NYS Music 2023

Category: Regions

  • Grammy Award Winner Ani DiFranco to Make Broadway Debut as ‘Persephone’ in Hadestown

    In a groundbreaking announcement, producers Mara Isaacs, Dale Franzen, Hunter Arnold, and Tom Kirdahy revealed that Grammy Award®-winning music icon Ani DiFranco will embark on her Broadway debut as ‘Persephone’ in the Tony® and Grammy Award-winning Best Musical, Hadestown, at the Walter Kerr Theatre starting February 9, 2024.

    DiFranco’s association with Hadestown dates back to 2010 when she extended an invitation to Anaïs Mitchell to release the original studio album on DiFranco’s label, Righteous Babe Records. Having originated the role of ‘Persephone’ on the album, DiFranco’s return to the character marks a significant moment in the evolution of the show.

    Expressing her excitement, Ani DiFranco stated, “I could not be more thrilled to be joining the cast of Hadestown. It’s like I get to rewind to my New York youth and follow the road not taken.”

    Mitchell added, “I can’t really overstate the influence of Ani’s music and example on me as a young songwriter. Poetic, bold, radically emotive and FUN, she simply has been a mythic figure in my life, and I can’t think of anything more beautifully full circle than Ani playing the role of ‘Persephone’ on Broadway. Grateful and awestruck.”

    Widely acknowledged as a feminist icon, Ani DiFranco pioneered the DIY movement, establishing her own record label in 1990. Beyond her reputation as the “Little Folksinger,” her music spans genres from punk and funk to hip hop and jazz. Her recent works include the 2021 album Revolutionary Love and the 25th-anniversary reissue of Little Plastic Castle in June 2023, both released on her label Righteous Babe Records. In addition to her musical endeavors, her memoir No Walls and the Recurring Dream became a New York Times Top 10 best seller in May 2019, and she recently released her debut children’s book, The Knowing.

    Hadestown’s current cast features Betty Who as Persephone (through February 4), Jordan Fisher as Orpheus, Tony Award winner Lillias White as Hermes, Phillip Boykin as Hades, and Solea Pfeiffer as Eurydice. The production, with its unique blend of modern American folk music and New Orleans-inspired jazz, has earned critical acclaim for reimagining the ancient tale and providing audiences with a captivating theatrical experience.

    In addition to her musical achievements, Ani DiFranco has left an indelible mark in her hometown of Buffalo. Renaming the 19th-century Gothic church she bought and renovated, the venue, originally dubbed The Church, is now known as Babeville. This multifaceted space houses her music label, Righteous Babe Records, and the Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center. A proud Buffalo native, DiFranco continues to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of her hometown.

    Tickets for Hadestown are available at www.seatgeek.com/hadestown-tickets or by visiting the Walter Kerr Theatre box office. Don’t miss the chance to witness Ani DiFranco’s Broadway debut in this transformative and resonant production.

  • Big Something Drops New Album Headspace Ahead Of 2 NY Shows

    Big Something, the North Carolina-based rock group, have unveiled their seventh studio album, Headspace, along with a nationwide tour spanning from December through May 2024 with stops in Buffalo and NYC along its extensive run. The album is a radiant 12-track exploration of alternative, jazz, funk, and metal influences.

    Headspace by Big Something

    Highlights on the album include tracks such as “The Mountain” and “Amanda Lynn”, which show the full, skilled arrangement of the band’s work, and their confidence as a unit. Many of the songs boast 6+ minute run times, and Big Something makes statements with their creative use of sound effects and rhythms.

    A standout track, “Kings of the Wild Frontier,” remembers Johnny Cash-like rhythms and spoken word, and takes a stance as a self-aware, fantastical story about the band itself. They even throw in a Bowie cover with “Moonage Daydream,” paying a punchy, energetic tribute to one of rock’s biggest idols. All in all, the album is a powerful, confident collection.

    Big Something
    Photo Credit: Rob Roane 

    Celebrating the release of the band’s new album, they will embark on a nationwide tour beginning in December. The tour spans over 40 cities, through the next six months. New York dates include April 12 at Iron Works in Buffalo, and May 10 at Brooklyn Made in NYC. 

