NYS Music 2024

Author: Michael Erkan

  • Darien Lake Amphitheater 2024 Summer Lineup

    Summer is here, and Western New York amusement park Six Flags Darien Lake has announced its lineup of shows coming to their 21,600-capacity amphitheater. The stacked lineup includes countless stars, including but not limited to Janet Jackson, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Avril Lavigne and Creed.

    HARDY with special guests Kip Moore, Travis Denning and Stephen Wilson Jr. – Quit!! Tour – June 8, 6:45 PM

    Country Rock veteran HARDY will open up Darien Lake’s summer lineup with the second New York show on his Quit!! Tour. Fellow country artists Kip Moore, Travis Denning and Stephen Wilson Jr. will open up the show as special guests.

    Niall Horan with special guest Del Water Gap – The Show Tour – June 22, 7:30 PM

    Former One-Direction member Niall Horan will be stopping by Darien Lake for his The Show Tour. Brooklyn-based indie-pop artist Del Water Gap will join as a special guest.

    James Taylor and His All-Star Band – June 25, 8:00 PM

    Six-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee James Taylor and his all-star band will arrive in Darien Lake on June 25. Some of the all-stars from Taylor’s band include The Blues Brothers saxophonist Lou Marini and Steely Dan and Bee Gees drummer Steve Gadd. 

    Kenny Chesney with special guest Megan Moroney – Sun Goes Down Tour – June 27, 7:30 PM

    Grammy-nominated and Country Music Association award-winner Kenny Chesney will play in Darien Lake as a stop for his Sun Goes Down Tour. The Academy of Country Music Awards’ 2024 New Artist of the Year, Megan Moroney, will join Chesney.

    Third Eye Blind with special guests Yellowcard and ARIZONA – Summer Gods Tour – July 3, 6:30 PM

    American rock band Third Eye Blind will be coming to Darien Lake as the first of three New York stops for their Summer Gods Tour. Similarly-popular band Yellowcard will be the featured opener, alongside pop-rock band ARIZONA.

    Janet Jackson with special guest Nelly – Together Again Tour – July 5, 8:00 PM

    Iconic pop star Janet Jackson is set to appear in Darien Lake on July 5 before playing in Brooklyn later in the month. Rapper and singer Nelly, known for hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Ride Wit Me,” will appear as a special guest.

    Kidz Bop Kidz – July 7, 4:00 PM

    The renowned family-friendly pop song cover group, Kidz Bop Kidz, will perform in Darien Lake for an early show on July 7. This child-friendly concert is perfect for any younger children looking to hear clean versions of some of their favorite modern pop hits.

    Chris Stapleton with special guests Marcus King and Nikki Lane – All-American Road Show – July 11, 7:00 PM

    Ten-time Grammy Award winner Chris Stapleton will come by Darien Lake for a stop on his All-American Road Show. Fellow country singers Marcus King and Nikki Lane will contribute opening performances.

    Red Hot Chili Peppers with special guest Wand – Unlimited Love Tour – July 12, 7:00 PM

    Genre-defining American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers will arrive in Darien Lake the day after Chris Stapleton for their Unlimited Love Tour. Psychedelic rock band Wand will open up the set.

    Jason Aldean with special guests Lauren Alaina, Chase Matthew, Austin Snell and Dee Jay Silver – Highway Desperado Tour – August 1, 7:30 PM

    Country musician Jason Aldean will kick off August with a performance at Darien Lake as a stop on his Highway Desperado Tour. Lauren Alaina, Chase Matthew, Austin Snell and Dee Jay Silver will all appear as special guests.

    The Queens of R&B: Xscape and SWV with special guests Mya, Total and 702 – The Queens of R&B Tour – August 6, 7:00 PM

    Known for their active reality television series, The Queens of R&B, Xscape and SVW, will be performing at Darien Lake for their last of three New York shows. Mya, Total and 702 will join as special guests.

    Avril Lavigne with special guests Simple Plan and Girlfriends – The Greatest Hits Tour – August 20, 7:00 PM

    Pop-punk idol Avril Lavigne will play nothing but the best in Darien Lake for her new tour focusing on her greatest hits. Rock bands Simple Plan and Girlfriends will open up the show.

