On the heels of his latest studio album, Me Vs Myself, A Boogie wit da Hoodie has teamed up wit Vevo for a performance video of his song “Secrets” as part of the music video network’s Ctrl series. Vevo’s Ctrl series highlights the work of hard-hitting, cutting-edge musicians making an impact in today’s music scene – both emerging and established. A Boogie’s performances follow sessions from Rick Ross, Common, Push T, Fat Joe, Jeezy, Jadakiss, Fabolous, A$AP Ferg and more. The Bronx native also previously worked with Vevo in 2015 for two “Live at Vevo” sessions featuring “Drowning” and “The Bigger Artist.”
As for this latest video performance, A boogie maintains his melodic fervor as he expounds on dealing with fame and status. The maturity in tone, subject matter and music choice is evident in-between his Vevo live performances. However, his nonchalant flows, memorable hooks, trap beats that make plenty of room for melody, and the occasional hint of R&B smoothness are all still part of the A Boogie package that have kept him as a major label star for nearly a decade.
In 2022, Boogie continued his commercial hot streak as many hit-records spawned from 2020’s Artist 2.0 and Me vs. Myself. In addition, Boogie handled some of the production on Me vs. Myself. Consequently, the album debuted in the Top Ten of the Billboard charts.
A recent import to New York’s forever evolving jazz scene, 25-year-old guitarist-composer Tomer Cohen notches a notable debut with his album, Not the Same River (Hypnote Records). It’s a collection that showcases not only an originality of compositional approach, but a distinctive, fingerstyle and folk shaded playing technique that could one day launch him into the upper reaches of the jazz guitar strata.
The album title, Cohen explains in the press release, relates to an expression by the Greek philosopher Heraclitus: No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man. “That’s the sentence that encompasses all the compositions on the album,” Cohen said. “We are constantly in motion, we’re always changing, and we just need to accept that.”
Cohen demonstrates his unique fingerstyle-and-pick technique on eight thoughtful compositions reflecting his pastoral upbringing, from age 4 to 21, on a kibbutz in Israel. “The kibbutz is located in the countryside and has a strong sense of community,” he recalled. “I used to play outside with my guitar, watching the fields and the blue sky. I believe some of that vibe is reflected in some of the tunes on this record.” The guitarist is expertly accompanied on this varied collection by the fluid drumming of Obed Calvaire (a current member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis) and the rootsy grooves and frequent soloing of bassist Matt Penman (formerly with the SFJAZZ Collective).
Critics have made smart comparisons of Cohen to players like Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell, influences acknowledged by the guitarist, but I may hear even more of the late, great Mick Goodrick in his style.
For those not in the know, though Goodrick recorded with the likes of Gary Burton, Jim Hall, Charlie Haden and many more, he may be better known as the Berklee School of Music educator who nurtured Frisell, John Scofield, Mike Stern, Julian Lage and many more of today’s leading jazz guitarists. Goodrick also authored a key educational primer for practicing guitarists, jazz and otherwise, The Advancing Guitarist. Like Goodrick, young Cohen is quickly becoming a master of subtly weaving chords and melody, and in serving up expected harmonic turns in his solos and compositions. Collectively, his trio are musicians who are doing some serious listening as they play, err more appropriately interplay. There’s nothing rote or cliched to be found in these grooves, which are expertly recorded and mastered. It’s a music of the mind that never sacrifices the passion and soulfulness.
Cohen’s unique technique is apparent right from the album opener, the title track, “Not the Same River.” There’s a boatload of Metheny’s “As Wichita Falls” to be found in this pastoral composition and in the appropriately titled “Pastures.” The latter is a more energetic number fueled by some knotty single note soloing from the guitarist and one of bassist Penman’s many solos of the album. Penman also stands out on “First Lap.” He kicks this off with an unaccompanied solo before its moves into a chill melody and chordal workout from Cohen. Drummer Calvaire steals the show with a thundering solo on both the opening and the outro of “Connecting the Dots.” Calvaire again gets the chance to show his range and power, and Cohen his remarkable chops as a technician and composer, on my favorite track on the album, the time-shifting, melodically tricky “Probably More Than Two.”