    There are so many special things about this album for us. It’s both a requiem and a rebirth for us as a band. Honoring old friends, welcoming new ones and growing even closer together as musicians and brothers in the process.”

    Nick MacDaniels

    Big Something released their debut album in 2010, and have since crafted a personal blend of alternative rock, electronica, jazz, and metal. After the tragic passing of collaborator Paul Interdonato in 2017, Big Something finished Headspace in honor of him. The majority of the lyrics on Headspace were penned by Interdonato.

    Big Something will play shows at Iron Works in Buffalo, NY on April 12, and at Brooklyn Made in NYC on May 10. Tickets for the band’s upcoming tour are available here.

    UPCOMING TOUR DATES

    12/14 – Baltimore, MD – 8×10

    12/15 – Baltimore, MD – 8×10

    12/16 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live

    12/22 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Live

    12/23 – Pembroke, MA – Soundcheck Studios

    12/29 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre

    12/30 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre

    12/31 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre

    1/26 – Asheville, NC – Salvage Station

    1/27 – Asheville, NC – Salvage Station

    2/1 – Roanoke, VA – 5 Points Music Sanctuary

    2/2 – Charlotte, NC – Visulite Theatre

    2/3 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse

    2/8 – Birmingham, AL – Zydeco

    2/9 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre

    2/15 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Pour House

    2/16 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Pour House

    2/17 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Pour House

    3/5 – Durango, CO – Animas City Theatre

    3/6 – Telluride, CO – Sheridan Opera House

    3/7 – Crested Butte, CO – Public House

    3/8 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Schmiggity’s

    3/9  – Denver, CO  – Mission Ballroom

    3/12 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge

    3/13 – Boise, ID – The Olympic

    3/14 – Bend, OR – Volcanic Theatre Pub

    3/15 – Portland, OR – The Get Down

    3/16 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern

    3/19 – Chico, CA – Lost on Main

    3/20 – Nevada City, CA – Crazy Horse Saloon

    3/21 – Sebastopol, CA – Hopmonk Tavern

    3/22 – San Francisco, CA – The Chapel

    3/23 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour

    3/24 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom

    4/10 – Columbus, OH – Summit Music Hall

    4/11 – Cleveland, OH – Mahall’s

    4/12 – Buffalo, NY – Iron Works

    4/13 – Ferndale, MI – The Loving Touch

    4/14 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache

    4/17 – Des Moines, IA – xBk Live

    4/18 – St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway

    4/19 – Covington, KY – Madison Theater

    4/20 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall

    4/21 – Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon

    4/24 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads

    4/25 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall

    4/26 – Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum Art Co

    4/27 – Austin, TX – The Parish

    4/28 – Houston, TX – Last Concert Cafe

    5/1 – Fort Walton Beach, FL – Downtown Music Hall

    5/2 – Sanford, FL – Tuffy’s

    5/3 – Jacksonville, FL – Underbelly

    5/4 – St. Petersburg, FL – Floridian Social Club

    5/8 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Cafe

    5/9 – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry

    5/10 – New York, NY – Brooklyn Made

    5/11 – Washington, DC – The Atlantis

  • ‘A Very Merry Punxmas’ Returns to New York City

    New York indie pop punk label, Manic Kat Records is bringing the gift of pop punk, rock, emo and alternative to NYC with it’s annual holiday celebration A Very Merry Punxmas at The Bowery Electric on Saturday, December 16.

    A Very Merry Punxmas will feature sets from Todd Morse, The Lucky, Just Happy To Be Here, Triple Word Score, A New Violet and Cult Classic, with more special guests and surprise announcements to follow in the coming weeks. The artists include a versatile roster from alternative, rock, punk, and metal producing a unique curated lineup, highlighting bands known for their dynamic performances, raw talent and unapologetic realness.

    Manic Kat Records encourages a thriving hub for emerging talent fueling the underground scene, pushing artists to new heights and authenticity in music, keeping the punk spirit ignited.

