Flushing Town Hall will host its Third Annual Jazz Jam All-Stars Concert on July 12 at 7:00 p.m, honoring the musicians and audiences who regularly attend its Jazz Jams. The theater will hold the All-Stars concert for the first time since the pandemic.
Flushing Town Hall presents multi-disciplinary global arts that engage and educate the global communities of New York City. They serve to restore, manage and program the historic 1862 landmark on behalf of the City of New York. FTH celebrates the history of Queens as the home of Jazz, by presenting the finest in Jazz performance.
The wildly popular Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jam celebrated its 10th anniversary in October 2021. It began in collaboration with the Aaron Copeland School of Music at Queens College as an educational program providing a platform for young jazz musicians to play music together. The monthly jam later was opened to amateur and professional musicians and public audiences under Queens Jazz OverGround, a collective of Queens-based jazz musicians.
Jazz Jam All-Stars
Unlike the regular Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jams, where any musician is welcome to participate and play, only selected invited musicians may perform at the Jazz Jam All-Stars concert.
A committee selected a lineup of ten musicians to perform at the concert ranging in age from 20 to 80+. The committee chose the All-Stars based on their high-caliber musicianship, spirit of cooperation, and regular participation in the monthly jams.
Frank Bergamini, Mimi Block, David DiTrapani, Keith Jordan, Sharif Kales, Glen Lowe, Denzel McKenzie, Naomi Okai, Frank Rosati, and Sarah Turkiew will be performing alongside the amazing house band led by Carol Sudhalter, who is also Master of Ceremonies and plays sax and flute. The band also includes Joe Vincent Tranchina on piano, Scott Neumann on drums, and Eric Lemon on bass.
“Louis Armstrong’s community spirit lives on at our monthly Jazz Jams,” says Director of Education & Public Programs, Gabrielle M. Hamilton. “We are thrilled to celebrate Flushing Town Hall’s jazz community, especially this year’s ten All-Star musicians.”
In-person tickets are $25, $20 for members, and $15 for students with ID.
While currently wrapping up a tour in the Midwest, moe. announced a 16-stop 2023 Fall tour that will see the group run off shows from September 14 to October 7.
In 1990, Al Schnier, Chuck Garvey, and Rob Derhak came together at the University of Buffalo, and now over three decades later, moe. continues to deliver its hefty, genre-fusing discography along with Jim Loughlin, Vinnie Amico, and Nate Wilson.
Having released a whopping 12 studio albums and 21 total bodies of work, they have blended the many different styles of “funk and free jazz, country and classic rock, progressive, new wave, calypso, pop, and many other forms of music.
Following the return of Garvey to the road after his recovery from a stroke and the permanent addition of keyboardist Nate Wilson, many of their recent tours have revitalized their catalog and bring a breath of fresh air to shows.
Performing at some of the biggest festivals of all time, Woodstock 1999, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and many others, the band is no stranger to large crowds and bringing immense energy to venues across the world, and will now continue to do so in 16 cities this Fall.
“The reality is, you spent thirty years with people doing what you do, you get better. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. Your ears get more trained, your playing gets better and better, your ability to communicate with each other better.”
They’ve also utilized their creativity to promote and headline multiple festivals of their own, including snoe.down and moe.down.
Kicking off at Rams Head Live in Baltimore, MD on Thursday, September 14th, moe. will only make one stop in New York on Sunday, September 17th at the Borderlands Music Fest in East Aurora.
In addition to the Fall stop in East Aurora, they recently concluded a 2-night run at the Saranac Brewery in Utica, NY.
moe. 2023 Fall Tour
Thursday, September 14th – Rams Head Live – Baltimore, MD Friday, September 15th – XL Live – Harrisburg, PA Sunday, September 17th – Borderland Music Fest – E. Aurora, NY Wednesday, September 20th – Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH Thursday, September 21st – Madison Theater – Covington, KY Friday, September 22nd – Vic Theatre – Chicago, IL Saturday, September 23rd – Headliners Music Hall – Louisville, KY Tuesday, September 26th – Turner Hall Ballroom – Milwaukee, WI Thursday, September 28th – Peoria Riverfront – Peoria, IL Friday, September 29th – Barrymore Theatre – Madison, WI Saturday, September 30th – First Ave – Minneapolis, MN Sunday, October 1st – Wooly’s – Des Moines, IA 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
Tickets go on sale this Friday, June 23rd at 10:00 am EST. For more information and to purchase tickets visit: moe.org
Breakthrough Australian singer and songwriter Peach PRC announced her first U.S. shows in June, following a sold-out Australian tour. The three-date run has her playing on show in Los Angeles at The Roxy and two shows in New York City, the last of which was last night at the Gramercy Theatre.
