NYS Music 2024

Author: Alana Jones

  • Albany’s Palace Theatre Announces Free Movie Series

    Palace Theater’s free movie series will return this year with eight free family-friendly movie screenings. The series will open one hour before the movie starts for fun & educational activities. On August 28, the series’ finale, the Palace Theater will host an Ice Cream Social immediately following the screening of Spider Man: Into The Spider Verse.

    Palace Theater Gives Back

    The movie series is part of Palace Theater’s Community Engagement Initiative. Thus the initiative has garnered local support from numerous donors, including Stewart’s Shops, who will be providing ice cream for the Ice Cream Social. Art, educational activities, games, and giveaways will take place before the movie starts. Additionally free popcorn will be provided for all children 12 and younger.

    Moreover Broadway’s Chief Community Officer Kathy Lanni expressed her excitement about the Palace Theater movie series, saying, “The Palace is the perfect place for families to beat the heat, spend quality time together, and gain an appreciation for the arts and the rich history of our community.”

    For the past 80 years, The Palace has been a landmark of Albany’s downtown. The theater maintains its original beauty and design from its construction in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, and is a historical landmark in the City of Albany. Chiefly the Palace’s mission is to bring world-class arts and entertainment to New York’s Capital Region. Through performing arts entertainment, free arts education, family-friendly performances, free summer movies and a classic movie program series, the Palace continues to give back to the community.

    As a result local businesses like Stewart’s Shopshave made generous donation to the Palace Theater. A report of a previous summer music series is available here, and free tickets are available at the following link.

    Palace Theater Movie Series Dates

    Tue, July 9: Wish
    Tue, July 16: Shrek
    Tue, July 23: The Lion King
    Tue, July 30: Wonka
    Tue, Aug. 6: TMNT: Mutant Mayhem
    Tue, Aug. 13: Trolls: Band Together
    Tue, Aug. 20: The Princess and the Frog
    Wed, Aug. 28: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

  • Anderson .Paak Brings The Malibu Tour To Jones Beach Theater

    Eight-time Grammy winner Anderson .Paak is heading on tour. The Super Bowl halftime performer announced The Malibu Tour, featuring Maurice Brown and Gawd, where he will perform his critically-acclaimed sophomore effort, Malibu, in its entirety. The 3-week trek will see .Paak make 14 stops with a performance at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY for the penultimate performance.

    Maya Sarin

    Anderson .Paak is renowned for his work as a singer, rapper, and producer. His passion for music began as a child in his church band in Oxnard, California. In 2014 .Paak released his debut album, Venice, followed by Malibu in 2016.

    .Paak is known for his collaboration with other accomplisted artists. Silk Sonic, .Paak’s collaboration with Bruno Mars, earned the duo four Grammy’s and a sold out Vegas residency. Hits like “Leave the Door Open” and “Smokin’ out the Window” have cemented .Paak’s place in the public consciousness. .Paak appeared as a surprise guest at Logic and Friends’ show in 2022.

    Anderson .Paak’s tour will showcase all of his strengths. With experience playing at the Met Gala, F1 Las Vegas, and Coachella, .Paak is an experienced performer with an engaging stage presence.

    Tickets are currently available, and a full list of tour dates is available below. Anderson .Paak’s NPR performance is also available below.

    The Malibu Tour Dates

    Wed Sep 18 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater

    Thu Sep 19 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre

    Sat Sep 21 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

    Tue Sep 24 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl

    Thu Sep 26 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl

    Fri Sep 27 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

    Sat Sep 28 – Las Vegas, NV – Fontainebleau Las Vegas

    Wed Oct 02 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

    Fri Oct 04 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island

    Sat Oct 05 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre

    Tue Oct 08 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann

    Wed Oct 09 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion

    Fri Oct 11 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

    Sun Oct 13 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

  • Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers Announce Manhattan Show at Drom

    Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, a genre-bending band from Michigan, announced new dates on their 2024 tour. The Rainbow Seekers will be playing Drom, a venue in the East Village. Known for their high energy, danceable music, the Rainbow Seekers’ tour promises an exciting show.

    The additional tour dates were announced following the release of their newest single, “Turn This Train Around”. The track describes Hertler’s experience after a breakup, specifically, the moment, “joy pierced through [his] sorrow” and it “felt good to dance again”.

    Jake Mulka

    Founded in Lansing, Michigan, Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers are known for their upbeat, spirited performances. The Rainbow Seekers’ energy is contagious, they live up to the optimism their name invokes. Their music is far from one dimensional: high-energy, life-affirming live shows feature pensive-yet-uplifting lyrics featured on their album, Pursuit of Wonder.

