NYS Music 2024

Author: Abby Littman

  • Playhouse Stage Co. Presents Legally Blonde: The Musical

    Playhouse Stage Company is extending its 36th season with a production of Legally Blonde: The Musical at Cohoes Music Hall. Previews will take place on July 17 and 19, and the production will last through August 11.

    Playhouse Stage Co. presents Legally Blonde: The Musical at Cohoes Music Hall

    Playhouse Stage Co. has been presenting musical theatre productions year-round at the Cohoes Music Hall since 2016. They are continuing that tradition with Legally Blonde: The Musical this summer. The musical comedy based on the beloved movie will feature Playhouse Stage Academy students as well as professional performers. The talented actors will tell the story of sorority girl, Elle Woods, who attends Harvard Law School to follow her ex-boyfriend and finds herself in the process.

    Legally Blonde will have two previews taking place on July 17 at 7:30 PM and 19 at 2 PM for press coverage. For the rest of the run there will be 7:30 PM evening performances on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 2:00 PM matinee performances on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

    The show is directed and choreographed by Ashley-Simone Kirchner, assistant choreographed by Gabi Bazinet Douglas and Alexis Papaleo, and musically directed by Brandon Jones. Additionally, Scenery is designed by Marc Christopher, costumes are by Minah Tucker, lighting is by PJ Davis, and sound is designed by Tommy Rosati.

    Legally Blonde Cast

    Elle Woods- Selma Fabregas

    Emmett Forest- Jon Maltz

    Paulette Bonafanté- Molly Rose McGrath

    Professor Callahan- Patrick Ryan Sullivan 

    Warner Huntington III- AJ Halsey

    Brooke Wyndham- Gabi Bazinet Douglas

    Tickets are on sale at the Cohoes Music Hall and Playhouse Stage Co. box office. Adult tickets are $35.00, with $25.00 available for Seniors (65 and older). Tickets are $18 for children and students with identification. To purchase tickets online, visit www.playhousestage.org.

  • SPAC Announces 2024-25 Spa Little Theater Dance Season

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center shares two special dance performances that will take place during their Spa Little Theater Dance Season. The dance season features performances of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham on Nov. 9 and 10 and Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana on Mar. 8 and 9.

    Spa Little Theater Dance Season
    A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

    The series starts with A.I.M by Kyle Abraham on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7 PM and Sunday, Nov. 10 at 2 PM. Throughout the two performances, the show’s company will tell a myriad of black and queer stories through contemporary dance. The dances are combined with music, text, videos, and visual art to convey the messages of the stories. These shows will be A.I.M by Kyle Abraham’s SPAC debut. In the past, Kyle Abraham has had two New York City Ballet shows at SPAC, finding great success with them.

    Our year-round home in Spa Little Theater has truly become a vibrant hub for all genres of music, dance, and theater. In addition to the presentation of and education in the arts,  we are also proud of our role as a commissioner and incubator of new and exciting works.

     Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    Another exciting SPAC deput happening during the Spa Little Theater Dance Season is Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana. At this show, they will highlight the premiere of their evening-length work QUINTO ELEMENTO (Fifth Element). The show navigates the element, ether, which concerns the essence that makes up our surroundings, through dances choreographed by Patricia Guerrero to original scores played live. The flamenco sounds and movements portray chaos while expanding past boundries. Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana will perform on Saturday, Mar. 8, 2025 at 7 PM and Sunday, Mar. 9, 2025 at 2 PM

    Tickets will be available for purchase on July 10, 2024 for members (tiered by level), and on July 12, 2024 for the general public. Visit spac.org for additional details.

  • NYC Singer Leo Sawikin Releases Single “What Is The Answer”

    Singer-songwriter Leo Sawikin from New York City put out his latest single “What Is The Answer” on July 10.

    Sawikin is coming off of the success of his last single, “Till You’re Somebody Else,” which charted #1 on the Mediabase A/C Independent Artists Chart.

    "What Is The Answer"

    Leo Sawikin is the former frontman of the NYC indie-folk band The Chordaes and has continued to make solo music of the same caliber, as exemplified by “What Is The Answer”. Over the past few years, he’s been busy releasing singles, including “Hold On”,  “The Same Mistakes”, “Don’t Pass It By”, “New York I’m Coming Home”, and  “This River.” Sawikin’s songwriting and musicianship have earned him rave reviews from a slew of music critics.

