The Ithaca Reggae Fest family has announced the return of the much-loved Ithaca Reggae Fest, taking place June 20-21, 2025 in the picturesque Stewart Park, Ithaca.
This vibrant festival celebrates reggae music and culture, bringing together fans from all walks of life for an unforgettable experience. The event promises to be a highlight of the summer, showcasing an incredible lineup of artists, delicious food, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Planning for the 7th Annual Ithaca Reggae Fest is already underway. As we reflect on the success of this past June’s festival, featuring unforgettable performances from John Brown’s Body, Sister Nancy, Pachyman, and more, the 2025 festival is set to be an even more magical experience.
In the spirit of celebration, there are a very limited number of Early Bird Tickets that are now available for purchase. As always, the Friday Welcome Party on June 20 is FREE for all attendees, and children under the age of 16 can join the festivities for FREE on Saturday, June 21, when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Don’t miss out on the chance to relive the magic of this incredible festival. With this beautiful thriving community, organizers can’t wait for you to celebrate at the 7th Annual Ithaca Reggae Fest in Stewart Park in June, 2025
Women in Music (WIM), a leading non-profit organization that advances the role of women and gender-expansive individuals in the music industry, proudly announces its 2025 Virtual Summit.
This three-day event will take place online from January 15-17, 2025, offering a global platform for education, empowerment, and professional advancement.
With a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers, including Martha Earls of Neon Coast, and a variety of engaging panels and workshops, the summit aims to foster connections and equip attendees with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
As WIM celebrates its 40th anniversary, the summit will feature innovative initiatives such as the WIM Safe(r) Spaces workshops and the WIM Workplace Initiative, which emphasizes creating safer and more inclusive environments within the industry.
The MLC and ASCAP sponsor the event, and partner organizations such as Here For The Music, Mamas In Music, Family Alliance in Music, and Moms in Music will host virtual booths. WIM members can attend the summit for free, while non-members are encouraged to purchase tickets and explore membership options.
This year, attendees can look forward to a comprehensive schedule:
Day 1: Educate (Wednesday, January 15) – Focused on career development, sessions will include “Female Founders: From Bootstrapped to Venture-Backed” and “Money Matters,” along with specialized workshops for artists and their teams.
Day 2: Empower (Thursday, January 16) – Centered on advocacy and mental health, this day will feature WIM Safe(r) Spaces training, workshops on creating safer environments, and a keynote by Martha Earls, who will share actionable strategies for reclaiming power in the industry.
Day 3: Advance (Friday, January 17) – Focused on professional growth, this day will cover topics such as job search success, recruiting strategies, and pivotal career transitions, culminating in a panel discussion moderated by Mandy Gabriel, VP of Film, TV & Advertising at Universal Music Publishing Group.
Visit here for more info on the Women in Music Summit.
The Local in Saugerties, is set to dazzle audiences with an inclusive range of creative talents of nearly 30 music, dance, and cultural events from January to May, 2025.
This vibrant venue has quickly become a cultural hub since opening in 2023, hosting a variety of acclaimed acts and workshops designed to celebrate global and local artistry, with genres featured range from jazz to folk pop and even Tuvan throat singing.
The lineup includes romantic Valentine’s Day performances, a Klezmer/hip-hop dance party, Korean funk rock, and a drumming workshop, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore diverse sounds and cultures in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Local’s commitment to sustaining a vibrant arts scene is evident in its carefully curated winter/spring 2025 schedule. Highlights include a special wine and cheese jazz night on Valentine’s Day featuring the Rachel Z Trio with Omar Hakim and Jonathan Toscano, Irish legends Lúnasa, and a conversation with legendary producer Joe Boyd, known for his work with Pink Floyd and Nick Drake.
The season promises a rich tapestry of performances, including Brazilian music, West African drumming, and contemporary folk, making it a must-visit destination for music lovers.
Co-founder Danny Melnick emphasizes the venue’s mission: “Our goal is to bring a wide array of internationally acclaimed performers and workshops to the Hudson Valley and encourage audiences to explore different cultures and new sounds.” This philosophy is echoed by performers who have experienced the unique atmosphere at The Local, creating memorable evenings for all.
The Local is located at 16 John Street, behind the Saugerties Reformed Church on Main Street.
On December 19, Brooklyn-based softcore/alternative rock band Boston Flowers release their highly anticipated EP, Afterlife, featuring the title track alongside previously released singles “Soul Creature,” “Fever Dream,” and “Cancer Man.”
This introspective collection invites listeners to delve into profound themes of life, death, and the mysteries that lie beyond, making it a compelling addition to the band’s discography. The music video for “Cancer Man,” directed by James Morano, is already available for fans, alongside a lyric video for “Fever Dream,” showcasing artwork by Ellis Gale.
Photo by James Morano
Boston Flowers emerged from the vibrant Brooklyn rock scene, establishing a signature sound with their debut album, Mondegreen, released in 2023. The band draws inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, Turnover, Kid Bloom, and Mk.gee, blending melodic alternative rock with softcore grit. Their name pays homage to the iconic film character Austin Powers, infusing their identity with a touch of groovy nostalgia.
