Groove. “It stayed on the U.S. charts for 21 weeks, peaking at #13.
Frehley told Louder Sound in that same interview that there was no competition among bandmates to have the best record. But he also revealed that he hadn’t really listened to his fellow bandmates’ projects.
“I did put Gene’s on once,” he recalled in the interview. “When I heard his version of When You Wish Upon A Star I had to pull it off the turntable, ha-ha-hargh!”
Origins Vol. 2, released in 2020, featuring classic rock covers such as “Good Times Bad Times” and Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Frehley has continued to release solo projects in the past few decades. His most recent solo album, Origins Vol. 2, was released on September 18, 2020. It is a follow-up to Origins Vol. 1, released in 2016. Both consist of covers of some of Ace Frehley’s favorite songs. Still, “New York Groove” remains a signature song.
In an interview, Russ Ballard attributes the song’s success to its simplicity. “I guess it surprised me because it’s so incredibly simple. They say a good song will always sell, and there’s a lot of truth in that.”
“New York Groove” Lyrics
Many years since I was here On the street I was passin’ my time away To the left and to the right, buildings towering to the sky It’s outta sight in the dead of night
(Ooh) Here I am, again in this city (Ooh) With a fistful of dollars And baby, you’d better believe
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove Back in the New York Groove, in the New York Groove In the back of my Cadillac Wicked lady, sittin’ by my side, sayin’ “Where are we?” Stopped at 3rd and 43, exit to the night It’s gonna be ecstasy, this place was meant for me
(Ooh) I feel so good tonight (Ooh) Who cares about tomorrow So baby, you’d better believe
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove Back in the New York Groove, in the New York Groove
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove
The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS) has announced the launch of a new 44-piece string orchestra for New York City residents ages 10-18 years old, named Crescendo.
The brand-new orchestra Crescendo will provide access to outstanding music education for a diverse range of students affected by the pandemic. In addition to weekly ensemble rehearsals, students will receive chamber music coaching, workshops, and masterclasses with professional musicians as well as guidance on audience engagement, careers in the arts, audition preparation, and more. Students will study and prepare music by historically underrepresented composers, including women, members of the LGBTQIA community, and people of color, as well as standard works from classical composers.
The New York Youth Symphony was founded in 1963, internationally recognized for its award-winning and innovative educational programs for talented young musicians. It was awarded the 2023 Grammy for Best Orchestral Performance – Classical, the first youth orchestra to win a Grammy in this category. The NYYS has provided over 7,000 students opportunities to perform at world-class venues including Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, and The Times Center, all while learning valuable skills like commitment, discipline, focus, and collaboration.
Music Director of Crescendo, Tanatchaya Chanphanitpornkit
The Music Director of Crescendo is Tanatchaya (Tanya) Chanphanitpornkit, who is no stranger to the impact music can have on a child’s life. “I never had access to, or really knew about playing music until I came to the United States. In Thailand, it wasn’t part of the conversation at all, and it has made me understand the importance of access and education right here in our own backyard.” She was born into poverty in the farmlands of Thailand, and it wasn’t until she moved to New Jersey at the age of 10 that she had some exposure to classical music in middle school, and after her father’s death, she dived into playing the bass. “It is with that experience that I truly believe that Crescendo could not only help the lives of youth around NYC, but the world by bridging the gap in music education and teaching everyone the power of music and building a love for it,” she added.
Crescendo’s Ensemble-in-Residence for the first year will be the Aizuri Quartet, who has had a relationship with NYYS for several seasons through the Chamber Music and Composition programs. They will be holding four sectionals – two for each concert cycle, performing with the orchestra at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall on April 21, 2024, at 3 P.M. Crescendo will perform an additional concert at Merkin Hall on November 20, 2023, at 7 P.M. For more information, visit here.
The City Parks Foundation has announced the start of its 2023 SummerStage season, which begins June 3 and will host several events in Central Park and 12 neighborhood parks across the five boroughs.
