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  • Caffe Lena Announces 63rd Anniversary Music Festival “Sing In The Streets”

    Saratoga’s famous Caffè Lena has announced “Sing In The Streets”, a six stage music festival celebrating the 63rd anniversary of Caffè Lena’s opening on Sunday, May 21st.

    Sing in the streets

    Caffè Lena presents extraordinary music in an intimate setting steeped in history. It is widely recognized as the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States. The Library of Congress calls Caffè Lena “An American treasure,” and the Caffe has been recognized by The GRAMMY Foundation for their important contributions to the development of American music.

    In staying true to Lena’s founding vision of simplicity, kindness to strangers, and art above profit, “Sing In The Streets” will take place for free at six stages around Caffè Lena’s neighborhood, making this festival a community event. Two artists will share each stage, with performances at Impressions of Saratoga, Library Terrace, Frog Garden, Caffè Lena’s Courtyard, Caffè Lena Upstairs, and Ben & Jerrys.

    “SING IN THE STREETS’ LOCATIONS AND PERFORMERS:

    IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA
    Steve Candlen is an Albany based drummer who has been performing both nationally and locally since the late 80’s and was the winner of the 2005 “Music For Miracles” Songwriting Contest.

    Travis Gray –  A virtuosic musician and songwriter, with masterful guitar work. In his 20+ years writing, recording and performing around the world, Gray’s work has ranged from contemplative singer-songwriter to fronting powerhouse 6 piece bands and back again

    LIBRARY TERRACE
    Rick Bolton– From playing in garage bands on northern Lake George, to touring out west, only to return home and help launch a thriving music scene in Saratoga, Singer/Songwriter Rick Bolton is no stranger to the Caffe Lena neighborhood.

    Rees Shad & the Conversations – Rees Shad & The Conversations refer to their sound as ‘Swinging Americana Done Right.” Those who know Shad’s catalog have come to refer to him as a wordsmith and a songwriter’s songwriter.

    FROG GARDEN
    Bill & Finnegan Ackerbaue
    r – Father and Son Folk duo Bill & Finnegan will bring their lighthearted family and children songs Bill and Finnegan made famous with virtual concerts through the Johnstown Public Library in a series called Singin’ in the Kitchen.

    Novus Cantus– With a flair for storytelling and theatricality, these brothers have created a show for kids that draws on their love of world music, rock and classical. Parents will recognize nods to Jethro Tull, Rusted Root, Gypsy Kings and Metallica

    CAFFÈ LENA COURTYARD
    Jimi W
    . – Jimi W. is a singer songwriter based out of the capital region of Upstate NY. His sound combines influences from songwriting legends such as James Taylor and Tom Waits with a modern eclectic indie-folk twist. 

    Keanen Stark & Orion Kribs – The Adirondack duo have brought their blend of modern yet classically old-timey sounds, blues, bluegrass, and classic americana tunes, and dabble at entertaining endless other influences and flights of fancy.

    CAFFÈ LENA UPSTAIRS 
    Angelina Valente
    – Valente’s singer/songwriter style strips music down to its bare bones with a folk/pop sound. Her soft piano and strong voice, along with honest lyrics, create an exceptional, emotional experience – a travelogue through folk, bluegrass and indie pop-rock.

    Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band –  Reese has quickly made a name for himself in the Capital Region music scene with his precocious songwriting and charming stage presence, while The Carriage House Band includes some of the finest and most versatile musicians in the Capital Region

    BEN & JERRY’S
    Margo Macero Duo
    – Known to deliver unforgettable performances with passionate powerhouse vocals and impressive guitar solo and the ability to impact a wide audience, Macero is not only a genuine artist, but an inspiring and relatable person.

    Blue Ranger – Here to remind us that there are small moments of magic in the everyday, Albany’s Blue Ranger create subtle, melodious folk stories that ruminate on universal introspection. 

    For More information on “Sing In The Streets”, please visit Caffè Lena’s website.

