Category: Regions

NYS Music March Madness 2023: Round 3
And here we are at Round 3 of NYS Music’s March Madness 2022. Below you’ll find 8 matchups between 16 bands and artists from across New York State, from numerous genres, all on the rise and ready to make a name for themselves.

For the past 8 years, this annual competition has been shining a spotlight on the talented artists and musicians from across the Empire State. This year’s competition promises to be the biggest and best yet, with a lineup of diverse genres and highly skilled performers. March Madness 2023 highlights 64 bands and artists you might not know, but should know, as these homegrown talents are making waves through the New York State. Check out Round 2 here.

Enter your email address, meet the bands and artists below, and vote for your favorites!
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Yard Amphitheater Region

The Yard Amphitheater is an outdoor music venue nestled in the rolling hills of NY State with BBQ on site, an outdoor bar, space for lawn games, and room to dance! Watching a performance at The Yard is similar to watching a concert in your own backyard, with the exception that this backyard features a fully stocked outdoor bar, mouthwatering BBQ, and nationally touring performers.

eberwine vs. Honey Suckle Vine

Buffalo-based rock and blues quintet eberwine (sic) is known for innovative improvisation, soulful lyrics, and high-energy shows. The band’s music highlights the best of rock and blues with nods to 90s alt-rock and jam. eberwine is the brainchild of frontman and guitarist Todd Eberwine (Dive House Union, Soul Roach, Todd Eberwine Band). What started as a solo project in 2016, is now a touring five-piece pulling seasoned musicians from the Buffalo music scene into a Western New York supergroup featuring Ryan Nogle (Funktional Flow, Aqueous), Evan Laedke (Tim Britt Band), Aaron Ziolkowski (Little Mountain Band), and Jay Race (Dead Alliance Buffalo). While they don’t have any upcoming shows at the moment, check back for any new show announcements on their website.

Honey Suckle Vine (HSV) is a high-energy 4-piece blues-rock band based out of the Capital District of New York State. The songwriting team of Joey Jaquez (vocals, harmonica) and Jeremy Silverman (guitar, vocals) have been creating original material for over 20 years across the USA. Joined in 2017 by long time friends Graham Espe (bass, vocals, recording and production) and David Snediker (drums, vocals), HSV is ready to entertain. Check out their most recent album Painted Nights. On March 24th, they’ll be playing at Putnam Place with Tops Of Trees, Kyla Silk, and House of Saturn.

Mainline vs. An Easy Death

Mainline officially hit the scene at the end of 2019 when Anthony Schettino (Bass), Johnny Iodice (Lead Singer & Guitar), Mason Servedio (Drums), and Devin Reck (Guitar) released their debut single “Open Fire” which eventually led to the self-titled EP that came out in February of 2020. Their album “The Unholy Idol” has garnered up over 80,000+ streams across platforms, and has gotten worldwide attention. The current lineup since 2022 now includes Ryan Hartell on guitar, replacing Devin Reck. As of November 2022, the band released their most recent single “In Nothing We Trust” everywhere on streaming. Their last show was March 10 at Pete’s Saloon in Elmsford, NY. You can find Mainline next on April 22 at Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ, opening for Kore Rozzik!

An Easy Death is a 5-piece Post-Punkcore band based out of the Rochester area drawing influence from bands like Blink-182, Oceans Ate Alaska, Everytime I Die, MxPx, and It Dies Today. The band formed in 2020 and has since been making a name for themselves in the Rochester and Buffalo areas. Check out their most recent release from January, “The Debt That All Men Pay“. Their next appearance will be on March 25 at 7:00 PM with Dark Divine and Catch Your Breath at Rochester’s very own Montage Music Hall.

Voting for Round 3 has ended. Stay tuned for Round 4, starting at 8am on Thursday, March 16

Funk n Waffles Region

Farrow vs. Fine Grain

With thought provoking lyrics, strong melodies, and deep grooves, Farrow brings to life a vibe reminiscent of decades past whilst grounded in a modern sonic landscape. Based in Buffalo and led by producer/bass player Andre Pilette and singer/lyricist Michael Farrow, the band features Tim Webb on drums, Michael Ruopoli on percussion, Cory Clancy on guitar, Rufus “Breexy” Cole Jr. on keps, and Danielle Johnson on backing vocals. Check out the band’s website for show updates, like their past show on March 10. They also have an upcoming show on March 21, 2023 at the Buffalo Sabres vs Nashville Predators hockey game at Key Bank Center in Buffalo.

Fine Grain floats in between shoegaze haze and punk posturing. With prog-inspired riffs, post-punk murk, and the occasional ripping sax solo, fine grain offers up rambunctious reverie fit for hardcore fans of all generations. Fine Grain’s maturation is a testament to the transformative possibility of punk, showing how pulled threads of the past can still stitch together a promising new future. Visit here to listen to their latest release, their album “Missing Adult“.

Jennie Angel vs. The Forest Dwellers

Jennie Angel is an actress who recently rediscovered her love for music. Started playing the guitar when she was 16 and has been singing she was born, now performing popular country hits! Jennie has most recently been added as a member of the Academy of Country Music and will be attending the awards show in March. Music and merch are both available on her website. Check out her most recent single, released on Valentines Day, “You Proof“. Catch her next performance on March 16 at the SXSW Balanced Breakfast Showcase.

The Forest Dwellers are a reggae-infused folk/ indie group based out of Rochester, NY that plays universal medicine music. The band blends melodic music with incredible vocal harmonies. Stemming from different styles and genres, The Forest Dwellers fuse them into a new take on a familiar sound all its own. Listen to their song “Open Road” here.

