Saratoga Springs’ Putnam Place has an exciting lineup for this month, featuring a number of jam bands, indie pop, folk, and more. The venue will continue weekly open mics, game nights, and local artist spotlights with the Family Tree series.
Consider The Source
Beloved NY sci-fi fusion group Consider The Source will play at Putnam Place alongside Bella’s Bartok, a Massachusetts-based folk group. The two extraordinary music groups are known for exciting performances, and are sure to impress Saratoga on November 9.
On November 10, Putnam Place will host Bearly Dead, a Grateful Dead tribute band. The group boasts over 230 songs in their repertoire, and constantly rotate them for a unique concert experience for each crowd.
Bearly Dead
Blue Star Radiation will play Putnam Place on November 16 alongside Al Schnier and Rob Derhak of moe. The collaboration between the musicians will feature classic rock covers, band originals, and more for an exciting performance.
Putnam Place will continue to offer their weekly events this fall. Every Monday, the venue will host Family Tree, a performance featuring Steve Candlen, Kenny Hohman, Lori Friday, Chris Carey and Chad Ploss, joined each week by a special guest from the regional music scene. In addition, Mondays will be Sly Fox’s Open Mic Night, immediately following the Family Tree performance. In addition, Wednesdays will see Game Night and Karaoke with Eric C.
Tickets and more information for shows at Putnam Place are available at putnamplace.com.
November Shows at Putnam Place
11/9 – Consider The Source + Bella’s Bartok
11/10 – Bearly Dead
11/12 – Ripe w/ Hoko
11/16 – Blue Star Radiation w/ Al & Rob moe.stly acoustic
In a mind-blowing spectacle that filled the hallowed Blue Cross Arena in Rochester with an eager crowd of 10,400 fans, the mighty progressive rock maestros Tool proved once again that they can pack any venue in the heart of Western New York. Their popularity in this region is nothing short of legendary, with sold-out shows being the norm.
The Tool faithful are a zealous bunch who ardently believe in the gospel of Maynard James Keenan, Adam Jones, Danny Carey, and Justin Chancellor. They’ll gladly regale you with countless reasons why Tool reigns supreme and why your existence remains incomplete until you’ve bathed in the band’s unparalleled glory. Opening the night was Steel Beans from Everett, WA.
While Tool devotees can be a tad vexing at times, it’s hard to fault their passion. They speak the truth when they beseech others to witness this sonic juggernaut live in all its grandeur. The band’s musical prowess alone warrants pages upon pages of discussion, but if you’re a neophyte to the world of Tool, or simply curious about the enigmatic quartet, here’s a taste of what transpired at their mesmerizing Monday November 6 performance.
The atmosphere within the arena was nothing short of transcendental, much like a religious congregation, albeit one with a penchant for intricate time signatures and cryptic lyrics. Despite Tool’s audience not being a sea of saccharine girls in pink dresses and glitter, the sense of unity was palpable. “Lotta dudes here” a friend texted during intermission, and indeed, the crowd comprised primarily of prog-rock Gen Xers, all donning knowing smiles and exchanging high-fives. However, in stark contrast to other male-dominated events, there was a conspicuous absence of lewd remarks or reckless antics. Beer flowed without incident, and by the end of the evening, the floor was mercifully unmarred by spilled brews.
The absence of cell phones was instrumental in preserving this immersive experience. In a world where every fleeting moment demands digital documentation, Tool remains steadfast in its commitment to a strict no-cell phone policy. After all, who needs grainy concert footage on their phone that will likely languish unwatched in the depths of their gallery? Tool’s discerning guardians diligently enforced the rule, ejecting over three dozen misguided souls during the show. A few lucky souls escaped with warnings after proving their contrition by deleting their videos or images. But for the stubborn second-time offenders, there were no second chances. After the notes of “Invincible” reverberated, Maynard James Keenan, in a rare act of benevolence, granted the audience permission to whip out their phones to capture the ephemeral moment.
