Continuing his Soho Sessions residency, Grammy-nominated singer and guitarist Marcus King returned to the iconic Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett for a special performance on August 21. Known for his soulful voice and electrifying guitar work, King brought his unique blend of blues, rock, and southern soul to an intimate audience, making the night unforgettable.
Marcus King at Stephen Talkhouse
The Soho Sessions, a premier music-driven community, has built a reputation for curating extraordinary live music experiences in both New York City and the Hamptons. What makes these sessions stand out is not just the incredible music but the cause behind them. More than just a good time, these performances support organizations such as God’s Love We Deliver, a distinguished charity dedicated to providing nutritious, medically tailored meals to individuals too sick to shop or cook for themselves.
Before the show, I had the opportunity to speak with Greg Williamson and Nicole Rechter, the co-founders of Love Rocks. They shared their passion for combining music with philanthropy, explaining that while Love Rocks, their annual benefit concert at the Beacon Theatre, is a major event, Soho Sessions allow for more frequent, intimate performances. These sessions, often featuring notable artists like Gary Clark Jr. and Warren Haynes, bring the music closer to the fans while continuing to support important causes like God’s Love We Deliver.
Greg Williamson, Nicole Rechter and Stephen Covello
Stephen Covello, Chief Philanthropy Officer at God’s Love We Deliver, provided deeper insight into the organization’s mission. Founded in 1985 by Gonga Stone, God’s Love We Deliver began as a response to the AIDS crisis, providing meals to those too ill to cook. Today, the organization has expanded its reach, delivering medically tailored meals to individuals with over 210 different diagnoses, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, and HIV/AIDS. As they approach their 40th anniversary, God’s Love We Deliver has delivered 4.3 million meals, a testament to their impact and commitment.
Marcus King
Marcus King’s performance at Stephen Talkhouse was nothing short of spectacular. He delivered soulful renditions of his songs like “Wildflowers and Wine” and “Hero,” as well as crowd-pleasing covers of classics like “The Weight” and “Can’t You See.” Marcus King was joined by his drummer, Jack Ryan, a key member of the Marcus King Band, who brought his signature groove to the performance and Eric Folder on bass.
The night was a perfect blend of music, community, and charity, highlighting the power of live music to bring people together for a greater cause. As Marcus King continues his Soho Sessions residency, it’s clear that these performances are about more than just entertainmentâthey’re about making a difference.
Setlist: It’s Too Late, Scuttle Buttin, Rolling & Tumblin, Sins A Good Man’s Brother, Aim High, Hero, One Day She’s Here, Killing Floor, Pain, Save Me, Always, Manic Depression, Fallin For The Devil, Lie, Lie, Lie, Wildflowers & Wine, The Weight, Can’t You See
On Friday, August 16 Emanuel Casablanca took to the Park Theater stage and offered the crowd a night of classic blues. Park Theater, located in Hudson, consistently offers a place for musicians to share their work in an intimate setting.
Emanuel Casablanca is a Brooklyn based guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Casablanca so far has two albums including Blood on My Hands and Strung Out on Thrills. He shared songs from both albums and even some unreleased songs dedicated to his wife. Casablanca wore a hat which stated, “I breathe the blues”; he is also nicknamed “Badboyoftheblues.”
After seeing him perform live you are able to see that these statements ring true Casablanca uses his vocal and guitar skills to create traditional blues music with his own twist you can also feel his passion for what he creates as he performs.
Park Theater is the perfect place when you’re in search for a night of music. Upcoming shows at Park Theater include Dual Record Release Party Anterra & Peter Stone on Thursday, August 22, Beccs, Glenn Echo, and Slow Packer on Friday August 23 and PORCHFEST Presents: Tommy Stinson’s Cowboys in the Campfire on Saturday, August 24.
After celebrating the release of his 2023 Album A Great Chaos at SILO Brooklyn last October, Ken Carson has returned to the city that never sleeps for three sold-out nights at Terminal 5—upgrading his New York City crowd from five hundred people in a silo to three sold-out, 3,000 people, shows.
Ken Carson performing at Terminal 5 on August 20th, 2024. Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil.
Before a single performer hit the stage, the crowd was already active. But when 2hollis came out for his opening performance, the crowd hit new heights. Jumping, screaming, and using their phone flashlights to light the stage, the fans gave the Chicago artist what he needed to provide an intense warm-up for the headliner.
2hollis performing at Terminal 5 on August 20th, 2024. Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil.