With his fingerpicked chord and melody stylings, it would be interesting to hear Cohen record an unaccompanied solo disc. We get a taste of what that might sound like when his rhythm section drops out for a time in the middle of “Empty?”
The Great New York State Fair 2023 lineup has been announced with a wide variety of genres, including rock, pop, and more. The 2023 season will kick off on Aug. 23 and wrap up on Sept. 1, Labor Day.
Founded in 1832 by a group of local farmers for agriculture and local fairs, The Great New York State Fair did not become a musical showcase until the 1950s and 1960s, when the fair began gearing towards entertainment. Last year artists that performed at the State Fair included Foreigner, City Girls, 24KGoldn, and more, with some new faces making their State Fair debuts, like Coin and Lizzy McAlpine.
Foreigner at the State Fair 2022, photo by Perri Sage
The biggest names tend to go on the Chevy Park stage, but recently the New York State Fair announced that after two years of confusion the name will be changed to Suburban Park, still at the same location.
Chevy Court Stage- Free Admission
Chubby Checker- Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.
Chubby Checker will be making his fifth performance at the Fair, and second in as many years. He is best known for “The Twist,” the first number-one song of all time from Billboard’s Hot 100, but also for releasing hits throughout the 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond with “The Hucklebuck,” “Slow Twistin’,” “Limbo Rock,” and more. Checker is set to take the Chevy Court Stage at 1:00 p.m.
Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone– Aug. 28 at 1 p.m.
Herman’s Hermits are an English rock group formed in 1964 in Manchester and fronted by singer Peter Noone. They make their return to the Chevy Court stage at 1 p.m. to play through their catalog of hits, including “I’m Henry the VIII I Am,” “I’m Into Something Good,” and “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter.”
Tommy James and the Shondells-Aug. 29 at 1 p.m.
Tommy James and the Shondells have been featured in more than 60 films and 50 television shows, and continue to be covered by artists spanning multiple genres, including Billy Joel Armstrong, Carlos Santana, Cher, and more. Chevy Court audiences can look forward to hearing hits including “MONY MONY,” “Crystal Blue Persuasion” and “Crimson and Clover,” as they take the stage at 1 p.m.
Bret Michaels-Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.
Bret Michaels gained fame as the frontman of the rock band Poison who has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and 15 million records in the United States alone. His iconic smash hits include “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Nothin’ But A Good Time,” “Talk Dirty to Me,” his cover of “Your Mama Don’t Dance” and more. This will be his third appearance at the Fair, most recently performing at Chevy Court in 2017 as a solo artist, and played the Grandstand with Poison and Cinderella in 2002.
The Fray- Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.
The Fray formed in 2002 when high school friends Isaac Slade (lead vocalist and pianist) and Joe King (vocals, guitar) ran into one another in a Denver guitar shop. After adding Ben Wysocki (drums) and Dave Welsh (lead guitar), the band landed on a name by asking people to write down ideas on pieces of paper. They burst onto the pop scene with their hits “How to Save a Life,” “You Found Me,” and of course, “Over My Head (Cable Car),” and earned a spot on Billboards’ Artists of the Decade list.
Theory of a Deadman are multiplatinum rockers, best known for “RX (Medicine),” “Bad Girlfriend,” “Not Meant to Be,” and other hits. They were launched into the scene in 2002 because of their unique sound, resurrected in their eighth studio album Dinosaur, out March 17. This will be their third performance at the Great New York State Fair, playing at Chevy Court in 2012 and 2019.
REO Speedwagon- Aug. 28 at 8 p.m.
REO Speedwagon was formed in 1967 and fronted by iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin since 1972, known for their relentless touring as well as for jump-starting the flourishing rock movement in the Midwest. From 1977 to 1989, REO Speedwagon released nine consecutive albums all certified Platinum or higher, and sold 40 million records overall. The landmark Hi Infidelity album, which contained the massive hit singles “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It On the Run,” spent 15 weeks in the Number 1 slot in 1980.