Tool may shun technology like cell phones, but they fully embrace cutting-edge light effects. The band’s unwavering commitment to privacy and mystique extends to the live experience as well; they avoid interviews and public appearances to ensure that all eyes remain on the music. Mark “Junior” Jacobson, Tool’s lighting virtuoso, orchestrates a symphony of lights, lasers, and screen images that synchronize seamlessly with every note change. This visual spectacle draws the audience even deeper into Tool’s sonic realm, amplifying the emotional resonance of the music and its profound messages.
The imagery displayed on the screens is nothing short of mind-bending. Volcanoes spew molten lava before transforming into the all-seeing Eye of Sauron, which seamlessly transitions into new, surreal landscapes. Fractal heads pour forth from other heads, while an eyeball twitches its iris over the captivated audience. Tongues spill forth from gaping mouths in an intoxicating loop, and alien-like forms twist and turn in eerie dance. It’s as though the most spine-tingling horror movie has met the soundtrack of your wildest dreams.
Crafting a subpar setlist is an impossibility for Tool, given their extensive catalog of exceptional, heavy songs accompanied by ethereal vocals. The journey began with the iconic “Fear Inoculum,” setting the stage for a mesmerizing odyssey. Favorites like “Jambi,” “Stinkfist,” and “The Pot” enraptured the crowd, intermingling with tracks from newer albums, such as “Culling Voices” and “Pneuma.” But the pièce de résistance came early on when Maynard declared that the band would resurrect a long-dormant song. The ensuing performance of “Rosetta Stoned” was a jaw-dropping revelation – a song not performed with live vocals since 2009, and it sent shockwaves through the enraptured crowd.
In the end, Tool’s concert is more than just a musical performance; it’s a transformative experience. With their strict rules, awe-inspiring visuals, and an undeniably majestic setlist, Tool is not just a band; they’re an otherworldly force of nature that sweeps you into a realm of unparalleled sonic and visual artistry. Tool fans may be a vocal bunch, but when it comes to experiencing their live show, words alone can’t do justice to the transcendental journey they offer.
Tool – Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, NY – Monday, November 6, 2023
Setlist: Third Eye Intro, Fear Inoculum, Jambi, The Pot, Rosetta Stoned, Pneuma, Descending, The Grudge, Intermission, Chocolate Chip Trip, Culling Voices, Invincible, (Ions excerpt) Encore: Stinkfist
Upcoming tour dates:
November 10 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena November 13 – Manchester, NH – SNHU Arena November 15 – Boston, MA – TD Garden November 16 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center November 19 – Montreal, QC – Bell Center November 20 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena November 21 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
New York-based Canadian musicians Joenne Dumitrascu and Jelena Cingara have teamed up to create the new recital series Connecting Through Sound. Now in its third installment, the duo will be coming to St. John’s in the Village on Dec. 15 at 1:30 p.m.
Joenne Dumitrascu trained formally as a violinist, pianist, and composer, performing professionally as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Koerner Hall, La Scala, and more. She was a guest artist on WFMT’s Relevant Tones with Seth Boustead: Discovery Series and has collaborated with members of the Emerson String Quartet (ESQ) on several chamber music projects, including the New Music for Strings Festival in Denmark.
Her recording career ranges from contemporary music to film and TV soundtracks, including Atom Egoyan’s 2009 film Chloe and TV show Nikita, as well as recording work with the Screen Composers Guild of Canada and WGBH in Boston. As a music coach, she trains young artists in the highly acclaimed JSE ensemble in New York City.
Jelena Cingara is an active performer and teaching artist in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Her career includes a series of solo, chamber, and collaborative international recitals, two decades of piano pedagogy, and a wide range of chamber music performances. She has performed in concert venues such as Carnegie Hall, Libby Gardner, Dumke, Abravanel Hall, and many more.
During her training years, she was a prizewinner of numerous piano competitions as well as a recipient of several scholarships. She has performed at the Off-Broadway/Broadway production The Last Boy in the summer of 2021 and April 2022 respectively, as well as in The Kiss of the Spider Woman (Scarborough Players Theatre), Carrie (Utah Rep Theatre), and Charlie Brown (Toledo Theatre).
