NYS Music 2023

Tag: albany

  • The Catamount Resort Summer Series Continues In August

    The Catamount Resort Summer Series is wrapping up a jam-packed season of programming with three shows in August. Taking place over multiple weeks, the series started back on July 7 and will run until August 18. Each concert takes place on Friday from 4:30pm to 8:00pm at Catamount Mountain Resort in Hillsdale. 

    Boasting a lineup of local and regional bands, the Catamount Resort Summer Series looks to bring quality music to the beautiful Taconic Mountains. Past performers from this year include Sister Funk, Hedtrip, and Eric Harpe and the Delta Swingers. 

    Along with music, the series will also have a variety of tasty food and drink options. Organizers encourage guests to bring their own lawn chair however there are picnic tables available at the venue. Multiple of the resort’s outdoors activities will also operate with extended hours during the series, including a Zip Tour, Aerial Adventure Park, and Scenic Chairlift Rides. 

    The Catamount Resort Summer Series is free and open to the public. Here for more details and information about the event. 

    August Schedule 

    Aug. 4- The Silver Chain Band

    Based out of Albany, The Silver Chain Band has performed across the country. From playing gigs at local New York hotspots to rocking venues down in Memphis, the group delivers impassioned performances wherever they are. Silver Chain builds on a solid foundation of Blues Folk, with elements of electric blues, and a sprinkle of rock. Their music is influenced by ZZ Top, Sonny Boy Williamson, JR Wells, Paul Butterfield, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddy King, Albert King, and Bill Perry, just to name a few.

    Aug. 11- Victrola

    Led by vocalist Victoria Palagy, Victrola is known for their creative covers of pop, rock, and blues tracks. Victoria is joined onstage with Ray Palagy, Patti Richardson, John Keane and Leo Brennan Jr. 

    Aug. 18- The Saints

    The Saints are an experienced band that has been together for 25 years. The group loves to get the crowd moving with feel-good dance music. Perfect for the summer months, enjoy the Saints as they close out The Catamount Resort Summer Series.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGGaj0qHGJQ

  • Brunswick Showcases Local Artists With Summer Concert Series

    The Brunswick Summer Concert Series is back for its 23rd season. The performances are held on each Tuesday at the Brunswick Community Center from June 27 to September 5. 

    With concerts scheduled to run 6:30-8:00 PM, the community center’s vast lawn provides a perfect backdrop for summer evenings. In addition to live music there will also be food trucks and other refreshments available. 

    The Brunswick Summer Concert Series looks to provide guests with quality music from all different kinds of genres. This year’s lineup features acts from all over the region. Local standouts include New York’s favorite horn band The Refrigerators, Celtic-rock outfit Get Up Jack, as well as country-rock group Whiskey Highway. 

    Located northeast of Albany, Brunswick has a long and storied history. The town’s first inhabitants settled in the early 18th century and were originally considered to be part of Troy. Positioned near the Hudson River, Brunswick and its neighboring towns became stopping points during the Revolutionary War. Famed American writer Herman Melville was a school teacher in the town during the mid 1800s. 

    Concerts are free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and/or blankets. Here for more details and information. 

    Summer Lineup

    6/27                      The Refrigerators- Funk/ R&B/Rock

    7/11                       The Tichy Boys- Country/Rokabilly

    7/18                       The Lustre Kings- Country/Rokabilly

    7/25                       Big Fez and The Surfmatics- Surf and Beach Music

    8/1                         Harmony Rocks- One Hit Wonders

    8/8                        Get Up Jack- Celtic / Americana

    8/15                     The Hammerhead Horns- Roots, Ragtime and Blues

    8/22                     The Oldies Show- Oldies from the 50’s & 60’s

    8/29                      Whiskey Highway- Country

    9/5                       The Kyle Bourgault Band- Country

  • Maria Muldaur, Taj Mahal And Sona Jobarteh To Perform At The Egg

    The Empire State Plaza’s Center for the Performing Arts, or The Egg, recently announced that Maria Muldaur, Taj Mahal and Sona Jobarteh would all be joining the Albany venue’s 2023-24 programming. Muldaur is scheduled to perform on Sept. 15 with Taj Mahal and Jobarteh stopping by on March 7, 2024. 

