The music of the Allman Brothers Band will be celebrated by Trouble No More in tribute to the 50th anniversary of the band’s legendary album, Brothers & Sisters, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on March 25.
The album will be performed in its entirety by Trouble No More, featuring very special guest keyboardist Chuck Leavell. This event marks Leavell in his first performance of the Allman Brothers Band songbook since The Brothers 50th Anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden in 2020.
“The piano playing on Brothers and Sisters is amazing. It could be my favorite of Chuck’s work. I am really looking forward to playing the record with him on stage. It will be incredible,” says Peter Levin, Trouble No More Musical Director.
Tickets will go on sale on Friday, January 27 at 12 p.m. EST at Ticketmaster.com.
Photo By Adam McCullough
Founded in 1969, the Allman Brothers Band created a new genre of American music, which was an amalgamation of blues, R&B, country and jazz . The band was not only a groundbreaking force in music, but a component of the Civil Rights Movement of the late-60s. Composed of five white hippies and one African American, the Allman Brothers Band made quite a social impact in their home base of Macon GA.
Brothers and Sisters, the fourth album released by the iconic Allman Brothers Band, sold over seven million copies worldwide. “Ramblin’ Man” became the band’s first and only hit single, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973. The album represented the Allmans’ commercial peak.
Combined with their family-based lifestyle, the Allman Brothers Band spread a message of peace, love and acceptance. That message is the core of the Allman Brothers Band Big House Foundation’s objectives. The Foundation provides music programs for schools that are sorely lacking in funding for the arts. The Foundation also hosts workshops and lectures on civil rights and equality through music.
A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Big House Foundation in Macon, GA.
For More information, and to purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com.
Kings Theatre, located in Brooklyn New York is proud to announce their Historic Tour events will be making a comeback. Tour dates are scheduled for February 18 and March 11 at 1pm. An introduction of a weekday tour will be taking place on March 21 at 7pm.
Kings Theater built in 1929 as one of the five original Loew’s Wonder Theaters . The Theater was originally a movie palace live performance venue featuring vaudeville reviews. The 20th century movie palace was inspired by the French Renaissance Revival style of the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opera House. What we now know as Kings Theater became stagnant after its closing in 1979 until undergoing restoration in 2013. In 2015, the theater was officially opened as Kings Theatre with a debut performance by the amazing Dianna Ross. Kings Theatre is now recognized as a cultural and economic cornerstone of the Flatbush community and a magnificent addition to Brooklyn’s spirited cultural landscape.
During the 75 minute tour, expect to be educated on the historical and architectural highlights from knowledgeable tour guides. For example, guests will learn about the baroque stylings of this luxurious theater, the “Queen of Kings”, the Robert Morgan Wonder Organ, and become informed on the theater’s daily workings.Starting in the resplendent grand lobby, guests will travel through ornate speakeasy lounges and both levels of the 3,055-seat auditorium.
Under the management of Ambassador Theatre Group, Kings Theatre now portrays a variation of world class programming that includes live music, stand-up comedy, theatrical and literary events in addition to hosting film shoots and even private events. Guests will have the option of enhancing their experience to include two drinks and access to one of the theaters private speakeasies for a post tour destination. For tickets and further information on Kings Theatre tours, please visit here.
Where does the time go? A lot can happen over the course of 25 years, but for a rock band, sticking together that long isn’t typically one of them. From the beginning, however, Umphrey’s McGee has never been a typical band.
Often considered “too heavy for the hippies,” or “too jammy for the metal heads,” UM has emphatically made a career out of bridging those two musical scenes together; a theme that would unveil itself throughout the final night of their silver anniversary run through New York. Playing their 2,644th show on January 21, 2023 at the Capitol Theatre, exactly 25 years after their first known performance, appreciative fans from all over the country made their way to “the original rock palace” to commemorate this milestone birthday bash.
Consisting of Brendan Bayliss and Jake Cinniger on guitars, Ryan Stasik on bass, percussionist Andy Farag and drummer Kris Myers, improv-heavy prog rockers Umphrey’s McGee have come a long way since forming as students at the University of Notre Dame and the road to this historic night at the Cap hasn’t always been an easy one. Sticking together through untold sacrifice, overcoming tragedy and navigating through an ever-changing musical landscape, Umphrey’s McGee has remained one of the most colorful, innovative, and hardest working live acts in the business for a quarter century now.
