The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced a holiday show titled “Winter Wonderland,” happening at the Broome County Forum Theatre on Dec. 16.
Founded by Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg in 1955 at the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society and later merged with the B.C. Pops, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra presents an annual series of classical, pops, and chamber music concerts in Downtown Binghamton and throughout Broome County. The professional musicians of the Philharmonic hail from the Southern Tier, New York City, and surrounding states. Maestro Daniel Hege was appointed Music Director in 2018.
On Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 3 p.m., the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra presents “Winter Wonderland,” a holiday-themed concert of beloved Christmas classics. The program includes favorites from stage, film, and ballet, along with a traditional carol singalong and a visit from Santa. Artists from Tri-Cities Opera are featured, along with local news anchor Jim Ehmke as the narrator in “The Night Before Christmas.”The Philharmonic also continues its tradition of screening the classic animated short film The Snowman, with live orchestral accompaniment and treble soloist Eva Dixon. The concert will be preceded by a holiday-themed organ recital by Nancy Wildoner on the Robert-Morton Theatre Organ at 2:30 p.m.
Eva Dixon.
13-year-old treble soloist Eva Dixon attends Grace Church School in Manhattan, where she has been a member of the Grace Episcopal Church Choir for the past seven years. In seventh grade, she was Lead Chorister, and this year she was named Optima Chorister. She toured Ireland with the choir in the summer of 2022, and in the spring of 2023 sang the soprano solo in Mendelssohn’s O for the Wings of a Dove. Her theater roles include The Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda in Oz; Lucy in 13: The Musical, and DJ in Cyrano de Burger Shack.
Tickets are $25 to $65. Kids 17 and under attend free.
The Albany Symphony has a fun, festive lineup of holiday shows this December, featuring events and performances such as The Magic of Christmas, and two shows by world-renowned pianist and Grammy nominee Yefim Bronfman. The symphony organization will get involved this holiday season with a toy drive and collaborations with new and long-time community partners during their upcoming programming.
On December 3, The Palace Theater will present The Magic of Christmas, joined by community partners including The Music Studio, Capital District Youth Chorale, Boland School of Irish Dance, and the Zorkie Nelson African Drumming Ensemble. The performance will feature favorite Christmas carols, sing-a-longs, selections from the beloved Nutcracker musical, and more festive performances for all ages. In addition, Santa Claus will make an appearance for a night filled with family fun.
On December 9 and 10, the symphony will welcome six-time Grammy nominee Yefim Bronfman to Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, performing a selection of famed classical pieces for Capital Region audiences. A world-renowned piano soloist, Bronfman will present Johannes Brahms’ Piano No. 2, Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 4, as well as the world premiere of Loren Loiacono’s Beanie’s Chapbook.
We are so fortunate to have Yefim Bronfman join us for these exciting concerts. He is one of the greatest pianists in the world, and a dear friend of our Albany Symphony. We are always deeply honored that he makes time in his busy schedule to come play with us. Working with an artist of his caliber elevates all of us, and always inspires us to match his brilliance. Hearing the mighty Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 in the legendary Troy Savings Bank Music Hall with arguably its greatest living interpreter and our brilliant Albany Symphony musicians will be an unforgettable experience for everyone!
David Alan Miller, Music Director and Conductor
In addition to the upcoming performances, audiences are invited to participate in a Toy Drive for Mom Starts Here on December 3. The organization will be accepting new and unwrapped toys for the nonprofit that works to support local parents in need of resources and support as they navigate parenthood.
Tickets for these events and more information on Albany Symphony performances are available at albanysymphony.com.
RootsCollider, the ever-popular EDM dance-rock group from Rochester, have announced their 5th annual Rave Against The Machine, this year sporting the Glitch Hop Edition.
The event will take place on November 24 at Rochester’s Photo City Music Hall with rotating music performances from 7PM until late into the night.
The event hosts six performing groups: Sophistafunk, RootsCollider, Subsoil, Éclat Vibes, Junkyard Theory, and Ampbition, in addition to numerous special guests. Appearances will be made by Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Gunpoets, Mosaic Foundation, Personal Blend, The Buddhahood, Helium Bubble and more throughout the night.
The six performing groups will rotate on two stages throughout the night, playing multiple sets each. Headlined by Sophistafunk and RootsCollider, the night will feature all flavors of EDM, hip-hop, fusion rock, and more.
RootsCollider
The Rave night is themed and inspired by the recent Barbie movie, so attendees are encouraged to wear all pink, or dress up at their favorite characters from the hit movie.
