NYS Music 2023

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  • YoFiFest Returns With Music Films “Kings of Blah” and “Louder Than You Think”

    YoFiFest returns for its 11th year as an international film festival that welcomes filmmakers and film lovers from across the globe to Yonkers. This year, YoFiFest will showcase many films, including music films “Kings of Blah” and “Louder Than You Think.”

    YoFiFest launched its annual festival just 11 ago. Starting as a small non-profit, their mission was to raise the level of arts and culture in its community by showcasing the work of independent filmmakers and providing educational and cultural opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t exist in the area. This year, the organization is more committed than ever to not only continue that mission, but expand on it. For ten days, YoFiFest will present around 125 films from 24 countries, as well as films from our home state. The films include features, documentaries, shorts, animation, music videos, web series, and student work. 

    This year, two great “music movies” will be featured in the YoFiFest lineup, Kings of Blah and Louder Than You Think. 

    Kings of Blah is a story centered around two coworkers– Danny and Tom– at an electronics supply store, but by night, they are “Frog”: a guitar rock duo looking for their break. When their new EP makes a big splash in England, the boys bid farewell to Queens to seek glory “across the pond.” Frog will also be holding a live performance and throwing a record release party just after the screening of their film. 

    Louder Than You Think is an up-close cinematic film through the life of Gary Young, the original drummer of indie rock royalty, Pavement. His booze and drug-fueled stunts (such as on-stage handstands and gifting vegetables to fans) and haphazard production methods (which accidentally helped launch the lo-fi aesthetic) were both a driving force of the band’s early rise and the cause of his eventual crash landing. Leaving a wake of joy and/or destruction at every turn, Gary teeters the thin line between free-form self-expression and chaotic self-destruction. 

    “When we started the film festival nine years ago, Yonkers wasn’t known as a film-friendly city…but with an increasing number of movies and television shows shooting here, and a new studio complex right outside our YoFi Digital Media Art Center, it’s beginning to feel like people are realizing what we’ve know for awhile—Yonkers is Hollywood on the Hudson!”

    Dave Steck

    The 10 day festival kicks off on November 10 and offers over a hundred independent films, live filmmaker Q&A’s, educational workshops led by entertainment industry professionals, networking events, receptions, and parties.

    Most of YoFi’s film programs will be followed by a live Q&A where the audience has the opportunity to ask the filmmakers questions about their movies. Patty Schuman, the festival’s co-founder and programmer, notes that nearly every one of their filmmakers plan to attend their film’s Q&A’s this year. 

    The festival provides an amazing opportunity for audiences to watch films that they might not see anywhere else. FilmFreeway named YoFiFest one of the “Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals” nine times. YoFiFest also been named “Best of Westchester” twice by Westchester Magazine, and it was named as one of the top ten reasons Yonkers was voted the “Hippest Town in the Lower Hudson Valley” by The Journal News/LoHud.

    All the screenings and workshops are held in downtown Yonkers within a few blocks of each other at either the Yonkers Riverfront Library theater, directly across the street from the Yonkers Metro North Train Station, or YoFi’s own year-round DMAC (Digital Media Art Center). The festival is convenient to public transportation, as well as several nearby parking lots.

    Besides the festival, YoFi offers year-round programs, screenings and events throughout the winter and spring. This year it piloted its new TEAM (Training for Employment in the Arts and Media) program that gives 18-26 year olds the skills they need to enter the entertainment industry in entry level positions. The program is preparing to expand and start its next cohort in January, 2024. The participants will receive classroom instruction, as well as location visits, mentorship and job placement. 

    More information and tickets are available at their website.

  • Norah Jones Announces Concerts & Cultural Experience in Cuba

    Norah Jones has announced a concert program in Havana, Cuba as part of a four-day cultural experience in February. The program, titled Vive En La Habana, celebrates Cuban culture through music, education, and more, with two headline shows at Havana’s historic Teatro Martí.

    Norah Jones: Vive En La Habana Cuba

    An NYC native, Norah Jones launched her solo career in 2002, winning Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best New Artist following her debut album, Come Away With Me. Most recently, she re-released the deluxe version of her 2012 album, Little Broken Hearts. Jones began her newest project, a podcast titled Norah Jones Is Playing Along, in 2022, where she explores creative collaborations, conversation, and connection.

