NYS Music 2024

Author: nick motto

  • God Street Wine Announce Four Shows in NY and NJ this September

    Jam band God Street Wine has announced they are playing four live shows, three of which in New York this September.

    God Street Wine was formed in 1988 by Lo Faber, Aaron Maxwell, Dan Pifer, Jon Bevo, and Tom Osander. The band hails from NYC and are known for their multi-genre approach to music. They perform in the styles of Jam Band, Jazz, Bluegrass, Pop, Reggae, Funk, Rock, Psychedelia and so on. The group has had infrequent yet memorable musical gatherings since their separation in 1999.

    2024 brings more activity for God Street Wine. On top of marking the 30th anniversary of the band’s first major label release, $1.99 Romances, and digitally releasing the long-lost Hot Sweet & Juicy, the band is also releasing three albums from their catalog on vinyl for the first time. This all culminates with the original fives-ome performing together again with four New York area shows.

    God Street Wine sees the stage in Woodstock on September 20 and 21. They also perform at The Cutting Room in NYC on September 27. Lastly, the band plays in Asbury Park, New Jersey on September 28. These four shows welcome fans of GSW and those who simply love music. There is a bit of everything for everyone when it comes to GSW’s music.

    For more information on God Street Wine’s upcoming show at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, click here. For information on GSW’s show at The Cutting Room in NYC, click here.

  • Brittany Howard and Michael Kiwanuka Announce Co-Headlining Tour this Fall

    Music icons Brittany Howard and Michael Kiwanuka have announced their co-headlining tour which arrives in Philadelphia on September 29. The tour sees two dates in New York – The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester and Summerstage in NYC.

    The tour kicks off September 29 in Philadelphia for a run of 14 shows across the US, wrapping in Paso Robles, CA, on October 19. Brittany Howard and Michael Kiwanuka have partnered with The Ally Coalition. The partnership donates $1 per ticket to support housing for mental health resources for people of color, single mothers, and unhoused LGBTQ Youth. The tour sees support from artist Yasmin Williams.

    Brittany Howard is a multi-instrumentalist and vocal powerhouse who specializes in soul, funk, and rock. She plans to play music from her sophomore album What Now along with older hits from her discography. Michael Kiwanuka introduced himself and his art with the acclaimed debut album, Home Again, followed by his decidedly left turn LP, Love & Hate. He has won a Mercury Prize and BRIT Award. Together, the two icons plan to bring their musical gifts to the forefront of several cities across the US.

    Brittany Howard Michael Kiwanuka

    BRITTANY HOWARD AND MICHAEL KIWANUKA CO-HEADLINE DATES

    Sept

    29                 Philadelphia, PA        The Met+

    30                 Boston, MA                Roadrunner*

    Oct

    2                    Port Chester, NY       The Capitol Theatre+

    3                    New York, NY            Summerstage*

    6                    St Paul, MN               Palace Theatre*

    8                    Denver, CO                Mission Ballroom+

    10                  Boise, ID                    Outlaw Field at Idaho Botanical Garden*

    11                  Portland, OR              Edgefield+

    12                  Vancouver, BC          Queen Elizabeth Theatre*

    14                  Jacksonville, OR        Britt Pavilion+

    15                  Seattle, WA               The Paramount*

    17                  Berkeley, CA             Greek Theatre+

    18                  Los Angeles, CA        Greek Theatre*

    19                  Paso Robles, CA       Vina Robles Amphitheatre+

    *Brittany Howard to close

    +Michael Kiwanuka to close

    Support from Yasmin Williams

    Brittany Howard Michael Kiwanuka

    For more information on Brittany Howard and Michael Kiwanuka’s co-headline tour and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Brooklyn’s Left Circles Releases Debut Album, “Nothing is One Thing” Along with Other Works

    Brooklyn-based artist Left Circles has released his debut LP titled, Nothing is One Thing on April 26. The LP contains 13 tracks, all with diverse sound from the skills of Brian Pluta and his accomplices.

    Nothing is One Thing, is not content to stay confined to one style. The hook-heavy album shifts through several modes of rock, from ‘90s lo-fi to British-pop to ‘50s folk. Left Circles is the solo project of Brooklyn-based musician Brian Pluta who is the live guitarist for Space Cadet.

    Nothing is One Thing starts out very interestingly. To me, the opening track “Over Her Range/She Told Me” has a very Foo Fighters or Pearl Jam feel. It has grungy riffs, alternative vocals, and that rugged, somber heaviness. It also sees multiple parts with soft, acoustic, touching tones.

