NYS Music 2024

Category: Features

  • Tanglewood’s Packed 2024 Lineup

    Tanglewood, the esteemed Western Massachusetts venue, has announced its lineup of performers for the 2024 Popular Artists Series part of the season, running from June 20 to August 31. The lineup includes big names like Trey Anastasio, Beck, Dispatch, and pop and R&B acts like Boyz II Men, Brandi Carlile and Jason Mraz. 

    Since 1936, Tanglewood has been the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and is located in Lenox Massachusetts right in the Berkshire Hills. Although Tanglewood features the BSO, the festival is not just for classic music fans. The 350,000 yearly attendees come to this venue to hear Jazz, pop, choirs and more.

    This year’s Popular Artist series has a list of timeless performers. Kool & The Gang and En Vogue are set to perform on June 23, bringing back the sounds of the 70’s and 90’s. On July 16 the Pretenders will be on the stage and Grammy award winning artists Jon Batiste and James Taylor are also bringing their talent to the festival. 

    The festival has performances for movie lovers as well. The Boston Pops will present a John William’s film night for the second year and conductor Keith Lockhart will lead the Jurassic Park score.

    With so many concert goers on the 500 acre property, there’s two buildings where performances take place.The Koussevitzky Music Shed was inaugurated in 1938 and reconstructed in 1959, making it the iconic stage that Tanglewood is most known for. This is where the BSO and Boston Pops shows are held. Seiji Ozawa Hall, a newer structure, was built in 1994. It’s received numerous architectural awards including the National American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Interior Architecture in 2000. 

    The first big name to start off the Festival on June 20 is John Fogerty on his “Celebration Tour.” To find out more information and to purchase tickets you can visit the Tanglewood website here.

    2024 season at Tanglewood

    June 20, 7 p.m.: John Fogerty: The Celebration Tour

    Founder of Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Fogerty will join the Music shed Tanglewood stage alongside his band to bring the classic rock sound to the Berkshire hills.

    June 22 7 p.m.: Roger Daltrey

    Roger Daltrey is a British musician and songwriter most known for the Who’s hits like “My Generation” and “Baba O’Riley.”

    June 23, 2:30 p.m.: Kool & The Gang and En Vouge 

    Since 1969, Kool & The Gang has released 26 albums and earned 7 American Music Awards. R&B trio, En Vogue will join the group on the stage performing their hit 90’s songs.

    June 26: TLI Open Workshops: Techniques of String Quartet Performance

    June 27, 7 p.m.: Boyz II Men

    This Philadelphia trio will bring their emotional ballades to the music shed stage this summer.

    June 28, 7 p.m.: Jon Batiste

    Legendary Musician, Jon Batiste will perform at this year’s Tanglewood. Not only is he a Grammy Award winner but he is a composer and stars in his documentary “American Symphony.”

    June 29: TMC Vocal Recital

    June 29 7 p.m.: Trey Anastasio with the Boston Pops

    Phish guitarist, Trey Anastasio and his band will play with the Boston Pops, mixing the classic Tanglewood sound with Anastasio’s classic rock.

    June 30: TMC Chamber Music

    June 30: TMC String Quartet Marathon

    June 30: TMC String Quartet Marathon

    June 30 6 p.m.: Brandi Carlile

    The 10-time Grammy Award winner and Emmy Award winner, Brandi Carlile will take to the stage, sharing her folk, indie and americana sound with fans.

    June 30: TMC String Quartet Marathon

    July 2, 7 p.m.: Jason Mraz with the Boston Pops

    Jason Mraz has released timeless pop songs and has had a long and successful career including multiple Grammys and hit, charting songs.

    July 3-4, 8 p.m.: James Taylor and his All-Star Band

    “Fire and Rain” singer James Taylor will mark 50 years of performing at Tanglewood followed by fireworks on his celebratory July 4 performance.

    July 5: Prelude Concert

    July 5: Opening Night at Tanglewood

    July 6: Open Rehearsal: Broadway Today! Broadway’s Modern Masters

    July 6: TLI The Art of Conducting: Andris Nelsons and Hilary Hahn

    July 6: Prelude Concert: TMC Fellows

    July 6: Broadway Today! Broadway’s Modern Masters

    July 7: TMC Chamber Music

    July 7: Andris Nelsons leads an all-Strauss program featuring Renée Fleming, soprano

    July 7: TMC Vocal Recital

    July 8: Andris Nelsons and the TMC Conducting Fellows lead the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra in Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5