  • OneShotAce Releases ‘Big Threat’ With Features from Moneybagg Yo & Benny the Butcher

    Rising Boston, MA artist, OneShotAce, continues to strike while the iron is hot releasing his 2nd project of 2023. His latest effort, Big Threat, is a quick follow-up to 2022’s Big Pressure, which saw the Boston native collaborate with the likes of Benny the Butcher, Harry Fraud, Rowdy Rebel and Sheff G. The East-coast friendly project was received positively, with the records “Mr. Fire” and “Resonate” serving as standout tracks. After releasing the deluxe edition to Big Pressure at the tail-end of January, he returns with another 10-track LP, keeping his foot on the gas.

    OneShotACe releases his latest project "Big Threat"

    Moreover, OneShotAce has recruited platinum selling rapper MoneyBagg Yo, for the project’s single “Blocks,” while once again reuniting with Benny The Butcher on “Mixed Fumes.” Fittingly, OneShotAce’s featured artists mesh well with his own raw, money-driven street tales. With OneShotAce finding a nice middle-ground between aggressive drill-like approach to street music and the emotional, harrowing street tales.

    “Working with Moneybagg Yo was major; that’s one of the biggest artists In the industry I’ve worked with to date” OneShotAce exclaimed. “We pulled up to his studio in the A, vibed out, and he jumped on the record and went crazy. I’m really excited for the world to hear it.”

  • In Focus: Olivia Barton and Lizzy McAlpine at Brooklyn Steel

    Olivia Barton and Lizzy McAlpine delivered an unforgettable performance at Brooklyn Steel on April 25th. With Olivia’s whimsical and dreamy indie-folk sound, followed by Lizzy’s soulful and emotionally charged ballads, the night was filled with an electric energy that left the audience mesmerized. The two talented musicians complemented each other perfectly, creating a show that will be remembered for a long time to come.

    Olivia Barton – Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

    Olivia Barton is a Boston-based singer-songwriter originally from Orlando, Florida. Growing up as the youngest of four children to an English teacher and a literary writer, Barton was a sensitive child who quickly took to songwriting. Her musical influences range from The Eagles, James Taylor, and Indigo Girls, which have all shaped her writing style. Her writing can now be compared to contemporary indie folk rock artists such as Margaret Glaspy, Pinegrove, The Staves, and Phoebe Bridgers.

    Olivia Barton Setlist: Good Day, I Don’t Sing My Songs, Control Freak, Sonic [Unreleased], I Don’t Do Anything, if i were a fish [corook cover, with corook], I Love You Just For Trying

    Lizzy McAlpine – Photograph by Caroline Reynolds

    Lizzy McAlpine is an indie folk singer-songwriter from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who has been writing music since the 6th grade. She studied songwriting at Berklee College of Music in Boston before leaving in her junior year to pursue music full-time. McAlpine’s debut studio album, Give Me a Minute, released in August 2020, received critical acclaim and has been streamed millions of times on Spotify. She has since released an 8-song EP “When the World Stopped Moving: The Live EP”, made her late-night debut on Jimmy Kimmel, and released her second studio album, Five Seconds Flat. She has a growing global fanbase, as shown by her entirely sold out Spring tour, including 2 shows in NY. With a unique voice and heartfelt lyrics, she has solidified her place in the indie-folk scene.

    Lizzy McAlpine Setlist: an ego thing, Over-the-Ocean Call (Andrew), all my ghosts, firearm, doomsday, Give Me A Minute, Nothing / Sad N Stuff, called you again, ceilings, Broken Glass [Unreleased], I Guess [Unreleased], In What World, erase me, come down soon [Unreleased], Pancakes for Dinner, orange show speedway

    Olivia Barton – Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

    Olivia Barton’s set was an intimate and engaging affair, with the crowd hanging onto every word and chord. From the very beginning, the audience was in sync with the performer – with one fan even shouting out that they were fellow acapella academy alumni like Barton. She kicked things off with “Good Day”, a buoyant and soulful tune that set the tone for the rest of the evening.

