NYS Music 2023

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  • Declan McKenna Travels Across Seas for a Buffalo Show 

    Alternative/indie star Declan McKenna made a stop at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo for The Big Return tour May 31. This was an early start to the English artist’s venture around North America. 

    Declan McKenna buffalo
    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    European natives the Oracle Sisters opened up the show with their alternative roots and light-hearted energy on stage. The group is composed of Lewis Lazar, Christopher Willatt, and Julia Johansen. Their use of bright instrumentation matched with a simplistic elegance make for a captivating stage performance. 

    Declan McKenna buffalo
    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Declan instantly swooned the crowd with his stage presence from his silk robe to his black shades. He exudes this rockstar attitude while creating that safe space for young indie kids. Declan opened up the night with his hit off of his 2020 album Zeros, “Beautiful Faces.” 

    Declan McKenna buffalo
    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The young musician came back to his roots by playing songs off of his first album What Do You Think About the Car?. Some of which include, “Paracetamol” and “Listen to Your Friends.” Nothing got the crowd more hyped up though until Declan performed his record breaking single, “Brazil” which looks to critique FIFA and their shady practices. 

    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Declan McKenna Attacks the System

    The English singer/songwriter is no stranger to making music that hyper-analyzes the systems put in place to disenfranchise the less fortunate. Another popular single that does just that is “British Bombs” which Declan played in his encore. This song exudes the frustration that the artist feels towards the British government’s lack of care towards civilian deaths that they cause. He examines the hypocrisy of them while creating a strong crescendo to exude his anger. When closing the night in Buffalo with this the whole crowd was seen jumping and screaming alongside Declan.   

    Stay up to date with shows coming to the Town Ballroom this Summer. Big Wreck performs June 16 and Joseph will be there June 17. Get tickets here. 

    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Setlist: Beautiful Faces, Rapture, You Better Believe!!!, Paracetamol, Listen to Your Friends, Why Do You Feel So Down, Emily, My House, Make Me Your Queen, The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home, Eventually Darling, Twice Your Size, The Key to Life on Earth, Brazil, Isombard

    Encore: All Things Must Pass ( George Harrison cover), British Bombs 

    Photos by Maddie McCafferty

    Oracle Sisters
    Oracle Sisters
    Oracle Sisters
    Oracle Sisters
    Oracle Sisters

  • Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts Brings Back Tuesdays@theAC

    The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts (ALCA) announced the return of Tuesdays@theAC, a concert and community-events series. It features a lineup of Adirondacks-based or connected performers on weekday evenings.

    The series begins this month with two concerts: the locally based group Moment’s Notice on June 20, and The Musty Cupboards on June 27. Both concerts begin at 7 p.m., with a recommended donation of $10 at the door.

    Moment’s Notice is a Tri-Lakes-based, four-piece group featuring veteran musicians Karen Baker, Mike Joyce, Dan Spada, and Sadie Spada. Furthermore, the group covers a wide range of genres including jazz, latin, blues, rock and more.

    Acoustic quartet the Musty Cupboards performs bluegrass and classic folk. The group features Evan Behre on mandolin, banjo, dobro, guitar, and vocals; Becky Behre on accordion and vocals; Eric Schwelling on guitar and vocals; and lastly, Michelle Schwelling on guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and vocals.

    The June concerts will also be followed in August by three more events: a hammered-dulcimer program and community dance with Dan Duggan and the group High on the Hog on Aug. 15; Americana music with Barry Oreck and friends on Aug. 22; and folk music with local favorites the Rustic Riders on Aug. 29.

    The Tuesdays@theAC series takes place on select Tuesday evenings throughout the summer, celebrating the diversity and talent of the region. Additionally, the events are offered on a donation-only basis, providing entertainment at an affordable price for local residents, summer residents, and campers looking for a fun night out in the middle of the week.

    For more information on all Arts Center programming, visit adirondackarts.org.

  • Catch Dogs In A Pile at 3 NY Festivals This Summer and Fall

    Dogs In A Pile, a rising funk, jazz, rock, and psychedelia fusion quintet, has announced their Fall 2023 tour dates, bringing their total sound to three music festivals in NY this summer and fall.

