Finger Lakes GrassRoots festival has announced the return of the GrassRoots Unplugged concert. The second annual unplugged festival is held from September 7 to 8 at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts.
GrassRoots Unplugged is a two day, two stage, musical gathering featuring some of your favorite GrassRoots performers in an intimate setting. Conclude the perfect summer with Sim Redmond, Rose & the Bros, Kevin Kinsella and more at TCFA September 7-8.
This festival is one for the community. The mission of the Finger Lakes GrassRoots festival is to unify the community and to create a cultural hub for future generations to enjoy. At least ten acts prepare to perform at the unplugged festival.
Performances are held from 1:30 to 9:30 on both days. Tickets are $25 a day or $40 for both days. For children 12 and under, admission is free. Sunday will feature our fabulous dance floor including a Sunday Square Dance with caller Casey Carr and GrassRoots Unplugged musicians. The fest also includes a visual arts section, and a children’s fun area.
For more information on the GrassRoots Unplugged festival coming to Trumansburg, NY, click here. Click this link to purchase your daily tickets or tickets for the whole weekend.
Albany-raised pop-punk band State Champs put forth a new music video for their single, “Too Late to Say.” The release comes just after the band announced their fifth studio album, State Champs, to be released on November 8.
The track “Too Late to Say” showcases an unfamiliar sound to the group’s norm. One that displays a refreshing vulnerability for the band. It rings youthful and polished, but the track holds deeper meaning. “Too Late to Say” highlights the fear of losing yourself. The music video embodies this narrative as the band is seen performing in the back of a speeding truck. This scene is a metaphor for the fast-paced reality of life and its moments.
The music video is an intimate showcasing of the group’s inner fears, and concerns for their future, as well as reminiscing on fears of their past. Throughout the video you see the truck moving quickly down the road. This theme symbolizes the speed at which life may feel to pass as one ages.
“Too Late to Say” is a track off of State Champs’ upcoming 12-song, self-titled album, State Champs. The band is also set to tour across North America beginning November 8 alongside the release of the album. The band has become a major player in the pop-punk scene, championing the genre over the past decade.
For more information on State Champs upcoming releases, and to check out their new music video, click here.
“Diorama” explores all the unique nuances of Sam Rappaport’s voice and vision. The track opens up rather smoothly, with notes of contemporary jazz but with a modern undertone. A soft piano melody carries the tune to its heights and to its valleys. Rappaport’s soothing vocals and lyrics fall perfectly along the instruments throughout the entirety of the tune.
The track explores Sam’s inner fears, loves, and life experiences. “Diorama” refers to a layout of all of what makes up oneself. Sam wants to study his own diorama, who he truly is, what makes him who he is. What is he afraid of and what are the fundamental aspects of his person. What does he love, desire and need, and why?
My dad used to take me to the Natural History Museum growing up, and I would love looking at the dioramas. I started thinking, what if there was a diorama for my life and fears, what scenes would it show? So, I guess the main concept is reflectionâorganizing all one’s little traumas into a diorama for public viewing.
Sam Rappaport
Be sure to keep on eye on Sam Rappaport’s further releases by checking his Spotify, Instagram and YouTube. Visit Rappaport’s website to hear the new single “Diorama” For more information on the artist, click here.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is approaching its 58th season bringing music and performing arts to the Capital Region, and the beloved arts non-profit has many exciting performances in store for the 2024 season.
SPAC opened in 1966 in Saratoga Springs, and is set within a 2,400 acre park preserve just 35 miles north of New York’s capital. The non-profit hosts concerts across all genres, and boasts arts education programs across culinary, visual, and literary fields. Notable past performers include 25 concerts by Phish, 44 from Dave Matthews Band, and a legendary performance by The Grateful Dead in 1985.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
SPAC will welcome the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for two unique performances in 2024 as part of its summer residency program.
Instrumental Array, a celebration of unusual pairings in classical music, will feature three duos performing selections from Beethoven, Rossini, Britten, Duruflé, and Hummel. The groups will grace the stage at SPAC’s Spa Little Theatre on March 9.
