NYS Music 2024

Author: Nicholas Sarris

  • Buffalo’s Cobblestoned Vibes Festival Announces Artist Lineup

    The Cobblestoned Vibes festival has announced its artist lineup for its 2024 edition. Buffalo Iron Works will host this year’s event in the historic Cobblestone District of downtown Buffalo on Saturday, August 3. Spanning two stages, the event will feature performances by six artists and DJs. 

    The Artist Lineup for the 2024 Cobblestone Vibes Festival

    Cobblestoned Vibes will feature both local Buffalo favorites and national touring groups. Bands like The Hip Abduction and Annapolis, MD’s Bumpin Uglies will play their signature indie-reggae that is sure to keep audiences dancing. California-based The Free Label will also share their take on lush, psychedelic indie pop. For classic rock fans, Dirty Work will perform a soulful tribute to the hits of jazz-rock legends Steely Dan. 

    The festival will also highlight local groups from Buffalo and Rochester. NYS Music voted Buffalo-based Organ Fairchild as New York’s best emerging band in 2021. They are sure to keep festival-goers grooving with their signature jazz and funk influenced extended jams. Up-and-coming Rochester band The Sideways will also share their lush brand of pop-soul. Backed by singer John Stehle’s soulful vocals and a horn section, their performance is sure to put audiences in a good mood. In addition to these groups, a host of local DJs will perform.

    In addition to musical performances, the festival will showcase Buffalo’s character through collaborations with local businesses and restaurants. The event will feature artisan vendors, food trucks, and craft beer from local breweries. Cobblestone Vibes has additionally partnered with Bison Botanics CBD products for an ethical and high-quality “cannabis journey” to elevate festival-goers’ experience.

    The event will take place within Buffalo’s historic Cobblestone District. This area of Downtown Buffalo is a snapshot into Buffalo’s history as an industrial hub. The district’s proximity to the Erie Canal made it a hub for metalworking and maritime supplies for the Great Lakes region. Due to this history and scenic brick cobblestone architecture, the National Parks Service placed the district on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. The district is home to Buffalo Iron Works, a brewery, restaurant and live music venue who sponsors Cobblestone Vibes.

    Tickets are currently on sale with general admission being $30. There is also the option for a VIP “Get lifted” package for $95. This package contains a free drink, exclusive lineup poster, VIP credentials and a goodie bag from Bison Botanics CBD Products. Day-of festival prices rise to $40 for general admission and $110 for the VIP package so make sure to get tickets in advance. 

    Tickets can be purchased here. For more information and event updates, visit the Cobblestoned Vibes Facebook and Instagram. 

  • Shemekia Copeland and Lil’ Ed to play 2024 NYS Blues Festival

    The New York State Blues Festival has announced the artist lineup for 2024. The festival is sure to rock Syracuse with three full days of performances headlined by blues legends. This year’s festival will take place from June 13-15 at the New York State Fairgrounds’ Chevy Court.

    2024 NYS Blues Fest performers

    The New York State Blues Festival has been one of the largest free blues festivals in New York since its inception over 30 years ago. The festival is an all-ages event showcasing artists from around the country, focused on, but not limited to the blues. Blues Fest is designed to promote blues music, and educate the public on the blues’ influence on different genres of music, all while creating a welcoming gathering space for music fans. In the words of the festival director Eric McElveen, “we’re really trying to create a big tent for people to gather under and see what they have in common.”

    The event begins Friday, June 14 at 4:00PM when the Chevy Court Main Stage gates open. This year’s lineup features artists from all over the blues spectrum, incorporating rock and soul. Heading night one of the festival are Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials. The group has toured the world for almost 30 years, propelled by Lil’ Ed Williams’s signature slide guitar and soulful vocals. Night two will feature Los Angeles blues-rockers The Record Company and guitarist Matthias Lattin.

    The last night features big names Little Feat, and Harlem’s very own Shemekia Copeland. Grammy-nominated Copeland will grace the festival with her passionate soaring vocals, and lyricism tackling hatred and racism in what is sure to be a powerful performance.

    In addition to live performances, the festival will host a wide range of food and beverage vendors. The festival is a free all-ages event with shaded areas to bring lawn chairs and dancing room. ProAct Blues Club VIP passes are currently on sale with early bird pricing starting from $125. These passes provide guests with catered dinner, beer, wine, drinks and snacks, as well as preferred seating.

    For more information on artists, directions and ticketing, visit the New York State Blues Festival website.