Peach PRC Live at Gramercy Theater
Peach PRC’s unique blend of dreamy pop and introspective lyrics captivates listeners and transports them to ethereal landscapes. With her mesmerizing voice and poetic songwriting, she creates an intimate connection with her audience. Peach PRC’s music explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of human emotions. Her artistry transcends boundaries, effortlessly blending genres and pushing creative boundaries. With each release, Peach PRC continues to enchant listeners and establish herself as a rising star in the music world.
Launching her TikTok page in 2019, she organically attracted an audience by posting everything from funny moments to self-care advice and, of course, music. A snippet of her first single “Blondes” played over the background of a video where she discussed the track’s meaning, and it went viral. The full version eventually amassed over 7 million Spotify streams as she maintained this momentum with the follow-up “Colourblind”, racking up another 2.7 million Spotify streams. Along the way, she carefully cultivated an undeniable style with a twist. That twist defines her debut single “Josh,” the ultimate kiss-off to the worst ex ever and has already received over 16 million streams and counting.
“Heavy” is the new single from Peach PRC, turning the tempo way down and instead setting the weight of her brutalizing mental struggles to a delicate, evocative piece of pop balladry.
On the evening of May 27th, the City of New Rochelle launched its first annual “Downtown Summer Sizzle,” a weekly festival that aims to bring fresh energy as well as new and classic sounds to the community through musical acts and performers. The concert series will continue on and feature exciting and memorable talent every Saturday through Sept. 30 in the city’s Ruby Dee Park at Library Green from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The “Downtown Summer Sizzle” Concert Series has over fifty performers in store for the New Rochelle community, selected by the city’s partner for the series, ‘PMG 97.’ Performances will include everything from beloved generational acts performed by exceptional cover bands to original music by diverse local talent. Furthermore, concertgoers can expect an array of tribute acts paying homage to some of music’s biggest names while enjoying globally renowned and recognized hits from salsa legend Tito Puente Jr; top-tier cover acts like Ayanna’s ‘Tribute to Whitney, Aretha, Mariah, Adele’; Roots Foundation’s ‘Tribute to Bob Marley,’ and much more.
The “Downtown Summer Sizzle” Concert Series is part of New Rochelle’s mission to enhance cultural experiences throughout downtown, a series of signature events litter the summer schedule in addition to the musical performances. On June 10, the city celebrated and represented Pride with its first annual New Rochelle Pride Festival that brought Philadelphia Freedom: A Tribute to Elton John to the concert series. The Summer Sizzle will even commemorate Bastille Day in July and each event will offer afternoon festivities where concert attendees can enjoy local food trucks, and craft tents, and participate in activities for the whole family. Additional dates for exciting community events intertwined with the concert series include a Hispanic Heritage celebration on Sept. 23 and a spirited, fun Jazz Festival on Sept. 30.
The Mayor of New Rochelle, Noam Bramson, commented on the new event, encouraging the community to gather for a music-filled summer saying, “We invite our entire community to enjoy outstanding musical performances, delicious food from local vendors, and a range of family-friendly activities at New Rochelle’s “Summer Sizzle” concert series. This is yet another example of how our growing downtown is becoming a magnet for talent, creativity, and cultural energy.”
Summer Sizzle Lineup
May 26: THE FULL COUNT BIG BAND – Opening Ceremony
May 27: AYANNA – Tribute to Whitney, Aretha, Mariah, Adele
June 3: ALBERT CUMMINGS – Blues
June 10: PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM – A Tribute to Elton John
June 10: PRIDE EVENT (LGBTQ) – Various Performers and Celebrity DJ
June 17: POPA CHUBBY – Part l – Opening: SWAY
June 24: LUIS GOMEZ & CALLE107 – Salsa party with Latin Grammy Award recipient
July 1: CONJUNTO GUANTANAMO – Afro-Cuban, Salsa
July 8: YACHT LOBSTERS – Opening: Twist of Fate
July 15: BASTILLE DAY – New Rochelle Jazz Festival
July 15: UNFORGETTABLE FIRE – U2 Tribute
July 22: SOULSHINE – Allman Brothers Tribute Band. Opening: Bill Steely & Rockin’ Country
July 29: TITO PUENTE JR. – Salsa, mambo. Opening: Downstate Darlings
August 5: B STREET BAND – Tribute to the Boss. The original Springsteen Band. Opening: Dircks & Kemp
August 12: ROOTS FOUNDATION – Tribute to Bob Marley
August 19: DECADE OF SOUL – Motown & Soul Tribute
August 26: Festival de México – Mariachi, Tejano, Rock en Español
September 2: POPA CHUBBY – Part ll – Opening: SWAY
September 3: MEET THE FUTURE STARS – Performances by School of Rock students
September 9: COLD STARES – Alt. Rock.