Tyler Hubbard- Aug. 29 at 8 p.m.
Tyler Hubbard is best known as a former member of the Nashville-based duo Florida Georgia Line. After that duo went on hiatus in 2021, Hubbard began recording as a solo artist and released his highly anticipated debut album last month. Hubbard’s debut solo song, “5 Foot 9” is his 20th Number One hit, and right now, “Dancin’ In The Country” continues to climb the Country Top 30 and Billboard Top 200 music charts. This will be his third time performing at the Fair and his first time performing solo.
J.I.D.- Sept. 1 at 8 p.m.
Critically acclaimed rapper J.I.D. has been hailed as “one of rap’s best storytellers,” by Rolling Stone and his most recent album topped several big “Best of 2022” lists. He made his way onto the rap scene in 2015, steadily gaining momentum and amassing new fans after every new project. His collaboration with Imagine Dragons yielded “Enemy” and propelled J.I.D to global fame.
Yung Gravy and bbno$- Sept. 3 at 8 p.m.
Yung Gravy first got popular with the release of “Mr. Clean” on Soundcloud in 2016. Then, in the span of six years, he accumulated such accolades as three platinum and four gold singles. He contributes a unique blend of musical styles that harken back as far as the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, utilizing samples like “Mr. Sandman” by The Chordettes, “Careless Whisper” by George Michael, and, most recently, “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley, in his song “Betty (Get Money).” bbno$ is a rapper, singer, and songwriter, best known for his viral single, “Lalala” released in 2018, and more recently, “Edamame.”
The Great New York State Fair 2023 edition will also have different areas where you can go experience a wide variety of cultures. Located between the Center of Progress Building and the Art and Home Center, you can visit the Pan-African Village to learn about New York’s African-American history while you listen to music with African roots. The Latino Village will feature music, food, and more pertaining to that culture. There will also be Talent Showcases and more.
The Umphrey’s McGee UM 25th anniversary tour will continue into the Northeast this summer, with five shows slated across Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and New York.
Umphrey’s McGee will make their debut at Great Cedar Showroom at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut, and make return visits to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire; Hyannis, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; and Buffalo at Town Ballroom.
With the exception of one show to be added on July 2nd, there will be no additional UM dates until mid-August so make plans now.
Pre-sale will begin Wednesday, February 22, at 10:00 am ET; public on-sale will begin this Friday, February 24, at 10:00 am ET.
Tickets for UM 25 shows and more are available here.
The band’s latest single, “Staircase,” is out now, with a Dolby Atmos mix of “Staircase” available on Apple Music, iTunes, & Tidal.
Legendary rock band Guns N’ Roses have announced their 2023 world tour, with a performance at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Sept. 1. The world tour, which lasts throughout summer and fall, marks the group’s first North American tour since their We’re F’N Back! Tour in 2021. Supporting the band on tour is a lineup of superstars, including Carrie Underwood, The Pretenders, Alice In Chains, The Warning, and Dirty Honey.
Guns N’ Roses members, from left to right: Axl Rose, Richard Fortus, Duff McKagan Dizzy Reed, Slash, Melissa Reese, and Frank Ferer. Credit: Katarina Benzova.
Originating from Los Angeles, Guns N’ Roses’ current members include Axl Rose (vocals, piano), Duff McKagan (bass), Slash (lead guitar), Dizzy Reed (keyboard), Richard Fortus (rhythm guitar), Frank Ferrer (drums), and Melissa Reese (keyboard). The group is one of the best-selling rock bands and arguably the face of the genre. Their first album, 1987’s Appetite For Destruction, has been crowned “the best-selling U.S. debut album ever” and “the 11th best-selling U.S. album of all time.”
Similarly, their 2016-19 “Not In This Lifetime…” tour ranks as the “fourth-highest grossing concert tour of all time.” In 1991, the band took the music scene by storm with their two-part record, “Use Your Illusion I” and “Use Your Illusion II,” marking their third and fourth studio albums, respectively. Their 2008 sixth studio album, “Chinese Democracy” marked the band’s last full-length record, though continue to tour and produce music.