    Dogs In A Pile in San Diego, CA. Credit: Dogs In A Pile Instagram / @dogsinapileband

    Hailing from Ashbury Park, NJ, the band began when guitarist Jimmy Law, a student of the Philadelphia University of the Arts, and drummer Joe Babick, a student of the Count Basie Theater program, began to play together.

    They were joined by Berklee School of Music student and bass player Sam Lucid, who recommended Berklee student and keyboard player Jeremy Kaplan. The final addition to Dogs In A Pile came in 2019 with Berklee student and guitarist Brian Murray.

    Their latest work is their studio album “Bloom,” featuring nine tracks by the band. It can be found on Spotify alongside the band’s other works.

    The band has credited a string of local shows with their quick rise in popularity, leading to their tours in the summer and fall. Keeping with the theme, Dogs In A Pile calls their fanbase the Dog Pound.

    Concert Dates

    June 7 – Madame Lous – Seattle, WA

    June 8 – Jack London – Portland, OR

    June 9 – Domino Room – Bend, OR

    June 10 – Hogfarm Hideaway – Laytonville, CA

    June 15 – Weiser River Fest – Weiser, ID

    June 17 – Northlands Festival – Swanzey, NH

    June 23 – Beardfest – Hammonton, NJ

    June 24 – Back Home Festival – New Martinsville, WV

    June 25 – Electric Forest – Rothbury, MI

    June 30 – Peach Music Festival – Scranton, PA

    July 14 – Gambler’s Run Festival – Lake Tahoe, CA

    July 21 – Gathering at Chaffee’s – Girard, PA

    July 28 – Rye Bread Music Festival – Schaghticoke, NY

    July 29 – Weekend at Bertha’s – Wilmington, DE

    Aug. 5 – Flood City Music Festival – Johnstown, PA

    Aug. 11 – Catskill Mountain Jubilee – East Durham, NY

    Aug. 12 – Jam Packed – Richmond, VA

    Aug. 19 – Oxbow Music Festival – Morrisville, VT

    Sept. 7 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL

    Sept. 9 – Basement East – Nashville, TN

    Sept. 10 – Cohab Space – High Point, NC

    Sept. 27 – The Summit – Columbus, OH

    Sept. 28 – Magic Bag – Ferndale, MI

    Sept. 29 – Mr. Smalls – Pittsburgh, PA

    Oct. 6 – NY Harvest Festival – Trumansburg, NY

    Oct. 7 – The Sinclair – Boston, MA

    Oct. 8 – Ramble Music Festival – Darlington, MD

    Oct. 12 – Elevation 27 – Virginia Beach, VA

    Sept. 7 – 5 Points Music Sanctuary – Roanoke, VA

    Sept. 8 – Pour House – Raleigh, NC

    Pre-sale will begin June 7, and tickets will go on sale June 9 for their Fall tour dates. More information on both the band and tickets can be found on their website.

  • Pink Talking Fish Celebrate 10 Year Anniversary With East Coast Fall Tour and “This Must be the Cirque”

    Pink Talking Fish is hitting the ground running this summer as they celebrate their 10 year anniversary with over twenty shows, three of which will be performed on various stages across New York State.

    The Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act spent the first half of 2023 honoring multiple album and concert anniversary’s for the three bands they admire most: Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish. They celebrated Pink Floyd’s staple album “Dark Side Of The Moon” in light of its 50th anniversary by playing it through each night they performed. In addition to that specific album, they included Talking Heads’ “Stop Making Sense” in homage of the 40 years that have passed since the Talking Heads’ concert film that took fans by storm in 1984.

    Throughout this summer and into the fall, however, the band will be commemorating their own success and longevity through concerts, festivals, and other events. To kick off the summer of celebration and music, Pink Talking Fish will play a Dead & Company afterparty in Saratoga Springs where they will sprinkle in songs by Grateful Dead throughout their own setlist. Other highlights include a Southeast run, a Halloween Weekend “Island Tour” in Rhode Island/Long Island, and a stacked festival season that includes performances in New Jersey, West Virginia, Ohio, Vermont, Kentucky, and Indiana.