    New Kids On The Block with special guests Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff – Magic Summer Tour – August 22, 7:00 PM

    Classic boy band New Kids On The Block is celebrating the release of their brand new album, Still Kids, with their Magic Summer Tour. The Darien Lake performance will be opened by Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

    Pitbull with special guest T-Pain – Party After Dark Tour – September 6, 8:00 PM

    Mr. Worldwide, aka Pitbull, will perform some of his classic pop hits to the Darien Lake crowd on September 6 for his Party After Dark Tour. Fellow 2000s and 2010s hitmaker T-Pain will appear as well.

    American rock and pop-punk band Falling in Reverse is set to perform at Darien Lake for their Popular MonsTOUR II: World Domination. The packed night of performances will also feature Black Veil Brides, Dance Gavin Dance, Tech N9ne and Jeris Johnson.

    ZZ Top & Lynyrd Skynyrd with special guest The Outlaws – The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour – September 12, 6:30 PM

    American rock bands Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top will perform at Darien Lake for their last of four New York shows as a part of their collaborative tour. Fellow American rock band, The Outlaws, will open up the show.

    Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss and Celisse – The Outlaw Music Festival – September 17, 5:00 PM

    American folk legends Willie Nelson & Family and Bob Dylan will play together in Darien Lake as part of the traveling “must see music festival of the summer,” Outlaw Music Festival. Robert Plant, Alison Krauss and Celisse will perform as well.

    Creed with special guests 3 Doors Down and Finger 11 – Summer of ’99 Tour – September 27, 7:00 PM

    Post-grunge American rock band Creed will cap off Darien Lake’s summer lineup with a performance for their Summer of 99′ Tour on September 27. 3 Doors Down and Finger 11 will open up the show.

    Tickets for all of the shows shown can be found here.

  • Hearing Aide: Fantastic Cat ‘Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat’

    NYC-based indie and folk-rock supergroup Fantastic Cat released their sophomore album, Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat, on June 7. The 11-song record sees the band dialing into the soulful and intimate sound they built on their 2022 debut.

    fantastic cat

    Fantastic Cat gets its supergroup moniker from the fact that all four members, Anthony D’Amato, Don Dilego, Brian Dunne and Mike Montali, are all experienced singer-songwriters in their own right. The name Fantastic Cat comes from a night when Montali and Dilego were at a NYC club trying to figure out what to name the band, and they asked the waitress for a suggestion. The waitress suggested “Fantastic Cat,” and the name was set.

    The band’s first record, ironically named The Very Best of Fantastic Cat, was released in 2022 and garnered very positive reviews from publications.

    On the band’s website, it’s hilariously written that “The Very Best of Fantastic Cat garnered the kind of press you simply can’t make up. USA Today proclaimed, “We don’t have a music writer anymore,” while NPR received multiple copies of the album in the mail, and The New York Times’ Jon Pareles declared, “I’m currently out of the office and will respond when I return.”

    So it’s clear that Fantastic Cat has a sense of humor. But what’s their music like?

    All the classic elements of indie and folk Americana are present. The steady drums, the tight acoustic and electric guitars and the heartfelt vocals all shine through. But beyond this, Fantastic Cat’s extremely tight instrumentation and powerful yet controlled vocals make them sound like a band celebrating its 20th album, not its second.

    You know the feeling of running across a country field? Or staring longingly out of a window after a hard day? Listening feels strangely impactful. It makes you think about those moments in your life where you feel the most in touch with your soul, and you can take it all in.

    The hooks are where the band often shines the brightest, especially on goosebump-inducing songs like “Later On” and “So Glad You Made It.”

    Fantastic Cat is also wonderful at balancing their natural comedy with the serious nature of their songs. “The Hammer & The Nail” comes to mind, where part of the hook goes, “Sometimes you’re the hammer. Sometimes you’re the nail. Lately, I just keep on getting screwed.” It’s impossible not to crack a smile hearing that for the first time, yet it’s deeply relatable.

    The Very Best of Fantastic Cat is one of those albums that, if you want to understand, you just have to listen to it. The words in this article can’t touch your soul like the songs on the album do. And lucky for you, The Very Best of Fantastic Cat just came out and is available on all streaming platforms, so go take a listen.