    Barton’s banter between songs was just as charming and captivating as her music, with the singer reminiscing about her time living in Brooklyn and working at three restaurants simultaneously. She congratulated the crowd on their strength and resilience, telling them that they must be “strong as hell” to make it in the city. The standout song of the night was undoubtedly “Sonic”, a brand new, unreleased track that Barton explained was actually about the restaurant chain “Steak and Shake” and also about the love of her life. The singer stumbled adorably during her performance, accidentally blending the chords of “I Don’t Do Anything” with “Sonic” – a moment that only added to the overall charm of the night. She closed out her set with “If I Were a Fish”, bringing up her partner and fellow musician Corook to sing the song together – a fitting end to an unforgettable set.


    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

    The US leg of The End of the Movie Tour is going on all the way until May 13 in Oakland, CA before Lizzy jets off to Dublin for the European leg of the sold out tour.

    Olivia just announced 2 shows where she’ll be supporting Corook; one in LA and one at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn on June 3rd (check out tickets here).

    Stay tuned to Olivia and Lizzy’s socials for news of any more upcoming performances.

  • Fort Salem Theater Announces Extended 2023 Season Schedule

    Fort Salem Theater has unveiled its extended 2023 season, featuring a lineup of exciting shows that will cater to audiences of all ages.

    Nestled in Salem’s National Historic District, the Fort Salem Theater has a history as diverse as its lineup. Originally built as the areas first Presbyterian Church, it was instead consolidated as a barracks for patriot forces during the American Revolution. After surviving three devastating fires, the building was fortified into what is still standing today, before being remodeled in 1972 as the areas premier stage for Salem’s thespians.

    fort salem theater

    Following a successful start with “Spring Awakening,” the theater will showcase a range of popular productions and exciting events now through December.

    Fast approaching is the family favorite “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown,” directed by Megan Stacey with music direction by Iris Rogers and choreography by Kyle West, from May 5th to 14th. With toe-tapping tunes, dazzling choreography, and a cast of lovable characters that will steal your heart, this is a family-friendly experience you won’t want to miss.

    The summer season heats up with the classic musical “Footloose,” directed by Courtnie Harrington and featuring dynamic new songs alongside beloved hits from its Oscar-nominated score. Berry Ayers music directs and Maya Krays choreographs. Get ready to rock out to songs like “Let’s Hear It For The Boy,” “Holding Out For A Hero”, “Almost Paradise” and more.

    A special one-night event, “River of Dreams, A Billy Joel Tribute,” will take place on May 19th, showcasing all-time favorites such as “Uptown Girl” and “New York State of Mind.” Don’t miss this 5-piece authentic Billy Joel tribute band as they visit Salem on their tour.

    “CORN: The Musical,” a special benefit concert performance, will take place on July 7th and 8th. The musical pays tribute to writer Al Budde and tells the story of a modern family farm and the struggles that come with it. The event features Dennis Budde, Sue Caputo, Dan Garfinkel, Jerry Gretzinger, Peter Kidd, Jordan LaMothe, Jessica O’Keefe, and Rosie Spring. This benefit brings together Jay Kerr (Corn’s songwriter and former Fort Salem Theater owner) and Kyle West (Fort Salem Theater’s newest owner) as co-directors.

    On August 4th, the “The Little Mermaid Jr.” will be presented with a special event, “Lunch, Learn & Play,” co-hosted children’s programming with the Historic Salem Courthouse. Participation in the production is free to Salem students entering 6th-12th grade. The musical is directed by Lynn Ohle, music directed by Taylor Grupinski and choreographed by Peyton VanDerheyden.

    From August 11-20, “The Pirates of Penzance” will take the stage, a hilarious operetta by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, directed and choreographed by Kyle West with music direction by Berry Ayers. Featuring a local cast of professional opera singers, experienced musical theater actors, and skilled students, “Pirates” is jam-packed with dutiful daughters, cowering constables, and softhearted swashbucklers, as well as a young pirate apprentice named Frederic approaching his 21st birthday and seeking out love and adventure – with many side steps along the way!

    A trio of classics will close out the season, starting with “The Rocky Horror Show,” a cult classic, will run from October 20-31, including special midnight and Halloween night performances, while “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be held from November 16-19, transporting guests to a magical forest complete with live entertainment.

    The theater’s tradition, “There’s (Still, Definitely) No Business Like Snow Business,” will close the season with 90 minutes of uplifting song and dance celebrating the winter holidays from December 8-10.