    The band doesn’t plan to stop there as they will be spending the 4th of July weekend giving their fans another high-energy, holiday weekend of music in New England. On July 1st, Pink Talking Fish will return to Portsmouth, NH on the outdoor stage of Cisco Brewers then continue forward by bringing the act back to Cape Cod for a two-night run at The Wellfleet Beachcomber.

    To fully celebrate the completion of a 10 year run, the band will perform a special anniversary show in their hometown of Boston, Massachusetts at The Paradise. These are only a few of the events that Pink Talking Fish is looking forward to as they commemorate a decade of creating dream setlists and performing the music of three diverse and, to many, iconic bands in a new and fresh way.

    Also announced is the Saturday, October 14th event “Pink Talking Fish Presents: The Must be the Cirque,” at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

    This Must Be The Cirque, the follow-up to 2018’s critically-acclaimed Junta Circus transforms The Cap into a magical circus voyage set to the soundtrack of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish. PTF is teaming up with cirque troupe Modern Gypsies who has worked with Phish, String Cheese Incident and more to enhance the live music experience. Tickets available here

    Pink Talking Fish Anniversary Tour

    June 17 – Saratoga Springs NY at Putnam Place – Dead & Company AfterParty

    June 23 – Hammonton NJ at Beardfest

    June 24 – New Martinsville WV at Back Home Festival

    June 25 – Morrisville NJ at The Homestead

    July 1 – Portsmouth NH at Cisco Brewers

    July 2 – Wellfleet MA at The Beachcomber

    July 3 – Wellfleet MA at The Beachcomber

    July 7 – Manchester VT at Dead Of Summer Music Festival

    July 14 – Cabot VT at Jerry Jam

    July 21 – Garrettsville OH at Gratefulfest

    August 12 – Crown Point IN at Rockopelli Music Fest

    August 25 – Longmont CO at Wibby Brewing

    September 8 – Syracuse NY at The Westcott Theater

    September 9 – Bedminster NJ at Fiddlefest

    September 16 – Morrisville VT at Keep On Growing Festival

    September 22 – Plymouth NH at The Flying Monkey

    September 23 – Boston MA at Paradise Rock Club – 10 Year Anniversary Celebration

    October 4 – Washington DC at Pearl Street Warehouse

    October 5 – Waynesboro VA at Basic City

    October 6 – Raleigh NC at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard

    October 7 – Charleston SC at The Pour House

    October 8 – Asheville NC at Salvage Station

    October 14 – This Must Be the Cirque, Port Chester, NY at The Capitol Theatre

    October 27 – East Greenwich RI at The Greenwich Odeum

    October 28 – Port Washington NY at Landmark On Main

  • In Focus: Memorial Meltdown 2023

    Twiddle and Frends returned to the Charles R. Woods Park in Lake George for the 2023 edition of Memorial Meltdown for the unofficial start to summer and kickoff of a huge music festival and summer concert series season across New York State.

    photo by Derek Java

    Also on this year’s lineup were Twiddle, Dogs in a Pile, TAUK, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Mihali and Frends, One Time Weekend, and Annie in The Water. The two-day event as always included a wide variety of craft and food vendors, a short walk from the shores of Lake George.

    Memorial Meltdown bookends the summer at Charles R. Wood festival commons, with the Labor Day weekend Adirondack Independence Music Festival. The two fests have grown to nearly the same size, following Meltdown, meaning this September’s ADK Fest will have even more in store that is not to be missed!

    photo by Derek Java

    Visit Mirth Films for a full recap, videos, interviews and much more from the Memorial Day weekend in Lake George.

    Check out photo galleries from Conor McMahon and Derek Java below.

  • New York City’s Quarters of Change Announce US Tour For The Fall

    Quarters of Change, an alternative rock band based in New York City, has just announced a headline tour spanning the US. The group will kick off their twenty-city trek in Virginia Beach on September 14th and will come to a close in NYC in December.

