The annual Memorial Meltdown music festival will take place May 25-26 in Lake George. The weekend-spanning festival will feature touring acts from across the country to ring in the summer concert season. With the festival featuring four sets each day, concert-goers will have a variety of genres and artists to enjoy.
Memorial Meltdown is held by the same organizers as the Adirondack Independence Music Festival, which will be held in late August in Lake George. In addition to performances, the festival will feature DJ sets and a variety of food and craft vendors. With the concert’s location at the Charles R. Wood Festival Commons, concert-goers will have access to Lake George’s restaurants, shopping, campgrounds and other amenities.
This yearâs festival will be headlined by The Revivalists on Saturday and Dispatch on Sunday. Americana groups Ryan Montbleau Band, The Mallett Brothers Band, and Rob Beaulieu Band will join the Revivalists on stage on Saturday. On Sunday, Dispatch will be supported by the reggae and funk rock influenced stylings of Mihali, The Samples, and Annie in the Water.
The Revivalists are a world-renowned rock ‘n’ roll octet, who have racked up critical and commercial success with their alt-rock anthems. They rose to fame with their signature blending of American music styles, ranging from funk and jazz to roots rock. With smash hits, like the double-platinum “Wish I Knew You,” they have garnered over 800 million streams. Known for their live shows, the Revivalists have previously headlined everywhere from Lollapalooza to the New Orleans Jazz Fest. The Revivalists champion many philanthropic causes with portions of their ticket sales donated to Rev Causes. Rev Causes supports a host of charitable organizations, ranging from gun safety to arts endowments.
Vermont-based roots rock band Dispatch are legends of the live music circuit. For over 25 years, the band has garnered success in both studio and live environments. Throughout their career, they have released eight acclaimed studio albums, starting with 1996’s Silent Steeples. Throughout their career, Dispatch has not been afraid to completely overhaul their sound between albums. Their latest album Break Our Fall illustrates the band’s eclectic mixing of genre. Reggae, folk, and blues supplement the band’s signature roots rock, working as a vehicle for their most pointed political lyrics to date. They speak to finding hope for the future in a time of such political and social chaos.
Dispatch is also a mainstay of the live circuit, having performed at countless festivals and concerts. They made history selling out Madison Square Garden three nights in a row, and drawing crowds of over 100,000 to a live concert in Boston in 2004. What makes this all the more impressive is the band’s relative freedom within the music industry, drawing these audiences with no major label support.
On top of this, Dispatch has remained dedicated to philanthropy, using their fame to aid a number of charitable causes. The band has formed charitable organizations to fight issues like poverty and mass incarceration. They have even traveled as far as Nicaragua and Zimbabwe to help those in need. This show comes before the band’s fall AMPlifying Democracy Tour, meant to promote civic engagement before the presidential elections. The tour will promote Dispatch’s AMPlifying Democracy Campaign to inspire voting in national and local elections regardless of political affiliation.
Gates for Memorial Meltdown open both days at 2:30 PM, with performances lasting from 3:30 past 9:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now, with a variety of single and multi-day passes. VIP passes include a meal, snacks, discounted beverages and access to a private viewing area. Children 12 and under get free admission. For more information on ticketing, visit the link here.
Following a 26 year hiatus, NYC alternative band, The Bogmen have returned with their third album In My Kingdom. The Bogmen will release In My Kingdom on May 31.
Singer Billy Campion and brothers Billy and Brendan Ryan formed The Bogmen in 1990, united by a love of alternative, soul, and afrobeat. The group toured clubs, colleges, and venues around the NYC metro, forging a devoted cult following. Their 1994 debut Life Begins at 40 Million produced by Talking Heads keyboardist-guitarist Jerry Harrison, propelled The Bogmen into stardom. Throughout the 90s, they toured with legends like Shane McGowan, The Barenaked Ladies and Patti Smith, selling out national venues across the country.
Despite their success, the band broke up in 1998, citing frustration with the music industry and creative differences. For the next two decades, the band members’ lives were marked with hardship. Brendan Ryan’s wife died in the 9/11 attacks and other members continued to struggle with addiction and the music business. Despite this hardship, the band continued to sporadically reunite for live shows and EPs before breaking up again. The pandemic ironically brought the group back together, with its members falling back on music to cope with the chaos of lockdown. Following the loss of a close friend, they reunited to write a host of new songs. Those pandemic-era songs make up their new album In My Kingdom.
In My Kingdom is an ambitious collection of tracks, blending alternative, pop, and country. The album’s lyrical themes highlight a wiser Bogmen, tempered with age. Themes tackle ideas of looking back at your youth, wanting to connect with nature, and wanting to get out in the world. With this mature instrumentation and lyricism, The Bogmen return at the top of their musical game.
