Blanket Approval will throw a bit of a shebang this weekend at Berlin (Under A) in the heart of the East Village. They’ll be joined by Strange Neighbors and Golden Alphabet, and will have a one-of-a-kind show poster and t-shirt auction benefiting the Achilles International Queens Chapter.
Blanket Approval is a groovy indie pop rock band from New York City. Born out of the ashes of the pandemic, singer/guitarist Jack Matteucci moved to Brooklyn in August of 2021 after hopping around the country for 8 months, searching for a music scene he wanted to grow with. He soon met drummer Joey Hadden through mutual friends and they founded the band. While the two were gigging together, Jack met bassist Max Mena at a DIY punk show in Queens and thankfully found guitarist/keyboardist Rahul Chakraborty online.
With the new recruits, Blanket Approval began rehearsing and recording in January 2022, before making their live debut at Union Pool in Brooklyn that spring. Since then, the band has played throughout NYC, most recently at the acclaimed Mercury Lounge in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The band has built an impressive following thanks to strong social media promo, has garnered nearly 200,000 streams on Spotify in less than 8 months, and a feature in Spotify’s Fresh Finds Indie. 2023 will see a string of new releases, including a summer EP, as well as tour dates throughout the East Coast.
Strange Neighbors first unleashed their jangly power pop onto the New York scene in 2018. Founded by vocalist Aidan and drummer Tracey, they soon brought guitarist Zach into the mix through a Facebook ad. It remains one of the three all-time positive outcomes of social media.
After a few early singles and some lineup changes, the band brought along bassist Dana to record their debut album How to Human in early 2019. Taking influence from the power pop and pop punk of the band’s youth, the album’s eight songs are characterized by sparkling guitars, intricate bass lines, rock solid beats and impassioned vocals, a mix of the old and new.
The band followed up with the Illuminasti EP in 2020 and marked their live comeback as a live act with the single “Mystic Piers” in July of 2021. They have continued recording, writing and performing into 2023 with the release of the “Party of None” EP.
Since their formation, Strange Neighbors have played at popular New York City haunts like Piano’s, The Bitter End, Bowery Electric, Cobra Club, Arlene’s Grocery, Mercury Lounge, Knitting Factory, Sultan Room, Rubulad, and more.
Originally formed in the cactus country of Tucson, Arizona, in 2003, Golden Alphabet found their final form in a place that couldn’t be more different than Southern Arizona: Brooklyn. Along the road there have been many members and iterations from solo project, to large form collective, to the current 5-piece (since 2014). All the shapes Golden Alphabet have taken have left their mark and played their part in what the group is in this moment.
Their desert roots are not hard to pinpoint. With the country western radio station blasting from his father’s workshop, primary writer and singer Tommy Cormier couldn’t escape the simple structures and emotive delivery of the music he grew up with. Though their music might not be technically categorized as country or folk, Golden Alphabet delivers an aesthetic of contemporary indie-psych, sometimes baroque pop, with a varnish of desert dust; from melodic whispers to heavy riffs and soaring choruses, inspiration takes many forms in their music.
Golden Alphabet is Tommy Cormier, Kendra Kovarik, Nate Jasensky, Derek Smith, and Timmy Minker. Removable Baby Jesus was recorded, produced, and mixed entirely by the band at Greenpoint Recording Collective, where Cormier and Jasensky are producers for local musicians and bands.
Berlin (Under A) is located at Avenue A & 2nd Street in Alphabet City. Tickets are $10 advance, $15 Day of Show.
John Wesley Seneca is debuted his new album, While Rome Burns, earlier this month. The album consists of 14 tracks, most of which are largely instrumental. The tracks were recorded during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic from March to November of 2020, and the album’s release comes near the three-year anniversary of the world shutting down due to the pandemic.
Promotional artwork for While Rome Burns. Credit: Wes Seneca
A veteran Capital Region performer, Seneca goes by the alter ego “Wes.” An acoustic musician, he never intended to make an electronic album but said “circumstances” led to it. At first, it was just a way to pass time during the lockdown, but it became something bigger as the world “slowly started to open up.” The singer never intended to release an album, but upon hearing again in 2022, he thought he could “curate” some of the songs into something more. The music of WhileRome Burns is vastly different than what he normally makes, which is why he made the album under an assumed name.
