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  • Flushing Town Hall Celebrates “Octogenarian Women of Jazz” 

    Flushing Town Hall is celebrating Women’s History Month with a special “Octogenarian Women of Jazz” performance. Four octogenarian women will take center stage at Flushing Town Hall on Friday, March 24th, in honor of Women’s History Month. Well past the age of retirement but still very much in their artistic prime, these women prove that great jazz, like great wine, gets better with age. 

    Flushing Town Hall Celebrates “Octogenarian Women of Jazz” 

    Flutist/tenor saxophonist Carol Sudhalter, beloved as Flushing Town Hall’s house band leader, will celebrate her 80th birthday leading a very special quintet of Octogenarians for the occasion. She will be joined in the band by world-renowned pianist Bertha Hope (86), drummer Paula Hampton (87) of the legendary jazz Hampton family, and widely popular vocalist Keisha St. Joan (84).  

    In addition, the concert will feature the rare participation of revered bassist Bill Crow, joining the women on stage at an impressive 95 years of age. Performing well past the typical age of retirement and still very much in their artistic prime. 

    “Looking at movies, books, and general depictions, we are accustomed to thinking of 80 as an ending, as an age when the mind and body begin to decline,” says Carol Sudhalter.” But now that I am 80, I realize that it is just the beginning of a new life and such a rewarding culmination of past years’ work at the same time. I am so excited to share the stage with my fellow Octogenarians to bring a wonderful evening of jazz to the audiences in Queens.” 

    “I have been honored to have Carol lead the house band of our popular Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jams for several years now and am excited to see her take the stage with this extraordinary ensemble for her big birthday,” says Flushing Town Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek. “Carol’s work is extremely important to Flushing Town Hall and the Queens jazz community — and we are so excited to celebrate her birthday with this special concert.” 

    Flushing Town Hall’s Women of Jazz concert begins at 8:00 PM EST on Friday, March 24th. Tickets are $15/$10 for members, seniors, and students with ID. Tickets can be purchased here

  • An Interview with Doc Horton of the Jay Street Band

    Sometimes you just need a six-piece band jamming out “Brick House” by the Commodores and a little James Brown. Sometimes you need that when the boss is playing “Ride of the Valkyries” through his overtime demands and you’ve just sank into the comfiest seat at the club. Derek “Doc” Horton and the Jay Street Band are here to give you what you need.

    And you need to listen to the Doc and get a shot of Motown and an IV of pop/funk and just let the groove anesthetize and hypnotize.

    Jay Street Band doc horton

    Derek “Doc” Horton and the Jay Street Band are here to give you what you need. And you need to listen to the Doc and get a shot of Motown and an IV of pop/funk and just let the groove anesthetize and hypnotize.

    I sit with Doc Horton and we talk about feeling good.

    RRX: You aren’t calling yourself “Doc” Horton like bluegrass performer “Doc” Watson calls himself Doc. You actually have your doctorate, and you teach at SUNY. It’s gotta be a little bit of fun when you’re teaching younger people who have music posters in their rooms and may have no idea you play. Can you connect with your students this way?

    DH: Actually, I try to keep my worlds separate. Universities in general tend to be overly static and conservative. I have found it best to confine my music to the community. The community is more appreciative of creatives.

    RRX: You got your start with this band at Ambition Café on Jay Street in Schenectady, which you’ve said was kind of an iconic place, and I believe it. There are a lot of places in the area that are almost incubators for bands, and I would mention a few, but for space and not to exclude anybody. So tell us what it is about Ambition that did it for you?

    DH: Ambition Cafe has an owner, environment, and clientele that are open to creatives. They are willing to showcase new talent. I absolutely love that place!!

    RRX: You have gone through a lot of members in the past number of years. I watched one interview where you said thirty or forty over the years. It’s got to be a strong groove that can keep the band alive when you go through so many musicians. Do you feel that you’ve learned from the past musicians? Do you think their “ghosts” are still with you?