    Leo Sawikin

    “What Is The Answer” enters the existential realm, asking important questions about “what consciousness is and questions whether it’s something that transcends our physical lives or ends when we pass,” as Sawikin explains. The instrumentation and harmonies project that constant wondering about life, the unknown, and stronger forces.

    …a profound message wrapped in indie-folk with dreamy shimmer pop sensibilities reminiscent of a gentle breeze on a warm summer night. Leo’s vocal performance is consistently captivating, evoking a sense of raw sincerity and emotional depth that resonates with listeners.

    Honk Magazine

    Fans of Sawikin’s music can also look forward to his sophomore solo album, which will drop sometime in 2024, produced by Phil Ek (Grouplove, Fleet Foxes, Modest Mouse) and mastered by Greg Calbi (The Smile, Bob Dylan, Bon Iver). More information to be released in the near future. For now, however, his 2021 album Row Me Away is available to listen to on all streaming platforms.

    In the midst of “What Is The Answer’s” release, Sawikin has been on a national tour opening for Jon McLaughlin in May and June. Additionally, he has big things in store for Fall 2024 with a handful of more dates. He’ll be hitting the road again starting Sep. 17, traveling the East Coast until late November.

    ‘What Is The Answer’ is a song that asks what consciousness is and questions whether it’s something that transcends our physical lives or ends when we pass. Will there be pain, or will it be peaceful? It also ties into the theme of ‘Till You’re Somebody Else,’ in that it sees our current lives as just a moment in our existence.

    Leo Sawikin

    Leo Sawikin with Jon McLaughlin Tour Dates:

    Tues, Sept 17- Hummelstown, PA at The Englewood

    Thurs, Sept 19- Sellersville, PA at Sellersville Theater

    Fri, Sept 20- Bay Shore, NY at Boulton Center For The Arts

    Sat, Sept 21- Northampton, MA at Iron Horse

    Sun, Sept 22- Pawling, NY at Daryl’s House

    Thurs, Sept 26- Portland, ME at One Longfellow Square

    Fri, Sept 27- Natick, MA at The Center For The Arts

    Sat, Sept 28- Old Saybrook, CT at The Kate

    Sun, Sept 29- New York, NY at City Winery

    Sat, Nov 23- Nashville, TN at City Winery

    For more information about Leo Sawikin or to listen to “What Is The Answer,” visit www.leosawikin.com.

  • Amsterdam Holds 2024 Riverlink Park Summer Concerts

    The Amsterdam Waterfront Foundation has announced the lineup for their 2024 Riverlink Park summer concert series, supported by the community of Amsterdam. For years the concert series has been held every summer in Riverlink Park, with a variety of local artists, tribute performances, and festivities.

    Riverlink Park summer concert series

    Music fans from across the Capital Region will head down to 1 Front Street in Amsterdam, NY. The series of free evening concerts on the river edge will overlook the picturesque Mohawk River. The lineup includes ten fun, energetic performances and celebrations from a wide variety of entertainers. Taking place every Saturday until the end of August, the shows will last from 7 to 9 PM.

    Some of the events featured over the next few weeks include Dark Sarcasm, a Pink Floyd tribute show on July 20. This show is one of many cover sets that attendees will get to enjoy. To switch things, up the series will end with Electric City Horns, a dance music set, allowing new audiences to experience a party on the riverfront.

    Other types of events that are happening are Riverfest on Aug. 3 and Latinfest on Aug. 10. Riverfest will give families the opportunity to head down to Riverlink Park for live music, vendors, and family-friendly activities. Similarly, Latinfest will celebrate Latin-American heritage will music, parades, and traditions. Overall, the large spectrum of genres and dynamics offered will provide entertainment for everyone.

    July 3: Amsterdam’s Independence Day Fest featuring Big Sky Country

    July 6: Family Night with the Amsterdam Marching Rams

    July 13: Across the Pond – Beatles Tribute Band

    July 20: Dark Sarcasm – Pink Floyd Tribute Band

    July 27: Showtime – CNY’s Hot Cover Band

    August 3: Amsterdam’s RiverFest (starts at 1 p.m.)