“All for Me Gorg,” is a highlight of John Wesley Seneca’s new album. The track is a disco-inspired version of an Irish sailor’s song and lyrically quotes both “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” and Shannon’s 1983 dance hit “Let the Music Play.” While the Covid-19 pandemic is certainly something many don’t want to remember, especially since it is on-going, While Rome Burns provides a glimpse into how music helped Wes Seneca cope with the most arguably some of the most disastrous months of the virus. WhileRome Burns is now available, however, the album currently isn’t available to download for free. Click here for more information.
Watch part 1 of the John Wesley Seneca interview for While Rome Burns
The Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown has announced a new concert, “The Bachelors of Broadway – Gentlemen of the Theatre,” scheduled for Saturday, April 1, featuring three of New York City’s top leading men headline the concert.
The three leading men for “Bachelors of Broadway.” Credit: Epic Arts Management
The new three-man concert features songs from both classic and contemporary musicals such as Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, Jersey Boys, The Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hansen, Les Miserables, and more. The three leading men will provide a fresh take on fan favorites from these contemporary and classic musicals. The Bachelors of Broadway will certainly be a night you won’t want to miss.
The summer season for CRT is underway. The upcoming lineup includes Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, Xandu, Unnecessary Farce, The Cake, and The Wizard of Oz. CRT is offering five-show summer seasons in addition to five or 6-pack Flex Passes. The five-show subscription allows fans to see all five summer productions at CRT, while the Flex Passes allow fans to choose specific shows to see. Individual tickets for the summer season are available starting Monday, May 22, at the CRT Box Office.
Tickets for Cortland Repertory Theatre’s “The Bachelors of Broadway,” are now available. Call 800-427-6160 or visit the CRT Box Office. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, and Saturdays from noon to the closing of the performance for that evening.
Adult tickets are $40, while tickets for seniors (62 and up) military/veterans, and first responders are $38, and tickets for those 21 years and under are $25. For more information, visit cortlandrep.org.
Promotional video for Cortland Repetory Theatre’s The Bachelors of Broadway. Credit: Youtube
Bardavon in Poughkeepsie has announced the November arrival of The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, performing Cinderella, at Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC).
The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine will present their captivating two-act performance of Cinderella, one of the most beloved stories of all time. The full-scale production follows the beautiful maiden’s story as she seeks her handsome Prince Charming.
With the help of a little magic, she discovers that dreams really can come true. Featuring graceful dancers, enchanting music, and beautiful costumes, this classic fairy tale is a treat the whole family will enjoy.
This stunning and unique production of featuring the music by Sergei Prokofiev, includes virtuoso solo parts, famous characters and dynamic music.
This particular Cinderella ballet was created by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine to give audiences an unforgettable experience, immerse them in a fairy tale and help them believe in miracles.
Working on the ballet, they primarily focused on the children in the audience. Therefore, the costumes, scenery, and props turned out to be exciting, bright and colorful. Their main goal is to make a child, having seen this ballet, want to come to the theater again.
The performance will take place on Friday, November 10 at 7:30pm at UPAC. Member tickets are on sale Thursday, March 23 at 10:00am and a General Public on sale begins Friday, March 24 at 10:00am. Tickets start at $51
Purchase your tickets in person at the Bardavon Box Office, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie: (845) 473-2072 or in person at the UPAC Box Office, 601 Broadway Kingston: (845) 339-6088 or email the Bardavon Box Office boxoffice@bardavon.org, or purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Electronic artist Kayzo performed for Buffalo locals at the Town Ballroom for his Unleashed XL tour on Thursday, March 16. His blend of EDM and rock has introduced a new wave of dubstep, bringing drums and guitar into his live shows to add a unique aspect to his sets.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Openers of the night included Automhate who at just 15 years old is making a name for himself on this tour. Followed by riddim producer Infekt and popular dubstep artist Ray Volpe. All of which kept the crowd pumped up before Kayzo took the stage and even blew a speaker beforehand.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Kayzo, also known as Hayden Capuozzo, had his career first take off in 2012 when he won Insomniac’s Discovery Project challenge. This then started a ripple effect for his growing fandom around the world. He later started playing for renowned festivals and venues. In 2018 Kayzo launched his very own record label Welcome Records further leaving his imprint in the scene as well as bringing attention to other new talent.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
When Kayzo took the stage at the Town Ballroom a wave of electric energy filled the venue. The popular producer not only knows how to hype up a crowd but also introduce different elements into the EDM scene that make his shows a new experience. Joined by Tyler Lacca on drums and Ben Havok on guitar, the trio were undeniably rage worthy.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Kayzo performed many of his hits like “Battle Drums,” “Domination,” and “Suffocate.” He also performed remixes from various artists such as Sullivan King, John Summit, and Fred Again. The EDM producer does not shy away from doing what is different. As many EDM artists do he samples from popular songs. Although, what makes Kayzo standout is how he incorporates old school rock and metal into these tracks.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
This blend of live music and bass is something that fans don’t know they’re missing out on until they hear it live. Which paid mind to the nonstop mosh pits that opened up throughout the show. Opener Automhate even joined in on the moshing for his birthday celebration.