    Tickets for all shows and events are available for purchase 24/7 on FortSalem.com

  • Summer Block Party Presents Jodeci, SWV & Dru Hill At Coney Island Amphitheater

    This summer Jodeci will be headlining one of the biggest R&B tours of 2023 known as the Summer Block Party. The tour will also feature the legendary R&B vocal trio Sisters With Voices (SWV) and R&B group Dru Hill. On August 4 the icons will make a stop at the Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn, New York. Fans will be able to enjoy a night of generational smashes and instantly recognizable R&B hits.

    Recognized as “The Bad Boys of R&B,” Jodeci is one of the most influential R&B groups of all time. The band consists of K-Ci, DeVante Swing, JoJo, and Mr. Dalvin. The band quickly established themselves as trendsetters through their signature style, soulful harmonies, and chart-topping hits. Together they have sold over 20 million global records and achieved three #1 albums on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.

    Jodeci’s 1991 debut album “Forever My Lady” ranked #1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart in its first week of release. Additionally, the album’s hits “Come & Talk To Me,” and “Stay,” topped the charts reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The group gained more success with their albums “Diary Of A Mad Band”, “The Show, The After Party, The Hotel”, and a hit single, “Cry For You”. The albums ranked #1 album on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and the single landed #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks chart.

    In 2021, Jodeci reunited and signed with P Music Group for management by Founder and CEO Michael Paran. To deliberate their reunion, Jodeci united with Charlie Wilson and New Edition for a 30-city tour in 2022. Following the tour, Jodeci gave an exceptional performance at the 2022 BET Awards paying homage to Diddy with a medley of their famed hits.

    Sisters With Voices is a New York City based R&B vocal trio featuring the members Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Tamara “Taj” George and Leanne “Lelee” Lyons. Growing up, the vocalists perfected their harmonies singing in church that later became synonymous with the group in the 1990s. Kenny Ortiz, a Grammy-nominated record executive heard the girl’s early demo and quickly signed them to RCA. Ortiz introduced SWV to Brian Morgan who wrote and produced songs on their debut album, “It’s About Time”. The album was a huge success making double platinum within its first year of release. 

    The album features hit songs “Right Here/Human Nature” and “Weak” both of which went to #1 on the R&B Billboard charts. Additionally, their song “Weak” peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop chart and was certified Gold. SWV’s follow-up albums, “New Beginning” and “Release Some Tension” were certified Platinum and Gold, containing hit singles “Rain,” “Someone,” “You’re The One,” and “Use Your Heart.” The trio has made significant achievements by being honored on VH1’s “100 Greatest Women in Music” list, nominated for an American Music Award and Source Award. They also won the Soul Train “Lady of Soul” award, landed #7 on Billboard’s list of Top R&B acts and #2 on Billboard’s Top Selling/Airplay R&B Female Group of the 1990’s. 

    Dru Hill was founded in 1992 and was discovered by their manager Kevin Peck. The members Mark “Sisqó” Andrews, Larry “Jazz”Anthony, Tamir “Nikio” the N-Tity” Ruffin, and James “Woody Rock” Green engraved themselves into the legacy of R&B music and brought a dynamic sound to the ever-changing industry. The superstars given the world music for the ages with hits like “Tell Me,” “In My Bed,” “Never Make a Promise,” and “How Deep Is Your Love” 

    Over the years, Dru Hill has received multiple awards, performed across the world, topped the Billboard Music charts multiple times, and has sold over 40 million records worldwide. Dru Hill continues to solidify their legacy as one of the greatest groups of all time. The band was recently awarded with an Urban Music Icon Award presented by Black Music Honors.

    Artist presale goes live on Tuesday, April 25 and lasts until April 27. The general on-sale begins on Friday, April 28 at 10 am. Tickets can be found here.

