NYS Music 2024

Author: nick motto

  • Wynton Marsalis to Perform Six Historic Nights at Blue Note Jazz Club this June

    The Blue Note Jazz Club and Jazz at Lincoln Center are uniting to present the legendary Wynton Marsalis for six nights at Blue Note. June 11-16 sees the 2024 Blue Note Jazz Festival with historic performances.

    These performances mark a historic event as Marsalis, Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, headlines the Blue Note for the first time since 1991 as these two iconic cultural centers unite. Marsalis’ historic shows highlight this year’s Blue Note Jazz Festival, marking its 13 anniversary this summer with performances at venues across New York City.

    The residency features the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis performing from June 11-13, and Marsalis with Future of Jazz Septet from June 14-16. As part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center residency events, two ensembles from the organization’s High School Jazz Academy will also grace the Blue Note stages. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Big Band, directed by Julius Tolentino perform on June 15, and the award-winning Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra, directed by Tatum Greenblatt perform on June 16.

    As a composer, Wynton’s work includes over 600 original songs, 11 ballets, four symphonies, eight suites, two chamber pieces, two masses, a string quartet, and a violin and tuba concerto. For more information on Wynton Marsalis, the Blue Note Jazz Festival, and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Andrea Bocelli Returns to MSG this December for Winter Holiday Tour

    Globally-renowned Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, returns this December to MSG for a set of shows. The legendary singer will perform two shows on December 18 and 19 as part of his winter holiday tour.

    Andrea Bocelli MSG returns
    Italian star Andrea Bocelli Easter concert

    Bocelli’s holiday shows at The Garden have become a beloved tradition since his first at the venue in 2003. The shows will feature performances from Bocelli’s extensive repertoire, including music in honor of the holiday season. Andrea Bocelli returns with selections from his number one album “A Family Christmas” and its recently released deluxe edition; his uplifting solo album “Believe;” and a selection of arias, his beloved crossover hits, and famed love songs.

    Andrea Bocelli has been entertaining audiences for more than 30 years and has sold nearly 90 million records worldwide. Bocelli has performed at major events including the Olympic Games, the World Cup, and Global Citizen Festival. He has earned a Golden Globe Award, seven Classical BRIT Awards, and seven World Music Awards, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Don’t miss the chance to see Bocelli perform live at Madison Square Garden in NYC.

    Tickets for the December 18 and 19 shows at The Garden will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, April 16 at 10:00AM. Click here to purchase tickets to see Andrea Bocelli live at Madison Square Garden.

  • Bryant Park’s Dance Party Returns this May for 10th Anniversary

    Dance Party returns to Bryant Park for its 10th anniversary from May 1 to May 16. Each night will correspond to a different style of dance.

    Dance Party events will take place every Wednesday and Thursday from May 1 to May 16. At each event, attendees meet at the iconic Bryant Park fountain to learn basic steps with expert instructors at 6pm. Afterwards, participants can test out their new moves to live music performed by a diverse selection of bands from 7pm-8:30pm.

    The two week-long event sees over 10 different styles of dance for anybody to pick up and learn. A slew of talented individuals and groups makeup the festival’s lineup this year. This year’s series kicks off with New York City’s signature brand of Salsa and R&B served up by Uptown Royalty. Disco’s golden era is accentuated by The Disco Nights.

    Other artists in the lineup include Judy Santos, Charles Turner & Uptown Swing, KD Browne, La Charanga Pacha and Jimmy Bosch Salsa Masters. Various different and diverse genres performed include salsa, disco, R&B, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Motown, Charanga, Cuban Salsa, and Cha Cha Cha.

    For the last ten years, Bryant Park Dance Party has highlighted diverse cultures and traditions from around the globe and across the boroughs of New York City. More than 50,000 participants have danced on the Fountain Terrace and expert instructors have taught 32 different social dance styles ranging from Bhangra to Polka; Cumbia to Lindy Hop; Flamenco to Contra. After learning the dance steps, audiences immediately put those moves to use, dancing to live music from renowned bands.

    Uptown Royalty

    “Over the past ten years, Bryant Park Dance Party has grown to a new level, offering some of the most exciting, diverse, free entertainment in one of New York’s most beautiful settings. This year, we’re featuring a range of styles, both traditional and new, and the colorful lineup brings together so many different parts of the City. This series is so special to me because it brings so many New Yorkers together to dance and have the time of their lives.”

    Talia Castro-Pozo Bryant, Park Dance Party Producer

    For more information on the Dance Party festival at Bryant Park visit the parks website by clicking here.

  • Brendan James Releases New Single, “Feel Alive”

    NYC-based R&B singer/songwriter Brendan James has released a brand new single titled “Feel Alive,” from his upcoming album Focus.

    Brendan James is an alternative pop, soul, and R&B fusion singer and producer. James and his producer Stroobz Beats recently released their latest single “Feel Alive” from the upcoming album Focus. The track marks the artist’s fourth studio single.