    DH: LOL!! Yes, there have been scores of musicians who have come through my band. However, I’d like to think that “Doc Horton and the Jay Street Band” has boosted many of their careers. I foster a professional, respectful, and nurturing environment. For many young musicians I have provided their first professional experience in music.

    RRX: Some bands that play covers, you can take a listen and maybe figure why they don’t do originals. But I don’t see that with your band. You’ve probably had the talk at some point about doing originals, and there are pros and cons. It can be rewarding to do originals, but much, much harder to make money. Are there other considerations?

    DH: I am a singer/songwriter/producer/entertainer and I have written songs since childhood. In 2023, I will be dropping some original music. Stay tuned!!

    RRX: You were nominated for a 2022 Listen Up award, the first of its name, put out by Radioradiox.com. This was very fan-generated, so someone loves ya’. What can you say about your fans, and what have they meant to you over the years? And would you wish to nominate a band for the next award that comes around?

    DH: I can’t express enough love for my fans. It is for the fans that I perform. And, I believe that when fans come to one of my performances that they deserve a show!! That’s why whether it’s 1 or 1000 I give it everything I got! My fans deserve it!!

    And, I’d like to nominate the Donna Tritico Band. Donna and Mark Tritico are friends of mine and they have a fantastic band!! I’d love for our two bands to tour together in the future.

  • In Focus: Rising Jam Band Dogs In A Pile at Buffalo Iron Works

    Asbury Park, New Jersey natives Dogs In A Pile stopped in Buffalo for their latest tour on Sunday March 12. Although these guys are considered young in the jam band scene, their chemistry and talent on stage pays no mind to that. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Opener Hayley Jane blew away the crowd with her infectious energy and emotive vocals. She brings various styles to the stage including 60s/70s rock, musical funk, blues, soul and more. She played a few songs with Dogs In A Pile which was captivatig to see the collaboration. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The eclectic quintet is made up of Jimmy Law (lead guitarist/vocalist), Joe Babick (drums), Jeremy Kaplan (keyboard), Sam Lucid (bass), and Brian Murray (guitar). Babick and Law started jamming together as young kids. Later on they met the other three and formed the band in 2018. They have built their sound through instrumentation of aural mosaics as well as use of psychedelia. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Dogs In A Pile played a wide range of material on their setlist full of funk tunes and covers. They also performed songs off of their newly released album Bloom. Some of which were “Today,” “Bent Strange,” and “Fenway.”  

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The group played late into the night filling Buffalo Ironworks with their blend of genres and introspective soundscapes. Dogs In A Pile uses their storytelling techniques to make connective music and fun live shows. Additionally, their energy is undeniable to the crowd which left many new fans of the boys’ ever-growing Dog Pound.       

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Dogs In A Pile are making several more stops in NY. These include Ithaca on March 16 and Saratoga Springs on March 17. Get your tickets here. Also Buffalo Ironworks has upcoming shows including Workingman’s Dead on March 17 and Desmond Jones on March 20. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Dogs in a Pile – Buffalo Iron Works – Sunday, March 12

    Set 1: Dogs to the Rescue Kids Set: Spongebob Theme, Bugle on the Shelf, Inchworm, Fruit Salad[1,2], Applesauce, Swim to the Middle[2], Jenny Jenkins[3], Ape Man [4], You’ve Got a Friend in Me [5]

    Set 2: HJ & The K9s: Brand New Key [6], Hey Pocky A-Way [7], Brand New Key, Jungle Foot, Cosmic Katrina, Paper Fly, Little Bird, This Woman

    Set 3 Dogs in a Pile: Westward, Stevie Lew, Today, Let U Go, Look Johnny II, Boogie on Reggae Woman [8], Fenway, Craig and Pat, Go Set, Tillie, Trickery [9], Jack & Coke, The Other One [10], Look Johnny, Feel Like A Stranger, [10] Bent Strange

