Five-time GRAMMY-Award-winning rapper Lil Wayne will be taking the stage of the MVP Arena in Albany this October. He is joined by special guests The Kid LAROI and Selfish Sons.
Over the last 20 years, Lil Wayne has achieved a career unlike any other. His discography has brought him several accolades and immense critical acclaim. Overall, his career is marked by five #1 debuts, starting with the 6x platinum, 3x GRAMMY® Award-winning opus Tha Carter III in 2008, followed by the 5x platinum Tha Carter IV in 2011.
In 2005, Lil Wayne founded the world-famous record label Young Money Entertainment. As CEO, he discovered and signed countless up-and-coming rappers, some of which would grow to become the biggest stars in the music industry, most notably Drake and Nicki Minaj.
On October 11, Wayne will be taking the stage with Australian rapper The Kid LAROI and rock band Selfish Sons. His Albany stop at the MVP Arena marks his only New York show on his current tour.
Tickets for Lil Wayne at MVP Arena in Albany will be on sale this Friday, August 2, at 10 am local time at ticketmaster.com
On September 20, Wonderland Forest in Lafayette, NY, will be home to LonCon, a two-day music festival featuring numerous rocking jam bands. This year, LonCon will also see the debut of newly formed Big Shrimp, ready to stun crowds with new faces.
Formerly known as Baked Shrimp, the group has decided to take on a new name, and of course, a new style. Hailing from Long Island and originally forming in 2017, Baked Shrimp took on the world as a trio, made up of Jared Cowen (Guitar/Vocals), Scott Reill (Bass/Vocals), and Jager Soss (Drums/Vocals). Their funk style brought them to festivals and shows all over the United States and Canada, and even provided supporting acts for artists like the Disco Biscuits, Pink Talking Fish, Aqueous, Dopapod, and more.
In 2021, Baked Shrimp formed LonCon, a two-day music festival featuring hundreds of artists over the course of three years. Up until recently, they performed as Baked Shrimp, but are now ready to change it up and announce their new and improved act.
Now known as Big Shrimp, the band has taken on not just a new name, but a new sound and even a new member. Joining the Big Shrimp crew is Matt Takesh, their brand new keyboard player.
“I am so amped up to have Matt Takesh with us behind a batch of keyboards, including a real B3!” says guitarist and vocalist Jared Cowen. “He and Max Perrotti have been a pure joy to bring into our world of music, and we can’t wait to see what this lineup looks and sounds like on the stage.”
This year, LonCon has moved to a new location, Wonderland Forest in Lafayette. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and dozens of hiking trails, attendees can choose to camp as close or as far from the festival as they’d like, and take in amazing hiking trails, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and more.
The full lineup of LonCon is to be released soon, with performances from Mihali, Big Shrimp x2, Aliens Among Us (ft. Ben Atkind (ElephantProof/formerly Goose), Ryan Dempsey (Twiddle), Sam Lucid (Dogs in a Pile), Jared Sage Cowen (Big Shrimp), Gantzer, Sophistafunk, Annie in the Water, and more already announced.
“Having his and our friends and family be with us for what we continue to want to be an annual event, is so special, and inspires us to continue to want to grow our community,” says Cowen. The highly anticipated debut album for Big Shrimp is set to release in the Spring of 2025, following an incredible festival.
For more information on LonCon, visit the festival’s website.
This fall S2O, one of Asia’s most highly anticipated music events, is making its United States debut. Running from August 31 to September 1, the immersive water music festival, is proud to bring electronic music’s biggest names to the Brooklyn Mirage during Labor Day weekend.
Known as “the world’s wettest festival,” S2O has celebrated the Thai New Year with a killer festival since 2015. The festival is known for upholding numerous New Year traditions in Thailand, including the Songkran tradition of spraying one another with water for good luck, for which it is most famous. In the almost decade since its creation, S2O has gained recognition for its innovative blend of electronic dance music and spectacular water effects. The unique festival concept aims to harness the power of water as an elemental force of joy and unity, bringing together fans from all backgrounds to celebrate the Thai New Year.
