NYS Music 2023

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  • Caroline Rose Brings “The Art of Forgetting” to Webster Hall with Sold-Out Performance

    Caroline Rose delivered a truly captivating performance at Webster Hall in New York City on April 16. The concert was in support of her latest album, The Art of Forgetting, which was released just a few weeks prior on March 24th.

    Caroline Rose Performs at Webster Hall, Photography by David Reichmann

    The opening act for the concert was Hammydown, a talented musician who delivered a powerful set that warmed up the crowd perfectly for the headliner. Hammydown, who identifies as a trans musician, took a moment during their set to discuss the importance of representation and how Caroline had been their best friend in helping them record their album and feel safe on tour. This touching moment only added to the sense of community and connection that was present throughout the night. Their statements brought big cheers from the New York audience.

    Hammydown Performs at Webster Hall, Photography by David Reichmann

    One of the most striking aspects of the show was Caroline’s decision to play the entire first set in front of large panels that hid her band, with lighting that showed only the silhouettes of her bandmates. This gave the performance a unique and mysterious quality, which only added to the already electric atmosphere. The band performed the latest album in its entirety. Caroline joked, “This is the kind of album that will be considered a classic in five years.”

    Caroline Rose Crowd Surfs at Webster Hall, Photography by David Reichmann

    Returning to the stage for her encore, Caroline removed the panels to showcase her talented band, and the energy in the room surged even higher. It was clear that Caroline had carefully thought out every aspect of her performance, from the setlist to the visuals, to create an unforgettable experience for her fans.

    Caroline Rose at Webster Hall, Photography by David Reichmann

    One of the most memorable moments of the night was when Caroline walked through the crowd during the encore as she performed. She then crowd surfed, wearing a blissful smile as she floated through the venue with her arms outstretched. This demonstrated her connection to her fans, and it was clear that the feeling was mutual, as the crowd was absolutely wild with excitement.

    Caroline Rose walks through the crowd at Webster Hall, Photography by David Reichmann

    Overall, Caroline Rose delivered an outstanding performance that left a lasting impression on all those in attendance. Her attention to detail and willingness to take risks in her performance paid off in spades, making this a show that will not soon be forgotten. If you have the opportunity to see Caroline Rose in concert, do not hesitate – it is an experience you won’t want to miss.

    Caroline Rose, Photography by David Reichmann

    Caroline Rose’s North American tour continues, and you can see her upcoming tour dates here. Be sure to check out her latest album here, and listen to Hammydown’s music here.

  • In Focus: Angelica Sanchez Solo Show at St. Andrew and St. Luke Episcopal Church in Beacon

    Pianist and composer Angelica Sanchez put on a brilliant performance this past Saturday, April 15th at the St. Andrew and St. Luke Episcopal Church in Beacon. Sanchez, following no particular setlist and rather letting the music come to her in the intimate venue, did not fail to put on an incredible show for her captivated audience. 

    Angelica Sanchez

    Sanchez, born in Arizona but now based in New York, is well-recognized for her jazz piano playing and has been featured in various publications like the New York Times, the Jazz Times, and the Chicago Tribune. She’s played multiple shows across NYC and the East Coast, and has another concert scheduled at Carnegie Hall for The Sophia Rosoff Concert Series: Jazz Piano Pairings 1. She is set to continue her tour until late November, playing venues across Massachusetts, Connecticut, California, the United Kingdom, France, Finland, and more. 

    Sanchez truly put on an outstanding performance in the dark-lit church venue. During one piece, she took out a drum mallet and began hitting the inside of the piano, adding a slow beat to her previously solo playing. The sheer silence of the crowd, coupled with the rain and thunder heard from the outside, beautifully matched the almost eerie ambiance of her piano playing. She masterfully blended dissonant chords and melodies together to create a panicky tone throughout her performance, with an incredible resolution toward the end. Her quiet humming to her crafted melodies entranced the audience members as they intently listened to her various eclectic compositions. The crowd stayed silent after each piece and waited to clap until the very end, making her one-hour set feel like a giant performance of a single piece. 