Voting for Round 3 has ended. Stay tuned for Round 4, starting at 8am on Thursday, March 16

Jane Dough Region

Jane Dough help cannabis entrepreneurs win business licenses, optimize facility design, standardize operation, increase revenue and design their future.

PEAK vs. Murder in Rue Morgue

PEAK’s music, described as Psychedelic Indie Funk, is a mix of poetic, melodic songwriting, moody electrofunk, riffed-out blues-rock, and exploratory danceable improvisations. Some of their many influences include artists such as The Band, The Talking Heads, Phish, The Grateful Dead, Radiohead, James Brown, and Miles Davis, as well as modern songwriters such as Conor Oberst, Mac Demarco, Kurt Vile, and Jack White to name a few. The band’s website has links to their music, including their most recent album, “Choppy Water“. Tour/show information can be found here, like their most recent show on March 10, and their upcoming show on March 25 in Lake Huntington, NY.

Murder in Rue Morgue is CJ Carr, John Wolff, Matt Biss, and Dan Ouimette, hailing from the hometown of Manowar, and Level 7 in Auburn. The band is highly influenced by melodic death metal, such as In Flames, Killswitch Engage, and Times of Grace. The band is a group of hardworking musicians who leave it all up on the stage giving the best show every time. Listen to their 2019 album “Endless Cycles” here.

Whaley vs. Sarah King

Whaley comes from Long Island, and they are a culmination of the best material & musicians Logan has written & met over the last 8 years since graduating from music school. His music can be best described as having old-school sensibilities with a new-school vibe. He released his debut album “Funky Tonight” this past February. Keep up with Whaley at all their shows, the next one being March 16th at Long Island Stage in Riverhead, NY.

Known for her powerhouse voice and “fiery, vulnerable songs,” Sarah King creates thought-provoking, versatile Americana music. Her genuine stories about real-life emotions and situations also draw on classic folk-blues themes, balancing songs about the devil and booze with hard-won moments of reflection and acceptance. Her acclaimed 2021 EP The Hour, produced by Simone Felice and David Baron, earned her recognition as the New England Music Awards Songwriter of the Year and performances at the 2022 Folk Alliance International and Philadelphia Folk festivals, as well as supporting slots for acts including Blues Traveler and The Steel Woods. While Sarah doesn’t have any shows slated in NYS at the time, her next show is March 11 at The Colonial Theatre in Keene, New Hampshire.

Voting for Round 3 has ended. Stay tuned for Round 4, starting at 8am on Thursday, March 16

Strand Theatre Hudson Falls Region

The E-Block vs. Hilltop

The E-Block is a 5-piece indie R&B band based in Upstate New York, blending the acoustic warmth of singer-songwriter music with an ice-cold rhythm section informed by modern R&B. Led by guitarist Luke Pascarella, with the line up of saxophonist James Soren keyboardist Devin Tetlak, bassist Daniel Folds, and drummer Leroy “Rudy” Dalton, the band’s deep bag of influences and free-flowing style have earned them a reputation as a unique live act in the Capital Region scene. Follow their instagram for all the current action, including their new project “Waterfall” releasing this spring. In the meantime, listen to their most recent track “Stay” here. There are currently no upcoming shows, but check back on their website for any announcements.

Hilltop is a four piece jam band from Albany, NY. Over the past four years they’ve made a name for themselves with carefully crafted originals, mind bending improvisation & fun, diverse covers. Each member offers a proficient, unique approach to their instrument that defines the musical experience. This band of young musicians is eager to spread their music and will continue to engage crowds wherever they go. Listen to their newest release, a collection of live performances, titled “Live Rips” here. With an upcoming tour, there are 5 chances to see Hilltop live in NYS. Be sure to catch them at their next show on March 25 at the Monopole in Plattsburgh, as well as at Zen Barn in Waterbury, Vermont on March 23.

Deb Cavanaugh vs. Seize Atlantis

Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and roots singer Deb Cavanaugh lives in the foothills of the Taconic Mountains, in Upstate New York. In the mid-nineties, Deb focused on traditional folk music such as Old Time, traditional ballads, and Irish dance tunes. She now formed Deb Cavanaugh & Dandelion Wine, playing a variety of styles including blues, rock and traditional folk as well as a variety of instruments. Dandelion Wine’s line-up may vary depending on the venue and availability of musicians. Dandelion Wine is Jared Carrozza on bass and Ben Hart on drums, who also provides vocals and occasional lead guitar. The unique blend of blues, rock & roll, and folk is what gives Dandelion Wine a genre best defined as “psychedelic folk.” Find out more about her incredible story and listen to songs at her website, including their most recent release “Electric Avenue“. Catch their performance at Troy Speakeasy on March 25th with Jared Carrozza, Ben Hart and Mandy Valentine.

Formed in 2019, Seize Atlantis, is an Alternative Rock Band located in Upstate NY that play a variety of genres, including originals and covers. The band consists of James Mullen (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Mike Dardas (Bass/Vocals), Luc Bourgault (Lead Guitar) and Cody Platt (Drums). Listen to their most recent release, “I Need It” here. Catch their performance at Pauly’s Hotel in Albany on March 12th.

Voting for Round 3 has ended. Stay tuned for Round 4, starting at 8am on Thursday, March 16

Voting ends at 11:59pm on Wednesday, March 8th. Winners will be announced on March 9th, with voting in Round 3 running March 11-13. Good luck to all the bands!

NYS Music has partnered with these great businesses across New York State to highlight the 64 up and coming bands and artists of NYS Music March Madness, Round 1 and Round 2.

The finalists of of each region will be rewarded with a collection of prizes worth $3000. Partners for NYS Music’s March Madness 2023 include Mirth Films from Albany, a music news/entertainment outlet that specializes in original video content and live streaming, with news coverage ranging across the whole country, who will provide a professional multi-camera recording session at a prestigious venue in Albany for the winning band, premiering exclusively on Mirth Films.