    Norah Jones will play Havana’s Teatro Martí on February 17 and 18. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the artist, watch soundcheck, and sit-in on a seminar session with Jones and musicians from Institute Superior De Arte, Cuba’s leading arts university. The program aims to celebrate Cuban cultural and musical heritage, as well as provide an educational experience for attendees visiting the country.

    Teatro Martí

    In addition to Vive En La Habana, Norah Jones will take the stage at NYC’s The Town Hall at Rufus and Martha Wainwright’s Not So Silent Night, a Christmas concert special featuring Norah Jones, Debby Harry, Sean Ono Lennon, and more. Tickets are on sale now, available here.

    Attendees at Vive En La Habana will experience all things Norah Jones: tickets to both shows at Teatro Martí, Q&As, a Cuban music masterclass, accommodation, excursions, and more. The program runs from February 15-19, 2024. Tickets are available now at norahinhavana.com. Attendees can register by November 27 for a 10% discount.

  • Catch Putnam Place’s Exciting November Lineup

    Saratoga Springs’ Putnam Place has an exciting lineup for this month, featuring a number of jam bands, indie pop, folk, and more. The venue will continue weekly open mics, game nights, and local artist spotlights with the Family Tree series.

    Consider The Source
    Consider The Source

    Beloved NY sci-fi fusion group Consider The Source will play at Putnam Place alongside Bella’s Bartok, a Massachusetts-based folk group. The two extraordinary music groups are known for exciting performances, and are sure to impress Saratoga on November 9.

    On November 10, Putnam Place will host Bearly Dead, a Grateful Dead tribute band. The group boasts over 230 songs in their repertoire, and constantly rotate them for a unique concert experience for each crowd.

    Bearly Dead
    Bearly Dead

    Blue Star Radiation will play Putnam Place on November 16 alongside Al Schnier and Rob Derhak of moe. The collaboration between the musicians will feature classic rock covers, band originals, and more for an exciting performance.

    Putnam Place will continue to offer their weekly events this fall. Every Monday, the venue will host Family Tree, a performance featuring Steve Candlen, Kenny Hohman, Lori Friday, Chris Carey and Chad Ploss, joined each week by a special guest from the regional music scene. In addition, Mondays will be Sly Fox’s Open Mic Night, immediately following the Family Tree performance. In addition, Wednesdays will see Game Night and Karaoke with Eric C.

    Tickets and more information for shows at Putnam Place are available at putnamplace.com.

    November Shows at Putnam Place

    11/9 – Consider The Source + Bella’s Bartok

    11/10 – Bearly Dead

    11/12 – Ripe w/ Hoko

    11/16 – Blue Star Radiation w/ Al & Rob moe.stly acoustic

    11/17 – Eggy w/ Funky Dawgz

    11/24 – Formula 5 w/ Hilltop 

    11/30 – Karina Ryman w/ Coyote Island

  • Tool in Rochester: Sonic Mastery and Visual Spectacle

    In a mind-blowing spectacle that filled the hallowed Blue Cross Arena in Rochester with an eager crowd of 10,400 fans, the mighty progressive rock maestros Tool proved once again that they can pack any venue in the heart of Western New York. Their popularity in this region is nothing short of legendary, with sold-out shows being the norm.

    The Tool faithful are a zealous bunch who ardently believe in the gospel of Maynard James Keenan, Adam Jones, Danny Carey, and Justin Chancellor. They’ll gladly regale you with countless reasons why Tool reigns supreme and why your existence remains incomplete until you’ve bathed in the band’s unparalleled glory. Opening the night was Steel Beans from Everett, WA.

    While Tool devotees can be a tad vexing at times, it’s hard to fault their passion. They speak the truth when they beseech others to witness this sonic juggernaut live in all its grandeur. The band’s musical prowess alone warrants pages upon pages of discussion, but if you’re a neophyte to the world of Tool, or simply curious about the enigmatic quartet, here’s a taste of what transpired at their mesmerizing Monday November 6 performance.

    The atmosphere within the arena was nothing short of transcendental, much like a religious congregation, albeit one with a penchant for intricate time signatures and cryptic lyrics. Despite Tool’s audience not being a sea of saccharine girls in pink dresses and glitter, the sense of unity was palpable. “Lotta dudes here” a friend texted during intermission, and indeed, the crowd comprised primarily of prog-rock Gen Xers, all donning knowing smiles and exchanging high-fives. However, in stark contrast to other male-dominated events, there was a conspicuous absence of lewd remarks or reckless antics. Beer flowed without incident, and by the end of the evening, the floor was mercifully unmarred by spilled brews.

