NYS Music 2023

Category: Western NY

  • Chenango Blues Festival Finalizes Lineup for 30th Anniversary Celebration

    The Chenango Blues Festival recently finalized the lineup for its 30th Anniversary Celebration, with the addition of two-time Grammy winner, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience. Traveling from Louisiana and long-time area favorites, the band will kick off the two-day festival, which begins on Aug. 18 and concludes the next day, with a free admission show. Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience will anchor what promises to be a memorable 30th-anniversary celebration.

    Chenango Blues Festival
    The stage at Chenango County Fairgrounds. Credit: chenangobluesfest.org.

    The Chenango Blues Fest is a family-friendly event run by an all-volunteer staff. Their motto is “by fans, for fans” and they really mean it. If there is an opposite to the high dollar, corporate festivals proliferating around the country, this is it.

    John Primer, who was just announced as an inductee to the Blues Hall of Fame, will follow. Primer is one of the last Chicago bluesmen to have played with legendary artists like Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and Magic Slim. The show will close with Curtis Salgado, the Portland, Oregan based blues and soul man who is a past Blues Music Award winner as Artist of the Year. 

    The celebration will continue with a headlining set by Charlie Musselwhite on the Infield Stage, sponsored this year by Norwich Rehab; Kerry, Inc., and the Raymond Foundation. Musselwhite has received numerous awards, been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, and performed with several musicians. Preceding him on the infield stage will be Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, a dynamic mix of 1960s-influenced guitar blues, Memphis soul, and Latin-tinged East San Jose funk. 

    Leading up to those acts is Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds hailing from Brooklyn, who has built a loyal following on the strength of Arleigh Kincheloe’s dynamic vocals, a rock-solid rhythm section, horns, and a keen sense of fun. Kicking off the festival at 11:30 a.m. is Gabe Stillman, fresh off rave reviews for his performances on the recent Blues Cruise. Following is ace saxman Jimmy Carpenter, who, when he isn’t touring the world or sitting in with a who’s who of blues players he is the musical director of the Big Blues Bender – one of the premier events in the blues world.

    These are just a few of the acts scheduled to perform, and this year’s 30th Anniversary Celebration is sure to be one you won’t want to miss. Friday’s show is free, and Saturday’s is free for those 17 and under. Tickets for the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Chenango Blues Festival are now available.

    Friday Schedule 

    Tent Stage
    Parking opens – 4:30 p.m.
    Festival gate opens – 5:00 p.m.  
    5:30 – 6:45 – Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience
    7:15- 8:30 – John Primer
    9:00 – 10:15 – Curtis Salgado

    Saturday Schedule

    Infield Stage
    Parking Gate Opens – 10:00 a.m.
    Festival Gate Opens – 11:00 a.m. 
    11:30 – 12:25 – Gabe Stillman Band
    12:45 – 1:45 – Jimmy Carpenter
    2:45 – 4:00 – Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds
    5:15 – 6:30 – Tommy Castro & the Painkillers7:40 – 9:00 – Charlie Musselwhite

    Tent Stage 
    1:45 – 2:45 – Guy Davis
    4:00 – 5:15 – Melody Angel
    6:30 – 7:40 – Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
    9:00 – 10:15 – Honey Island Swamp Band

  • New York Series: The True Story Behind Ace Frehley’s “New York Groove” 

    Ace Frehley turns 72 on April 27th, proving you are never too old to keep rocking and rolling. While the famed guitarist is most known for his prominent role in the hard rock group KISS, he has also enjoyed a fruitful solo career. 

    Perhaps one of his biggest solo hits is “New York Groove” – an anthemic encapsulation of Frehley’s youthful spirit and the city that drove him to new heights. But it might surprise you to hear that he didn’t actually write the tune. And that it was popular in Europe long before it ever reached America.

    Ace Frehley was born Paul Daniel Frehley in 1951. He grew up in the Bronx and first picked up a guitar at the age of 14. It was here in New York City that Frehley saw the Who and Cream perform live, further solidifying aspirations of rock stardom into his young, impressionable brain.

