The future is uncertain for the Syracuse Opera, announcing it has canceled the remainder of shows for the 2023-2024 season.
Photos courtesy of Syracuse Opera Facebook and Bunn Hill Photo (Randy Cummings).
Syracuse.com has reported that the Syracuse Opera board chair Camille Tisdel said ticket sales are down 40-60% from where they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company planned to have three more productions: “All is Calm,” The Fantasticks,” and “The Barber of Seville.”
Tisdel, in a note to members Friday, wrote “While our recent productions have been artistically excellent and impactful, like many opera companies across the country, ticket sales have been considerably lower than projected, and we do not have the financial ability to continue the season.” She also went on to stay that grant support, donations, and sponsorships are all in jeopardy because of the uncertainty in our world post-pandemic.
She also said that Syracuse Opera has one full-time and four part-time employees that will be furloughed.
A scene from Syracuse Opera’s April 30 production of “The Marriage of Figaro.” Photo courtesy of Bunn Hill Photo.
The current season opened on Oct. 20 with “I Am a Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams” at the Redhouse Arts Center. The Syracuse Opera was founded in 1974, and was the only year-round professional opera company, opening many doors for the Central New York music community. Due to the pandemic, their revenue had decreased dramatically, with majority of the opera’s coming from donations, grants, and sponsorships.
As audience members keep declining, it is becoming more difficult to attract sponsors, Tisdel said. Government grants that helped keep organizations afloat have mostly gone away, making situations like these hard to deal with.
“The next 24 months, let’s say, are going to be a big challenge for theaters around the country,” Syracuse Stage artistic director Bob Hupp told the Post-Standard | syracuse.com in April. “It’s going to be tough before it gets better.”
The future of Syracuse Opera remains uncertain, and the board will decide in the coming months what to do next. Tisdel said ticketholders and subscribers will be contacted in the coming weeks about refunds.
In a world where dreams never fade, Burlington, VT duo The Middle Ages have released their first single, “Where My Cats At?,” on Friday, November 17. Bringing an infectious vibe to their music, The Middle Ages show that it’s never too late to become the rockstars you never knew you wanted to be.
Husband-and-wife duo, MC Booty Call (Dan Weathers) and Hot Tea (Taraleigh Weathers), have discovered their passion and talent for creating inspiring, feel-good music. Their motto, “It’s never too late to be the rockstars you never knew you wanted to be,” embodies their journey and the dreams they’re living. The music of The Middle Ages is a beautiful blend of old-school flow with fresh, modern beats, all served up with a side of humor that’ll have you both dancing and laughing out loud.
Take for example these soon to be released tracks from their upcoming debut LP. “Bronado,” an epic tale about tornado bros that’ll have you riding the storm with them; “GFX-106,” a love song dedicated to the couple’s trusty Prius, proving that cars can have a special place in our hearts too, and “Starting This Off,” a a perfect track to kickstart your day with positivity and energy.
Joining MC Booty Call and Hot Tea on these songs include a stellar lineup of musical talent, including Ryan Montbleau, Hayley Jane, Josh Weinstein, Phin Sonnin, Retired Chief Meteorologist Tom Messner, and Patrick McAndrew. Expertly produced by Scott Hannay (Mihali) and recorded, mixed, and mastered at Tank Studios by the talented Ben Collette, The Middle Ages have already left their mark on some of Burlington’s hottest stages, with memorable performances at Higher Ground (including an opening set for Will Evans), Nectars (backed by 3/5 of Annie in the Water), Orlando’s (with backing by Chuck Jones of Dopapod, Marshall Dominquez, Matt Blair, and sit-ins by Lee Ross), Moogs Joint, Higher Calling Festival (with a guest appearance by Jonny from Lespecial), Inclusion Festival, B’Autumn’s Up Ball, Summer Soirée, and Radio Bean, where their hype man (Ryan Montbleau) joined in on the fun.
The Middle Ages bring a unique twist to the hip-hop and jamband scenes, using the power of lyrics and the magic of music. Dan Weathers rocks the guitar and vocals with the same energy and charisma as hip-hop legend Chali 2na. Meanwhile, Taraleigh is the heart and soul of the band with dance moves channeling the iconic styles of Janet Jackson and Shirley Temple, making every performance a visual spectacle.
