NYS Music 2023

Category: Regions

  • Deb Cavanaugh and Dandelion Wine Share New Single, “Come On Over”

    Singer-songwriter Deb Cavanaugh and her band, Dandelion Wine, released a new single on Friday, November 17, titled “Come On Over,” as a preview of their record slotted to come out next year. Recorded at Jive Hive Live, the accompanying music video offers a fun rendition of the brand new track.

    Deb Cavanaugh
    Photo Credit: Stephanie Bartik, nyROCKSTARphotographer

    Deb Cavanaugh, a singer-songwriter and longtime musician based in Upstate New York, has been focusing on folk music since the 90s. She now plays shows with Dandelion Wine, a rotating cast of musicians featuring Deb Cavanaugh, Anders Johansson, Jared Carrozza, and Andy DeBell, all of whom contributed to the new single and upcoming record.

    Inspiration for this song, like many others, came to me while driving down the road. I started thinking about relationships and how important it is to me to have a balance between partnership and independence.

    Deb Cavanaugh

    “Come On Over” was recorded at Jive Hive Live, a private Albany venue built for live recordings and livestream productions. Backup vocals, as well as the mixing, mastering, and producing were done at Mountaintop Studios in Petersburgh, NY. Backup vocals feature family with Tabitha Cavanaugh, as well as Brenda Fisher and Laura Johnson

    Photo Credit: Stephanie Bartik, nyROCKSTARphotographer

    Deb Cavanaugh and Dandelion Wine’s new record, Come On Over, will be released in 2024. The new single, of the same name, is available now with the brand new music video below.

  • Dave Matthews Band Wraps up Fall Tour at Madison Square Garden

    Dave Matthews Band recently closed their summer tour, and for a group that’s pretty much been on tour nonstop for the last 20-plus years, they immediately announced their Fall Tour. A very short one that is, with only eight East Coast dates, kicking it off earlier this month on November 7 in Savannah, GA.

    Dave Matthews Band

    As they made their way up the East Coast, the run of shows would come to a close at Madison Square Garden for two sold-out shows.

    Dave Matthews Band

    Highlights from Friday night included guest appearances by Susan Tedeschi on “The Weight”, being joined by Derek Trucks on “All Along The Watchtower” and “Lie In Our Graves”, plus bass from James Genus on “#41”, and trombone and vocals from Trombone Shorty on “Come Together” and trumpet from Jon Faddis on “Jimi Thing” and “Brick House”.

    Dave Matthews Band

    Dave Matthews Band – Madison Square Garden – Friday, November 17

    Setlist: Virginia In The Rain, Old Dirt Hill (Bring That Beat Back), Straight Shot, Madman’s Eyes, The Best Of Whats Around, She, Walk Around The Moon, The Weight*, All Along The Watchtower*+, Lie In Our Graves+, Spaceman, #41~, Come Together^, Jimi Thing^$, Brick House^$, Warehouse$, Cry Freedom, Pig, So Damn Lucky
    Encore: Just Breathe#, Pantala Naga Pampa, Rapunzel

    * Susan Tedeschi
    + Derek Trucks
    ~ James Genus
    ^ Trombone Shorty
    $ Jon Faddis
    # Dave Solo

    Saturday night featured a return appearance from Trombone Shorty on “Smooth Rider” and “Crush”, as well as Cory Wong joining for the last five songs of the set – “Tripping Billies,” “So Much To Say,” “Anyone Seen The Bridge,” “Too Much,” and “Ants Marching”

    Dave Matthews Band – Madison Square Garden – Friday, November 18

    Setlist: Spoon, You Never Know, Monsters, Hunger For The Great Light, Grey Street, American Baby Intro, Break Free, You Might Die Trying, Captain*, Sledgehammer, Smooth Rider+, Crush+, Rooftop, Fool In The Rain, Tripping Billies~, So Much To Say~, Anyone Seen The Bridge~ , Too Much~, Ants Marching~ +

    Encore: Baby Blue#, The Last Stop

    * Mark Whitfield
    + Trombone Shorty
    ~ Cory Wong
    # Dave Solo

  • Jimkata Release Winter Tour Dates

    Jimkata, the three-piece anthemic, synth-washed, electro-rock band based out of both Ithaca and Los Angeles have announced Winter Tour dates for 2024, with six Northeast performances planned.

