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In Focus: Andrew McMahon Headlines Syracuse’s Food Truck Battle

Summer festival season could not have kicked off with a more perfect start on Saturday, as the Syracuse Food Truck Association hosted their third annual Food Truck Battle at the New York State Fairgrounds. The event featured over fifty local and regional food trucks as well as a day filled with local and national music alike, culminating with a headlining set from Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.

Andrew McMahon performs at the 2023 Syracuse Food Truck Battle

Festival attendees were treated to a line up of over fifty local and regional food truck of varying cuisine. The trucks lined the road ways around the Fair’s Chevy Court. Happy festival goers packed the streets, hoping to try some of their long standing favorites, or perhaps venture into a new cuisine. A panel of local celebrity judges sat stage side, sampling fare from each truck, and would later present several awards. Festival goers were also encouraged to vote for their favorites.

Quality food wasn’t the only thing on the menu, as the day’s agenda featured a diverse mixture of both local musicians and national touring acts. The day’s music kicked off with a set by local favorite, Just Joe. Just Joe, formerly of heavy metal band Brand New Sin, delivered a set of classic rock covers played entirely on the piano. His set was followed by a high energy performance by My So Called Band, who played a set of 90’s rock covers. Fondu was up next, and by now the festival grounds were starting to pack in with the afternoon crown. The area around the stage began to fill with dancing concert goers, who were enjoying the disco-party atmosphere provided by Fondu. The Brownskin Band followed, delivering a set of R&B music. Finally, Hard Promises wrapped up the local music portion of the day, with a set of 70’s classic rock covers.

Fondu performs at the 2023 Syracuse Food Truck Battle

Following an intermission to present the day’s awards, national touring act Michigander took the stage. Led by lead singer Jason Singer, the four piece band performed a set of indie pop-rock tracks. They opened with “Superglue”, the catchy first single off the band’s latest EP, It Will Never Be the Same. The song’s chorus is one everyone in attendance could sing along with, even if they had never heard it before. The band’s set had fans dancing and swaying in the area surrounding the stage. One group off to the side danced and sang along to every word and even caught the attention of Jason Singer. “You guys are awesome. When you play a new city, you never know if anyone will show up. Thank you so much.”

Michigander performs at the 2023 Syracuse Food Truck Battle

After a short stage change over, it was time for Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. The area surrounding the stage had filled in almost entirely by this point with fans of McMahon, both young and old. Taking the stage promptly at 8:30pm, the band launched into the high energy “Stars”, off their latest release Tilt at the Wind No More. McMahon, who sings and plays piano, bounced around the stage between stints on the piano. He danced on top of the piano, at times leaping into the air. He ran through the crowd singing, without missing a beat. In all, the band delivered 90 minutes of stand out tracks spanning McMahon’s career, one that has seen him play in three different bands. The crowd, who packed the area in front of the stage, sang and danced along the entire set. They pleaded for an encore, one which McMahon quickly obliged. Returning to the stage with guitarist Bob Anderson, the two delivered a haunting rendition of “Nobody Tells You When You’re Young” followed by “Cecilia and the Satellite” the later which was written for McMahon’s daughter, who frequently accompanies the band on tour. It was a climactic ending to a wonderful day of food and music.

May 16, 2023
The Syncopated Times looks to bring Jazz, Ragtime and Swing to the Next Generation

The only national publication devoted to traditional jazz, ragtime, and swing, The Syncopated Times, has persevered over the past decade, bringing with it a great deal of music history from these specific genres of music. Based in Utica and published by Andy Senior, The Syncopated Times looks to the future as the paper moves into the digital age.

In June 2015, Andy Senior found himself writing for The American Rag, which at that time was based in Apple Valley, CA and had been publishing for 20 years, the successor to an even earlier publication, The West Coast Rag. In December 2015, Senior made an offer for the fading paper, which was “grudgingly accepted.” From there, Senior set out to relaunch the paper as The Syncopated Times, publishing from his home in Utica, where he has resided nearly his whole life. The first issue of the new paper was published in February 2016, and earlier this year was the publication of the 87th issue of The Syncopated Times.

Andy Senior in 1987

Senior shares the origins of his interest in jazz:

I’ve had a lifelong interest in music and discovered jazz early on. After familiarizing myself with the music of my father’s generation (the Big Band era) I worked my way back into the earlier decades of the 20th century. I started collecting 78s when I was in elementary school, so I’ve been at this well over 50 years. In my teens I took up guitar and then piano, and wrote songs.