    July 10: TLI Open Workshops: Stephanie Blythe, mezzo-soprano

    July 10: Tanglewood Recital Series: The Arts and the Hours with Miloš, guitar

    July 11: TLI Talks and Walks

    July 11: TLI The Art of Conducting: Dima Slobodeniouk

    July 12: TLI Presents: George Balanchine—Stravinsky’s American Muse

    July 12: Prelude Concert

    July 12: Andris Nelsons conducts Stravinsky and Rimsky-Korsakov featuring the Boston Ballet

    July 13: Open Rehearsal: Andris Nelsons conducts Kirkland Snider, Prokofiev, and Dvořák featuring Augustin Hadelich, violin

    July 13: Prelude Concert: TMC Fellows

    July 13: Andris Nelsons conducts Simon and Beethoven featuring Yuja Wang, piano

    July 14: TMC Chamber Music

    July 14: TLI for Families: “Join the Dance” with BU Tanglewood Institute musicians

    July 14: Andris Nelsons conducts Kirkland Snider, Prokofiev, and Dvořák featuring Augustin Hadelich, violin

    July 14: TMC Vocal Recital

    July 15: TLI The Art of Conducting: Andris Nelsons with TMC Vocalists

    July 15: Dima Slobodeniouk and the TMC Conducting Fellows conduct Perry, Bernstein, and Stravinsky

    July 16, 7 p.m.: An Evening with Pretenders

    This Iconic British band formed in the 70’s but hasn’t stopped performing since. On July 16 they will give an electrifying performance of their extensive discography.

    July 17: TLI Open Workshops: William Christie, conductor and director of Les Arts Florissants

    July 17: Tanglewood Recital Series: Yuja Wang, piano

    July 18: TLI Talks and Walks

    July 18: TLI Open Workshops: Emanuel Ax, piano

    July 18: Tanglewood Recital Series: Les Arts Florissants

    July 19: Prelude Concert

    July 19: Dima Slobodeniouk conducts Bernstein and Brahms featuring Conrad Tao, piano

    July 20: Open Rehearsal: Andris Nelsons conducts Ives, Beethoven, and Strauss featuring Emanuel Ax, piano

    July 20: BU Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Orchestra

    July 20: TLI Spotlight Series: Tracy K. Smith

    July 20: Prelude Concert: TMC Fellows

    July 20: Andris Nelsons conducts Act III of Wagner’s Götterdämmerung

    July 21: TMC Chamber Music

    July 21: Tanglewood Family Concert

    July 21: BU Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Wind Ensemble

    July 21: Andris Nelsons conducts Ives, Beethoven, and Strauss featuring Emanuel Ax, piano

    July 21: Tanglewood Recital Series: Gerald Clayton Trio

    July 22: TLI The Art of Conducting: Thomas Wilkins

    July 22: TLI The Art of Conducting: Great Conductors on Film

    July 23, 7 p.m.: Beck With Boston Pops

    From performing in Coffeehouses and clubs to now performing at Tanglewood with the Pops, Beck is a successful grunge-pop artist that whose career has earned him multiple Grammy Awards.

    July 24: TLI Open Workshops: Edwin Barker, double bass

    July 24: Tanglewood Recital Series: Boston Symphony Chamber Players and Paul Lewis, piano

    July 25: TLI Talks and Walks

    July 25: TMC Festival of Contemporary Music

    July 26: TMC Festival of Contemporary Music

    July 26: TLI Presents: “The Legacy of Serge Koussevitzky”

    July 26: Prelude Concert

    July 26: Andris Nelsons conducts Mackey, Koussevitzky, Sibelius, and Scriabin

    July 27: Open Rehearsal: Andris Nelsons conducts Lee, Copland, Thompson, and Stravinsky featuring Paul Lewis, piano

    July 27: TMC Festival of Contemporary Music

    July 27: Prelude Concert: TMC Festival of Contemporary Music

    July 27: Andris Nelsons conducts León, Khachaturian, and Tchaikovsky featuring Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano

    July 28: TMC Festival of Contemporary Music: Chamber Music

    July 28: Andris Nelsons conducts Lee, Copland, Thompson, and Stravinsky featuring Paul Lewis, piano

    July 29: Stefan Asbury and the TMC Conducting Fellows conduct Zwilich, Mackey, Anderson, and León

    July 31: TLI Open Workshops: Toby Oft, trombone

    July 31: Tanglewood Recital Series: Kirill Gerstein, Joshua Bell, and Steven Isserlis