    August 10: Amsterdam’s LatinFest

    August 17: Rivers of Dreams- Billy Joel Experience with the American Elton John

    August 24: Legacy – the Music of Journey and Foreigner

    August 31: The Electric City Horns

    Find more information about Amsterdam’s Riverlink Park Concert Series here.

    • Andy James Releases Jazz Rendition of “New York State of Mind”

      Jazz vocalist Andy James from Las Vegas, NV put out her own rendition of the Billy Joel classic, “New York State of Mind.” The song, which is accompanied by a music video, is the latest single from her upcoming album, Let Me See Your Heart.

      Andy James, New York State of Mind

      Andy James has been a part of the entertainment industry for years. As an experienced dancer in Europe and a passionate Jazz singer, her music contains musings of her many experiences. She significantly expresses personal messages in her originals and adds new perspectives to beloved jazz songs.

      Let Me See Your Heart is James’ fifth album which she will release on August 9 on Le Coq Records. The album features contributions from a variety of renowned jazz musicians and frequent collaborators of James. The music includes pianist Jon Cowherd, drummer Nate Smith, percussionist Alex Acuna and bassist John Patitucci. Additionally, Grammy Award-winning keyboardist John Beasley, saxophonist and bass clarinetist John Ellis, guitarist Chico Pinheiro, and organist Ronnie Foster have features.

      The new rendition of “New York State of Mind” is a melting pot of sounds, creating a refreshing alternative to the classic piano ballad. The new perspective is exciting, providing a larger and more upbeat combination of instruments and including a female vocalist. The song reflects James’ jazz beginnings of casually recording songs that spoke to her. James ensured that the song upheld the personal and relaxed value while giving it a fresh spin.

      For me, the song that best sums up everything that’s great about this album may, in fact, be ‘New York State of Mind’ – it sounds so new and so different, not only does it makes me feel like I never really heard the song before, but it makes me look at the city itself with whole new eyes.  For a lifelong New Yorker, that’s really saying something.

      Will Friedwald, Jazz Critic

      Andy James is currently on tour, having just played shows at The Cutting Room in New York City, as well as a show in Nashville at Rudy’s Jazz Room. Next, she returns to Europe for a series of shows throughout July and August.

      For more information about Andy James’ music visit www.andyjames.com

    • In Focus: Neal Francis at Ridgefield Playhouse

      On July 6, funk keyboardist Neal Francis brought a mixture of blues and rock-laced syncopation to Ridgefield Playhouse. The Saturday show brought folks together from across the tri-state area, treating concert-goers to a thrilling show in the small town of Ridgefield, CT. 

      Neal Francis at Ridgefield Playhouse

      With shaggy hair and striped pants, Neal Francis graced the stage. Accompanied by bassist Mike Starr, drummer Collin O’Brien, and guitarist Kellen Boersma, the band approached the audience. The show in Ridgefield marked their third day of back-to-back shows. Nevertheless, it was hard to tell based on their electrifying performance.

      Francis and his band are currently in the middle of a U.S. tour, with a mix of headline shows and opening sets. Most recently he opened for Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue as well as KALEO and My Morning Jacket. The Connecticut show, however, was one of a select few without an opener, making the show extremely personal and to the point. Next, they’re off to Winnipeg, Canada on June 13th, after which they take a short break until their return to the east coast in August.

      Neal Francis at Ridgefield Playhouse
      Neal Francis

      The show immediately started with dynamically composed arrangements, however staying true to the nature of live music, Francis had to fix some technical issues from his pedals. Despite any malfunctions, he commanded the band to give a beat, making sure the music never stopped while he got to work on his rig. The dedication that the band displayed to keep the audience grooving exhibited true showmanship.

      Being that Ridgefield Playhouse is a smaller room in the middle of a small town, the energy was more like that of a party, rather than a concert. Francis was able to communicate with the audience giving the environment such strong personableness. Everyone was excited to be there, whether they traveled for it or were just checking out a cool show nearby. Regardless, the crowd was brought together by their excitement and love for the music.

