NYS Music 2023

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  • 2023 Caroga Lake Music Festival Programming Announced

    The Caroga Arts Collective announced the complete Caroga Lake Music Festival (CLMF) 2023 programming, featuring more than 125 artists for over 35 concerts, starting May 27 and ending Sept. 15.

    Photo by Kevin Bacon.

    The Caroga Lake Music Festival features many performances, as well as the second annual edition of the CLMF Lesson & Ensembles Program, providing music workshops and individual or small group lessons, led by Caroga Arts Ensemble artists, to community members looking to learn new instruments or hone their talent. “We’re excited to bring a robust lineup of artists to Caroga Lake for our 12th summer season,” said Kyle Barrett Price, Founder and Artistic Director of the Caroga Arts Collective. “Our concerts will feature a diverse array of genres, classical, jazz, rock, and everything in between, presented lakeside at Sherman’s Park and at other beloved venues across the region.”

    The venue is important to the wider community, notes Dr. William Crankshaw, Caroga Arts board member and Superintendent of Schools at the Greater Johnstown School District. “Caroga Arts is breathing life into musical arts in our communities, and even in our schools. The potential to offer students the opportunities to experience a wide variety of world-class musical programs, not to mention exposure to string instruments and summer ensembles, excites me. There have been hundreds of educators in our region who have been pining for these types of opportunities, which, until now, were only available to communities with the resources and affluence to do so.”

    Over the course of its five-week season, the Caroga Lake Music Festival 2023 will feature more than 20 touring guest artists and ensembles at Sherman Park. Well-known names include Grammy-nominated folk singer Judy Collins, group Baha Men, known for the Grammy-award-winning song “Who Let The Dogs Out,” husband and wife duo The War and Treaty, the Zac Brown Tribute Band, Queen tribute band: Almost Queen, and many more. CLMF will also highlight up-and-coming artists such as Laufey, an Icelandic musician and songwriter who recently ranked #1 on Billboard’s Alternative New Artist Chart. Returning performers include Eddie Barbash, performing at Sherman’s Jazz Fest; The Ultimates, back for a Labor Day concert with fireworks; and Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra at Fiesta Caroga, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

    For the second time in its 12-year history, this year’s festival will include a full symphony performed conductorless by the Caroga Arts Ensemble, Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony on Aug. 11. Also happening are two world premieres, including “27 Steps,” an immersive theater experience presented in partnership with Utica Dance and family-friendly “Louie the Loon,” composed by Brian Shank based on a short story by Julian Muller, which will be performed at a Kids Carousel Concert. Caroga Arts will return with its five-week-long artist-in-residence experience, 100+ musicians living amongst the community and curating unique chamber music and orchestral collaborations as part of the Caroga Arts Ensemble. These artists hold positions as leading soloists, chamber musicians, and orchestral musicians from across the country, performing in the Met Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Verona Quartet, KASA Quartet, and more.

    In addition to collaborations at Sherman’s Park, CLMF resident artists will be featured at partnering venues and festivals across the region in the CLMF on Tour performances. These include Little Falls at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, the Johnstown Midsummer Concert Series at Charles Jenner Memorial Band Shell, Barge Concert at Canada Lake Store & Marina, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival at Otesaga Resort Hotel, shows at the Glove Theatre, and more.

    Barge Concert at Canada Lake Store & Marina.

    For the first time ever, Caroga Arts are offering a 2023 season pass, with discounted premium seats. To learn more about Caroga Arts and the Caroga Lake Music Festival 2023, as well as reserve tickets, visit here.

    2023 SEASON SCHEDULE

    Sherman’s Concerts

    Sat, May 27 @ 7 PM – Zac Brown Tribute Band

    Sun, June 4 @ 3 PM – Alex Moffat and Friends: A Comedy and Music Block Party

    Sat, July 1 @ 2 PM – SAUNDERSFEST, artists to be announced

    Sat, July 15 @ 7 PM – Tommy V Live

    Wed, July 19 @ 7 PM – The Gibson Brothers

    Fri, July 21 @ 5 PM – Caroga Arts Collective Gala, featuring Tony DeSare and the Caroga Arts Ensemble

    Sat, July 22 @ 7 PM – Baha Men

    Wed, July 26 @ 7 PM – Rich with Caroga Arts Ensemble

    Fri, July 28 @ 7 PM – “27 Steps” World Premiere – Caroga Arts Ensemble, Utica Dance