The album begins slowly with the title track “In My Kingdom.” The track eases in with a spoken word intro, building a utopian setting for the rest of the album. Singer Billy Campion invites the saints, prophets, and Gods of various religions into his kingdom, setting the stage for the album’s more introspective mood. The track slowly grows into a smooth rock song propelled by warm synths and clean guitars. The lyrics reflect the band’s return during Covid, discussing hope for the future in a world full of anxiety. With this opener, The Bogmen prove that they still have the groove of their debut, but with more mature lyricism to propel them into this new era of their career.
The standout of the album is single “Summer of Soul”, a triumphant announcement of the band’s return. Crafted during the height of Covid, and inspired by the isolation and loss of a friend, the track contains heavy lyricism. Campion sings “One thing that I love is being born again, out here on the sea. You need a helping hand, so throw me the rope, I promise not to hang myself.” Despite dark lyrics, the song is overall hopeful for a reemergence into the world, appreciating life’s beauty. A dreamy reverb guitar and piano intro, and lush instrumentation throughout really make this anthem stand out.
The album’s rich lyricism and genre bending aren’t restricted to its singles. “Life on the Ranch” is a track deeply indebted to the outlaw country of Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash. With a driving acoustic backing, aided by clean electric guitar and horns, the song is a real pleasure to listen to. Its lyrics cleverly parallel someone running from their problemsnwith a Western bandit running from the law. Another great track was “Pandemic Blues.” Despite its name, the track is not blues, but rather a motown-inspired soul tune, driven by catchy horns. The song uses Covid-19 as a metaphor for being alone in love. The narrator wishes he could just walk out the door to find love, but is instead trapped dancing alone in his room. Album tracks like these illustrate the Bogmen’s success in cross-genre experiments and deep lyricism.
The Bogmen close out the album with a re-recording of “Raga” from their debut album. This remake is truly jubilant, crafting a celebratory, vibrant atmosphere around it. Incorporating Latin rhythms, choral vocals, and dancy instrumentation, the song is a really enjoyable sendoff. If anything, this song illustrates the band’s growth more than any other, matching the energy of the original but with more fleshed-out production and instrumentation.Overall, In My Kingdom is a testament to The Bogmen’s musical staying power, retaining the energy of their 90s output, but with clear signs of growth.
The Bogmen will release their return album In My Kingdom on Friday, May 31st, 2024. To accompany its release, they will perform a release show at Manhattan’s Irving Plaza. The show, set for May 30th at 7:00 PM, will feature The Bogmen accompanied by Indie-Rockers Pan Arcadia. In addition, The Bogmen have released music videos to accompany the album’s three singles, which can be viewed at their youtube page here.
More information on the release of In My Kingdom and future shows can be found at The Bogmen’s website here.
KRockathon has returned to Syracuse following a 6-year hiatus. For this year’s show, a host of alt-rock alumni will perform at the NYS Fairgrounds’ Chevy Court on Saturday, July 27.
Performances by Hoobastank, Puddle of Mudd, and more will transport concert-goers back to their moshing days.
KRockathon’s beginnings date back to 1996, when Central NY radio station KRock started the festival to promote alternative rock, metal and rap in the region. The event began at the Vernon Downs raceway in Vernon, NY, with alternative legends Butthole Surfers and Toadies. For the next two decades, the event would travel around Central NY, taking place in Oswego, Weedsport and Syracuse before settling at the NYS Fairgrounds.
Throughout its original run, KRockathon drew hundreds of thousands of rock and metal fans to Central NY to see legendary acts like Deftones, Public Enemy and Korn. Following 21 years of rocking the region, KRockathon went on an indefinite hiatus. Its last showing was in 2018, featuring Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie.
The 6 year hiatus ended this year with the announcement of The Sweet Grass KRockathon Reboot presented by Monster Energy and Mess’s Fireworks. “It’s all the elements of the show that KROCK listeners remember, with a few elevated twists, keeping in mind that we’ve all gotten older and maybe just a little bit wiser,” says Marissa Greenlar, Chief Content Officer of Galaxy Media Partner.
This more mature edition of the event will host an array of amenities for concert-goers. Picnic tables, shade tents and a Monster Energy chill zone will help refresh audiences during the show. There will additionally be food vendors, including WildCat Sports Pub, Halal Gyro and Ashley Lynn Winery. Additionally concert-goers who want to get some ink can visit vendor Black Sea Tattoo.
While this year’s band lineup is smaller than previous years, many tried and true alt-rock legends will perform. 2000s radio hitmakers Hoobastank and Puddle of Mudd will return for the first time in over 20 years. They will be joined on stage by hard-rockers Stabbing Westward, Nonpoint, Boy Hits Car, and Syracuse’s own Brand New Sin.
