Category: Regions

  • Hot 97 Summer Jam Announces Star-Studded Lineup

    The infamous Hot 97 Summer Jam is returning to UBS Arena in Elmont after a long stint at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey. Summer Jam will take place on Sunday June 4th, 2023, and is spotlighting the recent rise of women to the forefront of the hip-hop movement. The show will also feature a performance from Yonkers own The LOX, celebrating 50 years of hip-hop.

    Summer Jam Logo

    This year’s lineup is full of New York talent, including Cardi B, Ice Spice, Fivio Foreign, Lil TJay, Lola Brooke, The LOX, Kenzo B, Sha EK and McVert. Even with its New York Heavy lineup, Hot 97 is bringing in talent from beyond with artists like French Montana, Coi Leray and NLE Choppa.

    Tickets officially go on sale April 8th at 10:00 AM EST at hot97.com/summerjam and Ticketmaster. American Express® Card Members can purchase pre-sale tickets before the general public April 4th 10:00 AM – April 6th 10:00 PM.

    Hot 97 Summer Jam Full Lineup: Cardi B, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Fivio Foreign, French Montana, Lil TJay, The LOX, NLE Choppa, Kenzo B, 2Rare, Sha EK, McVert and TQ.

    Dive into the history of Summer Jam and check out the San Francisco origins of the series.

    Stay tuned to NYS Music for more information about the festival.

  • JAWNY Electrifies New York City’s Bowery Ballroom

    On Friday March 31st, lo-fi pop rocker JAWNY took over Manhattan’s infamous Bowery Ballroom. JAWNY and his opener Wallice had performed their first night in New York City at Brooklyn’s Baby’s Alright just a couple nights before, but they expressed their bottled excitement they withheld for the ballroom. Just over half way through their North American tour, the JAWNY and his crew still had lots of energy to rock with.

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    The opening act, Wallice, put on a full indie-rock concert of her own. The crowd was immediately responsive to her sound, as they sang all her lyrics right back to her. Her stage presence was inviting, and commanded a sort of confidence most artists aim to possess. The Bowery Ballroom show was Wallice’s last with JAWNY, because as he revealed later in his set, she will be supporting The 1975 on their Australian leg of tour set to start on April 8th. She kicked off JAWNY’s North American Tour at the start of March, and concluded her contribution with an electric bang.

    When Wallice bid her farewells, the floor of the ballroom volumized tight with fans. Conversation was buzzing under the fluorescent blue lights, and the clock ticked down meticulously to JAWNY’s set. Finally, the lights dimmed and the universal music-listener’s hype song “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers took over the speakers. The conversational buzz erupted into an animated sing along. When the first chorus fell into silence, the crowd jumped and called out for JAWNY.

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    The instrumental intro mimicked the “Twin Peaks Theme” song. The eerie guitar riff turned hype as it successfully revved up the crowd. On the stage was a tall mannequin with a long-haired platinum wig adorned in a suit to mimic JAWNY’s presentation, a green electric guitar, a bass, and a drumset. Out came JAWNY’s supporting band members, Gambee on the bass and Curtis Kelley on the  drums, and they took to their instruments. They played their own welcoming intro for JAWNY before he ran onto the stage, pumping his arms to elicit screams from the crowd. He wanted noise, and unsurpassable volume is what he got.

    It seemed as though the crowd’s volume exceeded Bowery’s usual noise capacity. As the strobe lights cascaded onto the crowd and the percussion pounded against the venue’s foundation, the building’s body began to shake. Before singing his first song, JAWNY affirmed into the mic, “It feels good to be home in New York City baby.”

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    He dove into his setlist with one of his most popular songs “strawberry chainsaw.” The song’s lyrics preached the paradoxical sweet violence of young love, as did many of the songs on his setlist. JAWNY’s lyrics paid ode to the blissful oblivion of being young and the tumultuous and continuous transition into the awareness that’s only awarded to a person by time. His rocker presence invoked a surge of movement in the audience. As he jumped and kicked around on stage while shredding his guitar, members of the crowd bounced on and off of each other.