    Sat, July 29 @ 7 PM – Almost Queen: A Tribute to QUEEN

    Sun, July 30 @ 7 PM –  “27 Steps” – Caroga Arts Ensemble, Utica Dance

    Wed, August 2 @ 7 PM – Laufey with Caroga Arts Ensemble

    Fri, August 4 @ 7 PM –  Musical Kaleidoscope: A Tribute to Jonah Poplove

    Fri, August 4 @ 9:30 PM – “Dime-a-Dance” with Kyle Athayde Dance Party 

    Sat, August 5 @ 11 AM – Kids Carousel Concert – WARP Trio

    Sat, August 5 @ 5 PM – Sherman’s JazzFest – Kyle Athayde Dance Party, Eddie Barbash with KASA Quartet, WARP Trio, Miriam Elhajli

    Wed, August 9 @ 7 PM –  Concert by Candlelight: An Evening of Encores

    Fri, August 11 @ 7 PM – Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony

    Sat, August 12 @ 11 AM – Kids Carousel Concert – “Louie the Loon” World Premiere – Composed by Brian Shank

    Sat, August 12 @ 7 PM – Judy Collins with Caroga Arts Ensemble

    Wed, August 16 @ 7 PM – Grace Kelly Quartet

    Fri, August 18 @ 7 PM –  The Coda: A Chamber Music Round-robin

    Sat, August 19 @ 7 PM – The War and Treaty

    Sat, September 2 @ 7 PM – The Ultimates (with fireworks)

    Fri, September 15 @ 7 PM – Fiesta Caroga: Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra

    Caroga Lake Music Festival on Tour

    Thur, July 20 @ 7 PM – CLMF on Tour: Caroga Chapel

    Sun, July 23 @ 3 PM – CLMF on Tour:  SVAN at Mayfield Presbyterian Church

    Thur, July 27 @ 7 PM – CLMF on Tour: Little Falls at Emmanuel Episcopal Church

    Sun, July 30 @ 2 PM – CLMF on Tour: Pecks Lake at Pecks Lake Marina

    Thur, August 3 @ 6 PM – CLMF on Tour: Johnstown Midsummer Concert Series at Charles Jenner Memorial Band Shell

    Sun, August 6 @ 6 PM – CLMF on Tour: Barge Concert at Canada Lake Store & Marina 

    Thur, August 10 @ 7 PM – CLMF on Tour: The Glove Theater

    Sun, August 13 @ 2 PM – CLMF on Tour: Lorenzo State Historic Site

    Tue, August 15 @ 6 PM – CLMF on Tour: Cooperstown Summer Music Festival at Otesaga Resort Hotel

    Thur, August 17 @ 7 PM – CLMF on Tour: Arkell Museum

    Sun, August 20 @ 12 PM – CLMF on Tour: Brunch Concert at Paul Nigra Center for the Creative Arts

    Sun, August 20 @ 6 PM – CLMF on Tour: Caroga Museum

    Sat, August 26 @ 6 PM – Caroga Arts Ensemble: Maverick Concerts

  • Boy George and Culture Club ‘Letting It Go Show’ Summer Tour includes Bethel Woods, Jones Beach and Darien Lake Stops

    English pop band Boy George and Culture Club will headline a summer 2023 tour, the Letting It Go Show, which will stop at three New York Music venues.

    Culture Club will appear at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on July 22, followed by a performance at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theatre the next day, and lastly the Darien Lake Amphitheatre on July 29, before finishing the rest of their tour across the country throughout August. Culture Club will be joined by Howard Jones and Berlin for all dates of their tour.

    The members of Boy George and Culture Club, from left to right: Mikey Craig (vocals, bass, keyboards) Boy George (vocals, tambourine), and Roy Hay (guitars, vocals, keyboards.) Credit: Maya Sarin.

    Culture Club was initially formed in London during the New Romantic movement and consists of Boy George, Roy Hay, Mikey Craig, and formerly Jon Moss (drums and percussion.) They released their debut album, Kissing to Be Clever, in 1982 and, with the help of lead singer Boy George, achieved mainstream success in both the U.K. and the U.S. George dressed in flamboyant dresses and wore heavy makeup, creating a disarmingly androgynous appearance that created a sensation on early MTV, earning the band considerable media attention.