Additionally, one finalist will earn a spot on the lineup for the Scarsdale Music Festival, held on June 3, 2023

WEQX is a radio station in Manchester, VT. They’re are completely independently owned and operated, always have been, since 1984. This station exists out of a love for music, a love for radio, and the commitment to always giving their listeners the best of the best.
March 11, 2023
2023 David Bowie World Fan Convention Moves to NYC’s Racket, Performers Announced

Preparations are underway and the list of guest speakers has now been announced for the 2023 David Bowie World Fan Convention. After a wildly successful inaugural event in Liverpool, England earlier this year, the convention is moving across the pond to New York City’s Racket and will take place on June 17 and 18. It will once again be moderated by author and Bowie expert extraordinaire Nicholas Pegg (The Complete David Bowie) and promises to bring together a cornucopia of collaborators from every period of Bowie’s multi-faceted career.

Guest speakers set to be featured include producer Tony Visconti, whose partnership with Bowie spanned five decades and more than a dozen albums, pianist Mike Garson, and guitarist and bandleader Carlos Alomar. Other guest speakers are guitarist Kevin Armstrong, who led Bowie’s band at Live Aid, Carmine Rojas, who played bass on the classic Let’s Dance album and multi-instrumentalist and Earthling co-producer Mark Plati. See below for the full list of confirmed speakers to date with more to be announced in the future.

The 2023 U.S. edition of the convention dedicated to all things David Bowie coincides with both the 40th anniversary of his Let’s Dance album and the 50th anniversary of his iconic Aladdin Sane. The event, taking place at Racket, hosts an informative and exciting array of talks, meet-and-greets, live performances, and, of course, the show-stopping Bowie Ball, the glittering centerpiece to the weekend. Brimming with attendees donning costumes and make-up reflecting their favorite eras from Bowie’s illustrious career, the Bowie Ball is an exhilarating celebration with live music performance, DJs, best-dressed competitions, all topped off with Bowie-themed drinks and dancing that begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday night and extends to midnight.

Deryck Todd’s BowieBall is hosted by renowned Bowie performer Michael T, featuring Bowie tribute group Sons Of The Silent Age, special guest vocalist Ava Cherry and Bowie DJs TheMenWhoFell2Earth. Michael T is known for his memorable shows that combine his distinctive singing style and unique artistic showmanship. His performances take inspiration from his favorite musicians including Prince and Freddie Mercury, but Bowie’s influence takes the reigns. From Ziggy Stardust to Aladdin Sane, he pays homage to his legacy through his mesmerizing musical and artistic performances.

Sons Of The Silent Age was created by Chris Connelly and Matt Walker, 30+ year veterans of the music business. Walker brought his inspiring drumming skills to groups like Filter, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, and Morrissey, and Connelly moved from his native Scotland in the 80s to pursue a career with The Revolting Cocks and Ministry. Since deciding to perform Bowie music, the duo continues to thrive, playing select, prestigious shows including the opening of the “David Bowie Is” exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago and collaborating with other musicians.

Ava Cherry was 17 when she met David Bowie in New York City when she was a nightclub waitress and he was touring for The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. She worked with him from 1972 to 1975, inspiring his “Young Americans” ‘blue-eyed soul’ era. Cherry became an influence in the works of a number of pre-eminent artists, as well as a respected musician in her own right, releasing critically acclaimed disco-fused music. For many years, TheMenWhoFell2Earth DJs have been bringing Bowie to the dance floor. From the now infamous indie night Rebel Rebel, which rocked London’s West End in the early naughties, through to their collaboration with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Modern Love at Soho’s Madame Jojo’s.

2022 David Bowie World Fan Convention credit: Sam McMahon

Tickets for the 2023 David Bowie Convention are now on sale here and limited VIP tickets will afford fans the opportunity to visit key New York City locations linked to Bowie’s historic work and the years he spent living there. A Bowie NYC map will also be created so that everyone attending can make their own pilgrimages around the city.

Scheduled Speakers

Carlos Alomar: Carlos Alomar played guitar on eleven Bowie studio albums between 1975 and 2003 – more than any musician other than Mike Garson (also a guest). He formed part of Bowie’s famed DAM trio backing band along with George Murray (also a guest!) and the late Dennis Davis. He has writing credits on a range of Bowie songs including ‘Fame’ (with John Lennon), ‘Never Let Me Down’ and ‘Red Money’ and has worked with Lennon, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Scissor Sisters, Alicia Keys, and many others.
Joey Arias: As a singer, performance artist and drag artist, Joey Arias has been performing for many years on the stages of America. ‘In 1979, he appeared alongside Klaus Nomi as a dancer and backing vocalist for Bowie’s groundbreaking Saturday Night Live performance in which the songs ‘The Man Who Sold the World’, ‘TVC 15’ and ‘Boys Keep Swinging’ were performed.

Kevin Armstrong: When Kevin received an invitation to record with a ‘Mr. X’ in 1985, it was, he says, a ‘marvelous surprise’ when David Bowie walked in. Over a ten-year period, Kevin recorded ‘Absolute Beginners’, ‘Dancing in the Street’ and the first Tin Machine album with Bowie as well as contributing to the Outside album. He played guitar with Bowie at Live Aid, played on Iggy Pop’s album Blah Blah Blah, produced by Bowie and continues as Iggy’s band leader.

