Tag: Hudson Valley

  • Ace Frehley Gets Back In The “New York Groove” at Paramount Hudson Valley

    With Halloween on the horizon, the KISS Army packed the Paramount Hudson Valley for their favorite spaceman, Ace Frehley, on Friday, October 27. Frehley, a New York native growing up in the Bronx, has added a string of tour dates ahead of releasing a brand new record in February.

    Frehley’s band is composed of Ryan Cook on bass and Jeremy Asbrock on guitar. Asbrock and Cook are also in The Rock City Machine Co. alongside former Ace Frehley band member Philip Shouse. Rounding out Frehley’s band on the drums is Scot Coogan who is in his second stint with Frehley.

    With the 93-year-old theater filling up with eager KISS and Ace Frehley maniacs, Black Dawn hit the stage. As Black Dawn plugged in, they powered through a metal set that was on the shorter side. With Black Dawn leaving via stage left, the middle band, Mainline jumped on stage to an enthusiastic crowd. Mainline features Anthony Schettino on bass, Johnny Iodice on lead vocals and guitar, Devin Reck on guitar, and Mason Servedio on drums. Mainline had a very memorable set as the talented musicians played all new material with the exception of Aerosmith’s “Toys In The Attic” as the final song.

    The anticipation for Frehley came to a boiling point as his instrumental song, “Fractured Mirror” blasted through the speakers. “Fractured Mirror” segwayed right into 2001: A Space Odyssey’s theme song and the announcement of “You wanted him, well you got ‘em, from The Bronx, New York, Ace Frehley!”

    In the blink of an eye, Peekskill immediately turned into “Detroit Rock City” for the remainder of the band’s 13-song set which included tracks from Frehley’s solo record as well as KISS classics.

    Frehley’s band is extremely talented in that the three other members of the band sang vocals on at least one song during the set. Asbrock took over lead vocals during “Speedin’ Back to My Baby” which can be found off Frehley’s KISS: Ace Frehley record. Cook did his best Paul Stanley impersonation during “Detroit Rock City” and Coogan grooved on drums while belting out lyrics during “Love Gun.”

    Halfway through the set, Frehley stopped to address the crowd and announce that his brand-new solo record was being released in February. The crowd, which was filled with Frehley’s “Rock Soldiers” all cheered as this would be the first record since Origins, Vol. 2 which was released back in 2020.

    Throughout the show, the entire band was throwing guitar picks, bass picks, and drumsticks into the crowd. There were so many guitar picks thrown into the audience that it seemed like everyone could have gone home with at least one. Fans were reaching into the air, jumping and diving into the rows of seats to collect fallen, unclaimed picks.

    During KISS’ heyday in the 1970s, they were known for their theatrics. From pyrotechnics to spitting out blood and rocket guitars, they all had different ways to wow an audience. Despite Frehley not being in KISS since his last show of the Reunion World Tour in 2002, the theatrical side of “Space Ace” hasn’t left.

    During “New York Groove,” Frehley brought out a guitar that lit up and flashed during the song. Once the guitar was brought out and Coogan pounded on the kick drum, fans immediately knew what song it was. “New York Groove” then transitioned into “Shock Me” off of KISS’ Love Gun. Frehley brought out his guitar that releases smoke and it was full steam ahead.

    Even though the city of Peekskill was rather quiet on Friday evening, the rock and roll inside The Paramount was deafening. Despite Frehley not being in KISS for over 20 years, he still brings fans classic KISS songs that make audiences reminiscent of what was while also creating new memories for the newer generation of rock fans. The Peekskill crowd, which was full of fans of all ages piled out of the theater in awe after witnessing one of rock’s most influential guitarists of all time and went home knowing that they witnessed real live rock and roll.

    Setlist:  Rip It Out, Rocket Ride, Speedin’ Back to My Baby, Parasite, Rock Soldiers, Love Gun, Hard Times, Detroit Rock City, Emerald, New York Groove, Shock Me, Cold Gin, Deuce

  • Dmitry Wild Drops Newest Track, “Rock N Roll Is My Business”

    Dmitry Wild, a New York-based rock artist, released his newest track, “Rock N Roll Is My Business.” Following up to his 2022 album, Electric Souls, his newest track comes alongside a few recent singles.