September 16: JIMMY KENNY & Pirate Beach Band – Opening: Bill Steely & Rockin’ Country
September 23: HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION – Barcelona Gipsy Balkan Orchestra and Conjunto Guantanamo
Singer-songwriter-bassist Karina Rykman announced her first headlining tour this fall, ahead of the release of her debut album. “Joyride Tour 2023” begins Sept. 20 at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, then travels the US through mid-December.
“Joyride Tour 2023” celebrates the upcoming arrival of Rykman’s hugely anticipated debut album, JOYRIDE, arriving via AWAL on Friday, Aug. 18. While the tour kicks off in Brooklyn, Rykman will also stop in Saratoga Springs at Putnam Place on Nov. 30.
The album was first heralded with the premiere of the first single and title track, “Joyride.” Equal parts thick bass, ethereal synths, disco-funk guitar, and silky, inviting vocals, the track – which features signature lead guitar from JOYRIDE co-producer Trey Anastasio – expertly captures Rykman’s jubilant brand of sonic exploration, bridging an array of genres to arrive at her own compelling and original take on psychedelic indie rock.
Born and raised in New York City, Karina Rykman’s musical path began in her early teens playing in bands whenever she could while attending a veritable ton of live music as a fan. Her prowess on the bass guitar soon landed her several high-profile television gigs spanning America’s Got Talent to backing up pop star Julia Michaels on TODAY. By the end of her senior year at NYU, Rykman’s talent and infectious spirit saw her invited to join pianist Marco Benevento’s band, with whom she performed countless shows including dates with Vulfpeck, Dispatch, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Guster, and many more.
Rykman soon formed her namesake band, accompanied by Adam November (guitar, loopers, effects) and Chris Corsico (drums). She quickly earned a reputation as a mesmerizing, unmissable live act, lighting up an array of international stages with headline sets, show-stealing festival performances (including Bonnaroo, Peach Music Festival, and Sweetwater 420 Fest), shows alongside Khruangbin, Guster, and The Disco Biscuits (among others), and recent appearances sitting in with the 8G Band on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Along with headlining her tour, Rykman will also perform at festivals this summer, including the Borderland Music Festival in East Aurora. More information about tickets can be found here.
Tour Dates
AUGUST
11 – Westport, CT – Levitt Pavilion (Free Show)
17-19 – Thornville, OH – Secret Dreams Music & Arts Festival *
19 – Cockeysville, MD – Hot August Music Festival *
SEPTEMBER
1-3 – Lake George, NY – Adirondack Independence Music Festival *
9 – Indianapolis, IN – All In Music & Arts Festival *
10 – Mundelein, IL – The Miracle In Mundelein *
15 – Fredericton, NB – Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival *
15-17 – Greenfield, MA – Wormtown Music Festival
17 – East Aurora, NY – Borderland Music Festival *
The Re:SET Concert Series closed its New York run at Forest Hills Stadium this past Sunday, June 18th. The brand-new summer festival welcomed LCD Soundsystem and Boygenius on Days 1 and 2, respectively, and will continue to travel to many major cities across the US. Featuring alternative R&B artists like Fousheé, Toro y Moi, James Blake, and Grammy-winner Steve Lacy, Day 3 of Re:SET was not a show to miss. While some people celebrated their Father’s Day at home, at restaurants, or with family, others attended Sunday’s concert (with their dads) for a day full of dancing, singing, and an overall great time.
Steve Lacy, Re:SET Forest Hills, 6/18/2023. Photo by Sarah Hyun.