The band Boston Flowers consists of a talented lineup, each member contributing to their unique sound. Sam Trestman, the vocalist and rhythm guitarist, brings a decade of experience in healthcare and insights from a personal near-death experience that deeply inform the themes explored in their Afterlife EP. Zaid Khan adds atmospheric layers with his synth work, enhancing the band’s melodic richness. The driving force behind their rhythm is Rio Kelemen on drums, delivering dynamic beats that propel their music forward. Alejandro Ortiz, the lead guitarist, provides intricate guitar work that adds depth and texture to their tracks. Finally, Michael Agazzi on bass guitar anchors the band’s sound with solid bass lines, creating a strong foundation for their music.
Photo by James Morano
As Boston Flowers prepares to release Afterlife, they look forward to expanding their reach and continuing to engage with fans through live performances across the tri-state area. Their local NYC show lineup has included popular venues such as Arlene’s Grocery, The Delancey, Berlin Under A, and Bar Freda, as well as their own rooftop shows in Brooklyn.
Photo by James Morano
With the release of Afterlife, Boston Flowers invites you to join them on a journey through the complexities of human experience, celebrating the cycles of change and the exploration of what lies beyond. Pre-save the title track on Spotify and stay tuned for the official release on December 19!
The New York Philharmonic recently announced the ratification of a new three-year contract, effective September 21. The new contract includes a plan to compensate and recruit in a transparent manner through collaboration, thanks to partnerships with the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, the American Federation of Musicians Local 802, and the Musicians of the New York Philharmonic.
Local 802 President Sara Cutler highlighted the substantial wage increases as essential for safeguarding the futures of musicians and the institution as a whole. Hence, under the new contract, the musicians’ salary will see an increase of just over 30 percent. There is also a 15 percent raise in the 2025 fiscal year and 7.5 percent increases in both 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. Additionally, the contract outlines a commitment to fairness and transparency especially for the hiring process.
Deborah Borda, Executive Advisor of the New York Philharmonic, expressed her satisfaction with the recent settlement, stating that it aligns musicians’ compensation more closely with that of their peer orchestras. She noted that this negotiation process was the most collaborative she has experienced in her career. Borda also praised the Board of Directors for their strong support of the musicians and the organization as they look toward the future.
The main focuses moving forward are prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Board Co-Chairmen Peter W. May and Oscar L. Tang expressed their commitment to equality and excellence. The new contract requires a review of the tenure process as well as mandates that all auditions rounds be conducted behind a screen to prevent bias.
This historic agreement positions itself as a crucial step for attracting and retaining top talent within the philharmonic, especially as the orchestra gears up for Gustavo Dudamelâs arrival as its next Music and Artistic Director. Both the musicians and Local 802 are optimistic that this agreement will enhance the future of the musicians and the New York Philharmonic, paving the way for a vibrant season of music and community engagement.
Legendary vocalist of Herman’s Hermits, Peter Noone, headlines the Sixties Spectacular tour on Saturday, November 2 at Schenectady’s Proctors Theatre.
Peter Noone and his Herman’s Hermits procured a very well-groomed image which made them popular in the US during the British Invasion bands era. The band had a string of major hits such as “Ms. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter” and “I’m Henry VIII, I Am” that were both #1 in the US and #12 in the UK.
In turn of the great success, Noone decided to go solo and was able to reach the charts again at #12 in the UK, collaborating with legendary artist David Bowie writing, “Oh You Pretty Things”, going to show Peter’s impact ranging across the industry.
Nowadays, Noone makes regular tour appearances in the US, as well as guest stars in VH1’s My Generation, Entertainment Tonight. In 2007, Peter showed up as a mentor on American Idol, offering advice to contestants singing songs from the British Invasion era.
The GrassRoots, originally formed in San Francisco as “The 13th Floor” join Noone at Proctors Theatre after a decade.
Although Rob Grill, the band’s original lead vocalist, passed away in 2011, current members, led by singer Mark Dawson, keep the spirit of their classic hits alive with vibrant performances. In 2015, they were inducted into the American Pop Music Hall of Fame, honoring their legacy for grateful fans.
Gary Lewis & the Playboys will bring their longtime experience and talent to Proctors Theatre for another time.
Rising to fame in 1965-1966, they began their journey performing nightly at Disneyland, where audiences were unaware that Gary was the son of comedy legend Jerry Lewis.
Gary earned the title to cashbox’s vocalist of the year, competing with icons like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Following a time in the army, Gary dropped one more hit was dropped called, “Sealed With a Kiss”.
Opening the Sixties Spectacular are the Bluz House Rockers at Proctors, celebrating their 30th anniversary.
They are proud inductees of the NYS Blues Hall of Fame from their diverse repertoire of collaborations and sounds. With six of the seven members sharing lead and harmony vocals, they bring high energy to the stage.
