NYS Music 2023

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  • Chelsea Music Festival Announces June Festival ‘Song For The Earth’

    The Chelsea Music Festival in NYC announced the return of its annual June festival, this year titled Songs For The Earth, running from June 24-29.

    The Chelsea Music Festival celebrates the creativity of one of New York City’s most dynamic neighborhoods and brings together world-renowned performers to celebrate great music. Since 2010, the festival has become a critically acclaimed, accessible, and interactive gateway to chamber music in non-traditional concert spaces like art galleries, churches, and more. The 2023 festival theme is Songs For The Earth, focusing on honoring and drawing attention to the changing needs of our planet.

    Iranian-Canadian composer and pianist Iman Habibi joins the festival as the Composer-in-Residence. Habibi is the co-founder of the piano duo ensemble Piano Pinnacle with his wife and pianist Deborah Grimmet and is a 2022 laureate of the Azrieli Music Prize and a recipient of dozens of international music awards. Tying in with the theme of helping the planet, Habibi’s work and values as an artist are shaped by his care for the natural world. Festival Co-Artistic Director and conductor Ken-David Masur performed Habibi’s work “Jeder Baum spricht” with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, translated as “every tree speaks,” a line by Beethoven.

    This year’s festival has events ranging from chamber music, art song, jazz, and daytime outreach will foster ecological awareness and focus on the earth as our shared home. This season, the festival partners with a number of environmentally-focused culinary partners including Growing Uptown, an organization that teaches communities to grow their own food and promote food security.

    Chelsea Music Festival 2023 Lineup

    June 24- Opening Weekend

    11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.- Taking place at the Genesis House is a performance by the Asaran Earth Trio and Festival Talks with Visual Artist-in-Residence MaDora Frey and composer Nicky Sohn alongside Artistic Directors Melinda Lee Masur & Ken-David Masur.

    7:30-9:30 p.m.- The performance this night is titled Dear Earth, Dear Friend, featuring music that spans the centuries including composers such as Franz Schubert, Amy Beach, and Edvard Grieg, alongside New York Premiere Performances of works written by Nicky Sohn and David Evans, as well as solo piano works by Olivier Messaien, Louis-Charles Daquin, Edward Macdowell, a trio by Edvard Grieg, and music by Composer-in-Residence Iman Habibi.

    Genesis House.

    June 25

    1:30-3 p.m.- Back at the Genesis House, there are performances by gamin, violinist Tomotaka Seki, and violist Ayako Tahara.

    3-4 p.m.- The Verona Quartet, described by The New York Times as an “outstanding ensemble…cohesive yet full of temperament,” appear at the Chelsea Music Festival.

    6:30-8:30 p.m.- Performances by cellist Angela Lee, violinists Lisa Lee & Jocelyn Zhu.

    Verona Quartet.

    June 26

    7:30-9:30 p.m.- In Rite of Healing, the Veron Quartet performs Reena Esmail’s breathtaking quartet from their new album SHATTER alongside quartets by Korean-born American composer Texu Kim and Beethoven. The performance takes place at the General Theological Seminary.

    June 27

    12-1 p.m.- The Asaran Earth Trio, an all-female multinational group of virtuosic musicians and educators who perform folk songs from around the globe as well as original compositions, return.

    5:30-7 p.m.- The Stay Grounded Planting Workshop & Happy Hour features performer Rogério Boccato on percussion with all natural materials and group, as well as artwork displays.

    7:30-9:30 p.m.- The concert of the night is Beloved of the Sky, featuring soprano Sonya Headlam and Festival Strings performing works by Dvorak, Holst, Florence Price, and World Premieres by Iman Habibi and Sung Jin Hong with intermission reception.

    June 28

    5:30-7:30 p.m.- Dinner from 5:30-7:30 and a show immediately after. The Four Elements Concert features the tour de force quartet of the most sought-after percussionists including Rogério Boccato and Keito Ogawa collectively composing live on stage a four-part suite based on nature’s four elements (earth, water, fire, and air). Their music will be interspersed with readings from poems from around the world about each of the elements.

    June 29

    7:30-9 p.m.- Our Shared Home Festival Finale at St. Peter’s Chelsea, featuring works by Takashi Yoshimatsu, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Patricio Molina, Claude Debussy, and Gerald Finzi with a reception to follow.

