The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS) announced that Michael Thomas has been appointed Director of the NYYS Jazz program, beginning with the 2023/24 season.
Founded in 1963, the New York Youth Symphony is internationally recognized for its award-winning and innovative educational programs for talented young musicians. The symphony 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 music students unparalleled opportunities to perform at world-class venues including Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, and The Times Center. Students gain valuable life skills like commitment, discipline, focus, collaboration, and friendships that last a lifetime.
Michael Thomas is an award-winning saxophonist, composer, and arranger, arriving in New York City in 2011, becoming an active member of the jazz community. He began his musical career as a pianist at age five, switching to saxophone at age nine because his father was also a saxophonist, and his mother a clarinetist. He has performed throughout the United States and abroad, including tours in Central and South America, Australia, Europe, Japan, and Russia. He can be heard on over 30 recordings, including three albums as a leader, and has been commissioned by schools and professional ensembles around the world. In addition to his own trio, quartet, and quintet, Michael Thomas also co-leads and writes for the Grammy-nominated Terraza Big Band.
Thomas follows Andy Clausen, who will step down from his position at the end of the 2022/23 season after seven seasons. The New York Youth Symphony Jazz is a 17-member swing ensemble dedicated to studying, rehearsing, and performing classic big-band jazz music from the 1930s and 40s, incorporating the music into current and emerging styles that define the genre for the present generation. “We are thrilled to have found Michael, who we are confident will be a worthy successor to Andy Clausen, who has brilliantly led the program for the last seven years,” explained Robert J. Levine, Senior Vice President of NYYS Trustees and Head of the Jazz Director Search Committee. “Michael’s experience and impressive knowledge of all aspects of the jazz repertoire and his strong ability to communicate with our young musicians were immediately evident in his live audition.”
For more information about the NYYS and upcoming events, visit here.
On March 27, MSG Entertainment and The Bowery Presents announced that singer-songwriter Barry Manilow is returning to Radio City Music Hall for the first time since 2012, with a five-night concert series beginning Wednesday, May 31, and concluding Sunday, June 4. Beginning at 8 p.m. each night, these shows will mark the 35-39th lifetime performances by Manilow at Radio City.
Born in Brooklyn, the Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning Manilow has a career that spans nearly 50 years, having sold more than 85 million records worldwide, with his self-titled debut album being released in 1973, supported by his debut single “Could It Be Magic.” Throughout his five-night concert series at Radio City, Manilow will perform a number of his hits, including “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).” Manilow has released 50 top-40 singles and is ranked as the number one Adult Contemporary artist of all time, according to Billboard and R&R magazines.
Tickets to see Barry Manilow at Radio City Music Hall go on sale Friday, March 31, at 10 a.m., and can additionally be purchased in person beginning on Saturday, April 1 at the Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Beacon Theatre box offices.
Andrea Bocelli, the Italian pop and opera singer arrived in New York on horseback March 23 and held a surprise performances in Times Square with special guests to celebrate the premiere of Trinity Broadcasting Network’s film, The Journey: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli.
Special guests including Michael W. Smith, HAUSER of 2CELLOS, TAYA, and Tauren Wells. The film, which features Bocelli traveling the Italian countryside on horseback, will be released in select theaters on April 2, 2023.
Andrea Bocelli
Besides the special guests, Andrea Bocelli, Veronica Berti Bocelli, and producers Tom Newman, Kristian Kelly, and Candace Lee Carson also attended the premiere of the film. In attendance from Trinity Broadcasting Network were executive producers Matt and Laurie Crouch.
The Journey: A Music Special combines world-class musical performances with intimate conversations across the Italian countryside, exploring moments that define us, songs that inspire us, and relationships that connect us to what matters most in life.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 23: Andrea Bocelli enthralls crowds in Times Square with a performance to celebrate Trinity Broadcasting Networks’ premiere of THE JOURNEY: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli, in theaters beginning April 2. Combining world-class musical performances with intimate conversations while on horseback traveling the Italian countryside, the film features performances by Bocelli with Michael W. Smith, Tori Kelly, TAYA, Tauren Wells and HAUSER from 2CELLOS on March 23, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Trinity Broadcasting Network)
The film happens on horseback while Bocelli and his wife Veronica are travelling along Italy’s Via Francigena, an ancient road traveled by pilgrims for centuries in the footsteps of the apostles and saints. This film also featured the special guests in the surprise performances, they are joined Bocellis for sacred musical performances in some of Italy’s most magnificent venues and majestic locations.