    During the 1980s, Culture Club released several hit songs, including “Karma Chameleon” which reached number one on both sides of the Atlantic, and “It’s a Miracle” and “Miss Me Blind” which reached the Top 10. The band initially broke up in 1986, before reuniting from 1998-2002 and again in 2011. Their sixth and most recent studio album, Life, was released in 2018, credited as “Boy George and Culture Club.”

    Howard Jones, born in Southhampton, Hampshire, England, began his career with his hit single, “New Song,” from his debut album, Human’s Lib, and has had a nearly 40-year career since. His most recent album, Dialogue (2022) is part of a trilogy of albums with Engage (2015) and Transform (2019.) Jones’ hits have been featured in high-profile series and films such as “Stranger Things,” “Breaking Bad,” “Watchmen,” “The Carrie Diaries”, “Superstore” and “Bumblebee.”

    New wave band Berlin formed in Los Angeles in 1978, founded by vocalist Terri Nunn, bassist John Crawford, and keyboard player David Diamond. The band’s career began with Information (1980), and they have since won twelve gold and platinum album awards. Berlin’s 1986 hit “Take My Breath Away” significantly appeared in Tom Cruise’s hit film Top Gun (1986) solidifying their ever-lasting place in American pop culture, and winning the award for “Best Original Song” at both the Golden Globe and Academy Awards.

    Nunn’s ongoing influence earned her the #11 spot on VH1.com’s “100 Greatest Women in Rock. As an actress, she played leading roles in films including Katie: Portrait of a Centerfold with Kim Basinger, and Thank God It’s Friday with Jeff Goldblum and Debra Winger. Along with comedienne Wendy Liebman, Nunn previously hosted the critically acclaimed radio show Unbound with Terri Nunn.

    Pre-sale for the Boy George and Culture Club Letting It Go Show, which includes three stops at New York music venues, starts April 19 with a Citi presale at 10 a.m., continuing until April 20 at 10 p.m., with additional presales continuing throughout the week and general on-sale tickets starting Friday, April 21 at 10 a.m.

    The Letting It Go Show 2023 tour dates:
    Thu Jul 13 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
    Sat Jul 15 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
    Sun Jul 16 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place Amphitheatre
    Tue Jul 18 – Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
    Wed Jul 19 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
    Thu Jul 20 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater
    Sat Jul 22 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
    Sun Jul 23 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
    Tue Jul 25 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
    Wed Jul 26 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
    Fri Jul 28 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
    Sat Jul 29 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
    Sun Jul 30 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann
    Tue Aug 01 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
    Thu Aug 03 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
    Fri Aug 04 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
    Sat Aug 05 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
    Tue Aug 08 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
    Thu Aug 10 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
    Fri Aug 11 – The Woodlands, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
    Sat Aug 12 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
    Mon Aug 14 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
    Fri Aug 18 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
    Sat Aug 19 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
    Sun Aug 20 – Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion

  • Sting Bringing ‘My Songs’ Concert to Jones Beach this Summer

    Legendary English musician Sting is bringing his My Songs concert to the Empire State with a performance at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Sept. 8.

    Throughout his tour, Sting will be accompanied by an electric, rock ensemble and, on select shows, special guest Joe Sumner. Sting will perform songs from his career as both a solo artist and a member of The Police.

    sting my songs jones beach
    Promotional Picture for Sting’s My Songs Tour. Credit: Valeska Thomas

    Sting was born in Wallsend, England, and began his musical career with the rock band The Police in the 1970s as their bass guitar player, lead and backing vocalist, double bass player, and studio synthesizer, accompanied by fellow members Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland, and briefly, Henry Padovani. The band went on their first tour, The Police Around the World Tour, from 1977-1980. The Police released their debut studio album, Outlandos d’Amour, in 1978, preceded by their debut single, “Roxanne.” The band had a nearly decade-long career, releasing their fifth and final studio album, Synchronicity, in 1983, before officially breaking up in 1986. They reunited for a final from 2007-08, for their Reunion Tour.

    Since The Police’s breakup, Sting has had a successful career as a solo artist, releasing over a dozen studio albums. His first solo release was 1985’s The Dream of the Blue Turtles. Since then, Sting has released a total of 15 solo studio albums, most recently 2021’s The Bridge. Throughout his career, Sting has won 25 American Music Awards, 17 Grammy Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, and was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On his My Songs tour, Sting will perform classic hits like ‘Fields of Gold’, ‘Shape of my Heart’, ‘Roxanne’, ‘Englishman In New York,’ ‘Every Breath You Take,’ ‘Roxanne,’ ‘Message In A Bottle’,  ‘Demolition Man’ and many more.