Returning for its 37th year, the 2023 season continues until September 30 and will combine free and benefit shows. City Parks’ 2023 season will continue to showcase established and emerging artists from across the globe, presenting many genres including salsa, jazz, hip-hop, indie rock, reggae, Afrobeats, soul, pop, global, contemporary dance, and more.
Locations for the 2023 City Parks Summerstage season. Credit: Lauren Martin.
The City Parks Summer 2023 season will additionally shine a celebratory spotlight on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, highlighting the genre’s influence globally with a diverse, multi-faceted series of events showcasing all elements of hip-hop culture, from live performances and DJ sets to dance and graffiti displays across the five boroughs.
SummerStage is back for another exceptional year of free programming. It’s an honor to bring to parks artists that are reflective of each neighborhood’s rich cultural fabric, whether these performers are familiar or completely new discoveries. Feeling the joy and wonder of live music with other New Yorkers is an experience that is unmatched and should not be underestimated. At a time when we are increasingly isolated, SummerStage uses our city’s parks — vital resources in every neighborhood — to connect audiences with each other in a very emotional and magical way and, ultimately, to create community.
Heather Lubov, City Parks Foundation’s Executive Director
This season will feature acclaimed local artists returning to their New York roots. Brooklyn-based artist Nick Hakim will bring his soulful R&B sounds back to Brooklyn when he performs on July 14 in Von King Park; R&B legends Kool & The Gang will return to SummerStage on July 22 in Queens’ Flushing Meadows Corona Park; salsa legend Eddie Palmieri will have crowds dancing on August 14 in Crotona Park; and fans of New York City’s Latin -infused freestyle sound will enjoy high-energy performances by DJ Frankie Cutlass and The Cover Girls on August 12 in Staten Island’s Stapleton Waterfront Park.
The City Parks 2023 Season will also feature ticketed benefit shows in Central Park to help support City Parks Foundation’s free performances, and these shows begin at the start of the season on June 3, at Central Park with artists Hippo Campus and Gus Dapperton. More benefit shows will be announced throughout the season.
The City Parks Foundation is dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community building, and education programs for all New Yorkers. Their programs — located in more than 300 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across New York City — reach over 275,000 people each year.
The City Parks Foundation SummerStage is one of New York’s most beloved, broadly accessible, free outdoor performing arts festivals, with SummerStage annually presenting nearly 80 free and benefit performances in Central Park and neighborhood parks throughout the five boroughs to 217,000 fans. With performances in genres representing the cultural fabric of New York City ranging from jazz, hip-hop, Latin, global, indie, and contemporary dance, SummerStage fills a vital niche in New York City’s summer arts festival landscape. Since its inception nearly 40 years ago, more than six million people from New York City and around the world have enjoyed SummerStage.
