NYS Music 2023

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  • In Focus: Blind Boys Of Alabama Lift Up City Winery New York

    Blind Boys of Alabama returned to play City Winery New York on September 17, following the release of this latest album Echoes Of The South, which was released on August 25.

    Blind Boys Of Alabama

    The Blind Boys of Alabama have faced a great deal of struggles and success in the music industry than most musicians will in their lifetimes. Their eight decades of experience and pure talent has led them from street performances in the Jim Crow South all the way to being the soundtrack of the Civil Rights Movement, giving them the chance to perform for three different United States Presidents and landing them as legends in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

    This dedication and persistence to one another and to their love of music is epitomized in their newest single, as they will not only “work” but “sing” until their days are done. There is no stopping a powerhouse group like Blind Boys of Alabama, as they rely on one another and a shared agreement that “as long as everybody gives all that they have to give and we sing songs that touch the heart, we’ll live on forever.”

    Blind Boys Of Alabama
    Blind Boys Of Alabama
    Blind Boys Of Alabama
    Blind Boys Of Alabama
    Blind Boys Of Alabama
    Blind Boys Of Alabama

  • Comedy-Bluegrass Show “FOIA Love” Makes Troy Debut

    FOIA Love: A Comedy and Bluegrass Show About Public Records, is making its one-night Troy debut on October 22 at the Arts Center of the Capital Region. The show is a comedy and music performance, with all humor inspired by actual public documents, such as FCC complaints about Big Bang Theory being too violent, FBI profiles of sports stars, and misguided visa rejections.

    Foia Love

    The show’s musical performances feature Grammy-nominee Tristan Scroggins, Martha McDonnell (Broadway’s Girl From the North Country), and BB Bowness (winner of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize). The show was written by Curtis Raye, who spent eight years working in Washington D.C. and on Iowa’s presidential caucus. This gave his access to observe the inherent comedy in public records, spanning school board meetings and court testimony, to real White House menus.

    Tristan Scroggins was recently featured on the Grammy-nominated The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project, Vol. 1. A native of Albequerque and Denver, he is now based in the historical music city of Nashville, where he is a leading voice of bluegrass and mandolin music. 

    Tristan Scroggins
    Credit: Nico Humby

    FOIA Love has had successful shows at landmark spots across the country, from Los Angeles’s UCB Theater, to the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Performers will read from real, unintentionally funny public records, as elite musical talents add their skill to tunes inspired by topics revealed in the documents.

    FOIA Love: A Comedy and Bluegrass Show About Public Records will be on October 22, 2023 at 6pm at the Arts Center of the Capital Region, located at 265 River St, Troy, NY 12180.

    Tickets start at $25 and are available at foialove.com. For questions or inquiries contact foiacomedy@gmail.com.

  • Watch: “Here Lies Love” Goes In-Depth with new L-ISA Acoustic System

    L-Acoustics released a video piece about the use of the pioneering audio technology L-ISA in the Broadway production of Here Lies Love. Featuring interviews with musical legend David Byrne (concept, music & lyrics), sound designers Cody Spencer and M.L. Dogg, and scenic designer David Korins, the video goes in depth on how L-ISA is used in the show and what it means in the context of Broadway productions.

    Here Lies Love

    Here Lies Love is a revolutionary Broadway show with a rock-pop pedigree, creating a demand for a sufficient sound system to do justice to the Byrne-Fatboy Slim musical. The L-ISA spatial sound system brings an essential sense of immersion to the production, with over 220 speakers in configuration around the theater.

    Here Lies Love tells the story of former Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos’ astonishing rise to power and subsequent fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution. The show features the first all-Filipino cast to perform on Broadway, and opened in July to raving reviews.

    Here Lies Love

    Developed and directed by Tony Award-winner Alex Timbers and choreographed by Olivier Award-nominee Annie-B Parson, the show uses creative choreography and movement to immerse the audience in not only the music, but the dancing and thrill of the Broadway experience.

    TICKETING INFORMATION

    Visit herelieslovebroadway.com/tickets/ for the most current performance schedule.

    Tickets are on sale at Telecharge.com, by phone at 212-239-6200, or in person at the Broadway Theatre box office (1681 Broadway at 53rd Street). For information on groups of 10+, contact Broadway Inbound at broadwayinbound.com or call 866-302-0995.