KRockathon’s Doors will open at 11:00 AM, July 27th, with shows beginning at 12. Early bird tickets for the event are currently on sale for $35. Additionally, there are a limited number of OG Pass tickets on sale for $150. This pass provides exclusive merch, fast entry, and a private area with a cash bar, wifi, and special photo experience. For ticketing information, visit the KRockathon website here.
“I’m not saying I’m a master here, but the difference between the master and the student is that the master has failed more times than the student has tried.”
Although notedly understated, Robert Castelli is the definition of a masterful musician. Incorporating a lifetime’s worth of experiences, influences, and chops, Castelli has led a career on his own terms. With his current band BOOM!, Castelli defies genre and crafts music that could loosely be defined as jazz, but incorporates influences from all corners of the globe. Trained on the drums, piano and guitar, Castelli is a modern renaissance man.
Castelli at 15 years old, playing a local gig
Music has always been a constant present in Castelli’s life. He grew up in Ossining to a musical family, with his dad, grandfather and uncle all being professional drummers. Family, however, was not the biggest influence for Castelli growing up. Like many other kids, he credits his early influences to AM radio, television and his older brother’s record collection. Castelli thanks growing up outside New York specifically for his wide influences. Turning on the radio, Castelli recalls, “Bam, it’s The Beatles, and then next it’s James Brown, and then it’s Beethoven.”
As a kid, Castelli was able to find musical influences everywhere. “I think because my father was almost blind,” he remembers. “I had a way of perceiving the world more aurally than visually.” Watching TV as a child, Castelli recalls the themes of shows like Hawaii Five-O, Mission Impossible, and Sanford and Sons, which further piqued his interest in composition.
If Castelli’s influences began with radio and television, they were tempered by participation in New York City’s live music scene. As a young man, Castelli immersed himself in the many musical traditions of New York City. At the city’s Latin Clubs, he was introduced to Afro-Cuban rhythms, and playing with a band from Jamaica, he learned Caribbean melodies. In Castelli’s words, he always kept “his mind, his heart and his ears open.”
Castelli admits that despite his passion, living as a performing artist in America was not all roses. Slowly, Castelli became disillusioned with the increasing materialism he saw in the music industry, political corruption and a general toxic energy in the US. On top of this, Castelli faced many personal losses during this time, with twelve people in his life passing away. This made Castelli contemplate life, and pushed him to take a chance and travel to Europe in 2003.
At first, Europe was a temporary pitstop for Castelli. He met an Austrian guitarist, who, despite never having played with him, wanted to start a band and tour Europe. Castelli recalls him saying, “If it doesn’t work out, no hard feelings,” which was an attitude he respected. Soon Castelli was settled in Vienna, where he encountered a whole new outlook on music. “They didn’t say he plays guitar better than someone else. They all came and celebrated life or the harvest or whatever. And that’s the purpose of music and the human experience.” To Castelli, this attitude represented “folk music” in its truest form: not a genre, but the music of the people.
Castelli playing drums at Jazzland Vienna in 2014
Soon, Castelli found himself in Barcelona, the vibrant heart of Spain’s Catalonia region. Since moving to Barcelona, Castelli has immersed himself in cultural traditions from across the world. Playing live shows in Barcelona, he had chances to collaborate with musicians from Brazil, Russia, Cuba and more. Balkan musicians gave him the opportunity to experiment with odd meters, and Sudanese musicians introduced him to Afro-Arab rhythms. These experiences speak to the reality of jazz as “an ever evolving art form with influences from other cultures.”
This vibrant mixing of influences pervades Castelli’s music, most notably his newest release Party at One World Plaza. The album defies genre, seamlessly slipping between disparate ends of the Earth. The opener “Vamos” incorporates syncopated Afro-Cuban rhythms reminiscent of his youth in New York’s Latin jazz clubs. “Floatin”’s groovy rock influenced guitar harkens back to Castelli’s childhood influences in The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix.
The standout track is “For the Fallen,” a dreamy and meditative journey aided by soft keys and guitars. Castelli wrote this track in memory of the twelve people he lost before moving to Europe. Before playing, Castelli asks his audiences for 10 seconds of silence to remember everyone that has been lost.
The title track and “Samba Wamba Bamba” reflect his experiences playing with artists from around the world while living in Europe. In all, this album is like a roadmap through Castelli’s life giving audiences an idea of a fraction of his influences and experiences. In other words, this album reflects Castelli’s own definition of music – “the human heart and an intellect filtered by life experience.”
