NYS Music 2023

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  • Janelle Monáe to Visit Radio City And Kings Theatre

    Janelle Monáe recently announced her “Age of Pleasure Tour”, which will feature two stops in the Empire State. The Grammy-nominated artist will visit the iconic Radio City Music Hall and Kings Theatre in Brooklyn. The 26-city tour kicks off on August 30 in Seattle at the WAMU Theater. 

    The tour coincides with Monáe’s long-awaited fourth studio album The Age of Pleasure which is slated to drop on June 9. Monáe released her critically acclaimed concept album Dirty Internet more than four years ago. The project earned the artist two Grammy nominations including one for “Album of the Year”, it also peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200. 

    Since her last album Monáe has explored writing and acting, appearing in the films Harriet and Glass Onion, she also received praise for her role in the series We the People. Earlier this May Monáe dropped the single “Lipstick Lover” to go along with her upcoming album. 

    Presale tickets started on June 1, while on-sale tickets are set to be released on Wednesday, June 6. Tickets and more information can be found here. 

    Janelle Monae ‘Age of Pleasure’ Tour Dates 

    Wed Aug 30 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater

    Thu Aug 31 – Vancouver, BC – UBC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

    Sat Sep 02 – Portland, OR  – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

    Wed Sep 06 –Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

    Thu Sep 07 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

    Sat Sep 09 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre 

    Mon Sep 11 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory

    Wed Sep 13 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre

    Thu Sep 14 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

    Sun Sep 17 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

    Mon Sep 18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met

    Wed Sep 20 – Montreal, QB – Mtelus

    Thu Sep 21 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall 

    Sun Sep 24 – Washington, DC  – The Anthem*

    Tue Sep 26 – New York City, NY – Radio City Music Hall

    Thu Sep 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre 

    Mon Oct 02 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre 

    Tue Oct 03 – Nashville, TN  – Ryman Auditorium

    Wed Oct 04 – Birmingham, AL  – Avondale Brewing Company

    Fri Oct 06 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre Atlanta

    Mon Oct 09 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

    Tue Oct 10 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center 

    Wed Oct 11 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater

    Sun Oct 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre

    Tue Oct 17 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

    Wed Oct 18 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater

  • Cardi B Joins Latto for ‘Put It On Da Floor Again’ Remix

    Cardi B continues her run of prominent features, this time bringing her New York flair to Grammy-nominated Latto’s thumper “Put It On Da Floor.” According to Billboard, Latto’s “Put It On Da Floor” debuted atop the Hot Trending Songs rankings. The official music video premiered on April 24 on YouTube and has gained nearly 6 million views.

    Cardi B joins Latto for Put It On Da Floor Again Remix

    In like manner, “Put It On Da Floor Again” sees the hottest from New York add her Midas touch to an already buzzing record. Similarly, the duo have released an accompanying music video that is trending #1 on YouTube. Together with cameos from Offset and college hoops star Angel Reese, the duo prance without care through a jewelry store flashing loads of cash before taking the sultry production to a house party as Latto and Cardi exchange combative lyrics, asserting themselves as the ones to be reckoned with.

    Despite not releasing a studio album in five years Cardi B has maintained her threshold atop the hip hop mountaintop through a series of culture shifting features. Given that those records have been side-by-side with the likes of Megan Thee Stallion, Glorilla and Latto, Cardi B has also gained a reputation for wanting to help usher in the next generation of female rappers.

    After all, since its release, “Put It On Da Floor” sparked significant conversation on social media platforms. Some listeners believed Latto took subliminal shots at her rap rival Nicki Minaj in the song after the duo clashed on social media last year. “She thought I would kiss her ass, she must ain’t took her meds,” raps Latto on both version of “Put It On Da Floor.” For their part, Cardi B and Nicki Minaj have their own complicated history that has even resulted in fisticuffs.

  • Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Announces 50 Years of Hip Hop Exhibit

    The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced the opening of a new Hip Hop exhibit in commemoration of the genre’s 50 year anniversary. The exhibit, “Holla If Ya Hear Me,” will be the most in-depth of its kind and will open on June 29th at the Hall of Fame’s primary location in Cleveland, Ohio.

    hall of fame Hip Hop

    The exhibit, sponsored by Technics, will feature some of the most influential artists of hip-hop ranging back to its birth including: Jay-Z, Grandmaster Flash, Roxanne Shante, Chuck D, Salt N’Pepa, The Notorious B.I.G., Queen Latifah, and countless more. From these artists, “Holla If Ya Hear Me” will display handwritten lyrics, clothing, some of the earliest gear used to create hip-hop beats, as well as displays highlighting historic social issues that inspired infamous singles.