    The My Songs tour will offer a variety of VIP packages and experiences. Packages vary but include premium tickets, access to the pre-show VIP lounge, specially designed VIP gift item, limited edition tour poster, and more. For additional information, visit vipnation.com.

    Tickets to the My Songs concert by Sting, which includes a performance at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Sept. 8, go on sale April 21 at 10 a.m. at Sting.com.

    STING: MY SONGS 2023 NORTH AMERICA TOUR DATES:
    Sept. 05 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
    Sept. 07 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
    Sept. 08 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
    Sept. 12 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live*
    Sept. 15 – Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
    Sept. 17 – Austin, TX – Moody Center ATX
    Sept. 20 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
    Sept. 21 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
    Sept. 23 – West Valley City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
    Sept. 26 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
    Sept. 27 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
    Sept. 29 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
    Oct. 01 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort and Casino*
    Oct. 02 – Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion
    Oct. 04 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU
    Oct. 07 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
    Oct. 09 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
    Oct. 12 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
    Oct. 14 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
    Oct. 15 – Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

  • In This Moment And Motionless In White Announce “The Dark Horizon Tour”, Buffalo & Albany Dates

    In This Moment and hard rock giants Motionless In White have announced an epic co-headline run across North America this summer featuring special guests Fit For A King and From Ashes To New.

    in the moment motionless in white

    “The Dark Horizon Tour” will see the two bands alternating closing sets each night and performing at arenas and amphitheaters across the country, starting in Connecticut and Buffalo in early July, and a finale on August 19th at MVP Arena in Albany.

    Since coming to life in 2005, In This Moment have presided over a diehard fan base under the watch of “mother” figure, frontwoman and New York native Maria Brink—joined by co-founder and lead guitarist Chris Howorth, bassist Travis Johnson, guitarist Randy Weitzel, and Kent Dimmel. As millions convened upon the group’s otherworldly and unforgettable concerts, they quietly emerged as one of the most influential and impactful bands of the 21st century. 

    To date, in addition to the Gold-selling album, Blood, the quintet has garnered six Gold and Platinum singles, followed by a trifecta of Top 25 entries on the Billboard Top 200 with Black Widow and Ritual. With a total stream tally well past 200 million as of 2020, Ritual elevated them to new creative and critical peaks as well. 

    Between selling out headline tours coast-to-coast, the group performed in arenas everywhere alongside Disturbed and appeared at countless festivals from Rockville to Sonic Temple. 

    Along the way, they assembled their seventh full-length, the aptly titled Mother with longtime trusted collaborator Kevin Churko. Whereas Ritual hinted at a bluesy sonic sorcery, Mother breathes the activating mantra of an unbreakable spell, commenced on first single “The In-Between.” 

    In 2022, the band released Blood 1983, a reimagined EP commemorating the ten-year anniversary of Blood, and most recently had their song “I Would Die For You” appear on the soundtrack for John Wick: Chapter 4. 

    Motionless In White harnessed the power of an unholy union between industrial metal dissonance, spellbinding gothic pop bombast, and big screen-worthy iconography to emerge as 21st century rock’s most iconoclastic and cinematic force. Climbing out of the shadows of the rustbelt in Scranton, PA, the group have tirelessly earned the undying allegiance of a devout worldwide audience one record at a time. 

    With over half-a-billion cumulative streams and views to date, Motionless In White have notched four consecutive Top 5 debuts on the Billboard ‘Top Hard Rock Albums’ chart and ‘Top Rock Albums’ chart with Reincarnate, Graveyard Shift, Disguise , and their latest effort Scoring The End Of the World. The latter debuting at #12 on the Billboard 200 marking the band’s second biggest sales week ever. Scoring The End of the World is highlighted by the singles “Cyberhex,” which trended Top 10 on YouTube, and the follow-up “Masterpiece” which lit up streaming platforms and reached #1 at Active Rock radio becoming the band’s first chart-topper at the format. 

    Tickets are on sale now at In This Moment’s website.