After kicking off their birthday weekend with an intimate sold-out show in Williamsburg and then wow’ing The Cap crowd on night one in Port Chester with a plethora of heavy fan favorites like “Front Porch”, “JaJunk” “Higgins,” and an acoustic debut cover of “Helplessly Hoping” in memory of the late David Crosby, when the band members took the stage on Saturday night, you could just feel that something special was about to go down.
Starting the party with a bang, “Bridgeless” had the hyped crowd with their ‘horns up’ and dancing shoes on from the get-go. The band would leave the song unfinished and throw fans their first surprise of the night, shifting gears into “13 Days,” a song which had not been played since before the Covid-19 pandemic. From something old to something new, up next was a song dedicated to UM crew member Rachel who is moving on after sixteen years with band. “Escape Goat,” from the band’s most recent album Asking for a Friend would stretch out for nearly 19 minutes. Revisiting their roots some more, “White Man’s Moccasins” followed suit before Umphrey’s McGee jammed even longer on another new song, the tongue-in-cheek titled “Unevolved.” Played for only the second time since debuting last November, this version clocked in at well over 20 minutes and sent fans to intermission with plenty to smile about and discuss.
Prior to the start of Set Two, Capitol Theatre owner Peter Shapiro would lead the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” while presenting the band with a cake. In return Umphrey’s McGee then launched into an equally ‘sweet’ rendition of “Wappy Sprayberry” to get things going strong. ”Pure Saturation” came next and provided lighting director Ben Factor a prime opportunity to dazzle the audience with his impressive skills and tasteful color palettes. Following it up with another surprise was “Dear Lord.” An emotional nod to the bands earliest days, the rarely played song was first performed back in January of 1998. Another deep cut was next in the form of “The Other Side of Things,” which has only been play five times this century!
Jake Cinniger would join in on percussion with Andy Farag in a duel with drummer Kris Myers before bassist (and best T-Shirt of the night winner) Ryan Stasik would take over with his distinct riffage of the heavy hitting “Puppet String.” Another tip of the cap to the band’s early history was up next with the UM classic “Divisions” which was also played at their very first show.
Umphrey’s would then unplug for some candid banter as Brendan Bayliss took an opportunity to give proper shout-outs to his bandmates, the crew and the fans for making the last 25 years possible. Claiming he didn’t prepare a speech, so if he was speaking from the heart, it would have probably come out sounding offensive. “And if I did offend you,” Bayliss hypothetically joked, “go fuck yourself.” He then invited out special guest and frequent collaborator Jenifer Hartswick for an acoustic anything-but ‘Hartliss’ rendition of the rarely played “Bullhead City.”
Hartswick would stick around and play trumpet on yet another bust-out, “1,000 Places to See Before You Die,” an instrumental which has only been played 11 times ever. As if that wasn’t special enough, the roof would nearly come off the place next when Hartswick lead the entire theatre in a cathartic sing-along of the Queen and David Bowie’s classic “Under Pressure,” fading out of the set with everyone snapping their fingers in unison. A very neat moment to be a part of.
Now past the witching hour, Umphrey’s McGee returned to the stage one last time, soaking in the cheers with huge smiles before keyboardist Joel Cummins would lead fans into the “Den.” Finally the show would come to it’s high-octane conclusion the same way it began, returning to “Bridgeless” to complete one hell of a celebratory jam-sandwich. Genuinely thanking everyone for “letting them do what they do” for the last 25 years, Bayliss would confirm they’ll “keep doing it as long as you keep coming out.” The band then convened in the middle of stage for a group hug and bow, which received a well-deserved standing and sustained ovation.