    Jimkata
    photo by Allison Marie

    Jimkata has built a large grassroots following over the last two decades, including two and a half years on hiatus, which was recently ended. The group have released six studio albums all with their signature swirling synths, infectious pop hooks and candid lyrics. 

    jimkata winter tour

    Jimkata’s Winter Tour for 2024 will include stops in NYC at Nublu, Buffalo Iron Works, and The Waterhole in Saranac Lake. These dates are in addition to the upcoming show at Photo City Music Hall on Saturday, December 2.

    Tickets here for all upcoming shows can be found at jimkata.com/tour

    Jimkata 2023-2024 Tour Dates

    December 2 – Photo City Music Hall w/ Edalo & CAT_A_TAC, Rochester

    December 15-16 – Ophelia’s, Denver, CO

    December 31 – Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin, FL

    February 1 – Nublu w/ @Specialists, NYC

    February 2 –MilkBoy, Philadelphia, PA

    February 3- Pearl Street Warehouse, Washington, D.C.

    February 17 –Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo

    February 23 – The Waterhole, Saranac Lake

    February 24 – Shakedown Lounge at Stowe Cider w/ Pattern, Stowe, VT

  • Half Moon Run Headline Music Hall of Williamsburg

    It’s been five months since Half Moon Run were in New York for their album release show on the Rooftop of the Live Nation headquarters. On Friday, November 17, they returned with the purpose of conquering Brooklyn, headlining The Music Hall of Williamsburg, along with support by Le Ren.

    Fresh off a Tour of Europe that ended in October, this current tour started in the US in late October and will be running into their home country of Canada until the end of the year.

    Half Moon Run hit the stage around 9pm to a very packed and crowded room. Music Hall of Williamsburg is a very small and intimate room, it allows for a great concert experience both in sound and lighting and overall atmosphere. The band got a massive Brooklyn cheer as they hit the stage and wasted no time by starting off the night with their hit song “You Can Let Go”. the Power Trio of Devon Portielje, Conner Molander, and Dylan Phillips captivated the audience with their skill of rotating instrument changes between them, all pretty much-playing everything on stage at one point or another in the show.

    The energy at the show was great, the band leaned heavily on songs from the new release Salt as well as the debut album Dark Eyes. The highlight other than the very strong opening was the Encore which consisted of unforgettable performances of “Favourite Boy,” “Fire Escape,” and the finale “Full Circle” which is always amazing to see live.

    Here’s hoping they come back to our area in 2024 and play a much bigger venue next time.

    Half Moon Run – The Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn – November 17, 2023

    Setlist: You Can Let Go, Hotel in Memphis, Everyone’s Moving Out East, Narrow Margins, 9beat, Razorblade, Heartbeat, Gigafire / New Truth, Call Me in the Afternoon, Grow into Love, Alco, Devil May Care, Goodbye Cali,Drug You, Can’t Figure Out What’s Going On, She Wants to Know, Favourite Boy, Fire Escape, Full Circle

     

  • Hearing Aide: Mikaela Davis releases new EP “Our Creepy Eep Hour”

    Rochester native Mikaela Davis recently released a brand new EP, titled Our Creepy Eep Hour on October 31st. The three track EP, clocking in at just over 10 minutes, features her band Southern Star, with whom she’s been working and collaborating with for over a decade.