Thousands of eager fans lined up hours before doors to secure their spots at the front of the barricade, clearly ready to see their favorite artists. Bright colors flooded the entire venue, as concertgoers interwove the rainbow into their carefully-picked outfits, glittery makeup, and fun hair accessories. Fousheé successfully opened the show with unparalleled energy, exciting her crowd of almost 13,000. Her unique voice goes both ways—sweet and angry. During her performance of “stupid bitch,” she asked the crowd to repeat the lyrics, “I’ll blow your brains out, you stupid bitch” at the start of the song. Screaming into the mic and hitting impressive whistle notes during her other tracks truly wowed her audience—who gave her a well-deserving round of screams and applause at the end of her set.
Re:SET Forest Hills, 6/18/2023. Photo by Sarah Hyun
Next up was Toro y Moi, wearing a bright orange jacket, blue shades, and lime-green nails. His chill, lofi set included songs like “Rose Quartz,” “Laws of the Universe,” and “Magazine.” Perfectly matching his vibe was a montage of cat videos on the large stage screen. Concertgoers were seen dancing, swaying, and twirling to his fresh beats on the tennis court floor and even in the seated sections of the venue.
Toro y Moi, Re:SET Forest Hills, 6/18/2023. Photo by Sarah Hyun
Toro y Moi is the definition of cool, as he scaled the stage with his swift, nimble movements. Knowing exactly how to keep his crowd engaged, he pointed to the audience members and encouraged them to move their hands up and down in sync. During his and Lacy’s set, Fousheé was even spotted in the general admission section dancing and spinning to the music.
Toro y Moi, Re:SET Forest Hills, 6/18/2023. Photo by Sarah Hyun
The last opener of the evening was James Blake, who upon entering was greeted with a large roar of applause. The 34-year-old musician from England blew up on TikTok in 2020 for his Frank Ocean cover of “Godspeed.” During his somber and deeply emotional rendition of this song, fans watched in complete awe—certainly mesmerized by his warm vocals and buttery vibratos.
James Blake, Re:SET Forest Hills, 6/18/2023. Photo by Sarah Hyun
During one particular song, he realized his keyboard was out of tune. While a stagehand replaced his keyboard, James continued on to his next scheduled song on a different instrument. Although his solo vocals are beautiful to listen to with eyes closed, James Blake is also an extremely talented electronic and experimental artist. He blended a variety of different elements into his performances of tracks, “CMYK,” “Hummingbird,” and “Say What You Will.”
James Blake, Re:SET Forest Hills, 6/18/2023. Photo by Sarah Hyun
The energy before Steve Lacy’s entrance was unmatched. Fans in the seated sections stood on their tippy-toes while those on the floor squished up against one another to get as close to the stage as possible. The buzz of excitement could be felt by anyone, as fans waited eagerly in anticipation for him to come out. A plume of smoke. Deafening screams. A flashing of lights. Another uproar. And finally, his entrance to the stage, wearing his iconic cyberpunk glasses—this time in navy blue. Fans jumped up and down, unable to contain their excitement.
Steve Lacy, Re:SET Forest Hills, 6/18/2023. Photo by Sarah Hyun
Steve Lacy opened his set with iconic songs like “Buttons,” “Cody Freestyle,” and “Helmet”—all of which are from his latest album Gemini Rights. He vibed to the music, moving his body to the beat as his band and backup singers accompanied him. During “Amber,” he told the crowd to take out their phone flashlights, leading to a beautiful and dreamlike scene as thousands of lights flooded the venue. Lacy is a very talented guitarist, and during many of his tracks, he performed his own guitar solos for the crowd to watch in amazement.
Steve Lacy, Re:SET Forest Hills, 6/18/2023. Photo by Sarah Hyun
The alternative R&B artist brought out Fousheé during the performance of their song “Sunshine.” The two blended incredibly together on stage, and the crowd reacted accordingly. Before singing his hit songs, “Static,” “Bad Habit,” and “Dark Red,” Lacy said, “Pride month is almost over. It’s time to come out. Look to your neighbor, say, ‘Neighbor, you gay.’” The bisexual artist is proud of his sexuality and serves as a role model for many members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Steve Lacy put his all into Sunday’s performance. Fans sporting his iconic glasses waved and screamed as he made his bittersweet goodbyes. Finishing the night on a glorious note with his performance of “Dark Red,” fans were clearly satisfied by the show’s end.
Re:SET Forest Hills, 6/18/2023. Photo by Sarah Hyun.