    Frehley cut his teeth on the local NYC scene throughout the late 60s and early 70’s. It was during this time that he answered an ad calling for a guitarist in a hard rock group. It read, “Lead guitarist wanted with flash and ability.”

    That fateful listing brought him into the fold of bassist/singer Gene Simmons, rhythm guitarist/singer Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss –  KISS was officially born.

    The band was signed to Casablanca Records in November 1973 and for most of the decade they toured around the world, skyrocketing to the top of their charts. Catchy choruses, searing guitar riffs and a flair for the theatrics helped the band stand out in more ways than one. A string of platinum albums and sold-out tours lasted throughout the late 70’s.

    KISS 1983 - Paul Stanley/Getty images ace frehley
    KISS 1983 – Paul Stanley/Getty images

    Despite the hectic schedule, all four members of KISS recorded and released respective solo albums on the exact same day in 1978. Frehley’s project was self-titled and featured what would become one of his most popular solo tracks: “New York Groove.”

    While the song feels representative of Frehley’s own experiences in New York, the track is actually a cover, originally written by Russ Ballard and recorded by a glam-inspired rock band called Hello. The original track achieved a fair amount of success in Europe, charting at #9 in the U.K. and #7 in Germany. It was reportedly recorded in less than 5 hours in a studio just north of London.

    Ballard said in an interview that he had the idea for the song while on a plane ride to NYC.

    I felt that’d be a good title for a song,” he said. “The whole idea was of someone going back to New York and singing about the experience.”

    The song encapsulates the feeling of a nostalgic return to a place once called home. It starts with the lyrics: 

    Many years since I was here
    On the street I was passin’ my time away
    To the left and to the right
    Buildings towering to the sky, it’s outta sight

    After years of relentless touring, one would think Frehley could relate to the feeling of coming home for the first time in a while. But apparently, Frehley was not enthusiastic about recording the song; he had never even heard the track before covering it. But alas, the label wanted a more commercial song on the album and so, Frehley went ahead with it.

    In an interview with Louder Sound in 2016, Frehley put it like this:

    “A lot of people think I wrote New York Groove. It’s not a myth that I’ve perpetuated, but that’s the way it is. I wish I would’ve wrote the song, though. I would’ve made a lot more cash out of it, ha-ha-hargh!”

    While most of Frehley’s solo album was recorded in a studio in Connecticut, “New York Groove” was a late addition and was recorded in Plaza Sound Studios, right above Radio City Music Hall. 

    Ace Frehley’s hit single “New York Groove,” released September 18th, 1978

    Frehley, Simmons, Stanley and Criss all released their solo albums on September, 18th 1978. But Frehley was the only one who managed a hit single, with none other than “New York Groove. “It stayed on the U.S. charts for 21 weeks, peaking at #13.

    Frehley told Louder Sound in that same interview that there was no competition among bandmates to have the best record. But he also revealed that he hadn’t really listened to his fellow bandmates’ projects. 

    “I did put Gene’s on once,” he recalled in the interview. “When I heard his version of When You Wish Upon A Star I had to pull it off the turntable, ha-ha-hargh!”

    Origins Vol. 2, released in 2020, featuring classic rock covers such as “Good Times Bad Times” and Jumpin’ Jack Flash

    Frehley has continued to release solo projects in the past few decades. His most recent solo album, Origins Vol. 2, was released on September 18, 2020. It is a follow-up to Origins Vol. 1, released in 2016. Both consist of covers of some of Ace Frehley’s favorite songs. Still, “New York Groove” remains a signature song.

    In an interview, Russ Ballard attributes the song’s success to its simplicity. “I guess it surprised me because it’s so incredibly simple. They say a good song will always sell, and there’s a lot of truth in that.”