Since the festival’s creation, S2O has entertained thousands with the biggest names in electronic music, garnering fans and visitors from all over the world. Its resounding support has made S2O the largest Thai New Year celebration in the world. The high anticipation of the festival has made it continental, bringing it to other neighboring countries in Asia. Now, the United States joins the list, standing alongside spectacular past shows in Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
This year, S2O brings some of electronica’s biggest acts to Brooklyn in celebration. Headlining the festival are Marshmello and Subtronics, with an exciting lineup of supporting artists like Alan Walker, B2B, and more.
S2O Full Lineup
Saturday, August 31, 4 pm – 12 am
Headliner: Marshmello
Accompanied by: Alan Walker, timmy, Borgeous, Dzeko
Additional support: Sensei, Jokah
Sunday, September 1, 4 pm – 12 am
Headliner: Subtronics
Accompanied by: Said the Sky, B2B, William Black, ARMNHMR, Kaivon, Level Up
Additional support: Zion, Jomu, Cyberpunk, PSYXTOI
Attendees will immerse themselves in a water music festival experience with experiential elements. The Brooklyn Mirage’s 200-foot LED wall and indoor lounge guarantee the ultimate Songkran (Thai New Year) celebration. Regardless of culture or individual traditions, S2O promises a celebration fans will never forget. Tickets are now available on S2O’s website. However, two-day passes are now sold-out, with limited Sunday tickets still available.
The West Falls Center for the Arts will host a special fundraiser known as “Music Mends.” The fundraiser is held at the Admiral Room in Buffalo, on October 3, from 6-9 pm.
West Falls Center for the Arts is a nonprofit arts and cultural destination hub, offering programs designed to bring arts and culture enjoyment to all. Music Mends is yet another of the inspiring events hosted by the center.
Music Mends offers a wide variety of activities, including free music lessons for Veterans and their families, lessons from the accredited PBS program Kids Jam, and music mentoring for young artists. The nationally recognized Musical Memories Cafe hosts a special program for individuals with Alzheimer’s/Dementia and their caregivers. Performances from special musical guests and Buffalo natives The Kensingtons will take place all night, celebrating the classic artists of the 1960s and 70s like Roy Orbison. Music Mends will end with a Community Concert Series.
Guests can enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and soda all night long. Throught the night, there are basket raffles, wine pulls, a gift card wall, and more fundraising activities. All proceeds go directly to the West Falls Center for the Arts, and help fund a wide variety of programs to bring music and art to the citizens of West Falls.
Tickets for Music Mends start at $75 each, or $130 for two – tickets and more information are available on the West Falls Center website, linked here.
The Admiral Room is located in the Marin apartment buildings, located at 237 Main Street, 14203, in Buffalo.
This year, the Schroon Lake Arts Council celebrates the 50th anniversary of its summer concert series, now named Schroon Lake Live.
To commemorate the golden anniversary, Schroon Lake Live offers two months of free concerts, having started on July 3 and held weekly on Tuesdays, and the 34th Adirondack Folk Festival.
Concerts for Schroon Lake Live! and the Adirondack Folk Festival are held at the 1874 Boathouse Theatre, or outdoors on the 1936 Bandstand. For Schroon Lake Live, this year’s program is more diverse than ever before and features artists of several genres, including Irish, folk, jazz, bluegrass, classical chamber music, and even a childrenâs and family program.
Also bringing fans to Schroon Lake is the Adirondack Folk Festival, celebrating and honoring the roots of of folk music from the region. Local and regional artists are set to perform, including Jamcrackers, House of Hamill, E.T.E., Vanaver Caravan, Matoaka Little Eagle and Julia Haines presenting Indigenous stories and music, and Three-Quarter North. The festival is Sunday, August 11, from noon to 6 pm. Food trucks and local vendors are available throughout the duration of the festival, and guests even have opportunities to meet the performers after the show.