    IN THIS MOMENT & MOTIONLESS IN WHITE 2023 TOUR DATES

    Jul-8 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena 

    Jul-9 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo RiverWorks 

    Jul-11 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Civic Center Coliseum 

    Jul-13 – Cadott, WI – Rockfest* 

    Jul-14 – Grand Rapids, MI – Upheaval Festival* 

    Jul-15 – Mansfield, OH – Inkcarceration Festival 

    Jul-17 – East Moline, IL – The Rust Belt 

    Jul-18 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena 

    Jul-19 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford Premiere Center 

    Jul-21 – Casper, WY – Ford Wyoming Center 

    Jul-22 – Billings, MT – First Interstate Arena at MetraPark 

    Jul-23 – Missoula, MT – Big Sky Brewing Company 

    Jul-26 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort 

    Jul-27 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles 

    Jul-29 – Flagstaff, AZ – Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Park 

    Jul-30 – Grand Junction, CO – Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park 

    Aug-1 – Wichita, KS – Hartman Arena 

    Aug-2 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion 

    Aug-4 – Council Bluffs, IA – KIWR’s Rockfest – Westfair Amphitheater 

    Aug-5 – Camdenton, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater 

    Aug-6 – Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena 

    Aug-8 – Memphis, TN – The Soundstage at Graceland 

    Aug-9 – Mobile, AL – Mobile Civic Center Arena 

    Aug-11 – Huntsville, AL – Propst Arena 

    Aug-12 – Asheville, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee Center 

    Aug-13 – Corbin, KY – Corbin Arena 

    Aug-15 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center 

    Aug-16 – Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County War Memorial Expo Center 

    Aug-18 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion 

    Aug-19 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena 

  • State Theatre of Ithaca Announces Inaugural ‘Benefit My State Variety Hour’

    The State Theatre of Ithaca has announced the inaugural “Benefit My State Variety Hour,” showcasing what the theatre has to offer and the stories behind why the historic venue truly matters to the Ithaca Community, featuring performances by many well-known acts.

    The historic State Theatre of Ithaca is Tompkins County’s last remaining historic theatre, enriching the community since 1928, operated and preserved by the non-for-profit organization State Theatre of Ithaca Inc. The theatre is active and hosts many national, international, and community performances and programming, from comedians to world-class musicians. The Benefit My State Variety hour is being produced by The State Theatre of Ithaca and DSP Shows.

    Dan Smalls of DSP Shows explains that “This event is a pretty amazing way to show off all the great things that happen at the State Theatre. Sure we do tons of great internationally touring music and comedy acts, but here we can show off the best of our local organizations side by side and also share a passion for this building.  Every one of them has a fabulous State Theatre Story to tell and on May 17 we will hear all of them in addition to seeing their performances.” Performers include Sam Nelson of X AMBASSADORS, Richie Stearns, The Ithaca Ballet, Running To Places, Galumpha, Southside Community Center’s CUMEP, and more.

    The “Benefit My State Variety Hour” is The State Theatre of Ithaca’s biggest fundraiser of the year. “Over the past decade, our “Benefit My State” concerts have been a fun and creative way to remind this community that The State Theatre of Ithaca is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. This year’s format will be much different than past ‘Benefit’ shows in that we look forward to offering a taste of all of the types of artists that grace our stage to enrich, inspire and connect us at The State Theatre of Ithaca,” said Executive Director, Doug Levine. “Since re-opening after a 20-month hiatus, all local arts organizations are still facing major challenges. There are some signs of improvement, but numbers are still far off from what they were before the pandemic. The funds raised through this benefit concert will directly enhance this organization and help ensure a healthy future for this important community asset.” 

    In addition to general admission tickets, VIP tickets are available for the event. VIP Ticket holders are invited to a cocktail hour after the performance and a meet and greet with the performers. Tickets are on sale now.

  • Divining Rod Debut Sizzling New Single Ahead of New Album

    Alternative country band Divining Rod just released a new single, “GOAT” in support of their latest studio album, Santa Monica & Other Golden Classics, due for release on May 19.

    The sound of “GOAT” is reminiscent of Southern Rock’s golden age, due in large part to the song’s exhilarating vocals by founding member Miyuki Furtado. Santa Monica & Other Golden Classics marks Divining Rod’s first major release since the pandemic first hit the United States.

    divining rod goat
    The cover of Driving Rod’s new album, Santa Monica & Other Golden Classics. Credit: Sean Joyce.

