Brooklyn-based alternative/post-punk group Castle Black recently released their latest single titled, “Heart Can’t Feel.” The single is off of the band’s upcoming album, The Highway at Night.
Castle Black is an ever-evolving thunderstorm of sound on a backdrop of captivating hooks and edgy soundscapes. Castle Black draws elements from punk, post-punk, grunge, alternative and new-wave music. The band sees the release of their first full length album, The Highway at Night in June.
The single, “Heart Can’t Feel” is the second released single off the album. The group has released six EPs since 2015. Castle Black hopes to reach new heights with the release of their first full-length album.
“Heart Can’t Feel” begins with captivating chords, vocal tones, and immediate action. The song has strong influence from a band like Hole. The fierceness of the vocals, the upbeat yet grungy sound, and the song structure are very reminiscent of Hole and other alternative bands from that era.
The riffs throughout the song catch the listener right away and refuse to stay static. The track is certainly very post-punk in its vocals, grunge in its tone, alternative in its pace and instruments, with a bit of a new-wave aura to it. Castle Black does an excellent job here of crafting a catchy, punchy, and fun piece of music.
To give “Heart Can’t Feel” a listen and to learn more about the minds behind the music, click here.
Albany Symphony announced the anticipated return of Peter and the Wolf: Tiny Tots concert for three shows this spring. The shows will take place on April 30 and May 1 in Albany and May 2 in Saratoga Springs.
Peter and the Wolf
The Albany Symphony Tiny Tots concerts are geared for children between the ages of 18-months and 7 years. Tiny Tots concerts are interactive school day performances that have thrilled preschool audiences, teachers, and parents, presented by the orchestra for over 30 years.
David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony plan to take you and your children on a wonderfully interactive, magical adventure. Peter and the Wolf is a classic symphonic fairy tale for children by Sergei Prokofiev. The story will be personified through music for children and adults alike to enjoy. In addition, you and your children will meet and get to hear all the instruments of the orchestra and the amazing musicians who play them.
Albany Symphony Tiny Tots Concert
Albany Symphony is renowned for performances featuring classic orchestral favorites, lesser-heard masterworks, and a diverse array of new music. The symphony strives to present the community with virtuosic talents and homages to all-time classics.
The Albany Symphony Tiny Tots concert is a prime example of the level of community the organization possesses. The April 30 and May 1 shows are held at Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany. The May 2 performance of Peter and the Wolf takes place at the SPAC School of Arts in Saratoga.
Tickets for this event are just $5 and are available for purchase on AlbanySymphony.com.
Michael Franti and Spearhead || Photo Credit: Wayan Rodesh
The tour’s name, Togetherness, was birthed from Michael Franti’s idea that folks are simply not close enough to each other. Franti believes that we should connect with one another more often and feel that powerful togetherness.
Michael Franti and Spearhead will perform their funk, reggae, and jazz hits from April 6 through August 25. The tour will also include musical support from huge reggae artists like Stephen Marley and Trevor Hall. The show will consist of high-energy, uplifting and inspirational music for the spirit.
The tour will kick off April 6 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and wrap up in Santa Cruz, California. The tour will stop three times in New York – Kingston on June 20, Lafayette on June 22, and Pier 17+ on July 12. Franti and Spearhead’s music is all about the spreading of love and togetherness, which is the theme of this tour.
Pre-sales will begin February 7 at noon local time and general on-sale will begin Friday, February 9 at 10 a.m. local time at MichaelFranti.com. Newly added dates go on sale March 29 at 10 a.m. local time.