The Journey is full of beautiful music, creation, faith, and love that begins with a blessing from the Pope. Bocelli’s children Matteo and Virginia make appearances in this amazing adventure, as well as musicians and singers Katherine Jenkins, Clara Barbier Serrano, 2CELLOS, 40 Fingers, and many others.
Caroline Rose celebrated the launch of her new album, “The Art of Forgetting” and debuted her short film of the same name on Friday (March 24, 2023). Tucked away in a red brick building in Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY sits Tower Records’ newly reopened event space, Tower Labs.
Caroline Rose introducing her short film at Tower Labs, photograph by David Reichmann
The intimate setting was perfect for the debut of Caroline’s short film, featuring three songs off the new album. She briefly introduced the album onstage, saying it was a dark time and was a very difficult record to create. The crowd enjoyed an open bar, a polaroid photo booth, and unique merchandise to commemorate the album.
Caroline Rose album release party at Tower Labs, photograph by David Reichmann
You can listen to Caroline Rose’s music here. She returns to New York on April 12th for a show at Webster Hall, and you can purchase tickets here.
Spring Valley hip-hop artists Fat Westbrook and Cedric St. Louis have joined forces to collaborate on an upcoming joint EP called Castor + Pollux. Due out in spring 2023, the duo kicked off the promotional run with their latest single, “Mike Tyson.“ An uptempo rap song that’s been in the works since early 2020, the record has been a fan favorite at the group’s live performances. Fat Westbrook and Cedric both are confident and cocky all while keeping it fun and lightweight. Meanwhile, the duo exchange jabs in the video while interchanging equally lively flows.
The Spring Valley duo is bringing a different flavor to the current music landscape. Notably, hip-hop artist, rapper, and instrumentalist Fat Westbrook shares the culmination of his experiences through music. Drawing inspiration from both his hometown and Haitian identity. Moreover, his music features raw stories, hard-hitting beats and a charismatic word-flow. His music is meant to help those who wish to identify, feel, laugh and love.
Fat Westbrook and Cedric St. Louis are a hard-hitting duo out of Spring Valley
Likewise, Cedric St. Louis has also long shared the same dreams as his counterpart. The Spring Valley native has ambitions to not only make an impact in the hip hop world, but music as a whole. As a Black gay man navigating in the Hip Hop world and Alternative industries, the quick-witted rapper hopes to empower listeners in his songs, helping them gain a sense of self-identity.
The Little Theatre, Rochester’s premier cultural center for the presentation of American independent and foreign films, visual arts and music, has a packed calendar through April and May, highlighted by the Rochester Guitar Festival, held April 1-3.
Educational events allow The Little Theatre to provide local artists a place to share and discuss their visions with a diverse audience. The warm and inviting atmosphere at “The Little” includes programming that stimulates and expands thought, inspires the spirit, promotes friendly discussion and opens cultural horizons.
Organizers of Rochester Guitar Festival, Rochester Classical Guitar, are dedicated to enriching the arts and connecting communities in the Greater Rochester Area through the medium of classical guitar. Since 2016, RCG has been presenting performances and masterclasses with internationally-acclaimed artists, and providing opportunities for local musicians, students, and hobbyists alike to perform and learn.
Rocheter Guitar Festival will feature two shows in the theater on Saturday and Monday evening, with classical guitar night in the cafe in between on Sunday.
