NYS Music 2023

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  • Everyday Is Like ‘SATURDAY’ – Night 1 of Morrissey at United Palace

    Originally scheduled to kick-off in Mexico City on September 10, the rescheduled “40 Years of Morrissey” tour rebooted in Orlando, Florida earlier this month after the British crooner and former frontman of the Smiths had fully recovered from some recent health concerns.

    United Palace | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    After sweeping through Georgia, Tennessee and Washington, D.C., the United Palace – a lavish theater nestled in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan – welcomed Morrissey (affectionately dubbed “Moz” by Smiths bandmate Johnny Marr) this past Saturday night, October 21, for the first of four shows in a brief residency.

    Constructed in 1930, United Palace occupies a full city block and functions not only as a nonprofit performing arts center that has hosted artists the likes of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Adele, Arcade Fire and Kraftwerk, but also as a spiritual center. You may have also seen the epochal venue as a backdrop for the film John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and in the Hulu television series Only Murders in the Building.

    With showtime looming, latecomers entered the majestic theater from Broadway on a chilly autumn evening and into the grand foyer, many ‘blown away’ (as I was) by the sheer grandeur of the scene. At half past eight o’clock, a pair of square-shaped, side-by-side video screens suddenly came to life and for the next 30-minutes, displayed a barrage of images and video clips featuring actors and musicians who have inspired Morrissey over the years, including Roxy Music, David Bowie, Eddie Cochran and Sidney Poitier. The biggest reaction from the audience occurred when the breakthrough video of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” featuring the iconic, closeup visage of the late Sinéad O’Connor, appeared wondrously.

    Morrissey | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    At 9:10 pm, as the house lights went down, the crowd literally jumped out of their seats and erupted with rapturous applause. It was officially “Game On!” The perpetually suave Morrissey elegantly took the stage, dressed in black from head to toe, as he and his talented quintet of back-up musicians instantly transported us to 1992 with “We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful” (Your Arsenal). Over the course of nearly 90-minutes, Morrissey gifted his legion of die-hard fans an eclectic set that incorporated a glorious blend of five tracks from his days with The Smiths, highlighted by “How Soon Is Now?,” the beginning of which signaled the simultaneously raising of cell phones high into the air to forever record the moment into eternity.

    Morrissey | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    The remainder of the nineteen-song set comprised tunes lifted from an extensive discography spanning Morrissey’s debut solo studio album released in 1988 (Viva Hate) to his upcoming studio album entitled Without Music the World Dies, with a tentative release date of later this year. As the night turned for home, Morrissey presented “Sure Enough, the Telephone Rings,” recorded in early-2021 and originally intended to appear on the studio album entitled Bonfire Of Teenagers – but will not be released by Capitol Records, the label Morrissey departed acrimoniously and who are now holding onto the album’s rights (at least for the time being). Morrissey and his signature baritone voice, in top form all night, exquisitely delivered the critically acclaimed “Everyday Is Like Sunday,” written shortly after the Smiths break-up, and yet another goosebump inducing moment.

    Morrissey | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Returning to the stage after a several minute interlude, each band member – Jesse Tobias (lead guitar), Carmen Vandenberg (rhythm guitar), Juan Galeano Toro (bass), Camila Grey (keyboards) and Brendan Buckley (drums) – took a moment center stage at the mic to say a few words (entirely in Español), thanking all of us for being there. Waiting in the wings, Morrissey was now rocking his own T-shirt merch which featured the likeness of Billy Halop, an American actor from Queens who rose to fame in the 1930s. As the encore performance of “Speedway” (Vauxhall and I, 1994) neared its climax, Morrissey shed his shirt and tossed it to a lucky fan, exiting the stage bare-chested to a sustained ovation from the 3,500 capacity crowd that never sat down all night long. As I filed out of United Palace within a throng of highly satisfied patrons and into the chilly October night, I was already thinking about what special surprises lie in store for the next three residency gigs.

    Morrissey | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Following the final night of the U.S. tour leg at United Palace on October 25, Morrissey’s global trek will resume on November 9 in Singapore, followed by shows in Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand on December 14. Morrissey will then take some well-deserved time off until early-February, at which time he will play the rescheduled Mexico City show on February 3, 2024, followed by South American dates culminating in Brazil on February 24.