In a life full of change, there has been one constant for Casteli: live music. Castelli views live shows as a conversation between musician and audience. “Somebody says something, it makes you laugh. Those people laugh. Something makes you think, makes you feel, makes you cry.” This energy bouncing between the stage and the audience unites everyone in the room. Thinking of his live shows, Castelli recalls “whether it was 500 or 30,000 people, they all became like one consciousness. That is the real power of music.” To Castelli, in a world where we have more and more entertainment at our fingertips, it is important to go out and support live music venues. Live music, to Castelli, not only supports the artist and the club, but is a personal experience like no other.
Castelli, however, has noticed some issues in the live music scene that need addressing. A growing materialism in the music industry has led many venues to support what will make the most money, rather than what music is most meaningful. Additionally, this material focus has led to an increased burden on the musicians themselves to attract audiences.
He pointed out some more institutional issues regarding youth involvement with music as well. “If you don’t have those university connections or you’re not in the club every night it’s really hard to get a situation where you can get viable work.” Castelli says that access to money gives many university-trained musicians a leg up when building connections. This has dissuaded many people who don’t have the resources to get professional training from continuing. Castelli argues that we need to break this stigma, citing the greats. “A lot of the best jazz musicians were not formally trained. They just stayed with it.”
Castelli still sees many young people staying with it, giving hope for the future of live music. Many young people have things pulling them in directions other than music. Castelli remembers his childhood, with a father afraid he was a poser, and a mother wanting him to find other work. In face of obstacles like these, Castelli has noticed drive among youth – “the young people that I know that play music have a passion for it.”
Robert Castelli is returning to the US in May for a series of shows in and around New York City. On May 30th, he will play Jazz on Main in Mt Kisco, NY. Following this show near his hometown of Ossining, he will head to Manhattan. On June 1, he will play Harlem’s Shrine World Music Venue, followed by a set at Silvana on June 2. After these American shows, Castelli will head back across the pond to London, England to record a series of instructional videos.
35 years after beginning his career, Castelli is still paving his own path through the music world. He remains dedicated to sharing the importance of live music and ensuring that the next generation of musical talent can perform and absorb music like he has.
Enjoy Robert Castelli and his band BOOM! performing “Vamos” at Vienna’s Porgy & Bess Jazz Club.
Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Nikita Lev has released her new single “We All Die Anyway” on May 15. This single comes in the leadup to a new EP and her first European tour in the fall.
Lev’s musical instincts began at a young age. Coming from a family of chamber musicians, music surrounded Lev since childhood. As a result, during her youth on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, she quickly picked up piano and flute.
Nikita Lev
By the time her family relocated to Westchester, she had learned guitar and begun writing songs. Lev says “I always know what I’m going to say first and the melody comes later,” using her musical chops to back up her deep lyrical narratives. To date, Lev has written over 200 songs that are “evocative, relatable, universal, yet ambiguous.”
Lev’s music has quickly gained renown from both radio and print media. Her debut single “Elegance” was highlighted by both SiriusXM and MTV’s Spankin’ New. Additionally, publications like the LA Music Review and Earmilk have showcased Lev’s songs.
Her new single “We All Die Anyway” is a highlight of the indie folk genre. Lev is accompanied by gentle fingerpicked guitars, trip-hop influenced drums and eerie synths. This dreamy instrumentation backs up Lev’s soft, emotional vocals and mature lyricism. The song tackles a relationship gone cold, and the feelings that accompany having to leave someone you cared about. Her meaningful and clever songwriting is reminiscent of indie icons like Lana Del Ray, and Phoebe Bridgers.
This single comes just after her May 10 release of the music video for “Now I Think Of You Unspeakably.” The song’s lyrics touch on the pains of being in love with someone who does not feel the same. Driving drums and growing distorted guitars back up the song’s heavy lyricism, adding an edge to the acoustic instrumentation. The video features Lev dancing around a bonfire in a winter scene. Its atmosphere matches with the instrumentals and lyrics that all aid in a simultaneously warm yet icy feeling. Michael Rees directed the video, following collaborations with Charli XCX and The Kid LARoi.
This new single is just the start of a busy Summer and Fall for Lev. Later this year, she will release her first EP, titled Clearly Misunderstood. The EP’s songs will tackle the theme of the conflict between adult responsibilities and youthful independence. In November, Lev will depart for Europe for a tour stopping in Berlin and Vienna.
For more information, visit Nikita Lev’s website here.
The Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra has announced its 91st Concert Season, consisting of nine concerts. This new concert season will feature a host of shows in both Schenectady and Saratoga Springs.
Since its founding in 1935, the SSSO has prided itself in community involvement. Throughout its history, the SSSO has employed not only professional musicians, but also highlighted local amateur musicians. The orchestra has been a platform for local musicians, dance troupes and school choruses, helping to launch musical careers throughout the Schenectady-Saratoga region. Through its concerts and musical mentoring, the SSSO has become one of the greatest musical assets of the Capital Region.
