The drill scene seemingly emerged from out of the gutter. Many will trace its roots back to Chicago – but for those who know – New York drill remains unparalleled. One small but mighty artist – Lola Brooke reps Brooklyn and continues to flood the airwaves with her boisterous bass-filled voice. Much like MC Lyte – she needs a roughneck.
Marcy Projects to be Specific
Reigning from Bedford Stuyvesant – the home of Biggie and Jay-Z – this artist remains unapologetically herself. Her name combines tomboy Space Jam character Lola Bunny with the place that gave her the flavor – Brooklyn. Seeing a Kriss Kross video at her grandmother’s house in Birmingham, AL at age eight sealed the deal. Rapper or bust.
Certainly, Lola experienced her share of turmoil en route to the limelight. Often times, she maximized her abilities by going straight to the studio after working her regular job. Eventually, her mom took notice of the work being put in and provided the security for her to quit her job and pursue a career in music full time. Lola earned her mother’s faith through consistent work, and experimentation with her craft. Today – her song, “Don’t Play With It” serves as the drill anthem for all of NYC.
Standing 4’9″, Lola likes to play up her petite pedigree. Cameramen capture her best angles and do not feel pressured to make her look tall. Rather, she embraces the juxtaposition between her fun-sized physical appearance and her larger than life persona. Hearing the inflection in her bass-filled voice would never lead one to imagine her miniature stature.
Breaking An Artist
The amazing part about her hit single, “Don’t Play With It” revolves around the fact that it took nearly two years to go viral. A major turning point for the trajectory of her career emerged when she performed the song on “From the Block.” All of the traction that the song garnered worked wonders for both the From the Block platform, Producer Dizzy Banko and Lola Brooke. Wins all across the board.
Lola’s voice booms with timbre and takes the listener by surprise. Thus, her tunes and tones carry seductive, masculine and argumentative vibrations. While completing her song process, LB tends to pace about the space, repeat a catchy phrase and let the energy marinade. Therefore, by the time she gets to the studio it is an absolutely explosive type K.O. moment.
Timbo Collabo
It seems as if the city of Brooklyn is synonymous with the Timberland boot. From “Stomping a b*tch out in her Timbo’s” to creating a customized shoe – Lola continues to climb. Seeing her musical aspirations materialize allows her to feel understood. Is it better to be lucky or good? Either way, for Lola – it is less important to be seen than it is to be understood.
Recognition, spiritual fruition and a whole lot more than “100 Bands” currently surround Lola Brooke, who told Gothamist, “When you wake up in the morning and you know you still look good without knowing how you look — that’s what I want my music to give off. Supreme confidence.”
Colombian singer-songwriter Mónica Giraldo announced a four show tour with performances in Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington DC. The tour will stop at the Lincoln Center on June 15.
Giraldo has been nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best New Artist. She also received two Billboard Awards as a singer-songwriter. She has six recorded works, including albums such as Muy Cerca (Very Close), Todo da Vueltas (Everything Turns), and Que Venga la Vida (Let Life Come).
With past concerts in the United States, Mexico, France, Japan, and other countries, Mónica Giraldo is an experienced world traveler. She also worked as an architect at CBT Architects in Boston as well as at other leading architecture firms in Spain and Colombia. Furthermore, Giraldo is an Ambassador of the Berklee College of Music in Colombia. Additionally, she has collaborated with Totó La Momposina and Mafalda Veiga, among other artists.
Governors Ball kicked off the 2023 edition on Friday, June 9th, showing off their new digs in the sprawling in Flushing Meadows Park. After many years on Randall’s Island, and a brief stint in the parking lot of Citi Field, Governors Ball made the long anticipated move to the famed Queens park. Nestled amongst the giant trees and iconic landmarks, the festival feels right at home in the World’s Borough. The Canadian wildfire smoke cleared out entirely for the day, letting perfect weather shine for most of the day.