    August 1: TLI Talks and Walks

    August 1: Tanglewood Recital Series: Danish String Quartet

    August 2: TLI The Art of Conducting: Alan Gilbert

    August 2: Prelude Concert

    August 2: John Williams’ Film Night

    August 3: Open Rehearsal: Alan Gilbert conducts an all-Beethoven program featuring Kirill Gerstein, Joshua Bell, and Steven Isserlis

    August 3: BU Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Orchestra

    August 3:TLI Presents: “Black Voices in Cabaret – Josephine Baker”

    August 3: Prelude Concert

    August 3: John Williams’ Film Night

    August 4: TMC Chamber Music

    August 4: TLI for Families: In collaboration with the Norman Rockwell Museum

    August 4: BU Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Wind Ensemble

    August 4: Alan Gilbert conducts an all-Beethoven program featuring Kirill Gerstein, Joshua Bell, and Steven Isserlis

    August 4: TLI Presents: Kirill Gerstein and HK Gruber perform Cabaret music from 1920s Berlin

    August 6: Tanglewood on Parade

    August 7: TLI Open Workshops: Kirill Gerstein, piano

    August 8: TLI Talks and Walks

    August 8: TLI Open Workshops: Jeremy Denk, piano

    August 9: TLI Presents: “Decolonizing Classical Music in Eight Difficult Steps” with George Lewis

    August 9: TLI Presents: “This Is America,” Part 1, with Johnny Gandelsman, violin

    August 9: Prelude Concert

    August 9: Alan Gilbert conducts Rachmaninoff and Stravinsky featuring Kirill Gerstein, piano

    August 10: Open Rehearsal: James Gaffigan conducts Clyne, Mozart, and Mahler featuring Elena Villalón, soprano

    August 10: BU Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Chorus

    August 10: TLI Presents: Palaver Strings with Nicholas Phan, tenor perform “A Change Is Gonna Come”

    August 10: TLI Spotlight Series: Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

    August 10: Prelude Concert

    August 10: Dalia Stasevska conducts Sibelius and Stravinsky featuring Leila Josefowicz, violin

    August 11: TMC Chamber Music

    August 11: James Gaffigan conducts Clyne, Mozart, and Mahler featuring Elena Villalón, soprano

    August 11: TLI Presents: “This Is America,” Part 2, with Johnny Gandelsman, violin

    August 11: TLI Presents: Jeremy Denk, piano, performs The Battle of Manassas by ‘Blind Tom’ WIGGINS and IVES’s Concord Sonata

    August 12: TMC Opera Excerpts

    August 14: TLI Open Workshops: Roberto Díaz, viola

    August 14: Tanglewood Recital Series: The Knights and Emanuel Ax perform Bologne and Mozart

    August 15: TLI Talks and Walks

    August 15: TLI Open Workshops: Elizabeth Rowe, flute

    August 15: Tanglewood Recital Series: The Knights and Emanuel Ax perform Ortiz and Mozart

    August 16: TLI Presents: Trauma, Memory & Transcendence in Music Part 1: “Do Not Forget Me” with Mark Ludwig

    August 16: Prelude Concert

    August 16: Samy Rachid conducts Svetlanov, Prokofiev, and Tchaikovsky featuring Midori, violin

    August 17: Open Rehearsal: Earl Lee conducts Simon, Schumann, and Beethoven featuring Yo-Yo Ma, cello

    August 17: BU Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Orchestra

    August 17: TLI Presents: Trauma, Memory & Transcendence in Music Part 2: “A Search for Meaning” with Mark Ludwig and Osvaldo Golijov

    August 17: TLI Spotlight Series: David Pogue

    August 17: Prelude Concert

    August 17: Jurassic Park in Concert

    August 18: TMC Chamber Music

    August 18: TLI for Families: Circle Round

    August 18: Earl Lee conducts Simon, Schumann, and Beethoven featuring Yo-Yo Ma, cello

    August 18: TLI Presents: Silent Film project with TMC Composers, Conductors, and Instrumentalists, in collaboration with Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival

    August 18: TLI Presents: Silent Film project with TMC Composers, Conductors, and Instrumentalists, in collaboration with Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival

    August 19: Hannu Lintu and the TMC Conducting Fellows conduct Prokofiev

    August 21: Tanglewood Recital Series: Leonidas Kavakos, violin and Daniil Trifonov, piano

    August 22: TLI Talks and Walks

    August 23: Ryan Bancroft conducts Chopin and Elgar featuring Bruce Liu, piano

    August 24: Open Rehearsal: Hannu Lintu conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9

    August 24: Karina Canellakis conducts Beethoven, Brahms, Chausson, and Ravel featuring Leonidas Kavakos, violin

    August 25: Hannu Lintu conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9

    August 25: TLI Presents: Edmar Castaneda Quartet

    August 30, 7 p.m.: Judy Collins, Indigo Girls, and Rufus Wainwright

    August 30 is packed with American folk-pop icons. With their wide discography, these artists and group’s music span from the 70’s to now.