    TOUR DATES

    7/28    Charlotte, NC               PNC Music Pavilion

    7/29     Baltimore, MD            CFG Bank Arena

    7/30    Greensboro, NC           White Oak Amphitheatre at Greensboro Coliseum Complex

    8/4       Brooklyn, NY                Coney Island Amphitheater

    8/5       Bridgeport, CT             Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater

    8/6       Philadelphia, PA          The Mann Center

    8/10    Detroit, MI                  Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre

    8/11    Chicago, IL                    Arie Crown Theater

    8/13    Indianapolis, IN            TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park

    8/15    St. Louis, MO                Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

    8/18    Atlanta, GA                   Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park

    8/19    Pelham, AL                   Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

    8/20    Nashville, TN                Ascend Amphitheater            

    8/24    Baton Rouge, LA          Raising Cane’s River Center

    8/26    Houston, TX                 The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman

    8/27    Irving, TX                      The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

    8/31    Denver, CO                  BellCo Theater

    9/2       Phoenix, AZ                  Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre                

    9/3       Chula Vista, CA            North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

    9/7       Los Angeles, CA           YouTube Theater

    9/8       Concord, CA                 Concord Pavilion

  • Nonstop to Cairo share “Not Today” with LP due in May

    Today, April 28, the pop-punk band Nonstop to Cairo released a new song, “Not Today,” which will be followed by their LP, Kai, on May 5, via collaboration with Rama Entertainment and Creative Entertainment Network/The Orchard, a division of Sony Music. Before the debut of the new song and new album, the band re-released their single “Awkward Situations,” on March 31. Additionally, Nonstop to Cairo will appear at Hempfest at Dublin Deck Tiki Bar and Grill on April 29, for their album release party.

    Kai album art. Credit: Dana Gordon, Indie Music Media.

    Nonstop to Cairo consists of August “ASH” Harris (vocals,) Nick Diamond (guitar/vocals,) Alex Turner (drums/vocals,) and Ed Nevin (Bass guitar), from Baldwin. The band released their debut album, Dabble Heavy, and performed at several Long Island Music venues in support of the album in 2018, including Amityville Music Hall. Their upcoming LP, Kai, is in honor of the band’s former trumpet player/keyboardist, Kevin Anand Itwaru, who passed away in 2020, shortly before the album was recorded, and his initials make up the album title. While the album was inspired by their grief, it is also a celebration of life, according to Nonstop to Cairo.

    “Our sophomore album Kai is a celebration of life, dedicated to our friend, brother, and former member Kevin Anand Itwaru who passed away in 2020. The project is a great portrayal of the vision we created with him, as our sound is ever-evolving. Kai is about the ups and downs of life, music, loss, and the connection needed to persevere,” shares guitarist Diamond.

    “Awkward Situations,” has a pop-punk sound, with melodic punk rhythms, fast-paced riffs, and rapid-fire rap. It’s the perfect song for anyone that needs to let out any feelings of anxiousness or nerves they’ve been holding in. Sometimes, you just need to scream at the top of your lungs, and it’s clear from “Awkward Situations,” that the band understands that feeling.

    Nonstop to Cairo will release their new song, “Not Today,” on April 28, and their LP, Kai, is due for release on May 5. Stream music by Nonstop to Cairo and pre-save Kai.

  • CNY Jazz Announces Return Of In-Person Scholastic Enrichment Programs

    CNY Jazz has announced the return of their in person scholastic enrichment programs across the Central New York region, and has announced the first schedule of events.

    Despite the hard hit by the pandemic and its negative impact on schools and families, CNY Jazz’s Scholastic programs continued to provide youth enrighment in virtual and hybrid settings. This year, the organization’s “pipeline” of enrichment programs that follow students through grade school and into college returns full force, with the goal of full enrollment in live settings across the area.

    The first to occur is the 3rd annual “Berkshire Bank Interscholastic Jazz Festival,” to take place Sundays May 7 and 21 at the newly renovated and covered Sharkey’s Event Center in Liverpool. From 3 to 8 p.m. each day, the public and band parents can enjoy free admission, Sharkey’s food, drink, and the region’s finest school jazz ensembles of all kinds: combos, big bands, even a jazz string group, accompanied by nationally renowned guest soloists who will double as master class clinicians with each group.

    This year’s guest CNY Jazz Scholastic teaching artists are Claire Daly, baritone saxophonist with the seminal DIVA jazz orchestra and founding member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center education faculty, and Mike Carbone, jazz studies leader at Binghamton University.