    9-10:30 p.m.- Jazz Finale with Los Hermanos with Cuban pianist Aldo López Gavilán and violinist Ilmar Gavilan. Pre-concert reception included.

    For more information about the Chelsea Music Festival and to purchase tickets, visit here.

  • Run DMC, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, And More to Perform at Hip Hop 50 at Yankee Stadium

    The celebratory and legendary concert Hip Hop 50 has been announced for Aug. 11 at Yankee Stadium, celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop with some of the biggest names in the genre including Run DMC, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, and more.

    Hip Hop 50

    Hip Hop 50 is celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop right in the birthplace of the genre, the Bronx. EMMY Award-winner and BASSic Black Entertainment CEO Adam Blackstone, who was the musical director for the dynamic, star-studded halftime show at Super Bowl LVI, where he also performed bass guitar on stage, is serving as managing creative music director, along with partner, producer/keyboardist Omar Edwards (Musical Director for JAY-Z).

    The event is a part of Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop 50 initiative – a massive cross-platform initiative that celebrates Hip Hop’s anniversary in the most authentic and globally impactful way possible by acknowledging and recognizing Hip Hop as not only a genre but a movement that has impacted the worldwide community. Every facet of the Universe includes a charitable component connected to the Universal Hip Hop Museum.

    Aug 11th is Hip Hop’s 50th birthday! So…’Up in the Bronx’ where it all started we will be celebrating this historic moment in history! I am honored to pay tribute to the culture that allowed this little shy kid from Queens to grow up and become The Mighty King of Rock! Thank you Hip Hop!!!

    DMC

    The event includes many well-known artists from the five boroughs and rappers born outside of New York. Featured is Run DMC’s “Bottom of the Ninth…The Walk-Off” performance, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, a “Queens of Hip Hop” set featuring Eve, Lil Kim, Remy Ma, Trina, and more, as well as the beginning founders of rap like DJ Kool Herc, who was known for his turntablism that influenced early rap, and the Sugar Hill Gang. More artists are to be announced soon.

    Hip Hop 50, DJ Kool Herc.
    DJ Kool Herc, credit Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

    Hip Hop 50 live at Yankee Stadium tickets will become available beginning with presales on Thursday, June 8 at 10 a.m. EST until 10 p.m. EST before the general sale on Friday, June 9 at 10 a.m. EST. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.

  • Boys Like Girls Announce New Tour Stopping in NYC

    Iconic pop rock band Boys Like Girls have announced their North America “Speaking Our Language Tour,” presented by Emo Nite. The tour kicks of September 17 in North Carolina and will stop in New York City at the Hammerstein Ballroom on October 27.

    The 30-date run comes on heels of the release of “Blood and Sugar,” the band’s first new song since 2012. Direct support for the entire tour will be State Champs, while Four Year Strong, 3OH!3, LOLO, The Summer Set, The Ready Set, and Max Bemis will also offer support at different shows.

    Boys Like Girls released their self-titled debut album in 2006. They then topped the charts with their sophomore album Love Drunk. What followed was a slew of successful singles including “The Great Escape” and “Love Drunk.” They also released the Platinum-certified, BMI award-winning Hot 100 duet with Taylor Swift, “Two Is Better Than One”. The band further played sold-out shows, international tours, and unforgettable moments from Madison Square Garden to Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. However, by 2012 lead singer and song-writer Martin Johnson was beginning to feel the universe pulling him into a new arena.

    Collaboration was nothing new to Johnson, but for the first time he began writing and producing music not intended for his own band. What followed was another string of wild successes with hits from Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Blink-182, Avril Lavigne, and more. This, along with Johnson’s bandmates’ own successful musical endeavors, lead to a years-long hiatus for Boys Like Girls.

    In 2016 the band returned to the road for the 10th Anniversary tour of their debut record.  While fans across America were ecstatic for the reunion they’d been waiting for, internally it felt more like a farewell. “It was important to us to leave it all out there for the fans,” Johnson says.  “To really give them the ‘thank you’ they deserved.”  

    Boys Like Girls Reunite

    While Boys Like Girls played at the Las Vegas When We Were Young festival last year, they had not released new music in over 10 years prior to their recent single.