    Inspired by an experience at a business convention, Dmitry Wild penned “Rock N Roll Is My Business” in response to a question posed to the audience, “What is your business?”. Finding himself at odds with the businesspeople and conventiongoers, he was inspired by his own answer, “Rock N Roll Is My Business.”

    Wild’s newest track exudes confidence, accompanied by ever-present horns and funky, layered vocals. He latches onto the classic rock-n-roll figurehead frame, and creates a Halloween-esque sound that solidifies his place in the rock-n-roll business.

    Dmitry Wild

    “Rock N Roll Is My Business” released following Wild’s single, “Son of a Gun,” another funky rock track with a bright, eclectic music video alongside. In addition, he released “New York Stones” in July, a rock ballad dedicated to the city of New York. Wild sings, “No matter where we go, no matter what we do, New York is in our soul, the city that gave us rock and roll.” 

    Catch Dmitry Wild at his upcoming shows in New York. He will play Woodstock’s The Colony on October 28, as well as Freddy’s Bar in Brooklyn on November 5. Finally, he will make a stop at No Fun in Albany on December 21 to close out the year.

    Dmitry Wild Upcoming Shows

    Oct 28 – Colony, Woodstock, NY

    Nov 5 – Freddy’s Bar, Brooklyn, NY

    Nov 16 – The Eight Room, Nashville, TN

    Nov 18 – Venue TBD, New Orleans, LA

    Dec 21 – No Fun, Albany, NY 

  • Hearing Aide: Organ Fairchild “Leisure Suit”

    Organ Fairchild’s new album, Leisure Suit, was released on all platforms on September 8. The sophomore album from the Buffalo-based jam band, the group recorded, mixed, and co-produced the album in New York’s Hudson Valley.

    Leisure Suit Album Cover

    An eclectic instrumental mix from the band’s three members, Joe Bellanti, Corey Kertzie, and Dave Ruch, Leisure Suit carries an ever-positive energy and displays the group’s technical skill and creativity. A stand out feature of the album is the guitar tracks as well as, of course, the ever-present organ throughout the record.

    The title track and opening song on the record, “Leisure Suit,” has an earworm opening guitar track that captures the listener as it repeats throughout the song. This track especially highlights guitarist Dave Ruch’s laid-back yet technically impressive skills. 

    In addition, the group mastered a cover of the famed Grateful Dead’s “He’s Gone.” The beloved track with numerous live recordings, as per Grateful Dead usual, is a seamless fit with Organ Fairchild’s tone and musical presence. Instead of a vocal track, the band opts for a guitar playing the usual vocal melody. In addition, the group infuses an upbeat rhythm to the classic track.

    A third track on Leisure Suit that stands out is the final “Rusty Barge.” The band shared that this track came as engineer Justin Guip played effects pedals on his hands and knees, coaxing the song from the musicians. An eerie yet invigorating opening echo, the song opens into a sci-fi-like mysterious tune with a constant organ tone.

    Organ Fairchild
Photo by Greg Meadows
    Photo by Greg Meadows

    Organ Fairchild is Joe Bellanti (organ/keyboard), Corey Kertzie (drums/percussion), and Dave Ruch (guitar). Leisure Suit was recorded and mixed by Juistin Guip at Milan Hill Studio, co-produced by the band and Guip, and mastered by Alan Evans at Iron Wax Studios.

  • The Phoenix Festival Returns For A Second Year Of Programming

    The Phoenix Theatre Ensemble revealed its lineup for its second annual Phoenix Festival, set to run from Sept. 28 to Oct. 21. The event will feature an engaging mixture of live theater, dance, music, and arts. Phoenix Festival includes 30 performances and will take place on multiple indoor and outdoor stages in Nyack, New York. 

    Founded in 2004, Phoenix Theatre Ensemble is a nonprofit theatre ensemble producing in New York City and Nyack. Phoenix Festival is aimed at celebrating classical theater, music, local culture, and the creative spirit of the Nyack community. 