    Watch Moz’s Saturday night performance of “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want,” recorded by the Smiths and released in 1984 as the B-side of the single “William, It Was Really Nothing,” below:

    Setlist: We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful > Our Frank > Suedehead > Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before* > Alma Matters > Half a Person* > I Wish You Lonely > Let Me Kiss You > How Soon Is Now?* > Girlfriend in a Coma* > Darling, I Hug a Pillow > The Loop > The Night Pop Dropped > Sure Enough, the Telephone Rings > Irish Blood, English Heart > Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want* > Everyday Is Like Sunday > Jack the Ripper
    Encore: Speedway
    *the Smiths cover

    UPCOMING MORRISSEY WORLD TOUR DATES

    11/09/23 – Singapore, Singapore @ Star Theater
    11/16/23 – Chek Lap Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong @ AsiaWorld-Expo
    11/18/23 – Bangkok, Thailand @ Samyan Hall
    11/22/23 – Jakarta, Indonesia @ Istora Senayan Jakarta
    11/28/23 – Tokyo, Japan @ Toyosu Pit
    12/01/23 – Perth, Australia @ Perth Concert Hall
    12/04/23 – Melbourne, Australia @ Palais Theater
    12/05/23 – Melbourne, Australia @ Palais Theater
    12/08/23 – Brisbane, Australia @ Fortitude Music Hall
    12/10/23 – Sydney, Australia @ State Theater
    12/11/23 – Sydney, Australia @ State Theater
    12/14/23 – Auckland, New Zealand @ The Civic
    02/03/24 – Mexico City, Mexico @ Palacio de los Deportes
    02/08/24 – Lima, Peru @Anfiteatro del Parque de la Exposición
    02/10/24 – Bogata, Columbia @ Movistar Arena
    02/15/24 – Santiago, Chile @ Movistar Arena
    02/17/24 – Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Movistar Arena
    02/22/24 – São Paulo, Brazil @ Espaço Unimed
    02/24/24 – Brasilia, Brazil @ Opera Hall

  • Daniel Donato brings his “Cosmic Country” to Brooklyn Bowl

    On the evening of Saturday, October 21, fans gathered at the legendary Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg to witness an unforgettable performance by Daniel Donato. The 1000 capacity venue was completely sold out as Daniel and his ensemble graced the stage, bringing his unique presentation, “Cosmic Country,” to the streets of Brooklyn.

    Daniel, who is currently in the midst of his fall tour, made a resounding statement by packing this iconic venue to the brim. The atmosphere was electric. Taking the stage promptly at 8:00 PM, Daniel showcased not just his musical talent but also the profound connection he shares with his audience. “Cosmic Country,” originally the title of one of his albums, has become more than just a moniker; it symbolizes a journey into the world of Americana, and the boundaries he pushes as he explores each song.

    Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Daniel had previously made guest appearances at this venue earlier this year with the Kitchen Dwellers, and his growing popularity as an original artist has also seen him collaborating with mainstream icons. Notably, he recently joined Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzman for several of his recent shows, including the sold-out Pier 17 NYC performance in August, as well as performing with Bob Weir in his home state last year.

    https://youtu.be/lAOzVcLgoV8?si=mUMJR5Udcpu99M5t

    Daniel’s “Cosmic Country” experience takes the audience on a captivating journey, with his influences in jam band music shining through. It’s a blend of country and folk, infused with groovy and funky elements. The music is structured yet possesses an ethereal, space-like quality. The audience, in sync with the Cosmic Country vibe, sported cowboy, western, and psychedelic attire.

    A standout moment in the performance was when Scott Metzger, of Joe Russo’s Almost Dead fame, made a guest appearance during the first set. The energy in the venue was palpable as Daniel and Scott engaged in a musical duel, their notes creating a delightful exchange that resonated with the ecstatic audience. Throughout the night, Daniel’s ensemble band played an indispensable role in the evening’s success. Will Clark, commanding the drums, Nathan Aronowitz, who effortlessly alternated between keys and guitar, and Will McGee, holding down the bass, provided a solid musical foundation for the evenings journey.