This concert season will continue the SSSO’s history of involvement by hosting a series of guest musicians and incorporating new visual elements to enhance concerts. Soloists like trumpeter Robert Sullivan, and Lisa Leonard will join the SSSO for orchestral classics and new works. This season will feature a new visual elements and projections to enhance the concert experience. SSSO’s artistic director Glen Cortese says the “Visuals and projections will accompany many of our concerts to add another layer to the audience’s live music experience.” With this new aspect to their live shows, audiences will have their eyes, as well as ears stimulated at this year’s concerts.
SSSO Schedule
Free Pops Concert (not on subscription)
7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 at Music Haven Stage in Schenectady’s Central Park
A tribute to the great composer John Williams.
“Realize”
7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Zankel Music Center
3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 at the MainStage at Proctors
Featuring soloist Lisa Leonard in Prokofiev’s “Piano Concerto #3,” Adamo’s “Overture to Lysistrata” and Respighi’s “Fontana di Roma” and “Pini di Roma.”
Poinsettia Pops (not on subscription, add-on)
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Great Hall at UPH
3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Great Hall at UPH
Featuring guest soloists Jeanine Ouderkirk, Mowgli Giannitti and Elizabeth Sterling.
“Reminisce”
7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 at the Great Hall at UPH
3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 at the MainStage at Proctors
Featuring Trumpeter Robert Sullivan in Glen Cortese’s “Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra (Gabriel’s Signal),” Snider’s “Eye of Mnemosyne” and Mendelssohn’s “Symphony #4.”
“Reach”
3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2025 at the Great Hall at UPH
The program features John Musto performing his “Litany” and “Piano Concerto #2,” Debussy’s “Children’s Corner” and guest vocalist Ann Marie Adamick with Mahler’s “Songs of the Wayfarer.”
“Remember”
3 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2025 at the MainStage at Proctors
The Octavo Singers and surprise special guests join SSSO for Verdi’s great “Requiem.”
Season Tickets are currently on sale for $65. Individual tickets are $17-24, with children under 18 getting free entrance with a ticketed adult. For more ticketing and concert information visit the SSSO website here.
This September, author Daniel Rachel will stop in Manhattan and Saugerties to celebrate the US release of his book Too Much Too Young. Akashic Books will release the British best-seller for American audiences on June 4th.
Too Much Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story is a definitive history of the British Ska scene of the 1970s and 80s. The book discusses Ska’s Caribbean island origins, and how British Youth conquered the airways with it throughout the 1980s. This 2 Tone scene was a multi-racial movement using ska as a vehicle to fight racism, right wing extremism and other social issues of Thatcher-era England.
Rachel’s book is a modern classic of music history, receiving praise from critics and musicians alike. The book features interviews with members of legendary ska groups, like The Beat, Madness, and The Specials, giving it a very grounded, informative and intimate feeling. Additionally, the book features an introduction by Pauline Black, lead singer of the 2 Tone band The Selecter.
A brilliant book and a fitting account of one of British culture’s most epochal moments.
Nothing is left out of this definitive book.”
– The Wire
Before his writing career, Rachel had a fruitful music career. He began as lead singer of the Birmingham Britpop group Rachels Basement, before launching a successful solo folk-pop career. Since 2013, Rachel has focused on his writings, which have covered topics throughout British music history. Whether they are about Ska, Britpop or David Bowie, his books have garnered much critical praise. Too Much Too Young has been especially successful, being named book of the year by The Sunday Times, Louder Than War and many other publications.
To celebrate the release of his book in the US, Rachel is planning a cross-country book tour. The tour is set to begin on August 23 in Los Angeles, featuring an interview with Specials guitarist Lynval Golding. This book tour includes two New York locations, with stops in Saugerties and Manhattan. On Monday, September 9, the tour will stop at Saugerties’s Orpheum Theatre. On Thursday, September 12, the tour will stop at Rough Trade’s NYC store in Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center.
For more information on the book’s release and tour dates, visit the Akashic Books website here.
The Sub Rosa Sessions Concert Series will return to Syracuse for the first time since 2017. The concert series consists of intimate monthly shows meant to highlight local talent and up-and-coming national acts.
The term Sub Rosa comes from Latin “under the rose” meaning something done secretly. Like the name suggests, Sub Rosa flourishes in the underground, not only highlighting underground artists, but also taking place in a new secret downtown venue.
The first revival show will feature Baltimore-based Americana band June Star, and Central New York singer-songwriter Khalil Jade. Since 1998, June Star have released 16 studio albums helping to spread their unique take on roots music to the masses. Led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Grimm, their unique lyricism and grungy instrumentation give them a sound unlike any other Americana group. The band also features Dave Hadley, whose masterful steel pedal guitar aids in their signature sound.