    The band explores philosophical truths on their album, “looking at opposites: life or death, good or bad, happiness or sadness. None of those things can exist without the other.” Though the subject matter is existential, Joe Hertler is far from nihilistic. He described the process of writing the album as “uplifting’, and expressed a desire for the listener to “appreciate the brevity of their existence”.

    Tickets are available at the following link. A full list of tour dates is below, along with the “Turn this Train Around” music video. Pictures of a previous Rainbow Seekers show are also available at the following link.

    Tour Dates

    June 29 – St. Louis, MO @ Duck Room at Blueberry Hill

    June 30 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Twilight Series

    July 2 – Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy + Harriet’s

    July 4-5 – Quincy, CA @ High Sierra Music Festival

    July 7 – Portland, OR @ The Get Down

    July 9 – Seattle, WA @ Madame Lou’s

    July 10 – Boise, ID @ Neurolux

    July 11 – Victor, ID @ Music On Main

    July 13 – Denver, CO @ Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station

    July 24 – Thomas, WV @ Purple Fiddle

    July 25 – Check, VA @ FloydFest

    July 26 – Raleigh, NC @ Kings

    July 27 – Fayetteville, WV @ The Outpost New River Gorge

    August 8 – Lowell, MI @ Sizzlin Showboat at Riverwalk Plaza

    August 9 – Indianapolis, IN @ Hi Fi

    August 15 – Ann Arbor, MI @ Sonic Lunch (Daytime Set)

    August 22 – Charlotte, NC @ River Jam at the US National Whitewater Center

    August 23 – Chattanooga, TN @ Nightfall Concert Series at Miller Plaza

    August 24 – Covington, KY @ The Rooftop at Madison Live

    September 27 – Kalamazoo, MI @ Bell’s Eccentric Café – Beer Garden

    September 28 – Valpraiso, IN @ Valpo Brewfest

    September 29 – Columbus, OH @ Natalie’s Grandview

    October 1 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Crafthouse Stage & Grill

    October 2 – Bethlehem, PA @ Musikfest Café

    October 3 – New York, NY @ Drom

    October 4 – Boston, MA @ Arts at the Armory

    October 5 – Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy

    October 6 – Washington, D.C. @ Pearl Street Warehouse

    October 8 – Richmond, VA @ Richmond Music Hall

    October 10 – Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl

    October 11 – Nashville, TN @ East Room

    October 12 – Bentonville, AR @ City Sessions

    October 13 – Dallas, TX @ Deep Ellum Art Co.

    October 15 – Austin, TX @ 3STEN ACL Live

    October 17 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar

    October 18 – San Diego, CA @ Winston’s Beach Club

    October 19 – Venice, CA @ Venice West

    October 20 – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill

    October 22 – Santa Cruz, CA @ The Atrium at the Catalyst

    October 24 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Soundwell

    October 26 – Basalt, CO @ The Arts Campus at Willits

    October 27 – Greeley, CO @ Moxi Theater

    October 30 – Minneapolis, MN @ Green Room

    November 1 – Appleton, WI @ Appleton Beer Factory

    November 2 – Chicago, IL @ Subterranean

    November 3 – Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon

    November 9 – Lansing, MI @ Grewal Hall

  • Schola Cantorum Brings European Classical to Syracuse

    Schola Cantorum, an early music vocal ensemble, has been performing European classical music since 1975. Catering to a unique niche of classical music, the cantorum performs compositions from the Medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque eras.

    Schola brings traditional technique and style straight from the Middle Ages to the Syracuse area. Barry Torres, Schola’s founding and present Music Director, formed the cantorum as the community based successor to an early music collegium at Syracuse University.

    Schola

    Barry Torres pursued his love of traditional music at Syracuse University, where he studied composition and music theory. Torres served 25 years as Director of Music Ensembles at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. At St. Lawrence, he taught singing and 16th Century performance practice in addition to directing the Laurentian Singers (St. Lawrence’s 28-member select choir), the University Chorus, and the Gospel Choir and Band. Torres has showcased his passion for music in the Orchestra of Northern New York, with NYS Baroque, and Sonare.

    Every season, Schola presents three or more vocal ensemble concerts, as well as smaller early music ensembles.