    Shemekia Copeland will perform Saturday, June 15

    Schedule

    Thursday, June 13

    4:00 PM – Gates Open

    4:30PM – Mira Grimm

    5:30 PM – Hanna PK & the Dynamic 88’s

    6:45 PM – Mira Grimm (Side Stage)

    7:15 PM – Bywater Call

    9:00 PM – Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials

    Friday, June 14

    3:00 PM – Gates Open

    4:00 PM – The Shylocks

    5:00 PM – Colin Aberdeen

    5:30 PM – Matt Tarbell’s Built For Comfort

    6:45 PM – Colin Aberdeen (Side Stage)

    7:15 PM – Matthias Lattin

    9:00 PM – The Record Company

    Saturday, June 13

    11:00 AM – Gates Open

    12:00 PM – Blues Ignition

    1:00 PM – Rattlesnake Trio

    1:40 PM – Tim Herron

    2:10 PM – Cinnamon Jones

    3:00 PM – Tim Herron (Side Stage)

    3:30 PM – Tom Townsley Band

    4:30 PM – Danielle Miraglia

    5:00 PM – Matt Schofield

    6:15 PM – Danielle Miraglia (Side Stage)

    6:45 PM – Shemekia Copeland

    8:30 PM – Little Feat

  • NYC’s The FMs release sophomore double LP, PINK + BLACK

    NYC-based punk-rock band The FMs have released their sophomore double LP, PINK + BLACK on May 10. 

    Duo Matte Namer and Frankie Rex formed the NYC-based punk band The FMs in 2016. United by their shared transgender experience, the duo spent six years performing at underground shows and recording three LPs. The future of the band was shaken in 2022, with Frankie Rex passing away from a fentanyl overdose. After a two-year hiatus, the band has reformed and released this new double LP as a posthumous memorial to Rex. 

    PINK + BLACK is a rock odyssey propelled by punchy synth hooks and raw punk energy. The album seamlessly shifts between upbeat dance-punk tracks and Brian Eno-influenced synth passages. With instrumentation that is dreamy yet forceful, the FMs discuss issues of gender roles, and transphobia. 

    The album starts off with a bang with opener “Hit Yourself.” The track has a rhythmic, almost hypnotic industrial beat. The pulsating rhythms and sharp synths are reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails or early LCD Soundsystem. This instrumentation propels lyrics that tell a story of a sado-masochistic romance, with a repeated refrain rallying against the patriarchy. 

    The standout of the album was the single “Transformation Dreams,” a dreamy and anthemic song. “Transformation Dreams” combines layered synths and ethereal effects-laden guitars to create an atmosphere reminiscent of 1980s post-punk and dream pop. Fans of The Cure or Cocteau Twins are sure to enjoy this track. Its lyrics touch on the feelings of body dysmorphia and hope for the future, using its catchy instrumentation to back up these heavy topics. 

    The FMs have released double LP PINK + BLACK on May 10.

    The album has great range, with tracks that you can both dance and disassociate to. It impressively weaves together a mix of industrial dance, goth and ambient that is sure to keep listeners intrigued, all while tackling the important themes of identity and politically-motivated hatred. In all, this album is a testament to the FMs musical prowess that any fans of indie and punk should listen to. 

    In the wake of this album, The FMs have organized Frankie Fest, a memorial to the late Frankie Rex. The event took place May 11 on Coney Island, and featured performances from a host of NYC-based queer performers. The festival included the first performance by the FMs since the passing of Rex. All proceeds went to the Chosen Family Law Center, providing low-income transgender New Yorkers with free legal services. 

    For more information on The FMs and their release PINK + BLACK, click here.

  • Punk Rock Mini-Golf Returns to Staten Island

    Punk Rock Mini-Golf is returning to Staten Island’s Maker Park from June 1-2 and June 1-8. The event is celebrating four years of providing Staten Island with mini-golf and live music.

    Punk Rock Mini-Golf begins June 1

    The event’s main draw is its 9-hole mini-golf course dedicated to punk rock legends. Each hole celebrates a legendary punk rock act, such as the Cramps, Bad Brains, and the Clash. The course features artwork by local Staten Island artists with new additions being made every year. Alongside mini-golf, the event will feature live performances from local punk bands starting at 6 PM each night. 

    On top of golf and live music, the event will feature food and drinks from local vendors. Bearded Barbecue and The Burrito Bar will provide food, and Flagship Brewery and Killsboro Brewery will provide beverages. 

    The event is hosted by Maker Park Radio, a non-profit radio station centered in Staten Island. Since 2017, Maker Park has provided a safe space for discussion of the arts and a medium for up-and-coming artists and musicians. Maker Park is a 100% volunteer-based organization, helping to spread music awareness, and providing professional workshops for the community. Proceeds from this event will go to supporting Maker Park Radio’s continued community involvement.

    “I love seeing families with kids of varied ages walking in looking skeptical, and walking out with big smiles on their faces.”