    In between songs, he paused to tell a story he “hasn’t told on tour yet.” He reminisced on a Whitney concert he saw at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, another renowned New York City venue, in 2016. He told his girlfriend at the time that he was going to sell out a venue like this. She and his friends laughed at him, because he had never put out a song. The crowd also collectively laughed in response, but he interjected and declared his dreams fruition, “But you all made that dream come true. I just sold out two nights in New York City!”

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    His music held such an individual sound, but shared the affectivity of artists like Twenty-One Pilots, COIN, Still Woozy, and Peach Pit. This promised a night of dancing and scream-singing various fan-favorite lyrics. JAWNY revealed that the Bowery Ballroom show was going to have “the longest set on tour.” He went on to play new and old songs, like his aged song “4Tounce,” that weren’t usually on his setlist.

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    As the night flowed on, JAWNY expressed his gratitude for New York City. “Y’all are f*ckin’ fun,” he praised. Sadly, the neon lights had to fade and the high energy had boiled down to a steaming simmer. When JAWNY made his final departure and the ballroom lights turned on signaling the crowd’s exit, there was a brief moment of the surreal. Music was still playing in everyone’s ears and the lights danced behind their eyes. Everyone stood still.

  • 75th Annual Albany Tulip Festival Features Guster, American Authors, and More

    The City of Albany announced the 75th annual Tulip Festival will take place on Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14 in Washington Park, featuring many notable New York State artists and headliners Guster, American Authors, and more.

    Tulip Festival

    The Albany Tulip Festival is Albany’s signature spring event, featuring nearly one hundred artisans selling their handmade crafts, a fine arts show, delicious food trucks, the KidZone family fun destination, three world-class live entertainment stages, a brand new wellness stage with free dance classes, and more than 248,000 tulips in 175 different varieties. The festival will bring many genres from across the state and beyond performing on multiple stages for the many people that attend.

    Saturday, May 13

    Main Stage, Washington Park Parade Grounds

    1:30 p.m. – Precious Metals is a solo project led by Troy native singer-songwriter J Lee White, featuring a band of established local musicians including Mateo Vosganian (drums), Jesse Bolduc (bass), and Chase Keener (keys, guitar). The band’s high-energy alt-rock sound pulls from the early 2000s emo explosion and 2010s indie rock revival.

    3:00 p.m. – Karina Rykman has garnered a lot of attention and avid listenership through her playing of the bass, singing, and enjoying herself through her performances, like jumping and dancing while she sings. Her music straddles the worlds of jam rock and indie pop with touches of psychedelia. She has only released six singles so far but continues to be an unmissable live act.

    4:30 p.m. – Guster is an American alternative rock band from Boston founded in 1991. They are known for their unique style of live shows with notable humor and touches of their own tastes. The band is comprised of Adam Gardner, Ryan Miller, and Brian Rosenworcel, formed when they did band practices at Tufts University.

    Local 518 Stage, Washington Park Lakehouse Stage

    1:00 p.m. – Space Trash is a local quartet combining rhythm, blues, rock, funk, and pop originals.

    2:15 p.m. – Frank Palangi is an indie rock recording artist from Upstate New York, reigniting the fuel on a genre that refuses to die. He has received numerous awards, including Best In the Region for Glens Falls and Albany areas, the national unsigned-only competition finals, radio artist of the year (radio wigwam), and an LA Music Award single Nomination.

    3:30 p.m – OHZHE is a hip-hop artist from Albany, bringing his charisma and versatility to the stage, connecting with his audience through his reliability and vulnerability. He looks to inspire his city with his lyrics, perspective, and lifestyle.

    4:45 p.m. – T.V. Doctors are a trio from Upstate New York comprised of Bob Morris, Acoustic & Electric Drums, Josh Witmer, Guitar, Guitar Synth, Keys, Samples, and Evan Conway, Bass, Bass Synth, and Keys.