    Schola performing in 2009

    Since 1983, Schola Cantorum has hosted their Summer Workshop for Singers, where singers have the opportunity to expand their repertoire and develop skills specific to early music ensemble singing. In 2024, Dr. Kristina Boerger will be the director of the singers workshop. From July 25 to the 28, participants will practice the mutual attentiveness that allows singing without a conductor. Dr. Boerger specializes in elements of quality vocal production: loose and relaxed onset of sound, well-defined, resonant vowel formation, crisp consonants, and precise, speech-oriented declamation.

    The workshop is held primarily for amateurs aged 16 and up. Participants must be able to learn music and to sing in time, and in tune, from a score to attend the workshop. More information is available at the following link. For more information on classical events in your area, a link to the NYS Music classical section is available here.

    A video of a previous year’s workshop performance is available below.

  • Catch Adirondack Band nubble this Summer in the North Country

    Saranac Lake-based band nubble is set to tour around the North Country this summer, bringing their Adirondack-themed folk music with them. Their imagery and subject matter are all distinct to the Adirondacks, featuring local references and atmospheric sound.

    nubble

    nubble was formed about a year ago by Gene Baritot (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Edek Falkowski (fiddle, banjo, vocals), Christian Eggleston (bass, vocals), and Chris Radey (drums, vocals). nubble’s tour will offer an excellent opportunity to support local musicians while enjoying their unique sound.

    Their experiences living in the Adirondacks come through in their songwriting. nubble expressed the excitement about sharing their love if the region with others, saying “we have the chance to share our songs which have been entirely inspired by the beauty of the area that we live.”

    One of the band’s tracks, “Ghosts,” is about the haunted cure cottage one band member lived in. The tuberculosis cottage in Saranac Lake was featured on Animal Planet’s “The Haunted,” while another track, “Buzz Away, Black Fly”, is about the bug of certain local renown.

    nubble expressed their gratitude for the ability to “express [themselves] in [their] small mountain communities”. nubble’s goal is to “share what feels good”, and they hope the ADK feels the same way. Their album, Live at Riverside Park, is available on Bandcamp, and tour dates are available below.

    Wednesday, July 3 @ Riverside Park in Saranac Lake, NY – 7 pm

    Thursday, July 4 @ Mids Park in Lake Placid, NY – 1 pm

    Tuesday, August 30 @ Hotel Saranac in Saranac Lake, NY – 8 pm

    Thursday, September 12 @ South Acres Park in Plattsburgh, NY- 4:30 pm

    Saturday, September 21 @ Ausable Brewing in Keeseville, NY – 12:30 pm

  • Fridays at the Lake: Lake George Concert Series

    Lake George’s summer concert series “Fridays at the Lake” returns this year with an exciting lineup. From July 5 to August 30, Shepard Park Amphitheater will host a concert every Friday. Concerts are free, and will feature a beer and wine garden.

    Fridays at the Lake
    Amanda Metzger

    On July 5, The Ultimates will open for the New York Players, who will be returning to Fridays at the Lake this year. The New York Players are known for being dance party experts, with over 1,000 events under their belt. On July 12, Yellow Dog will open for Soul Session.

    Dirt Cheap will open for E.B Jeb with classic blues and rock on July 19. E.B Jeb has been bringing authentic Southern Rock to upstate New York since 1980.

    Fridays at the Lake

    July 26, Saratoga-based pop group The Schmooze will open for Vivid. The Hartford based band is known for playing upbeat and danceable pop rock covers.

    American Café has been playing in the Capitol region for over 10 years. On August 2, they will open for Skeeter Creek, a modern country band who was named at the top of the 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Metroland Magazine Readers Poll for Country Band of the Year, and 2013, 2014,2015 Cover Band of the Year.

    Albany band Sirsy will bring pop rock with folk intimacy to Fridays at the Lake on August 9. They will open for the TS Ensemble, a high energy, eight piece band from

    Sirsy by Chet Seidel

    The US Navy band will open for The Accents on August 23; The Accents will be returning for another performance this year; Lake George regulars, the Accents have performed at Fridays at the Lake and thousands of other events.

    On August 30, Troy rock trio Super 400 will open for Ten Most Wanted. The Ten Most Wanted is a ten piece band known for their powerful vocals and sizzling horn section.

    All events are family & dog friendly, and bouncy houses will be available. Openers will take the stage at 6:00, and headliners will start performing at 7:30. A recap of last years’ Fridays at the Lake is available at the following link, and a video of a performance from a previous year is available below.