    August 31, 7 p.m.: DISPATCH with the Boston Pops

    This indie-rock band that formed in the 90’s known for the “The General” and “Only the Wild Ones,” will join the Boston Pops for the final performance of the 2024 Tanglewood season.

  • Brooklyn Based Artist Middle Part releases Debut Album

    Brooklyn-based grunge-pop artist, Middle Part released his debut album, Disruptor, on April 26. The album is a sensitive raw look at mental health in a revolving corporate world. The sound of Disruptor pays homage to late 90’s and early 2000’s grunge rock.

    Middle Part or Andy Selkōw, moved from Alaska to New York City in 2019 where he met producer and collaborator Brian Zaremba. Shortly after Selkōw released his first EP in 2021, I Wish I Was Alive. One of its tracks “& Cry” gained lots of attention from fans with its 4 million streams on Spotify.

    Since then, Selkōw has found a place within the Bushwick, Brooklyn music scene opening for acts like Biig Piig and Yot Club. Middle part has appeared on Spotify’s Indie Fresh Finds playlist, exposing his sounds to indie listeners everywhere. 

    Disruptor opens with “Get Fixed,” which samples sounds from what sounds like a home video invoking a sense of nostalgia as the song explains the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the realizations of ageing. Despite the dark subject matters of some of the tracks, the album is still incredibly catchy with upbeat guitar riffs and invoking choruses.

    One song that sticks out is “Spin For You.” Selkōw’s voice is distorted, and he uses some wacky instrumentals to represent the depressing and hopeless mood of the song. “Dial” is one of the most important songs on Disruptor. It tells the story of a suicide hotline call but the message is hopeful, encouraging people to seek out help. The track represents a low point in Selkōw’s that he wishes never to return to.

    The whole album is a vulnerable, darker approach to songwriting with its emotional lyrics. “I’m so sensitive and hate to show it, but it just bleeds through all of my music,” Selkōw says. 

    You can watch part of Disruptor on YouTube with its four-part performance series featuring singles from the album that were released in 2023. The videos resemble classic MTV rock videos with their gritty rageful visuals. You can check out Disruptor on Apple music or Spotify.

  • Indie band Juicer release “Retire The Fences”

    Indie-rock band juicer released their long awaited debut album Retire The Fences on May 10. The band formed in 2023 and have been blossoming in the NYC area. 

    Vocalist and Guitarist, James Watson moved to NYC in 2021 and he was inspired by his own personal journey as well as the new sounds of the city. Since 2023, the band including, Donovan Edelstein (drums), Carlo DiBiaggio (bass) and Greg Crotty (guitar) have performed in Boston and Philadelphia along with NYC venues. They released their third single “let go” earlier this year which got great feedback from fans. 

    Retire The Fences is a reference to lyrics off the Beach Boys song “feel flows,” a song from a more complex era of Beach Boys music, something that Watson was inspired by when recording this album. The harmony in the chorus of the track “Strawberry Life” resembles a Beach Boys song with its harmony and rolling effect of the rhythm. 

    Despite repetitive, plain lyrics the whole album overall has a great sound. It’s a perfect album for a summer drive, a walk outside or a chill dinner party. 

    Listening to Retire The Fences takes the listener straight to a classic inspiring Brooklyn show in a small intimate venue. One great aspect of the album is that it doesn’t feel over-produced or watered down with its editing. Fans will be able to imagine hearing these songs live. 

    One song that sticks out as a darker track is “Let Go.” It opens with grungy instrumentals with reminiscent lyrics. The song explains how changes in your life force you to reflect on your past.

    “Trickin” which starts the album and “Dream” which is the last song, both invoke a carefree, light feeling that introduce and tie off the album nicely. 

    You can check out Retire the Fences here on Spotify.

  • Levitation Room Lifts Off in Troy

    A night after receiving a warm welcome at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, genre-bending psych rockers Levitation Room brought their cosmic vibes up the Thruway to Troy’s No Fun on Tuesday, May 14. Delivering a captivating performance that took listeners to the other side and carefully back, the gravity-defying band showcased exactly why they’ve emerged as one of the leaders of their genre. Playing mostly songs from the recently released album Strange Weather, the cool cats from California made a colorful impression that first-time listeners won’t soon forget.  