    The Boys Like Girls comeback already sparked excitement among fans and the general public. Prior to the announcement of their comeback song, the band posted a nostalgic post on TikTok, garnering over 500k views in under 24-hours, showcasing the enduring popularity and anticipation surrounding the band’s return.

    “Blood and Sugar” is just the beginning of what’s to come from Boys Like Girls. The band also confirmed that they have been working on new music and will be announcing more releases soon.

    More information on how to purchase tickets here.

    Boys Like Girls Tour Dates

    September

    17 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore+

    18 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl+

    19 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle+

    21 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore New Orleans+

    23 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution+

    24 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues Orlando+

    26 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater+

    27 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center+

    28 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory#

    30 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren%

    October

    1 —  Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium&

    2 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues Las Vegas&

    4 – San Diego, CA – SOMA%

    6 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic†

    8 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom†

    10 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom†

    11 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre†

    13 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot†

    14 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium†

    16 – Minneapolis, MN –The Fillmore Minneapolis†

    18 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee†

    19 –Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom@

    21 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues Cleveland@

    22 –Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit@

    23 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre@

    24 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY^

    26 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall Fenway†

    27 – New York, NY – Hammerstein Ballroom†

    30 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia†

    31 – Silver Springs, MD – The Fillmore Silver Springs†

    November

    1 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz†

    Keys for support:

    + – Four Years Strong and LOLO

    # –   Four Years Strong, LOLO, Max Bemis

    % – 3OH!3, LOLO

    & – 3OH!3, LOLO, The Ready Set

    † – The Summer Set, LOLO

    @ – The Summer Set, LOLO, Every Avenue

    ^The Summer Set, LOLO, SayWeCanFly

    Keys for support:

    + – Four Years Strong and LOLO

    # –   Four Years Strong, LOLO, Max Bemis

    % – 3OH!3, LOLO

    & – 3OH!3, LOLO, The Ready Set

    † – The Summer Set, LOLO

    @ – The Summer Set, LOLO, Every Avenue

    ^The Summer Set, LOLO, SayWeCanFly

  • Superbloom Release New Rock Single “Head First”

    Brooklyn’s alternative rock band Superbloom returns to the stage with their newest rock single “Head First.” Along with this release, the band is getting ready for their upcoming release Life’s A Blur, out on June 8th with an EP release show at Brooklyn Made on June 10th. 

    Feverish and raw, and with an instantly memorable punch, Brooklyn’s latest rock phenomenon is a group of four guys making the songs that they want to hear. That means searing, overdriven guitars and thrashing drums; heavy, hearty riffs full of fire and flavor; and impassioned, driving vocal melodies that get stuck in your head for weeks on end. 

    Behind the out-of-world sound is Dave Hoon (vocals/guitars), Tim Choate (guitars), Brian DiMeglio (bass) and Matteo Dix (drums). Having played in bands for their whole lives while pursuing full-time careers, they decided to form the infectious Superbloom in 2018. 

    With no room for bluffs or half-hearted attempts, Superbloom introduced themselves with 2020’s “Level Head,” followed the next year by their 12-track debut album Pollen. This release represents Superbloom’s early era of self-discovery. 

    Brooklyn’s alternative rock band Superbloom returns to the stage with their debuting new single “Head First.”

    Superbloom’s newest upcoming EP Life’s a Blur is music you can feel in your gut. A conscious progression from Pollen, its songs have a harder edge and an undeniable, ever-present weight. 

    Brooklyn’s alternative rock band Superbloom returns to the stage with their debuting new single “Head First.”

    They reach greater depths of sound through dynamic, varied songs and interludes that range from ethereal to manic, all while retaining those signature hooks, dreamy tones, and infectious bouncy rhythms that made their debut so irresistible. These new songs showcase an expansion into new sonic dimensions and dynamics as is evident on the new single “Head First.” 

    As a hard-hitting band with an unapologetic sound, Superbloom is a success story to never give up on your dreams, and they have a lot more in store as they step into a bold new era. “I’d be lying if I said we planned to throw away the playbook for the EP, but I’m glad we did, because everything cool and unfamiliar mushroomed from there — on and off stage,” Dave Hoon says. “Pollen is in the rearview and I’m hungry for what’s next.” 