After 2hollis’ set, the curtain over Ken Carson’s multi-level scaffolding-like stage dropped, the lights went into a bright flickering sensation, and smoke flooded the stage as Ken Carson’s “Hardcore” started to play. Ken performed most songs from his recent album, A Great Chaos, his recent hit single “overseas,” and other hits from his discography. Ken had his fans yelling the lyrics for every song, jumping together, and opening countless moshpits. The rage stretched from the front of the house to the back staircase that led to the upper balconies. Ken mostly stayed on the upper level of his structure, acting as the conductor for his orchestra of supporters down below. The show lived up to its chaotic hype, with every fan leaving in a pool of sweat and carrying the memory of a show like no other.
Ken Carson performing at Terminal 5 on August 20th, 2024. Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil.
The crowd at Ken Carson’s performance at Terminal 5 on August 20th, 2024. Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil.
Setlist: Hardcore, Lose It, It’s Over, Freestyle 3, leather jacker, i need u, Succubus, Green Room, mewtwo, Vampire Hour, Rockstar Lifestyle, Overtime, Nightcore, toxic, Me N My Kup, Rock N Roll, Yale, ss, Jennifer’s Body, Freestyle 2, overseas, Fighting My Demons.
Ken Carson performing at Terminal 5 on August 20th, 2024. Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil.
Glass Animals transformed Madison Square Garden into a surreal, psychedelic dreamscape on Tuesday, August 13th, delivering a performance that will be etched into the minds of fans for years to come.
The energy in the venue was electric from the moment the lights dimmed, with a sold-out crowd buzzing with anticipation. As the band took the stage, the roar of the audience was deafening, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
The setlist was heavily focused on tracks from their latest album, I Love You So F**ing Much*, with the band seamlessly blending these new hits with their classic tracks. The crowd erupted as they launched into “On The Run,” the funky beats and infectious rhythm perfectly encapsulating the essence of the album. Every song was met with an explosion of cheers, but it was “Space Ghost Coast to Coast” that really brought the house down, with fans singing along to every word.
The creative visuals of the set were nothing short of spectacular, adding a whole new dimension to the performance. A holographic pineapple, a nod to their iconic imagery, hovered on the stage, rotating slowly and casting vibrant, multicolored lights across the venue.
The real showstopper, however, was the Saturn-like planet that levitated above the band, spinning gracefully and seemingly defying gravity. The ethereal visuals, combined with the band’s high-energy performance, created an otherworldly atmosphere that left the audience mesmerized.
The interplay between the band and the crowd was palpable, with lead singer Dave Bayley frequently interacting with the audience, feeding off their energy, and encouraging them to dance and sing along. It was clear that the band was having as much fun as the fans, with their infectious enthusiasm spreading throughout the arena.
As the night drew to a close, the band returned for an encore, ending with a stunning rendition of “Heat Waves.” The entire venue was bathed in a warm, golden glow as the crowd swayed in unison, their voices joining together in a powerful chorus. It was a perfect ending to a night that felt like a celebration of music, creativity, and the unbreakable bond between Glass Animals and their fans.
Madison Square Garden has hosted countless legendary performances over the years, but last night, Glass Animals carved out a space all their own, leaving a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to be there.
Rolling into SPAC for the Neon Pill tour, Grammy award winning rockers Cage the Elephant put on a performance for the ages on Sunday night, August 18th. With a broken foot and a heart full of the rock n’ roll spirit, lead singer Matt Shultz powered through the entire show in unforgettable fashion, rolling around the stage on a modified medical scooter.
Weaving through blasts of pyro and popping the occasional wheelie, he showed more charisma and showmanship on one leg than most mortals have in their whole body. Even if you couldn’t get into the music, you had to respect the max effort behind it. Alongside an eclectic lineup that featured Young the Giant, Bakar, and rising star Willow Avalon, the evening was a celebration of musical diversity, perseverance and raw emotion, drawing thousands of fans to experience a show that will be remembered for many years to come.
Burning Down the House: Cage the Elephant lit it up in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
The buzz around SPAC before the show was all about Cage the Elephant’s previous gigs in the Capital Region. Long time fans were quick to remember their 2016 show with Portugal. The Man at the Palace Theatre in Albany where hundreds of fans jumped up on stage and hoisted Schultz into the air during the encore. From there, their legend only grew when Cage the Elephant moved up the road to SPAC in 2019 and stole the show from then headliner Beck (“Loser,” “Where It’s At”) with Shultz stripping down to his lifeguard shorts and completing a most epic crowd surf from the very front of the stage to the very top of the SPAC lawn to the tune of Queen’s “We Are the Champions.” So when the temporally handicapped Shultz rolled out in Saratoga Springs sitting on scooter, no one was really sure what to expect from the man who often spends more time running through the crowd than on stage.