    Festival venues include the tented outdoor meadow stage at Marydell Faith and Life Center, the garden at Hopper House, the Nyack Center, the ‘little theater’ at Nyack’s RCC Culinary Arts Center, Maureen’s Jazz Cellar and Nyack’s classic restaurant the Hudson House. The festival boasts a diverse set of programming with something for all ages and interests. 

    We’re excited about the 2023 program, and proud to present world class live performances at affordable prices rarely available in ‘big city’ locations.

    Craig Smith, executive director, Phoenix Festival

    This year’s performances range from classic theatrical shows like Crime and Punishment and Now I am Alone, to stand-up poetry, and even an augmented reality tour. One of Phoenix Festival’s most innovative and creative performances is Pan and The Lost Boys. The show combines theater and dance to examine Black masculinity through hip-hop. Stemming from the killings of Tamir Rice, George Floyd, etc; Pan looks at the impacts of these events on the health, wellness, and growth of young black men in America.

    The Phoenix Festival gets underway on Sept. 28 with Crime and Punishment, directed by Karen Case Cook. A full list of performances can be found below. For tickets and details about the festival click here

    Festival Schedule 

    September 28- Crime & Punishment- Nyack Center

    September 29- Crime & Punishment- Nyack Center

    September 30- Remembering Good Harbor Beach- The Garden at Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center

    September 30- Crime & Punishment- Nyack Center

    October 1- Crime & Punishment- Nyack Center

    October 4- Scandalton- Maureen’s Jazz Cellar

    October 5- Pan and the Lost Boys- Nyack Center

    October 6- Wind and the Willows- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 6- Pan and the Lost Boys- Nyack Center

    October 7- Wind in the Willows- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 7- Honduras- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 7- Pan and the Lost Boys (sold out)- Nyack Center

    October 8- Children’s Shakespeare Theatre- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 8- Wind in the Willows- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 9- Children’s Shakespeare Theatre- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 9- Wind in the Willows- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 11- Drinks with Dead Poets- Hudson House Upstairs Bar

    October 12- Drinks with Dead Poets- Hudson House Upstairs Bar

    October 13- Drinks with Dead Poets- Hudson House Upstairs Bar

    October 14- ArtsRock Concert- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 14- Drinks with Dead Poets- Hudson House Upstairs Bar

    October 15- Now I Am Alone starring Geoffrey Owens- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 19- Reflections from the Shallow End of the Dating Pool- The Little Theater at RCC Culinary Arts Center

    October 20- Reflections from the Shallow End of the Dating Pool- The Little Theater at RCC Culinary Arts Center

    October 21- Reflections from the Shallow End of the Dating Pool- The Little Theater at RCC Culinary Arts Center

  • A Guide To Summer Concert Series Around The Catskills

    From never ending winters to erratic springtime temperatures, New York weather can be brutal. For communities across the Empire State, summer is a time to work outside, enjoy wildlife, and of course catch some live music. Residing in the southeastern corner of NY, the picturesque Catskill Mountains provide the perfect setting for local performances and shows.

    Taste of County Music Festival
    Catskill Mountains – Taste of Country Music Festival

    Warm weather means it’s time for residents in the region to trade in snowboards and skis for folding chairs and picnic blankets. Teeming with countless unique small towns and villages, there’s plenty of live performances to catch in the area. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Catskill summer concert series and performances to see this year. 

    Greenville Summer Concert Series

    The Greenville Summer Concert Series is a free, family-friendly concert series that happens Tuesdays from 6–7:30 PM at Veterans Park in Greenville, New York. The concerts are held at the intersection of Routes 32 and 81. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, pack a picnic, or buy dinner from Church Street Caterers. The kickoff event features the Michael Benedict Quartet and ice cream from Stewart’s Shops of Greenville. Other acts include Lustre Kings, Moonshine Mule, Dusk Til Dawn, and more. The series is sponsored by the Greenville Rotary, among others.

    Here for more details and information.