Michael Franti & Spearhead’s Togetherness Tour 2024 April 6 // Tortuga Music Festival // Ft. Lauderdale, FL April 10 // Soul Kitchen Music Hall^ // Mobile, AL April 12 // The Key West Amphitheater^ // Key West, FL April 13 // Florida Groves Music Festival // Orlando, FL April 28 // New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival // New Orleans, LA May 17 // Pure Imagination // Prescott, AZ May 24 // Los Colonias Park Amphitheater^ // Grand Junction, CO May 25 // Hipico^ // Santa Fe, NM May 26 // Durango Mesa Park^ // Durango, CO May 29 // Belly Up^ // Aspen, CO May 31 // Red Rocks Amphitheater$ // Morrison, CO June 1 // Chautauqua Auditorium // Boulder, CO June 3 // McGrath Amphitheatre*^ // Cedar Rapids, IA June 5 // EPIC Event Center*^ // Green Bay, WI June 6 // The Sylvee*^ // Madison, WI June 7 // Hilde Performance Center*^ // Plymouth, MN June 8 // KC Live!*^ // Kansas City, MO June 11 // Steelhouse*^ // Omaha, NE June 13 // Riverfront Live*^ // Cincinnati, OH June 14 // Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park*^ // Indianapolis, IN June 15 // Ravinia Festival+^ // Highland Park, IL June 16 // Evans Amphitheater*^ // Cleveland, OH June 18 // Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort*^ // Middlefield, CT June 19 // Summer Stage at Tree House Brew Co*^ // Deerfield, MA June 20 // Hutton Brickyards Retreat & Event Center*^ // Kingston, NY June 21 // Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course*^ // Grantville, PA June 22 // Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards*^ // Lafayette, NY June 23 // Maine Savings Amphitheater+^ // Bangor, ME June 25 // Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom+^ // Hampton Beach, NH June 26 // Freeman Arts Pavilion+^ // Selbyville, DE June 28 // Salvage Station+^ // Asheville, NC June 29 // Salvage Station#^ // Asheville, NC June 30 // Roanoke Island Festival Park#^ // Manteo, NC July 5 // Greenfield Lake Amphitheater^ // Wilmington, NC July 6 // Greenfield Lake Amphitheater^ // Wilmington, NC July 7 // Greenfield Lake Amphitheater^ // Wilmington, NC July 9 // The Chicken Box // Nantucket, MA July 10 // The Chicken Box // Nantucket, MA Aug. 25 // Mountain Sol Festival // Santa Cruz, CA
Newly Added Dates
July 2 // Coves Amphitheater^ // Union Hall, VA July 12 // Pier 17+ // New York, NY July 13 // Seaside Heights Beach Stage+ // Seaside Heights, NJ July 14 // Vibe Fest Presents Hearts and Hands at Ting Pavilion+ // Charlottesville, VA July 25 // The Sound%^ // Del Mar, CA July 26 // The Greek Theatre%^ // Los Angeles, CA July 27 // Pepsi Amphitheater%^ // Flagstaff, AZ July 31 // Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater at Deer Valley Resort%^ // Park City, UT Aug. 1 // Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater%^ // Nampa, ID Aug. 3 // Salmonfest // Ninilchik, AK Aug. 6 // Centennial Hall Convention Center // Juneau, AK Aug. 9 // Ironstone Amphitheatre@% // Murphys, CA Aug. 10 // Redding Civic Auditorium Outdoor Lawn%^ // Redding, CA Aug. 13 // Britt Pavilion%^ // Jacksonville, OR Aug. 14 // Hayden Homes Amphitheater%^ // Bend, OR Aug. 16 // McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater%^ // Troutdale, OR Aug. 17 // BECU Live at Northern Quest%^ // Airway Heights, WA Aug. 18 // Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery%^ // Woodinville, WA Aug. 22 // Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort%^ // Reno, NV Aug. 23 // The Backyard%^ // Sacramento, CA Aug. 24 // Fox Theater%^ // Oakland, CA
NYC-based folk group The Folklorkestra are releasing a new unique and titillating album titled, A Strange Day in June on March 29.
A Strange Day in June is an album that had me intrigued instantly. The sounds that emanate from this album are nothing short of mystical and diverse. Many of the tunes feature much mandolin, woodwind, and acoustic percussion.