    Tulip Festival
    Albany Tulip Festival.

    Sunday, May 14

    Starting off the day from 9-10 a.m. is the annual Yoga Fest on the Main Stage. The event is free, but those who wish to attend must register here.

    Main Stage

    1:30 p.m. – The Age is a project of Adrian Lewis, who makes music so the audience can get a glimpse of how he sees the world, through fragments of introspection and humility. He touches on themes of insecurity, devotion, heartache, and more.

    3:00 p.m. – Eastbound Jesus doesn’t fit into one genre, they shred on the banjo, play ballads, and make you jump to their fast-paced rocking tunes in what they call “Northern rock.” Everything they do comes from a real, genuine place that makes for a sound all their own.

    4:45 p.m. – American Authors are a New York-based pop-rock band that has accomplished what many bands dream of doing, having their music climb to the top of the charts and singles go multi-platinum. Their single “Best Day of My Life” has been featured in over 600 movie trailers, commercials, and TV shows, also appearing as the theme song for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. American Authors has played award shows and hit the stages of legendary venues all over the world.

    Local 518 Stage

    1:00 p.m. – Caity and the Gallaghers are the full band iteration of the folk singer-songwriter Caity Gallagher, joined by the talented bassist Ben Woodul, pianist Dan DeKalb, and percussionist John Morris. Compared to a modern combination of The Cranberries and Jackson Browne, she elevates melodic, emotional, and lyrical expression in her music.

    2:15 p.m. – Glass Pony is an Albany collective that plays a variety of genres spanning multiple decades from psychedelic and jam-focused rock to funk, post-punk, and more. The band offers a sound that truly translates through generations with a stylistic blend that engages a broad listenership, with the focus squarely set on delivering captivating live performances

    3:30 p.m. – Nickopotamus combines elements of jam, funk, rock, punk, groove, and zydeco to provide the listener with an exciting experience that will have them singing along. Hailing from Albany, the four-piece is led by singer/songwriter/ guitarist Nick Souder, with Andy Flemming on Bass, Dave Pemrick on Drums, and Kate Beauvais on Aux Percussion.

    4:45 p.m. – DJ HollyW8D, originally from Brooklyn, is an influencer who curates shows for independent artists and hosts a radio segment on WCDB 90.9 FM. He energized crowds throughout the Upstate New York Capital Region and believes music brings joy, energy, nostalgia, and good vibes. His latest venture is titled #MoreMusicLessViolence which is a community concert series focused on bringing creatives of all ages together along with community members through positive music.

    For more information about the Albany Tulip Festival, visit here.

  • In Focus: Young Nudy at The Westcott Theater

    Young American Rapper from Atlanta, Georgia by the name of ‘Young Nudy’ made an appearance in Upstate New York this past week. On March 28 at The Westcott Theater, Nudy continued his 2023 Tour, acknowledging the debut of his new album Gumbo released this past February. 

    young nuy

    Nudy combines hip-hop, rap and elements of contemporary R&B throughout his songs. Best known for his mixtapes “Slimeball” (2016), “Slimeball 2” (2017), and “Slimeball 3” (2018). His breakout album was deemed to be “Sli’merre” including a collaboration with Pierre Bourne released in 2019. This album is associated with several other big names that worked on the project such as 21 Savage, Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Uzi Vert.

    As the crowd awaited Young Nudy’s entrance, the show began with multiple opening rappers, by the names of 4L Quan, 4L G5ive, 2FeetBino and 21 Lil Harold, warming up the fans and engaging the hype for the headliner’s performance. 

    Before hitting the stage, the lights went dark, and fans went wild lighting up the stage with their flashlights as Nudy jumped out in front opening with fan favorite ‘Project X’ off his debut “EA Monster”.

    Throughout the show, the rapper performed many of his top hits including ‘Loaded Baked Potato’, ‘No Clue’, ‘Impala’, ‘Extendo’, ‘Mister’, ‘Peaches & Eggplants’ and ‘Blue Cheese Salad’. As this was his first show in Syracuse, Nudy put on quite the show. 