    Rush tickets are available in-person at the Broadway Theatre box office on the day of the performance for $35 each. Tickets are limited to a maximum of 2 per person and are subject to availability.

    Digital lottery entrants can register for the chance to purchase up to 2 tickets at $39 each. Entries for the Here Lies Love digital lottery start at 12 AM, one day before the performance, and winners are drawn the same day at 10 AM and 3 PM. Visit rush.telecharge.com for more information and to register. Drawings only appear when they are open for entries.

  • Adequate Phil Drops New Psychedelic Track “Peaches”

    Adequate Phil, the self-described freak-folk group hailing from Troy, released “Peaches,” their brand new track on August 20. The song is a dreamy, lo-fi tune with a rap verse that takes the group in a new direction.

    Adequate Phil
    Credit: Sarah Straight @sarahestraight

    “Peaches” features harmonizing, distorted vocals reminiscent of the group’s cited influences from classic psychedelic acts like Animal Collective, The Beatles, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Radiohead. Synth lines and beats create the backtrack of the song, ensuring a consistent tone and rhythm for listeners to dance and sway to.

    Adequate Phil
    Credit: Headless Relatives @headlessrelatives

    Adequate Phil is a four-piece group, comprised of L Nino (guitar, vocals, percussion, production), Showerpanther (effects, synths, vocals), Phil (bass, guitar, vocals, mixing, production), and Andrew Golden (drums, percussion). 

    The group recently participated in the Jive Hive Live Halloween Special, an upcoming mini video releasing on October 31, Halloween Day. Jive Hive Live is an intimate studio facility built for live recordings and livestream productions.

    Upcoming Shows

    September 27 – No Fun, Troy, NY (supporting Activity)

    September 28 – El Dorado, Troy, Ny (supporting Heathmonger)

    Stream “Peaches” from Adequate Phil below.

  • JazzBuffalo’s Inaugural Concert Marks Beginning of Canterbury Woods Jazz Series

    It was an extraordinary evening as the inaugural jazz concert of the upcoming Canterbury Woods Jazz Series took place at the new Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center, featuring the magnificent Jane Bunnett and Maqueque. We want to express our immense gratitude to all of you, the jazz enthusiasts, and the JazzBuffalo Community.

    We were faced with the formidable challenge of orchestrating a warm and welcoming reception for this award-winning ensemble in less than three weeks. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the nearly full-capacity audience and all the supporters who filled the new Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center. The inspiration and enthusiastic reception you provided to these five incredibly talented women on stage were truly exceptional and unforgettable. They were filled with joy and were eager to share with others the fantastic JazzBuffalo experience, the incredible supporters, and the enthusiastic audience that our region has to offer.

    Jane Bunnett and Maqueque delivered an exceptional performance. Bunnett led the all-female ensemble, drawing from the ten-year journey of Maqueque, encompassing their original self-titled album to their latest release, “Playing With Fire.”

    In addition to Jane Bunnett’s enchanting soprano saxophone and flute, the ensemble featured Donae’ Olano’s beautiful piano performance, Tailin Marrero on the powerful bass, Joanna Majoko captivating with her vocals, and the drummer/percussionist extraordinaire, Yissy Garcia.

    Read more and discover more photos from JazzBuffalo contributor Jack Zuff at JazzBuffalo.org

  • Bushwick Film Festival Celebrates Its Sweet Sixteen This October

    The Bushwick Film Festival is set to celebrate its 16th anniversary this fall, with the festival taking place from October 25-29th. Inspired by the notion of the “Sweet Sixteen,” a time of growth, self-discovery, and newfound independence, this year’s festival theme revolves around exploring and embracing our passage into life’s next chapter, through cinema. 

    Bushwick Film Festival

    The festival continues its partnership with Williamsburg Cinemas, where all festival films will be screened. To celebrate its Sweet 16, this year’s films will explore themes of coming-of-age, self-realization, and the quest for personal freedom, captured through the cinematic lens. 

    Turning 16 traditionally symbolizes growth and discovery, but these transformative moments are not bound by age. We find defining moments at every juncture and during every transition. As we usher in the 16th Bushwick Film Festival, we’re celebrating more than just cinema; we’re embracing the journey, the lessons, and the stories that have brought us here. Here’s to life’s defining chapters and the many stories that intertwine with them.