    Encore: That’s Life[2]

    [1] The Wiggles[2] w/ Hayley Jane[3] Jerry Garcia version[4] The Kinks[5] Randy Newman[6] Melanie[7] The Meters[8 Stevie Wonder[9] Dopapod [10] Grateful Dead

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

  • Bands N’ Beans Returns To Lake George For 29th Year

    Lake George Arts Project’s annual Bands n’ Beans is back for its 29th year, set to take place on Sunday, March 26 from 2pm – 7pm at The Fort William Henry Conference Center.

    bands n beans lake george

    Bands n’ Beans is the perfect event for anyone who loves fantastic food and great music. The festival features over twenty restaurants from all over the region, each offering their own unique dish. Whether you like it hot, mild, classic, or vegetarian, you’re sure to find a new favorite.

    In addition to the delicious chili, Bands n’ Beans also features a fantastic lineup of musical acts including Matt Mirable & Alison Jacobs, The Switch, Stony Creek Band, Dirt Cheap, Big Sky Country, Mark and Jill, Juniper, Tim Wechgelaer & Chris Carey, and the Radio Junkies.

    The proceeds from this years event benefit the Lake George Arts Project’s free and open to all music and art programs like our year-round Courthouse Gallery exhibitions, our Summer Concert Series and our popular Jazz at the Lake Festival.

    The Lake George Arts Project would like to thank this year’s sponsors, Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center, Barton, Rock Hill Bakehouse, and the Lake George Beach Club. We would also like to thank our participating restaurants, the bands who will be performing, and all of the volunteers and staff that help make Bands ‘n Beans happen.

    Advance tickets are $20 each at www.lakegeorgearts.org, or $25 at the door.

    Schedule of Bands

    The Acoustic Room: 
    2:30: Mark and Jill 
    3:30: Juniper 
    4:30: Tim Wechgelaer & Chris Carey 
    5:30: Radio Junkies

    The Ballroom: 
    2 pm: Matt Mirable & Alison Jacobs 
    3 pm: The Switch 
    4 pm: The Stony Creek Band 
    5 pm: Dirt Cheap 
    6 pm: Big Sky Country

  • Sam Hunt Announces ‘Summer On The Outskirts Tour’ With Brent Young, Lily Rose; Four Stops In New York

    Award-winning Sam Hunt has announced his Summer On The Outskirts Tour with special guests Brett Young and Lily Rose. The tour will include a stops at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Darien Lake Amphitheater , Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, and St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview.

    summer on the outskirts sam hunt

    Sam Hunt is a five-time GRAMMY-nominated, multi-Platinum-selling, hitmaker. The young star allures fans with his melodic country voice and artistic blend of Pop/R&B. In 2020, his sophomore album Southside landed No. 1 on the BillboardCountry Albums chart and was named one of the Best Albums of the Year by The New York Times and US Weekly. Furthermore, Hunt has accumulated over 13 billion global streams and has earned 43 million RIAA certified units from his self-written tracks, “Body Like A Back Road”, “Kinfolks,” “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s”, and more. 

    Brent Young has captured the hearts of fans everywhere through his honest lyrics and West Coast-meets-Southern sound. He has cemented his status as Country’s master over matters of the heart with two albums and platinum tracks such as, “In Case You Didn’t Know”, “Mercy”, “Sleep Without You”, “Here Tonight”, and more. Young’s project “Weekends Look A Little Different These Day” highlights his broadened emotional scope with lyrics inspired by his debut children’s book “Love You, Little Lady”. 

    The trailblazing Lily Rose will also join Sam Hunt and Brent Young on tour. Rose’s fresh perspective and forward-looking sound led to her nomination for ACM Best New Female Artist and recognition for Outstanding Breakthrough Artist at the 2022 GLAAD Media Award.  Her debut album “Villain” introduced fans to her bold mix of personal lyricism and distinctive language, that merges Country confessions with Hip-Hop beats and R&B flow.