    The band is no stranger to the title of headliner as earlier this year, Quarters of Change wrapped their first-ever US headline run, The Deluxe Tour. The inaugural event was largely sold-out and featured the group in historic venues including Los Angeles, CA’s The Roxy Theater, and New York’s Irving Plaza.  

    Last year, Quarters of Change unveiled a deluxe edition of their debut studio album Into The Rift. Originally released in July of 2022, Into The Rift introduced and solidified Quarters of Change as a standout quartet going beyond the typical conventions and traditional boundaries of genre to take the rock scene by storm. Into The Rift (Deluxe) boasts three new songs, including “To Let Go,” “T Love – Extended,” and “Blue Copper.” 

    Through the release and re-release of their first album along with shoutouts from celebrity fans such as Joe Jonas, Fred Durst, and Lewis Capaldi, Quarters of Change have worked their way not only into the limelight but into a second headline tour. The band is expected to announce plans for new music in the coming weeks, but until then fans can look forward to the upcoming performances.

    The Quarters of Change Show

    September 14 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27

    September 16 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern

    September 18 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird

    September 19 – Columbus, OH – A&R Music Bar

    September 21 – Ann Arbor, MI – Blind Pig

    September 22 – Milwaukee, WI – XRay Arcade

    September 23 – Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s 

    September 24 – Lawrence, KS – Bottleneck

    September 26 – Dallas, TX – Club Dada

    September 27 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall 

    September 28 – Austin, TX – Antones

    September 30 – Orlando, FL – The Social

    October 01 – Tampa, FL – Crowbar

    October 03 – Columbia, SC – New Brookland Tavern

    October 04 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theater

    October 06 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theater

    October 08 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar

    October 13 – Asbury Park, NJ – House of Independents 

    October 14 – Hamden, CT – Space Ballroom

    December 09 – New York, NY – Webster Hall

  • Sons of Venus Release Psychedelic Rock LP “Crisis to Crisis”  

    NYC’s Sons of Venus have just released their latest LP Crisis to Crisis on June 8th, a fuse of classic psychedelic and jam band. Musically, the release is hypnotic and immersive, almost like meditation, but has roaring guitars and electronic-type sound design.

    Sons of Venus Release Psychedelic Rock LP "Crisis to Crisis"  

    While previous albums have mostly been fully improvised in one way or another, this new release was written and recorded remotely with drums and bass recorded last, an approach which is different from what bands usually do. The album is a spiritual reflection on us as humans and forces us to ask the question why we constantly end up in one world crisis after another.  

    Sons of Venus is made up of guitarist John Sully, drummer Ruslan Baimurzin and bassist Igor Reznik. The three musicians share a chemistry that allow them to improvise instantaneously on almost all complete compositions. Drawing on many influences such as cinema, theater, psychology, and sociology, they found themselves spontaneously experimenting with musical styles like prog, punk, elektro, blues and funk. 

    “It’s the good sound, the mix of psych and funk”

    -Audio Antihero Records 

    Crisis to Crisis is the third Sons of Venus album. As with their first and second albums, the recording followed specific parameters. For example, their first self-titled record was composed by editing improvised recordings, then learning the parts to be performed and recorded live in a state-of-the-art studio.  

    Sons of Venus Release Psychedelic Rock LP "Crisis to Crisis"  

    Their second record, Adventures in Caution, was fully improvised and recorded on a single portable stereo recorder. The album was recorded first by Sully, who tracked all the vocals, guitars and keyboards in his home, after which he sent the tracks to Baimurzin and Reznik for overdubbing. 

    Sons of Venus Release Psychedelic Rock LP "Crisis to Crisis"  

    Songs like “Living in Blood,” “World on Fire,” and “Dead Languages” are a precarious ride through a doom and gloom landscape. This album is not just simply music for the casual listener. It’s an all or nothing hero’s journey that draws you in like a hypnotist while leading you to the slaughter. Like Hunter S. Thompson said, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.” 

    To listen to Crisis to Crisis, click the link here. 

    For more music by Sons of Venus, click the link here. 

