NYS Music 2024

Author: alexis bergleitner

  • JJ Grey and Mofro to Celebrate “Olustee” Album Release with Capitol Bash

    In celebration of the release of the new album Olustee, JJ Grey and his band Mofro will preform on Saturday, March 30 at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

    So who is this North Florida sage? JJ Grey, the brains behind the very anticipated Olustee album is more than ready to live up to the the name “the swami of swamp rock,” given to him by Oxford American. He makes timeless original songs, influenced by his own life experiences in the swamps of Northern Florida.

    “The best songs I’ve ever written, I never wrote. They wrote themselves. The best show I ever played, played itself and had little to do with me or talent. To me, those things come from the power of an honest moment, and I guess I’m trying to live in that power and not force life to cough up what I want.”

    -JJ Grey

    Grey’s gritty baritone brings very deep, raw vocals which passionately deliver his message. Additionally, JJ Grey is said to have always spoken soulfully honest truths. This shows from his early days performing cover songs at a juke joint in Jacksonville, to his sold-out performances at huge venues and festivals around the world.

    Photo by Tom Britt

    Olustee is an emotional rollercoaster of its own. With Grey’s honest storytelling, we see what flows from the introspective opener, “The Sea,” to the upbeat radio hit, “Wonderland”. We are brought on an escape from a wildfire in the title track. The album’s final song, “Deeper Than Belief,” is an inward-looking closer track.

    JJ Grey’s message is very straightforward but powerful. Cherish the natural world and always try to live in the moment. Essentially, Grey believes we should always value our experiences. Olustee is far more than just an album; it’s a deep look through all of Grey’s accomplishments, setbacks, aspirations, and hopes. JJ Grey & Mofro are now going on a massive tour across the nation and beyond with Olustee.

    Photo by Brett Missick

    Grey’s first album in nine years, Olustee, is self-produced and tells his story of inner peace and redemption. Get tickets here.

  • Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams Announce Album “All This Time”, 5 Shows in New York on Upcoming Tour

    Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams have announced their new album, All This Time, will be released on April 5. The pair will hit the road in 2024, bringing their music to Saratoga Springs, NYC, Amagansett, and Marlboro.

    All This Time

    After releasing the upbeat and twangy song “The Way You Make Me Feel,” the pair shared a glimpse of their enviable love. Campbell reflects on the song’s history, saying, “The lyric was inspired by recalling when I first got together with Teresa. The song, about 40 years old, is as inspiring as ever.”

    “The Way You Make Me Feel” pays respect to the legendary gospel quartet guitarist Lyndon Baines with a catchy guitar lick that Campbell wrote after working on a Dixie Hummingbirds record in the early 2000s. The end product echoes the spirit of Johnny and June Cash with a heartfelt and nostalgic ode to courtship.

    all this time larry campbell teresa williams

    Teresa shares in Larry’s enthusiasm, emphasizing the humor, groove, and lightheartedness of the album. “I got a brand new couch, and we can watch TV. Put an arm around you — we’ll see whatever you wanna see… Now that’s good flirting!” All This Time is a musical scrapbook of their journey, featuring heavy hitters including Grammy-winner Justin Guip, Bill Payne from Little Feat, and even a cameo by Levon Helm himself.

    Larry and Teresa aren’t just dropping The Way You Make Me Feel; they’re hitting the road. These two are set to hop on a North American tour throughout 2024, with stops at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, City Winery in Manhattan, The Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, and The Falcon in Marlboro. Moreover, fans will be able to witness the magic of their long-lasting musical partnership as the tour brings an intimate live experience. Find all upcoming tour dates below and on their website here.

    Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams 2024 Tour Dates

    3/17 – Northampton, MA – Academy of Music Theatre

    4/11 – Marlboro, NY – The Falcon

    4/16 – Boston, MA – City Winery

    4/17 – Fairfield, CT – Stage One

    4/18 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall

    4/20 – Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java

    4/21 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Music Hall

    4/23 – Columbus, OH – Natalie’s

    4/24 – Detroit, MI – Magic Bag

    4/26 – Chicago, IL – Old Town School of Folk Music

    4/27 – Minneapolis, MN – Parkway Theater

    4/30 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads

    5/01 – St Louis, MO – Off Broadway

    5/03 – Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley

    5/04 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic

    5/05 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic

    5/11 – Lexington, TN – Main & Monroe

    6/07 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Caffe Lena

    6/08 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Caffe Lena

    6/11 – New York, NY – City Winery

    6/13 – Red Bank, NJ – The Vogel

    6/14 – Blairstown, NJ – Roy’s Hall

    6/16 – Amagansett, NY – The Stephen Talkhouse

  • Hipsy Gap releases adrenaline-fueled ‘Shellshocked’

    Introducing Hipsy Gap, a lively five-piece alternative rock group from the busy streets of Brooklyn. The group today, March 1, releases “Shellshocked”, their new single, taking listeners on a rollercoaster of emotions.