    Sanchez’s show was not something to miss. She is set to play many more shows across New York state throughout 2023, and her tour schedule can be found here.

  • Tesla Electrifies Seneca Niagara Casino

    Tesla rocked the Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls with an incredible performance on April 15th. They last played the Niagara Falls area in 2019 and the Buffalo area in 2015. The legendary hard rock band has been a staple in the rock world for over three decades. The crowd eagerly anticipated the show from the moment the band took the stage. Tesla began with “Ladyluck,” a high-energy classic that set the tone for the night.

    One of the show’s highlights was the band’s tribute to their former bandmate, Tommy Skeoch. Jeff Keith’s powerful vocals soared over Frank Hannon and Dave Rude’s heartfelt guitar work during the touching rendition of “What You Give.” Fans sang along to the emotional lyrics, paying their respects to the late musician.

    Throughout the night, Tesla played hit after hit, including “Modern Day Cowboy,” “Love Song,” and “Love Me”. Fans sang along to every word, their voices blending together in a chorus of appreciation for the band’s incredible music.

    But it wasn’t just the music that made the night special. Tesla’s connection with the audience was undeniable, and the crowd responded with cheers and applause. Brian Wheat’s bass and Troy Luccketta’s drums provided a rock-solid foundation for the band’s sound. Frank Hannon and Dave Rude traded blistering solos, their fingers dancing across the fretboards with ease.

    As the night came to a close, Tesla launched into a rousing encore, playing “Little Suzi” and “Signs” to the delight of the crowd. Fans sang along, their voices blending together in a powerful show of appreciation for the band’s incredible talent.

    In conclusion, Tesla’s performance at Seneca Niagara Casino was a masterclass in classic hard rock. The band’s musicianship was impeccable, their showmanship undeniable, and their connection with the audience was electric. It was a night that will be remembered by all in attendance, a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll.

    fans

  • Bryant Park Announces Their 2023 Dance Party

    New York City’s annual Dance Party returns to Bryant Park for its ninth year of celebration. The prized series offers park goers in-person dance events in a variety of styles every Wednesday and Thursday from May 3 to May 18. The party can be enjoyed on Sixth Avenue and 42nd Street.

    Bryant Park dance party

    This year’s Dance Party highlights New York City’s signature brand of salsa dura with La Excelencia on May 3. La Excelencia is a multi-hit band that combines traditional salsa elements with a modern and unapologetic sound. Futhermore, audience members can also look forward to traditional Argentinian tango with Latin Grammy-winning bassist Pedro Giraudo on May 4. In the following days participants can also Andean Afro-cumbia with Afro-Andean Funk Ft. Araceli Poma and Matt Geraghty, Harlem-style Swing dance with Charenée Wade’s Band of Swing, bachata tradicional with Valerio, and salsa with Santiago y la Orquesta. 

    The party also commemorates the premiere of Charenée Wade, the Jazz at Lincoln Center vocalist, debuting her new Band of Swing on May 11. Additionally, Santiago “Sachy” Moyano, the son of the Columbian icon Luis Moyano, Jr., debuts his new orchestra on May 18.

    Each Dance Party Event gives attendees the opportunity to meet with expert instructors to learn basic steps from 6 to 7pm. After classes, participants can test their new moves to live music performed by a diverse selection of bands from 7 to 8:30pm.

    Communities of color in NYC that have taken the biggest hit from COVID are in real need of opportunity for spaces to meet and celebrate where everyone is invited, and anyone can join in. That’s exactly what the Bryant Park Dance Party was designed to offer. In curating this program, I have taken a great deal of effort to intentionally show the diversity of the city’s sound and motion with representatives of Andean Afro-cumbia, Argentinian tango, traditional old school salsa dura, contemporary salsa, modern bachata, and Harlem swing.

    – Talia Castro-Pozo, Bryant Park Dance Party producer and host

    Dance Party makes the art of dance fun and simple for all ages and skill levels through hands-on instruction. Audiences can learn basic moves in cultural dances like salsa and swing, bachata, salsa dura, and more. Bryant Park’s stellar cast of instructors incorporates their deep understanding of the traditions and innovations of their chosen specialties in their lessons. All are welcome, just walk up and join the party.