    Key Tracks: Little Bit Broken, So Glad You Made It, Edinburgh

    Fantastic Cat will be playing in Katonah, NY on June 29 and Saratoga Springs on August 10. Information and tickets can be found on the band’s website.

  • An Interview with Bill Payne of Little Feat

    In an industry where so many artists and bands come and go, American rock and roll, country, blues and R&B hybrid band Little Feat has remained ever-present since the late 1960s.

    Nearly 30 projects have come out over the course of Little Feat’s 55-year existence, with the band’s most recent full-length record coming out less than a month ago. Following their new record, Little Feat is set to headline the NYS Blues Fest in Syracuse on Saturday, June 15.

    Through breakups, regroupings, lineup changes and genre-bending albums, Little Feat has maintained the spirit that gave them an audience in the first place. That of making authentic and passionate music that’s a joy to listen to and feeds the soul.

    The band’s new album, Sam’s Place, just came out on May 17 and is their first album in 12 years. The record is also the first Little Feat project to feature longtime percussionist Sam Clayton on lead vocals, and the first to lean heavily into the blues.

    Bill Payne, pianist for Little Feat, is the sole founding member of the band who is still actively involved. With a wildly impressive resume of musicians he played with as a session artist, including Pink Floyd, Stevie Nicks, Toto, Jimmy Buffet and many more, Payne is no amateur in the industry.

    NYS Music had a conversation with Payne about Little Feat’s recent record, the significance of live music, the future of Little Feat and more.

    Little Feat bill payne
    Bill Payne playing with Little Feat at a 2010 Richie Hayward benefit in Vermont.

    *This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

    Erkan: The gap between Rooster Rag and Sam’s Place was 12 years. What was it like for the band to get back together and record after your longest break between albums?

    Payne: It wasn’t that big of a deal. There was an interim right after Rooster Rag where I was playing with The Doobie Brothers. So that time was occupied. I didn’t feel like there was a huge gap in terms of what I was working on. I don’t think it really affected the band all too much.

    Erkan: What makes Sam’s Place different from all other Little Feat projects?

    Payne: I think it’s unique in a couple of senses. The biggest one is focusing on Sam Clayton for vocals. I wanted to do this many years ago, and it never took place, so I was thrilled. The other thing that I think stands out with this record is that Michael LoBue, or we call him “Bull,” was playing harmonica for us. Also, the record focuses on one genre of music rather than the eclectic mix of things that we normally do.

    Erkan: Now that Sam’s Place is out, how has the reception been?

    Payne: The reception is excellent. It’s always great when you can project yourself on a project. I had one guy comment saying, “Oh man, I love Little Feat, but when I found you were doing a blues record, I was like, ‘Oh no!’ And then I sat down and listened to it, and my jaw fell to the floor.”

    Erkan: Have you been able to play it live yet?

    Payne: We’ve cherry-picked a few songs. We were just in Berkeley, and we played one of the tunes that evening.

    Erkan: How important to the band are live shows?

    Payne: I think to our band in particular, and any band for that matter, especially these days, they are exceedingly important. The music industry has changed so much over the years and selling records is not what it used to be. Streaming is a conundrum in terms of you couldn’t possibly make a living doing it unless you were a star like Lady Gaga. I think all the proponents that have always been there for artists are all important. Live shows, recordings, rehearsals—the whole nine yards.

    Erkan: Sam’s Place is the first Little Feat album to be released in the streaming era. What aspects of the album did it affect, if any?

    Payne: I didn’t think about it one way or the other. I don’t think anybody did. We just played.

    Erkan: You’ve had the privilege of seeing the music industry evolve massively throughout your career. Do you have any words on what it’s been like to exist through the countless changes and evolutions the industry has gone through?

    Payne: On certain levels, it’s like a frog being boiled in water. People don’t realize things until it’s too late. On other levels, I’ve felt like Nostradamus at times. Like when I was trying to convince Warner Brothers that the internet is something they might want to pay attention to. Artists don’t write or compose or create because they want to. They have to. In other words, it’s going to come out, whether there’s a platform to present it or not. It’s something that you have in you or you don’t.

    Erkan: Do you have any words of advice for people who might want to get into the industry but don’t know what to do?