Pre-sale begins Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 10 a.m. General on-sale begins Friday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. through gunsnroses.com. For more information, including VIP Package details, visit vipnation.com.
2023 TOUR DATES
Aug. 5 – Moncton, NB @ Medavie Blue Cross Stadium with Carrie Underwood Aug. 08 – Montreal, QC @ Parc Jean Drapeau with Carrie Underwood Aug. 11 – Hershey, PA @ Hersheypark Stadium with The Pretenders Aug. 15 – East Rutherford, NJ @ MetLife Stadium with The Pretenders Aug. 18 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PNC Park with The Pretenders Aug. 21 – Boston, MA @ Fenway Park with The Pretenders Aug. 24 – Chicago, IL @ Wrigley Field with The Pretenders Aug. 26 – Nashville, TN @ GEODIS Park with Carrie Underwood Aug. 29 – Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center with Dirty Honey Sept. 1 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center with Dirty Honey Sept. 3 – Toronto, ON @ Rogers Centre with The Pretenders Sept. 6 – Lexington, KY @ Rupp Arena with Dirty Honey Sept. 9 – St. Louis, MO @ Busch Stadium with The Pretenders Sept. 12 – Knoxville, TN @ Thompson-Boling Arena with The Warning Sept. 15 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live with The Warning Sept. 17 – Atlanta, GA @ Midtown Music Festival Sept. 20 – Biloxi, MS @ Mississippi Coast Coliseum with Dirty Honey Sept. 23 – Kansas City, MO @ Kauffman Stadium with Alice in Chains Sept. 26 – San Antonio, TX @ Alamodome with Alice in Chains Sept. 28 – Houston, TX @ Minute Maid Park with Alice in Chains Oct. 1 – San Diego, CA @ Snapdragon Stadium with Alice in Chains Oct. 6 – Indio, CA @ Power Trip Festival Oct. 8 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival Oct. 11 – Phoenix, AZ @ Chase Field with Alice in Chains Oct. 14 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena(support act TBD) Oct. 16 – Vancouver, BC @ BC Place with Alice in Chains
Songs are often measured by their ability to stand the test of time. “John Brown’s Body” is one of those songs that has held up even into the present day. Although the tune has gone by many names and many iterations over the centuries, the hymn turned revolutionary anthem retains its status as one of the most memorable songs of the Civil War.
Gloria Jane 2004 Arrangement of John Brown’s Body. Vocals, Guitar, and added one chorus from another version of the song, changed the words “Shall all be free” to “Were all set free” to fit today.
The origins of “John Brown’s Body” trace back to Southern methodist camp meetings in the early 1800s. The song “Say, Brother Will You Meet Us,” provided the framework for what would become the famous abolitionist tune. Both feature the now famous chorus, “Glory, glory, hallelujah.”
“John Brown’s Body” as we know it was originally published in July of 1861. It was reportedly first sung at Fort Warren in Boston on May 12, 1861, and later on July 18 by the 12th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, according to American Music Preservation.
Despite what many believe however, the song was not originally about the famed abolitionist John Brown. In fact, it was about a Scotsman of the same name. This “other” Brown, who served as sergeant in Boston, was well aware of his counterpart, as were his fellow soldiers. They would gleefully tease him with lines like, “His soul’s marching on.”
John Brown ascending the gallows. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
But as the song spread across infantries via word of mouth, the nuances of the original joke was lost. Everyone assumed the lyrics referred to the abolitionist who was captured and hung at Harpers Ferry a few years prior. New lyrics were added to the old ones resulting in verses like this:
Old John Brown’s body is a-mouldering in the dust, Old John Brown’s rifleís red with blood-spots turned to rust, Old John Brown’s pike has made its last, unflinching thrust, His soul is marching on!
So “John Brown’s body lies-a-mouldering in the ground” was not originally the revolutionary sentiment it now commonly appears as, it actually began more or less an inside joke.