    Kicking off the evening with Bob Forget of Schenectady’s The Abyssmals playing his first solo set, followed by a short, high energy set by the local rock trio Stroma, Levitation Room casually took the stage around 10pm. Getting their fingers loose with the technical and shifting rhythms of the opening instrumental “Pintura,” Levitation Room quickly found their groove with back-to-back bangers from their 2019 breakout album Headspace, “Warmth of the Sun” and “2025.”

    “I wonder if I’ll be living
    In the year 2025
    You know my futures uncertain
    I’m losing grip all the time”

    Lyrics from 2025

    Led by front man Julian Porte on vocals and guitar, alongside Gabriel Fernandez on guitar, Johnathan Martin on drums and Kevin Perez on bass, one look at this band and you could just tell they “weren’t from around here.” Casually dressed in retro threads, the music itself also sounded like a bit of a throwback. Blurring the lines of psych-rock, garage and surreal pop, every song felt catchy, like it could be a radio single, and it made you wonder why these guys aren’t more well known.

    Levitation Room performing in Troy, NY 5-14-24.

    Far from a “new band”, the East Lost Angeles quartet has been around for nearly a decade now. Carving out a niche in the psychedelic-rock realm and releasing three full length studio albums, it’s perhaps their harrowing experiences from the road that have earned Levitation Room the most publicity. Whether that be coming face-to-face with an alleged U.F.O. while passing through Arizona, or a terrifying incident in 2022 when members of the band were allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint, dosed with unknown hallucinogens, and robbed of all their equipment, Levitation Room has somehow soldiered on and continued making great music. Making their Troy debut on this Tuesday night, the band briefly paused to introduce themselves and invite the crowd of mostly twenty-somethings to come closer to the stage.

    Levitation Room’s Julian Porte performing in Troy, NY 5-14-24.

    After taking “Mr. Polydactyl Cat” for a walk around the block, Kevin Perez’s infectious bass lines on “Cool It, Baby,” were so mesmerizing and playful that it nearly overshadowed the songs’ more serious lyrical themes.  Such was also the case on the follow-up song “Grand Illusion (Expectations), where the far-out pop sound seemed to mask the existential questioning of Porte’s words.

    Raise your glass, move your feet
    Are you dead or asleep?
    Talking heads on the screen
    Keeps you stuck in the dream
    Where the rat race is rigged
    And the presidents picked
    By the bankers who lend
    All that money you spend

    And I said cool it, baby

    Lyrics from Cool It, Baby

    Further captivating the audience by switching gears and showing off their tender side with a pair of love songs “Heaven,” and the well-received “Ooh Child,”  the waves of emotion swelled up like an ocean when Levitation Room uncorked what was perhaps the highlight of the set, an extended take on “Revelations,” a song about living in the moment, that saw the band firing on all cylinders and jumping around the stage, while guitarist Gabriel Fernandez navigated through a bevy of effects pedals during the song’s incendiary solo. It was refreshing to see the guys cutting loose, having fun and believing in what they were doing. 

    Levitation Room performing in Troy, NY 5-14-24.

    After reminding the audience to be weary of the CIA, FBI, and NSA keeping tabs on YOU during “The Other Side,” Levitation Room casually eased into their most well-known single, “Friends,” from their debut 2015 EP Minds of Our Own before the equally hypnotic and dreamy vibe of “Immoral Love” sent the entire room into a blissed-out trance.  Bathed in abstract visual projections and peering through a pair of old school 3-D glasses, the cool and steady hands of drummer Johnathan Martin mesmerized all evening long. Shifting tempos and playing up their strengths, “Loved” snapped the crowd out of it before the title track of “Strange Weather” brought the main portion of our sonic odyssey to a close. 

    Watch fan shoot footage of Levitation Room performing “Reasons Why” in Troy, NY 5-14-24.

    After walking off stage to an enthusiastic ovation, the band decided to treat the crowd to one more song, choosing “Reasons Why” as the lone encore of the evening, bringing the colorfully cathartic, rewarding and fun performance to a close.  Afterwards, the band could be found at the merch table taking selfies and signing records for the dozens of new fans they’d just won over.  No rest for the weary, Levitation Room would find themselves playing gigs in Canada less than 24 hours later. 