    As the final set concluded, Daniel playfully bid the sold-out crowd a faux goodnight. The audience, buzzing with excitement, began chanting for an encore, and their enthusiasm was infectious. Prominent venue owner Peter Shapiro even emerged, further igniting the crowd’s energy. Daniel and his band returned to the stage amidst cheers, embarking on a final descent that left a lasting impression. As fans exited the Brooklyn Bowl, they were left buzzing with excitement, their anticipation for Daniel Donato’s promising career is undeniable. He is undoubtedly on the cusp of becoming a prominent figure in the Rock Community, with a dedicated fan base to support him.

    For those in Buffalo eager to catch a glimpse of the Cosmic Country phenomenon, a performance is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24. Furthermore, fans can look forward to his upcoming album, Reflector, set to release on November 10.

  • Marco Benevento Spearheads Fundraising Concert to Battle Controversial Development at Colony Woodstock

    During the height of the COVID-19 shutdown, residents of Woodstock and surrounding burgs stayed sane, in large part, due to the efforts of Neil and Lexi Howard, the proprietors of the Colony Woodstock.  While all other entertainment options seemed to be shuttered, Hudson Valley music-lovers could mask up and head to the new beer garden behind the legendary venue to eat, drink and hear great sounds – from both some national acts who were in performance cold storage due to the COVID shutdown and many fine local players.

    marco benevento woodstock

    So, it came as no surprise when the Colony opened its doors on October 22 to host a fundraising event for The Stop Woodstock National Coalition. This is a community-based group working with the Woodstock Land Conservancy to combat a proposed development that would wipe out 620+ acres of forest and wetlands with 191 housing units, a golf course and a helipad. 

    The sell-out event was headlined by Marco Benevento, the Woodstock keyboard wizard and multi-instrumentalist known for his work as a soloist, in his duo with Joe Russo and in collaboration with varied artists like Phish axe man Trey Anastasio, Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, Tortoise’s John McEntire, drummers Billy Martin and Smashing Pumpkin’s Matt Chamberlin and many others.

    marco benevento woodstock

    Benevento gathered a flock of the area’s finest for a raucous evening of funk, psych and soul-inspired jamming all for a wonderful cause. The supporting line-up included but was not limited to drummers Aaron Johnston (Brazilian Girls), Bill Carbone (Max Creek) and Chris Consico, bassists Karina Rykman and Jeff Hill (Steve Earle), saxophonist Maria Christina Eisen, guitarist Danny Blume and singers Leslie Mendleson and Simi Stone.

    The evening was kicked off with an eight-song set by singer-songwriter Kenny Roby.  Roby’s first three numbers, with just acoustic guitar and voice, were obscured by the din of the packed house.  Things kicked up several notches when he was joined by Johnston, Hill and Blume for a cover of “Street People” from legendary Woodstock songwriter Bobby Charles.  Another highlight of his set was when Leslie Mendleson joined to belt out the lead vox on “I’m Gonna Leave You Behind.”

    The night segued without break into Benevento’s set. He set things in motion with the bass and keyboard intro before kicking into trio hyper-drive with “At the End of the Beginning” from his 2022 disc Benevento. The youthful Consico laid down a thick Disco-meets-Bonham beat while Rykman kept it simple and in-the-pocket. The tune, as many in the evening, left plenty of space for Benevento’s inventive soloing on electro piano, organ and Mini-Moog.  He also laid down lots of old school synth samples (was that a vintage Crumar sound, Marco?), with added echo, delay, phase and fuzz twisted out of an array of old stomp boxes. 

    marco benevento woodstock

    The band next served up the title track from Marco’s 2019 release, “Let It Slide,” a toe-tapping stop-time pop funk crowd pleaser.  On “Why You Gotta Throw It Away,” Benevento launched a solo that showcased the many influences he melds into a unified and distinctly original whole. There’s a heavy serving of New Orleans’ funk, some experimental jazz, Krautrock and psychedelics leanings and some jazzy flourishing arpeggios that make his sound like a paisley-stained Art Tatum.

    The guest vocalist highlight of the night was Leslie Mendleson’s return to the stage for a take on Blondie’s “Heart of Glass.”  Woodstock-reared singer Simi Stone also joined to add soul on a handful of tunes including “I Can’t Let You Go.”  Benevento himself sang lead on perhaps the funkiest jam of the night, a cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Let’s Spend the Night Together.”  The band riffed long and hard on this, with Marco rolling out more Louisiana keyboard hot sauce.