    As we enter a new season, Hipsy Gap invites listeners to jump into an adventure that captures the excitement of turning a new leaf. With edgy guitars, ambitious vocals, and a mid-song switch-up leading to dreamy shoegaze bliss.

    Besides, “Shellshocked” has just released in the perfect moment. With this single, listeners can feel ready to let go of the weight of winter blues. Fans might want to start a new chapter as we say goodbye to the coldest, least appealing months each year. Further, the song is a metaphor for letting go of the past and welcoming something new and inspiring. It makes sense that the band would end their live performances with this five-minute epic, and leaves the audience wanting more. “Shellshocked” should be felt as much as it should be heard.

    The vivid imagery of escaping from a burning building and discovering an unknown ocean gave the song a very powerful narrative. With an unexpected melody change, the song takes you through an uplifting-adrenaline rush type of feeling. Additionally, the melody change complements the emotional shift. The song takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, moving from urgency to reflection to an empowering ending.

    Hipsy Gap’s sound is a combination of pop catchiness and raw energy similar to DIY 90s rock. “Fantasize” and “Uno,” two of their most recent songs make you feel like you might have heard them before, but you can’t quite put your finger on where (or when). Drawn from artists such as Paramore, Slowdive, and The Cranberries, their philosophy of fusing genres is shown by the group’s diversity.

    “[Hipsy Gap] captures a lush melancholic spirit full of passionate vocals and a blend of shoegazey production and instrumentals, with a whip-smart chorus that has fragments of 90s power pop songwriting, with a magic feeling of its own”

    -Will Oliver, We All Want Someone to Shout For

    Hipsy Gap is definitely on the verge of big things with “Shellshocked”. Keep an eye on them as they continue on this path, leaving audiences hungry for more.

  • JLo’s Comeback: This Is Me…Now The Tour Hits New York

    The world-renowned Jennifer Lopez has been getting ready for her much awaited This Is Me…Now The Tour, with three stops in the Metropolitan area.

    Over one week in August, JLo can be seen in Belmont Park at UBS Arena, Newark at the Prudential Center and in Manhattan at Madison Square Garden.

    Lopez, known for her influence and electrifying performances, is returning to the stage. This follows her successful 2019 tour, which saw her earn over $50 million and sell out venues all over the country.

    The singer’s return is intricately tied to her latest album, This Is Me…Now, just released on February 16. Following a five-year break, JLo is returning to the stage with hits from her most recent album and chart-topping songs. Still, fans eagerly anticipate her return. Supporters can expect a diverse musical and emotional saga, which combines pop, R&B, and hip-hop elements to tell her authentic tale of personal development, resiliency, and self-love.

    Join the JLo Fan Club presale to secure a front-row seat beginning at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, February 20. Further, be sure to reserve a spot for the general on-sale via LiveNation.com on Friday, February 23 at 10 AM, as CITI and Verizon are also offering exclusive presales.

    In addition to releasing an album, JLo is giving her fans a sneak peek at This Is Me…Now: A Love story on Prime Video. This story-driven cinematic odyssey dportrays her quest for love. “Can’t Get Enough,” the first single, is already becoming popular across all platforms.

    Mark your calendars for the New York stops: UBS Arena in Belmont Park on August 9; Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on August 10; and Madison Square Garden on August 16, 2024. In the meantime, let Jennifer Lopez show you why she is a timeless icon of pop-culture.