    More information about other upcoming cultural events at Bryant Park can be accessed here.

  • In Focus: GZA, Big Daddy Kane and Roy Ayers at Sony Hall

    On Thursday, April 13, Sony Hall hosted a concert featuring three legendary names in hip-hop and jazz music: GZA, Big Daddy Kane, and Roy Ayers. Each artist brought their unique style and energy to the stage, creating a night to remember for fans of all ages.

    The evening began with Roy Ayers, who delighted the crowd with some of his biggest hits, including “Searching,” “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” “Running Away,” “Firehouse,” and “Apache.” Ayers, a prolific jazz-funk musician who has been active since the 1960s, is known for his use of the vibraphone and his signature blend of jazz, funk, and soul.

    Next up was GZA, one of the founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan and a hip-hop legend in his own right. He took the stage to thunderous applause and launched into an electrifying set that included fan favorites like “Duel of the Iron Mic,””Living in the World Today,” “Cold World,” “Labels,” “4th Chamber,” “Shadowboxin,” and “Clan in the Front.” GZA’s powerful flow and sharp lyrics combined with the crowd’s energy to create an electric atmosphere that left everyone wanting more.

    After GZA’s set, Big Daddy Kane took the stage to the delight of the audience. The rapper, who first rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, performed classic hits like “Smooth Operator,” “Ain’t No Half Steppin’,” and “Warm It Up.” His performance was a testament to his status as a true hip-hop icon, and the crowd responded with thunderous applause and cheers.

    GZA then returned to the stage to finish the show, performing some of the biggest hits of his career, including “Reunited,” “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Triumph,” “Liquid Swords,” and “WU Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthin to Fuck With.” The crowd was on its feet rapping along to every word, as GZA and his live band brought the night to a close with an unforgettable performance.

    Setlists:

    Roy Ayers Searching, Everybody Loves the Sunshine, Running Away, Firehouse, Apache

    GZA Duel of the Iron Mic, Gold, Living in the World Today, Cold World, Labels, 4th Chamber, Shadowboxin’, Clan in Da Front, Killah Hills, Crash Your Crew

    Big Daddy Kane Smooth Operator, Aint No Half Steppin, Warm it Up,

    GZA Legend of the Liquid Sword, Reunited, Shimmy Shimmy Ya, C.R.E.A.M. Triumph, Liquid Swords, Wu Tang Clan Aint Nuthin To F With

  • Cable Ties Announce Tour, Stops at Woodstock and NYC

    Australian punk band Cable Ties are scheduled to embark on a North American tour, stopping at Colony Woodstock on Sept. 15 and the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on Sept. 16., in support of their new album All Her Plans, due for release on June 23.

    Cable Ties
    The members of Cable Ties, from left to right: Jenny McKechnie (lead vocals and guitar), Nick Brown (bass), and Shauna Boyle (drums) Credit: Kalindy Williams.

    Cable Ties are based in Melbourne and were formed in 2015 with Jenny McKechnie, Nick Brown, and Shauna Boyle. They released their self-titled debut album in 2017, and the forthcoming All Her Plans marks their studio release. A supporting single, “Time For You” is available now. All Her Plans has received considerable global praise from Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, NME, The Line of Best Fit, and Rolling Stone, to name a few. The album also marks the band’s first album since the pandemic began and their touring plans for 2020’s Far Enough were canceled.

    “I found the idea of writing a new album a little terrifying after all our touring plans got canceled just after we released Far Enough in 2020,” McKechnie says. “It felt as though that album had been lost. I thought I needed to write another album like that again, which wouldn’t be lost. This of course wasn’t true. I needed to write whatever album came out of me at this moment in time.”

    “Time For You,” definitely stands out as the best track on the album, and is made even better by its accompanying music video. The song highlights the solace found in the love of a partner, any partner, whether it be romantic, friendship, or otherwise. This message is reinforced at the end of the music video when the members of Cable Ties are lying down and embracing each other, reminding audiences of the power of friendship.