    Verizon will offer customers an exclusive presale for Sam Hunt’s Summer On The Outskirts 2023 tour through Verizon Up. From March 7 at 10 am until March 9 at 10 am, customers will have exclusive access to purchase presale tickets. For more details visit here. More information on Sam Hunt can be accessed here.

    Sam Hunt’s Summer on the Outskirts Tour 2023 Dates:

    July 6 – Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre

    July 7 – Gilford, NH – Bank of NH Pavilion

    July 8 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

    July 14 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

    July 15 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater

    July 16 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

    July 20 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater 

    July 21 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater *

    July 22 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

    July 27 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

    July 28 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    July 29 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

    Aug 3 – Carbondale, IL – Southern Illinois University-SIU Banterra Center**^

    Aug 4 – Bonner Springs, KS – Azura Amphitheater ^

    Aug 5 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Zoo Amphitheatre ^     

    Aug 11 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre

    Aug 12 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

    Aug 13 – Stateline, NV – Lake Tahoe Harveys Outdoor Arena ^

    Aug 18 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman***

    Aug 19  – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

    Aug 20 –  Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP

    Aug 24 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

    Aug 25 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview

    Aug 26 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

    Sep 7 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Sep 8 – Atlanta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

    Sep 9 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

  • High School Reunion Tour feat. Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, Too $hort, Warren G and Berner Stops at Barclays Center in August

    The smoke will be in the air as West Coast Legends Warren G, Too $hort and Snoop Dogg unite alongside hip hop heavyweight Wiz Khalifa and Bay Area veteran, Berner on the High School Reunion Tour.

    The 33-city tour kicks off on Friday, July 7 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, and includes a stop at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, on Friday, August 4.

    Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dogg headline the High School reunion Tour

    Fresh-off The Vinyl Verse Tour alongside DJ Drama, Wiz Khalifa and the legendary mixtape DJ are set for another star-studded expedition. With the featured lineup, the North American escapade will surely be a weed-friendly production. The tour’s name stems from Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa’s 2012 stoner coming-of-age film, yet the two co-stars have long branded themselves as marijuana connoisseurs and each have a lengthy catalog of weed influenced records.

    Songs like “Roll Up,” “The Next Episode,” and “On My Level” are sure to get a heavy play throughout the tour. Meanwhile, the likes of Too $hort and Warren G have their own respective history marijuana-laced rhymes. Additionally, Billboard charting rapper Berner is co-founder and CEO of Cookies, the most globally recognized cannabis brand in the world. 

    Moreover, tickets for the High School Reunion Tour will be available starting with artist and Citi pre-sales beginning on Tuesday, March 7. More info on Citi presale is below. General on sale for the High School Reunion Tour will begin on Friday, March 10 at 09:00 a.m. on Ticketmaster’s official website.

    2023 HIGH SCHOOL REUNION TOUR DATES

    Fri Jul 07 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

    Sat Jul 08 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

    Sun Jul 09 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre

    Tue Jul 11 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre

    Wed Jul 12 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

    Sat Jul 15 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP

    Sun Jul 16 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis

    Tue Jul 18 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake

    Thu Jul 20 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    Fri Jul 21 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago

    Sun Jul 23 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

    Wed Jul 26 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

    Fri Jul 28 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

    Sat Jul 29 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre

    Sun Jul 30 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

    Tue Aug 01 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

    Wed Aug 02 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

    Fri Aug 04 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

    Sat Aug 05 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach

    Sun Aug 06 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

    Tue Aug 08 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

    Wed Aug 09 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

    Fri Aug 11 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    Sat Aug 12 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Tue Aug 15 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center

    Fri Aug 18 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater

    Sat Aug 19 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

    Sun Aug 20 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

    Tue Aug 22 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

    Wed Aug 23 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

    Fri Aug 25 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center

    Sat Aug 26 – Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion

    Sun Aug 27 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre

  • Reggae-Rock Band Personal Blend Share New EP “Inhale & Release” 

    Rochester’s 7-piece Reggae-Rock Band Personal Blend released their newest EP “Inhale & Release” on February 17th. With their pop driven melodies and ear catching hooks, the band is excited for this release along with some anticipated upcoming shows. 