Tying the bow on an epic birthday run through New York, Umphrey’s McGee honored their past with a carefully mapped out, career spanning setlist while simultaneously showcasing a glimpse of the greatness yet to come. Combined with an unmatched dedication to their fans and their craft, an astonishing improvisational and technical ability, and a mesmerizing light show, the future for this timeless band is looking bigger and brighter than ever. With the UMXXV Tour officially off and rolling and a number of major festival dates already announced for later this summer, the Umphrey’s McGee train shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
Setlist: Umphrey’s McGee | 1/20/2023 | The Capitol Theatre | Port Chester, NY
SetOne: Small Strides, Conduit > Day Nurse[1], FF-> Mail Package[2], It’s Not Your Fault > JaJunk[3] SetTwo: Front Porch > Resolution > Front Porch, The Linear > 2nd Self, Higgins Encore: Helplessly Hoping[4], The Weight Around[5] > The Floor: [1] with Workin’ Day and Night (Michael Jackson) teases [2] with Miss Tinkle’s Overture tease [3] with Top Gun Anthem (Harold Faltermeyer) tease [4] debut, Crosby, Stills, & Nash; just Brendan and Jake on acoustics and vocals, along with Joel on vocals [5] with Brendan on acoustic
Helplessly Hoping played in remembrance of David Crosby, with “Closing Time” (Semisonic) quote from Brendan just before
Setlist: Umphrey’s McGee | 1/21/2023 | The Capitol Theatre | Port Chester, NY
Set 1: Bridgeless > 13 Days, Escape Goat-> White Man’s Moccasins > Unevolved
Set 2: Wappy Sprayberry > Pure Saturation > Dear Lord > The Other Side of Things > Drums[1], Puppet String, Jam[2] > Divisions, Bullhead City[3], 1000 Places to See Before You Die[4], Under Pressure[5]
Encore: Den > Bridgeless
Footnotes: [1] with Jake on percussion [2] just Jake [3] with Jennifer Hartswick on vocals, and Brendan and Jake on acoustics [4] with Jennifer Hartswick on trumpet [5] with Jennifer Hartswick on vocals Show Notes: Before set two, venue owner Pete Shapiro and radio personality Gary Dell’Abate presented the band with a cake and led the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” for the band
Saratoga Performing Arts Center(SPAC) announced its 2023 spring season lineup in the Spa Little Theatre. The ever first spring season offerings featuring live theatre, jazz, folk, global and classical music, including cooperations with Caffe Lena.
photo by Zach Culver
Highlighting the series are the SPAC debuts of Aquila Theatre for two productions of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Grammy-nominated cappella group Kings Return, in addition to the return of global music ensemble Banda Magda. Caffe Lena @ SPAC is also returned with performances of The Steel Wheels and The Brubeck Brothers Quartet in Spa Little Theatre. The previously announced year-round residency by Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will also continue with a finale performance by Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel.
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is located in Saratoga Springs in upstate New York. It is a charitable organization and one of America’s most prestigious summer festivals. Setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs, SPAC draws vacation crowds and arts connoisseurs for immersive experiences of performances by resident companies. SPAC also hosts the annual Saratoga Wine and Food.
“Following the success of our completely sold out holiday season, we are excited to once again open the doors of the Spa Little Theatre to our community this spring. From world-class theatre to global music to folk and jazz in partnership with Caffe Lena, and our new year-round residency with Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, there is literally a program for everyone.”
Elizabeth Sobol
Spring programming at the Spa Little Theatre:
Aquila Theatre in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – 2PM & 7 PMSaturday, March 11
Published in 1813, Jane Austen’s ultimate romantic comedy Pride and Prejudice has stood the test of time. Besides the Bennet sisters’ navigations toward love and marriage, Austen’s humorous criticize of the English class system, and the thoughts and feelings of her women characters are worthy to enjoy. Aquila Theatre will bring this classic thrillingly to life with its signature passion, energy, and visual flair for its SPAC debut.
Tickets cost $33-$68. They will be available to purchase on Tuesday, January 24 at 10 a.m. for members, tiered by level, and Friday, January 27 at 10 a.m. for the general public.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Voices of the Americas – 7 PM Saturday, March 18
Experience the wide range of ideas, sounds, and cultures that have inspired composers from the Americas in the 20th century. The program opens and closes with vibrant, beloved classics by Copland and Gershwin brought about by their travels to Latin America.
Tickets cost $45-$65 and are available now at spac.org.
Kings Return – 7 PM Friday, March 31
The Grammy-nominated Kings Return is a vocal band of brothers — Gabe Kunda, Vaughn Faison, J.E. McKissic & Jamall Williams. Fusing gospel, Jazz, R&B/Soul, and classical music, the a capella group performs songs from the Bee Gees “How Deep is Your Love” to “Ave Maria” to Leon Bridges “River” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Based in Dallas, Texas, Kings Return’s popularity grew when they began posting videos to social media from the stairwell where they rehearse. The group has now amassed almost 10 million views across all platforms.
Tickets cost $33 and are all general admission. They will be available to purchase on Tuesday, January 24 at 10 a.m. for members, tiered by level, and Friday, January 27 at 10 a.m. for the general public.
Caffe Lena @ SPAC: The Steel Wheels – 7 PM Sunday, April 2
A Virginia-based Americana band with a strong bluegrass underpinning, The Steel Wheels explore deeply rooted yet fresh folk rock sounds.