  • Roam Out of Your Comfort Zone – A Rome Streetz Profile

    Not all those who wander are lost. If you’re wondering, Rome Streetz travels far into well-versed pockets of the universe, never one to remain stagnant. His nomadic nature has landed him within several sectors of New York City and London. Nowadays, his rhymes are beginning to land him on concert flyers. Is Jerome in the house?

    Nah. Jerome is out and about. At a young age his family sprung Rome into action. Moving back overseas and embodying change might have been his biggest blessing.The T-Mobile Sidekick LX inspired the rhyme writing at an early age but it wasn’t until he ended up back in London did the rhymes start to resonate. It’s almost like you don’t get love until you leave your hometown?

    On the verge of a European record deal, Rome’s family moved him back to NY. It is impossible to name an exact region of NY where Rome roamed as he inhabited nearly every borough and bounced throughout every block in his lifetime. Alas, he has resided in Queens, Long Island, Brooklyn – say what you wish – this man is one of the most raw NY lyricists in the game today.

    Rome Streetz goes from Mud to Moet

    Rome Streetz emerged via DatPiff circa 2011. His mixtape, “Vagabond” earned a Coast to Coast Mixtapes title belt. At this moment, he began to align himself so that the chips would fall in his favor. As a result, Coast to Coast promoted the tape which sent his bars swirling within countless underground hip-hop circles. Unfortunately, Rome could not stake an ownership claim on any of the beats. Although this victory did not come with a paycheck – it symbolized the fall of the first domino for this lucrative Griselda Records Artist.

    Fast forward to the present moment, Rome Streetz cannot miss. His tangential progression showcased a project per quarter last year which normally indicates an artist on a tear. 

    Creativity Breeds Consumption

    Many artists harbor and labor over their projects as perfectionists. To each their own – those who consistently drop projects receive more placements, engagements and impressions.

    Rome Streetz exists as a flaneur – an ambivalent figure of affluence with the ability to wonder; an acute observer of industrialized contemporary life (UGHH.) In other words, he has spent his time opening doors. Furthermore, when you think of Rome Streetz the word sonder comes to mind. Likewise, his rhyme patterns make you truly contemplate the fact that each and every passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. 

    Last November, Rome Streetz represented Griselda Records to the fullest as the headliner at the Crib in Providence, RI. Ramon Lazo better known as 1000words hosts shows for those that rose from the underground concrete. The sacrifices that Lazo [More than just a Polaroid Photographer] makes for the underground culture cannot be undermined – only appreciated.

    Warrior-like on a tape with Ransom – Rome sparred with an extraordinarily dense and picturesque emcee. His collaboration tape with DJ Muggs broadened reach to the West Coast. His verses on Westside Gunn’s eighth installment of Hitler Wears Hermes Side B (mixtape title is a play on Devil Wears Prada) were head and shoulders above other guests. 

    Capturing the Crown

    Subsequently, the independent blueprint is alive and well thanks to non-gatekeeping individuals like Westside Gunn. Rome Streetz’ Joyeria mixtape released via Daupe! Media and for heads who know – not everyone receives placement via that platform. We’ve noticed that he loves to use imagery and alliteration while delivering art and storytelling. Furthemore, Rome Streetz clearly showed he can get his mixtapes poppin’ on his own. What Westside Gunn did was recognize his ability and accelerate the rate by which he could represent his region.

    -Listen to Rome Streetz’ Griselda debut, Kiss the Ring–

    The likening of his music to that of addictive substances cannot be overlooked. Many of the recanted tales could not be told if they hadn’t been lived. Undoubtedly, Rome knows how to add the right amount of seasoning to infuse the track with the proper flavorful adrenaline. His imaginatively infectious bars increase intention and interaction. Therefore, a hyphy energetic approach coupled with stamps of approval and strong rapport seal the deal.

    Moreover, Streetz will continue to combine and intertwine laced rhymes for years to come. Especially with how the vinyl culture continues to flourish. Why sign to a major label when people are collecting CDs, cassettes and vinyls for $50 to $100 a pop?