    Fridays at the Lake 2024

    July 5: The Ultimates & The New York Players

    July 12: Yellow Dog & Soul Session

    July 19: Dirt Cheap & E.B Jeb

    July 26: The Schmooze & Vivid (CT)

    August 2: American Café & Skeeter Creek

    August 9: Sirsy & TS Ensemble

    August 23: US Navy Band & The Accents

    August 30: Super 400 & Ten Most Wanted

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNSEj5eo6FU

  • Ray Brothers BBQ to Host Tribute to Bob Dylan

    Ray Brothers BBQ will host bob., a tribute to Bob Dylan on August 11. The show will take audiences on a journey through Dylan’s timeless melodies and poignant lyrics.

    Musicians from multiple bands will come together to pay tribute to Bob Dylan’s unparalleled artistry. Doors open at 3:00, and the show will run from 4:00 to 7:00.

    The performance will feature Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico of the band moe. along with special guests. Known for their captivating stage presence and rhythmic wizardry, moe. has become a pioneering force in the jam band scene. moe. will be joined by Charley Orlando singer and multi-instrumentalist, Brian Lauri on keyboard, and Zach Fleitz on bass. From classic hits like “Highway 61 Revisited” to ballads like “Girl From the North Country,” bob. is sure to deliver a thrilling performance of all your favorites.

    Located on Route 20 in Bouckville, Ray Brothers BBQ has received critical acclaim. Additionally, Food Network voted Ray Brothers BBQ the best ribs in the state. Owned by brothers Tucker and Colin Ray, Ray Bros has been serving authentic, slow cooked barbecue since 2014.

    Ray Brothers’ outdoor venue offers a great opportunity to enjoy summer weather, great food, and even better music. Ray Bros sell out daily, so don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy critically acclaimed food and music.

    More information about the tribute show is available at the following link. Ray Brothers BBQ’s episode of America’s Best Restaurants is available below.

  • History of the Stone Pony Recorded in New Book

    I Don’t Want To Go Home, The Oral History of the Stone Pony, was released in early June. New Jersey native Nick Corasaniti explores the history of the venue and the surrounding community. Complete with a foreword from Bruce Springsteen, Oral History of the Stone Pony documents the community’s resilience in the face of ruin.

    In 1974, Asbury Park’s future was uncertain. Recovering from a riot and facing ruin, the Stone Pony offered the gleam of hope the town needed. Bouncers Jack Roig and Butch Pielka, underprepared and minimally funded, were determined to own their own venue. Soon, Bruce Springsteen called the Stone Pony Home. Despite success in attracting notable artists like Stevie Van Zandt, “Southside” Johnny Lyon, and Springsteen, the Stone Pony struggled to get by.

    The history of the Stone Pony is emblematic of American life: dogged resistance and big reams, all in the face of decline and neglect. Corasaniti’s insight as a lifelong New Jersian is boosted by his experience as the New York Times’ Jersey correspondent. Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, Southside Johnny, members of the E Street Band and Asbury Jukes, the Ramones, the Jonas Brothers, Pearl Jam, the Kinks, Tom Morello, Kenny Chesney, Jack Antonoff, The Gaslight Anthem, the Bouncing Souls, the Lumineers, Russell Crowe and other legendary musicians have featured interviews. Non-musicians associated with the history of the Stone Pony, including bouncers, bartenders, local bon vivants and politicos, including Govs. Chris Christie and Phil Murphy, are also featured.

    The book has already received critical praise: Kirkus Reviews described it as a work with, “charming bits of Springsteen-iana… [with the] theme of a community stubbornly determined to survive amid adversity.” Booklist says the book promises a, “stirring tale of rock ‘n’ roll survival.”

    Umphrey’s McGee at The Stone Pony, 2018 – photo by Capacity Images, Chris Capaci

    It is difficult to overstate The Stone Pony’s role in rock ‘n’ roll history. During the 70s, Ocean Grove resident Johnny Lyon and Middletown’s Steve Van Zandt named their band for the Pony. With soulful, classic, and horn driven R&B music, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes played the Stone Pony three nights a week. Van Zandt would leave the group to play with Bruce Springsteen and the new version of the E Street Band. Salty Dog, Stir Crazy, Winfield, Holme, Salvation, Mad Dog and the Shakes (featuring local legend and former E Street drummer Vini Lopez), The Shots, Cold Blast & Steel, Cahoots and Acme Boogie Company all played the Stone Pony during the 70s.