    Payne: If you’re the type of person who’s inquisitive about things, you have to embrace that with all with all you have. As an artist you have in your quiver, so to speak, the ability to share with people not only what you like to listen to or have been influenced by but how you might influence others, which is your own. Those things are important to share, especially in this day and age.

    Erkan: Your 1978 album Waiting for Columbus made it to Rolling Stones’ 50 Greatest Live Albums of All Time list. What factors would you say contributed most to that album being so highly praised?

    Payne: What exemplifies anything that we gravitate to with musicians and artists is two things: One is the music itself, the compositions. And secondly, there is the craftsmanship. The sonic quality of that record is wonderful. We had some brilliant people working with us. What makes Little Feat Little Feat, is the musicianship and great songs.

    Erkan: You’ve mentioned in a couple of previous interviews that you’re actively writing a memoir. Can you tell me more about how that’s going and what stages of the book you’re in?

    Payne: I’m approximately 70,000 words into it. I think that Thomas McGuane said the other day that between the musings and the dead ends, writing can often be like starting to fire in the rain. It’s tough, but I enjoy the process. All manner of things are revealed when you write about yourself. I was curious to see if I could tickle my brain and operate on myself, and yeah, it turns out I can.

    Erkan: What’s next for Little Feat?

    Payne: I was just listening before you called to the last mix of some songs that we have coming out on a record next year. The album is untitled, but they’re all new songs. People settled into Sam’s Place, and we’ll follow up with a punch with this new record. It’s extraordinary. There are some good guests on it. Hopefully, we’ll have another conversation about that.

    Stream Little Feat’s new album Sam’s Place on all streaming platforms.

    Reserve tickets to the NYS Blues Festival here.

  • NYC-Based Shoegaze Band Silent Mass Release New Single “The Great Chaos”

    New York City-based goth and shoegaze band Silent Mass has released a new brooding and dark single, “The Great Chaos.” The song will appear on the band’s forthcoming debut album, The Great Chaos, which is set to come out on June 20.

    Silent Mass is an up-and-coming goth and shoegaze band with a unique blend of musical roots. Elements of post-punk, ethereal wave, shoegaze, and 90s alternative are all present in their music, just to name a few. Although only having a total of seven officially released songs available before their debut record, Silent Mass has already cornered in on the perfectly despondent and melancholic aesthetic that allows songs like “Nest of Flowers” and their new single “The Great Chaos” to shine. New York City is a well suited home for Silent Mass considering the melting pot of inspirations that contribute to their music.

    Silent Mass began as a solo pursuit by current writer, producer and vocalist Ammo Bankoff. Her debut single, a cover of “Total Recall,” was released in 2020 as a tribute to Adrian Borland & The Sound. Shortly after the single’s release, Bankoff joined audio engineer/guitarist Robert Duncan and relocated to New York City to join drummer/producer Alex Posell.

    Once fully assembled, Silent Mass released two singles in 2021 and three more in 2024. Their latest single, “The Great Chaos,” is the title track off of their upcoming long-awaited debut album. “‘The Great Chaos’ finds beauty in the spiral of self-discovery. It’s a love song about mourning a version of your past self,” said Ammo.

    “The Great Chaos” sees Silent Mass in their element. The four-minute slow and hazy track is particularly held up by the chilling hook, where Ammo sings, “Can you find a way out, can you find a way out, can you find a way out of this nightmare?” over a wall of percussion, synths and guitar.

    With seemingly everything set and ready for their upcoming debut record, “The Great Chaos” may very well be the last taste we get of Silent Mass’s dense and experimental sound before the full record releases on this summer solstice.

    Silent Mass also has an upcoming show in New York City on July 13.

    Stream “The Great Chaos” on Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube.

  • Brooklyn Artist Jehry Robinson Releases New Single “Pilot”

    Rising rap, reggae and R&B artist Jehry Robinson released his new single “Pilot” alongside a music video on May 24. This is the first solo single from the Brooklyn native, following his 2023 album, Drink More Water.