Lizzo, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
On the GovballNYC stage, Saba set the tone with his early afternoon performance. He got the crowd going with hits like “Ziplock” and “Photosynthesis.” Over at the GoPuff stage, Tai Verdes kept it cool with “A-O-K” to get the crowd ready for Brooklyn’s own Joey Bada$$. Joey went through songs across his entire discography and made sure to let his hometown crowd feel his energy. Joey made a tribute to XXXTENTACION by performing their song “infinity (888).”
Joey Bada$$, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
The GoPuff stage did not disappoint with later sets from Ice Spice, Metro Boomin, and Lil Uzi Vert. Ice Spice drew one of the biggest crowds of the day, and took the house down with her viral songs “Much” and “In Ha Mood.” Metro Boomin’ followed up Ice Spice’s performance with an intricate DJ set. Rain started to pour but that didn’t stop the fans from screaming every word, bar for bar, during Metro’s performance. Over on the Bacardi stage, the brief rain shower made for an even raunchier set than normal from pop icon Kim Petras.
Kim Petras, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
Lil Uzi Vert closed out the night with a bang. Interacting with fans throughout the set, he even announced that the highly anticipated “Pink Tape” will drop at the end of the month. Uzi went through the hits, brought out Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely and ended the night with their latest hit “Just Wanna Rock.”
Lil Uzi Vert, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Meanwhile, over on the GovBallNYC stage, Lizzo dominated the stage with her larger than lifer performance. Flanked by a sea of dancers, backup vocalists, a killer live band, and several outfit changes, Lizzo’s powerful voice reverberated through Flushing Meadows.
Lizzo, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
Day 2 gets going today, with sets from Finneas, Snail Mail, Rina Sawayama, Lil Baby, and Odesza. Stay tuned for our Saturday recap tomorrow morning.
The 2023 edition of Robert DeNiro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff’s Tribeca Festival (formerly Tribeca Film Festival) began this past Wednesday, June 7th.
This event that highlights films, games, television, and music kicked off with the premiere of Kiss The Future, directed by Nenad Cicin-Sain, with producers: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Sarah Anthony.
Tribeca Festival 2023 received a record-high of 12,000 submissions, ultimately narrowing it down to 109 feature films, 76 shorts, and over 20 interactive experiences and games.
After viewing all that the festival has to offer, here are a few that you should check out during the remainder of the Festival:
Dustin Guy Defa | June 13, 14, 16 at SVA Theatre & Village East
The plan to make a trip back home as short as possible begins to unravel as Eric finds himself balancing the challenging relationship with his two sisters and his addiction to a local poker game.
This film features eccentric performances from 3 actors that deliver moments of familial humor tied with touching earnestness.
When Ray discovers that his wife is cheating on him, he decides he’s going to kill himself. His plans suddenly change when a stranger mistakes him for a low-rent hitman.
This film features two exceptional performances from leads John Magaro and Steve Zahn, along with a solid directorial debut.
Peter Nicks | June 11, 13, 14 at Spring Studios & Village East
What would the national anthem sound like if it was based on American music and not the melody of an old British tune? The film follows composer and pianist Kris Bowers and producer Dahi across the country.
This powerful and relevant documentary highlights the national anthem, whilst traveling to learn more about what America actually sounds like.
James Gallagher | June 10, 11, 16 at Spring Studios & Village East
The documentary introduces the artist, showman, and robe-clad raconteur Marc Rebillet as he embarks on one of the first live music tours after COVID-19 lockdown.
This documentary highlights a musician’s ambitious tour right off the heels of the pandemic in an inspiring pursuit of musical greatness.
After the Premiere: A musical Q&A with Marc Rebillet.
Krystal Tingle | June 10, 13, 17 at AMC East 6 & Village East
Brehanna Daniels, the first Black woman pit crew member and tire changer in NASCAR, works her way back from injury to participate in the Daytona 500, the biggest race in the sport.
In this fascinating and frenetic look behind the scenes of a NASCAR pit crew member, highlighting a new generation in the athletic field.
Kyle Vorbach, John Horan | June 14, 17, 18 at AMC East 6 & Village East
Two will-they-won’t-they friends are just enjoying a simple New Year’s Eve— until a man from the future bursts in, telling them the fate of the universe rests in their hands!