Rave Against The Machine is an 18+ event. Tickets are general admission and are available here. The event will take place at Photo City Music Hall in Rochester, NY on November 24 at 7PM.
The Park Theater in Glens Falls has compiled an exciting November 2023 lineup for the region’s music-goers, as well as announced the second installment of their education initiative, involving local schools to expand music and technology education programs.
November 10 will see the TAKE3 trio at The Park Theater, combining rock and classical music. The group brings their rigorous classical music background, combined with an energetic rock show to music fans.
The Park Theater Foundation will present the Live & Local series, a run of intimate performances by some of the Capital Region’s most beloved singer-songwriters. The Theater will host The North & South Dakotas, an alternative bluegrass band, on November 9, and folk-acoustic Troy group Hold On Honeys on November 30.
In addition, the Park Theater will host the Rochmon Record Club in a series of listening parties. On November 29, the club will focus on Bruce Springsteen’s 1978 record, Darkness on the Edge of Town.
The Third Thursday Jazz series will continue with the Matt Niedbalski Trio on November 16, featuring Matt Niedbalski, Matt Knoegel, and Steven Kirsty playing some of the region’s best jazz programs.
Finally, the Park Theater will welcome Katie Boyle, a NYC-based Irish comedian as part of the Comedy After Dark series. She is the host of The Shift Podcast, and will present her new show, “Terapy,” on her upcoming tour.
In addition to their upcoming shows, the Park Theater Foundation is launching the second installment of their involvement with the Lake George Central School District, beginning on November 7. The program will complement Lake George High School’s existing music program, and bring comprehensive instruction, demonstration, and teaching of audio technology and instruments. The program will involve local musicians, including Matt Niedbalski, Tyler Giroux, Dylan Perillo, and Chris Reed Jr.
For more information and tickets to the upcoming performances, visit parktheatergf.com.
Norah Jones has announced a concert program in Havana, Cuba as part of a four-day cultural experience in February. The program, titled Vive En La Habana, celebrates Cuban culture through music, education, and more, with two headline shows at Havana’s historic Teatro Martí.
An NYC native, Norah Jones launched her solo career in 2002, winning Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best New Artist following her debut album, Come Away With Me. Most recently, she re-released the deluxe version of her 2012 album, Little Broken Hearts. Jones began her newest project, a podcast titled Norah Jones Is Playing Along, in 2022, where she explores creative collaborations, conversation, and connection.
Norah Jones will play Havana’s Teatro Martí on February 17 and 18. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the artist, watch soundcheck, and sit-in on a seminar session with Jones and musicians from Institute Superior De Arte, Cuba’s leading arts university. The program aims to celebrate Cuban cultural and musical heritage, as well as provide an educational experience for attendees visiting the country.
In addition to Vive En La Habana, Norah Jones will take the stage at NYC’s The Town Hall at Rufus and Martha Wainwright’s Not So Silent Night, a Christmas concert special featuring Norah Jones, Debby Harry, Sean Ono Lennon, and more. Tickets are on sale now, available here.
Attendees at Vive En La Habana will experience all things Norah Jones: tickets to both shows at Teatro Martí, Q&As, a Cuban music masterclass, accommodation, excursions, and more. The program runs from February 15-19, 2024. Tickets are available now at norahinhavana.com. Attendees can register by November 27 for a 10% discount.
Saratoga Springs’ Putnam Place has an exciting lineup for this month, featuring a number of jam bands, indie pop, folk, and more. The venue will continue weekly open mics, game nights, and local artist spotlights with the Family Tree series.
Consider The Source
Beloved NY sci-fi fusion group Consider The Source will play at Putnam Place alongside Bella’s Bartok, a Massachusetts-based folk group. The two extraordinary music groups are known for exciting performances, and are sure to impress Saratoga on November 9.
On November 10, Putnam Place will host Bearly Dead, a Grateful Dead tribute band. The group boasts over 230 songs in their repertoire, and constantly rotate them for a unique concert experience for each crowd.
Bearly Dead
Blue Star Radiation will play Putnam Place on November 16 alongside Al Schnier and Rob Derhak of moe. The collaboration between the musicians will feature classic rock covers, band originals, and more for an exciting performance.
