Author: nick motto

  • United Sounds NYC Festival Comes to Brookyln on October 25-26

    United Sounds has announced the inaugural United Sounds NYC Festival which kicks off in Red Hook, Brooklyn on October 25 and 26. The show lasts from 4pm to 12am both nights and is 18+ to enter.

    United Sounds

    The festival was created to fill the significant gap for independent music in New York City’s fall cultural calendar. The two-day event will feature performances by Blonde Redhead, Sunflower Bean, Les Savy Fav, Model/Actriz, Man Man, Monobloc and Peel Dream Magazine, with additional artists, DJs, neighborhood events and more to be announced in the coming weeks.

    The United Sounds NYC Festival takes place at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn. Pioneer Works is an art and science-led cultural center that hosts various exhibit, performances, and workshops throughout the year. This fall, United Sounds brings an otherwise musically barren autumn a blast of vibrancy and sound.

    Also performing at the festival is the notable indie rock group The Dismemberment Plan who have just recently played their first show in a decade. The group sees the stage during the festival, making it their first full-length festival performance in many years. This is definitely not a performance to miss.

    The Dismemberment Plan

    Friday, October 25th Line-Up

    The Dismemberment Plan

    Sunflower Bean

    Model/Actriz

    + more 

    Saturday, October 26th Line-Up

    Blonde Redhead

    Les Say Fav

    Man Man

    Monobloc

    Peel Dream Magazine

    “We wanted to start an annual music festival in New York City during the fall season, in the spirit of great indie-focused events of the past like CMJOur goal is to bring celebrated independent artists and music fans together for a fun weekend in a great setting. We were drawn to Red Hook to launch the event because it has such a welcoming seaside community vibe, that feels like you’re out of the city, yet it’s right there across the water from lower Manhattan.” 

    Diane Perini, talent booker

    For more information on the United Sounds NYC Festival and to purchase tickets for one or both nights, click here.

  • Acoustic Duo Murray’s Law to Deliver Exclusive Performance at The Egg

    Dynamic acoustic duo Murray’s Law is set to deliver an exclusive performance at Swyer Theater at The Egg in Albany on October 20.

    The acoustic duo features Brian Murray and Jimmy Law from the acclaimed New Jersey jam quintet Dogs in a Pile. Murray’s Law delivers an acoustic experience that highlights their vibrant covers and a compelling mix of original compositions, making each performance a bold and engaging experience.

    The intimate setting of the Swyer Theater offers the perfect backdrop for audiences to connect with the raw musical prowess and captivating energy that Brian and Jimmy bring to the stage.

    murray's law the egg

    Murray’s Law emerges from the profound creative synergy between Brian and Jimmy, known for their role in Dogs in a Pile—a band currently riding the wave of success with a string of notable achievements. Dogs in a Pile has captivated the Capital Region for years, recently making regional headlines after announcing their second annual headlining New Year’s Eve run at Saratoga Springs’ Putnam Place.

    They further solidified their reputation with a stellar summer tour featuring sold-out performances at prestigious venues like Colorado’s Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Their participation in the “Pigeons Frasco Dogs Tour” showcased their ability to electrify audiences on large stages nationwide.

    murray's law the egg

    For more information on the upcoming performance by Murray’s Law and to purchase tickets to the show, click here.

  • LCD Soundsystem Announces 12 Shows at Knockdown Center in Queens Starting this November

    LCD Soundsystem has announced their upcoming “Winter FUNction” series of shows beginning November 21 at Knockdown Center in Queens for three long weekends in November and December.

    The LCD Soundsystem shows take place November 21 through 24, December 5 through 8, and finally, December 12 through 15. The electronic rock band plans to dazzle audiences for these three long weekends for their “Annual Winter FUNction.”

    The shows include special guest bands for each night of the performances, along with international deejays, after parties, and Four Horsemen Wine Bar. LCD Soundsystem is known for putting on a high-energy, captivating, and groovy show. These are not shows you want to miss.

    LCD Soundsystem Knockdown Center
    LCD Soundsystem performs at Madison Square Garden on April 2, 2011

    The group was formed in Brooklyn in 2002 by James Murphy, the co-founder of DFA Records. The band comprises Murphy (vocals), Nancy Whang (synthesizer, keyboards), Pat Mahoney (drums), Tyler Pope (bass, guitar), Al Doyle (guitar, percussion), Matt Thornley (guitar, synthesizer), and Korey Richey (synthesizer, piano, percussion).