Taraleigh brings a wealth of performance experience, having graduated with a degree in dance and gone on to dance professionally. For sports fans, her cheerleading gigs for the NBA saw her lighting up venues like Madison Square Garden and the Meadowlands.
Dan, on the other hand, is a die-hard old-school hip-hop fan who spent his childhood rapping in front of a bedroom mirror. His forestry degree might not have seemed like an obvious choice, but it’s all about finding the wood in everything he does. This dedication paid off in 2020 when he conceptualized The Middle Ages, right before a global pandemic changed the world.
The Middle Ages are the hip-hop band that will make you want to dance, laugh, and believe that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Listen below and get ready to groove to “Where My Cats At?,” a purr-fectly catchy tune that celebrates feline friends in a way you’ve never heard before.
Legendary heaby metal group Pantera announced the second leg of their North American headline tour, including a stop at New York City’s Madison Square Garden (MSG) on February 22. Following the band’s 20-date tour this past summer, the band has announced 14 new shows across the country throughout February.
Pantera formed in Arlington, Texas in 1981, and have released nine full-length albums since their formation. Their current lineup features original members, vocalist Philip H. Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, as well as new additions guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante.
Pantera’s upcoming tour will feature special guest Lamb Of God opening at every date on the second leg of this tour. More special guests are to be announced.
Photo by Joshua Davis
In addition to their headline tour, Pantera is scheduled to support legendary metal group Metallica at five stadium shows next summer on their M72 World Tour. The band will also make a trip across the pond in June to play at Download Fest in Derby, UK.
Ticket presales and VIP upgrades begin on Tuesday, November 14 at 10 am. General on sale date is Friday, November 17 at 10 am at Pantera.com.
Pantera Upcoming Tour Dates
February 3 – Amerant Bank Arena – Sunrise, FL
February 5 – Amalie Arena – Tampa, FL
February 7 – Rupp Arena – Lexington, KY
February 9 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
February 10 – FedExForum – Memphis, TN
February 13 – T-Mobile Center – Kansas City, MO
February 14 – Pinnacle Bank Arena – Lincoln, NE
February 16 – Canada Life Centre – Winnipeg, MB
February 18 – Resch Center – Green Bay, WI
February 20 – Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI
February 22 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
February 24 – CFG Bank Arena – Baltimore, MD
February 26 – Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON
February 27 – Centre Vidéotron – Québec City, QC
June 14-16 – Download Fest @ Donington Park – Derby, UK #
August 2 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, MA **
August 9 – Soldier Field – Chicago, IL **
August 16 – US Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN **
August 23 – Commonwealth Stadium – Edmonton, AB **
A fine Brooklyn Bowl tradition, The Hold Steadywill be returning with a four night residency at the famed venue from November 29 to December 2.
The Hold Steady is a Brooklyn-based band that has performed in all 50 states and throughout Canada, Europe and Australia. A band upholding the values and integrity of indie and punk rock, The Hold Steady embrace rock classicism, fusing the bar band vigor of the Replacements with the epic-scale musical backdrops of Bruce Springsteen, while vocalist Craig Finn spilled out stories that were as impassioned as they were unpretentiously literate.
The Hold Steady have attracted a fervently dedicated following who embraced the beery, anthemic style of their debut album, 2004’s Almost Killed Me. They refined their music and lyrical stance while increasing their guitar on 2014’s ambitious Teeth Dreams, and they explored an alienated culture with near-operatic sweep on 2021’s Open Door Policy and 2023’s The Price of Progress.
Four-piece group LikeTheAstronaut released their debut EP, titled Moments Before…. The EP explores electro-pop, folk, and alternative styles throughout the five unique tracks.
The title track of the EP, “Moments Before…” includes key talents in the vocal effects, showcasing the band’s effective collaboration. In addition, it features heartfelt and melancholy lyrics, which add powerful emotion to the opening track.
“Slumber Still” evokes similarities from electronic synth pop, but with a slower beat and swaying melody. Not only does it have a catchy, droning backtrack, it shows promising room for more development in the synth production.