    The next tune, “The Gashouse Gang is Here” is full of a youthful, anthem-like energy. It certainly gives me Misfits energy with its pop-alternative, quick-paced sound. Throughout many of songs on the LP, there is apparent 90s grunge inspiration as well as indie, soft-rock, and classic rock. Left Circles does not stick to a specific genre and shows the dynamic musicianship him and his band possesses.

    The album has great energy, range, and power. It boasts strong, catchy riffs, a dynamic voice, and intriguing themes and sound overall. Nothing is One Thing was mixed by Travis Harrison (Guided By Voices, Built to Spill) and features drums from Kellii Scott (Failure), as well as guest vocals from Matt Hock (Space Cadet, The Explosion). 

    Left Circles also recently released a new animated music video for their latest single “The Gashouse Gang Is Here.” The track is the second on the LP. The music video is animated by 30s cartoonist Ub Iwerks and fits perfectly over the track in every way from theme to the syncing of sound and motion.

    “I was running out of time, with no idea what video #2 would be. By the dumbest of luck, I stumbled upon this 1937 cartoon directed by Ub Iwerks, who also did ‘Steamboat Willie’ and all those early Mickey Mouse cartoons. Those folks were masters of animation/music synchronicity having been the ones who invented it. So it’s no wonder I was able to edit it to work with my straightforward 4/4 song. But the sync with Kellii’s drum fills, with what the lyrics are saying…that’s 100% chance. It’s like they were meant to go together. Art director Jon Cochran brought the illusion home with those amazing title cards.”

    Brian Pluta

    For more information on Left Circles and his debut LP Nothing is One Thing, click here. Stay up to date on upcoming releases and shows.

  • Olatuja Release “Ijo” Ahead of Long-Awaited Album

    World/roots duo Olatuja has announced the release of their latest single, “Ijo” which heralds their upcoming self-titled album, Olatuja set to release on May 31.

    Olatuja

    Olatuja is a duo comprised of Alicia and Michael Olatuja. “Ijo” fuses the rich heritage of Michael’s Yoruba culture, the evolving popular music of West Africa, and the gospel and jazz traditions that inform Alicia’s musicality. The two have played a prominent role in New York’s music scene for years. Their work spans the worlds of jazz, Broadway, soul, African music, film, and more.

    The duo released their last album The Promise in 2011. The release of their self-titled album May 31 marks their first completed compilation since then. The track “Ijo” has been in genesis since the pandemic, and the duo are eager to share their combined talent with the world.

    Olatuja

    “Ijo” is a song heavily inspired by the music of West Africa. Its powerful bassline drives the music forward. The percussion is dynamic, the strings add a wonderful element, and the layered vocals make the track pop with life. The song is vibrant. Olatuja added several small elements along with large ones throughout.

    You can hear horns, strings, percussion, and vocals in each sector of the tune. There is a rising action and a climax followed by a triumphant finish. “Ijo” is certainly a song that makes you want to move and sing. The track’s lyrical presence is strong, and it holds meaningful themes about not giving up in the face of hardship.

    For more information on Olatuja, their past releases, and to stay up to date on upcoming music, click here.

  • Caffe Lena to Feature Peter Rowan, Bandits on the Run, Willi Carlisle and More in May

    Saratoga Springs music venue Caffe Lena has announced their top picks for the month of May. From May 1 to 31 Caffe Lena sees a massive lineup of shows and performers for the community to enjoy.

    Caffe Lena is a well-known host of talent for the Upstate New York community. Various walks of life see the stage at this venue through a wide range of genre and background. The venue’s mission is to keep a diverse set of programs and artists, regardless of fame, to present to the community. Caffe Lena is where musical discovery begins on all fronts. All shows held in-person in Lena’s historic listening room are also streamed live to living rooms around the world.

    In May, the venue showcases a lengthy, talent-packed lineup of shows including musical performances, poetry open mic nights, and more. Genres like folk, bluegrass, jazz and roots are showcased this May along with songwriting workshops, poetry nights, and kids club concerts. There’s something for all members of the community this month.