      The versatility of the show also made for an outstanding experience. Francis of course gracefully tackled his hits, but not without playing some unfamiliar tunes. Everyone in the auditorium got to witness songs that only those with the honor of seeing Francis live receive. This emphasized the importance of live music and the role it plays in bringing fans and artists together. The songs all included rhythmic breakdowns. The expansion of the music continued to produce unique renditions special to the live show.

      Neal Francis at Ridgefield Playhouse
      Neal Francis at Ridgefield Playhouse
      Neal Francis at Ridgefield Playhouse
      Mike Starr

    • Central NY EDM Festival SummerFest Returns in August

      Coming back for its second season, SummerFest will bring local EDM and House music to The Finish Line Bar and Grill in Brewerton on August 3. The one-day event held just north of Syracuse, will have a variety of energetic DJ sets.

      EDM SummerFest, Brewerton

      Saturday, August 3 in Brewerton, NY, will be filled with a lot of EDM music and dancing. The event, presented by Kandi God Enterprises and Neon Grove Studios, will showcase 18 performances made up of House music with a Dubstep and bass set. DJs will play throughout the day across two stages, one indoor and one outdoor, so attendees are sure to get the full experience. Accompanying the music is amazing production value with impressive sound systems by C.A Sound and LED visuals by  ZPL Lighting.

      The Indoor stage will have sets from 3:30 PM-1:30 AM, and the Outdoor sets will go from 4 PM-12:30 AM. Each set will be an hour long, with plenty of time to see as many sets as possible. Along with the DJ sets, attendees can also indulge in Vendor Village. Local artists will have offerings ranging from handmade products to festival necessities.

      Other forms of entertainment are live painting and lawn games. Artist Jason Vincent will create a painting in front of a live audience. There will also be lawn games throughout the venue for ravers to enjoy during and in between sets. SummerFest is sure to bring EDM fans together in Brewerton for one electrifying day of electronic music and art from all over the state.

      SummerFest Indoor Stage

      3:30 PM – 4:30 PM- Evan Hughes

      4:30 PM – 5:30 PM- Kittie C – B2B – Da Rex

      5:30 PM – 6:30 PM- Derrick – J

      6:30 PM – 7:30 PM- Izzy

      7:30 PM – 8:30 PM- Lenny Mvdhitz

      8:30 PM – 9:30 PM- Nesra [DnB Set]

      9:30 PM – 10:30 PM- 1DRFL

      10:30 PM – 11:30 PM- Dose The Alien – B2B – Tyme The Traveler

      11:30 PM – 12:30 AM- Dezz – B2B – TheKandiGod

      12:30 AM – 1:30 AM- OH KANE

      SummerFest Outdoor Stage

      4:00 PM – 5:00 PM- D A V E O

      5:00 PM – 6:00 PM- Ben Coscia

      6:00 PM – 7:00 PM- Oli Oh!

      7:00 PM – 8:00 PM- Rayner

      8:00 PM – 9:00 PM- Dezz [Dubstep Set]

      9:00 AM – 10:30 PM- TheKandiGod

      10:30 PM – 11:30 PM- Mack Bango

      11:30 PM – 12:30 AM- Chris Allen

      Early Bird tickets are $15 +fees and end July 9, Tier 1 Tickets are $20 +fees, starting July 9 and ending July 27, Tier 2 Tickets are $25 +fees, starting July 27 and ending August 4 at 12:00AM. Tickets for the EDM SummerFest can be found here.

    • Hudson Jazz Festival Announces 2024 Lineup

      On the weekend of Oct. 4-6, Hudson Hall at the Hudson Opera House will hold the 2024 Hudson Jazz Festival for fans of all ages. Ekep Nkwelle, Riley Mulherkar, and the Ethan Iverson Trio will each headline a night of the festival respectively. With the event being held in October for the first time, the festival will succeed a Community Day on Sept. 28.