The opening track, “The Girl I Never Knew” consists of a kind of eastern melody coupled with a very Mediterranean sound. The usage of mandolin, shakers, accordion, and operatic vocals make for something real captivating.
Each song on the album has a unique sound that almost entrances the listener. The second track, “My Cousin the Spy” has a sort of Latin-folk sound that starts off like ballroom music. It later evolves with its saxophone-heavy progression, with many backing instruments carrying the melody.
John Kruth
The Folkorkestra is led by John Kruth, who has been active in the music industry for decades. He’s worked with countless other notable names like Meat Puppets, Jim Belushi, Steve Buscemi, Allen Ginsberg, Laurie Anderson, and more.
The group draws inspiration from various genres and sounds from around the world including American folk, jazz, chamber music, as well as eastern instruments, and European melodies. The group consists of versatile, multi-instrumentalists, Kathy Halvorson, Premik Tubbs, Kenny Margolis, Ray Peterson, and Rohin Khemani.
The Folklorkestra’s recent album, A Strange Day in June is certainly one to check out. It is complete with unique, diverse, and intriguing sound. Each song has a different feel and tells a different story. Each song combines multiple sounds together and makes it something you’ve never heard before.
The artisanship exhibited throughout the album is something to gaze at. There are miniscule sounds that inhabit every crevice of the songs. The songs are sonic portraits, displaying moving images via the music. There is a lot of character and charm from this album.
To learn more about The Folklorkestra and their upcoming work, click here. Stay up to date on the release of A Strange Day in June, releasing March 29.
The Abducted by the 80s Tour is set to groove audiences and feature prominent hitmakers from the 1980s. These hitmakers include Wang Chung, Men Without Hats, The Motels, and Naked Eyes.
The featured acts have joined forces to create a musical extravaganza that transports audiences to the heart of the 80s. The neon-soaked, synth-driven decade is worshipped by the upcoming launch of the Abducted by the 80s Tour. This tour is all about those classic, nostalgic pop, rock, and new wave hits of the 80s.
Wang Chung, Men Without Hats, The Motels, and Naked Eyes prepare to bring various hits like, “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” “Dance Hall Days,” “Promises Promises,” and many more. Together, the artists have dozens of Billboard Top 100 hits, which they plan to unleash upon the audience for the month-long extravaganza.
Wang Chung
The tour sees a stop at Sharkey’s Event Center in Syracuse on June 14. The Abducted by the 80s tour also stops at Elmira First Arena in Elmira, NY on June 15. The tour 17-date tour begins May 17 and wraps up June 25. Get ready to dance, sing along, and relive the magic of the 80s with this unforgettable music tour.
The Motels
Abducted by the 80s Tour Dates:
WC = Wang Chung / NE = Naked Eyes / MWH = Men Without Hats
Friday 5/17/2024 – Kyle, TX The Railhouse WC, Motels, NE
Saturday 5/18/2024 – Katy, TX Wildcatter Saloon WC, Motels, NE
Sunday 5/19/2024 – Dallas, TX House of Blues WC, Motels, NE
Thursday 5/23/2024 – St Louis, MO City Winery WC
Friday 5/24/2024 – Oak Grove, KY Oak Grove WC, MWH, NE, Animotion
Saturday 5/25/2024 – Louisville KY Mercury Ballroom WC, NE
Thursday 6/6/2024 – Marion, IL Marion CCC WC, MWH, Motels, NE
Friday 6/7/2024 – Des Plaines, IL Des Plaines Theatre WC, MWH, Motels, NE
Saturday 6/8/2024 – Decatur, IL Devon Lakeshore Amp WC, MWH, Motels, NE
Sunday 6/9/2024 – Fort Wayne, IN The Clyde Theater WC, MWH, NE
Thursday 6/13/2024 – Morristown, NJ Mayo Performing Arts Center WC, Motels, NE
Friday 6/14/2024 – Syracuse, NY Sharkeyâs WC, Motels, NE
Saturday 6/15/2024 – Elmira, NY First Arena WC, Motels, NE
Saturday 6/16/2024 – Hampton, NH Bennieâs WC, Motels, NE
Friday 6/21/2024- Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre WC, MWH, Motels, NE
Saturday 6/22/2024 – Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall WC, MWH, Motels, NE
Sunday 6/23/2024 – Ft Lauderdale, FL Broward Center WC, MWH, Motels, NE
“For our brand-new tour this Spring, we have put together a group of acts that fit together musically, thematically, and harmoniously. We wanted to create a night of big hits, big songs from your favorite movies and numerous TV shows, plus a few deeper cuts too. So come along and see us, get Abducted by the 80s, and have some FUN TONIGHT as you relive that magical decade!”