Overall, the night in Buffalo was a hit for both metal and dubstep lovers alike. Make sure to checkout upcoming shows at the Town Ballroom. Hawthorne Heights perform March 23 and The Movement take the stage March 29. Get tickets here.
The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival has announced the lineup for the 20th anniversary, happening from June 23-July 1 at 19 venues across the Flower City featuring over 1,700 artists.
Photo by Eli Stein.
Founded in 2002, the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival is one of the world’s leading jazz festivals, held annually in Rochester with over 210,000 attendees. Over nine days, there are 300 shows with more than 1750 artists from around the world, traveling from places like Australia, Benin (West Africa), Canada, Cuba, Denmark, England, Finland, Japan, and more. The festival is produced by RIJF, LLC, a privately held company owned by John Nugent and Marc Iacona.
In a blink of an eye, we find ourselves producing our 20th Jazz Festival. Sustaining an event of this magnitude has been realized thanks to hundreds of thousands of appreciative fans, talented musicians, overwhelming community support, collaborative corporate and government sponsorship support, and an enthusiastic team that goes above and beyond every June to make this Jazz Fest succeed. We are so appreciative of them all. We are committed to presenting a unique combination of Grammy Award-winning musicians for our Headliner Series, Club Pass Series, and free concerts. The power of the unity, community, and positive energy created during these nine days is second to none! We are blessed to be able to celebrate these memorable two decades and focus on ‘Jazz in June’ for many years to come!
Marc Iacona, Producer and Executive Director.
More than 100 free shows and events will be presented on nine free stages including 49 shows on the City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation, 16 free shows in the new Wegmans Pavilion on East at Chestnut, Squeezers Nightly Jam Sessions presented by the DiMarco Group at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, 8 shows on the Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, 2 shows on the City of Rochester Stage at East & Chestnut, 5 Jazz workshops for music students, and more.
The ticketed headliner shows return to Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre this year. On June 23, Pat Metheny‘s Side-Eye will perform at 8 p.m. Metheny is an American jazz guitarist and composer, leader of the Pat Metheny Group, and is also involved in duets, solo works, and other side projects. Metheny’s new Side-Eye project will be an unforgettable encounter spotlighting two sensational rising stars: pianist Chris Fishman and drummer Joe Dyson.
On June 24 at 8 p.m., five-time Grammy-award blues musicians Keb’ Mo’ performs. He is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter, writing much of his own material, applying his acoustic, electric, and slide guitar skills to jazz and rock-oriented bands. The next day brings Omara Portuondo on her farewell tour at 4 p.m. She is a Cuban singer and dancer and a founding member of the popular vocal group Cuarteto d’Aida. During her long career, she has collaborated with many important Cuban musicians and won many prestigious awards.
Keb’ Mo’.
Finishing out the ticketed headliners is a sold-out show with Bonnie Raitt on her Just Like That…Tour. Raitt is a 13-time Grammy award winner, receiving 30 nominations, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She has been ranked No. 50 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time,” and ranked No. 89 on the magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
The free headliners for Rochester’s International Jazz Festival will perform at the Wegmans Stage at Parcel. Kicking off the events on June 28 is Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, playing a mix of folk rock, bluegrass, Southern rock, and more. Hornsby has won three Grammy Awards, including a 1987 Grammy Award for Best New Artist with Bruce Hornsby and the Range, a 1990 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, and a 1994 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.