    Tickets for the album release show are available here. 

    Listen to “Head First” by clicking the link here. 

    For more music by Superbloom, click the link here. 

  • Bard SummerScape Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary With Seven Week Event

    Bard SummerScape returns to the Hudson Valley this summer with seven weeks of live music, opera, music-theater, and more, in the Fisher Center and other venues on the Bard College campus. The event runs from June 23-Aug. 13, as both the Fisher Center and the SummerScape festival celebrate their 20th anniversaries this year. 

    bard music festival

    The SummerScape festival opens with the world premiere of Illinois, a new piece of music-theater from Grammy nominee Sufjan Stevens, Tony Award winner Justin Peck, and Pulitzer Prize laureate Jackie Sibblies Drury. The offering is based on Stevens’s beloved 2005 album of the same name.

    SummerScape also offers opera performances as part of the festival. This year the choice is Henri VIII , a grand opera by Camille Saint-Saëns, whose long and remarkable career helped shape the course of French music. 

    Bard plans to take advantage of its authentic Belgian Spiegeltent, which has enchanted guests since its introduction to the festival in 2006. The mirrored tent provides the perfect environment for enjoying cutting-edge live music and dancing on Fridays, Saturdays, and some Sundays throughout the festival. 

    On July 15, Bard is hosting a day-long 20th anniversary celebration at the Fisher Center for free. Local DJ Ali will bring her family-friendly Kinder Disco to the Spiegeltent. The event will feature interactive tours and a performance from the Latin Grammy-winners of all-female mariachi outfit Flor de Toloache. After hours, over-21s can dance the night away in the Spiegeltent with WKZE radio’s DJ MK ULTRA.

    The SummerScape festival concludes with a crossover performance from the “Bard Music Festival”. The event features “Vaughan Williams and Shakespeare: Sir John in Love” a semi-staged opera production by American director Alison Moritz. 

    Bard Summerscape Festival 2023

    June 23–July 2

    Music-theater: Illinois by Justin Peck, Sufjan Stevens and Jackie Sibblies Drury

    June 23–Aug 12

    Spiegeltent: live music and dancing

    July 15

    20th Anniversary Community Celebration (free)

    July 21–30

    Opera: Saint-Saëns’s Henri VIII (new production)

    Aug 4–6

    Bard Music Festival: Vaughan Williams and His World

    Weekend One: Victorians, Edwardians, and Moderns

    Aug 10–13

    Bard Music Festival: Vaughan Williams and His World

    Weekend Two: A New Elizabethan Age?

  • Cracker Summer Tour hits City Winery New York

    Cracker has been described as a lot of things over the years: alt-rock, Americana, insurgent-country, and have even had the terms punk and classic-rock thrown at them. But more than anything Cracker are survivors. Now on the road now for their 2023 Summer Tour, Cracker stopped at City Winery New York, on Saturday, June 3, featured two shows, the first of which was also livestreamed.

    The tour features many hits, fan favorites, and deep cuts from Cracker’s 31-year recording career, including material from their last acclaimed double album, Berkeley To Bakersfield  – their ode to both northern California’s edgier-rock scene and the country-western music that emanated from further down state.

    Cracker City Winery New York 06/03/23

    Co-founders David Lowery and Johnny Hickman have been at it for over three decades – amassing nine studio albums, multiple gold records, thousands of live performances, hit songs that are still in current radio rotation around the globe – “Low,” “Teen Angst (What The World Needs Now),” “Euro-Trash Girl” and “Get Off This,” to name just a few – and a worldwide fan base that despite the major sea-changes within the music industry continues to grow each year.

    Setlist (early show): Disneyland Jail, 1977, Been Around the World, Seven Days, The Good Life, Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now), 100 Flower Power Maximum, Someday, Hey Bret (You Know What Time It Is), El Cerrito, Get Off This, Dr. Bernice, Loser, Low, Another Song About the Rain, Euro-Trash Girl

    Setlist (late show): Poor Life Choices, Get on Down the Road, Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now), Show Me How This Thing Works, The World Is Mine, Time Machine, Sweet Thistle Pie, California Country Boy, Get Off This, Pictures of Matchstick Men, Ambiguity Song, Take the Skinheads Bowling, Take Me Down to the Infirmary, Low, Wedding Day, One Fine Day

    Watch exclusive video of “Low” from the livestream below.