    Divining Rod started out as a solo project for Hawaiian native Miyuki Furtado, originally of the rock band the Rogers Sisters. After the Rogers Sisters broke up, Furtado left his beloved Brooklyn neighborhood with his family for greener (and less crowded) pastures. “My wife and I bought a small, beat-up house north of the city and settled down.” With the help of guitarist/vocalist Patrick Harmon, Furtado began playing shows handling guitar, vocals, and drums, utilizing his homemade drumset while Harmon added his unique guitar playing and harmonies to the mix. Second drummer John Malone and bassist Matt Svigals round out the band.

    “GOAT” may be one of the ‘greatest’ songs by Divining Rod of all time. If the rest of Santa Monica & Other Golden Classics is anything like its latest single, Divining Rod is sure to have a long career ahead of themselves, and future releases by the band will be music you certainly won’t want to miss. Before Santa Monica & Other Golden Classics is released, stream Divining Rod’s latest hits.

    When discussing their latest single “GOAT“, band frontperson Miyuki Furtado writes:

    I’m sometimes asked if my songs are fiction or based on something that actually happened to me in real life. My songs are often based on experiences I’ve had or on stories I’ve heard from friends and acquaintances. It is not uncommon for the subject matter to be a combination of several people. There are times, however, when I’ll write about a specific person; like this one. A pretty terrible person is being portrayed in this story: selfish, dishonest, and cruel at times. GOAT is an appropriate title for the song. Despite this, I wonder if I am subconsciously writing about my negative qualities, given that I was raised Buddhist. In Buddhism, people are a reflection of the individual, so it could be my own embarrassment about my own negativity. The question is still fresh in my mind, I guess – Yeesh!

    Divining Rod’s new single, “GOAT” is now streaming, and their new album Santa Monica & Other Golden Classics is out May 19.

  • Woodstock Rock Art Poster Show Announces Lineup of Artists for May 5-6 Exhibition

    On May 6 and 7, 2023 the legendary Bearsville Center in Woodstock will host the second annual Woodstock Rock Art & Poster Show (WRAPS).

    poster show woodstock

    WRAPS, started in 2022, is the first large scale, northeast expo exclusively presenting these works. Modeled on, and with the support of, the famous The Rock Poster Show (T.R.P.S.) held annually since 1988 in San Francisco, WRAPS is poised to become the premier event for poster collectors in the northeast. This year’s event promises to be a versatile and exciting show.

    WRAPS will feature a wide selection of art for sale ranging from vintage psychedelia and silkscreen prints, to modern digital artwork and photography. Exhibitors will include well known artists as well as newcomers making a splash on the scene. In addition to a formidable artist line-up, there will be multi-media productions, talks, and seminars/workshops throughout the event.

    Live music will be presented each night with Woodstock’s own Misty Mountain Ramblers on Saturday and Sabrina & the Gems on Sunday. There will also be live music throughout the day on Saturday (10 am – 6pm) and Sunday (10 am – 5pm) as well as food trucks providing delectable delights! See Synopsis below for full music schedule.

    Since the 1990s interest in artistic concert posters and flyers has increased exponentially. Promotional pieces from the classic rock era to the modern music age have become highly sought after collectibles. Rock poster art is an internationally recognized art form, featuring many talented artists spanning decades long careers from graphic design to commissioned works, garnering attention in fine art galleries and auctions.

    Held just a couple of miles down the road from the center of Woodstock, WRAPS is produced by local artists Mike DuBois and Kenny Schneidman with Lizzie Vann, owner of the newly renovated Bearsville Center. 

    The Woodstock Rock Art & Poster Show (WRAPS) will feature a wide selection of art for sale ranging from vintage psychedelia and silkscreen prints, to modern digital artwork and photography. Exhibitors will include well known artists as well as newcomers making a splash on the scene. In addition to a formidable artist line-up, there will be multi-media productions, talks, live music and seminars/workshops throughout the event.

    The location is the Bearsville Center, 291 Tinker Street, Woodstock is easily accessible by both car and public transportation out of NYC. Bearsville Center features a spacious bar and lounge in the theater, and an expansive lawn area for networking and socializing. The property also boasts two restaurants, an ice cream shop, a full bar, and patio with fire pit. The town of Woodstock and surrounding Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley offer a multitude of recreational and cultural activities, entertainment, hotels and dining in a beautiful natural environment.