Connecting Through Sound is now in its third installment, featuring Beethoven, the French classics of Debussy and Saint-Saens, and the works of modern composers. Its goal is to bring people together who share a passion for music and culture. The event features a one-hour concert and wine reception to follow where the audience is invited to the beautiful St. Benedict’s Courtyard.
Music gives us the ability to connect to people from diverse backgrounds, both in the physical form of meeting audiences at concerts but also perhaps on a more psychological level. In many ways, it not only writes history through sound, but it taps into every human emotion. So it’s a way for all of us to also connect to the past, to connect through these works to other cultures. I have a very diverse background, so being able to connect through music to people who are complete strangers is a beautiful thing. It was actually the basis of starting the series of shows for me. We live in a very divided world in 2023 and the need for human connection is more important than ever.
Joenne Dumitrascu
For more information about Connecting Through Sound and to purchase tickets, visit here.
With hip hop’s ever-changing landscape, it had been a decade since Brooklyn native AZ graced fans with an album. The reserved hip hop legend has maintained status as a result of his pen and classic album cuts. However, his long-teased sequel, Doe Or Die II, became one of 2021’s undeniable success stories and proved AZ’s potent hip hop poetry still had a place in the rap game.
Since the release of Doe Or Die II, AZ has appeared on Westside Gunn’s “99 Avirex” Rick Ross’ “Vacheron,” Statik Selektah’s “Historic” and most recently on Tony Touch’s “Rampage 2.0” for Def Jam’s mixtape Documentary.
Now AZ is back with the release of his single “This Is Why” in anticipation of his latest album, Truth Be Told, set for release on December 1. “This Is Why” interpolates a classic Slick Rick sample throughout, as the hip hop veteran takes on the role of the “been there, done that” MC. In light, he shouts out two Brooklyn legends — The Notorious B.I.G. and Mike Tyson — for serving as inspirations behind his success. With his effortless delivery and poignant rhymes, AZ embodies the grace and knowledge that comes with having survived some of New York City’s roughest eras.
Album Details
After contributing behind the boards on both Doe Or Die and Doe Or Die II, AZ and legendary producer Buckwild team up once again. The GRAMMY-nominated Buckwild handles all of the production on the new album. With his own crate of classic production, Buckwild will look to recreate the mafioso, final-boss themed production that the elder AZ has thrived on in his late career surge. In addition, the album will feature guest appearances from fellow New York rhymers Fat Joe and Pharoahe Munch, adding diversified flavor and point of views.
Mcguire has served as an associate artist and has frequently been on stage at Capital Repertory Theatre, which is also a part of Proctors Collaborative. As the new director of theatrical programming, McGuire will continue to direct the Broadway Camp productions as well as the High School Musical Theatre Awards, which recognizes outstanding local musical theatre productions and students. McGuire will also help support the development of student training classes and be a consultant on theatrical training classes across Proctors Collaborative.
“When looking for someone to fill this important position, we didn’t have to look further than Kevin. He has proven through his time as the director of Broadway Camp and his experience on and off Broadway that he is the perfect person for this role. We’re honored that our students will constantly have the opportunity to learn from one of theatre’s greats.”
– Christine Sheehan
McGuire will also be using his skilled experience from Broadway productions such as “Les Miserables,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “The Secret Garden” and many more productions as theREP such as “Man of La Mancha,” “The Full Monty,” “The Irish and How They Got That Way” and “The Wizard of Oz” to teach and direct the students at CSOA, allowing them to explore and reach their full potential in theatrical arts.
“It has always been my contention that the most important thing I can do is pass on to a new generation the incredible training I had in my youth. I love to teach. I love watching talent emerge.”
English indie pop artist The Japanese House played a sold out show at Webster Hall last week on November 2 with support from Quinnie.
The Japanese House at Webster Hall. Photography by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)
Fronted by singer Amber Mary Bain, The Japanese House released their second studio album, In The End it Always Does on Dirty Hit Records earlier this year. The album included hit single “Sunshine Baby,” which features vocals from The 1975 frontman Matty Healy. Notable features on the record also included Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Muna, and Charli XCX.