SPAC will welcome Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel, alongside guest violinist Chad Hoopes on May 11 to close their season. The trio will perform works by Mozart, Mendelssohn, and more, as they share their artistic expertise with the Capital Region.
Chad Hoopes, guest violinist
BalletX
Saratoga will host BalletX, a Philadelphia-based ballet company heralded as a refreshing, expert take on a classic style. The group is deeply involved in the Philadelphia community, aiding in dance education in local public schools, facilitating community pop-up events, as well as offering open rehearsals for audiences to watch dancers perfect their skills. The company will perform works choreographed by Jorma Elo, Jamar Roberts, and Jennifer Archibald. BalletX will visit SPAC’s Spa Little Theater on March 16 and 17.
TISRA: Zakir Hussain
Zakir Hussain, alongside Sabir Khan and Debopriya Chatterjee, will visit SPAC’s Spa Little Theater on March 23. Hussain, a renowned Indian percussionist and composer, will lead the group featuring a unique combination of tabla, sarangi, and bansuri (bamboo flute) music.
Summer Concerts
Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s beautiful Amphitheater, featuring Broadview Stage, is an unbeatable summer concert experience. SPAC will host an exciting lineup of musicians on the big stage this summer.
Irish superstar Hozier will play at SPAC on May 19 as part of The Unreal Unearth Tour across North America. Hozier’s third studio album of the same name released on August 18 to massive success, and he continues to tour supporting the new release.
Parker McCollum will make a stop at SPAC on his Burn It Down Tour on May 24. Alongside special guest Corey Kent, the country star will be promoting his newest album, Never Enough, and recent single release, “Burn It Down.”
May 25 – The Beach Boys
May 26 – Khruangbin
May 31 – Summer SPACtacular
Jun 2 – The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists
Jun 7 – HARDY
Jun 12 – John Fogerty
Jun 15 Hootie & The Blowfish
Jun 16 – Romantic Masterpieces
Lainey Wilson will visit Saratoga on June 20 as part of her Country’s Cool Again Tour, with special guests Ian Munsick and Zach Top. The Nashville-based country artist titled her style “bell bottom country,” which also served as the title of her newest album in 2022.
Former One Direction member and Irish pop star Niall Horan will play SPAC on June 21. The Show, his newest album release, drives his biggest tour since 2018, dedicating the summer months to the North American leg.
Tyler Childers will bring the Mule Pull ‘24 Tour to the SPAC stage on July 3 alongside special guests S. G. Goodman and Wayne Graham. Known for his unique combination of folk, country, and bluegrass alongside his distinct vocals, Childers will tour his brand new album Rustin’ In The Rain.
SPAC will host a Beatles tribute concert featuring Rain, a tribute group famous for their similarity and dedication to the iconic rock four-piece. Rain will play on July 17, featuring greatest hits, deep picks, and more from the Beatles’ iconic songbook.
Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago will co-headline SPAC on July 24 on their Heart & Soul Tour 2024. With a collaborative encore featuring both bands, the show will be a special night showcasing some of the country’s legendary music.
Foreigner and Styx will play the Broadview Stage at SPAC on July 30 along their Renegades & Juke Box Heroes Tour this summer. Joined by special guest John Waite, the tour will mark the bands’ last tour together with a show for the history books.
New Kids on the Block will make a stop at SPAC on their Magic of Summer 2024 Tour, reviving their 1990 tour of the same name. With special guests Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff, the group will revive old favorites, greatest hits, and more on August 11.
More information and tickets for all shows are available at here. More shows will be announced as the 2024 season approaches, so check back for more performing arts concerts and events at SPAC.
2024 Season of Concerts at Saratoga Performing Arts Center
March 9 – Instrumental Array – Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
March 16-17 – BalletX
March 23 – TISRA: Zakir Hussain, with Debopriya Chatterjee and Sabir Khn
May 11 – Wu Han, David Finckel, and Chad Hoopes – Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
May 24 – Parker McCollum – Burn It Down Tour
June 20 – Lainey Wilson – Country’s Cool Again Tour
June 21 – Niall Horan – The Show Live On Tour
July 3 – Tyler Childers – Mule Pull ‘24 Tour
July 24 – Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chicago – Heart & Soul Tour 2024
August 11 – New Kids on the Block – Magic Summer 2024 Tour
Experimental duo Vapor Vespers have released their sophomore album titled, Ghosts Before Breakfast and announced a few upcoming tour dates this May.