In addition to the concerts, free open jam sessions are held in the Boathouse on Mondays from 7- 10 p.m. for all singers, musicians, and music lovers.
The full lineup for Schroon Lake Live is listed below. All concerts and events hosted are free, and welcome guests of all ages. For more information, visit the Art Council’s website, linked here.
Schroon Lake Live! Full Lineup
July 3: Get Up Jack
July 9: Dave Ruch
July 13: The Puppet People
July 15: Songs To Keep: Treasures Of An Adirondack Folk Collector with Dan Berggren
Hailing from Ithaca, six-piece funk band NEO Project dazzles audiences with their energetic stage presence and hypnotic fusion music. Their unique, high-energy sound and performances have blown crowds away for the better part of a decade. With an interesting mix of genres and insatiable chemistry, NEO Project is sure to put on an unforgettable performance.
Since 2012, the band has been on a mission to make crowds dance with their stellar improvisation and musicianship. NEO Project is made up of Elly Holiday and Jimbo Scott as lead vocalists, John White on keyboards and backup vocals, Dwight Carroll on electric guitar and vocals, Franklin Henry on electric bass, and Mike McCoy on drums. As well-decorated veterans of the music industry, including past careers as music professors, soul practitioners, and even a former Motown sideman, they each hold a deep love and passion for funk, soul, jazz, and R&B music.
In their many years of touring and making music, NEO Project has worn many hats when it comes to performing. Originally, they began as a funk band, but soon after realized their true potential in becoming an all-out dance band that blends a multitude of genres. Bringing in inspiration from Afro-Caribbean music, as well as soul, jazz, and R&B, NEO Project combines the genres that were truly inspirational to them, with their own improvisational twist.
Eventually, through years of fine-tuning their sound, NEO Project became exemplary of the great diversity within the music industry, proving that genres can absolutely coexist and share the spotlight at the same time. Along with their own original music, NEO Project reinterprets some of the best soul, jazz, and funk music out there with their own unique twist, covering a wide range of artists from Deee-Lite to James Brown. Their unique sound has brought thousands from all over the state to bars, concert halls, and festivals to enjoy some new-age fusion in classic old-fashioned styles.
Throughout the last ten years, the NEO Project family has performed all over New York, bringing the energy to music festivals and concert series alike. On July 11, the band headlined a performance at the Ithaca Summer Concert Series; their most recent surmounting success right from their hometown. Their most recent gig at the Finger Lakes Cider House brought the house down with their incredibly dynamic and original performance.
NEO Project’s funky, charming tunes have brought them widespread critical acclaim, from magazines to newspapers and more. “There’s a new band based in Ithaca, NY that will have you tapping your toes and shakin’ your groove thing to its unique, fun style of Neo Soul, Funk, Jazz, Rock, and Afro-Caribbean world grooves,” says Roger Theies of What’s Hot? magazine. Harry Segal of The Dock calls them “the tightest funk fusion band in the land!”
After a rousing ten-year anniversary, NEO Project’s reign is far from over. Catch NEO Project at The Range, 119 E State St, Ithaca, for a surefire performance that will never make you want to throw away your dancing shoes. The end of a busy season awaits the band as August begins, with headlining performances at the Geneva Lakefront Summer Concert Series on Wednesday, August 14. On September 2, NEO Project will perform for a private member’s exclusive event at the Ithaca Yacht Club, followed by a headlining performance at the Corning Harvest Fest on Saturday, September 21.
For any information on the band, be sure to visit their official Facebook page, linked here.
Starting July 2, Tuesdays at Main Beach celebrates its third year in East Hampton Village. The summer concert series is now in its third year, and to commemorate the anniversary, 10 artists are featured from a variety of genres, ending on September 3. Concerts are from 6-8 pm, located at Main Beach.