Wang Chung’s Nick Feldman
The Abducted by the 80s Tour continues to add more dates to the event, so make sure you stay up to date on any new additions. For more information on the tour and to purchase tickets, click here.
Chelsea Music Festival has announced its 15th season of events with all new Connecting the Dots performance this Summer. The festival consists of nine evenings of shows from June 21 to 29.
This summer festival is led by Artistic Directors Melinda Lee Masur and Ken-David Masur. Connecting the Dots consists of concerts, conversation, visual and culinary arts over the span of the nine nights. The festival will focus on the restorative powers of the arts in the ways that music and art both calm and reinvigorate the brain and nervous system.
The festival sees a multitude of talented and diverse performers and artists. Each exhibit and performance take place at various locations around NYC and some locations are yet to be announced. Each night of the festival will be different from the last and the diversity allows all types of audiences to be included and wowed.
Aizuri Quartet
2024 CHELSEA MUSIC FESTIVAL LINE-UP
Connecting the Dots— 15th Season Opening Night
Friday, June 21 at 7pm – location to be announced
World Premiere of A Night at Birdland by composer Nicky Sohn performed by WindSync
Featuring Aizuri Quartet, pianist Andrea Lam, violinist Max Tan
Chamber works by John Williams & Tebogo Monnakgotla
Performance of Dancing Stars by Augusta Read Thomas with conductor Ken-David Masur
My Super Awesome Brain | Family Night
Saturday, June 22 at 10:30am at Pier 57, 25 11th Avenue, NYC
10:30am – Family Event featuring WindSync
Jazz Doubleheader | Birnbaum & the Bach Preludes and Cardume Trio
Saturday, June 22 at 7pm – location to be announced
7pm – Preludes Album (Chelsea Music Festival Records label) featuring pianist Adam Birnbaum, percussionist Keita Ogawa (Snarky Puppy), bassist Matt Clohesy (Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society) based on 12 preludes from Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier
8:30pm – Late Night with Cardume Trio featuring jazz percussionists Rogério Boccato (Orquestra Jazz Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo), Keita Ogawa, and Brazilian bassist Cleber Almeida
Festa Junina
Sunday, June 23 at 7pm at Pier 57, 25 11th Avenue, NYC
Traditional Brazilian Forró music to celebrate summer featuring percussionist Rogério Boccato, Brazilian bassist Cleber Almeida, and accordionist Vitor Goncalves
Patitucci & Friends — 15th Season special event with Jazz, Song & Chamber Music
Monday, June 24 at 7pm at High Line Nine, 507 W. 27th Street, NYC
Jazz bassist John Patitucci and pianist Renee Rosnes – with Caleb Hudson on trumpet
Austrian duo baritone Daniel Gutmann (prize winner at Elīna Garanča’s ZukunftsStimmen)& pianist Maximilian Kromer (International Brahms Competition winner)
Featuring pianist Robert Fleitz (1st Prize in 2022 John Cage Award)
Reception curated by Chef Rachel Snyder
Midsummer Night Magic— Visions & Stories
Tuesday, June 25 at 7pm at Czech Center, 321 E. 73rd Street, NYC
Selections from The Lee Trio album “Midsummer Night Magic” (Chelsea Music Festival Records label releasing June 2024)
Fern Flowers by Uljas Pulkkis
Five Trios by Edmund Finnis
Piano Trio No. 2 in F Major, Op. 80 by Robert Schumann
Fantasiestücke, Op. 88 by Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann lieder with Austrian duo baritone Daniel Gutmann and pianist Maximilian Kromer
Performance of the Dumky Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90, B. 166 by Antonín Dvořák (120th anniversary of his death)
Wednesday, June 26 at 7pm at Czech Center, 321 E. 73rd Street, NYC