Ghosts Before Breakfast is the group’s second long-playing release, the follow-up to their critically-acclaimed 2020 debut, One Act Sonix. The sophomore album consists of 10 music-driven spoken word tracks. The duo will be supporting the release of their new album with select shows in New York City and the Hudson Valley this May.
Vapor Vespers is the brainchild of NYC-based multi-instrumentalist/producer Sal Cataldi and award-winning playwright, actor, and slam poet Mark Muro. The duo’s latest collection ups the ante on the cool grooves, intense guitar riffage, synth textures and the verbal hijinks and narrative absurdity showcased on their debut. The duo takes performative arts to the next level by blending intense spoken word with progressive and electrifying hypno-funk.
The Vapor Vespers are also holding mini-sets during performance by Cataldi’s Spaghetti Eastern Music at Silvana Harlem on May 23. Further, the duo sees the stage at Pangea in the East Village on May 25. More shows may be added.
Ghosts Before Breakfast was produced, engineered and mastered by Sal Cataldi aboard his houseboat in Port Washington, Long Island. The album covers themes of sex, mystery, art, literature, love, and themselves. The duo expels sound that are everything but standard. Some of their sound includes electro-funk, experimental synth, progressive, jazz and more.
For more information on Vapor Vespers and their album Ghosts Before Breakfast, click here.
Non-profit organization Live at the Bandstand is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated free music event, All Headliners Festival. The festival takes place on June 8 from 3 to 9pm in Sackets Harbor, New York.
All Headliners Festival takes place at the picturesque Sentinel Bandstand in Sackets Harbor. This celebration promises an unforgettable afternoon and evening of live performances, delicious food, and camaraderie, showcasing the rich diversity of talent and culture in the region. The event features an eclectic lineup of four exceptional bands, representing a wide spectrum of musical genres. Bands include jazz troupe Pando Collective, blues artist Tas Cru, Americana group The National Reserve, and jazz/classical Stephane Wrembel Quartet.
In addition to the stellar musical lineup, attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in a delectable array of culinary delights, courtesy of local food vendor Elm Street Taco truck. The renowned 1812 Brewing Company truck serves up refreshing and award-winning craft brews right in the heart of Sackets Harbor/Watertown.
Tas Cru
All Headliners Festival Acts
Pando Collective 3pm: Kicking off the festivities with their soulful jazz melodies, Pando Collective brings a unique blend of talent and camaraderie. They draw inspiration from their roots in the 10th Mountain Division Band.
The National Reserve 4:15pm: Back by popular demand, The National Reserve returns to Live at the Bandstand. They are ready to enthrall audiences once again with their soulful Americana, Rock’n’Roll sound and dynamic stage presence.
Tas Cru 6pm: Tas Cru and his band are sure to captivate audiences with their electrifying blues. Their tunes and infectious energy promise a performance that will have everyone on their feet. He hails from the local scene.
Stephane Wrembel Quartet 7:30pm: Rounding out the evening with a touch of international flair, the Stephane Wrembel Quartet will transport listeners to the streets of Paris with their enchanting gypsy jazz melodies, led by the virtuoso French guitarist himself.
“We are thrilled to bring this vibrant celebration of music and community to Sackets Harbor. Our mission has always been to showcase the incredible talent and diversity of our local and downstate music scene while fostering a sense of connection and belonging within our community. We invite everyone to join us for a day of unforgettable performances, delicious food, and shared experiences on the water.”
Ingrid Cleveland Gori
The festival is free of charge for all. For more information on the All Headliners Festival in Sackets Harbor on June 8, click here.
Bryant Park has an exciting season of free, live Latin Picnic Performances lined up for the summer of 2024. From June 7 to September 13, you can expect paramount talent of Latin performers from around the globe.
Many of this season’s performances will livestream for free on Bryant Park’s social media channels and website, reaching national and international audiences. Food and drink are available for purchase from a curated lineup of local vendors near the lawn. At all performances, attendees can discover new dishes and celebrate classics from the five boroughs. A rotating line-up of artisanal vendors by Hester Street Fair welcomes all hungry fest-goers. Stout NYC offers light bites as well as a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.