Over the past decade, they have performed at various venues, including Proctors, the Times Union Center, and the Palace Theatre, as well as special events like Albany and Saratoga First Nights and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
The appearances are endless and features over 200 international and local music acts. Eclectic Overdrive is hosting the event and a rebranded Rochester experimental week is back.
The goal of the Avant Garde A Clue and Eclectic Overdrive is to open minds and hearts through the transformative power of music, making it a must-attend event for lovers of avant-garde art.
Among the standout acts is Doom Dogs, an improv supergroup that has innovated their own category of music. Doom Dogs includes guitarist Reeves Gabrels, known for his work with The Cure and David Bowie, master drummer Jonathan Kane from Swans and experimental genius Jair-Rohm Parker Wells.
Renowned percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani from Osaka will showcase his distinctive sound using adapted bowed gongs, drums, and singing bowls while the legendary band, Gong will bring their genre-defying music to the festival highlighting their storied history since forming in a French commune in 1967. Other notable performances include Frank Hurricane who draws inspiration from the mystical landscapes of North Carolina and recently featured on PBS.
Additionally, multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Ahkmad Marin, celebrated for his mastery of diverse musical scales and innovative sound manipulations. Wendy Eisenberg an improviser and songwriter who seamlessly weaves through genres such as jazz to Avant-rock to even delicate sounds. Also, Rushadicus, a cellist provocateur whose performances blend black metal with immersive theater, will take the stage offering an experience that is both hilarious and deeply unsettling.
Admission is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Once capacity is reached, the policy is one-in, one-out to ensure everyone has a chance to experience the music.
In the fall of 2022, Timothy Waldron, lead vocalist of the emerging band Monobloc, found himself captivated by a live performance of Eric Burdon and War’s “Spill The Wine” while navigating life in a new city.
Photo Credit: Julia Tarantino
This moment of inspiration sparked the creation of their latest single, “Irish Goodbye,” which premieres a post-punk sound, explaining the pressures of being young in a new city, a topic many can relate to as it can be challenging adapting in a new place. Not to mention a situation the band has experienced, giving credibility to their point of view. Storytelling prowess and minimalist instrumentation position them as a band to watch as they carve out their own lane in NYCâs vibrant DIY landscape.
Helmed by vocalist Timothy Waldron and bassist Michael Silverglade are alongside Zach Pockrose on drums and guitarists Ben Scofield and Nina Luders, each contributing their emotionally charged sounds. The band merges pop with a gritty post-punk attitude therefore, drawing inspiration from their come up in New York’s underground scene.
Monobloc gained notable attention for creating the viral Minecraft music festival, Block by Blockwest. This innovative virtual event combined their passion for music with the popular gaming platform, allowing fans to experience live performances in a unique, immersive environment.
Their storytelling abilities shines along with their patterned instrumentals, making them stand out as an innovative force. Additionally, their distinctive talent and the success of their first two singles, “Where is My Garden,” and “I’m Just Trying To Love You,” it shows that with their irresistible catchy melodic rock sound, they are just getting into the groove of things.
Accompanied by their thoughtful narrative point of view, paired with raw, minimalist instrumentation, makes them a standout act. On the other hand, making a splash in sold-out residency at Pianos and performances at major festivals like Rock En Seine and All Points East has given them a chance to propel onto the global stage.
Live Tour Dates:
OCTOBER, 26 at United Sounds NYC Festival – Brooklyn, NY
NOVEMBER, 7 at Iceland Airways – ReykjavÃk, IS
NOVEMBER, 8 at Deaf Institute – Manchester, UK (Debut Manchester headline)
NOVEMBER, 9 at Third Man – London, UK (Debut London headline)
NOVEMBER, 19 at Corona Capital Fest – Mexico city, MX
Bert McCracken is most known for his two decades in The Used. By his 40th birthday, he jumped into a new genre, creating his own wave. Soon, he’ll be performing under his solo project robbietheused on a short cross-country tour from Oct. 30 – Nov. 6, with one of his key stops in New York City.
This tour follows the release of McCracken’s latest singles, “The Feels” and “Just a Little Bit,” which have garnered praise from fans. Therefore, Bert can share his new technique and lifestyle with his fans.
The solo project’s genre vastly contrasts from his work with his band, allowing Bert to shape his own comfort zone where he wants. Through the creation process, McCracken explained how he and his long time producer, John Feldmann would have coherent conversations, including about his mental health.
“My solo project has been a lot about rebirth and a way to reconnect with my childhood love for pop music, so to be able to say that robbietheused is playing 5 LIVE SHOWS and gets the opportunity to sing these songs in a room with you guys is a dream come true I’m so fucking excited, nervous, grateful… Thanks for being here See you there, Love Robbie”
Because of this, he is able to put his present experiences in his music, allowing for complete immersion for both the creators and audience.
After navigating recent challenges, McCracken is branching out to come up with new creations. Meanwhile, innovating his work for new lyrics and melodies. So far with five shows on the calendar, Bert is one month away from doing what he does best.
Looking ahead Bert McCracken has teased a full album and more tour dates, aiming to spread messages of positivity and personal growth through his music.