Matt Schultz of Cage the Elephant completing an epic crowd surf at SPAC in 2019.
Sustaining a serious foot injury while performing in Atlanta earlier this August, this isn’t the first time members of Cage the Elephant have been hurt by their high-octane performance style. With a history of jumping off balconies and stage diving, things like cracked ribs, bruised sternums, bite marks and deep scratches that require stiches have all been par for the course with these guys. A few years ago, the band needed to cancel an entire UK and European tour when guitarist Nick Bockrath required immediate surgery after suffering a ruptured PCL, torn ACL, and fractured tibia while performing. But if pain is temporary and glory lasts forever, as they say in show business, the show must go on and this one did in a most grandiose way.
Neon Pill Tour: Matt Shultz performing with Cage the Elephant in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Formed as a six piece in 2006, the Kentucky bred Cage the Elephant has been a force in the music industry for nearly two decades. With six studio albums under their belt, including the newly released Neon Pill, the band has solidified their place as one of the most beloved and enduring bands in modern rock. Along with their unpredictable frontman Matt Shultz and his brother, Brad, on guitar, Cage the Elephant is also made up of Nick Bockrath (guitar), Daniel Tichenor (bass), Jared Champion (drums), and Matthan Minster (keyboards/guitar).
Rising to prominence with their gritty blend of alternative garage rock and punk blues combined with an elaborate and explosive live performance, their popularity can be attributed to their relentless energy, genre-defying sound, and the emotional depth of their lyrics. Despite his recent injury, Shultz’s indomitable spirit was on full display at SPAC, where he performed most of the set on a scooter, adding an unexpected yet fitting touch of rebellion to the evening. Opening up with the ever-appropriate “Broken Boy,” the band wasted no time playing with fire, dazzling the crowd pyrotechnics early and often.
Wheelie Time: Despite an injured foot, nothing could stop the showmanship of Cage the Elephant’s rockstar frontman on 8/18/24.
“Cry Baby,” the opening track from 2015’s Tell Me I’m Pretty, had the crowd singing along to every word, a recurring theme that was consistent throughout the night. Rocking renditions of “Mess Around” and “Cold Cold Cold” from the same album were also played, while “Spiderhead,” “Halo,” and “Telescope” represented the Melophobia portion of the show.
Fan favorite “Trouble” would receive the full “cell phone waving/sea of fireflies” treatment, which is a special moment at any show, no matter who is playing. Suddenly dropping into the hit single that put them on the map (and the only song played from their debut album), the crowd all but lost their minds singing along to “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked.” With the audience firmly in the palm of their hands at this point, the sense of love and admiration for Cage the Elephant was palpable and through the roof. However, the journey to get to this moment hasn’t been without its challenges.
Watch fan shot footage of Cage the Elephant performing “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” in Saratoga Springs 8/18/24.
Supporting their first new album in 5 years, behind the scenes has been a little rough for the band. After Matt and Brad Shultz sadly lost their father in 2020, Matt made headlines when he was arrested for criminal possession of illegal firearms in Manhattan. Avoiding jail time by accepting a plea deal, he was placed in treatment for a medically induced psychosis in 2023. Now with legal troubles behind him and using the unfortunate setback as fuel for the new record, the phrase “neon pill” is a reference to the brightly colored medication that kicked off his mental breakdown. Delving into themes of self-discovery, inner turmoil, and the search for meaning in an increasingly chaotic world, when it came time to hype up the new stuff, Matt would casually ask if it was cool for them to play a few songs from Neon Pill.
After a resounding approval, “Rainbow” stuck out for its colorful laser light show, while “Good Time” had everyone from the front, back to the balcony getting lit. Including its title track, Cage the Elephant would only play three songs from the new album, instead putting much of the focus on 2019’s Social Cues. Treating the audience to tunes like “Ready to Let Go,” “Skin and Bones,” “Tokyo Smoke” and “House of Glass,” perhaps the most punk rock inspired song of the night was a fiery and emphatic stab at 2011’s “Sabertooth Tiger,” which saw even more pyro going off as the band exited the stage to a deafening loop of distorted guitar feedback.
Neon Pill Tour: Cage the Elephant brought the heat in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
With the crowd howling for more, the band would return for a three-song encore of hit singles. First up from Thank You Happy Birthday was “Shake Me Down.” Met with thunderous cheers, the connection between the band and their fans was palpable, with the audience singing along to every word, creating a communal atmosphere that is rarely seen in live music today. “Cigarette Daydreams,” a song that’s rapidly approaching 1 billon streams on Spotify, felt absolutely huge in this setting. Finally, Cage the Elephant would unleash one last sing along in “Come A Little Closer” resulting in a euphoric eruption that truly made you feel alive and the hairs on your neck stand up. Watching Shultz push his body to the brink and scoot off the stage one final time, you simply knew you had just been a part of something special.