Starting in 1987, I worked for a decade as a piano technician in the Utica area. I performed locally as a pianist, a guitarist, and a singer-songwriter since the early 1990s. In 2005, I started RADIOLA!, a broadcast of 1920s-1930s pop and jazz on WHCL-FM at Hamilton College in nearby Clinton. In 2010 I began producing the program entirely at home with my own transfers and restorations of 78s, and posting it online. The program has been in sporadic production since I launched The Syncopated Times in February 2016.
Andy Senior

The pandemic led to the closure of many of the jazz festivals the monthly magazine counted on as advertisers, ultimately making a for-profit model no longer feasible. Senior has been covering losses since March 2020 out of his limited retirement savings.

Andy Senior at his home in Utica

A Go Fund Me has been set up, with a goal of $60,000, to support the launch of a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Syncopated Media and allow the new organization to start with a large enough budget to sustain operations until further funding can be secured. This will allow for the Syncopated Times to expand beyond a monthly paper to cover the jazz scene and jazz history in visual and audio formats that engage a modern audience. While The Syncopated Times in print (and online at syncopatedtimes.com) will remain the core focus, the new organization will be able to secure grant funding to produce documentaries for YouTube, compile albums for Bandcamp, create podcasts, and resurrect Syncopated Times Radio. The Go Fund Me campaign is expected to run through the end of July.

To add to the broader jazz community, Senior intends to recruit a large and experienced board to pilot the new nonprofit and greatly extend their reach, especially into school and community music programs. This board will ensure that the future of professional coverage of traditional jazz, ragtime, and swing is not dependent on a single owner-operator, but a reflection of the community itself. Included in issues of The Syncopated Times are artist profiles, interviews, historical articles, columns, essays, CD reviews, book reviews, and concert and festival reviews. Articles vary in gravity, with humorous articles and scholarly pieces mixed in each issue.

In April 2022, The Jazz Journalists Association announced its class of 28 Jazz Heroes, among the honorees was Syncopated Times publisher Andy Senior.

Andy Senior speaking at The Jazz Journalists Association

Six years ago, Associate Editor Joe Bebco created SyncopatedTimes.com, a full-service website that archives all the editorial content of the paper and includes web-specific content, including hosting a revival of the much-loved Red Hot Jazz Archive.

The Syncopated Times will retain a subscription model, but nothing will change for current subscribers. Please join NYS Music in supporting The Syncopated Times in their mission.

May 16, 2023
Sterling Stage Folkfest Lines Up Driftwood, Hayley Jane and more for Memorial Day Weekend Bash

Sterling Stage Folkfest will mark its return from a three-year hiatus over May 25-28, bringing the Central New York kickoff to summer back to Sterling, NY for Memorial Day weekend.

Since 1995, Sterling Stage Folkfest has been a spirited kick off to summer at Sterling Stage Kampitheater and features a fun mix of folk, roots and jamband music as well as Artist’s Village, food and craft vendors, morning yoga, camping and more.

More than 20 acts are scheduled for the four-day event, including Southern Tier standouts Driftwood, who will headline with two sets on Saturday, May 27. Sunday nights will see headliner Hayley Jane, who will be playing two sets with an absolutely incredible band that she has assembled for the night, including Rob Compa, Chuck Jones, and Neal “Fro” Evans (3/4th of Dopapod) along with Josh Hobbs.

CNY jam faves Count Blastula get the party started on Thursday May 25 with two sets, and will also have the honor of christening a new main stage at the venue, the Artist’s Stage. Friday night will keep the CNY vibe going with the debut of Marilyn’s Cookies, featuring former members of Grateful Dead tribute band Pearly Baker’s Best, including lead guitarist Eric “EB” Brown who has been playing Sterling Stage since the inaugural event in 1995.

Other Folkfest highlights include Folkfaces from Western NY playing late night on Saturday and Rochester’s The Forest Dwellers late night on Friday; debuts from an eclectic mix of groups include The Sorters from Pennsylvania, Motherwort from Ithaca/Finger Lakes, and a funky new project from NY saxophone great Jesse Collins, called Honey Jar Habit.

The 2023 Sterling Stage Folkfest is the first of 3 multi-day music and camping events that Eric McElveen’s new company Elven Productions, is organizing at the Sterling Stage Kampitheater. Next up is 2023 Sterling Stage String Fling July 6-9 featuring a jam grass theme with Sicard Hollow and Sam Grisman Project headlining. Closing out the season and and the second year replacing the long running Last Daze of Summer festival is Happy Sterling Festival August 31-September 3.