    THIS IS ME…NOW THE TOUR 2024 Dates:

    6/26 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center

    6/28 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center

    7/02 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

    7/03 – Edinburg, TX – Bert Ogden Arena*

    7/05 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center

    7/06 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

    7/09 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center

    7/11 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

    7/13 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center

    7/16 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

    6/17 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center

    7/19 – Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena

    7/20 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena*

    7/22 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

    7/24 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center

    7/26 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena

    7/27 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse

    7/30 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena

    7/31 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

    8/02 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena*#

    8/05 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre*#

    8/07 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

    8/09 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena

    8/10 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center

    8/13 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

    8/14 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

    8/16 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

    8/20 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse*

    8/22 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    8/24 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena

    8/25 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

    8/27 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena

    8/30 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center

    8/31 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center*

  • Dave Solazzo Trio: Breaking Jazz Norms with Unusual Charm

    Dave Solazzo & The Bridge, a trailblazing trio within the Westchester jazz community, has been raising eyebrows and stirring up controversy.

    The “jazz police” have turned their attention toward pianist Dave Solazzo, bassist Matthew Vacanti, and drummer Bill D’Agostino due to their daring distaste for typical harmonies. The trio are set to perform on March 22 in Downtown Mount Kisco, NY at 37 S. Moger Ave.

    Dave Solazzo Trio

    Additionally, the musical outlaw Solazzo enjoys pushing boundaries, making him accustomed to breaking the law. He has studied the greats, exploring the piano trios of legends such as Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Ahmad Jamal. However, the nature of his musical ideas has landed him in hot water with purists of jazz.

    According to co-conspirator Matthew Vacanti, the trio’s Locrian Skye album explores the unusual Locrian mode, which is uncommon in jazz. Despite the controversy, their interpretation of the piano trio is nothing short of intriguing.

    “I think we went for it in the studio, stretching, and taking chances. We wanted to put some of those elements into the music — the elasticity of time, the unconventional harmonies, the group interplay.”

    -Dave Solazzo

    Performers like Giacomo Gates, Martha Reeves, and Kevin Mahogany are offended by Vacanti’s styles, which has exposed minors to questionable jazz methods.

    Drummer and rhythm renegade from Auburn, New York, Bill D’Agostino gained notoriety by copying licks from legendary drummers like Tony Williams and Steve Gadd. He is practically banned from most venues for his politically incorrect use of forbidden rhythms and funky grooves.

    Together, Solazzo, Vacanti, and D’Agostino—each recognized for their partnerships with notable jazz artists—have produced the free-form and improvised debut album “Locrian Skye.” Their music is sure to thrill, challenge, and make lasting impressions on jazz fans, defying the conventions of Post Bop.

    This corrupt yet intriguing piano trio, called “The Bridge,” is scheduled to perform at Jazz on Main despite their antics. On March 22 at 7 PM and 9 PM, the venue—37 S. Moger Ave. in Downtown Mount Kisco, NY—will host two shows. $32 tickets give you the opportunity to see three first-call sidemen collaborate in real time, unfiltered.

    Tickets for Dave Solazzo Trio’s March 22 performance are now available at Jazzonmain.com.

  • Hearing Aide: “Funky Indian” b Little Georgie and the Shuffling Hungarians

    After a 26-year break, Syracuse rock legends Little Georgie and The Shuffling Hungarians return with “Funky Indian.” 

    Little Georgie and The Shuffling Hungarians have quite the reputation after winning multiple SAMMY Awards for their exceptional Rock and Soul Orchestra performances. Seeing that the music industry was always evolving, Little Georgie made the decision to invest in “The Womb Room of Hungaria,” a content production studio. Now, he has the freedom to navigate the twists and turns of the music scene with a whole new level of creativity.

    George Rossi, also known as “Little Georgie,” saw some major changes brewing in the music scene. As the 17-piece orchestra struggled to survive economic ups and downs, it became clear that the game was changing. The once-thriving market for physical compact discs was gone and live performances were becoming less financially viable. With the music industry constantly changing, Little Georgie had to either adapt or leave.

    This incredible global digital premiere will launch a groundbreaking sound experience that will finish with “The Compendium of Unruly Caterwauling.” It’s more than a sound journey; it’s the kind of ride that keeps you humming long after it ends. A 2024 full of musical magic is coming.

    With support from Queen Bee Brand WMG, the comeback is available on Spotify, Amazon, Tidal, YouTube, and iTunes and offers a new take on their well-known sound. With this song, they make a daring comeback to the music industry and further cement their lasting impact. The return of the funk is greater than before.