    Taking place at No Fun in Troy, it’s easy to be fooled by the venue’s tongue-in-cheek name.  A beacon for Capital Region counterculture since opening their doors in December 2021, the heady, 200 person capacity club known for its DIY punk-rock atmosphere and excellent craft beer selection, No Fun has proven to consistently contradict itself.  Booking bands you won’t find anywhere else and holding events nearly every night of the week, it’s shows like Levitation Room on a Tuesday night that stand out as making the place truly special. That’s why when the venue suddenly announced it’s looking for a new owner and operator this week it, it sent shockwaves through the local music community. Claiming a “work life balance thing” as the reason with a listing of $149,000,  the current owner wants it to be clear, No Fun is NOT closing, but rather opening the doors of opportunity for someone with the same spirit and passion to take over.  Stay tuned to NYS Music as we will be sure to keep you up to date on this developing story.

    Levitation Room | May 14th, 2024 | Troy, NY | No Fun

    Setlist: Pintura, Warmth of the Sun, 2025, Mr. Polydactyl Cat, Cool It, Baby, Grand Illusion (Expectations), Heaven, Ooh Child, Revelations, The Other Side, Friends, Immortal Love, Loved, Strange Weather

    Encore: Reasons Why

    /
    /

    Bob Forget (of Abyssmals) | May 14th, 2024 | Troy, NY | No Fun | First Solo Set

    Stroma | May 14th, 2024 | Troy, NY | No Fun

  • The Bridge Street Theatre Brings Indie Productions to the Hudson

    In the heart of the Hudson Valley, just 30 minutes south of Albany lies Catskill’s Bridge Street Theatre. The theater is a non-profit seeking to enhance the cultural life of Greene County through the independent production of musical and theater performances. 

    Exterior of the Bridge Street Theatre

    Greene County’s seat of Catskill is home to the Bridge Street Theatre opened in 2014. Since its founding, the theater has sought to set itself apart from the region’s other performing arts centers, with a focus on accessibility. The theater’s board focuses on highlighting overlooked musical and theater artists, even commissioning new works for the stage. They also strive to keep ticket prices low to make sure their performances can reach the widest possible audiences.

    Since 2014, the Bridge Street Theatre has been a haven for cutting edge performance art. The theater has hosted over 62 musical performances, 84 plays, and 33 dance performances. It has staged productions of Monty Python’s Spamalot, Frankenstein and the Epic of Gilgamesh. Amongst these productions was The Shaggs’ Philosophy of the World, a stage retelling of The Shaggs’ legendary outsider music career. Additionally, the theater has also hosted a decade’s worth of musical performances ranging from classical to bluegrass. These concerts include San Francisco’s award winning Zelos Saxophone Quartet, and Capital Region folk band Ramblin Jug Stompers. 

    Downtown Catskill, NY

    The theater’s story begins with its founder John Sowle. Following decades of acting and theater production in both San Francisco and Manhattan, Sowle relocated to Catskill in 2008. Following the move, Sowle focused his attention on finding a permanent home for his nomadic theater production company Kaliyuga Arts. 

    This plan came to fruition in 2013, when Sowle purchased a derelict air curtain factory just outside of downtown Catskill. After a year of renovations, the abandoned factory was transformed into a state of the art 12,000 square foot center for performing arts. 

    The Curtron factory that became home to the Bridge Street Theatre
    The derelict air curtain factory on the site of the theater, 2009

    The theater’s premises house many venues for performing arts. At the center of the theater, is the Charles and Priscilla Patterson Mainstage. This auditorium has seating for 84 people, making it a perfect setting for the theater’s major productions. 

    There is additionally a smaller cabaret-style concert space, known as “The Speakeasy.” This area also currently serves as the theater’s lobby, but can be quickly converted into a performance space, with a small raised stage allowing for intimate shows. The venue also houses “The Big Room,” a space to host sculpture and art exhibitions. The theater values the comfort of its performers, housing dressing rooms, a lounge and living spaces for visiting artists.

    The theater prides itself in collaboration with Catskill’s local youth. As it is located next to Catskill High School, the theater provides opportunities for local students to get involved in theater production and performance, getting a new generation involved in music and the arts. 

    The Bridge Street Theatre has a busy upcoming Summer season, with a host of performances set for the near future. On June 1, the theater will welcome world-renowned sitarist Ustad Shafaat Khan. Khan is famous for his simultaneous vocals, sitar, and tabla playing, which has spread appreciation for Indian classical music across the world. His performances have taken him around the globe, playing with legends like Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles.

    On June 8, the theater will be hosting the local magician Thomas Baker for an all-ages journey through the history of magic. The Saugerties-based illusionist puts a modern twist on classic magic tricks, all while sharing fun stories from throughout his life. 