All shows are free to the public and designed to be enjoyed casually. There are more than 700 picnic blankets for audience members to borrow and ample chairs available. A total of 22 Latin performances are set to hit Bryant Park this summer. Genres range from jazz to classical to funk and much more. This series of shows are free for the public and should not be missed.
Bryant Park Latin Picnic Performances 2024
June
June 07: Contemporary Dance – David Dorfman Dance, Soles of Duende, Joffrey Concert Group
June 14: Contemporary Dance – Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Robin Dunn and Friends, Kevin Wynn Tribute
June 21: Jazzmobile – Sarah Vaughan Centennial Featuring Charenée Wade
June 28: Emerging Music Festival Day 1 – Artists TBA
June 29: Emerging Music Festival Day 2 – Artists TBA
July
July 05: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Tania León and The Harlem Chamber Players
July 12: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Thandiswa Mazwai
July 19: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Louis Cato
July 26: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Michael Olatuja & Lagos Pepper Soup
August
August 02: Carnegie Hall Citywide – La Excelencia
August 09: Joe’s Pub – Broadway en Spanglish: Florencia Cuenca and Jaime Lozano
August 10: New Victory Theater – Ephrat Asherie Dance + Barkin/Selissen Project
August 16: World Music Institute – Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Artists TBA
August 17: Jalopy Theatre – Artists TBA
August 23: New York City Opera – Tosca
August 24: New York City Opera – Tosca
August 30: Asian American Arts Alliance – Vijay Iyer Trio
August 31: Contemporary Dance – Mark Morris Dance Group, Blacks in Ballet, Reed Luplau
September
September 05: Accordions Around the World – Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, Afro Dominicano, Artist TBA
September 06: American Symphony Orchestra – Beyond the Hall
September 12: Harlem Stage – Artist TBA
September 13: The Town Hall + Belongó – The Man with The Golden Horn
For more information on the upcoming Bryant Park Picnic Performances, visit Bryant Park’s website or click here.
Buffalo Central Terminal has announced the release of their calendar of free events for the 2024 season. The community events take place from May to October at the Buffalo Central Terminal Lawn.
The festival includes a large variety of fun activities and events for all members of the community to enjoy. Events range from live music, plays, and movie nights to fitness bootcamps and car shows. Along with this, there are school giveaways for kids returning to the books along with an all-encompassing fall fest. From summer to fall, the Buffalo Central Terminal Festival keeps the community engaged and entertained.
The historic Buffalo Central Terminal is a prominent feature of Buffalo’s East Side and the Broadway Fillmore neighborhood. The not-for-profit Central Terminal Restoration Corp. has been the caretaker for more than 20 years.
The community driven Master Plan re-establishes the Terminal as a hub of activity. Buffalo Central Terminal is a beacon that attracts people and investment, celebrates, and fosters community voice and connections that contributes to the strong future of the city and region.
This year, the historic landmark boasts 15 free of charge events over the course of five months. The festival sees one event May 18, three in June, five in July, three in August, and two sendoff events in October.
Buffalo Central Terminal 2024 Festival Events
Health is Wealth Fitness Bootcamp A 3-part fitness and cardio bootcamp lead by GCOPE Fitness. The series is held on the Central Terminal Lawn from 9am to 10am on May 18, June 22, and June 29.
Central Terminal Car Show Admire over 100 meticulously restored sport compact and muscle cars Sunday, June 30 from 10am to 5pm at the Central Terminal Car Show.
Movie Night This year we’re hosting two movie nights at the Terminal. Join us July 29 for a taste of nostalgia with “The Goonies.” August 28 shows an animated film that’s perfect for the little ones. More to be announced soon.
Summer Concert Series After the tremendous enthusiasm from our audience last year, we’re excited to announce that our Summer Concert Series has been expanded to four sensational nights! Join us July 11, July 18, July 29, and August 8 from 5pm to 8pm.
Shakespeare in the Park returns to the Central Terminal Friday, July 19 with a “Midsummer Night’s Tour.” from 7pm to 8:30pm.