    The absence of cell phones was instrumental in preserving this immersive experience. In a world where every fleeting moment demands digital documentation, Tool remains steadfast in its commitment to a strict no-cell phone policy. After all, who needs grainy concert footage on their phone that will likely languish unwatched in the depths of their gallery? Tool’s discerning guardians diligently enforced the rule, ejecting over three dozen misguided souls during the show. A few lucky souls escaped with warnings after proving their contrition by deleting their videos or images. But for the stubborn second-time offenders, there were no second chances. After the notes of “Invincible” reverberated, Maynard James Keenan, in a rare act of benevolence, granted the audience permission to whip out their phones to capture the ephemeral moment.

    Tool may shun technology like cell phones, but they fully embrace cutting-edge light effects. The band’s unwavering commitment to privacy and mystique extends to the live experience as well; they avoid interviews and public appearances to ensure that all eyes remain on the music. Mark “Junior” Jacobson, Tool’s lighting virtuoso, orchestrates a symphony of lights, lasers, and screen images that synchronize seamlessly with every note change. This visual spectacle draws the audience even deeper into Tool’s sonic realm, amplifying the emotional resonance of the music and its profound messages.

    The imagery displayed on the screens is nothing short of mind-bending. Volcanoes spew molten lava before transforming into the all-seeing Eye of Sauron, which seamlessly transitions into new, surreal landscapes. Fractal heads pour forth from other heads, while an eyeball twitches its iris over the captivated audience. Tongues spill forth from gaping mouths in an intoxicating loop, and alien-like forms twist and turn in eerie dance. It’s as though the most spine-tingling horror movie has met the soundtrack of your wildest dreams.

    Crafting a subpar setlist is an impossibility for Tool, given their extensive catalog of exceptional, heavy songs accompanied by ethereal vocals. The journey began with the iconic “Fear Inoculum,” setting the stage for a mesmerizing odyssey. Favorites like “Jambi,” “Stinkfist,” and “The Pot” enraptured the crowd, intermingling with tracks from newer albums, such as “Culling Voices” and “Pneuma.” But the pièce de résistance came early on when Maynard declared that the band would resurrect a long-dormant song. The ensuing performance of “Rosetta Stoned” was a jaw-dropping revelation – a song not performed with live vocals since 2009, and it sent shockwaves through the enraptured crowd.

    In the end, Tool’s concert is more than just a musical performance; it’s a transformative experience. With their strict rules, awe-inspiring visuals, and an undeniably majestic setlist, Tool is not just a band; they’re an otherworldly force of nature that sweeps you into a realm of unparalleled sonic and visual artistry. Tool fans may be a vocal bunch, but when it comes to experiencing their live show, words alone can’t do justice to the transcendental journey they offer.

    Tool – Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, NY – Monday, November 6, 2023

    Setlist: Third Eye Intro, Fear Inoculum, Jambi, The Pot, Rosetta Stoned, Pneuma, Descending, The Grudge, Intermission, Chocolate Chip Trip, Culling Voices, Invincible, (Ions excerpt)
    Encore: Stinkfist

    Upcoming tour dates:

    November 10 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
    November 13 – Manchester, NH – SNHU Arena
    November 15 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
    November 16 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
    November 19 – Montreal, QC – Bell Center
    November 20 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
    November 21 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

  • NY-Based Classical Musicians Curate ‘Connecting Through Sound’ at St. John’s

    New York-based Canadian musicians Joenne Dumitrascu and Jelena Cingara have teamed up to create the new recital series Connecting Through Sound. Now in its third installment, the duo will be coming to St. John’s in the Village on Dec. 15 at 1:30 p.m.

    Joenne Dumitrascu trained formally as a violinist, pianist, and composer, performing professionally as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Koerner Hall, La Scala, and more. She was a guest artist on WFMT’s Relevant Tones with Seth Boustead: Discovery Series and has collaborated with members of the Emerson String Quartet (ESQ) on several chamber music projects, including the New Music for Strings Festival in Denmark.

    Her recording career ranges from contemporary music to film and TV soundtracks, including Atom Egoyan’s 2009 film Chloe and TV show Nikita, as well as recording work with the Screen Composers Guild of Canada and WGBH in Boston. As a music coach, she trains young artists in the highly acclaimed JSE ensemble in New York City.

