Author: Abby Littman

  • Maverick Concerts To Host Tribute For Composer Peter Schickele

    Woodstock’s Maverick Concerts will host After Spring Sunset: A Tribute to Peter Schickele a tribute to renowned composer Peter Schickele on Saturday, Aug. 10. The day will include two main acts- a free morning concert showcasing some of Schickele’s folk tunes, and an evening show full of many talented musicians further expanding on Schickele’s works.

    Peter Schickele tribute, Maverick Concerts

    The tribute is honoring Peter Schickele, a composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist with decades of accomplishments under his belt. Schickele, who passed away this past January, is remembered through the character, P.D.Q. Bach, and his public radio program “Schickele Mix.”

    Having won multiple Grammy Awards for his work, Schickele found fame writing for folk musicians, as well as ensembles and solo work. Most notably, he arranged music for folk musician Joan Baez across multiple bodies of music. Throughout his career, Schickele created over a hundred orchestrations.

    Aug. 10 will be an undeniably full day of music and remembrance with the first set taking place from 11 AM-12 PM, and the second, at 6 PM. To begin the day, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, Elizabeth Mitchell will lead a series of folk tunes written by Schickele. She will be joined by M Shanghai String Band, pianist Ray Bailey, and Schickele’s daughter, musician Karla Schickele. Additionally, folk musician, Marc Black will come out and perform the song “Tyrannosaurus Rex,” which he made with Schickele. The morning performance is free to attend and welcomes families.

    Peter Schickele tribute, Maverick Concerts
    Peter Schickele at Maverick Concerts by John Kleinhans

    The latter half of the day brings an extravagant slate of performers to exemplify Schickele’s vast repertoire. After Spring Sunset: A Tribute to Peter Schickele will exhibit performances from a variety of different artists. Firstly, the Callisto String Quartet will perform Schickele’s Fifth String Quartet, A Year in the Country. Following the quartet will be their rendition of his P.D.Q. Bach work, The Moose Quartet.

    Next, the M Shanghai String Band and surprise guests will perform a piece from a Schickele bluegrass concerto. Elizabeth Mitchell also returns to perform a song Schickele wrote for Joan Baez. The show will turn particularly personal when Karla Schickele along with her cousin, Nighttrain Schickele, and son, Emmet Schickele, perform special and generally unknown, Peter Schickele family songs. Marc Black will also join the lineup to sing an additional slate of special songs.

    Continuing to honor P.D.Q. Bach, Mezzo Michele Eaton, along with tenors Wesley Chinn and Greg  Purnhagen, will perform some of his vocal works. Overall, the show will serve as a testament to how significant Schickele was to not only his family and friends but fans all over the world. Maverick Music Director Alexander Platt, Woodstock Chimes founder and percussionist Garry Kvistad, and Karla Schickele will host the event and guide the show in Schickele’s honor.

    For more information or to purchase tickets for After Spring Sunset: A Tribute to Peter Schickele visit maverickconcerts.org

  • Lost Radio Rounders Produce “YouTube Summer” Project

    This summer, the Americana trio, Lost Radio Rounders, has been busy creating a series of YouTube videos between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The band uploads performance videos every three days, and over the course of three months will have around 40 videos posted.

    Lost Radio Rounders "YouTube Summer"

    For Lost Radio Rounders, “YouTube Summer” is a creative effort to expand audience reach. By sharing their jam sessions, the trio of Tom Lindsay, Michael Eck, and Paul “Bowtie” Jossman, show viewers the joy playing music gives them.

    Lost Radio Rounders‘ specialty is paying homage to older songs. While they mostly play to intimate live audiences, they’re broadening their repertoire by utilizing social media, and in this case specifically, YouTube. Through these videos, their music can extend past their regular audiences and venues, reaching a more national and even international realm.