All tickets include overnight camping and BYOB privileges. Coolers and campfires are allowed (no glass bottles). Advance festival passes are just $80 ($95 at gate) and space is limited. Tickets are available here.

2023 Sterling Stage Folkfest Lineup

DRIFTWOOD (2X Saturday)
HAYLEY JANE (2X Sunday) w/Rob Compa, Chuck Jones, Neal “Fro” Evans, and Josh Dobbs
MARILYN’S COOKIES (2X Friday)
COUNT BLASTULA (2X Thursday)
FOLKFACES
THE FOREST DWELLERS
THE SORTERS
MOTHERWORT
HONEY JAR HABIT
SUPER SPICY PEPPER
NATURAL MEDICINE
OLD DEER ENSEMBLE
HAL & PALS
DUBIOUSLY DEAD
ALLEN HARRIS
CHAR DENNIS BAND
KATIE ALESSANDRA (of Turkey Blaster Omega)
SAM MONEY
PAUL LECLAIR
MOE MICHNICK
DUFFY
FRANK HARRIS
AARON MEKKELSON

Sterling Stage Folkfest Schedule

ARTIST’S STAGE (MAIN)

Thursday May 25
10pm – 11:30pm – Count Blastula

Friday May 26
4pm – 5:10pm – Char Dennis Band
6pm – 7:10pm – Natural Medicine
8pm – 9:10pm – Marilyn’s Cookies
10pm – 11:30pm – Marilyn’s Cookies

Saturday May 27
2pm – 3:10pm – Allen Harris
4pm – 5:10pm – Honey Jar Habit
6pm – 7:10pm – The Sorters
8pm – 9:10pm – Driftwood
10pm – 11:30pm – Driftwood

Sunday May 28
2pm – 3:10pm – Old Deer Ensemble
4pm – 5:10pm – Hal & Pals
6pm – 7:10pm – Motherwort
8pm – 9:10pm – Hayley Jane
10pm – 11:30pm – Hayley Jane

SINATRA LOUNGE STAGE
Thursday May 25
11:45pm – 1am – Allen Harris

Friday May 26
5:15pm – 5:55pm – Duffy
7:15pm – 7:55pm – Sam Money
9:15pm – 9:55pm – Sam Money
11:45pm – 12:30am – The Forest Dwellers
12:35am – 12:50am – Katie Alessandra
1:00pm – 2am – The Forest Dwellers

Saturday May 27
3:15pm – 3:55pm – Aaron Mekkelson
5:15pm – 5:55pm – Paul LeClair
7:15pm – 7:55pm – Dubiously Dead
9:15pm – 9:55pm – Dubiously Dead
11:45pm – Folkfaces

Sunday May 28
3:15pm – 3:55pm – Frank Harris
5:15pm – 5:55pm – Moe Michnick
7:15pm – 7:55pm – Katie Alessandra
9:15pm – 9:55pm – Katie Alessandra
11:45pm – Super Spicy Pepper

May 16, 2023
Music Industry Organizations Launch Fix The Tix Coalition

A group of live event industry organizations and professionals has come together to form a new coalition called Fix The Tix. Their mission is to protect fans from price gouging and deceptive ticketing practices.

Concert ticketing is currently a hot-button issue in the industry and beyond due to unfair practices by big ticketing monopolies like Ticketmaster gouging the prices on tickets so fans aren’t able to afford them, while also making buying a ticket nearly impossible for big artists. For example, the Taylor Swift Eras Tour left many fans out in the parking lot without tickets due to the company’s poor planning and execution of the tour’s presale. Fix The Tix is a new coalition formed by some of the biggest names in the industry, including the Recording Academy, Dice, Universal Music Groups, RIAA, and more.

They haven’t provided a lot of information for what their plans are yet, but have said that their goal is “to collectively advocate for a ticketing experience better than the nightmare many fans and artists currently navigate… We are coming together to protect fans from price gouging and deceptive and predatory ticketing practices”. With some of the biggest venues, promoters, and producers backing them, the coalition’s plans may change the way ticketing is done in the future.

Notably, Ticketmaster and Live Nation are left off the list of nineteen organizations joining the coalition. For more information about Fix The Tix, and to possibly join, visit here.