    Throughout the show Nudy yelled to his fans, “When I say slime, you say ball, “Slime-Ball” “Slime-Ball””, connecting with the crowds hype which acknowledged  Nudy’s well known triple album “SlimeBall”.The name SlimeBall comes from some of his most recognized albums to this day as the name and nickname carries through many of his albums and songs. 

    To close out Nudy’s show, he played, “EA (feat. 21 savage) from the Slimeball 2 album, following with ‘Shrimp’ from the latest album Gumbo that jumpstarted the 2023 Young Nudy Tour. We look forward to see what Young rapper Nudy does next in his music career.

  • How IDK Used Jazz And Formula 2 To Make His Best Project To Date

    Wow, what can be said about IDK’s F65 Listening Party? From beginning to end, IDK made it an intimate, beautiful, and thought-provoking experience. Studio 368 in Tribeca was the setting for this intimate gathering, where guests were served drinks and food in a kitchen-like setting before being led through a private screening of his comprehensive and movie-like project.

    The name F65 has a specific meaning. 65 represents the year of Malcolm X’s death, and F represents Formula One (also known as F1), the highest class of international single-seat car racing in the world. IDK, whose name stands for “Ignorantly Delivering Knowledge,” drew inspiration from both these elements to create a unique and powerful project.

    IDK’s decision to make jazz the foundation of his new project while also infusing it with the fast-paced energy of F1 racing resulted in a unique and powerful listening experience. The thought-provoking and emotional tracks that address the difficulties faced by black people when interacting with the police, such as “Mr. Police,” are a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. The inclusion of club-rocking hits adds an element of fun and excitement, ensuring that the album appeals to a wide range of listeners. This perfect blend of social commentary, musical skill, and entertainment value sets IDK apart as an artist who is unafraid to tackle important issues while still delivering a memorable and enjoyable experience.

    The project as a whole was truly incredible and is proving to be a defining album in IDK’s discography. He is planning strategic brand partnerships with F1 and recently released his first single on MSNBC as part of his rollout. IDK proved to be a force in music before, and after this listening party, it is very clear he is about to shock the masses once again.

    Learn more about IDK on his website here

  • A.J. Croce Announces 2023 “Croce Plays Croce” 50th Anniversary Tour

    Singer/Songwriter A..J. Croce has announced he is hitting the road again in celebration of two more of his father Jim Croce’s legendary albums, 1973’s Life and Times and his final release, I Got A Name.

    Croce Plays Croce jim A.J.

    Jim Croce is best known for his five studio albums and numerous singles between 1966 and 1973. Croce’s breakthrough came in 1972 with his third album, You Don’t Mess Around with Jim, which produced three charting singles. The follow-up album, Life and Times, included the song “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown”, which was the only No. 1 hit he had during his lifetime.

    On September 20, 1973, after performing at Northwestern State University and the day before the lead single to his fifth album I Got a Name was released, Croce and five others, died in a plane crash on their way to Jim’s next show at Austin College.

    The Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary show will feature a legendary band (including drummer Gary Mallaber, bassist David Barard, guitar/violin James Pennebaker) and a moving multi-media presentation accompanying Jim’s songs. A.J. Croce says besides the two albums Life and Times and I Got A Name, tracks from the popular You Don’t Mess Around With Jim – which fueled last year’s run – will also be part of the new show.

    It was fan-demand for more, and the camaraderie that A.J. felt with the audience, the players, and the connection to his father’s timeless music that inspired A.J. to embark on the Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary tour for 2023. “The audience reaction has been so great,” says A.J. “The shows we did last year were not only met with a huge response, but I learned so much about what works and what resonates, we knew we had to keep going.” 