Quinnie plays Webster Hall. Photograph by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)
Quinnie opened the show, playing delightful melodies full of charming and quirky lyrics. Fans packed in early for the show, filling up the venue before her set. Her set was met with big applause.
The Japanese House
The Japanese House played a powerful set featuring highs that shook the room with fans jumping up and down, and sorrowful lows that left a hush over the audience. Several fans could be seen crying during various moments throughout the show. The energy only increased from song to song, culminating in the main set’s final song, “Dionne (featuring Justin Vernon).” For the final song of the encore, they played fan favorite “Sunshine Baby.”
The Japanese House North American tour continues, and you can listen to their music here. Check out future tour dates here. Listen to Quinnie here.
Check out our gallery from staff contributor David Reichmann below.
The New York Youth Symphony has debuted a brand new orchestra, Crescendo, set to play their first concert titled Breaking New Ground on November 20 at Merkin Hall at The Kaufman Center. Directed by Tanya Chanphanitpornkit, the youth orchestra is a free program for New York City students.
The New York Youth Symphony provides NYC students access to music in an immersive and educational experience. Crescendo, the new orchestra group for string players aged 10-18, will play a selection of six pieces at Merkin Hall, including Mendelssohn, Bologne, and more.
The Kaufman Music Center presents music programs for students, performers, and audiences alike. Merkin Hall is the center’s most intimate venue, hosting workshops, performances, and competitions throughout the year.
Crescendo will debut Breaking New Ground on November 20 at 7PM at Merkin Hall at The Kaufman Center. Tickets are available here.
After a long absence from the front of the stage, Mike Kelley brings a few of his Sharks bandmates together as The Hammerhead Horns, plus friend and pianist Leslie Barkman, for a rare performance at The Rustic Barn in Troy on Friday, November 17.
Mike Kelley and some of this Sharks bandmates
Mike Kelley started out as a bandleader and songwriter leading The Sharks, a seven-piece combo whose popularity and fan base rivaled those of any Albany band in the 1980s. Kelley has spent the last two and a half decades as a sideman extraordinaire, as a studio keyboardist and on stage with The Lustre Kings, The Tichy Boys, Johnny Rabb, Nite Train, Lost Radio Rounders, Marc Tolstrup & Jill Burnam, The Lazy Suns, Off the Record, The Jagaloons and a reported ‘at least’ 20 other bands.
Kelley has worked with Rockabilly Hall of Famer Wanda Jackson, Joan Jett and Kenny Laguna, and was chosen to play piano on several of the tracks on Jackson’s 32 album, Encore.
Deemed one of the nicest guys in the local scene and a hell of a pianist, Mike Kelley continues to play more than 200 shows a year, all without any social media, website or YouTube channel.
Expect an evening of originals penned by Kelley, Barkman and trumpet player Bob Button, familiar covers and undiscovered gems, and don’t miss this rare show from Mike Kelley and The Hammerhead Horns on Friday, November 17 in Troy at The Rustic Barn.
moe. has announced that they will ring in the New Year with a special 2-night run at the renowned Kodak Center in Rochester.
With deep roots in nearby Buffalo and an enduring connection to Rochester, these special performances are not just another set of gigs, instead they are a testament to the band’s resilience, in light of guitarist Chuck Garvey’s recent health challenges, triumphant return to the road, and addition of Nate Wilson (keys) to the moe. lineup.
Alongside the announcement of moe.’s NYE run, the band along with several other musical acts and venues, are lending strong support to The American Cancer Society (ACS) through its inaugural “Rock The Pink” campaign. This initiative aims to harness the influence of the music community to combat breast cancer.
To date, the band has already raised more than $4,500, and efforts are ongoing. Having collaborated with the ACS’s breast cancer initiatives for the past two years, this year moe. has combined efforts with Umphrey’s McGee, Goose, the Disco Biscuits, Andy Frasco & the U.N., Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Kitchen Dwellers, and Doom Flamingo, as well as venues like The Capitol Theatre & Garcia’s.