    Kweighbaye Kotee, Founder

    The festival features not only an exciting lineup of films, but also a range of special events. The Opening Night Red Carpet Reception will take place at Brooklyn Borough Hall on October 25. In addition, the Movie Industry Conference will feature a full day of panel discussions, conversations, and networking opportunities for industry professionals and filmmakers. Finally, a lively Sweet 16 Party will be held at Lot 45.

    Tickets to the 16th Anniversary Bushwick Film Festival, and film programing highlights can be found below, as well as at www.bushwickfilmfestival.com:  

    Halloween-inspired movie night: Campy Horrors, Thrillers and Supernartural 

    NY Stories

    Social Justice 

    Stories about Love 

    Must See Features

  • Phish Announces Annual New Year’s Eve Run at Madison Square Garden

    Phish has announced their annual New Year’s Eve run at Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden, set for December 28, 29, 30, and 31.

    The annual run at MSG marks the 15th time Phish will ring in the New Year at ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena’, and the 91st concert overall, as of New Year’s Eve, the second most for any artists at the venue behind Billy Joel.

    A ticket request period is now underway at tickets.phish.com and will continue through Monday, September 25 at 12 noon (ET). Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, September 29 at 12 noon (ET). A limited number of travel packages (hotel and tickets) will go on sale Wednesday, September 27 at Noon ET.

    Phish recently performed two benefit concerts at the Broadview Stage at SPAC August 25 – 26, raising over $3.5M for flood recovery efforts in Vermont and Upstate New York. Both shows featured special pre-show acoustic sets with Phish’s Page McConnell and Trey Anastasio, while the Saturday, August 26 performance saw Phish joined on stage by a surprise appearance from guitarist Derek Trucks.

    PHISH 2023 TOUR DATES

    OCTOBER

    6 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    7 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    8 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    10 – Dayton, OH – Wright State University Nutter Center

    11 – Dayton, OH- Wright State University Nutter Center

    13 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    14 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    15 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    DECEMBER

    28 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

    29 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

    30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

    31 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

    FEBRUARY 2024

    21 – Quintana Roo, Mexico – Moon Palace Cancun

    22 – Quintana Roo, Mexico – Moon Palace Cancun

    23 – Quintana Roo, Mexico – Moon Palace Cancun

    24 – Quintana Roo, Mexico – Moon Palace Cancun

  • Lukas Nelson & POTR Announce MSG, Rochester, and Kingston Shows on Upcoming Fall Tour

    Grammy Award-winning artist Lukas Nelson and his longtime band, Promise of the Real (POTR), have announced an extensive headline tour this fall including stops at New York’s Madison Square Garden on September 29, Kingston’s Ulster Performing Arts Center on November 25, and Rochester’s Water Street Music Hall on November 26The tour is in support of Nelson’s recent album, Sticks and Stones.

    The group will embark on their tour on September 15 in Pryor, OK, with stops including Kansas City, MO, Boston, MA, Austin, TX, and Asbury Park, NJ.

    Self-produced by Lukas Nelson and POTR, Sticks and Stones was released last month on 6ACE Records/Thirty Tigers and is currently top 5 on the Americana Albums charts. With the record, Nelson continues to garner success at radio as his single, “Sticks and Stones,” is currently #1 on the Alt Country chart and top 10 on the Americana Singles chart.

    Written solely by Nelson, Sticks and Stones is filled with upbeat energy and fun. He explores universal human experiences of love, celebration, longing and humor, while also capturing the musical power and electricity of the band’s live performances. Lukas Nelson and POTR is Lukas Nelson, Anthony LoGerfo, Corey McCormick, Logan Metz, and Tato Melgar.

    Tickets for the new shows are on sale now. Details can be found at www.lukasnelson.com/tour. Additional headline dates to be announced.