    During last year’s raved-about performances, A.J. shared intimate aspects of his dad’s career. He also drew praise for his own style and musicianship as well as his sensitive insight into Jim Croce’s enduring musical canon. While Jim Croce’s indelible music catalog still resonates on classic radio, streaming platforms, and more recently on hit films and TV shows like Django Unchained and Stranger Things, it is A.J.s unique showmanship that has helped enliven Jim’s amazing legacy. 

    A.J. says the upcoming Life and Times and I Got A Name shows will continue to be fresh and spontaneous.  “People were surprised when they came that the show wasn’t just Jim Croce’s ballads,” he says. “I think one of the things the audience will appreciate if they haven’t seen us yet, is how alive these songs sound.  All the musicians have a level of improvisation that makes it a lot of fun.” 

    The shows have renewed interest in Jim Croce and garnered praise for A.J: “I think they come as a Jim Croce fan but also leave as fans of mine. That’s something that has also made this whole experience really amazing.”    

    Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary Tour Dates

    Oct 27 / Aria Ballroom @MGM Springfield / Springfield, MA

    Oct 28 /The Wilbur / Boston, MA

    Oct 30 / Count Basie Center for the Arts / Red Bank, NJ

    Nov 1 / Santander Performing Arts Center / Reading, PA

    Nov 2 / Sandler Center for the Performing Arts / Virginia Beach, VA

    Nov 4 / The Town Hall / New York City, NY

    Nov 5 / Keswick Theatre / Glenside, PA

    Nov 7 / Kodak Center / Rochester, NY

    Nov 8 / Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall / Munhall, PA

    Nov 9 / Taft Theatre / Cincinnati, OH

    Nov 12 / Royal Oak Music Theatre / Royal Oak, MI

    Nov 15 / Hoyt Sherman Place / Des Moines, IA

    Nov 17 / Pantages Theatre / Minneapolis, MN

    Nov 25 / Florida Theatre / Jacksonville, FL

    Nov 26 / Parker Playhouse / Fort Lauderdale, FL

    Nov 28 / Capitol Theatre / Clearwater, FL

    Nov 29 / King Center for the Performing Arts / Melbourne, FL

    For more information, and to purchase tickets, please visit A.J.’s website.

  • Tedeschi Trucks Band 2023 Garden Parties Arena Show Coming to MSG

    Tedeschi Trucks Band has announced two arena shows dubbed “The Garden Parties” at TD Garden in Boston, MA on Sept. 27 and Madison Square Garden on Sept. 29.

    Tedeschi Trucks Band
    Photo by David McClister.

    Tedeschi Trucks Band is a Grammy Award-winning 12-piece rock and soul powerhouse, led by the husband/wife duo of guitarist Derek Trucks and singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi. They are known for their world-class musicianship and contemporary blend of a wide range of American musical influences. The band continues to tour in support of I Am The Moon, their acclaimed fifth studio project which “explodes with joyful, powerful and positive music” (Guitar Player). The album was made off the road during the pandemic and includes four albums released over the summer of 2022.

    Since forming in 2010, the band has traveled countless miles to bring their music to fans all over the world, from sold-out multi-night residencies across America to tours through Europe and Japan, and their flagship annual summer amphitheater tours. Their extensive catalog isn’t geared towards one genre, spanning rock, blues, jazz, and even country, and no setlist is ever the same. Today the band announced two arena show performances happening at TD Garden in Boston, MA on Sept. 27 and Madison Square Garden on Sept. 29. “The Garden Parties” are presented by Live Nation & Peter Shapiro’s Dayglo Presents. The special guest for these performances will be fellow Grammy Award-winner, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real.

    These performances come on the heels of their recently expanded summer run of tour dates across the US. Tickets for these performances go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 7 at 10 a.m. ET, with the TTB Fan Club presale beginning Tuesday, April 4 at 10 a.m. ET. The artist, venue, promoter, and Chase Bank presales begin Wednesday, April 5 at 10 a.m. ET and fans can download the Tedeschi Trucks Band app in both the Apple and Google Play Stores to get easy access to tour dates and up-to-date information about the band. To purchase tickets, visit here.