    In 2023, we had 60 paid performances, but only about a dozen of those were public. Venues such as libraries, historical societies and even the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall’s Music at Noon series have been perfect spots for our blend of music and American history, however those venues can only book us once a year at best. Michael, Paul and I wanted a way to share what we do with more folks, and the Lost Radio Rounders YouTube Channel was a great option.

    Tom Lindsay

    Some of their covers include sea chanties like “Leave Her Johnny, Leave Her,” and “Drunken Sailor,” and Pete Seeger’s New York classic, “Sailing Down My Golden River.” Through these covers, the joy the band finds in playing these songs is evident, giving the world access to their profound authenticity.

    These videos are as far from AI as one could imagine; no overdubs, edits or pitch correction, just each note that the three of us sang and played.

    Tom Lindsay

    Following their video series, this fall, the trio will put on three free, public performances. For information about the Lost Radio Rounders visit lostradiorounders.com. Watch “YouTube Summer” here.

    Lost Radio Rounders Fall Shows

    Saturday, September 7 at 2 PM- The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield, MA

    Sunday, October 20 at 2 PM- Guilderland Public Library, Guilderland, NY

    Sunday, November 3 at 2 PM- New Scotland Historical Assoc., Voorheesville, NY

  • Black Brook Hosts Music at the River Park Summer Concert Series

    The town of Black Brook, NY is in the midst of its weekly summer concert series, Music at the River Park, spanning from July 17 to Aug 21. The concerts take place in Au Sable Forks‘ River Park every Wednesday evening.

    Music at the River Park, Au Sable Forks

    The Northern NY concert series, Music at the River Park, is the musical collaboration of the towns of Black Brook and Au Sable Forks. Every Wednesday night from July 17 to Aug. 21 from 6-8 PM, locals can head down to River Park for free live entertainment. Concertgoers can also treat themselves to the town’s renowned food truck, The Dogfather, onsite.

    The weekly acts, presented by Black Brook are full of local musicians ranging from country artists to acoustic singer-songwriters. Thus far, July’s acts have included exciting homegrown acts such as Larry Ebere, Tally & Pop, and Bluebird. The music, queued to the picturesque views of the Au Sable River makes an electric combination proved to be loved by the community weekly.

    In the upcoming weeks, music lovers can enjoy sets from Midnight Stargazers, Larry Ebere once again, and finally, Sarah Mitchell. Filled with western tunes and harmonic melodies, August at River Park is sure to be plentiful of amazing music and talented artists.

    More more information about Music at the River Park, visit www.whitefaceregion.com

    Music at the River Park Full Schedule

    July 17 – Larry Ebere

    July 24 – Tally & Pop

    July 31 – Bluebird

    Aug. 7 – Midnight Stargazers

    Aug. 14 – Larry Ebere

    Aug. 21 – Sarah Mitchell

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05K6vHNtFe0
  • The Bell House in Brooklyn Bought Out by Live Nation

    The Bell House, a celebrated entertainment venue in Brooklyn’s Gowanus neighborhood, has been bought out by Live Nation. The venue has hosted and supported many independent artists throughout the years, having opened in 2008.

    The Bell House in Gowanus, Brooklyn

    Located in an old printing press warehouse, The Bell House has since served the community as an outlet for creatives around the city. Upon its opening, The Bell House was involved in the NYC Comedy scene, drawing the public to the industrialized neighborhood. The venue also racked up its fair share of bands, parties, burlesque, and a variety of other social events.

    Because of the opportunities and shameless fun offered to artists and attendees, The Bell House acted as a safe space for people to express themselves. Since 2008, the space has been independently run by the same team responsible for Park Slope’s Union Hall. The two similar, close-by venues, along with other BK establishments gave access to an underground circuit of up-and-coming artists.

    The Bell House in Gowanus, Brooklyn

    Recently, however, The Bell House has experienced a transition as Live Nation quietly purchased it. While the process of it becoming an evident Live Nation venue with mainstream acts is slowly coming into place, the community continues to raise concerns about the future of its beloved sanctuary.