This short features great special effects and is a lot of fun in a small package.
Steven Soderbergh | June 11 – 8:00 PM at OKX Theater
Full Circle is a limited series about an investigation into a botched kidnapping that uncovers long-held secrets connecting multiple characters and cultures in present day New York City.
After the Screening: A conversation with director and executive producer Steven Soderbergh, executive producer Casey Silver, and cast.
Inspired by NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s experiences, Swagger explores the world of youth basketball, and the players, their families and coaches who walk the fine line between dreams and ambition, and opportunism and corruption. Off the court, the show reveals what it’s like to grow up in America.
After the Screening: A conversation with creator and executive producer Reggie Rock Bythewood and cast.
Barret O’Brien, Mark Duplass | June 12, 14 at Village East & AMC East 6
It’s been 6 months since that disastrous night in the motel and these two guys (Mark Duplass and Barret O’Brien) are nowhere near over it.
This is a very intriguing series that poses many questions within the first few minutes of episode on and continues on an interesting path throughout the full length.
Run, pass, and dribble as eight year old Julián in this slice of life game all about football. Explore the streets and parks of Quito, set against the backdrop of Ecuador’s first qualifying run for the World Cup in 2001.
This is an incredibly charming and quirky game that is a joy to play and roam around, soccer ball at your feet.
Isaias Junior, Marcus Penna, Ana Ribeiro, Rômulo Silva
This VR game is the newest entry in the Pixel Ripped series that sees Dot once again fight against the evil Cyblin Lord, who has a nefarious plan to hack into the game creator’s past and to make himself the protagonist.
If you’ve never experienced Virtual Reality, this is a great chance to check it out and jump into the game within the game.
This interactive VR experience focuses on the four immortal children of the recently passed creator god, Bathala and their all-powerful actions that create ripples throughout the universe.
It was a great journey exploring the Philippine mythology that inspired it and the rich character narrative. The experience’s booth also featured models of the characters from the short.
LaRoy Red Carpet Premiere at Tribeca, June 8th 2023, Photograph by Parker Alexander
The New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA) has awarded Troy Savings Bank Music Hall a $3.4 million grant. The venue, which is located on 2nd Street in Downtown Troy, received the money to support renovations that aim to make the building more accessible and preserve its historical elements.
Most of the money from the grant will go towards the renovation of the first floor of the venue. The Troy Savings Bank was commissioned in 1875 with the first level originally designed to be used for banking and businesses, while the top level was composed of a music hall. The new renovations look to transform the first floor, which has been vacant since 2012, into a vibrant multi-purpose space. The goal is to create an affordable and accessible place for musical and cultural education.
“We have long hoped and planned to make improvements and offer more programming and a broader spectrum of experiences to our community. This grant sets us on the path toward accomplishing our dream”
Jon Elbaum, Executive Director of the Music Hall
The new “Music Hub” will feature a community space, classrooms, a community board room, a recording studio, and rehearsal rooms. The money from the grant is a small part of a massive funding plan constructed by the NYSCA. There are 19 projects across the state that will divide up the $90 million plan.
Initially, Governor Nelson Rockefeller created NYSCA back in 1960. The goal of the organization is to preserve and advance the arts and culture of New York. The Music Hall’s renovation is a piece of NYSCA’s “Large Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Cultures” program. The project looks to support institutions and organizations that are “undertaking impactful, large-scale capital improvements”.
Artwork by Kelly Garrett
“Capital projects for the arts are an investment in our communities, our health, and our prosperity for decades to come. On behalf of the Council and staff, I congratulate Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on its vision and dedication to serving the residents and visitors of New York and we look forward to seeing all that will flourish from this initiative,” NYSCA Chair Katherine Nicholls said.
Once the updates finish, the building looks to serve as a year-round venue. The Musical Hall celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025. Throughout the years it has established itself as a historical and cultural pillar in and around Albany.
Here you can find more information on the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
Nestled amongst the backdrop of the Catskill mountains, just an hour outside Albany, Foothills Performing Arts Center (PAC) is a non-profit entertainment and civic center that serves the cultural, educational, and community needs of the Otsego, Delaware, and Chenango tri-county region.