Putnam Place will continue to offer their weekly events this fall. Every Monday, the venue will host Family Tree, a performance featuring Steve Candlen, Kenny Hohman, Lori Friday, Chris Carey and Chad Ploss, joined each week by a special guest from the regional music scene. In addition, Mondays will be Sly Fox’s Open Mic Night, immediately following the Family Tree performance. In addition, Wednesdays will see Game Night and Karaoke with Eric C.
Tickets and more information for shows at Putnam Place are available at putnamplace.com.
November Shows at Putnam Place
11/9 – Consider The Source + Bella’s Bartok
11/10 – Bearly Dead
11/12 – Ripe w/ Hoko
11/16 – Blue Star Radiation w/ Al & Rob moe.stly acoustic
Jerry Seinfeld is scheduled to resume his residency at the historic Beacon Theatre, with six new performances added for a total of 12 shows at the Upper West Side venue. The legendary comedian will play two shows per night across six dates in January, February, and March of 2024.
Jerry Seinfeld will continue his record-breaking residency with shows on January 12 and 13, February 2 and 3, and March 8 and 9. Two performances will take place each night at 7PM and 9:30PM.
Jerry Seinfeld currently holds the record for the most comedy performances at the Beacon, currently at 105. He celebrated his 100th performance in April 2023, having begun his residency in 2016. As a co-creator of one of the most successful shows in television history, Seinfeld, and a renowned comedian, actor, and writer, Jerry Seinfeld is one of New York’s biggest names.
Photo Credit: Rich Fury
The Beacon Theatre is a historic landmark on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Many great performers have made appearances at the Beacon, including The Rolling Stones, Ray LaMontagne, Coldplay, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and Steely Dan.
Tickets for Jerry Seinfeld’s new upcoming shows at the Beacon Theatre will go on sale on Friday, November 10 at 10AM. Tickets are available via ticketmaster.com or at box offices at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre on November 11.
The Bacon Brothers are set to play two upcoming shows in New York, as they continue their fall tour lineup across the country. Brothers Kevin and Michael Bacon banded together in 1995 to form The Bacon Brothers, an official name to the musical pairing that has been around since their childhood.
Having released 11 collections of music since then, the duo is looking ahead to two shows in New York State: November 17 at Albany’s The Egg, and November 18 at Westbury’s The Space.
Photo Credit: Jeff Fasano
The Bacon Brothers titled their first album, Forosoco, after their self-described genre, blending folk, rock, soul, and country influences. Most recently, they released “Philly Thing,” a single dedicated to their hometown of Philadelphia. The song benefitted charities Rock to the Future and Kevin Bacon’s own SixDegrees.org.
NYS Music had the chance to interview The Bacon Brothers ahead of their upcoming NYS shows, talking all things music, family, and upcoming projects.
Cara Denton: You’ve coined your own genre – forosoco. As you began your music careers, did you ever feel limited by genre categories, or was it a natural part of your philosophies to work outside those categories?
Michael Bacon: Forosoco is a non-category. Genre distinctions have been a part of popular culture since the radio was invented. It helps the music business focus on narrow marketing strategies that streamline their business model. The key to success in any endeavor is to find out what is different about yourself and get really good at that.
Kevin Bacon: We just go where the song takes us. Sometimes they feel more folky, rocky, soulful, or country. We’ve always said to ourselves let’s not try to stick to a “sound” let’s have our lack of a sound be our sound.
CD: What artists, instruments, or genres of music have shaped your musical education throughout your lives?
MB: I’ve always had two parallel worlds in art music (cello, oboe) and folk music (banjo, guitar ukulele, etc…). As a composer and songwriter, every day I draw from the unique musical ambiance provided by our parents in the house in which the 6 of us grew up.
KB: Wow so many. Starting with Michael and our sister playing guitars and harmonizing. Motown. British Invasion. TSOP. James and Joni. And on and on. I love drums. I had a drum kit in our basement. And congas. Bongos. Etc.
CD: What does playing a show in New York City look like for you? Any pre-show rituals, sightseeing, or food spots you like to hit?
MB: It’s our hometown and beats flying or driving to distant venues. It’s a ten-minute subway ride to City Winery.
KB: Sightseeing?! I’ve lived in NYC since 1976 so pretty much seen the sights. My favorite slice is Joe’s on Carmine if that helps.
CD: Family is a binding force and an important factor in your musicianship – how does that shape your performances, songwriting, or experience as musicians?
MB: Ours is a family business. Families draw apart when they lack connection. I’m really proud, and I take some credit for my brother’s success in the music business.
KB: Family is everything.