The next day brings Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes at 9 p.m. Founded by the Jersey Shore, the group is closely associated with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, recording and performing several Springsteen songs. He also made an appearance on their Better Days album in 1991. June 30 brings the Artimus Pyle Band Celebrating Lynyrd Skynyrd. Since his departure from Skynyrd Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Artimus Pyle’s career has led him down an amazing path of solo records and projects culminating into one the finest tributes to southern rock royalty. Artimus Pyle, Brad Durden, Jerry Lyda, Dave Fowler, and Scott Raines come together to deliver hit after hit, with some of the most seasoned musicians in the southeast.
Ending the five free headliner shows on July 1 is Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at 9 p.m. Trombone Shorty is a Grammy-nominated NOLA icon, blurring the lines between funk, soul, R&B, and psychedelic rock. His latest release Lifted contains bold lyrics full of self-assurance, standing up to hard times and loss with grit and determination.
The Festival’s signature Club Pass Series will present 192 shows in 11 venues. Enjoy unlimited access with a 3 or 9-Day Club Pass, or $30, $35 (Kilbourn Hall) cash at the door. For more information on other events happening at the International Jazz Festival and to purchase club passes, go here.
2023 Full Lineup
78 RPM Big Band, Airmen of Note, Akiko Tsuruga Organ Group, Al Chez & the Brothers of Funk, Albino Mbie, Alexi Tuomarila Quartet, All in Brass Band, American Patchwork Quartet, Artimus Pyle Band Celebrating Lynyrd Skynyrd, Atlas Band, B.D. Lenz Group, Bassel & the Supernaturals, Big Lazy, Bill Frisell Trio, Bill Goodwin Trio, Bill Tiberio Band, Blue Moon Marquee, Bonnie Raitt: Just Like That…Tour 2023, Brockport Big Band, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, Camille Thurman with Darrel Green Quartet, Catherine Russell, Celebrating Toots Thielemans With Kenny Werner & Gregoire Maret, Chris Lewis & the Jon Ballantyne Trio, Chris Minh Doky All Stars, Chris Whiteman Trio, Christian Sands, Christian Sands Trio, Corner House, Cory Weeds Quartet, Curtis Stigers, Damon Fowler, Dave Restivo Trio + Christine Jensen, David Hazeltine, David Hazeltine Quartet, Dawn Thomson & Gary Versace, Deanna Witkowski Plays Mary Lou Williams, Dear Marian: Laura Dubin Trio Plays Marian McPartland, Diana Herold & Helium, Doc Robinson, Durham County Poets, Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra w/ Herb Smith, Eastman Community Music School (ECMS) Faculty w/ Special Guest Vocalists!, ECMS Jazz Alumni, ECMS Jazz Combos Directed by Bob Sneider, Eddie 9v, Eldorado Slim Featuring Scott Sharrard of Little Feat, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Erez Aviram Ensemble, Eri Yamamoto & Bruce Barth, Eastman School of Music-RIJF, Fred Costello, Gabrielle Cavassa, Gate Swingers Big Band, Glen David Andrews, Greece Jazz Band, Harold Danko, Harry Allen Trio, Helen Sung Quartet+, Helen Sung Solo, High School Jazz Bands, Houston Person & Eric Person, Houston Person & Eric Person “Person2Person,” iGNiTE, Joe Beard Band, Joe Robinson, Joel Frahm Trio, Joey Alexander Trio, Joona Toivanen Jazz & Flyfishing, Jonatavious Willis, Juliet Lloyd, Keb’ Mo’, Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet, Latriste Fulton & The Frequencies, Lionel Loueke & Gretchen Parlato, Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra, Luis Deniz Quartet, Mambo Kings, Marc Broussard, Mark Guiliana Quartet, Mark Kelso & the Jazz Exiles, Matthew Whitaker, Melody Masters Big Band, Mike Kaupa’s Ecms Ensembles! Saturday Ensemble & Junior Jazz, Miss Tess, Ms. Lisa Fischer w/ Taylor Eigsti, Music Educators Big Band, Nancy Kelly, Nathan Paul & the Admirables, Nduduzo Makhathini, Neil Swainson Trio, Nellie McKay, New Horizons Big Band Directed by Priscilla Todd Brown, New Horizons Jazz Band Directed by Don Sherman, Nick Finzer Sextet, NYChillharmonic, Oddgeir Berg Trio, Okan, Olli Hirvonen Group, Omara Portuondo “Vida,” Pat Metheny Side-Eye, Pedrito Martinez, Penfield Big Band, Peter Johnstone & Tommy Smith, Phylicia Rae Sealy, Ralph Alessi & This Against That, Rich Thompson Trio, Richie Goods & Chien Chien “Connected,” Rochester Metro Jazz Orchestra, Samara Joy, Soul Stew, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, St Paul & the Broken Bones, Steve Smith & Vital Information, Syndicate Jazz Octet, Tatiana Eva-Marie, The Baylor Project, The Bossa Nova Wave Diego Figueiredo + Ken Peplowski, The Buddahood, The Clements Brothers, Tia Fuller Quintet, Tom Guarna Trio, Tommy Gearhart, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Twisted Pine, USP, VickiKristinaBarcelona, Victoria Victoria w/Charlie Hunter, Vince Ercolamento & Friends, Vincent Peirani, Violet Mary.