    The Egg is a state-owned entity created to bring quality artists and performances to New Yorkers. Besides music, the venue showcases several forms of art including dance, comedy, film, and theater. Originally constructed in 1978, The Egg features two theaters and can comfortably house over 1,400 visitors. 

    Since its inception, the venue has attracted some of the biggest names in arts and entertainment. Past performers include Roger McGuinn, Chaka Khan, Dave Chappelle, Eric Burdon, Margaret Cho, and Buddy Guy. 

    Maria Muldaur- September 15, 7:30 PM 

    Making music for over 55 years, American folk/roots artist Maria Muldaur became a household name thanks to her 1973 hit song “Midnight at the Oasis”.  Released as a single, the track received a Grammy nomination and has since become one of the quintessential songs in the genre. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the bubbly and infectious tune, she will perform the song along with the help of the Red Hot Bluesiana Band. Together, the two will showcase some of Muldaur’s classic blues, country, folk, swing, and pop offerings. The performance will also include some of the artist’s collaborative work with the Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Tuba Skinny, and Taj Mahal. Here for tickets and information about the performance at The Egg.

    Taj Mahal & Sona Jobarteh- March 7, 7:30 PM 

    Taj Mahal has established himself as one of the world’s premier blues musicians throughout his extensive career. The Harlem-born artist is known for melding together the sounds of traditional American blues with elements from the Caribbean, Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Originally rising to prominence in the 1960s, Taj has earned three Grammy awards and ten nominations. In 2014 he was awarded the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. 

    Sona Jobarteh is a Gambian singer, composer, and instrumentalist credited for being a master of the Kora stringed instrument. With her diverse and ethereal sound Jobarteh has been hailed as one of the biggest upcoming stars in world music. Blending traditional West African, blues, pop, and even afro beats, Jobarteh has amassed fans from all over the globe. Here for tickets and information about the performance.

    To check out The Egg’s full schedule of performances click here.

  • Playhouse Stage Company Celebrates 35th Anniversary Season with Something Rotten

    Beginning June 29, Playhouse Stage Company will present their 36th Anniversary musical production Something Rotten at Albany’s Park Playhouse, a Renaissance-set comedy about a down-on-his-luck writer trying to best William Shakespeare by writing the world’s first musical. The production plays Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8pm from June 29 through July 22. Playhouse Stage Company will hold an opening night Gala pre-show on June 29, where they will make a special announcement.

    Playhouse Stage Company has been producing free summer musicals at Albany’s Park Playhouse in Washington Park since 1989, producing musicals year-round at Cohoes Music Hall since 2016, and took the reins as management of the historic Spindle City venue in 2020.  

    The Broadway premiere of Something Rotten took place in 2015, and it garnered a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Musical while enjoying a successful two-year run. The book is written by John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick, with a score and lyrics by Karey & Wayne Kirkpatrick.

    The story follows the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, who struggle to find success in the theatrical world as they compete with the wild popularity of their pompous contemporary, “The Bard,” William Shakespeare. When Nick Bottom visits a Soothsayer to discover what the hottest thing in theatre will be in the future, he sets out to write a musical with disastrous results. The show sparks comparison to other bawdy, raucous Broadway comedies including Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Book of Mormon, and Mel Brooks’ The Producers. In an homage to its Renaissance setting, Time Out NY called the show “the funniest musical in at least 400 years.”

    The show reunites frequent creative staff collaborators Michael LoPorto (Director), AshleySimone Kirchner (Choreography & Musical Staging), and Brian Axford (Musical Director). Together, the trio have helmed more than a dozen shows for Playhouse Stage. 22 local and regional performers make up the cast, and Axford will lead a twelve-piece band. 12 out of the 22 cast members are graduates of the Playhouse Stage youth theatre program.

    The cast is led by Vincent DiPeri (Nick Bottom), who returns to the Playhouse for the first time in eight years after receiving critical acclaim for his performances in The Producers, Hairspray and others. Alongside DiPeri as Bottom’s nemesis William Shakespeare is Steve Raymond, who won strong reviews in the Playhouse’s productions of Spamalot, Spelling Bee and more. Since last appearing on the Playhouse stage, Raymond has developed a significant social media following for his comedy content, with more than three million followers across TikTok, Instagram and other platforms.  Rounding out the cast are Playhouse veterans Molly Rose McGrath (Bea Bottom), Marc Christopher (Nostradomus), Daniel Jameson (Nigel Bottom), Brandon Jones (Brother Jeremiah), and Anna Sprau (Portia), in her PSC debut. 