May 16, 2023
Cannastock NY 2023 – It’s more than just Weed

The Spring Cannastock NY 2023 Festival was held at the MJN Convention Center in Poughkeepsie on Saturday May 13. This is year two for the festival which identifies itself as a cannabis consumption – friendly immersive experience for the industry, consumers and those who are canna-curious.

In New York State, recreational marijuana became legal in 2021 and available for sale in 2022. Last year’s inaugural festival was held at The Colony in Woodstock.  The event sold out, prompting the move to the MJN Center to handle the capacity demand.  A wise move by the promoters.  With VIP and pre-event tickets selling out again, the increase in available space enabled day of event ticket sales. VIP attendees were given early access and treated to a swag bag with all the necessities a consumer would need, including a bud of flower grown in New York.

Once inside, attendees could view products and gather information from 50+ exhibitors from the NY area. From farmers, to dispensaries, to paraphernalia, if it pertained to cannabis, it was here. Throughout the day stilt walkers strutted through the convention center, hula hoopers performed, and an air hockey tournament was held adding to the festivities.

You could not purchase cannabis at the event, but the opportunity to sample some of NY’s finest was available. Being “consumption friendly”, a lounge was set up outside the building to offer that opportunity. Stepping into the lounge area, you were greeted by a table with multiple bongs for people to try.  Farther in, sampling of flavored THC seltzers was offered. In the back, a covered space with chairs and tables encouraged you to roll one, smoke, and chill. The upstairs balcony had a Dab bar offering samples of the concentrated form of THC.  You could even take a chance on a prize wheel to win a freshly rolled joint.

On the face of this it sounds like a stoner’s heaven. It was certainly all that. But this year’s festival also had its eye on the future. With legalization, this is now an industry. Speakers from the business side of cannabis spoke throughout the day. Topics included launching a brand, compliance, marketing, and design.  Insights to the legal aspects of a regulated industry where shared. Jojo Simmon s (son of rapper Reverend Run of Run DMC) spoke about the community surrounding and supporting cannabis sales and consumption.  The Department of Labor even offered a session about creating a resume to work in the industry.

With two years in and no end in sight, Cannastock NY is setting it’s hopes high on an industry that has stepped out of the shadows and into the mainstream. So, pass the Dutchie.

May 16, 2023
CHIME Announces “Amplify Our Voices”, An Original Composition By Students

Empire State Youth Orchestra’s CHIME (Creating Harmony Inspiring Musical Excellence) program has announced that their students recently worked with the composer Adrian Gorson to create their own composition. The composition is called “Amplify Our Voice” (AOV) with a theme of “Stop Violence, Show Kindness” and the performance will occur on May 19th at 5:30 p.m. in the Schenectady High School Auditorium.

Amplify Our Voice offers CHIME students a powerful vehicle to create an original composition, process emotion, explore shared experiences, and “amplify” their voices to the world. The process begins with students choosing a theme. Once the theme is selected, students have workshops on improvisation later creating musical motifs and mini compositions based on the chosen topic. Students create an original, multi-level work in collaboration with a resident artist/composer through reflection, experimentation, and composition.

CHIME’s AOV initiative places youth in the driver’s seat, and opens the door to limitless innovation, and organic, creative expression. Its goals fundamentally change the traditional youth orchestra paradigm by empowering youth to exert personal influence over musical style. This transforms the traditional music education system into one that is culturally responsive, relevant, and equitable. AOV assists students in mastering their instruments and layering their artistic and experimental voice atop those who have preceded them, and to break new ground for others to follow in their footsteps.

“Over the course of this project, I’ve seen a lot of growth with the student’s confidence and ability to express themselves. Whether it was through improvisation sessions, composing their own pieces, or leading discussions, I certainly sense some healthy fearlessness to share their voice. The final piece of music that was created from all their work and inspiration is really beautiful and moving, but seeing this new feeling of empowerment in the students is the real goal.”
Dr. David Bebe, CHIME Conductor/ESYO Curriculum & Enrichment Coordinator

This year’s composer Adrian Gordon is no stranger to CHIME. In the fall students performed his piece “A Hero’s Journey” in the fall, and he has been collaborating with them virtually throughout the year. On March 13 Gordon visited the CHIME sites, Yates Elementary, Van Coralear Elementary, and Proctors and not only presented his first musical draft of this year’s AOV piece but also took feedback from the students.

May 16, 2023
Ukrainian Artist Nora Polinnia Shares Spirited Singles “Gotham” and “Midnight Boy”

Ukrainian singer-songwriter, Nora Polinnia, dropped three new singles over the past few months. She released her debut single, “Gotham,” last October, followed by “Late Love,” and her most recent song, “Midnight Boy,” which dropped on April 28th.