City Parks 2023 Season Schedule
Saturday, June 3, 7 p.m., Central Park – Hippo Campus & Gus Dapperton – Benefit Concert
Sunday, June 4, 6:30 p.m., Central Park – Indigo Girls – Benefit Concert
Saturday, June 10, 6 p.m., Central Park – Opening Night American Blues – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 14, 7 p.m., Central Park – New York Sings Yiddish! – FREE Concert
Thursday, June 15, 7 p.m., Central Park – Sammy Rae & The Friends – Benefit Concert
Saturday, June 17, 4 p.m., Central Park – The Aussie BBQ – FREE Concert
Sunday, June 18, 6 p.m., Central Perk – Buddy Guy’s Damn Right Farewell Tour – Benefit Concert
Monday, June 19, 4 p.m., Central Park – Park Jams, a Juneteenth Celebration – Benefit Concert
Tuesday, June 20, 7 p.m., Central Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Gabriella Reyes / René Barbera / Will Liverman and Dimitri Dover – FREE Concert
Friday, June 23, 7 p.m., Brooklyn Bridge Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Gabriella Reyes / René Barbera/ Will Liverman / Dimitri Dover – FREE Concert
Saturday, June 24, 5 p.m., Central Park – Stanley Clarke N 4ever / Kenny Garrett / Brandee Younger / DJ Logic in Association with Blue Note Jazz Festival – FREE Concert
Saturday, June 24, 7 p.m., Jackie Robinson Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Sunday, June 25, 3 p.m. – Dreamland – Pride in Central Park – Benefit Concert
Monday, June 26, 6 p.m., Williamsbridge Oval – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 28, 6 p.m., Socrates Sculpture Garden – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 28, 7 p.m., – Michael Franti & Spearhead – Benefit Concert
Friday, June 30, 7 p.m., Clove Lakes Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 1, 5 p.m., Central Park – Andy Shauf / Leith Ross / Yves Jarvis in association with the Consulate General of Canada in New York – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 2, 5 p.m., Central Park – Andy Shauf / Leith Ross / Yves Jarvis in association with the Consulate General of Canada in New York – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 8, 5 p.m., Central Park – Catalan Sounds On Tour: Queralt Lahoz / Marala / Lia Kali with DJ sets by DJ Trapella in association with the Institut Ramon Llull – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 9, 5 p.m., Coney Island – Tuff Gong Takeover feat Skip Marley & Friends – FREE Concert
Monday, July 10, 6 p.m., Central Park – Noel Gallagher & High Flying Birds and Garbage – Benefit Concert
Wednesday, July 12, 6 p.m., Central Park – Juanes / Conexion Divina in association with LAMC – FREE Concert
Thursday, July 13, 5 p.m., Central Park – Bastille Day: Joachim Garraud & Marie Berson / Passi / Bénabar / Adèle Castillon in association with Consulate General of France – FREE Concert
Thursday, July 13, 7 p.m., Von King Park – Works & Process at SummerStage: The Masterz at Work Dance Family with Courtney Washington – FREE Concert
Friday, July 14, 6 p.m., Von King Park – Nick Hakim / June McDoom / Evan Wright – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 15, 4 p.m., Von King Park – MIKE’S Young World III: Noname / Georgia Anne Muldrow / 454 – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 15, 5 p.m., Central Park – TRUENO / Villano Antillano / Dawer x Damper / KEXP’s El Sonido with Albina Cabrera ft. Camola DJ set in association with LAMC – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 16, 4 p.m., Coney Island – GOLDEN OLDIES ON THE BOARDWALK 2023 feat. The Duprees / The Coasters / Charlie Thomas’ Drifters w/ Jeff Hall / Bobby Wilson / Stan Zizka’s Del Satins / Vito Picone & The Elegants / The Chiclettes and More / Hosted by Joe Causi with DJ Vinnie Medugno in association with Fever Productions and Brian Rosenberg – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 16, 6 p.m, Von King Park – dead prez / th1rt3en / Large Professor DJ Set – FREE Concert
Wednesday, July 19, 5 p.m., Central Park – Julia Jacklin / Y La Bamba / Black Belt Eagle Scout -FREE Concert
Thursday, July 20, 5 p.m., Central Park – Horsegirl / Iceage / Water From Your Eyes / Lifeguard – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 22, 5 p.m., Central Park – Michael Brun Presents BAYO – Benefit Concert
Saturday, July 22, 5 p.m., Flushing Meadows Corona – Kool and the Gang – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 23, 5 p.m., Central Park – Taiwanese Waves: Waa Wei / The Dinosaur’s Skin / Mandarin Homework (DJ Mr. Skin) – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 23, 6 p.m., Flushing Meadows Corona Park – DJ Rekha’s Basement Bhangra Bacchanal: DJ Rekha / Malkit Singh with live band / DJ Ana / Sikh Knowledge / Rolex Rasathy / Param Singh / Dholi Anuradha and guests – FREE Concert