Tuesdays at Main Beach – East Hampton Village Foundation
Presented by the East Hampton Village Foundation, Tuesdays at Main Beach reached mounting success during its first year. Now, three years later, the summer concert series draws crowds from all over Long Island. From Montauk and Southampton to Ocean Avenue, Tuesdays at Main Beach is enjoyed by thousands of people, celebrating local and regional artists ranging from brass bands to yacht rock.
In addition to the concerts, Tuesdays at Main Beach acts as a fundraiser. Several charities, foundations, and non-profit organizations are available at every show throughout the series, raising awareness for an abundance of causes. Organizations such as Kiwanis Club, Warrior Project, Springs Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, East Hampton Education Foundation, LVIS, and East Hampton Food Pantry all participate, offering activities and raffles to promote their cause and raise money.
During the concerts, attendees can enjoy swimming with the safety of lifeguards on duty and can grab dinner right on the beach at Main Beach’s own Beach Hut. Concerts are held weekly on Tuesdays, and begin at 6 pm and end at 8 pm. While the fun has already started, there is still time to catch REEB (Real East End Brass), funk outfit Candy Shop, and more until September 3.
The full lineup of artists is listed below. Main Beach is located at 101 Ocean Ave East Hampton, NY 11937.
For more information, visit the East Hampton Village Foundation’s website, linked here.
On July 15, Lotus released their newest studio album, How to Dream in Color, embarking on a nationwide tour starting this past week, ending on New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia. This energetic, unique, and funky album is another hit for their discography, combining easy-listening funk with hip-hop and pop that gives it a perfect retro feel.
With a musical style as unique as Lotus, it can be hard to grab the attention of listeners and keep them interested. The opening track, “How Do I Come Down,” immediately captures the listener with a hypnotic drum beat and steady guitar riffs but quickly differentiates itself with funky, distorted vocals scattered throughout. It truly sets the tone for the rest of the album and may not be something that you’re used to, but it’s just as groovy nonetheless.
Throughout the album, Lotus manages to keep the listener on their toes. The album acts as a tribute to longtime percussionist Chuck Morris, following his and his son’s passing in 2023. During this transitional period, Lotus embraced a new approach to recording, including the use of layered drum sounds and a collage-based style that shows how far they’ve come their first few albums like Nomad (2005) or even their 2011 self-titled album.
With each track’s style, there is still a signature electronic spin one would expect from Lotus. How to Dream in Color puts the spotlight on the instrumentalists and gives them a chance to truly shine and show off their talents and experimentation through multiple genres. Most of the album is dedicated to the music itself, giving their musicianship a chance to shine. Songs with vocals like “Can You Hear the Sound” and the opening track “How Do I Come Down” are great introductions to the album, and elegantly juxtaposed against the full-instrumental tracks that surround it.
Lotus Album Release Show at Johnny Brenda’s. 7/11/2024. Photo: Jordan August
How to Live in Color is available on all streaming platforms. Lotus kicked off their tour in Lake George on Saturday, July 13, but the fun doesn’t stop there. The full tour is listed below. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit lotusvibes.com.
Lotus How to Dream in Color Tour
July 18 – Secret Dreams – Thornville, OH
August 15 – The Big E – Springfield, MA
August 30 – September 1 – Summerdance – Garrettsville, OH
October 2 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA
October 3 – Toad’s Place – New Haven, CT
October 4 – State Theatre – Portland, ME
October 5- Higher Ground – Burlington, VT
October 9 – Jefferson Theater – Charlottesville, VA
Fresh off the streets of New York City, newcomer Troy Ramey released his latest single, “Pick Up Truck,” on June 28.
Known for his soulful voice and emotionally driven songs, Troy Ramey celebrates life’s simple pleasures; summer drives, and the joy of music.
Originally hailing from Vermont, Ramey grew up in a household of musicians, turning to music as a way to heal after the tragic loss of his father. Since then, his music has reflected his intense passion, producing authentic, emotionally driven songs and connecting deeply with his audience.