CD: Do you have any practices or hobbies outside of music that you turn to to find inspiration or rejuvenate your creativity?
MB: I enjoy sailboat racing, motorboats and crossword puzzles.
KB: Animals and nature. Being on a horse, riding through the hills.
CD: What’s next for the Bacon Brothers? Any new styles, collaborations, or new developments you’re particularly excited about trying?
MB: I’m hoping one of the new songs catches a wave and a lot of people love it.
KB: Very excited about the new record. Never thought we would make this much music!
An ever-musical family, The Bacon Brothers continue to yield tour dates and new music to come. Their recent EP, Erato, released in July of 2022, with five brand new songs. The title track features a belting chorus, resonant guitar strumming, and catchy lyrics. The duo is touring across the country now, with tickets for their shows in Albany and Westbury now available.
BACON BROTHERS UPCOMING TOUR DATES
Nov 11 – Larchwood, IA – Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort
The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (OSFL) has announced the first show of the 2023-24 Musicians’ Choice Chamber Music Series, titled “Music Meets Art” on November 10. The show features the Chrystallum Quartet, alongside visual artist Suyen Lau, performing live alongside each other onstage.
Members of the Chrystallum Quartet (left to right): Anita Pawlak (oboe), Nolan DeSanto (piano), Martha Weber (bassoon), and Angela McBrearty (flute/piccolo).
Suyen Lau, a fine arts and design student at SUNY Corning Community College and alum of the OSFL’s Youth Orchestra, will create a new charcoal artwork onstage during the performance. The Chrystallum Quartet will play alongside her, featuring pieces by Telemann, as well as composers Alyssa Morris, and Nicole Chamberlain.
Suyen Lau (visual artist).
The visual representation of the aural perception of music has always intrigued me. Some people are wired with strong associations between music and visual art. Suyen is gifted this way.
Karen Dusek, Managing Director of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes
The Chrystallum Quartet will play a selection of pieces inspired by the visual arts. “Brush Strokes” by Alyssa Morris is a musical representation of visual arts, with each movement representing artists such as Monet, Seurat, and Van Gogh. In addition, Nicole Chamberlain’s piece will be set to the silent film LeCharmeur.
As common practice in the Musicians’ Choice Chamber Music Series, oral program notes will be presented by the artists throughout the program, as part of a relaxed, intimate setting for the performance. In addition, Lau’s artwork will be featured on display for audience members to view before and after the show.
“Music Meets Art” will be presented on November 10 at 7:30PM at North Presbyterian Church at 921 College Avenue in Elmira, NY. Doors open at 6:45 for audiences to see Suyen Lau’s artwork on display.
Tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for students with ID, and free for veterans and children under 18. Seating is general admission. Purchase tickets in advance at OSFL.org, call 607-936-2873, or in person at the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes office, 49 Bridge Street, Corning. Ticket sales at the door will be available until sold out.
The Orchestra Now is set to begin their 2023-24 season at Carnegie Hall on November 7th with a program titled Exodus: Jewish Composers in Exile, directed by Leon Botstein. The performance marks TON’s first show in New York City this seasons, and features four works.
The night’s composers will be Alexandre Tansman, Josef Tal, Walter Kaufmann and Marcel Rubin, all of whom wrote their pieces while in exile from their homelands during World War II.
Tansman, a multi-genre composers as well as pianist, fled Europe for the United States in 1941. His piece to be performed, Polish Rhapsody, was inspired by the invasion of Poland and dedicated “to the defenders of Warsaw.”
Josef Tal’s Exodus is based on the Passover Haggadah, and debuted with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra after Tal’s emigration to Jerusalem in 1942. The Orchestra Now’s performance will be the NYC debut of Exodus.
Walter Kaufmann’s An Indian Symphony was inspired by his emigration to India, where he lived for 14 years in Bombay after exile. This performance will also be the NYC debut of An Indian Symphony.
Finally, Marcel Rubin’s Symphony No. 4, Dies irae, is a reflection of his experiences during World War II. As a winner of the Grand Austrian State Prize for Music and the Gold Medal of Vienna, Rubin spent time in France and Mexico after leaving Vienna.
Director Leon Botstein will lead The Orchestra Now in the performance of these four pieces. The show will take place on November 7 at 7PM at Carnegie Hall, New York City. Tickets are available now online at carnegiehall.org, by phone at 212.247.7800, or at the Carnegie Hall box office at 57th & Seventh Avenue in Manhattan.