    July 11—Lustre Kings—rock

    July 18—In the Dust—country

    July 25—New York Players—top 40, dance

    Aug. 1—Onkor—classic 70’s to modern day

    Aug. 8—The Tailgate Band—modern country

    Aug. 15—Roadhouse 60—oldies 60’s

    Aug. 22–Hell or High Water—rock

    DUTCHMAN’S LANDING PARK, CATSKILL

    Music in the Park Summer Concert Series

    Voted “Best Place for Live Music” in the Best of Greene County Awards, enjoy Music in the Park every Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at Dutchman’s Landing Park on Main Street in Catskill. Concerts are free to the public. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy great live music on the shores of the beautiful Hudson River. If rainy, concerts are moved to the Historic Catskill Point at 1 Main Street. Presented by the Heart of Catskill Association. Photo credit: Keith Collesides. 

    Here for more details and information | 518-943-0989

    June 22 — Guilty Pleasure—pop rock

    June 29 — Lustre Kings—rock and roll

    July 6 — Back to the Garden—Woodstock tribute

    July 13—Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers—award-winning blues band

    July 20—Thunder Ridge—country rock

    July 27—Conehead Buddha—genre-blending jam band

    July 28—Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers—blues/rock

    Aug. 3—The Lost Cowboys—classic country

    Aug.10—Soul Purpose—Motown soul

    Aug. 17—In The Dust—country & Western

    Aug. 24—Second Chance—local rock heroes

    Aug. 31—Dead Beats—Grateful Dead tribute band

    Sept. 7—Alexis P Suter—award-winning blues singer

    WINDHAM MOUNTAIN RESORT, WINDHAM

    Windham Mountain Facebook

    Music on the Mountain Series

    Music on the Mountain takes place Fridays from 6-8:30 p.m. at Windham Mountain. This free concert series features local artists, cover bands and some of New York City’s favorite performers. Additionally, there are raffles, a BBQ and scenic sky rides during the early portion of the event. No tickets or reservations needed. Outside food, beverages and pets are not allowed. Windham Mountain is located at 19 Resort Drive, Windham, NY. 

    Here for more details and information | 518-734-4300

    July 7—10 Most Wanted —soul/funk/R&B/rock

    July 14—Soul Purpose—soul/funk/R&B

    July 21—Guilty Pleasure—pop rock

    July 28—The Four 26—rock 

    Aug. 4—Serene Green—bluegrass

    Aug. 11—Rollin’Rust—indie/folk

    Aug. 18—Dial Up!—1990s songs

    Aug. 25—Die Schlauberger—renditions of German favorites

    Sept. 1—The Outcrops—blues-infused rock n’ roll

    RIVERSIDE PARK, COXSACKIE

    Coxsackie Music in the Park Series

    Every Sunday from 6-8pm.  Concerts are free to the public.  Pack a chair or blanket and enjoy riverside entertainment at the spacious Coxsackie Riverside Park, Betke Boulevard, Coxsackie

    Here for more details and information | 518-731-2718

    June 25—Lex Grey & the Urban Pioneers—fusion of old-school blues & classic rock

    July 2—Donna Tritico Band—mix of blues, R&B and rock

    July 9—Nite Train—award-winning rockin’ blues, funk & R&B

    July 16—Samantha Jane Band—jazz standards quartet 

    July 23—Hammerhead Horns—old-timey blues, ragtime and honkytonk

    July 30—Playing with Fire—classic rock & roots 

    Aug. 6—Night Moves—classic rock; country; 50’s thru 90’s

    Aug. 13—Silver Chain Band—playing BB King, Muddy Waters & other greats

    Aug. 20—Nite Train—award-winning rockin’ blues, funk & R&B

    Aug. 27—Lustre Kings with Mark Gamsjager—rockabilly; real roots rock & roll

    RIVERFRONT PARK, ATHENS

    Athens Performing Arts Corporation 2023 Summer Concert Series

    Athens Summer Concert Series takes place every Friday night from 7-9 p.m. at Riverfront Park, 1 Water Street, Athens. Spend a night under the stars and enjoy this free concert series on the banks of the Hudson River.