Each participant is contributing in their own unique way, from selling limited-edition merchandise to flaunting pink instruments on stage and wearing pink-themed outfits, all to generate funds and awareness. 100% of the proceeds go directly to ACS, the nation’s premier nonprofit for cancer research funding. For more information and various donation options, fans and supporters can visit moe.org.
A special artist pre-sale kicks off on Wednesday, October 4th @ 10am ET [PW: GOUDA], and the general public begins on Friday, October 6th @ 10am ET. For more information visit moe.org
moe. 2023 Fall Tour Dates Wednesday, October 4th – The Pageant – St. Louis, MO Thursday, October 5th – Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE Friday, October 6th – Hillberry Fest – Eureka Springs, AR Saturday, October 7th – Liberty Hall – Lawrence, KS Friday, October 20th – Ogden Theatre – Denver, CO Saturday, October 21st – Ogden Theatre – Denver, CO Friday, December 8th – Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY Saturday, December 9th – Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY Saturday, December 30th – Kodak Center – Rochester, NY Sunday, December 31st – Kodak Center – Rochester, NY
BlueStar Radiation and Al & Rob moe.stly acoustic dates
Wednesday, November 15th – The Homestead – Morristown, NJ* Thursday, November 16th – Putnam Place – Saratoga Springs, NY* Friday, November 17th – Metronome – Burlington, VT* Saturday, November 18th – The Met – Pawtucket, RI* Sunday, November 19th – Soundcheck Studios – Pembroke, MA* Thursday, November 30th – Pour House – Charleston, SC^ Friday, December 1st – The Society Garden – Macon, GA^ Saturday, December 2nd – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA^~ Sunday, December 3rd – Visulite Theatre – Charlotte, NC^
moe. 2024 Winter Tour Dates
Thursday, January 18th – The Observatory North Park – San Diego, CA Friday, January 19th – Teragram Ballroom – Los Angeles, CA Saturday, January 20th – Sunday, January 21st – The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA Tuesday, January 23rd – Crystal Bay Club Casino – Crystal Bay, NV Thursday, January 25th – Midtown Ballroom – Bend, OR Friday, January 26th – Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR Saturday, January 27th – Neptune Theater – Seattle, WA Friday, March 6th-Tuesday, March 10th – Egyptian Theatre – Park City, UT Thursday, March 12th – Mesa Theater – Grand Junction, CO Saturday, March 14th-Sunday, March 15th – Sheridan Opera House – Telluride, CO Monday, March 16th – Vilar PAC – Beaver Creek, CO Tuesday, March 17th – Strings Music Pavilion – Steamboat Springs, CO Thursday, March 19th – Belly Up – Aspen, CO Saturday, March 21st-Sunday, March 22nd – 10 Mile Music Hall – Frisco, CO Monday, March 23rd-Tuesday, March 24th – Washington’s FOCO – Ft. Collins, CO
Cortland Repertory Theatre has announced their 52nd annual summer season to be held at the Little York Pavilion in Preble, NY in 2024. The season will run from June 5 – August 17 and contain three musicals and two plays.
The Cortland Repertory Theatre opened its doors on July 5, 1972 at Dwyer Memoral Park. Being one of New York State’s longest running professional theatres, they continue to support and showcase popular musicals and plays for theatre lovers in the area.
Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson says, “we always strive to select a season that falls under the umbrella as ‘something for everyone’ and I’m very excited about this coming summer’s selections!”
One change in the CRT schedule of note: most of the summer productions will be completing their runs on a Friday, not on Saturdays as in previous years. Also, the theatre will be adding a 2:00PM matinee on the second Tuesday of the performance schedule to make a less hectic, less stressful, and safer changeover from one production to the next. Thompson also notes that matinees are very popular and adding another to the schedule opens more seating options for those who choose the afternoon shows.