      Hudson Jazz Festival, Hudson Hall
      Top (left to right):  Ekep Nkwelle, Ethan Iverson
      Bottom (left to right): Riley Mulherkar, Melanie Charles

      Hudson Jazz Lineup

      A selection of renowned jazz musicians with diverse backgrounds will take the stage in the historic town of Hudson for crowds of jazz fans every night at 7 PM. Starting on Oct. 4, the first mainstage performance will be Ekep Nkwelle, with her renditions of Ella Fitzgerald tunes. The Cameroonian-American vocalist has significantly exhibited her talents at Julliard, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Radio City Music Hall. Her performance at the Hudson Jazz Festival will be the perfect way to kick off the weekend of Jazz.

      The next day, on Oct. 5, the Riley Mulherkar Quartet will headline the mainstage with a versatile performance. The set will feature Riley Mulherkar on trumpet and Chris Pattishall on piano, with bass and drums to be announced later. The quartet’s music presents classic jazz while bordering on more contemporary sounds. Especially with songs labeled “folk-like and composerly, lovely and intellectually rigorous” by NPR Music, the performance will definitely be a special one.

      To close out the Hudson Jazz Festival on Sunday, Oct. 6 the Ethan Iverson Trio will undoubtedly close out the festival with an enamoring performance. Made up of Ethan Iverson on piano, Reuben Rogers on bass, and Gerald Cleaver on drums, the group will give a multi-faceted performance. With a dynamic layering of jazz and classical music, the trio’s performance will appeal to attendees regardless of taste.

      We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase not just some of the most exciting jazz artists of today, but the unique beauty of our region during the spectacular fall season and the unique community that embraces it.

      Tambra Dillon, Hudson Hall executive director 

      More From Hudson

      For fans who want to experience more of what Hudson Hall has to offer, the Hudson Jazz Festival Community Day will take place ahead of the festival. On Saturday, Sept. 28 from 2-6 PM, jazz fans can experience different activities and musical performances. At 2 PM at City Hall Place, there will be a drum circle with Kuumba Dance & Drum as well as a Barbeque for attendees.

      The main event will take place at 3 PM with the Make Jazz Trill Again Mega Jam. Additionally, the improvised jam will feature Melanie Charles on vocals and flute, with Yunie Mojica on vocals and sax, Zacchae’us Paul on keys and key bass, Jerome Jennings on drums, Malik Kiyoshi McLaurine on upright, and E Bass and DJ OOOChild on the turntables. This performance will exemplify the pride of jazz musicians and the love the artists and fans have for the genre. This particularly energetic show with talented musicians is an exciting treat ahead of the festival.

      Melanie Charles is an artist that “takes us on a journey that embodies the soul of jazz” (NPR) and a central figure in a vibrant musical community made up of loving, talented, and innovative musicians, poets, DJs, and artists. The festival weekend that follows features three charismatic headliners with wide-ranging musical influences whose virtuosity has earned them acclaim from audiences across the globe.

      Cat Henry, festival curator

      The last event starts at 4:30 PM with an exhibition opening reception with the artist who is currently unannounced.

      For tickets, reservation information, and upcoming announcements visit hudsonhall.org.

    • WNYC Announces Centennial Program Ahead of 100th Anniversary

      New York City Public Radio (WNYC) is celebrating their 100th year on air with a months-long celebration and a centennial album to go with it. The celebration starts on July 8 and continues through the fall, including special broadcasts, concerts, and public participation.

      New York Public Radio/WNYC Centennial

      Since WNYC’s founding in 1924, they’ve transformed and fostered New York City’s connection through delivering news, entertainment, and technological advances. This year, they celebrate 100 years of doing so, beginning in July.

      On July 8, Happy Birthday WNYC! An on-air celebration, hosted by Brian Lehrer at 7 PM can be found on 93.9 FM. Followed by the Re-imagining of WNYC’s inaugural broadcast hosted live from The Greene Space. Then, in true New York fashion, the Empire State Building will light up red to kick off the festivities.

      Other special offerings include “From the Archives” Audio Spots  (July 8 – ongoing), where past and current staff will guide listeners through important radio moments from the WNYC archives. Artist Katie Merz will create an ongoing art exhibition called Public Art for Public Radio inspired by New York City and Listener stories. Next, “Your New York Stories” – an audio storytelling initiative (July 8 – ongoing) will allow listeners to broadcast their own stories. Lastly, 100 Years of 100 Things with Brian Lehrer (July 8 – ongoing) will cover significant NYC political histories and events.