Caffe Lena @ SPAC: The Brubeck Brothers Quartet – 7 PM Sunday, April 23
With Dan and Chris Brubeck as the foundation, guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb, complete this dynamic quartet. Although the Quartet’s style is rooted in “straight-ahead” jazz, their concerts reveal an inherent ability to explore and play odd time signatures while naturally integrating the influences of funk, blues and world music.
Following their SPAC on Stage debut in 2019, Banda Magda will return to Saratoga with all new music and their global sounds including samba, French chanson, Greek folk tunes, Colombian cumbia, and Afro-Peruvian lando. Their songs capture the best of mid-century pop ballads and cinematic arranging, drawing on the band’s global background and unchained musicality.
Tickets cost $33 and are all general admission. They will be available to purchase on Tuesday, January 24 at 10 a.m. for members, tiered by level, and Friday, January 27 at 10 a.m. for the general public.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
An Evening with David, Wu Han & Arnaud – 7 PM Saturday, May 13
Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel and violinist Arnaud Sussman perform Beethoven and Dvořák to close the CMS spring season.
Tickets cost $45-$65 and are available now at spac.org.
The announcement follows SPAC’s fall and holiday concert series in the Spa Little Theatre and is part of SPAC’s mission to present year-round programming that extends beyond the traditional summer months. Visit spac.org for additional details.
After 19 years of touring, Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco has announced that he will be stepping away from the group due to life events.
Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco, Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images.
Panic! At The Disco came onto the alternative scene in 2004, born out of Las Vegas by childhood friends Brendon Urie, Ryan Ross, Spencer Smith, and Brent Wilson. What essentially was a blink-182 cover band turned into something more as Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy heard a demo tape Urie sent him. They got a deal with Wentzâs Decaydance Records and developed with Urie on vocals, Ross on bass/guitar, as well as being the main songwriter, Wilson on guitar, and Smith on drums.
Their first record in 2005 A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out saw the second single “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” catapult to the top of the charts, and the album was certified triple platinum. In 2006, Wilson was fired after a world tour and replaced by Jon Walker. In 2007, the band arrived at a cabin in the rural mountains of Mount Charleston, Nevada, and began writing for the record Cricket and Clover. Eventually, the album was scrapped, although Ross said it was almost done, and they started over. “We wanted to approach these songs in the most basic form,” Ross said. “We wrote them all on one acoustic guitar and with someone singing.” The band, now with a new sound, released the folk indie record Pretty Odd. in 2008, with the upbeat and nostalgic song “Nine In The Afternoon.” This sound was favored by Walker and Ross, but not by Urie and Smith.
In April 2009 the group was finishing off a tour circuit for Pretty Odd., and their shows in Cape Town, South Africa proved to be the breaking point for Ross and Walker, who subsequently left the group after. The big question for fans is what happened in Cape Town to cause this. Ross seemingly answers the questions in his song “Cape Town” by the group The Young Veins, which also had Walker on guitar. Ross sings “I got lost in Cape Town, in Cape Town/I saw you, I met you/I loved you, I left you in Cape Town,” answering that he had a short-lived fling there, and was emotionally devastated. As well as butting heads with Urie over creative decisions, he called it quits, with Walker leaving alongside him.
Ross (left) and Urie (right) onstage.
Now the group, consisting of Smith and Urie, had to figure out what to do next. They recorded and released the song “New Perspective” for the movie Jennifer’s Body. They recruited bassist Dallon Weekes and guitarist Ian Crawford as touring musicians for live performances. Weekes became an official member in 2010 and helped write and record the 2011 record Vices and Virtues. The tour had an over-the-top production and saw Crawford leaving the group after. Urie started to operate as a solo artist as he diverged to recording a song with Fun called “C’mon” in 2011, and the track “Mercenary,” for the video game Batman: Arkham City.
He came back to the group to write and record the 2013 record Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die! Weekes wrote a lot of the music on the record, showing he was a viable member of the group. Trouble began to occur as Smith was battling a heavy addiction to pills and alcohol, writing a letter to fans. He toured for the album cycle with Fall Out Boy before leaving midway to “continue fighting addiction.” Urie posted on the band’s website in 2013 that “It’s become evident that Spencer still needs more time to take care of himself. I can’t expect him to be fighting addiction one minute and be fully immersed in a national tour the next. With that said, the tour will continue without Spencer while he is away getting the help he needs.” On the record he sings “This Is Gospel,” which is about Smith’s addiction and wanting the best for him.
Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith in 2011, Andy Kropa/Getty Images.
Smith officially left the band in 2015 despite not touring since 2013. In that same month, Urie announced a new record was in the works, turning into the record Death of a Bachelor. The record debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, and it was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. Panic! At The Disco toured with Weezer in 2016 for the record, and Weekes announced his departure from the group in 2017.