  • 2024 Extreme Music Awards Announce Winners

    On January 13, Empire Live hosted the first-ever Extreme Music Awards 2024, announcing winners in 22 categories. Albany became a headbanger’s paradise as the elite of the Capital Region’s heavy music scene descended upon it in waves.

    Extreme Music Awards winners
    Extreme Music Awards 2024 – Empire Live – Photo by Jon Monaghan

    From up-and-coming talent to wild antics in the mosh pit, the EMAs celebrated the diversity of heavy music in Upstate New York in style. Additionally, the evening was made extra special by a star-studded lineup of presenters. The night finished with an incredible all-star jam that rocked Empire Live to its core. The EMAs made a huge mark in the Capital Region music scene with their booming debut.


    The Black Carpet – Extreme Music Awards 2024 – Photo by Stephanie J. Bartik – IG: @nyrockstarphotographer @518scene)

    Reflecting on the eight-month journey that became the EMAs, Brendan Manley looked back, measuring success by the beaming faces, including organizers, presenters, performers, nominees, and audience. The smiles were the real currency of the evening, perfectly capturing the spirit behind the creation of the EMAs.

    Ralph Renna, a force in the local music scene, praised the teamwork that made the EMAs possible.

    “It took five forces in the local music scene to get it together: myself, Mike Valente, Art Fredette, Fuzz and Brendan Manley. It also took the support of the music scene that we’ve all been involved in for more than 30 years, which got right behind us. I honestly thought there was too much hype behind this whole thing; that it wouldn’t come off the way we expected. It exceeded all our expectations, and we are already working on 2025. We don’t do this for a paycheck. We do this for the love of heavy metal, hardcore and punk rock in Upstate NY.” 

    Ralph Renna

    The Extreme Music Awards 2024 have not only made an impact on the local music scene, but have also set the stage for an even more remarkable chapter in 2025. The Capital Region’s heavy music scene is expected to experience many groundbreaking events in the future thanks to the passion of all those involved.

    For more information and post-event coverage, click here.

    The Extreme Music Awards Winners

    Best Death Metal Band – Skinless

    Best Black Metal Band – Malefic

    Best Doom/Goth/Stoner Band – Gozer

    Best Power Metal Band – Frozen Sun

    Best Prog/Math Metal Band – The Phoenix and the Raven

    Best Hair/Glam/Sleaze Band – The Erotics

    Best Thrash Metal Band – Faced

    Best Grindcore Band – Escuela Grind

    Best Metalcore Band – Downswing

    Best Punk Band – The Hauntings

    Best Hardcore Band – Violent By Design

    Best Hardcore Beatdown Band – Wrong Move

    Best Hardcore Punk Band – Murderer’s Row

    Best Metal Video – Downswing (“Bound To Misery”)

    Best Live Performance – Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival Band

    Most Brutal Mosh Pit – Invoke Thy Wrath

    Best Merch – Alloy Reign

    Album of the Year – Blackbraid – (Blackbraid II)

    Lifetime Achievement Award – Bob Riley (Murderer’s Row)

    Best New Band – Flatwounds

    Best Veteran Band – The Erotics

    Most Influential Musician – Jason Bittner (Overkill)

  • Le Patin Libre at Bryant Park’s Winter Village in February

    Le Patin Libre, the innovators of contemporary ice dance, prepare to dazzle audiences with their electrifying show, “Threshold al fresco.”

    Le Patin Libre

    Winter Village in Bryant Park is about to witness an event unlike anything else. This modern fusion of contemporary dance and figure skating, set against the iconic backdrop of New York City, will push the limits of artistic expression on ice.

    Le Patin Libre’s blend of figure skating and contemporary dance has revolutionized ice dance. Legendary figure skater Alexandre Hamel founded Le Patin Libre in 2005 with the goal of redefining the sport. The organization was born out of Québec’s frozen ponds and hockey arenas. Their special technique – “contemporary dance on ice” – has shown the grace of glide and the freedom of movement. 

    “Threshold al fresco” showcases the artistic talent of Le Patin Libre with its captivating choreography, upbeat music composed by Jasmin Boivin, and appealing lighting designed by Lucy Carter and Sean Gleason. International Dance Magazine has described the group as “rebels on ice,” cheering their daring demeanor and creative approach.