    This years event is presented by NYC staple, 7 Crown, along with Glass Fun, the first platform that helps you earn exclusive rewards and experiences from your favorite brands and Boston America, manufacturer/distributor of creative and fun products to the gift and novelty market. The doors for the long awaited holiday performance open at 5:30pm with the final act wrapping up at 11pm, followed by the exclusive after party for VIP guests.

    “We love our local scene, but we felt this year to better accommodate the talent coming in from all over the country, it would be easier to hold the event at the crossroads of the world, New York City.”

    – Founder/CEO of Manic Kat Records, Peter James

    The annual holiday festivities tradition will be breaking down traditional expectations for holiday music at The Bowery Electric. This December, come feel the energy of mean, green punk-rock revival for yourself and don’t miss out on this unforgettable show. For more information please visit here.

  • In Focus: Bush Bring Greatest Hits Tour To Landmark Theater in Syracuse

    The sounds of rock nostalgia echoed through out the historic Landmark Theater in Syracuse on Sunday, as Bush brought their “No Where To Go But Everywhere” tour to the historic theater. Bad Wolves and Eva Under Fire opened the concert.  

    It can be hard to fathom that Bush have been staples in the music industry for nearly 30 years.  Led by frontman and heart throb Gavin Rossdale, the multiplatinum selling rockers recently released Loaded; The Greatest Hits 1994-2023, a retrospective chronicle of the band’s discography.  Though many of the faces in the band have changed since 1994, they are still led by Gavin Rossdale (vocals, guitar). The remainder of the band consists of Chris Traynor (guitars), Corey Britz (bass guitar), and Nik Hughes (percussion).

    The evening kicked off with a high octane set by Eva Under Fire. Led by vocalist Eva Marie, the Detroit natives took the early arriving crowd on a fast paced musical journey. Vocalist Eva Marie took immediate command of the crowd’s attention as she strutted along the platforms that adorned the front of the stage. Midway through their set, the band embraced their role as the opening act, delivering a clever take on Journey’s “Separate Ways.” Eva Marie engaged with the audience at every opportunity, at one point taking the cellphone of a fan (who was attempting to take a mid-set selfie) and sand into the phone as she danced about the stage.

    Up next were hard rockers, Bad Wolves. Singer Daniel Laskiewicz crept through the shadows of the stage while performing tracks form the bands four album discography. They would close their set with a cover of the Cranberries hit “Zombie” which saw those in attendance rise to their feet and sing along.

    After a dramatic introduction which saw strobe lights dance about the stage in perfect synchrony to drum beats, Gavin Rossdale and his bandmates took to the stage.  They wasted no time getting the greatest hits party started, kicking off the evening with their 1994 breakthrough hit, “Everything Zen”.  From the familiar opening guitar riff, fans pushed to the front of the stage to catch a closer glimpse of the stars.  The band kept the momentum going early, with the intense rocker “Machine Head” and their 1997 hit “Greedy Fly”.  

    In between songs, Rossdale spoke about the experiences that led him to writing the songs, and encouraged the fans in attendance to reflect back on what the songs meant to them; on the memories of where they were and who they were with when they first heard them. Perhaps the most heartfelt story told by Rossdale was before performing the band’s 2000 hit “Letting the Cables Sleep”, a song written about when Rossdale learned a close friend of his had HIV.  

    Through out the evening, Rossdale and his bandmates wove through the many eras of the band’s music, with newer tracks like “Flowers On A Grave” and “More Than Machines” proving to be just as strong as the band’s earlier hits.   The band would close out the evening with two of their more familiar tracks, a solo rendition of “Glycerine” followed by “Come Down”. Both songs had fans bellowing out the familiar choruses in the theater and as they their way into the streets following the concert.

  • The Clayton Opera House Reveals 2024 Lineup

    The Clayton Opera House, a year-round performance center for the Thousand Islands region, has announced the 2024 lineup of event. From rock and roll to Celtic musicals to comedians, everyone will find their niche at this historic opera house.