Cage the Elephant performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Prior to Cage the Elephant, the ever-evolving indie rock band Young the Giant played a set of fan favorites. Formed in Irvine, California, in 2004, the band has become a staple in the alternative music scene, known for their melodic soundscapes and introspective lyrics. The band’s current lineup includes Sameer Gadhia (vocals), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar), Payam Doostzadeh (bass), and Francois Comtois (drums). After opening up with “Jungle Youth, “ and “The Walk Home,” the band would then unleash their biggest hit to date with “Cough Syrup,” a song that’s amassed over 340 million streams on Spotify alone. Afterwards, singer Sameer Gadhia noted the band had no plans of touring this summer, but when an opportunity from Caged the Elephant knocked, they were glad to answer.
Mind Over Matter: Young the Giant celebrated the 10th anniversary of the their 2nd album at SPAC on 8/18/24.
Speaking candidly to the audience, Gadhia talked about how it’s kind of crazy he’s feeling comfortable enough to banter with crowd since he’s usually a reserved person off stage. Through the enabling power of music and art, when he’s in the grips of performing, somehow it all that goes away and he feels like he can do anything. Living in the moment and trying not to be afraid of taking chances, he said Young the Giant was going to try some songs they haven’t played in a while, as well as something from every album they’ve released so far. Continuing on with “Waves” and “Dollar $tore,” the band would go back to 2016’s Home of the Brave for “Titus Was Born,” before going all the way back to the beginning on “Apartment.”
Young the Giant’s Sameer Gadhia speaking candidly to the crowd in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Pausing once again to have another moment with the receptive crowd, Gadhia would talk about how this year marks the 10th anniversary of their second album Mind Over Matter. Reflecting back, he said “When it first came out everyone was so confused by it, because it was so drastically different than [their] previous work.” “But if you put all of yourself and all of your heart into something and truly believe in it, eventually someone will hear it and connect with it.” Ten years later, the album has gone from being an initial flop to their most streamed overall. Reminding everyone to “never apologize for your art,” Young the Giant would launch into the title track of “Mind Over Matter” then “Tightrope” from the same album. Finishing up strong with a pair of their biggest hits, setlist staples “Silvertongue” and the closer, “My Body,” had everyone up on their feet and waving their arms from side to side, fully primed for the main event yet to come.
Bakar performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Perhaps the most unique voice on the diverse bill was genre-blending English artist Bakar. Hailing from Camden, London, his distinct style fuses elements of hip-hop, indie rock, and pop. Wearing a red cap and a shirt reading “Cage the Bakar/Neon Pill Tour Forever,” Bakar’s inclusion on the tour was a bold choice, but one that paid off immensely. Performing solo and singing over backing tracks, “1st Time” would feature samples of “Dancing in the Moonlight,” while “Right Here, for Now” and “Stop Selling Her Drugs” would showcase his versatility and unique perspective on societal issues. After working his way through “Alive!” and “Small Town Girl,” Baker would sing his biggest song, “Hell N Back” last to close out the set. Bringing a refreshing and unexpected twist to the evening, Bakar’s music talked issues of race, identity, and the struggles of youth, making him a voice for a generation that is often overlooked in mainstream music. The audience, initially unsure of what to expect, quickly warmed to his dynamic performance and were up on their feet with cheers by the end of it.
Willow Avalon kicked off the Neon Pill tour in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Kicking off the long evening of music with sophistication and grace was a star-making performance by the Willow Avalon band. A so-called “southern belle raising hell,” Avalon’s presence was magnetic from the start. Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, she’s quickly made waves in the indie music scene with her infectious country-pop twang, stunning vibrato and carefree spirit. It wasn’t just Willow having all the fun either, her whole band appeared to be having a blast playing for Saratoga. Performing most of the tracks from her 2024 debut album Stranger, songs like “Honey Ain’t No Sweeter,” and “Getting’ Rich, Goin’ Broke” were met with smiles and applause, as her happy-go-lucky attitude and genuine passion for her craft was obvious.
Willow Avalon and her band performing at SPAC on 8/18/24.