      Brian Lehrer, Brooke Gladstone, and Michael Hill

      The celebration extends down to the subways as well. Starting July 8, subway announcements will feature the voices of WNYC radio personalities, Brian Lehrer, Michael Hill, and Brooke Gladstone.

      Additionally, All of It‘s “Public Song Project,” invited listeners to submit reimaginings of songs from the 1920s. A panel of esteemed judges selected the top entries for WNYC to play on air. The winners will also be featured on the Centennial album alongside, Rosanne Cash, The Lemon Twigs, Steve Earle, and They Might Be Giants, among others. Listeners will have a chance to perform their renditions on July 20 at 6 PM in The People’s Concert at Lincoln Center alongside award-winning musician, Jay Blount.

      Later, on July 27, WNYC will present the Rhapsody for This Land: The American Odyssey in Music free concert. The show will take place in Brooklyn Bridge Park and feature pianist, Lara Downes. Other artists featured include Christian McBride, Rosanne Cash, Arturo O’Farrill, Time for Three, and the Orchestra Elena under Aram Demirjian.

      Picking back up again in the fall on September 9, the celebration will include a live broadcast from Central Park SummerStage with Brian Lehrer. Furthermore, the show will include comedy, music, trivia, sets by Freestyle Love Supreme, mxmtoon, Donwill, and segments from WNYC hosts. Along with some currently unannounced guests, a few surprise ones will also be in attendance.

      Lastly, the last festivity on November 19 will bring the Centennial celebration to a close. The New York Public Radio’s Centennial Gala, held at The Greenhouse will celebrate contributors and supporters. Attendees will get to enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner, and an afterparty to celebrate WNYC’s century of accomplishments.

      For a timeline of WNYC’s last 100 years visit www.wnyc.org/100. To find the complete schedule of events for the WNYC Centennial visit nypublicradio.org.

    • The Waterhole Presents 2024 Parties on the Patio and More in July

      Saranac Lake’s Waterhole Music Lounge has an exciting slate of Thursday “Parties on the Patio” and other events spanning from July 4 to 25. The lineup of free, outside events also includes 2 Saturday Nights on the Patios on July 13 and 20 and the Howl Story Slam on July 9.

      Kicking off July’s events at the Waterhole on July 4 is Party on the Patio with Joslyn & The Sweet Compression. The R&B band is making their return to Saranac Lake after an electrifying performance at the venue’s Winter Carnival. Led by Joslyn Hampton, the six-piece ensemble’s funky, yet soulful and psychedelic musical productions never fail to generate a fun environment.

      On Tuesday, July 9, the Waterhole presents a different form of entertainment with a storytelling slam. The Adirondack Center for Writing and North Country Public Radio (NCPR) will co-host the event. Anyone interested in signing up for the Howl Story Slam with a story to tell may do so. The night’s story theme is “Risky Business,” ensuring that audience members and storytellers simultaneously have an amusing time.

      The third type of event presented by the Waterhole this month is a thrilling Saturday night edition of Party on the Patio. Saturday Night on the Patio will take place twice throughout the month. Firstly, The Seapods, a band from North Country labeled “Psychedelic Americana” will play on the patio on July 13 from 6-10 PM. On the following Saturday, July 20, genre-bending group Annie in the Water from Saratoga Springs, will play an incredible free show on the patio.

      Full July 2024 Schedule

      Thursday, July 4- Joslyn & The Sweet Compression (Party on the Patio, 6-10 PM)

      Tuesday, July 9th- Howl Story Slam (7 PM)

      Thursday, July 11- New Planets (Party on the Patio, 6-10 PM)

      Saturday, July 13- The Seapods (Saturday Night on the Patio, 6-10 PM)

      Thursday, July 18- The Mallett Brothers Band (Party on the Patio, 6-10 PM)

      Saturday, July 20- Annie in the Water (Saturday Night on the Patio, 6-10 PM)

      Thursday, July 25- Bywater Call (Party on the Patio, 6-10 PM)

      All July shows at the Waterhole Music Lounge are free admission and 21+. For the full Waterhole schedule visit www.saranaclakewaterhole.com