New York based-guitarist Shubh Saran announced his “Being Anybody Else” Tour, with a stop in Syracuse.
Saran’s unique blend of varied influences has earned him popular acclaim. Saran will play Funk N Waffles September 14, with local Syracuse band Paega opening.
Lev Sloujitel
Growing up in six different countries exposed Shubh Saran to a wide range of work he would come to draw inspiration from, from classical and contemporary Indian music to progressive rock. Saran has performed globally with his band, in addition to being a composer and producer.
Guitar World likened Saran to a “shred chameleon”. The international influences and versatility are evident is his work. Pitchfork described his music as, “a heartfelt exploration of the ups and downs of being part of the world’s fastest-growing floating tribe—part global citizen, part cultural refugee”.
Saran was also included in Pitchfork’s list of Best Jazz and Experimental Music of 2021. The Shubh Saran tour includes shows at Syracuse’s Funk N Waffles, and Manhattan’s Nublu. Tickets for the Syracuse show are available at the following link, and more information about Shubh Saran is available here.
Saran’s fifth release, an EP entitled Being Anybody Else, will be out September 27th. The official music video for his newest single, “To Be”, is available below.
Buffalo saxophonist Ellen Pieroni will release her sophomore album, Soul Vacation, on August 30. An experienced musician, Pieroni has played with numerous bands, including Folkfaces and Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra.
Ellen Pieroni started playing the saxophone at 8 years old, and has perfected a blend of jazz and soul. Her inspiration comes from a variety of places, including Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi era, Frank Zappa, Todd Rundgren, The Meters, as well as classic saxophonists such as Grover Washington Jr. and Wilton Felder of The Crusaders.
Soul Vacation featured nine tracks, including two “soul standard” covers made famous by Stevie Wonder and the Jackson 5. The album offers an exciting lineup of special guests, including Tyler James (organ, Fender Rhodes), Sophistafunk’s Adam Gold (clavinet), Alex McArthur (vocals), Tim Clarke (trumpet), and Brendan Lanighan (trombone).
The album was recorded at GCR Audio in Buffalo, and was engineered, mixed, and mastered by Brad Lauchert. Celebrate the release at the release party on August 30 at Sportmens Tavern, at 326 Amherst Street in Buffalo. Vinyl and CDs will be available for purchase at the party, and admission is $20 at the door.
Soul Vacation will be available on all streaming platforms on August 30, and more information about Ellen Pieroni here. A live performance of “What Time Were You Born” is available below.
The Kids of Albany’s annual production of Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to the Palace Theatre with the toast and toilet paper flying on October 21st. This year will be the Kids of Albany’s 15th performance of Rocky Horror at the theater.
Since its release in 1975, a million midnight screenings have earned The Rocky Horror Picture Show cult classic status. Its themes of sexual liberation and androgyny have made it a staple in Queer cinema and culture.
A straight couple, played by Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick, find themselves stranded in a spooky house filled with strange people from Transylvania, living under the watchful eye of Dr. Frank N. Furter, played by Tim Curry. The kinky and outrageous spoof of classic horror movies has a reputation for being the ultimate audience-participation based show. Tickets for the Palace Theater’s production include a prop kit and a roll of toilet paper.
Constructed in 1931, The Palace Theatre has become a landmark for Albany’s cultural scene. The building retains much of its original design and character, and has a rich history in Albany’s downtown area. The Palace Theatre is the perfect intimate venue for the audience participation Rocky Horror inspires.
General admission tickets for the Palace Theatre’s Rocky Horror night are $29, and include prop kits and toilet paper. Guests are encouraged to wear their best Rocky inspired outfits. Tickets are on sale at the following link, and at the Palace Theatre box office located at 19 Clinton Avenue.
New York State contains diverse music scenes, with unique venues and events in all corners and counties. From Ithaca to Binghamton, Elmira to the western Finger Lakes and everywhere in between, there is much to explore the venues of New York’s “607.” The Southern Tier has much to offer with theater companies, museums, theaters, and college campuses, there is a venue for every event.
Atomic Tom’s, a venue in Binghamton, holds weddings, art galleries, benefits, and musical performances. The first Friday of every month, Atomic Tom’s hosts a “First Friday Concert.” Admission is always free, and a cash bar is available.
Anderson Center for the Performing Arts (Binghamton)
As part of Binghamton University, Anderson Center for the Performing Arts enhances the local community with culturally significant performances. The Anderson Center contains three theaters: the 1170-seat Osterhout Concert Theater, the 408-seat Chamber Hall (pictured below) and the 558-seat Watters Theater.