    After jumping into the scene with his first record, Pt. IV, V, VI, in 2017, Robinson made his Strange Music record label debut with his August 2020 record 20/Twenty. Since then, Robinson has found a clear lane in the industry, showcasing a unique blend of rap, reggae and R&B influences. With multiple co-signs from rap veteran Tech N9ne and an opening spot on country star Jelly Roll‘s 2022 Son of a Sinner Tour, Robinson’s role as a notable figure in the rapverse is undeniable.

    Since his Strange Music debut, Robinson has released two more studio albums, one in 2021 and the other in 2023. His 2023 album, Drink More Water, earned positive reviews from Underground Hip Hop Blog, Folk N Rock and Dancing About Architecture. Now, with the release of “Pilot,” Robinson appears to be starting the album cycle once again.

    On “Pilot,” a nimbly plucked guitar gives way to a head-nodding beat kickstarted by simmering cymbals. Robinson alternates between hummable melodies and airtight rhymes in the verses. However, his vocals really take flight on the chantable chorus, “I think we’re going down, so I went to see the pilot ’cause I been getting tired, let’s turn this plane around.” In the accompanying visual, Robinson assumes the multiple roles of passengers on a commercial flight, breaking through the turbulence as our hero confronts the man at the wheel (who just so happens to be him).

    “It’s about being the pilot of your own life and you can always turn it around. You’re in control to follow your destiny,” said Robinson.

    Listen to “Pilot” on your preferred streaming platform here. 

  • Hearing Aide: Well Worn Boot’s ‘Live from Jamestown’

    1970s-style Americana/hard-rock band Well Worn Boot released Live from Jamestown on May 20, a live album featuring four songs from their 2023 album, Riverbottom Nightmare. The nearly 20-minute experience uses recorded audio from two live 2022 performances, one in Jamestown and the other in Forestville.

    Initially formed in 2010, Well Worn Boot has always thrived on their commitment to entertain. Constantly dressed in extravagant costumes for live sets, the band’s public inspiration of GWAR is worn on their sleeves. Their 2023 album, Riverbottom Nightmare, saw Well Worn Boot returning and refining the comedy-laced American hard rock sound they began in their early years, particularly on their only previous full-length project, Greatest Hits: Vol. 1 (2010-2014).

    The boys in the band’s newest project, Live from Jamestown, which was released exclusively on Bandcamp, sees Well Worn Boot taking a choice few songs from their previous album to a live setting. The live atmosphere of both sets is perfectly encapsulated through lead singer/flutist Plainsman’s natural stage banter and the crowd’s cheers, but clearly mixed with care so that the online quality is top-notch.

    Photo Credit – Rob Emhof

    While not having any original tracks, Live from Jamestown shows Well Worn Boot in their element: the stage. All four songs maintain the manic and over-the-top energy that came from their studio counterparts, but dialed up to 11. Good luck trying to keep the hooks from “Knockin’ One Back with the Boys” or “Makin’ Money for the City” out of your head.

    The biggest highlight of the album has to be the eight-minute barn burner, “Boys in the Band.” Already a six-minute track on the 2023 album, the live version extends the run time by an additional two minutes, mostly taken up by a mid-song passionate yet hilarious comparison of being in a band to being on a sports team.

    Hopefully Live from Jamestown is just a hold-me-over for Well Worn Boot’s next full-length LP, because the world needs more of the theatric aggression that Well Worn Boot relentlessly displays with every release, especially this one.

    Key Tracks: “Knockin’ One Back with the Boys,” “Makin’ Money for the City,” “Boys in the Band”

  • Bethel Woods Center For The Arts 2024 Summer Lineup

    Bethel Woods Center for the Arts will be returning this year with a variety of acts throughout the summer, with shows running between June and September.

    This year, a variety of camping options are available, with two separate sites within 0.5 miles of the venue being available for tent-only camping, glamping and car and RV camping. The 16,000-person venue will feature performances from Phish, Pretty Lights, Luke Bryan, Limp Bizkit and many more.

    John Fogerty with special guests George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Hearty Har – The Celebration Tour – June 14, 6:50 PM

    Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Award winner John Fogerty will stop by Bethel as the third New York stop in a row on his Celebration Tour. George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Hearty Har will join as special guests. Tickets are available here.