In 2017, Ramey competed on season 12 of NBC’s The Voice, garnering immense praise from audiences and celebrity judges Alicia Keys and Celine Dion alike. After his appearance, he moved to New York City and began to write and produce his own music, including his newest single, “Pick Up Truck.” At first, the song concept was a running joke between Troy and his longtime friend and co-writer Johnny Gates, mostly about the recurring themes within the country music genre. But after his landmark performance on The Voice, Troy continued to work with the concept, developing it into one of his favorite songs he’s recorded thus far.
“But as I messed around on the guitar, the lyrics ‘when you hear my song, turn it up, sounds better in a pickup truck’ came to mind,” Ramey says about the track. “The song immediately was no longer a joke. It really became a song about one of my favorite things to do.”
After the release of his first singles from his debut LP, All I Had, the excitement for the full album only began to grow. With the full album set to release in the fall of 2024, the anticipation only grows stronger with each day. The release of “Pick Up Truck” will certainly have to do in the meantime. If the artistry and creativity behind this one single is only a preview of the full album, there is certainly a bright future ahead of Troy Ramey.
Fans can listen to “Pick Up Truck” here, and in anticipation of Troy Ramey’s newest release, Ramey is set to play a few shows in the Northeast, starting with a stop in Patchogue, Long Island, at the 89 North.
July 19, Friday – 89 North – Patchogue, NY.
July 25, Thursday – The Maso Studio at The Huntington Theatre – Boston, MA.
July 26, Friday – Next Stage Arts – Putney, VTets.
July 27, Saturday – Newport Playhouse – Newport, RI.
The Berklee College of Music announced that their New York City graduate program recently celebrated its graduation with a commencement ceremony at Lincoln Center.
On Sunday, June 29, Berklee NYC honored its largest cohort of Master’s recipients in the Appel Room of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall.
Photo credit – Yusuke Yamanouchi
Betsie Becker, acting executive director of Berklee NYC and Power Station at Berklee NYC, and David Bogen, interim president and provost of Berklee College of Music, conferred degrees to 119 scholars and four post-master’s fellows. The graduates were recipients of one-year Master of Arts degrees in creative media and technology, specializing in either songwriting and production, live music production and design, or writing and design for musical theatre. Music for the ceremony was even written and produced by the graduates, with the processional written by Power Station at Berklee NYC alumnus and staff member Glenn Forsythe (Class of 2008).
The commencement speech was given by Grammy and Tony award-winning musician and composer Charlie Rosen, a Berklee graduate of the class of 2012. This past February, Rosen took home the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album as orchestrator ofthe Broadway smash hit Some Like It Hot. In 2022, Rosen and his band, 8-Bit Big Band, received the Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella. Rosen has won two Tony Awards for Best Orchestration for his work on Moulin Rouge! The Musical (2020) and A Strange Loop (2023).
Charlie Rosen ’12 addresses graduates at the 2024 Berklee NYC commencement ceremony. Image by Yusuke Yamanouchi
Rosen, who is also a cancer survivor, gave a rousing speech to the graduates and fellows, inspiring each to pursue their creativity, even in the face of an incredibly difficult, competitive industry. Other keynote speakers were Xenia Rubos (Class of 2006), an assistant professor of songwriting and production, and songwriting and production scholar Tamieyah Johnson, who delivered remarks on behalf of her fellow graduates.
“This industry and this city can be challenging and unpredictable. Having a community around you of people who understand your struggles, share your passion, and celebrate your successes is invaluable. They will help you navigate the uncertainties, celebrate your victories, and provide solace during tough times,” said Rosen. “As a recent cancer survivor, I can attest most to the power of the support system of friends and peers. If there is one thing I continue to learn, it’s that no one succeeds in this industry alone. The connections you have made at Berklee are just the beginning.”