    Personal Blend Reggae-Rock Band Debuts New EP “Inhale & Release” 

    Having just recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary, Personal Blend has just dropped its 4th release titled “Inhale & Release.” With new blood added to the band, Personal Blend is breaking boundaries and bringing the party to the masses. 

    Personal Blend Reggae-Rock Band Debuts New EP “Inhale & Release” 

    Personal Blend is a Rochester-based 7-piece reggae-rock band. PB’s first full-length album, Skin Deep, was released in 2016, following that, the EP Ride, and in 2019 released Heavy Currents. Each song is a unique blend of melodies that each member contributes to. Songs like “Hello Hello” and “Watch Your Step” highlight the characteristics the band has to offer through this album. 

    The Rochester Lilac Festival is the largest free festival of its kind in North America welcoming spring in Upstate NY. Likewise, the Estival Festival is a family-friendly music and arts festival held twice a year at Sugar Mountain. Thus, being a magical place full of great people, great music, and great times. Personal Blend will be headlining and performing at both festivals this year, you wont want to miss it. 

    The band has been making waves throughout Upstate NY playing both festivals and venues alike and continuing to push forward. They bring a feel-good, party-vibe that’s including of all people and age groups and the band always leaves you wanting more. 

    Personal Blend Reggae-Rock Band Debuts New EP “Inhale & Release” 

    Upcoming Shows: 

    Rochester, NY – Lilac festival May 12-21 

    Caneadea, NY – Estival Festival June 24 

    https://soundcloud.com/jhlska/sets/inhale-release/s-85MmS8OF77S?si=4e0f9b711e754cc78883c451919bd97a&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

    To listen to Personal Blend’s newest EP “Inhale & Release” by clicking the link here

    For more about Personal Blend, click the link here

  • James Casey Announces Release of New Single During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 

    Critically acclaimed saxophonist James Casey has released the first single “New Bloom” of his forthcoming solo debut, The Kaua’i Project. With excited anticipation, accompanying the release is a music video dropping March 21st during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  

    James Casey Announces Release of New Single During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 

    “New Bloom” and its video share a meaningful message of manifesting positivity to overcome obstacles. It’s a remarkable example of how music can be medicine, encapsulating how he refused to let a stark colon cancer diagnosis prevents him from making his mark on the world. Wrapped in inspiration from a year of self-discovery on a remote Hawaiian island, the song brings to light a mantra of soulful jazz, smooth beats and earnest emotion. 

    James Casey Announces Release of New Single During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 

    The music video for “New Bloom” tells a visual story of hope alongside fellow New York City creatives who are all living through, and beyond, cancer as a community. Each person featured in the video is persevering against cancer in their own intimate and personal ways. 

    James Casey Announces Release of New Single During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 

    James Casey is an outspoken advocate for colon cancer awareness, especially among his more vulnerable Black community. Casey first melded music and advocacy in 2022 when he released a holiday EP, A Little Something For Everyone, which garnered praise among NPR staff picks for the Best Songs of 2022.

    Today, while undergoing regular chemotherapy treatments, Casey is preparing for the April-May 2023 roll out of his debut LP, The Kaua’i Project. This album was developed over the past two years following a somewhat serendipitous sequence of events. Releasing his own music was never a priority for Casey, but that perception changed abruptly when he was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer at just 38 years of age.  

    This shocking news in August 2021 served as an awakening in so many ways. Casey decided to make the most of his time, for both for himself and his loved ones. He let go of all limits to his musical career and, for the first time, began writing and recording music under his own name. 