Robin Clark: Robin Clark is a singer who performed beautiful soul vocals on the Young Americans album in 1975. Her vocals also feature prominently on the title song of the album. She is featured notably in the Cracked Actor documentary working on the complicated vocal arrangement for the song ‘Right’. She has toured and recorded with Simple Minds and worked with many legendary artists including Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, Beyonce, Dolly Parton, and Michael Jackson.

Mike Garson: A classically trained pianist, Mike Garson joined the Ziggy Stardust tour in 1972, soon going on to play on the Aladdin Sane album and the accompanying 1973 tour. Mike would go on to appear on a total of eleven David Bowie albums, from Pin Ups (1973) to Reality (2003) and played live with Bowie on more occasions than any other individual.

George Murray: A key member of Bowie’s band over five years in the late 1970s, George Murray was the bass player in the famous DAM trio alongside Carlos Alomar and Dennis Davis. He performed on Station to Station, the iconic Berlin trilogy (Low, “Heroes” and Lodger) and Scary Monsters. George left the music industry decades ago and rarely grants interviews. Fans will be clamoring to hear his stories.

2022 David Bowie World Fan Convention credit: Sam McMahon

Nacho: Nacho is a self-taught filmmaker from Britain. He is well-known to Bowie fans for creating, editing, and restoring Bowie videos. In 2020, Nacho produced the documentary David Bowie in New York 1980: The Elephant Man, Scary Monsters and Other Strange People. In March 2021, he released an updated version of his documentary David Bowie is The Man Who Fell to Earth which was praised by the original film’s director, Nic Roeg. It was endorsed by the official David Bowie website and commended by Bowie’s wife, Iman.

Chris O’Leary: Chris O’Leary is a writer, editor and journalist based in western Massachusetts. His work has appeared in Pitchfork, Slate, Billboard, LA Review of Books, Mojo, and New York. He is the author of the Bowie website Pushing Ahead of the Dame, a song-by-song chronicle of Bowie’s work. His work on Bowie has been published in two volumes: Rebel Rebel and Ashes to Ashes.

Tim Palmer: Tim is a British record producer now based in Austin, Texas. He was producer of both albums by Bowie’s late 80s/ early 90s band Tin Machine. He has also produced and mixed for other artists including U2, Robert Plant and Tears for Fears. He plays an active part in The Recording Academy/Grammys and has been a board member in Texas since 2012 and is a national trustee.

Mark Plati: In 1996, Mark co-produced David Bowie’s Earthling album, which marked the beginning of a period in which he produced, recorded, mixed, or performed on most of Bowie’s musical output until 2003. He has played guitar, bass and keyboards with Bowie and co-produced the long-unreleased album Toy which finally had an official release in 2021. He also served as Bowie’s musical director for live performances.

Carmine Rojas: Carmine played bass on the Let’s Dance, Tonight and Never Let Me Down albums and toured the world on the Serious Moonlight and Glass Spider tours in 1983 and 1987. He has worked with a host of legendary artists including Mick Jagger, Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart, Steve Winwood, Billy Joel, and BB King.

Tony Visconti: Bowie’s 1969 album, David Bowie (Space Oddity) was produced by Tony Visconti. The partnership went on to be one the most enduring of Bowie’s career and generated at least fourteen albums culminating in Bowie’s final masterpiece Blackstar in 2016. His relationship with a backing singer was the inspiration for the classic “Heroes.” Since 2014, he has performed with the Bowie supergroup, Holy Holy. He has produced classic albums by T. Rex, Sparks, Thin Lizzy and many others.

March 11, 2023
Harrison and Belew Serve Up A Cool Cool Cool Tribute to Talking Heads Remain In Light

For many Talking Heads’ fans, their 1980 album, Remain In Light, is the pinnacle. It’s groundbreaking blend of Afrobeat rhythms, synth textures, obtuse lyrics, Brian Eno’s crafty production and the searing “stunt guitar” of Adrian Belew made it a classic – the disc that put the funk into punk and New Wave. It was also the album that propelled this art school educated band of newbie groove nerds into the MTV mainstream. This was a non-stop dance party with cerebral trimmings, a collection of fierce tunes that were always the best parts of a Talking Heads’ live show, something evidenced in the peerless concert film made about their tour to support it, Stop Making Sense.

Last month, the band’s founding keyboardist Jerry Harrison teamed up with Belew and the band Cool Cool Cool to bring a concert celebrating the iconic album to 19 cities coast-to-coast.

If the March 8th performance at Albany’s Empire Live was any indication, they have achieved their stated goal – to recreate the excitement and joy of the Talking Heads’ remarkable 1980 tour.

The evening opened with a strong seven-song set by Cool Cool Cool, a super slick collective of funkateers with tight vocal harmonies, punchy horns, clavinet soul and stage presence to spare. The band is comprised of seven musicians who split – dramatically and en masse – from their former long-running band, the popular festival attraction Turkuaz, a year back. It includes Shira Elias and Sammi Garett (vocalists), Chris Brouwers (trumpet), Josh Schwartz (tenor/baritone sax/vocals), Greg Sanderson (alto/ tenor sax), Michelangelo Carubba (drums) and Craig Brodhead (guitar/keys). For this tour, the group is augmented by master bassist Julie Slick (Adrian Belew Power Trio/The Crimson ProjeKct) and percussionist Yahuba Garcia-Torres.

The Prince/Sly Stone/Tower of Power vibes were in evidence from the opener, “Gotta Give It Away,” sung with bravado and David Byrne-like hand gestures by Josh Schwartz (those would return in the next set too!). Shira Elias distinguished herself with lead vocals on “NAH” and “Tied Up,” while Sammi Garett shined on the ballad ,“With You,” and the baritone sax-driven set closer, “Try.”