Centered in the eclectic university community in Oneonta, Foothills PAC originally opened in 2005 and has become the region’s go-to venue for live entertainment for both national and local acts such as Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Gordon Lightfoot, Bernie Williams, Rusted Root, Tanya Tucker, John Michael Montgomery, Joe Diffie, and Thompson Square.
Wilber Wright Atrium
Foothills consists of multiple venues on its property, from its grand two story Wilber Wright Atrium, perfect for weddings and large events, to its Bettiol Theatre for smaller productions. The center also offers two smaller production spaces, The Loft and The Production Center.
As part of Foothill’s community engagement initiative, Foothills is also home to the Oneonta Farmers Market, providing the local community with fresh, home grown produce and artisanal crafts.
The Loft Performance Space
Recently appointed Executive Director Geoff Doyle has spent the better part of the last two years investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into renovations for Foothills, as part of his initiative to turn Foothills into a more diverse and utilized space for the local community. When Foothill’s closed at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Doyle took that time to write grants and to fundraise. Having found themselves with an empty building, as well as a surplus of funding from grants and generous donations, the Foothills Board used that time and those resources to finally do the work that had needed to be done for many years.
Bettiol Theatre
Taking both comments and critiques from the local community, renovations have included updated lighting and sound equipment for productions, to infrastructure improvements of the performance spaces.
We’ve become more than an arts center over the years. People donate blood here. They vote here. They attend weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, conferences, speaking engagements, fundraising events and so much more. We’ve been partners with SUNY Oneonta’s Music Industry program for a decade now, providing internships for many students in that time, and even hiring recent grads.
Geoff Doyle, Executive Director
Foothills Performing Arts Center is also home to Black Hole Studios, a fully equipped recording studio local artists can book for recording, mixing and mastering. With a top-ten Music Industry program located just down the street at SUNY Oneonta, the addition of Black Hole Studios has allowed student artists to have yet another resource to utilize their art.
Atrium Entrance
Upcoming events include this fall’s “Foothill’s Fringe Festival”. The brainchild of newest board member, Allie Church, Foothills Fringe takes inspiration from similar festivals around the world, and will be the centers newest annual event. Taking place over two days this September, Foothill’s Fringe will offer plays, film screenings, musical productions, stand-up comedy and more. With over 30 acts already booked, Fringe Festival is sure to draw in hundreds of spectators, artisans, and vendors.
In celebration of Pride Month, Foothills will also be hosting an 18+ Alice In Wonderland themed “Pride Prom” in collaboration with the Otsego Pride Alliance. The Prom, taking place June 30th, will feature dancing, face painting, specialty cocktails, prizes, fashion, and drag performances by local drag artists.
For more information, or to book an event space, please visit Foothills Performing Arts Center’s website.
Music Haven 2023 in Central Park in Schenectady announced its summer lineup, kicking off its 33 season of “traveling the world one concert at a time.”
Music Haven 2023 will take listeners 50,000 miles and back while presenting music and performing arts from Ghana, Andalusia, Ireland, Texas, Gambia, Louisiana, South Asia, Georgia, Stratford-upon-Avon, and beyond. “This summer, our musical journeys will cross seven distinct bodies of water—The Atlantic and Indian Oceans; the Alboran, Black, Mediterranean, and Arabian Seas; and the Bay of Bengal” says Eddie Award-winning Producing Artistic Director Mona Golub. “We’ll gather to hear spectacular global artists who have not played these parts before, welcome back some old friends who have dazzled the world since they last graced our stage, and showcase, as special guests, some of the finest talents our region has to offer.”
Each show features a variety of food and beverages available for purchase at all shows beginning at 6 p.m. on 7 p.m. concert nights and throughout festivals and special events. Michele’s Charcoal Pit and Ben & Jerry’s return with food and dessert available for purchase. Reflecting tradition, international offerings showcasing the locales from which the global artists come will be sold at the concession stand. Proctors is the official rain site for concerts on July 9 – July 23 and Aug. 20, with Niskayuna High School serving as the rain site July 30–Aug. 13. Shows scheduled on Aug. 11, 25, and 26, will take place in the park rain or shine. All concerts start at 7 p.m. unless noted otherwise.