    To listen to “New Bloom” by James Casey, click the link here. For more information about James Casey, visit the link here.

  • An Interview with John McEuen, founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Performing in Buffalo and Albany this week

    John McEuen, founder of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, will make his way across New York this week, stopping at Sportsmen’s Tavern in Buffalo on Thursday, March 16th and The Linda in Albany on Friday, March 17th.

    The man behind the legendary album Will the Circle be Unbroken – called one of the most important records to come out of Nashville by Chet Flippo (Rolling Stone), the album features McEuen’s musical mentors Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson, his brother Bill, Mother Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin, Roy Acuff, ‘Bashful’ Brother Oswald, Vassar Clements, Merle Travis and more. The now multi-platinum album has been honored both by the Library of Congress and the Grammy Hall of Fame. 

    Multi-instrumentalist McEuen (banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, piano, dulcimer) was a member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for 50 years before departing the group at the end of the 50th year anniversary tour in 2017, the same year he was inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame.With McEuen slated to cross the Empire State this week, NYS Music spoke with the legendary singer on his music, advice and an early gig working at Disneyland.

    Samantha Rychlicki: Seeing how you’ve been performing for years, is there a song that makes you feel like you’re 18 again and why?

    John McEuen: Much of the music I play makes me feel young, as music is like that sometimes – ageless. But “Shelly’s Blues,” “Bojangles,” and “House at Pooh Corner” are top contenders for ‘songs’. Among instrumentals of which I do a lot, there is “Dismal Swamp” and then “John Hardy” but most of the bluegrass gives you that youngster feeling, too! “Will the Circle be Unbroken” well that feels like an old one to me, singing to my long gone mom.

    john mceuen nitty gritty dirt band

    SR: What do you hope people get out of your tour?

    JM: Bringing people into that magic space where, for a couple of hours, they forget where they are. They are laughing or singing or listening to something that ‘transport’ them to a ‘better space.’

    SR: Is there anything that you are really hoping people think about after your show or is it more of a “Let’s all just get together, play some music and let people enjoy themselves”?

    JM: Music, the stories behind how it happened, and the songs will hopefully transport people to a space they will think about days later.

    SR: Your career has taken you to so many places and to meet so many people that someone in your shoes may say “Why keep going? What else is there?”, what is the number one thing that keeps you going?

    JM: I get to tell people about some o those places, laugh about them, and sing about them. And I feel like they need or want to hear it.

    john mceuen nitty gritty dirt band

    SR: What is the one piece of advice that you would give to an aspiring folk musician?

    JM: Do it as good as you can and don’t do drugs. Even David Crosby said they ‘did no good.’

    SR: A little off beat but I read in an article that you loved magic and that’s why you went to work at Merlin’s Magic Shop. My question is… do you remember any of the tricks you learned while you were at Disney? Do you still perform them?

    JM: I ‘perform’ them because they are fun, not to impress people but to shock and surprise them!

  • Willie Nelson’s 2023 Outlaw Music Festival 2023 – Biggest to Date – stops at Darien Lake and Bethel Woods this July

    Musician Willie Nelson is bringing his iconic Outlaw Music Festival to Darien Lake and Bethel this summer. The festival will have a show at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on July 29, followed on July 30 with a show at Darien Lake Amphitheater. Featured artists for the New York festivals include Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats, Gov’t Mule, Kathleen Edwards, and Particle Kid.

    2023 outlaw music festival willie nelson
    Nelson performing in 2004. Credit. willienelson.com

    Willie Nelson, who was born in Texas during the Great Depression, has a career that spans the majority of his life. His debut studio album, …And Then I Wrote, was released in 1962, catapulting him into a successful career. Nelson is still actively making music, with his 73rd studio album, I Don’t Know A Thing About Love: The Songs of Harlan Howard, being released on March 3. Nelson marks his 90th year of life as one of his busiest yet. This year alone, he has won two Grammys, is scheduled to celebrate his birthday with a two-day event at the Hollywood Bowl, has been nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, released a new book, headlines his annual July 4 picnic, and of course the annual Outlaw Music Festival.