Cool Cool Cool is not only a joyful party band but an ensemble of players’ players. In a duo of tunes, saxman Greg Sanderson slowly architected long spiraling solos that brought to mind the great Kenny Garrett in Miles Davis’ late 80s/early 90s band. On “With You,” Chris Brouwers offered up a muted trumpet solo with plenty of spacey echo. It was one that fused his own Milesisms with the prog/ambient leanings of ECM Records’ trumpet great Nils Petter Molvaer.

Harrison and Belew covered 14-songs in their set, most of Remain In Light, along with classics like “I Zimbra,” “Cities” and “Drugs” from their 1979 album, Fear of Music, and “Psycho Killer,” the set opener from their debut disc, Talking Heads: 77.

As he did in King Crimson, Belew handled most of the lead vocals in a style that bears more than a passing resemblance to David Byrne.

As anyone who’s seen him live can attest, Belew has boatloads of charisma. He’s got an amiable everyman vibe that invites everyone into the party, while sometimes obscuring his revolutionary talent as a guitarist. On “Psycho Killer,” he projected the appropriate amount of psycho and slayed with the first of his many animalistic guitar solos on the outro. The following tune, a rendition of “Houses in Motion,” greatly benefited from the backing vocals Shira and Sammi provided to Harrison’s lead. And here, there was another revelatory solo from Belew, who made his guitar sound like the Indian horn instrument heard on another Harrison’s The Beatles tunes, the shehnai.

Cool Cool Cool’s horn section ladled on added heft to many of the songs, especially “Cities” and “Born Under the Punches.” The latter was sung, more so preached with Byrne-like hand gestures, by Schwartz.

Jerry Harrison enjoyed a solo spot on two tunes, “Rev It Up” from his solo disc Casual Gods and “Slippery People” a much-covered song from the Heads’ 1983 album, Speaking in Tongues. The first number left space for an obtuse keyboard solo from Harrison and a nice guitar solo from Cool’s Craig Brodhead, who added some funky wah wah clavinet through both sets. Belew got his solo turn with a high-energy take on “Thela Hun Ginjeet” from King Crimson’s Discipline. More whammy bar guitar solo torment (a very VERY good thing) from Adrian on this track, one which featured a playback of his recounting his mugging in NYC from Crimson’s original recording.

Schwartz was back on lead vox doing his best Byrne for “Once In A Lifetime” and the set reached a peak with “Take Me to the River.” The Harrison/Belew version had even more punch than the Talking Heads’ original, bolstered by a Stax Records/Memphis stew of horns and backing vocal power.

The evening ended with a delightfully off-the-rails spin on “The Great Curve.” On Remain In Light, this tune percolates at 152 beats-per-minute, a hectic pace bettered in this live performance. It is also the song where Belew first got to fully stretch out on record. On record and at this concert, he stopped the show with his uniquely “apeshit” brand of Fender Stratocaster abuse, a step ahead in guitaring and stomp box logic that was the natural extension of Hendrix’s “Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock.

As fan well knows, the likelihood of seeing the original Talking Heads reformed in concert is quite dim. And Remain In Light itself is one of the sticking points, with songs that grew out of collective grooves and improvs at rehearsals for which Harrison, drummer Chris Franz and bassist Tina Weymouth may not have gotten their due.

And while he just dropped in to overdub his parts, Belew is another important ingredient without whom this album may not have been quite as iconic and continually relevant to new generations of music-lovers.

Photos by Jarron Childs

March 11, 2023
This Week on EQXposure Features New York-Based Groups Blur Beside You, Front Biz, and Seize Atlantis

Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Blur Beside You, Front Biz, and Seize Atlantis.

WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you. There will also be music from artists moving to the next level in NYS Music’s March Madness competition including Sarah King, Fine Grain, Honey Suckle Vine, Black Tongue Reverend, and Elephant Back.

Blur Beside You– “Worn Thin”

Blur Beside You is a shoegaze indie rock trio from New York and Florida. It features 3 founding members of the South Florida band, Mindlikewater, Jim Wells, Joseph Butera & Joseph Beaty. Their most recent track “Worn Thin” will be playing on EQXposure.
<a href="https://blurbesideyou.bandcamp.com/album/echo-remain">Echo & Remain by Blur Beside You</a>
Front Biz-“The Mack”

Front Biz is a “shell company for an intergalactic real estate firm primarily focused on laundering money through an Earth-based rock band.” They play neo-funk music and just released their brand new single “The Mack,” but they are not stopping there, they will be releasing new music the rest of the year, so make sure to stay tuned!

Seize Atlantis-“I need it”

Formed in 2019, NYS Music March Madness 2022 Final Four group Seize Atlantis is an Alternative Rock Band located in Upstate NY that plays a variety of genres, including originals and covers. The group is comprised of close friends, including James Mullen (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Mike Dardas (bass/backing vocals), Luc Bourgault (lead guitar/backing vocals), and Cody Platt (drums). The most recent single frok Seize Atlantis playing on WEQX, “I need it,” was released on March 8.

March 11, 2023
Sammy Rae and The Friends to Perform in Ithaca on Headline Fall Tour.

Brooklyn-based ensemble Sammy Rae and The Friends have announced they will embark on a fall headline tour, which includes a stop in Ithaca.

On Sept. 24, the band will perform at the State Theatre of Ithaca, five days after beginning their tour on Sept. 19. After the fall headline tour ends, the band will head back to the UK, where they will have a headline show in London.

More than a band, Sammy and The Friends are a family. The diverse group of performers flourishes in any environment with a combination of all-for-one and one-for-all camaraderie, palpable chemistry, deft virtuosity, and vocal fireworks. Their most recent singles include the soul-infused “Closer To You,” and last summer’s jazzy retro pop single “If It All Goes South.” The latter was accompanied by a music video starring Barbara Lochiatto, who appeared in Netflix’s 2020 documentary Some Kind of Heaven as a widow looking for love. Inspired by Lochiatto’s story, Sammy reached out to her to join the music video.