    LCD Soundsystem’s musical sound is described as electronic rock, indie-rock, dance-punk, amongst many others. In short, this group holds a unique, heavy groove, with a persistent electronic backbone. Public on-sale tickets are available on Thursday, September 26 at 10AM ET. Fan presales being September 25.

    For more information on the upcoming LCD Soundsystem shows at Knockdown Center in Queens, and to purchase tickets, click here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPJDBFBhAbo
  • Tower of Power Announces Holiday Album “It’s Christmas”, Shows in Niagara Falls and NYC

    Legendary soul, funk and R&B powerhouse, Tower of Power, is set to light up the holiday season with a new album and anticipated December tour. The holiday album It’s Christmas releases September 27 and the “Holidays and Hits” tour begins December 3, with stops in Niagara Falls and Manhattan.

    This tour promises to be a joyful journey through Tower of Power’s storied past, blending beloved holiday tunes with the band’s classic hits and fan favorites that have defined their legacy. Alongside iconic tracks like “What Is Hip?” and “You’re Still a Young Man,” fans can expect fresh renditions of timeless holiday songs, delivered with the band’s unmistakable brass-driven sound and signature high-energy performances.

    The “Holidays and Hits” tour begins December 3 in Plymouth, MA, and wraps up on December 21 in Oakland, CA. The tour sees a total of two dates in New York including a stop at the Seneca Niagra Casino & Hotel in Niagra Falls on December 6. Following this, the tour also stops at Sony Hall in New York City on December 8.

    Tower of Power “Holidays and Hits” Dates:

    December 3: Plymouth Memorial Hall, Plymouth, MA

    December 6: Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, Niagara Falls, NY

    December 7: Golden Nugget, Atlantic City, NJ

    December 8: Sony Hall, New York, NY

    December 10: Midland Theatre, Newark, OH

    December 11: Rialto Square, Joliet, OH

    December 13: Capitol Theater, Davenport, IA

    December 15: The Astro, La Vista, NE

    December 17: Lensic Performing Arts, Santa FE, NM

    December 18: The Fox, Tucson, AZ

    December 21: The Fox, Oakland, CA

    The album It’s Christmas contains 11 total holiday-themed tracks. Fans can preorder the album now alongside limited-edition bundles that include a variety of album-specific merchandise and access to an exclusive presale code for the Holidays and Hits Tour. Link to pre-save and preorder can be found here.

    For more information on Tower of Power’s upcoming tour and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Thomas Rhett Announces Return to the Road with Better in Boots Tour, 4 Shows in NY

    Multi-platinum country artist Thomas Rhett has announced his 2025 return to the road with new “Better in Boots Tour.” The North American tour includes four dates in New York State at four venues.

    thomas rhett

    Thomas Rhett brings his energy to 30 cities next summer across North America, including stops at Jones Beach Theater, Darien Lake Amphitheater, SPAC, and Empower FCU.

    The “Better in Boots Tour” announcement comes on the heels of the release of Thomas Rhett’s acclaimed seventh studio album, About a Woman. This 14-track collection showcases Rhett’s powerful style while exploring new boundaries of the genre.

    The summer tour kicks off on June 5 in Rogers, Arkansas and concludes September 26 in Ridgefield, Washington. The tour sees four stops in NY beginning June 12 at SPAC. July 12 Thomas Rhett sees the stage at Jones Beach Amphitheater in Long Island. Following these dates, the tour moves to Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center on August 7 and Empower FCU in Syracuse on August 21.

    thomas rhett

    BETTER IN BOOTS TOUR 2025 Dates:

    6/5 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP * 

    6/6 – Southaven, MS – Bank Plus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove * 