    Jelena Cingara is an active performer and teaching artist in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Her career includes a series of solo, chamber, and collaborative international recitals, two decades of piano pedagogy, and a wide range of chamber music performances. She has performed in concert venues such as Carnegie Hall, Libby Gardner, Dumke, Abravanel Hall, and many more.

    During her training years, she was a prizewinner of numerous piano competitions as well as a recipient of several scholarships. She has performed at the Off-Broadway/Broadway production The Last Boy in the summer of 2021 and April 2022 respectively, as well as in The Kiss of the Spider Woman (Scarborough Players Theatre), Carrie (Utah Rep Theatre), and Charlie Brown (Toledo Theatre).

    Connecting Through Sound is now in its third installment, featuring Beethoven, the French classics of Debussy and Saint-Saens, and the works of modern composers. Its goal is to bring people together who share a passion for music and culture. The event features a one-hour concert and wine reception to follow where the audience is invited to the beautiful St. Benedict’s Courtyard.

    Music gives us the ability to connect to people from diverse backgrounds, both in the physical form of meeting audiences at concerts but also perhaps on a more psychological level. In many ways, it not only writes history through sound, but it taps into every human emotion. So it’s a way for all of us to also connect to the past, to connect through these works to other cultures. I have a very diverse background, so being able to connect through music to people who are complete strangers is a beautiful thing. It was actually the basis of starting the series of shows for me. We live in a very divided world in 2023 and the need for human connection is more important than ever.

    Joenne Dumitrascu

    For more information about Connecting Through Sound and to purchase tickets, visit here.

    https://youtu.be/Nv1l52Zg2X0?si=gKMJiCJDmdgizS-_

  • AZ Releases ‘This Is Why’ In Anticipation of Latest Album

    With hip hop’s ever-changing landscape, it had been a decade since Brooklyn native AZ graced fans with an album. The reserved hip hop legend has maintained status as a result of his pen and classic album cuts. However, his long-teased sequel, Doe Or Die II, became one of 2021’s undeniable success stories and proved AZ’s potent hip hop poetry still had a place in the rap game.

    Since the release of Doe Or Die II, AZ has appeared on Westside Gunn’s “99 Avirex” Rick Ross’ “Vacheron,” Statik Selektah’s “Historic” and most recently on Tony Touch’s “Rampage 2.0” for Def Jam’s mixtape Documentary.

    AZ "This Is Why" single release cover

    Now AZ is back with the release of his single “This Is Why” in anticipation of his latest album, Truth Be Told, set for release on December 1. “This Is Why” interpolates a classic Slick Rick sample throughout, as the hip hop veteran takes on the role of the “been there, done that” MC. In light, he shouts out two Brooklyn legends — The Notorious B.I.G. and Mike Tyson — for serving as inspirations behind his success. With his effortless delivery and poignant rhymes, AZ embodies the grace and knowledge that comes with having survived some of New York City’s roughest eras.

    Album Details

    After contributing behind the boards on both Doe Or Die and Doe Or Die II, AZ and legendary producer Buckwild team up once again. The GRAMMY-nominated Buckwild handles all of the production on the new album. With his own crate of classic production, Buckwild will look to recreate the mafioso, final-boss themed production that the elder AZ has thrived on in his late career surge. In addition, the album will feature guest appearances from fellow New York rhymers Fat Joe and Pharoahe Munch, adding diversified flavor and point of views.

  • Kevin McGuire Announced as Director of Theatrical Programming at Collaborative School of the Arts

    The Collaborative School of Arts in Schenectady has announced Kevin McGuire as the new director of theatrical programming.

    Mcguire has served as an associate artist and has frequently been on stage at Capital Repertory Theatre, which is also a part of Proctors Collaborative. As the new director of theatrical programming, McGuire will continue to direct the Broadway Camp productions as well as the High School Musical Theatre Awards, which recognizes outstanding local musical theatre productions and students. McGuire will also help support the development of student training classes and be a consultant on theatrical training classes across Proctors Collaborative.

    “When looking for someone to fill this important position, we didn’t have to look further than Kevin. He has proven through his time as the director of Broadway Camp and his experience on and off Broadway that he is the perfect person for this role. We’re honored that our students will constantly have the opportunity to learn from one of theatre’s greats.”