    2023 Tour Dates New dates in bold
    4/28 – N. Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
    4/29 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall
    4/30 – New Orleans, LA – Jazz & Heritage Festival
    6/22 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place*
    6/23, 24 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre*
    6/27, 28 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap*

    6/29 – Richmond, VA – Virginia Credit Union Live~
    7/1 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center~
    7/2 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival

    7/3 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook~

    7/5 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater~
    7/7, 8 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater~
    7/11 – Canandaigua, NY – Constellation Brands – Marvin Sands PAC~

    7/13 – Toronto, Canada – Budweiser Stage~
    7/14 – Rochester Hills, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre~
    7/15 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park~

    7/18– Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion~
    7/19 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center~
    7/20 – Milwaukee, WI – BMO Pavilion*
    7/22 – St. Louis, MO – Fabulous Fox Theatre*

    7/24 – Kansas City, MO – Kansas City Convention Center Music Hall*
    7/25 – Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater*
    7/28, 29 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
    9/27 – Boston, MA – TG Garden^
    9/29 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden^

    • with Vincent Neil Emerson
      ~ with Ziggy Marley
      ^Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
  • A Little Touch of Nathaniel Rateliff at Lincoln Center

    On April 1st, the stage at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center was set for a truly special night of music, as Nathaniel Rateliff took the stage to perform Harry Nilsson’s album A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night. Backed by a full orchestra, Rateliff brought new life to these classic songs and captured the essence of Nilsson’s unique and captivating sound.

    nathaniel rateliff lincoln center

    A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night is an album of classic 20th century standards. Originally released in 1973, the album features Nilsson’s interpretations of tunes from the Great American Songbook, including “As Time Goes By,” “Makin’ Whoopee,” and “Always.”

    nathaniel rateliff lincoln center

    Rateliff’s performance of these songs was nothing short of spectacular, his powerful voice soaring above the arrangements of the orchestra. But he didn’t stop there. He also performed a selection of Nilsson’s other hits, including “Everybody’s Talkin’,” “Gotta Get Up,” and “Jump Into the Fire.” These songs are well-known for their catchy melodies and memorable lyrics, and Rateliff did them justice with his heartfelt performances.

    Phil Cook opened for Nathaniel Rateliff, showcasing his musical abilities as he played the piano with great proficiency. His soulful and emotive piano playing captured the audience’s attention.

    Overall, Nathaniel Rateliff’s performance of Harry Nilsson’s A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night was a night to remember. His soulful voice, backed by a full orchestra, brought new life to these classic songs and captured the spirit of Nilsson’s timeless music.

    Nathaniel Rateliff – David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center – April 1, 2023

    Setlist: Lazy Moon, For Me and My Gal, It Had to Be You, Always, Makin Whoopee, You Made Me Love You, Lullaby in Ragtime, I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now, What’ll I Do, Nevertheless (I’m In Love With You), This Is All I Ask, AS Time Goes By, Everybody’s Talkin, The Moonbeam Song, Gotta Get Up, Many Rivers To Cross, Jump Into the Fire, Turn On Your Radio

  • The World Music Institute Presents Dancing the Gods Festival at Ailey Citigroup Theater

    The World Music Institute has announced their 12th annual Dancing the Gods festival. For the first time, the celebration will occur at Ailey Citigroup Theater.

    From April 14-15 audience members will be treated to spectacular performances from India’s two leading dancers Sreelakshmy Govardhanan and Praveen Kumar. Programs will kick off with a slide presentation titled Epics, Poetry and Indian Dance from festival curator, dance expert and storyteller Rajika Puri.