These songs are heavily influenced by the singer’s adolescent experiences and the hardships of love and life during wartime. The up and coming artist currently resides in NYC and has lived there since the fall of 2022.

Polinnia co-created her debut single, “Gotham,” with her long-time friend Martin Nikov, as a part of an artistic movement to support Ukraine. The single itself, takes listeners on an eerie and haunting trip into the artists’ perspectives on the destruction of their home. It compares the country’s condition with the dark, fictional city of Gotham. The lyrics, at times over-literal with this metaphor, express a sense of hopelessness and pain. The strong, pulsating beat and rhythm contrastingly emphasize the singer’s anger, allowing it to become an anthem of rebellion and discontent.

Her newest single, “Midnight Boy” strays drastically from the mood of her first release, as it takes on the genres of disco and funk. The song describes a reckless type of man that has the ability to make others do what he wants through his surface-level charm. The fun, upbeat listen calls on women to discard these types of men and focus on their own independence.

Polinnia is currently working on publicity for “Midnight Boy” which includes a comedic and upbeat music video that will be released at the end of the month. Alongside the video, the artist is in the process of launching a TikTok dance challenge for the single. She hopes to get as many people involved around the world as she can, especially highschool students.

The singer’s recent singles are a part of her debut EP, Past Chronicles, which addresses the more careless and oblivious years of her youth. Following its completion, the artist plans to release two additional EP’s called Present Chronicles and Future Chronicles in order to create a trilogy. Present Chronicles is set to be released at the end of June this year which will address the challenges of living in the current state of the world.

Nora Polinnia, an artist with a unique sound, uses her fresh singles as a way to express herself as well as deal with her past, present, and future struggles. The artist remarks, “There’s no concrete explanation for how music and art makes people feel. However, it is something that connects us all and allows fleeting moments to be encapsulated.”

May 15, 2023
In Focus: Lewis OfMan rocks Elsewhere

Lewis OfMan brought the crowd to their feet with a dynamic performance at Elsewhere on Friday, May 12. The French musician and producer curated a thoughtful setlist that left the audience begging for more, with a mesmerizing light show that added to the overall experience.

As the lights dimmed and the crowd grew excited, OfMan opened the show with his groovy track “Boom Boom,” accompanied by strobes and dynamic lighting. The audience was instantly hooked, dancing and singing along to the infectious beat.

OfMan showcased his musical prowess on the keys, blending live instrumentation with electronic beats to create a unique sound. His live band added an extra layer of energy to his already electrifying performance.

OfMan’s setlist included his most popular tracks, like “Such a Good Day,” “Dancy Boy,” and “Las Bañistas,” among others. The groovy dance music combined with the captivating light show created an immersive atmosphere, transporting the audience to another world.

The performance peaked with OfMan’s biggest hit, leaving the audience wanting more. The captivating light show and groovy dance music made for an unforgettable experience.

Overall, Lewis OfMan’s performance at Elsewhere was nothing short of amazing, showcasing his unique blend of electronic and acoustic sounds and his high-energy stage presence. The immersive atmosphere created by the light show had the audience hooked from start to finish. Fans of OfMan’s music will eagerly anticipate his next performance, while newcomers to his sound will surely be hooked after experiencing his live show.

OfMan’s performance demonstrated his ability to create a dynamic atmosphere, with his live band and the mesmerizing light show elevating the groovy dance music. It was an experience that left the crowd buzzing with energy and excitement, and one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

May 15, 2023
Lloyd Banks’ Natural Progression: The Course of The Inevitable 3, A Review

Much like the regional differences between rappers from differring coasts, New York MC’s are often the representation of a larger community’s ethos. For instance, Cam’ron‘s slick-talking, flamboyance embodied Harlem, Jay-Z‘s sharp, hustler mentality derived from Brooklyn, while Nas’ profound, thought-out and laissez-faire style is a Queens thing. In that regard Lloyd Banks is a lot like Nas. The veteran rapper has taken the long-winding road to artistic nirvana and his latest project, The Course of the Inevitable 3: Pieces of My Pain, sees the Queens native at his songwriting best, while capturing the essence of New York City’s underbelly.