Poet Julia Ward Howe would later write her own words to the tune after hearing it sung by troops on a trip she took to Washington. From this she penned “The Battle of the Hymn Republic.” Unfortunately, John Brown the Scottsman never heard this version, having somewhat ironically died early on in the war.
The United States Army Field Band performs the famous Civil War-era piece, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” in 2016.
“John Brown’s Body” has been recorded numerous times in various ways. Pete Seeger covered it in 1960. Bob Dylan wrote his own song simply called “John Brown” back in 1962. In Ithaca, there is even a popular reggae band by the name of John Brown’s Body that has been together for over two decades.
The band, John Brown’s Body combines reggae and dub.
John Brown continues to remain relevant even today. He is honored at John Brown Farm, a state historic site located near Lake Placid, NY. It features the home and gravesite of the famed abolitionist.
In 2021, John Brown Lives!, a nonprofit organization focused on human rights and education created a proposal back in 2021 with plans to build a visitor center and conference center. Just last week, there were even two meetings held to receive public feedback on the ongoing plans.
Brown’s home at John Brown Farm in North Elba, NY, 3 miles southeast of Lake Placid. capecodphoto/Getty Images
Change however, might not be as fast as Brown probably would have liked. The state agencies expect, following drafts and additional public comment periods, a final plan to be adopted by early 2025 according to Times Union.
Still, John Brown continues to live a life of fame long after his death, his name memorialized in both song and minds. Even if the tune was never meant for him, his soul indeed goes “marching on “ long after death.
Long Island Funk trio Baked Shrimp has announced their upcoming Spring Tour, taking place this March and April across the East Coast.
Since forming in 2017, the high-octane power funk trio Baked Shrimp has become a top up-and-coming artist in the festival circuit. The energetic and improvisational young talents of Jared Cowen (Guitar/Vocals), Scott Reill (Bass/Vocals), and Jager Soss (Drums/Vocals) from Long Island, NY have built a catalog of over 150 original songs which they cycle through night after night, making every performance unique from the last.
The band is coming off a groundbreaking 2022 in which they performed over 120 concerts covering nearly half the United States, as well as a debut performance in Canada. Baked Shrimp has provided direct support for artists such as the Disco Biscuits, Pink Talking Fish,Aqueous, Mihali , Kung Fu, Consider the Source, and more. Baked Shrimp is also quickly climbing higher on major festival lineups including Peach Music Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, Great South Bay Music Festival, Adirondack Independence Music Festival, Catskill Mountain Jubilee, and even host their own festival in Upstate New York called LonCon.
Baked Shrimp founded LonCon in 2021 following the passing of their most loyal supporter and ambassador, Lon “Conscious” Gellman. The inaugural festival featuring live music, art, and two nights of camping took place in August of 2021 at legendary Arrowhead Ranch in Parksville, NY. After a year off in 2022, the band looks forward to the return of LonCon in 2023.
Despite Baked Shrimp’s very intense touring schedule, the trio has managed to find time to consistently release new music. The band’s 2021 release of Conscious received high praise by media outlets such as LiveForLiveMusic, Grateful Web, The Sound Podcast with Ira Haberman, and more. After a quick release of a three-disc live album The Prawno Tapes, Vol. 1, Baked Shrimp went back into the studio to finish their early-2022 release Pork Etiquette. The trio is scheduled to head into the studio once again in early 2023 to lay the groundwork for their fourth studio album.
Tickets are on sale now. For more information, please visit the bands website.