    More specific artifacts being highlighted include the handbill from the “All Star Birthday Bash for DJ Kool Herc”, which served as the birth of hip-hop at the 1520 Sedgewick Avenue house party in 1973, along with items from other key moments such as the release of Rapper’s Delight and hip-hop’s first rivalry of 1984.  

    “Holla If Ya Hear Me” will continue through “the new school” era featuring artifacts from the time’s most important moments like LL COOL J’s first single on Def Jam Records; First Album by female hip-hop act to go Gold & Platinum; Salt-N-Pepa’s jacket’s from the “Push It” video; and select items that commemorate hip-hop’s social consciousness which will feature artists from Public Enemy; Kendrick Lamar; Ice-T and Queen Latifah. The Moguls of hip-hop will end the exhibit with pieces from Jay-Z, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Russell Simons and more.

    hall of fame Hip Hop

    Salt N’ Pepa, the incredibly successful hip-hop group from the 80s and 90s who gave public audiences the music staples “Push It” and “Shoop,” commented on their extraordinary past in hip-hop and their anticipation for the new exhibit.

    Going on to receive multiple platinum records and becoming one of the best-selling hip-hop groups of all time, was more than we could have hoped for. It was a major milestone in hip-hop’s trajectory over the past 50 years and we are so excited to be able to celebrate this important moment in music’s history with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We are honored to be a part of the new Holla If Ya Hear Me exhibit and hope everyone enjoys seeing some of our most iconic and important pieces from our career.

    Salt N’ Pepa

    To further celebrate the anniversary, the Rock Hall Shop will be offering an assortment of merchandise including T-shirts, hoodies, and accessories from some of hip-hop’s most influential artists and brands. New styles will be released all summer long.

    Further information about the exhibition as well as the full artifact listing can be found here.

  • In Focus: Half Moon Run ‘SALT’ Release Preview Show at Live Nation Headquarters

    Montreal’s Half Moon Run release their new album, Salt, on June 2nd, and have chosen “9beat” as the single to bolster the release, a track which features the explosive rhythmic interplay and surging dynamic range that the band has become renowned for. On Thursday, June 1st, 24 hours prior to its release the band visited Live Nation’s Headquarters in New York City and played an invite-only 60min set to celebrate the release of Salt, complete with a full string section to accommodate half the set and premiering new songs throughout.

    Half Moon Run LiveNation Rooftop NYC

    The trio, Devon Portielje, Conner Molander, and Dylan Phillips have also previewed Salt with three previously released singles, “Alco,” “You Can Let Go” and “Everyone’s Moving Out East.” 

    Half Moon Run LiveNation Rooftop NYC
    Half Moon Run LiveNation Rooftop NYC
    Half Moon Run LiveNation Rooftop NYC
    Half Moon Run LiveNation Rooftop NYC
    Half Moon Run LiveNation Rooftop NYC

    Tour Dates for North America in support of the album were announced today as well, below:

    HALF MOON RUN – NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES 2023
    October 24, 2023 @ El Rey Theater, Los Angeles, CA
    October 25, 2023 @ August Hall, San Francisco, CA
    October 27, 2023 @ Wonder Ballroom, Portland, OR
    October 28, 2023 @ The Crocodile, Seattle, OR
    October 29, 2023 @ Spanish Ballroom Tacoma, WA
    November 1, 2023 @ Royal Theatre, Victoria, BC
    November 2, 2023 @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC
    November 3, 2023 @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC
    November 5, 2023 @ MacEwan Hall, Calgary, AB
    November 7, 2023 @ Coors Event Centre, Saskatoon, SK
    November 8, 2023 @ Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, MB
    November 10, 2023 @ Varsity Theater, Minneapolis, MN
    November 11, 2023 @ Metro, Chicago, IL
    November 12, 2023 @ Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit, MI
    November 14, 2023 @ The Foundry, Philadelphia, PA
    November 16, 2023 @ Union Stage, Washington, VA
    November 17, 2023  @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
    November 18, 2023 @ Royale, Boston, MA
    November 21, 2023 @ London Music Hall, London, ON
    November 23, 2023 @ History, Toronto, ON
    November 24, 2023 @ Kingston Grand Theatre, Kingston, ON
    November 25, 2023 @ Algonquin Commons Theatre, Ottawa, ON
    November 26, 2023 @ Algonquin Commons Theatre, Ottawa, ON
    December 13, 2023 @ MTelus, Montreal, QC
    December 14, 2023 @ MTelus, Montreal, QC
    December 15, 2023 @ Salle Maurice-O’Bready, Sherbrooke, QC
    December 17, 2023 @ Théâtre du Palais Municipal, Saguenay, QC
    December 18, 2023 @ Grand Théâtre@ Quebec City, QC

  • Hearing Aide: Setting Sun ‘The Feelings Cure’

    Hudson Valley-based indie rock group Setting Sun released their first album in ten years, The Feelings Cure, looking back on who they were, what they are now, and the journey they have gone through as a band.