    September 20—St. Louis, MO—Delmar Hall

    September 21—Bloomington, IL—The Castle Theatre

    September 24—North Adams, MA—FreshGrass

    September 27—Boston, MA—TD Garden*

    September 29—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden*

    October 6-8—Gretna, LA—Gretna Heritage Festival

    October 13—Austin, TX—ACL Live at the Moody Theatre

    October 14—Midland, TX—The Tailgate

    October 15—San Antonio, TX—The Espee

    October 18—Abilene, TX—The Paramount Theatre

    October 19—Fort Worth, TX—Tannahill’s Tavern

    October 21—Oklahoma City, OK—Tower Theatre

    October 24—Little Rock, AR—The Hall

    October 25—Memphis, TN—Minglewood Hall

    October 26—Oxford, MS—The Lyric

    October 28—Atlanta, GA—Buckhead Theatre

    October 30—St. Petersburg, FL—Jannus Landing

    November 1—Fort Lauderdale, FL—Parker Theatre

    November 4—Sanford, FL—Tuffy’s Music Box

    November 5—Fort Myers, FL—The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon

    November 8—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium

    November 9—Asheville, NC—Orange Peel

    November 11—Raleigh, NC—The Ritz

    November 12—Washington, DC—9:30 Club

    November 14—Charlottesville, VA—Jefferson Theatre

    November 15—Asbury Park, NJ—Stone Pony

    November 16—Philadelphia, PA—Brooklyn Bowl

    November 19—Providence, RI—The Strand

    November 24—Burlington, VT—Higher Ground

    November 25—Kingston, NY—Ulster Performing Arts Center

    November 26—Rochester, NY—Water Street Music Hall

    November 28—Toronto, Ontario—Concert Hall

    November 29—Cleveland, OH—House of Blues

    November 30—Pittsburgh, PA—Stage AE

    December 2—Cincinnati, OH—Bogarts

    December 3—Columbus, OH—Bluestone

    December 5—Chicago, IL—Joe’s Live

    December 6—Milwaukee, WI—The Rave

    December 7—Minneapolis, MN—First Avenue

    *supporting Tedeschi Trucks Band

  • FIIZ Release Emotional Single “Phantom Limb”

    Brooklyn-based electropop duo, FIIZ, released their newest single “Phantom Limb” on September 14. “Phantom Limb” skillfully captures the torment of an emotional rupture that is often overlooked, and faced by everyone in today’s society.

    This new track forces listeners to contemplate a deeply personal sentiment: the odd feeling of missing someone even if they are physically present. While songs, movies, and literature prepare us for the heartache of romantic love, few artists offer solace for the experience of losing a platonic friend. “Phantom Limb” invites listeners to face these feelings head-on, and normalize this sensation. 

    “We wanted to write about the aftermath when time has passed and healing has begun, but maybe there will never be closure.”

    Isabelle, FIIZ

    The band FIIZ is comprised of Fiona (Fi) and Isabelle (Iz). The band sprouted from their profound friendship that grew during the quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic. As artists, they aim to defy norms as they both fearlessly represent the LGBTQ+ community, and champion the queer community proudly through their music. They continue to break the heteronormative pop culture that’s deeply engraved in the music industry, shattering barriers with their unapologetic artistic expression and empowering presence.

    FIIZ’s sound is a canvas where both band members blend their influences, resulting in an electronic-pop sound that incorporates elements of hyperpop and EDM. Their previous single, “Lungs,” stands as a celebration of queer sensuality, capturing the emotions experienced during a woman’s first encounter with another woman. 

    In an era where music tends to romanticize and idealize heteronormative relationships, FIIZ’s “Phantom Limb” stands as a testament to the complexity of human connections, reaching their listeners on a deeper, more personal level.

    Listen to their single on Spotify and follow them on Instagram for future updates.

  • Disney Jazz Tribute “When You Wish Upon A Star” To Play Corning Museum of Glass this October

    When You Wish Upon a Star – A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney is coming to Corning’s Museum of Glass on October 28 as part of their upcoming national tour. The tour will also make a stop at Newark, NJ’s Victoria Theatre at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

    The show features musical direction by Sean Mason and the brand new house band of The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, as well as Kim Nalley and Sasha Dobson as vocalists.

    When You Wish Upon A Star - A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney

    Director Sean Mason leads the touring show, as one of the premier talents of his generation. Mason has performed and toured with jazz legends including Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, and Herlin Riley, and as a recent Julliard graduate, he is rolling out his upcoming debut album The Southern Suite. As a native North-Carolinan turned New Yorker, the record explores his southern roots from his current vantage point at the heart of the NYC music scene.