LikeTheAstronaut’s Moments Before… began with John Glenn, as a passion project following the passing of his father and the birth of his child. The collection explores the emotions coming with those events, through folk, electro-pop, and alternative musical influences.
LikeTheAstronaut formed in Albany, with the collaboration of Dave Parker (Stellar Young, Weerd Science, Coheed & Cambria), John Glenn (Stellar Young), Josh Eppard (Coheed & Cambria) and Kyle Hatch (Stellar Young). The musicians work together as a seamless group, forming a promising band with an upward trajectory.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from The Grandstand Jockey’s, Sime Gezus, and Josh Morris.
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
The Grandstand Jockeys – “Gun”
The Grandstand Jockeys are from Waterford, New York, combining hard-edge rock with pop sensibilities. Their newest EP &$how is out now. “Gun” from the EP will be played on EQXposure.
Sime Gesuz -“What’s Your Problem”
“I’m laid-back, the quieter dude in the room, just chilling,” said Simon Grimes. Since 2004, Grimes has produced and rhymed under the name Sime Gezus. He hosts a weekly radio show on WSPN College-based 91.1 FM to promote local and underground hip-hop. “What’s Your Problem” is out now.
Josh Morris – “Ready For Your Love”
Hailing from NYC, Josh Morris has cultivated an identity all his own while taking inspiration from artists such as The 1975, Jeff Buckley, and Pearl Jam. Concealed underneath his playful lyrics are conversations we should all be engaging in. The music itself is consistently supported by thoughtfully executed production and laser-focused performances. His first single “Ready For Your Love” is out now.
Jon Batiste has announced his Uneasy Tour: Purifying The Airwaves For The People in support of his newly Grammy nominated album World Music Radio, with one stop in NYC.
Batiste was born into a musical life being part of the musical dynasty, the Batiste family. He started playing percussion and drums at the age of 8 in the Batiste Brothers Band, and from there, he only developed his musical skills even further.
Today, his tour announcement comes on the heels of Batiste’s six 2024 GRAMMY nominations, with five on behalf of World Music Radio. His nominations include Album of the Year, Record of the Year for “Worship” and Song of the Year for “Butterfly.” Additionally, he earned nominations for Best Jazz Performance for “Movement 18 (Heroes)” and Best American Roots Performance for “Butterfly” from the album, as well as a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for his collaboration with Lana Del Rey on her track “Candy Necklace.” Jon Batiste will make several appearances in support of the album in November including the world-famous Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade on November 23 and annual Root 100 Gala where he’ll be honored as the first “Voice and Vision” Award Recipient at the Apollo Theater on December 5.
World Music Radio invites the world to experience the marriage of hard-hitting pop songs to a rich tapestry of international sounds, with Batiste collaborating with a diverse range of global talents including Lil Wayne, Lana Del Rey, Kenny G, Fireboy DML, J.I.D, Camilo, NewJeans and more. The album received critical acclaim upon its release, with NPR describing it as “a sprawling exploration of what global music can sound like” and NME praising Batiste for “reinventing his sonic wheel.”
In 2020, Jon Batiste was honored with an Academy Award® for Best Original Score for his work on the Disney/Pixar film SOUL, which he shared with fellow composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The score won him a GRAMMY award and also garnered him a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, a NAACP Image Award, and a Critic’s Choice Award. Notably, Batiste became the second black composer in history, following the legendary jazz musician Herbie Hancock, to win an Academy Award for composition.
Jon Batiste is the subject of Matthew Heineman’s moving documentary American Symphony, which will debut in select theatres on November 24 and via Netflix in partnership with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground on November 29. The film follows him beginning in early 2022, when he finds himself celebrated with 11 Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year. Amid that triumph, he is immersed in his most ambitious challenge yet: composing an original symphony for a performance at the storied Carnegie Hall. However, this extraordinary trajectory is upended when his life partner, NYT bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning journalist Suleika Jaouad, learns that her long-dormant cancer has returned.
Batiste’s first-ever headlining tour will kick off February 16 at the Schnitzer in Portland, OR, and visit intimate theaters across North America and Canada, including one stop at Beacon Theatre in New York.