    Finally, on June 22, the theater will host the 7th Bridge Street Belly Dance event. This event will weave together dance,  music, and poetry  to tell a story of how pain and beauty go together in life. Featuring dance from multi-disciplinary artist Jesse Sykes, and the poetry of Alysia Quinn, the event will tell a story of innovation and personal growth.

    For more information, visit the Bridge Street Theatre website here.

  • Phish Releases Another Track From New Album, “Oblivion”

    Phish has officially unleashed “Oblivion,” the second song released from their forthcoming new album Evolve. The band’s first album in over four years, Evolve, is set to arrive via JEMP Records/ATO on Friday, July 12. But now two tracks from it have been unveiled before its official release next month. First, the album’s title track “Evolve” premiered last month. And now “Oblivion” has been made available to the public – with both studio cuts able to be heard below.

    oblivion phish

    Evolve, Phish’s 16th studio album, is produced by Vance Powell and Bryce Goggin. It was recorded in the fall of 2023 at the band’s now famous Vermont recording studio, The Barn. True to Phish’s unique creative process, the album’s 12 tracks were selected from arrangements shaped by the band’s dynamic live performances. Some, like the fan-favorite “A Wave Of Hope,” have become springboards for Phish’s most soaring improvisation.

    Phish seems to be giving “Oblivion” the same treatment. The song first debuted last summer and has already been played ten times, with a few serious jams attached to the back end. This includes a standout performance in Syracuse just a few weeks after its debut. And a huge arena rock version as only Madison Square Garden can supply.

    This new album seems to have a fitting title as Phish’s distinct musical language is on vivid display; still pushing boundaries, still very much continuing to evolve. The cover of Evolve and gatefold feature paintings by Mehdi Ghadyanloo. The track “The Well” is only available on the vinyl version of the album.

    Phish Dry Goods has three different exclusive pressings of Evolve available for pre-order, including a “Crimson Robed Edition” (neon-pink/maroon colored wax), “Pillow Jets Edition” (transparent/blue colored wax), and an “Eco-Onyx Gates” 180g Audiophile Edition pressed on recycled eco-black wax. T-shirts, CDs, and hats are also available.

    Evolve Tracklist

    1. Hey Stranger 4:47
    2. Oblivion 6:03
    3. Evolve 4:12
    4. A Wave Of Hope 5:04
    5. Pillow Jets 5:57
    6. Lonely Trip 6:00
    7. Life Saving Gun 4:25
    8. Monsters 5:15
    9. Ether Edge 4:06
    10. Human Nature 2:54
    11. Valdese 3:36
    12. The Well 4:30*
    13. Mercy 4:11

    *track available only on the vinyl version

    Pre-orders for Evolve are available now in all formats – including digital, CD, and double LP vinyl – via the Phish Dry Goods store: https://dry.gd/evolve.

  • Hearing Aide: Dasychira’s “Undead”

    NYC-based electronic artist Dasychira has released their second LP and first release in 3 years, Undead, on May 10. The album explores themes of transformation and adaptation, giving listeners a glimpse into Dasychira’s personal development.

    Undead

    Dasychira was raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, but has been a New Yorker for the last decade. Studying at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, they took on their pseudonym allowing them to write and produce music while exploring their own identity. Since then, Dasychira has released works of all sizes, including the most recent, Undead.

    After releasing their first EP Immolated in 2017, Dasychira went on to co-found the label unseelie in 2018, where they released their last two albums, Hollywood Forever and Undead.

    This album represents Dasychira’s navigation through the drastic changes the world has faced over the past few years. These songs articulate their mental journey through COVID-19, war, environmental disasters, and rising technologies. Undead walks you through a dream-like state using a mix of synthesizers and a variety of instruments such as electric guitar, gamelan, and violin, blurring the lines between humans and technology.

    Dasychira

    The album opens with “Bleed and Glow,” which establishes the feeling of being lost through its lyrics. Using electronics and synths, Dasychira conveys the need for fantasy during such a confusing time. The title track, “Undead,” features ballad-like violin and synth arrangements to express longing and desperation during a personal struggle.

    The album’s closer, “Expand Yourself,” signifies the progress of Dasychira’s search for contentedness in the now. By making the electric guitar more prominent than the synth, the music becomes grounded in reality. This completes the album’s goal of accepting personal growth while their surroundings evolve out of their control.

    To learn more about the context of Undead and hear the full album, click here

  • New Rochester Recording Studios Listening Event with Sarah De Valliere

    A new recording studio, Tones Studios, has opened in Irondequoit, NY and to welcome the community into the new space, the studio will host a listening event of artist Sarah De Vallière‘s new album on May 31.