Thursday, Aug 3, 6 p.m., Crotona Park – Ted Smooth’s Freestyle Jam ft. TKA and Judy Torres – FREE Concert
Friday, Aug 4, 5 p.m., Crotona Park – “Birth of a Culture” Grandmaster Flash and Friends – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 5, 5 p.m., Central Park – The Originals: Stretch Armstrong / Rich Medina / Tony Touch / Clark Kent / D-Nice – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 5, 7 p.m., Crotona Park – Stonebwoy in association with Ghanafest-NY Crotona Park – FREE Concert
Sunday, August 6, 4 p.m., Coney Island – Hip-Hop 50: SPECIAL EDITION: Nice N Smooth / Special Ed /Buckshot of Black Moon / Masta Ace / CL Smooth / Rah Digga / Rampage / Black Sheep Dres / Sweet Tee / Joeski Love / Sparky D / Hosted by Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) – FREE Concert
Wednesday and Thursday, Aug 9 & 10, 7 p.m. Mt. Joy – Benefit Concerts – Sold Out
Saturday, Aug 12, 5 p.m., Waterfront Park – Frankie Cutlass / The Original Cover Girls / Cynthia / Black Sheep / DJ Millo and DJ Medina in Association with Maker Park Radio Stapleton Waterfront Park – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 12, 5 p.m., Central Park – VP Records Presents Roots Reggae Review – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 13, 5 p.m., Coney Island – Funk Flex & Friends Birthday Concert Featuring Raheem DeVaughn, Rob Base & More – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 13, 5 p.m, Waterfront Park – Las Cafeteras / Natu Camara / Justy / DJ Kitty the Disc Jockey in Association with Maker Park Radio and La Isla Bonita Stapleton – FREE Concert
Thursday, Aug 17, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Works & Process at SummerStage: The Missing Element with The Beatbox House / LayeRhythm – FREE Concert
Friday, Aug 18, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Jason Moran and the Big Bandwagon: James Reese Europe and the Harlem Hellfighters: From the Dancehall to the Battlefield in Association with Jazzmobile – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 19, 5 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Mixtape (Film Screening) / DJ sets by Ron G / Doo Wop / Mister Cee / Tony Touch / Brucie B – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 19, 5 p.m. – Cautious Clay, Wet, Christian Kuria, and Zindelphia – Benefit
Sunday, Aug 20, 4 p.m., Coney Island – Jose Alberto “El Canario” / The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra: The Music Of Machito, Tito Rodriguez and Tito Puente – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 20, 5 p.m., Central Park – Everyday People – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 20, 5 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Hip-Hop 50: Native Tongue Edition: Monie Love / Black Sheep Dres / Chi Ali / DJ Red Alert hosted by Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) – FREE Concert
Wednesday, Aug 23, 4:30 p.m. – Manchester Orchestra and Jimmy Eat World – Benefit Concert
Thursday, Aug 24, 8 p.m. – Regina Spektor – Benefit Concert
Friday, Aug 25, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band featuring Dianne Reeves / T.K. Blue in association with Jazzmobile – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 26, 3 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: The Cookers / Endea Owens and the Cookout / Nduduzo Makhathini Trio / Akua Allrich and The Tribe – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 27, 3 p.m., Tompkins Square Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Charles McPherson with Terell Stafford / Something Else! Vincent Herring Septet / HERA feat. Chelsea Baratz and Andromeda Turre / Michael Mayo – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 27, 5 p.m., Central Park – Palmwine Festival: Show Dem Camp and Friends in association with Move Forward Music – FREE Concert
Wednesday, Aug 30, 7 p.m. – Vance Joy with Dan Sultan – Benefit Concert
Thursday, Aug 31, 6 p.m., Central Park – In Our Own Sweet Time Tour: Vance Joy / Dan Sultan Subaru Music Series – Benefit Concert
Sunday, Sep 3, 5 p.m., Central Park – Emicida / Goyo / Screening: AmarElo: It’s All for Yesterday / in Association with 27th Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival – FREE Concert
Thursday, Sep 14, 5 p.m., Central Park – Tanya Tucker / Nikki Lane Subaru Music Series – FREE Concert
Long Island’s Family Dinner have just served the release their newest single “Revenge Dress,” a empowering/spicy break-up track. The band has also announced a few shows with The Dirty Nil this July and will head out on a short run with Only Sibling this week.