Music Haven 2023 Lineup
July 9—Rocky Dawuni
**moved to Proctors.
Groove to the rhythms of Ghanaian multi-Grammy-nominated “Afro Roots,” a mixture of Reggae, Afrobeat, Highlife, and Soul music, artist Rocky Dawuni. An international star and champion of social causes, Dawuni straddles Africa, the Caribbean Islands, and the United States, and is a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa. Opening for him is Zorkie Nelson and Umoja Drummers, thumping out beats on authentic handmade instruments.
July 13—La Banda Morisca
La Banda Morisca, an Andalusian sextet, pays homage to their ancient Al-Andalus cultural heritage while rocking it forward with rich sonic accents from North Africa’s Maghreb Desert and the Middle East. Opening for them is Maria Zemantauski, a master of the Flamenco guitar.
July 16—Joey Alexander
Returning for the first time since 2015, Joey Alexander has appeared at some of the world’s most prestigious festivals and events, wowing audiences with his proficient mastery of the piano. Opening is Joe Barna and Sketches of Influence who similarly appraise jazz with one eye on the past and the other on the future.
Joey Alexander.
July 22 from 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.—NipperFest Music & Arts Festival
Celebrating all things 518, the festival features 16 bands on two stages, including Billboard AAA Top 40 artists Jocelyn and Chris, an artist pavilion, food trucks, and craft beer.
July 23—Sona Jobarteh
Gambian singer, educator, and activist Sona Jobarteh is the first professional female Kora virtuoso to hail from any of the great West African Griot dynasties. She will mesmerize listeners with her distinctively modern riff on an ancient African groove. Opening for her is Heard.
Sona Jobarteh.
July 30 from 5-9 p.m.—Blues BBQ featuring Vanessa Collier, Johnny Sansone, and Jontavious Willis
July concludes with Music Haven’s annual Blues BBQ featuring Blues Music Award’s reigning Contemporary Female Blues Artist, Vanessa Collier, New Orleans multi-instrumentalist Johnny Sansone and Taj Mahal protégé Jontavious Willis.
Aug. 5—Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra
August kicks off with the newly renamed Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra. Under the baton of Artistic Director Glen Cortese, the SSSO returns with “Legends of Broadway,” selections from beloved musicals including West Side Story, Les Miserables, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more.
Aug. 6—Eileen Ivers
The original star of “Riverdance,” a founding member of Cherish the Ladies, and a nine-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, Eileen Ivers has played with Sting, The Chieftains, and Symphony Orchestras alike and has been called “The Future of the Celtic fiddle.” Opening for her are The McKrells, blending Celtic and bluegrass to create a sound enjoyed around the world.
Aug. 11 from 5-9 p.m.—In the Heights
Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for creating the hit musical Hamilton is celebrated with a Latin Block Party featuring live music by Taina Asili and Latin food, followed by a screening of the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights.
Aug. 13—Aditya Prakash Ensemble
The Aditya Prakash Ensemble fuses South Asian Karnatik vocals with jazz and funk. One of the youngest musicians to ever perform with sitar legend Ravi Shankar, Prakash is a master of South Indian Karnatik singing. Opening is the SUNY Schenectady Jazz Faculty Combo, comprised of the region’s most talented players and educators.
Aug. 20—Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole
Cedric Watson is a four-time Grammy-nominated fiddler, singer, accordionist, and songwriter, and one of the brightest young talents to emerge in Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco over the last decade. Opening are Old-Fashioned Aces who will wow audiences with their deeply-rooted traditional Cajun sounds.
Aug. 25–26—Will Kempe’s Players
The Capital Region’s own traveling Shakespearean troupe Will Kempe’s Players, closes the 2023 season with back-to-back repertory performances of the Bard’s The Taming of the Shrew and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Period music by Andy Rutherford on lute and Yvonne Hansbrough on flute.