Saturday’s show features two amazing Eastman faculty, both with international careers, Nicholas Goluses and Bonita Boyd. The pair of professors will present a variety of works composed for flute and guitar, including two works by Samuel Adler and Cynthoa Folio that are commissioned for the Eastman’s Centennial celebration and dedicated to the Boyd/Goluses duo. Details | Get Tickets
Ken Luk, Tom Torrisi, and Michael Jones are the main organizers of Rochester Guitar Festival, through Rochester Classical Guitar. Together they have been holding classical guitar night every Sunday at the cafe for many years, including April 2nd. These musicians offer a great deal for those who play classical guitar at all levels, as well as fans of the music. Details
Monday’s concert is by internationally touring guitarist Raphaël Feuillâtre, performing music from the distant past. The 26-year-old French classical guitarist, whose repertoire embraces everything from Johann Sebastian Bach and Rameau to contemporary compositions by Roland Dyens and Sérgio Assad, possesses the technical mastery and creative vision required to make works from all periods sound as if they were written yesterday – alive, heartfelt, filled with colour. Featuring local young musicians with a short opening number, the guitar class from ROCmusic, directed by Michael Jones, will kick off Raphaël‘s concert at 7pm. Details | Get Tickets
The Little Cinema Movement evolved in the 1920s as a response to the trend of mass marketing in the entertainment industry. With movie companies and film producers devoting increasing attention to the new “talking” motion pictures, the Movement attempted to reach an audience open to the experimental, the eclectic, and the unusual. The Little Theatre was proposed as one of a chain of small theaters designed to provide an alternative to the large commercial movie houses of the day.
As of late, The Little has begun an ambitious undertaking of renovating the original theatre, taking care to preserve the historic design while expanding its versitility and accesibility. Theatre 1 now has a fully rennovated marquee, new auditorium seats, a fully updated stage and sound system, and a rejuvenated lobby with an elevator.
April at The Little Theatre
Apr 1, Sat, 7-9pm: Laura Dubin Trio
Apr 2, Sun, 7-9pm: Classical Guitar Night
Apr 3, Mon, 7-9pm: PV Nunes Band
Apr 5, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)
Apr 6, Thurs, 7-9pm: Trialogue
Apr 7, Fri, 7-9pm: Sons of Monk
Apr 8, Sat, 7-9pm: Tug Hill Band
Apr 9, Sun: Easter holiday, no music
Apr 10, Mon, 7-9pm: Bossa Nova Bradley Brothers
Apr 12, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)
Apr 13, Thurs, 7-9pm: Big Blue House
Apr 14, Fri, 7-9pm: Rochester Ukulele Orchestra
Apr 15, Sat, 7-9pm: Kubick’s Rubes
Apr 16, Sun, 7-pm: Margaret Explosion
Apr 17, Mon, 7-9pm: Mel Henderson and Greg Wachala
Apr 19, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)
Apr 20, Thurs, 7-9pm: The Spring Chickens
Apr 21, Fri, 7-9pm: Uptown Tango
Apr 22, Sat, 7-9pm: Stella Hill (Originals plus tribute to Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt)
Apr 23, Sun, starting at 5:30pm: Poetry and Jazz
Apr 24, Mon, 7-9pm: Bravo Nights (w/ Opera Guild of Rochester)
Apr 26, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)
Apr 27,Thurs, 7-9pm: Jackson Cavalier
Apr 28, Fri, 7-9pm: Alyssa Rodriguez
Apr 29, Sat, 7-9pm: Meghan Kehrer Quartet
Apr 30, Sun, 7-9pm: Annie Wells Band
May at The Little Theatre
May 1, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)
May 3, Weds, 7-9pm: Sons of Monk
May 4, Thurs, 7-9pm: Trialogue
May 5, Fri, 7-9pm: Trio East
May 6, Sat, 7-9pm: Laura Dubin Trio
May 7, Sun: Classical Guitar Night
May 8, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)
May 10, Weds, 7-9pm: The Djangoners
May 11, Thurs, 7-9pm: Gregory Street Vagabonds
May 12, Fri, 7-9pm: Archive Ravens
May 13, Sat, 7-9pm: Bangers and Mash
May 14, Sun, 7-pm: Rich Thompson Trio – Generations
May 15, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)
May 17, Weds, 7-9pm: Spring Chickens
May 18, Thurs, 7-9pm: Susanna Rose
May 19, Fri, 7-9pm: Tug Hill Band
May 20, Sat, 7-9pm: Taurus Savant
May 21, Sun,7-9pm: Bob Sneider Trio
May 22, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)
May 24, Weds, 7-9pm: Margaret Explosion
May 25,Thurs, 7-9pm: Sunshine Quan
May 26, Fri, 7-9pm: Debbie Kendrick Band
May 27, Sat, 7-9pm: Mel Henderson and Greg Wachala
13 downtown historic performing arts centers from Jamestown to Poughkeepsie have come together to form Alive Downtowns! The coalition, having met virtually since the start of the pandemic, is seeking $20 million in operating support from the state.