Coverage of Re:SET Day 1 and Day 2 can be found through these links. Day 1 featured an incredible performance by New York’s beloved LCD Soundsystem, while Day 2 welcomed the iconic girl band called Boygenius. Below is a gallery from Steve Lacy’s closing night—be sure to check it out!
On June 21, the new musical “Rock & Roll Man” opens at New World Stages in NYC. The musical celebrates the life of DJ Alan Freed, and features Tony Award-nominee Constantine Maroulis (who plays Freed) and Emmy Award-winner Joe Pantoliano.
“Rock & Roll Man,” which won the 2019 Broadway World Berkshires Awards for Best Musical, is concerned with the foundation of rock. As such, its original score by Gary Kupper (known from “Freckleface Strawberry The Musical”) features genre hits, including “Rock & Roll Music,” “I Put A Spell On You,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Lucille,” “Peggy Sue,” “Jim Dandy,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Yakety Yak,” “Maybellene,” “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Tutti Frutti,” “Good Golly,” and others.
The story itself takes place in a fever dream on the last day of Alan Freed’s life within a fantasy courtroom with prosecutor J. Edgar Hoover and defense attorney Little Richard. The two debate, with Freed’s legacy on trial.
Alan Freed himself was vital in bringing rock to the world and the popularization of Black artists like Chuck Berry and Little Richard. Freed played their music, produced concerts, and found audiences. He helped to unite audiences, regardless of race, and bring them together for their love of music.
The book for “Rock & Roll Man” is by Gary Kupper, Larry Marshak (editor of “Night Beat Magazine” and “Rock Magazine”) and Rose Caiola (known from “Freckleface Strawberry The Musical”). The musical has been directed by Randal Myler (known from “It Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues”), and choreographed by Stephanie Klemons (Associate Choreographer and Global Dance Supervisor of “Hamilton”).
Members of the cast include Bob Ari as J. Edgar Hoover (“Bells Are Ringing”), Rodrick Covington as Little Richard (“Once On This Island” Broadway revival), Valisia LeKae as LaVern Baker (Grammy and Tony Award nominee for “Motown the Musical”), Joe Barbara (“Grease!” on Broadway), Jamonté (“Hairspray” tour), Andy Christopher (“The Baker’s Wife” Off-Broadway), Natalie Kaye Clater (“Dreamgirls”), Lawrence Dandridge (“Ain’t Too Proud” national tour), AJ Davis (“Dreamgirls” tour), Autumn Guzzardi (“Rock of Ages”), Anna Hertel, Matthew S. Morgan (Vegas and national tours of “The Lion King”), Chase Peacock (“American Idiot” on Broadway), Dominque Scott (“Rock of Ages” Tour), Bronwyn Tarboton (“Frozen” on Broadway) and Eric B. Turner (with latest single “Ain’t No Good”).
Tickets to “Rock & Roll Man” are on sale on Telecharge.com or by calling (800) 447-7400. Group sales, which is for groups of 10 or more, are available through Broadway Inbound or by calling (866) 302-0995.
New World Stages box office hours are Monday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m..
Summer is finally here, and so then, so is the 2023 CGI Rochester International Jazz Fest. Downtown Rochester once again will be transformed from a small city music scene punching above it’s weight to a live music mecca worthy of inclusion in the lyrics of “Dancing in the Streets.”
With myriad choices each night for nine straight nights it’s enough to make you dizzy, so let NYS Music help guide your way. It’s the 20th edition of the Rochester International Jazz Fest so here are 20 must-see artists for 2023.
1. Nellie McKay
Friday June 23 at The Little Theatre, 7pm & 9:15pm
A singer/songwriter that brings the full package, a true one-of-a-kind talent. Prepare to be captivated and entertained to the nth degree.
Others to check out on Friday June 23: Okan, iGNiTE Reggae Band, Eldorado Slim, Tom Guarna Trio
2. Albino Mbie
Saturday, June 24 at Montage Music Hall, 6pm & 10pm
Berklee-trained Mozambican guitarist melds worlds while staying true to his roots.
3. Samara Joy
Saturday, June 24 at Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 9pm
Fast-rising buzz-worthy vocalist returns to the jazz fest for the second straight year. Kilbourn Hall will give more fest-goers a chance to get in to see her but this will still be a tough packed house to get into. Next year headlining Kodak Hall?