For more information about Music Haven 2023, visit here.
2023 marks EMPAC’s (Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)15th year of commissions, artist residencies, and public programs at the Center for Arts and Technology. The renowned institute commissions resident artists to create ambitious works, bridging artistic disciplines and the realms of art and technology. From September to December, the curatorial team and resident artists present a diverse program including exhibitions, concerts, dance, film, and talks.
This year, EMPAC’s pioneering 220,000 sq. ft. building, offering artists access to state-of-the-art technology, marks its 15th anniversary. Pre-dating the 2008 opening, this year marks fifteen years of uniting artists, researchers, and audiences to push boundaries at EMPAC. Additionally, for the first time in over a decade, EMPAC turns its concert hall, stages, and studios into a series of exhibition spaces for Shifting Center (October 2023). Finally, EMPAC announces the appointment of Katherine C.M. Adams as Assistant Curator.
Exhibitions
Salon Mondialité(September 22) is Miho Hatori’s artistic exploration of memory, identity, and colonization, influenced by philosopher Edouard Glissant’s ideas. Presented as an experimental talk-show, the work blends sound stories, composed and improvised music, and guest performances within a video installation.
Hatori, a Japanese-born vocalist and electronic musician based in NYC, gained fame in the 1990s with Cibo Matto. Most recently, she released her album Between Isekai and Slice of Life. She recorded music as New Optimism and Miss Information, and collaborated on the first Gorillaz album and Beastie Boys’ songs. She has performed at Kitchen NYC, AGO museum, The Broad, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Art, Pioneer Works, Canal 47, and other venues.
Evidence of Labor: State of the Kitchen (September 29) is an EMPAC-commissioned dance work by artists Michelle Ellsworthand Satchel Spencerthat considers different forms of labor. The work features three dancers interacting with wooden kitchens and a choreographic Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) on stage. It aims to replicate ChatGPT’s labor, delving into the ethics of outsourcing writing and meaning-making. It serves as a Reverse Turing Test, an After-AI (AA) prototype, and a metaphorical birth canal. Inspired by a water slide accident in the 80s involving two boys, the work focuses on what T.S. Elliot described as “birth and copulation and death.” It goes on to premiere at the Chocolate Factory in Long Island City in November.
Plasmatic Music (October 6) is a concert in two parts, with pieces by the late iconoclastic Romanian-French composer Horațiu Rădulescu. Rădulescu, a “spectral music” pioneer, creates unexpected, provocative, and visceral experiences through the exploration of sound’s volatility and mysticism. The program features performer/composers Sam Dunscombe (clarinet and electronics), James Rushford(organ), and Rebecca Lane(flute).
This concert is presented in collaboration with Blank Forms, a NYC-based organization. Blank Forms supports emerging and significant artists across disciplines, rooted in traditions of experimental and creative music. While Rădulescu’s music is rarely performed in the U.S., the composer enjoys a dedicated following within the experimental music scene.
Elemental View (October 24) is a work in six movements by composer Ellen Fullman for her Long String Instrument and The Living Earth Show.The instrument installation, consisting of 136 precisely tuned and configured strings, maximizes EMPAC’s Concert Hall acoustics. It envelops the space in a shimmering atmosphere, immersing the audience in its expansive and resonant sound. This performance continues The Living Earth Show’s multi-season residency at EMPAC.
TLES, an electroacoustic duo, stretches technical and artistic boundaries while amplifying excluded voices, perspectives, and bodies in classical music. The organization employs experimental and contemporary chamber music as tools to highlight BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists. It enables the realization of their ambitious musical visions and promotes work that reflects and responds to our world.
The Shifting Center exhibition, spanning offsite (October 28-29) and onsite (November 3-18), represents the culmination of EMPAC’s multi-year curatorial project. Focused on architecture, acoustics, and the politics of sound, it opens to the public in Fall.