    Amphitheater lawn seating at Park Playhouse is available for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Premium Reserved Seats are now on sale online, by phone and in person. For more information about the show and Playhouse Stage Company, visit their website here, or call the box office at 518-434-0776.

    For media inquiries, to arrange press comps, or to receive production photos and video, please contact Owen Smith, Producing Artistic Director at owen@playhousestage.org or by phone at 518-434-2035, extension 100.

  • Recording Studios in the Capital Region

    In the Capital Region of New York State, there are numerous recording studios that provide aspiring musicians with a space to record their music and help artists in their efforts to one day make it big in the music industry. Across Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Schenectady, you’ll find a great selection of studios to support musicians, artists, and bands from all genres and scenes.

    In Albany, you can find North Albany Studios in the village of Menands, where the handicapped-accessible Studio A comes equipped with a five-piece drum kit, bass amp, guitar amp, lounge facilities, natural light, high ceilings, and green-screen capabilities, and more for making music, film, photography, and theater.

    Studio A of North Albany Studios.

    The SAG-AFTRA-approved Overit Studios in the city of Albany offers film/tv/games, commercial, music, podcast, and audiobook services. The former church is a 2000-square-foot space with 28-foot ceilings, a spacious live room, three isolation booths, and an oversized control room to can accommodate anything from a singer-songwriter to a full band and even a choir.

    Discover Recording Studios from across New York State in Western New York, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Central New York, and New York City.

    Capital Mixers Recording Studios in Albany County offers professional recording, mixing, mastering, and more services to recording artists, Musicians, DJs, bands, and record labels worldwide. It has three studios, A, B, and C, and a podcast and film studio.

    DJ mixing at Capital Mixers Recording Studios.

    Albany’s AAA Recording Studio C offers recording services for all kinds of musical acts solo artists, small combos, acoustic acts, acapella groups, rock bands, and full-on Big Band groups.

    A drum set in AAA Recording Studio C.

    White Lake Music and Post in Albany offers four studios for singers to produce music in. The studio has produced, recorded, and mixed multiple Billboard Top 40 singles and provided audio services for clients including Netflix, Discovery, Lifetime, Universal, Disney, Nickelodeon, HBO, and numerous others.

    For over 20 years, the hamlet of Delmar, in the Albany County of Bethlehem, is home to Blue Sky Recording/Music Studios, equipped with a full-service recording studio, private music lessons, music classes, music camps, instrument rentals, and a music store all under one roof for professional musicians, music teachers and students of music in the Capital Region. Its recording facility is the premier studio in the Albany area, offering audio recording, mixing, CD mastering, audio transfers & restoration, music editing, music production, commercials, custom jingles, on-location recording, and much more. Blue Sky also offers music lessons for all ages, levels, and styles on most instruments, music therapy classes, ‘Make the Band’ summer rock band camp, audio engineering classes, and Romper Rhythms classes for babies/toddlers and parents.

    Blue Sky Recording/Music Studio in Albany,

    Don Fury Studio in Troy records music “New York style,” with real drums, real guitars, and real vocals, unedited as if you were right in front, or even on, the stage. “When you hear a record produced at DFS – everything you hear is real.”

    Don Fury Studio in Troy.

    First opened in 2001, Classical Recording Service in Albany County is a popular choice for recording among musicians in Upstate New York. The studio has made thousands of recordings all over the Capital District, including concerts, recitals, and recording sessions. In the capital region, Classical Recording Services has work locations at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy, the Palace Theatre in Albany, and the Proctors Theater in Schenectady.

    The stage at Classical Recording Services in Albany County.

    The full-service Soundcheck Republic in the Rensselaer County of East Greenbush features state-of-the-art digital and analog recording equipment, providing all the features of a larger studio, acclaimed engineers, and producers.

    A typical studio space in Soundcheck Republic.

    There are among the many recording studios in the Capital Region where aspiring musicians can make their music, on their journey of one day making it big in the music industry. If we missed a recording studio from the greater Albany area, please email editors@nysmusic.com.