    The Clayton Opera House, a historic brick building nestled in downtown Clayton, has been a staple in the area for music lovers and enthusiasts. The opera house has been a vital part of Clayton since it was completed in 1904, and had its first taste of music that same year with a quartet and an elocutionist. Though it currently stands as an opera house, it has taken many other shapes: from being a library, furniture store, funeral parlor, jewelry and clothing stores, a beauty salon, the Thousand Islands Museum, an antique boat museum, and a hand-weaving museum, to what it is today– an opera house.

    The Clayton Opera House had a renovation and revival in 2007. This was a pivotal point in the opera house’s history. When the government offices were added to the bottom floors, it became not only a musical venue, but a community center.

    Since they have such large attendance rates (between 12,000 and 15,000), the Clayton Opera House has already announced 18 confirmed shows for 2024– with more shows to come.

    Clayton Opera House 2024 Season Schedule

    March 8 – Celtic Angels – Celtic Singers and Dancers

    March 30 – Diggery Dinosaur Show – Interactive Show

    May 4 – Gridley Paige – Rock n’ Roll**

    May 25 – Jen Kober – Comedian

    June 1 – The Gibson Brothers – Bluegrass

    June 7 – Official Blues Brothers Revue – Tribute Band

    June 27 – Tapestry – The Carole King Songbook with Suzanne O’Davis

    July 6 – Letters Aloud, From the Front – Letters from War by Soldiers

    July 18 – Good Witch/Bad Witch – Broadway

    July 25 – The High Kings – Celtic Music

    July 27 – The Bacon Brothers – A Mix of Folk, Rock, Soul & Country

    August 1 – Jim Messina – Classic Rock

    August 8 – The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John – starring Michael Cavanaugh

    August 14 – Top House – Americana/Folk Music

    August 22 – Martha Redbone – Blues/Soul Singer

    August 29 – Fran Lebowitz – Speaker/Author

    September 7 – Henry Cho – Comedian

    October 12 – Haunted Objects – Paranormal Researchers Greg & Dan Newkirk

    ** This performance will be set up with a standing room (general admission) in the performance hall and a cash bar.

    For more information on the Clayton Opera House, and to see any new performances added to their lineup, visit their website.

  • Whole Lotta Love for Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening in Port Chester

    Just days before Thanksgiving on November 21, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening touched down at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, to fill the 97-year-old theater with the sweet sounds of the mighty Led Zeppelin. Bonham has a string of dates left for the rest of the year with the next show being Wednesday, November 22, in Syracuse and the final show being December 3, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

    Bonham is the son of the original drummer for Led Zeppelin, John Bonham who drummed for the Led Zeppelin until his passing in 1980. In addition to Jason Bonham, the JBLZE consists of “Mr. Jimmy” Sakurai on guitar, Dorian Heartsong on bass, Alex Howland on keyboards and guitar with James Dylan on lead vocals.

    A little past 8pm, the house lights dimmed and the band, under the cover of darkness jumped on stage and blasted into “Immigrant Song” from Led Zeppelin’s 1970 album, Led Zeppelin III. With a thunderous cheer, the fans jumped to their feet with the help of Sakurai’s Les Paul guitar and took in the closet version of the original Led Zeppelin.

    With only a backdrop of the Houses of the Holy album cover and a few stage lights, the band didn’t need anything fancy as the music did all the talking. Sakurai imitated Jimmy Page the best he could while the band was on par and played Zeppelin’s recordings and live songs note for note. Whether it was a song or an extended solo, the band was tight as they jammed away for the two hours they graced the stage.

    Fans who closed their eyes during the show might have originally thought that they were listening to Zeppelin’s The Song Remains the Same or How the West Was Won live albums, or better than that, listening to Led Zeppelin at one of their famous Madison Square Garden shows. From the sound of their instruments to Dylan’s vocals was spot on. The sheer energy from Bonham’s drums that matched Dylan’s shrieking voice put big smiles on the audience’s faces. In addition, some fans were left in awe as Sakurai looks somewhat similar to an older version of Page which adds to the overall experience.