Since 1903, Bailey Hall has been used by Cornell University to host musicians and ensembles. The Cornell University Department of Music sponsors more than 100 concerts, encompassing a broad spectrum of the world’s art and music.
The Bundy Museum of History and Art is a rich piece of Binghamton history and hosts events and fundraisers. The Bundy Museum is also home to WBDY 99.5 FM, a community radio station that enriches Binghamton’s artistic and intellectual life.
Cranberry Coffee House is Binghamton’s premier folk music venue. It is also home to The Middle Set, their open mic event. Hosted on the third Saturday of every month, The Middle Set gives artists, musicians, and story-tellers of all ages a chance to perform.
Deep Dive hosts weekly trivia and karaoke nights, as well as concerts and private events. Deep Dive also hosts concerts and jam sessions frequently in a wide variety of genres.
Diversion Brewing Company has been serving the Chemung community since 2016. Diversion hosts a wide variety of events, including musical performances. In the summer of 2017, they started their “Tunes & A Truck” program, where local musicians and food trucks come to the brewery every Saturday.
The Downstairs is a membership-based art gallery and community listening room. With a maximum capacity of around 50 people, The Downstairs is ideal for an intimate concert. The Downstairs also hosts weekly comedy open mics every Tuesday, and exists for the benefit of local artists; The venue does not take a percentage of the proceeds from ticket or merchandise sales.
Binghamton’s beloved restaurant, Downtown, often hosts events for the community. Weekly trivia nights and drag brunches are available, as well as performances by local bands.
Fanatics Pub is a venue in Lima that serves pizza, hamburgers, and wings. Beloved by the local community, concert-goers enjoy the cozy atmosphere and talented acts, most of whom are Blues artists. Fanatics also hosts trivia and comedy nights.
Since 1975, The Hangar Theater has been supporting and enhancing Ithaca’s arts. The Hangar Theater is dedicated to producing quality performances and inspiring community through their programs. The theater strives to be an artistic home that nurtures a lifelong love of the performing arts. Arts education is central to the Hangar Theater’s mission, and they offer numerous programs for children, including the summer Mainstage and KIDDSTUFF productions, an annual production of A Christmas Carol, and the Lab Company.
Known for their live music and fresh wings, The Hornet’s Nest hosts local musicians and karaoke nights. Events are announced on their Facebook, which is available below.
Located in Elmira’s historic Federal Building in the business district, the Ill Eagle hosts events and live music. The Ill Eagle has multiple event rooms, each restored to accommodate guests. The largest event room, the old courthouse, can accommodate up to 200 people.
Irish Kevin’s is an Irish Bar known for its Irish cuisine and talented performers. They are known for their award-winning, house-seasoned corned beef and friendly atmosphere.
Since 1991, the Kitchen Theater Company has offered talented and determined young artists a place they could work together and hone their craft. In 2010, KTC made history by becoming the first theater company in Ithaca to own its own space. Throughout its history, KTC has produced over 200 plays, including 34 world premieres by Adam Bock, Tanya Barfield, Darian Dauchan, and many others.
Moe-Town is an outdoor music venue in Addison that hosts local, regional, and national bands. In addition to concerts, Moe-Town hosts Spring/Fall Festivals, Halloween parties, and overnight camping. Lawn chairs and coolers are welcome, and food and drinks are available.
New Leaf Cider Company is a winery that hosts events and performances. There are weekly open mics, as well as trivia nights every Thursday. They also host stand up comedy the last Thursday of every month and host private events.
The Phelps Mansion was built in 1871 and owned by Sherman David Phelps, an entrepreneur and one-time mayor of Binghamton. The mansion was designed by Isaac G. Perry, who also designed the Binghamton Inebriate Asylum (1858) and helped complete the New York State Capitol Building (1899). The museum hosts fundraisers and concerts, and a psychic fair the first Friday of every month.
The Range is a Western-themed bar that hosts musicians nearly every weekend. The Range is located above Trader K’s in Ithaca’s commons. Their diverse set of performances promises something for every taste.
Sach’s Tee House is a bar that hosts outdoor music. Their new patio is open, and they host trivia nights every Thursday. Known for their trendy and welcoming atmosphere, Sach’s combines traditional sports bar elements with live music.