Khalil Jade is a singer-songwriter and a staple of Central New York’s live scene. Her original pieces blend folk, Americana, and blues to create a unique style of singer-songwriter music. With her acoustic guitar and soft, soulful voice, Jade crafts songs about the joys and struggles of life.
Sub Rosa: Then and Now
Singer-songwriter Amanda Rogers started the Sub Rosa Concert Series in 2014. For four years, the concert series was a staple of Syracuseâs music scene, acting as a platform for local bands and artists. Syracuse’s SubCat Studios originally hosted the concerts at their downtown location. The concerts not only allowed for artists to showcase their works in an intimate setting, but also to have their shows professionally recorded. In addition to live music, the concerts featured meet and greets, refreshments and exclusive performance CDs.
The Sub Rosa Concert Series will return to Syracuse on May 31. The concerts will continue to take place from 6-9 PM on the last Thursday of every month. Starting in May, they will take place in a secret speak-easy like venue in Downtown Syracuse. Attendees will meet at the Tectonic Hand statue in front of Syracuse City Hall at 5:55 PM before being guided to the venue.
Tickets are currently on sale at $30, which includes entrance, refreshments and more. Attendance for the event is capped at 80 people to ensure an intimate concert environment for “the best under the radar music from around the world.”
More information on Sub Rosa and ticketing can be found here.
Union Pool in Williamsburg, Brooklyn has announced the artist lineup for its free Summer Thunder concert series. The 2024 lineup offers concert-goers an amazing variety of shows ranging from punk and psychedelic to Latin and underground hip-hop.
The 12th annual Summer Thunder series will begin on June 2nd with a show by Boston indie-rockers Guerilla Toss. For the rest of the summer until August 28, Union Pool will host daytime concerts each Sunday. Concerts take place at Union Pool’s patio, a chic and manicured yet comfortable outdoor space. In addition to music, concert-goers can purchase a host of drinks inside Union Pool, as well as Mexican food from the patio’s El Diablo Taco Truck.
Union pool has been a staple of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood since it opened in 2000. It started as a quaint corner bar, offering drinks and darts, but quickly grew into one of Brooklyn’s major entertainment hubs. Hidden under the shadow of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the venue offers DJ sets, live shows and a host of other amenities.
2024’s Summer Thunder series offers a wide variety of musical styles, featuring artists from around the country. On top of the aforementioned Guerilla Toss, indie rockers like Rosali, Lifeguard and Mary Timony will perform. On June 9, Chicago’s Bitchin Bajas will craft psychedelic soundscapes with their noisy, Krautrock-influenced sound. For lovers of Latin music, Tucson-based Los Esplifs will perform their signature lo-fi Latin pop. Psychedelic supergroup Winged Wheel will perform, featuring Sonic Youth’s legendary drummer Steve Shelley. Additionally, legendary punk singer-guitarist Kid Congo Powers will grace Union Pool on August 18. His signature style led him to success in The Cramps, The Gun Club and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
The summer series will notably feature both establish and up-and coming New York-based acts. Up-and-coming NYC rap duo Armand Hammer will perform on June 23. The group, consisting of Billy Woods and Elucid, has risen to prominence off the back of their raucous production and deep lyricism. Brooklyn Vegan named their latest album We Buy Diabetic Test Strips as the 2nd best album of 2023.
Joe Bataan, a legendary Latin soul singer from Harlem, will perform on July 7. Garnering hits since the 1960s, Bataan melds Latin Jazz, funk, R&B, and salsa to create his signature sound. In addition to his Latin soul hits, Bataan also helped to spearhead rap, with his song “Rap-O Clap-O” being one of the earliest hip-hop hits.
On August 4, Brooklyn-based singer songwriter, Rahill will play her signature dreamy indie-pop. Originally the founder of Garage Rock band Habibi, Rahill’s solo music has been more pop influenced, reflecting on memories of her family. In 2023, she collaborated with indie legend Beck on her song “Fables.”
All Summer Thunder concerts are free 21+ events. As they are held in an establishment that serves alcohol, physical ID is required for entry. For information on concert RSVPs, visit here. RSVPs are not required, but all concerts will be first come first serve.
The 2024 Artpark summer lineup offers concert-goers a wide variety of live performances including everything from jazz to rock. 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Artpark, with a host of live shows, art exhibitions and an anniversary gala scheduled for the summer.
Artpark is Located in Lewiston, NY, a short 30 minute drive north of Buffalo. Artpark combines Western New York’s cultural heritage with the natural scenery of the Niagara region. On top of all of this is a concert venue that has hosted tens of thousands of artists.
Artpark was established in 1974, through a partnership between New York State Parks and the Artpark & Company nonprofit. At its inception, Artpark was a haven for experimental and visual arts. Most works placed a focus on public engagement, nature and the impermanence of art. Artpark has hosted theater productions and musical artists from around the world on one of the largest and best-equipped stages in all of New York.