Backed by a talented group of musicians, Avalon even worked in a brand-new foot stomper the band just wrote called “Raise Some Hell.” Joyful and radiant, Willow often touched on themes of love, nature, and self-empowerment. Rapidly becoming known for her vibrant stage presence and beauty, her microphones were adorned with flowers, reflecting her connection to the natural world and her upbeat personality. Her “friend not food” tattoo, featuring a pig, further emphasized her advocacy for animal rights, endearing her even more to the crowd. After working their way though Willow’s latest single, “Yodelayheewho” and her biggest song so far, “Tequila or Whiskey,” the band would ask for a little help from the crowd on the final song of the set. Quickly teaching them the lyrics to “Homewrecker,” it’s easy to see why Avalon’s rise to popularity has been so swift—her beauty, authenticity and warmth are qualities that resonate deeply and surely will continue to do so with audiences everywhere.
Willow Avalon performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
The Neon Pill Tour at SPAC was a resounding success, showcasing the diversity and talent of some of today’s most exciting artists. From the hard-hitting rock of Cage the Elephant to the introspective melodies of Young the Giant, the genre-defying sounds of Bakar, and the uplifting country-pop of Willow Avalon, the night offered something for everyone. If you missed out in Saratoga Springs, don’t worry. With upcoming dates in Mansfield, MA, Holmdel, NJ, the Artpark in Lewiston, NY and a massive show at Madison Square Garden on September 5th, there’s still plenty more chances to get in on the action. If you’ve never seen Cage the Elephant before, and you’re a fan of live music, you simply owe it to yourself to check it out.
Watch fan shot footage of Cage the Elephant’s encore, “Come A Little Closer”at SPAC on 8/18/24.
Cage the Elephant | August 18, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Broken Boy, Cry Baby, Spiderhead, Too Late to Say Goodbye, Good Time, Cold Cold Cold, Ready to Let Go, Neon Pill, Social Cues, Halo, Mess Around, Trouble, Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked, Skin and Bones, Rainbow, Telescope, Tokyo Smoke, House of Glass, Sabretooth Tiger
Encore: Shake Me Down, Cigarette Daydreams, Come a Little Closer
Young the Giant | August 18m 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Jungle Youth, The Walk Home, Cough Syrup, Waves, Dollar $tore, It’s About Time, Titus Was Born, Apartment, Superposition, Mind Over Matter, Tightrope, Silvertongue, My Body.
Bakar | August 18m 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: All In, 1st Time (with Dancing in the Moonlight tease), Right Here, for Now, Stop Selling Her Drugs, NW3, Alive!, Small Town Girl, Hell N Back.
Willow Avalon | August 18m 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Stranger, Honey Ain’t No Sweeter, Getting’ Rich, Goin’ Broke, Raise Some Hell (new song), Yodelayheewho, Tequila or Whiskey, Homewrecker.
New York State contains diverse music scenes, with unique venues and events in all corners and counties. From Ithaca to Binghamton, Elmira to the western Finger Lakes and everywhere in between, there is much to explore the venues of New York’s “607.” The Southern Tier has much to offer with theater companies, museums, theaters, and college campuses, there is a venue for every event.
Atomic Tom’s, a venue in Binghamton, holds weddings, art galleries, benefits, and musical performances. The first Friday of every month, Atomic Tom’s hosts a “First Friday Concert.” Admission is always free, and a cash bar is available.
Anderson Center for the Performing Arts (Binghamton)
As part of Binghamton University, Anderson Center for the Performing Arts enhances the local community with culturally significant performances. The Anderson Center contains three theaters: the 1170-seat Osterhout Concert Theater, the 408-seat Chamber Hall (pictured below) and the 558-seat Watters Theater.
Since 1903, Bailey Hall has been used by Cornell University to host musicians and ensembles. The Cornell University Department of Music sponsors more than 100 concerts, encompassing a broad spectrum of the world’s art and music.
The Bundy Museum of History and Art is a rich piece of Binghamton history and hosts events and fundraisers. The Bundy Museum is also home to WBDY 99.5 FM, a community radio station that enriches Binghamton’s artistic and intellectual life.
Cranberry Coffee House is Binghamton’s premier folk music venue. It is also home to The Middle Set, their open mic event. Hosted on the third Saturday of every month, The Middle Set gives artists, musicians, and story-tellers of all ages a chance to perform.
Deep Dive hosts weekly trivia and karaoke nights, as well as concerts and private events. Deep Dive also hosts concerts and jam sessions frequently in a wide variety of genres.
Diversion Brewing Company has been serving the Chemung community since 2016. Diversion hosts a wide variety of events, including musical performances. In the summer of 2017, they started their “Tunes & A Truck” program, where local musicians and food trucks come to the brewery every Saturday.