    Our Creepy Eep Hour follows the release of her LP, And Southern Star, which debuted to the public less than three months ago in August. This was her first full length LP featuring Southern Star. The band consists of Davis on harp, Cian McCarthy on guitar, Shane McCarthy on bass, Kurt Johnson on steel guitar, and Alex Coté on drums.     

    our creepy eep hour mikaela davis
    Photo by John Lee Shannon & Cassidy Rose; Dollhouse Venue by Alison Coté

    This past May, Davis and Southern Star embarked on a three night residency at Parish Public House in Albany. Each night the band performed her originals alongside the Grateful Dead’s. On the last night, Davis performed Jerry Garcia’s 1972 solo album Garcia in full. The 4th track off the album, “Late for Supper/Spidergawd/Eep Hour” would later become the EP. 

    our creepy eep hour mikaela davis
    Photo © Jamie Goodsell

    Our Creepy Eep Hour breaks up the suite of songs into its three distinct sections; “Late for Supper,” the avant garde, abrupt opening leads into “Spidergawd”, which contains eerie soundscapes and audio of Garcia talking. This transitions into “Eep Hour”, a serene, slow building section that crescendos to a beautiful peak. The band’s patience, ability to communicate musically and talent is on full display. Their unique instrumentation allows for them to pay tribute to the original in a truly special way. This is the first time covers of these songs have ever officially been released.

    Photo courtesy of archive.org (Phil & Friends live at The Capitol Theatre, October 16th, 2022)

    Mikaela also has a direct link to the Dead themselves. She has shared the stage with both Bob Weir and Phil Lesh; in 2018 with Wolf Bros at the Landmark Theater in Syracuse and Phil & Friends at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester for a 3 night run in late October of last year. She has also toured with Circles Around The Sun, the band responsible for curating the setbreak music at Fare Thee Well, a series of concerts celebrating 50 years of the Grateful Dead and their legacy. The Mikaela Davis/Dead link is apparent, and the respect and admiration she has for their musicianship is exemplified in both the covers and originals she performs.

    Mikaela Davis 2023 Tour Dates

    12/07 – Lark Hall – Albany, NY

    12/08 – Funk ‘n Waffles – Syracuse, NY

    12/09 – Essex – Rochester, NY

    Our Creepy Eep Hour is currently available on all streaming services here.

    Listen to each track off the Our Creepy Eep Hour from Mikaela Davis below.

  • Syracuse Opera Cancels Remainder of Season, Furloughs Staff

    The future is uncertain for the Syracuse Opera, announcing it has canceled the remainder of shows for the 2023-2024 season.

    Photos courtesy of Syracuse Opera Facebook and Bunn Hill Photo (Randy Cummings).

    Syracuse.com has reported that the Syracuse Opera board chair Camille Tisdel said ticket sales are down 40-60% from where they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company planned to have three more productions: “All is Calm,” The Fantasticks,” and “The Barber of Seville.”

    Tisdel, in a note to members Friday, wrote “While our recent productions have been artistically excellent and impactful, like many opera companies across the country, ticket sales have been considerably lower than projected, and we do not have the financial ability to continue the season.” She also went on to stay that grant support, donations, and sponsorships are all in jeopardy because of the uncertainty in our world post-pandemic.

    She also said that Syracuse Opera has one full-time and four part-time employees that will be furloughed.

    A scene from Syracuse Opera’s April 30 production of “The Marriage of Figaro.” Photo courtesy of Bunn Hill Photo. 

    The current season opened on Oct. 20 with “I Am a Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams” at the Redhouse Arts Center. The Syracuse Opera was founded in 1974, and was the only year-round professional opera company, opening many doors for the Central New York music community. Due to the pandemic, their revenue had decreased dramatically, with majority of the opera’s coming from donations, grants, and sponsorships.

    As audience members keep declining, it is becoming more difficult to attract sponsors, Tisdel said. Government grants that helped keep organizations afloat have mostly gone away, making situations like these hard to deal with.

    “The next 24 months, let’s say, are going to be a big challenge for theaters around the country,” Syracuse Stage artistic director Bob Hupp told the Post-Standard | syracuse.com in April. “It’s going to be tough before it gets better.”

    The future of Syracuse Opera remains uncertain, and the board will decide in the coming months what to do next. Tisdel said ticketholders and subscribers will be contacted in the coming weeks about refunds.

  • The Middle Ages Debut Purr-fectly Catchy “Where My Cats At?”