“Revenge Dress” is a total breakup anthem and with lines like “This pretty face is gonna raise some hell tonight,” it’s hard not to get stuck in your head. The song rides from floaty to fierce, with chiming riffs and upbeat drums complementing Natalie O’Keeffe’s cool and collected vocals. Along with this release, the music video for the song encapsulates the mood of the lyrics.
Speaking on the song, Natalie expands by stating, “‘Revenge Dress’, put very simply is a breakup ‘fuck you’ song about realizing your worth and no longer letting yourself get taken for granted. The best revenge is success and nothing gets you over some loser more than looking good and raising hell with your friends.”
Formed in 2017, Family Dinner are friends first and a band second. Living just a few miles apart, the group formed naturally when drummer Nick Amalfitano was jamming out with guitarist Michael O’Keeffe as Natalie hummed melodies while making dinner, and thus the band name came to be.
The members of Family Dinner are almost as carefree as the beach town they reside in. The band has created a unique alternative rock sound that makes you want to dance, paired with lyrics that take a dark twist.
Rounded out by bassist Sam Weiss, Family Dinner began crafting songs, released a few singles, and started playing shows at DIY spots within the tight-knit Long Island music scene. In 2021 the band released the EP, You’re So Cool, four melodic tracks that pull from 90’s alternative rock and punk ethos.
Following the EP, the band knew they had something special on their hands and soon found themselves opening for acts like The Lemonheads, Grouplove, Bayside and Iron Chic. Entering the studio with Brett Romnes and Vinnie Caruana (The Movielife, I Am The Avalanche) last year, Family Dinner is currently putting the finishing touches on their debut full-length.
Tour Dates:
w/ Only Sibling
4/20 – Brooklyn, NY @ The Kingsland
4/21 – Westfield, MA @ Hutghi’s
4/22 – Providence, RI @ Alchemy
w/ The Dirty Nil
7/12 – Boston, MA @ Sonia
7/13 – Syracuse, NY @ Song and Dance
7/14 – Buffalo, NY @ Rec Room
Listen to “Revenge Dress” by clicking the link here.
The Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College will present its first Cinco De Mayo family celebration “Viva El Cinco De Mayo: Festival Del Son” on Saturday, May 6 at Colden Auditorium. This celebration will feature four world-renowned ensembles on stage presenting traditional Mexican music and dance, including Tlen Huicani, Mariachi Real De Mexico, Ensamble Huasteco, and Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Nueva York, joined by special guest José Adán Pérez.
Viva El Cinco De Mayo: Festival Del Son
Kupferberg Center for the Arts (KCA) is the largest multi-disciplinary arts complex in Queens, and hosts performances by world-class artists, regional and local talent, and professionally-produced shows by Queens College’s students and faculty. KCA’s mission is to provide high quality, accessible and affordable cultural attractions to the Queens College community and the borough’s 2.3 million residents. Colden Auditorium, the venue host the Cinco De Mayo celebration, is the largest indoor venue space with 2,000 seats within the borough of Queens, conveniently located on the campus of Queens College in Flushing, NY.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the first annual Cinco De Mayo festival this year. Our goal is to create a fun and inclusive event for all ages that celebrates Mexican culture and brings people together through the power of music and dance.”