    Roger Daltrey with special guest KT Tunstall – 2024 North American Tour – June 16, 7:30 PM

    Roger Daltrey, lead singer for The Who, will perform a mix of The Who hits and solo music during a stop at Bethel for his 2024 North American Tour. Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall will join as a special guest. Tickets are available here.

    Hootie & the Blowfish with special guests Collective Soul & Edwin McCain – Summer Camp with Trucks Tour – June 27, 7:00 PM

    Two-time Grammy Award winners, Hootie & the Blowfish, will take on Bethel as a stop on their Summer Camp with Trucks Tour. Rock band Collective Soul and singer-songwriter Edwin McCain will make appearances as special guests. Tickets are available here.

    James Taylor and His All-Star Band – June 8, 8:00 PM

    Six-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee James Taylor, along with his all-star band, will arrive in Bethel on June 8. Notable musicians from Taylor’s band include The Blues Brothers saxophonist Lou Marini and Steely Dan and Bee Gees drummer Steve Gadd. Tickets are available here.

    Alanis Morissette with special guests Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade – The Triple Moon Tour – July 5, 7:00 PM

    Alternative rock musician Alanis Morissette will stop by Bethel for her tour, The Triple Moon Tour. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade will open up as special guests. Tickets are available here.

    Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, & Celisse – The Outlaw Music Festival – July 6, 5:30 PM

    American folk legends Willie Nelson & Family and Bob Dylan will play together as part of the traveling “must see music festival of the summer,” Outlaw Music Festival. Robert Plant, Alison Krauss and Celisse will perform as well. Tickets are available here.

    Luke Bryan with special guests HunterGirl, Larry Fleet, Dillon Carmichael and DJ Rock – Mind of a Country Boy Tour – July 11, 7:00 PM

    Country music veteran Luke Bryan will be visiting Bethel in July for his Mind of a Country Boy Tour. The show will be opened by country singer-songwriters, HunterGirl and Dillon Carmichael and professional DJ, DJ Rock. Tickets are available here.

    Jason Mraz & The Superband with special guest Ripe – July 12, 7:30 PM

    Two-time Grammy Award winner Jason Mraz, known for hits like “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up,” will perform alongside his band the day after Luke Bryan. Alternative band, Ripe, will open the show. Tickets are available here.

    Kidz Bop Kidz – July 14, 4:00 PM

    The iconic family-friendly pop song cover group, Kidz Bop Kidz, is landing in Bethel for an early show on July 14. With “sung by kids for kids” being the group’s motto, this is a show that would be great for younger children. Tickets are available here.

    Santana and Counting Crows – Oneness Tour – July 18, 7:00 PM

    Santana, headed by legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, and Grammy-nominated rock band Counting Crows will perform in Bethel as the first of three shows in New York for their Oneness Tour. Tickets are available here.

    Impractical Jokers – The Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Tour – July 19, 8:00 PM

    The Impractical Jokers are driving to Bethel for the first of two stops in New York on their Drive Drive Drive Drive Tour. The classic comedy group, known for their TV show with 10 seasons to date, will entertain using all new material on July 19. Tickets are available here.

    Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello and The Imposters with Charlie Sexton – July 20, 7:00 PM

    Daryl Hall, half of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Hall & Oates, will be playing with fellow inductee and two-time Grammy Award winner Elvis Costello. The two will be joined by The Imposters with Charlie Sexton. Tickets are available here.

    Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo with special guest The Vindys – Funtastic 24′ Tour – July 21, 7:00 PM

    Multi-platinum album-selling Pat Benatar will be joined by husband and five-time Grammy Award winner Neil Giraldo in Bethel as a stop on their Funtastic 24′ Tour. American pop-rock band The Vindys will open as special guests. Tickets are available here.

    Train & REO Speedwagon – Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour – July 24 6:00 PM

    Pop-rock band Train and rock band REO Speedwagon are set to co-headline Bethel as the second of four New York shows on their collaborative Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour. Rock tribute band Yacht Rock Revue will be joining them as an opener. Tickets are available here.

    Hank Williams Jr. with special guests Ian Munsick and Payton Smith – July 25, 7:00 PM

    Country music star Hank Williams Jr. will play a set in Bethel as a celebration of the 45th anniversary of his hit song, “Family Tradition.” Special guests Ian Munsick and Payton Smith will open up for Williams Jr. Tickets are available here.