    On the cover of “Come Together,” the assemblage sounded like “Low Spark of High Heeled Boys” era Traffic, with some fine Steve Cropper-inspired rhythmic soloing from guitarist Bloom and a biting tenor sax from Maria Christina Eisen.  Another standout was the cover of the Gene McDaniel’s penned protest classic “Compared to What,” best known in its live rendition by soul jazzers Les McCann and Eddie Harris. This version had an early 1970’s Stones’ vibe of the ”Jamming with Edward” era, accented again by the broad, vintage Bobby Keyes yakety sax work.

    For more info on Stop Woodstock National, visit their website.

    marco benevento woodstock
    marco benevento woodstock
    marco benevento woodstock

  • In Focus: Melvin Seals & JGB help celebrate 10 years of Buffalo Iron Works

    On October 19, Buffalo Iron Works celebrated ten years with a performance by Melvin Seals & JGB. As the evening began with a line of anxious fans awaiting to be let into the building, you could feel the energy in the air. The building filled in quickly for what had to be a capacity show.

    As the house lights went down, the crowd grew eager waiting to catch the first glimpse of the band. One by one each band members – Melvin Seals, John Kadlecik, Ron Holloway, John-Pual McLean, Peter Lavezzoli – made their way up the side stage stairs and onto the stage under thunderous applause and cheers. When the first note hit the air, the crowd moved in delight with a smile on nearly every face. Each song during the night was masterfully done. Each jam taken to a new level. And every member of the band was right where they needed to be all night long.

    The night could not have been any better with the two stellar sets of music brought curtesy of Melvin Seals & JGB. This was not their first time playing Buffalo Iron Works, and definitely should not be their last. As many in attendance would agree.

    Melvin Seals and JGB – Buffalo Iron Works – Thursday, October 19, 2023

    Setlist: How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You), Love in the Afternoon, Forever Young, Loose Lucy, Franklin’s Tower, Cassidy, Rubin and Cherise, Can’t Find My Way Home

  • blink-182 Announce Summer Tour with Pierce The Veil, Coming to Citi Field

    Multi-platinum and award-winning rock group blink-182 just announced this summer they are heading on a headlining tour with pop-punk support act Pierce The Veil, coming to Citi Field on July 21, 2024.

    Following the massive success of their colossal global outing and recent headlining festival performances at When We Were Young Festival, Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker will hit some of the biggest venues nationwide next year, debuting their new album One More Time.

    blink-182 started rocking almost thirty years ago in a San Diego garage. They have sold over fifty million albums worldwide, and according to the New York Times, “No punk band of the 1990s has been more influential than ‘blink-182’. With Delonge back after nearly a decade, fans can expect that electric on-stage magic that the trio has delivered over the years.

    Tickets will go on sale starting Friday, October 27 at 10 a.m.

    BLINK-182 2024 NORTH AMERICA TOUR DATES:

    *With Support from Pierce The Veil 

    +With Support from Alexisonfire and Pierce The Veil

    Jun 20 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center*

    Jun 21 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center*

    Jun 24 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center*

    Jun 25 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena*

    Jun 27 — Denver, CO — Ball Arena

    Jun 30 – San Diego, CA – Petco Park*

    July 02 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena*

    July 03 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena*

    July 06 — Los Angeles, CA — SoFi Stadium*

    July 08– Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center*

    July 09 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center*

    Jul 11 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center*

    Jul 13 – Portland, OR – Moda Center*

    Jul 14 – Quincy, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre*

    Jul 21 – Flushing, NY – Citi Field*

    July 23 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park*

    July 24 — Hartford, CT — The XFINITY Theatre

    Jul 26 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center*

    Jul 27 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena*

    Jul 29 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena*

    Jul 30 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena*

    Aug 01 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena*

    Aug 02 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse*

    Aug 06 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center*

    Aug 07 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum*

    Aug 09 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center*

    Aug 10 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center*

    Aug 12 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena*

    Aug 13 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center*

    Aug 15 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre+

    BLINK-182 WORLDWIDE TOUR DATES:

    AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND

    !With Support from Rise Against

    Feb 8 – Perth, Australia – RAC Arena!

    Feb 9 – Perth, Australia – RAC Arena!