    Live Nation, which is in the midst of a federal antitrust suit due to its monopoly over the live entertainment industry, already dominates NYC music venues. Over the years the music industry giant has racked up rooms like the Gramercy Theatre, Irving Plaza, and Brooklyn Paramount.

    The new addition of The Bell House has generated a lot of concern and questions from the community. Because the venues immensely support independent artists, people are questioning the risk of Live Nation trading in the smaller artists for bigger names. The possible exclusion of talented yet generally unknown musicians and comics contradicts the venue’s purpose and community. It also risks eliminating the proud diversity and public accessibility the venue has to offer.

    The booker and the marketing team do such a great job taking chances on emerging artists and concepts, and giving them the best possible chance to succeed. My big fear is that as it’s engulfed into the bigger Live Nation fold, the venue will lose a little of its cozy Brooklyn familiarity for artists.

    Frequent Bell House Performer for The Groove

    So far, the lineup has yet to reflect any drastic changes from regular shows. While most people are anticipating mainstream acts, the calendar remains full of smaller, yet still notable acts and bands. They still have classic Bell House-style events such as an ABBA Glitter Disco and a Moulin Rouge Drinking game.

    It’s unknown when Live Nation finalized the sale, and therefore, when their booking comes into play. The common fear among the public is how the company will decide to move forward with The Bell House’s trajectory.

    To stay updated with events at The Bell House visit thebellhouseny.com.

  • North Country Hardship Fund To Host 17th Wayne Stock Festival

    The North Country Hardship Fund’s 17th Wayne Stock Festival will take place in North Creek, NY on Friday, Aug. 2, and Saturday, Aug. 3. The NCHF is a non-profit organization that fundraises through the festival to provide resources for those who have suffered recent tragedies.

    North Country Hardship Fund presents Wayne Stock XVII

    Kicking off on Aug. 2, Wayne Stock XVII will be full of live music, food, auctions, and raffles, among many other festivities until 11 PM. The next day, Aug. 3 will provide an additional eleven hours of fun, starting at 12 PM. The free event will take place in North Creek‘s Ski Bowl Park, allowing attendees to enjoy a relaxing, yet fun and social outdoor environment, rain or shine.

    Local bands will serve as entertainment throughout the two festival days, presenting various types of music and backgrounds to add to an exciting and unique experience. Guests are encouraged to bring their own drinks and food will also be available at the festival. Though the event is free, NCHF will offer plenty of ways to donate money through raffles, as well as auctions for the chance to win amazing prizes. Specifically, prizes at this year’s Wayne Stock Festival include a UTV, a dual-fuel generator, and $250 cash.

    NCHF asks that attendees leave pets at home and don’t bring glass products to ensure general safety. Wayne Stock’s purpose is to bring the community together for a good time while contributing to very important causes. With the help of many local sponsors, NCHF, as well as the North Country community are able to raise funds to supply sources to families in need.

    Wayne “Wayno” Bukovinsky created Wayne Stock in 2008 to raise money for a recent accident he had been in. Using proceeds from the festival he and his wife Tammy, started the North Country Hardship Fund. The non-profit continues raising money for those without the resources to recover financially from personal tragedies. Since Wayno’s death in 2023, Tammy and the NCHF community have continued his mission of helping others through his festival.

    For more information about Wayne Stock XVII visit northcountryhardshipfund.org.

  • Works & Process Shares Lineup of Fall 2024 Events

    The Guggenheim’s performing arts series, Works & Process, announced their extensive Fall schedule which includes shows across NYC. The series is also comprised of twelve residencies in collaboration with multiple partners, as well as seven W&P commissions on tour.

    Works & Process at the Guggenheim
    Martha Graham Dance Company in Baye & Asa’s
    Cortege 2023. Photo: Steven Pisano

    This coming Fall, Works & Process will provide a number of exciting diverse shows for patrons to enjoy. Taking place at the Guggenheim Museum, Manhattan West, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, there are plenty of opportunities for unique experiences across the city. The non-profit organization helps foster productions’ journeys from workshop to stage. W&P allows artists to explore their projects without having to worry about the costs and risks of insurance, housing, and studio space.