    “Thoughts Back,” sees Brown take the vocal reigns for the first time since the band’s formation, delivering a fierce take on the toll of mental health challenges. “I wrote this song mostly centered around my own experiences with mental illness,” she says. “It also plays into the themes of the record, such as caregiving and mental workload. So often people give up their own lives to help others and, as a result, rarely have their voices, their experiences or their history acknowledged.”

    All Her Plans is out June 23 via Merge Records. Tickets to see Cable Ties on their North American Tour, which includes a performance at Colony Woodstock before concluding at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City are available here.

    Cable Ties North American Tour Dates 2023

    Sep 8 – Richmond, VA – Richmond Music Hall

    Sep 9 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar

    Sep 10 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall

    Sep 12 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground

    Sep 13 – Portland, ME – SPACE Gallery

    Sep 14 – Hamden, CT – Space Ballroom

    Sep 15 – Woodstock, NY – Colony

    Sep 16 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom

  • Move Music Festival Announces Return to Albany on April 29

    Move Music Festival has announced the 2023 return of the one day event in Albany, to be held on Saturday, April 29.

    The day will start at The Fuze Box with things kicking off at 12noon featuring performances by Black Belt Jones, Ike’s Wasted World, The Frozen Heads, and Trebled Youth.

    During the later afternoon, there will be performances showcasing the talent of a number of local solo artists at various locations on Lark Street and Madison Avenue.

    Move Music Festival will then complete a full day, 12 straight hours of music, with an evening show at Lark Hall, featuring 2023 NYS Music March Madness winners Seize Atlantis, as well as Embe Esti, and The Sugar Hold.

    Move Music Festival is sponsored by Albany Distilling Co., Nine Pin Cider Works, Everyday Art, Eden’s Rose Foundation, and Imprint Universe, without whom the event is able to make its triumphant return to Albany.

  • Cooperstown Music Festival Opens 25th Anniversary Season With Ying Quartet on May 7

    The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival will open its 25th anniversary season with a performance by the Ying Quartet on May 7 at 4 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church.

    Ying Quartet
    Ying Quartet photo by J. Adam Fenster.

    Founded in 1999 by flutist Linda Chesis, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has been bringing world-class chamber music performances to the Cooperstown area. The festival has featured performances by the American, Juilliard, St. Lawrence, Jupiter and Jasper, String Quartets, and more. Concerts are held in venues across Cooperstown, including the grand Otesaga Hotel, The Farmers’ Museum, and Christ Church (the church of author James Fenimore Cooper).

    The Ying Quartet is an American string quartet formed in 1988 by the Ying siblings, presenting a program entitled “American Made,” opening with Samuel Barber’s Quartet in B Minor, from which his famously moving Adagio movement is drawn. The program continues on with works by Jennifer Higdon and Billy Childs that draw on American roots and bebop music tradition, Southern Harmony and Agitato respectively. The night ends with Quartet No. 13 in G major by Dvorak, a European composer who helped define the American musical voice. “The tradition of American string quartet writing is full of magnificent music,” says cellist David Ying. “We have all of these wonderful composers to thank for contributing to the vibrant American music scene that we enjoy today.”

    Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students and children, available now.

  • Sports Playoff Schedules Postpone MSG Concerts

    Two shows, Billy Joel and Juan Luis Guerra, have been postponed at Madison Square Garden due to the New York Knicks and New York Rangers playoff games.

    Madison Square Garden

    The New York Rangers will be going up against the New Jersey Devils in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Billy Joel’s concert scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2023, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 25, 2023, due to this event, and all tickets purchased for the previous date are valid at the new one. Joel’s MSG franchise run will resume as scheduled on May 5, 2023, but fans should note it is subject to change if it conflicts with a playoff game.

    Potentially, the New York Knicks will be playing Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at MSG, therefore Juan Luis Guerra’s concert scheduled for Friday, April 28, 2023, has been rescheduled a night earlier on Thursday, April 27, 2023, with all tickets honored for the new date.

    Madison Square Garden

    To stay up to date on the status of MSG events as playoff games keep ramping up, visit here.