  • Hearing Aide: “Washed Away” by Glass Pony

    Friday, June 23rd marks the release date of Glass Pony’s latest album, Washed Away. The strength of the release lies with compelling instrumentals, creating a perfect blend between nostalgic classic rock and a more modern sound.

    The Albany-based group features Chanda Dewey on drums and vocals, Eddie Hotaling on guitar and vocals, Jeff Picarazzi on bass and vocals, and Greg Pittz on lead guitar and vocals.

    The album offers a perfect pop-rock sound for a hot summer day, the sound reminiscent of some signature classic rock influences. This is first established with the album’s catchy opening song, “Bottom of the Ocean.” The bright guitar creates a nostalgic, summery feel, qualities that would make the song perfect to listen to on the beach. The song blends the vocals of the entire group for an upbeat tune about change, or the lack thereof. The lyrics remind us that “at the bottom of the ocean, it’s just another day,” despite how much may change on the shore.

    baked shrimp glass pony

    Another Washed Away highlight is “Spotlights,” one of the album’s most impressive pieces. While the song’s opening is slow, it quickly becomes captivating through its transition into a funky, quick groove. The quick beat and groovy feel make the song an enjoyable listen, perfect to dance to. The powerful instrumental mix carries the music, almost as if the vocals accompany them. Similarly to “Bottom of the Ocean,” the song embodies aspects of classic rock, largely though the electric guitar. Halfway through the song, an epic guitar solo takes over, almost as if it is telling story. Listening to the song was a memorable experience, akin to its lyrics about having a new experience.

    One of Washed Away‘s most unique pieces was undoubtedly “Doppler.” The song opens with a bass solo, establishing a chill tone, but takes on different moods and tones throughout the song. A powerful instrumental intro takes on an alternative rock feel, whereas later sections of the song incorporate dreamy synth combined with sounds of nature, such as bird calls. Through a slow crescendo into a guitar solo, the instrumental-heavy song is dreamy, interesting, and powerful.

    Glass Pony further showcased their compositional skill through quick instrumental pieces like “Sonder,” a song without lyrics, but not lacking in any way – the instruments tell their own story. A quick, shredding electric guitar builds into a catchy tune, ultimately building to a chaotic, fascinating blend of instrumentals.

    The album’s final track, “Upside Down,” offers another chill, summery rock anthem to add to any beach playlist. The music manages to emphasize lyrical phrases, matching the beat and rhythm of the group’s words. The bright, pop rock sound is comparable to the album’s opening track, bringing a sense of coherency to the album. Through a similar intro and outro, it feels like the listener is taken through a musical journey, returning to where they began.

    Following its official release, find Washed Away from Glass Pony on Spotify. Watch the lyric video to “Bottom of the Ocean” below.

  • In Focus: Dan Deacon plays No Fun in Troy

    Dan Deacon brought his colorful glitch pop to No Fun in Troy on Thursday, June 8th. This is his first tour since the pandemic, he had a huge tour planned in support (he was scheduled to play Ithaca) of his studio album from 2020, Mystic Familar, and it was just about to kick off as everything shut down.

    During the downtime, Dan turned his energy towards writing numerous film scores, including the Academy Award-nominated documentary “Ascension”, and the Adam Sandler Netflix film “Hustle.” The Troy show was almost at end of a scattered tour that started in March, and even though he was pulling double duty (there was an early and a late show) the passion of his performance had not faltered or aged from years past, once the music started, he still had the charm of a mad man possessed.

    Joining Dan Deacon on the tour was drummer Jeremy Hyman. Hyman has played for Ponytail, Avey Tare’s Slasher Flicks and also toured with Animal Collective when Panda Bear decided to sit out on drums during the Painting With tour. You know that if Panda Bear turned over the drumsticks to Jeremy for a tour, that he is an absolute monster behind the drum kit.

    Starting out the night was Jeremy Hyman with a DJ set of some lovely ambient/house music that was the perfect appetizer for the night. His set entranced the crowd with some tripped out soundscapes, while occasionally locking into a deep house beat that would get the crowd moving. After his set he came back out with Dan to play drums, and since there were two shows and he played both sets, that made for an impressive 4 sets over the course of the night for Jeremy Hyman, a monster indeed.