    Setting Sun

    Led by frontman and primary songwriter Gary Levitt, the sixth studio album by Setting Sun, The Feelings Cure, was recorded carefully, as Levitt says “I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get in the creative zone with set times of having to turn creativity on and off like a switch. I used to write and record in creative blasts when I felt it come on like a wave or virus. Having kids forced me to write, record, and mix within the gaps of being a father. The maturity shows on this record.” Over ten tracks, the group comments on changing yourself as time goes on, all while utilizing upbeat instrumentals, and melancholic lyrics.

    Feelings Cure is slow and free-flowing as it starts with the opening track “Cool,” fading into the more upbeat track yet still slow “Sometimes,” featuring prominent guitar solos and the good ol’ indie rock feel. Things get increasingly experimental on “Can’t Send It Back” with 80s-inspired synths, with Levitt repeating the chorus multiple times, singing “Now it’s gone by the way/Don’t expect me to stay/Somebody tried to keep their eye on mine.” One of the most enjoyable tracks “Good Die Young” blends Levitt’s personal endeavors as a comedian into the witty lyrics, citing it is the “closest [he’s] ever gotten” to blending the two areas. The song is short and simple yet makes the listener feel happy and carefree.

    The album becomes slower beyond this point, featuring a country vibe on “Up and Away,” showcasing Levitt’s talents with experimenting with different genres. “Same Face” has a female singer prominently singing background vocals, adding a lighter tone to the song, as well as a return of those 80s synths. Overall, the record brings you into Levitt’s personal journey as a father and band member and the difficulty he faced balancing both. It is a classic slow indie rock record with a twist, featuring intricate genre blends, melancholic lyricism, and driving rhythms.

    Key Tracks: Can’t Send It Back, Good Die Young, Feelings Cure.

    Setting Sun’s new record Feelings Cure is available on every streaming platform. They are performing at the Harmonies on the Hudson Concert Series in Germantown on June 15 and at Opus 40 in Saugerties on July 16. Tickets are available here.

  • The Mansion of Saratoga’s Summer Dinner Concerts

    The Mansion of Saratoga is returning with its “supper club” format of dinner and a show for six Thursdays this summer. Performances range from Joe Posa’s Joan Rivers impersonation comedy show to “Aladdin” Broadway star Adam Jacobs singing songs from various Broadway hits.

    mansion of saratoga supper club
    Credit: Sawicki Studios

    The Mansion of Saratoga was originally built in 1866 by George West. West made his wealth as the inventor of the folded paper bag, and would eventually go on to serve in both the New York State Legislature and the United States Congress’s House of Representatives. The Mansion acted as his primary residence for over a decade before it became his summer home in 1875.

    For the Mansion of Saratoga’s “supper club” format, Executive Chef Rick Bieber will be creating a 3-course meal, with seating beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the tented deck of the mansion. Three entrée choices will be offered.

    At 7:30 p.m., guests will continue to the Mansion Carriage House Theatre for the 8:00 p.m. performances. Prior to dinner, during dinner, and in the rear of the carriage house, there will be a full cash bar available.

    Performances for Summer 2023

    “The B**ch is Back for Her 90th Birthday!” – June 8

    As a tribute to Joan Rivers for what would have been her 90th birthday, award winning actor and celebrity impersonator Joe Posa will be performing a 90-minute comedy concert. Posa was River’s favorite impersonator, and the pair kept in touch after first meeting in 2006. The event is 18+.

    Branden & James – June 22

    A celloist and a tenor vocalist seen on “America’s Got Talent.” Also featured will be Effie Passero, a special guest of “American Idol” fame.

    Stella Katherine Cole – July 13

    Performing covers of Sara Vaughan, Judy Garland, and Ella Fitzgerald, the 23-year-old Stella Katherine Cole first went viral on TikTok.

    Elizabeth Ward Land – July 27

    The event, “Still Within the Sound of My Voice,” features Broadway veteran Elizabeth Ward Land. She has been regarded as a perfect vocal match for the Songs of Linda Ronstadt. The performance includes rock, folk, light opera, and mariachi.