Since departing, fans have speculated as to the reason why. He did start a new band immediately after leaving called I Don’t Know How But They Found Me and continues to make music with the group, comprised of him and Falling In Reverse’s Ryan Seamon. Breezy Weekes, Dallon’s wife, tweeted in 2020 about Panic!’s bodyguard, Zach Cloud Hall, and his inappropriate behavior.
Abusive behavior is often dismissed as “jokes”. They’re not. These are just a couple examples of the “jokes” I had to endure. When I stopped ‘playing along’ , it got worse. pic.twitter.com/tKgVaCSLKF
Hall himself tweeted about keeping fans’ inappropriate photos as his screensaver, as well as writing sexual things about Dallon Weekes himself in tweets. Brendon Urie came under fire for not firing Hall, however, he was quick to kick out touring member Kenneth Harris for inappropriately messaging fans on Snapchat in 2018. Weekes also was made fun of for being Mormon, and always the butt of jokes by Urie, which contributed to his departure.
Brendon Urie has also come under fire for racist remarks and for saying inappropriate things onstage. A video surfaced of him in 2011 onstage saying he was going to have sex with fans, whether they liked it or not. He has also been seen singing racial slurs in videos and saying transphobic things.
Despite all the drama surrounding the group, Panic! went on to release Pray For The Wicked, featuring “High Hopes,” which became the highest-placing single from the band, becoming number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2022, the band released their final album, Viva Las Vengeance. They embarked on a U.S. tour supporting the record, and Urie made an announcement on January 24 saying he is going to be leaving the group, which over the years became a solo act for Urie, as he was the only official member.
He said in a statement “Well it’s been a hell of a journey…I am going to bring this chapter of my life to an end and put my focus and energy on my family.” He announced his wife Sarah is pregnant with their first child, which was accidentally leaked by Pete Wentz last month in a photo he posted on Instagram, but then deleted right after fans saw Urie and his wife in a photo of her with a pregnancy belly.
The final tour begins in Vienna on Feb. 20 and concludes in Manchester, England on March 10. Urie has not said if he will release music as a solo act, but for the time being he will be focusing on raising his child. Despite the controversies surrounding the group and its members, Panic! At The Disco left a mark on the emo/alternative scene that will last for years to come.
Tragedy, one of New York’s most elite tribute bands and creators of disco metal, have announced the release of their newest album, I Am Woman, available on March 3. The album serves as a testimonial to celebrate womanhood in all forms, capturing the spirit of metal classics while providing a fresh take on some of the world’s most timeless classics of empowerment, independence and self-love.
Tragedy will be teaming up with Steel Panther and Crobot on their upcoming US tour. The tour will start in Las Vegas, beginning February 24. Then, starting April 18th, the band will continue on to their co-headline European tour alongside fellow comedy metal icons Nanowar of Steel.
If you’ve heard The Pointer Sisters’, “I’m So Excited”, you are in for a special treat. Tragedy will be showcasing their metal take on this classic anthem. Follow the band’s journey starting from their Cara Maria O’Shea-directed music video to their Halftime Show performance at the Big Bank SuperDuper Dome. You’ll find it impossible to contain yourself as you rock out to the metallized version of this iconic track with half-timed grooves, squealing solos and energetic vocals.
Anita Pointer sadly passed away very recently, and this is our tribute to her and her sisters’ impact on music, as well as, of course, their everlasting and unbridled enthusiasm for ‘pleasures in the night’ on this track. The song is about the building, burning anticipation of impending carnal satisfaction. The heart races, hormones surge – gratification is imminent! In the video, the “excited” band members pack themselves into the family minivan, then play the Halftime Show at the Big Bank SuperDuper Dome – an event viewed live by over 700 Billion people worldwide!
Mo’Royce Peterson on “I’m So Excited”
Tragedy has had a glitter-encrusted grip on the entertainment world since they emerged in the early 2010’s. Performing several albums of metalized disco, soft rock and pop covers in the USA, UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, etc, has shown the world that Tragedy is no ordinary tribute band. The group of six fully embodies the soul of original pieces and infuses tracks with an undeniably infectious energy that can be felt by all listeners. Although the band’s unique style causes the implication of misbehavior, witnessing a live performance will open your eyes to the band’s true overarching message. It is one of carefree joy, humanity, acceptance and the simple pursuit of a damn good time. Their latest album, “I Am Woman”, can be preordered here.