Jon Yanofsky
Festival Del Son is a family-oriented music and dance festival that features the three most important “Son” musical styles from Mexico. In this Cinco de Mayo celebration, Ensamble Huasteco will bring traditional Son Huasteco, Mariachi Real De Mexico will share the traditional Son Jaliscience, and Tlen Huicani will feature the traditional Son Jarocho. Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Nueva York will dance with all three groups to share both the beauty of dances and dresses from each region.
This event is presented in partnership with Consulate General of Mexican in New York and Mexican Cultural Institute of New York. “Queens College and the Kupferberg Center for the Arts (KCA) have been instrumental in fostering cultural exchange and understanding. This Cinco de Mayo celebration exemplifies the power of collaboration and the beauty of our shared heritage. It is honored to bring Mexico’s vibrant traditions to life, creating a memorable and enriching experience for families in New York.
Tickets for the Cinco De Mayo celebration are on sale now and can be purchased online or at the box office.
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will hold a special film screening, Q&A, and charity food drive event on May 6, featuring the documentary film Harry Chapin: When In Doubt, Do Something, which celebrates the extraordinary life and activism of LIMEHOF inductee singer songwriter Harry Chapin, from Huntington Bay.
Harry Chapin was an American singer-songwriter, philanthropist, and hunger activist best known for his folk rock and pop rock songs. He achieved worldwide success in the 1970s. Chapin, a Grammy Award-winning artist and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee. As a dedicated humanitarian, Chapin fought to end world hunger. He was a key participant in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977.
In 1987, Chapin was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work. That medal is on display along with other Harry Chapin artifacts at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Chapin, who was inducted into LIMEHOF in 2006, is an excellent example as someone who was involved with a wide range of charity organizations including co-founding WhyHunger in 1975 and Chapin also founded Long Island Cares in 1980. Today the organization is headquartered in Hauppauge, NY with food pantry locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties including Freeport, Lindenhurst, Huntington Station, and Hampton Bays.
Told through archival footages and new interviews, When In Doubt, Do Something explores key moments in Chapin’s life, including performing with his brothers and working on the Academy Award-nominated documentary Legendary Champions, to his solo success with hits like “Taxi,” “W.O.L.D.” and “Cat’s In The Cradle” and his tireless philanthropic work, which included his efforts with WhyHunger and a seemingly endless run of benefit performances, all of which led to him being posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
This documentary paints a new picture of the singer-songwriter who used his fame as a launching point to help others and influence politics. It features testimonials from Chapin’s family (including Tom Chapin and Steve Chapin), as well as peers including Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Seeger, Kenny Rogers, Robert Lamm (Chicago), Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Pat Benatar, Bob Geldof, Ken Kragen, longtime bassist John Wallace, and WhyHunger co-founder Bill Ayres.
As a dedicated humanitarian, Chapin fought to end world hunger. He was a key participant in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977. In 1987, Chapin was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work. That medal is currently on display along with other Harry Chapin artifacts at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.
The event is also part charity food drive as there will be collection boxes and LIMEHOF is asking that attendees bring food donations for Harry Chapin’s Long Island Cares organization whose CEO Paule Pachter is featured in the film and will be participating as a panelist.
The event is free with the purchase of a general admission ticket. The Q&A portion with the filmmakers will be hosted by LIMEHOF Vice Chairman and the longtime host of the Sounds of Film Radio Show Tom Needham.
For more information, and to purchase tickets, please visit LIMEHOF’s website.
In Albany’s storied music history, the short tenure of J.B. Scott’s has lasted for decades as a Central Avenue music venue of legend. With a capacity of ~600, J.B. Scott’s opened in 1979 and closed in 1982 after it was damaged by a fire.
But if you were alive and around in the Albany environs in the turn of the eighties, you might have gone to a sonic bunker of a place called J.B. Scott’s. Owned by Douglas Jacobs and Vinnie Birbiglia, this nightclub had a list of bands – including In those three years, bands including U2, John Mellencamp, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bryan Adams, Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, Pat Benatar, Meat Loaf, Iggy Pop, The Go-Go’s, Count Basie and Buddy Rich – that would, at the same time, be chewing through the Billboard Top 40.