BAKED SHRIMP SPRING TOUR 2023:
03/17 – The Deep End – Frostburg, MD 03/18 – Clementine – Harrisonburg, VA 03/19 – The Southern Cafe and Music Hall – Charlottesville, VA 03/21 – 123 Pleasant Street – Morgantown, WV w/ Velvet Rutt 03/22 – Buffalo Iron Works – Buffalo, NY w/ Orange Corner 03/24 – Funk ‘n Waffles Syracuse – Syracuse, NY w/ RootsCollider 03/25 – Nectar’s – Burlington, VT w/ Squeaky Feet 03/26 – Pickle Barrel Nightclub – Killington, VT 03/31 – Stella Blues – New Haven, CT 04/01 – TheDrake – Amherst, MA w/ Shantyman 04/02 – Electric Haze – Worcester, MA w/ Zigmont 04/07 – Rockwood Music Hall – New York, NY 04/08 – Ardmore Music Hall – Ardmore, PA w/ Aqueous 04/19 – Putnam Place – Saratoga Springs, NY w/ Dopapod 04/21 – Park City Music Hall – Bridgeport, CT w/ Brandon “Taz” Niederauer
A cappella group Pentatonix announced a North American Tour with special guest Lauren Alaina, stopping at SPAC on Aug. 23 and St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse on Aug. 24.
Pentatonix is one of the most innovative and inventive vocal groups of all time, redefining a cappella. Emerging in 2011, the vocal quintet -Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, and Matt Sallee, has won three Grammys, the first to win ‘Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella’ in 2015 and 2016. They have been nominated for a Daytime EMMY Award and became the first a capella group to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The group recently finished their most successful Christmas tour ever, playing to 200,000+ people across 22 cities and the globe.
They have also played The Kennedy Center Honors for Tom Hanks, covering “That Thing You Do” as President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama watched. Plus, they have collaborated with Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Lindsey Stirling, and more. Their most recent album Holidays Around the World marked the group’s ninth Top 10 entry on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums Chart.
The general on sale for Pentatonix: The World Tour will start on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. with presales starting on Feb. 23. The group will be at SPAC on Aug. 23 and St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse on Aug. 24. For more information, visit here.
TOUR DATES:
Wed Aug 09 — Jacksonville, FL — Daily’s Place
Thu Aug 10 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 12 — Bristow, VA — Jiffy Lube Live
Sun Aug 13 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion
Tue Aug 15 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Thu Aug 17 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH — Blossom Music Center
Sat Aug 19 — Raleigh, NC — Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek Park
Sun Aug 20 — Holmdel, NJ — PNC Bank Arts Center
Tue Aug 22 — Toronto, ON — Budweiser Stage
Wed Aug 23 — Saratoga Springs, NY — Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Thu Aug 24 — Syracuse, NY — St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
Sat Aug 26 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center
Mon Aug 28 — Maryland Heights, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Tue Aug 29 — Cincinnati, OH — Riverbend Music Center
Thu Aug 31 — Milwaukee, WI — American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Sat Sep 02 — Tinley Park, IL — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Sun Sep 03 — Clarkston, MI — Pine Knob MusicTheatre
Wed Sep 06 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion
Thu Sep 07 — The Woodlands, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Presented by Huntsman
Sat Sep 09 — Phoenix, AZ — Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Sun Sep 11 — Irvine, CA — FivePoint Amphitheatre
Tue Sep 12 — Mountain View, CA — Shoreline Amphitheatre
Thu Sep 14 — Ridgefield, WA — RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Sat Sep 16 — Puyallup, WA — Washington State Fair *
*Not a Live Nation date – On sale info coming soon
Stephen Sanchez, with opener Kings Elliot, made a stop at Irving Plaza on Thursday, February 16th for his show in New York during his Fall Tour. Sanchez, with his snazzy suit and southern charm, fully entranced the audience with his stellar vocals and rock star performance.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Stephen Sanchez is a 20-year-old Tennessee-based musician who’s been constantly on the rise. In June 2020, Sanchez posted a cover of Cage the Elephant’s “Cigarette Daydreams” on TikTok and he built an audience through a steady stream of content. After sharing a snippet of his song “Lady by the Sea”, singer-songwriter Jeremy Zucker reached out and offered to produce the official version, which was released in July 2020 and resulted in Sanchez signing a deal with Republic Records.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Kings Elliot is a blue-haired Swiss rockstar now based in London. Musically, the singer draws inspiration from the wistfully melancholic melodies of the ’40s and ’50s, blending these soothing harmonies with her own tumultuous lyrics. She has a knack for creating hauntingly beautiful and devastating songs that sound uniquely current, yet timeless with her out-of-this-world vocals.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Kings opened the show with a bang by launching into her hits “I’m Getting Tired of Me” and “Ashes by the Morning”, belting out these bangers to all her adoring fans. With support from Garrett Schwenk on keys, the entire performance was one to remember.