    Brendan’s self-proclaimed identity as an “old soul” is epitomized by both his musical inspirations and his own body of work. From Earth, Wind, and Fire to Usher and Luciano Pavarotti, Brendan’s musical inclinations are brimming with generations of spirit and souls.

    Brendan James’ single “Feel Alive” has strong emotion tied in each note. It has elements of pop-R&B, alternative, and even gospel. One can argue there is something of an emo undertone here. The track’s layered vocals, powerful intonations, and flowing melody provide a real treat for the soul.

    James’ style is in every sense, dynamic. The track has multiple changes in melody and vocal style. The soundscape this track occupies is unique, yet reminiscent of those who came before him. Brendan James’ music speaks to a variety of people from hip hop and R&B enjoyers to pop and alt enjoyers as well. Simply put, this track starts strong and ends stronger.

    Make sure to stay up to date on the release of Brendan James’ upcoming album, Focus. For more information on the artist, visit his Spotify here.

  • Stephane Wrembel Brings Django á Gogo Music Festival to NYC in May

    Stephane Wrembel is proud to announce that the highly anticipated Django a Gogo Music Festival is coming to New York City. This festival is held at The Woodland in Maplewood, New Jersey from May 1-3, and will culminate at The Town Hall in NYC on May 4.

    Stephane Wrembel

    The festival features performances by Angelo Debarre, Serge Camps, and Frank Anastasio, who are making their first American appearance. Django a Gogo is a celebration of the unparalleled music legacy of jazz guitarist and composer Django Reinhardt.

    Django á Gogo has united some of the world’s most exceptional musicians to honor the timeless Sinti guitar style. This year’s festival promises a dynamic lineup, featuring renowned artists from France, Canada, and the United States. The event showcases the vibrant evolution of Reinhardt’s repertoire through reinterpretation, improvisation, and cross-cultural collaborations.

    Django a Gogo 2024 Festival Dates & Features

    Wednesday May 1, 2024 8PM
    The Woodland (Maplewood, N.J.)
    DJANGO NEW ORLEANS
    featuring:
    Stephane Wrembel and Josh Kaye on guitar, Adrien Chevalier on violin, Joe Correia on Tuba, Scott Kettner on drums, David Langlois on percussion, Nick Driscoll on sax/clarinet, Joe Boga on trumpet and Sarah King on vocals

    Thursday May 2, 2024 8PM
    The Woodland (Maplewood, N.J.)
    THE GYPSY GUITARS TRIO
    Legendary Angelo Debarre’s trio
    Featuring: Angelo Debarre (guitar), Serge Camps (guitar), Franck Anastasio + many guests

    Friday May 3, 2024 8 PM
    The Woodland (Maplewood, N.J.)
    STEPHANE WREMBEL BAND + GUESTS
    Featuring:
    Stephane Wrembel on guitar, Josh Kaye on guitar, Ari Folman-Cohen on bass and Nick Anderson on drums

    Saturday May 4, 2024 8 PM

    The Town Hall (New York, N.Y.)

    STEPHANE WREMBEL, THE GYPSY GUITARS TRIO + GUESTS

    Featuring: Aurore Voilqué, Hugo Guezbar, Adrien Marco, and Simba Baumgartner, Django Reinhardt’s great-grandson.

    For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets to the shows, click here.

  • Funk-Fusion Trio Pocket Bandits Release Debut Single this April

    Funk/rock-fusion trio Pocket Bandits have announced the release of their debut single, “The Pocket Bandit,” on April 5. The trio hails from Ithaca and hopes to dazzle listeners with their upcoming track.

    The debut single is set to put Pocket Bandits out there once and for all. The single is a bold opening volley from a band of experienced musicians with big ambitions for their new collaboration. The trio is comprised of Joe Massa, Samuel B. Lupowitz, and Simon Bjarning. Joe and Samuel have played together for a decade.

    The group practices a fusion of sounds from funk, progressive rock, and jam-blues. The music sees a funky guitar-organ combo that keeps the listener entranced. The trio can be described as a fun, funky fusion of R&B grooves, jazz improvisation, rock intensity, and catchy-yet-unpredictable songwriting.

    The single is to be marked with a record release at The Downstairs in Ithaca on Saturday, April 6. Pocket Bandits plays two sets of original material, and a third set backing up Marlyand-based post-rock singer-songwriter Mark Hennessey.

    The group aims not merely to show off, but to fill the dance floor with their engaging original compositions, as well as the occasional crowd-pleaser by artists from The Beatles to Billie Eilish. Their debut single showcases the groups experience, talent, and ability to make groove ensue.

    To stay up to date on Pocket Bandits’ upcoming releases and to find out more about the trio, click here. Make sure to check out their upcoming shows as well.

  • Laivy, Son of Matisyahu, to Perform at Buddha Jams Barefoot Concert Series

    Buddha Jams has announced the continuation of their Barefoot Concert Series, this time with special guest Laivy for an exclusive show on Long Island. The event is being held on April 18 at Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove.