    Bonham during the show went on to explain that this project started 14 years ago as a one-off tour and now has since grown into yearly touring due to the fan’s love for Led Zeppelin’s music. This is true due to all the generations of fans that attended. As the clock began to tick towards show time, the hall was somewhat empty until with a few minutes left, all the fans rushed to their seats to bear witness to the band that belted out some of their favorite tunes.

    During the set, JBLZE delivered tons of fan-favorite songs like “Ramble On,” “The Ocean,” and “Kashmir.” As fans were still finding their seats, they couldn’t contain themselves as they were fist-pumping, singing along, and conducting their best version of Page on their air guitars as they were walking down the aisles.

    Throughout the night, Bonham took time in between songs to talk to the audience and tell stories about his childhood and growing up as the son of the famous “Bonzo.” At one point towards the end of the show, Bonham led the audience in a rendition of the classic John Denver song, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” which had the entire audience on their feet, singing along.

    As fans exited the Capitol Theatre to the rain that waited for them outside, some might have initially thought of Zeppelin’s “Rain Song,” as they shared smiles with the people that they came with knowing that even though it isn’t the original version of the band they once loved, they went home knowing that a close version of the mighty Zeppelin has taken off once again.

    Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester – Tuesday, November 21

    Setlist: Immigrant Song, Good Times Bad Times, The Wanton Song, Over the Hills and Far Away, Ramble on, What Is and What Should Never Be, When the Levee Breaks, Thank You, Since I’ve Been Loving You, How Many More Times, The Ocean, Misty Mountain Hop, Kashmir, Stairway to Heaven, Whole Lotta Love, Rock and Roll

  • Hip Hop Supergroup Czarface Release New Album ‘Czartificial Intelligence’

    Hip hop purists can rejoice as Czarface, one the genre’s most creative outfits, returns with Czartifical Intelligence. This hip hop supergroup, consisting of Wu Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck and Boston underground hip hop acts Esoteric and 7L, bring fans along on an abstract journey where cosmic hip hop, boom bap and comic book culture all intersect. Since their debut in 2013, the like-minded outfit has seen their “Czarface” centered music-verse expand beyond their wildest dreams.

    Czarface press photo
    Czarface. From left to right (Esoteric, 7L, Inpectah Deck). Photo by Billy X.

    In fact, collaborations with other colorful and imaginative MC’s the likes of MF Doom, Ghostface Killah, Roc Marciano, Conway the Machine, Mayhem Lauren, Method Man, Action Bronson, Vinnie Paz, Frankie Pulitzer and GZA have earned the group and series a cult-following. Chiefly, through intricate verses and captivating production, Czar and their guests — who accompany Czarface on missions and side-quests — have created a fruitful series of tapes with hundreds of merch drops including limited edition comics, apparel, action figures, art, shoes, and more featuring artwork illustrated by Lamour Supreme. Additionally, the group contributed the songs “Good Guys, Bad Guys” and “Today’s Special” to the soundtrack for the Marvel movie, Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

    Czarface album cover.
    The album cover for Czarface’s latest project “Czartificial Intelligence”

    Czartificial Intelligence

    The new album comes equipped with chaos, order and everything in between. It’s like a swirling vortex of cosmic carnage, but we bring it down to earth in places. We are, after all, in a new era. I hope what we made resonates with the people.

    – Esoteric

    The new album consists of 10- track and continues Czarface’s exploration of various themes along with similarly cutting-edge and technically proficient bars. Czartificial Intelligence features Logic, Kool Keith, Nems, Frankie Pulitzer and is set for release on December 1.

  • BOOGIE T.RIO Sell Out Buffalo Ironworks

    Funk and electric group BOOGIE T.RIO made a stop at in Buffalo November 17. The band packed in Buffalo Ironworks for a sold out crowd on their Manic Daze and Boogie Nights tour. 

    BOOGIE T.RIO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Opener Marvel Years showed his fusion early on in the night with his blend of electronic beats and soulful guitar. The producer also known as Cory Wythe looks to create a hybrid of EDM fusing glitch, retro-funk, classic rock, soul, and jazz. 