Bardavon, photo by Tim Lee.
Alive Downtowns! main goal is to encourage the lawmakers of New York to think of historic theatres in the same way they do aquariums and zoos, which are shown to have a significant public benefit. It is an affiliate corporation to the Upstate Theater Coalition for a Fairgame, established eight years ago in response to the creation of casinos in the eastern and southern tiers of the state.
Ulster Performing Arts Center, photo by Em Walis.
The historic theatres of Upstate New York are essential to each city’s urban education opportunities, economic viability, and continuing attractiveness. John Parkhurst, Chief Operating Officer of the Rochester Broadway Theatre League commented, “The COVID-19 shutdown of nearly two years has impacted us greatly as an industry. We are coming back, all of us, but, frankly without this coalition it would have been much harder.” The coalition is helping these places become recognized, and be bettered.
Proctors Theatre interior, photographed by Erica Miller.
These facilities combined have an average age of nearly 100 years and are keystones to the downtown areas of the cities they are in. They serve over 5 million people annually including thousands of students. Their economic impacts for upstates major downtowns exceed $350 million and their aggregate budgets exceed $100 million.
The Smith Center for the Arts, photo by Joe Booth.
In a meeting with local legislators and the Governor’s office, the response has been very supportive. The coalition is grateful for that response and hopes to reach all state elected officials to assure an annual appropriation that will allow its members to continue to be part of growing upstate downtowns guaranteeing accessibility for all citizens for years to come.
The Stanley Theatre.
Chris Silva, long-time Executive Director of the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie added, “This group of performing arts centers are economic, educational, and cultural engines in Upstate. We are hoping the state can make a modest investment in us that will pay huge dividends.” Upon meeting with local legislators and the Governor’s office, the response has been very supportive for the coalition’s efforts.
Hudson Valley’s Sam Kogon has just shared a hauntingly beautiful music video for his track “All I Wanna Do,” directed by G.W. Duncanson. Kogon said he was inspired to write the song after moving into his Westchester Apartment in a 1920’s era building, soon realizing that he was not alone yet found comfort in his uninvited guests.
The Hudson Valley is home to lots of tales of creepy crawlies and wandering spirits. Hometown singer/songwriter Sam Kogon grew up listening to them all and has brought that ghostly history alive in his latest music video.
“Intertwining a retro charm with a modern perspective, Sam Kogon has mastered the art of fusing something you already love with something you’ll love even more, pushing his psychedelic influences into fresh new landscapes anyone can enjoy.”
Thus, “All I Wanna Do” tells the story of an impossible love story between a mortal and a house spirit. The classic love story of unrequited love takes on an unusual twist with Kogon’s smooth vocal styling and catchy melodies.
Filmed at several undisclosed location in Yonkers in Westchester County, Kogon enlisted a talented troop of creative technical and performance artists to produce the alluring cinematic offering that utilizes the crumbling remains of an historic Hudson River Estate as a backdrop.
In the video, Kogon stars as a Phantom character, singing in an old-fashioned living room while the action takes place elsewhere. Spirits of child brides, beautiful witch temptresses (one of which is played by Violet Hetson aka Powerviolets), a trapper played by Danny Christmas, and even a frisky bear tell the story of an impossible romance between the two realms.
Fun fact: the aforementioned bear costumed character is the same one that appeared in numerous episodes of the David Letterman Show. Hwtson made the witch dress herself, and all other fashions used in the shoot come from Beyond Costumes, also located in Yonkers.
You may also remember Kogon’s last video from 2022 for his international hit “Barbed Wire,” filmed in Kingston, where his family hails from. That storyline included scenes filmed in Sam’s Swap Shop, his family’s business for over one hundred years, before it fell victim to gentrification and high rents. Both “Barbed Wire” and “All I Wanna Do” made their appearance in his 2022 self-titled 4-track EP.