    Feb 11 – Adelaide, Australia – Entertainment Centre!

    Feb 13 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena!

    Feb 14 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena!

    Feb 16 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena!

    Feb 17 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena!

    Feb 19 – Brisbane, Australia – Entertainment Centre!

    Feb 20 – Brisbane, Australia – Entertainment Centre!

    Feb 21 – Brisbane, Australia – Entertainment Centre!

    Feb 23 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena!

    Feb 24 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena!

    Feb 26 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena!

    Feb 27 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena!

    Feb 29 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena!

    Mar 02 – Auckland, NZ – Spark Arena!

    Mar 04 – Christchurch, NZ – Christchurch Arena!

    LATIN AMERICA

    March 2024 – Lollapalooza Argentina, Chile & Brasil, Estereo Picnic, and Asuncionico

    **Exact performance dates to be announced

    March 2024 – Monterrey, Mexico @ Pal Norte Festival

    **Exact performance date to be announced

    March 27, 2024 – Lima, Peru – Estadio San Marcos

    April 2, 2024 – Mexico City, Mexico – The Sports Palace

    April 3, 2024 – Mexico City, Mexico – The Sports Palace

    April 5, 2024 – Mexico City, Mexico – The Sports Palace

    April 6, 2024 – Mexico City, Mexico – The Sports Palace 

    EUROPE

    ^With Support from The Story So Far

    Aug 26 – Belfast, UK – SSE Arena^

    Aug 27 – Dublin, Ireland – Royal Hospital Kilmainham^

    Aug 29 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro^

    Aug 30 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro^

  • Dopapod Winter Tour Visits Buffalo, Syracuse and Saratoga in March

    Dopapod’s winter/spring tour for 2024 kicks off in the Southeast this coming January, but by March the group will be hitting New York for a trio of shows in Buffalo, Syracuse and Saratoga Springs.

    Dopapod Winter Tour Visits Buffalo, Syracuse, Saratoga in March

    After a dozen shows in the Southeast, including five consecutive nights in Florida, Dopapod will have another 10 shows at yet to be announced venues and locales. By mid-March, the four-piece – keyboardist/vocalist Eli Winderman, guitarist/vocalist Rob Compa, bassist Chuck Jones and drummer Neal “Fro” Evans – will be back in the Northeast, ready to hit some familiar haunts.

    photo by Filip Zalewski

    On Tuesday, March 19, the palindromic band performs at Buffalo Iron Works, then after a day off Dopapod will be at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse. Friday, March 22 finds the quartet back at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs, where the group has performed to packed rooms, most notably on October 20, 2021 when they spent the entire first set performing Pink Floyd’s “Echoes” in its entirety. Check out our recap, photos and videos from the show here.

    Dopapod Winter/Spring 2024 Tour Dates

    Jan. 12 Roanoke, VA TICKETS

    Jan. 13 Chattanooga, TN TICKETS

    Jan. 14 Charleston, SC TICKETS

    Jan. 17 Sanford, FL TICKETS

    Jan. 18 Gainesville, FL TICKETS

    Jan. 19 Fort Lauderdale, FL TICKETS

    Jan. 20 Tampa, FL TICKETS

    Jan. 21 Pensacola, FL TICKETS

    Jan. 24 New Orleans, LA TICKETS

    Jan. 25 Dallas, TX TICKETS

    Jan. 26 Houston, TX TICKETS

    Jan. 27 Austin, TX TICKETS

    Mar. 19 Buffalo, NY TICKETS

    Mar. 21 Syracuse, NY TICKETS

    Mar. 22 Saratoga Springs, NY TICKETS

    Mar. 26 Baltimore, MD COMING SOON

    Mar. 27 Baltimore, MD COMING SOON

    Mar. 29 Fairfield, CT TICKETS

    Mar. 30 Boston, MA TICKETS

    Mar. 31 Plymouth, NH TICKETS

  • Seven Act Golden Oldies Spectacular Will Come to Proctors in November

    An incredible seven act Golden Oldies Spectacular hits the Proctors’ stage on Sunday, November 12 with performances from The Happenings, Jay Siegel’s Tokens, The Bronx Wanderers, Barbara Harris and The Toys, and Kid Kyle.