TRAGEDY: US Tour with Steel Panther and Crobot (as special guest)
02.24.23 – US: Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues 02.25.23 – US: Anaheim, CA – House Of Blues 02.26.23 – US: Tempe, AZ – The Marquee Theatre 02.28.23 – US: San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theater 03.01.23 – US: Houston, TX – House Of Blues 03.03.23 – US: Dallas, TX – House Of Blues 03.04.23 – US: Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom 03.06.23 – US: Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works 03.08.23 – US: Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room 03.10.23 – US: Orlando FL – The Plaza Live 03.11.23 – US: St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live 03.12.23 – US: Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre 03.14.23 – US: Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live 03.16.23 – US: New York, NY – Irving Plaza 03.17.23 – US: Philadelphia, PA – Keswick Theatre 03.18.23 – US: Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom 03.19.23 – US: Worcester, MA – The Palladium 03.21.23 – US: Detroit, MI – The Fillmore 03.22.23 – US: Columbus, OH – The Bluestone 03.24.23 – US: Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room 03.25.23 – US: Chicago, IL – House Of Blues 03.26.23 – US: Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre 03.28.23 – US: Milwaukee, WI – The Eagles Club Stage 03.29.23 – US: Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore 03.31.23 – US: Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre 04.01.23 – US: Denver, CO – The Fillmore 04.02.23 – US: Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot 04.04.23 – US: Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom 04.06.23 – US: West Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go 04.07.23 – US: West Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go 04.08.23 – US: San Diego, CA – House Of Blues
TRAGEDY: European Decimation co-headline tour w/ Nanowar of Steel *TRAGEDY only (w/o Nanowar of Steel) 04.18.23 – UK: Southampton, 1865 * 04.19.23 – UK: Oxford, O2 Academy 2 * 04.20.23 – UK: Hull, The Welly Club 04.21.23 – UK: Carlisle, The Venue 04.22.23 – UK: Glasgow, Cathouse 04.23.23 – UK: Sheffield, O2 Academy 2 04.24.23 – UK: Newcastle, Think Tank 04.25.23 – UK: Liverpool, O2 Academy 2 04.26.23 – UK: Birmingham, IS2 04.27.23 – UK: London, O2 Academy Islington 04.28.23 – UK: Dorset, Teddy Rock Festival 04.29.23 – UK: Bristol, Thekla 04.30.23 – UK: Brighton, Patterns 05.02.23 – FR: Nantes, Ferrailleur 05.03.23 – FR: Paris, Petit Bain 05.04.23 – FR: Toulouse, Connexion Live 05.05.23 – ES: Barcelona, Sala Boveda 05.06.23 – ES: Madrid, Sala Revi Live 05.07.23 – PT: Lisbon, RCA Club 05.08.23 – ES: Murcia, Sala Garage Beat Club 05.09.23 – ES: Valencia, Sala Peter Rock 05.10.23 – ES: Portugalete (Bilbao), Sala Groove 05.11.23 – FR: Lyon, Rock’n Eat
Kronos Quartet, a San Francisco treat who have been reinventing the string quartet since 1973, will arrive at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs on Sunday, January 29th.
Featuring David Harrington (violin), John Sherba (violin), Hank Dutt (viola), and Paul Wiancko (cello), Kronos Quartet is one of the world’s most celebrated and influential ensembles, performing 1000s of concerts and releasing more than 70 recordings, while collaborating with composers and performers. The group has won over 40 awards, including three GRAMMY Awards, and the prestigious Polar Music, Avery Fisher, and Edison Klassiek Oeuvre Prizes.
Founding member David Harrington spoke to NYS Music recently, sharing insight into the group’s creation, how the early years continue to influence current projects, and how Pete Seeger influenced the band’s work.
Pete Mason: You are performing in a theatre in the round on January 29 at Universal Preservation Hall. When someone is seeing you for the first time, what do you hope their takeaways might be?
David Harrington: I hope the audience will feel like they’ve had a little adventure through the world of music as told by the members of Kronos, playing several recent pieces. The music of Nicole Lizée from Montreal brings sonic elements into the mix, and it’s got this darkness but it’s also fun. And a piece by Indonesian composer Maduswara – there’s nothing like Maduswara that I know of.
We will be ending the show with “Cadenza on the Night Plain” – one continuous 30 min piece, featuring incredibly beautiful interlocking rhythms and a solo for each member of group. You will notice Terry Relily is generous, and he gave us this beautiful work that is thrilling to play this in the round, as everyone has their own individual experience. We’re also playing “All Along the Watchtower” – if you could name one great cover version of any song, in the last 60 years or whatever, you’d have to say Hendrix doing “Watchtower” is just the most amazing reinvention of a song. We’re trying to take our audience through a lot of different sound worlds, so let’s go!