Gary Clark Jr – May 25
Artpark is just one stop for 4x Grammy winning multi-instrumentalist and singer Gary Clark Jr. during his American tour. The tour celebrates Clark’s 2024 album JPEG RAW. The album combines genres ranging from pop, blues and R&B, and social commentary to create a compelling and anthemic release.
Los Lonely Boys – May 31
Brothers Henry, Jojo and Ringo Garza formed Los Lonely Boys, a San Angelo, TX trio. They gained prominence with their take on Texican rock & roll, which tackles themes of brotherhood. The brothers have sold over 2.5 million records, and have won a grammy. They have also received acclaim from legends like Santana, Dr. John and The Who. Their 2024 tour comes in the leadup to a new album.
Sarah McLachlan – June 18
Artpark is just one stop on Sarah McLachlan’sFumbling Towards Ecstasy 30th anniversary tour, celebrating her multi-platinum 1994 album. McLachlan is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of our times, winning 3 Grammys, and 12 Juno Awards. She raised over $7 million through her Lilith Fair music festival, the largest all-female music event of all time.
Bonnie Raitt – June 21
Legendary singer-guitarist Bonnie Raitt, has been captivating audiences with her cross-genre blending of blues, rock and pop for decades. Raitt is a 13x Grammy winner, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee. She has also ranked on Rolling Stone’s lists of Greatest guitarists and singers of all time. Artpark is one stop on Raitt’s cross-country 2024 tour.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – June 22
Trombone Shorty, is renowned for his eclectic blend of jazz, rock, fun, pop and hip hop. He has released four chart topping albums, collaborated with everyone from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Pharell Williams and played venues ranging from the Newport Jazz Festival to the White House. Trombone Shorty and his band, Orleans Avenue, will be gracing Artpark with what is sure to be a vibrant performance.
Dispatch – June 28
Vermont roots rock band Dispatch have drawn massive crowds for almost three decades. They rose to fame with their infectious blend of alternative, folk, reggae, and blues. Dispatch’s mix of pointed lyrics and lively instrumentation has consistently drawn massive crowds. They sold out Madison Square Garden three times, and drawing crowds of over 100,000 fans in Boston in 2004.
Orville Peck – July 1
The masked alt-country star, Orville Peck, will perform at Artpark as part of his Stampede tour across North America. Peck combines his smooth voice and vivid songwriting to tackle topics such as his sexual identity. Peck leads a new style of country music, reminiscent of the classics, but also looking to the future. His career has featured musical collaborations with the likes of Shanaia Twain and Diplo.
Norah Jones – July 6
Multi-Grammy winning singer-songwriter Norah Jones will grace Artpark with her acclaimed mix of pop, jazz and folk. This concert is part of a larger American tour in the wake of her 2024 album Visions. Since her 2002 debut Come Away with Me, Jones’s introspective approach to lyrics and intimate production has garnered massive commercial success. Jones has sold over 52 million albums, and received over 10 billion streams worldwide.
Jamey Johnson – July 16
The Washington Post lauded 11x Grammy nominated Jamey Johnson as “one of the greatest country singers of our time.” His vivid storytelling lyrics and rootsy instrumentation evoke classic Nashville. Johnson has received critical and commercial acclaim, thanks to the likes of modern classics like “In Color” and “Give it Away.” Johnson is performing at Artpark as part of his cross-country What a View Tour.
Train – July 19
Pop-radio mainstays Train will be performing at Artpark as part of their larger Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour. The San Francisco pop-rockers have received international renown, selling 10 million albums and 30 million tracks worldwide. Audiences are sure to know mega-hits like “Hey Soul Sister” and “Drops of Jupiter.”
The Flaming Lips – July 22
Alternative rock mainstays, The Flaming Lips, have spent almost four decades releasing critically acclaimed indie classics like “Do You Realize.” The Flaming Lips will bring their signature psychedelic, sci-fi influenced strain of indie rock, accentuated by singer Wayne Coyne’s playful yet profound approach to lyricism.
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo – July 24
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo are a singer-producer duo who have been mainstays of pop-rock radio since the 1980s. They rose to fame producing timeless classics like “We Belong,” and “Love Is a Battlefield.” Along with these hits, the duo have produced 19 top 40 hits, and sold over 36 million worldwide. The duo’s success has brought them critical acclaim, receiving 4 consecutive Grammy awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Two Door Cinema Club – July 29
Two Door Cinema Club, a Northern Irish indie band, have made waves across the pond since their 2010 debut Tourist History. Their sophomore release Beacon debuted at number 1 on the Irish charts and number 2 in the UK. The band quickly became mainstays at British festivals like Leeds and Glastonbury ever since, being famous for their live performances.