    Here for more details and information | 518-522-9470

    July 14—Les Dudek—rock music legend

    July 21—Dark Desert Eagles—world premier Eagles tribute

    July 28—Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen—Grammy-winning New Orleans funk

    Aug. 4—Double Vision-The Foreigner Experience—rock cover band

    Aug.11—Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds—soul, rock, dirty funk

    Aug. 18—Conehead Buddha—rock, ska, funk, Latin, reggae, jam, hop 

    Aug. 25—The Dave Matthews Tribute Band—cover band

    Sept. 1—Carolyn Wonderland—fiery Texas blues-rock icon

  • Recording Studios in the Hudson Valley

    In the Hudson Valley, you will find no shortage of recording studios spread throughout the region, including a number in New Paltz, Woodstock and around Ulster County.

    photo by Steve Malinski

    Welterweight Sound Studio in New Paltz, owned by producer/engineer Ryan Dieringer, is an ideal spot for recording, mixing, and mastering music with a 32’x17’ live room and “in the round” control room with 16’ wood-slat, gabled ceilings as well as two isolation booths. Welterweight is also an ideal place for audiobook/podcast/ADR recording or mixing, with a strong Wi-Fi connection.

    A piano set in Welterweight Sound Studio in New Paltz.

    The independent JT Beats LLC Studios in New Paltz is owned by Jake Totilo and offers several recording, mixing, and mastering services. Totilo grew up in Brooklyn and learned how to play piano from his Grandpa at the age of 7 and uses music as an outlet for self-expression, whether it be the piano, singing, production, or DJing. He is now 20 and studied music at the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz and even released his album.

    Jake Totilo, owner of JT Beats LLC Studios.

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

    Dreamland Recording Studios in Hurley, a town in Ulster County and west of Kingston, was opened in the ’80s by Joel Bluestein, due to the recording studio climate at the time, which he found to be a mostly hostile working environment. His goal was to create a socially-responsible business that treated its employees like family and was an overall better place to work and record, as well as close the gender gap in the male-dominated recording business, hiring women and bringing in new ideas and ways of working. In 2005, Dreamland closed down due to the economic climate at the time, as many studios were forced to do. In 2008, however, Jerry Marotta came on board and re-opened the studio with Joel. They continued their mission of maintaining the family-oriented, comfortable, creative vibe of Dreamland.

    The best thing about Dreamland is that it offers remote recording services, so artists can achieve their recording needs from the comfort of their own homes. Artists can record tracks at home and send them to Dreamland for re-amping, analog processing, remote mixing, and more. Inside the studio, Dreamland is a residential recording space for artists to nurture their craft, with a fire pit inside surrounded by the upstate mountain breeze.

    The lodge inside of Dreamland Recording Studio.

    Gimme That Sound is a recording studio, occupying a refurbished Hudson Valley barn In Upstate New York’s historical hamlet of Stone Ridge in Ulster County. The studio is just a half hour south of Woodstock, and a little less than two hours from Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Owned and operated by Grammy-winning mixer/producer Stephen George, Gimme That Sound offers online Mixing, music production, in-house mixing, mastering, and recording services. The studio has produced music of all genres, from indie, hard-core, pop, rock, r&b, hip-hop, and gospel.

    Before opening Gimme That Sound, George was a local Chicago musician, playing the drums for the band Ministry, and worked as Chief Engineer at Zomba / Jive Record’s “Battery Studios Chicago.” In 1998, George moved to New York City to expand his career. Recently, George relocated from Manhattan to the Hudson Valley, between the Catskill Mountains to the north and Shawangunk Mountains to the east.

    The inside of Gimme That Sound Recording Studio.

    Woodstock’s Levon Helm Studios has been producing music since 1975, and is named after the late Levon Helm, who gained fame as one of the three vocalists of The Band and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Home of Levon’s legendary Midnight Rambles, and situated on 18 acres in historic Woodstock, the barn-style Levon Helm Studios welcomes artists for intimate concerts, recording sessions, rehearsals, writing retreats, and private events. Other artists and bands who have recorded there include Elvis Costello, My Morning Jacket, and many more.

    The outside of Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock.