The Downstairs is a membership-based art gallery and community listening room. With a maximum capacity of around 50 people, The Downstairs is ideal for an intimate concert. The Downstairs also hosts weekly comedy open mics every Tuesday, and exists for the benefit of local artists; The venue does not take a percentage of the proceeds from ticket or merchandise sales.
Binghamton’s beloved restaurant, Downtown, often hosts events for the community. Weekly trivia nights and drag brunches are available, as well as performances by local bands.
Fanatics Pub is a venue in Lima that serves pizza, hamburgers, and wings. Beloved by the local community, concert-goers enjoy the cozy atmosphere and talented acts, most of whom are Blues artists. Fanatics also hosts trivia and comedy nights.
Since 1975, The Hangar Theater has been supporting and enhancing Ithaca’s arts. The Hangar Theater is dedicated to producing quality performances and inspiring community through their programs. The theater strives to be an artistic home that nurtures a lifelong love of the performing arts. Arts education is central to the Hangar Theater’s mission, and they offer numerous programs for children, including the summer Mainstage and KIDDSTUFF productions, an annual production of A Christmas Carol, and the Lab Company.
Known for their live music and fresh wings, The Hornet’s Nest hosts local musicians and karaoke nights. Events are announced on their Facebook, which is available below.
Located in Elmira’s historic Federal Building in the business district, the Ill Eagle hosts events and live music. The Ill Eagle has multiple event rooms, each restored to accommodate guests. The largest event room, the old courthouse, can accommodate up to 200 people.
Irish Kevin’s is an Irish Bar known for its Irish cuisine and talented performers. They are known for their award-winning, house-seasoned corned beef and friendly atmosphere.
Since 1991, the Kitchen Theater Company has offered talented and determined young artists a place they could work together and hone their craft. In 2010, KTC made history by becoming the first theater company in Ithaca to own its own space. Throughout its history, KTC has produced over 200 plays, including 34 world premieres by Adam Bock, Tanya Barfield, Darian Dauchan, and many others.
Moe-Town is an outdoor music venue in Addison that hosts local, regional, and national bands. In addition to concerts, Moe-Town hosts Spring/Fall Festivals, Halloween parties, and overnight camping. Lawn chairs and coolers are welcome, and food and drinks are available.
New Leaf Cider Company is a winery that hosts events and performances. There are weekly open mics, as well as trivia nights every Thursday. They also host stand up comedy the last Thursday of every month and host private events.
The Phelps Mansion was built in 1871 and owned by Sherman David Phelps, an entrepreneur and one-time mayor of Binghamton. The mansion was designed by Isaac G. Perry, who also designed the Binghamton Inebriate Asylum (1858) and helped complete the New York State Capitol Building (1899). The museum hosts fundraisers and concerts, and a psychic fair the first Friday of every month.
The Range is a Western-themed bar that hosts musicians nearly every weekend. The Range is located above Trader K’s in Ithaca’s commons. Their diverse set of performances promises something for every taste.
Sach’s Tee House is a bar that hosts outdoor music. Their new patio is open, and they host trivia nights every Thursday. Known for their trendy and welcoming atmosphere, Sach’s combines traditional sports bar elements with live music.
Endicott’s Little Italy Heritage Center is a non-profit dedicated to preserving Endicott’s Italian neighborhood. A surge of Italian immigrants came to Endicott hoping to work for Endicott-Johnson (EJ) Corp. Italian immigrants created the vibrant neighborhood community the Heritage center works to preserve, The Stage at Little Italy hosts an annual Italian Festival, GUSTO, as well as farmers markets and other community events. They also put on productions in George W. Johnson Park.
The State Theater opened in 1928, and has been a significant venue in the Finger Lakes region ever since. Its 1,600 capacity makes it the largest venue in Ithaca. The theater fell into disrepair, and the owner even considered demolition in the mid ’90s, but Historic Ithaca acquired the building in 1998 and committed to revitalizing the building, and it became a designated landmark.
Tap House 66 is a bar that supports local musicians and hosts performances often. Known for their delicious food and talented local artists, more information is available at the website below.
Since its opening in 2010, The Westy has become a staple of the Ithaca community. They host an open mic every Thursday at 9 PM, food trucks in the summer, and numerous concerts.
NYC-based indie collective Monotronic has released a new single titled “Kids of Summer.” Accompanying this new single is a music video filmed throughout Manhattan in 2020.
Guitarist Ramsey Elkholy founded the enigmatic group Monotronic in 2016. Rather than a consistent band, Monotronic acts as a collective of boundary-breaking artists. It features a rotating cast of musicians, including collaborators of Dweezil Zappa, the Spin Doctors, and more.