    “New York Groove” Lyrics

    Many years since I was here
    On the street I was passin’ my time away
    To the left and to the right, buildings towering to the sky
    It’s outta sight in the dead of night

    (Ooh) Here I am, again in this city
    (Ooh) With a fistful of dollars
    And baby, you’d better believe

    I’m back, back in the New York Groove
    I’m back, back in the New York Groove
    I’m back, back in the New York Groove
    Back in the New York Groove, in the New York Groove
    In the back of my Cadillac
    Wicked lady, sittin’ by my side, sayin’ “Where are we?”
    Stopped at 3rd and 43, exit to the night
    It’s gonna be ecstasy, this place was meant for me

    (Ooh) I feel so good tonight
    (Ooh) Who cares about tomorrow
    So baby, you’d better believe

    I’m back, back in the New York Groove
    I’m back, back in the New York Groove
    I’m back, back in the New York Groove
    Back in the New York Groove, in the New York Groove

    I’m back, back in the New York Groove
    I’m back, back in the New York Groove
    I’m back, back in the New York Groove
    I’m back, back in the New York Groove

    I’m back, back in the New York Groove
    I’m back, back in the New York Groove
    I’m back, back in the New York Groove
    I’m back, back in the New York Groove

    I’m back, back in the New York Groove
    I’m back, back in the New York Groove

  • JazzBuffalo to Host Free Annual International Jazz Day Celebration on April 30

    JazzBuffalo will celebrate this year’s International Jazz Day this Sunday, April 30, from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. International Jazz Day began in 2011 and will be the fifth annual celebration of the event at JazzBuffalo, which has made this year’s International Jazz Day a free event in the spirit of promoting community and global peace at Seneca One in downtown Buffalo.

    The lineup for this year’s International Jazzday Celebration. Credit: JazzBuffalo.

    Scheduled to perform are some of Buffalo’s best jazz trios and jazz artists. JazzBuffalo is presenting a Jazz Trio Festival and then a special closing concert featuring a quintet of our finest next-generation jazz musicians. The schedule is planned as follows:

    1:15 pm – The Andrew Nixon Trio
    2:45 pm – Donny Frauenhofer
    4:00 pm – Livestream of International Jazz Day Global Concert
    5:00 pm – The Cousins Trio
    6:30 pm – The Lindsey Holland Unit

    There will be approximately 20-30 minutes between each performance to allow for changeover and set up.

    jazzbuffalo

    International Jazz Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2011 in honor of jazz music’s ability to promote intercultural dialogue, tolerance, and mutual understanding, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of jazz music as a common medium for peace, unity, and creativity.

    Herbie Hancock will take viewers on an international tour of sights and sounds showcasing jazz in all its diversity featuring performances from China, Lebanon, Morocco, South Africa, Zimbabwe, France, Brazil, Austria, Honolulu, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.

    The live-streamed concert event will feature performances by some of the world’s most accomplished jazz artists, such as Cyrille Aimée (France), Thana Alexa (USA), Sérgio Mendes (Brazil), Thandi Ntuli (South Africa), Antonio Sánchez (Mexico), Somi (Rwanda) among others. Renowned Mbira player Musekiwa Chingodza (Zimbabwe) will duet with Oran Etkin (Israel) on baritone clarinet; the Blue Note China Jazz Orchestra joins the Global Concert from Beijing; and JazzWomenAfrica celebrates from Casablanca.

    JazzBuffalo will make every effort to live-stream the annual International Jazz Day Global Concert so fans can see and hear the event on the big screen.

    Visit EventBrite to register and save a spot for what promises to be a memorable time celebrating International Jazz Day. Donations are suggested and will be kindly accepted by JazzBuffalo.

  • Jazz is PHSH Spring Tour Dates include Nublu and Buffalo Iron Works

    Jazz is PHSH will be heading out on a late spring tour covering the Northeast and Midwest from May 31 to June 11. The instrumental group bring electrifying interpretations of the Phish song book for Phish phans and Jazz fans to dive into, including shows at Buffalo Iron Works and Nublu in NYC.

    jazz is phsh

    Don’t let the name of the band fool you – while the arrangements for Jazz is PHSH are steeped in jazz, the funky, rocking fusion interpretations of the music will bring you to your feet.

    A rare treat, Jazz Is PHSH creates an exhilarating experience, journeying through the catalogue of Phish while seamlessly weaving the songs together with the music of jazz legends such as Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius and Herbie Hancock.  