    Marvel Years, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The electronic project Manic Focus followed with a live band. This multidimensional artist has a rowdy style that also spans across numerous genres. The band he brought out on stage in Buffalo isn’t always with him so locals were in for a treat that mixed heavy bass with soulful blues. The Denver-based producer used a Numark Orbit on stage which is a wireless midi controller mapped to various one-shot effects. It was entertaining to watch this artist utilize all his various musical partners and tools to build a new-era hip-hop vibe.  

    Manic Focus, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Finally, anticipating fans got the performance they’ve been waiting for as BOOGIE T.RIO took to the stage. This three man group consists of Brock Thornton (guitar/vocals), Andriu Yanovski (keys), and Frank Castro (drums). The band didn’t always use to be the dynamic trio it is now. Brock began in the music scene behind the decks producing heavy beats and funky wubz. He has gained significant popularity in the bass music world and has performed countless festivals under his DJ name Boogie T. 

    BOOGIE T.RIO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Boogie T to BOOGIE T.RIO

    As Brock has built a huge fandom for his dubstep music, it still has always been a dream of his to tour with live musicians. And with the success that Boogie T has brung calls upon the next phase in his evolution: BOOGIE T.RIO. This group is more than your average jam band and their performance in Buffalo proved just that. 

    BOOGIE T.RIO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The boys played numerous hits off of their EP’s including “Get What You Give” and “Disco Moses.” They allow for old jam roots to carry the grooves through their tunes and mix it with new school funk. The guitar shredding solos and organic keytar melodies constantly left everyone impressed. 

    BOOGIE T.RIO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Longtime Boogie T Fans enjoyed his performances of “Dear Weedman” which brought layered instrumentals to a heavy song. This part of the night Brock invited everyone to smoke up and get jiggy with it. Couldn’t think of a more perfect way to end the night than the trio playing “Flava.” They kept the heavy electronic beats and mashed them with guitar riffs that had the crowd in awe.  

    You might have missed this past weeks sold out show at Ironworks but you don’t have to miss the next one! Workingman’s Dead perform November 24 and Bumpin Uglies will be there December 1. Get your tickets here. 

    BOOGIE T.RIO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
    BOOGIE T.RIO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
    BOOGIE T.RIO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

  • Crandell Theatre in Chatham to Show Classic Holiday Films Starting Thanksgiving Weekend for $5 a Show

    The historic Crandell Theatre on Main Street in Chatham will celebrate the holiday season with screenings of classic holiday films for just $5 a ticket.

    Beginning Friday, November 24, after Thanksgiving, the lineup includes The Polar Express, Gremlins, The Nutcracker: The Motion Picture, Elf, The Grinch (2018), An American Tail and It’s a Wonderful Life.

    crandell theatre chatham

    The Crandell Theatre in Chatham, NY, is one of a few community-based, nonprofit theaters in the United States devoted to film and one of fewer than one hundred single-screen movie theaters nationally. Since 2010, Crandell Theatre, Inc., has raised more than $1 million to purchase the historic theater and make needed repairs. The current Crandell board is engaged in a multi-million-dollar campaign to renovate and restore the area’s oldest, largest, single-screen theater and enhance the moviegoing experience for generations to come.

    The Polar Express

    2004. Rated G. 100 min.

    Friday, November 24 at 10 am

    In this beloved animated family classic, an 8-year-old boy, doubting whether Santa Claus exists, is swept up on a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Tom Hanks, in multiple roles, stars. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas to this special morning screening.

    Gremlins

    1986. Rated PG. 106 min.

    Friday, November 24 at 1 pm

    Called a “wacky, satirical spectacle of chaos” (Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian), this sci-fi-comedy-horror-fantasy was written by a young Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, the first two Harry Potter films) and produced by Steven Spielberg. Spielberg polished Columbus’s script, after successive drafts, into the classic tale of a cuddly, seemingly innocuous gift named Gizmo and the multiplying pack of destructive loonies he unleashes. Even if you are familiar with Mogwai ways, you haven’t truly experienced these magical creatures until you’ve seen them on the Crandell’s 26-foot screen.

    crandell theatre chatham

    The Nutcracker: The Motion Picture

    1986. Rated G. 89 min.

    Saturday, November 25 at 12:30 pm

    The colorful holiday classic comes to the big screen in a close adaptation of the original story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Designed by famed children’s author and artist Maurice Sendak and based on the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s original production, it is a magical and heart-warming celebration of dance, music, art and fantasy.