The exhibition commences with artist Beatriz Cortez’s monumental sculpture, Ilopango, the Volcano that Left (October 28-29). The sculpture embarks on a captivating journey up the Hudson River to EMPAC, accompanied by late October foliage, aboard an open-air boat. The volcano sculpture sets sail at the end of Cortez’s exhibition at Storm King Art Center and makes stops along the Hudson in Kingston and Troy. Visitors are able to get on board to view the artwork, to arrive at EMPAC before Shifting Center’sopening day event (November 3).
Cortez’s sculpture, presented in partnership with Storm King and the Vera List Center for Art and Politics at The New School, captures our focus. It prompts contemplation of the enduring geological and ecological consequences of a previous eruption. Cortez describes “the volcano that left” as an act of migration and considers what it would mean for it to return.
EMPAC’s fall 2023 season also includes public tours, screenings, and conversations with future artists in residence. This includes composers/performers Jesse Marino and Antonia McIntosh-Barnett;choreographer Alexis Blake; and artist and preeminent scholar on disability studies Petra Kuppers.The season closes with a film screening In Pursuit: Short Films curated by EMPAC’s newly appointed assistant curator Katherine Adams. The series of short films centers on forms of furtive mobility–chase, exilic evasion, urgent travel, and outlawed movement–such as Miko Revereza’s Distancing.
Katherine C.M. Adams
EMPAC announces that Katherine C.M. Adams has been appointed to the role of Assistant Curator. Adams is a curator and writer working with artists across moving image, performance, and the visual arts to realize projects spanning commissions, exhibitions, and event-based programs. Before EMPAC, she curated and wrote independently while studying at Bard College’s Center for Curatorial Studies and earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Yale University. She has curated programs and events at the KW Institute for Contemporary Art (Berlin), Hessel Museum of Art (New York), Miriam Gallery (New York), and other venues.
At EMPAC, Katherine Adams will lead and support curatorial projects across the time-based arts. She is supporting the curatorial team of Shifting Center. Upcoming projects include a Spring 2024 collaboration with filmmaker Shen Xin, a screening of Miko Revereza’s work, and a conversation with choreographer Alexis Blake. Adams will also initiate talks, screenings, podcasts, and publications, and build out other aspects of EMPAC’s programming.
Ticketing and event info will be available at empac.rpi.edu in August. More details and event info for the Shifting Center exhibition to be released in summer 2023. Additionally, learn more about Katherine Adams and her appointment here.
On May 31st, Hayley Kiyoko took over Irving Plaza in the heart of NYC, igniting a firestorm of excitement and pure musical magic. This show was incredible and energetic as she played Irving Plaza for the second day in a row on “The Panorama Tour”; delivering one breathtaking performance after another.
To make the night even more unforgettable, the incredibly talented Allison Ponthier opened her the night, adding an extra layer of brilliance to an already sensational evening. With Irving Plaza’s intimate setting, the energy in the room was palpable as fans eagerly awaited a night they knew would leave a lasting impact on their hearts and souls.
Allison Ponthier, the mesmerizing singer-songwriter hailing from Texas, has been making waves in the music scene with her unique sound and captivating storytelling. In a serendipitous turn of events, Ponthier’s journey took a remarkable leap forward when she shared her heartfelt song “Harshest Critic” on social media platforms, catching the attention of listeners around the world. Her raw vulnerability and haunting melodies struck a chord with audiences, leading to a growing fanbase and critical acclaim.
With her debut EP Faking My Own Death released in 2021, Ponthier showcased her introspective lyrics and ethereal vocals, solidifying her place as an artist to watch. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the human condition, Allison Ponthier’s evocative music resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of those who listen.
Allison Ponthier Setlist: Autopilot, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hardcore, Crash Test Dummy, Cowboy, Faking My Own Death, I Lied, Character Development
Hayley Kiyoko, the charismatic 28-year-old artist hailing from California, has been making waves in the music industry with her unwavering talent and unapologetic authenticity. In an unanticipated but welcomed turn of events, Kiyoko’s journey took a remarkable pivot from acting when she released her breakthrough single “Girls Like Girls” in 2015. The empowering anthem not only resonated deeply with audiences but also caught the attention of major influencers in the industry.