    Furthermore, performance works commissioned by Works & Process for LaunchPAD, which, stands for “Process as Destination” will go on tour. Additionally, the LaunchPAD program allows artists to explore and execute their craft, which is fully funded and has fourteen partners across Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. Subsequently, Artists have the opportunity to share their crafts and hard work all over the country as well as internationally.

    Works & Process at the Guggenheim
    Marjorie Folkman and Daniel Pettrow in Peter & the Wolf at Works & Process, December 2022. Photo: Titus Ogilvie-Laing, courtesy of Works & Process

    Kicking off the season is Gather Round, an outdoor series taking place at Manhattan West Plaza event circle. The series is in partnership with Brookfield Properties Arts & Culture and is free for anyone to watch. Works & Process will host breakdancers as well, to celebrate street and club dance battles every Wednesday in September. The multiplicity of events that Word & Process has to offer in addition to the number of locations, establishes the importance of the performing arts and making it available to the public.

    The schedule includes special W&P commissions, full-blown productions featuring skilled artists, in-depth discussions, and exclusive Guggenheim member experiences, among many other various showcases. Undeniably, the schedule wholeheartedly carries on the mission of celebrating and prioritizing every area of art and encouraging the messages performers can tell.

    For more details on the Works & Process Fall 2024 Schedule and to purchase or reserve tickets, visit worksandprocess.org.

    Works & Process Fall 2024 Schedule

    At the Guggenheim

    Monday, September 9 at 7 PM– The Metropolitan Opera presents Grounded by Jeanine Tesori, libretto by George Brant

    Sunday, September 15 at 7 PM– Opera Philadelphia and Lyric Opera of Chicago presents The Listeners by Missy Mazzoli, libretto by Royce Vavrek

    Sunday, September 22 at 3 and 7 PM– American Ballet Theatre presents Crime and Punishment by Helen Pickett

    Monday, September 23 at 7 PM– Documentary Preview and Discussion of No Dancing Allowed with LaTasha Barnes, Sekou Heru, Aidan Gibney, Jared Harbour, and Ellen Ling

    Monday, September 23 at 8 PM– Rotunda Dance Party: Ladies of Hip-Hop

    Sunday, September 29 at 7 PM– Martha Graham Dance Company presents Baye & Asa

    Monday, September 30 at 7 PM– W&P Commission Preview: Music From The Sole

    Sunday, October 6 at 7 PM– New York City Ballet presents Caili Quan, Tiler Peck, and Gianna Reisen

    Monday, October 7 at 7 PM– School of American Ballet at 90

    Sunday, November 10 at 7 PM– W&P Commission: To the Body by Nico Muhly (In partnership with Guggenheim Asian Art Initiative)

    Monday, November 18 at 7 PMTango Essence with Pedro Giraudo’s Tango Quartet (In conjunction with Member Mondays.)

    Monday, November 18 at 8 PM– Rotunda Dance Party: NYCity Tango Collective

    Friday, December 6 at 6:30 PMPeter & the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev with Isaac Mizrahi; Dance Heginbotham with Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect conducted by Michael P. Atkinson

    Saturday, December 7 at 11 AM, 1, and 2:30 PM- Peter & the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev with Isaac Mizrahi; Dance Heginbotham with Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect conducted by Michael P. Atkinson

    Sunday, December 8 at 1, 2:30, and 4 PMPeter & the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev with Isaac Mizrahi; Dance Heginbotham with Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect conducted by Michael P. Atkinson

    Saturday, December 14 at 2:30 and 4 PM– W&P Commission: Third Bird by Isaac Mizrahi and Nico Muhly; Dance Heginbotham with Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect conducted by Michael P. Atkinson

    Sunday, December 15 at 7 PM– Rotunda Holiday Concert: Charles Turner & Uptown Swing with Jasmine Rice LaBeija