    – Kristin Wallace, Maker Park Radio Founder

    Event Schedule

    Saturday June 1

    3:00 – 6:00 PM: Golf 

    6:00 PM: Bands Start

    Mary Shelley – Danceable punk rock from Brooklyn-based trio

    Dead Tooth – Buzzworthy Brooklyn post-punk

    The Dracu-Las – Surfy garage-punk and power-pop from Jersey City

    Engine Hymns – Melodic hardcore from Staten Island

    Sunday June 2

    3:00 – 6:00 PM: Golf

    6:00 PM: Bands Start

    Murphy’s Law – Astoria-based NYCH band

    Goddamn Wrecks – Country-punk from Staten Island

    My So-Called Mixtape – 1990s pop cover band from Staten Island

    Paper Lanterns – NY/NJ Green Day tribute band

    Saturday June 8

    3:00 – 6:00 PM: Golf

    6:00 PM: Bands Start

    Andy Ellison and the Maker Park Radio Stars Ft. Boz Boorer

    The Lookout Honeys – fierce New York City rock

    Big Bliss – Melodic Brooklyn post-punk trio

    The Challenged – Classic NYC punk

    Sunday  June 9

    3:00 – 6:00 PM: Golf

    6:00 PM: Bands Start

    Straight to Hell – Raucous and tight The Clash tribute band from NYC

    Goo Goo Fux – The Cramps tribute band

    So Last Summer – NYC pop-punk/emo cover band

    Woof Woof – Underground rock ‘n’ roll from Flushing

    Punk Rock Mini-Golf is an all ages event that welcomes all regardless of mini-golf skills. One day entry for $15 provides visitors with unlimited putt-putt and concert access. Four day passes are also available for $40. Kids under 10 years old can enter for free. 

    For More information, visit the Maker Park Radio website here.

  • Summer Fling tease debut album with single “Blissful Haze”

    Up-and-coming New York City funk-rock band Summer Fling has announced a new single “Blissful Haze” set to release on May 10. The single comes in the leadup to a new album set to release in late Summer.

    Summer Fling

    Singer-keyboardist Eddie Kam originally formed Summer Fling in Larchmont, NY before relocating to New York City. The group mixes chops learned from New York’s jazz conservatories with an eclectic blend of styles, ranging from indie-pop to funk, to forge an infectious sound. With a newly solidified lineup of seven recent college graduates, the band has torn up the live scene. They have played more than 35 gigs, even opening for names like They Might Be Giants and Spin Doctors. 

    “Blissful Haze” is a delightful song that accentuates Kam’s soulful vocals with wah-wah guitar and jazzy horns. The song’s lyrics explore the joys of a short-lived romance, with instrumentation that lends to the rosy, nostalgic atmosphere. On this track, Summer Fling’s jazz chops are on full display, crafting a smooth, yet complex pop-funk sound, with instrumentation reminiscent of Steely Dan.

    Summer Fling

    This new single comes in the leadup to a very busy season for Summer Fling. The band is currently recording their debut album, which explores pop, funk and yacht rock, for release in late Summer. 

    The band has also planned festival appearances and tour dates in New York City, Boston and Philadelphia. At these shows, Summer Fling are sure to spread their message of inclusivity, and some great music tackling themes ranging from heartbreak to fun romance. In Eddie Kam’s words “Fun, silliness and great musicianship are the only rules at a Summer Fling performance.”

    More information can be found at Summer Fling’s website and instagram.

  • Salsa Sundays at Orchard Beach in The Bronx Start Memorial Day Weekend

    Beginning Memorial Day weekend, Orchard Beach in the Bronx will hold its weekly Salsa Sundays dance party. Every Sunday until Labor Day weekend, New Yorkers can enjoy music, salsa dance, and concessions.

    Hundreds gather in a large cement dancing area every week to celebrate the various types of salsa dance. At Orchard Beach you can see many styles of Latin dance, whether it is mambo, cha-cha, or salsa. This event celebrates the diversity of The Bronx, drawing influence from Cuban, Caribbean and African rhythms, a lively and casual atmosphere, with people dancing amidst barbecues, roller skaters and swimmers. 

    Dancers at Salsa Sundays

    Salsa Sundays are a summer staple of the Bronx, taking place for over 50 years. This summer celebration reflects the Bronx’s importance to the history of salsa music.

    Salsa was born in the jazz clubs of the South Bronx in the 1950s. In these clubs, musicians mixed bolero, rumba and mambo to create a new genre called “salsa conciente.” This genre took the elements of latin music and incorporated lyrics that reflected the social issues plaguing The Bronx. In the late 1960s, Fania records was formed and pushed salsa into the mainstream with names like Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz, and Bobby Valentin.

    Orchard beach is an especially important site in the history of salsa music. In 1936, Orchard Beach opened as a weekend and holiday destination for Bronx residents, quickly becoming a hub for the borough’s Puerto Rican residents. As one of the only desegregated public spaces in the city, Orchard Beach became a melting pot for music. Visitors from across New York City went to Orchard beach to hear a fusion of salsa, R&B and jazz. 

    An Aerial View of Orchard Beach, Bronx

    Orchard Beach quickly became a local gathering place, with salsa being a medium to build a sense of community. DJs Ernie Ensley and Carlos Santiago started the Salsa Sundays event to combine community, recreation and entertainment. Since its start, Salsa Sundays has been a place for the Bronx’s Latinx community to share their pride, love of music and sense of fun.  

    Salsa Sundays take place at Orchard Beach Area 5, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the nearby beach, boardwalk and ball courts. Consider bringing beach chairs, sunscreen, and coolers to best enjoy the summer weather during the event. 

    More details on scheduling and directions can be found here.