    Morgan James – Aug. 10

    Returning from their performance at the Mansion of Saratoga from last year, Morgan James will be performing fresh off of the release of her new album, “Memphis Magnetic,” alongside her husband, Doug Wamble, a renowned Memphis blues guitar player. The album features new arrangements of Memphis classics by Al Green, Otis Redding, Ann Peebles, Sam & Dave and Elvis.

    Adam Jacobs – Aug. 24

    A family-friendly event with Broadway star Adam Jacobs. Jacobs starred in both the original “Aladdin” on Broadway and as Simba in the “Line King” on Broadway. He will be singing hits from “Aladdin,” “Hercules,” “Newsies,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and more.

    Travers Saturday Wine Pairing Dinner – Aug. 26

    A “bonus” event, taking place on a Saturday instead of the normal Thursday dates. The dinner will feature Edmund Bagnell, a violinist and Broadway singer.

    Beyond the main events, there are more events between these performances at the Mansion of Saratoga. Starting June 4, brunch will be served on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. On Wednesday night, beginning May 17, is “Dog Nights Out” from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering dog-friendly dining.

    Excluding the concert nights and starting in July, Thursdays will have “Thursdays are a Drag,” a trivia night with a drag queen. Starting in June on Friday nights will be a nightclub in the Mansion Carriage House called “Before Midnight.” This is exclusive to those over 30.

    For more information, menus, and tickets, visit the Mansion of Saratoga‘s website.

  • Fivio Foreign Releases Surprise EP ‘Without Warning’ With Ye as Sole Feature

    Fivio Foreign surprised fans with an unannounced 8-track EP titled, Without Warning. The unplanned mid-week release features Ye — formerly Kanye West — as the only guest on the song “Concussion.” Executive produced by managers Elliott Hardaman & Kahran Reefer, this latest project seems to have been strictly for his die-hard fans. In like manner, the free EP is only available on Soundcloud and Youtube and no other DSPs.

    Along with the EP, Fivio and his team released a 15-minute “Without Warning” documentary where the “City of Gods” rapper shared the thought-process behind this surprise release. In addition, Fivio pays ode to his fallen friend TDott Woo, who was fatally shot in the Brooklyn neighborhood both artists frequented. The album’s opening track is titled “T DOT BACC,” sees him pay tribute to his friend by angrily rapping “how many opps I got to kill? I’m trying to bring TDott back.”

    All in all, Without Warning sees Fivio return to his roots of sorts. Consequently, the catchy samples and expensive features that littered throughout his debut are not there. Rather, the project is laced with the fast-paced drill beats that have become synonymous with Fivio. Additionally, Fivio maintains his charisma, flow and contagious dialect that has made him the preeminent representative of New York hip hop culture.

  • Noah Kahan Brings Stick Season to Artpark 

    Popular folk artist Noah Kahan began his Stick Season tour for a sold out crowd at Artpark on May 26. This tour is celebrating Noah’s third studio album Stick Season which was released at the end of 2022. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Opener Joy Oladokun kicked off the night with her mix of R&B, folk, and rock tunes. Her influences as a queer woman of color has given her powerful lyrics and connective albums a new meaning. Joy converted new fans that night as she spent her set connecting and singing with people about mental health. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Noah later took the stage with his whimsical visuals and groovy band members. The group first played the popular hit “All My Love” which immediately had fans hyped up. Despite this being the Stick Season tour he brought back his roots when playing classics off his old EP Cape Elizabeth. These included “Glue Myself Shut,” and “Maine.” 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Addressing Mental Health

    Noah is no stranger to mental health issues. In fact he not only writes about it in his songs but even discusses it on stage with countless people listening. That night at Artpark he talked with everyone how important therapy is and being okay with asking for help. Noah helps break the stigmatization around metal health issues and alcohol abuse. After his heavy hitting speech he sang “Growing Sideways” which examines the distraught feeling of being stuck.  

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The artist took a moment on stage to play some acoustic songs which brought an ease over the crowd. Fans really became excited though when Noah played several tracks off his unreleased deluxe edition of Stick Season including “No Complaints” and “Dial Drunk.”

    This night was special for Noah Kahan considering it was the first time he was playing certain songs live and the start of a tour that is about to sweep the nation. His music discography has already left a mark on the internet space but his live show is what will make people coming back for more. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Artpark’s Summer concert series is a must see for both the music and the environment. Make sure to check out upcoming shows here. Young The Giant is coming June 13 and Michael Franti & Spearhead perform June 21. 