5th Annual Back to School Giveaway hosted by Leg. Howard Johnson & CM Nowakowski
Get geared up for new school year at our giveaway Saturday, August 17 from 9am to 12pm.
Fall Fest Enjoy our family-friendly Fall Fest Saturday, October 12 from 11am-3pm, featuring music, pumpkin decorating, photog areas, beer & wine vendors and more.
Trunk or Treat hosted by Matt Urban Center The tradition continues Tuesday, October 29 from 4pm to 6pm.
To learn more about each event, and for more information on the Buffalo Central Terminal, click here.
The annual Scarsdale Music Festival is returning for its fourth year June 1-12 to 6pm in Scarsdale Village. The six-hour music festival sees a hearty lineup of amazing talent from all over.
The festival is hosted by the Scarsdale Business Aliance and benefits Daniel’s Music Foundation. The foundation aims to empower individuals with disabilities through music education and performance. The annual Scarsdale Music Festival boasts an extensive lineup of highly talented individuals and groups.
The Scarsdale Music Festival is an exceptional, family-friendly community event that brings together thousands of people of all ages to celebrate their love of music, food, and community and is a not-to-be missed experience. The Scarsdale Business Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Village of Scarsdale and its local businesses.
A total of 16 musical artists and bands are set to hit the stage on June 1. The lineup is diverse and dynamic with genres like Americana, indie-rock, world, hard-rock, pop, R&B, opera and more. Some artists include Artia Tobia, Conversing with Ocean, Hunter Road, The Men of Soul, George Dennehy, and more.
This year’s line-up of amazing talent performs on two main stages throughout the day as well as an all-new acoustic stage. Twelve bands from Scarsdale and the greater Tri-State area were chosen through an extensive selection process from over 70 submitted applicants.
This year’s Grand Tasting Village features elite wines from around the world, specialty cocktails, and food pairings. In addition, guests 21+ can also purchase beer and wine by the glass. Food trucks and other food vendors offer a selection of sweet and savory items. The Family Fun Zone features carnival games, face painters, arts and crafts, musical demonstrations, DIY and STEAM activities, sports, inflatables, and more.
Tickets for the annual Scarsdale Music Festival are on sale now. For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, click here.
Lincoln Center in NYC has announced The Ephemeral Cinema of Sam Green Festival as a part of their Summer for the City series. The festival lasts three days from June 13 to 16.
Sam Green, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker, brings three masterpieces to the festival: 32 Sounds, A Thousand Thoughts, and The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller. The festival interweaves film and performance, with live narration from Green and live music from JD Samson, Kronos Quartet, and Yo La Tengo. The Ephemeral Cinema of Sam Green takes place at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center.
The festival kicks off with the immersive documentary 32 Sounds (2022) on June 13 at 7:30pm. Headphones are provided for all audience members to experience the dynamic, dimension-expanding binaural sound mix. A Thousand Thoughts (2018), written and directed by Green and Joe Bini, marks the last-ever performance of the film in New York City on June 15 at 8pm.
Lastly, The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller (2012) takes place June 16 at 7:30pm. Green explores the 20th century futurist, architect, engineer, and inventor’s utopian vision of radical social change through a design revolution. This collaboration with legendary indie band Yo La Tengo, originally commissioned by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s Design and Architecture Department, concludes the festival.
Green’s most recent projects are “live documentaries” that explore the depths of social, societal, and natural phenomena. All of Sam Green’s works are performed live, with Green narrating and musicians performing the soundtrack.
JD Samson is best known as leader of the band MEN and for being one-third of the electronic-feminist-punk band and performance project, Le Tigre. JD’s career as a visual artist, musician, producer and DJ has landed her at the intersection of music, art, activism, and fashion.
Yo La Tengo’s uninterrupted 40-years-and-counting career is unparalleled in its creative breadth and refusal to rest on laurels. The band has released more than a dozen full-length albums and composed soundtracks for a number of films. These include Adventureland, Old Joy and Shortbus.
Tickets to all three nights are available through Lincoln Center’s Choose-What-You-Pay ticketing model, starting at $5. To purchase tickets and for more information, click here.