    CRACKER SUMMER TOUR

    Sunday, June 4 – The World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA

    Friday, June 9 – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC

    Saturday, June 10 – Harborfest Norfolk VA

    Thursday, June 15 – Space, Evanston IL [Sold Out] 

    Friday, June 16 – Space, Evanston IL [Sold Out] 

    Saturday, June 17 – The Acorn Festival, Three Oaks, MI 

    Sunday, June 18 David Lowery Solo Acoustic – Bur Oak, Madison WI *

    Wednesday, June 21 David Lowery Solo Acoustic – Heavy Metal Shop, Salt Lake City, UT *

    Friday, June 23 – Live Oak Music Festival San Luis Obispo CA

    Saturday, June 24 – Hopmonk Cookout Concert Series, Novato, CA

    Sunday, June 25 – Hopmonk Cookout Concert Series, Novato, CA

    Thursday, June 29 – David Lowery Solo Acoustic – Lodge Room, Los Angeles, CA *

    Friday, June 30 – The Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach CA

    Saturday, July 1 – Pappy and Harriets, Pioneertown, CA

    Monday, July 3 Toad the Wet Sprocket and Cracker – Arvada Center, Arvada, CO

    Tuesday, July 4 – The Orpheum, Flagstaff, AZ

    Thursday, July 6 – TBA, New Mexico

    Wednesday, July 12 Spin Doctors and Cracker – Empire State Plaza at Capitol, Albany NY

    Thursday, July 13 – Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River MA 

    Friday, July 14 – Double E Performance Center, Essex Junction, VT 

    Saturday, July 15 – City Winery – Boston, MA

    Friday, July 21 – Riverfront Live Cincinnati, OH

    Saturday, July 22 – The Shed Concert Series 2023 at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, Maryville, TN

    Friday, July 28 – Windjammer, Isle of Palms. SC

    Sunday, August 13 – 3rd & Lindsley, Nashville, TN

    Saturday, August 19 – Brown’s Island, Richmond VA

  • Album Review: “Bridges” by Ilya Dynov

    New York-based jazz drummer Ilya Dynov released his debut album Bridges on April 16th, 2023. The album features Alex Norris on trumpet, Jihee Heo on piano, Lonnie Plaxico on bass, and Ilya Dynov on drums. Ilya Dynov reveals himself as an outstanding contender on the jazz scene. The album blends different jazz styles, balancing tradition and virtuosity with creative freedom. Thus, it showcases a mature harmony and expressive creativity.

    Bridges consists of Dynov’s all original compositions and features an array of world class talent out of New York. Alongside Dynov on drums are the legendary bassist Lonnie Plaxico, extraordinary trumpeter Alex Norris, and exceptional pianist Jihee Heo. Bridges comprises 9 tracks: four in a piano trio setting, three as a quartet with trumpet, and two flavorful drum solos as “Intro” and “Finale” statements.

    In terms of composition and exposition, the album exceeds typical expectations of a drummer-led band. It combines harmonically challenging pieces with convincing melodies brought to life with integrity, and a respect for American jazz tradition. Dynov’s excellent drumming technique is paired with a deep connection with the harmonic and melodic contributuons of his band mates. Through this, the result i s a exploration of a contemporary palate that, at the same time, respects the music of the forefathers.

    The record consists of a wide range of compelling pieces. The “Intro” statement is immediately captivating to listeners and serves as a reflection of Dynov’s expertise. A suspenseful drum solo drifts in and out of intense crescendos and decrescendos, keeping the listener on the edge of their seat in anticipation. The short, somehow mysterious intro track, holds promise of a unique record to follow. The raw sound of the drum and interesting composition encourages the audience to listen to the next track.

    The first ‘official’ song of the album, “Constellation,” opens with a compelling, raw base, which then leads to an exciting, smooth jazz melody. A riveting trumpet leads the bass, drums, and piano ensemble. “Constellation” largely embodies what jazz is truly about – listening to the song was akin to listening to an exciting conversation that one can’t help but be entirely invested in. Each instrument has its own voice and unique role within the song, and yet they all work together to create one coherent melody. The song ebbs and flows, taking the listener through fast and slow sections. Through rhythm, tone, and style changes, “Constellation” was extremely engaging, and embodied the instrumental conversation that is jazz.