    – Christine Sheehan

    McGuire will also be using his skilled experience from Broadway productions such as “Les Miserables,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “The Secret Garden” and many more productions as theREP such as “Man of La Mancha,”  “The Full Monty,” “The Irish and How They Got That Way” and “The Wizard of Oz” to teach and direct the students at CSOA, allowing them to explore and reach their full potential in theatrical arts.

    “It has always been my contention that the most important thing I can do is pass on to a new generation the incredible training I had in my youth. I love to teach. I love watching talent emerge.”

    – Kevin McGuire

  • The Japanese House Plays Sold Out Webster Hall Show with Quinnie

    English indie pop artist The Japanese House played a sold out show at Webster Hall last week on November 2 with support from Quinnie.

    The Japanese House at Webster Hall. Photography by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)

    Fronted by singer Amber Mary Bain, The Japanese House released their second studio album, In The End it Always Does on Dirty Hit Records earlier this year. The album included hit single “Sunshine Baby,” which features vocals from The 1975 frontman Matty Healy. Notable features on the record also included Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Muna, and Charli XCX.

    Quinnie plays Webster Hall. Photograph by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)

    Quinnie opened the show, playing delightful melodies full of charming and quirky lyrics. Fans packed in early for the show, filling up the venue before her set. Her set was met with big applause.

    The Japanese House

    The Japanese House played a powerful set featuring highs that shook the room with fans jumping up and down, and sorrowful lows that left a hush over the audience. Several fans could be seen crying during various moments throughout the show. The energy only increased from song to song, culminating in the main set’s final song, “Dionne (featuring Justin Vernon).” For the final song of the encore, they played fan favorite “Sunshine Baby.”

    The Japanese House North American tour continues, and you can listen to their music here. Check out future tour dates here. Listen to Quinnie here.

    Check out our gallery from staff contributor David Reichmann below.

    Photography by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)

  • New York Youth Symphony To Debut ‘Crescendo’ At The Kaufman Center

    The New York Youth Symphony has debuted a brand new orchestra, Crescendo, set to play their first concert titled Breaking New Ground on November 20 at Merkin Hall at The Kaufman Center. Directed by Tanya Chanphanitpornkit, the youth orchestra is a free program for New York City students.

    New York Youth Symphony

    The New York Youth Symphony provides NYC students access to music in an immersive and educational experience. Crescendo, the new orchestra group for string players aged 10-18, will play a selection of six pieces at Merkin Hall, including Mendelssohn, Bologne, and more.

    Crescendo

    The Kaufman Music Center presents music programs for students, performers, and audiences alike. Merkin Hall is the center’s most intimate venue, hosting workshops, performances, and competitions throughout the year.

    Crescendo will debut Breaking New Ground on November 20 at 7PM at Merkin Hall at The Kaufman Center. Tickets are available here.

  • The Sharks frontman Mike Kelley to play with The Hammerhead Horns at The Rustic Barn this November

    After a long absence from the front of the stage, Mike Kelley brings a few of his Sharks bandmates together as The Hammerhead Horns, plus friend and pianist Leslie Barkman, for a rare performance at The Rustic Barn in Troy on Friday, November 17.

    Mike Kelley and the Hammerhead Horns
    Mike Kelley and some of this Sharks bandmates

    Mike Kelley started out as a bandleader and songwriter leading The Sharks, a seven-piece combo whose popularity and fan base rivaled those of any Albany band in the 1980s. Kelley has spent the last two and a half decades as a sideman extraordinaire, as a studio keyboardist and on stage with The Lustre Kings, The Tichy Boys, Johnny Rabb, Nite Train, Lost Radio Rounders, Marc Tolstrup & Jill Burnam, The Lazy Suns, Off the Record, The Jagaloons and a reported ‘at least’ 20 other bands.

    Kelley has worked with Rockabilly Hall of Famer Wanda Jackson, Joan Jett and Kenny Laguna, and was chosen to play piano on several of the tracks on Jackson’s 32 album, Encore.

    Deemed one of the nicest guys in the local scene and a hell of a pianist, Mike Kelley continues to play more than 200 shows a year, all without any social media, website or YouTube channel.

    Expect an evening of originals penned by Kelley, Barkman and trumpet player Bob Button, familiar covers and undiscovered gems, and don’t miss this rare show from Mike Kelley and The Hammerhead Horns on Friday, November 17 in Troy at The Rustic Barn.