PM: Is the new release My Lai connected to your album 1990 album Black Angels?
DH: In my mind, yes. 1973 was when I first heard “Black Angels” (George Crumb’s 1970 composition) on the radio – and I formed Kronos a few weeks after hearing it, we had our first rehearsal on Sept 1, 1973. Playing “Black Angels” later that year felt like bringing a great deal of music together, chanting and shouting, playing crystal glasses and instrumental effects, it felt like it was so much together, as a response to the war in Vietnam. I was searching for that, and there it was.
40 years later, Jonathan Burger told me about Hugh Thompson, and he had an idea for an opera. I had heard of the My Lai massacre – 500 villagers dead in Vietnam – but I didn’t know the story of Thompson, and Jonathan wanted to make this an opera. With him knowing of Kronos and “Black Angels” and having been working with a Vietnamese instrumentalist, Burger learned from her and began writing this piece and it was recorded and released a few months ago.
PM: How did the music of Pete Seeger influence you?
DH: The music and voice of Pete Seeger are locked into my own life. I grew up hearing him and when we had kids, we played his music in the home. When we had grandkids, we played Seeger in the car and at home. My daughter, now a 3rd grade teacher, plays Seeger in her classroom. We played in her classroom once, and one of the teachers brought a guitar, as the kids have all learned “We Shall Overcome.” The other 3rd grade teacher noticed it was Seeger’s 99th birthday the next day. So in the classroom, we decided to make an album celebrating Seeger, and if it’s good enough for my kids, grandkids and these students, it’s good enough for an album.
Clarence Jones, a speech writer and friend to Martin Luther King, Jr. shared how the I Have a Dream speech came to be. We recorded his story, and he said “You know if Seeger were alive, I believe he’d be singing that song.” The album has songs Seeger was inspired by, songs from around the world, President Obama sang “Amazing Grace” on the album, one of the most amazing public events that any official has ever done. We recorded the “We Shall Overcome” track in the school with 100 kids, it was one of the most fun albums I could ever imagine going..
I still have Pete Seeger’s home number in my phone, and I never called him because what would I say to him?
PM: Any film scores on the horizon?
DH: The latest film Kronos scored is 1000 Thoughts. Sam Green directs and Kronos plays the score live as Sam takes the listener/viewer through the history of Kronos, with interviews with composers, one we have done live quite a bit.
PM: Do you have a favorite arrangement of music you are enjoying at the moment?
DH: I try to keep my ears open every day and I never know where it’s gonna pull me next. I just try to be ready, thats been my habit all these years, and I think I’m getting better at it – just getting ready. I heard a musician the other day, my friend told me about, Pura Fé, a singer/songwriter who plays guitar, and a member of the Tuscarora Indian Nation. I was just struck by it and thought it was amazing.
Revisit our July 2022 coverage of Kronos Quartet performing their live documentary, A Thousand Thoughts for the Celebrate Brooklyn! summer series.
Tickets for Kronos Quartet at UPH are available here.
January 29th Program
Peni Candra Rini (arr. Jacob Garchik) / Maduswara ** Aleksandra Vrebalov / My Desert, My Rose ** Mazz Swift / She Is A Story, Herself * Nicole Lizée / ZonelyHearts * INTERMISSION Bob Dylan (arr. Jacob Garchik) / All Along the Watchtower (inspired by Jimi Hendrix) + Abel Meeropol (arr. Jacob Garchik) / Strange Fruit (inspired by Billie Holiday) + Terry Riley / Cadenza on the Night Plain * Introduction Cadenza: Violin I Where Was Wisdom When We Went West? Cadenza: Viola March of the Old Timers Reefer Division The Old Timers Throw a Spring Festival Marching Off to More Serious Matters Cadenza: Violin II Tuning to Rolling Thunder The Night Cry of Black Buffalo Woman Cadenza: Cello Gathering of the Spiral Clan Captain Jack Has the Last Word
On February 2, The Gibson brothers will be performing in Glens Falls at the Park Theatre in support of their impending album Darkest Hour.