I reached out to owner Vinnie Birbiglia, and I learned quite a bit.
RadioRadioX: J.B. Scott’s, ‘J’ and ‘B’ are yours and Douglas Jacobs’s last names. So you two started this in 1979. I’ve been around a ton of scenes, seen them start and fade away. What was it like in the weeks before you opened? Was it just to make a couple of bucks, or was it something more?
Vinnie Birbiglia: I was working at the time at Record Town. I was the general manager for Upstate Music. We had the store on New Karner Road and Albany Street, I believe. And Doug came in one time, and we were talking, and we hit it off. We then started doing shows at the Madison Theater. And that’s how we started J.B. Scott’s.
Vinnie Birbiglia with James Brown at The Colonie Theater. Photo by Dave Suarez
RRX: Madison Theater is doing some pretty cool stuff now.
VB: It was a great theater as far as acoustics went. And the only problem that the place had was parking, because it’s a residential area.
RRX: The only experience I had with J.B.’s was J. B,’s Theater, which was across from Westgate Plaza. I’ve never been to J.B. Scott’s, the original place. What was the space like; what was the venue like when you first went in it?
VB: It was a rectangular building that – we put the stage on the opposite wall to the bar. Therefore, everybody was right on top of the stage, which, when the bands came in, they loved it.
RRX: That’s cool, because the way a lot of clubs are set up, if you’re in the back, you’re in the nosebleeds.
VB: Yeah, exactly.
RRX: What was the place before you guys had it?
VB: It was the S&H Green Stamp building. When you went shopping, they would give you little stamps that you put into a book, and then you use the book to buy stuff. It was a very plain building. It was a concrete floor, cinderblock walls and a wood roof.
RRX: How long did it take you to build it up into the club itself?
VB: Honestly, I don’t remember. It wasn’t that long. The only thing we had to do was build the bar and build the stage.
RRX: One thing everybody remembers about J.B, Scott’s is that you had everyone there. U2, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Pat Benatar, Rick Derringer, Buddy Rich to name a few. In fact, Al Quaglieri, in the Facebook group, Albany: The Way it Was, compiled a list that looked to be two feet long. How did you get those people to show up?
VB: I was pretty well-known in the music industry. So I had lots of contacts at the labels. Since we had starting doing shows at the Madison Theater and at the Palace Theater, we did a show or two at Proctor’s Theater, the agents saw that we knew what we were doing. We got along with the bands, and like I said, I had my contacts at the labels, with the promotion departments at the record companies. That helped us decide who we were going to book, and that also showed the industry, again, that we knew what we were doing. That’s how we basically started, and word got out and bands wanted to play for us.
RRX: When you were doing a different national act every day practically, what were some of the challenges you faced? Were there any challenges that weren’t just the basic challenges of running a club?
VB: Back then, at that timeframe, it was getting the customers to come in. For every band that we did, it was one winner, three losers, financially. And then, because of politics, we were getting screwed by the agencies, even though the name of the game was ‘you book the band the first time they come to an area, that band is your band going forward.’ Yet when we had acts that we broke in the Albany market, some agencies would give the band to a different promoter when they were big enough to play the Palace Theater.
RRX: Yeah, that sucks.
VB: Tell me about it.
RRX: The J.B. Scott’s was, aside from the mechanical aspects, thinking the whole scene: do you think it could be done today, with the way the industry is?
VB: I don’t think so. I think that the cost factor is too prohibitive. If we were to think of opening up a club in this environment, it would be a very expensive proposition.
RRX: I had a practice space in J.B.’s Theater, when New Music was in there, and a friend told me I was playing where Stevie Ray Vaughan once drank a fifth of Crown Royal. I doubt that’s true, but it actually references one of the saddest moment for the area music scene; the fire that closed J.B, Scott’s. What can you tell me about that?