    Tones Studios

    This state of the art studio which was founded in 2017 was constructed in 2019 in a renovated church just outside of Rochester giving a chance for artists in the local area to connect with each other as well as high quality recording technology. 

    Tones offers a variety of production suites, including a live recording studio, a video and photo recording suite and even a fully functioning kitchen. Tones also has an editing suite to bring production to live after a recording session. 

    The studio has been widely used by the community including to film live performances, Joe Bean commercials, and cooking videos as well as recording music. 

    De Vallière’s album, The Healing is a 10-song concept album that explores growing and changing from trauma. The album is set to release on June 7 but guests at the listening event will be able to get a preview of the album on the ATC SCM50 monitoring system, as well as guided tours of the facilities. De Vallière herself will be in attendance as well as Tones Studios project managers.

    You can listen to her music and find more information here on her website. You can RSVP to the free event here.

  • Bronx Summer Jam Is Back For The Third Year

    Bronx Summer Jam will be back for its third season this June 30. Bronx Summer Jam brings a community of all ages together with local artists and a positive space for music lovers.

    Unlike most festivals, the summer jam is free and attendees can easily get tickets on eventbrite. The festival has also started to receive sponsorships from small businesses in the Bronx. With the volume of artists, the festival is split between two stages, the Kings stage and the Sirens stage.

    This grassroots festival was created by nightlife and entertainment company Sounds and Sirens Productions and the media agency The Fox and The King who started collaborating in 2019. Sounds and Sirens serves the NYC and Westchester area of New York and offers live sounds for bands, event production and promotion as well as booking services. The Fox and The King is located in the Bronx and focuses on promoting local artists and supporting the DIY music scene. 

    Last year’s lineup included artists like Bronx native Drew Torres and the NYC based band The Phoenix Within.

    The first summer jam in 2022 was created to get music fans together again after the COVID-19 Pandemic. “I’m inspired and humbled by our progress with Bronx Summer Jam over the last few years.,” DJ Mike said, Founder of Sounds & Sirens in a press release. “I’ve always believed that music brings people together in the best ways. Bronx Summer Jam expands on that year after year, fostering community, promoting artists, and providing a free platform for people to come and experience what local music is all about.” 
    The festival will run between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. To RSVP, you can find the eventbrite page here.

  • Summer Showcase for BMI Jazz Composers Workshop Set For June 5

    The BMI Jazz Composers Workshop has announced that its 35th annual summer showcase will be held on June 5 this year.

    The event, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for 7:30 pm at The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater in Manhattan at 10 W 64th St. It aims to showcase the best big band and jazz orchestra compositions that have been produced in the workshop throughout the year.

    The performances will feature the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece modern repertory ensemble made up of leading New York musicians, performing eight new compositions that have been developed this season. The annual Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize and Manny Album Commission will be awarded to one of these new works. Additionally, the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop will also feature a new commission from last year’s prize winner, Joseph Herbst. 

    The orchestra will be led by Musical Director Andy Farber, who returns for his eighth year, alongside Assistant Musical Director and three-time GRAMMY-nominee Alan Ferber. Farber teaches jazz composition and arranging at The Juilliard School in New York and has written arrangements for legendary artists including Shirley Horn and Jon Hendricks, as well as symphony orchestras including the Boston Pops Orchestra. 

    Ferber currently teaches composition and arranging at NYU and Montclair State University and directs the NYU Jazz Orchestra. He’s an award-winning trombonist, a multi GRAMMY-nominated composer/arranger and a band leader with nine recordings under his name. As a recording artist, he’s played on over 150 albums, and has collaborated with a broad range of artists that includes Esperanza Spalding, Miguel Zenon, Paul Simon, Sufjan Stevens, and Dr. Dre.

    BMI is delighted to announce the return of the Jazz Composers Workshop Summer Showcase, partnering once more with our exceptional directors Andy and Alan. Each year, we eagerly anticipate gathering to enjoy the extraordinary compositions crafted throughout the year and to honor another deserving recipient of the Charlie Parker Prize.

    ~ Patrick Cook, BMI Senior Director of Jazz & Musical Theatre

    The 25th Annual Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize will be awarded to the writer of the best new work composed in this year’s BMI Jazz Composers Workshop, determined by three judges: David Berger, Don Braden and John Fedchock. This year’s winning composer will also receive the Manny Albam Commission, named in memory of the Workshop’s co-founder and longtime musical director, to compose a new piece for the 2025 showcase.