    The Happenings, featuring incredible original lead singer Bob Miranda, continues to impress audiences with their showmanship and vocal capabilities. Their 1966 and 1967 chart-topping hits, including “See You in September” (still ranked in the top 100 “summer songs” in pop history) and “I Got Rhythm” were both gold records, as was “Go Away Little Girl” and “My Mammy.” The Happenings appeared on TV many times, including Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, the Smother Brothers, and Merv Griffin shows. Audiences are sure to be dancing on their feet, especially during his version of “Proud to be an American,” a tribute to veterans. 

    Jay Siegel’s Tokens started their career as the Linc-Tones in 1955 in Brooklyn at Abraham Lincoln High School. Jay Siegel was the lead singer, with Neil Sedaka in the band. They evolved into the Tokens in 1960 and had a top 15 hit and million seller in 1961: “Tonight I Fell in Love.” Their international #1 hit, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” followed shortly after. Unique in the history of pop music, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” re-entered the charts 33 years later and went to #1 worldwide again, stoked by its use in “The Lion King” Disney movie. The Tokens’ last hit was “Portrait of My Love.” 

    The multi-talented Jay Siegel and the Tokens also produced many hits for The Chiffons, The Happenings, and Tony Orlando and Dawn. In 1962, they were the first vocal group to produce a #1 hit for another vocal group (“He’s So Fine” by The Chiffons). They also sang on many commercials for Pan America, Ban, Clairol, Cool Whip, and Chesterfield cigarettes. As popular producers, they hired Bob Miranda in 1963 to write songs for the artists they were producing such as The Chiffons and Gerry and the Pacemakers. In 1965, the Tokens and Jubilee Records formed B.T. Puppy Records, which signed and produced The Happenings. 

    The Bronx Wanderers were founded in 2006 by Vinny Adinofi. “Yo Vinny” was already a successful producer, record label executive, and publisher for Lifesong and Columbia Records, when his friends in show business– including Dion and actors Chass Palminteri and Danny Aiello– prodded Vinny to put together a rock and roll band featuring his musically-gifted 10 and 14 year old sons, as well as a few of their high school friends. More than a decade later, the Bronx Wanderers became a sensational act, performing in Casinos and theatres nationwide, and they continue to live the dream while happily residing in a Las Vegas casino since 2016. Their first year there, they received the Bronze Award for best new casino band in Vegas, only beaten out by Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys.

    In 2017, The Bronx Wanderers have received seven nominations and have since won twelve “Best of Las Vegas” awards and been inducted into the East Coast Music Hall of Fame. Their repertoire of songs appeals to multiple generations, including hits by Dion and the Belmonts, Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, Billy Joel, and Queen. Their on-stage chemistry and energy actively engages all audiences, and the audience feels like part of the family by the end of the show. The Bronx Wanderers performed once at Proctors, bringing the house down with their amazing version of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Proctors oldies fans kept requesting their return, but their Vegas residency limited their touring– until now. 

    Barbara Harris and The Toys will sing their hits, as well as hits from the girl groups of the 60s. Barbara grew up in North Carolina and was a featured vocalist in many churches by the age of 8. At 11, she moved to New York City and continuously won first prize at area dances. She and four of her high school classmates formed a vocal group, singing on street corners in Queens. Barbara Harris, Barbara Parritt, and June Montiero continued singing backup vocals on many recordings in New York studios when their manager, Vince Marc, introduced them to songwriter/record executive Bob Crewe, and they signed with his DynoVoice label. Marc also introduced them to songwriters Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell who wrote most of the songs that Barbara Harris and The Toys recorded.

    Their signature hit, “Lover’s Concerto,” reached #2 on the charts and sold 2 million copies. It was followed by top 20 hit “Attack.” The trio also appeared on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand,” “Shindig,” and “Hullabaloo,” as well as the movie, “It’s a Bikini World.” Barbara Harris continues to write and record her own songs and perfectly fits into this year’s Proctors lineup.

    New Jersey’s Kid Kyle first gained prominence at age 8 with his performance in Los Angeles on American Idol Junior. He performed at Proctors before he was a teenager and brought the house down. Kyle has performed on “Today in New York,” “Good Day, New York,” and “The Tony Danza Show.” He was also featured in PBS’ 2008 “My Music, Doo Wop Love Songs” and again in 2018 in PBS’ “Doo Wop Generations.” In 2019, Kid Kyle was voted best male singer and inducted into the East Coast Music Hall of Fame. At age 28, he embodies the next generation of singers that will keep the great music of the 50s and 60s alive and flourishing. 