    6/7 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre * 

    6/12 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC +*

    6/13 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake

    6/14 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center * 

    6/26 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium * 

    6/27 – Birmingham, AL – Venue TBA +*

    6/28 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater * 

    7/10 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center ^

    7/11 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion ^

    7/12 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater ^

    7/17 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage +*

    7/31 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park ^

    8/1 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion ^

    8/2 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre ^

    8/7 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater ^

    8/8 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre ^

    8/9 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre ^

    8/15 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center *

    8/21 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview *

    8/22 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live *

    8/23 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach +*

    9/4 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre *

    9/5 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre *

    9/6 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena *

    9/18 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena *

    9/19 – Boise, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater *

    9/20 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre *

    9/26 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater *

    For more information on the “Better in Boots Tour,” and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Gov’t Mule Announces Annual New Year’s Run in NYC from December 30-31

    Southern Rock jam band Gov’t Mule has announced the return of their annual New Year’s show at the Beacon Theatre from December 30-31. The band will also see the stage at College Street Music Hall in New Haven, Connecticut on December 28 as well.

    gov't mule beacon theatre

    The three-night stand – Celebrating 30 years of The Mule – kicks off Saturday, December 28 at College Street Music Hall in New Haven, CT and then return to the Beacon Theatre in New York City, the longstanding home of their New Year’s shows, for back-to-back nights Monday, December 30 and Tuesday, December 31.

    These special year-end shows mark the first Gov’t Mule headlining shows since their February “30 Years Strong Tour” and continue the celebrations for this major milestone as they honor the band’s past, present and future. This year marks the 22nd year in a row the band has hosted the annual New Year’s Run.

    Gov’t Mule has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable. This celebratory performance is one you’ll want to see live at the Beacon Theatre this December.

    The general on sale will commence Friday, September 20 at 12 pm ET. VIP packages will also be available, which include reserved seating, access to soundcheck, limited edition signed poster, and more starting Wednesday at 12pm ET. 

    “It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years. It’s also hard to believe we’ve been celebrating New Year’s together for over 20 years. These are always such special shows for us. I’m looking forward to being with the band revisiting some of the stuff we haven’t played in a long, long time and, of course, being with our incredible fans.”

    Warren Hayes, Guitarist and Vocalist

    For more information on the upcoming Gov’t Mule New Year’s Run and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Annual Oaktoberfest Returns to Oak Mountain in Speculator on September 29

    This September 29, Oak Mountain in Speculator announces the return of the acclaimed Oaktoberfest. The Central Adirondacks festivities include a wide array of activities for the whole family.

    Oaktoberfest speculator
    The views from Oak Mountain in the Fall

    Oaktoberfest in Speculator is back and better than ever. This family-friendly event is bursting with activities and entertainment, including live music with The Altered Tones & Wayward Folk. Upstate roots-rock band The Insolent Willies are planned to perform both original and all-time classic tunes for the crowd.

    The event begins at 12 noon and wraps up at 4 PM on September 29. Oak Mountain’s Acorn Pub and Eatery serves fall favorites and a full bar. One of the Adirondack’s most critically acclaimed breweries, Paradox Brewery is set to serve some brews. Nine Pin Ciderworks from Albany is planned to be on tap as well.

    The event includes vendors, a craft market, wine and beer sampling, a camp store with snacks and games, and even the opportunity to visit with animals at the Utica Zoomobile. In the spirit of Oaktoberfest, you’ll want to be sure to participate in the German costume contest and ride the chairlift to the top of Oak Mountain to enjoy views of the beautiful Adirondack fall foliage.

    What could be better than the picturesque Oak Mountain displaying the lovely fall foliage? Oak Mountain in all its fabulous fall glory, with scenic lift rides, delicious food and drinks, live music, and so much more. Be sure to bring the whole family, as there’s something for each and every individual who partakes in the festivities.

    For more information on Oaktoberfest click here. Additionally, to learn more about Oak Mountain in Speculator, NY, click here.

  • Tops of Trees to Ignite Funk ‘n Waffles on September 21

    Tops of Trees takes the stage at Funk ‘n Waffles in Syracuse on September 21, and joining them for this high-energy event is local favorite, Spent Grain.

    tops of trees

    Tops of Trees are an original nine-piece rock & soul ensemble hailing from Saratoga Springs. They have quickly made a name for themselves in Upstate NY and beyond, known for their genre-blending sound and dynamic live performances, they are set to deliver an unforgettable show that highlights their tight rhythm section with blistering vocals and an unshakeable horn section. 