Endicott’s Little Italy Heritage Center is a non-profit dedicated to preserving Endicott’s Italian neighborhood. A surge of Italian immigrants came to Endicott hoping to work for Endicott-Johnson (EJ) Corp. Italian immigrants created the vibrant neighborhood community the Heritage center works to preserve, The Stage at Little Italy hosts an annual Italian Festival, GUSTO, as well as farmers markets and other community events. They also put on productions in George W. Johnson Park.
The State Theater opened in 1928, and has been a significant venue in the Finger Lakes region ever since. Its 1,600 capacity makes it the largest venue in Ithaca. The theater fell into disrepair, and the owner even considered demolition in the mid ’90s, but Historic Ithaca acquired the building in 1998 and committed to revitalizing the building, and it became a designated landmark.
Tap House 66 is a bar that supports local musicians and hosts performances often. Known for their delicious food and talented local artists, more information is available at the website below.
Since its opening in 2010, The Westy has become a staple of the Ithaca community. They host an open mic every Thursday at 9 PM, food trucks in the summer, and numerous concerts.
The Sembrich, Bolton Landing’s historical museum and music venue, announced their mid-August event schedule. Featuring violin guitar duo ArcoStrum, a James Joyce inspired opera, and an acclaimed Polish violinist, the Sembrich has an exciting month ahead.
The Sembrich boasts a variety of musical events, a museum with a rich history, and indescribable natural beauty. Whether it’s a new museum exhibition or their annual music festival, The Sembrich always offers something to look forward to.
On August 17, acclaimed Polish violinist Kinga Augustyn will perform at The Sembrich. Augustyn will perform a program of Polish masterworks, including Saint-Saëns’ “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso,” Op. 28, Kreisler’s “Three Old Viennese Dances” and Polish masterworks by Henryk Wieniawski and Grażyna Bacewicz, accompanied by Alla Milchtein.
Richard Wargo, The Sembrich’s artistic director, said, “Kinga was a part of our 2021 festival ‘Nature and Music,’ when she delighted listeners with nature-inspired violin melodies… This year’s performance promises an elegant evening with the celebrated musician and renderings of several rarely performed violin masterworks here in the Adirondacks.” Tickets are available at the following link.
Award winning instrumental duo ArcoStrum will bring their exhilarating mix of music from around the world to The Sembrich on August 21. Guitarist TY Zhang and Violinist Strauss Shi met at Julliard, and discovered a personal and musical chemistry that would enhance their charismatic stage performances and immense technical proficiency. Committed to pushing boundaries, ArcoStrum creates a one of a kind performance by combining personal compositions with traditional Chinese instrumental music and 21st Century rock. Tickets are available here.
Karina Rodriguez
The James Joyce inspired musical At That Hour, Act One will be performed on August 24. Composed by Richard Wargo, the opera draws inspiration from Joyce’s poetry and prose. Wargo is an experienced composer who has drawn from literature before, namely when composed an opera inspired by classic Anton Chekov. Wargo has also served as the Sembrich’s Artistic Director and Composer-In-Residence since 1991, and write the opera as part of The Sembrich’s centennial anniversary. Tickets are available here.
A video about The Sembrich’s centennial celebration is available below.
Blues/Rock power trio Sound Frontier continue to push boundaries with their new single, “Cat Callin’”, featuring Sapphire Monet. Showcasing their signature blend of blues energy and rock finesse, Sound Frontier continues to pay homage to their roots, drawing inspiration from legends like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary Clark Jr., and Eric Gales.
Based in New York City, Sound Frontier offers a classic blues-rock sound. With Ali Bishop on guitar, Ivan Hardy on bass, and Desmond “Chunkz” Morrison on drums, the band has pushed boundaries with each release, and “Cat Callin’” is no exception.
Sound Frontier’s single seamlessly combines the intensity of hard rock with the intimacy and emotion of blues. Ali Bishop described his love for “Cat Callin’,” saying, “It’s a song that combines our love for blues and rock with Sapphire’s incredible vocals, resulting in a track that’s both gritty and soulful.”
Classic rock/blues instrumentation receives a new twist on “Cat Callin’,” with energetic and powerful instrumentals. “Cat Callin’” can serve as a women’s empowerment anthem, with tough yet beutiful vocal performances and dynamic instrumentals.
Soulful guitar riffs, resonant bass lines, and powerful drumming are hallmarks of Sound Frontier’s sound, and are evident in their newest single, with the group well known for their energetic performances and engaging stage presence.