Prior to the fall tour, Sammy and The Friends are scheduled to perform at Carnegie Hall on March 15, for the 18th annual Music Of fundraising performance, The Music of Paul McCartney. Other musicians scheduled to perform include Nancy Wilson, Lake Street Dive, Natalie Merchant, and more. The upcoming performance marks only the beginning of a jam-packed 2023 for the band.

Summer will keep the group busy, as well. On June 15, they will make their debut appearance at Central Park Summer Stage, shortly followed by another debut at the Bonnaroo on June 18. At the Green River Festival on June 24, the band is scheduled to headline.

If you’re interested in seeing Sammy Rae and Friends perform in Ithaca, tickets go on sale starting March 10.

Sammy Rae & The Friends Confirmed Tour Dates

Wed, Mar 15 New York, NY @ Carnegie Hall (The Music of Paul McCartney)
Thur, June 15    New York, NY @ Central Park Summerstage
Sat, Jun 24        Franklin County Fairgrounds (Northampton, MA) @ Green River Festival
Sun, Jun 18       Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
Tue, Sept 19     South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
Wed, Sept 20    Portland, ME @ State Theatre
Thur, Sept 21    Boston, MA @ Roadrunner
Sun, Sept 24     Ithaca, NY@ State Theatre of Ithaca
Tue, Sept 26     Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
Wed, Sept 27 Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
Thur, Sept 28    Toronto, ON @ HISTORY
Sat, Sept 30      Bridgeport, CT @ Sound on Sound
Sun, Oct 1         Millavale, PA @ Mr. Small’s Theatre
Mon, Oct 2       Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
Wed, Oct 4       Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
Thur, Oct 5       St Paul, MN @ Palace Theatre
Fri, Oct 6           Kansas City, MO @ Madrid Theatre
Sun, Oct 8         Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
Tue, Oct 10       Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
Wed, Oct 11     Jackson, WY @ Center for the Arts
Fri, Oct 13         Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
Sat, Oct 14        Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
Sun, Oct 15       Portland, OR @ McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Tue, Oct 17       San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
Wed, Oct 18     Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
Thur, Oct 19      San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
Sat, Oct 21        Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
Thur, Nov 16     London, UK @ Eventim Apollo
Fri, Nov 17        Bristol, UK @ SWX
Sat, Nov 18       Manchester, UK @ New Century Hall
Sun, Nov 19      Glasgow, UK @ Queen Margaret Union

Watch Sammy and The Friends perform live at Brooklyn Steel.

March 10, 2023
Taylor Crawford Releases New Avant-Pop Single “Heartbreak Hotel”

Brooklyn based singer/songwriter Taylor Crawford has just released his newest avant-pop single “Heartbreak Hotel” on March 10^th. He will also be playing live again on March 28th at Arlene’s Grocery, alongside owynnmusic.

With his musical influences as infamous artists like Barry White, Dua Lipa, Remi Wolf, Madison Cunningham, Ichiko Aoba, and many more, Taylor is certainly making his way into popularity within NYC culture. Using a combination of upbeat melody and his unique vocals, Taylor came up with his newest single “Heartbreak Hotel,” a reflection of his trip to Germany where he may have caused a relationship to split unknowingly.

When asking Taylor what inspire him to write this piece, he responded with, “”Heartbreak Hotel” is actually named after a bar in Bremen, Germany literally called Heartbreak Hotel. I do not play the good guy in this story. I met a delightful lady while I was visiting my friend in Germany. One night we all went out together to this bar, one thing led to another, then she and I spent the evening together. This would have been a happy ending, however, she had a partner at the time. I hurt not only this partner of hers whom I never met, and worst of all, I ruined their relationship. The song is my reflection on the pain that I caused to these people.”

Speaking about his profound influence on his own musical journey, Taylor stated, “I initially played trombone and bassoon when I was in 4th Grade. So I was about 10 years old. Then when I got to high school, I honestly did not know who I needed to talk to so I could continue playing in the band. So I stopped with the big band instruments. I started teaching myself guitar when I was around 13 years old. I remember sitting in my brother’s bedroom where we had the family computer. I would look up Coheed and Cambria songs on “Ultimate-guitar.com” and learn the tabs to songs like “Welcome Home,” and “The Suffering.” These were the first songs I was learning and their prog-rock. It’s hilarious to think about considering the music I make now. My brother was getting guitar lessons at the time and I think my mom just did not want to pay for a whole other lesson, which makes sense because they were expensive, but I taught myself everything I know because of that.”

Then I basically wanted to become the next John Mayer. I learned ALL of his songs. And they were the only things I could play for about 4 years. I pigeon-holed myself until I got to college where my roommate taught me the pentatonic scale and it completely changed my perspective on music as a whole. Since then, my understanding and love for music has been nothing but exponential.
– Taylor Crawford

Taylor Crawford is an incredible musician, artist, and person, he deserves the hype that he gets from his music. His use of vocals is dreamy, making his overall sound so unique and invigorating. Lastly, when asked about the best performance of his career, Taylor says, “I hope the best has yet to come. But, for now I would say the Sofar Sounds show I did in Madrid, Spain this past December. It was just an acoustic show but the reaction I got from the audience was surreal. I’ve never made people cry before and to have that happen means I really touched them emotionally – which is what I aim to do as an artist. I connected with people, and they connected with me. To me, that means I gave a good performance. I hope to continue to do the same as the shows keep coming.”

Listen to “Heartbreak Hotel” by Taylor Crawford by clicking the link here.