  • JazzBuffalo Hosts Event To Celebrate The Work Of Phil DiRe

    JazzBuffalo is hosting a free event to commemorate the legendary jazz artist Phil DiRe on Sunday, June 25. The celebration will take place in Slee Hall at the University of Buffalo.

    Before passing in May 2021, DiRe wrote and composed a collection of original music titled Legacy. Attendees will receive a free copy of the project at the event. A concert with many of DiRe’s fellow musicians and friends will also take place. 

    The performing ensemble will be under the direction of George Caldwell, and will feature the likes of Tim Clarke, Preston Brown, Risk Strauss, Wendell Rivera, Nelson Rivera, Sabu Adeyola, and John Hasselbeck Jr.

     

    Jazz Musician Phil DiRe pays a gold tenor saxophone on stage.

    Throughout the years DiRe had the opportunity to share the stage with artists like Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Gerry Mulligan, and Dizzy Gillespie. Despite his success as a studio musician and as a member of the White House Jazz Quartet, DiRe was best known for the impact he had on others’ lives. 

    Phil DiRe was a pioneering force in Buffalo, founding the Buffalo Jazz Ensemble in the early 1970s. With the direction of DiRe, Buffalo was able to establish the non-profit Association for Jazz Performance. The organization looked to finance a series of concerts in parks, a cultural center, and a school in the city. Buffalo became one of the first cities in the nation to receive city, state, and federal funding for jazz performances. 

    Phil DiRe
    Phil DiRe performing before an audience at the steps of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in 1975

    Thanks to the contributions of DiRe, Buffalo has fostered some of the great jazz musicians over the years. The jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra, and artists Joe Ford and Sabu Adeyol all emerged in the city as a result of Buffalo’s commitment to the genre.

    As DiRe began to age, he moved down to Florida where he continued to play and enjoy music. Between performing at reunion shows and for his friends, Phil DiRe recorded Legacy while in Florida. 

    Tickets and information here.

  • Pleasantville Music Festival 2023 Features They Might Be Giants, Allman Betts Band

    Returning for its 17th year, the annual Pleasantville Music Festival has announced its lineup for the festival on Saturday, July 8, 2023. The main headliner for the event is They Might Be Giants, famous for “Birdhouse in Your Soul” and their version of “Istanbul (Not Constantinople).”

    Also known as “New York’s Backyard Jam,” the Pleasantville Music Festival is sponsored by Northwell Health. Beyond music, there is local food and drink, a beer and wine garden, and a “Kids Fun Zone.” The event is a zero-waste program and will be held in Parkway Field in Pleasantville, NY. Bands are split between the Main Stage, the Chill Tent Stage, and the Party Stage.

    Main Stage

    They Might Be Giants is headlining both the festival and the Main Stage, with the alternative rock band from Brooklyn performing for over 35 years. Allman Betts Band is also playing on the main stage, a legacy band of the Allman Brothers. Another performer for the Main Stage is Allison Ponthier, who fuses many different musical flavors into a blend of upbeat, soul-baring, pop songs.

    Other bands playing on the Main Stage include Blac Rabbit; Smooch with Matt Crossett; and Summer Fling, who is kicking off performances on the Main Stage. Summer Fling was also the winner of this year’s Battle of the Bands competition with the Pleasantville Music Festival.

    Chill Tent Stage

    Sophie B. Hawkins is the headliner for the Chill Tent Stage, known through her ’90s hits “Damn, Wish I Was Your Lover” and “As I Lay Me Down.” She is a Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling artist. Opening for the Chill Tent Stage is Ursula Hansberry, winner of the Chill Tent Battle of the Bands competition.

    The Chill Tent Stage will also feature Pete Francis; Dave Casale; Petey Hop; The Moonrise Cartel; and Brandi and the Alexanders.

    Party Stage

    Headlining the Party Stage is The Criticals, a rock band out of Nashville. Hunter Road is opening for the Party Stage, another Battle of the Bands winner. Other performers include: Strange Neighbors; Moonunitt; SunDub; and Social Creatures.

    For ticketing and more information on the 2023 event, please visit the Pleasantville Music Festival’s website.