    At Manhattan West with Brookfield Properties Arts & Culture

    Wednesdays in September Gather Round: Street and Club Dance Battles

    Wednesday, September 4 at 4:30 PM Behind The Groove: CeleBreak Outside! with Kwikstep and Rokafella

    Wednesday, September 11 at 4:30 PM Gather Round Kiki Ball

    Wednesday, September 18 at 4:30 PM Fabulous Waacking Festival Fall Edition with Princess Lockerooo

    Wednesday, September 25 at 4:30 PM Manhattan West Beatbox Battle with The Beatbox House

    Works & Process at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Jerome Robbins Dance Division

    Thursday, November 14 at 6 PM West African Dance to AfrikFusion: Intergenerational Stories with Marie Basse-Wiles & Omari Wiles

    Works & Process LaunchPAD “Process as Destination” Residencies

    ArtYard

    LayeRhythm (Jan 2–11)

    Bethany Arts Community

    KR3TS (Keep Rising to the Top) with Violeta Galagarza (Aug 27–Sept 10)

    Omari Wiles and Marie Basse-Wiles: Les Ballet Afrik and Maimouna Keita School of African Dance (Nov 15–22)

    Wus Poppin NYC with Kwikstep and Rokafella (Dec 12–20)

    MasterZ at Work Dance Family (Jan 2–9)

    Bridge Street Theatre

    KR3TS (Keep Rising to the Top) with Violeta Galagarza (Jan 2–9)

    Catskill Mountain Foundation

    Martha Graham Dance Company: Baye & Asa (Sept 23–28)

    The Church

    Emily Coates (Jan 2025)

    Guild Hall William P. Rayner Artist-in-Residence

    Music From The Sole (Jan 2025)

    Kaatsbaan Cultural Park

    Music From The Sole (Sept 23–29)

    Modern Accord Depot

    MasterZ at Work Dance Family (Oct 6–13)

    The Pocantico Center

    Afro Latin Soul with Sekou McMiller & Friends (Dec 2–8)

    Additional Partners

    Chautauqua Institution, Millay Arts, NYU Center for Ballet and the Arts, Watermill Center, The Yard

    Works & Process Commissions on Tour

    Music From The Sole’s I Didn’t Come to Stay

    Aug 20–21: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

    Oct 5: MASS MoCA with Jacob’s Pillow

    Princess Lockerooo & The Fabulous Waack Dancers: The Big Show

    Aug 24: Jacob’s Pillow

    The Missing Element featuring The Beatbox House

    Aug 25: Yale Schwarzman Center

    Sept 28: University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

    LayeRhythm

    Sept 7: Harris Theater for Music and Dance

    Oct 16: USC Visions and Voices

    LaTasha Barnes’s The Jazz Continuum

    Sept 14: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

    Ephrat Asherie Dance: UNDERSCORED

    Sept 20–24: La Mercè Festival

    Ladies of Hip-Hop, Black Dancing Bodies Project: “SpeakMyMind”

    Sept 21: Orcas Center

  • NYC-Based Artist Morley Releases Captivating Single “Follow The Sound”

    Singer-songwriter, Morley, from New York City, released her new song “Follow The Sound” on Friday, July 26. The song is the second single off her upcoming album of the same name, due Sept. 27.

    While building up to the significance of her upcoming album, the song evidently explores the dynamic between witnessing hardships and processing them in one’s own way.

    "Follow The Sound" by Morley

    The new title track, “Follow The Sound” is full of Morley’s dedication to activism along with a soft mix of jazz and folk. The song comes after the artist witnessed some of the most devastating fundamental issues currently taking place, firsthand. Impacted by the devastation she saw, Morley channeled what she saw into a piece of work from the perspective of a child who is a victim of family border separation.