4. Bill Frisell Trio
Saturday, June 24 at Theater at Innovation Square, 6:30pm & 8:30pm
We’ll never not recommend seeing this guitar wizard and his incredible trio with Rudy Royston and Thomas Morgan, or in any format he brings. Coming back for his tenth visit, and for the first time appearing in consecutive years, this still earns a top pick. Don’t hesitate to go for both sets either!
5. Big Lazy
Saturday, June 24 at The Little Theatre, 7pm & 9:15pm Sunday, June 25 at Wilder Room, 6pm & 10pm
A big hit at last year’s Rochester Jazz fest, their noir-ish soundtracks will put you in a time and a place while also delighting your ears aplenty.
6. St. Paul and the Broken Bones
Saturday, June 24 at City of Rochester East Avenue and Chestnut Street Stage, 9pm
And yet another festival returnee to fill our your Saturday, there’ll be dancing in the streets when this soulful Alabama eight-piece takes the stage playing selections from their new album, Angels in Science Fiction.
Others to check out on Saturday June 24: Eldorado Slim, Oddgeir Berg Trio, Joel Frahm Trio
7. Omara Portuendo
Sunday, June 25 at Kodak Hall, 4pm
Legendary Cuban singer and dancer, she has reached a wider international audience from her involvement with the extremely popular Buena Vista Social Club project. Should be a stirring early afternoon set in Kodak Hall.
8. Nduduzo Makhathini
Sunday, June 25 at Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 9pm
South African pianist comes in hot off the heels of his superb 2022 release, “In the Spirit of the Ntu,” one of the best jazz albums of last year.
9. Kenny Werner & Gregoire Maret
Sunday, June 25 at Temple Theater, 7pm & 9:15pm
A tribute to harmonica legend Toots Thielemans by harmonica legend Gregoire Maret with Thielemans longtime pianist Kenny Werner, sign us up!
10. Peter Johnstone & Tommy Smith
Sunday, June 25 at Hatch Recital Hall, 5:45pm & 7:45pm
Fellow Scots return to the fest for some out-of-this-world saxophone/piano duets in the beautiful, acoustically magnificent and intimate Hatch Hall.
https://youtu.be/jNjCKdFjVo8
Others to check out on Sunday June 25: Corner House, Big Lazy
11. Victoria Victoria with Charlie Hunter
Monday, June 26 at Montage Music Hall, 6p & 10pm
Hunter has been to the festival a number of times, always in something completely different and always in something fantastic. Grouped with Victoria Victoria, aka singer/songwriter Tori Elliott, we expect more of the same.
12. NYChillharmonic
Monday, June 26 at Theater at Innovation Square, 6:30p & 8:30pm
Another returning artist that wowed the 2022 jazz fest crowds, this large ensemble group from, you guessed it, NYC, is a tough-to-describe knockout.
13. Olli Hirvonen Group
Monday, June 26 at Christ Church, 7:30pm & 9:30pm
Finnish-born Brooklyn-based guitarist fuses jazz and rock and experimental sounds for a sound that oozes the “it’s not who you know it’s who you don’t know” festival ethos.
Others to check out on Monday, June 26: Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet, ESM Jazz Ensemble Celebrating Chick Corea
14. Glen David Andrews
Tuesday, June 27 at Montage Music Hall, 6pm & 10pm Wednesday, June 28 at Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, 8:30p & 10pm
Someone has to get the New Orleans party started at this festival and let it be this trombonist and vocalist, all the way from… New Orleans, fancy that! Get to these sets if you want to work up a sweat.
Others to check out on Tuesday, June 27: Miss Tess, Tia Fuller Quintet, Doc Robinson, Christian Sands
15. Christian Sands Trio
Wednesday, June 28 at Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 9pm
An inventive Grammy-winning pianist and his trio put their own stamp on the traditional jazz trio format. You can also check him out solo the night before. Better yet do both!
16. Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers
Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, 9pm
You can see this legendary pianist and songwriter, who has continued to evolve, remaining fresh and relevant over multiple decades, for free. That’s just the way it is.
Others to check out on Wednesday June 28: Diego Figueiredo & Ken Peplowski, Tia Fuller Quintet, Twisted Pine, Ralph Alessi Group, Glen David Andrews
17. Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Loueke
Thursday, June 29 at Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 9pm
Gretchen Parlato’s voice and Lionel Loueke’s guitar go together like peanut butter and chocolate and their new album, “Lean In,” is in the running for jazz album of the year in our opinion.