The official music video for “Cat Callin’” is available below, and updates are available on the band’s Instagram.
New York City’s own Scotia Rose have made their debut with two singles, “Run” and “Queens and Kings.” Beginning with an intensely suspenseful drumline, “Run” offers a unique blend of hard rock and country pop. “Queens and Kings” is a heartwarming ode from Scotia Rose’s front man to his bandmates, admiring their work ethic and dedication.
Comprised of musicians from NYC’s cover band circuit, Scotia Rose was formed after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Led by Jeff Weiss, the band includes musicians from different genres, with Jason Laney on keyboards and backup vocals, blues/rocker Marcela de Campos on guitar, Antoinette Ady on violin, and Andrew Koss on bass.
Frontman Jeff Weiss wrote “Run” as his previous band, U.S. Americans, were getting ready to play their final show. He said of the experience, “I wasn’t quite ready to throw in the towel…The only answer I could find was to keep pushing, keep fighting, keep running. Run away from that ending toward a new beginning.”
Weiss credits “Run” for giving him the courage to start over. “Once I finished it, I knew it was time to close one door and open another.” The bittersweet feeling of moving on shines through in the accompanying music video, with footage that evokes feelings of hope and loss. The director of the music video, Kevin Banker, made the video with full creative liberty. Weiss said, “I didn’t tell [Banker] what the song was about. I prefer not to and let the listener find their own meaning. Kevin said he felt feelings of loss and he wasn’t wrong.”
The second single, “Queens and Kings”, offers a release of optimism, with a melodic chorus and bright piano. Scotia Rose took the music video as an opportunity to showcase their stage presence and dynamic. The video features footage of the band hanging out in Carl Schurz Park and playing at The Cutting Room, shot by Hugo Salazar.
Scotia Rose marked the beginning of a promising career with their debut. The band is set to play more shows in New York and Connecticut. Tickets are available at the following link, and the music video for “Queens and Kings” is available below.
Brooklyn Funk Essentials celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album, Cool And Steady And Easy, by re-imagining two singles, “Blow Your Brains Out”, and “Brooklyn Recycles.”
A cult acid-jazz ensemble, Brooklyn Funk Essentials have established a global following. The re-released singles offer a new take on their classic singles.
Their 1994 debut album, Cool And Steady And Easy, was an underground hit.”Take the L Train” and “Big Apple Boogaloo” became DJ favorites. Upon its release, Cool And Steady And Easy received Billboard’s Best Alternative R&B Album of the Year. Prolific producer Arthur Baker (of Afrika Bambaataa and New Order) worked with Lati Kronlund in producing the record.
Baker and Kronlund met in the 1990s after Baker became captivated by a single Kronlund wrote and produced, “Where Love Lives” by Alison Limerick. As fate would have it, Alison Limerick became the lead vocalist for Brooklyn Funk Essentials in 2016.
The new rendition of “Blow Your Brains Out” features Limerick’s new vocals, as well as production and instrumentals from Lati Kronlund. Candid dialogue captured in the studio opens the original version of the track: “This f**ker’s nine minutes long?!” “Yeah, just long enough to blow your brains out!”. The daunting time flies by with engaging instrumentation and sonically compelling production.
“Brooklyn Recycles” was initially a Maceo feature, but is now wholly rewritten by BFE’s original trombone player Joshua Roseman. Bassy Bob Brockmann played the trumpet, with Paul Shapiro on saxophone, and Everton Sylvester contributed inimitable spoken word.
Next followed 2nd album In The Buzzbag in 1998, Make Them Like It in 2000, Watcha Playin’ in 2008, Funk Ain’t Ova in 2015, Stay Good in 2019, and most recently Intuition in 2023. The re-released singles, which came out July 27th, are available on all streaming platforms now. A live performance from a few years ago is also available below.
Round Lake Auditorium, located in the historic Round Lake village, has served as a cultural center for over a century. Beginning as a religious settlement, the Round Lake Auditorium has evolved into a unique piece of capital region history. Notable figures, including Ulysses S. Grant and Cornelius Vanderbilt have visited the village of Round Lake, enhancing its deep history.
Round Lake History
Founded in the post-Civil War Era, the Auditorium served as a religious gathering place since 1868. A group of Methodists from Troy made Round Lake their designated spot for “campmeeting”. Round Lake began as a covered open air speakerâs platform with the audience sitting on rough boards set on top of tree stumps.