    Figuring out the songs as they are rearranged and reimagined is equally as fun an aspect of Jazz Is PHSH that Phish phans enjoy as much sharing in the groove of the music. For jazz fans and those unfamiliar with the music of Phish, the deep dives into the history books of jazz as well as the references to current artists like Robert Glasper and Nate Smith provide a never ending stream of auditory pleasure. 

    jazz is phsh

    The upcoming Spring Tour includes a mix of sit down jazz clubs like the Bop Stop in Cleveland on June 1 and famous rock club venues like Nectars in Burlington on June 8.

    The mix of rooms will give fans an opportunity to catch a few different shows on the tour to have a range of experiences with the band. While their catalogue is not quite as big as Phish’s hundreds of songs spanning over 40 years, Jazz Is PHSH has been touring since 2015 and has created an impressive catalgoue of their own. 

    With mashups of Phish’s “You Enjoy Myself” with Nate Smith’s “Bounce” and Phish’s “Divided Sky” with the John Coltrane masterpiece “A Love Supreme” along with a plethora of other mashups of Phish songs, the band is able to craft unique setlists each night so that fans that travel with the band can have unique experiences each night. 

    JAZZ is PHSH Spring Tour 2023

    May 31 – Cincinnati OH – Fretboard Brewing 

    June 1 – Cleveland OH – Bop Stop 
    June 2 – Baltimore MD – 8×10 (w/ The Chase Brothers)
    June 3 – Toronto ON – Adelaide Hall 
    June 7 – Buffalo NY – Buffalo Iron Works 
    June 8 – Burlington VT – Nectars 
    June 9 – New Market NH – Stone Church
    June 10 – Manchester CT – Main Pub
    June 11 – New York, NY – Nublu 

    Click Here For Tickets

  • Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Announce World Tour with Three Stops at New York Music Venues

    Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats begin their world tour at the end of April, which includes three performances at New York music venues.

    The band will have two consecutive New York shows, first on July 29 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts followed by the Darien Lake Amphitheater on July 30, and their third performance in the empire state will be on Sept. 20 at the MegaCorp Pavilion in Newport. The performances follow the release of the band’s latest EP, What If I, due for release June 2.

    Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Credit: Danny Clutch.

    The band is also slated to appear at Brandi Carlile’s Mothership Weekend, Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday Celebration, and Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson & Family. See below for full tour routing.

    Rateliff grew up in Missouri and his career spans more than two decades. His music career began with his first band, Born in the Flood, followed by Nathaniel Rateliff & the Wheel, which only released one album in 2007, after which he released three solo albums: In Memory of Loss (2010), Falling Faster Than You Can Run (2013) and And It’s Still Alright (2020.) The Night Sweats released their self-titled debut album in 2015, and have released a total of three albums, most recently 2021’s The Future.

    The title track of What If I will have audiences anxious and ready to hear more music by The Night Sweats. The track’s lyrics speak to audiences at a crossroads in their lives, wondering “what if.” What if I’m taking too long? What if I just quit tomorrow? Listen to the track here.

    What If I will feature four previously unreleased songs recorded during The Future sessions as well as a newly written and recorded track called “Buy My Round.” All songs on What If I were produced by Bradley Cook (Bon Iver, Kevin Morby, The War on Drugs) and R.M.B.—the production trio of Rateliff, Meese, and James Barone (Beach House). In addition, the track “Slow Pace of Time” features The Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s leader and clarinetist, Charlie Gabriel.

    Tickets to see Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats on their world tour, which includes three performances at New York music venues, go on sale April 21 at 10 a.m.

    Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Live

    April 29-April 30—Los Angeles, CA—Hollywood Bowl *
    May 12—Miramar Beach, FL—Seascape Resort
    June 3—Chattanooga, TN—Riverbend Festival
    June 4—Lexington, KY—Railbird Music Festival
    June 16—Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom—Black Deer Festival
    June 18—Landgraaf, The Netherlands—Pinkpop Festival
    June 20—Cologne, Germany—Live Music Hall †
    June 21—Berlin, Germany—Huxley’s Neue Welt †
    Jun 23—Vienna, Austria—Arena Wien Open Air †
    June 25—Munich, Germany—Backstage Werk †
    June 26—Zürich, Switzerland—Kaufleuten †
    June 28—Paris, France—Cabaret Sauvage †
    June 29—Rotselaar, Belgium—Rock Werchter
    July 2—Ferrara, Italy—Comfort Festival
    July 3—Milan, Italy—Magnolia Open Ai
    July 6—Madrid, Spain—Mad Cool Festival
    July 7—Algés, Portugal—Nos Alive
    July 23—Redmond, OR—Fairwell Festival
    July 28—Columbia, MD—Merriweather Post Pavilion ‡
    July 29—Bethel, NY—Bethel Woods Center For The Arts ‡
    July 30—Darien Center, NY—Dairen Lake Amphitheater ‡
    August 1—Pittsburgh, PA—Stage AE §
    August 3—Grand Rapids, MI—GLC Live at 20 Monroe §
    August 4—Rochester Hills, MI—Meadow Brook Amphitheatre §
    August 5—Columbus, OH—KEMBA Live!
    August 7—Madison, WI—The Sylvee §
    August 9-10—Chicago, IL—The Salt Shed §
    August 12—Minneapolis, MN—Surly Brewing Festival Field §
    August 15—Moorhead, MN—Bluestem Amphitheater §
    August 18-19—Missoula, MT—Kettlehouse Amphitheater ||
    August 22-23—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre ||
    September 16—Asbury Park, NJ—Sea Hear Now Festival
    September 19—Cleveland, OH—Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
    September 20—Newport, KY—MegaCorp Pavilion
    September 22—Milwaukee, WI—BMO Pavilion
    September 24—Franklin, TN—Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
    September 26—Asheville, NC—ExploreAsheville.com Arena #
    September 27—Raleigh, NC—Red Hat Amphitheater #
    September 30—Bridgeport, CT—Sound On Sound Music Festival
    October 1—Ocean City, MD—Oceans Calling Festival

    * Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday Celebration
    † with William the Conqueror
    ‡ with Willie Nelson & Family
    § with Thee Sacred Souls
    || with Waxahatchee
    # with Sierra Ferrell

  • Benny The Butcher Signee Fuego Base Releases Debut Project ‘Biggest Since Camby’

    Benny the Butcher continues to make noise in the rap game. This time, the Buffalo-bred MC is making his mark through his Black Soprano Family imprint, recruiting gritty Hartford, CT rapper, Fuego Base, to continue the BSF name. In like manner, Fuego Base is making a name for himself with his wordplay, innate storytelling and raw delivery, which has earned him likeness to Jadakiss.

    After signing with Benny’s BSF imprint in 2022, Fuego joined Benny and Rick Hyde for Charlie Sloth’s Fire In The Booth, and he followed that up by appearing with Westside Gunn later that year for the “Intro” on BSF’s Long Live DJ Shay album. Fuego also impressed on his On The Radar Christmas cypher, representing BSF.

    Benny the Butcher signee Fuego Base releases his debut project
    Biggest Since Camby will be Fuego Base’s debut project on Benny the Butcher’s BSF imprint.

    Fuego Base’ Next Step

    Now, Fuego Base takes the next step with his official BSF debut project, Biggest Since Camby. With a aptly timed 4/20 release date, the tittle is an ode to former Hartford, CT basketball star Marcus Camby who was drafted 2nd overall in the historic 1996 NBA Draft. Moreover, Biggest Since Camby features appearances from some of hip hop’s grittiest MC’s including Benny The Butcher, Sheek Louch, 38 Spesh, Uncle Murda, OT The Real and his fellow BSF cohorts.

    “I want to make a big impact on the game, and that’s why my album is called Biggest Since Camby” Fuego Base explains. 

    We are from Hartford, and it’s a forgotten place, but with the platform, Benny has provided me and being a member of BSF, I can shine some light on the city.  I’m really rapping too! Tell my momma I’m a rapper. 

    – Fuego Base

    In anticipation for the album, Fuego Base released “The Warehouse” — and later an accompanying music video — featuring Benny The Butcher and OT The Real. The record fits right in Benny’s wheelhouse as they — along with OT The Real — seamlessly exchange street tales. Backed by a menacing and equally sorrowful violin riffs, the trio share their own personal journeys in the underbelly.