World Premiere commissioned by the Festival by Czech composer Jacob Beranek
Music by Ania Vu featuring soprano Marisa Karchin, pianist Robert Fleitz
Piano Trio in G Minor by Bedřich Smetana (200th anniversary) performed by pianist Andrea Lam, violinist Max Tan, and cellist Angela Lee
Piano Quartet No. 2 in G minor by Gabriel Fauré (100th anniversary of his death)
Closing Reception | 2024 Art Exhibition – Kelly S. Williams
Thursday, June 27 at 7pm at High Line Nine Gallery 8, 507 W. 27th Street, NYC
Closing Reception for Kelly S. Williams, 2024 Visual Artist-in-Residence
Art Exhibition open June 3-29 at High Line Nine
Featuring Harlem Quartet performing Jessie Montgomery and Dizzy Gillespie
Reimagined Gems— Vignettes Across Time
Friday, June 28 at 7pm atSt. Paul’s German Church, 315 W. 22nd Street, NYC
Featuring Harlem Quartet performing Caroline Shaw and Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel
World Premiere by Ania Vu
Soprano to Marisa Karchin and Caleb Hudson on trumpet
Pieces from Caleb Hudson’s 2024 album,Nothing Less, including Corelli arrangements
Reception curated by Chef Rachel Snyder
Superhero Brain | Family Event
Saturday, June 29 at 10:30am at St. Paul’s German Church, 315 W. 22nd Street, NYC
10:30am – Family Event featuringfamily-friendly, interactive activities led by music neuroscience scholar Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver (Growing Brains)
Festival Finale | Jazz Plasticity with Helen Sung
Saturday, June 29 at 7pm at DiMenna Center, 450 W. 37th Street, NYC
JazzPlasticity features the Helen Sung Quartet with pianist Helen Sung (2021 Guggenheim Fellow), drummer Kendrick Scott, saxophonist/clarinetist John Ellis, an bassist David Wong; this program was inspired by Helen’s time as jazz artist-in-residence at the Columbia University Zuckerman Mind Brain Institute and in partnership with Arts & Minds.
Reception curated by Chef Rachel Snyder
John Patitucci
Tickets for Chelsea Music Festival’s Connecting the Dots go on sale Wednesday, May 15, 2024. For more information, visit ChelseaMusicFestival.org.
The Albany Symphony presents works from alluring composer Viet Cuong and sound-shifting legend Beethoven this Spring. The shows take place Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
Composer Viet Cuong
The show features extraordinary new works by composer Viet Cuong, who has captivated audiences across the globe. Mastermind Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 is showcased for both dates as well. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 is particularly memorable for its humor and brilliant virtuosity, along with its powerful rhythms and structure. Cuong’s works will also be recorded for Albany Records and will complete an important new disc that also includes his Sub-marine, a gorgeous, commissioned work, premiered by the orchestra last season.
The dates see soloists like Justin Benavidez on Tuba and Sandbox Percussion. The Tuba Concerto is performed by soloist Justin Benavidez and begins with him performing a bass line that blossoms upward with every note. The two awe-inspiring shows from the Albany Symphony include several unique and soul-altering performances that cannot be missed.
“The Albany Symphony and I are so proud and excited to be collaborating with Viet Cuong on this beautiful concert and on Viet’s first full commercial recording. Viet is fast becoming one of America’s most celebrated and performed composers, and he is absolutely one of our favorite partners! We commissioned his breakthrough piece, Re(new)al, seven years ago, and have marveled at the way it has been taken up by orchestras EVERYWHERE!”