    Seeing a Dan Deacon show isn’t an average electronic music dance party, it is that, but it’s also an interactive slumber party with some like-minded strangers. It’s like going to a concert and all of a sudden that day in gym class breaks out where you didn’t have to play sports, and you just got to play silly games with a parachute. There is a lot of focus on the crowd and their dancing, which makes everyone feel silly and goofy, which is perfect mood for the kind of insane pitched up, ADHD-riddled, electronic pop music providing the soundtrack to all of this. Dan Deacon has really built up a nice catalogue of tunes to play live, and when you really distill down all of those earcandy electronic pop songs into a single show it’s a very impressive concert, musically, along with everything else going on. With the tour wrapped up and all of those scores under his belt, I think it’s a safe bet that Dan will be returning to the studio at some point in the near future for his next full length album.

    Setlist: Become a Mountain, The Crystal Cat, Change Your Life (You Can Do It), Learning to Relax, Arp I: Wide Eyed, Arp II: Float Away, Arp III: Far From Shore, Arp IV: Any Moment, Wham City, Snookered, Sat By A Tree, Paddling Ghost, When I was Done Dying, Feel the Lightning

  • Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Awarded $3.4 Million By NYSCA

    The New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA) has awarded Troy Savings Bank Music Hall a $3.4 million grant. The venue, which is located on 2nd Street in Downtown Troy, received the money to support renovations that aim to make the building more accessible and preserve its historical elements.

    Most of the money from the grant will go towards the renovation of the first floor of the venue. The Troy Savings Bank was commissioned in 1875 with the first level originally designed to be used for banking and businesses, while the top level was composed of a music hall. The new renovations look to transform the first floor, which has been vacant since 2012, into a vibrant multi-purpose space. The goal is to create an affordable and accessible place for musical and cultural education.

    “We have long hoped and planned to make improvements and offer more programming and a broader spectrum of experiences to our community. This grant sets us on the path toward accomplishing our dream”

    Jon Elbaum, Executive Director of the Music Hall

    The new “Music Hub” will feature a community space, classrooms, a community board room, a recording studio, and rehearsal rooms. The money from the grant is a small part of a massive funding plan constructed by the NYSCA. There are 19 projects across the state that will divide up the $90 million plan.

    Initially, Governor Nelson Rockefeller created NYSCA back in 1960. The goal of the organization is to preserve and advance the arts and culture of New York. The Music Hall’s renovation is a piece of NYSCA’s “Large Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Cultures” program. The project looks to support institutions and organizations that are “undertaking impactful, large-scale capital improvements”. 

    Artwork by Kelly Garrett

    “Capital projects for the arts are an investment in our communities, our health, and our prosperity for decades to come. On behalf of the Council and staff, I congratulate Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on its vision and dedication to serving the residents and visitors of New York and we look forward to seeing all that will flourish from this initiative,” NYSCA Chair Katherine Nicholls said.

    Once the updates finish, the building looks to serve as a year-round venue. The Musical Hall celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025. Throughout the years it has established itself as a historical and cultural pillar in and around Albany. 

    Here you can find more information on the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

  • Declan McKenna Kicks Off “The Big Return” Tour at Empire Live

    On Sunday, May 28th Declan McKenna stopped at Empire Live in Albany for the second show of his 50+ date The Big Return tour. Eager fans lined up hours in advance at the intimate 1000-capacity venue to scream along to songs like “Brazil” and “Rapture” as McKenna scaled along the stage with his Mick-Jagger-like dance moves. The audience, consisting mostly of teenage girls and fathers, was seen jumping, dancing, twirling, and overall living in the moment during his set. 

    declan McKenna
    Declan McKenna photographed by Sarah Hyun

    24-year-old McKenna was born in London and has been making music ever since he was a teenager. His most popular song “Brazil” was released when he was only fifteen, and has since gained massive popularity through its widespread use on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. He has four more New York dates scheduled in May and July, which can be found here.

    Declan McKenna photographed by Sarah Hyun

    The Oracle Sisters opened the night with a chill and vibey set. The French trio, blending elements of surf rock, jazz, and indie pop similar to groups like The Walters and Summer Salt successfully raised the energy in the eager crowd. Audience members were seen bobbing their heads along to the beat as the three band members—Lewis Lazar, Christopher Willat, and Julia Johansen—jammed out. Their timeless sound matched their vintage style, allowing for a truly ear- and eye-catching performance. After they ended their set, the audience applauded enthusiastically, clearly satisfied by McKenna’s chosen openers. 