To listen to more by Taylor Crawford, click the link here.

March 10, 2023
Empire State Youth Orchestra Names Two Winners Of Lois Lyman Concerto Competition

Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) has named two winners plus a runner-up in its annual Lois Lyman Concerto Competition, who will be performing with the orchestra on April 2 at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

The Lois Lyman Concerto Competition has been an ESYO tradition for decades, and encourages ESYO Symphony Orchestra members to perform a concerto of their choice. Each participant performs a ten-minute slice of their piece from memory in front of a panel of judges.

Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) challenges and inspires young people to achieve excellence through music in a progressive learning environment leading to high-level performance opportunities. More than 500 youth from New York’s Capital Region and western New England are selected by audition each year to perform in ESYO. With 13 performing ensembles and orchestras suiting a range of playing levels, members receive training from outstanding conductors and coaches, and tutelage from extraordinary guest artists.

The winners are Yu-Heng Wang, who performed the Bartok Viola Concerto, and William Lauricella, who performed Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The runner-up was Liam Sullivan, who performed Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1. Yu-Heng and William now have the honor of performing their concertos with the full ESYO Symphony Orchestra during the ensemble’s concerts in April and October, respectively.

Yu-Heng has been playing viola since he was in fourth grade and has been an ESYO member since seventh grade. “Ever since eighth grade, I told myself that I would win the Lois Lyman Concerto Competition. I was determined to one day play in front of an orchestra”.

“What was most difficult for me was the fact that I had to balance my auditions for various music schools, as well as auditions for various summer programs along with the concerto competition. As deadlines inch closer, I become more and more stressed about whether or not I am going to have it ready by the date of the competition. But thanks to my less busy schedule at school combined with help from my teacher, I was able to greatly increase my efficiency in learning and preparing the concerto. Luckily, I had already been playing the first movement of the concerto for around a year now, which helped a lot, as it is the most difficult portion of the piece. I learned that once you’ve gotten the notes of a piece down in the memory, all you have to do is relax and let the bow and fingers do the work, and everything will turn out fine.”

Yu-Heng will perform Bartok’s Viola Concerto in full on April 2, 2023 at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall along with the rest of the ESYO Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra will also perform Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Li Huanzhi’s Spring Festival Orchestra, as well as a movement of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, which will serve as a preview of the orchestra’s season-closing concert at Carnegie Hall on June 4.

Tickets to the Empire State Youth Orchestra concerto competition will take place on April 2 at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

March 10, 2023
Mexican Music Icon Alejandro Fernández Bringing ‘Amor y Patria’ Tour to Hulu Theater at MSG

Alejandro Fernández, Mexican music icon announced his ‘Amor y Patria’ 2023 US tour. Fernández will be making a stop in Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

‘Amor y Patria’ encompasses the celebration of Fernández’s love of music, family, and his native Mexico. Alex Fernández, son of Alejandro Fernández will perform alongside his father for most shows throughout the tour.

“I’m excited to return to the US to celebrate Latino culture through my music. I’ve put together a totally new show. I can’t wait to see my fans and sing all our favorite songs together. Y que viva Mexico!”
-Alejandro Fernández

Alejandro Fernández embarked 2023 with the release of “Inexperto En Olvidarte”. The single is from the first single from his upcoming album that fans have been impatient waiting on. “Inexperto En Olvidarte” was an instant hit because of its heart-wrenching lyrics. The single reached #1 on Monitor Latino in México and Colombia and currently climbing US Radio charts.

Fernández is loved by the masses because his records speak of hard emotional truths. Throughout his career Fernández surprised his fanbase with his musical versatility in different genres. He is a two-time Grammy winner with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 2020, Fernández launched “Vota Por Nosotros” (Vote For Us). It was a campaign that encouraged Latino voters to vote on behalf of our entire community in the November 3rd elections. After winning a Grammy Fernández dedicated the award to the victims of the recent hurricanes in southern Mexico. He donated MXN $1,000,000.00 to the Mexican Red Cross to aid with the relieving of survivors. He’s also joined Mana’s Fher Olvera as the face of the “We Are Home” campaign calling for a just immigration policy that would improve the lives of millions of Latino immigrants living in the US.

The tour kicks off on Friday, September 8 in Sacramento, California. Tickets are available here.

AMOR Y PATRIA TOUR DATES:

Fri Sep 08 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center*

Sat Sep 09 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center*

Sun Sep 10 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center*

Fri Sep 15 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena*

Sat Sep 16 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena*

Sun Sep 17 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre*

Fri Sep 22 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum

Sat Sep 23 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena*

Sun Sep 24 – Highland, CA – Yaamava Casino

Fri Sep 29 – El Paso, TX – UTEP Don Haskins Center

Sat Sep 30 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center

Sun Oct 01 – Edinburg, TX – Bert Ogden Arena

Thu Oct 05 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory*

Fri Oct 06 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

Sun Oct 08 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena

Wed Oct 11 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall

Fri Oct 13 – Washington, DC – The Theater at MGM National Harbor

Sat Oct 14 – New York, NY – Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

Thu Oct 19 – Atlanta, GA – Coca Cola Roxy

Sat Oct 21 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena*

Sun Oct 22 – Miami, FL – Miami-Dade Arena*

*with Alex Fernández

March 10, 2023
Great South Bay Music Festival 2023 Announces 15th Anniversary Lineup

The Great South Bay 2023 Music Festival presented by Island Federal Bank announced its back for its 15th anniversary, taking place at Shorefront Park in Patchogue Village, from Thursday, July 20 through Sunday, July 23.

Photo credit Filip Zalewski for NYS Music.