18. Joe Beard Band
Thursday, June 29 at Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, 7pm
You could see this blues legend nearly any week of the year, but you probably don’t. Here’s a chance to see him on the big stage with a full band. Support your local treasure.
19. Mark Guiliana Quartet
Thurday, June 29 at Christ Church, 7:30pm & 9:30pm
Supreme drummer, who has visited the festival as a member of various other groups, returns with his quartet to present music from their killer new album, “Mischief.” And maybe we’ll be lucky and also see him sit in with his wife, Gretchen Parlato.
Others to check out Thursday, June 29: Diego Figueiredo & Ken Peplowski
Others to check out Friday, June 30: Joey Alexander Trio
20. Jontavious Willis
Saturday, July 1 at The Little Theatre, 7pm & 9:15pm
This young blues man from Georgia straight up just has “it,” plain and simple. See for yourself.
Others to check out Saturday, July 1: Harold Danko, Eddie 9V
Make sure you add these to your personalized schedule using the new and improved 2023 Rochester International Jazz Fest app and we’ll see you out there on Jazz Street!
Early jam band group God Street Wine announced they will perform two benefit concerts, supporting MS4MS (Mission Stadiums for Multiple Sclerosis). The shows take place Sept. 30 at Cutting Room in NYC, and Oct. 1 at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock.
Formed in 1988, by Lo Faber, Aaron Maxwell, Dan Pifer, Jon Bevo, and Tom Osander, God Street Wine played a prominent role in the early jam band scene alongside fellow New Yorkers Blues Traveler and Spin Doctors. They released five albums and performed more than 1,000 shows across the United States in their first decade together. The band performed alongside The Allman Brothers, Bruce Hornsby, The Black Crowes, and more.
In 1999 the band split up after playing a three-night farewell engagement at the Wetlands Preserve in NYC. Selected performances from these final shows were compiled into the posthumous live album Good To the Last Drop. A decade later they reunited and performed four concerts in NYC benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Spread across the globe, the group collaborated to release their 2019 album This Fine Town. Now the original fivesome will reunite yet again with two shows to benefit MS4MS (Mission Stadiums for Multiple Sclerosis).
Michael Weiss, God Street Wine’s long-time man of many hats, poker buddy, and friend, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2004 and is a patient ambassador and advisory board member with MS4MS. Mission Stadiums for Multiple Sclerosis (MS4MS) is a sports and entertainment-focused non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness of MS at events and venues, while raising funds directly for families impacted and for the advancement of research at the Johns Hopkins MS Research Center in hopes of finding a cure.
To purchase tickets for the Sept. 30 show at Cutting Edge, visit here, and to purchase tickets for the Oct. 1 show at Levon Helm Studios, visit here.
The Who had bid farewell to fans in 1982 after nearly 20 years together as a band, and after seven years had passed, it was time for a music industry tradition – the Reunion Tour. And where else to warm up for a major comeback tour than with a show at Glens Falls Civic Center, on June 21, 1989
Returning to the stage after seven years was no simple feat. Personalities and egos had clashed, drug use became endemic within the band, and members were itching to quit. Guitarist Pete Townshend had fallen into a depression, wanted to do more than play the hits on the road, leading him to eventually quit the band in 1983. Bassist John Entwistle nearly quit as well, but he hoped to stay on the road. Singer/guitarist Roger Daltrey shed some light on this time period, telling Record Collector,
I think Pete knew he’d made a mistake around 1980. He was going downhill with substance abuse and all that kind of stuff. And I decided at the beginning of that (1982) tour to pull the plug on the band and for it to be our last, because I was really frightened at the time of finding him dead on the bathroom floor, or dead in bed in the hotel room. It was one of those situations. I thought the only way to stop this is to come off the road. It was a difficult decision, but I felt it was the only way forward. We’d gone backwards.
Roger Daltrey, on The Who breaking up in 1982
Coinciding with their 25th Anniversary Tour, the 1989 The Who tour was also the 20th anniversary of the rock opera Tommy. On March 24th, Townshend, Daltrey and Entwistle appeared together at a press conference at Radio City Music Hall to announce they would once again tour as The Who that summer. Townshend, who had announced in 1987 he suffered from tinnitus, told the press that he still experiences hearing problems, garnering a laugh, saying “we will play very, very quietly.”