    New York’s Hudson Valley is home to Long Pond Recording Studios, where Taylor Swift has worked several times. The singer-songwriter has recorded her eighth studio album, Folklore, as well as her re-recorded version of her second studio album Fearless and fourth studio album Red. Long Pond’s incarnation began with musician Aaron Dessner having hope in his heart to move out of New York City with his family and find an oasis for the band The National. The main goal was to create a space that would encourage and inspire creativity for the creation of music. This process culminated with the band creating and recording their Grammy award-winning album Sleep Well Beast, using the Studio as the album cover and becoming the theme focal point of the marketing campaign created by Pentagram.

    Platinum Productions in the Orange County Town of Monroe is a full-service recording studio and video production company serving clients throughout the Greater New York Metropolitan area and nationwide. The studio is located just one hour from New York City and has many musicians from all genres of music, including 2012 The Voice winner Jermaine Paul. Phil Bula, President of Platinum Productions, began as a young boy playing in brass bands with the Salvation Army and was featured on the game show I’ve Got a Secret a the age of nine. Bula grew and progressed into a professional musician before moving from the stage to the studio in 1978 and began working for popular artists including Billy Joel, Michael Bolton, and Whitney Houston. His work may be seen and heard on television shows produced by HBO, ABC, ESPN, USA Network, and Disney. 

    The mics set up in the studio at Platinum Productions.

    These are among the several recording studios throughout the Hudson Valley of New York where aspiring musicians can produce music to make their musical dreams come true. If you know of another we missed, reach out to editors@nysmusic.com!

  • Hudson Valley Jazz Festival Continues To Showcase Local Acts

    The Hudson Valley Jazz Festival will once again bring the sounds and soul of jazz music to Upstate New York. The celebration is now in its 14th season and has long acted as one of the premier showcases for local musicians. This year’s festival runs from August 9-13. 

    While there have been plenty of big names that have performed at the festival, the Hudson Valley Jazz Festival is truly dedicated to fostering and exhibiting musical talent around the region. Going along with the theme of community, the event will not take place at just one location like a traditional festival. Instead, the festival will unfold across various restaurants, clubs, galleries, community centers, and stages. 

    Among the towns where the festival will be held include Kingston, Warwick, Tarrytown, Montgomery, Stone Ridge, Greenwood Lake, and Woodstock. Another unique aspect of the Hudson Valley Jazz Festival is that each specific venue chooses the performers. Every participating town, business, and/or organization will have the ability to highlight the artist(s) of their preference. The result is a hyper-local experience that looks to demonstrate the diverse sounds and styles of jazz in Hudson Valley. 

    Drummer Taru Alexander via hudsonvalleyjazzfest

    There will be over 20 performances as part of the festival, with many of them being free. It all gets started on Wednesday, August 9 at The Cove in Greenwood Lake. The performance features a local all-star lineup including well-known vibraphonist Bill Ware. 

    Check here for the complete details of the festival, performers and venues are subject to change.

    Hudson Valley Jazz Festival Summer Lineup

    Wed Aug 9

    7 PM-  Taru Alexander, Robert Kopec, Eric Person, Bill Ware- The Cove, 13 Castle Court, Greenwood Lake

    7PM- Sean Crimmins Heart Strings Band- Front St. Tavern 63 North Front St. Kingston

    Thurs. Aug 10

    6:30 PM – Camille Thurman with the Darrell Green Quartet- On The Lawn,1405 Kings Hgwy Sugar Loaf Crossing, Sugar Loaf

    7 PM- Bill Pernice Trio- Coquito, Forester Ave. Warwick

    7 PM- Bill Evans Tribute- UpFront Gallery, 31 Jersey Ave, Port Jervis

    7PM- Depetris/Laks Duo- Front St Tavern, Kingston

    Friday Aug 11

    6:30 PM- Vanessa Racci Band Presented by Jazz Forum Art- Pierson Park, 238 West Main St, Tarrytown

    7 PM- JUDI SILVANO + FRIENDS: Summertime Songs with Matt Finck, Teri Roiger, Gabriele Tranchina, & John Menegon- Astoria Hudson 84 Clinton Street, Montgomery ($20 Suggested Donation for Fundraiser for the Wallkill River Center for the Arts in Montgomery, NY)