The Great South Bay 2023 Music Festival features over 60 performers on four stages, in classic and contemporary rock, jam, blues, jazz, Americana, ska, reggae, alternative, and funk genres. The festival is known for its eclectic lineup of headliners with four very different days of music.

Kicking off the festival Thursday, July 20, with ten performers on two stages, is the legendary Hot Tuna, returning for their fourth visit to Headline the Main Stage. Classic rock act Dave Mason supports, and Barnburners The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Kim Wilson round out the lineup and local guitar legend Kerry Kearney and the Kings of the Psychedelta make an appearance.

Friday brings the annual rock-reggae-ska party, with 15 performers across three stages. Huntington Beach California rock-reggae veterans Dirty Heads return with support from LA ska-punk band Goldfinger, plus Sublime Tribute: Badfish, Maryland rockers Ballyhoo and emerging LI hometown reggae-
rockers Oogee Wawa.

The annual Jam-Saturday features 18 performers across four stages. Phil Lesh & Friends, featuring the legendary bassist and original founding member of the Grateful Dead, takes the main stage. Supporting acts include jazz-funksters The Eric Krasno Trio, Neighbor, and local singer-songwriter musician Cassandra House.

Great South Bay 2023 will close out Sunday with guitar legend, Warren Haynes & Govt. Mule, performing “Dark Side of the Mule”, a tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Pink Floyd’s classic album The Dark Side of The Moon, complete a laser light show and over-the-top effects. Immediately supporting is Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, plus Duane Betts and Palmetto Motel. Returning to the Main Stage is Long Island-born and bred guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer who performed at Great South Bay on the “emerging artist stage” when he was just 12 years old and has since shared the stage with Gregg
Allman, Gary Clarke Jr., Lady Gaga, and many more.

Supporting and presenting original emerging artists has always been part of our mission at GSB. For 2023 the festival will present over 30 talented original artists that we are excited to give stage time and lay on our music loving attendees. New talented original artists to keep on your radar this year include: Cassandra House (performing on our Main Stage and opening for Phil Lesh), Jules, Jack & Friends, Dudley Music, Robinson Treacher, MJT, Circus Mind, Miles to Dayton, Foster Europe Band, Baked Shrimp, and more.

Great South Bay supports the Long Island community and will continue to donate $1 from every ticket sold, to the GSB-Stony Brook Cancer Center Fund. To date, the fest has raised well over $250,000 for the cancer center. Additionally, Great South Bay Presenting Sponsor Island Federal Bank will also give $1- $2 worth of food donations for every ticket that’s sold to LI Cares, the Harry Chapin Food bank. The festival will also again donate booth spaces in our “Storyville Tent” to local organizations looking to raise awareness and funds for their cause.

The mission of the Great South Bay Festival is to always support emerging local artists, and are proud present over 30 talented original artists. Some of these not mentioned previously include Jules, Jack & Friends, Dudley Music, Robinson Treacher, MJT, Circus Mind, Miles to Dayton, Foster Europe Band, Baked Shrimp, and more.

Tickets are available to purchase now. Children under 10 are free.

Festival Times:
Thursday, July 20: Doors are at 3:00 p.m., fest goes till 10 p.m.
Friday, July 21: Doors are at 3:00 p.m., music till 11 p.m.,
Saturday, July 22.: Doors are at 1:00 p.m., music till 11 p.m.,
Sunday, July 23: Doors are at 2:00 p.m. with performances till 10 p.m.

March 9, 2023
Nas Takes Over MSG For One Night Only Concert

On February 24, Nas took the stage at Madison Square Garden (MSG) for his highly-anticipated One Night Only: King’s Disease Trilogy concert. This was the first time the Queensbridge native played The Garden. The concert included songs from all three of his King’s Disease albums, along with some of his biggest hits from over the years.

The first half of the performance kicked off with Nas performing tracks from King’s Disease I, II and III, including “Blue Benz” and “27 Summers,” both of which were met with a thunderous applause from the crowd. Other songs he performed from the trilogy albums included “I’m on Fire,” “Spicy” and “Reminisce.”

After delivering an energetic first half of the concert, Nas took a brief intermission before returning to the stage for the second half of the show. This time around, he performed some of his most iconic hits, including “If I Ruled the World,” “Hate Me Now,” and “NY State of Mind.”

Nas’s first Madison Square Garden show was truly a star-studded affair, thanks to his impressive lineup of special guests. Hit boy, the celebrated producer and rapper, joined Nas on stage for “Michael & Quincy.” The legendary Mary J. Blige also made an appearance, bringing her soulful voice and electrifying presence to the stage for “You Remind Me.” Meanwhile, AZ, one of Nas’s longtime collaborators, wowed the audience with his impeccable flow on “Life’s a Bitch.” And last but not least, Slick Rick, the iconic rapper and storyteller, joined Nas for a performance of “Hey Young World.” Together, these special guests helped make the show an unforgettable experience that will be remembered for years to come.

Nas – MSG – February 24, 2023

Setlist: King’s Disease, Blue Benz, Car #85, 27 Summers, Ultra Black, Spicy, YKTV, The Definition, Get Light, Death Row East, The Pressure, I’m On Fire, 40 Side, Store Run, Rare, Speechless, Wave Gods, Thun, Michael & Quincy (Feat Hit Boy), Reminisce, Your Remind Me (Feat Mary J. Blige), 30, Legit, NY State of Mind, Life’s A Bitch (Feat AZ), It Ain’t Hard To Tell, Hey Young World (Feat Slick Rick), The World Is Yours, The Message, Street Dreams, Represent, Hate Me Now, Made You Look, One Mic, Hot Boyz, Oochie Wally, You Owe Me, Memory Lane, Get Down, If I Ruled The World

March 9, 2023