    “This program was born because kids everywhere were forced to rehearse 12 feet apart in school with masks and were not able to perform in school. Morale was non-existent, and programs were in jeopardy. When I heard this, we put this outdoor event together quickly. As it turned out, educators, students, and parents alike loved the format and setting. Now it’s a permanent fixture on the enrichment scene for the extended region.”

    Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz Leader

    For over 20 years in Central New York, the last day of school in June is always closely followed by the CNY Jazz Scholastic SummerJazz Workshop, where kids get to explore the arts of improvisation. Newly moved to the W. Carroll Coyne Center for the Performing Arts at LeMoyne College, the 2023 workshop will be held June 26-29th and will be topped off with a visit by internationally recognized jazz educator John Piazza, Jr., who will coach the program’s four combos and solo with them.

    CNY Jazz Scholastic

    The ultimate CNY Jazz pipeline program is the CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra, accessible by audition to all as a pre-professional apprenticeship program, a paying summer job for area youth, who join the American Federation of Musicians and receive prevailing rates for performing free public concerts throughout the summer. This season’s venues include Cazenovia Counterpoint, Le Moyne College, the Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival, and the Manlius Amphitheater. CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra dates and times will be announced at a later date.

    For more information on all CNY Jazz Scholastic programs and to register for a particular event, please visit the CNY Jazz website.

  • Hearing Aide: Evil Sweet’s Pop-Rock EP “Queen Victoria” 

    New York-based alternative indie band Evil Sweet has just debuted their newest EP Queen Victoria, on April 28th. According to the band, the album evokes a different she of love at various stages in a relationship. 

    Evil Sweet is an up-and-coming pop-rock band based in Long Island founded by members Scotty O’Brien-Curcie and Zachary Castro. Thus, having achieved over 100K streams on the singles for the EP and playing legendary venues like The Bowery Electric. Their energy is familiar to indie artists like The Neighborhood, Tame Impala and Arctic Monkeys. 

    Evil Sweet EP Releases Alternative Indie EP “Queen Victoria” 

    Zach is the guitarist and rapper for the group with Scotty on lead vocals, both having heavy roles in the songwriting. Evil Sweet blends multiple genres like rock, pop, blues, folk, and hip-hop. The two have been creating music together since their early high school years. 

    Evil Sweet EP Releases Alternative Indie EP “Queen Victoria” 

    When listening to the album, keep in mind that each song is supposed to represent a different stage of love in a relationship. Queen Victoria is a unique album for Evil Sweet to release, it has sweet and delicate songs like “Long Live The Queen,” where the lyrics are quite meaningful. Almost very similar to Panic! At The Dico’s 2008 release Pretty Odd.  

    The intro song “Something” also hits differently, having sounded straight out of an 80’s soundboard, flowy and bubbly. Songs like “Queen Victoria” and “Out of Nowhere” are energetic and high-strung, the vocalist reminiscent of The Kooks. “How To Love You” was a favorite on the album, having meaningful lyrics and an upbeat tempo.  

    Evil Sweet EP Releases Alternative Indie EP “Queen Victoria” 

    The band has also had an amazing start to 2023 with the two singles “Something” and “Out of Nowhere” achieving over 100,000 streams on Spotify being interviewed by underground indie-blog “Girl at the Rock Shows.” Evil Sweet prepare for the release of their debut EP Queen Victoria on April 28th

    To pre-save Queen Victoria, click the link here

    For more music by Evil Sweet, click the link here

  • Buffalo Bombarded by Blues and Roots at Riverworks

    When I think of Blues music, the basic, common names come to mind. The likes of BB King, Muddy Waters, Blind Boy Fuller, and Buddy Guy. These are the classic staples of Blues genre. Another staple with the Blues is a nice pour of bourbon/rye/whiskey, straight up or on the rocks, it pairs well with the classic or modern sounds of Blues. This was the thought process of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, Neil Giraldo as he founded Three Chord brand of bourbons in 2017. Fast forward to 2023, Giraldo’s company was a presenting sponsor of the 2nd annual Buffalo Blues and Roots Festival.