    Limp Bizkit with special guests BONES, Eddy Baker, Xavier Wulf, N8NOFACE, Corey Feldman and Host/ MC Riff Raff – Loserville Tour – July 26, 6:30 PM.

    Nu metal band Limp Bizkit is set to rock out at Bethel as a stop on their Loserville Tour. Rap artists BONES, Eddy Baker and Xavier Wulf will open the show alongside N8NOFACE and Corey Feldman, with MC Riff Raff hosting the event. Tickets are available here.

    Hozier with special guest Allison Russel – July 27, 8:00 PM

    Irish folk and blues singer Hozier best known for his massive hit “Take Me to Church,” will play in Bethel the day after Limp Bizkit at 8:00 p.m. Country singer Allison Russel will play as a special guest. Tickets are available here.

    Phish – Summer Tour 24 – August 9, 7:30 PM, August 10, 7:30 PM, August 11, 7:30 PM

    Massively popular jam band Phish will be playing in Bethel for not one but three nights for their 2024 Summer Tour. With no special guests, Phish will be the main focus of the jam-packed three-day weekend. Tickets are available here.

    Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top with special guest The Outlaws – The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour – August 16, 6:30 PM

    American rock bands Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top will perform at Bethel for their second of four New York shows as a part of their collaborative tour. Fellow American rock band, The Outlaws, will open up the show. Tickets are available here.

    Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls – I’m Not Broken Tour – August 21, 7:30 PM

    Grammy Award-winning country artist Melissa Etheridge and American folk music duo Indigo Girls will stop in Bethel as their second New York destination for their I’m Not Broken Tour. Tickets are available here.

    Pretty Lights – Soundship Spacestation 2024 Tour – August 23, 8:00 PM

    Electronic music veteran Pretty Lights, aka Derek Smith, will headline Bethel on August 23 for his Soundship Spacestation 2024 Tour. The Grammy Award-nominated artist, once described as “the face and voice of the new American electronic music scene” by Rick Rubin, is well known for his visually and sonically entrancing performances. Tickets are available here.

    Tedeschi Trucks Band with special guests Little Feat & Margo Price – Deuces Wild 2024 Tour – August 25, 6:00 PM

    Grammy Award-winning 12-piece rock and soul group Tedeschi Trucks Band will arrive in Bethel as the third of nine shows in New York for their Deuces Wild 2024 Tour. Special guests Little Feat and Margo Price will open the show. Tickets are available here.

    Deep Purple with special guest YES – = 1 More Time Tour – September 6, 6:30 PM

    Highly celebrated hard rock pioneers Deep Purple will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of their hit song “Smoke on the Water” on September 6 for their = 1 More Time Tour. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Yes will perform as well as a special guest. Tickets are available here.

    Megadeth with special guests Mudvayne and All That Remains – Destroy All Enemies Tour – September 13, 6:00 PM

    Grammy Award-winning British heavy metal band, Megadeth, will end Bethel’s summer lineup with a bang on September 13 as a stop for their Destroy All Enemies Tour. Heavy metal band Mudvayne and metalcore band All That Remains will open up the show. Tickets are available here.

  • Skidmore College Stewart’s Signature Series Lineup Announced

    The annual Stewart’s Signature Series at Skidmore College is back for 2024, with an exciting list of public summer events, starting June 24 and running until July 16. Events will take place between four different venues, which include Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the Arthur Zankel Music Center.

    The series will kick off on Monday, June 24, with a reading by novelist Cristina Garcia and poet Megan Fernandes. The event will begin at 8 p.m. in Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, second floor, on Skidmore’s campus. Additional highlights include a performance by Grammy Award-winning Panamanian pianist, Danilo Pérez and a reading given by Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Paul Harding.  Events will be held on the Skidmore College campus, or locally at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Caffe Lena.

    “Stewart’s and the Dake family are proud to support Skidmore’s contribution to Saratoga’s arts community,” said Bill Dake, chairman of the board of Stewart’s Shops. “Saratoga’s eclectic mix of live events, from the excitement of horse racing to the enchantment of theater, dance, and music, encapsulates the essence of our city’s charm. The Stewart’s Signature Series plays an important part in the Saratoga summer experience, and we strongly encourage everyone — local residents and visitors — to seize the opportunity to attend these unique events at Skidmore.”  