    The 80s brought a new wave of rock and dance music to the Pony.  Legendary performances included stars on the way up such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Elvis Costello, The Ramones, Cheap Trick, Skid Row, Blondie, The Stray Cats and Winger. Other artists who took to the Pony stage included Meatloaf, Todd Rundgren, Jimmy Cliff, Joan Jett, Blue Oyster Cult, Gregg Allman, Dickie Betts, Ace Frehley of Kiss, Levon Helm, Robert Gordon, Johnny Winter, Vanilla Fudge, David Johansen (a.k.a. Buster Poindexter), Mink DeVille, Dion, Ronnie Spector and Mountain. Van Morrison used the club for the shooting of a music video because of its “cool atmosphere.”

    The Stone Pony hit a slump in the late 80s and early 90s. With insurance prices and other expenses rising, the Stone Pony came close to ruin. Steven Nasar bought the venue in bankruptcy court, and planned to make it into a dance club. In 2000, Jersey City restaurant owner Domenic Santana promised the Pony would be open by Memorial Day in a press conference.

    Credit: Michael Dinger; The Pretenders playing at the Stone Pony

    Santana renovated the Stone Pony, adding a permanent exhibition of art and artifacts from the history of the city and the venue itself. With a new state of the art lighting and sound equipment, redesign of the outside Stone Pony Landing area, tenting and a small food facility, the venue was ready to retake its rightful place in popular culture.

    Artists did not abandon the Stone Pony: The Pretenders, The Strokes, Interpol, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Patti Smith, Jason Mraz, Third Eye Blind, Sean Ono Lennon, Clarence Clemons, The Wailers, The Backseat Lovers, Indigo Girls, and Ziggy Marley among many others have continued to play at the Stone Pony. New Jersey native musicians continue to play the Stone Pony, and pay tribute to their roots, including Grateful Dead Tribute Band JRAD. The community’s resilience in the face of difficulty is remarkable, and a testament to the strength of music.

    In celebration of their 50th anniversary, The Stone Pony is hosting a summer series, more information is available here.

    The book is available for purchase here, and a CNN report on a the Stone Pony’s history is below.

  • Music Haven Announces 34th Annual International Concert Series

    Music Haven announced the return of their beloved summer series of international music. From July 7 to September 6, Music Haven will host diverse performances for Schenectady residents.

    Each concert will feature artists from different parts of the world, from Brazilian Jazz to Zimbabwean Afro Fusion. Schenectady’s Central Park will host the series in their award winning outdoor venue. Music Haven has transported viewers on a musical trip around the world for over 30 years.

    In addition to the returning festival, Music Haven is excited to introduce their new Blues BBQ, and a three-part film and event series.

    The Agnes MacDonald Music Haven is a family-friendly, accessible venue that has been voted “Best Outdoor Concert Venue” in the Capital Region. In addition to an excellent venue, the series will boast a collection of local craft beverages from Frog Alley and Wolf Hollow Brewing Companies and Nine Pin Cider. Ben and Jerry’s ice cream will also be available at each show, along with Yanni’s 2-go and Flacos Tacos.

    Music Haven will welcome special guests as exciting as their headliners.

    The series will open with Mokoomba, a Zimbabwean Afro Fusion group with infectiously danceable music. Special guest Jordan Taylor Hill will join Mokoomba with West African drums and dance.

    The next performance will feature Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band for an evening of Louisiana Zydeco, a unique blend of jazz, blues, and Indigenous Creole influences. Special guest The Brass Machine will bring New Orleans style jazz .

    Afterwards, the next performance will feature Balkan Brass, Roma (gypsy) accordion, and Slavic Soul Party jazz. Special guest Niva will perform Izverna, Macedonian roots music. The musical globetrotting trip will visit Ireland with Goitse, Live Ireland’s “Traditional Group of the Year”. The Capital region’s own Hair of the Dog will join Goitse.

    More jazz will follow with Brazilian artist Anat Cohen, Jazz Journalists Association’s “Clarinetist of the Year”. Additionally, the jazz quartet Art D’echo Trio will be joined by percussionist Brian Melick.

    Cuban musician Eliades Ochoa will perform classic Cuban Son. Cuban sextet Bolero Blues, led by Walter Ramos, will join Ochoa.

    Music Haven will also feature food from around the world.

    A full list of Music Haven’s summer events is available below, along with a news interview regarding the 2023 season.