    Elf

    2003. Rated PG. 97 min.

    Saturday, December 2 at 1 pm

    Raised as an elf but clearly cut from a different cloth, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn’t know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit. Bring the whole family to re-experience the hilarious delights of New York City during the holidays as only Will Ferrell’s relentlessly optimistic oversized elf can.

    The Grinch

    2018. Rated PG. 85 min.

    FREE

    Saturday, December 9 at 1 pm

    The Grinch (the animated version by Illumination Entertainment) is part of the theater’s popular series Crandell Kid Flicks. Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite, silliest or ugliest holiday sweater to the show. This special free screening, happening during Chatham’s all-day, village-wide WinterFest, is sponsored by Chatham Area Businesses and Arts (CABA). Several very special guests will also stop by and join the fun!

    An American Tail

    1986. Rated G. 80 min.
    December screening times TBA.

    Animator Don Bluth directed this animated tale of Fievel Mousekewitz and his family, who emigrate from Russia to the United States to escape the cats in their homeland. When Fievel gets lost, he must find a way to reunite with his family. Steven Spielberg produced this charming animated parable about immigration, new beginnings, family and home.

    It’s a Wonderful Life

    1946. Rated PG. 130 min.

    Saturday, December 23 and Sunday, December 24 at 1 pm.

    Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed star in Frank Capra’s penultimate family classic about a small-town man, ready to throw in the towel, who meets an angel named Clarence summoned to give him another chance. Clarence treats George Bailey to a masterclass in perspective, showing him what life would have been like had he never existed. Many critics say this is among a handful of classics that deserves annual viewing, especially if you’re lucky enough to see it on the big screen.

    All tickets are available on the Crandell Theatre website, crandelltheatre.org.

  • The Klezmatics To Play Hanukkah Show In Schenectady This December

    8th Step & Proctors Passport Series have announced an appearance from The Klezmatics at The GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady, performing their holiday show, The Klezmatics: Happy Joyous Hanukkah, on December 5th.

    In the first show on the group’s nationwide tour, the Klezmatics will sing Woody Guthrie’s uncovered Hanukkah songs, alongside accompaniments from celebrated violinists.

    The Klezmatics
    The Klezmatics

    The Klezmatics formed in New York in 1986, and are now one of the world’s most renowned klezmer artists, performing traditional klezmer music for audiences around the world. Klezmer originated in Eastern Europe in Ashkenazi communities, and includes instruments such as violin, clarinet, trumpet, percussion, and more.

    The Klezmatics will perform songs originally by Woody Guthrie that have been newly uncovered in recent years. Guthrie himself was not Jewish, but married into a Jewish family in 1945 through his second wife, Marjorie Greenblatt. During their marriage, he wrote tunes such as “Hanuka’s Flame,” “Hanuka Gelt,” “Spin Dreydl Spin,” and “(Do the) Latke Flip-Flip.” The Klezmatics will perform these songs, and more from Guthrie’s expansive catalog.

    GE Theater at Proctors
    GE Theater at Proctors

    The Klezmatics are Lorin Sklamberg (lead vocals, accordion, guitar, piano), Frank London (trumpet, keyboards, vocals) and Paul Morrissett (bass, tsimbl, vocals), Matt Darriau (kaval, clarinet, saxophone, vocals), Lisa Gutkin (violin, vocals), and Richie Barshay (drums, vocals). 

    The Klezmatics will perform their show Happy Joyous Hanukkah at the 8th Step at Proctors (GE Theatre) on December 5 at 7:30PM. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door, and $65 Gold Circle (Includes priority seating and meet & greet with The Klezmatics onstage). Tickets are available through the Proctors Box Office at (518) 346-6204, or at proctors.org and 8thstep.org.