At the Schenectady Armory, the Van Gogh Experience has been open for nearly a year, welcoming thousands to explore the art and life of Vincent Van Gogh in an immersive experience. A variety of new events that incorporate music into the art space have added a new twist on Van Gogh, combining art and music in unique ways.
Following a successful performance by Gratefully Yours in February, a Silent Disco event – Silent Night Starry Night – will be held on Friday, March 24, combining Van Gogh and music in a truly unique way.
Doors open at 8pm, with patrons receiving headsets upon arrival. The music starts at 8:45pm, featuring two DJ’s battling back and forth on the two channels, allowing attendees to listen to either channel as they explore the entire exhibit, including the immersive room. The channels will allow you to flip back and forth between top 40, R&B, house and reggae music, with the channels tracking listeners, leading to a winning DJ and genre being declared.
The first 100 tickets are $40 and presale tickets $50, plus a $5 ticketing fee. VIP packages are available and include a private table, coat check and a Van Gogh poster from the retail shop. Vendors are welcome but need to purchase a four pack of VIP tickets in order to vend.
Additional events at the Schenectady Armory and Van Gogh Experience include yoga classes and Sensory Friendly nights for children and adults.
Yoga is held one Saturday morning each month at 7:30 a.m. and the last Sunday of every month, a yoga wine down starting at 7pm, both in the immersive room. The Sunday March class will be held March 26th and again on April 30, both followed by a happy hour in our Armory lounge. Yogis are welcome to get a non-alcoholic beverage or cocktail and either hang in the Armory lounge or cruise through the exhibit with their cocktails. The next Saturday session will be April 8.
The cost for regular admission to the yoga class is $50 which includes the class, admission to the exhibit and your first cocktail or beverage is complimentary. VIP packages are also available, which include the yoga class, admission to the exhibit with the virtual reality experience also included, your first beverage during happy hour, a Van Gogh yoga mat, thermos and yoga hand towel. The cost for this package is $90.
On the first Tuesday of each month, discover the exhibit during a sensory sensitivities and disabilities Awareness Day. Schools are welcome as well as families with autistic children and students with other disabilities for an inclusive sensory conscientious showing of the exhibit. Special accommodations will be made to create a more sensory-friendly environment for guests with sensory sensitivities and other special needs.
National Autism Awareness Day is Sunday April 2nd with an event held that day, followed by the first Tuesday autism and disabilities awareness day on April 4th.
Sensory Friendly and Autism Awareness Days feature artificial noise reduction, the elimination of flashing lights and the dimming of armory lighting as well as sensory safe spaces throughout the exhibit all in an effort to create a more sensory-friendly atmosphere.
The cost for all students and their siblings is $15. One caretaker or teacher is admitted complimentary and the cost for additional adults is $30. For information on groups and field trips please email Tiffany at gmschenectady@exhibitionhub.com. Tickets may be purchased at the box office at 125 Washington Ave Schenectady NY 12305 or at feverup.com
It’s time to get Brown once again as rock band Ween announced a US headline tour today, which includes a show at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City this September. The band will perform at the venue on Sept. 14, shortly before their tour comes to an end. The last time the band went on tour in the US was in 2016, shortly after their reunion following their 2012 breakup.