Elkoly sits at the creative helm of Monotronic’s musical stylings. Holding a doctorate in Anthropology, he draws influences from the world’s diverse musical stylings. With Monotronic, Elkholy has imbued electronic indie, with influences from Indian classical and traditional Indonesian music, among others.
Since their start, the band has made a name for themselves through their indie singles. On tracks like “Sun Song” and “Buy Yourself a Dream,” they have built a dreamy brand of catchy indie pop. Off the back of singles like these, Monotronic has played venues across NYC and the East Coast. On top of individual shows, they have also appeared at festivals like Disc Jam and Meeting of the Minds.
Now, Monotronic has released a reworked version of their 2020 single “Kids of Summer.” The single was originally released in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time of its release, “Kids of Summer” premiered at #1 on VEVO’s Incoming Indie playlist.
The track’s lyrics discuss the limitless freedom of youth, and the courage needed to approach it. Matching these lyrics are dreamy warbling synths that drive the song forward. As the song progresses, booming drums, distorted synths, and backing vocals all join the fray. The end result is an anthemic indie pop jam for the summer.
Now four years after its original release, Monotronic has re-released an updated version of the song. Featured on this new recording is Grammy-nominated drummer Omar Hakim. Prior to his work with Monotronic, Hakim has worked with legends in practically every genre. David Bowie, Daft Punk, and Miles Davis are only a few of his past collaborators.
Drummer Omar Hakim
Monotronic has also released a music video to accompany this new release. The “Kids of Summer” music video is a love letter to New York City Summers. Filmed with a go-pro in Manhattan’s streets and parks, the video captures the liveliness of the city’s outdoors. The video features skateboarders and breakdancers backed by Manhattan cityscapes and psychedelic backgrounds. Through this video, Monotronic manages to capture both the energy of Manhattan and “Kids of Summer.”
This single releases in the leadup to Monotronic’s sophomore record Waiting For You. This album is the band’s first full length release since their self-titled debut in 2019. The record will feature “Kids of Summer” and “Sun Song” among other songs. Monotronic currently plans to release the album in early 2025. For more information on “Kids of Summer” and Waiting For You, visit Monotronic’s website here.
Producer/Composer MVW is back with a new single featuring current Houston underground staple Lisha G. The new record, “Ova With,” is a silky flowing thumper that sees MVW brings his trademark piano driven melodies. Meanwhile, the burgeoning Lisha G’s penetrating vocals and southern twang to create a stimulating mix.
MVW’s new single “Ova With” features burgeoning Houston rapper Lisha G.
Her intoxicating flow makes for a trippy listen on it own however, however, combined with MVW’s classically trained melodies create a refreshing song with two artists forging their own unique paths. Yet, aside from Lisha G’s inviting vocals, her appeal comes from the wholesome, small-town values that set the Houston rapper apart from other artists. Moreover, “Ova With” continues a rise that has also seen her collaborate with Famous Dex and gain even more traction following her performance in her On The Radar Freestyle. For his part, MVW continues to collaborate and feature bubbling female underground rap artists. He dropped songs with TiaCorine, aka Freaky T and rising star Anycia.
New Album
All in all, this is the beginning of what presumes to be a busy few months for for MVW as the Staten Island native is set to release a joint-project this October with frequent collaborator Valee. Earlier this year MVW dropped “Goofy” featuring deceased legend Gangsta Boo. Meanwhile, the fall release will be their second collaborative album, as their debut effort Valeedation offered a welcome into MVW and Valee’s world of pianos, violins, horns and effortless delivery.
The new project will be MVW’s 4th hip hop album following his decision to complement his career as a composer by expanding into the fluid world of hip hop music. MVW kicked things off in 2021 with the Lex Luger assisted CLASSIC$, followed by Connections in 2022 and Valeedation with Valee in 2023.
It was the perfect summer night with just a little rain mixed in for Tedeschi Trucks Band to perform at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, August 16.
Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi of Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
The 12-piece powerhouse band took no time getting most of the crowd on their feet to set everyone up for a night of moving and grooving with their soulful, bluesy, rock and roll. The night featured a mix of the band’s original music with some cover songs thrown into the setlist. They relied heavily on songs from their most recent album I am the Moon, released in 2022. Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi are music superstars, and they surround themselves with superb musicians. With such a large band, everyone gets a chance to show off their skills throughout the night.
Tedeschi sings most of the vocals throughout most of the night and she has a powerful, incredible voice that demands attention. Mike Mattison also gets to share his voice on many of the songs and his passion comes through with so much soul on the songs he gets to sing.