    Music Haven 2024

    *7 p.m. Sundays

    July 7—Mokoomba (Afrofusion)

    Special Guests: Crossroads—Jordan Taylor Hill

    Sponsors: M&T Bank, Fidelis Care, Benchemark Printing 

    July 14: Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band (Zydeco)

    Special Guests: The Brass Machine

    Sponsors: WellNow Urgent Care, Snapple, Broadview FCU 

    July 21: Slavic Soul Party (Balkan Brass Roma Gypsy Funk Band)

    Special Guest: Niva

    Sponsors: Freihofer’s, The Carlilian Foundation, Buzz Media 

    July 28: Goitse (Traditional Irish)

    Special Guest: Hair of the Dog

    Sponsors: Fenimore Asset Management, Polar Beverages, CDTA

    August 4: Anat Cohen Quartetinho (Brazilian Jazz)

    Special Guest: Art D’echo Trio +1

    Sponsors: The Salmon Law Firm, Transfinder, DeCrescente Distributing Co.

    August 11: Eliades Ochoa (Classic Cuban Son)

    Special Guests: Bolero Blues 

    Sponsors: Goya, Mohawk Honda, Rivers Casino & Resort

    August 18: Banda Magda (Global Folk & Jazz Songs)

    Special Guests: TBA 

    Sponsors: Peregrine Engineering Consulting, Head to Tail, Gallagher

    Additional performances at Music Haven 2024

    Monday, August 5, 7 PM: SUNY Schenectady Jazz Faculty Combo

    With Featured Guest Delfeayo Marsalis

    Sponsor: SUNY Schenectady 

    Friday, August 9, 7 PM: 42nd Infantry Division Band of the New York Army National Guard

    Saturday, August 10, 7 PM: Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra, ‘A Tribute to John Williams’

    Sponsors: Fenimore Asset Management and Classical WMHT

    Friday, August 16, 5:00 – 9:30 PM: Blues BBQ 

    Blood Brothers With Misty Blues and Piedmont Bluz

    Saturday, August 24, 7 PM: MOP*CO Improv Theater “Spontaneous Broadway”

    Supported in part by a Schenectady County Arts & Culture Grant

    Alfresco Film & Event Series

    Presented in partnership with Film Schenectady

    Friday, August 23 5:00-10:00 PM: ‘Bollywood Night’                               

    Featuring Veena & Devesh Chandra, Lalita Ramnauth, Indian & Guyanese Food, & Fun followed by a screening of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge  

    MC: Mahendra Prag

    Supported by an NEA grant through NYS Folklore

    Friday, August 30 5:00-9:30 PM: ‘Reggae Sunset’ 

    Featuring Meta & The Cornerstones, Caribbean Food & Fun, followed by a screening of Bob Marley: One Love  

    MC: Sir Walford

    Sponsor: MVP Health Care

    Friday, September 6 5:00-9:30 PM: ‘Paint the Park Pink’

    Featuring FLY 92.3, Classic Summer & Pink Food & Fun, followed by a screening of the award-winning blockbuster, Barbie

    Sponsored by First New York Federal Credit Union

    Supported in part by FairGame and Schenectady County Arts & Culture Grants

  • The Broadway Collection Releases Documentary Short Film

    The Broadway Collection released their first ever documentary short film on June 6. Aimed at the travel industry, the short film emphasizes Broadway’s importance to New York culture, proving no trip to NYC is complete without a trip to the theater.

    Produced by The Broadway Collection and directed by two time Emmy-nominated Jonathan Theodore Baker, the short film is the first of an ongoing video series. Known for the MSNBC films’ documentary “Serving in Secret”, Baker’s prolific career includes award winners and work on box office hits.

    The film features Gavin Creel, a Tony and Olivier Award-Winning Bradway star. Following Creel, the film chronicles his journey to Broadway from childhood. Creel and Baker have been lifetime friends, from performing in their hometown of Findlay, Ohio, to the professional stage.

    The documentary features actress/singer Sara Bareilles (Waitress), Tony-nominated actress Eva Noblezada (Hadestown, The Great Gatsby), director Sammi Cannold (How to Dance in Ohio), and actress/singer Jacqueline Arnold (Moulin Rouge!). Filmed at pre- and post-show hotspot Bond 45, Creel and the special guests discuss the state of Broadway in 2024.

    The aid from hotels and restaurants is testament to the deep ties Broadway has to the community. The theater’s importance to New York’s culture and tourism is difficult to overstate. The Broadway Collection is dedicated to helping New York City visitors experience the theater, including Broadway and off-Broadway productions, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York City Ballet. The Collection has tickets to suit various tastes and budgets, and has deep connections to the professional travel industry.

    The documentary is available below.