    Experience an amazing evening of artistry with this talented group, Including Alexandre Hamel, Pascale Jodoin, Samory Ba, Taylor Dilley, and Jasmin Boivin. Additionally, VIP tickets are available, which include entry to an ice dancing party with the performers and choreographers.

    Le Patin Libre is supported by organizations such as the Conseil des arts et lettres du Québec.

    Visit “Threshold al fresco” at Bryant Park’s Winter Village to see the revolution, get tickets here.

  • Monarch Releases Cathartic Rock Single “If You Ask Me”

    monarch’s If You Ask Me is unapologetically raw, with a refreshing theme of self-ownership. The clear-cut language adds intensity to the song’s powerful message- stressing the resistance to give in to outside influence or control.

    monarch if you ask me
    Photo by, @pawprints777 on Instagram

    Lyrically, the song takes us to the aftermath of boundary-pushing chaos in a compelling way. The relationship between the lyrical skill and instrumental intensity elevates the overall experience that the song brings. 

    Based in Brooklyn, rock group monarch formed in 2021. This spirited band has always gone beyond the limits of musical expression, captivating audiences with their powerful performances. With a reputation for powerful live performances, this group is a noteworthy act that will leave a mark on the local music scene. Monarch has plans to take the stage all over NYC in 2024 and amaze a wide range of audiences with their electrifying energy. 

    Sarah hopes the song lyrics and feel can bring comfort to those who can, regrettably, relate to this kind of circumstance. The song should also let listeners know that “they’re not alone in the feeling of feeling taken advantage of”. Sarah adds, “I had trouble writing a song of this essence, our music isn’t typically ‘angry’ in this sense, so I had trouble at first going into that headspace. Although it is part of my story, we created a powerful song out of it.”

    “I wrote the lyrics for this song after the countless times someone has crossed my boundaries, made me uncomfortable, someone being too touchy etc. On the other hand you shouldn’t have to teach someone how to respect people and their space.”

    -Sarah Michelle Lee (Vocalist)

    If You Ask Me is more than just a song; it’s an experience that guides listeners to a place where chaos and order clash. 

    Discover more from monarch here.

  • Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge Announce Joint Tour, Stopping in Chautauqua and Bethel

    Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has announced that GRAMMY Award-winning folk icons Indigo Girls and singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge will perform together on a series of combined shows this August.

    Indigo Girls

    Beginning at Ravinia in Highland Park, Illinois, the tour will go on to include a co-billed West Coast tour with Amos Lee. Combining timeless songs and distinct styles, this unique collaboration between one of America’s most beloved singer-songwriters and one of folk’s greatest duos promises an unforgettable musical experience.

    Adding to the excitement of the tour, It’s Only Life After All, the documentary film by the Indigo Girls, has finally been released in 2024. Having been screened by major international film festivals, including Toronto’s Hot Docs, SXSW, Tribeca, and Sundance Film Festival, anticipation is high.

    Moreover, the jukebox musical romance, Glitter & Doom, is another upcoming film with even more music from the Indigo Girls. Glitter & Doom presents a brilliant queer supporting cast, including Lea DeLaria, Tig Notaro, Kate Pierson, and more. Scheduled for release on March 8 in NYC and L.A., followed by a nationwide theatrical rollout and a VOD release.

    With Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls together, music lovers have a special chance to experience top-notch songwriting and singing.

    All tour tickets are available here.

    Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge Co-billed Tour 2024 Dates

    August 11 – Ravinia Festival | Highland Park, IL

    August 13 – Saint Louis Music Park | St. Louis, MO

    August 14 – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park | Indianapolis, IN

    August 16 – The Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater | Chautauqua, NY

    August 17 – Leader Bank Pavilion | Boston, MA

    August 18 – Snow Pond Center for the Arts – The Bowl in the Pines | Sidney, ME

    August 21 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts | Bethel, NY

    August 22 – TD Pavilion at The Mann | Philadelphia, PA

    August 25 – Wolf Trap | Washington, DC

    Amos Lee + Indigo Girls Tour Dates

    September 15 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Morrison, CO (Amos Lee to close)

    September 19 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park | San Diego, CA (Amos Lee to close)

    September 21 – Santa Barbara Bowl | Santa Barbara, CA (Indigo Girls to close)

    September 23 – The Greek Theatre | Los Angeles, CA (Amos Lee to close)

    September 24 – The Mountain Winery | Saratoga, CA (Amos Lee to close), on sale TBC