    Setlist: All My Love, Everywhere Everything, She Calls Me Back, False Confidence, New Perspective, No Complaints, Glue Myself Shut, Growing Sideways, Maine, Northern Attitude, Dial Drunk, Carlo’s Song, You’re Gonna Go Far, Orange Juice, Homesick, The View Between Villages, Stick Season, Mess 

  • Beacon’s Strawberry Festival on June 11 Promises Music and More

    Beacon’s Sloop Club will be holding their annual, family-friendly Strawberry Festival on Sunday, June 11. With free admission, the Strawberry Festival promises food, fruit, vendors, educational activities, and live music right on the shores of the Hudson River.

    The Beacon Sloop Club is a volunteer organization originally founded by folk singer and activist Pete Seeger. Through advocacy, education and celebration, the Beacon Sloop Club has dedicated itself to the preservation, protection and restoration of the Hudson River. They hold free music festivals throughout the year, such as the Strawberry Festival, the Corn Festival, and the Pumpkin Festival.

    Performances will be held on the Beacon Sloop Club’s two solar-powered music stages, and entertainment features both storytellers and musicians. This year’s lineup includes Arm of the Sea, Beacon High School Chorus, Beacon Songsmiths, Bindlestick Bill, Cosby Gibson, Ken Miller, April Mae & The June Bugs, Jonathan Kruk, Judith Tulloch, Restless Wanderer, Trouble Sisters, Rob May, Spook Handy, and Patrick Stanfield Jones with Laurie Siegel & Joe Boggess.

    Some of the educational activities featured this year are “Come Grow With Us! Seed Babies,” “Ask a Master Gardener,” and the Environmental Tent. The first, “Come Grow With Us!” has a potting station where children can learn to take care of a marigold seed. The second is tied to it, with anyone able to ask a “Master Gardener” for clarification. The Environmental Tent has hands-on science experience for children and their parents, explaining the state of the Hudson River, what it means, how it can improve, and more.

    Other activities for children are Compass Arts and Vincent’s Eat Paint Love.

    The sloop itself, the Woody Guthrie, will be taking guests on free sails from the Beacon Harbor. The vessel is a replica of the popular gaff-rigged Hudson River sloop from centuries prior and was launched in 1978 to support the message of its predecessor, the Clearwater. Both vessels were made to help promote the clean-up of the Hudson River by Pete Seeger.

    The Beacon Sloop Club recommends that visitors bring a blanket or chair. Sign-ups for the sloop itself will begin at noon, weather permitting, at the festival’s T-shirt booth. More information on both the organization and the event can be found on the Beacon Sloop Club’s website.

  • NBT Summer Concert Series in Norwich Releases Artists

    Thursdays in Norwich, New York’s East Park are a highlight of the summer season, and for good reason. Every Thursday in July and August, NBT Summer Concert Series shows attract an all-ages crowd of locals and out-of-towners alike, bringing people together to enjoy great music and great food.

    Sponsored by NBT Bank and local foundations, all shows are free, beginning on July 6th and ending on August 31st.

    This season will feature some artists appearing for the first time, along with returning favorites. Highlighting the new comers will be the Southern tock legends, The Outlaws. Known as “The Florida Guitar Army” by their fans, achieved worldwide acclaim through gold and platinum hits like “Green Grass and High Tides” and “There Goes Another Love Song.” After more than forty years, their live performances continue to burn hotter than ever.

    The Outlaws are not the only performance you won’t want to miss. Southern Avenue will kick off the summer series on July 6th. New to East Park, Southern Avenue wowed admirers at last year’s Chenango Blues Fest. Additionally, Canada’s own Bywater Call is a newcomer that might become your next favorite band. Another artist making their series debut is contractually bound to secrecy. Stay tuned for details!

    In addition to new artists, the return of some exceptional acts promises a great deal of exciting performances. The Travelin’ McCourys never fail to draw large crowds of bluegrass fans, but their music appeals to many through its roots in Americana music. Additionally, The Garcia Project is returning with their faithful recreation of classic Jerry Garcia Band performances. This year will also see the return of Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, whose performances nod to the two-step music of South Louisiana. Mr. Sipp will perform the unofficial kick-off of the 30th Chenango Blues Fest on August 17th. The series will conclude on August 31st with Shinyribs, one of the best performers touring today and a stalwart of the Austin music scene.

    Plan to bring a lawn chair to enjoy wonderful performances every Thursday. For more information, visit the Chenango Blues Association website here.