    In the short time they have been together they have created a buzz by thrilling audiences with their high-energy performances. The group’s modern interpretation of soulful music steeped in early R&B, funk and blues propelled them to notoriety in upstate NY culture.

    Sharing the stage with Tops of Trees is Spent Grain, a Syracuse-based band renowned for their unique fusion of blues, rock, and a touch of Americana. Spent Grain’s heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies have earned them a loyal local following. Their performance is expected to set the perfect tone for the evening.

    Doors to the show open at 7:00 PM, and the music kicks off at 8:00 PM. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see the debut of Tops of Trees to Syracuse with Spent Grain.

    For more information and to purchase tickets to the event, visit Funk ‘n Waffles website by clicking here. To learn more about Tops of Trees and to stay up to date on their shows, click here.

  • First-Ever CNY Jazz Series Announced at Timber Banks in Syracuse

    The “CNY Jazz at Timber Banks” talent lineup has been announced, the first launch of the CNY Jazz 2024-2025 season. The 34-show event takes place on Tuesday nights at Timber Banks Golf Club in Syracuse.

    CNY Jazz Series timber banks
    Cheri Giraud & Dan Pugh

    The CNY Jazz series lasts from September to May, with a total of 34 groundbreaking shows. It features regional and national artists from 6 to 9 p.m. at Persimmons restaurant in the Carlton Holmes-designed clubhouse of the Seneca River golf and marina community. The cabaret dining schedule starts September 17, focusing on the finest voices in jazz, pop, and Americana in the region, and a twist or two has been thrown into the mix.

    Singers Ronnie Leigh, Nancy Kelly, Cheri Giraud, Julie Falatico Montalbano, Mike Houston, Kirsten Tegtmeyer, Scott Dennis, Alex Becerra, Vanessa Vacanti, and Mary Nickson all appear. QUATRO provides progressive Americana harmony by Chuck Schiele and Heather Kubacki. Instrumental groups led by Steve Brown and John Rohde step in to play.

    A special Mardi Gras event is the centerpiece of the season. On Fat Tuesday, March 4, the legendary Soda Ash Six, brings their 6-piece unit to play a party. This event is accompanied by a special New Orleans menu.

    The unusual “Bass On Top” duo makes its first winter season appearance in the CNY Jazz series. The entire series is free, with no admission or cover charges. Holders of CNY Jazz Club cards receive 10% off food and drink at these events.

    “This is the only weekly cabaret dining experience to be had north of the Thruway in Central New York. Literally every established jazz vocalist in the region is represented. We have a lot of talent around here, and you can sample virtually all of it without leaving the Persimmons premises. These things regularly sell out, so reserve your tables in advance, folks.”

    Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz founder

    For more information on the CNY Jazz series at Timber Banks in Syracuse, click here.

  • Brooklyn Bowl Announces Rosh Hashanah Music Bash

    Brooklyn Bowl has announced the return of the annual Rosh Hashanah music bash, set to return October 2 and 3. This year marks the event’s 13th year.

    Rosh Hashanah brooklyn bowl

    Beginning at 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, October 2 and 10 A.M. on Thursday, October 3, both musically driven services will feature Rabbi Daniel Brenner with musical director Jeremiah Lockwood. Also included are Antibalas’ Jordan McLean and Timothy Allen, drummer John Bollinger, saxophonist Stuart Bogie and Yula Berri on vocals and bass. 

    Internationally renowned teacher Jane Tuv will also lead a guided meditation at each event. There will also be Torah reading and procession led by Rabbi Brenner, as well as prayer, and shofar blowing. After the services on October 2nd, Brooklyn Bowl hosts a spiritually driven jam session featuring members of the service’s house band as well as additional guests. After services on October 3rd at 12:30 P.M., there is a lunch provided by Blue Ribbon with purchase of a ticket. 

    All proceeds will support the non-profit organization Shalom Y’all Jams, which works to organize holiday services at non-traditional locations. Brooklyn Bowl was ranked the number one busiest club in NYC in 2017. This celebration of Rosh Hashanah may very well love up to that title this October. You’ll want to get your tickets before they sell out.

    To purchase tickets for the Rosh Hashanah music bash at Brooklyn Bowl and to learn more about the celebration, click here.