    Stewart’s Signature Series has been an essential part of the Saratoga Springs summer cultural scene since 2017.    

    “Skidmore is excited to present the 2024 Stewart’s Signature Series,” said Auden Thomas, director of Skidmore’s Special Programs and Summer Academic Programs. “We are thrilled to play a part in bringing these amazing artists to our community during the vibrant summer months.”  

    The series’ full lineup and ticket information are available on the Skidmore Summer Events 2024 website.

    Stewart’s Signature Series 2024 lineup:

    Cristina Garcia and Megan Fernandes 

    Monday, June 24, 8 PM 

    Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, second floor 

    Presented by the New York State Summer Writers Institute, novelist and Guggenheim Fellow Cristina Garcia, author of eight novels including “Dreaming in Cuban,” a finalist for the National Book Award, will read with poet Megan Fernandes, associate professor of English and writer-in-residence at Lafayette College. 

    A Conversation with New York Times Columnist John McWhorter 

    Friday, June 28, 8 PM

    Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, second floor 

    John McWhorter is the author of 20 books and a regular columnist for The New York Times. His most recent book, “Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America,” critiques the way antiracism is often viewed and enacted in the leftist cultural sphere. McWhorter is in residence with the New York State Summer Writers Institute and will be joined by Institute Director Robert Boyers, professor of English at Skidmore College and editor of Salmagundi Magazine. 

    Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars 

    Sunday, June 30, 11:30 AM 

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center 

    In collaboration with Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, Skidmore Jazz Institute faculty members Clay Jenkins (trumpet), Steve Wilson (saxophone), Steve Davis (trombone), Mike Moreno (guitar), Bill Cunliffe (piano), Todd Coolman (bass), and Dennis Mackrel (drums) will be performing. 

    Danilo Pérez Trio  

    Tuesday, July 2,  7:30 PM 

    Arthur Zankel Music Center 

    Danilo Pérez

    Danilo Pérez, a Grammy Award-winning Panamanian pianist and composer, is considered a paragon of creativity in contemporary music, blending influences from his Panamanian roots with Latin American folk music, West African rhythms, and European impressionism. In this concert, presented by the Skidmore Jazz Institute, he leads a trio featuring talented performers Ian Ashby (bass) and Adam Cruz (drums).  

    Jenny Offill and April Bernard 

    Thursday, July 4, 8 PM 

    Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, second floor 

    Novelist Jenny Offill will join April Bernard for a reading of fiction and poetry. Offill’s second novel, “Department of Speculation,” was named one of the 10 Best Books of 2014 by the New York Times. Bernard is a poet and professor at Skidmore College and a past recipient of the Walt Whitman Award from the Academy of American Poets. The event is presented by the New York State Summer Writers Institute. 

    Poetry & Jazz: An Evening with Robert Pinsky, Todd Coolman, and Bill Cunliffe, with special guest Pat LaBarbera 

    Friday, July 5, 8 PM

    Caffe Lena 

    A collaboration between the Skidmore Jazz Institute and the New York State Summer Writers Institute yields an evening with former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, Grammy Award-winning musicians Todd Coolman (bass) and Bill Cunliffe (piano), and special guest Pat LaBarbera.  

    Alexa Tarantino Quartet 

    Tuesday, July 9, 7:30 PM

    Arthur Zankel Music Center 

    Alexa Tarantino

    The Skidmore Jazz Institute presents Alexa Tarantino, a rising alto saxophone star, educator, and composer, who will be performing alongside Grammy Award-winning musician Steven Feifke (piano) and Mark Whitfield Jr. (drums) and sought-after jazz player Raviv Markovitz (bass).  

    Paul Harding and Karan Mahajan 

    Tuesday, July 16, 8 PM 

    Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, second floor 

    Paul Harding

    Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Tinkers,” Paul Harding, will read with novelist Karan Mahajan. Mahajan’s 2016 novel, “The Association of Small Bombs,” was a finalist for the National Book Awards. The event is presented by the New York State Summer Writers Institute. 

    Visit here for more information and to purchase tickets for the signature series.