Jon Batiste Uneasy Tour: Purifying The Airwaves For The People Dates:
DateCityVenue
2/16/24 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
2/17/24 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre
2/18/24 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore (early and late shows)
2/20/24 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
2/22/24 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
2/23/24 Madison, WI The Sylvee
2/24/24 Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre
2/26/24 Detroit, MI The Fillmore
2/27/24 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre
2/28/24 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
3/3/24 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
3/12/24 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
3/13/24 Montreal, QC MTELUS
3/15/24 New Haven, CT College Street Music Hall
3/16/24 Boston, MA Orpheum Theatre
3/17/24 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore
3/19/24 New York, NY Beacon Theatre
3/21/24 Washington, DC Warner Theatre
3/22/24 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore
3/24/24 Knoxville, TN Big Ears Festival
3/26/ 24 Dallas, TX Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House
3/27/24 Austin, TX ACL Live – Moody Theater
4/27/24 Miramar Beach, FL Kaleidoscope Beach
Artist presale began Tuesday, November 14 at 10AM (local), with venue/local presales having started Wednesday, November 15 at 10AM(local). Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, November 17 at 10AM (local).
Additional ticket information is available here. For more information on Jon Batiste, visit his website.
On a chilly Wednesday evening, fans flocked to the Toyota Oakdale Theatre on November 15 for The Beach Boys. The Beach Boys currently have four shows left in the Northeast on their “America’s Band” tour with the final show being November 19 in Schenectady.
Despite this version of The Beach Boys looking slightly different than the Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) lineup, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston still remain. Joining Love and Johnston is Tim Bonhomme on the keyboards, Christian Love, John Wedemeyer, and Brian Eichenberger on guitar, Keith Hubacher on bass, Randy Leago on saxophone with Jon Bolton on the drums.
Prior to The Beach Boys hitting the stage, the Garfield, New Jersey native band, The Rascals warmed up the crowd. Led by singer Felix Cavaliere, The Rascals had a short 30-minute set that featured classic songs and prepared the audience for the main event.
As the clock struck 8:30, the house lights dimmed and the screen behind the stage lit up with a video montage that featured The Beach Boys in pop culture. The montage featured the band’s appearance in Full House, being referenced in Good Morning Vietnam, and having Mathew Perry in his role as Chandler Bing in Friends sing “Kokomo.” The entire theatre rose to their feet as the band jumped into “Do It Again,” off of their 1969 album 20/20.
The Beach Boys played for a total of an hour and a half and within that hour and a half, the fans loved it. Inside the venue, it would have seemed like you were in a time warp back to the 1960s. Fans were dancing with their significant others in the aisles and women were running up to the stage trying to get a closer look at the band. Even during certain songs, long after lighters were ditched, fans took out their cellphones and flashlights to wave back and forth.
During the show, The Beach Boys ran through all their hits and even played a few covers. The most impressive cover that the band played was their version of “California Dreamin’” which was originally sung by The Mamas & the Papas and is from their 1966 album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears. Bolton while drumming was also on lead vocals for this song and did an outstanding job and gave the entire audience goosebumps while Leago provided the groovy solo in the middle of the song.
The entire band sounded great. Love and Johnston have an excellent band playing alongside them and each musician compliments each other very well. During the renditions of “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” and “God Only Knows” the harmonies sent shivers down the spines of the most hardcore Beach Boys fans and made them transport back to the heyday when the band ruled the world.
As the band took their final bow after “Fun, Fun, Fun,” fans filed out of the theatre and jumped into their cars blasting the Beach Boys music as if it was the ‘60s again. Fan rolled down their windows as they drove off knowing that for one night, there was nothing but “Good Vibrations” throughout.
Setlist: Do It Again, Surfin’ Safari, Catch a Wave, Rockaway Beach, Surfin’ U.S.A., Surfer Girl, Don’t Worry Baby, Little Deuce Coupe, 409, Shut Down, Little Honda, I Get Around, Be True to Your School, In My Room, Getcha Back, Good to My Baby, When I Grow Up (to Be a Man), Help Me, Rhonda, Darlin’, God Only Knows, Sloop John B, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Then I Kissed Her, California Dreamin’, California Girls, Do You Wanna Dance?, Rock and Roll Music, Barbara Ann, Kokomo, Good Vibrations, Fun, Fun, Fun
Cool Cool Cool, an unapologetically unique band blending funk, house, and R&B, will release their debut single from Color Red called “Never Noticed” on November 17.