    Vito Picone & The Elegants will perform at Proctors for the second time. They were formed in 1956 in Staten Island, and they had a monster hit, “Little Star,” in 1958. Co-written by Vito Picone, “Little Star” sold almost three million copies worldwide, and spent 19 weeks on the Billboard charts. They have received the “Million-Aires” award for the song airing over 1 million times on the radio. Vito and The Elegants have performed at Carnegie Hall, and have performed eight times at Radio City Music Hall. They were also the first doo wop group to perform at Lincoln Center.

    “Little Star” has been used in countless productions, including the show “The Sopranos.” Vito even made a cameo appearance in the Oscar-winning motion picture “Goodfellas.” 

    Opening the show is Vinnie Medugno. Although still a young man, Medugno wears many hats: WABC weekend radio host, dj at entertainment events, dance music performer and songwriter (one was a hit on the Billboard UNderground Dance Music charts), and teacher at Port Richmond HIgh School. Vinnie performed on T.J. Lubinsly’s PBS show “Doo Whop, Pop and Soul Generations,” and, like Kid Kyle, he embodies today’s younger generation of entertainers determined to keep our music alive. 

    Tickets are on sale now at the Proctors box office – 432 State Street in Schenectady – by phone at (518) 346-6204, or on their website. 

  • Rochester Band The Left-Handed 2nd Baseman Release New Album ‘The Dogs Race to the Door’

    Modern rock-folk band ‘The Left-Handed 2nd Baseman’ have announced the release of their latest album, The Dogs Race to the Door.

    The Left-Handed 2nd Baseman (LH2B) is based in Rochester and became the creation of singer/songwriter/producer Fran Broderick. They fuse diverse musical influences ranging from alt-folk to synth-pop, the result by stirring anthems is anchored by Broderick’s captivating lyrics.

    The upcoming release for The Dogs Race to the Door arrived on October 21 and marks the first full album with the LH2B band and the first album since 2018’s Trench Digging During Peacetime. Including 10 new songs while 2 are reworked tunes from 2015’s Eudaimonia. The band includes vocalist/guitarist Fran Broderick, drummer Zak Mendoza, bassist Dan Carter, Shane Kelsen on piano, organ & synth, rhythm guitarist Ben Rossi plus backing vocals and co-producer Brendan Simms.

    The Dogs Race to the Door uses a collection of combined acoustic sounds while implementing synthesized elements to create an upbeat soulful mix of alternative folk songs. Their vocals are gruff yet heartfelt and exhibit themes of overcoming hardship, their experience with manhood while articulating these themes through storytelling. This album is sure to get your body grooving, head bobbing and feet moving

    Key Tracks: I-90, Branch Collar, A Man Under the Influence

  • In Conversation with Tyjhier: A Syracuse-Born Singer and Songwriter

    In the heart of Syracuse, a remarkable artist has been cultivating a sound that defies boundaries and resonates with raw authenticity. Tyjhier, a native of the Salt City, has not only harnessed the diverse cultural tapestry of her hometown but has also drawn inspiration from her experiences to craft a distinct musical journey. Tyjhier shares her unique story with NYS Music, reflecting on her hometown’s influence, the evolution of her music, and the exciting future she envisions as she embarks on a promising career as a singer and songwriter.

    Born and raised in Syracuse, Tyjhier reminisces about how her hometown and its unique culture have deeply influenced her music journey. She acknowledges the challenges of life in Syracuse, stating, “It’s not always easy being from here; the people that live here know what I mean.” Despite the hurdles, Tyjhier finds inspiration in her hometown’s experiences.

    “I surely have taken many of my experiences growing up in Syracuse and used the memories, both happy and sad, within my music. Syracuse is always going to be home no matter how far I go.”