Sam Kogon describes his new approach as that of an “Upstate country rockabilly crooner,” a sound he had once put off while playing in Brooklyn’s psychedelic scene. Kogon lived and played in New York for several years, but nowadays lives in Westchester and spends more time in LA.
To watch and listen to “All I Wanna Do,” click the link here.
Rapper Troy Ave has upped the ante in his beef with Taxstone. The Brooklyn-bred rapper released a diss track and music video after testifying in the court case that led to Taxstone being found guilty of manslaughter, assault and weapons charges. “Dear Hater I Won” sees Troy Ave celebrate the former podcaster’s incarceration, strutting and dancing in front of the same Manhattan courthouse where the verdict was reached.
Troy Ave sports the same 3-piece suit in the “Dear Hater I Won” video that he wore to court.
Furthermore, he rehashes and sums up his talking points over the last few years. Notably, he once again accuses Taxstone of writing a letter to the judge in the hopes of getting off. He then rehashes the fatal Irving Plaza incident that saw his friend and bodyguard Ronald “Banga” McPhatter shot and killed.
After wrestling the murder weapon away from Taxstone, Troy Ave fired off several shots of his own. The “Chuck Norris” rapper has since denounced street culture after agreeing to testify against Taxstone. The verdict and record is a conclusion to the 2016 Manhattan shooting that drastically altered the lives of both Brooklynites.
What began as a disagreement because of comments the popular podcaster made regarding the “Your Style” rapper’s music eventually resulted in gun-violence. In turn, what was once a burgeoning voice in the podcast scene has now been silenced. Meanwhile, Troy Ave has seen his once-prominent buzz completely fade.
Nu-Metal band Mudvayne have announced their first headlining tour in over 14 years, The Psychotherapy Sessions.
The 26-city tour kicks off on July 20 in West Palm Beach, FL, and includes a stop at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh on Friday, July 28.
Mudvayne, which reunited in 2021 after an 11 year hiatus, is known for both their musical and visual experimentation, which includes face and body paint, as well as masks and uniforms. Mudvayne has sold over six million records worldwide, including nearly three million in the United States.
Previously, the group made waves in 2022 when they embarked on the Freaks on Parade Tour co-headlined with Rob Zombie. This 2023 tour, however, marks Mudvayne’s first headlining endeavor since 2009. The band will be joined by a number of supporting acts including Coal Chamber, along with GWAR, Nonpoint and Butcher Babies.
“An Event. On the Horizon. Over 25 years in the making. Brave travelers…You, and the alien seed – MuDvAyNe. A journey begun. Reaching Zenith. Now for the Eschatology.” – Matt McDonough, Mudvayne drummer.
The Psychotherapy Sessions will also see the reunion of supporting act Coal Chamber, which marks Coal Chamber’s first live performances in eight years.
Tickets will go on sale starting on Friday, March 24 at 10 AM at the bands website.
THE PSYCHOTHERAPY SESSIONS TOUR DATES:
Thu Jul 20 — West Palm Beach, FL — iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Fri Jul 21 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds
Sun Jul 23 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion
Tue Jul 25 — Bristow, VA — Jiffy Lube Live
Wed Jul 26 — Scranton, PA — The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
Fri Jul 28 — Wantagh, NY — Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Sat Jul 29 — Camden, NJ — Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Sun Jul 30 — Mansfield, MA — Xfinity Center
Tue Aug 01 — Syracuse, NY — St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
Wed Aug 02 — Burgettstown, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake
Fri Aug 04 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH — Blossom Music Center
Sat Aug 05 — Tinley Park, IL — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
Sun Aug 06 — Clarkston, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre
Tue Aug 08 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center
Wed Aug 09 — Peoria, IL — Peoria Civic Center
Sat Aug 12 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion
Sun Aug 13 — Woodlands, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
Tue Aug 15 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater
Wed Aug 16 — Phoenix, AZ — Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Thu Aug 17 — Irvine, CA — FivePoint Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 19 — Concord, CA — Concord Pavilion
Sun Aug 20 — Reno, NV — Grand Theatre
Tue Aug 22 — Auburn, WA — White River Amphitheatre
Wed Aug 23 — Ridgefield, WA — RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Fri Aug 25 — West Valley City, UT — USANA Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 26 — Englewood, CO — Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