    Taking place on April 22, Buffalo Riverworks Buffalo’s Best Sports Bar & Entertainment hosted 10 acts of amazing Blues talent, each playing approximately 40-minute sets, with the two headliners getting bonus stage time. Oh, and they were doing bourbon samples, too, pretty much a win-win.

    Opening the festival was Buffalo’s own Henry’s Summer Kitchen (Henry’s Summer Kitchen | Buffalo NY | Facebook). This unique quartet plays a wide range of tunes, ranging from classic Merle Haggard to current original songs, twangy, old-school country sounds with modern twists. You never know what you are going to get, but you will never be disappointed.

    Taking over the stage after Henry’s cleared out his kitchen, Tonemah was ready to jam. Darryl Tonemah (Tonemah)is not your typical musician, let’s make that clear. Not only does Tonemah record and perform music, but he also carries a Ph.D. and has appeared in 3 well-known movies. To boot, he performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics, holding quite the resume.

    Performing in Buffalo, though, this full-blooded Native American (Kiowa/Comanche/Tuscarora) was wowing the Riverworks crowd with family on stage with him as a seven piece band. Playing mostly original music, Tonemah shook the stage for about 40 minutes and used every second to make their presence known.

    Next up was The Growlers (Growlers Blues Band | Buffalo NY | Facebook) Featuring Jon Lewandowski on vocals and harp, Dan Shurtleff on drums, Rob Enderle on guitar, Ed Croft on bass with guest guitarist Rusty Fisher. Western NY based, these guys came to play, and play they did. With smooth riffs on the bass, Jon doing his best John Popper impression on the harp, and Dan crushing the drums, The Growlers came across as seasoned vets on more of a blues rock set. At this point, a nice bourbon was really hitting me.

    Coming to the stage around 315 was The X-Statix with Sharon Bailey (The X-STATIX | Facebook). Bailey hits the stage as a very well-known and regarded funk/blues/jazz voice in the Buffalo area. Punk band vibes, her voice is a little Joan Osborne, a little Etta James, and a little Dusty Springfield. Rounding out X-Statix is Joel Slazyk on bass (who happened to have color-coordinated shirts and guitar), Bob Granfield on vocals and percussion, and Rick Militello on vocals/bass.

    Bourbon? Nope, not yet. Three Chords was setting up a table right near the VIP entrance, however, and I was on watch now.

    Ok, this is where I admit some fault. Coming into this festival, I searched on the world wide web for all these acts. I knew some of them and had heard of a couple of others—all with great feedback. Patti Parks was a new name for me so I looked her up as I did everyone else. I made a decision beforehand that this was going be my rest time as I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the set as much as the others, get some pizza and beverage and just sit back and enjoy the show. Patti, I am sorry I doubted you at all as I couldn’t have been more wrong on this. Patti and her ensemble were incredible as they rocked the stage with a brass section, bass, percussion, and her own vocals. For me, this set was mind-blowing, to say the least. Go give Patti Parks a listen and see for yourself why she is a member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.

    Ray Barry, the name behind Barry Entertainment, is the event organizer/promotor. Not only does he set up this superb event in downtown Buffalo, NY, he is also a scheduled performer and he brought the troupe out to perform the music of The Band. Like every other act on this stage doing covers, these guys put their own style to some Americana classics without hindering the effects of the song. Ending with a staple, The Weight, and Ray Barry and Friends had a large group of VIP patrons dancing stage front for the entire 40-minute set.

    Tommy Z takes the stage at 545, with bourbon pouring at 545. Tommy Z has a rich history with blues, starting out when he backed up Pinetop Perkins and worked with many of the biggest names including Buddy Guy, Jimmy Vaughn, and Robert Cray. On top of his illustrious recording career, which has included weekly shows on Buffalo-based blues radio stations, Tommy has managed to do shows for US troops around the globe, sometimes in tumultuous areas, since 2003.