    Since 1985, The World Music Institute has been recognized as one of the most stellar presenters of world music and dance within the United States. The non-profit organization strives to present the best in traditional and contemporary music with a myriad of cultural dances. Their mission is to educate people on the world’s rich cultural traditions, promoting awareness and appreciation and encouraging cross-cultural dialog and exchange. The program is partially supported by public funds from the New York State Council, Office of the Governor, New York State Legislature, and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

    Sreelakshmy Govardhanan is a remarkable woman with numerous talents. She is a renowned creative dancer, choreographer and teacher of Kuchipudi and the founder and Artistic Director of a center for learning, performance and research known as the Avantika Space. Additionally Govardhanan is  a trained psychologist who fuses her professional perspective with her art. She uses this to educate young minds through workshops, classes, seminars and lecture demonstrations.

    In the Dancing the Gods festival, Govardhanan will explore the Nritta, Nrutya and Natya elements of Kuchipudi through a repertoire set in the format of Margam. Kuchipudi is a dance originating from the theatrical and dance traditions of Andhra Pradesh. It was named after the village called Kuchelapuram. Traditionally the dance is presented by troupes of male actor-dancers who celebrate festivals dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The dance has now transformed into a solo form, which is today popular around the world.

    Praveen Kumar was born into a family of artists and showed a passion for dance at a very young age. He learned to appreciate the aesthetic depths of Bharatanatyam after studying with the esteemed guru of Bangalore, the late Smt. Narmada. Currently, Kumar studies with Guru Prof. C.V.Chandrasekhar runs the Chithkala School of Dance in Bangalore. In his solo performance for the festival, he will explore a man’s journey as a companion, admirer, and a friend through various facets of life. Musicians will provide South Indian traditional music for this prodigious production.

    Rajika Puri has performed all over Latin America, Europe, Malaysia, the US and India, and in New York at the Asia Society and Ailey Theaters. Prior to Puri’s devotion to western theater, she danced internationally in solo recitals of Bharatanatyam and Odissi for several years. Her success in the Lincoln Center Theater’s “The Transposed Heads”inspired her to develop a form of dance storytelling  called ‘Sutradhari Natyam’. The performance is accomplished through songs in Indian languages and English narration with excerpts from dances, spoken rhythms and chants. In ‘Eleni of Sparta’ or ‘Helen of Troy’, Puri sang in ancient Greek.

    Tickets and more information about Dancing the Gods festival can be found here.

  • Odesza Bring ‘The Last Goodbye’ Tour to Darien Lake this Summer

    DJ duo ODESZA have just announced the much-anticipated follow-up to 2022’s The Last Goodbye Tour.

    This second leg of The Last Goodbye Tour will follow headlining performances at Governors Ball, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and Electric Forest. The GRAMMY-nominated duo will make a stop at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center on September 1, with special guests Bob Moses, TOKiMONSTA, and QRTR & Plan.

    The Last Goodbye Tour  odesza

    ODESZA consists of Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, known individually as Catacombkid and BeachesBeaches. They formed in 2012, shortly before Mills and Knight graduated from Western Washington University.

    ODESZA and their live performances have become a modern legendary wonder, mixing stunning visuals, expert musicianship, pyrotechnics and an immersive environment to transform whatever venue they are at into an otherworldly experience. Last year’s tour included numerous sold-out, multi-night runs including in their hometown of Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena, LA’s Kia Forum, and New York’s Forest Hills Stadium.

    ODESZA also recently attended the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards in support of their nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album for The Last Goodbye and released their new single “To Be Yours (feat. Claud)”. The duo are also schedule to headline the final day of Life Is Beautiful Festival.

    The Last Goodbye Tour 2023 Dates

    June 14 – Montreal, QC – Place Bell

    June 30 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheatre

    Aug 30 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center

    Sept 1 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater

    Sept 2 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake

    Sept 3 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    Sept 8 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Sept 9 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    Sept 12 – Bristol, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

    Sept 14 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

    Sept 16 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center

    Sept 20 – Palms Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena

    Sept 29 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Sept 30 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl

    Oct 4 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center

    Oct 6 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP

    Oct 12 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center

    Oct 13 – Kansas City, MO – T Mobile Center

    Oct 19 – Mexico City, MX – Sports Palace

    For more information, please visit ODESZA’s website.