    “Follow The Sound” is the work of Morley alongside her husband, producer, Chris Bruce, who also plays guitar on the record. Assisting the duo on the song and record are pianist pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Meshell Ndegeocello, and drummer Jack DeBoe. The song is the second of four singles for the album including “It’s Hard To Stop” (June 21), “Follow The Sound” (July 26), “Here In Love” (August 9), and “Where Are We” (September 6).

    ‘Follow the Sound’ came to me while participating in an action at the US/Mexico Border responding to inhumane policies of family separation. The song speaks of a dream a child is having after being separated from their mother at the border, in the dream, the mother urges the child to follow the sound of her voice to find a safety beyond the physical realm. Follow the Sound is also a metaphor for following the sound of one’s own inner voice and the voice of the natural world, as one.

    Morley

    Morley uses her music to articulate her experiences with people of diverse backgrounds. After attending United Nations International School, and later the Duke Ellington High School for the Performing Arts, she’s accumulated knowledge about a variety of different cultures and the issues and discrimination people face. It was through those experiences, that she was able to form her views of the world, and therefore, her music.

    "Follow The Sound" by Morley

    Morley actively participates in multi-leveled activism such as fighting for human rights through releasing benefit albums. TED Women and TED X have also honored her as a featured performer and speaker. As a visionary through her music, she has brought artists like Yo-Yo Ma, Esperanza Spalding, Meryl Streep, and Rosanne Cash, among others together for powerful causes.

    To stream”Follow The Sound” and learn more about Morley, visit www.morleymusic.org.

  • Barbie Barker of Candy Ambulance Shares Debut Single “Unread”

    Barbie Barker of Troy’s Candy Ambulance, is embarking on a new solo project with debut single, “Unread” on July 19. The single comes ahead of an EP titled C. dropping July 26. As Barbie shifts her focus musically, she explores realms of vulnerability, emotions, and authenticity.

    "Unread" by Barbie Barker from "C."

    Barbie Barker stumbled upon this entirely new terrain when she started channeling immense genuity inspired by certain events in her life that deeply affected her. During the music-making process, it became apparent that the songs wouldn’t fit Candy Ambulance’s image. So instead, Barker, whose first name is Caitlin, choosing to take on the name Barbie after her grandmother, made the decision to undertake this era independently.

    Her debut single off of C., “Unread” tells the story of becoming so passionate about something to the point where it becomes all-consuming and affects more than yourself. It’s about remembering how things used to be, the transitions that took place, and the choices that need to be made. The lyrics are intimate, admitting the feelings that Barker had such a hard time bringing to light.

    Candy Ambulance is my first band and I put so much of my self worth into my role there. It was my salvation, the reason I go to therapy and work really hard to be a good person. I wrote about some really intense traumas I was working through and we toured the record where I bore my soul.

    Barbie Barker on “Unread”

    Against the backdrop of simple guitar and percussion, her voice guides the instruments along with the sentiment she’s expressing. The music starts slow and progressively picks up as more truths spill out. The words truly are the main attraction, combatting the feelings of pressure that Barker sings about, while the music submits to them. Put together by Barker and Tummy Rub Records, local musicians Joe Taurone (drums), Sam Walzyck (bass), and Dan Carr (guitar and production) understood and respected her vision.

    The song is the result of pushing forward while still needing to heal from deep traumas as well as the defense mechanisms put in place to cope with that life. Through the words, Barker comes to terms with the fact that are all doing life for the first time, and trying to navigate it and mend ourselves as we go.

    “Unread” is just one of five heartfelt indie-rock products of Barker’s writing journey. The upcoming EP C. is full of personal songs and anyone who listens can know they’re taking part in Barker’s healing. As a body of music, C. exemplifies the value of songwriting for artists and the solace that they can find. In Barker’s case, she uses it as an outlet that is less accessible when trying to appease everyone else.

    This EP is a short and (bitter)sweet account of my vulnerability in songwriting as I move through my life. The songs didn’t fit my band and it was scary to branch out and do a project of my own. I worked with the incredibly talented folks at Tummy Rub Records and the experience was effortless. We even used my scratch guitar tracks because the vibe was so comfortable. I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together.