Slash – S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival – July 30
The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival is short for “Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance.” It is a celebration of the blues headed by legendary guitarist Slash of Guns N’ Roses. The festival features thrilling performances from blues veterans like Keb Mo, ZZ Ward and Robert Randolph. The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. festival is dedicated to advancing social justice, with $1 of all ticket sales going to charities such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Equal Justice Initiative.
The Machine Performs Pink Floyd with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra – August 3
The Machine are a New-York based quartet who have captivated audiences since 1988 with their faithful renditions of Pink Floyd classics. The quartet will play songs spanning Pink Floyd’s 16 albums, accompanied by a state of the art laser-light show and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Backroads Blues Festival – August 10
The second annual Backroads Blues Festival will stop at Artpark as part of its cross-country tour this summer. The festival is spearheaded by 5x Grammy nominated blues-rock virtuoso Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Shepherd will be joined by blues legends Bobby Rush, Duane Betts and Jimmie Vaughan. The festival will also feature Cirque Kikasse, a Quebecois acrobatic circus show on an operational food truck, offering beer, and fast food to concert-goers.
Gin Blossoms & Toad the Wet Sprocket – August 11
Gin Blossoms have topped the charts with their characteristic brand of jangly alternative rock since 1987. They are known hits like “Hey Jealousy” off of their 1996 platinum selling album Congratulations I’m Sorry. California alt-rockers Toad the Wet Sprocket will join Gin Blossoms on stage. Toad the Wet Sprocket are on tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of their platinum selling Dulcinea album. Audiences will recognize them from billboard-charting hits “All I Want” and “Walk on the Ocean.”
Stray Cats – August 13
Long Island rockabilly legends, Stray Cats, have captivated audiences for over 40 years. Their loose, jazzy and energetic guitar playing and crooning vocals from singer-guitarist Brian Setzer propelled them to stardom. Their mega-hits “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock This Town” helped introduce their signature blend of glam and punk-influenced rockabilly to new generations.
Blues Traveler & Big Head Todd and the Monsters – August 16
New Jersey jam band legends Blues Traveler have graced audiences with their blend of bluesy alternative since 1987. Hits like “Run-Around,” off of the 6x platinum Four launched Blues Traveler to fame. Blues Traveler have released four gold selling albumsselling over 10 million combined units worldwide. They will be joined by platinum-selling Colorado Rock band Big Head Todd & the Monsters, who will play their signature hybrid of rock, blues, and country.
Bush – August 17
Bush’s signature style of grunge-influenced alternative rock has captivated audiences for three decades. Their timeless hits “Glycerine” and “Comedown” off of their 6x platinum debut Sixteen Sour have made them one of the most successful bands of the 1990s. Bush will be joined by singer-guitarist Jerry Cantrell of the legendary grunge band Alice in Chains.
Buffalo Jazz Composers Workshop – August 18
The Buffalo Jazz Composers Workshop are an ensemble of Buffalo-based composers and instrumentalists. Joined by a shared love of collaborative performance and writing, the group has crafted a unique improvisational take on contemporary jazz. The group also collaborates with visual and theatre artists to create enthralling live performances.
Tedeschi Trucks Band – August 20
Tedeschi Trucks Band are a Grammy-winning 12 piece band hailed as one of the greatest live acts touring today. NPR hailed the Husband and wife duo Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi as “two of the best roots rock musicians of their generation.” The band’s seamless blending of American music genres, like blues rock, soul and jazz have brought them renown. With a massive catalog of songs, no two Tedeschi Trucks Band shows are bound to be the same.
O.A.R. – August 27
O.A.R. – Short for “Of a Revolution” – are a platinum-selling alternative band from Rockville, MD. They are known for their mix of indie and roots rock. The band has sold out venues as large as Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks, all while retaining an unseen amount of freedom in the music industry, and a dedication to philanthropy. They will be headlining a US tour this summer in the wake of their 2022 album The Arcade.
Cole Swindell – August 29
Cole Swindell is an up and coming country singer-songwriter, who previously wrote hit singles for the likes of Thomas Rhett and Luke Bryan. He has released four albums, with 8 singles reaching number one on the country charts. 2023 was a big year for Swindell, with him winning 3 Academy of Country Music awards, and releasing a 3x platinum cover of Joe Dee Messina’s “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”
Cage the Elephant – September 7
Kentucky indie darlings, Cage the Elephant, will grace Artpark on a cross-country tour in the wake of their new album Neon Pill. The band blends an eclectic mix of classic rock, 90s alternative, blues and funk. They are mainstays of alternative radio, with audiences sure to recognize charting hits like “Come a Little Closer” and “Cigarette Daydream.”