    The 2023 Outlaw Music Festival continues to celebrate Nelson’s life and legacy, this year on the verge of his milestone 90th birthday. “I can’t wait to be on the road with the amazing group of artists joining us on this year’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour,” says Nelson. “It is always a great day of music and fun with family, friends, and the incredible fans, and even more special this year in celebration of my 90th birthday.”

    Nelson started the Outlaw Musical Festival in 2016. It was a sold-out show in Scranton, PA, and has since developed into one of North America’s biggest annual touring franchises. A number of notable artists such as Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, and many more have been a part of the celebration.

    Tickets go on sale Friday, March 17, at 10 a.m. VIP packages including great seats and exclusive festival merchandise will be availableFor more information about the Willie Nelson Outlaw Music Festival, including performances at Darien Lake and Bethel, visit OutlawMusicFestival.com.

    2023 Outlaw Music Festival Tour Dates and Lineups

    Friday, June 23, 2023
    Somerset, WI – Somerset Amphitheater
    Willie Nelson & Family
    Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
    Trampled By Turtles
    Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
    Particle Kid

    Saturday, June 24, 2023
    East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre
    Willie Nelson & Family
    Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
    Trampled By Turtles
    Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
    Particle Kid

    Sunday, June 25, 2023
    St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
    Willie Nelson & Family
    Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
    Trampled By Turtles
    Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
    Particle Kid

    Thursday, June 29, 2023
    Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
    Willie Nelson & Family
    Margo Price
    Flatland Cavalry
    Particle Kid

    Friday, June 30, 2023
    Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
    Willie Nelson & Family
    Whiskey Myers
    Flatland Cavalry
    Brittney Spencer
    Particle Kid

    Sunday, July 2, 2023
    The Woodlands, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
    Willie Nelson & Family
    Whiskey Myers
    Brittney Spencer
    Particle Kid
    More To Be Announced

    Friday, July 28, 2023
    Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
    Willie Nelson & Family
    Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
    Kurt Vile and The Violators
    Kathleen Edwards
    Particle Kid

    Saturday, July 29, 2023
    Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
    Willie Nelson & Family
    Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
    Gov’t Mule
    Kathleen Edwards
    Particle Kid

    Sunday, July 30, 2023
    Darien, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
    Willie Nelson & Family
    Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
    Gov’t Mule
    Kathleen Edwards
    Particle Kid

    Wednesday, August 2, 2023
    Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
    Willie Nelson & Family
    The Avett Brothers
    Kathleen Edwards
    Flatland Cavalry
    Particle Kid

    Friday, August 4, 2023
    Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
    Willie Nelson & Family
    The Avett Brothers
    Marcus King
    Flatland Cavalry
    Kathleen Edwards
    Particle Kid

    Saturday, August 5, 2023
    Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann
    Willie Nelson & Family
    The Avett Brothers
    Marcus King
    Kathleen Edwards
    Flatland Cavalry
    Particle Kid

    Sunday, August 6, 2023
    Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
    Willie Nelson & Family
    The Avett Brothers
    Marcus King
    Kathleen Edwards
    Flatland Cavalry
    Particle Kid

    Friday, August 11, 2023
    Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
    Willie Nelson & Family
    John Fogerty
    Kathleen Edwards
    Flatland Cavalry
    Particle Kid

    Saturday, August 12, 2023
    Pittsburgh, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
    Willie Nelson & Family
    John Fogerty
    Flatland Cavalry
    Kathleen Edwards
    Particle Kid

    Sunday, August 13, 2023
    Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
    Willie Nelson & Family
    John Fogerty
    Gov’t Mule
    Kathleen Edwards
    Particle Kid

    Watch Sheryl Crow perform at the 2017 Outlaw Music Festival