    Tyjhier

    A Lifelong Dream Realized

    For Tyjhier, becoming a singer and songwriter was more of a calling than a choice. She reflects on her earliest memories of music, saying, “I used to sing songs with my dad on top of the coffee table all the time.” Tyjhier’s musical journey began as soon as she could talk, with the very first song she sang being Erykah Badu’s “Orange Moon.” She recalls her childhood filled with singing, songwriting, and even creating full concerts with her dad. She mentions, “Singing and songwriting have been ingrained in who I am for as long as I can remember.”

    The Thrill of the First Live Performance

    Tyjhier vividly remembers her first live performance at DROM, a renowned New York City venue, with MajorStage. She describes the lead-up to the event as a mix of emotions, admitting, “I was extremely anxious about the gig leading up to the performance and on the day of.” The experience involved a multitude of behind-the-scenes logistics, from promotion to equipment setup. She adds, “I didn’t want to mess anything up behind the scenes, but I also didn’t want to let all the stress behind the scenes bleed into my actual performance.” However, once she took the stage, the anxieties faded, and she felt like a seasoned performer.

    “It was an amazing feeling to have other musicians not only singing along but coming up to me at the end and telling me what songs they loved because at that point I didn’t have anything released. It was a blast, and I honestly couldn’t wait to do it again.”

    Tyjhier

    Describing her music is no easy feat for Tyjhier, as she artfully blends elements of R&B and Neo Soul into her unique sound. These genres have been pivotal in her life, resonating not only with their musical styles but also with their cultural significance. Tyjhier draws inspiration from an array of legendary artists, including Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Frank Ocean, and more. She explains, “I aspire to have a unique sound like that.”

    The In–Betweens: A Journey of Growth

    Tyjhier’s debut project, The In-Betweens, has been a profound journey that has resonated with listeners, amassing over 40,000 streams on various platforms. She reflects on the project’s inception, sharing, “At first, the idea wasn’t fully fleshed out, and some of the songs on the project weren’t completed, but it started off with the shower sessions.” These sessions served as a bridge between the album’s concepts and themes. She delves into the deeper meaning behind the project, stating, “I really wanted The In–Betweens to be a journey of not only growth over time and growth through life experience but to show that certain things can’t just be rushed through.” Tyjhier’s music provides solace and empowerment, encouraging listeners to embrace the in-between moments in life.

    In the near future, fans and the music world can anticipate more music from Tyjhier. She’s already working on new material, pondering whether her next project will continue the narrative started with “The In-Betweens” or venture into uncharted territory. Additionally, Tyjhier envisions live performances, collaborations with fellow artists, and the possibility of taking her music on the road. With her distinctive sound and compelling narrative, Tyjhier is poised for a promising future in the music industry.

  • Margaret Glaspy Shines Bright at Bowery Ballroom

    On yet another rainy night in New York City, the elusive Margaret Glaspy performed at The Bowery Ballroom on the Lower East Side.

    The last time she played the exact same venue in 2017 I couldn’t attend the show and she has not been back since, so needless to say I was very excited.

    Her most recent album Echo The Diamond came out mid-August of this year and she spent September opening up for Canadian band Half Moon Run – whose album release show NYS Music covered in June – then started her proper North American headline tour which will end November 14 in Los Angeles.

    On stage was Margaret with her signature Fender Electric, black leather pants, and the same see-through top with a black bra underneath that she had on the cover for Echo The Diamond. She talks to the crowd a lot, charming as ever, her vocals are sharp and hit the mark every time, mid-set the band leaves and she does a few numbers alone with just the guitar, and the room is silent. It’s not always that I’d consider the Bowery a listening room, but you could hear a pin drop.

    Half the set was songs off her most recent release, with five additional songs from her debut. A nice highlight was an Alanis Morrissette cover of “You Learn” and closing the set with the encore of “Fruits of My Labor” by Lucinda Williams. Here’s to hoping she doesn’t wait another six years before coming back to the area.

    Margaret Glaspy – Bowery Ballroom, NYC – October 20th, 2023

    Setlist: I Didn’t Think So, Act Natural, Irish Goodbye, Female Brain, Memory Street, Hammer and the Nail, You and I, My Eyes, Heartbreak, Turn The Engine, Somebody to Anybody, Memories, Before We Were Together, You Learn (Alanis Morrissette cover), Parental Guidance, Emotions and Math, One Heart and Two Arms, I Let My Worst Get the Best of Me, Get Back
    Encore: Fruits of My Labor (Lucinda Williams cover)