    “Drum and Berries,” the second track on the record, presented a smoother, slower melody than the previous tracks. Rather than an intense argument between instruments, “Drum and Berries” exemplified a flowing, cohesive conversation. The track opens with a gentle piano, accompanied by bass and drum. Throughout the slow jazz tune, the piano expertly navigated through the constraints posed by an ensemble, playing off the base while also embodying a classic jazz sound. Halfway through the song, the bass takes over, playing the tune set up by the piano in the first half. An exciting, raw drum solo follows, serving as a reminder of the intro track.

    Something worth noting about the album is that each song is entirely unique, with its own personality. Following the first three tracks, “For Those We Love” plays off a more classic jazz sound than the other songs. A trumpet solo immediately engages listeners within the first few beats of the song, soon leading into a classical jazz melody. The tone of the trumpet, accompanied by a well-blended pairing of piano and drums, creates a somber, almost romantic energy. Unlike previous tracks, the trumpet takes the spotlight overpowering notes and rhythms. Rather, the simple notes and melody are compelling in their sim[licity and rawness.

    “For Those We Love” seems to tell a story through the trumpet – the mood shifted throughout the song, sometimes embodying a somber narrative, other times presenting itself as bright and optimistic. Like previous tracks, instruments within the ensemble each took over the musical conversation in a contemporary jazz fashion.

    A theme that was present throughout the album was the compelling and dramatic drum solo. The fifth track, “Blue” continued the suspenseful drum solos from the intro and “Drum and Berries.” A wonderfully unsettling, compelling, and raw drum solo emerged following a highly suspenseful, gradual crescendo. Through dramatic crescendos and decrescendos, the drums presented a contemporary mix of all sorts of sounds working together. The song itself seemed to ebb and flow, emerge and remerge, and changed throughout the track. The drums grew increasingly more spunky, ultimately resulting in an edgy tune with an upbeat melody, led by piano. “Blue” transitioned into a fast, compelling, and bright piano melody, the second half of the song completely different than the introduction.

    Another highlight within the album is “68th Street,” a song largely reminiscent of classical jazz. The song emulates a beautiful ballad through its well-rounded, blooming melody. The piano seemed to convey a story about love. The bass and piano both act as soloists throughout the song, and effectively convey a calm, gorgeous melody that one can’t help but fall in love with.

    Overall, “Bridges” is a highly versatile album that embodies all that is wonderful about jazz. Each song is compelling in its own right, and the album in its entirety serves as a valuable addition to the world of jazz.

  • Geneva Music Festival Concludes with Four All-Star Concerts

    The Geneva Music Festival was back in full swing on Sunday, May 21, with a performance from the Iris Trio at Hobart & William Smith Colleges. In addition, three more concerts took place in the month of May, as ATLYS will take the stage on the 25th at Ravine’s Wine Cellars and Legends and Fairy Tales on the 26th and 27th at Hobart & William Smith.

    For the past several weeks, The Geneva Music Festival has been delighting audiences with concerts performed by world-class talent from the chamber music scene and beyond. The season concludes this coming Sunday, June 11 following daily concerts starting June 8. 

    June 8 at 7:30pm, come hear the Jason Clayborn Band perform at the Cracker Factory for an ebullient night of R&B and Soul. The Grammy-nominated singer will be joined by soprano Kimberly Salter, alto Tiera Dunn, and tenor Walter Malone III, and band members  Gabriel Hatcher II, main keyboard and musical director; Willie Robinson, bass; and Lacy Comer, drums. The band will perform selections from their repertoire of hits, and audience members will be welcomed to sing along. 