  • SNL Goes Latin With Host Ana De Armas and Musical Guest Karol G

    Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA award nominee Ana De Armas shocked and stunned viewers with her role as Marilyn Monroe in the biopic Blonde, as well as her other roles, including the critically acclaimed mystery Knives Out. This week she hosted Saturday Night Live with Latin musical guest Karol G.

    Ana De Armas, Karol G

    In honor of the warm weather recently, Saturday Night Live’s cold open took place in Central Park with an award show called the “First Warm Day of the Year.” Reporters (Heidi Gardner and Bowen Yang) took turns interviewing various people you’d see throughout the park, from runners, perverts, first-time rollerbladers, disgruntled park employees, and more.

    The monologue opened with Ana De Armas showcasing her bilingual skills, swapping from Spanish to English, talking about how she learned to speak English from the TV show Friends, and different acting classes. Armas discussed her Oscar nomination as well as the fact that she is becoming a U.S. citizen in just three weeks. She finished it off by saying how she feels like she made it because she is hosting Saturday Night Live.

    The second sketch, “Matt Schatt Game Show” featured Kenan Thompson as the game show host, with Ana De Armas playing an attractive wife, married to a nerdy, unattractive man with a humourous amount of nipples, played by Mikey Day. Lately, pop culture has been overtaken by the new Barbie movie trailer and SNL references that, utilizing American Girl dolls in a fake movie trailer, bringing the dolls to life.

    Other sketches include “Album Recording Session,” about a producer (Devon Walker) trying to record his producer tag, starring Armas and Ego Nwodim as the girls recording it, messing up and joking about his car, his ability to get women, and more. Following that is a sketch about a Spanish class, with musical guest Karol G making an appearance towards the end, singing the Spanish alphabet. The “Please Don’t Destroy” sketch spoke about a bad night out, where they cannot remember what happened, suffering hangxiety.

    Colombian singer/songwriter Karol G, described as a reggaeton and Latin trap artist, experiments with different genres throughout her music. She has amassed over 50 million monthly Spotify listeners and has over one billion streams. Her first song of the night “MIENTRAS ME CURO DEL CORA” off of her critically acclaimed record Mañana Será Bonito featured background singers humming the tune to “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” the tempo which is sampled in the track. Everyone was dressed in brown and beige, with a satin curtain background, dancing to the different beat changes the song includes, making the listener want to get up and groove. The vibes are happier on the song as Karol G sings in Spanish, catering to native and non-native speakers alike with her infectious energy and overall good mood.

    https://youtu.be/_Q8b-dzZ9gA

    Weekend Update rammed in on the Trump arrest and various politicians, from Supreme Court Justices to those voting against a women’s right to choose. Guests include Kenan Thompson as Funky Kong, talking about getting cut from the new Super Mario Bros. Movie, and Sarah Sherman as Genesis Fry, a meditation guru attempting to make Colin Jost become intuitive while making fun of his ego and soft arms. SNL makes it a point to introduce the first nonbinary cast member Molly Kearney as who they are, not a character. Kearney spoke about trans rights, which are a topic of discussion amongst lawmakers, trying to limit their rights, but Kearney makes it a point to discuss how important their rights are, and that we need to protect trans youth.

    The final sketches included Armas and others in “Enter Stage Woof: Acting School for Dogs,” featuring actual dogs on the SNL stage, and Bowen Yang, holder of the Guinness Book World Record for the longest nails, with his wife, played by Armas. The sketch takes a shocking turn as Yang cuts his fingernails off, saving their relationship. Karol G performed her last song “TUS GAFTAS” with a completely different vibe change, suddenly in a spiky black outfit laying against a black car, with an all-female backing band, also in all black. The song is heavier than the last, with melodic guitars and a fast drum beat, showing her versatility. She wows the crowd with her stage presence, moving all around as she sings, not stopping the swaying of her hips even when the song stops.

    https://youtu.be/BaQ532bS3N4

    Pete Davidson will make his Saturday Night Live return on May 6 with musical guest Lil Uzi Vert.