    6 PM- Soul Jazz Collective with Steve Raleigh- Front St Tavern, Kingston

    7 PM- Jerry Vivino & Friends, with Adam Nussbaum, Sue Williams and Tomoko Ohno- Railroad Green, Railroad Ave, Warwick.  

    Saturday Aug 12

    12 PM- Nancy Tierney Trio- Front St Tavern, Kingston

    1 PM- Rave Tesar / Mike Jackson Group- Trails End Taphouse, Greenwood Lake Garden Market 1197 17A, Greenwood Lake

    7 PM- David Amram- Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St Beacon

    7 PM-  Jeff Ciampa with Chris Pasin Quartet- Lydia’s 7 Old US 209 Stone Ridge

    7 PM- Steve Slagle Group with Matt Garrity- BARNSTOCK, 86 Baumgarten Rd. Woodstock.

    Sunday Aug 13

    2 PM- Billy Stein, Joe Giardullo, Harvey Sorgen- Albert Wisner Library, 1 McFarland Dr, Warwick

    3 PM- The Rick Savage Quartet with Joe Vincent Tranchina, Gandharva Earl Sauls and special guest artist Eliot Zigmund- The Last Whiskey Bar, 45 Woodlands Way, Warwick

    6 PM- Bob Shaut and Sax Life- Frank Guido’s Little Italy, 4 Thomas St, Kingston7PM- The Analog Jazz Orchestra with special guest artist– The Falcon, 1348 Rt 9W Marlboro

  • Bard Music Festival Returns With Exploration Of Composer Vaughn Williams

    The Bard Music Festival returns for its 33rd season in August, with a two-week dive into the work of “Vaughan Williams and His World.” Eleven themed concert programs aim to examine the great but frequently misunderstood English and Welsh composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, one of the 20th century’s preeminent symphonists, who helped to spearhead a new British renaissance in music. 

    The festival is spread across the two weeks, the first weekend runs August 4-6 and aims to contextualize the composer among his fellow Victorians, Edwardians, and Moderns.  The second weekend, which takes place August 10-13, explores Williams’ role in creating what may be considered “A New Elizabethan Age”. 

    With two special events in nearby Rhinebeck, the concerts take place at Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on Bard College’s Hudson River campus. Six of these shows will also stream live to home audiences worldwide on Upstreaming, the Fisher Center’s virtual stage. The final show is a centerpiece of the 20th Bard SummerScape festival. The Bard Music Festival represents a highlight of the Fisher Center’s landmark 20th anniversary season, “Breaking Ground.”

    Since its inception in 1990, the Bard Music Festival has helped to strengthen the standard concert repertory. This is in part because its founder and co-artistic director, Leon Botstein. Botstein serves as music director of both the American Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and The Orchestra Now (TŌN). Both ensembles perform in the festival, along with Festival Chorale, which takes part in all choral works under the direction of James Bagwell. This year’s operatic, chamber, and vocal programs will boast an impressive lineup of guest artists, violinist Bella Hristova, tenor Nicholas Phan, bass-baritone Craig Colclough, pianists Danny Driver and Piers Lane, and the Horszowski Trio among them.

    First Weekend (Aug. 4-6)

    Program One: “Vaughan Williams: Becoming an English Composer”

    Program Two: “Between Two Worlds: London and Berlin”

    Program Three: “The Symphony and Composing for the Stage”

    Program Four: “Heirs and Rebels: British Art Song”

    Program Five: “Entente Cordiale: Britain and France”

    Program Six: “London Calling! Fun in Cockaigne!” 

    Second Weekend (Aug. 10-13)

    Program Seven: “The Lark Ascending: British Music for Chamber Orchestra”

    Program Eight: “The Islands and the Continent” 

    Program Nine: “A New Elizabethan Age?”

    Program Ten: “Vaughan Williams’s Legacy” 

    Finale: Vaughan Williams and Shakespeare, “Sir John in Love

  • Rock City Junction Release Americana/Folk Single “Morning Sun” 

    Hudson Valley natives Rock City Junction have just released their newest single titled “Morning Sun,” the third single they have ever released. To support the upcoming release, the band will be touring throughout the Hudson Valley in early June. 