Cool Cool Cool blends the best of funk, house, and R&B to create a sound that is truly unique, with dynamic female-led vocals, a tight horn section, and swirling synths. Made up of various talented individuals– Shira Elias (vocals), Sammi Garrett (vocals/percussion), Craig Brodhead (guitar/keyboard/synth), Chris Brouwers (trumpet/keyboard/synthesizer), Michael Carubba (drums), Greg Sanderson (tenor sax, EWI), and Josh Schwartz (vocals/baritone sax) – this band knows how to deliver an electrifying performance. When you see Cool Cool Cool in person, you’ll be swept up by the energy of their music and unforgettable live shows.
“Cool Cool Cool, a super slick collective of funkateers with tight vocal harmonies, punchy horns, clavinet soul and stage presence to spare.”
After spending more than a decade traveling the world together with the touring act Turkuaz, the members of Cool Cool Cool decided to team up and form their own band in 2022. Their shared experiences– from playing dive bars to international festival stages– helped them develop a close bond that goes far beyond music. This bond translates into a powerful synergy that allows each band member to showcase their individual talents, creativity, and passion.
“Never Noticed” is the much anticipated debut single from Cool Cool Cool. The track is loaded with entrancing vocals, hard hitting horn lines and an ever-driving groove, marrying vintage tones with modern production. At its core, “Never Noticed” is the first true collaboration from a group of people who, while having performed together for years, perhaps didn’t quite understand what they had together.
This song lays a funky beat mixed with lofi-type vocals, making a truly different sound. It’s relaxing, yet makes you want to get up and dance. The most striking part of this arrangement are the horns– so powerful and yet seamlessly weaved into the music so that they’re not overbearing. “Never Noticed” will transport you to a funky club down in New Orleans: a place where you can relax and just feel the music.
It’ll be exciting to see what else they have in store, as they just keep one-upping themselves.
Cool Cool Cool will release their debut single from Color Red, “Never Noticed” on November 17. The band, featuring former members of Turkuaz, creates a blend of Funk and R&B with a mix of lo-fi vibes for this grooving and dreamy track recorded at Color Red Studios. The release comes right after their recent performances as the band for Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew’s Remain In Light tour, as well as support for Andy Frasco’s L’Optimist tour, and Cool Cool Cool teases that this is just the beginning.
While the New York part of their tour has ended, if lucky, you can catch them at the remaining venues of their tour in Florida and California.
12/28 – San Diego, CA – Balboa Theater
12/29 – Anaheim, CA – City National Grove of Anaheim (City National Grove Outdoors)
12/30 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
12/31 – Napa, CA – JaM Cellars Ballroom
02/22-25 – Brooksville, FL – Florida Sand Music Ranch
Stephen Clair released his newest album, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, on November 17. A one-man recording production, the record showcases 11 songs with complete performances, meaning no edits or post-production re-dos.
Stephen Clair began releasing music in 1997, but his musical career began long before. Citing Johnny Cash as a childhood influence, Clair recorded his newest record as a solo production, with the performances being only him and his guitar or piano. His tenth studio record, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is not one to miss.
The record’s fifth track, “Days Passed,” shows off Clair’s proficiency in guitar picking and instrumentation. The vocals are a distinct, contrasting note, with a higher melody and Dylan-like tone and rhythm. It stands out as a more confident spot on the album.
The eighth track on the album, “I Imagined I Was An Elevator,” stands out creatively, with an intriguing title and subject. The melody falters at points, but the vocal style brings flair to a simple singer-songwriter track, with just Clair and his guitar.
The tenth track, and another one not to miss, “Bubble Bath,” begins with a hopeful chord progression and soothing guitar melodies. Not only is the music soothing, but the lyrics describe an oasis away from the world, with a cozy bubble bath for the listener.
Photo Credit: Hillary Clements
The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is Stephen Clair’s tenth full length album, available everywhere on November 17.