    MUSIC SCHEDULE

    Saturday, 5/61:00 PM2:00 PMBarely Lace
    3:00 PM4:30 PMOne Eyed Jack
    5:00 PM6:30 PMRock City Junction
    8:00 PM11:00 PMMisty Mountain Ramblers
    Sunday 5/73:00 PM4:30 PMMr. Roper
    7:00 PM9:00 PMSabrina & The Gems

    Visit www.woodstockpostershow.com for tickets and more information. 

  • Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Music Scholarship Applications

    The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHoF) announced the beginning of acceptances for their 2023 Student Scholarship program. Applications will be accepted until Friday, May 12

    Eligibility for the scholarship entails being a U.S citizen, graduating high school senior from Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn (Kings) or Queens counties, having minimum gpa of 2.5, future full time college student, displaying financial needs and an interest in a career of music. The application process includes submitting a 400 to 500-word essay on education and career goals, high school transcript, and letter of recommendation from someone who can attest to the student’s commitment to a music career. After selecting the winners, The LIMEHOF Education Committee will reward them with $500 scholarships. 

     The Long Island Music Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 and is a 501(c) (3) organization. LIMEHoF is devoted to preserving Long Island’s musical heritage for future generations. It encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties and is considered as a place of community that inspires and explores all forms of Long Island music. The program has inducted over 120 musicians and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

    To apply for the 2023 Student Scholarship program students must download the application here. More information about the application and The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame can be accessed here. 

  • Gracies Paris Drops 80’s Inspired New Single “Fragile”

    Troy pop-rock natives Gracies Paris has released their newest single “Fragile”

    Gracie’s Paris is a hook-oriented, power pop-inspired rock band from the NY Capital Region. Originally formed as a trio in 2007, the original lineup included Carl Ferritto on guitar and lead vocals, Randy Rose on bass, and Eric Buechner on drums. The band went on hiatus in 2013 and reunited as a four-piece during COVID, adding lead guitarist Steve Hourigan to the original 3. Since mid-2022, Gracie’s Paris has focused on writing and recording.

    To keep listeners engaged, Gracies Paris like to change sound for each single. Despite the differences in inspirations, lyrics and genres, Gracies Paris manages to build a cohesive, yet intricately different soundscape for their fans.

    Coming in at just under 3 and a half minutes,”Fragile” describes a failing relationship with a narcissist. This track is a high-energy bass driven song with an 80’s inspired feel. Despite the heavy topic, this track manages to hook itself into your brain, with an incredibly catchy chorus. Perfect for your commute to work, or reminiscing on past relationships, “Fragile” shows off the best of Gracies Paris unique vibe.

    Listen to “Fragile” here, out now on Spotify.

  • First Ever Lake George DJ Takeover Festival Set July 29 and 30.

    The inaugural Lake George DJ Takeover Festival is scheduled for July 29 and 30, as announced by event planning service All We Do Is Epic Dot Com. The inaugural festival will be held at the Barn at French Mountain, 1.5 miles south of the village of Lake George.

    Map of the festival location. Credit: Mark Brenneisen

    The inaugural Lake George DJ Takeover Festival will run from noon to 10 p.m., and feature 10 acres of countryside fields, a whole western town, and the beautiful skyline of French Mountain. Live DJ entertainment in all genres of music will be inside the 9,000-square-foot climate-controlled venue, and several vendors, food trucks, and activities including a cornhole tournament will be at the festival. DJs from Florida, NYC, Boston, Rhode Island, Maine, New Jersey, and all over New York State will appear at the event, to provide an experience like none other. Admission to the festival is exclusive to those 18 years of age and older.

    Mark Brenneisen, the organizer of the festival spoke about the event, saying, “We’re hoping for 1000 attendees the first year with this special blend of multiple music genres to attract more than just your typical EDM festivals which only play one type of music. That coupled with a nice mix of DJs from all over the East Coast and many local acts who have a following we should be able to reach our goal.” Brenneisen continued, “Food is available on demand on-site or pre-order for groups as well and multiple cash bars will also be around the property. If we reach our goal, weather-depending, we will be adding a third outdoor music area.” Mobile DJs will be spotlighted in this event as they usually would not get a chance to play at a festival in general, creating a “unique environment of music and fun.”

    Tickets to the inaugural Lake George DJ Takeover Festival are currently available at a reduced early bird rate. Visit here to purchase tickets and learn about the artists and even contact the venue directly.

    A video from a wedding, another special event the Barn at French Mountain hosts.