By 1884, an 80 by 140 foot building was erected with furnished seating for 2,000 people. As Round Lake grew in popularity, it expanded its facility to accommodate for a greater audience. The popular religious revivals attracted as many as 20,000 worshippers each summer for rousing sermons.
From the late 1880s to early 1900s, the Auditorium hosted church services, lectures, conventions, concerts, movies, and ice skating in the winter. The Auditorium’s physical space evolved from a platform surrounded by benches to an enormous tent, then to an open-sided pavilion with canvas sides, and, in 1912, to the glass-enclosed building we see today.
Round Lake Gallery
Its literal and metaphorical center, the Auditorium is an integral part of Round Lake’s cultural community. The Auditorium fell into ruin and was nearly bulldozed in 1950, but the venue was revived. Today, the auditorium continues to serve as a cultural venue for concerts, performances of all kind, art shows, and community gatherings.
David Ferris Pipe Organ
It is impossible to discuss the Round Lake Auditorium without mentioning the David Ferris Pipe Organ. The David Ferris Pipe Organ, built in New York City in 1847, came to the Round Lake Auditorium in 1888. The organ is the oldest of its kind in the United States, and was designated as a landmark in 2016.
Round Lake Organ
The organ is a feat of American manufacturing and craftsmanship. The organ remains largely unaltered, and it has remained the remarkable instrument it was when it was built over 200 years ago
The organ’s “trackers”, thin wooden pieces that connect the keyboard to the pipes, allowing the organist more control of the sound. The non-wooden pipes in the organ contain Zinc, which adds strength to pipes that otherwise would have been made of lead. Lead pipes, with many of the organ’s contemporaries were constructed with, tended to fold in on themselves and collapse.
Playing the David Ferris Organ is a unique experience some organists compare to, “typing on a manual typewriter versus the light responsiveness of a computer keyboard”.
Present and Future
The Auditorium’s rich history adds to the intimate ambiance of the venue. The Auditorium is capable of accommodating 300 guests, along with orchestras, and stage productions. The Auditorium also holds community events and contributes to local creative arts. An open mic will be held on July 19, offering a perfect opportunity for artists to showcase their gift and build connections with the community.
Round Lake hosts a market event every summer, with food trucks, vendors, and concerts. The free event offers an opportunity to engage with the community while enjoying live music.
Today, the Round Lake Auditorium continues to bring the arts to the capital region. Organ recitals will be presented on August 25 by Craig Williams, September 8 by Tom Dressler, and September 15 by Gail Archer. A lecture series, open mic events, community events, tours, chamber music and master classes will all be part of the summer series. Their full event schedule is available here, and a previous organ performance is available below.
Monobloc, a band emerging from New York City’s DIY scene, has released a new single, “Where is My Garden?”.
Led by vocalist Tommy Waldron and bassist Michael Silverglade, Monobloc effortlessly merges post-punk instrumentation and attitude with pop sensibilities. With Zack Pockrose on drums, and guitarists Ben Scofield and Nina Lüders, Monobloc creates a nostalgic sound reminiscent of Television and The Strokes.
Julia Tarantino
Chronicling the internal battle between materialism and gratitude, Monobloc describes conflict with vivid imagery and refreshing honesty.
Unpublished praised the single for its honesty and timelessness: “with intricate, overlapping rhythms balanced with the straightforward ‘tell it how it is’ type lyrics, Monobloc … [creates] a timeless track that will be accessible through generations.”
The black and white music video, self-directed by the band, compliments the wiry, insistent guitar work and rousing chorus. Tommy Waldron said of the instrumentation, “Attached to the main riff of the song was this chorus I really wanted to use but could never find a place where it made sense. … It was a great wide theme – a bit Springsteen and better yet, the closest I could legally get to saying “Where are your friends tonight?”
Monobloc shared their first single, “I’m Just Trying to Love You” in early 2024. As Monobloc continues to hone in on their electric live shows, DIY attitude and artistic capabilities, more music is to come.
A full list of Monobloc’s tour dates is available below, along with the official “Where is My Garden?” music video. Tickets are available here.
AUGUST
2 – Pete’s Candy Store – Brooklyn NY
21 – Sebright Arms – London, UK (debut UK performance)
23 – All Points East Festival – London, UK (w/ LCD Soundsystem)
25 – Rock En Seine Festival – Paris, FR (debut EU performance)