    Sean Mason, director
    Credit: Martina DaSilva

    Philanthropist and vocalist Kim Nalley will join the show, boasting a 3½ octave range and stunning performances. As the “Most Influential African American in the Bay Area,” Nalley has performed with greats such as Rhoda Scott, David “Fathead” Newman, and the San Francisco Symphony. In addition to Nalley, Sasha Dobson will join the show on vocals. A critically acclaimed performer, she is one-third of the hit triop Puss n’ Boots, alongside Catherine Popper and Norah Jones. 

    Together with band members Ahmad Johnson on drums, Corentin Le Hir on bass, Alicyn Yaffee on guitar and Anthony Hervey on trumpet, the musicians will bring the jazz arrangements of Disney’s popular soundtracks to the stage on the nationwide tour this fall.

    As shown in their vast collection of animated feature film soundtracks, Disney has always had an affinity for jazz music. In 2009, Disney released an album of reimagined songs based on their soundtrack catalog. With over 600 songs to choose from, the album features some of the most talented contemporary jazz stars of the age, as well as rising up-and-comers. This fall, the new generation of emerging talent will perform the live touring version, titled When You Wish Upon a Star – A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney.

    Although not associated with Disney, When You Wish Upon A Star will feature fan favorite tunes from iconic movies such as Snow White, Lady and the Tramp, Mary Poppins, and Toy Story. The reimagined songs have been arranged and recorded by Disney music fans such as  Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Dianne Reeves. 

    The touring band personnel is Sean Mason (piano, bandleader), Kim Nalley (vocals), Sasha Dobson (vocals), Ahmad Johnson (drums), Corentin Le Hir (bass), Alicyn Yaffee (guitar), and Anthony Hervey (trumpet).

    Upcoming Tour Dates

    • Sept. 29, 2023 –Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, Livermore, CA 
    • Sept. 30, 2023 – Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, Tracy, CA 
    • Oct. 1, 2023 – Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA
    • Oct. 3, 2023 – Brigham Young University Performing Arts Series, Provo, UT 
    • Oct. 4, 2023 – College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID
    • Oct. 6, 2023 – CU Presents – University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 
    • Oct. 7, 2023 – SF Jazz, San Francisco, CA 
    • Oct. 8, 2023 – Carpenter Performing Arts Center at CSU Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 
    • Oct. 10, 2023 – Numerica Performing Arts Center, Wenatchee, WA
    • Oct. 12, 2023 – Pepperdine University, Smothers Theatre, Malibu, CA
    • Oct. 14, 2023 – Fox Tucson Theatre, Tucson, AZ 
    • Oct. 15, 2023 – Chandler Center for the Arts, Chandler, AZ 
    • Oct. 17, 2023 – Traverse City Opera House, Traverse City, MI 
    • Oct. 18, 2023 – Michigan State University, Wharton Center, Pasant Theatre, East Lansing, MI
    • Oct. 19, 2023 – Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 
    • Oct. 20, 2023 – Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, Bloomington, IL
    • Oct. 21, 2023 – College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center, Glen Ellyn, IL 
    • Oct. 22, 2023 – Door Community Auditorium, Fish Creek, WI 
    • Oct. 24, 2023 – The Grand Theater, Wausau, WI 
    • Oct. 27, 2023 – Millersville University, The Ware Center, Millersville, PA
    • Oct. 28, 2023 – Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY 
    • Nov. 1, 2023 – Newberry Opera House, Newberry, SC 
    • Nov. 2, 2023 – Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville, NC
    • Nov. 4, 2023 – Alden Theatre at McLean Community Center, McLean, VA
    • Nov. 5, 2023 – Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis, MD
    • Nov. 9, 2023 – Corsicana Palace Theatre, Corsicana, TX 
    • Nov. 10, 2023 – Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, Richardson, TX 
    • Nov. 11, 2023 – Geiger Performing Arts Center, Spring, TX 
    • Nov. 13, 2023 – Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA
    • Nov. 14, 2023 – Heymann Center, Lafayette, LA 
    • Nov. 15, 2023 – Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge, LA 
    • Nov. 17, 2023 – New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Victoria Theatre, Newark, NJ 
    • Nov. 18, 2023 – Ocean County College, Grunin Center for the Arts, Toms River, NJ 
    • Nov. 19, 2023 – Weinberg Center for the Arts, Frederick, MD