    Caffe Lena’s Top Shows for May

    May 1 – 7 PM Poetry Open Mic Night feat Darcy Smith

    May 2 – 7 PM Kruger Brothers

    May 3 – 8 PM Dan Navarro

    May 7 – 7 PM Live Stream: Storytelling Night feat Miki Conn

    May 11 – 8 PM Bandits on the Run

    May 12 – 7 PM Peter Rowan

    May 17 – 8 PM Ana Egge

    May 22 – 7:30 PM Willi Carlisle

    May 30 – 7 PM Abigail Lapell

    For more information on Caffe Lena’s upcoming dates and performers, click here.

  • Pitbull Announces Highly Anticipated “Party After Dark” Tour with 5 Dates in New York

    Global superstar Pitbull has announced his upcoming “Party After Dark” tour beginning August 21 and wrapping up October 5. The tour sees five stops in New York including, SPAC, Jones Beach, Forest Hills Stadium, Darien Lake, and Syracuse.

    The “Party After Dark” tour plans to hit over 25 cities across the U.S. with special guest T-Pain and openers SiriusXM Globalization DJ’S. Lil Jon is also set to make appearances at select markets. Mr. Worldwide is set to deliver another incredibly dynamic tour with an electrifying mix of his biggest career-spanning hits of instantly recognizable smashes and surprises. 

    The tour sees a stop at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on August 25. Pitbull makes his way to Darien Lake Amphitheater in Buffalo on September 6. Empower FCU Amphitheater in Syracuse gets a visit on September 7, then SPAC the following night. Lastly, September 12 sees the tour’s last NY stop at Jones Beach Amphitheater in Long Island.

    PARTY AFTER DARK TOUR DATES: 

    Wed Aug 21 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live  

    Fri Aug 23 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater  

    Sat Aug 24 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium  

    Sun Aug 25 – Queens, NY – Forest Hills Stadium  

    Thu Aug 29 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center  

    Fri Aug 30 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre  

    Sat Aug 31 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater  

    Sun Sep 01 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center  

    Wed Sep 04 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre  

    Fri Sep 06 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater  

    Sat Sep 07 – Syracuse, NY – Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview  

    Sun Sep 08 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC  

    Thu Sep 12 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health At Jones Beach Theater  

    Fri Sep 13 – Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre  

    Sat Sep 14 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater  

    Sun Sep 15 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center  

    Wed Sep 18 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake  

    Thu Sep 19 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center  

    Sat Sep 21 – Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena  

    Sun Sep 22 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre 

    Wed Sep 25 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre  

    Fri Sep 27 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater*  

    Sat Sep 28 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre  

    Thu Oct 03 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre*  

    Fri Oct 04 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre  

    Sat Oct 05 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater  

    *with Special Guest Lil Jon 

    Tickets go on sale beginning on Friday, April 26 at 10 AM at LiveNation.com. For more information on Pitbull’s upcoming “Party After Dark” tour click here.

  • Inaugural Long Island Yoga Festival Comes to Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove this June

    Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove, Long Island is proud to announce the first-ever Long Island Yoga Festival which begins June 21. The three-day event promises a unique lineup of yoga sessions, workshops, and soul-stirring live music.

    Long Island Yoga Festival

    The festival is birthed as a celebration of International Day of Yoga and the Summer Solstice. Renowned yoga masters Rodney Yee, Colleen Yee, Alan Finger, Sarah Platt Finger, Matthew Giordano, and more will grace the mats. The musical ensemble includes Kirtan Goddess Nina Rao and DJ Taz Rashid, who are set to elevate the festivities with their rhythms.

    Guests can look forward to more than just yoga and music. The festival is a culmination of cultural experiences with food trucks, craft vendors, dance parties, drum circles, and more. This event is designed to be a microcosm of Buddha Jams Yoga’s philosophy. Buddha Jams aims to create a communal song where every individual’s voice finds harmony.

    Long Island Yoga Festival

    The studio is equipped with two stages and sophisticated sound systems that resonate with nearly 2,000 watts of sound. This is perfect for a range of events from live music yoga classes to intimate concerts. Buddha Jams Yoga is not just a place to practice yoga. The venue is a vibrant community space where every visit promises a new experience.

    Each day of the Long Island Yoga Festival promises fun, unique, all-inclusive events to keep the community spiritually entertained. There are a range of tickets that include, “Music Only,” “Day Passes,” and “Weekend VIP.”