    I don’t care what nobody says, Fuego Base is one of the hungriest rappers in the game right now.  I know because I remember being in that beginning phase and I can see that fire in him.

    – Benny The Butcher

  • Boy George and Culture Club ‘Letting It Go Show’ Summer Tour includes Bethel Woods, Jones Beach and Darien Lake Stops

    English pop band Boy George and Culture Club will headline a summer 2023 tour, the Letting It Go Show, which will stop at three New York Music venues.

    Culture Club will appear at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on July 22, followed by a performance at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theatre the next day, and lastly the Darien Lake Amphitheatre on July 29, before finishing the rest of their tour across the country throughout August. Culture Club will be joined by Howard Jones and Berlin for all dates of their tour.

    The members of Boy George and Culture Club, from left to right: Mikey Craig (vocals, bass, keyboards) Boy George (vocals, tambourine), and Roy Hay (guitars, vocals, keyboards.) Credit: Maya Sarin.

    Culture Club was initially formed in London during the New Romantic movement and consists of Boy George, Roy Hay, Mikey Craig, and formerly Jon Moss (drums and percussion.) They released their debut album, Kissing to Be Clever, in 1982 and, with the help of lead singer Boy George, achieved mainstream success in both the U.K. and the U.S. George dressed in flamboyant dresses and wore heavy makeup, creating a disarmingly androgynous appearance that created a sensation on early MTV, earning the band considerable media attention.

    During the 1980s, Culture Club released several hit songs, including “Karma Chameleon” which reached number one on both sides of the Atlantic, and “It’s a Miracle” and “Miss Me Blind” which reached the Top 10. The band initially broke up in 1986, before reuniting from 1998-2002 and again in 2011. Their sixth and most recent studio album, Life, was released in 2018, credited as “Boy George and Culture Club.”

    Howard Jones, born in Southhampton, Hampshire, England, began his career with his hit single, “New Song,” from his debut album, Human’s Lib, and has had a nearly 40-year career since. His most recent album, Dialogue (2022) is part of a trilogy of albums with Engage (2015) and Transform (2019.) Jones’ hits have been featured in high-profile series and films such as “Stranger Things,” “Breaking Bad,” “Watchmen,” “The Carrie Diaries”, “Superstore” and “Bumblebee.”

    New wave band Berlin formed in Los Angeles in 1978, founded by vocalist Terri Nunn, bassist John Crawford, and keyboard player David Diamond. The band’s career began with Information (1980), and they have since won twelve gold and platinum album awards. Berlin’s 1986 hit “Take My Breath Away” significantly appeared in Tom Cruise’s hit film Top Gun (1986) solidifying their ever-lasting place in American pop culture, and winning the award for “Best Original Song” at both the Golden Globe and Academy Awards.

    Nunn’s ongoing influence earned her the #11 spot on VH1.com’s “100 Greatest Women in Rock. As an actress, she played leading roles in films including Katie: Portrait of a Centerfold with Kim Basinger, and Thank God It’s Friday with Jeff Goldblum and Debra Winger. Along with comedienne Wendy Liebman, Nunn previously hosted the critically acclaimed radio show Unbound with Terri Nunn.

    Pre-sale for the Boy George and Culture Club Letting It Go Show, which includes three stops at New York music venues, starts April 19 with a Citi presale at 10 a.m., continuing until April 20 at 10 p.m., with additional presales continuing throughout the week and general on-sale tickets starting Friday, April 21 at 10 a.m.

    The Letting It Go Show 2023 tour dates:
    Thu Jul 13 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
    Sat Jul 15 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
    Sun Jul 16 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place Amphitheatre
    Tue Jul 18 – Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
    Wed Jul 19 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
    Thu Jul 20 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater
    Sat Jul 22 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
    Sun Jul 23 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
    Tue Jul 25 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
    Wed Jul 26 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
    Fri Jul 28 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
    Sat Jul 29 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
    Sun Jul 30 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann
    Tue Aug 01 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
    Thu Aug 03 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
    Fri Aug 04 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
    Sat Aug 05 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
    Tue Aug 08 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
    Thu Aug 10 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
    Fri Aug 11 – The Woodlands, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
    Sat Aug 12 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
    Mon Aug 14 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
    Fri Aug 18 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
    Sat Aug 19 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
    Sun Aug 20 – Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion

  • In This Moment And Motionless In White Announce “The Dark Horizon Tour”, Buffalo & Albany Dates

    In This Moment and hard rock giants Motionless In White have announced an epic co-headline run across North America this summer featuring special guests Fit For A King and From Ashes To New.

    in the moment motionless in white

    “The Dark Horizon Tour” will see the two bands alternating closing sets each night and performing at arenas and amphitheaters across the country, starting in Connecticut and Buffalo in early July, and a finale on August 19th at MVP Arena in Albany.

    Since coming to life in 2005, In This Moment have presided over a diehard fan base under the watch of “mother” figure, frontwoman and New York native Maria Brink—joined by co-founder and lead guitarist Chris Howorth, bassist Travis Johnson, guitarist Randy Weitzel, and Kent Dimmel. As millions convened upon the group’s otherworldly and unforgettable concerts, they quietly emerged as one of the most influential and impactful bands of the 21st century. 

    To date, in addition to the Gold-selling album, Blood, the quintet has garnered six Gold and Platinum singles, followed by a trifecta of Top 25 entries on the Billboard Top 200 with Black Widow and Ritual. With a total stream tally well past 200 million as of 2020, Ritual elevated them to new creative and critical peaks as well. 

    Between selling out headline tours coast-to-coast, the group performed in arenas everywhere alongside Disturbed and appeared at countless festivals from Rockville to Sonic Temple. 

    Along the way, they assembled their seventh full-length, the aptly titled Mother with longtime trusted collaborator Kevin Churko. Whereas Ritual hinted at a bluesy sonic sorcery, Mother breathes the activating mantra of an unbreakable spell, commenced on first single “The In-Between.” 

    In 2022, the band released Blood 1983, a reimagined EP commemorating the ten-year anniversary of Blood, and most recently had their song “I Would Die For You” appear on the soundtrack for John Wick: Chapter 4. 

    Motionless In White harnessed the power of an unholy union between industrial metal dissonance, spellbinding gothic pop bombast, and big screen-worthy iconography to emerge as 21st century rock’s most iconoclastic and cinematic force. Climbing out of the shadows of the rustbelt in Scranton, PA, the group have tirelessly earned the undying allegiance of a devout worldwide audience one record at a time. 

    With over half-a-billion cumulative streams and views to date, Motionless In White have notched four consecutive Top 5 debuts on the Billboard ‘Top Hard Rock Albums’ chart and ‘Top Rock Albums’ chart with Reincarnate, Graveyard Shift, Disguise , and their latest effort Scoring The End Of the World. The latter debuting at #12 on the Billboard 200 marking the band’s second biggest sales week ever. Scoring The End of the World is highlighted by the singles “Cyberhex,” which trended Top 10 on YouTube, and the follow-up “Masterpiece” which lit up streaming platforms and reached #1 at Active Rock radio becoming the band’s first chart-topper at the format. 

    Tickets are on sale now at In This Moment’s website.

    IN THIS MOMENT & MOTIONLESS IN WHITE 2023 TOUR DATES

    Jul-8 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena 

    Jul-9 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo RiverWorks 

    Jul-11 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Civic Center Coliseum 

    Jul-13 – Cadott, WI – Rockfest* 

    Jul-14 – Grand Rapids, MI – Upheaval Festival* 

    Jul-15 – Mansfield, OH – Inkcarceration Festival 

    Jul-17 – East Moline, IL – The Rust Belt 

    Jul-18 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena 

    Jul-19 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford Premiere Center 

    Jul-21 – Casper, WY – Ford Wyoming Center 

    Jul-22 – Billings, MT – First Interstate Arena at MetraPark 

    Jul-23 – Missoula, MT – Big Sky Brewing Company 

    Jul-26 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort 

    Jul-27 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles 

    Jul-29 – Flagstaff, AZ – Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Park 

    Jul-30 – Grand Junction, CO – Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park 