Music Director, David Alan Miller
For more information on this April’s events from the Albany Symphony and to purchase tickets for the performances by Viet Cuong, click here.
The Music is Art Festival announced its grand return to Buffalo‘s AKG Art Museum after a seven-year hiatus on September 21 at Buffalo State University.
This year’s festival promises an eclectic mix of music, live performances, art installations, and interactive experiences. The Music is Art Festival has always been a beacon of artistic expression and cultural gathering in Buffalo. The festival showcases what the creative and bright community has to offer. The scenic AKG and Buffalo State campus provide a canvas for Buffalo’s artistic prowess and vibrance.
The festival includes various diverse musical performances of many genres, choreographed dances, dazzling art exhibits, and unique, original vendors. The festival also includes theatrics, interactive experiences designed to engage, inspire, and entertain attendees of all ages.
Over 100 bands and acts are set to perform. Hundreds of art exhibits are set to dazzle attendees. Various other games, performances and displays of artisanship look to encapsulate the beauty of multiple art forms at once.
“We are thrilled to bring the Music is Art Festival back to the AKG where it really grew into the encompassing event that it is today. AKG Buffalo and Buffalo State are not just venues; they are symbols of the rich artistic heritage and vibrant community spirit that this festival celebrates. We’re committed to creating an immersive experience that highlights the incredible talent of Buffalo’s artists, musicians, and creatives.”
Robby Takac, Festival Founder
For more information about the Music is Art Festival, including how to participate or attend, please visit their website at MusicIsArt.org/festival.
Barry Entertainment & Three Chord Bourbon proudly present the 3rd Annual Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival Saturday, April 20, at Buffalo RiverWorks.
This all-day event features the best in national, regional and local blues and roots acts, as well as over 20 local vendors and artisans, food/drinks and more. Some of the acts include Victor Wainwright & The Train, Tas Cru, Miller & The Other Sinners, and more.
The Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival returns for its 3rd year this April. The lineup is hefty with names like Patti Parks, Tonemah, The Growlers, Dave Thurman and more. GRAMMY-nominated Victor Wainwright & The Train see the stage to dazzle and move the audience with their immense soul, and creative fire.
Victor Wainwright & The Train
VIP tickets run for $60, while general admission tickets are selling for $30. For more information on the Blues & Roots Festival and to purchase tickets, click here.
Garage rockers The Chesterfield Kings announced the release of their latest single, “Meet You After Midnight.” The band also announced their first live shows in over 15 years.
The Chesterfield Kings formed in the late 70s, heavily influenced by the bluesy and rugged sounds of the 60s. The group hails from Rochester and has toured for decades but hasn’t since the early 2000s.
The single is reminiscent of 60s bands like The Doors, Beach Boys, The Who, and more. The Chesterfield Kings add an element of that ’70s dirty garage sound as well. The track feels like entering a portal to the classic era of rock n roll, super well done in its instrumentation, lyricism, and catchiness.
The band plans to tour for five dates across the US beginning March 16 and wrapping up March 22. The tour stops in Austin, Los Angeles, Pheonix, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.
Catch The Chesterfield Kings on the The Wicked Cool Records Revue!, presented by Hard Rock and Little Steven’s Underground Garage, which marks the fabled garage rockers’ first live shows in over 15 years.
To check out The Chesterfield Kings’ latest track, “Meet You After Midnight,” click here. For more information on the band and their upcoming shows, click here.
The Chesterfield Kings Upcoming Shows:
16 – Austin, TX – Continental Club (SXSW) *
* w/ The Jellybricks and Bobby Mahoney
19 – Phoenix, AZ – The Crescent
20 – Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room Highland Park
21 – Las Vegas, NV – The Shag Room at Virgin
22 – San Francisco, CA – Brick & Mortar Music Hall