Widely recognized as the punchline king, Banks’ cultural relevance within hip hop often relied on his hard-hitting punches. However, the platinum-selling rapper has re-emerged and reinvented himself through his COTI series, showcasing never before seen vulnerability and earnestness. Through a hue of sinister, 90’s inspired boom-bap production, Banks plays the role of philosopher and commentator. After all, the rap game has changed drastically since Banks released his platinum-selling debut, The Hunger for More.

Invariably talented, the knock on Lloyd Banks has been his indifference to the promotional aspects of a rap career. While that apathy played a part in Banks not releasing a studio album for over a decade, the boom bap sound’s re-emergence in niche form was the perfect opportunity to return to the scene and Banks struck while the iron was hot. “I was like, ‘Yo, it’s time for me to attack now.’ he reveals. “The boom bap wave was kind of reemerging. I was like, “Yo, it’s no better time than now.” “Let me get my feet wet.”

Album’s Best

With a New York-centric supporting cast, the 16-track, 54-minute project was curated to capture New York City’s hardened nature. Hence, Banks alternates between first person tales and analysis of the state of the culture. Furthermore, the PLK’s more descriptive form of songwriting led to a few vulnerable album cuts. Records like “Voices,” “Pieces Of My Pain,” “Daddy’s Little Girl” and “Deceitful Intentions” provide insight into Banks’ mental state. Meanwhile, songs like “Automatic Pilot,” “101 Razors,” “Money Machine” and “LSD” sees the veteran rapper provide commentary on the current state of street ethics, making numerous mention to the current trend of recording one’s death and disrespecting the dead that has been brought about by drill culture. Moreover, Banks’ improved beat selection and swift, hard-hitting rhymes make for a incredible coherent project with plenty of replay value.

My album’s flawless for your rap genius to scrutinize
They told me sharks was in that water, watch me scuba dive
– Lloyd Banks, “Money Machine”

Album’s Worst

If there can be a knock on this project, it would be the redundancy in Lloyd Banks’ voice. While the songs vary enough in beats, flows and rhyme patterns, Banks’ grizzled, monotone voice remains a constant. Established fans should have no issue with this, while first-time listeners may be thrown off by the lack of variance in Banks’ pitch. Correspondingly, Banks featured a host of New York rappers throughout the album, making it a very east-coast friendly project. Moreover, Vado and Dave East hold their own in supporting roles, while Method Man delivers one of the album’s best verses on “101 Razors.” However, it was lackluster features from former G-Unit cohort Tony Yayo and Rochester native, 38 Speech, that left more to be desired. The duo share the stage on the album’s 10th track, “Red Alert.” While 38 Spesh came with potent rhymes, the lack of chemistry between the two was apparent. Meanwhile, Tony Yayo’s verse began decently enough, but quickly tales off as his flow did not mesh with the beat.

May 15, 2023
Music Forward Foundation forms Partnership with Northwell Health and Jones Beach Theater

Jones Beach has joined forces with the Music Forward Foundation and Northwell Health, New York’s largest healthcare provider, to provide students in underserved communities with a series of music industry career-readiness programs, equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in their chosen field.

Music Forward @ Jones Beach Theater, a community partnership with Northwell Health, will help high school students and community partners across Long Island engage in a series of music industry career-readiness programs, including venue tours and paid internships. The program offers students interested in live music careers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the iconic Jones Beach Theater, and teaches them skills associated with producing live music events, such as talent acquisition, venue operations, live production, marketing, ticketing, and more.

The Northwell Health at Jones Beach is a 15,000-seat amphitheater in Wantagh, one of two major outdoor arenas in the New York metropolitan area. Each summer they bring in thousands with their summer concert series. This year some of the star-studded acts coming to the venue include TLC, the Steve Miller Band, Counting Crows, Big Time Rush, Matchbox Twenty, Goo Goo Dolls, The Lumineers, and more.

Music Forward transforms young lives, inspires careers, and champions a more inclusive music industry. “The crew at Jones Beach is grateful to Northwell and Music Forward for collaborating with us to create this program,” said Adam Citron, General Manager of Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater. “The amphitheater is an important part of the community and a great place to start a career. Our entire crew looks forward to helping the students get their start in the music industry.” Twelve graduating high school seniors will be selected for the program’s inaugural seven-week paid internship, taking place in July and August, learning the skills necessary to start their careers in the highly competitive music industry.

Through this partnership, Northwell Health and Music Forward will help remove barriers and increase access and opportunity for BIPOC youth, young women, and under-represented communities within the music and live entertainment industry. For more information about the program, visit here.

May 15, 2023