    The show marks Laivy’s first headliner in Long Island, and his first in the New York area since last year. Laivy is the son of legendary reggae singer Matisyahu. Laivy sees the stage to perform his own acclaimed genre-transcending folk, reggae, and acoustic hits.

    The Barefoot Concert Series continues at Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove to bring strong soulful melodies to the community. The venue offers visitors an immersive experience designed to enlighten and fill your body, mind, and spirit with lasting positive energy and vibes.

    Inspired by soulful artists who are relatable in their lyrics and sound, Laivy hopes to follow in their footsteps, those who can summon the common chord of a generation and unite them through song.

    Buddha Jams Yoga and Event Center offers an event space complete with two stages, professional sound, along with a spiritual journey through yoga and music. Laivy sees the stage for this exclusive performance and hopes to draw in a crowd of fun-loving individuals of all ages.

    Tickets are available now for $20 in advance, $25 day of show. Don’t forget to bring your own water bottle. Get tickets at www.buddhajams.com.

  • WindSync to Perform at Whalen Center in Ithaca

    Classical wind quintet WindSync is set to perform in Ithaca at the Hockett Family Recital Hall in the James J. Whalen Center for Music on April 10. The group plays their own unique approach to honoring one of the most influential boy bands of all time, NSYNC. Not only this, but the group plans to play original works, as well as covered works by various other artists.

    WindSync is made up of five classically trained virtuoso musicians who approach artistry, education, and community building with the charisma and openness of the boy band that inspired their name. The concert is free and open to the public. Earlier that afternoon at 4pm, WindSync will also offer a masterclass in the Hockett Family Recital Hall.

    The show celebrates the release of the group’s WindSync Plays Miguel del Aguila album which is set to be released five days prior on April 5. The album features music by Miguel del Aguila, a contemporary composer whose sound is highly influenced by his Latin American roots. 

    The April 10 program takes place at the James J. Whalen Center for Music as part of the Robert G. Boehmler Community Foundation Series. The program features the woodwind rendition of various artists, along with the group’s original compositions.

    April 10 Program:

    Shawn Okpebholo: Rise – premiered this season, the Nigerian-American composer’s work explored racial injustice.

    Mozart, Serenade in C minor K. 388 – this is a different kind of wind serenade. It’s brooding versus chipper, and Mozart wrote it at a time when wind music was trendy in Vienna.

    Marc Mellits: Apollo – in honor of the 2024 total solar eclipse – WindSync commissioned Marc Mellits to write Apollo in connection with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. 

    Dieterich Buxtehude: Passacaglia in D minor, BuxWV 161 – hear how the wind arrangement of this solemn piece makes it even more haunting.

    For more information on the upcoming program by WindSync hosted at the James J. Whalen Center for Music, click here.

    • Bands N’ Beans Festival Returns for 30th Year in Lake George

      Bands N’ Beans is making its anticipated return to Lake George for its 30th anniversary this April. The festival will showcase a slew of bands from across New York State, as well as over 20 restaurants’ homemade chili.

      Bands N' Beans

      The annual festival is brought to the forefront by Lake George Arts Project. Bands N’ Beans is held on April 14 at Fort William Henry Conference Center. The festival sees a lineup of nine total bands playing throughout the duration of the event from 2-7 pm. These artists play on two separate stages, one electric and one acoustic. Along with the diverse and fun musical element comes the “beans” element.

      Over 20 local restaurants are throwing down their best chili concoctions and vying for the sought-after People’s Choice Award. This event isn’t just a ton of fun, the proceeds from Bands ‘n Beans benefit the Lake George Arts Project’s free and open to all music and art programs like the year-round Courthouse Gallery exhibitions, Summer Concert Series and the popular Jazz at the Lake, a three-day Jazz Festival.

      Bands N' Beans

      Tickets for Bands N’ Beans can be purchased by April 12 for $25 or bought day of for $30. For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, click here.

    • Golden Oldies Spectacular Comes to Proctors Theatre in Schenectady this April

      Proctors Theatre in Schenectady is proud to host Golden Oldies Spectacular on April 13. The show is headlined by the Doo Wop Project and includes a multitude of talented, authentic acts.

      Golden Oldies proctors

      The Doo Wop Project consists of five Broadway stars from smash hit shows like Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical. This supergroup of Broadway stars transforms hits from the classic and modern American songbook into revamped renditions of your favorites. The group is excited to play hit-songs from the classic American squalls of Doo Wop, Motown, and other golden oldies.

      The Golden Oldies Spectacular sees four other spectacular acts including co-headliners The Brooklyn Bridge, who perform a slew of 1950s defining hits. Also performing in the event are The Capris, Bobby Brooks Wilson, and E’stefano DiStanto. Together, the acts set to encapsulate the authenticity and originality of the 50s and 60s music boom.

      Golden Oldies proctors

      The Golden Oldies Spectacular takes place 7 pm on April 13 at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady. Tickets range from $45 to $75 and can be purchased on the Proctors Theatre website. To learn more about the upcoming show and to purchase tickets, click here.