VB: Some kids tried to rob us, and they set a fire, and thy got caught a year later. Actually, we made the front page of the Times Union for the fire, and made the back page of the first section when the kids got caught because when they got caught, it was the same day as Erastus Corning, the Albany mayor, died.
And the place didn’t actually burn down. Like I said, it was concrete floor, concrete walls. The only real damage was the roof. The worst part about it was the fact that the fire voided our lease. While we had insurance and paid the bills that we had outstanding, the landlord still voided the lease that we had. So that’s what became the end of J.B. Scott’s.
RRX: Okay, so J.B.’s Theater, as I brought up before. How much time between J.B. Scott’s and J.B.’s Theater?
VB: Over a year. And it lasted about a year or so. It was too big for the area. Also, the drinking age went to twenty-one, so that became a problem. And we were the first place in the state, I believe, that had underage patrons in a place that had a bar. We actually closed off the bar and used the roller skating section for where we built the stage and did a majority of shows.
RRX: So we cover a lot of smaller venues, and there are a lot of interesting local scenes. What advice would you give to the owner of a smaller venue to get near to where J.B. Scott’s was in its time?
VB: I don’t think anybody can. We had the balls, so-to-speak, to do all different types of genres in the music industry. Now, unless you have a big bankroll, you’re really locked in to doing local bands. The cost factor is just too prohibitive.
RRX: This is where you answer the question I didn’t ask.
VB: Had it not been for the fire, it’d be very interesting to see where we would’ve been today. We had some competition, but the competition we had tried to only stick with certain types of artists coming in. We tried to broaden the horizon.
This article was originally featured in RadioRadioX
JazzBuffalo will celebrate this year’s International Jazz Day this Sunday, April 30, from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. International Jazz Day began in 2011 and will be the fifth annual celebration of the event at JazzBuffalo, which has made this year’s International Jazz Day a free event in the spirit of promoting community and global peace at Seneca One in downtown Buffalo.
The lineup for this year’s International Jazzday Celebration. Credit: JazzBuffalo.
Scheduled to perform are some of Buffalo’s best jazz trios and jazz artists. JazzBuffalo is presenting a Jazz Trio Festival and then a special closing concert featuring a quintet of our finest next-generation jazz musicians. The schedule is planned as follows:
1:15 pm – The Andrew Nixon Trio 2:45 pm – Donny Frauenhofer 4:00 pm – Livestream of International Jazz Day Global Concert 5:00 pm – The Cousins Trio 6:30 pm – The Lindsey Holland Unit
There will be approximately 20-30 minutes between each performance to allow for changeover and set up.
International Jazz Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2011 in honor of jazz music’s ability to promote intercultural dialogue, tolerance, and mutual understanding, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of jazz music as a common medium for peace, unity, and creativity.
Herbie Hancock will take viewers on an international tour of sights and sounds showcasing jazz in all its diversity featuring performances from China, Lebanon, Morocco, South Africa, Zimbabwe, France, Brazil, Austria, Honolulu, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.
The live-streamed concert event will feature performances by some of the world’s most accomplished jazz artists, such as Cyrille Aimée (France), Thana Alexa (USA), Sérgio Mendes (Brazil), Thandi Ntuli (South Africa), Antonio Sánchez (Mexico), Somi (Rwanda) among others. Renowned Mbira player Musekiwa Chingodza (Zimbabwe) will duet with Oran Etkin (Israel) on baritone clarinet; the Blue Note China Jazz Orchestra joins the Global Concert from Beijing; and JazzWomenAfrica celebrates from Casablanca.
JazzBuffalo will make every effort to live-stream the annual International Jazz Day Global Concert so fans can see and hear the event on the big screen.
Visit EventBrite to register and save a spot for what promises to be a memorable time celebrating International Jazz Day. Donations are suggested and will be kindly accepted by JazzBuffalo.