Skip ahead to June, and The Who were bound for Upstate New York, to perform a warm up show for the tour at Glens Falls Civic Center on June 21, 1989. The Kids Are Alright Tour: 1964-1989 kicked off with a career overview of their work and an unusual connection of songs that led the shows to lasting nearly three and a half hours at some venues. With a variety of songs from across a quarter century, including a great deal of new ones from Townshend’s Iron Man soundtrack (released earlier that year), some songs would be cut from the show, making this performance in Glens Falls full of rarities and popular tracks, side-by-side. Audiences in New York and Los Angeles featured full-scale presentations of Tommy.
The first half of the show featured a great deal of songs from Tommy, including an extended “Overture” which was uplinked to the BBC to be broadcast live in England, as well as aired locally, and uninterrupted, on WTEN in Albany.
Beyond Tommy songs, a fair amount of Townshend’s solo work appeared in the show, including “I Won’t Run Anymore,” “All Shall Be Well” and “A Friend Is a Friend” from Iron Man, a rarity “Trick of the Light” that had not been played since 1979, “A Little Is Enough” and “Give Blood.” Townshend would play acoustic guitar during Tommy and his solo songs, then switched to electric guitar for the second act.
The solo Entwistle song, “Too Late the Hero” stands out as well, in addition to covers of “Hey Joe” (The Leaves), “Summertime Blues” (Eddie Cochran), “Love Hurts” (The Everly Brothers) and a show stopping “Twist and Shout.”
Joining Daltrey, Townshend and Entwistle was Simon Philips on drums, filling the void left by the untimely passing of Keith Moon in 1978. The Who also brought in a large number of musicians to accompany them for each performance, including Steve ‘Boltz’ Bolton (Guitar), John Bundrick (Piano, Keyboards), Chyna (Backing Vocals), Simon Clarke (Brass Section), Simon Gardner (Brass Section), Jody Linscott (Percussion), Roddy Lorimer (Brass Section), Billy Nicholls (Backing Vocals), Tim Saunders (Brass Section), Neil Sidwell (Brass Section) and Cleveland Watkiss (Backing Vocals). When asked why such a large number of musicians, Townshend replied on Good Morning America, “The more musicians you have, the quieter you can play. It’s a bit difficult to make a big sound with an electric guitar unless it’s quite loud. I’m paying the price now for playing too much loud guitar.”
While their record breaking performance in Buffalo in 1982 with The Clash was a sign fans were still hungry for punk in all its forms (godfathers optional), The Who of 1989 were looking for something a bit more dialed back. Speaking to David Gates of Newsweek, Townshend said, remarking on what audiences expect of The Who at this point of their career.
They expect us to be present. We’re just supposed to be there. It’s not that it’s unimportened what we play or how we play, but it’s importent that we’re present and that we want to be present. You don’t invite people to celebrate your work and then look like you don’t want to be at the party.
Pete Townshend
Fans of The Who were certainly enjoying this first chance to see a band that had bid farewell seven years prior. Daltrey, at age 45, still swung his microphone on its cord like it was a lasso, and Townshend (44), continued to leap in the air on cue, in addition to his trademark guitar windmill, which was now adorning t-shirts for sale at the show. Newsweek would say the night was “a hell of a show for the money.”
The Kids Are Alright Tour: 1964-1989 would first be seen in Glens Falls, but the official start was in Toronto on June 23 and 24, the city where the band played their final show in 1982.
Rehearsal Setlist: Sister Disco, You Better You Bet, Who Are You, Baba O’Riley, Behind Blue Eyes, Won’t Get Fooled Again, Hey Joe
Setlist: Overture, 1921, Amazing Journey, Sparks, The Acid Queen, Pinball Wizard, Do You Think It’s Alright, Fiddle About, I’m Free, Tommy’s Holiday Camp, We’re Not Gonna Take It, I Won’t Run Any More, All Shall Be Well, A Friend Is A Friend, I Can’t Explain, Substitute, I Can See For Miles, Trick Of The Light, Boris The Spider, Hey Joe, Who Are You, Naked Eye, Summertime Blues, Too Much Of Anything, Baba O’Riley, My Generation, A Little Is Enough, 5.15, Love Reign O’er Me, Love Hurts, Too Late The Hero, My Wife, Sister Disco, Give Blood, Join Together, You Better You Bet, Behind Blue Eyes, Won’t Get Fooled Again
Encore: Pictures Of Lily, Twist And Shout
Watch videos and recordings from June 21, 1989 at Glens Falls Civic Center below.