    Rock City Junction Release Third Single “Morning Sun” 

    Rock City Junction meets in the middle with soulful original songs and luscious instrumentation. Their latest releases such as “Corn Song” and “Souls Byond the Road” are uniquely beautiful, having aspects of a light summer day within the Hudson Valley itself.  

    Rock City Junction Release Third Single “Morning Sun” 

    This eclectic, harmony driven, Roots/Americana band is quickly becoming one of the premiere folk bands within the Hudson Valley. The band features three singer/songwriter/ instrumentalists such as David Chapman, Denise Parent, and Laura Leigh. Each artist plays a special part in combining to create the unique sound that Rock City Junction has to offer.

    Rock City Junction Release Third Single “Morning Sun” 

    Denise Parent has been a supreme artist, drummer, and singer in the north east jam band scene since 1993, and is currently touring the U.S in the only all-female Grateful Dead cover band, Brown Eyed Women. Denise released her debut album of her original songs in 2021 titled The Songs in my Heart. 

    David Chapman is an engineer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, renaissance-man who has held a commanding presence in the Hudson Valley Rock scene since the early 90’s, leading many bands such as Cold Flavor Repair, Rivergrass, The Working Dogs, and more.  

    Laura Leigh is the new darling of the Albany music scene. Laura released her first album of original music in 2021 which features evocative stories of small-town USA and echoes Appalachian, old-timey traditions and sounds.  

    UPCOMING SHOWS:  

    June 8th @ The Parish. New Paltz NY. 7pm 

    June 9th @ Unihog Hoosick Falls NY. 8pm 

    June 10th @ Argyle Brewing Company (The Depot). Cambridge NY. 6pm 

    Listen to Rock City Junction by clicking the link here

  • Hearing Aide: Setting Sun ‘The Feelings Cure’

    Hudson Valley-based indie rock group Setting Sun released their first album in ten years, The Feelings Cure, looking back on who they were, what they are now, and the journey they have gone through as a band.

    Setting Sun

    Led by frontman and primary songwriter Gary Levitt, the sixth studio album by Setting SunThe Feelings Cure, was recorded carefully, as Levitt says “I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get in the creative zone with set times of having to turn creativity on and off like a switch. I used to write and record in creative blasts when I felt it come on like a wave or virus. Having kids forced me to write, record, and mix within the gaps of being a father. The maturity shows on this record.” Over ten tracks, the group comments on changing yourself as time goes on, all while utilizing upbeat instrumentals, and melancholic lyrics.

    Feelings Cure is slow and free-flowing as it starts with the opening track “Cool,” fading into the more upbeat track yet still slow “Sometimes,” featuring prominent guitar solos and the good ol’ indie rock feel. Things get increasingly experimental on “Can’t Send It Back” with 80s-inspired synths, with Levitt repeating the chorus multiple times, singing “Now it’s gone by the way/Don’t expect me to stay/Somebody tried to keep their eye on mine.” One of the most enjoyable tracks “Good Die Young” blends Levitt’s personal endeavors as a comedian into the witty lyrics, citing it is the “closest [he’s] ever gotten” to blending the two areas. The song is short and simple yet makes the listener feel happy and carefree.

    The album becomes slower beyond this point, featuring a country vibe on “Up and Away,” showcasing Levitt’s talents with experimenting with different genres. “Same Face” has a female singer prominently singing background vocals, adding a lighter tone to the song, as well as a return of those 80s synths. Overall, the record brings you into Levitt’s personal journey as a father and band member and the difficulty he faced balancing both. It is a classic slow indie rock record with a twist, featuring intricate genre blends, melancholic lyricism, and driving rhythms.

    Key Tracks: Can’t Send It Back, Good Die Young, Feelings Cure.

    Setting Sun’s new record Feelings Cure is available on every streaming platform. They are performing at the Harmonies on the Hudson Concert Series in Germantown on June 15 and at Opus 40 in Saugerties on July 16. Tickets are available here.