    Aug-1 – Wichita, KS – Hartman Arena 

    Aug-2 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion 

    Aug-4 – Council Bluffs, IA – KIWR’s Rockfest – Westfair Amphitheater 

    Aug-5 – Camdenton, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater 

    Aug-6 – Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena 

    Aug-8 – Memphis, TN – The Soundstage at Graceland 

    Aug-9 – Mobile, AL – Mobile Civic Center Arena 

    Aug-11 – Huntsville, AL – Propst Arena 

    Aug-12 – Asheville, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee Center 

    Aug-13 – Corbin, KY – Corbin Arena 

    Aug-15 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center 

    Aug-16 – Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County War Memorial Expo Center 

    Aug-18 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion 

    Aug-19 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena 

  • Tesla Electrifies Seneca Niagara Casino

    Tesla rocked the Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls with an incredible performance on April 15th. They last played the Niagara Falls area in 2019 and the Buffalo area in 2015. The legendary hard rock band has been a staple in the rock world for over three decades. The crowd eagerly anticipated the show from the moment the band took the stage. Tesla began with “Ladyluck,” a high-energy classic that set the tone for the night.

    One of the show’s highlights was the band’s tribute to their former bandmate, Tommy Skeoch. Jeff Keith’s powerful vocals soared over Frank Hannon and Dave Rude’s heartfelt guitar work during the touching rendition of “What You Give.” Fans sang along to the emotional lyrics, paying their respects to the late musician.

    Throughout the night, Tesla played hit after hit, including “Modern Day Cowboy,” “Love Song,” and “Love Me”. Fans sang along to every word, their voices blending together in a chorus of appreciation for the band’s incredible music.

    But it wasn’t just the music that made the night special. Tesla’s connection with the audience was undeniable, and the crowd responded with cheers and applause. Brian Wheat’s bass and Troy Luccketta’s drums provided a rock-solid foundation for the band’s sound. Frank Hannon and Dave Rude traded blistering solos, their fingers dancing across the fretboards with ease.

    As the night came to a close, Tesla launched into a rousing encore, playing “Little Suzi” and “Signs” to the delight of the crowd. Fans sang along, their voices blending together in a powerful show of appreciation for the band’s incredible talent.

    In conclusion, Tesla’s performance at Seneca Niagara Casino was a masterclass in classic hard rock. The band’s musicianship was impeccable, their showmanship undeniable, and their connection with the audience was electric. It was a night that will be remembered by all in attendance, a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll.

    fans

  • CMAC Events Announces Roc The Lake Festival With Pop Trio AJR

    The Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua has announced the 2023 Roc The Lake Festival with the renowned trio AJR as a headliner. On July 17, fans can jam to their favorite songs by AJR, and a lineup including Chelsea Cutler, Lawrence Blake Rose and Almost Monday.

    AJR, is a renowned pop trio of brothers that has garnered an abundance of success since their formation in 2012. Over the past decade AJR has accumulated billions of streams, released a platinum album, double-platinum single, triple-platinum single, and four platinum singles. The band has also been ranked #1 on the Top Alternative Albums and Rock Albums Charts following their biggest first-week debut at the Neotheater in 2019. Apple Music and Spotify showed appreciation for the trio’s electric sound by placing AJR’s “Sober Up” & “Weak” among the Best Rock and Alt Songs of the 2010s. Fans can rock out to songs from the brother’s fourth full-length album, OK ORCHESTRA at the Roc The Lake Festival. 

    Chelsea Cutler is a singer, songwriter, and the producer of introspective EDM.  After signing to Ultra Records in 2017, the vocalist released mixtapes such as Sleeping with Roses I and II and a full-length debut, How to Be Human. Lawrence Blake Rose is an upcoming Australian singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles.  The gifted musician recently released a new single “Rest Of Us.”

    The San Diego based trio, Almost Monday quickly transformed from garage band to an upbeat pop sensation.  While only having a few songs released, the boys gained a tremendous amount of fame and millions of streams since the release of their disco-infused track “Broken People” in 2020. 

    The Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) was founded by Marvin Sands. The arts center has been on a mission to unite communities through art and culture since 1983. 

    Tickets to the Roc The Lake Festival can be found here.