The whole night was full of crescendos and deep, meaningful music. The band leads into many of the songs very softly, then just builds everything up to this massive explosion of music from everyone on stage. Many of the bandmembers get their time to shine with solos. The show got off moving and grooving with high energy with “Part Of Me” and continued through “Playing My Emotions” and then “Ain’t That Something,” with keyboardist Gabe Dixon taking the lead on vocals and trading off with Tedeschi.
Mattison got his first chance to show off his bluesy voice as the band covered Bessie Smith’s “Gin House Blues.”
Tedeschi put down the guitar to sing “All The Love” and slowed things down a bit after this one as Trucks and other bandmembers left the stage with Tedeschi and drums, keys and bass. She performed the popular John Prine cover “Angel From Montgomery” that segued into Grateful Dead’s “Sugaree” and topped the sandwich off by going back into “Angel From Montgomery.”
Coming back from this slower, somber moment, the full band came back out and kicked it back into high gear for the big hit “Anyhow,” which had the crowd back on their feet and just has such an epic feel to it. Tedeschi then sang “Sweet & Low,” another song off 2013’s Made Up Mind and Elizabeth Lea had a big trombone solo.
Susan Tedeschi of Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
The band then played a couple covers with “Keep On Growing” by Derek and the Dominos, and Mattison took lead on Taj Mahal’s “Everybody’s Got to Change Sometime.” Then “Circles ‘Round The Sun” let Kebbi Williams loose on the saxophone. Tedeschi and other members then went off stage to let Trucks jam out on the long “Pasaquan” jam that also featured “Mountain Jam” sandwiched in the middle, a nod to Trucks’ past with The Allman Brothers Band. Trucks melted faces with his incredible guitar playing and the drummers Tyler Greenwell and Isaac Eady got to highlight their instruments with some sort of a duel.
The band then played “Just Won’t Burn,” a song from Tedeschi’s personal discography that came out more than 25 years ago. She really lets her bluesy voice do its thing on this one. The set eventually closed with “Show me a Woman,” a cover by Joe Tex, as the band left the stage in high spirits to get ready for an encore.
Only half of the band came out with Tedeschi and she invited opening act Margo Price to sing the George Jones song “Color of the Blues.” Then to really send everyone on their way, the full band came out along with all of Margo Price’s band as the 17 musicians on stage performed Leon Russell’s “Stranger in A Strange Land.”
Margo Price opens for Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
Margo Price’s opening set was a real treat for those who settled in early. The country singer-songwriter played a set fit for a headliner at CMAC. She really rocked the house with her good singing and her band really brought some power rock to the mix. Her sweet voice will sweep you off your feet, but that band will have you dancing really hard and almost headbanging.
Setlist: Part of Me, Playing With My Emotions, Ain’t That Something, All the Love, Gin House Blues (Bessie Smith cover), Angel from Montgomery *> Sugaree+>Angel from Montgomery* (*John Prine) (+Grateful Dead), Anyhow, Sweet & Low, Keep On Growing, Everybody’s Got To Change Sometime (Taj Mahal), Circles ‘Round the Sun, Pasaquan >Mountain Jam*> Pasaquan (*The Allman Brothers), Just Won’t Burn – (Susan Tedeschi), Show Me – (Joe Tex)
Encore: Color of the Blues w/Margo Price (George Jones), Stranger in a Strange Lane w/full Margo Price Band (Leon Russell)
All American rock band Certain Death released their new flashy single “Paranoid.” The Brooklyn band’s first single of 2024 came out just this past Monday on Aug. 12.
Paranoid has that amp heavy sound of classic 70’s hair metal. The single features lead singer Henry Black’s vocals and an organic sounding performance with little production. “This song really speaks to the shared experience of overindulgence and paranoia in nightlife that is both repulsive and irresistible,” Black said in a press release. Certain Death was born during the pandemic as a way for Black to confront his difficult feelings in a time of solitude.
Certain Death has a lot more music to come this fall. Next month they will release another single and they plan to release an LP titled Strange Garden in October.
It was just last year that the band came into the scene with two singles “When She Ain’t Around” and their very first song “Certain Death.” It was also last year that two new members joined the group- Matt White on Guitar and Jared Schapker on bass. Long-time member CJ Young performs all the heavy rock drums.
Not only does the band bring us back to the 70’s with their sound, but they emulate rock heroes with their style and album art.
You can listen to “Paranoid” on all streaming services. To keep up with Certain Death you can follow them on Instagram @certaindeathnyc.