Kings Elliot Setlist: I’m Getting Tired of Me, Cry Baby Cry, ‘Till I Die, The Outsider, Ashes by the Morning, Lost Again, Call Me A Dreamer
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
When Stephen finally graced the stage, the crowd was warmed up and immediately went wild as Stephen started singing “Hey Girl”. Throughout the show, his enthusiasm and good vibes infected the crowd as he jumped around with his guitar, put on a birthday hat from a fan, and gave his “single bassist” Jesse Houle a shoutout. There was a moment near the end of the show when he sang his, arguably most famous song, “Until I Found You” when Stephen became emotional. The crowd shared in these feelings from the solid 3-minute ovation he received. As a stop on his first headline tour, Stephen brought the house down on the iconic venue.
Stephen Sanchez Setlist: Hey Girl, Hold Her While You Can, Kayla, Lady by the Sea, Please Don’t Go Home Yet, Mountain Peaks, See the Light, I Want You, The Pool, Evangeline, Only Girl (unreleased), To Stay (unreleased), Unchained Melody, Until I Found You, Amy & Mary [The Righteous Brothers cover]
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
In terms of upcoming shows, Kings Elliot will be performing with Stephen on this tour until Feb 26th in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Stephen will continue on the winter/spring leg of the tour all the way until March 17th, ending up in Vancouver, Canada. He’ll be returning to NYC during the fall portion of tour, hitting up Terminal 5 on December 2nd.
For more information or announcements for upcoming performances from either of these artists, check out their social media accounts.
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Gearing up for Summer festival season, Opera Saratoga has released their slated lineup of performances that will take place in the heart of Saratoga Springs in 2023.
“We are excited to be partnering with Universal Preservation Hall this season for our MainStage performances and look forward to introducing our audiences to this amazing space right in downtown Saratoga Springs” says Managing Director, Amanda Robie. However, the season will also showcase performances in various beloved Saratoga venues including Spa Little Theatre, The Mansion of Saratoga and at Caffè Lena (which will play host to their America Sings concert series).
This year’s summer festivals will be comprised of various talents who emerged through Saratogas Young Artist Program
Opera Saratoga Lineup and Performances
Overall, this year’s summer festival season is keeping in theme, as the lineup consists of sixteen festival singers, two conductors, a pianist and two directors. With this intention, two noteworthy guest acts, Andy Papas and Eric McConnell will also feature (both of whom are alums of Opera Saratoga’s prestigious training program).
“I am particularly excited about this season” says Head of Music Staff, Laurie Rogers, “as it is cast completely from either current or former members of our prestigious Young Artist program. Additionally, this year’s talented singers, drawn from an application pool of over 900, will be take part in our Broadway and Stars of Tomorrow concerts.”
Opera Saratoga provides something for all, featuring three productions brought to life. Namely, the Tony-award winning A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, historic composer Donizetti’s bel canto masterpiece Don Pasquale, and a world-premiere of a new children’s opera based upon Oscar Wilde’s short story The Selfish Giant. Additionally, Clarice Assad and libretto by Lila Palmer will handle scoring and additional festival concerts. Moreover, each performance will feature production elements that leverage the unique site-specific features of Universal Preservation Hall. All in all, Opera Saratoga’s summer festival lineup is suitable for the entire family.
For more information on Opera Saratoga and this summer’s lineup and the America Sings concert series at Caffè Lena, visit Opera Saratoga’s official website.
2023 Festival Performances:
A Gentleman’s Guide — June 30, July 2 (matinee), 6, & 8, 2023, Universal Preservation Hall
Don Pasquale — July 1, 7, & 9 (matinee), 2023, Universal Preservation Hall
The Selfish Giant — July 1 (matinee) & 8 (matinee), 2023, Universal Preservation Hall