Garnering a devoted following, Kiyoko continued to captivate hearts with her distinct sound and emphasis on sharing queer stories. With each subsequent release, including her debut album Expectations in 2018, Kiyoko solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with. Embracing her role as an LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, she fearlessly uses her platform to champion self-acceptance and love. Hayley Kiyoko’s undeniable talent, combined with her unwavering dedication to authentic expression, has firmly established her as a rising star, destined to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.
Kiyoko’s electrifying performance left the audience in a state of pure euphoria. From the moment she took the stage and launched into the opening chords of “Found My Friends,” the crowd was swept up in a whirlwind of energy and emotion. Kiyoko’s magnetic presence and infectious enthusiasm had everyone dancing and singing along, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration.
In a surprise moment, Kiyoko treated the crowd to a nostalgic rendition of “Determinate,” a throwback to her performance as a main character in the Disney Channel Original Movie, Lemonade Mouth, which had the entire audience belting out the chorus. As a dedicated fan named Jennifer was called out, Kiyoko dedicated a heartfelt rendition of “Pretty Girl” to her, further solidifying the connection she has with her dedicated fanbase.
As the familiar notes of “Girls Like Girls” rang out, the energy reached its peak, with the crowd erupting in a chorus of voices, an amazing start to Pride month, and affirming Kiyoko’s impact as an LGBTQ+ icon. The introspective and empowering “Gravel to Tempo” followed, further solidifying Kiyoko’s message of self-acceptance and authenticity.
The night drew to a close with the poignant “Well…” and the empowering anthem “For the Girls,” leaving the audience with a sense of empowerment and unity. However, the crowd’s fervent cheers and applause brought Kiyoko back for an unforgettable encore, culminating in the breathtaking “Panorama.” As the final notes echoed through the venue, there was a collective understanding that this was a performance that would be etched in their memories forever.
Hayley Kiyoko’s show at Irving Plaza was a masterclass in connecting with an audience and creating an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and celebration.
In terms of upcoming shows, “The Panorama Tour” has come to a close, but updates for any future Hayley Kiyoko shows can be found on socials, and her website. The same goes for Allison Ponthier, and you can find her socials and website linked here.
Hayley Kiyoko Setlist: found my friends, luna, sugar at the bottom, What I Need, underground, deep in the woods, Greenlight, flicker start, Curious, Determinate [Lemonade Mouth song], Pretty Girl (Dedicated to Jennifer, fan from crowd), forever, Sleepover, demons, Girls Like Girls, Gravel to Tempo, Hungry Heart [Steve Aoki, Galantis feat. Hayley Kiyoko], well…, for the girls, panorama
The BMI Jazz Composers Workshop will present its work during the 34th Annual Summer Showcase at 7:30 p.m. on June 20 at Symphony Space on Broadway in Manhattan. The 17-piece modern repertory ensemble BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra will perform eight compositions that were developed in the previous workshop. This event is free and open to the public.
Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI) is a leader in music rights management, representing the public performance rights in over 20.6 million musical works. It helps negotiate music license agreements, distributing royalty fees to associated writers and publishers. While originally based in blues, jazz, country, and American roots music, BMI now serves all genres.
BMI is thrilled to present the Jazz Composers Workshop Summer Showcase once again alongside our incredible directors Andy and Alan. Every year we look forward to coming together to hear the remarkable works that are composed throughout the year and to award the Charlie Parker Prize to another deserving composer.
Patrick Cook, BMI’s Senior Director, Jazz & Musical Theatre
Returning for his 7th year to lead the program is Musical Director Andy Farber, working alongside Associate Musical Director Alan Ferber, a three-time Grammy-nominee. Farber has written arrangements for artists such as Shirley Horn and Jon Hendricks, as well as symphony orchestras including the Boston Pops Orchestra. He currently teaches jazz composition and arranging at the Julliard School.
During the event, the BMI Foundation will award the 24th Annual Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize, given to the writer of the best work from this year’s workshop as determined by three judges. In addition to the prize, the winning composer will also receive the Manny Albam Commission to create a new piece for the 2024 showcase.