    Barbie Barker on C.

    Additionally, to celebrate the release of her new music, Barker and the folks at Tummy Rub are holding a release show on Friday, July 19 at The Hangar on the Hudson in Troy. She will be joined by her collaborators as well as special guests toriendofstory and Canella, who also contributed to the E.P. The two bands will open for Barker with their own original music on a night full of authenticity and creative expression.

    Pre-save and listen to “Unread” and C. on your preferred streaming platform. Purchase tickets for the release show here.

  • Northwest Jazz Festival To Celebrate Great American Songbook

    The Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY will host an exciting celebration tribute of The Great American Songbook Aug. 23-24. The festival will include six performances across the two days of beloved music, taking place on Center St. in Lewiston.

    Northwest Jazz Festival, Lewiston

    Coming to Lewiston for the upcoming festival is a group of extremely talented musicians, whose work excels in the jazz community.

    On Friday, Aug. 23 at 6 PM, Pete Malinverni and his trio will open the festival. The performance will then be followed by Pete Malinverni, Peter Bernstein, and Anaïs Reno performing a selection of jazz standards from the Great American Songbook. The first night of the Northwest Jazz Festival brings a unique collaboration from three significant artists.

    The next day, Saturday, Aug. 24, festivities get an earlier start. At 2:15 PM, attendees will witness Elliot Sneider perform the music of George and Ira Gershwin. This delightful start to the day will excite the audience, preparing them for the extraordinary shows ahead of them. Throughout the rest of the day, the Jazz at the Ballroom organization will present three shows with different American Songbook themes.

    Starting at 4 PM, Adrian Cunningham, Wyatt Michael, and the Konrad Paszkudzki Trio will present “Get Out of Town.” This show will feature songs like  “Route 66” and “Stars Fell On Alabama,” giving attendees a musical tour of the country.

    At 6 PM, Champian Fulton along with Olivia Chindamo, and Vanessa Perea will pay homage to the women who paved their way from big bands to becoming household names. “Flying High” features the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O’Day, Billie Holiday, Rosemary Clooney, and many more.

    Lastly, at 8:30 PM “Accentuate the Positive” to close the night out and end the enchanting weekend of music. Led by pianist, Konrad Paszkudzki, the performance will include uplifting songs from back in the day such as. Joined by the full Jazz at the Ballroom ensemble, the festival will undoubtedly end on a high note.

    To reserve a seat for the Northwest Jazz Festival, visit lewistonjazz.com.

  • Woodstock Duo Spillway Release Debut Single, “Are You Having Fun Yet?”

    Spillway, a brother duo from Woodstock, made their musical debut on July 9, with their first release, “Are You Having Fun Yet?”

    Are You Having Fun Yet? by Spillway

    Twin brothers, Aaron and Wyatt Mones have been making music for years as singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists. However, this time around, they’re making music under their new project, Spillway. Named after the street they grew up on in Woodstock, the project emphasizes the sentiment of their musical upbringing and collaborations as brothers, even when they live on opposite coasts.

    Their new single “Are You Having Fun Yet?”, gives listeners a folky tune mixed with a more universal pop sound and hints of country western. Inspired by the music of artists like Blake Mills, Frank Ocean, and Sufjan Stevens, the song represents the artistic direction of each brother respectively, coming from different perspectives and environments. The song is successful in evoking nostalgia and reflection and truly has appealing features for vast tastes in music.

    The new song is Spillway’s first release on Indiana-based independent label, Wally Opus Records. The brothers self-produced the record themselves, having to either work remotely from each other or commute across the country to do so. So far, the song is gaining traction quickly on streaming services for having been out just less than a week. If “Are You Having Fun Yet?” is any indication of what Spillway will produce in the future, fans of folk and indie are going to want to keep them on their radar.

    Listen to “Are You Having Fun Yet?” on your preferred streaming platform here.