Darkest Hour, produced by Jerry Douglas varies from trad-grass to country-soul, electric guitars and drums. Eric and Leigh Gibson build a connection with their audience by taking universally known truths/ feelings and infusing them into impeccable bluegrass, country, and Americana songs. The album features Eric and Leigh Gibson vocals and guitar, along with Mike Barber on the bass, Justin Moses playing the mandolin, and Eamon McGloughlin on the fiddle. Additionally, John Gardner, who plays drums and Guthrie Trapp, who rocks an electric guitar, were later added on some tracks.
The Gibson brothers are exceptional artists that capture the soul of country music. There’s a reason why the phenomenal Ricky Skaggs offered the brothers to produce a country record two decades ago. Country Music Hall of Famer, Tom T. Hall has always been a loyal supporter through encouraging their writing, and predicting success.
The brothers built their status by winning an abundance of bluegrass awards, released albums on almost every premier Americana label including Sugar Hill and Rounder. Their songs have also been recorded by bluegrass legends such as Del McCoury. Despite their success, The Gibson Brothers are not yet household names. Although, their remarkable resume and latest album, Darkest Hour could change that. Tickets can be found here.
New York City-based Instrumentalist and Singer/Songwriter JSHELL has announced his newest studio album, In My Head. This audio/visual rock album will be accompanied by JSHELL releasing a video for each track on the album beginning today and leading up to the complete album release which will be available on February 14.
In My Head features special guest appearances from some of the best musicians in the business, including the incomparable Steve Hackett (Genesis) , Katie Jacoby (The Who) , Jake Cinninger (Umphreys McGee) and Scott Metzger (WOLF!).
JSHELL produced, wrote and arranged all 15 tracks on In My Head while playing all the drums, bass guitar and keyboards and providing lead and background vocals, rhythm and lead guitar and percussion. In My Head also features mastering by Grammy Award-winning Randy Merrill of Sterling Sound.
“I am excited to share my music with fans of rock music and am humbled by the genius that Steve, Katie, Jake, Scott and the other contributing musicians, vocalists and engineers brought to the project” says JSHELL.
Beginning today, JSHELL will be releasing 15 videos, all of which were written, produced and directed himself, every other day over the next 30 days for each of the 15 tracks. The release schedule for each of the 15 videos, which will be available for viewing on JSHELL’s Instagram, TikTok and YouTube pages and is available on his website. The video for the lead track “Crawl” is available now.
For all information relating to JSHELL and the release of his album In My Head, please visit JSHELL’S website, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube pages.
The Quad Counties of Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton counties will see a more than 125% increase in funding to arts organizations and artists, with a priority on funding of Native American and othre indigenous people’s arts, culture and history.
Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts
Along with significantly increasing the amount of money the SCR Program will be able to regrant to arts organizations and artists in Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton counties, the additional funding enables ALCA to expand its offerings and services to the entire four-county region. In addition to the ongoing grant categories of Community Arts and Arts Education, ALCA’s SCR Program is reviving the Individual Artist grants, which have not been offered in the ADK Quad-County region in approximately a decade.
This increase in SCR support means an expansion of both the funding and services ALCA provides to arts organizations and artists in the four-county region, which translates into wider benefits for residents of, and visitors, to the many varied communities within the region, according to Jean-Marie Donohue, Development General Director of ALCA.
We are grateful to NYSCA for this generous increase, which is a validation of the truly indispensable work ALCA has been doing for all four counties in our service area since at least the mid-2010s. We are also excited about the opportunity the increase in funding offers to extend and deepen our service to the abundance of wonderful artists and arts organizations in the region. Although ours is a rural area, the communities we serve range from the City of Plattsburgh to the tiniest hamlets in remote stretches along the Canadian border and in the heart of the Adirondack mountains.
Jean-Marie Donohue Development General Director of ALCA
Each grant category lists several criteria on which applications are evaluated—for example, artistic merit, organizational competence, service to the community, and local priorities for SCR funding in Community Arts. In this last one, priorities include projects that address areas of distinct cultural deficiency—e.g., programs for underserved rural communities; and projects that focus on, or represent, aspects of our region’s history or cultural identity/diversity. With the presence of the Akwesasne community based north of Franklin County in mind, ALCA’s grants program will add the priority of projects dedicated to Native American and other indigenous people’s arts, culture and history.
photo provided by the Tahawus Cultural Center
As seen above, the exhibit “Journey” at the Tahawus Cultural Center, Au Sable Forks, in Essex County, was presented in Fall 2022 featuring the work of two Town of Black Brook/Clinton County-based artists, painter Heidi Gero and fiber artist Carrie Plumadore, a project supported by SCR funding awarded to the Appleby Foundation, Inc., Tahawus Center and Rebecca Kelly Ballet.