Kicking off the season from June 5-14 is a show that has been called “one of the greatest musicals of all time”: My Fair Lady. With book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, this musical was adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s play and Gabriel Pascal’s movie “Pygmalion” and was originally directed and staged by Moss Hart.
In this story, Eliza Doolittle is a young flower seller with an unmistakable Cockney accent which seemingly keeps her in the lower rungs of Edwardian society. When Professor Henry Higgins tries to teach her how to speak like “a proper lady”, an unlikely friendship begins to flourish. The musical’s score is loaded with familiar songs, including “The Rain in Spain,” “I Could Have Danced All Night”, “On the Street Where You Live”, “Get Me to the Church on Time”, and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.”
From June 19 – 28 is the CRT debut of the heartwarming comedy The Last Romance, by Joe DePietro. CRT audiences will remember DePietro’s work from the 2005 and 2022 productions of Over the River and Through the Woods.
This play explores the transformative power of love, no matter what age one may be. On an ordinary day in a routine life, widower Ralph takes a different path on his daily walk and meets Carol while she’s sitting on a bench in a dog park. Relying on his boyish charm and a fictional dog named Rex, Ralph woos Carol and they embark on a hilarious and touching journey that proves it’s never too late for romance. This laugh-filled comedy cleverly explores relationships between people in their golden years, and how the invisible bonds of family often tie our hearts tighter than any love affair.
A recent Broadway musical, with the regional premiere from July 3 – 12, is Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville, with a book by Emmy Award winner Greg Garcia and Emmy nominee Mike O’Malley, and music and lyrics by Jimmy Buffett. The Pavilion stage will transform into a tropical paradise where love and laughter are the keys to “growing older but not up.”
The story centers around Tully, the “mayor” of Margaritaville, a part-time bartender, part-time singer, and full-time charmer who’s got life all figured out until a beautiful tourist steals his heart and makes him question everything he knows. This energetic score features Jimmy Buffett’s classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” “It’s Five o’clock Somewhere,” and many more.
Running from July 17 – 26 is a thrilling new adaptation of the Broadway classic that inspired the 1967 film starring Audrey Hepburn, Wait Until Dark, originally written by Frederick Knott and recently adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher.
Murder, secret identities, and a switchblade set the stage for this white-knuckle thriller that takes place in the quaint 1944 Greenwich Village basement apartment of Susan, a blind yet capable woman, and her husband Sam. While Sam is away on business, Susan finds herself threatened by a trio of men who will stop at nothing to get a stolen item hidden in the apartment. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness just might be the key to her escape, but she must wait until dark to reach the shattering conclusion.
Wrapping up the summer, from July 31 – August 17, Cortland Repertory Theatre presents their debut production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and a book by Linda Woolverton. This “tale as old as time” was originally directed on Broadway by Robert Jess Roth, and originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Original music supervision and new arrangements are by Michael Kosarin with dance music arrangements by Glen Kelly and orchestrations by Danny Troob. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated film, this stage adaptation includes all those wonderful songs and characters that kids of all ages know and love.
The story revolves around Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
Cortland Repertory Theatre is currently selling 5-show summer subscriptions which are $190 for center seats and $180 for side seats and allow the patron to see all five productions. Also available are Flex Pass Packs for 5 shows ($195) or 6 shows ($234) and allow the patron to choose the shows they see and when they see them. A two-pack Youth Flex Pass is also available for $40.00. CRT’s gift cards are available for purchase at any time, for any dollar amount, with no expiration date. Individual tickets will go on sale starting May 20, 2024, with Adult Tickets for $42.00 (center seats) and $40.00 (side seats).
A $2.00 discount is available on individual tickets for seniors 62 and up, active military and veterans, first responders, and groups of 10 or more. All youth tickets, 22 and under, are $25.00 at all times.
Current box office hours at CRT Downtown, 24 – 26 Port Watson Street in Cortland are Mon-Fri, 9:00-4:00; summer hours will be extended starting on May 20 to Mon-Fri 9:00–6:00, Saturdays noon-6:00. More information can be found online or by calling 800-427-6160.