    It’s bourbon time. While I am not a bourbon snob, I enjoy a few things in life including a nice sipping drink. Three Chord was offering up 2 varieties to sample: Kentucky Straight Bourbon, aged in pinot noir barrels as well as Amplified Rye. I had to sample both and damn were they tasty. While I enjoyed the Rye at 95 proof, the Kentucky straight was a little smoother and definitely had me looking for a bottle to take home. Again, I am not a bourbon snob or reviewer, I simply enjoy a nice pour with some solid music in the background.

    Moving back to the music, Miller and the Other Sinners took the stage for their set. Buffalo-based and well-known around Western NY and the Finger Lakes, Miller (who also is involved with Three Chord Bourbon) and his Sinners came out firing on all cylinders with the funk and soul sound they have been producing since 2015. Over the years Miller has played with great names such as Shamekia Copeland, Susan Tedeschi, and Joe Bonamassa. 730 is the time I have been looking forward to because Selwyn Birchwood jumps on stages Just as I did for all the other acts, I looked into this young man. It didn’t much for me to get hooked. A little Jimi Hendrix, a dash of Prince, and Some Buddy Guy, that is Selwyn Birchwood, who burst onto the scene in 2014.

    A song I took to immediately was “Living in a Burning House.” Deep lyrics and smooth vocals make this a perfect song to listen to while sipping Three Chord bourbon. When he played this song in Buffalo, the crowd was ready for it and you could see many of them singing along. Another artist new to me, for now, it was clear that Birchwood made his presence known around Buffalo as he rocked the crowd for a little over an hour.

    Rounding out the festival was Colin James. From Saskatchewan, Canada, James brought 30 years of music, 8 Juno awards, and nearly 30 Maple Blues awards to Buffalo Riverworks. Who knew this could happen to a guy whose first performance was opening up for Stevie Ray Vaughn with only a few hours notice? While the venue and crowd may not be what James is used to, he had the entire crowd into the music. For some, it was just sitting there bopping their head to the beat or tapping their toes, while others were in full dance party mode. With over 20 albums of music to select from, James played for nearly 90 minutes and seemed to love every second of it. Colin James is on tour, with shows coming up in Ontario.

    For nine hours, Buffalo Riverworks was rocking some blues, roots, and Americana sounds. Arts and crafts, the aforementioned bourbon, as well as rustic surroundings outside all were perfect compliments of each other and Barry Entertainment put together a great day of family fun in Downtown Buffalo.

  • Binghamton Philharmonic to Present ‘May the Fourth Be With You’ on May 4

    To conclude the 67th season of the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, they’ll go back, a long time ago, to a galaxy far far away. “May the Fourth Be With You” will be performed at the Anderson Center for the Performing Arts in Vestal on Thursday, May 4 at 7:30pm.

    may the fourth binghamton philharmonic

    Maestro Daniel Hege will lead the Philharmonic in performing the music of John Williams, including themes from The Force Awakens, Revenge of the Sith, A New Hope, and of course, the original Star Wars Suite. Additionally, there will be live narration by Joshua Sedelmeyer, who will weave together the epic story of Star Wars with the music.

    Joshua Sedelmeyer is an alumni of the Ithaca College BFA Acting program and studied abroad at the Moscow Art Theatre School in Russia (National Theatre Institute’s Mats program) and the IC London Center in England. Josh is based in Upstate New York, between Binghamton and Ithaca, and works regularly with many companies throughout the region. He is often sought for his physical acting approach (Edgar, King Lear), his playfulness and vivacity within ensembles (Clown, The 39 Steps), and for his comfort with adapting to a wide range of theatrical styles (Puppeteer in The Snow Queen, Austin in True West, Edmund in Long Day’s Journey into Night).

    Josh also has developed an ease at creating rapport with audiences during interactive performances, such as “Pops” concerts with the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra (The Magical Music of Harry Potter, A Night at the Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet, and Star Wars, May the Fourth).

    Founded by Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg in 1955, the Binghamton Philharmonic was founded by David Agard and Russell Hawkes, presenting an annual series of classical, pops, and chamber music concerts in Downtown Binghamton and throughout Broome County. The professional musicians of the Philharmonic, represented by Local 380 of the American Federation of Musicians, hail from the Southern Tier, New York City, and surrounding states.

    For tickets and more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org.