    The Oracle Sisters photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Audience members sang along to songs in the pre-show playlist like “Toxic” before McKenna entered the stage. A flashing light from the right of the stage got the attention of everyone, triggering a roaring scream of excitement as he came on to sing his first song, “You Better Believe!!!” Wearing a black and yellow coat with bell-bottomed pants, McKenna brought an almost-tangible energy to the venue. This high-energy could be felt through his powerful vocals, his intricate movements, and the body-rumbling basslines of each and every song. The retro synths in many of the tracks on his most recent album Zeros, coupled with his scream-like vocals set the vibe of the show. 

    Declan McKenna is truly a rockstar, with passion being the only word to describe his performance and persona. Swinging his guitar on the stage, jumping off into the photo pit, and putting his all into every song was something he did not fail to do throughout the entirety of the concert. His facial expressions carried a power in them that could not be emulated by anyone else. Throughout the set, he constantly hit his looping and distortion pedals to craft the instrumentals of the songs in real time, whilst simultaneously singing along. He had to take a break after each song to wipe the sweat from his face and even removed his jacket early into the show because of how much he was moving. 

    Before singing “Rapture,” McKenna yelled, “Are you ready for some rock ‘n roll?,” and encouraged the crowd to clap along. Declan has a very strong British accent when he sings, and during his performance of hit-song “Brazil” the audience emulated his British dialect while singing along to lyrics like “I heard he lives down a river somewhere // With six cars and a grizzly bear.” McKenna explores a variety of themes in his music, from the topic of anti-war, corruption in sports and politics (as in “Brazil”), and struggles with mental health. The lyrics behind each of his songs made his performances even more meaningful. 

    Declan McKenna photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Declan McKenna ended his show with a two-song encore. Performing an incredible rendition of George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” as well as his own song, “British Bombs,” McKenna ended the night on a powerful note. Fans screamed in awe as he soloed on his knees during the George Harrison cover, turning a generally easy-paced song into something of his own. Fans exited the venue elated, talking amongst one another about his incredible performance. McKenna’s next four New York shows are scheduled to be at Westcott Theater, Town Ballroom, Brooklyn Steel, and Webster Hall. 

    Setlist: You Better Believe!!!, Paracetamol, Why Do You Feel So Down, Listen to Your Friends, (Untitled Song), My House, Rapture, Beautiful Faces, Be an Astronaut, Make Me Your Queen, Humongous, The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home; Eventually, Darling; The Key to Life on Earth, Brazil, Isombard

    Encore: All Things Must Pass (George Harrison cover), British Bombs

  • The Renaissance Black Film Festival Arrives In Albany this June

    The first annual Renaissance Black Film Festival (RBFF) is coming to Albany, running June 22–25 at the historic Palace Theatre and the extravagant Renaissance Hotel. With both venues located in the capital’s historic downtown, attendees will easily be able to navigate between each location.   

    RBFF puts a spotlight on Black artists and creatives within the film industry and recognizes New York’s Capital Region as a burgeoning hotbed for filmmaking. RBFF will show films from a plethora of Black filmmakers across the country, with awards and cash prizes going to Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best First Project. 

    The festival is led by entrepreneur and the Palace Theatre’s Executive Director Kevin Johnson, filmmaker Micah Khan, creative agency Collectiveffort, and supported by its’ ambassador, NAACP Image Award recipient Morris Chestnut. Panelists and honorary board members include Gail Bean of FX’s hit show Snowfall and acclaimed screenwriter and director Jamal Hill who’s worked on films such as I am Legend, among many others. 

    “Over the last decade, we’ve seen about 20 productions come to the area, each growing larger and larger. The secret of the flexibility, affordability and overall beauty of our area has gotten out and folks that are here should be ready to join the industry as it lays roots,” says Collectiveffort Co-founder Patrick Harris.

    In addition to the screenings, RBFF will host a series of panel discussions, networking events, public afterparties, an award ceremony, and a few special surprise screenings.

    The festival’s curators are accepting submissions up until June 7. Starting Friday, May 26 tickets are on sale here. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Palace Theatre Box Office (located at 19 Clinton Ave). Box Office hours are Monday – Friday Noon to 5PM.