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Ween was formed in 1984 in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and consists of Gene and Dean Ween alongside longtime band members Claude Coleman, Jr. (drums), Dave Dreiwitz (bass), and Glenn McClelland (keyboards). The band’s sound combines elements of punk, psychedelic, alternative, country, and more. Their debut studio album, God Weed Satan, was released in late 1990 and since then, the band has released a total of nine studio albums. Ween’s most recent studio album, La Cucaracha, was released in 2007.
Ween’s headline tour comes after their already-announced series of live performances this April. The band is set to perform in Dallas on April 25, Houston on April 26, and New Orleans from April 28-29. Additionally, they will return to their home state of Pennsylvania for the Peach Music Festival from June 29-July 2. Furthermore, Ween has launched a new web store. Fans can find a variety of merchandise, including a web store exclusive variant on the gold foil of Todd Slater’s Las Vegas poster from this past weekend’s shows.
Tickets Today Artists Presales for the Ween tour, which includes a stop a The Rooftop at Pier 17, starts March 22 at 10 a.m., while venue, radio, and local presales begin, March 23, at 10 a.m., ending at 10 p.m. the same day along with all presales. General on-sale begins March 24 at 12 p.m. For more ticket information, click here.
WEEN – US TOUR 2023
APRIL 25 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom 26 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall 28 – New Orleans, LA – Orpheum Theater 29 – New Orleans, LA – Orpheum Theater
JUNE 29-7/2 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival *
JULY 28 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre 29 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater 30 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
AUGUST 1 – Sandy, UT – Sandy Amphitheater 3 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre 4 – Kansas City, MO – Grinders KC 5 – St. Louis, MO – St. Louis Music Park
SEPTEMBER 8 – Minneapolis, MN – Surly Field 9 – Chicago, IL – Salt Shed Outdoors 10 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee 12 – Newport, KY – MegaCorp Pavilion 14 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17 15 – Providence, RI – The Strand Ballroom 16 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
Brooklyn based folk-pop trio Camp Bedford have just shared the second single from their upcoming debut EP So Often & So Sweet titled “Jupiter.” With Roxanne Quilty on guitar and vocals, Mariela Flor Olivo on lead rhythm guitar and vocals, and Tallen Gabriel helming the cello, this anticipated album comes out on March 31st.
The queer and femme-led band’s deep friendship shines through in their music. At once witchy, nostalgic, and magical, “Jupiter” and “2 AM,” which were released in February to warm reviews, both capture Camp Bedford’s sonic essence beautifully. Thus, these two releases are setting the stage for what’s soon to come from the band.
Of their newest single, Camp Bedford wrote, “‘Jupiter’ is about recognizing the parts of yourself that no longer serve you and setting them on fire. Written like a spell or incantation, this track’s ethereal elements and driving energy capture the experience of surrendering to your own power.”
“This folk-pop trio finds beauty in the form of complex musical arrangements packed with substance”
When talking about their follow-up single “2AM,” the band wrote, “A rousing angsty anthem, ‘2AM’ captures the post-breakup frustration and anger of watching your former partner give someone else the time and energy you wished they would have been able to give you. Even if it’s not logical and both parties grow and expand into new versions of themselves after a breakup, we wanted to honor the gnawing hurt that comes in initially watching an ex be ‘better’ to someone else than they were to you.”
By melding their unique voices and styles of instrumentation, Camp Bedford is a folk-pop-rock band spinning tales of adventure, self-discovery, and overall, their life’s journeys. They are nostalgic forward-thinkers, for instance, Camp Bedford’s music is infused with the magic of possibility. Compared to the likes of Joseph, First Aid Kit, and Wye Oak, the group finds inspiration in poetry, nature, and musical genres ranging from bluegrass to hyper pop.
New York State is home to hundreds of theaters and music venues both big and small. Each building has their own unique history and character. The Earlville Opera House, located between Madison and Chenango County, in Central New York, is no exception.
The Earlville Opera House in present day – Photo courtesy of Earlville Opera House
The original Earlville Opera House was constructed back in 1892. It was destroyed by fires twice in its early years, but the current building has stood strong for over 125 years. As of 1974, the Opera House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although the village Earlville has a population of less than 800 people, the Opera House makes this small town a stunning cultural landmark.
Over the years, the Opera House has served many roles within the community. In the late 1800s and all the way to the Roaring Twenties, the venue was a stage for vaudeville acts, three-penny operas and traveling medicine shows. At one point, it became a silent movie house and at another served as a public auditorium for town meetings and even high school graduations.