    For more information on Buddha Jams’ Long Island Yoga Festival and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Rivers Casino Unveils Harbor Jam Summer Concert Lineup

    Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady has announced the return of Harbor Jam this summer at the Mohawk Harbor Amphitheater. This year’s Harbor Jam concerts will take place Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21.

    harbor jam rivers casino

    This summer’s Harbor Jam weekend performance lineup includes headliners Night Fever and Hotel California, tributes to the Bee Gees and the Eagles respectively. Each night’s entertainment kicks off at 6 PM with DJ MixItUp NY on Saturday and DJ Ketchup on Sunday. The headlining performance starts at 7:30 PM. The Sunday, July 21 concert will also be followed by a special firework show.

    The event sees two fantastically talented cover bands of two of the world’s most recognizable groups. Night Fever is the largest production of the Bee Gees in the world. The group has been touring for the past ten years, from Disneyland to Russia, recreating the look and sound of the Bee Gees. Capturing a full history of the Bee Gees, Night Fever includes songs from “To Love Somebody”, “I Got to Get A Message”, “Stayin Alive”, “More Than A Woman”, “Nite Fever”, and many more.

    For over three decades now Hotel California has been recreating the legendary sound of The Eagles, and thrilling audiences all over the world. The night of July 21 welcomes Hotel California for another thrilling show.

    harbor jam rivers casino

    For more information on the free Harbor Jam Summer Concert at Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, click here.

  • Dead of Summer Music Festival to Feature Charity Disc Golf Tournament in Vermont this July

    Dead of Summer Music Festival announced its featured charity disc golf tournament at Hunter Park in Manchester, Vermont this July. The event spans two days – July 13 and 14 – and sees a stellar lineup of performers from all over.

    dead of summer music festival

    Saturday July 13 is the main event featuring a one round recreational singles tournament. The following day consists of a doubles match. All entrants will have the opportunity to win some great prizes for the top finishers on both days, all for a good cause. This July is the 5th annual Dead of Summer Music Festival which boasts a large, diverse lineup of bands and solo artists.

    Some headliners include Pink Talking Fish Ensemble, Neighbor, Max Creek, and many more. To support the fundraising effort, tee box sign sponsorships are currently available. Now and throughout the festival weekend, raffle tickets for some great band merchandise and other giveaways can be purchased. 

    dead of summer music festival

    The musical acts appear July 12, and continue throughout the disc golf tourney, until its closure on July 14. At least 18 bands see the two stages over three days at Hunter Park. The park is seated on 25 acres in the Green Mountains of Manchester Vermont. The festival features performances as well as RV camping and tent camping, over 25 vendors. This family friendly festival also offers 2 days of yoga, kid’s set, and tie dying. Gates open at 9am Friday July 12th. 

    For more information on Dead of Summer Music Festival and the charity disc golf tournament, click here.

  • SPAC Announces Beethoven For Three, a Benefit Concert for Spa Little Theater

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center has announced “Beethoven For Three” featuring Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, and Yo-Yo Ma. The show takes place August 25 at 3 pm in the 500-seat Spa Little Theater. Proceeds from the performance will go toward establishing a programming fund for the Theater, SPAC’s year-round performance home.

    Beethoven For Three features Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, and Yo-Yo Ma in Beethoven’s Piano Trio No. 6. The trio is joined by special guest, Antoine Tamestit. Together, the group will then perform the monumental “Eroica” Symphony No. 3 reimagined for four players, in an intimate arrangement that maintains the power and immediacy of Beethoven’s orchestral work.

    The show also presents a new opportunity for performers and listeners to examine the boundaries between musical genres, and how musicians can collaborate freely and creatively. The trio’s previous tours and recordings on Sony Classics have been met with rave reviews around the world. This is by no means a show to miss.

    Spa Little Theater at SPAC

    All tickets purchased for this event support SPAC’s efforts to provide year-round programming for the community in Spa Little Theater. Tickets go on sale April 25 at 10AM. SPAC Member presales begin on April 22 and April 23, tiered by membership level. Tickets are $500, of which $150 is a tax-deductible donation.

     “One of the things that has separated people since recording began is the categories that we put people in, in which chamber musicians, orchestra players, people who play concertos, people who do transcriptions, people who compose, people who conduct, are all viewed as separate categories with no overlap. That siloed thinking discourages actual creativity and collaboration between people. And so we feel that one of the things that is really important to do today is to actually go back to the first principles of music, the simple interaction between friends who want to do something together.”

    Yo-Yo Ma

    For more information on the Beethoven For Three show and to purchase tickets, click here.