    In a world where dreams never fade, Burlington, VT duo The Middle Ages have released their first single, “Where My Cats At?,” on Friday, November 17. Bringing an infectious vibe to their music, The Middle Ages show that it’s never too late to become the rockstars you never knew you wanted to be.

    where my cats at the middle ages

    Husband-and-wife duo, MC Booty Call (Dan Weathers) and Hot Tea (Taraleigh Weathers), have discovered their passion and talent for creating inspiring, feel-good music. Their motto, “It’s never too late to be the rockstars you never knew you wanted to be,” embodies their journey and the dreams they’re living. The music of The Middle Ages is a beautiful blend of old-school flow with fresh, modern beats, all served up with a side of humor that’ll have you both dancing and laughing out loud.

    Take for example these soon to be released tracks from their upcoming debut LP. “Bronado,” an epic tale about tornado bros that’ll have you riding the storm with them; “GFX-106,” a love song dedicated to the couple’s trusty Prius, proving that cars can have a special place in our hearts too, and “Starting This Off,” a a perfect track to kickstart your day with positivity and energy.

    where my cats at the middle ages

    Joining MC Booty Call and Hot Tea on these songs include a stellar lineup of musical talent, including Ryan Montbleau, Hayley Jane, Josh Weinstein, Phin Sonnin, Retired Chief Meteorologist Tom Messner, and Patrick McAndrew. Expertly produced by Scott Hannay (Mihali) and recorded, mixed, and mastered at Tank Studios by the talented Ben Collette, The Middle Ages have already left their mark on some of Burlington’s hottest stages, with memorable performances at Higher Ground (including an opening set for Will Evans), Nectars (backed by 3/5 of Annie in the Water), Orlando’s (with backing by Chuck Jones of Dopapod, Marshall Dominquez, Matt Blair, and sit-ins by Lee Ross), Moogs Joint, Higher Calling Festival (with a guest appearance by Jonny from Lespecial), Inclusion Festival, B’Autumn’s Up Ball, Summer Soirée, and Radio Bean, where their hype man (Ryan Montbleau) joined in on the fun. 

    The Middle Ages bring a unique twist to the hip-hop and jamband scenes, using the power of lyrics and the magic of music. Dan Weathers rocks the guitar and vocals with the same energy and charisma as hip-hop legend Chali 2na. Meanwhile, Taraleigh is the heart and soul of the band with dance moves channeling the iconic styles of Janet Jackson and Shirley Temple, making every performance a visual spectacle.

    Taraleigh brings a wealth of performance experience, having graduated with a degree in dance and gone on to dance professionally. For sports fans, her cheerleading gigs for the NBA saw her lighting up venues like Madison Square Garden and the Meadowlands.

    Dan, on the other hand, is a die-hard old-school hip-hop fan who spent his childhood rapping in front of a bedroom mirror. His forestry degree might not have seemed like an obvious choice, but it’s all about finding the wood in everything he does. This dedication paid off in 2020 when he conceptualized The Middle Ages, right before a global pandemic changed the world.

    The Middle Ages are the hip-hop band that will make you want to dance, laugh, and believe that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. 

    Listen below and get ready to groove to “Where My Cats At?,” a purr-fectly catchy tune that celebrates feline friends in a way you’ve never heard before.

  • Metal Legends Pantera Announces MSG Show On Upcoming Headline Tour

    Legendary heaby metal group Pantera announced the second leg of their North American headline tour, including a stop at New York City’s Madison Square Garden (MSG) on February 22. Following the band’s 20-date tour this past summer, the band has announced 14 new shows across the country throughout February.

    Pantera Upcoming Tour Dates

    Pantera formed in Arlington, Texas in 1981, and have released nine full-length albums since their formation. Their current lineup features original members, vocalist Philip H. Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, as well as new additions guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante.

    Pantera’s upcoming tour will feature special guest Lamb Of God opening at every date on the second leg of this tour. More special guests are to be announced.

    Photo by Joshua Davis

    In addition to their headline tour, Pantera is scheduled to support legendary metal group Metallica at five stadium shows next summer on their M72 World Tour. The band will also make a trip across the pond in June to play at Download Fest in Derby, UK.