    On June 9 and 10, GMF artists-in-residence will perform “In Concordia”, the final chamber music concert of the season. Clive Greensmith, cello; Anna Petrova, piano; Geoffrey Herd, violin; Hannah Collins, cello; Clara Lyon, violin; and Tanner Menees, viola will perform works by Bach, Haydn, Elgar, and Kodaly. In keeping with this year’s festival theme, the concert will be focused on musical and spiritual harmony, featuring works that showcase transpositions of hymns and chorales. Greensmith shared his interpretation of how the festival theme of “Gods, Myths, and the Divine” connects to the concert experience: “A concert for me is an offering, a communion between composer, performer and the audience. There should be a sense of ritual, a reverence for the music, and a sense of heightened sensitivity as we listen and respond to the voice of the composer. Each performance will be different, but in every case, one is hoping to get as close as possible to the deeper meaning behind each work. In the same way that a religious experience can speak to us, to inspire, provoke or enlighten us, a concert can do something similar. Music can also heal us, it can console us and the act of listening together, focused solely on one idea, this can bring a community together in a very meaningful way.” 

    And finally, the Festival will conclude with a matinee concert at Geneva on the Lake by Finger Lakes-based trio The Brothers Blue. At 2pm on Sunday June 11, Matthew Sperber, guitar, bass; Benny Haravitch, banjo, bass, guitar; and Charlie Coughlin, fiddle, mandolin will perform original compositions that draw influence and inspiration from country, bluegrass, Cajun, and Irish music. Come join us in celebrating the end of an action-packed season! 

    The Geneva Music Festival was founded in 2011 by Geneva, New York violinist Geoffrey Herd and fellow local musicians violinist Eliot Heaton and cellist Hannah Collins as a weekend of chamber music in their hometown. Now in its 13th season, the festival has grown to a nearly month-long event that draws thousands of attendees from across the Finger Lakes region. Each year, the Festival continues its mission of inspiring people with world-class chamber music and engaging diverse audiences in its outreach programs. The theme this year is “Gods, Myths and the Divine”. To learn more, and to purchase tickets for the festival concerts, visit: https://genevamusicfestival.com/

    Heading into its 13th campaign, the four-week event looks to bring together some of the region’s top musicians and connect the community through musical expression, and from May 21 to June 11, many different groups and artists will come through Upstate New York to do just that.

    Every year, the concert series announces its own theme to circulate around it, with this year being titled “God, Myths, and the Divine.” This unique 2023 theme centers around human connection and interaction with the divine, maintaining a diverse set of musical styles and cultures.

    With that being said, “God, Myths, and the Divine” hones in on traditions of older classical music. A majority of Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schuman’s works are incorporated into ATLYS and other bands performing throughout the festival.

    The Performers On The Theme

    Exploring the present and past of music is something, violinist Max Geissler, a member of the program, prepares to welcome those who will be in attendance and praises the program’s thematic choices.

    “This season really gives us the opportunity to not only learn of these cultural backgrounds, but to experiment with the unique ways in which music can convey narrative and spirituality. These programs contain so many different approaches to expressing a story, and it’s interesting to consider how music as a medium has the ability to make these legends and philosophies much more vivid.”

    – Max Geissler

    Opening headliner the Iris Trio also looks forward to being a part of the Geneva Music Festival. Their performance for the concert titled “Project Earth” focuses on raising awareness about the environment, an important focal point in today’s society.

    “Project Earth” is the Iris Trio’s response to the enormous crisis currently facing our planet,” the Trio said. Through chamber music and poetry, the project strives to illuminate the impact of human behavior on the environment, addressing issues of climate change, pollution, habitat degradation, and biodiversity loss.”

    The Iris Trio will perform at the Geneva Music Festival Sunday, May 21, 2023

    With Iris Trio getting ready to kick things off on May 21, tickets will be selling fast. All tickets to each in-person concert or live stream option are $35 for adults, $10 for college students with IDs, and free for Grade 12 and under. The adult season passes for all eight concerts in the GMF are $240.

    As a bonus, ATLYS will also be performing at a free pop-up concert Tuesday, May 23 at 7:00 pm at Geneva LakeFront Gazebo, in addition to their performance on May 25.

    Geneva Music Festival May Shows

    Iris Trio: Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 5:30 pm – Gearan Center for the Theater Arts click here for tickets

    ATLYS: Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 7:00 pm – Geneva LakeFront Gazebo

    Legends and Fairy Tales: May 26, 27

    Ticket Information

    Visit the GMF website to learn more and purchase tickets before they are all gone! If you have already purchased tickets and plan to watch the festival through our Digital Concert Hall, please email zion@genevamusicfestival.com to let them know.