While the Opera House is now a wholly unique feature of Earlville, it wasn’t always that way. In the late 1800s when these sorts of theaters were widely popular, there were as many as six other opera houses in the adjacent towns, including Waterville and New Berlin. Over the years, they became relics of the past and faded from memory both metaphorically and literally. In Central New York, one was torn down to become a parking lot and another in Hamilton was rebuilt into apartments, while another in Oriskany Falls was destroyed by a fire.
The Earlville Opera House in 1892 – Photo Courtesy of Earlville Opera House and Tim Carey
The Earlville House experienced nearly all of these fates at one point or another. The theater first closed its doors during the Great Depression. Though it re-opened in 1937 as a theater showing “talking movies,” the Opera House closed once again in 1952 and wouldn’t see the light of day until 1971. It was bought by Joey Skaggs, an artist, activist educator and self-proclaimed “media prankster.” Before he bought the place, it was slated to be torn down into a parking lot just as the Sherburne Opera House had met its end that same year.
Skaggs proved to be the defining difference between the two theaters. He stopped the motion to turn Earlville’s Opera House into an empty lot and instead placed the theater in the hands of a volunteer board of directors called Earlville Opera House, Inc. He sold them the theater for the grand price of $1.
Michelle Connelly is now Executive Director of the Opera House and she says she is grateful for Joey Skaggs’ investment in the theater and community.
“We kind of live off of inspiration and good vibes and that gains momentum when people believe in what you do and support you and it’s inspiring,” she said. “Joey’s mission and vision we keep alive … Our mission is to enrich the Central New York and Southern tier regions through the visual and performing art but also to help maintain our building here for future generations to use.”
The interior of the Earlville Opera House
A great deal of restorative work was needed after the theater’s 15 year hiatus. Although the building was updated in many ways, it was merely restored, not changed. The theater remains pretty much the same as when it was first built. It may not have air conditioning, but Connelly said that just adds to the old-school charm.
“We have a beautiful venue where we can create events that provide for shared experiences between people that create memories and form community bonds,” she said. “You can’t really articulate the worth of that… it’s absolutely priceless … It’s an intangible thing, but that’s a byproduct of what we do.”
According to Connelly, the theater also boasts one of the only remaining horseshoe balconies in the U.S.
“It’s sloped and our stage is raked which means it has a slight downward lean to it, so when the balcony also does that, it kind of meets in the middle and the acoustics are incredible in that theater,” Connelly explained.
The horsehoe shaped balcony inside the Opera House – Photo Courtesy of Earlville Opera House
In 1976, five years after it was purchased by Skaggs, the Opera House had its first live performance in more than fifty years. It hasn’t looked back since.
In the past, performing artists have included David Bromberg as well as Heritage Blues Orchestra, Los Blancos, Martha Redbone and Savoy Brown. This year, singer-songwriter and blues musician Carolyn Wonderland will grace the stage. Other notable acts coming to the Opera House include Hazmat Modine and Marcia Ball. For a full list of upcoming performances, click here.
The theater is largely sustained through grants and other funding. It is well off enough that it actually administers grants of its own to artists and arts organizations in three counties: Broome, Chenango and Oswego. This year the Opera House will re-grant over $230,000 for cultural initiatives and supporting the performance arts.
Center stage at the Opera House
The Opera House continues to be a fixture of the small community in more ways than one.
In addition to the main stage, an arts cafe and outdoor courtyard allow local and emerging musicians to perform. They also have a free art gallery on site, featuring the works of local artists. There is currently a gallery on display from March 18th until April 22nd featuring painting and photography from three regional artists: Tom Schmitt, Frank Vlossak and Bill Baburchak.
Workshops are also hosted and open to all, for a small fee. Gary Talley, lead guitarist of the Box Tops, will teach a masterclass guitar course at the theater in July as part of an Earlville guitar workshop weekend hosted by the Opera House from July 28-30th. Talley will then be doing a public performance that weekend on the 29th at 7pm.
Connelly said being a source of community support like this ties directly into Skaggs original mission to enrich the arts of the surrounding area.
“If you can make any kind of impact or difference in a positive way, we should,” Connelly said. “That’s the role of the arts. Arts are used to express and help people in many different ways as an avenue of expression.”