    Ticket presales and VIP upgrades begin on Tuesday, November 14 at 10 am. General on sale date is Friday, November 17 at 10 am at Pantera.com.

    Pantera Upcoming Tour Dates

    February 3 –  Amerant Bank Arena – Sunrise, FL

    February 5 – Amalie Arena – Tampa, FL

    February 7 – Rupp Arena – Lexington, KY

    February 9 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN

    February 10 – FedExForum – Memphis, TN

    February 13 – T-Mobile Center – Kansas City, MO

    February 14 – Pinnacle Bank Arena – Lincoln, NE

    February 16 – Canada Life Centre – Winnipeg, MB

    February 18 – Resch Center – Green Bay, WI

    February 20 – Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI

    February 22 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY

    February 24 – CFG Bank Arena – Baltimore, MD

    February 26 – Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON

    February 27 – Centre Vidéotron – Québec City, QC

    June 14-16 – Download Fest @ Donington Park – Derby, UK #

    August 2 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, MA **

    August 9 – Soldier Field – Chicago, IL **

    August 16 – US Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN **

    August 23 – Commonwealth Stadium – Edmonton, AB **

    August 30 – Lumen Field – Seattle, WA **

    # Festival date

    ** PANTERA supporting Metallica

  • The Hold Steady 4 night residency at Brooklyn Bowl

    A fine Brooklyn Bowl tradition, The Hold Steady will be returning with a four night residency at the famed venue from November 29 to December 2. 

    The Hold Steady Brooklyn Bowl

    The Hold Steady is a Brooklyn-based band that has performed in all 50 states and throughout Canada, Europe and Australia. A band upholding the values and integrity of indie and punk rock, The Hold Steady embrace rock classicism, fusing the bar band vigor of the Replacements with the epic-scale musical backdrops of Bruce Springsteen, while vocalist Craig Finn spilled out stories that were as impassioned as they were unpretentiously literate. 

    The Hold Steady have attracted a fervently dedicated following who embraced the beery, anthemic style of their debut album, 2004’s Almost Killed Me. They refined their music and lyrical stance while increasing their guitar on 2014’s ambitious Teeth Dreams, and they explored an alienated culture with near-operatic sweep on 2021’s Open Door Policy and 2023’s The Price of Progress.

    the hold steady
    Photo by Lee Allen Photography

    And hey, did you know? Daniel Radcliffe himself has praised The Hold Steady as one of his favorite bands.

    The Hold Steady – Brooklyn Bowl

    November 29th | Doors 6:00 pm // Show 8:00 pm | Event Page

    November 30th | Doors 6:00 pm // Show 8:00 pm | Event Page

    December 1st | Doors 6:00 pm // Show 9:00 pm | Event Page

    December 2nd | Doors 6:00 pm // Show 9:00 pm | Event Page

  • Hearing Aide: Moments Before…, LikeTheAstronaut

    Four-piece group LikeTheAstronaut released their debut EP, titled Moments Before…. The EP explores electro-pop, folk, and alternative styles throughout the five unique tracks.

    Moments Before... by LikeTheAstronaut

    The title track of the EP, “Moments Before…” includes key talents in the vocal effects, showcasing the band’s effective collaboration. In addition, it features heartfelt and melancholy lyrics, which add powerful emotion to the opening track.

    “Slumber Still” evokes similarities from electronic synth pop, but with a slower beat and swaying melody. Not only does it have a catchy, droning backtrack, it shows promising room for more development in the synth production.

    LikeTheAstronaut’s Moments Before… began with John Glenn, as a passion project following the passing of his father and the birth of his child. The collection explores the emotions coming with those events, through folk, electro-pop, and alternative musical influences.

    LikeTheAstronaut

    LikeTheAstronaut formed in Albany, with the collaboration of Dave Parker (Stellar Young, Weerd Science, Coheed & Cambria), John Glenn (Stellar Young), Josh Eppard (Coheed & Cambria) and Kyle Hatch (Stellar Young). The musicians work together as a seamless group, forming a promising band with an upward trajectory.