  • Buffalo Central Terminal Announces 2023 Great Lawn Event Calendar

    Buffalo Central Terminal has announced its 2023 Summer Schedule for the Great Lawn, featuring concerts, entertainment, and health/wellness events. Starting July 13 and running through August 27, the Summer calendar packs in many interactive opportunities at the Central Terminal.

    Photo by Joe Cascio for the Buffalo Central Terminal website

    Lindsey Taylor, the event management consultant, exudes confidence and excitement to have enjoyable calendar events for the Buffalo community.

    “Whether it’s for music, performance art, film and cinema, health and fitness, local culinary arts—we’re bringing everyone together…that’s what we’re building into our events at the Buffalo Central Terminal this summer.”

    – Lindsey Taylor

    The Central Terminal Summer Concert Series is spread across three dates, featuring R&B, Jazz, Soul, and Gospel talents. Local food trucks and community vendors will tag along with the talent from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm for each concert.

    2023 Events

    July 13 – Rod Bonner, Flute Johnson, and Farrow.

    July 21 – “Shakespeare in the Park” -from 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm, attendees of all ages experience the classical Shakespeare sound from the comfort of the Great Lawn.

    July 27– Jukeboxx and Kimera Lattimore.

    July 31 – “Family Movie Night”– “Zootopia” is shown at dusk, featuring theater popcorn as concessions.

    August 10 – Celina and Will Holton.

    August 12 – “Health is Wealth” – A promotional event for healthy lifestyles occurs from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The morning will consist of pilates, yoga, health/wellness vendors, and other opportunities to help clear the mind.

    August 19 – “4th Annual Back to School Giveaway hosted by Leg. Howard Johnson & CM Nowakowski” – Returning to Buffalo for its fourth consecutive year, this giveaway event takes place from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

    August 27 – “7th Annual Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration” – Wrapping up the Summer, the Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration for its seventh straight year will head to Buffalo, from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

  • The Fat Boys to Join the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in June

    Hip Hop group The Fat Boys will join the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on June 11, a part of the LIMEHOF Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Event at their Stony Brook museum. Group member Kool Rock-Ski will be accepting the award on behalf of the group at this free, open-to-public event.

    Starting in Brooklyn in the 1980s, Kool Rock-Ski would be accompanied by Prince Markie Dee and Buff Love, making up one of the first major rap groups to release full-length albums. Over their career came seven albums, four of which went RIAA-certified gold.

    Their project Crushin’ would go platinum, with big thanks to the highly successful single “Whiplash” in a collaboration with the Beach Boys.

    Fellow LIMEHOF inductee and hip-hop legend Kurtis Blow assisted in the group’s success in their first few years, producing two of their first pieces of work. Chart-topping singles “Jail House Rap,” “Can You Feel It?,” “Fat Boys,” “Stick ‘Em,” and many more hits follow the trio’s career.

    NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 16: Fat Boys on June 16, 1989 in New York, New York. (Photo by Paul Natkin/WireImage)

    The Fat Boys have also made appearances in multiple Hollywood movies including Krush Groove and Knights of the City, while also being a part of many hip-hop documentaries over the years.

    The group’s induction comes during the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and will celebrate not only the Fat Boys but other LIMEHOF members who will be in attendance. To kick off the event, the organization will unveil the LL Cool J statue, featured at the Stony Brook museum location.

    Besides Kool Rock-Ski, other rap figures including Son of Bazerk, DJ Jazzy Jay, DJ Johnny Juice of Public Enemy, and more plan to attend and even perform at the June 11 event starting at 1:00 pm.

    Ernie Canadeo, the LIMEHOF Chairman, is thrilled to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of rap with some of its most prominent figures, calling it a tribute to the major pieces of Long Island music history.

    “We are honored to pay tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop with a live concert performed by some of hip hop’s most influential artists, all from Long Island…it is a testament to Long Island’s prominent and continuing role in hip-hop’s legacy.”

    – Ernie Canadeo

    Throughout its history, LIMEHOF continues to support Long Island’s rap scene, holding inductions in the past for LL COOL J, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kurtis Blow, Whodini, Salt-N-Pepa, and EPMD.

    With the Fat Boys becoming the next rap talents to have their names in the Hall of Fame, free general admission tickets are now on sale at limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/.